Palestinians are leaving parts of Gaza City after Israeli forces established positions on the outskirts, marking the first stages of a long-anticipated ground offensive. The city, home to more than a million people, has been under heavy bombardment for days.

The escalation comes despite international appeals for restraint. UN Secretary General António Guterres urged an immediate ceasefire to prevent further devastation, while the International Committee of the Red Cross warned that intensified fighting could deepen Gaza’s humanitarian crisis and endanger hostages held by Hamas.

Residents described relentless overnight shelling in Zeitoun and Sabra, prompting hundreds to flee northwest. The Israeli army confirmed its troops are already operating in Zeitoun and Jabalia, targeting tunnels and weapons sites, ahead of cabinet approval for the wider offensive.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to “shorten the timelines” for capturing Gaza City, calling it one of Hamas’s last strongholds. Defence Minister Israel Katz has also approved plans to mobilize 60,000 reservists for September.

Hamas accused Israel of waging a “brutal war against innocent civilians” and criticised Netanyahu for rejecting a new ceasefire proposal mediated by Qatar and Egypt. France’s President Emmanuel Macron cautioned that an Israeli assault risked triggering “permanent war” in the region.

Gaza’s civil defence agency reported at least 25 deaths on Wednesday, including children killed in strikes on the Shati refugee camp. The enclave’s health ministry says more than 62,000 people have been killed since the war began in October 2023 following Hamas’s attack on southern Israel.