# Palestinians are fleeing parts of Gaza City after the Israeli military began the first stages of a ground offensive. Officials say Israeli soldiers have established a foothold on the outskirts of the city after days of intense bombing and artillery fire. United Nations Secretary General António Guterres renewed calls for an immediate ceasefire to avoid the death and destruction he says an assault would inevitably cause. Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu says he was shortening the timelines for seizing what he describes as the last terror strongholds in Gaza.
Palestinians flee Gaza City as Israel says first stages of assault have begun