Thousands of Palestinians fled to southern Gaza in search of refuge on Friday after Israel gave them 24-hour ultimatum to leave, as it amassed tanks for an expected ground invasion in response to a devastating attack by the militant group Hamas.
Nearly 1,800 Gazans — including over 580 children — have been killed in waves of missile strikes on the densely populated enclave, the health ministry said.
Hamas took an estimated 150 Israeli, foreign and dual-national hostages back to Gaza during its initial attack, according to Israel.
Meanwhile, countries urged Israel to hold off on plans for an all-out assault on northern Gaza.
The United Nations said evacuating everyone was impossible with power supplies cut and food and water in the Palestinian enclave running short after a week of retaliatory air strikes and a full Israeli blockade.
Top US officials headed for urgent talks in Israel and beyond amid fears the conflict could spread, with Iran warning of a response from its allies, which include Hamas and Hezbollah in Lebanon.
