Thousands of families are attempting to flee Gaza City as the Israeli military confirms it has begun ground operations that are part of its large-scale assault aimed at occupying the city.
Lina al-Maghrebi, 32, a mother of three from the city's Sheikh Radwan neighbourhood, told the BBC she had resisted leaving her home - despite the danger - until she received a phone call from an Israeli officer ordering her to evacuate.
I was forced to sell my jewellery to cover the cost of displacement and a tent, she said. It took us 10 hours to reach Khan Younis, and we paid 3,500 shekels (£735) for the ride. The line of cars and trucks seemed endless.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu indicated that a powerful operation had been launched in Gaza City, which he characterized as Hamas's last major stronghold.
The Israeli military has designated al-Rashid coastal road as the only permitted route for civilians. Many have reported severe congestion and long delays, with families stranded on the roadside while airstrikes continue overhead.
Nivin Imad al-Din, 38, a mother of five, said she fled south after Israeli warplanes dropped evacuation leaflets in her neighborhood, though her husband refused to leave.
I couldn't take my furniture with me because I couldn't afford the cost of a large truck, she explained. Leaving everything behind was the hardest decision I've ever made.
The cost of displacement has surged beyond the reach of most households. Residents reported that renting a small truck now costs around 3,000 shekels (£630), while a tent for five people sells for about 4,000 shekels (£840). Many families are forced to walk for miles or remain in their homes despite the risks.
Overnight, Israeli warplanes completed a wave of heavy airstrikes across Gaza City, targeting neighborhoods such as al-Daraj and the Beach refugee camp. Accompanied by artillery fire and drone activity, these strikes intensified the chaos faced by civilians trying to escape.
Ghazi al-Aloul, a displaced resident, recounted the devastation: The bombardment has been insane for hours, and the army is threatening to demolish several residential buildings in the area.
