Families of the Israeli hostages have been imploring Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to stop the offensive on Gaza and instead negotiate a ceasefire with Hamas to free their loved ones.

A constant of stream of Palestinians flee southwards as Israeli tanks reportedly push further into Gaza's biggest urban centre.

Israel's military says troops have "begun pushing into the heart of Gaza City," renewing its call for thousands of war-weary civilians to evacuate.

The Israeli military began its ground offensive in Gaza City on Tuesday, slowly closing in on the Palestinian territory's largest city, where block after block has already been destroyed in the Israel-Hamas war.

Israeli tanks were stationed on the edge of Gaza City on Wednesday ahead of a planned ground operation into the enclave’s largest urban area, according to eyewitnesses and satellite imagery.

Israel has begun a ground assault to seize what it calls a Hamas stronghold inside Gaza City. A United Nations commission said Israel is committing genocide.

A new poll finds more U.S. adults view Israel’s military action in Gaza as excessive than at the beginning of its war with Hamas.

As Israel's ground offensive in Gaza City escalates, Shaina Low of the Norwegian Refugee Council warns civilians are trapped, forced to choose between staying under bombardment or fleeing south.