The planned offensive has drawn condemnation from the United Nations, which warned it would lead to the forced displacement of about a million Palestinians.

Hundreds of thousands of Palestinians in Gaza City are expected to be ordered to evacuate and head to shelters in southern Gaza as preparations for Israel's takeover plan get under way.

Israel’s defense minister says Gaza City could be destroyed unless Hamas accepts Israel’s terms. Earlier this week, Hamas accepted a ceasefire proposal by Arab mediators, almost identical to the one Israel accepted before talks stalled last month.