An unknown number of Gazans have left Gaza City as Israel Defense Forces continue a recently begun offensive against Hamas in the northern city.

Palestinian journalists reported continuous fire in Gaza City, where hundreds of thousands remain. The Israeli military is effectively encircling the city.

As Israel launches its long-awaited ground offensive on Gaza City, thousands of Palestinians, many displaced already, are being forced to flee the city. An NBC News crew in Gaza interviewed a group of four families that fled Gaza City and set up a makeshift shelter in Khan Younis.

Mohammed Al-Bayari packed up his belongings as he prepared to leave Gaza City after the Israeli military expanded its ground assault in the area.

Israeli troops and tanks pushed deeper into Gaza City on Wednesday as more people fled the devastated area, and strikes cut off phone and internet services, making it harder for Palestinians to summon ambulances during the military’s new offensive.

Palestinians in Gaza City continue to flee as Israeli bombs and ground forces attack the city. IDF said it is opening a new route for Gazans to evacuate.

Mass evacuations are underway with hundreds of thousands of Palestinians fleeing as the IDF ramps up its ground offensive on Gaza City, which it says will likely take a few months.

Israel says its aim is to defeat up to 3,000 Hamas fighters who remain there, but the offensive has drawn international condemnation.