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 said a powerful operation had been launched in Gaza City, which he described as Hamas's last major stronghold.
The Israeli military designated al-Rashid coastal road as the only permitted route for civilians to use to evacuate, leading to severe congestion and long delays. Many families are stranded on the roadside while airstrikes continue overhead.
Nivin Imad al-Din, 38, a mother of five, described fleeing south after Israeli warplanes dropped evacuation leaflets in her neighbourhood, despite her husband's refusal to leave their home.
I couldn't take my furniture with me because I couldn't afford the cost of a large truck, she explained, highlighting the overwhelming financial burden on families.
Amidst the chaos, Israeli forces continued heavy airstrikes across Gaza, leading to calls for immediate humanitarian action as residents described the bombardment as insane.
The ongoing military operation has seen estimates of thousands of displacements, with families facing harsh conditions as they try to escape the violence.
Eyewitness accounts from those who have fled indicate that the situation is dire, with many feeling increasingly trapped and helpless against the escalating conflict.
