GAZA CITY — The Israeli army on Saturday urged hundreds of thousands of Palestinians to leave Gaza City immediately and move south toward Al-Mawasi and central refugee camps as its offensive escalates.

Army spokesman Avichay Adraee said “more than a quarter of a million people” had already fled and pressed others to follow, claiming those who relocated would receive “better humanitarian response.”

Palestinian officials countered that the campaign is designed to empty Gaza City.

The government media office said more than 1.2 million people remain despite bombardment and displacement, accusing Israel of attempting to force 1.7 million Palestinians into Al-Mawasi and Rafah, areas lacking hospitals, infrastructure, or basic services.

The evacuation call comes as Israel presses its latest ground assault, “Gideon’s Chariots 2,” launched Sept. 3 to fully occupy Gaza City. The plan has drawn criticism inside Israel over fears it could endanger soldiers and captives held in the enclave.

More than 64,700 Palestinians have been killed since October 2023, according to local officials. Israel’s bombardment has devastated infrastructure across the enclave and triggered famine, which has claimed at least 413 lives, including 143 children. — Agencies