Israeli forces are pushing towards the heart of Gaza City, risking the lives of Palestinians who stayed put in hopes that growing pressure on Israel for a ceasefire would mean they would not lose their homes.
US President Donald Trump met leaders of Muslim countries at the United Nations in New York on Tuesday for talks that the Emirati state news agency WAM said focused on an end to the war.
Trump, who earlier condemned moves by a string of countries to put pressure on Israel by recognising a Palestinian state, said a meeting with Israel would be next.
The Israeli government has urged the population of Gaza City to move south but many people hesitated, citing the lack of security and widespread hunger there.
"We moved to the western area near the beach, but many families didn't have t