'A new and dangerous phase' in Gaza conflict

UN chief says impact on civilians will be devastating

- BY CHRIS HUGHES Defence and Security Editor

ISRAEL has launched a ground offensive to take Gaza City amid warnings it will heap devastation on war-battered civilians who have to flee yet again.

Declaring Gaza City a “dangerous combat zone”, Israel says it is a Hamas stronghold, and is most likely where remaining Israeli hostages are kept.

But UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called the attack a "new and dangerous phase" in the conflict that will have "devastating consequences".

As famine also takes hold, he said the onslaught would force hundreds of thousands of traumatized and exhausted civilians to flee their places of shelter once more.

He added: "Gaza is piled with rubble, piled with bodies, and piled with examples of what may be serious violations of international law."