'Do we stay and die or leave and die?'

PALESTINIANS fled through smoke and rubble yesterday as Israel began its anticipated push into Gaza City.

- By Adam Toms

Troops seized positions on the outskirts after days of relentless artillery and air attacks.

An evacuation order was issued by the Israel Defence Forces as residents described a night of unbroken bombardment, the roar of jets and the wail of ambulances.

"The house shakes all night long - the sound of explosions, artillery, warplanes, ambulances and cries for help is killing us," Ahmad al-Shanti told local media.

"The sound is getting closer, but where would we go?"

Rabah Abu Elias, 67, said: "We are facing a bitter situation - to die at home or leave and die somewhere else. To leave isn't an easy decision.

"In the news, they speak about a possible truce. On the ground, we only hear explosions and see deaths."

Nine miles to the south, in the city of Deir al-Balah, parents clutching babies and young children were photographed fleeing a huge blast that levelled a building. No casualties were reported.

And in Jabalia in the north, people sprinted from the wreckage of another strike.

Meanwhile, in Gaza City - home to more than one million people - hundreds were seen moving northwest from the densely packed districts of Zeitoun and Sabra desperate to escape the advancing front line.

Breach

Israel's military confirmed its troops were operating in Zeitoun and Jabalia, laying the ground for the next phase of the planned offensive.

Fresh satellite images showed intensified activity in Gaza City's south east, including IDF military vehicles massing and camps for displaced people being dismantled.