New Delhi, Sept. 17 -- Thousands of Palestinians are fleeing Gaza City as Israel launches a ground invasion, escalating the conflict in one of the world's most densely populated regions. The move comes amid a United Nations genocide report and global warnings that the Israel-Gaza war could spiral into an even deeper humanitarian catastrophe.

Gaza City is in the grip of chaos as thousands attempt to escape following Israel's announcement that its forces have launched a long-anticipated ground offensive.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed that its troops began moving into the city's outskirts on Tuesday, following a week of intense airstrikes and the destruction of multiple high-rise buildings.

"Gaza is burning," declared Defence ...