The offensive expanded the same day that independent U.N. experts accused Israel of committing genocide in Gaza.

Over 65,000 Palestinians have been killed in the Israel-Hamas war, Gaza’s Health Ministry said Wednesday. The ministry said the death toll has climbed to 65,062, with another 165,697 wounded since Hamas’ Oct.

Israel Ground Offensive in Gaza City News, Israel-Hamas War Live Updates: The Benjamin Netanyahu-led Israel had approved a plan to take over and occupy the heavily bombarded Gaza City in August.

A negotiated settlement to end the fighting remains distant, in part because of the maximalist positions of Israel’s leader, Benjamin Netanyahu, and of Hamas.

As Israel's ground offensive in Gaza City escalates, Shaina Low of the Norwegian Refugee Council warns civilians are trapped, forced to choose between staying under bombardment or fleeing south.

Israel's military says troops have "begun pushing into the heart of Gaza City," renewing its call for thousands of war-weary civilians to evacuate.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio joined Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the Western Wall in Israel to pray for the Israeli hostages.