Israeli forces push into southern Gaza; hundreds of thousands of civilians have fled in search of shelter

Smoke rises from the Gaza Strip after Israeli strikes on Saturday, Dec. 9, 2023. - AP

GAZA CITY, Palestinian Territories (AFP): Israeli forces pushed Sunday into southern Gaza, where hundreds of thousands of civilians have fled in search of shelter from bombardments and intense fighting with Hamas militants.

Aid groups have sounded the alarm on the "apocalyptic" humanitarian situation in the Palestinian territory, warning it is on the brink of being overwhelmed by disease and starvation.