The Israeli military launched a ground offensive into Gaza City on Tuesday, advancing toward the territory’s largest urban center after weeks of bombardment.

Hundreds of thousands have fled, but many remain as the assault intensifies. Israel says the operation aims to destroy Hamas’ remaining fighters and infrastructure, though officials warn it could last months.

The push came the same day U.N.-commissioned experts accused Israel of genocide, a charge Israel rejected.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio cautioned that time for a ceasefire deal is running out, the Associated Press has reported.

Israel estimates 2,000–3,000 Hamas militants remain in Gaza City, while the U.N. says over 220,000 Palestinians have fled northern Gaza in the past month.