Israeli troops are intensifying their offensive in southern Gaza after reducing much of the north to rubble. The attacks are leaving masses of displaced Palestinians with very few places to run.

Qatar-based news outlet Al Jazeera says Israeli aircraft are bombing eastern parts of Khan Younis -- the second largest city in Gaza. The reports say Israeli tanks are approaching the city center.

A father at a hospital said, "When my son was born on the second day of the war, I wished he would see a life other than this. But every day there are scores of deaths."

Satellite imagery shows Israeli forces about 6 kilometers north of the city center. The Associated Press says about 150 military vehicles have amassed in four positions.

Israeli troops reportedly believe senior Hamas officials could be hiding in Khan Younis -- including the mastermind of the group's surprise attack on Israel in early October.

Israeli media suggest the main units of Hamas have been stationed in the city.

The fighting is forcing many Palestinians to evacuate again. Some headed west to the town of Muwasi.
Only the Mediterranean Sea lies beyond.

A female evacuee said, "They forced us to leave our homes and move south. Now, they are forcing us to leave Khan Younis."

United Nations officials say people are also fleeing to Rafah on the border with Egypt. They say nearly 1.9 million Gazans have now been displaced. That is more than 80 percent of the population.