Columns of Palestinians leaving Gaza City have streamed towards the south and west. Photo: AP PHOTO

Israel has unleashed a long-threatened ground assault on Gaza City, declaring "Gaza is burning" as Palestinians there described the most intense bombardment they had faced in two years of war.

Subscribe now for unlimited access .

Login or signup to continue reading All articles from our website The digital version of Today's Paper All other regional websites in your area Continue

An Israel Defence Forces official said ground troops were moving deeper into the enclave's main city and that the number of soldiers would rise in coming days to confront up to 3000 Hamas combatants the IDF believes are still in the city.

"Gaza is burning," Defence Minister Israel Katz posted o

See Full Page