KHAN YOUNIS, Gaza Strip (AP) Thousands of Palestinians are fleeing south on foot with only what they can carry after running out of food and water in the north, a United Nations agency said Wednesday, as Israel said its troops were battling Hamas militants deep inside Gaza City.

Over 70% of Gazas population of 2.3 million have already fled their homes, but the growing numbers making their way south point to an increasingly desperate situation in and around Gazas largest city, which has come under heavy Israeli bombardment.

The war triggered by Hamas Oct. 7 assault inside Israel has entered its second month, with an increasingly dire humanitarian situation inside the besieged Palestinian enclave and no end in sight.

Israel has said its war to end Hamas rule and crush its military capabilities will be long and difficult, and that it will maintain some form of control over the coastal enclave indefinitely . Support for the war remains strong inside Israel , where the focus has been on the plight of the more than 240 hostages held by Hamas and other militant groups.