Israel says 700,000 have fled Gaza City as military deepens assault

JERUSALEM, Sept. 25 (Xinhua) -- About 700,000 Palestinians have fled Gaza City as Israeli forces intensified their ground and air assault on the enclave's largest urban center, the Israeli military said Thursday.

Military spokesman Effie Defrin told reporters that "about 700,000 residents have evacuated" since mid-August, when Israel launched its new attack on Gaza City. He said they moved to what Israel calls "