The Israeli military on Saturday urged Gaza City residents to evacuate and head south as its troops continue their advance in the area.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has described the city as a Hamas stronghold that must be captured to defeat the terrorist organization. 

The United States, the European Union, Canada and others have designated Hamas as a terrorist group. 

The Israeli military said on Thursday it had control of about half of the city and approximately 75% of Gaza, according to Reuters.