The Israeli forces’ assault on Gaza has escalated to a “horrifying level of atrocity” as “northern Gaza is being wiped off the map,” dozens of prominent NGOs have said in a statement.

“Under the guise of “evacuation,” Israeli forces have ordered the forced displacement of an estimated 400,000 Palestinians trapped in northern Gaza, including Gaza City. This is not an evacuation – this is forced displacement under gunfire,” the statement said, adding that since the beginning of the month, no food has been allowed in the area.

“The world cannot continue to stand by as the Israeli government commits these atrocities. Global leaders have both a legal and moral duty to act now,” the statement said.