The United Nations and former Israeli military officers said that early Thursday, the Israeli army advanced from the Mediterranean coast to various parts of Gaza, dividing the enclave in half and isolating the densely populated urban areas in the north, where armored and infantry units were fighting Hamas militants.
According to Israeli military officials, the fighting is particularly fierce in several residential areas in northern Gaza. The Israeli army attacked Karama and Zeitoun earlier Thursday and advanced towards the city center with support from airstrikes and, in some cases, artillery fire fired from offshore warships.
The United Nations says it has stopped delivering humanitarian aid to the northern region, and despite the Israeli military's evacuation orders, it is believed that 300000 residents still remain here. The United Nations said that due to the war, "Gaza City and northern Gaza have been basically cut off.
The Israeli authorities have stated that they will ensure safe passage for civilians who wish to flee to the south to avoid the flames of war.