According to witnesses, this massive advance appeared to be aimed at encircling the largest population centre of the enclave, as Israeli tanks and infantry drove into the outskirts of Gaza City on Monday, cutting off the main road connecting the northern and southern parts of the Gaza Strip.

Israeli military spokespersons did not discuss the location of the forces, but said that operations in Gaza were expanding, with more armoured vehicles, artillery and combat engineers joining the battle to destroy and drive out Hamas, the Palestinian Islamic radical group, from Gaza.

“The ground forces are in direct contact with the enemy. The fighting continued, “Speaker Major General Daniel Hagari said.

According to Hagari, dozens of armed men stationed in buildings facing the advancing Israeli army were killed by aerial attacks.





Palestinians left their homes after Israel bombed Gaza City.





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