Israeli forces have advanced close to the centre of Gaza City, while Hamas fighters are reportedly preparing for fierce street-to-street battles.
Thousands of Palestinians have fled the city since Israel launched its ground offensive last week. Israel says Gaza City is the “last stronghold” of Hamas, and its goal is to eliminate militants and rescue the remaining 48 hostages.
Verified footage shows an Israeli tank at Hamid Junction, about 1.5 km from al-Shifa Hospital. Armoured vehicles were also spotted near the main UN compound in southern Gaza City.
A Hamas figure told the BBC that the group is calling in thousands of fighters from across Gaza for what it described as a “final, decisive battle.” The Israeli military earlier estimated that 3,000 Hamas fighters are in the city, while the Hamas source claimed there are 5,000. The numbers cannot be independently verified.
Residents say Israel has been carrying out quick raids into Gaza City before pulling back. Reports suggest Israel has used explosive-laden armoured vehicles and drones with loudspeakers to target militants and warn civilians.
The UN says more than 321,000 people have fled south since mid-August, while Israel puts the figure at 640,000. Many families have paid thousands of dollars for transport, leaving behind belongings.
Those who remain face bombardment, shortages of food and water, and collapsing hospitals. A UN-backed agency confirmed famine in parts of Gaza in late August.
Israel began its campaign after the Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, which killed about 1,200 people and saw 251 others taken hostage. Since then, at least 65,419 people have been killed in Israeli attacks on Gaza, according to the Hamas-run health ministry.
