Israeli tanks have moved into several neighborhoods of Gaza City over the past 24 hours. CNN journalists in the city reported heavy shelling, explosions, and gunfire.
Geolocated images show tanks in the west of the city, in an area called Beach Camp. Tanks were also spotted south of the Islamic University, showing that Israeli forces have pushed deep since beginning a ground assault on Sunday.
The operation involves three armored divisions and has drawn criticism internationally. Families of hostages in Gaza say the push puts them at greater risk. Around 20 hostages are still believed to be alive. European governments, Canada, and Australia have condemned the offensive for worsening the humanitarian crisis.
The Israeli military had ordered Gaza City residents and those displaced there to leave earlier this month. The army says 640,000 people have left, though this cannot be independently verified. Videos show Israeli units detonating armored vehicles to bring down buildings, which the Israel Defense Forces say Hamas uses as combat zones.
An Israeli officer, Maj. Shahar Netanel Bozaglo, 27, was killed when a Hamas fighter fired an RPG at a tank. Residents report that explosions shake the city like earthquakes. Hundreds of thousands remain unable or unwilling to evacuate due to lack of resources.
