Intense clashes reported south of Gaza City 

Palestinian armed groups say their fighters are engaged in heavy combat against Israeli soldiers in Gaza City's southern districts. 

Al-Quds Brigades, Al-Aqsa Martyrs' Brigades and the Mujahideen Brigades all said in brief statements they were fighting Israeli ground troops in the Zeitoun district.

The Israeli army said late last week it was operating again south of Gaza City, an area it previously said it had cleared. 

Heavy clashes have been reported there since. 

Local sources told Middle East Eye intense fighting took place in Zeitoun overnight with Israeli fighter jets launching air strikes in combat areas. 

Initial Israeli reports say several soldiers have been evacuated from Gaza this morning to hospitals across the country. 

However, there has been no immediate confirmation of casualties.