Heavy clashes reported around Gaza City 

Heavy clashes between Israeli forces and Palestinian fighters are ongoing around Gaza City, the most densely populated area in the besieged strip housing its biggest hospital and other key facilities. 

Herzi Halevi, chief of the general staff of the Israeli military, said Israeli troops were "surrounding" Gaza City, operating in it and "deepening" the ground offensive.

“The forces are fighting in a dense and complex urban area, that requires professional combat, and courage,” he said. 

Meanwhile, Hamas's armed wing the Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades said in several updates throughout Thursday that its fighters were battling Israeli forces in several areas on the outskirts of Gaza City.  

It said members of the group attacked Israeli forces in south and northwest Gaza City using mortar shells and rocket-propelled grenades, as well as clashing with infantry forces from point-blank range.