Israeli tanks on Monday rolled into a part of central Gaza that has not previously seen ground operations in the 21-month war, according to Israeli media, aid agencies and witnesses.

The central city is one of the few parts of Gaza so far spared a major ground operation during the Israel-Hamas war.

Israeli tanks pushed into southern and eastern districts of the Gazan city of Deir al-Balah for the first time, an area where Israeli sources said the military believes hostages may be held.

Israeli tanks pushed into the Gazan city of Deir Al-Balah for the first time, an area where the Israeli military believes some of the remaining hostages may be being held.

Gaza health officials said Monday at least 13 people, including two women and five children, were killed in Israeli strikes since the previous night.

Israeli tanks pushed into southern and eastern areas of the Gazan city of Deir Al-Balah for the first time on Monday, an area where Israeli sources said the military believes some of the remaining hostages may be held.

Israel launched an air and ground offensive into the only Gaza city that had not seen major military operations since the war began.

Staff Sgt. Amit Cohen killed in Khan Younis; hostage families alarmed by new ground offensive; undercover troops said to nab Hamas health official; WHO says IDF attacked its staff

The World Health Organisation (WHO) said that its staff accommodation and main warehouse in Deir al-Balah were subject to multiple Israeli attacks, including storming the building, forcing women and children to evacuate.

The central city is one of the few parts of Gaza so far spared a major ground operation during the Israel-Hamas war.