Israeli forces and Hamas militants engaged in close combat in Gaza City as thousands of civilians fled to avoid being trapped in the conflict's epicenter.

The Israeli military reported its troops had advanced into Gaza City, while Hamas claimed its fighters had inflicted heavy losses. Hamas released a video showing intense street battles and bombed-out buildings in the city.

Israeli tanks faced resistance from Hamas fighters using underground tunnels for ambushes. The conflict began after a cross-border Hamas raid on southern Israel on October 7, resulting in civilian casualties and Israeli soldiers killed.

Palestinian officials reported over 10,000 deaths, including 40% children, while Israel reported 33 of its soldiers killed. An exiled Hamas commander stated that Israeli forces might gain control of some areas but that it wouldn't stop the resistance's fight against them.