Gaza’s health ministry has reported that at least 165 people were killed over the previous 24 hours — more than double Friday’s toll.

An AFP correspondent reported gunfire, air strikes and tank shelling that was especially heavy in Khan Younis, southern Gaza’s main city. Witnesses also told AFP that Israeli boats were bombarding Gaza City and other areas in the north early on Sunday.

In Rafah, near the border with Egypt, at least five people were killed in a strike that hit what the Gaza health ministry said was a civilian car.

Israel is pressing its push southwards against Hamas, after the military said in early January the group’s command structure in northern Gaza had been dismantled, leaving only isolated fighters.

But Hamas has also reported heavy combat in the north of Gaza as Israel’s military said its troops, backed by air and naval support, were striking militant infrastructure throughout the Palestinian territory.