Israeli forces sent tanks deeper into areas in the Gaza Strip’s south as fighting with Hamas raged, and Gaza health officials said Israeli military strikes had killed 66 Palestinians across the enclave in the past 24 hours, Reuters reports.

Tanks pushed deeper into the three towns of Al-Karara, Al-Zanna, and Bani Suhaila, in the east of Khan Younis in southern Gaza, and medics said at least nine Palestinians were killed earlier on Sunday by Israeli military strikes in those areas.

Residents said fierce fighting could be heard in eastern areas of Khan Younis where the army was operating. The new incursions caused thousands more families to leave their homes and head to overcrowded areas in Al-Mawasi to the west, and north to Deir Al-Balah.