Israeli forces are operating in the eastern area of Deir el-Balah city in central Gaza, while Palestinians remain trapped in the western side, Al Jazeera’s Tareq Abu Azzoum reports.

Horrific bombardment took place overnight and into the early hours of the morning, Azzoum says, adding that he continues to hear sounds of explosions and Israeli drones.

“The fighting is really raging between Hamas fighters and Israeli forces in eastern areas of the city,” the Al Jazeera reporter says.

“We’ve also heard that the Israeli army is now operating in the city of Khan Younis, 19 blocks of which have been told to evacuate. Their residents are now heading to the western side of Khan Younis, close to al-Mawasi,” the report adds.

“Everyone is exhausted, trapped in a very small patch of land.”