Israeli military strikes across the Gaza Strip has killed at least 22 Palestinians, medics said, as Israeli forces battled Hamas-led fighters in Rafah, near the border with Egypt, Reuters reports.

Israeli tanks advanced in the northern and western areas of Rafah, battling fighters from Hamas and Islamic Jihad, according to residents and statement published by the two Palestinian fighter groups. Residents said the Israeli army blew up several homes in eastern and central areas of the city.

The armed wings of Hamas and Islamic Jihad said fighters attacked the invading forces with anti-tank rockets, detonated already planted bombs and mortar fire.

Palestinian health officials said the 22 people were killed in several Israeli airstrikes in central and southern Gaza Strip. In one of the strikes, six Palestinians were killed, including three women, in a house in Nuseirat, one of the territory’s eight historic refugee camps, they said.

There has been no comment from the Israeli military.