Dozens of Israeli tanks entered the southern part of the Gaza Strip near Khan Yunis, witnesses have told AFP, with the Israeli military widely expected to start ground operations in the area soon.

Armoured personnel carriers and bulldozers were also seen, AFP reports.

Amin Abu Hola, 59, said the Israeli vehicles were “two kilometres inside” the Palestinian territory in the village of Al-Qarara near Khan Yunis, while Moaz Mohammed, 34, said Israeli tanks were on the southern part of Salah al-Din road which runs from the north to the south of the strip.