The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) are fighting “in the heart of Gaza City” where they were hunting down Hamas’s underground tunnels.
Israeli defence minister Yoav Gallant said the IDF on foot were being supported by armoured vehicles and tanks.
In a televised statement, prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu said there would be no ceasefire before Hamas released Israeli hostages.
“I’m calling on the citizens of Gaza: please go south. I know you’re already doing that. Complete the move to the south because Israel will not stop. There’s no entry of workers and there will be no ceasefire without our hostages being back home,” he said.
He also added that Israel will have “overall security responsibility” in Gaza “for an indefinite period” after its war with Hamas.
Israeli Troops are expected to begin marching through the streets of the capital this week, where they are expected to face Hamas operatives, according to local media.
It comes as the United Nations warned “no place” was safe in Gaza and said hundreds have been killed sheltering in UN buildings.
According to the health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza, more than 10,000 people have been killed during Israel’s bombardment of the Strip.