Israeli tanks push further into Gaza City

#Gaza

#Israel

#BBCNews

Local residents and eyewitnesses said dozens of Israeli tanks and military vehicles have pushed into a major residential district of Gaza City, on the second day of Israel's ground offensive aimed at occupying the area.

Video footage showed tanks, bulldozers and armoured personnel moving on the edges of Sheikh Radwan, in northern Gaza City.

The district was home to thousands of people before the war and is considered one of the city's most densely populated areas.

Israel said the aim of its Gaza City offensive is to free hostages held by Hamas and defeat up to 3,000 fighters in what it describes as the group's "last stronghold" - but the operation has drawn widespread international criticism.