Israeli forces have neared the centre of Gaza City, as Hamas fighters reportedly regroup amid fears of intense street-to-street fighting.
Thousands of Palestinians have been forced to flee the city since Israel launched its ground offensive last week.
Israel describes the city as the last stronghold of Hamas and says its aim is to eliminate terrorists and rescue its 48 remaining hostages, 20 of whom are thought to be alive.
The BBC has verified footage of an Israeli tank at Hamid Junction, around 1.5km (0.9 miles) from the central al-Shifa hospital. Israeli armoured vehicles were also reportedly seen close to the main UN compound in southern Gaza City, about 700m (2297ft) from the centre.
The BBC has spoken to a Hamas figure who claims the militant group is willing to call thousands of fighters into the city, raising the fear of intense fighting in dense urban areas where thousands of civilians remain.
He said that Izz al-Din al-Haddad, the group's military commander, has ordered all available fighters across the Strip to converge on the city, telling them to prepare for a final, decisive battle.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) estimated last week that up to 3,000 Hamas fighters were in the city. However, a Hamas figure claimed they had 5,000 fighters and threatened suicide attacks, although that has not been a tactic used widely in this recent conflict.
International journalists have been banned by Israel from entering the Gaza Strip independently since the start of the war nearly two years ago, complicating the ability to verify claims from both sides.
Israel has been attempting to destroy tunnels in Gaza, which Hamas might use for surprise attacks. According to residents, Israel has reacted to militant tactics by conducting brief thrusts into urban areas.
Since mid-August, the UN has estimated that at least 321,000 people have fled south, while the IDF estimates 640,000 have been displaced. Those remaining face constant bombardment and severe shortages of food and water, with a UN-backed agency confirming a famine in late August.
The Israeli military’s response has come after Hamas's attacks on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, leading to significant casualties and hostage situations. Since then, an estimated 65,419 people have died from Israeli attacks in Gaza, reflecting the dire humanitarian crisis.
