Milan, 21 July (LaPresse) – Israeli forces have launched a ground and air offensive in the town of Deir al-Balah, in the centre of the Gaza Strip, causing new waves of civilian displacement. Local journalists reported to the BBC that Israeli tanks and military vehicles entered the city from the Kisufim checkpoint under air cover and heavy artillery fire. Dozens of shells reportedly hit the Abu al-'Ajin and Hikr al-Jami neighbourhoods as ground forces advanced. According to the British broadcaster, the operation began this morning, a few hours after the Israeli army issued evacuation notices to residents of six residential blocks in the south-western part of the city. Deir al-Balah is currently filled with thousands of displaced people from Rafah and Khan Younis. Footage shared on social media shows flashes of explosions and the sound of continuous gunfire as Israeli troops advance.
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