Israeli army reports clashes in 'security square' of Hamas in central Gaza City

Fighting between the Israeli army and the Al-Qassam Brigades is taking place in what Israel referred to as the "security square" of Hamas in central Gaza City, the military said Thursday.

"Infantry, armored units, and engineering forces from the 162nd Division, backed by the Air Force and special forces, infiltrated into the security square and authority square of Hamas in the center of Gaza City, next to Al-Shifa Hospital," it said in a statement.

There was no immediate comment from Hamas about the army's statement.

The Israeli army posted a video of an abandoned school without specifying the location.

"The security square is comprised of strategic locations for Hamas, including the main intelligence headquarters, air defense headquarters, and the authority offices of Hamas, including the Ministry of the Interior and police centers," it said.

The statement noted that "in this area, there are the largest urban warfare training facilities in the Gaza Strip, military sites, warehouses, and factories for various combat means, including missiles, anti-tank missiles, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), and explosive devices."

The military claimed that "50 militants have been killed in the area during fierce battles."

The Hebrew newspaper, Haaretz, reported that 39 soldiers have been killed in the northern Gaza Strip since the start of the ground operation more than one week ago.

The Israeli army, in separate statements, also mentioned that more than 270 soldiers have been injured, with numerous serious injuries, during battles in the northern Gaza Strip.