Fierce battles in Gaza as Israeli forces attack Hamas militants

Heavy bombardment and airstrikes reported in north while clashes also reported in south as tens of thousands flee Rafah

Fierce battles were underway across much of the devastated north of Gaza on Sunday, with heavy bombardment and airstrikes reported as Israeli forces attacked Hamas militants in areas which have already seen repeated rounds of fighting.

The new clashes underlined the failure of Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) to secure much of the territory, analysts said, after a campaign that has brought massive destruction, the displacement of around 2 million people and the deaths of around 35,000, mostly women and children.