Deir al-Balah is an important area of Gaza because it has been left relatively untouched throughout the war. This is the last real remaining area of Hamas' power.

DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — Israeli ground troops for the first time Monday pushed into areas of a central Gaza city where several aid groups are based, in what appeared to be the latest effort to carve up the Palestinian territory with military corridors.

Israeli tanks on Monday rolled into a part of central Gaza that has not previously seen ground operations in the 21-month war, according to Israeli media, aid agencies and witnesses.

Gen. Eyal Zamir has made it clear that he does not want to endanger the remaining living 20 Israeli hostages held by Hamas in the 25% of Gaza that the IDF has not taken over.

Top Hamas terrorist behind rocket fire on southern Israel, deadly attacks on IDF forces, is eliminated in precision strike after surviving a previous assassination attempt.

Israeli troops entered central Gaza's Deir al-Balah city, heightening tensions in the area believed to house hostages held by Hamas. The incursion has been met with international criticism as ceasefire talks continue.

Israeli-American Keith Siegel was seized in the Hamas attack, he says a deal to bring home the remaining hostages must be made "as soon as possible."

Hamas claims it has identified Gaza residents cooperating with Israel and warns they will face execution if they do not repent.

Since Hamas launched its bloody Oct. 7 terrorist attack in Israel, killing 1,200 people and taking another 240 hostages, the IDF has bombarded Gaza and taken out some Hamas’ leaders.

Israel hit back after Hamas terrorists fired rockets from central Gaza towards Ashdod and Ashkelon in Israel's Southern District, causing damage and debris, according to the IDF.

The Israeli air force struck approximately 75 targets in the past day across the Gaza Strip. The IDF confirmed the death of Hamas terrorist Bashar Thabat on Sunday.