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.

The central city is one of the few parts of Gaza so far spared a major ground operation during the Israel-Hamas war.

Israeli tanks pushed into southern and eastern districts of the Gazan city of Deir al-Balah for the first time, an area where Israeli sources said the military believes hostages may be held.