Israeli reports said on Saturday that the army is expanding its control in the northern Gaza Strip and around Gaza City. According to the reports, what it called "the army's ground advance" is being carried out "in preparation for a future maneuver in the heart of Gaza City, which includes a scenario of dividing the city in two."

Meanwhile, the source continued, "Bombings and destruction of buildings are taking place throughout the Strip," and that "the army is close to seizing control of approximately 40% of the territory in the Gaza Strip."