Palestinian security sources and eyewitnesses said that Israeli army vehicles entered overland today (Monday) to the southern outskirts of Gaza City, amid violent clashes with Hamas fighters.

Sources and witnesses told Xinhua News Agency that dozens of army vehicles entered from the eastern area of the Gaza Strip, advanced at the Netzarim area, reached the main Salah al-Din Street and closed it with tanks in an attempt to cut off Gaza City from the center and south of the Strip.

The sources explained that clashes were taking place in the vicinity of the incursion area between Israeli army forces and Palestinian fighters, while explosions were heard.

During the past few hours, the Israeli air strikes continued non-stop throughout the Gaza Strip.

According to local sources, dozens of Palestinians were killed in the air strikes that occurred during the night and dawn today, but the final number has not yet been confirmed.

For his part, Israeli army spokesman Avichai Adraee said that army forces continued during the night hours to expand ground operations in the Gaza Strip.

Adraee stated that during the clashes, soldiers eliminated dozens of Palestinian militants who holed up inside buildings and tunnels and tried to target Israeli forces.

He added that during the last twenty-four hours, about 600 targets were struck, including weapons warehouses, hiding and gathering places for Hamas elements, and anti-tank missile launch sites.