Israel intensifies assault on Gaza – troops encircle northern cities

After weeks of Israel’s offensive on Northern Gaza there’s been an intensification of the assault on the Jabalia refugee camp and the surrounding areas in the north of the strip, rooting out Hamas fighters, Israeli Defence Forces say.

Troops have encircled Beit Hanoun and Beit Lahiya with tanks and thousands of residents have been forced to flee along Salah al Din Road, the main artery south towards Gaza City.