The Israeli Army announced the expansion of its ground operation in Gaza Strip on Monday, adding that they "eliminated dozens" of Hamas fighters during night strikes.
It said IDF targeted Hamas fighters stationed near Al-Azhar University.
The IDF said "about 600 targets were struck, including weapons warehouses, hiding and gathering places belonging to Hamas elements, and anti-tank missile launch sites" over the "last 24 hours".
Earlier, an officer of the Israeli force died and two more were injured when a tanker flipped over in an accident in the north.
During a press conference on Sunday, Israeli army spokesman Daniel Hagari confirmed that the number of hostages in Gaza is 239, adding that they are "committed to working to releasing them".
He also called on residents of Gaza to evacuate the northern Strip.
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