Israeli tanks have advanced along two gateways to the centre of Gaza City while internet and phone lines were cut off for several hours, signalling a potential escalation in ground operations in the Palestinian enclave.

Israeli forces control Gaza City's eastern suburbs and in recent days have been pounding the Sheikh Radwan and Tel al-Hawa areas, from where they would be positioned to advance on central and western areas where most of the population is sheltering.

"We are scared but what can we do?" said Bassam Al-Qanou, a displaced man sheltering with about 30 family members in one of countless ragged improvised tent camps along the city's beach.

He said the family had no way to get out and nowhere to go.

At least 85 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli strikes or gunfire across

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