Israeli tanks on Monday rolled into a part of central Gaza that has not previously seen ground operations in the 21-month war, according to Israeli media, aid agencies and witnesses.

Tens of thousands of people were warned to flee the city, where many displaced Palestinians have been sheltering and it's thought some Israeli hostages are held.

By Nidal al-Mughrabi CAIRO (Reuters) -Israeli tanks pushed into southern and eastern districts of the Gazan city of Deir al-Balah for the first time on Monday, an area where Israeli sources said the military believes hostages may be held.