Israeli strikes kill 31, including pregnant mum, in Gaza City

Tanks advance further into densely populated city as Israeli military forces expand their operations

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Israeli forces blew up more residential buildings in Gaza City on Sept 21, killing at least 31 Palestinians and prompting many others to flee, the Gazan health authorities said, as Israel's tanks pushed further into the densely populated city.

Nearly two years into the war, Israel describes Gaza City as the last bastion of Hamas and the military has been demolishing housing blocks it says were being used by the militant group since launching its ground assault in the city in September.

A pregnant woman and her two children were among those killed on Sept 21, medics said. The Israeli military did not immediately comment on the deaths, issuing a statement saying its forces had killed “numerous” militants.

Relatives sifted through the rubble of one of the apartment buildings that was hit in Gaza City, trying to salvage their belongings.