Palestinian presidency condemns Shejaiya 'massacre'

The Palestinian Presidency on Sunday condemned as a "massacre" the Israeli shelling of Shejaiya, a residential neighborhood in eastern Gaza City, which left at least 40 people dead and 400 others injured.

"The Israeli government committed a new massacre at dawn in Shejaiya", presidential spokesman Nabil Abu Rudeniah said in a statement.

He urged the Israeli government to end its "aggression" against the blockaded coastal strip.

Earlier in the day, dozens of Israeli tanks and military vehicles forced their way into the eastern parts of Gaza City amid heavy artillery fire, prompting thousands of Palestinians to flee their homes towards the center of the city.

Eyewitnesses told Anadolu Agency that Israeli troops had advanced into Zaitoun, Toffah and Shejaiya residential neighborhoods where they pounded several homes.

The incursion was coupled with heavy fighting between Israeli troops and Palestinian resistance fighters, the witnesses added.

Health Ministry spokesman Ashraf al-Qodra told AA that at least 40 Palestinians were killed and 400 others injured in Israeli shelling of Gaza City residential areas, including Shejaiya .

Since 7 July, Israel has been pounding the coastal enclave with devastating air and naval bombardment with the ostensible aim of halting rocket fire.

On Thursday, the Israeli army launched a ground assault into the Palestinian territory, sending thousands of troops into the besieged enclave.

The latest fatalities bring the Palestinian death toll to at least 400 since in Israeli attacks since 7 July.

A temporary humanitarian ceasefire has now been agreed by both sides, starting at 13.30 local time.