IDF try to force civilians out of Gaza City as ground offensive continues

Two army divisions work their way toward city’s centre as further Israeli airstrikes destroy buildings

Middle East crisis – live updates

Israeli troops have been trying to force more people out of their Gaza City homes on Wednesday as part of a ground offensive that is destroying large parts of Gaza’s biggest urban centre.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said they had carried out 150 air and artillery strikes before the ground operation which began early on Tuesday morning. Two army divisions are working their way slowly towards the city centre and are expected to be joined by a third in the coming days.