Fierce battles in Gaza as Israeli forces attack Hamas militants

Heavy bombardment and airstrikes reported in devastated north while clashes also seen in south as tens of thousands flee Rafah

• Thousands protest in Israel amid anger at Netanyahu over hostages held in Gaza

Fierce battles were under way across much of the devastated north of Gaza on Sunday, with heavy bombardment and airstrikes reported as Israeli forces attacked Hamas militants in areas that have already seen repeated rounds of fighting.

The new clashes underlined the failure of Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) to secure much of the territory, analysts said, after a campaign that has brought massive destruction, the displacement of about 2 million people and the deaths of around 35,000, mostly women and children.