Gaza - Fierce clashes erupted Monday night in eastern and northern Gaza City between Palestinian militants and Israel soldiers, witnesses said.

Witnesses said they heard heavy and intensive tank shelling in the Tufah neighborhood in eastern Gaza City, and added that Israeli troops and militants were also engaged in gun battles.

Gaza resident Mohamed al-Aklouk said dozens of tanks shells were fired at eastern and northern Gaza City within less than 30 minutes, and several houses were destroyed in the area.

Rescue teams and paramedics told local radio stations that there were many fatalities are in the area, but ambulances were not able to reach the area due to the intensive tanks shelling.

F-16 warplanes flew over Gaza City and hit several targets as the gun battle was still going on, said al-Aklouk, adding that most people in northern and western sectors of the city were huddled indoors.

Medical officials estimated that Monday's death toll in the Israeli ground offensive had reached 50 people, mostly civilians, with more than 150 wounded. (dpa)