Street battles raged in Gaza City with Hamas fighters trying to ambush Israeli forces, as the United States said Palestinians must govern Gaza post-crisis, countering Israeli comments that it would control security indefinitely.

According to Reuters, the Israeli military said its troops had advanced into the heart of Gaza City, Hamas’ main bastion and the biggest city in the seaside enclave, while the group said its fighters had inflicted heavy losses.

Hamas’ armed wing on Wednesday released a video that appeared to show intense street battles alongside bombed-out buildings in Gaza City.

Israeli tanks have met heavy resistance from Hamas fighters staging ambushes, according to sources with Hamas and the separate Islamic Jihad group.