Israeli special forces claim to have destroyed a large network of strategic underground tunnels operated by Hamas in Gaza.

Dramatic footage released by the IDF appeared to show a large explosion in the 'Elite Quarter' of Gaza City, north Gaza Strip, on Thursday.

The military said it had 'exposed the terrorist infrastructure' under the city late Wednesday, revealing 'bureaus belonging to Hamas' senior military and political leadership'.

'The network of tunnels was destroyed in a controlled manner,' the IDF said in a statement shared on Telegram with the footage. 

The claims came as an in-depth investigation by The Washington Post published Thursday concluded there was 'no immediate' evidence rooms connecting the city's al-Shifa hospital to tunnels were used for military purposes by Hamas.

The death toll in Gaza surpassed 20,000, health officials said today, as Israeli bombing over the besieged strip continues unabated - and amid growing calls from pro-Palestinian protestors and the families of Israeli hostages for a ceasefire.

Some 85 per cent of the 2.3mn population of Gaza has now been displaced by Israel's bombing campaign, with civilians ordered in October to evacuate the north and head south before being told to evacuate the south. Charities warn there are fewer and fewer safe places for residents to turn.

Despite the calls for peace, Israel has indicated it plans to expand its ground offensive. The military said late Thursday it is sending more ground forces, including combat engineers, to Khan Younis to target Hamas above ground and in tunnels.

On Friday, the IDF ordered tens of thousands of residents to leave their homes in Burej, an urban refugee camp, and surrounding communities, also in the south.