Israeli forces have begun to move into the Gaza Strip following 10 days of bombings and airstrikes that have left hundreds dead, the Israel Defence Forces announced.

In a statement released by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office, the purpose of the operation is to destroy the Gazan terror tunnels leading to Israel, which Hamas had tried to use to mount an attack against a kibbutz near Gaza.

The IDF dropped leaflets warning citizens of Gaza's major cities to evacuate their homes before launching a series of air and artillery strikes on Thursday night.


IDF Spokesman Peter Lerner has confirmed the mobilization.


The move comes after the shaky truce between Israel and Hamas crumbled Thursday followed by a brief five-hour "humanitarian window" ceasefire. During the ceasefire, at least three mortar shells were fired from Gaza, prompting the possibility of a ground incursion.



This article was originally published at http://www.thewire.com/global/2014/07/israel-launches-ground-troops-in-gaza-strip/374638/

More