JERUSALEM
Israeli army has expanded its ground offensive in the blockaded Gaza Strip as death toll reached 358 in the Palestinian territory, including children and women.
"This evening, the ground phase of Operation Protective Edge expands, as additional forces join the effort to combat terror in the Gaza Strip," the army said early Sunday.
Since July 7, Israeli army has been pounding the Gaza Strip with devastating air and naval attacks with the ostensible aim of halting rocket fire.
On Thursday night, Israel launched a ground assault into the Gaza Strip, sending thousands of troops to strike what it describe as "terrorist tunnels" in the Palestinian territory.
At least 398 Palestinians including 83 children and 32 women have been killed and 4085 others injured in the ongoing Israeli attacks on the seaside enclave.
"The IDF (Israeli army) is taking these steps following the directive given by the Israeli government, and in accordance with the IDF's contingency plans,” army spokesman Peter Lerner said.
He said the operation will proceed according to the ongoing situation assessment held by the army General Staff.
“In preparation for the mission, the forces have undergone an intensified training and thorough planning period and are prepared and stand ready for the task at hand,“ he added.
The ongoing Israeli military operation, which started on July 7, is the self-proclaimed Jewish state's third major offensive against the embattled Gaza Strip, which is home to some 1.8 million Palestinians, in the last six years.
By Turgut Alp Boyraz
www.aa.com.tr/en
