Israel says it's expanding the ground offensive in the Gaza Strip, as the bloodiest conflict since 2009 entered its 13th day with a death toll of 352.
"This evening, the ground phase of Operation Protective Edge expands, as additional forces join the effort to combat terror in the Gaza Strip and establish a reality in which Israeli residents can live in safety and security," the army said in a statement.
The army began the ground offensive late on Thursday, after 10 days of aerial and naval bombardment of the besieged Palestinian territory, in a bid to stamp out rocket fire from Gaza militants.
Since the ground operation began, three Israeli soldiers have been killed, including two in a firefight with Hamas militants inside Israeli territory.
Army Chief-of-Staff Lieutenant Colonel Benny Gantz warned on Friday that as Israel expanded the ground operation there would be "moments of hardship", alluding to the possibility of further Israeli casualties.
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The operation has so far killed 352 Palestinians and five Israelis.
