The Israeli assault was accompanied by an intense bombardment from warplanes, helicopters, artillery and naval forces off the Gaza coast, and, according to local reports, it cut off the population centre around Gaza city from the southern strip.
The ground offensive claimed the lives of dozens of Palestinians, including several civilians, while one Israeli soldier was reported killed in the clashes.
In eight days of conflict, more than 500 Palestinians have been killed in the Gaza Strip. Israel has lost five of its citizens, including two soldiers.
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