IDF’s ground incursion into Gaza has begun this evening, following directives given by PM Netanyahu and Minister of Defense Ya’alon.

An IDF spokesman announced that a large IDF force has just launched a ground operation in the Gaza Strip. “A new phase of Operation Protective Edge has begun. The new phase follows 10 days of Hamas attacks on Israel by land, air and sea – and repeated rejections of offers to deescalate the situation”, the statement read.