Israel Offensive Is A Response To The Rocket Fire From Gaza.

The Israeli military has begun a ground offensive against Palestinian militants in the Gaza Strip, stepping up its 10-day-old military operation.

Israel says the offensive is in response to continued militant rocket fire and to strike a "significant blow to Hamas", which controls Gaza. 

Hamas has said Israel would pay a high price for the ground offensive. 

There had been a five-hour humanitarian truce yesterday but exchanges of fire resumed when it ended. 

Gaza's health ministry says 247 Palestinians have died since the Israeli operation began on July 8. 

It says more than three quarters of them were civilians.

Source:   BBC