Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) launched a large ground offensive in Gaza, just hours after a 5-hour humanitarian ceasefire ended, killing at least 11 Palestinians and one Israeli soldier. Al Jazeera reports three civilian deaths in Rafah, two in Beit Hanoum and another in Beit Lahia. Attacks have been seen in the North and East, with Israeli troops also moving into Beit Hanoun.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the ground operation’s main goal is to obliterate terrorist hideouts and to deal with the threat posed by the tunnels Hamas has dug along the Gaza-Israeli border. He said that the offensive will continue until quiet on the security front is restored once a severe blow is dealt to the capabilities of Hamas.

In this direction, Israel called up 8,000 more troops, lifting the number to 56,000 gearing up for an incursion to stop Hamas rocket fire. A large contingent of ground forces entered the Gaza strip last night for the first time since the operation began 10 days ago.

Earlier on Thursday, the IDF spokesman’s office stated that Israel had identified “approximately 13 terrorists while penetrating Israel through a terror tunnel constructed by Hamas.” The statement was accompanied by video footage. The Palestinian militants who tried to infiltrate Israel were stopped by an Israeli strike at the mouth of the tunnel.

“It does not scare the Hamas leaders or the Palestinian people,” Hamas spokesman Sami Abu Zuhri told Reuters. “We warn (Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin) Netanyahu of the dreadful consequences of such a foolish act.”

“The decision of the Israeli army to start a ground invasion in Gaza is dangerous and they will pay back heavily for it. Hamas is ready for the confrontation,” said Hamas spokesman Fouzi Barhom when speaking to reporters in Gaza.

Witnesses in Gaza reported heavy bombing from jets, warships and artillery stationed along the border late last night, with much of the firing directed at northern Gaza. Electricity was cut off across a large part of the strip. Israel invited journalists stationed in Gaza to evacuate their hotels.

The Palestinian death toll hit 258 early this morning on the 11th day of the conflict between Israel and Hamas since the operation began on July 8.