Israel announces start of 'extensive' new ground operations in Gaza

The Israeli military said it has launched an "extensive" new ground offensive across the Gaza Strip as part of its intensified campaign against Hamas.

Israeli ground troops are now operating in both the northern and southern parts of the Palestinian coastal enclave, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said in a statement.

The military said that over the past week week it carried out a "preliminary wave" of airstrikes to support the ground forces, targeting more than 670 Hamas positions, including weapons depots, rocket launchers and militant operatives.

"Thus far, the troops eliminated dozens of terrorists," the statement said.

Casualties in the Gaza Strip are mounting as Israel ramps up its offensive. On Sunday, medics said that some 110 people had died overnight and into Sunday morning, with many more injured.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently said the stepped up campaign aims to increase pressure on Hamas and secure the release of hostages still being held.

Israeli authorities have said the plans include capturing and holding territory, along with relocating civilians from the north to the south of the strip.