Israel launches 'ground operation' in Gaza day after airstrikes

Israel launched 'targeted ground operations' in Gaza just a day after conducting a series of air strikes on a scale not seen since a ceasefire began in January.

"Over the past day, IDF troops began targeted ground activities in the central and southern Gaza Strip in order to expand the security zone and to create a partial buffer between northern and southern Gaza. As part of the ground activities, the troops expanded their control further to the center of the Netzarim Corridor," Israel Defence Forces (IDF) said in a statement.

"Simultaneously, it was decided that the Golani Brigade would be stationed in the Southern Command area and will remain ready for operations in the Gaza Strip. The IDF will continue to operate against terrorist organizations in the Gaza Strip in order to protect the citizens of the State of Israel," the IDF stated.