Tel Aviv/Gaza - Israel launched its long-expected ground invasion of the Gaza Strip Saturday night, as infantry and armour, backed by air support, moved into the north of the salient after an artillery barrage lasting hours.
An Israeli military spokesman said the ground operation was the second stage of the Israeli offensive which began last Saturday, and was intended to destroy Hamas installations in the area of operations, and to lower the number of rockets being fired at Israel.
Hamas militants opened fire on the Israelis as they advanced into the Strip. There were no immediate reports of casualties.