Israeli forces launch ground offensive in Gaza

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Source: CCTV.com | 01-04-2009 09:20

We begin this program in the Gaza Strip, where Israel has launched a ground offensive with tanks and infantry to do battle with Hamas fighters.

Medical officials in Gaza say Israeli tanks killed seven local residents at the onset of the night-time invasion, bringing the Palestinian death toll since the start of the Israeli offensive to more than 450.

Israel infantry soldiers gather on the border just before leaving Israel for the northern Gaza Strip, Saturday, Jan. 3, 2009. (AP Photo/Yehuda Lahiani)

After a week-long air campaign against Hamas, Israel eventually launched the much-anticipated ground offensive into Gaza on Saturday.

Israeli defense officials say around 10-thousand soldiers had massed along the border in recent days.

The ground operation was preceded by several hours of heavy artillery fire after nightfall.

Various locations in Gaza city were reportedly hit by artillery shells.

Israeli airstrikes also intensified just as the ground operation was getting under way, killing 28 Palestinians.

Defense Minister Ehud Barak says the aim of the ground push is to protect Israel from Hamas' rocket attacks.