Israeli tanks have started shelling the beleaguered Gaza Strip, as the army suggests a ground offensive into the region is imminent. According to witnesses on both sides of the Israel-Gaza border, the barrage caused a large explosion in Gaza City as well as a series of blasts stitching the nearby frontier with Israel, Reuters reported Saturday.
The areas east of the cities of Beit Hanun, Jabaliya and Khan Yunis all came under intensive bombardment, AFP reported.
The Israeli army has made no immediate comment on the operation.
Israel's offensive against the Gaza Strip launched on Saturday has claimed the lives of at least 442 Palestinians, while injuring some 2,280 others.
In retaliation to the attacks, the Hamas movement has continued its attacks launch from the Gaza Strip. Six people have been killed and 18 wounded in retaliatory rocket fire by Hamas.
Meanwhile, Israeli tanks and troops massed along the Gaza border are waiting for a Tel Aviv order to launch a ground assault into the Gaza Strip.
The strip has been under an Israeli blockade since the Hamas movement won a majority in the 2006 Palestinian election and took control of the area in mid-June 2007.
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