‘In light of Hamas’ criminal and relentless aggression,’ Israel begins ground offensive in Gaza

From the Field: Our soldiers preparing to enter Gaza. The whole nation stands behind them. pic.twitter.com/qQw3Uzjhrt

— IDF (@IDFSpokesperson) July 17, 2014

Following the approval of the government of Israel, the IDF will call up an additional 18,000 reservists.

— IDF (@IDFSpokesperson) July 17, 2014

Sirens in #Ashkelon and all over the south

— Noga Tarnopolsky (@NTarnopolsky) July 17, 2014

Reshet Beit reports IDF artillery fire at numerous locations in the Gaza Strip. This began at 21:00.

— Doug Pologe (@DougPologe) July 17, 2014

Strikes on #Gaza are getting very heavy compared to earlier today and last night.

— Nick Schifrin (@nickschifrin) July 17, 2014

BREAKING: Sirens all across central Israel

— Barak Ravid (@BarakRavid) July 17, 2014

Sirens sounded across Tel Aviv area, and at least two loud booms.

— Sheera Frenkel (@sheeraf) July 17, 2014

R160 I think being fired from Gaza. Radio saying sirens in Tel Aviv. Seeing lots of explosions along north Gaza tier. Like lightning storm.

— William Booth (@BoothWilliam) July 17, 2014

Gaza media reported that Israeli soldiers entered the Strip. Could be nothing, could be special ops, could be more. #Caution

— Doug Pologe (@DougPologe) July 17, 2014

BREAKING NEWS: A large IDF force has just launched a ground operation in the Gaza Strip. A new phase of Operation Protective Edge has begun.

— IDF (@IDFSpokesperson) July 17, 2014

PM Netanyahu & DM Yaalon instructed IDF to commence ground action to strike at terrorist tunnels from the Gaza Strip into Israeli territory»

— Benjamin Netanyahu (@netanyahu) July 17, 2014

Hamas terrorists used such a tunnel to infiltrate into Israel today in order to perpetrate a large-scale attack against Israeli citizens.»

— Benjamin Netanyahu (@netanyahu) July 17, 2014

The IDF successfully thwarted this terrorist action.»

— Benjamin Netanyahu (@netanyahu) July 17, 2014

Prime Minister Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yaalon also instructed the IDF to be prepared for an expansion of the ground action.»

— Benjamin Netanyahu (@netanyahu) July 17, 2014

The directive for ground action was approved by the Security Cabinet after Israel agreed to the Egyptian ceasefire proposal,»

— Benjamin Netanyahu (@netanyahu) July 17, 2014

whereas Hamas rejected the cease fire proposal and continued firing rockets at Israeli cities.»

— Benjamin Netanyahu (@netanyahu) July 17, 2014

Hamas also did not honor the humanitarian ceasefire initiated by the UN and continued firing at Israeli cities during the lull.»

— Benjamin Netanyahu (@netanyahu) July 17, 2014

In light of Hamas' criminal & relentless aggression, and the dangerous infiltration attempt into Israel – Israel must defend its citizens»

— Benjamin Netanyahu (@netanyahu) July 17, 2014

View of an explosion following an Israeli strike in Gaza City pic.twitter.com/1Rr5aEvSUt

— Agence France-Presse (@AFP) July 17, 2014

We know that Hamas terrorists are operating underground, and that's where we will meet them.

— IDF (@IDFSpokesperson) July 17, 2014

We have hit Hamas hard, and we will continue to hit Hamas hard.

— IDF (@IDFSpokesperson) July 17, 2014

Our infantry, tanks, artillery, engineers & field intelligence are entering Gaza supported by the Air Force, Navy & other security agencies.

— IDF (@IDFSpokesperson) July 17, 2014

Hamas spokesman Faouzi Barhoum tells @CBSNews Israel "will pay dearly" for its invasion of Gaza.

— Charlie Kaye (@CharlieKayeCBS) July 17, 2014