Israel has said its ground forces are "expanding their activity" in Gaza on Friday night amid heavy bombardment of the enclave by its air force and the cutting of internet and phone services.
A military spokesperson told a news conference that the army is prepared on all fronts to preserve Israel's security, as calls were renewed for people in Gaza to move south.
Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, Israel's chief military spokesperson said: "In recent hours we have increased the attacks in Gaza. The air force widely attacks underground targets and terrorist infrastructure, very significantly."In continuation of the offensive activity we carried out in the last few days, the ground forces are expanding the ground activity this evening."
Meanwhile a Palestinian telecom provider said services in Gaza Strip have been cut off by Israeli bombardment.
Israeli forces backed by fighter jets and drones carried out a second ground raid into Gaza earlier on Friday.
The military also earlier accused Hamas militants of using the main hospital in Gaza as a shield for its tunnels and operational centres.
