Israeli air and ground forces hit targets in Gaza Strip as death toll climbs

Military says no troops currently operating inside territory as number of casualties continues to grow

Israeli ground and air forces have attacked targets in Gaza, forcing residents to flee their homes, in a significant escalation in the worst bout of fighting for seven years.

Heavy artillery fire was aimed at what the Israeli military said was a large network of militant tunnels. The intense overnight bombardment came amid speculation that Israeli troops were preparing to enter Gaza on the ground.