Israeli soldier killed as IDF moves into Gaza

“A large IDF force of infantry, tanks, artillery, combat engineers, and field intelligence is entering the Gaza Strip.

“The force is supported by the Israel Air Force, Navy, and other Israeli security agencies.”

In the early hours of Thursday, more than a dozen Palestinian terrorists armed with rocket-propelled grenades and assault rifles infiltrated Israel through a tunnel dug under the Gaza border.

Following the operation, Palestinian sources reported heavy clashes along the eastern border and in northern towns including Beit Hanoun and Beit Lahiya.

Egypt’s foreign minister was reported as saying Hamas was to blame for the latest escalation. Sameh Shoukry said the group should have accepted a ceasefire to avert “the possible deaths of Palestinian civilians”.