DHAKA: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday instructed the military to begin a ground offensive in Gaza, an official statement from his office said.

Reuters’ witnesses and Gaza residents reported heavy artillery and naval shelling and helicopter fire along the Gaza border, reports the Dawn on Thursday night.

“The prime minister and defense minister have instructed the IDF (Israel Defence Force) to begin a ground operation tonight in order to hit the terror tunnels from Gaza into Israel,” the statement said, report included.

However, Palestinian health officials say 233 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli air and naval strikes of last week attack.

On the other hand, the Israeli military claims Gaza militants have fired more than 1,300 rockets into Israel.

One Israeli civilian has been killed by fire from Gaza.

BDST: 0530 HRS, JULY 18, 2014