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Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered the military to start a ground operation in Gaza, his office has announced.

"The prime minister and defence minister have instructed the IDF to begin a ground operation tonight in order to hit the terror tunnels from Gaza into Israel," the statement said.

A large IDF force has launched a new phase of Operation Protective Edge starting a ground operation in the Gaza Strip, IDF spokesperson has confirmed.
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
According to the statement, IDF goal is to target Hamas tunnels "enable terrorists to infiltrate Israel and carry out attacks."

"We are now continuing with the ground forces to strike terrorist infrastructure, Hamas infrastructure, in multiple areas throughout the Gaza Strip," army spokesman Lieutenant-Colonel Peter Lerner told reporters.

Hamas spokesman meanwhile said Israel's move is "foolish" and will have "dreadful consequences."

Witnesses and Gaza residents reported heavy artillery and naval shelling along the Gaza border.

Israel launched Operation Protective Edge on July 8 following an escalation between Israel and Hamas.Around 230 Palestinians and one Israeli have been killed during the operation so far.