Israel has told residents of Gaza to evacuate their homes and warned it will launch an attack on Gaza “with great force” in the next 24 hours.

The Israeli air force has been dropping leaflets in northern Gaza, saying “"those who fail to comply with the instructions will endanger their lives and the lives of their families". Israel says it intends to attack what it calls "terrorists and terror infrastructures" in response to rocket fire coming from the Gaza strip.

Officials in the Palestinian territory say 18 people were killed overnight and 50 wounded following Israeli airstrikes on the home of a police chief. The attack also struck a mosque, as worshippers left the building following evening prayers. The Palestinian death toll is now at 159, after five days of Israeli attacks and more than 1,200 air strikes.

The first ground incursion of Israeli troops into Gaza took place earlier today. Israeli special forces entered the Gaza strip to destroy what the Israeli military claims was a rocket launching site.

Hamas continues to fire rockets into Israel. The Islamic group has now fired more than 700 rockets into Israel. However, there have been no Israeli fatalities at this point as the Iron Dome rocket defence system continues to intercept most of the rockets aimed at populated areas in Israel.

At this point, neither side has shown any desire to cease hostilities.

The UN Security Council yesterday called for a ceasefire and peace talks.