Israel drops 1,000 bombs into Gaza overnight as violence escalates

This latest attack was the heaviest bombardment yet coming, with aircraft, artillery and military ships having dropped more than 1,000 bombs, shells and other projectiles. It is now feared that direct contact could soon start as thousands of Israeli troops have gathered near the border.

A ground invasion is looking increasingly likely as the IDF also said it has carried out a "complex" operation to destroy several Hamas tunnels, which are a valuable asset and guerilla tactic used by the militant group.

While Hamas fired around 220 rockets of their own, short-range missiles are easily intercepted by the Iron Dome defence system and are also relying on assistance from the likes of Lebanon, who are said to have launched at least three rockets to no effect (landing in the sea before they reached their intended Israeli targets). Al-Jadeed news denies Hezbollah involvement. This is the worst conflict the region of Gaza has seen in years and while the number of total casualties remains uncertain, there looks to be little sign of de-escalation in sight.