Israeli troops prepared on Sunday for a ground assault on the Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip as the country hit back for an unprecedented assault on its territory. Israel has vowed to annihilate the Hamas group in retaliation for a rampage in which its fighters attacked Israeli towns eight days ago, shooting men, women, and children and seizing hostages.
Israeli jets and artillery have bombarded the Gaza Strip, killing more than 2,200 Palestinians and destroying thousands of buildings.