This is an entry from: Live: UK halts trade deal talks with Israel, summons ambassador over Gaza
Israeli military launches major ground assault across Gaza Strip
18 May 2025 15:49 BST

Israel has announced a large-scale ground invasion across Gaza, deepening fears of further mass civilian casualties in the battered territory.
According to the military, troops from its Southern Command are now conducting operations on the ground in both northern and southern areas of the enclave, backed by intense aerial bombardment.
The escalation marks one of the most extensive phases of the war to date, as Israeli forces push deeper into densely populated zones where hundreds of thousands remain trapped under siege.
With its air force providing cover, Israel has intensified its campaign despite growing international outrage over the civilian toll and the destruction of vital infrastructure, including hospitals and schools.