Israel launches ground offensive in south Gaza , BBC News

Israel has confirmed that a ground offensive has begun in southern Gaza. It said it would be no less powerful than its offensive in the north of the territory. The Hamasrun health authorities in Gaza says at least 15, 500 people have been killed in Gaza since Israel began its military operation. Since a weeklong ceasefire ended, Israel has resumed its massive bombardment of Gaza. Residents of Khan Younis described it as the heaviest wave of attacks so far. The Israeli authorities say members of the Hamas leadership are hiding in the city, where hundreds of thousands of people have been sheltering after fleeing fighting in the north in the early stages of the war. There has also been spiralling violence in the Israelioccupied West Bank. Katya Adler presents BBC News at Ten reporting by Jeremy Bowen in Jerusalem. Subscribe here: For more news, analysis and features visit: , BBCNews