Israeli ground troops clashed Sunday morning with Palestinian defence units in the Gaza Strip, and reportedly bisected the coastal area. Early Sunday, thirty Israel Defence Forces soldiers were wounded and five killed, in clashes with the defenders of Gaza.

Palestinian medics reported that shells fired by IDF troops exploded in the center of Gaza City's main shopping area, leaving five civilians dead and dozens wounded. Doctors and hospital officials also said that 23 Palestinians civilians have been killed in Israel's ground offensive since midnight.

Israel began its ground operation in the Gaza Strip on Saturday night following a week of murderous aerial attacks on the civilian population.