Operation Cast Lead: Day Eight

Israeli ground forces have moved into northern Gaza today, shortly after nightfall. Israeli troops have not been there, the site of former Jewish settlements, since the Disengagement in 2005.

Shortly before ground troops went in, the IDF began to use artillery to pound terrorist locations and mines. The IAF also struck more targets in Gaza. The IDF estimated another 30 Hamas terrorists killed, with no Israeli casualties.

Hamas continued to launch rockets into Israel, but there were no casualties. A home was hit, but most of the rockets landed in open areas.

Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak said that Israel is prepared for any attacks by the Iran-supported terrorist group Hezbollah on the border with Lebanon. Iran had warned that Hezbollah will get involved if Israel attacked Gaza on the ground.