Israel extends ground operations in Gaza after deadly air strikes

Israel says it has extended its ground operations in Gaza, after launching a wave of air strikes that the Hamas-run health ministry says killed more than 430 people in two days.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said troops had moved in up to the Netzarim Corridor, which divides the north and south of the Strip.

The renewed assault on Gaza marks the end of the fragile ceasefire deal that had been in place since January.

Earlier, the UN said two people – including one of its staff – had been killed after an explosion at its compound in Deir al-Balah.

A foreign ministry spokesman said it would launch an investigation, but denied Israel was to blame.

The IDF said it had begun “targeted ground activities” to create what it called a “partial buffer between the north and south” in Gaza.

The BBC has seen evacuation orders issued to areas the military is moving into including Beit Hanoun in northern Gaza.

In a video message, Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz issued a “last warning” to the Palestinian territory calling for the return of the remaining hostages being held there.

Israel says Hamas is still holding 59 hostages, 24 of whom are believed to be alive.

On Tuesday, Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said it had “resumed combat in full force” and any ceasefire negotiations would now take place “under fire”.

Air strikes continued on Wednesday, but the initial bombardment marked the heaviest since a fragile ceasefire and hostage exchange deal came into effect on 19 January.

Israel and Hamas failed to agree how to take it beyond an initial phase, with negotiations expected to have started six weeks ago.