Israel heavily bombed Gaza City following confirmation the military has begun its ground offensive. Photo: AP PHOTO

Israel has announced the start of its long-awaited ground operation into Gaza City, declaring "Gaza is burning".

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An Israeli military official said the Israeli Defence Forces had begun the main stage of their ground operation into Gaza City, the main urban centre in the enclave, where Israel has ordered hundred of thousands of residents to flee.

The military gave few initial details but said its troops had begun "dismantling Hamas terrorist infrastructure in Gaza City"

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