23:48: The IDF spokesman urges Gazans to evacuate areas where the IDF is operating.

23:43: It is reported that US Secretary of State John Kerry has spoken with Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu as a result of the launching of the ground operation.

23:40: It appears Wafa Hospital is used to store long range rockets that are for use against Israel.

Sirens in Zikim once again.

23:39: Channel 10 reports the navy is targeting the Port of Gaza. A weapons arsenal in el-Wafa Hospital is being targeted as well, leading to explosions and secondary explosions

23:38: In a Facebook posting, Knesset Speaker Yuli Edelstein calls on people to be mispallel for IDF soldiers, posting the Mi’sheberach for the IDF.

23:37: Journalist Sami Abed reports from Gaza that he can hear the navy shelling Gaza City.

23:36: Sirens in Zikim.

23:35: After Hamas rejected the ceasefire, Egypt announced it blames Hamas for all the dead and wounded.

23:32: IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Benny Gantz;  “We are going to an integrated attack with ground and aerial forces operating in close coordination. We are doing everything possible, using the necessary force, as proud IDF soldiers.

Many areas of Gaza are blacked out and electric seems to be falling in areas as the operation advances.

23:30: Kadima MK, former IDF Chief of Staff & Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz announces his support for the operation.

23:29: Hamas tells Gazans “We are with you and don’t  fear the ground operation”.

The Arab world has at least for the time being abandoned Hamas, especially Egypt and the PA (Palestinian Authority).

23:28: Labor Party Chairman MK Eitan Cabel says “I cannot speak for the entire [opposition] party but I am confident the vast majority of the part backs the IDF limited ground force operation for there was no other alternative.

23:26: First reports of Gaza state over 50 Gazans wounded as the IDF counter-terrorism offensive moves forward.

23:25: Hamas continues releasing statements that the ground incursion is a hazardous and dangerous step and the IDF will pay dearly.

23:23: Hamas’ main weapon against the ground operation is its accurate mortar rockets and RPGs. Hamas’ main strength was its tunnels and ability to fire into Israel. The terror organization is far less capable facing the sizable armored, tank and ground forces advancing. That said, soldiers face significant risk and Am Yisrael around the world must continue being mispallel for the success of the operation and safe return of all involved.

23:20: While it is forbidden to report numbers, the force that entered Gaza tonight is “extremely large”, significantly larger than in the past.

Hamas: Israel will pay a heavy price for entering Gaza.

The official time for the IDF crossing into Gaza by is 22:00.

23:20: Sirens in the Eshkol Regional Council.

23:18: Cellular telephone communications is down throughout Gaza.

23:16: The operation will involve ground forces entering urban areas of northern Gaza as they advance to locate and destroy the tunnel infrastructure. After 13 or more terrorists made their way into Israel, in walking distance to a kibbutz, it became clear the tunnels can no longer be tolerated.

The IDF Spokesman adds “We know that Hamas terrorists are operating underground, and that’s where we will meet them”.

Egyptian television condemns Hamas for not take the necessary steps to prevent loss of life and injuries.

23:09: Journalists in hotels near the border are instructed to leave the area immediately.

The main focus of the operation are the weapons tunnels and rocket launchers.

23:06: The IDF Spokesman confirms additional IDF reservists are being called up at this time.

23:04: Six years following Operation Cast Lead, despite all efforts to avoid a ground operation, the IDF is back in Gaza in the hope of delivering a fatal blow to Hamas.

Residents in the northern Golan Heights are instructed to remain in shelters.

The announcement that the Security Cabinet was to meet on Friday morning was to throw the enemy off into believing a ground operation was not yet approved.

23:03: IDF Spokesman now reporting IDF operating in numerous areas of Gaza. There are unconfirmed reports that additional reservists are being activated at this time.

23:00: It appears the ground incursion began from numerous locations simultaneously.

Sirens sounding in the Eshkol Regional Council.

22:57: Near the Gaza border the buzz of the engines of military D9s and tanks can be heard as they advance, clearing a path for armored vehicles and ground forces. The nation is on alert as Hamas is expected to begin massive rocket fire into all areas of the homefront.

22:56: Channel 10 reports rocket(s) was fired from Syria but landed on the Syrian side of the border.

22:55: The IDF Spokesman urged citizens to adhere to Homefront Command instructions, especially residents of southern areas.

22:54: At least seven rockets were intercepted over Central Israel. A direct hit was reported in Kiryat Gat but no physical injuries at that location B”H.

22:52: Gaza reports dozens of injured as the ground force appears to be advancing and not stopping for anything in its path. Gaza is blacked out and the attack is visible by the flames and explosions seen against the night skies.

22:51: Sirens sounded in the northern Golan Heights in the area of Majd el-Shams. Hizbullah TV has announced the IDF has entered Gaza and sirens in the north may be related. Sirens in the most northern area of the Golan, possibly Syrian solidarity fire with Hamas.

22:49: Sirens are sounding in the Golan Heights at this time.

22:48: Southern District Commander Major-General Sammy Turgeman warns the IDF assault will lead to an escalation in rocket fire into Israel.

22:47: IDF Spokesman Brigadier-General Almoz confirms IDF ground force accompanied by tanks, armored corps, intelligence services, air, naval and artillery support are moving forward in an effort to deliver a major blow to the Hamas infrastructure.

22:44: PRELIMINARY: The IDF is moving in 25-30 meters in the hope of destroying the entire tunnel infrastructure. Soldiers are not planning to advance more than this. First messages released by senior IDF officers signal the operation may take up to two weeks.

22:43: It is time for tefilos around the world as the IDF is marching into one of the most hostile areas on earth.

22:43: Tanks, armored vehicles, APCs, and other forces can be seen crossing the border into northern Gaza. Tanks are moving forward. Gaza is being bombarded by the air force and navy.

22:42: Gaza reports the Wafa Hospital is being attacked by the IDF

22:41: Heavy rocket fire to central Israel, as well as Ashdod and Ashkelon. There are no immediate reports of injuries.

22:35: IDF GROUND FORCES ARE ENTERING GAZA UNDER AIR AND SEA SUPPORT.

22:30: Red alerts in Zikim and Carmiya right now.

22:26: A rocket struck a building in Kiryat Gat a short while ago. Bichasdei Hashem, there were no injuries. MDA ad United Hatalah are treating multiple people for hysteria and shock.

22:25: Red alerts ringing now in Yad Mordechai and Chof Ashkelon.

22:24: The IDF has ordered all residents of Northern Gaza to immediately enter protective shelters. Residents report that the “entire Gaza is shaking”.

22:21: Channel 10 in Israel is reporting that the IDF is relentlessly bombing terror targets in Gaza from the land air and sea.

22:20: The Washington Post correspondent in Gaza reports that power is out in the entire Gaza.

22:12: At least four rockets were successfully intercepted by the Iron Dome over the Gush Dan area moments ago.

22:11: The Iron Dome has successfully intercepted at least one rocket over the Gush Dan area.

22:00: Sirens in the Tel Aviv / Gush Dan area.

21:50: Red alerts ringing in Kiryat Gat, Ashdod & Ashkelon now.

21:46: Large explosions are being reported in Gaza right now. The IAF has fired multiple missels at numerous terror targets. there has just been a targeted assassination as well, as a missile was fired at a terrorist on a motorcycle.

21:37: Three rockets exploded in Shaar Hanegev. No injuries reported.

21:32: Red alerts now in Sderot.

21:25: Heavy IDF artillery fire directed into Beit Hanoun and other northern Gaza communities.

21:24: Three rockets were intercepted over Ashkelon.

21:23: Gaza reporting heavy IDF fire from land, air and sea.

21:22: Power, internet service and cell phone service in the Eshkol Regional Council have been restored after outages earlier today from rocket attacks.

21:17: Another wave of rocket fire into the Eshkol Regional Council, Telmei Yafeh, Ashkelon, the city industrial center, Yad Mordechai, Zikim, Karmiya and surrounding areas.

21:13: Gaza reporting three fatalities including one child following the last IAF sorties.

21:11: The IAF attacked five terrorist targets in northern Gaza.

• Channel 10 News reports the level of disdain for Hamas by Egyptians is evident by the fact that boxes of food sent from Egypt to Gazans contained spoiled and outdated food products.

21:02: Hamas’ military wing announces another drone was sent into Israel to perpetrate an attack.

20:32: A number of homes were hit, in Netivot and Nitzan, resulting in significant damage. Miraculously, no fatalities or serious injuries as officials report over 100 rockets have been fired at Israel since the end of the ceasefire at 15:00.

• PA Chairman Mahmoud Abbas (Abu Mazen) has left Cairo. Ceasefire talks seem to have collapsed.
• The Security Cabinet is set to convene on Friday morning.
• Israeli left-wingers are protesting in Tel Aviv’s Rabin Square after hours of rockets being fired to cities in Israel. The left-wing is seeking to awaken the nation to the moral ramifications of sending troops into Gaza.

20:30: Hamas has made another attempt to send a drone into Israeli airspace. The drone was detected and intercepted by a Patriot Missile fired from the center of the country a short time ago. The device broke apart over the sea. The navy is searching for fragments to determine the type of drone and if was armed with explosives.

20:20: Code red sirens heard in Ashkelon, Ashdod, Kiryat Malakhi and the Hof Ashkelon Regional Council

20:07: More sirens now in Ashdod, Ashkelon, Kiryat Malachi.

20:05: Red alerts now in Kiryat Malachi, Ashdod, Ashkelon, and other areas.

19:35: One rocket landed in an open are in Netivot. No reports of injuries.

19:30: Red alert sirens ringing in Netivot and surrounding areas now.

19:20: Red alerts ringing now in Yad Mordechai, and Chof Ashkelon.

18:54: Heavy barrage of rocket fire to Ashdod, Bilu Junction, Ashkelon, Kiryat Malachi, Rehovot, New Tziona and other areas.

• At least 12 rockets fired. Police and EMS checking areas.
• Over 70 rockets since the afternoon hours.
• One person in the Ashkelon Coast Council sustained light shrapnel injuries earlier, transported to Barzilai Hospital.

18:49: Rocket fire to the same areas continues at this time.

18:47: The entire Ashkelon, Ashdod, Lachish areas under heavy rocket fire from Gaza.

18:43: The IDF Spokesman reports an IDF soldier sustained light injuries from mortar shell fire from Gaza.

18:27: Sirens in Ashkelon at this time.

• Arutz-7 reporting Hizbullah leader Sheikh Hassan Nasrallah is hospitalized.

18:21: Some of the areas in which sirens were heard moments ago include Emunim, Beit Ezra, Givati, Ezer, Azrikim, Shtulim, Gan HaDrom, Gan Yavne, Chatzor Ashdod, Beit Gamliel, Beit Raban, Ben Zakai, Bineya, Kfar Aviv, Kfar Mordechai, Kerem Yavne, Mishar, Misgav Dov, Kevutzat Yavne, Shedma, Bitzran, Bnei Ayah, Chatzav and N’vei Mafteach.

18:19: Sirens in Gan Yavne, Ashdod region and surrounding areas.

18:12: Sirens in Kerem Shalom and Yad Mordechai. B’chasdei Hashem, no fatalities or injuries reported anywhere.

18:09: Sirens in Kerem Shalom

18:05: Iron Dome intercept explosions heard over Gush Dan. Sirens did not sound in Tel Aviv proper. Sirens did sound in Ramat Gan, Bnei Brak, Petach Tikvah, Givatayim and other areas.

18:03: At least two rockets were intercepted over the Gush Dan area.

• Sirens again in Yad Mordechai, Nachal Ohz, Alumim and Netiv HaAsarah

18:02: Sirens continue to southern, central Israel and Emek Hefer and other areas.

18:00: Sirens sounding in Gush Dan, Sharon Regional , Gush Dan and central Israel

17:57: The IAF continues attacking rocket launching sites in Gaza north and center.

• Sirens sounding in Miflasim.
• Heavy IDF presence along the border to prevent a terrorist infiltration.

17:53: Sirens in Netivot, Kiryat Chinuch S’dot Negev, Tidhar, Shibulim, Milolit, Brosh, Ma’agalim, and surrounding areas.

17:50: Sirens in Yad Mordechai, Netiv HaAsarah.

17:47: Alert in southern Israel has been lifted. The ‘all clear’ has been given. There were reports of another terrorist infiltration into the area. B’chasdei Hashem the IDF determined there were no terrorists at large and no attempted infiltration following hours of tense activity, a great deal of gunfire and dodging endless barrages of Hamas mortars. There are no injuries to IDF forces involved B”H.

17:42: Sirens in Zikim, Karmiya, Yad Mordechai, Netiv HaAsarah.

17:31: Sirens in Yad Mordechai and Netiv HaAsarah. A second one as we type this report.

 17:29: Sirens in the Eshkol communities do not stop, literally one attack following another.

17:25: Sirens once again. As the security incident continues, terrorists continue to pound the same communities with rockets and mortar shells.

17:22: Sirens in the Eshkol Regional Council area. It is reported that there are no injuries to IDF soldiers in the ongoing security incident.

17:21: It should be pointed out that B’chasdei Hashem, the kibbutzim involved in the security incident have few residents present as most were compelled to leave the area since rockets in many cases land before the sirens due to their proximity to the border.
17:17: Two sirens to Nirim and Ein HaShloshah. Rockets continue to target the Eshkol communities with the knowledge soldiers are involved in the security incident in the same area.

17:15: Two sirens to Nirim and Ein HaShloshah

17:05: Heavy IDF gunfire into southern Gaza in apparent connection to the ongoing security situation which cannot be published in detail at this time since it is ongoing. The area communities involved have been alerted and residents remain closed down in emergency mode until told to step down from alert status.

17:02: Sirens in Ashkelon and the industrial area at this time.

17:01: Special Forces and reinforcement continue heading to the Gaza border area as a security situation continues to unfold. Regional roads have been shut down by police and the IDF. Residents remain locked in their homes.

B’chasdei Hashem there are no immediate reports of fatalities or injuries from the last barrage of rocket fire.

16:58: sirens in Be’er Ganim, Re’im, Telmei Yafeh, Beit Shikma, Bat Hadar, Ashkelon Industrial area, Yad Mordechai, Netiv HaAsarah, Zikim, Karmiya, Kerem Shalom, Nirim, Ein HaShloshah.

16:56: Sirens to Ashkelon, the Ashkelon Industrial area and large portions of Eshkol Council, S’dot Negev and many many other areas.

16:56: Sirens to Ashkelon, the Ashkelon Industrial area and large portions of Eshkol Council, S’dot Negev and many many other areas.

16:53: Sirens in Nirim and Ein Shlosha once again.

16:52: Sirens in Nirim and Ein Shlosha once again.

16:50: The IAF is attacking terrorist in Gaza once again. An aide to Syria’s Assad quoted by Ynet says “hostility against Gaza is hostility against Syria”.

16:46: Alon Ben-David reports bodies of terrorists were not found in tunnel from AM incident. It appears that fled back to Gaza.

16:37: Sirens sounded in Ohad, S’dei Nitzan, Telmei Eliyahu, Avivim, Gavim, Sapir College, Nir Am, Shapirim Industrial area, Sderot, Shar HaNegev Industrial area and more. B”H no injuries being reported.

16:34: Sirens in Sderot.

16:33: Sirens again to Sderot, Eshkol Councilk and Ashkelon.

16:13: Reports of possible infiltration in the Eshkol Regional Council for a second time today. Residents have been told to stay in homes under further notice.

16:11: Sirens again in Yad Mordechai.

16:11: Sirens in Yad Mordechai,

16:00: Rocket fired at Beersheva landed in an open area without causing damage.

15:59: A rocket landing in the Eshkol Regional Council has resulted in damage to high voltage electric lines in the area.

15:58: Sirens in Yad Mordechai and Erez.

15:58: Sirens in Nir Am and the Shar HaNegev Council.

15:47: Sirens in Sderot and the surrounding areas.

15:43: Sirens sounding in Yad Mordechai.

15:38: Sirens sounding once again in Beersheva.

15:19: Sirens in Nirim and Ein HaShloshah.

15:17: Sirens sounding in the Zikim and Karmiya areas.

15:11: PA (Palestinian Authority) reporting the meeting between PA Chairman Mahmoud Abbas (Abu Mazen) and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi has ended as efforts to reach a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas continue.

15:04: Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman updates Israeli diplomats around the world via video, informing them the BBC report of a comprehensive ceasefire with Hamas is a far cry from reality.

15:00: Sirens sounding in Zikim and Ashkelon.

14:56: Senior Hamas official denies the accuracy of the BBC report, stating this is no agreement for a comprehensive ceasefire.

14:54: Israel has rejected a request to extend the humanitarian ceasefire which ends at 16:00. The IDF Spokesman adds “The UN requested a humanitarian window in Gaza. We agreed, but Hamas took the opportunity to attack Israel”.

14:48: It is confirmed that an IDF soldier sustained a non-serious injury from an explosion from the Hamas tunnel discovered during the predawn hours today. A dog from the Oketz unit entered a shaft of the tunnel to check for explosives and the blast was heard. The dog was injured as well.

14:27:  An IDF soldier was lightly injured in the Kerem Shalom area. Details of the incident are not being released at this time.

14:21: Israeli officials confirming the BBC report of a comprehensive ceasefire beginning on Friday morning is inaccurate.

14:14: Gaza reports IDF artillery fire east of Rafiach in defiance of the ceasefire.

13:54: The BBC is reporting that based on IDF sources a comprehensive ceasefire will begin on Friday, 20 Tammuz at 06:00. Galei Tzahal (Army Radio) reports Israel denies the accuracy of the BBC report.

12:07: Three rockets exploded in open areas. B”H there are no fatalities or injuries.

12:02: The accrued economic loss to Israel’s manufacturers over the first eight days of Operation Protective Edge is placed at 345 million NIS, the Israel Manufacturers Organization reports. 145 million NIS of the loss was sustained by southern manufacturers and the 170 million NIS to businesses in the center up to Haifa.

11:59: Sirens sounding in the Eshkol Regional Council, just short of two hours into the ceasefire.

11:13: PA Chairman Mahmoud Abbas (Abu Mazen) will be meeting with Hamas leaders to advance ceasefire efforts, the PA reports. Among officials scheduled to meet with him is Khalid Meshal.

 11:11: Gaza reports 343 homes were destroyed in Operation Preventive Edge.

09:54: Sirens in Sufah, Chulit, Nir Yitzchak.

 09:53: On Wednesday, 65 truckloads of food and general supplies, 170 tons of gas, 3 tons of medical supplies and 642,000 liters of fuel were permitted into Gaza by Israel.

09:48: Power outages reported in the Eshkol Regional Council from earlier rocket attacks. Israel Electric Company technicians are working to restore power.

09:30: Sirens in Beersheva and the surrounding area.

09:27: Rocket shrapnel found in areas of Petach Tikvah. B’chasdei Hashem there are no reports of fatalities or serious injury.

09:24: Two people are being treated for hysteria in Petach Tikvah following the rocket attack earlier.

09:20: Former Arab MK Azmi Bishara, who was ousted from the parliament for his terrorist activities, spoke out on Wednesday strongly in support of Hamas and its ongoing effort to destroy Israel.  He remains in Qatar to avoid arrest and prosecution in Israel.

09:12: Two people sustained non-serious injuries while running for cover during the siren earlier in Petach Tikvah.

09:11: Gaza reports the Kerem Shalom Crossing is closed until further notice as IDF soldiers are still operating in that area to make sure there are no terrorists at large.

09:05: The preliminary IDF report into the death of four Gaza children on Wednesday indicates the children were killed by mistaken IAF fire. Pilots believed the children playing down on the beach below were Hamas terrorists that were fleeing the area after the first wave of bombing against a terrorist target on the beach.

09:04: The IAF continues targeting terrorists in northern and southern Gaza at this time. The six-hour humanitarian ceasefire begins at 10:00.

08:56: Eight or nine rockets intercepted by the Iron Dome. Others landed in open areas. B’chasdei Hashem there are still no reports of fatalities or injuries in a heavy barrage of rocket fire.

 08:46: Heavy rocket fire to the entire south, Gush Dan, Tel Aviv, Sharon and other areas. There are reports of the Iron Dome intercepting rockets in numerous areas. Magen David Adom and Ichud Hatzalah are responding to areas to determine if there are wounded.

08:43: Sirens in Tel Aviv and Gush Dan including Ohr Yehuda, Rosh HaAyin, Givatayim, Ramat Gan, Bnei Brak and many many more communities.

08:42: Sirens sounding in the Shvelah, Emek Chefer and Sharon areas.

08:41: Terror tunnel detected. Terrorists eliminated, thereby thwarting major terror attack. Read the entire report.

• Sirens sounding in the Ashkelon district.

07:55: IDF Spokesman: Since the beginning of the operation, Gaza terrorists have fired over 1,377 rockets at Israel. That means at least 1 rocket every 10 minutes

07:43: Four rockets fired towards Beersheva and Yerucham. A number of rockets were intercepted by the Iron Dome while others landed in an open area.

07:41: Sirens sounding in Beersheva and the surrounding areas.

07:14: Minister of Tourism Dr. Uzi Landau on Chanel 2, “Before the disengagement [from Gaza] there was no massive rocket fire into Israel, for certain not to the Tel Aviv and Gush Dan areas”.

06:44: IDF Spokesman: In day 9 of the operation, 132 rockets were fired at Gaza of which 33 were intercepted by the Iron Dome.

06:37: The IAF targeted an Islamic Jihad base in southern Gaza.

06:21: Israel Navy vessels target Sudineyeh, north of the Gaza Port.

05:10: Tanks striking terrorists in Rafiach and the navy is targeting Khan Yunis.

04:35: The IDF targeted the home of senior Hamas leader Halil el-Hiya in eastern Gaza City. The terrorist leader was not at home at the time of the attack.

02:25: At least two rockets were just intercepted over Kiryat Malachi and Kiryat Gat.

00:30: Hamas on Thursday agreed to the “humanitarian” ceasefire that was requested by the United Nations. “The group agrees to a ceasefire for five hours,” starting from 10:00 am (0700 GMT) Thursday, Hamas spokesman Sami Abu Zukhri said in a statement.

00:08: Since the operation began nine days ago, Israel has launched more than 1,825 air strikes in Gaza, killing 214 Palestinians and wounding more than 1,100. Hamas and the Islamic Jihad have fired more than 1,215 rockets and mortar shells at Israel. Of those missiles, 38 have exploded in built-up spaces and 231 have been intercepted by the Iron Dome missile defense system.

00:03: Secretary of State John Kerry said the U.S. is “doing everything possible” to end the conflict between Israel and Hamas. “Our interest is a legitimate ceasefire and see if we can find a way to stop the conflict and killing,” Kerry said.

UPDATE: 12:00AM IL: With the clock striking midnight on Wednesday evening / Thursday morning, Israel has now entered “Day 10 of Operation Protective Edge”. Stay with YWN as we continue our non-stop 24 hour news coverage – updated just seconds after an event occurs.

CLICK HERE FOR THE YWN LIVE BLOG FROM DAY 9 OF OPERATION PROTECTIVE EDGE

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