Israeli troops continue ground assault in Gaza

TEL AVIV (KGO) -- Israel has launched a major ground offensive into Gaza, claiming it has destroyed dozens of Hamas targets.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says the primary goal is to destroy the huge network of tunnels Hamas uses to carry out its attacks.

The Israeli army is confirming one its soldiers have already been killed, along with more than a dozen militants.

For now, talk of a ceasefire has evaporated. Hamas has said Israel will pay a heavy price.