Israel is pressing ahead with its bombardment of Hamas militant targets following the first full day of its ground offensive on Sunday.

Thousands of Israeli troops backed by tanks and helicopter gunships have pushed into Gaza.

Sporadic explosions broke out in Gaza early on Monday. Israel says it has dealt a heavy blow against Hamas as it expands its operation. But Palestinian civilians are bearing the brunt.

Hamas says the Israeli offensive has killed 500 Palestinians. And the number of civilians is growing.

Israel says one Israeli soldier has been killed and more than 30 others wounded in the ground offensive.

(CCTV January 6, 2009)