Israel's army radio says the Israel Defence Force has begun its ground offensive in Southern Gaza, north of the city Khan Younis.
It says there are armoured forces in the area, and they've begun attacking what they say are Hamas targets.
The IDF says it's expecting to expand its ground operations in the region.
The Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza says more than 15,500 Palestinians have been killed in the course of the war.
The IDF says 500 Hamas tunnel shafts have been destroyed, and fighters are hiding in Khan Younis.
New Zealand has designated Hamas' military wing as a terrorist organisation.
Hundreds-of-thousands of Palestinians have been told to flee Khan Younis, and to move further south to Rafah.
Hector Sharp was born in Wellington but now works for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees.
Sharp spoke to Corin Dann.
