Israel strikes: Gaza 'pushed into abyss', says UN

The Israeli military will attack by land, air and sea, the Israel Defence Forces said in a statement ahead of an expected ground offensive - but gave no timings or specifics.

Israel has warned 1.1m Palestinians living in north Gaza to evacuate south, and thousands have been fleeing by vehicle or on foot.

The US has sent a second aircraft carrier to the region to "deter hostile actions against Israel".

Meanwhile, Iran has warned of "far-reaching consequences" if Israel continues attacking Gaza.