Israel says it’s expanding the ground offensive in the Gaza Strip, as the bloodiest conflict since 2009 entered its 13th day with a death toll of 352.

“This evening, the ground phase of Operation Protective Edge expands, as additional forces join the effort to combat terror in the Gaza Strip and establish a reality in which Israeli residents can live in safety and security,” the army said in a statement.

The army began the ground offensive late on Thursday, after 10 days of aerial and naval bombardment of the besieged Palestinian territory, in a bid to stamp out rocket fire from Gaza militants.

Since the ground operation began, three Israeli soldiers have been killed, including two in a firefight with Hamas militants inside Israeli territory.

Army Chief-of-Staff Lieutenant Colonel Benny Gantz warned on Friday that as Israel expanded the ground operation there would be “moments of hardship”, alluding to the possibility of further Israeli casualties.

The operation has so far killed 352 Palestinians and five Israelis.