Israeli troops prepared on Sunday for a ground assault on civilians of  Gaza Strip

GHAZA/JERUSALEM // Israeli troops prepared on Sunday for a ground assault on the Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip as the country hit back for an unprecedented assault on its territory, and Iran warned of “far-reaching consequences” if Israel’s bombardment was not stopped.

Israel has vowed to annihilate the militant group Hamas in retaliation for a rampage by its fighters in Israeli towns eight days ago in which its militants shot men, Israeli people and seized hostages in the worst attack on israeli soldiers in the country’s history.