Israel’s military has intensified its bombardment of missiles on Gaza ahead of a potential ground invasion, but scope for retaliatory action is being tempered by the fate of more than 130 Israeli hostages and the risk of fighting breaking out along the northern border with Lebanon.

With the number of dead passing 1100, including more than 700 Israelis and 400 Palestinians, Israeli Special Forces have been deployed to regain control of four border towns from Hamas fighters following Saturday’s unprecedented incursion into southern Israel.