The conflict between Israel and militants in Gaza escalates again.<br/> <br />As night falls in the Middle East, rocket fire fills the sky.<br/> <br />On Thursday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu instructed the military to begin a ground offensive in Gaza, according to an official statement.<br/> <br />The announcement comes after a five-hour humanitarian truce ended, dashing hopes for a peaceful resolution.<br/> <br />(SOUNDBITE) (English) ISRAELI GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN, MARK REGEV, SAYING:<br/> <br />"Up until now, Hamas has closed the door to any diplomatic solution, and that means that we have to strike at terrorist targets in Gaza to protect our people."<br/> <br />Israeli military has been deployed near the Gaza border for quite some time.<br/> <br />Officials say Gaza militants have fired more than 1,300 rockets into Israel.<br/> <br />Palestinian health officials say 233 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli strikes.<br/> <br />Among the dead: three children who are laid to rest hours after being killed in an I
