Explosions light up the sky in Gaza, as tanks and troops roll in.<br/> <br />Night vision images show Israeli forces pounding Palestinian targets with artillery fire.<br/> <br />Israel stepped up its ground offensive against Hamas militants after days of rocket fire and air strikes on both sides.<br/> <br />Tanks and bulldozers crossed the sand dunes, destroying tunnels the militants use to carry out attacks across the border.<br/> <br />The fighting has also taken a heavy toll on civilian lives.<br/> <br />Palestinian health officials say 23 Palestinians have been killed since Israel's offensive began late on Thursday.<br/> <br />Relatives wait at this hospital on the Gaza Strip, praying for their loved ones to survive or grieving over their deaths.<br/> <br />(SOUNDBITE) (Arabic) UNIDENTIFIED GAZA RESIDENT, SAYING:<br/> <br />"We were done with work and were ready to sleep, and we heard the strike. We ran out from the office, and they hit us with two missiles."<br/> <br />Israel has also suffered the loss of a soldier during th
