Israel ready to invade but ‘prefers diplomacy’

Israel bombed dozens of targets in Gaza and said that while it was prepared to step up its offensive by sending in troops, it preferred a diplomatic solution that would end rocket fire from the Palestinian enclave.

Mediator Egypt said a deal for a truce to end the fighting could be close. The leader of Hamas said it was up to Israel to end the new conflict it had started. Israel says its strikes are to halt Palestinian missile attacks.

Twelve Palestinian civilians and four fighters were killed in the air strikes, bringing the Gaza death toll since fighting began last Wednesday to 106, according to the Hamas-run health ministry.