Israel preparing for possible ground assault as air strikes devastate Gaza and death toll mounts

The death toll in Gaza rose to 1,417 on Thursday, according to local authorities

Israeli tanks head towards the Gaza Strip border in southern Israel on Thursday, October 12. Picture: AP Photo/Ohad Zwigenberg

Palestinians in Gaza lined up outside bakeries on Thursday after spending the night in pitch darkness surrounded by the ruins of destroyed neighbourhoods, as Israel launched new air strikes and said it was preparing for a possible ground invasion.

International aid groups warned that deaths in Gaza could accelerate as Israel prevents the delivery of supplies.