Israel is making advances in its ground invasion of Gaza Strip, uncovering several "terror tunnels" and destroying rocket arsenal of Hamas militants since it started its large-scale operation on Friday.

At least 17 militants operating in the tunnel at the Israel-Gaza border were killed by Israel forces, while another 13 militants described as terrorists surrendered and "were taken for questioning," Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said on Saturday.

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But Palestinian officials said 58 of its people, including 12 teenager, have been killed by Israel since Thursday, Reuters reported, bringing the total number of fatalities of the 11-day war over 190, mostly Palestinian civilians.

The invasion has also resulted in the death of an Israeli soldier identified as Sgt. Eitan Barak from Herzliya. Israel said his family has been notified.

The military operation, backed by 18,000 reservists and supported by naval and aerial attacks, aims to stop Hamas from infiltrating Israel through border tunnels and halt their attacks.

On the part of Hamas militants, which controls Gaza strip, more than 135 rockets were launched at Israel, with about 87 of them hit the country, IDF said.

A kindergarten in Gan Yavne and a home in the Sha'ar HaNegev regional council were damaged by the rocket attacks, but no casualties were recorded, it added.

Israel is generally safe despite the thousands of rockets launched in the Jewish state, with the help of its "Iron Dome" intercepting hundreds of rockets fired across the country.

Hamas spokesman Fawzi Barhoum has condemned the military operation and said they are prepared and equipped to thwart the invasion. "Israel will pay a heavy price for it," he told CNN.

Some Hamas leaders have also warned Israel of abducting its soldiers, which they said will be used in exchange for the release of thousands of imprisoned Palestinians, as what happened in previous deals.

But Israel said the ground operation is open-ended and will continue to intensify its attacks. Overall, 53,200 reserve Israeli soldiers have been recruited to augment its forces, IDF said.

Israel's decision to carry out a ground offensive was due to the "repeated rejections" of the Hamas militants to deescalate the situation, and its continuing launching of rockets into Israel, IDF said.

Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has allowed the ground operation, saying they will do everything to stop terrorism in the country.

"In light of the despicable and relentless aggression by Hamas and the dangerous infiltration into Israel, Israel is obliged to protect its citizens," Netanyahu said in a statement.

TagsIsrael, Hamas, Hamas Islamist militants, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu