"Israel" has launched a ground incursion into the Gaza Strip with its troops entering the south of the long-blockaded coastal sliver.

"Israeli" forces advanced hundreds of meters into the east of the southern city of Khan Younis on Wednesday, Press TV reported Thursday.

The incident came hard on the heels of flights of "Israeli" fighter jets conducted over Gaza last night.

"Israel" has continued to close all border crossings to the Gaza Strip for more than 3 years.

Some 1.5 million people are being denied their basic rights, including freedom of movement, and their rights to appropriate living conditions, work, health and education.