Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) released footage on Thursday of weapons, tanks and armoured vehicles being prepared for a ground operation in the Gaza Strip.

Troops on both sides are currently being moved towards the border.

According to IDF Spokesperson Jonathan Conricus, no order of engagement has yet been given.

Conricus also said that more than 1,600 rockets have been launched onto Israeli-controlled territory since Monday.

The US and UK have called for deescalation, whilst Egypt has sent a team of delegates to Tel Aviv to try and negotiate a truce. Germany has said that Israel has the ‘right’ to defend itself. The UN is concerned the conflict will disintegrate into a full-blown war..

Tensions have been running high over the planned eviction of Palestinian families from the Sheikh Jarrah neighbourhood in East Jerusalem and related protests. Israel has been responding with airstrikes to rockets fired from Gaza Strip since Monday.

At least 83 people, including 17 children have been killed this week in Gaza. At least seven Israelis and one child have been killed in Israel.

The unfolding events mark the worst escalation of the conflict since 2014.