The Israeli military is ready for a major ground incursion into Gaza in response to attacks from the Palestinian territories. The shelling of Israel and retaliatory air strikes in the Gaza strip continue, despite an announced ceasefire.

­“The Israeli Defense Force (IDF) is prepared for any development, including a situation where we are forced to launch a ground operation,” IDF spokesman Brig. Gen. Yoav Mordechai told Army Radio on Monday night.

“We have everything we need and are ready to step it up if needed. There are many measures that we haven’t employed yet,” he added.

Earlier several Israeli politicians said a ground operation in Gaza was possible, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. But others, including Minister of Strategic Affairs Moshe Yaalon, indicated such a scenario is unlikely.

The news comes as the latest escalation of violence continues into its fifth day despite an Egypt-sponsored ceasefire announced on Monday. The ceasefire was broken as the Palestinians continued shelling overnight.