Israeli troops remain in Gaza, marking a significant escalation of the conflict

Israeli troops remained on the ground in the Gaza Strip Saturday as part of what military officials have described as an "expansion" of ground operations, marking a significant escalation in Israel's war with the militant group Hamas that began earlier this month.

For the last several days, the Israel Defense Forces had mounted a series of limited incursions into Gaza, in which soldiers left soon after entering. But Saturday's announcement was the first extended presence of Israeli troops in the territory.

"Expanding the operation serves all the war's goals," said Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari at a press briefing Saturday morning.