Israel's military has announced the launch of a major offensive aimed at defeating Hamas and securing the freedom of remaining hostages in Gaza. The Israeli Defense Forces said on its Hebrew X account that it had mobilised troops for "Operation Gideon's Chariots" to seize "strategic areas" of the strip. Hamas-run civil defence and health ministry officials say Israeli attacks have killed around 250 people since Thursday. Subscribe here: http://bit.ly/1rbfUog For more news, analysis and features