Over 280 Palestinians killed as Israel warns of ground offensive, calls up 6,500 reserve soldiers.
 
GAZA CITY - Israel warned on Sunday it could send ground troops into Gaza as its warplanes continued pounding Gaza where more than 280 Palestinians have been killed in just 24 hours.

Hamas responded by firing rockets the deepest yet into Israel, with one hitting without causing casualties not far from Ashdod, home to Israel's second-largest port some 30 kilometres (18 miles) north of Gaza, medics said.

In the latest international call for the violence to end, the United Nations Security Council met in emergency session and urged an immediate halt to all military operations.

But Israeli Defence Minister Ehud Barak vowed to expand the mammoth bombing campaign.