In pictures: Israel goes in hard

Israel has sent thousands of troops, backed by tanks and helicopter gunships, into Palestinian-controlled areas of the West Bank and Gaza Strip.

It says is targeting militants who have carried out attacks on Israelis; Palestinians warn that this offensive will only encourage further attacks.

Israeli troops have been carrying out house-to-house searches in Ramallah

The Israelis are said to be rounding up Palestinian men aged 16 to 60

Palestinian gunmen are attempting to counter the Israeli assaults...

...but they are no match for Israeli armour

Many buildings have been shelled and bombed

...depriving some Palestinians of their homes

The death toll has risen ever higher

Palestinian funerals have been accompanied by threats of revenge against Israel

Peace has never seemed further away