US officials: Israeli ground op gradual, negotiations ongoing

US and Israeli officials have told U.S. TV network ABC News that Friday's ground incursion into Gaza was not a large-scale offensive.

An unnamed American source told the network that the operation was a limited one. And Israeli army spokesman Peter Lerner said that the current action is not the major operation that is expected.

American officials speaking to CBS network meanwhile revealed that there appears to be a gradual start to the Israeli ground invasion in Gaza by Israeli forces.

"Negotiations are ongoing despite the increasing pace of the Israeli ground incursion," the officials said.

The officials also clarified that the Israeli army is seeking to remain in areas within the Gaza Strip through the ongoing operation. They further explained that the Israeli ground incursion will be gradual and will not involve a single intense operation.