Israel-Hamas latest: IDF unleash 'Iron Sting' weapons for first time as troops begin Gaza raids

The "Iron Sting" is specifically designed to strike targets in urban areas with 90 per cent accuracy.

Along with the IDF's "Iron Dome" and "Iron Laser", the new technology is being used to destroy enemy targets hidden deep within urban areas ahead of an expected full-scale ground invasion.

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The weapons system can be loaded in just 15 seconds, can fire 16 rounds per minute and its powerful warhead can penetrate double-reinforced concrete up to 12km away.

Israel's military and defence electronics maker, Elbit Systems, said the weapons system uses "precise, laser and GPS guided mortar munition", while "reducing the possibility of collateral damage and preventing injury to non-combatants."

It comes as the IDF announced they have been carrying out "limited" raids inside Gaza before their ground invasion.

Leaders in the Israeli defence forces are said to be eager to start the invasion but Israel's Prime Minister has clashed with leading figures over his decision to delay the incursion.

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Chief military spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said: "During the night there were raids by tank and infantry forces.

"These raids are raids that kill squads of terrorists who are preparing for our next stage in the war. These are raids that go deep."

Israel attacked Gaza in what is believed to be its most intense 24-hour period of air strikes yesterday.

Within the European Union, some member states have called for a ceasefire in order to deliver more humanitarian aid to Palestinian civilians.

Gaza's health ministry says more than 5,000 have been killed since Israel began its bombardment of Gaza, with 400 killed in the last 24 hours.

The EU's foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell said he supported a request by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres for a "humanitarian pause".

He added that it would give leaders more time to negotiate the release of the more than 200 hostages held captive by Hamas.

However, Israel's military said it was preparing for "unrelenting attacks" to dismantle Hamas.