Palestinian health officials say 27 Palestinians, including a baby, two children and a 70-year-old woman, have been killed since Israel sent ground forces into the densely-populated strip of 1.8 million Palestinians.

Israel has launched a ground offensive in Gaza with residents reporting heavy shelling in the area.

The Prime Minister has reassured Israel of Britain's support in the ongoing conflict between the Jewish state and Hamas in Gaza.

David Cameron has offered the UK's support to Israel in response to 'appalling' attacks carried out by Hamas. Credit: Reuters

David Cameron spoke to his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu in response to "appalling" attacks carried out by Hamas.

A Downing Street spokeswoman said: "The Prime Minister spoke to prime minister Netanyahu earlier this evening about the situation in Israel.

"The Prime Minister strongly condemned the appalling attacks being carried out by Hamas against Israeli civilians.

"The Prime Minister reiterated the UK's staunch support for Israel in the face of such attacks, and underlined Israel's right to defend itself from them."