A missile fired by an Israeli military plane hit a university in Gaza City on early Thursday, Palestinian witnesses said.

The missile left a big hole in the soccer field of the Islamic University in Gaza City, said the witnesses.

There was no report of any casualties.

The strike occurred as Israeli troops are carrying out a broad ground operation in the Gaza Strip, the first of its kind since Israel withdrew soldiers and settlers from the coastal strip last year after a 38-year-long occupation.

Israel says that the Gaza offensive is aimed to free an Israeli soldier kidnapped by Palestinian militants on Sunday.

Meanwhile, Israeli troops are preparing to enter the northern Gaza Strip to expand the operation.

Source: Xinhua