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Israeli troops backed by tanks have attacked Hamas targets in a brief ground raid in the Gaza Strip, the military has said.

It said the operation was “preparation for the next stages of combat” and that “the soldiers have since exited the area and returned to Israeli territory”.

A report by local radio described the raid as a “relatively large” ground incursion, suggesting it was the biggest foray into Gaza since Israel started massing forces outside the territory in advance of a planned full-scale invasion. Israel kept up its strikes on Gaza in preparation for the long-threatened ground invasion.

Since the conflict erupted on 7 October, the Israel Defence Forces have made several incursions to investigate Hamas positions and gather information about hostages.

• Was Joe Biden against the ground offensive? US media have reported that Biden has been pushing Benjamin Netanyahu to hold off on a ground invasion while Hamas still holds hostages, but on Wednesday Biden denied such reports. “What I have indicated to him is that if that’s possible to get these folks out safely, that’s what he should do. It’s their decision … But I did not demand it,” Biden said.

• How many hostages are there? The confirmed number of people held hostage in the Gaza Strip since the 7 October cross-border raids by Hamas is now 224, Reuters reports, citing the Israeli military, which said the number could rise further.

Maine shootings: at least 16 people feared dead and dozens injured, police sources say

At least 16 people were killed in Wednesday night shootings at a bowling alley and a bar in Lewiston, Maine, according to police sources.

Police confirmed there were incidents at two locations and that the shooter remained at large late into the evening as the city was on lockdown.

Two law enforcement officials not…