Israel deployed troops, tanks, and armored vehicles near its border in Gaza as the violent conflict enters its fifth day Friday. Sources said Israel may be preparing for a ground offensive against Hamas.

Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh has called on all citizens in the occupied territories to rally against Israel during the second day of Eid al-Fitr. Haniyeh called on the people to march in protest of the latest Israeli attacks and its crackdown on Muslim worshippers.

Hundreds of protesters gathered on the streets of Nablus, Jenin, Hebron, Tulkarem, and Qalqiliya in response to Haniyeh’s call.

In a tweet Thursday, Israel said it is actively attacking targets in the Gaza Strip with its “air and ground troops.” News organizations assumed that Israel was already engaging in a ground war in Gaza but the military clarified that it currently had no ground troops inside the Gaza Strip.

Entering the fifth day of hostilities, Gaza officials said the death toll has now reached 115. Among those that were killed by the airstrikes and rocket fire were 26 children and 11 women. Officials said at least 580 people have been injured. Rocket fire from Hamas fighters has killed seven people in Israel – including a 6-year-old girl.

 Gaza residents have started to flee from their homes and most have sought refuge inside schools and other emergency shelters.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Hamas will pay a “heavy price” for the attacks. Netanyahu added that Israel will continue to attack Hamas positions with “heavy force.”

According to local reports, violence in the streets of Israel and Palestine has escalated over the past week. Incidents such as shootings, stabbings, arson, and beatings have been reported between Arabs and Jews in both countries.