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Israeli troops deep into Gaza City

(Agencies)
Updated: 2009-01-15 16:12

GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip – Witnesses say Israeli ground troops are advancing into crowded residential areas of Gaza City and thousands of terrified residents are fleeing their homes.

Israeli infantry soldiers gather on the Israel-Gaza border during Israel's military offensive in Gaza, in southern Israel, Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2009. [Agencies]

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Israeli troops backed by helicopter gunships, tanks and heavy guns thrust deeper into the city than ever before Thursday to seek Hamas fighters, they said.

It wasn't clear whether this would be a brief foray or signal a new phase in Israel's devastating offensive against Gaza's Islamic Hamas rulers.

Israel has balked at launching all-out urban warfare in Gaza City, where Hamas militants are more familiar with the lay of the land and Israeli casualties would be liable to spiral.

Israel launched the offensive on Dec. 27 to stop militant rocket fire on southern Israel from Gaza.