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Israeli troops advance deep into Gaza City

(Agencies)
Updated: 2009-01-15 16:45

Palestinian Hamas militants launch a Grad missile from the northern Gaza strip towards an Israeli town, January 14, 2009. Israeli warplanes pounded the homes of Hamas leaders and ground troops edged closer to the Gaza Strip's densely-populated urban center as Israel continues its devastating two-week offensive to put an end to rocket fire from the Hamas ruled territory. [Agencies]

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 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.

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