Israeli troops meet Hamas resistance deep in Gaza

[Emit]

Israeli troops meet Hamas resistance deep in Gaza
By IBRAHIM BARZAK and MATTI FRIEDMAN, Associated Press Writers Ibrahim Barzak And Matti Friedman, Associated Press Writers
12 mins ago

GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip – Israeli troops made their deepest advance into the Gaza Strip's most heavily populated area on Sunday, encountering increasingly fierce resistance from Islamic Hamas fighters as they warned civilians to stay clear of the battle zone.

Speaking to his Cabinet, Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said the country "is nearing" its goals, but that the offensive will continue despite global calls for a cease-fire, led by the U.N. Security Council.

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The U.N. Security Council called for an immediate cease-fire Thursday, but Olmert said Israel "never agreed that anyone would decide for us if it is permissible to strike at those who send bombs against our kindergartens and schools."

Hamas, the Islamic group that seized control of Gaza in June 2007, likewise has ignored the resolution, complaining that it was not consulted. Hamas' government has not been internationally recognized.

Israel dropped leaflets on Gaza City on Saturday warning of a wider offensive.

"The IDF (Israeli Defense Forces) is not working against the people of Gaza but against Hamas and the terrorists only," the leaflets said in Arabic. "Stay safe by following our orders."

On Sunday, it dropped additional leaflets urging Gaza residents to report the whereabouts of Hamas fighters, even providing a phone number to call.

"You can call the numbers listed below to inform us about the locations of rocket launchers, warehouses, tunnels and terrorist groups operating in your area," said the leaflet, promising "confidentiality guaranteed."

Israeli defense officials say they are prepared for a third stage of their offensive, in which ground troops would push further into Gaza, but are waiting for approval from the government.

The first phase was the massive aerial bombardment, and the second saw ground forces enter Gaza, seize open areas used to fire rockets and surround Gaza City.

The officials, speaking on condition of anonymity because military plans have not been made public, said the army also has a contingency plan for a fourth phase — the full reoccupation of Gaza and toppling of Hamas. Israel withdrew from Gaza in 2005 after 38 years of military occupation.

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http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090111/ap_on_re_mi_ea/ml_israel_palestinians