By IINA,
Gaza City : Israeli ground troops closed in on downtown Gaza City yesterday, battling Palestinian fighters in the streets of a densely populated neighborhood, destroying dozens of homes and sending terrified residents running for cover as gunfire and explosions echoed in the distance. Israel’s push into Tel Hawwa neighborhood was the farthest it has moved into Gaza City during its 18-day offensive against Hamas, and brought Israel’s ground forces within 1.5 km of the crowded city center.
Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak said the military operation would continue in order to stop rocket fire and arms smuggling into Gaza. Palestinian witnesses said the Israeli forces moved overnight about 300 meters into Tel Hawwa, a neighborhood of high-rise buildings on the southeastern edge of Gaza City. Palestinian medical officials reported at least 21 people killed in fighting throughout Gaza, though the Israeli army suggested the number could be higher. “Thank God we survived this time and got out alive from here. But we don’t know how long we’ll be safe in my brother’s home,” said Khader Mussa.
Sounds of the battle could be heard clearly around the city of 400,000 as the Israeli forces, backed by artillery and attack helicopters, moved into neighborhoods east and south of Gaza City. The Israeli military said it carried out some 60 air-strikes overnight, hitting groups of Hamas militants holed up in a hotel, a house and a mosque.