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Israeli troops surround Gaza city

(chinadaily.com.cn)
Updated: 2009-01-05 18:07

After launching a ground offensive late on Saturday, Israeli troops are now deep into the Gaza Strip. They've now surrounded Gaza City. But Hamas militants remain defiant, still firing rockets into Israel and also threatening a fresh wave of suicide attacks.

On Sunday, Israeli troops and tanks cut swaths through the coastal territory, dividing it into two. Gaza officials say at least 31 civilians have been killed since the start of the ground war.

One Israeli soldier was killed on Sunday, the first Israeli death since the ground offensive began. Israel's Prime Minister defended his country's actions, saying it had no choice but to attack the Gaza Strip.

Hamas, however, is showing no signs of softening its stance. It threatened to resume suicide attacks inside Israel. The death toll in Gaza has now surpassed 500. The UN says among these, over a hundred were civilians.