Israel Deepens Gaza Offensive Amid Push for Hostage Talks
- Intense fighting reported in area for displaced Gazans
- Israeli forces pushing into birthplace of Hamas leader
Israeli soldiers look on from a tank as they secure the border with the Gaza Strip in Israel on Jan. 19.
Photographer: Amir Levy/Getty ImagesThis article is for subscribers only.
Israel’s ground forces advanced deeper into the southern Gaza Strip on Tuesday, according to the army, with intense fighting reported in an area where tens of thousands of displaced Palestinians are sheltering.
The widened offensive came as Israel faced mounting international pressure to wind down the fighting and secure a diplomatic agreement for a cease-fire and the release of over 100 Israeli hostages still held by Hamas. Israel has said it will continue its military campaign until Hamas is destroyed and all of its hostages seized on October 7 are freed.