Gaza: Israel intensifies its offensive against Hamas (15.01.2009) je 08

Israel appears to be intensifying its offensive against Hamas militants, with troops reportedly advancing deep into crowded residential areas of Gaza City. +++LM-REIN+++ Palestinian witnesses say Israeli tanks have fired shells at high-rise buildings in the downtown area. Thousands of terrified residents have been fleeing their homes. The operation is believed to be the deepest thrust into the city in Israel's 20-day Gaza offensive. +++LM-RAUS+++ It comes amid an international diplomatic push to end the fighting. Both UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon and German foreign minister Frank-Walter Steimeier are in Israel to help mediate a ceasefire.