Israel continues attacks on Gaza

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Source: CCTV.com | 01-12-2009 09:15

Israeli troops battled Palestinian gunmen in a suburb of Gaza City on Sunday.

It was one of the fiercest ground battles so far in the Israeli assault on Gaza, as Israel's military inched toward the city's population centers.

An Israeli attack helicopter fires flares as it operates over the Gaza Strip, seen from the Israel side of the  border with Gaza, Sunday, Jan. 11, 2009.  (AP Photo/Ariel Schalit)

Meanwhile, according to health officials in the city, over 900 Palestinians have been killed since the Israeli offensive began more than 2 weeks ago, half of them civilians.

Backed by helicopters, Israeli troops and tanks pushed into eastern and southern parts of Gaza City. They were confronted by Hamas fighters, who fired anti-armor missiles and mortar bombs at them.

A heavy ground battle took place in the Sheikh Ajleen neighborhood before dawn on Sunday and continued into the morning.

Gunfire subsided in the early afternoon, with the Israelis taking control of the outskirts of the neighborhood.

According to Gaza health officials, at least 38 Palestinians were killed during Sunday's fighting.

Israel says it's ready to launch what it calls a third stage of their offensive,in which group troops will push further into Gaza.