Israel enters new phase of offensive

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

Israel says its military has begun sending reserve units into the Gaza Strip.

The move is widely seen to indicate that Israel is entering a new phase of its 16-day offensive.

Israeli reserve soldiers participate in a training session simulating urban warfare in preparations for combat missions in the Gaza Strip,at the Zeelim army base, southern Israel, Sunday, Jan. 11, 2009. (AP Photo/Sebastian Scheiner)

Earlier on Sunday, reserve forces were filmed training in a mock-village at an army base in the south of the country.

Officials say the next phase of the operation will require the use of thousands of reserve forces currently amassed at the border with Gaza, and they're waiting for approval from the government.

Meanwhile, the military dropped leaflets over the southern Gaza town of Rafah on Sunday, warning residents of the planned escalation of its assault.

Editor:Zhang Pengfei