Israel Pushes Deeper Into Gaza

JERUSALEM, Jan. 12, 2008— -- Israel's relentless assault on the Gaza Strip has entered a third week of pounding by warplanes, artillery and ground forces, as Hamas fighters hidden in strongholds deep inside densely populated urban areas have defied attempts to root them out.

Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, speaking in Ashkelon today, showed no signs of putting an end to the war in Gaza until Hamas concedes to Israeli conditions for a cease-fire.

"Anything else will be met with the Israeli people's iron fist," Olmert said. "We will continue to strike with full strength, with full force until there is quiet and rearmament stops."

Israel Defense Forces attacked dozens of new Hamas targets across the territory overnight. Another humanitarian cease-fire was observed by Israeli troops between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. today to allow embattled Palestinians to leave their homes and stock up on food and seek medical treatment. But even during the cease-fire the Israelis say Hamas militants continued firing rockets into southern Israel. At least 20 Palestinians died today -- according to Gaza health officials -- some from earlier wounds.

According to Israeli police, at least 15 rockets have been fired from the Gaza Strip, one of which directly hit a home in the city of Ashkelon, 10 miles from the border. There were no casualties.

Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh today told militants that their bloodshed "will not go to waste," speaking on Hamas Al Aqsa television, according to The Associated Press.

"As we are in the middle of this crisis, we tell our people we, God willing, are closer to victory. All the blood that is being shed will not go to waste," Haniyeh said. However, he said Hamas was also pursuing diplomatic efforts to end the conflict.

Haniyeh said that Israel must withdraw from Gaza and open border crossings before Hamas would agree to any cease-fire.

Tony Blair, the international Mideast envoy and former British prime minister, is working with Egypt to negotiate a truce. He said "the elements of an agreement" for a cease-fire in Gaza are in place, but both sides have so far failed to agree on terms.