Israeli Ground Forces Cross Border Into Gaza Strip - 4th Jan 2009 6:18am
Thousands of Israeli troops backed by columns of tanks and helicopter gunships launched a ground offensive in Gaza on Saturday night, with officials saying they expected a lengthy fight in the densely populated territory after eight days of punishing airstrikes failed to halt militant rocket attacks on Israel.
Israeli defense officials said that an estimated 30 Hamas militants had been killed in the incursion so far, though precise numbers are hard to pin down.
Israeli leaders said the operation, known as Cast Lead, was meant to quell militant rocket and mortar fire on southern Israel.
The United Nations, meanwhile, scheduled emergency consultations Saturday night on the escalation, but the United States blocked approval of a statement calling for an immediate cease-fire in the Gaza Strip and southern Israel.
"We are not war hungry, but we shall not ... allow a situation where our towns, villages and civilians are constantly targeted by Hamas," Defense Minister Ehud Barak said. "It will not be easy or short, but we are determined."
Barak described Israel as "peace seekers."
"We have restrained ourselves for a long time but now is the time to do what needs to be done," he said.
Israeli defense officials said that an estimated 30 Hamas militants had been killed in the incursion so far, though precise numbers are hard to pin down.
Israeli leaders said the operation, known as Cast Lead, was meant to quell militant rocket and mortar fire on southern Israel.
The United Nations, meanwhile, scheduled emergency consultations Saturday night on the escalation, but the United States blocked approval of a statement calling for an immediate cease-fire in the Gaza Strip and southern Israel.
"We are not war hungry, but we shall not ... allow a situation where our towns, villages and civilians are constantly targeted by Hamas," Defense Minister Ehud Barak said. "It will not be easy or short, but we are determined."
Barak described Israel as "peace seekers."
"We have restrained ourselves for a long time but now is the time to do what needs to be done," he said.