Israel is pressing on with its ground offensive in the Gaza Strip for a fourth day, despite fresh international calls for a ceasefire. Israeli tanks have moved into Khan Yunis, the largest city in the southern Gaza Strip, witnesses reported. The tanks, firing heavy machine guns and cannons, were supported by helicopter gunships and were being met by return fire from Hamas and other groups. The reported incursion came a day after Israeli troops and Hamas militants fought pitched battles in Gaza City, and followed a tank and helicopter night offensive which saw three Israelis killed by "friendly" fire. More than 540 Palestinians have been killed since the invasion began. /DW/

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