Israel continues attacks on Gaza

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An Israeli official says the army also has a contingency plan for a fourth phase, which will be the full reoccupation of Gaza and the toppling of Hamas.

Backed by helicopters, Israeli troops and tanks pushed into eastern and southern parts of Gaza City.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Ehud Olmert says the Israeli military is approaching the goals set for the offensive.

Ehud Olmert, Prime Minister, said, "Israel is close to achieving the objectives it has set for itself, though this demands patience, determination, and efforts, so that the goals will be achieved in a way that will change the security reality in the south, and civilians will feel safety and stability in the long run."

Fewer rockets were fired into Israel on Sunday, but two struck Beersheba, 42 kilometers from the Gaza Strip.

So far, 13 Israelis have been killed since the military campaign began: three civilians who were hit by rocket fire, and 10 soldiers.

The Hamas leadership says it won't consider a ceasefire until Israel ends its assault and lifts its blockade

Editor:Zhang Pengfei