Israeli forces push deeper into Gaza City as Hamas warns that escalation threatens cease-fire talks

Associated Press

DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — Israeli forces are advancing deeper into the Gaza Strip’s largest city in pursuit of militants who have regrouped there. Hamas warned that the latest raids and displacement in Gaza City could lead to the collapse of long-running negotiations over a cease-fire and hostage release. The two sides had appeared to have narrowed the gaps in recent days. The incursion into Gaza City came after Israel and Hamas appeared to draw closer to bridging gaps in negotiations. Israeli troops are again battling militants in areas that the army said had been largely cleared months ago in northern Gaza. The military ordered evacuations ahead of the raids, but Palestinians say nowhere feels safe.