Israel continues its Gaza offensive as international pressure for a ceasefire mounts - je 05.01.2009 08

Israeli forces are pressing on with a combined air, sea and ground assault against Hamas militants in the Gaza strip. Troops have taken control of several areas from which militants had been firing rockets into Israel. More than 520 Palestinians have been killed since the operation began nine days ago. One Israeli soldier was killed in fighting on Sunday, other Israelis have died in rocket fire. French President Nicolas Sarkozy is travelling to the region today for talks, as Europe takes the lead in trying to promote a diplomatic solution. So far Israel has resisted calls for a truce. Before leaving Sarkozy condemned the Israeli offensive for making it difficult to get aid to people in Gaza.