'Optimism' despite more strikes
Updated on 12 January 2009
The Israeli defence force says it has hit 25 targets throughout the Gaza Strip, including further strikes in the centre of Gaza city.
Israeli troops are at the very edge of Gaza city, the most populous area in the region, as their offensive continues.
According to Palestinian doctors on the ground, more than 900 people have been killed in the operation so far.
Troops are pushing into the north and east, looking to surround the city, where they are facing resistance from Hamas fighters.
With heavy fighting reported, Palestinians have begun to flee from the town of Rafa, as the Israelis dropped bunker buster bombs along the "Philadelphia route", targeting the complex of tunnels under the road that links Egypt and Gaza.
Despite this onslaught, Middle East peace envoy Tony Blair has said he is optimistic about a ceasefire.
