Israel deepens its operation in Gaza City in pursuit of militants. Thousands flee again

Israeli forces have deepened an operation in the Gaza Strip’s largest city. The military says it is meant to weed out militants. Thousands of Palestinians are fleeing an area that was ravaged in the early weeks of the nine-month-long war. The incursion into the eastern part of Gaza City expands Israel’s engagement in the north. Israel said it had seized control of the area months ago. But there have been pockets of militant resurgence. The fighting comes as Israel and Hamas appear to be the closest they have been in months to agreeing to a cease-fire deal. But obstacles remain.