As a new round of Israeli-Palestinian fighting entered its third day, the Israeli military said it had regained control of towns in the south of the country from Hamas, but it also said militants from the Islamic extremist group were continuing to cross the border from Gaza.
More than 48 hours after Hamas militants launched a devastating attack from Gaza, the Israeli military says fighting for towns in southern Israel has largely stopped. The United States has designated Hamas a terrorist organization.
However, Israeli forces are using aircraft and tanks to flush out the remaining militants still holed up there or prevent other Hamas fighters from entering Israel through gaps in the 40-mile barrier that encircles Gaza.
"There is no fighting in these towns right now," army spokesman Daniel Hagari said Monday. There were clashes in at least four different neighborhoods that lasted several hours. "There may still be terrorists in the area," Hagari said.
Hamas militants stormed into southern Israel in a surprise attack early on Saturday, opening gaps in the barrier. About 1,000 Palestinians from Gaza attacked by land, sea and air, initially pushing more than 20 miles into Israel and overrunning four military bases. They have killed hundreds of civilians and soldiers and taken dozens back to Gaza as hostages.