[R-G] Israel Begins Ground Invasion of Gaza

[Yoshie Furuhashi]

<http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2009-01/04/content_10598592.htm>
Israel confirms its army begins ground operation in Gaza
www.chinaview.cn 2009-01-04 02:40:29

JERUSALEM, Jan. 3 (Xinhua) -- The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Saturday
evening began its ground operation in the Hamas-ruled Gaza Strip, an
IDF spokesman told Xinhua.

The Cast Lead operation starting last Saturday is now entering its
second stage, said the spokesman, adding that the purpose of operation
is to destroy "terror infrastructure of Hamas".

IDF troops has now entered Gaza, he said, adding that the operation
will last as long as necessary.