Israel Races to Root Out Hamas as Calls for Gaza Cease-Fire Mount

In a little over a week, Israeli ground forces have fought their way into northern Gaza’s urban areas with a speed that has surprised even their own commanders. As they move closer to the center of Gaza City, Israeli troops are encountering dug-in Hamas fighters in larger numbers who attack and then pull back or disappear underground, slowing the Israeli advance, soldiers and current and former officials say. “The further we went in, the harder the battle became,” said an Israeli captain who led a reservist tank unit into northern Gaza in the initial days of the invasion and fought into the heart of the city.