Fourteen Soldiers Killed In Gaza Strip Combat

TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) — The Israeli military says 14 soldiers have been killed in combat in the Gaza Strip over the weekend. It was some of the bloodiest days of battle since the start of Israel’s ground offensive in late October and a sign that Hamas is still putting up a fight. The mounting death toll among troops announced Sunday is likely to play an important factor in Israeli public support for the war and the country’s stated goals of crushing Hamas and releasing the remaining hostages. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told a Cabinet meeting, “The war exacts a very heavy price from us but we have no choice but to continue fighting.” The head of the U.N. refugee agency reiterated calls for a cease-fire.