KHAN YOUNIS, Gaza Strip (AP) — Israeli strikes pounded Gaza City overnight as ground forces battled Hamas militants in dense urban neighborhoods from which tens of thousands have fled in recent days. Israel has been vague on troop movements, but officials say Gaza’s largest city is the focus of their campaign to crush Hamas’ military and governing capabilities following its deadly Oct. 7 assault inside Israel. Officials told The Associated Press that international mediators are closing in on a possible deal for a three-day humanitarian cease-fire in exchange for the release of around a dozen of the estimated 240 hostages captured by Hamas.