Israeli Troops Surround Gaza City

DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — Israeli troops have surrounded Gaza City and cut off the northern part of the besieged Hamas-ruled territory as communications lost overnight for several hours were gradually being restored. Troops are expected to enter the city Monday or Tuesday, and are likely to face militants fighting street by street using a vast network of tunnels. Casualties will likely rise on both sides in the month-old war, which has already killed more than 9,700 Palestinians. Israel has rejected U.S. suggestions for a pause in fighting to facilitate humanitarian aid deliveries and the release of some of the estimated 240 captives seized by Hamas in the raid that started the war one month ago.