The fighting has reportedly killed nearly 1,000 Gazans and 13 Israelis

Israel is continuing its military drive into Gaza as UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon heads to Cairo in an effort to secure an end to 19 days of fighting.

Mr Ban is scheduled to meet Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak as part of the most intensive diplomatic effort yet to end Israel's battle with Hamas.

He will then visit Israel and the West Bank as well as other regional powers.

Israeli troops have entered Gaza City's suburbs and are engaging Hamas fighters on the streets in heavy gunfights.

Frightened residents of a heavily populated Gaza City neighbourhood ran for cover on Tuesday as Israeli special forces backed by tanks advanced several hundred metres into several areas hunting for militants.

Mr Ban comes with a simple message, says the BBC's Laura Trevelyan who is travelling with the UN chief: the fighting must stop, too many people have died.

Pressure on Hamas

In his meetings with Palestinian and Israeli leaders, as well as senior politicians in Egypt, Jordan, Syria, Lebanon and Turkey, Mr Ban has said he will be encouraging initiatives to open border crossings and provide humanitarian aid to Gaza.

GAZA CRISIS BACKGROUND

But the UN chief is not scheduled to meet representatives of Hamas - which controls the Gaza Strip - and it is not clear whether he will go to Gaza itself during his week-long trip.

Mr Mubarak has already held talks with Saudi King Abdullah amid reports Cairo is putting increasing pressure on Hamas leaders to accept a truce proposal.

One idea being floated, says our correspondent, is for Turkish troops to be deployed along Egypt's border with the Gaza Strip to prevent the smuggling of weapons.

Hamas spokesman Sami Abu Zuhri has said any ceasefire agreement would have to entail a halt to Israeli attacks, a complete withdrawal of Israeli forces and the opening of border crossings to end the blockade of Gaza.


Source: BBC News