Israel delays ground invasion of northern Gaza

Israel has delayed a ground invasion of the northern Gaza Strip, security officials said today.

Israel invaded southern Gaza yesterday to try to win the release of a captured Israeli soldier.

It has signalled it would broaden the campaign soon to include the north, massing forces along the border.

At a meeting of security officials today, Defence Minister Amir Peretz said significant diplomatic developments were possible but did not indicate whether there had been a breakthrough, the officials said.