Efforts to secure Gaza ceasefire intensify

Top Israeli diplomats were heading for Egypt and the United States today in what appeared to be a final push toward a ceasefire to end Israel’s punishing Gaza offensive against Hamas militants.

Top Israeli diplomats were heading for Egypt and the United States today in what appeared to be a final push toward a ceasefire to end Israel’s Gaza offensive against Hamas militants.

Before dawn today, Israeli aircraft struck about 40 targets all over Gaza, according to military officials speaking on condition of anonymity because no announcement had been made.