Israel mounts fiercest attacks so far in Gaza

Southern city Khan Younis encircled in bloody new phase of 2-month conflict

GAZA STRIP — Israeli forces were encircling southern Gaza's main city on Wednesday, battling Hamas militants through streets and buildings in the most intense combat of the two-month conflict.

The focus of the conflict has shifted into the besieged territory's south following fierce fighting and bombardment that reduced much of the north to rubble and forced nearly 2 million people to flee their homes.

Israeli tanks, armored personnel carriers and bulldozers were seen near Khan Younis, forcing already displaced civilians to pack up and flee again, witnesses said.