Hostages in mind, Israel moves slowly in Gaza ground offensive

Troops freed an Israeli soldier from Hamas captivity during the ground operation in Gaza, the military said on Monday. An Israeli military spokesperson declined to comment on details of the offensive, citing sensitivity with the issue. Saying any lull in fighting would benefit Hamas, Israel rejected the calls, in the first public split between Israel and its allies since Oct. 7. ENCIRCLING GAZA CITYAfter amassing hundreds of thousands of soldiers, including reservists, on its border with Gaza, Israel made the first sustained ground incursions of the offensive on Friday. Israeli military forces are aware of the dangers with heavily built up areas in Gaza and the dangers of sending in broad forces.