Israel is pressing deeper into the Gaza Strip with tanks and soldiers as its ground offensive expands. With strikes pounding Gaza, Israeli forces entered the edge of Gaza City, reaching a main highway that connects north and south in the densely populated Palestinian enclave. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stridently rejected calls for a cease-fire with Hamas. “This is a time for war,” he said. Responding to criticism of his leadership and his position on Israeli hostages taken by the militants in the Oct. 7 attacks, Netanyahu said fighting Hamas in Gaza is the best way to free the hostages.