Hamas in Gaza declares victory over Israel "close"

GAZA (Reuters) - Hamas leaders in the Gaza Strip declared victory to be "closer than ever" on Monday despite a 17-day Israeli offensive that has crippled the territory and killed more than 900 Palestinians.

In a statement distributed to news organizations, the Hamas cabinet said it continued to function as a government and condemned Israel for its "reoccupation" of Gaza, saying the invading forces would soon be repelled.

"We confirm to our people that victory is closer than ever," the statement read.

"We confirm out intention to continue to work to stop the terrorists' war against our people, end the siege completely and bring about a reopening of the crossings."

Israel launched its offensive on December 27 saying it intended to put a stop to Hamas's firing of rockets across the border into southern Israeli towns and cities.

Following several days of aerial bombardment, Israeli troops and tanks launched a ground offensive, moving in on the major population centers, including the city of Gaza.

More than 900 Palestinians, including some top Hamas commanders, have been killed in the assault, according to Palestinian medics and the Islamist movement.

Hamas, which came to power in Gaza after elections in 2006 and subsequently seized control of the territory of 1.5 million people, said it would remain steadfast.

(Reporting by Nidal al-Mughrabi; Editing by Giles Elgood)