ALERT Main Israel/Hamas/Gaza Thread
- Thread starter Lilbitsnana
- Start date
Lilbitsnana
On TB every waking moment
Doug Pologe @DougPologe · 3m
The Israeli airstrikes in Gaza continue. Just extrapolating from earlier unverified reports, 100 targets must have been hit by now.
Doug Pologe @DougPologe · 28m
What could have caused such an explosion? "Israeli airstrike at Al Nusairat camp in the middle of the Gaza Strip" https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=596801350440451 …
pic at link
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=596801350440451
The Israeli airstrikes in Gaza continue. Just extrapolating from earlier unverified reports, 100 targets must have been hit by now.
Doug Pologe @DougPologe · 28m
What could have caused such an explosion? "Israeli airstrike at Al Nusairat camp in the middle of the Gaza Strip" https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=596801350440451 …
pic at link
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=596801350440451
Lilbitsnana
On TB every waking moment
Hamas and the Pali's don't call Israeli residents to give a heads up.......
blue meteorite @bluemeteorite1 · 1h
IDF carried out attacks on Gaza militants' homes tonight, after making calls to residents to leave immediately - via @tallevram
blue meteorite @bluemeteorite1 · 1h
IDF carried out attacks on Gaza militants' homes tonight, after making calls to residents to leave immediately - via @tallevram
For links see article source.....
Posted for fair use.....
http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/jul/08/israel-steps-up-gaza-offensive-possible-ground-invasion
Israel steps up Gaza offensive and prepares for possible ground invasion
Army source says 'we are entering a long operation' as country responds to sustained rocket attacks and teenagers' murder
Peter Beaumont in Jerusalem
theguardian.com, Tuesday 8 July 2014 04.18 EDT
Israeli airstrikes on Gaza
Palestinians inspect ruins in Khan Yunis after the Israeli airstrikes against Gaza on 8 July 2014. Photograph: Anadolu Agency/Getty Images
Israel has launched what it described as an open-ended and escalating offensive against the Hamas-ruled Gaza Strip, as air strikes and naval gunfire hit 50 sites overnight.
As part of a new offensive dubbed "Operation Protective Edge", Israeli troops have been mobilised along the Gaza border and a limited number of reserves called up for a possible ground invasion.
The strikes came after Israeli army sources said troops were being put on notice of "preparation for escalation".
Rocket attacks from Gaza – initially from Islamic factions other than Hamas – have been increasing in recent weeks against the backdrop of a major Israeli operation against Hamas on the West Bank following the kidnapping and murder of three teenagers whose bodies were found last week.
Air strikes by Israel, both following the discovery of the bodies and in response to rocket fire, have escalated in recent days despite assessments by analysts in Gaza and Israel that neither Hamas nor Israel wants a prolonged or bloody conflict.
Despite the continuing rocket fire, Israel's prime minister, Binyanim Netanyahu, had shown a marked reluctance to be drawn into a military operation, offering Hamas "quiet for quiet" despite increasing political pressure from hardliners in his cabinet.
The Israeli foreign minister, Avigdor Lieberman, on Monday formally announced his party was leaving the Netanyahu coalition over the Gaza issue.
But despite this alleged government reluctance, the army has reportedly been ordered to prepare a significant expansion of its operation.
"We are entering into a long operation," a senior IDF source said. "We are only at the start. Patience is required. We are preparing further steps and a gradual expansion of our order of battle."
Nearly 300 rockets and mortars have been fired at Israel in recent weeks, including 80 projectiles on Monday alone, the Israeli army said. Israel has responded with dozens of air strikes in which eight Palestinian militants were killed on Monday, seven of them in a tunnel in an incident Israel claims occurred when Hamas members accidentally detonated their own explosives.
In a comment piece in Yediot Ahronot, Israeli journalist Alex Fishman suggested: "As far as it is concerned, Hamas' going ballistic over Israel will position it anew as a relevant player in the region and relieve it from its political and economic troubles. The leaders of Hamas are no longer discussing a ceasefire. They are trying to ride the wave of violence by Israeli Arabs and Palestinians in the West Bank with the purpose of garnering the support of the entire Palestinian public. And the solution for hitting Hamas without paying a price has not yet been invented, whether in the Israeli home front or in the international arena."
Israeli army spokesman Lt Col Peter Lerner said: "They [Hamas] chose the direction of escalation. So the mission will go on as long as we feel it is necessary to carry it out. We don't expect it to be a short mission on our behalf."
Some analysts have suggested Hamas has been actively seeking to draw Israel into a ground conflict in Gaza.
As Operation Protective Edge launched, sirens sounded over large areas of Israel's south and air raid shelters were opened.
Among 50 sites the army said it targeted early on Tuesday were four houses belonging to militants, three militant compounds, 18 concealed rocket launchers, and other militant infrastructure sites. Most were targeted in air strikes, and three were attacked from the sea.
Gaza health official Ashraf Al-Kedra said at least nine Palestinian civilians were brought to a Gaza hospital with light to moderate injuries, including several suffering from shock. He said some of the injured Palestinians were treated and released.
Lerner said the army would gradually increase its attacks on Hamas in Gaza, and is recruiting additional reservists for a potential ground invasion.
Hamas has amassed about 10,000 rockets, including longer range missiles that can reach "up to Tel Aviv and beyond", Lerner said, adding that Israel was preparing for the possibility that Hamas would launch rockets towards the city's commercial and cultural hub.
Posted for fair use.....
http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/jul/08/israel-steps-up-gaza-offensive-possible-ground-invasion
Israel steps up Gaza offensive and prepares for possible ground invasion
Army source says 'we are entering a long operation' as country responds to sustained rocket attacks and teenagers' murder
Peter Beaumont in Jerusalem
theguardian.com, Tuesday 8 July 2014 04.18 EDT
Israeli airstrikes on Gaza
Palestinians inspect ruins in Khan Yunis after the Israeli airstrikes against Gaza on 8 July 2014. Photograph: Anadolu Agency/Getty Images
Israel has launched what it described as an open-ended and escalating offensive against the Hamas-ruled Gaza Strip, as air strikes and naval gunfire hit 50 sites overnight.
As part of a new offensive dubbed "Operation Protective Edge", Israeli troops have been mobilised along the Gaza border and a limited number of reserves called up for a possible ground invasion.
The strikes came after Israeli army sources said troops were being put on notice of "preparation for escalation".
Rocket attacks from Gaza – initially from Islamic factions other than Hamas – have been increasing in recent weeks against the backdrop of a major Israeli operation against Hamas on the West Bank following the kidnapping and murder of three teenagers whose bodies were found last week.
Air strikes by Israel, both following the discovery of the bodies and in response to rocket fire, have escalated in recent days despite assessments by analysts in Gaza and Israel that neither Hamas nor Israel wants a prolonged or bloody conflict.
Despite the continuing rocket fire, Israel's prime minister, Binyanim Netanyahu, had shown a marked reluctance to be drawn into a military operation, offering Hamas "quiet for quiet" despite increasing political pressure from hardliners in his cabinet.
The Israeli foreign minister, Avigdor Lieberman, on Monday formally announced his party was leaving the Netanyahu coalition over the Gaza issue.
But despite this alleged government reluctance, the army has reportedly been ordered to prepare a significant expansion of its operation.
"We are entering into a long operation," a senior IDF source said. "We are only at the start. Patience is required. We are preparing further steps and a gradual expansion of our order of battle."
Nearly 300 rockets and mortars have been fired at Israel in recent weeks, including 80 projectiles on Monday alone, the Israeli army said. Israel has responded with dozens of air strikes in which eight Palestinian militants were killed on Monday, seven of them in a tunnel in an incident Israel claims occurred when Hamas members accidentally detonated their own explosives.
In a comment piece in Yediot Ahronot, Israeli journalist Alex Fishman suggested: "As far as it is concerned, Hamas' going ballistic over Israel will position it anew as a relevant player in the region and relieve it from its political and economic troubles. The leaders of Hamas are no longer discussing a ceasefire. They are trying to ride the wave of violence by Israeli Arabs and Palestinians in the West Bank with the purpose of garnering the support of the entire Palestinian public. And the solution for hitting Hamas without paying a price has not yet been invented, whether in the Israeli home front or in the international arena."
Israeli army spokesman Lt Col Peter Lerner said: "They [Hamas] chose the direction of escalation. So the mission will go on as long as we feel it is necessary to carry it out. We don't expect it to be a short mission on our behalf."
Some analysts have suggested Hamas has been actively seeking to draw Israel into a ground conflict in Gaza.
As Operation Protective Edge launched, sirens sounded over large areas of Israel's south and air raid shelters were opened.
Among 50 sites the army said it targeted early on Tuesday were four houses belonging to militants, three militant compounds, 18 concealed rocket launchers, and other militant infrastructure sites. Most were targeted in air strikes, and three were attacked from the sea.
Gaza health official Ashraf Al-Kedra said at least nine Palestinian civilians were brought to a Gaza hospital with light to moderate injuries, including several suffering from shock. He said some of the injured Palestinians were treated and released.
Lerner said the army would gradually increase its attacks on Hamas in Gaza, and is recruiting additional reservists for a potential ground invasion.
Hamas has amassed about 10,000 rockets, including longer range missiles that can reach "up to Tel Aviv and beyond", Lerner said, adding that Israel was preparing for the possibility that Hamas would launch rockets towards the city's commercial and cultural hub.
For links see article source.....
Posted for fair use.....
http://www.cnn.com/2014/07/08/world/meast/mideast-tensions/
Israel prepared to expand operation against Hamas in Gaza
By Diana Magnay and Ed Payne, CNN
updated 4:46 AM EDT, Tue July 8, 2014
Video
Jerusalem (CNN) -- An Israeli security operation against the militant group Hamas "will probably not end within several days," Defense Minister Moshe Ya'alon said Tuesday.
The development appeared to confirm fears that the conflict would continue to escalate.
"We will not tolerate rocket fire and we are prepared to expand the operation and to exact a heavy toll on Hamas," he said.
Overnight, Israel ramped up its airstrikes on Hamas in Gaza.
The Israeli military's Operation Protective Edge against Hamas has entered a "substantial phase," with airstrikes hitting around 50 targets, including militant houses and military compounds, Israeli military spokesman Lt. Col. Peter Lerner told CNN.
"We are determined to restore a state of security," he said.
Hamas security sources reported at least 60 Israeli airstrikes across Gaza, including from F-16s, Apache helicopters and drones. At least 18 people were wounded, according to Ashraf Al-Qidra, a spokesman for the Ministry of Health in Gaza.
Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas called on Israel to immediately stop its strikes, warning the operation would drag the region into instability.
Abbas said a truce was needed to "spare the innocent from mass destruction."
The two sides have been trading fire over Gaza's border with southern Israel as tensions spiral upward in the region.
The Israeli military has already called up several hundred reservists and is planning to recruit many more to strengthen its positions around Gaza "with a view to possible ground maneuvers," Lerner said Tuesday.
During the last offensive on Gaza in November 2012, 30,000 reservists were called up.
Long-range threat
Over the past day, 80 rockets were fired from Gaza into Israel, Lerner said, adding that Israel is prepared for the possible threat of long-range rocket fire.
Hamas' arsenal is estimated to have 10,000 rockets of varying ranges, according to Lerner, including some that can reach as far as north as Tel Aviv and beyond.
"They have substantial armaments which can strike the soft underbelly of Israel," he said.
Israel says the aim of its offensive is to strike Hamas in Gaza and stop rocket fire into Israel that threatens civilians.
"It's an unacceptable situation," Lerner said. "We're not willing just to let it go by and we have to operate in order to protect them."
Lerner said at an earlier news briefing that the Israel Defense Forces' position had changed from focusing on deescalation to preparing for a deterioration of the situation.
'Red lines' crossed
The conflict between the two sides has worsened in the past few days.
Israeli strikes on Gaza during Sunday night into Monday killed eight Palestinian militants and wounded at least 15 people, according to the Health Ministry in Gaza.
"The enemy has crossed the red lines and will be made to pay the price for its crimes," Mushir Al-Masri, a Hamas leadership figure and member of the Palestinian parliament, wrote on his Facebook page Monday. "The blood of our martyrs is precious ... and is fuel for the intifada and the resistance."
After that statement, the barrage of rockets from Gaza into Israel increased, with Hamas claiming responsibility.
Political strains
The conflict is creating strains within the governing coalition of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman, head of Yisrael Beiteinu party, said in a press conference Monday that he told Netanyahu of his intention to dissolve his party's joint faction with Netanyahu's Likud party, saying it was "not working."
Lieberman criticized Netanyahu's handling of Gaza.
Tensions are also increasing between Hamas, which controls Gaza, and the more moderate Palestinian Authority in the West Bank.
Killings of teenagers
The Gaza situation has deteriorated amid anger over the kidnappings and killings of Israeli and Palestinian teenagers.
The bodies of three Israeli teenagers, who had been missing for nearly three weeks, were found last week in a field in the West Bank. The Israeli government blamed Hamas for their deaths. The militant group had praised the kidnappings but denied it was responsible.
Two days after the Israelis' bodies were discovered, a Palestinian teenager, Mohammed Abu Khedair, was abducted near his home in east Jerusalem. His charred body was later found in a forest.
Israeli police have said there is a "strong indication" the Palestinian teenager's killers may have been motivated by a desire for revenge.
Suspects questioned
His death, condemned by leaders from both sides, sparked clashes between Palestinian youths and Israeli security forces in several areas of Jerusalem.
Police have questioned six suspects about what they did "before and during the murder" Abu Khedair, Israeli police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld said Monday.
Israeli authorities announced over the weekend that a taxi driver had confessed to killing an Israeli Jewish teen in May. Shelly Dadon, 19, was kidnapped, stabbed to death and left in an abandoned parking lot. The suspect's motivation was believed to be Palestinian nationalism, police said.
Posted for fair use.....
http://www.cnn.com/2014/07/08/world/meast/mideast-tensions/
Israel prepared to expand operation against Hamas in Gaza
By Diana Magnay and Ed Payne, CNN
updated 4:46 AM EDT, Tue July 8, 2014
Video
Jerusalem (CNN) -- An Israeli security operation against the militant group Hamas "will probably not end within several days," Defense Minister Moshe Ya'alon said Tuesday.
The development appeared to confirm fears that the conflict would continue to escalate.
"We will not tolerate rocket fire and we are prepared to expand the operation and to exact a heavy toll on Hamas," he said.
Overnight, Israel ramped up its airstrikes on Hamas in Gaza.
The Israeli military's Operation Protective Edge against Hamas has entered a "substantial phase," with airstrikes hitting around 50 targets, including militant houses and military compounds, Israeli military spokesman Lt. Col. Peter Lerner told CNN.
"We are determined to restore a state of security," he said.
Hamas security sources reported at least 60 Israeli airstrikes across Gaza, including from F-16s, Apache helicopters and drones. At least 18 people were wounded, according to Ashraf Al-Qidra, a spokesman for the Ministry of Health in Gaza.
Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas called on Israel to immediately stop its strikes, warning the operation would drag the region into instability.
Abbas said a truce was needed to "spare the innocent from mass destruction."
The two sides have been trading fire over Gaza's border with southern Israel as tensions spiral upward in the region.
The Israeli military has already called up several hundred reservists and is planning to recruit many more to strengthen its positions around Gaza "with a view to possible ground maneuvers," Lerner said Tuesday.
During the last offensive on Gaza in November 2012, 30,000 reservists were called up.
Long-range threat
Over the past day, 80 rockets were fired from Gaza into Israel, Lerner said, adding that Israel is prepared for the possible threat of long-range rocket fire.
Hamas' arsenal is estimated to have 10,000 rockets of varying ranges, according to Lerner, including some that can reach as far as north as Tel Aviv and beyond.
"They have substantial armaments which can strike the soft underbelly of Israel," he said.
Israel says the aim of its offensive is to strike Hamas in Gaza and stop rocket fire into Israel that threatens civilians.
"It's an unacceptable situation," Lerner said. "We're not willing just to let it go by and we have to operate in order to protect them."
Lerner said at an earlier news briefing that the Israel Defense Forces' position had changed from focusing on deescalation to preparing for a deterioration of the situation.
'Red lines' crossed
The conflict between the two sides has worsened in the past few days.
Israeli strikes on Gaza during Sunday night into Monday killed eight Palestinian militants and wounded at least 15 people, according to the Health Ministry in Gaza.
"The enemy has crossed the red lines and will be made to pay the price for its crimes," Mushir Al-Masri, a Hamas leadership figure and member of the Palestinian parliament, wrote on his Facebook page Monday. "The blood of our martyrs is precious ... and is fuel for the intifada and the resistance."
After that statement, the barrage of rockets from Gaza into Israel increased, with Hamas claiming responsibility.
Political strains
The conflict is creating strains within the governing coalition of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman, head of Yisrael Beiteinu party, said in a press conference Monday that he told Netanyahu of his intention to dissolve his party's joint faction with Netanyahu's Likud party, saying it was "not working."
Lieberman criticized Netanyahu's handling of Gaza.
Tensions are also increasing between Hamas, which controls Gaza, and the more moderate Palestinian Authority in the West Bank.
Killings of teenagers
The Gaza situation has deteriorated amid anger over the kidnappings and killings of Israeli and Palestinian teenagers.
The bodies of three Israeli teenagers, who had been missing for nearly three weeks, were found last week in a field in the West Bank. The Israeli government blamed Hamas for their deaths. The militant group had praised the kidnappings but denied it was responsible.
Two days after the Israelis' bodies were discovered, a Palestinian teenager, Mohammed Abu Khedair, was abducted near his home in east Jerusalem. His charred body was later found in a forest.
Israeli police have said there is a "strong indication" the Palestinian teenager's killers may have been motivated by a desire for revenge.
Suspects questioned
His death, condemned by leaders from both sides, sparked clashes between Palestinian youths and Israeli security forces in several areas of Jerusalem.
Police have questioned six suspects about what they did "before and during the murder" Abu Khedair, Israeli police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld said Monday.
Israeli authorities announced over the weekend that a taxi driver had confessed to killing an Israeli Jewish teen in May. Shelly Dadon, 19, was kidnapped, stabbed to death and left in an abandoned parking lot. The suspect's motivation was believed to be Palestinian nationalism, police said.
For links see article source.....
Posted for fair use.....
http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/1.603677
LIVE UPDATES: Netanyahu instructs IDF to 'take off gloves' in fight against Hamas
IAF strikes 50 targets in Gaza Strip as rocket fire on Israel's south continues.
By Haaretz | Jul. 8, 2014 | 12:10 PM | 18 Comments
Israel launched a series of airstrikes on Gaza militants early on Tuesday, dubbing the offensive "Operation Protective Edge." More than 50 targets were hit in the offensive.
Meanwhile, rocket fire on Israel's south continued. According to the IDF, eight projectiles were launched between 2 and 6 A.M.
Militants in Gaza fired more than 85 rockets toward Israel on Monday evening, with Hamas openly claiming responsibility for some of the launches for the first time since the current round of fighting began. The rockets hit several major cities in the south and, also for the first time in the current fighting, caused alarms to go off in central Israel and Jerusalem. The barrages lightly wounded two Israelis and caused property damage.
The Israel Defense Forces called up 1,500 infantry and Border Police reservists in preparation for further escalation, after the security cabinet decided on Monday afternoon to intensify attacks against Hamas and other terrorist groups in the Gaza Strip. A senior official said the ministers want to refrain from a large-scale military operation for now, but they instructed the army to prepare for significant expansion of its current operations.
Palestinian officials said Gaza was bracing for further Israeli attacks. They said Hamas had evacuated likely targets and its leaders had gone underground lest Israel attempt to assassinate them. Hamas also issued a statement on Monday night demanding that the Palestinian Authority take action against Israel, saying “national unity sometimes requires paying a price.”
Click here for Monday's live blog.
Latest updates:
12:24 P.M. President Elect Reuven Rivlin says in southern town of Sderot: "It's impossible that people are sitting in cafes and restaurants in Tel Aviv and in Jerusalem, while in Sderot people are sitting in bomb shelters. We're at war with Hamas because they declared war on us. Hamas want to bring the state of Israel to an end, and make life in Israel impossible, and we have to handle that. We have to fight back to ensure the safety of Israeli citizens. It's not our right, but our duty." (Shirly Seidler)
12:16 P.M. Iron Dome intercepts two rockets above Sdot Negev. At the same time, Israel Railways stops train traffic between Ashkelon and Ashdod due to rockets. (Shirly Seidler)
12:10 P.M. IDF strikes in Gaza Strip. Palestinians report eight were wounded in Israeli strikes in the center and the north of the Gaza Strip in the last hour. (Gili Cohen, Jack Khoury)
11:53 A.M. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu instructs the military to "take off gloves" in fight against Hamas. "Hamas chose escalation and it will pay a heavy price for it," Netanyahu says. (Barak Ravid)
11:28 A.M. The IDF intends to call up several thousand more reservists, in addition to the 1,500 already called up, to replace infantry and tank battalions deployed in the West Bank. These battalions will be sent to South Command ahead of a possible ground offensive in Gaza.
However, the steps taken by the IDF since last night are still relatively restrained, and Israel is so far avoiding a full-scale aerial assault against Hamas.(Amos Harel)
11:13 A.M. Police arrests 63 persons on suspicion of involvement in disruptions of order in demonstrations in Jerusalem and in the Negev in last two days. (Shirly Seidler, Nir Hasson)
10:52 A.M. Iron Dome intercepts three rockets fired at Ashdod. Soreq Nuclear Research Center near Yavne halts activity due to rocket fire. (Gili Cohen, Shirly Seidler)
10:41 A.M. Rocket explodes near house in Hof Ashkelon in southern Israel; emergency team fights fire at scene. (Shirly Seidler)
10:08 A.M. IDF strikes targets in northern Gaza Strip. At the same time, rocket sirens were sounded in Ashdod, Yavneh, and in Be'er Tuvia. Later, Iron Dome intercepted two rockets above Ashkelon and Ashdod. (Gili Cohen)
10:00 A.M. Defense Minister Moshe Ya'alon is expected to declare a "special situation" in Israeli communities located 40 kilometers away from the Gaza Strip. A short time ago Ya'alon held a discussion on the issue with Home Front Commander Brig. Gen. Eyal Eisenberg and other high ranking officials in the defense establishment.
"We're heading toward a campaign against Hamas, which will not be over after a few days," Ya'alon said at the discussion, adding that Hamas intends to exact a price from the Israeli home front. "In the last hours we've attacked with force and hit dozens of Hamas assets, and the IDF is continued with the assault, in a way which will exact a very heavy price from Hamas. We'll not tolerate rocket fire at Israel." (Gili Cohen)
8:37 A.M. Palestinians report at least 17 wounded following the IDF airstrikes in the Gaza Strip overnight. Among the wounded are nine family members from Khan Yunis who suffered light to moderate wounds when their home was bombed, and two children, a seven-year-old boy and a four-year-old girl, who were moderately wounded.
According to reports, Israel Navy Dabur class patrol boats also participated in the overnight bombings, and targeted an Izz a-Din al-Qassam base northwest of Khan Yunis. Targets in the Rafah area and in the central Strip were also attacked, and at least three youths were wounded in the central Strip, two of them moderately and one seriously. To the north of the Strip, hits were reported in open agricultural areas in Beit Hanoun and in sites northwest of Gaza City, including a Hamas base near Jabalya.
Hamas' military arm said the strikes on the homes of its top members have "crossed the red line," and that the group would attack targets at the heart of Israel. Hamas top official Musa Abu Marzouk says "attacks on civilian homes is a serious escalation," and adds that "the time when attacks on homes went without a response has passed." (Jack Khoury)
8:20 A.M. The IDF Spokesperson's Unit says the targets hit by the Israel Air Force strikes overnight include the homes of Iad Sakhik, a top Hamas operative who participated in rocket and mortar fire; Abdallah Hashash, a Hamas operative from Rafah involved in recent rocket fire; Samer Abu Daka, top Hamas member in Khan Yunis involved in terror activity; and Hassan Abdallah, top Hamas operative also involved in recent rocket fire. (Gili Cohen)
6:53 A.M. Rocket explodes in open area in Eshkol Regional Council (Shirli Seidler)
6:48 A.M. A military source said in a media briefing that Operation Protective Edge will be expanded in the coming days, and will include prepping up forces for a ground invasion of the Gaza Strip. According to him, "The operation will intensify with regards to the quality and quantity of targets the Israel Air Force is attacking in the Strip, after Hamas stepped it up yesterday. The IDF is continuing to draft forces for the Strip, and intends to draft more, even though the effort is currently concentrated on IAF strikes."
Regarding how long the operation is expected to last, the source said the army "is not committed to any end-date. This could take days and even longer. The IDF is acting in attempt to bring back the calm the south enjoyed before the operation, and there are many avenues for actions and targets, but that requires patience." (Shirly Seidler)
6:00 A.M. Israel's air force strikes 50 targets in Gaza as part of Operation Protective Edge. According to the military, more than eight rockets were fired toward Israel over the past four hours. (Gili Cohen)
4:15 A.M. A rocket fired from Gaza explodes near Kiryat Malachi. (Haaretz)
2:40 A.M. The IDF dubs the aerial offensive on Gaza "Operation Protective Edge." The airstrikes are targeting sites in the center of the Strip. (Haaretz)
1:24 A.M. The IAF strikes Gaza targets in retaliation for the rocket fire. (Gili Cohen)
12:32 A.M. Rocket alarm sounds in the Hof Ashkelon Regional Council. (Shirley Seidler)
12:08 A.M. Due to the rocket fire from Gaza, Home Front Command instructs towns within 40 kilometers of the Gaza Strip to cancel school and summer camp activity. (Haaretz)
Posted for fair use.....
http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/1.603677
LIVE UPDATES: Netanyahu instructs IDF to 'take off gloves' in fight against Hamas
IAF strikes 50 targets in Gaza Strip as rocket fire on Israel's south continues.
By Haaretz | Jul. 8, 2014 | 12:10 PM | 18 Comments
Israel launched a series of airstrikes on Gaza militants early on Tuesday, dubbing the offensive "Operation Protective Edge." More than 50 targets were hit in the offensive.
Meanwhile, rocket fire on Israel's south continued. According to the IDF, eight projectiles were launched between 2 and 6 A.M.
Militants in Gaza fired more than 85 rockets toward Israel on Monday evening, with Hamas openly claiming responsibility for some of the launches for the first time since the current round of fighting began. The rockets hit several major cities in the south and, also for the first time in the current fighting, caused alarms to go off in central Israel and Jerusalem. The barrages lightly wounded two Israelis and caused property damage.
The Israel Defense Forces called up 1,500 infantry and Border Police reservists in preparation for further escalation, after the security cabinet decided on Monday afternoon to intensify attacks against Hamas and other terrorist groups in the Gaza Strip. A senior official said the ministers want to refrain from a large-scale military operation for now, but they instructed the army to prepare for significant expansion of its current operations.
Palestinian officials said Gaza was bracing for further Israeli attacks. They said Hamas had evacuated likely targets and its leaders had gone underground lest Israel attempt to assassinate them. Hamas also issued a statement on Monday night demanding that the Palestinian Authority take action against Israel, saying “national unity sometimes requires paying a price.”
Click here for Monday's live blog.
Latest updates:
12:24 P.M. President Elect Reuven Rivlin says in southern town of Sderot: "It's impossible that people are sitting in cafes and restaurants in Tel Aviv and in Jerusalem, while in Sderot people are sitting in bomb shelters. We're at war with Hamas because they declared war on us. Hamas want to bring the state of Israel to an end, and make life in Israel impossible, and we have to handle that. We have to fight back to ensure the safety of Israeli citizens. It's not our right, but our duty." (Shirly Seidler)
12:16 P.M. Iron Dome intercepts two rockets above Sdot Negev. At the same time, Israel Railways stops train traffic between Ashkelon and Ashdod due to rockets. (Shirly Seidler)
12:10 P.M. IDF strikes in Gaza Strip. Palestinians report eight were wounded in Israeli strikes in the center and the north of the Gaza Strip in the last hour. (Gili Cohen, Jack Khoury)
11:53 A.M. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu instructs the military to "take off gloves" in fight against Hamas. "Hamas chose escalation and it will pay a heavy price for it," Netanyahu says. (Barak Ravid)
11:28 A.M. The IDF intends to call up several thousand more reservists, in addition to the 1,500 already called up, to replace infantry and tank battalions deployed in the West Bank. These battalions will be sent to South Command ahead of a possible ground offensive in Gaza.
However, the steps taken by the IDF since last night are still relatively restrained, and Israel is so far avoiding a full-scale aerial assault against Hamas.(Amos Harel)
11:13 A.M. Police arrests 63 persons on suspicion of involvement in disruptions of order in demonstrations in Jerusalem and in the Negev in last two days. (Shirly Seidler, Nir Hasson)
10:52 A.M. Iron Dome intercepts three rockets fired at Ashdod. Soreq Nuclear Research Center near Yavne halts activity due to rocket fire. (Gili Cohen, Shirly Seidler)
10:41 A.M. Rocket explodes near house in Hof Ashkelon in southern Israel; emergency team fights fire at scene. (Shirly Seidler)
10:08 A.M. IDF strikes targets in northern Gaza Strip. At the same time, rocket sirens were sounded in Ashdod, Yavneh, and in Be'er Tuvia. Later, Iron Dome intercepted two rockets above Ashkelon and Ashdod. (Gili Cohen)
10:00 A.M. Defense Minister Moshe Ya'alon is expected to declare a "special situation" in Israeli communities located 40 kilometers away from the Gaza Strip. A short time ago Ya'alon held a discussion on the issue with Home Front Commander Brig. Gen. Eyal Eisenberg and other high ranking officials in the defense establishment.
"We're heading toward a campaign against Hamas, which will not be over after a few days," Ya'alon said at the discussion, adding that Hamas intends to exact a price from the Israeli home front. "In the last hours we've attacked with force and hit dozens of Hamas assets, and the IDF is continued with the assault, in a way which will exact a very heavy price from Hamas. We'll not tolerate rocket fire at Israel." (Gili Cohen)
8:37 A.M. Palestinians report at least 17 wounded following the IDF airstrikes in the Gaza Strip overnight. Among the wounded are nine family members from Khan Yunis who suffered light to moderate wounds when their home was bombed, and two children, a seven-year-old boy and a four-year-old girl, who were moderately wounded.
According to reports, Israel Navy Dabur class patrol boats also participated in the overnight bombings, and targeted an Izz a-Din al-Qassam base northwest of Khan Yunis. Targets in the Rafah area and in the central Strip were also attacked, and at least three youths were wounded in the central Strip, two of them moderately and one seriously. To the north of the Strip, hits were reported in open agricultural areas in Beit Hanoun and in sites northwest of Gaza City, including a Hamas base near Jabalya.
Hamas' military arm said the strikes on the homes of its top members have "crossed the red line," and that the group would attack targets at the heart of Israel. Hamas top official Musa Abu Marzouk says "attacks on civilian homes is a serious escalation," and adds that "the time when attacks on homes went without a response has passed." (Jack Khoury)
8:20 A.M. The IDF Spokesperson's Unit says the targets hit by the Israel Air Force strikes overnight include the homes of Iad Sakhik, a top Hamas operative who participated in rocket and mortar fire; Abdallah Hashash, a Hamas operative from Rafah involved in recent rocket fire; Samer Abu Daka, top Hamas member in Khan Yunis involved in terror activity; and Hassan Abdallah, top Hamas operative also involved in recent rocket fire. (Gili Cohen)
6:53 A.M. Rocket explodes in open area in Eshkol Regional Council (Shirli Seidler)
6:48 A.M. A military source said in a media briefing that Operation Protective Edge will be expanded in the coming days, and will include prepping up forces for a ground invasion of the Gaza Strip. According to him, "The operation will intensify with regards to the quality and quantity of targets the Israel Air Force is attacking in the Strip, after Hamas stepped it up yesterday. The IDF is continuing to draft forces for the Strip, and intends to draft more, even though the effort is currently concentrated on IAF strikes."
Regarding how long the operation is expected to last, the source said the army "is not committed to any end-date. This could take days and even longer. The IDF is acting in attempt to bring back the calm the south enjoyed before the operation, and there are many avenues for actions and targets, but that requires patience." (Shirly Seidler)
6:00 A.M. Israel's air force strikes 50 targets in Gaza as part of Operation Protective Edge. According to the military, more than eight rockets were fired toward Israel over the past four hours. (Gili Cohen)
4:15 A.M. A rocket fired from Gaza explodes near Kiryat Malachi. (Haaretz)
2:40 A.M. The IDF dubs the aerial offensive on Gaza "Operation Protective Edge." The airstrikes are targeting sites in the center of the Strip. (Haaretz)
1:24 A.M. The IAF strikes Gaza targets in retaliation for the rocket fire. (Gili Cohen)
12:32 A.M. Rocket alarm sounds in the Hof Ashkelon Regional Council. (Shirley Seidler)
12:08 A.M. Due to the rocket fire from Gaza, Home Front Command instructs towns within 40 kilometers of the Gaza Strip to cancel school and summer camp activity. (Haaretz)
Ragnarok
On and On, South of Heaven
They do this for a reason. Gives them moral high ground when the rest of the world condemns them for killing "innocents".
Lilbitsnana
On TB every waking moment
Doug Pologe @DougPologe · 4m
The Israeli cabinet has approved the call-up of 40,000 reserve soldiers.
The Israeli cabinet has approved the call-up of 40,000 reserve soldiers.
Last edited:
Lilbitsnana
On TB every waking moment
well, imagine that...
Doug Pologe @DougPologe · 2h
BBC investigation finds that many #GazaUnderAttack images are not from the latest conflict and not even from Gaza. http://www.bbc.com/news/blogs-trending-28198622 …
Doug Pologe @DougPologe · 2h
BBC investigation finds that many #GazaUnderAttack images are not from the latest conflict and not even from Gaza. http://www.bbc.com/news/blogs-trending-28198622 …
Lilbitsnana
On TB every waking moment
a few hours ago
Rami @RamiAlLolah · 4h
The second incidence of an anti aircraft missile fired towards #IAF jets when the first one was believed to be a rumor!!!! #Israel #Gaza
Rami @RamiAlLolah · 4h
#Israel Radio: For first time; movments of #Hezbollah fighters with their guns and armored vehicles along the dividing line on north borders
Rami @RamiAlLolah · 4h
Reports an anti aircraft missile wasfired at #IAF aircraft over #Gaza; no hit! #Israel #Palestine
Rami @RamiAlLolah · 4h
The second incidence of an anti aircraft missile fired towards #IAF jets when the first one was believed to be a rumor!!!! #Israel #Gaza
Rami @RamiAlLolah · 4h
#Israel Radio: For first time; movments of #Hezbollah fighters with their guns and armored vehicles along the dividing line on north borders
Rami @RamiAlLolah · 4h
Reports an anti aircraft missile wasfired at #IAF aircraft over #Gaza; no hit! #Israel #Palestine
TheSearcher
Are you sure about that?
They do this for a reason. Gives them moral high ground when the rest of the world condemns them for killing "innocents".
Oh, I know. It is just irritating that their enemy hides behind their women and children while they lob missiles over into Israel, and the Israeli government feels compelled to risk harm to its citizens in this way. I would hope (with rational leadership, ha!) that if, say, Mexico were to launch an attack into El Paso, we'd go in as quick as possible and obliterate the attackers. We wouldn't give them 48 hours to stop trying to kill our citizens. Damn "world opinion", protect your people.
Ragnarok
On and On, South of Heaven
Boy, do I hear ya on that!
I'm reminded of a joke about an Israeli, a German, and an American being captured by headhunters while on safari.
The headhunter says they can each have a wish before he lops of their heads.
The American wishes for a hamburger and is given time to eat it.
The German wishes for a beer and after finishing it the headhunter asks the Israeli what his wish is.
The Israeli produces a gun ( I like to think it is a Tavor-21 ) and shoots the headhunter dead.
The German and American are dumbfounded and say to the Israeli, "If you had a gun the whole time, why did you wait so long? Why didn't you just shoot him, right away?"
The Israeli replies, "What and face world condemnation for acting too quickly?"
Lilbitsnana
On TB every waking moment
Doug Pologe @DougPologe · 43m
There was an attack on a house in Khan Younis causing a number of casualties which vary by source.
Doug Pologe @DougPologe · 42m
+ An Israeli site quotes Gaza sources as saying that the house belonged to a commander in the al-Qassam Brigades, the armed wing of Hamas.
Doug Pologe @DougPologe · 31m
+ The people here are said to have gathered to "protect" the attacked house. *IF* we accept this, why this house? https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BsBXpZqCEAA1tOC.jpg …
There was an attack on a house in Khan Younis causing a number of casualties which vary by source.
Doug Pologe @DougPologe · 42m
+ An Israeli site quotes Gaza sources as saying that the house belonged to a commander in the al-Qassam Brigades, the armed wing of Hamas.
Doug Pologe @DougPologe · 31m
+ The people here are said to have gathered to "protect" the attacked house. *IF* we accept this, why this house? https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BsBXpZqCEAA1tOC.jpg …
mzkitty
I give up.
43m
At least 6 Palestinians killed, about 25 wounded in an Israeli attack on a house in the Gaza Strip, Palestinian Interior Ministry says - @haaretzcom
2h
Israel claims Hamas has fired 100 rockets at Israel overnight - @IDFSpokesperson
End of alert
34m
Photo: Explosion reported in Gaza - Instagram's marquardtabc
At least 6 Palestinians killed, about 25 wounded in an Israeli attack on a house in the Gaza Strip, Palestinian Interior Ministry says - @haaretzcom
2h
Israel claims Hamas has fired 100 rockets at Israel overnight - @IDFSpokesperson
End of alert
34m
Photo: Explosion reported in Gaza - Instagram's marquardtabc
Attachments
Lilbitsnana
On TB every waking moment
Doug Pologe @DougPologe · 34m
An Israeli security official was quoted as saying that he has no doubt that Hamas will fire rockets at the Tel Aviv region, ...
Doug Pologe @DougPologe · 34m
in order to demonstrate that they have the capability.
Doug Pologe @DougPologe · 26m
+ That quote actually referenced rockets with a range of 80 km, which would take them about 10 km north of Tel Aviv.
An Israeli security official was quoted as saying that he has no doubt that Hamas will fire rockets at the Tel Aviv region, ...
Doug Pologe @DougPologe · 34m
in order to demonstrate that they have the capability.
Doug Pologe @DougPologe · 26m
+ That quote actually referenced rockets with a range of 80 km, which would take them about 10 km north of Tel Aviv.
TheSearcher
Are you sure about that?
*groan*
Lilbitsnana
On TB every waking moment
Doug Pologe @DougPologe · 17m
Channel 10 (IL): Although a call-up of 40,000 reservists has been authorized, not all of them will immediately be put into action.
mzkitty
I give up.
7m
Update: Palestinian officials say 11 people killed by Israeli air strikes - @BBCNews
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-28206556?ocid=socialflow_twitter
Update: Palestinian officials say 11 people killed by Israeli air strikes - @BBCNews
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-28206556?ocid=socialflow_twitter
Lilbitsnana
On TB every waking moment
Doug Pologe @DougPologe · 32m
There was an Iron Dome interception over Ashkelon, otherwise the same steady stream of short-range rocket fire from Gaza continues.
Doug Pologe @DougPologe · 29m
Now there are warnings for longer range rocket fire, places like Gedera and even Rishon LeTzion.
Doug Pologe @DougPologe · 28m
Also Rehovot. Before Nov 2012 this was well out of range for Gaza rocket fire.
Doug Pologe @DougPologe · 14m
Iron Dome interception near Gedera. https://goo.gl/maps/QdxC1
Doug Pologe @DougPologe · 58m
Reshet Beit (IL): Continuous IAF attacks in Gaza since 10:30. Focus is on targeted assassinations, including residences of Hamas activists.
There was an Iron Dome interception over Ashkelon, otherwise the same steady stream of short-range rocket fire from Gaza continues.
Doug Pologe @DougPologe · 29m
Now there are warnings for longer range rocket fire, places like Gedera and even Rishon LeTzion.
Doug Pologe @DougPologe · 28m
Also Rehovot. Before Nov 2012 this was well out of range for Gaza rocket fire.
Doug Pologe @DougPologe · 14m
Iron Dome interception near Gedera. https://goo.gl/maps/QdxC1
Doug Pologe @DougPologe · 58m
Reshet Beit (IL): Continuous IAF attacks in Gaza since 10:30. Focus is on targeted assassinations, including residences of Hamas activists.
mzkitty
I give up.
IDF @IDFSpokesperson 3m
BREAKING: Rocket sirens sounding in Tel Aviv
Adam Hummel @HummelAdam 15s
#irondome just shot down a rocket over Tel Aviv. #IDF don't stop until rocket threat neutralized. Thoughts with everyone in #Israel
Matthew Vickery @MMVickery 56s
Hearing unconfirmed reports of two more deaths from airstrikes, possibly both children, in #Gaza city. #GazaUnderAttack #IDF #Palestine
BREAKING: Rocket sirens sounding in Tel Aviv
Adam Hummel @HummelAdam 15s
#irondome just shot down a rocket over Tel Aviv. #IDF don't stop until rocket threat neutralized. Thoughts with everyone in #Israel
Matthew Vickery @MMVickery 56s
Hearing unconfirmed reports of two more deaths from airstrikes, possibly both children, in #Gaza city. #GazaUnderAttack #IDF #Palestine
Possible Impact
TB Fanatic
Israel Breaking ✡ @IsraelBreaking · 12m So much happening. Sirens, explosions, closings, alerts. To much.
Israel Breaking ✡ @IsraelBreaking · 6m
URGENT: Rocket sirens going off in Tel-Aviv.
Israel Breaking ✡ @IsraelBreaking · 3m
1 to 2 rockets just fired into Tel-Aviv. Iron Dome interception of at least 1.
Israel News Feed @IsraelHatzolah · 4m BREAKING PHOTO: Long Range Rocket intercepted moments ago over Tel Aviv,
following siren alerts.
pic.twitter.com/VgQScvNXH1
mzkitty
I give up.
The Israel Link @TheIsraelink 1m
Terrorists try to break into Zikim army base from the sea. Engaged by #IDF. DEVELOPING #israelnewslink
IDF Twitter, starting to come in fast now:
https://twitter.com/search?f=realtime&q=#IDF
Terrorists try to break into Zikim army base from the sea. Engaged by #IDF. DEVELOPING #israelnewslink
IDF Twitter, starting to come in fast now:
https://twitter.com/search?f=realtime&q=#IDF
mzkitty
I give up.
See? Whine, whine, whine...........
Matthew Vickery @MMVickery 1m
Massive clashes expected tonight in the occupied #WestBank in protest at deaths in #Gaza by #Israel. #GazaUnderAttack #IDF #Palestine
Theo Spark @theospark 1m
Hamas will regret their latest rocket attacks. #IDF #IsraelUnderFire #IsraelUnderAttack
Orlando Crowcroft @ocrowcroft 1m
Everyone making nervous phone calls on the train to Ben Gurion, except for a uniformed #IDF soldier reading a book - cool as a cucumber
^^^^^^^^^^^
Matthew Vickery @MMVickery 1m
Massive clashes expected tonight in the occupied #WestBank in protest at deaths in #Gaza by #Israel. #GazaUnderAttack #IDF #Palestine
Theo Spark @theospark 1m
Hamas will regret their latest rocket attacks. #IDF #IsraelUnderFire #IsraelUnderAttack
Orlando Crowcroft @ocrowcroft 1m
Everyone making nervous phone calls on the train to Ben Gurion, except for a uniformed #IDF soldier reading a book - cool as a cucumber
^^^^^^^^^^^
Lilbitsnana
On TB every waking moment
Elijah J Magnier @EjmAlrai · 2h
#BreakingNews: #Gaza Izzeddine-al-Qassam will make an announcement within 1hour on "escalation & joining forces w other Palestinain groups".
#BreakingNews: #Gaza Izzeddine-al-Qassam will make an announcement within 1hour on "escalation & joining forces w other Palestinain groups".
Possible Impact
TB Fanatic
Israel News Feed @IsraelHatzolah · 4m
Islamic Jihad terrorist group
claims responsibility on Rocket attack towards Tel Aviv.
IDF @IDFSpokesperson · 20s
Update: #IronDome intercepted the #Hamas rocket fired at Tel Aviv
Islamic Jihad terrorist group
claims responsibility on Rocket attack towards Tel Aviv.
IDF @IDFSpokesperson · 20s
Update: #IronDome intercepted the #Hamas rocket fired at Tel Aviv
Live English language news from Tel Aviv,
http://www.i24news.tv/en/tv/live
Channel Description: i24news is an international 24-hour news and current affairs television channel based in Jaffa Port, Tel Aviv. It started broadcastin in 2013.
http://www.i24news.tv/en/tv/live
Channel Description: i24news is an international 24-hour news and current affairs television channel based in Jaffa Port, Tel Aviv. It started broadcastin in 2013.
Lilbitsnana
On TB every waking moment
Doug Pologe @DougPologe · 14m
Not confirmed: The Palestinian Islamic Jihad claimed responsibility for the rocket fired at the Tel Aviv region.
Doug Pologe @DougPologe · 13m
This was said to be an "M-75", which is produced in the Gaza Strip and based on the Iranian "Fajr-5".
Doug Pologe @DougPologe · 12m
Despite the closure on Gaza, there have been reports that components are constantly being smuggled in, from which rockets are assembled.
Latest updates:
7:33 P.M. Two armed Palestinians cross the border into Israel, near the beach of Kibbutz Zikim. A gun battle ensued in which apparently the Palestinians were shot dead by a force from the Givati Brigade. (Gili Cohen)
7:25 P.M. Palestinians report another casualty of Israeli attacks on Gaza, a 16-year-old teenager, bringing the number of casualties to 16. (Jack Khoury)
7:17 P.M. Sde Dov Air Port in Tel Aviv resumes normal activity. (Zohar Blumenkrantz)
7:05 P.M. Rocket alert sounds in central Israel, including major cities such as Tel Aviv and Rishon Letzion. Iron Dome intercepts the incoming rocket.
6:50 P.M. Sde Dov Air Port in Tel Aviv closes to outgoing air traffic. (Zohar Blumenkrantz)
6:47 P.M. Air sirens sound in the area surrounding Rehovot, as the Iron Dome intercepts a rocket fired at Gadera. (Gili Cohen)
6:42 P.M. The Palestinian government calls on the international community to immediately intervene to stop Israeli aggression. Continued aggression will drag the region into more destruction and instability. The government called on the UN to provide the Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank international protection. (Jack Khoury)
6:26 P.M. Israeli government approves call-up of up to 40,000 reserve soldiers.
6:18 P.M. Air sirens sound in Ashkelon; apparently the Iron Dome rocket difference system intercepted an incoming rocket attack. (Gili Cohen)
6:12 P.M. Municipality of Rishon Letzion opens its public bomb shelters in preparation for a possible rocket attack. (Yaniv Kubovich)
6:00 P.M. Defense Minister Moshe Ya'alon: We will not stop the operation until there is zero shooting or terrorist attacks coming out of Gaza. (Gili Cohen)
5:59 P.M. Since "Operation Protective Edge" began seven homes of Hamas members and apparently one home of an Islamic Jihad member were bombed by the Israel Air Force. Palestinians confirm that the IDF called to warn families prior to the attacks and to ask them to leave. (Jack Khoury)
5:53 P.M. Palestinians report two fatalities in an Israel Air Force attack on Sajaya, Gaza (Jack Khoury)
5:41 P.M. Eilat airport reopens to air traffic. (Zohar Blumenkrantz)
5:39 P.M.: France's foreign ministry, commenting on violence between Israeli troops and Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, urged all parties to show restraint. (Reuters)
5:36 P.M.: Israeli security officials say they believe that it is the Hamas's military leadership that is leading the escalation and the rocket fire, despite the Hamas leadership's initial opposition, and claim that it is fiscal and strategic distress that is causing them to escalate the firing of rocket s at Israel. At this stage, officials say, Israel intends to prepare for an offense against Gaza, both by air and by land. (Gili Cohen)
5:15 P.M. Israel Air Force strikes targets in the north and central Gaza. (Gili Cohen)
5:14 P.M. Eilat airport closes down due to security situation. Flights continue to operate at Ben-Gurion Airport, however there may be some delays since flights are being diverted to a northern route due to the rockets fired from Gaza. (Zohar Blumenkrantz)
http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/1.603677
7:33 P.M. Two armed Palestinians cross the border into Israel, near the beach of Kibbutz Zikim. A gun battle ensued in which apparently the Palestinians were shot dead by a force from the Givati Brigade. (Gili Cohen)
7:25 P.M. Palestinians report another casualty of Israeli attacks on Gaza, a 16-year-old teenager, bringing the number of casualties to 16. (Jack Khoury)
7:17 P.M. Sde Dov Air Port in Tel Aviv resumes normal activity. (Zohar Blumenkrantz)
7:05 P.M. Rocket alert sounds in central Israel, including major cities such as Tel Aviv and Rishon Letzion. Iron Dome intercepts the incoming rocket.
6:50 P.M. Sde Dov Air Port in Tel Aviv closes to outgoing air traffic. (Zohar Blumenkrantz)
6:47 P.M. Air sirens sound in the area surrounding Rehovot, as the Iron Dome intercepts a rocket fired at Gadera. (Gili Cohen)
6:42 P.M. The Palestinian government calls on the international community to immediately intervene to stop Israeli aggression. Continued aggression will drag the region into more destruction and instability. The government called on the UN to provide the Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank international protection. (Jack Khoury)
6:26 P.M. Israeli government approves call-up of up to 40,000 reserve soldiers.
6:18 P.M. Air sirens sound in Ashkelon; apparently the Iron Dome rocket difference system intercepted an incoming rocket attack. (Gili Cohen)
6:12 P.M. Municipality of Rishon Letzion opens its public bomb shelters in preparation for a possible rocket attack. (Yaniv Kubovich)
6:00 P.M. Defense Minister Moshe Ya'alon: We will not stop the operation until there is zero shooting or terrorist attacks coming out of Gaza. (Gili Cohen)
5:59 P.M. Since "Operation Protective Edge" began seven homes of Hamas members and apparently one home of an Islamic Jihad member were bombed by the Israel Air Force. Palestinians confirm that the IDF called to warn families prior to the attacks and to ask them to leave. (Jack Khoury)
5:53 P.M. Palestinians report two fatalities in an Israel Air Force attack on Sajaya, Gaza (Jack Khoury)
5:41 P.M. Eilat airport reopens to air traffic. (Zohar Blumenkrantz)
5:39 P.M.: France's foreign ministry, commenting on violence between Israeli troops and Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, urged all parties to show restraint. (Reuters)
5:36 P.M.: Israeli security officials say they believe that it is the Hamas's military leadership that is leading the escalation and the rocket fire, despite the Hamas leadership's initial opposition, and claim that it is fiscal and strategic distress that is causing them to escalate the firing of rocket s at Israel. At this stage, officials say, Israel intends to prepare for an offense against Gaza, both by air and by land. (Gili Cohen)
5:15 P.M. Israel Air Force strikes targets in the north and central Gaza. (Gili Cohen)
5:14 P.M. Eilat airport closes down due to security situation. Flights continue to operate at Ben-Gurion Airport, however there may be some delays since flights are being diverted to a northern route due to the rockets fired from Gaza. (Zohar Blumenkrantz)
http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/1.603677
mzkitty
I give up.
William Cardno @willcardno_09 30s
2 Hamas naval commandos killed in gunfight with #IDF in attack on zikim beach north of Gaza #OperationProtectiveEdge
Aaron I. Marcus @AaronIMarcus 5m
Can't imagine how citizens of the south deal with this on a regular basis. Thank god for #IronDome and the men and women of the #IDF.
Some nasty pro-Pal tweets on this twitter too. I won't post them.
2 Hamas naval commandos killed in gunfight with #IDF in attack on zikim beach north of Gaza #OperationProtectiveEdge
Aaron I. Marcus @AaronIMarcus 5m
Can't imagine how citizens of the south deal with this on a regular basis. Thank god for #IronDome and the men and women of the #IDF.
Some nasty pro-Pal tweets on this twitter too. I won't post them.
Possible Impact
TB Fanatic
Israel News Feed @IsraelHatzolah · 22s
Hamas terrorists scheduled a Press conference at 8:00pm.
http://www.timebie.com/timezone/easterntelaviv.php
Tel Aviv time:
Tuesday, Jul 08 2014
7:41:26 PM
Hamas terrorists scheduled a Press conference at 8:00pm.
http://www.timebie.com/timezone/easterntelaviv.php
Tel Aviv time:
Tuesday, Jul 08 2014
7:41:26 PM
Echo 5
Funniest guy on TB2K
mzkitty
I give up.
israelforever @israelforever 4m
I think I'm going to go outside with a bowl of popcorn and watch the show. #Gaza shines so prettily when the #IDF sets it on fire.
Matthew Vickery @MMVickery 5m
Reports that a 16 year old Palestinian from al-Zaytun in #Gaza has just died. #GazaUnderAttack #IDF #Palestine #Israel #WestBank
roni kohnvict @ronsawn 2m
Can't wait to go do what I can to protect my country.. You don't know shit till you're living in it all. #israel #idf
I think I'm going to go outside with a bowl of popcorn and watch the show. #Gaza shines so prettily when the #IDF sets it on fire.
Matthew Vickery @MMVickery 5m
Reports that a 16 year old Palestinian from al-Zaytun in #Gaza has just died. #GazaUnderAttack #IDF #Palestine #Israel #WestBank
roni kohnvict @ronsawn 2m
Can't wait to go do what I can to protect my country.. You don't know shit till you're living in it all. #israel #idf
Lilbitsnana
On TB every waking moment
IDF @IDFSpokesperson · 2m
Initial report: Terrorists are attempting to infiltrate Israel through the sea. The IDF is currently confronting the threat. Updates to come
Initial report: Terrorists are attempting to infiltrate Israel through the sea. The IDF is currently confronting the threat. Updates to come