8 nov 2008
Israeli military vehicles and bulldozers entered Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip and began bulldozing lands in the area, eyewitnesses told Ma'an on Saturday morning.
Palestinian resistance factions say they tried to block the invading forces and impede their progress deeper into the Palestinian territory.
Hamas' Al-Qassam Brigades reported having fired at and hit an Israeli soldier while he was on top of a military vehicle advancing into the area.
According to Israeli media forces entered Gaza to "neutralize two explosive devices," and the Israeli military deny that any shots were fired.
In the north of Gaza more incursions
At dawn on Saturday Israeli forces entered Gaza near the Erez crossing. The act sparked clashes between Israeli forces and the National Resistance Brigades (NRB), the military wing affiliated to the Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine (DFLP).
The NRB affirmed its readiness to continue such responses to the presence of Israeli forces in the Gaza Strip.
Palestinian resistance factions say they tried to block the invading forces and impede their progress deeper into the Palestinian territory.
Hamas' Al-Qassam Brigades reported having fired at and hit an Israeli soldier while he was on top of a military vehicle advancing into the area.
According to Israeli media forces entered Gaza to "neutralize two explosive devices," and the Israeli military deny that any shots were fired.
In the north of Gaza more incursions
At dawn on Saturday Israeli forces entered Gaza near the Erez crossing. The act sparked clashes between Israeli forces and the National Resistance Brigades (NRB), the military wing affiliated to the Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine (DFLP).
The NRB affirmed its readiness to continue such responses to the presence of Israeli forces in the Gaza Strip.
Other attacks
Israeli forces seize six Palestinians in West Bank raids
Settlers stone six-year-old boy in Hebron
Israeli forces seize six Palestinians in West Bank raids
Settlers stone six-year-old boy in Hebron
7 nov 2008
Other attacks
Al-Quds claims responsibility for Sderot shelling
Israel admits 80% fewer Gazans to hospitals as requests increase
Danish woman injured by Israeli soldiers during Ni'lin protest
Israeli soldiers beat civillians at Al-Ma'sara demonstration; settlers bring them juice
Four projectiles land near Sderot; Al-Quds and Hizbullah Brigades claim responsibility
Al-Quds claims responsibility for Sderot shelling
Israel admits 80% fewer Gazans to hospitals as requests increase
Danish woman injured by Israeli soldiers during Ni'lin protest
Israeli soldiers beat civillians at Al-Ma'sara demonstration; settlers bring them juice
Four projectiles land near Sderot; Al-Quds and Hizbullah Brigades claim responsibility
6 nov 2008
Israeli troops opened fire on international volunteers helping to harvest olives in the Gaza Strip near the border with Israel on Thursday morning.
According to the volunteers, British, American, and Italian citizens were fired on by soldiers in two jeeps and Israeli watchtower. The group is on foot and one American citizen was driving a tractor.
No injuries were reported.
The Israeli military operates a 500-meter "buffer zone" inside the Gaza Strip along the Green Line. Palestinian farmers have come under frequent attack along the border zone.
According to the volunteers, British, American, and Italian citizens were fired on by soldiers in two jeeps and Israeli watchtower. The group is on foot and one American citizen was driving a tractor.
No injuries were reported.
The Israeli military operates a 500-meter "buffer zone" inside the Gaza Strip along the Green Line. Palestinian farmers have come under frequent attack along the border zone.
Israeli forces imposed a curfew and raided houses in the village of Al-Khadr, near the city of Bethlehem, on Thursday morning.
Local sources said that one young man has been arrested, but his identity could not be determined.
Witnesses told Ma'an that 15 military vehicles invaded the old city of the town, raiding schools and houses, including one owned by Abdullah Ahmad Da'dou.
Witnesses say that schools are under seige, although classes are continuing inside.
Israeli troops have deployed tear gas and sound grenades.
Israeli sources claimed on Thursday that a Molotov cocktail was thrown at an Israeli car on bypass road 60 near the village.
The road is separated from the village by an 8 to 12 meter concrete barrier.
Local sources said that one young man has been arrested, but his identity could not be determined.
Witnesses told Ma'an that 15 military vehicles invaded the old city of the town, raiding schools and houses, including one owned by Abdullah Ahmad Da'dou.
Witnesses say that schools are under seige, although classes are continuing inside.
Israeli troops have deployed tear gas and sound grenades.
Israeli sources claimed on Thursday that a Molotov cocktail was thrown at an Israeli car on bypass road 60 near the village.
The road is separated from the village by an 8 to 12 meter concrete barrier.
Palestinians mourn Islamic Jihad fighter Ghassan At-Toramsi in Beit Lahiya
An Israeli spy plane killed a leader in the armed wing of Islamic Jihad, the Al-Quds Brigades, on Wednesday in the northern Gaza Strip as a fragile ceasefire appeared on the verge of collapse.
Al-Quds Brigades field commander Ghassan At-Toramsi was killed instantly by the airstrike that targeted him on Abu Eita street in the Tel Az-Za'tar neighborhood.
Medics found it hard to identity At-Toramsi because his body was torn to pieces in the bombardment.
The Israeli attack shortly came after the Al-Quds Brigades claimed responsibility for launching two homemade rockets at the Israeli town of Sderot, which caused no damage. Those projectiles were fired in retaliation for an Israeli attack on Tuesday night that killed six Palestinian fighters.
Islamic Jihad was the first to respond to the Israeli attack, followed by other armed groups.
The Israeli military announced a state of alert in the city of Ashkelon, on the coast north of Gaza, and in Sderot and the kibbutzim around the Gaza Strip, with ambulances prepared to respond to more homemade rocket attacks.
Hatem Aweidah the Director of the Office of the Minister of Economy in the de facto government said on Thursday morning that Israel closed all the commercial crossing in the Gaza Strip.
The Army Minister Ehud Barak announced the closure of all crossings between Israel and the Gaza Strip, due to the continued firing of homemade projectiles.
An Israeli spy plane killed a leader in the armed wing of Islamic Jihad, the Al-Quds Brigades, on Wednesday in the northern Gaza Strip as a fragile ceasefire appeared on the verge of collapse.
Al-Quds Brigades field commander Ghassan At-Toramsi was killed instantly by the airstrike that targeted him on Abu Eita street in the Tel Az-Za'tar neighborhood.
Medics found it hard to identity At-Toramsi because his body was torn to pieces in the bombardment.
The Israeli attack shortly came after the Al-Quds Brigades claimed responsibility for launching two homemade rockets at the Israeli town of Sderot, which caused no damage. Those projectiles were fired in retaliation for an Israeli attack on Tuesday night that killed six Palestinian fighters.
Islamic Jihad was the first to respond to the Israeli attack, followed by other armed groups.
The Israeli military announced a state of alert in the city of Ashkelon, on the coast north of Gaza, and in Sderot and the kibbutzim around the Gaza Strip, with ambulances prepared to respond to more homemade rocket attacks.
Hatem Aweidah the Director of the Office of the Minister of Economy in the de facto government said on Thursday morning that Israel closed all the commercial crossing in the Gaza Strip.
The Army Minister Ehud Barak announced the closure of all crossings between Israel and the Gaza Strip, due to the continued firing of homemade projectiles.
Other attacks
Hamas fighters threaten renewed violence if Israel does not lift siege
DFLP fighters launch projectiles at Israeli kibbutz
Three women abducted during Gaza attack are released; fourth woman in hospital in Israel
Hamas fighters threaten renewed violence if Israel does not lift siege
DFLP fighters launch projectiles at Israeli kibbutz
Three women abducted during Gaza attack are released; fourth woman in hospital in Israel
5 nov 2008
Israeli bulldozers demolished four Palestinian houses in Jerusalem on Wednesday, provoking clashes with Palestinian youths that left seven people injured.
Seven people were injured in clashes between Palestinians and Israeli forces while Israeli bulldozers destroyed four Palestinian houses in Jerusalem.
Three of the demolitions took place in the Silwan neighborhood. Witnesses said the bulldozers destroyed a house belonging to Manal Maher Zaytoun, a widow with two children. The newly built house had not yet been connected to water and electricity.
Israeli bulldozers also demolished a 60 square meter house belonging to resident Mohamed Siam, displacing a six people. The third destroyed house belonged to Abu Sa'id Sanad.
In the Shu'afat neighborhood, Israeli forces destroyed a 170 square meter house belonging to Imad Ahmed Bishara and inhabited by 11 peopl. A wedding hall in nearby Beit Hanina was also destroyed.
During the demolitions, clashes erupted between crowds of Palestinian youths and Israeli forces.
Israeli police fired rubber-coated metal bullets and tear gas to disperse the crowds. Seven were injured and 15 arrested.
The Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs of the UN said that Israeli forces ordered the demolition of 80 more houses in the Silwan neighborhood.
Seven people were injured in clashes between Palestinians and Israeli forces while Israeli bulldozers destroyed four Palestinian houses in Jerusalem.
Three of the demolitions took place in the Silwan neighborhood. Witnesses said the bulldozers destroyed a house belonging to Manal Maher Zaytoun, a widow with two children. The newly built house had not yet been connected to water and electricity.
Israeli bulldozers also demolished a 60 square meter house belonging to resident Mohamed Siam, displacing a six people. The third destroyed house belonged to Abu Sa'id Sanad.
In the Shu'afat neighborhood, Israeli forces destroyed a 170 square meter house belonging to Imad Ahmed Bishara and inhabited by 11 peopl. A wedding hall in nearby Beit Hanina was also destroyed.
During the demolitions, clashes erupted between crowds of Palestinian youths and Israeli forces.
Israeli police fired rubber-coated metal bullets and tear gas to disperse the crowds. Seven were injured and 15 arrested.
The Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs of the UN said that Israeli forces ordered the demolition of 80 more houses in the Silwan neighborhood.
Islamic Jihad fighters
The Al-Quds Brigades, the military wing of Islamic Jihad, claimed responsibility for launching two homemade projectiles at the Israeli town of Sderot, in the Western Negev desert, on Wednesday afternoon.
The organization said, "This came in retaliation for Israeli aggression in the central and eastern Gaza Strip which killed six and wounded dozens of civilians on Tuesday."
In a statement received by Ma'an the Brigades vowed to fire more homemade rockets at Israeli targets near the Gaza Strip.
Israeli sources confirmed that two projectiles landed in an open area near Gaza, causing neither damage nor injuries.
Separately the National Resistance Brigades, the military wing of the Democratic Front forthe Liberation of Palestine (DFLP) claimed responsibility for launching 3 mortar shells against an Israeli military site east of Juhor Ad-Dik south Gaza on Wednesday evening.
The National Resistance Brigades said they "woud not remain silent" in the face of Israeli attacks.
Israeli tanks and unmanned aerial drones attacked the Gaza Strip late on Tuesday night in a deadly strike that broke a months-old Egyptian-brokered ceasefire.
Palestinian fighters continue shelling in response to Israeli incursion
The Al-Quds Brigades, the military wing of Islamic Jihad, claimed responsibility for launching two homemade projectiles at the Israeli town of Sderot, in the Western Negev desert, on Wednesday afternoon.
The organization said, "This came in retaliation for Israeli aggression in the central and eastern Gaza Strip which killed six and wounded dozens of civilians on Tuesday."
In a statement received by Ma'an the Brigades vowed to fire more homemade rockets at Israeli targets near the Gaza Strip.
Israeli sources confirmed that two projectiles landed in an open area near Gaza, causing neither damage nor injuries.
Separately the National Resistance Brigades, the military wing of the Democratic Front forthe Liberation of Palestine (DFLP) claimed responsibility for launching 3 mortar shells against an Israeli military site east of Juhor Ad-Dik south Gaza on Wednesday evening.
The National Resistance Brigades said they "woud not remain silent" in the face of Israeli attacks.
Israeli tanks and unmanned aerial drones attacked the Gaza Strip late on Tuesday night in a deadly strike that broke a months-old Egyptian-brokered ceasefire.
Palestinian fighters continue shelling in response to Israeli incursion
Israeli forces raided the Aida Refugee Camp north of Bethlehem on Tuesday after midnight, under heavy fire.
Witnesses reported that Israeli forces entered the camp before detaining several civilians there.
Others added that Israeli forces clashed with civilians in area, though no injuries were reported.
Witnesses reported that Israeli forces entered the camp before detaining several civilians there.
Others added that Israeli forces clashed with civilians in area, though no injuries were reported.
Wednesday's funeral for slain Hamas fighters
Tensions heightened in the Gaza Strip on Wednesday, a day after six Hamas fighters died resisting a late-night Israeli incursion.
The six dead Palestinians belonged to the Al-Qassam Brigades, a military wing affiliated with Hamas.
Officials on both sides voiced concerns that the five-month long Hamas-Israel ceasefire could be in jeopardy.
Crowds of people attended the funeral processions for the six slain fighters in the city of Khan Younis and Al-Maghazi refugee camp on Wednesday.
In Khan Younis, the mourners walked from Nasser Hospital to the houses of the dead to the mosque for prayers and then to the cemetery.
Armed men marched at the front of the processions, firing in the air and swearing to avenge the killings.
While Palestinian officials considered Tuesday's incursion and air raids "a scandalous violation of the Egyptian-brokered ceasefire," Israel claims its operation was aimed at destroying a tunnel intended for abducting Israeli soldiers.
In retaliation to the Israeli crossover, Palestinian militant groups fired off dozens of mortar shells and homemade projectiles at Israeli targets. One landed in a public park in the center of Ashkelon, an Israeli city near the Gaza Strip.
Two Israelis were treated for shock. Security representatives also said that three soldiers were injured by shrapnel. Two of them suffered moderate to serious wounds, a medical official said.
In addition to the Israelis, six Hamas activists were killed and several others injured, Hamas said. One of the injured Gaza residents is reportedly a woman.
Israeli forces demolished two Palestinian homes in the central Gaza Strip neighborhood of Al-Qurara, near the Kissufim Gate.
The de facto government's director of Ambulance and Emergency Services within the Health Ministry identified the victims as 32-year-old Mazin Sa'da, 21-year-old Mahmoud Ba'lusha, 20-year-old Omar Al-Alami, 26-year-old Muhammad Awad, 19-year-old Wajid Muharib and 21-year-old Ammar Salihiyya. He added that several others had been injured.
Shortly before midnight on Tuesday, several Israeli tanks invaded Deir Al-Balah in the central Gaza Strip before progressing another 300 meters past the border fence, firing on Palestinian homes.
As a result, 32-year-old Mazin Sa'da was killed and four other citizens were injured.
Simultaneously, Israeli warplanes launched several missiles at open areas east of Deir Al-Balah.
Meanwhile, Israeli military bulldozers demolished two homes that belonged to the Al-Hamaydi family near Wadi As-Salqa, and apprehended seven Palestinians from the same family, including three women.
On Wednesday morning, Israeli drones launched three missiles toward the northern Gaza Strip, one missile at the Al-Fukhari neighborhood in the southern Gaza Strip and two missiles at Al-Qarara, east of Khan Younis.
Initial reports indicated that there were casualties in the raid on the northern Gaza Strip.
Hamas's militant wing announced on Wednesday that it launched four homemade projectiles at Ashkelon, six toward Beeri Kibutz, seven at Magen and Miftaheim, another seven at Nir Izhaq and several others toward Yad Murdakhai, Alumim, Kfar Azza and an Israeli artillery station east of Gaza City.
The Brigades also said 22 mortar shells were fired at invading Israeli military vehicles in the central Gaza Strip, while a homemade projectile launched toward the Sufa military post.
Hamas officials affirmed they would block any Israeli attempt to invade the Gaza Strip, regardless of the ceasefire, "which will not prevent us from defending the Palestinian people." The wing's statement warned of retaliations to any further invasion attempts.
Islamic Jihad's Al-Quds Brigades and Fatah's Al-Aqsa Brigades also said in statements that they fired weapons in a joint operation. Two homemade projectiles were fired at the Megen military post, east of the Al-Maghazi Refugee Camp in the central Gaza Strip. Al-Quds said it fired two homemade projectiles at Sderot in retaliation for "the Israeli massacre in the central Gaza Strip."
An Israeli military spokesperson maintained that the incursion came after Israeli intelligence received reports that Hamas planned to abduct an Israeli soldier through a tunnel beneath the border.
"The Palestinians detonated the tunnel after Israeli forces besieged the building," he claimed.
With regard to the ceasefire, the spokesperson said the Israeli incursions intend to "protect the ceasefire," without elaborating on how military incursions would aid in this goal.
The de facto government held the Israeli government responsible for all the consequences of their "aggression," describing it as the most serious violation of the Egyptian-brokered ceasefire since it went into effect in June.
Islamic Jihad announced that the ceasefire would not prevent Palestinian resistance fighters from retaliating against Israeli violations and aggression, which culminated Tuesday night.
Fatah's Al-Aqsa Brigades also said it would direct their fighters to the Gaza Strip in order to prepare for retaliatory measures in light of Israeli violations, promising to "shell Israeli towns."
A spokesperson for the Palestinian National Resistance Committees said that "Israel shot dead the ceasefire agreement and alerted Palestinian factions that Israeli forces plan to (again) invade the Gaza Strip soon."
Representing Hamas, Fawzi Barhoom told Ma'an that "Israel committed a great aggression and violation of the truce last night."
He called on Israeli authorities to take responsibility for the consequences of such an attack, insisting that "what is being performed by the Al-Qassam forces is retaliation for Israeli aggressions."
"Israel will pay a high price for violating the truce," he added.
Barhoom said that Hamas informed Egyptian leaders about the violation and called on the country to take steps to make Israel adhere with the truce. He also called on other sides working under the truce to weigh in, as well.
Barhoum suggested that Israel timed the attacks to coincide with the American presidential election, hoping to keep out of the spotlight.
Tensions heightened in the Gaza Strip on Wednesday, a day after six Hamas fighters died resisting a late-night Israeli incursion.
The six dead Palestinians belonged to the Al-Qassam Brigades, a military wing affiliated with Hamas.
Officials on both sides voiced concerns that the five-month long Hamas-Israel ceasefire could be in jeopardy.
Crowds of people attended the funeral processions for the six slain fighters in the city of Khan Younis and Al-Maghazi refugee camp on Wednesday.
In Khan Younis, the mourners walked from Nasser Hospital to the houses of the dead to the mosque for prayers and then to the cemetery.
Armed men marched at the front of the processions, firing in the air and swearing to avenge the killings.
While Palestinian officials considered Tuesday's incursion and air raids "a scandalous violation of the Egyptian-brokered ceasefire," Israel claims its operation was aimed at destroying a tunnel intended for abducting Israeli soldiers.
In retaliation to the Israeli crossover, Palestinian militant groups fired off dozens of mortar shells and homemade projectiles at Israeli targets. One landed in a public park in the center of Ashkelon, an Israeli city near the Gaza Strip.
Two Israelis were treated for shock. Security representatives also said that three soldiers were injured by shrapnel. Two of them suffered moderate to serious wounds, a medical official said.
In addition to the Israelis, six Hamas activists were killed and several others injured, Hamas said. One of the injured Gaza residents is reportedly a woman.
Israeli forces demolished two Palestinian homes in the central Gaza Strip neighborhood of Al-Qurara, near the Kissufim Gate.
The de facto government's director of Ambulance and Emergency Services within the Health Ministry identified the victims as 32-year-old Mazin Sa'da, 21-year-old Mahmoud Ba'lusha, 20-year-old Omar Al-Alami, 26-year-old Muhammad Awad, 19-year-old Wajid Muharib and 21-year-old Ammar Salihiyya. He added that several others had been injured.
Shortly before midnight on Tuesday, several Israeli tanks invaded Deir Al-Balah in the central Gaza Strip before progressing another 300 meters past the border fence, firing on Palestinian homes.
As a result, 32-year-old Mazin Sa'da was killed and four other citizens were injured.
Simultaneously, Israeli warplanes launched several missiles at open areas east of Deir Al-Balah.
Meanwhile, Israeli military bulldozers demolished two homes that belonged to the Al-Hamaydi family near Wadi As-Salqa, and apprehended seven Palestinians from the same family, including three women.
On Wednesday morning, Israeli drones launched three missiles toward the northern Gaza Strip, one missile at the Al-Fukhari neighborhood in the southern Gaza Strip and two missiles at Al-Qarara, east of Khan Younis.
Initial reports indicated that there were casualties in the raid on the northern Gaza Strip.
Hamas's militant wing announced on Wednesday that it launched four homemade projectiles at Ashkelon, six toward Beeri Kibutz, seven at Magen and Miftaheim, another seven at Nir Izhaq and several others toward Yad Murdakhai, Alumim, Kfar Azza and an Israeli artillery station east of Gaza City.
The Brigades also said 22 mortar shells were fired at invading Israeli military vehicles in the central Gaza Strip, while a homemade projectile launched toward the Sufa military post.
Hamas officials affirmed they would block any Israeli attempt to invade the Gaza Strip, regardless of the ceasefire, "which will not prevent us from defending the Palestinian people." The wing's statement warned of retaliations to any further invasion attempts.
Islamic Jihad's Al-Quds Brigades and Fatah's Al-Aqsa Brigades also said in statements that they fired weapons in a joint operation. Two homemade projectiles were fired at the Megen military post, east of the Al-Maghazi Refugee Camp in the central Gaza Strip. Al-Quds said it fired two homemade projectiles at Sderot in retaliation for "the Israeli massacre in the central Gaza Strip."
An Israeli military spokesperson maintained that the incursion came after Israeli intelligence received reports that Hamas planned to abduct an Israeli soldier through a tunnel beneath the border.
"The Palestinians detonated the tunnel after Israeli forces besieged the building," he claimed.
With regard to the ceasefire, the spokesperson said the Israeli incursions intend to "protect the ceasefire," without elaborating on how military incursions would aid in this goal.
The de facto government held the Israeli government responsible for all the consequences of their "aggression," describing it as the most serious violation of the Egyptian-brokered ceasefire since it went into effect in June.
Islamic Jihad announced that the ceasefire would not prevent Palestinian resistance fighters from retaliating against Israeli violations and aggression, which culminated Tuesday night.
Fatah's Al-Aqsa Brigades also said it would direct their fighters to the Gaza Strip in order to prepare for retaliatory measures in light of Israeli violations, promising to "shell Israeli towns."
A spokesperson for the Palestinian National Resistance Committees said that "Israel shot dead the ceasefire agreement and alerted Palestinian factions that Israeli forces plan to (again) invade the Gaza Strip soon."
Representing Hamas, Fawzi Barhoom told Ma'an that "Israel committed a great aggression and violation of the truce last night."
He called on Israeli authorities to take responsibility for the consequences of such an attack, insisting that "what is being performed by the Al-Qassam forces is retaliation for Israeli aggressions."
"Israel will pay a high price for violating the truce," he added.
Barhoom said that Hamas informed Egyptian leaders about the violation and called on the country to take steps to make Israel adhere with the truce. He also called on other sides working under the truce to weigh in, as well.
Barhoum suggested that Israel timed the attacks to coincide with the American presidential election, hoping to keep out of the spotlight.
4 nov 2008
The death toll in the Gaza Strip rose to six on Wednesday morning after another Al-Qassam Brigades fighter died of wounds sustained in an Israeli airstrike near Khan Younis.
Five Hamas Al-Qassam Brigades activists were killed earlier on Tuesday evening by Israeli fire in the Al-Qarara area of Khan Younis and at Juhr Ad-Dik, in central Gaza.
An Al-Qassam Brigades leader, Mazin Sa'da, who is also a police officer, was killed and four civilians were injured including a woman as Israeli forces invaded Juhr Ad-Dik and clashed with Palestinian fighters, according to Muawiya Hassanein, director of ambulance and emergency service in the Palestinian health ministry.
Separately, an Israeli drone launched a missile at a group of Al-Qassam activists in Al-Qarara, killing four of them. Mu'awiya Hassanein identified the victims as Muhammad Ba'lusha, Omar Al-Alami, Muhammad Awad and Wajdi Muharib.
Israeli sources announced that one soldier was slightly injured in Deir Al-Balah.
Hamas' military wing, the Al-Qassam Brigades, said in a statement that it launched eight mortar shells at Israeli forces in the central Gaza Strip near the military post of Kissufim. They affirmed they would block any Israeli attempt to invade the Gaza Strip regardless of the ceasefire, which would not prevent them from defending the Palestinian people. The statement warned of a tough retaliation to any invasion attempt.
Witnesses told Ma'an that they saw large numbers of Israeli tanks near the abandoned Israeli settlement of Dugit near Beit Hanoun in the northern Gaza Strip, as well as helicopters overhead.
An Israeli military spokesperson claimed that the incursion in the central Gaza Strip came after Israeli intelligence received reports about Hamas plans to abduct an Israeli soldier using a tunnel under the border.
"The Palestinians detonated the tunnel after Israeli forces besieged the building," he claimed.
With regard to the ceasefire, the spokesperson said the Israeli incursion intended to protect ceasefire.
The de facto government in the Gaza Strip held the Israeli government responsible for all the consequences of their "aggression," describing it as the most serious violation of the Egyptian-brokered ceasefire since it went into effect in June.
Five Hamas Al-Qassam Brigades activists were killed earlier on Tuesday evening by Israeli fire in the Al-Qarara area of Khan Younis and at Juhr Ad-Dik, in central Gaza.
An Al-Qassam Brigades leader, Mazin Sa'da, who is also a police officer, was killed and four civilians were injured including a woman as Israeli forces invaded Juhr Ad-Dik and clashed with Palestinian fighters, according to Muawiya Hassanein, director of ambulance and emergency service in the Palestinian health ministry.
Separately, an Israeli drone launched a missile at a group of Al-Qassam activists in Al-Qarara, killing four of them. Mu'awiya Hassanein identified the victims as Muhammad Ba'lusha, Omar Al-Alami, Muhammad Awad and Wajdi Muharib.
Israeli sources announced that one soldier was slightly injured in Deir Al-Balah.
Hamas' military wing, the Al-Qassam Brigades, said in a statement that it launched eight mortar shells at Israeli forces in the central Gaza Strip near the military post of Kissufim. They affirmed they would block any Israeli attempt to invade the Gaza Strip regardless of the ceasefire, which would not prevent them from defending the Palestinian people. The statement warned of a tough retaliation to any invasion attempt.
Witnesses told Ma'an that they saw large numbers of Israeli tanks near the abandoned Israeli settlement of Dugit near Beit Hanoun in the northern Gaza Strip, as well as helicopters overhead.
An Israeli military spokesperson claimed that the incursion in the central Gaza Strip came after Israeli intelligence received reports about Hamas plans to abduct an Israeli soldier using a tunnel under the border.
"The Palestinians detonated the tunnel after Israeli forces besieged the building," he claimed.
With regard to the ceasefire, the spokesperson said the Israeli incursion intended to protect ceasefire.
The de facto government in the Gaza Strip held the Israeli government responsible for all the consequences of their "aggression," describing it as the most serious violation of the Egyptian-brokered ceasefire since it went into effect in June.
Settler youth prepare to throw rocks in Hebron
Israeli settlers shot and threw stones at Palestinians near the settlement of Kiryat Arba in the West Bank city of Hebron on Monday evening, Palestinian witnesses said.
A medical source in Hebron Public Hospital said three civilians were treated for bruises and broken bones following the attacks. They were identified as 18-year-old Shadi Aj-Ja'bari, 18-year-old Mo'awiya Aj-Ja'bari and his 20-year-old brother Qusai.
There has been an upsurge in settler attacks on Palestinians in the West Bank. On Monday Israeli security chief Yuval Diskin warned that settlers are preparing for "war" after the Israeli government vowed to cut support for what it calls "illegal outposts" in the West Bank. Over the weekend settlers clashed with Israeli soldiers who attempted to evacuate one such outpost, called"Federman Farms" near Hebron.
Israeli settlers shot and threw stones at Palestinians near the settlement of Kiryat Arba in the West Bank city of Hebron on Monday evening, Palestinian witnesses said.
A medical source in Hebron Public Hospital said three civilians were treated for bruises and broken bones following the attacks. They were identified as 18-year-old Shadi Aj-Ja'bari, 18-year-old Mo'awiya Aj-Ja'bari and his 20-year-old brother Qusai.
There has been an upsurge in settler attacks on Palestinians in the West Bank. On Monday Israeli security chief Yuval Diskin warned that settlers are preparing for "war" after the Israeli government vowed to cut support for what it calls "illegal outposts" in the West Bank. Over the weekend settlers clashed with Israeli soldiers who attempted to evacuate one such outpost, called"Federman Farms" near Hebron.
Other attacks
Fayyad condemns Israeli settler violence during Hebron visit
Israeli settlers restrain EU leader near Ibrahimi Mosque
Top Palestinian negotiator harassed by Israeli police near settlement
Deif: Hamas' armed wing will strike 'Israeli occupation' again
Israeli forces seize five Palestinians in Bethlehem raids
Fayyad condemns Israeli settler violence during Hebron visit
Israeli settlers restrain EU leader near Ibrahimi Mosque
Top Palestinian negotiator harassed by Israeli police near settlement
Deif: Hamas' armed wing will strike 'Israeli occupation' again
Israeli forces seize five Palestinians in Bethlehem raids
3 nov 2008
Israeli soldiers faced off with Palestinian security personnel at the eastern gate of the Tulkarem security compound on Sunday afternoon.
The incident was sparked when Israeli soldiers demanded entrance into the area to detain unidentified men.
According to top-level security officers, the altercation occurred when a number of Israeli military jeeps arrived at the gate and asked security men there to evacuate so that they could enter claiming that they were looking for two men who entered to the headquarters wearing civilian clothes.
The security man guarding the headquarters called over one of the captains who informed refused to evacuate the gate, and added that the two men who entered the compound were employees who had come to perform their jobs.
Israeli soldiers then fired live ammunition at one of the security guards, threw a sound-bomb that failed to explode, and kicked at the gate leading to the security compound.
Tulkarem security personnel were put on alert and top-level security officers were instructed to call their Israeli counterparts to inform them of the situation.
After close to an hour of the tense situation the Israeli soldiers withdrew from the area without explanation.
The incident was sparked when Israeli soldiers demanded entrance into the area to detain unidentified men.
According to top-level security officers, the altercation occurred when a number of Israeli military jeeps arrived at the gate and asked security men there to evacuate so that they could enter claiming that they were looking for two men who entered to the headquarters wearing civilian clothes.
The security man guarding the headquarters called over one of the captains who informed refused to evacuate the gate, and added that the two men who entered the compound were employees who had come to perform their jobs.
Israeli soldiers then fired live ammunition at one of the security guards, threw a sound-bomb that failed to explode, and kicked at the gate leading to the security compound.
Tulkarem security personnel were put on alert and top-level security officers were instructed to call their Israeli counterparts to inform them of the situation.
After close to an hour of the tense situation the Israeli soldiers withdrew from the area without explanation.
Israeli troops detain a Palestinian man in Al-Far'a camp
One young man and two boys were injured during clashes with Israeli troops invading Al-Far'a refugee camp north of Nablus early Monday morning.
Three Palestinans were arrested from neighboring towns as Israeli forces carried out a widespread military operation.
More than 40 military vehicles entered the camp area, and soldiers imposed a curfew, preventing civilians from leaving their homes to go to work and school.
Palestinian medical sources confirmed that 22-year-old Mohammad Fu'ad Sawalmah sustained three bullet wounds in his chest and thigh and was transferred to a hospital with severe blood-loss. Also in serious condition is 11-year-old Ihab Ghaleb Balaydah who was shot in back and immediately hospitalized.
Twelve-year-old Yousef Munir Al-Abushi was shot in the hand with a rubber-coated bullet and was transferred to hospital for treatment.
Sources confirmed that Israeli forces evacuated women from their homes and forced them into public streets inside the camp. Groups of young men attempted to close several streets in the camp in order to prevent Israeli military vehicles from accessing them.
Confrontations between the young men and Israeli forces erupted when vehicles reached the barricades, and two young men were injured, one seriously.
Eyewitnesses said Israeli forces detained 20-year-old Ahmad Jaber Zallat a Fatah-affiliated student in An-Najah University after storming dozens of homes in the camp.
Israeli forces raided the house of Tahssin Al-Humoud in Wad Al-Badhan and transferred it to a military base after putting all members of the family in one room.
In response to clashes Israeli troops fired gas-bombs into the area, causing two women forced into the street to faint. One of the women was identified as 60-year-old Aisha Ja'aytah.
The Al-Far'a refugee camp had been subject to widespread raids recently, which are said to be escalating attempts to detain a senior Al-Quds Brigades leader.
A second caravan of Israeli forces detained three young men from the nearby villages of Beit Iba and Kafr Qalil.
Security sources identified those detained as 17-year-old Issam Mohammad Hamad and 18-year-old Shibli Mir'eb Mash'ati from Kafr Qalil in the south of Nablus. The young man from Beit Iba was not identified.
One young man and two boys were injured during clashes with Israeli troops invading Al-Far'a refugee camp north of Nablus early Monday morning.
Three Palestinans were arrested from neighboring towns as Israeli forces carried out a widespread military operation.
More than 40 military vehicles entered the camp area, and soldiers imposed a curfew, preventing civilians from leaving their homes to go to work and school.
Palestinian medical sources confirmed that 22-year-old Mohammad Fu'ad Sawalmah sustained three bullet wounds in his chest and thigh and was transferred to a hospital with severe blood-loss. Also in serious condition is 11-year-old Ihab Ghaleb Balaydah who was shot in back and immediately hospitalized.
Twelve-year-old Yousef Munir Al-Abushi was shot in the hand with a rubber-coated bullet and was transferred to hospital for treatment.
Sources confirmed that Israeli forces evacuated women from their homes and forced them into public streets inside the camp. Groups of young men attempted to close several streets in the camp in order to prevent Israeli military vehicles from accessing them.
Confrontations between the young men and Israeli forces erupted when vehicles reached the barricades, and two young men were injured, one seriously.
Eyewitnesses said Israeli forces detained 20-year-old Ahmad Jaber Zallat a Fatah-affiliated student in An-Najah University after storming dozens of homes in the camp.
Israeli forces raided the house of Tahssin Al-Humoud in Wad Al-Badhan and transferred it to a military base after putting all members of the family in one room.
In response to clashes Israeli troops fired gas-bombs into the area, causing two women forced into the street to faint. One of the women was identified as 60-year-old Aisha Ja'aytah.
The Al-Far'a refugee camp had been subject to widespread raids recently, which are said to be escalating attempts to detain a senior Al-Quds Brigades leader.
A second caravan of Israeli forces detained three young men from the nearby villages of Beit Iba and Kafr Qalil.
Security sources identified those detained as 17-year-old Issam Mohammad Hamad and 18-year-old Shibli Mir'eb Mash'ati from Kafr Qalil in the south of Nablus. The young man from Beit Iba was not identified.
2 nov 2008
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