23 feb 2012
Lebanese President Michel Sleiman
Lebanese President Michel Sleiman has condemned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s war threat, saying that Lebanon’s existence will not be affected by the remarks.
On Wednesday, Netanyahu said that an Israeli strike against Lebanon would be supported by the United States and countries of the Persian Gulf.
Speaking at a press conference during his visit to Switzerland, the Israeli premier said that “would be no Lebanon in the new world map.”
Sleiman responded by recalling the Israeli defeat in the 2006 military action it launched against Lebanon despite Tel Aviv’s military upper hand.
“Lebanon is the only country to have defeated Israel militarily,” he stated, and that Israel is still recovering from the losses it suffered in the 33-day war.
The Lebanese president highlighted Lebanon’s old history and dismissed divisions among the Lebanese nation despite religious and factional diversities.
“Lebanon is thousands of years old and has a place in history and talk like this has no effect on it,” he said.
Sleiman said Lebanon’s diversity came in absolute contrast to “Israel’s racist system, which has no place in the world,” and that the world has started to “shift towards pluralism, which is the basis of the Lebanese system.”
“Lebanon is one of the founders of the United Nations and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and Netanyahu’s statements reflect his contempt for humans,” he stressed.
Lebanese President Michel Sleiman has condemned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s war threat, saying that Lebanon’s existence will not be affected by the remarks.
On Wednesday, Netanyahu said that an Israeli strike against Lebanon would be supported by the United States and countries of the Persian Gulf.
Speaking at a press conference during his visit to Switzerland, the Israeli premier said that “would be no Lebanon in the new world map.”
Sleiman responded by recalling the Israeli defeat in the 2006 military action it launched against Lebanon despite Tel Aviv’s military upper hand.
“Lebanon is the only country to have defeated Israel militarily,” he stated, and that Israel is still recovering from the losses it suffered in the 33-day war.
The Lebanese president highlighted Lebanon’s old history and dismissed divisions among the Lebanese nation despite religious and factional diversities.
“Lebanon is thousands of years old and has a place in history and talk like this has no effect on it,” he said.
Sleiman said Lebanon’s diversity came in absolute contrast to “Israel’s racist system, which has no place in the world,” and that the world has started to “shift towards pluralism, which is the basis of the Lebanese system.”
“Lebanon is one of the founders of the United Nations and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and Netanyahu’s statements reflect his contempt for humans,” he stressed.
19 feb 2012
Parents and their kids in hospital after Israeli air raid on their house
Palestinian parents and their two kids were wounded at dawn Sunday in Gaza city when their house were bombed in an Israeli aerial attack.
Local sources told the PIC reporter that an Israeli warplane fired missiles directly at a civilian house in Al-Tufah neighborhood in Gaza city.
The attack on the house, according to a medical source, led to the injury of Ahmed Al-Zaharna, a father of two little children, and his wife. The victimized family was taken to Al-Shifa hospital for treatment.
A similar attack also targeted last night a foundry in the city injuring two civilians.
Local sources told the PIC reporter that an Israeli warplane fired missiles directly at a civilian house in Al-Tufah neighborhood in Gaza city.
The attack on the house, according to a medical source, led to the injury of Ahmed Al-Zaharna, a father of two little children, and his wife. The victimized family was taken to Al-Shifa hospital for treatment.
A similar attack also targeted last night a foundry in the city injuring two civilians.
Israeli helicopter attacks Gaza City
An Israeli Apache helicopter has fired a missile at the Zaytoon neighborhood of southeastern Gaza City and drones are flying over the area.
An Israeli Apache helicopter has fired a missile at the Zaytoon neighborhood of southeastern Gaza City and drones are flying over the area.
Four wounded in Israeli air strikes on Gaza: medics
Three people were wounded early Sunday morning in an Israeli air strike on Gaza, medical sources said, hours after another strike injured one man.
According to the sources, the latest air strike, which targeted a home in the al-Tufah neighbourhood in Gaza City, left the three in moderate condition.
The earlier strike, which took place late Saturday night, targeted a workshop in the Gaza City neighbourhood of Zeitun. The medical sources said all four casualties were civilians.
The Israeli army confirmed the attacks, with a spokeswoman telling AFP its aircraft "targeted a terror activity site and weapons manufacturing site in the northern Gaza Strip in response to the rockets fired at Israel."
"Direct hits were confirmed on both targets," she said.
Earlier in the day, the military said that four rockets had hit southern Israel over the past two days, including one Grad that struck south of Beersheba on Saturday. None of the rockets caused casualties or damage.
In addition, a rocket fired at Israel on Saturday by Palestinian militants hit a house in the Gaza Strip, but there were no casualties, witnesses in Gaza said.
It apparently exploded prematurely, damaging the house, the witnesses said, without being able to provide further details.
In another incident, the military said an anti-tank rocket was fired at Israeli soldiers on Friday evening, but damaged the security fence separating Gaza from Israel.
Troops who responded with tank fire also neutralised an explosive device at the scene.
Since the beginning of the year, Palestinian militants in Hamas-controlled Gaza have fired more than 30 rockets at southern Israel, army statistics show.
Hamas has maintained a tacit truce with Israel, but other armed groups regularly fire rockets across the border, usually sparking retaliatory air strikes.
The Israeli army chief of staff warned in an interview broadcast Saturday night that increased rocket fire from the Gaza Strip will force Israel into "action."
"If this reality continues, and these launches continue and result in severe outcomes, we will have to take action, and we are ready for that moment," Lieutenant General Benny Gantz told the privately owned Channel 2 station.
Some 1,400 Palestinians and 13 Israelis were killed during a three-week Israeli offensive in December 2008 and January 2009 which was aimed at halting Palestinian rocket attacks.
According to the sources, the latest air strike, which targeted a home in the al-Tufah neighbourhood in Gaza City, left the three in moderate condition.
The earlier strike, which took place late Saturday night, targeted a workshop in the Gaza City neighbourhood of Zeitun. The medical sources said all four casualties were civilians.
The Israeli army confirmed the attacks, with a spokeswoman telling AFP its aircraft "targeted a terror activity site and weapons manufacturing site in the northern Gaza Strip in response to the rockets fired at Israel."
"Direct hits were confirmed on both targets," she said.
Earlier in the day, the military said that four rockets had hit southern Israel over the past two days, including one Grad that struck south of Beersheba on Saturday. None of the rockets caused casualties or damage.
In addition, a rocket fired at Israel on Saturday by Palestinian militants hit a house in the Gaza Strip, but there were no casualties, witnesses in Gaza said.
It apparently exploded prematurely, damaging the house, the witnesses said, without being able to provide further details.
In another incident, the military said an anti-tank rocket was fired at Israeli soldiers on Friday evening, but damaged the security fence separating Gaza from Israel.
Troops who responded with tank fire also neutralised an explosive device at the scene.
Since the beginning of the year, Palestinian militants in Hamas-controlled Gaza have fired more than 30 rockets at southern Israel, army statistics show.
Hamas has maintained a tacit truce with Israel, but other armed groups regularly fire rockets across the border, usually sparking retaliatory air strikes.
The Israeli army chief of staff warned in an interview broadcast Saturday night that increased rocket fire from the Gaza Strip will force Israel into "action."
"If this reality continues, and these launches continue and result in severe outcomes, we will have to take action, and we are ready for that moment," Lieutenant General Benny Gantz told the privately owned Channel 2 station.
Some 1,400 Palestinians and 13 Israelis were killed during a three-week Israeli offensive in December 2008 and January 2009 which was aimed at halting Palestinian rocket attacks.
Jewish settlers and policemen defile Aqsa Mosque, clash with Muslim worshipers
A group of Palestinian worshipers holding a vigil inside the Aqsa Mosque have fended off dozens of fanatic Jewish settlers who tried on Sunday morning to desecrate the Islamic holy site, and clashed with their police escorts.
The Israeli occupation policemen spread extensively throughout the Mosque and attempted to secure the settlers' provocative entry. Three Israeli armed policemen were injured during the clashes with Palestinian worshipers.
According to news reports, violent confrontations are still ongoing between the Palestinians who attempt to protect the Mosque and the Israeli assailants.
The reports also said that dozens of Jewish settlers and policemen gathered near Al-Maghariba Gate, one of the Mosque's doors, in an attempt to storm it.
Other Israeli soldiers were seen preventing the Palestinian young men and women under age 45 from entering the Aqsa Mosque to help their brothers under attack.
Several extremist Jewish groups spearheaded by a movement called the temple trustees incited recently their followers to storm the Aqsa Mosque to strengthen what they claimed to be the status of the temple.
In this regard, Hamas spokesman Fawzi Barhoum strongly denounced the repeated Jewish attacks on the Aqsa Mosque and the malicious intents to demolish it to establish an alleged temple on its ruins.
He added in a press release that Israel is waging a religious war on the Islamic holy sites in the occupied Palestinian land and this war is supported by the US which is the cause of all pains and sufferings inflicted on the occupied Palestinian people.
Barhoum urged the Muslim nation all over the world to rise and revolt for occupied Jerusalem and the Aqsa Mosque and move to confront the Jewish extremists' attempts to harm the holy Mosque.
The Israeli occupation policemen spread extensively throughout the Mosque and attempted to secure the settlers' provocative entry. Three Israeli armed policemen were injured during the clashes with Palestinian worshipers.
According to news reports, violent confrontations are still ongoing between the Palestinians who attempt to protect the Mosque and the Israeli assailants.
The reports also said that dozens of Jewish settlers and policemen gathered near Al-Maghariba Gate, one of the Mosque's doors, in an attempt to storm it.
Other Israeli soldiers were seen preventing the Palestinian young men and women under age 45 from entering the Aqsa Mosque to help their brothers under attack.
Several extremist Jewish groups spearheaded by a movement called the temple trustees incited recently their followers to storm the Aqsa Mosque to strengthen what they claimed to be the status of the temple.
In this regard, Hamas spokesman Fawzi Barhoum strongly denounced the repeated Jewish attacks on the Aqsa Mosque and the malicious intents to demolish it to establish an alleged temple on its ruins.
He added in a press release that Israel is waging a religious war on the Islamic holy sites in the occupied Palestinian land and this war is supported by the US which is the cause of all pains and sufferings inflicted on the occupied Palestinian people.
Barhoum urged the Muslim nation all over the world to rise and revolt for occupied Jerusalem and the Aqsa Mosque and move to confront the Jewish extremists' attempts to harm the holy Mosque.
18 febr 2012
IOF invade north of Gaza, bomb east of Bureij camp
The Israeli occupation forces carried out a small-scale incursion into northern Gaza Strip on Friday evening and bombed a residential area east of Al-Bureij camp without any reported injuries.
Local sources told the Palestinian information center (PIC) that Israeli tanks and bulldozers advanced hundreds of meters north of Beit Lahia amid intensive gunfire and embarked on bulldozing the area.
A group of civilian passengers also survived miraculously on the same day when two Israeli artillery shells fell close to their car in a residential area east of Al-Bureij camp in central Gaza.
Two days ago, Israel carried out aerial attacks on populated areas in Gaza injuring several Palestinian civilians.
Local sources told the Palestinian information center (PIC) that Israeli tanks and bulldozers advanced hundreds of meters north of Beit Lahia amid intensive gunfire and embarked on bulldozing the area.
A group of civilian passengers also survived miraculously on the same day when two Israeli artillery shells fell close to their car in a residential area east of Al-Bureij camp in central Gaza.
Two days ago, Israel carried out aerial attacks on populated areas in Gaza injuring several Palestinian civilians.
17 febr 2012
Israeli forces shelled Gaza east of Breij refugee camp late Friday, causing no injuries or damage, after Israel's army said two projectiles landed near Ashkelon.
One missile fell beside a house in Breij, locals said. There were no injuries.
An Israeli unit also infiltrated near Abu Samra north of Beit Lahiya, locals said.
An Israeli army spokeswoman said Palestinians tried to plant an improvised explosive device targeting an Israeli patrol. "Hamas is accountable and will bear the consequence," she said on Twitter.
Earlier Israeli media said two projectiles landed near Ashkelon, causing no injuries.
One missile fell beside a house in Breij, locals said. There were no injuries.
An Israeli unit also infiltrated near Abu Samra north of Beit Lahiya, locals said.
An Israeli army spokeswoman said Palestinians tried to plant an improvised explosive device targeting an Israeli patrol. "Hamas is accountable and will bear the consequence," she said on Twitter.
Earlier Israeli media said two projectiles landed near Ashkelon, causing no injuries.
Israeli forces raided the houses and offices of three Palestinian lawmakers from Jenin on Thursday and confiscated their computers and mobile phones, security sources said.
The lawmakers were investigated by an Israeli intelligence officer.
Security sources said that from 12-2 a.m., agents raided the houses of Ibrahim Dahbour from Arrab and Khalid Sulaiman and Khalid Yahya from Jenin.
Dahbour said intelligence agents also confiscated files and documents.
He added that an Israeli intelligence officer investigated them and asked them about the general situation in the area and activities of the other lawmakers.
Sulaiman said that while raiding his office, the forces told him it would be closed until another Israeli officer said otherwise. However, he says he never received any official notice closing it.
The lawmakers were investigated by an Israeli intelligence officer.
Security sources said that from 12-2 a.m., agents raided the houses of Ibrahim Dahbour from Arrab and Khalid Sulaiman and Khalid Yahya from Jenin.
Dahbour said intelligence agents also confiscated files and documents.
He added that an Israeli intelligence officer investigated them and asked them about the general situation in the area and activities of the other lawmakers.
Sulaiman said that while raiding his office, the forces told him it would be closed until another Israeli officer said otherwise. However, he says he never received any official notice closing it.
16 febr 2012
|
|
Israel launched airstrikes on the northern and central Gaza Strip overnight Wednesday, injuring six people.
Witnesses told Ma'an that six people were injured in the al-Tuffah neighborhood of Gaza City as warplanes targeted an al-Qassam Brigades site. In a second attack, airstrikes targeted a site used by the Al-Quds brigades in al-Nuseirat, central Gaza. No injuries were reported. Israel's army said in a statement that it targeted two sites in the Gaza Strip in response to rocket fire. |
15 feb 2012
Palestinian medical sources reported that four residents were injured, on Tuesday evening, after inhaling gas fired by Israeli soldiers invading Zabbouba village, west of the northern West Bank city of Jenin.
The army invaded the village, and provoked dozens of residents by questioning them and checking their ID cards while pushing them around, an issue that pushed several residents to hurl stones and empty bottles at them, local sources reported.
The army fired gas bombs and rubber-coated metal bullets mildly wounding four youths, while several other residents were treated for the effects of teargas inhalation; most of them were in their homes.
Also, soldiers detained and interrogated several residents at a mourning house in the town, and also broke into a nearby home forcing the family out before searching it under the claim that youths who allegedly hurled stones at them run into the property.
The village is subject to frequent invasions by the army as the soldiers claim that village’ youths hurl stones and empty bottles at troops stationed near the Annexation Wall that surrounds the village from three directions.
The army invaded the village, and provoked dozens of residents by questioning them and checking their ID cards while pushing them around, an issue that pushed several residents to hurl stones and empty bottles at them, local sources reported.
The army fired gas bombs and rubber-coated metal bullets mildly wounding four youths, while several other residents were treated for the effects of teargas inhalation; most of them were in their homes.
Also, soldiers detained and interrogated several residents at a mourning house in the town, and also broke into a nearby home forcing the family out before searching it under the claim that youths who allegedly hurled stones at them run into the property.
The village is subject to frequent invasions by the army as the soldiers claim that village’ youths hurl stones and empty bottles at troops stationed near the Annexation Wall that surrounds the village from three directions.
Strategic Assessment #41: Prospects for an Israeli War on the Gaza Strip
The escalation of media campaigns between the Palestinian resistance and Israel, coupled with the latter's occasional military strikes against the Gaza Strip (GS), suggests that a war is to be waged soon.
However, the factors pressing for launching an Israeli war on GS or urging the resistance to end the truce are still limited. In addition, the changes in the Arab world are not in favor of Israel's going to war whilst the international environment is not yet ready for such a war in light of the developments in the Arab region.
Moreover, the Palestinian resistance is in dire need for calm to regain its military and political strength in light of the disparity in the balance of power with the Israeli side and till the crystallization of the Arab landscape. Therefore, it is likely for both sides to adhere to calm in the short run and while Israel might resort to limited targeting of the GS, the resistance might engage in limited retaliation.
The Israeli Conduct
Despite the statements of Israel's leaders and the media, a new GS war is unlikely in near future. The Jerusalem Post, for example, has mentioned, on 16/1/2012, that the Israeli army "General Staff has ordered the Southern Command to prepare for a possible large Gaza operation that could occur within the next few months." Matter of fact, the current relative calm on this front and the absence of a domestic, Arab or international environment pushing for war, defuse any possible escalation.
Media Escalation
Shortly before the third anniversary of Operation Cast Lead, a new wave of belligerent Israeli declarations was launched against the GS. On 5/12/2011, the retired Israeli Major General Yoav Gallant said that "in the end, we'll have to go in there [GS] with bulldozers." For his part, Chief of Staff Benny Gantz said that "sooner or later" another GS war will be launched, and that it will be "swift and painful."
Therefore, tension increased due to this escalatory tone that was coupled with some Israeli provocations which prompted the resistance factions to retaliate. A report issued by Israel Security Agency showed that 30 Palestinian military operations were launched from GS during December 2011 compared to 11 in November of the same year. This, accordingly, revived the idea of launching an Israeli war against GS.
The Israeli Justifications for Launching a War on the GS
1. Israel's discomfort with Hamas persistent control of the GS. For Hamas is an enemy that does not recognize Israel and is against the peace process.
2. Hamas and other Palestinian factions' continuous rearmament and accumulation of weapons and ordnance.
3. The continued threat of rockets from GS which has a negative impact on the security of around a million Israelis in the vicinity of GS and on the possibility of building a stable economic life.
The Israeli Justifications for Maintaining the Status Quo
1. The disruption of the peace process due to Israel's refusal to stop settlement building activity, which is considered a violation of the conditions of the PLO, the PA and the Quartet. This has also weakened Israel's relation with the PA and led to its isolation on the international level. Ultimately, any war launched by Israel would exacerbate its position. Thus, Israel wants a breakthrough in the peace process, where Mahmud 'Abbas would return to the negotiating table.
2. The overthrow of the Hamas-led government in the GS and the consequent transfer of power to the PA in Ramallah might not be desirable in the current stage. In fact, Israel still favors the Palestinian schism and seeks to undermine reconciliation in order to impose its conditions on the Palestinian side or to claim that there is no unified side which represents all the Palestinians.
3. There is no justification for war in the current time since there is no real threat given the lull which prevailed since Operation Cast Lead. This is clear from the number of rockets and mortar shells launched from the GS, where Israel counted 680 during 2011 compared to 3720 in 2008 prior to Operation Cast Lead although the latter year witnessed a six-month truce. In addition, there was an average of 50-70 daily rockets launched after the end of the truce.
4. The continued GS siege and the failing attempts to break it. Israel maintains land and maritime restrictions on GS coupled with the Egyptian restrictions on the Rafah crossing.
5. The relative success achieved by the Iron Dome in intercepting Palestinian rockets. The Israeli army reported 75% success of the system during the escalation period at the end of 2011.
6. The lack of an Arab environment suitable for war in light of regime change in some countries including Egypt. Thus, the resort to war by Israel might lead Islamic trends to unite their efforts to serve the Palestinian cause and the resistance factions especially Hamas, a development which Israel strongly fears.
7. The lack of international environment suitable for war as the US administration is busy with the attempts to rearrange its priorities in the region, particularly after pulling out its troops from Iraq. In addition, the US is busy with the preparations for presidential elections and the attempts to overcome its economic crisis.
The Palestinian Conduct
After operation Cast Lead, most of the Palestinian factions were committed to calm with Israel. Despite Hamas' control of GS, the movement did not want, and perhaps was not able, to prevent some factions from retaliating to Israeli assassinations. Besides, there are some small groups which cannot be controlled. Their conduct may lead to a mutual military escalation but it has not developed to a war yet.
The calm environment in GS allows the military factions, especially Hamas, to develop their capabilities and focus on breaking the siege and the reconstruction of GS. Further, the popular and factional atmosphere in GS does not want to rush into paying prices for another war without tangible results on the ground.
It seems that the Palestinian side, especially Hamas which is directly involved in the administration of GS and whose military readiness is mainly of defensive nature, is unwilling to go to a war which seems to bring more harm than good at the current stage.
Possible Scenario
Based on the above, it is not likely for Israel to wage an all-out war on GS or reoccupy a part of it in the foreseeable future. Apparently, such a step would conflict with other political and tactical calculations not to mention the lack of domestic, regional and international environment. Therefore, the possible scenario is for Israel to proceed with launching limited strikes on GS and to limit the impact of missiles on the settlements and cities through the use of the Iron Dome system.
However, the factors pressing for launching an Israeli war on GS or urging the resistance to end the truce are still limited. In addition, the changes in the Arab world are not in favor of Israel's going to war whilst the international environment is not yet ready for such a war in light of the developments in the Arab region.
Moreover, the Palestinian resistance is in dire need for calm to regain its military and political strength in light of the disparity in the balance of power with the Israeli side and till the crystallization of the Arab landscape. Therefore, it is likely for both sides to adhere to calm in the short run and while Israel might resort to limited targeting of the GS, the resistance might engage in limited retaliation.
The Israeli Conduct
Despite the statements of Israel's leaders and the media, a new GS war is unlikely in near future. The Jerusalem Post, for example, has mentioned, on 16/1/2012, that the Israeli army "General Staff has ordered the Southern Command to prepare for a possible large Gaza operation that could occur within the next few months." Matter of fact, the current relative calm on this front and the absence of a domestic, Arab or international environment pushing for war, defuse any possible escalation.
Media Escalation
Shortly before the third anniversary of Operation Cast Lead, a new wave of belligerent Israeli declarations was launched against the GS. On 5/12/2011, the retired Israeli Major General Yoav Gallant said that "in the end, we'll have to go in there [GS] with bulldozers." For his part, Chief of Staff Benny Gantz said that "sooner or later" another GS war will be launched, and that it will be "swift and painful."
Therefore, tension increased due to this escalatory tone that was coupled with some Israeli provocations which prompted the resistance factions to retaliate. A report issued by Israel Security Agency showed that 30 Palestinian military operations were launched from GS during December 2011 compared to 11 in November of the same year. This, accordingly, revived the idea of launching an Israeli war against GS.
The Israeli Justifications for Launching a War on the GS
1. Israel's discomfort with Hamas persistent control of the GS. For Hamas is an enemy that does not recognize Israel and is against the peace process.
2. Hamas and other Palestinian factions' continuous rearmament and accumulation of weapons and ordnance.
3. The continued threat of rockets from GS which has a negative impact on the security of around a million Israelis in the vicinity of GS and on the possibility of building a stable economic life.
The Israeli Justifications for Maintaining the Status Quo
1. The disruption of the peace process due to Israel's refusal to stop settlement building activity, which is considered a violation of the conditions of the PLO, the PA and the Quartet. This has also weakened Israel's relation with the PA and led to its isolation on the international level. Ultimately, any war launched by Israel would exacerbate its position. Thus, Israel wants a breakthrough in the peace process, where Mahmud 'Abbas would return to the negotiating table.
2. The overthrow of the Hamas-led government in the GS and the consequent transfer of power to the PA in Ramallah might not be desirable in the current stage. In fact, Israel still favors the Palestinian schism and seeks to undermine reconciliation in order to impose its conditions on the Palestinian side or to claim that there is no unified side which represents all the Palestinians.
3. There is no justification for war in the current time since there is no real threat given the lull which prevailed since Operation Cast Lead. This is clear from the number of rockets and mortar shells launched from the GS, where Israel counted 680 during 2011 compared to 3720 in 2008 prior to Operation Cast Lead although the latter year witnessed a six-month truce. In addition, there was an average of 50-70 daily rockets launched after the end of the truce.
4. The continued GS siege and the failing attempts to break it. Israel maintains land and maritime restrictions on GS coupled with the Egyptian restrictions on the Rafah crossing.
5. The relative success achieved by the Iron Dome in intercepting Palestinian rockets. The Israeli army reported 75% success of the system during the escalation period at the end of 2011.
6. The lack of an Arab environment suitable for war in light of regime change in some countries including Egypt. Thus, the resort to war by Israel might lead Islamic trends to unite their efforts to serve the Palestinian cause and the resistance factions especially Hamas, a development which Israel strongly fears.
7. The lack of international environment suitable for war as the US administration is busy with the attempts to rearrange its priorities in the region, particularly after pulling out its troops from Iraq. In addition, the US is busy with the preparations for presidential elections and the attempts to overcome its economic crisis.
The Palestinian Conduct
After operation Cast Lead, most of the Palestinian factions were committed to calm with Israel. Despite Hamas' control of GS, the movement did not want, and perhaps was not able, to prevent some factions from retaliating to Israeli assassinations. Besides, there are some small groups which cannot be controlled. Their conduct may lead to a mutual military escalation but it has not developed to a war yet.
The calm environment in GS allows the military factions, especially Hamas, to develop their capabilities and focus on breaking the siege and the reconstruction of GS. Further, the popular and factional atmosphere in GS does not want to rush into paying prices for another war without tangible results on the ground.
It seems that the Palestinian side, especially Hamas which is directly involved in the administration of GS and whose military readiness is mainly of defensive nature, is unwilling to go to a war which seems to bring more harm than good at the current stage.
Possible Scenario
Based on the above, it is not likely for Israel to wage an all-out war on GS or reoccupy a part of it in the foreseeable future. Apparently, such a step would conflict with other political and tactical calculations not to mention the lack of domestic, regional and international environment. Therefore, the possible scenario is for Israel to proceed with launching limited strikes on GS and to limit the impact of missiles on the settlements and cities through the use of the Iron Dome system.
Muhammad al Zaitoni, 22, rests in al Shifa Hospital
Saturday night israeli F-16´s bombed civilian targets in several areas of the Gaza strip. One of these strikes killed a man and injured his son in the neighborhood of al-Zaytoon, south-east Gaza city. An F-16 dropped a bomb on a farm just before midnight.
The watchman of the farm, Abed Alkareem Alzaitooni, 71 years old, was killed. He was sitting in a steel shed next to the animal pen. His son, Mohammed Alzaitooni, 22 years old, was injured. He was bringing some food to his father. Most of the animals in the farm were killed and the equipment was damaged.
The owner of the farm lost about 20 cows, 30 sheep and most of the feed for the animals. The same farm was targeted was also during Cast Lead and then was rebuilt. The house near the farm was damnaged but luckily nobody was injured. The owner of the house told us: “I was lucky because 10 minutes before the bombing I was with Abed".
Saturday night israeli F-16´s bombed civilian targets in several areas of the Gaza strip. One of these strikes killed a man and injured his son in the neighborhood of al-Zaytoon, south-east Gaza city. An F-16 dropped a bomb on a farm just before midnight.
The watchman of the farm, Abed Alkareem Alzaitooni, 71 years old, was killed. He was sitting in a steel shed next to the animal pen. His son, Mohammed Alzaitooni, 22 years old, was injured. He was bringing some food to his father. Most of the animals in the farm were killed and the equipment was damaged.
The owner of the farm lost about 20 cows, 30 sheep and most of the feed for the animals. The same farm was targeted was also during Cast Lead and then was rebuilt. The house near the farm was damnaged but luckily nobody was injured. The owner of the house told us: “I was lucky because 10 minutes before the bombing I was with Abed".
Locals help the family salvage animal feed for the surviving livestock
At the scene we found 5-6 young men trying to salvage the feed an anything else they could. A jacket was placed on a cement column. It was the jacket of Abed. Some chickens walked on the rubble.
A chicken lay dead on the ground.
A rooster walked over to her body and pushed at it as if was trying to encourage to move. From the rubble emerged the head of a sheep. There was a big crater in the ground from the bomb.
Rubble is spread everywhere. The day after the airstrike we went to the mourning tent.
Abed Kareem Zaytooni had 6 sons and 3 daughters. His family were natives of Jaffa. Abed spent the last 20 years of his life working as watchman. He returned home only one day per week.
He started to work in this farm 6 years ago. When he was young he worked as porter. His brother, Achmed, 73 years old, told us: “We grew up without our parents, our dad died before I can remember.
We came to Gaza directly form Jaffa. Our life started with suffering, we always tried to work anywhere we could. At the end everyone had his family.”
We visited the son of Abed, Mohammed, 22 years old, in Shifa hospital. Mohammed worked on the same farm as his father, he fed the animals. He started to work there 4 years ago.
At the scene we found 5-6 young men trying to salvage the feed an anything else they could. A jacket was placed on a cement column. It was the jacket of Abed. Some chickens walked on the rubble.
A chicken lay dead on the ground.
A rooster walked over to her body and pushed at it as if was trying to encourage to move. From the rubble emerged the head of a sheep. There was a big crater in the ground from the bomb.
Rubble is spread everywhere. The day after the airstrike we went to the mourning tent.
Abed Kareem Zaytooni had 6 sons and 3 daughters. His family were natives of Jaffa. Abed spent the last 20 years of his life working as watchman. He returned home only one day per week.
He started to work in this farm 6 years ago. When he was young he worked as porter. His brother, Achmed, 73 years old, told us: “We grew up without our parents, our dad died before I can remember.
We came to Gaza directly form Jaffa. Our life started with suffering, we always tried to work anywhere we could. At the end everyone had his family.”
We visited the son of Abed, Mohammed, 22 years old, in Shifa hospital. Mohammed worked on the same farm as his father, he fed the animals. He started to work there 4 years ago.
Hamas fighter
He always brought food to his father when he was at work. That night he wanted to replace him so his father could have a night off. After the bombing he searched for his father, he heard his father’s moaning. Then the moaning stopped. Ten minutes later the ambulance came. Mohammed is still in the hospital while his wounds heal enough for him to go home. He suffers several broken ribs and a punctured lung. We asked him if had anything to say to the world. He said:
“For the Arab and Islamic people, they must wake up from their sleep. For the West, you have abandoned us to death”.
During that same night, the israeli F-16´s launched similar airstrikes in Rafah and Khan Younis, in the south of the Gaza strip. One of these strike targeted an agricultural shed in al-Qarara village. The second airstrike targeted a vacant room in a house in al-Shouka village. The third airstrike targeted an open area in al-Shouka village.
Israel announced it had bombed military targets. The targets Israeli bombed were civilian targets. Gaza continues to live under the siege and under a sky full of warplanes. Gaza continues crying, it continues to mourn its dead.
Rosa Schiano is a volunteer with International Solidarity Movement.
He always brought food to his father when he was at work. That night he wanted to replace him so his father could have a night off. After the bombing he searched for his father, he heard his father’s moaning. Then the moaning stopped. Ten minutes later the ambulance came. Mohammed is still in the hospital while his wounds heal enough for him to go home. He suffers several broken ribs and a punctured lung. We asked him if had anything to say to the world. He said:
“For the Arab and Islamic people, they must wake up from their sleep. For the West, you have abandoned us to death”.
During that same night, the israeli F-16´s launched similar airstrikes in Rafah and Khan Younis, in the south of the Gaza strip. One of these strike targeted an agricultural shed in al-Qarara village. The second airstrike targeted a vacant room in a house in al-Shouka village. The third airstrike targeted an open area in al-Shouka village.
Israel announced it had bombed military targets. The targets Israeli bombed were civilian targets. Gaza continues to live under the siege and under a sky full of warplanes. Gaza continues crying, it continues to mourn its dead.
Rosa Schiano is a volunteer with International Solidarity Movement.
13 feb 2012
A Palestinian boy was injured on Monday when Israeli occupation forces (IOF) fired stun grenades at young men to the south west of Doura village to the west of Al-Khalil.
Local sources said that Mohammed Mutari was injured in his head and carried to Al-Khalil government hospital in moderate condition.
Eyewitnesses said that the IOF soldiers chased young men after the confrontations near Doura and arrested two young men.
Local sources said that Mohammed Mutari was injured in his head and carried to Al-Khalil government hospital in moderate condition.
Eyewitnesses said that the IOF soldiers chased young men after the confrontations near Doura and arrested two young men.
12 feb 2012
Palestinians survey the damage to an animal farm after an Israeli air strike east of Gaza City .
A Palestinian walks past a wounded cow at an animal farm.
The military described the operation as retaliation for a cross-border rocket launch
|
69-year-old Abdul-Karim Az-Zaytouna
Israeli air forces Sunday raided neighborhoods across the Gaza strip, killing one Palestinian, according to local sources. They said that Israeli air forces targeted a tin shack, near Zeiton neighborhood east of Gaza, injuring few Palestinians; among them Abed al-Karim Zeituniya, 69, who was transferred to al-Shifa hospital and died later of his wounds. Israeli F-16 war planes shelled another area northwest of Shijaia neighborhood and a tin shack in el-Nahda neighborhood, in Gaza. WAFA correspondent reported on three Palestinians, who were injured during the Israeli strikes at the Strip and transferred to hospital to receive treatment. . Israeli airstrikes kill 1, injure 3 in Gaza Israeli warplanes killed an elderly man in the central Gaza Strip overnight Saturday, in a series of airstrikes across Gaza that injured three others. Palestinian medics said 69-year-old Abdul-Karim Az-Zaytouna was killed and two others were injured when warplanes bombed steel sheds near the Zaytoun neighborhood of Gaza City. Israeli forces also targeted sites in the southern Gaza Strip, injuring one near Khan Younis when a missile landed in an open area. A house belonging to the Imteir familiy was shelled east of Rafah, causing severe damage, but no reported injuries. An Israeli military statement said the strikes targeted a "terror tunnel and a weapon manufacturing facility in the northern Gaza Strip, a terror tunnel in the central Gaza Strip and an additional terror tunnel in the southern Gaza Strip." It said the strikes were in response to a rocket fired from Gaza that caused light injuries to a woman when it hit Israel's Hof Ashkelon district on Saturday. |
The international organization for the defense of children has said that the Israeli occupation soldiers savagely beat up a Palestinian child after breaking both his legs.
The organization quoted the 16-year-old boy Mahmoud Qatna as saying that he was heading to an area near the separation wall in his village Beit Sorik along with a number of his friends when the soldiers surprised them.
He said that the soldiers arrested him along with two of his friends, threw him on his stomach on the ground and started beating him savagely, adding that before that he was hit with a rubber bullet in his left leg fired by those soldiers.
Qatna said that he was screaming out of pain and told the soldiers that his leg had broken but they did not heed his screams and continued to beat him.
He said that the soldiers took him to an asphalted road where he was beaten anew then he was carried to a roadblock where he was held blindfolded and handcuffed under the rain for half an hour.
The boy said that he was taken to an army base where an interrogator questioned him about going to the wall, adding that the questioning took place at midnight. He said that the interrogator accused him of throwing stones at the soldiers, which he absolutely denied.
Qatna said he was then taken to Ofer jail then to hospital the next morning where the doctors discovered that both his legs were broken and where he was served food and allowed to the bathroom for the first time since his arrest.
Qatna was returned to Ofer jail where he was beaten on the way back then held for 16 days during which he was taken to court five times. In the fifth hearing he was released on bail pending trial.
The organization quoted the 16-year-old boy Mahmoud Qatna as saying that he was heading to an area near the separation wall in his village Beit Sorik along with a number of his friends when the soldiers surprised them.
He said that the soldiers arrested him along with two of his friends, threw him on his stomach on the ground and started beating him savagely, adding that before that he was hit with a rubber bullet in his left leg fired by those soldiers.
Qatna said that he was screaming out of pain and told the soldiers that his leg had broken but they did not heed his screams and continued to beat him.
He said that the soldiers took him to an asphalted road where he was beaten anew then he was carried to a roadblock where he was held blindfolded and handcuffed under the rain for half an hour.
The boy said that he was taken to an army base where an interrogator questioned him about going to the wall, adding that the questioning took place at midnight. He said that the interrogator accused him of throwing stones at the soldiers, which he absolutely denied.
Qatna said he was then taken to Ofer jail then to hospital the next morning where the doctors discovered that both his legs were broken and where he was served food and allowed to the bathroom for the first time since his arrest.
Qatna was returned to Ofer jail where he was beaten on the way back then held for 16 days during which he was taken to court five times. In the fifth hearing he was released on bail pending trial.
Confrontations erupted on Sunday between Israeli soldiers and Palestinians during an Israeli raid on several Palestinian areas in the West Bank city of Jericho, injuring three, including one seriously, according to Majed Al-Fetyani governor of Jericho and the Jordan Valley.
He said that seven Israeli military vehicles along with dozens of heavily armed soldiers raided several areas in Jericho city, leading to confrontations that caused the injury of three Palestinian youths, including one seriously.
The injured were transferred to hospital for treatment; condition of two was described stable and one critical.
Al-Fetyani described these Israeli measures a barbarian brutal act that reflect the Israeli occupation’s mentality; refusing peace and imposing facts on the ground through its arrogant force.
He called upon the international community to pressure Israel to prevent it from practicing such measures against Palestinians.
He said that seven Israeli military vehicles along with dozens of heavily armed soldiers raided several areas in Jericho city, leading to confrontations that caused the injury of three Palestinian youths, including one seriously.
The injured were transferred to hospital for treatment; condition of two was described stable and one critical.
Al-Fetyani described these Israeli measures a barbarian brutal act that reflect the Israeli occupation’s mentality; refusing peace and imposing facts on the ground through its arrogant force.
He called upon the international community to pressure Israel to prevent it from practicing such measures against Palestinians.
A boy was injured by Israeli forces in Hebron on Sunday as residents and soldiers clashed, locals told Ma'an.
Israeli forces raided several homes in the village of al-Tabaqa, southwest Hebron, leading to clashes with local residents.
Muhammad Mahmoud Imtayer, 16, sustained injuries to his head and was taken to Hebron hospital for treatment.
Israeli forces raided several homes in the village of al-Tabaqa, southwest Hebron, leading to clashes with local residents.
Muhammad Mahmoud Imtayer, 16, sustained injuries to his head and was taken to Hebron hospital for treatment.
Samer Issawi
Three people were injured on Sunday when Israeli forces raided a family home in the Jerusalem neighborhood of al-Isawiya.
Israeli forces were looking for freed detainee Samer Issawi, relatives told Ma'an. His mother and sister tried to prevent the soldiers from entering their home, at which point they broke down the door.
Issawi's sister Shireen suffered a broken hand and foot, and his mother and brother were also beaten, relatives said.
They were taken to Hadassah hospital for treatment.
Issawi was released in the prisoner exchange deal between Israel and Hamas on Oct. 18, 2011.
Three people were injured on Sunday when Israeli forces raided a family home in the Jerusalem neighborhood of al-Isawiya.
Israeli forces were looking for freed detainee Samer Issawi, relatives told Ma'an. His mother and sister tried to prevent the soldiers from entering their home, at which point they broke down the door.
Issawi's sister Shireen suffered a broken hand and foot, and his mother and brother were also beaten, relatives said.
They were taken to Hadassah hospital for treatment.
Issawi was released in the prisoner exchange deal between Israel and Hamas on Oct. 18, 2011.
11 febr 2012
Islamic Jihad says a Palestinian resistance fighter was slightly injured late Friday when an Israeli warplane fired a missile at a military site in Beit Lahiya in the northern Gaza Strip.
Abu Ahmad, a spokesman for Islamic Jihad’s military wing, says the Israeli missile targeted the Hitteen base in Beit Lahiya. He confirmed that a fighter affiliated with the group sustained light wounds.
An Israeli military representative told Israeli media the army was not aware of the incident.
Abu Ahmad, a spokesman for Islamic Jihad’s military wing, says the Israeli missile targeted the Hitteen base in Beit Lahiya. He confirmed that a fighter affiliated with the group sustained light wounds.
An Israeli military representative told Israeli media the army was not aware of the incident.
Page: 33 - 32 - 31 - 30 - 29 - 28 - 27 - 26 - 25 - 24 - 23 - 22 - 21 - 20 - 19 - 18 - 17 - 16 - 15 - 14 - 13 - 12 - 11 - 10 - 9 - 8 - 7 - 6 - 5 - 4 - 3 - 2 - 1
