27 dec 2008
Medics treat wounded Palestinians in Rafah, Gaza Strip
Three Palestinian fighters were injured on Saturday by an Israeli attack targeting a projectile launch site in the northern Gaza Strip, medical sources said.
Dr Mu'awiyah Hassanein, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Health, told Ma'an that the fighters arrived "lightly injured" and that they had arrived from the Al-Shayma area, west of Beit Lahiya, in the northern Gaza Strip.
The Al-Qassam Brigades, a militant group affiliated with Hamas, announced an attack on an Israeli site at 9:00 am on Saturday, according to a statement.
Three Palestinian fighters were injured on Saturday by an Israeli attack targeting a projectile launch site in the northern Gaza Strip, medical sources said.
Dr Mu'awiyah Hassanein, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Health, told Ma'an that the fighters arrived "lightly injured" and that they had arrived from the Al-Shayma area, west of Beit Lahiya, in the northern Gaza Strip.
The Al-Qassam Brigades, a militant group affiliated with Hamas, announced an attack on an Israeli site at 9:00 am on Saturday, according to a statement.
"every de facto security building was targeted." Confirmed casualties include Commander of the de facto Government Police Tawfiq Jabir, Governor of the Al-Wusta (central) Districts Ahmad Abu Aashur and Commander of Security and Protection Services in the de facto government police Ismail Al-Ja'bari.
Islam Shahwan, a Hamas police spokesman, said that the attacks destroyed most of the police headquarters in the Gaza Strip and that a police graduation ceremony was being held during the assault.
Saturday afternoon Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak declared the 20 square kilometers of Gaza a "special military zone." The classification is one degree below a declaration of total war against an enemy state.
Palestinian projectiles
Following the first wave of airstrikes Gazan militants fired projectiles towards the western Negev town of Netivot. One projectile made a direct hit on a civilian home, killing one man and injuring five others, one seriously.
As fighting petered out Saturday evening Palestinian militants launched a Russian-made Grad missile at the Israeli city of Ashkelon. The projectile did not explode. Several Brigades responded Saturday after dark by launching projectiles at Israeli targets. No new injuries have been reported.
Hamas response
Following the first wave of airstrikes Hamas has ordered its militant wing the Al-Qassam Brigades to respond "by any means necessary."
Hamas spokesman Fawzi Barhoum called for a massive response to the airstrikes and a renewal of operations within Israel. He also asked Palestinians to "remain patient in light of these Israeli crimes."
Islamic Jihad leader Khaled Al-Batsh said that the Israeli attack amounts to "open war" against Palestinians, intended "to put down the resistance."
Al-Batsh condemned international and Arab States for their "silence on such massacres." He also swore that what had happened "would never make the resistance factions surrender."
Later Saturday evening the de facto government announced three days of mourning for the Gaza dead and warned Israel that there would be consequences for their actions.
Hospitals overrun with dead bodies
Palestinian medical sources described at least 80 of the wounded as arriving to hospital in "pieces," and Head of Emergency and Ambulance Services in the Ministry of Health Muawiya Hassanain confirmed that medical crews were still pulling dozens from underneath rubble.
Hassanain sent a plea to all Arab governments to send medications and operating supplies to Gaza, saying most of the injured were too badly injured to be moved outside the Strip. Hospital corridors are filled with bodies and gurneys, and local morgues have run out of space.
Anyone with mild or moderate wounds has been sent home and refused follow-up treatment.
Palestinian protests in West Bank, East Jerusalem
As the news of the massive Israeli attacks in Gaza spread across the West Bank, demonstrations erupted in all West Bank cities as well as several neighborhoods of East Jerusalem.
In Hebron and Jerusalem demonstrating youth clashed with Israeli soldiers resulting in dozens of arrests and injuries.
Islam Shahwan, a Hamas police spokesman, said that the attacks destroyed most of the police headquarters in the Gaza Strip and that a police graduation ceremony was being held during the assault.
Saturday afternoon Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak declared the 20 square kilometers of Gaza a "special military zone." The classification is one degree below a declaration of total war against an enemy state.
Palestinian projectiles
Following the first wave of airstrikes Gazan militants fired projectiles towards the western Negev town of Netivot. One projectile made a direct hit on a civilian home, killing one man and injuring five others, one seriously.
As fighting petered out Saturday evening Palestinian militants launched a Russian-made Grad missile at the Israeli city of Ashkelon. The projectile did not explode. Several Brigades responded Saturday after dark by launching projectiles at Israeli targets. No new injuries have been reported.
Hamas response
Following the first wave of airstrikes Hamas has ordered its militant wing the Al-Qassam Brigades to respond "by any means necessary."
Hamas spokesman Fawzi Barhoum called for a massive response to the airstrikes and a renewal of operations within Israel. He also asked Palestinians to "remain patient in light of these Israeli crimes."
Islamic Jihad leader Khaled Al-Batsh said that the Israeli attack amounts to "open war" against Palestinians, intended "to put down the resistance."
Al-Batsh condemned international and Arab States for their "silence on such massacres." He also swore that what had happened "would never make the resistance factions surrender."
Later Saturday evening the de facto government announced three days of mourning for the Gaza dead and warned Israel that there would be consequences for their actions.
Hospitals overrun with dead bodies
Palestinian medical sources described at least 80 of the wounded as arriving to hospital in "pieces," and Head of Emergency and Ambulance Services in the Ministry of Health Muawiya Hassanain confirmed that medical crews were still pulling dozens from underneath rubble.
Hassanain sent a plea to all Arab governments to send medications and operating supplies to Gaza, saying most of the injured were too badly injured to be moved outside the Strip. Hospital corridors are filled with bodies and gurneys, and local morgues have run out of space.
Anyone with mild or moderate wounds has been sent home and refused follow-up treatment.
Palestinian protests in West Bank, East Jerusalem
As the news of the massive Israeli attacks in Gaza spread across the West Bank, demonstrations erupted in all West Bank cities as well as several neighborhoods of East Jerusalem.
In Hebron and Jerusalem demonstrating youth clashed with Israeli soldiers resulting in dozens of arrests and injuries.
Aftermath of an Israeli airstrike on the Gaza Strip, Saturday
All Palestinian sides have condemned the Israeli attacks on Gaza, calling the action a "massacre," and encouraging Palestinian factions to rally in support of the people in the Strip.
Communicating through his spokesperson Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said he "condemns the Israeli attacks against the Gaza Strip." His spokesperson Nabil Abu Rudeineh added that Abbas "calls on the Israeli government to stop these attacks immediately, and to stop such massacres."
Member at the executive committee for the PLO Taysir Khaled accused Israel of using weapons in Gaza that are banned internationally and condemned the Israeli attack. He called for immediate intervention to stop the military action, which he said has been in the works for months.
The Jenin branch of Fatah's Al-Aqsa Brigades sent a statement saying their fighters "would not be handcuffed," and would retaliate "in the right place at the right time." The group declared a state of high alert in order to defend the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip against Israeli aggression.
The Brigades' spokesperson called on all concerned sides including the whole international community to intervene and stop Israeli aggression on the Gaza Strip.
Islamic Jihad's Al-Quds Brigades also put all its fighters on alert asserting that Israel will pay a heavy toll for their heavy handed attacks.
Member of the Palestinian Legislative Council Muhammad Dahlan echoed Abbas' statements, calling the Israeli move a "bloody massacre," and called on all factions to unite and oppose the Israeli violence. He added that the international community must act swiftly to stop the attacks and the deaths of more civilians.
All Palestinian sides have condemned the Israeli attacks on Gaza, calling the action a "massacre," and encouraging Palestinian factions to rally in support of the people in the Strip.
Communicating through his spokesperson Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said he "condemns the Israeli attacks against the Gaza Strip." His spokesperson Nabil Abu Rudeineh added that Abbas "calls on the Israeli government to stop these attacks immediately, and to stop such massacres."
Member at the executive committee for the PLO Taysir Khaled accused Israel of using weapons in Gaza that are banned internationally and condemned the Israeli attack. He called for immediate intervention to stop the military action, which he said has been in the works for months.
The Jenin branch of Fatah's Al-Aqsa Brigades sent a statement saying their fighters "would not be handcuffed," and would retaliate "in the right place at the right time." The group declared a state of high alert in order to defend the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip against Israeli aggression.
The Brigades' spokesperson called on all concerned sides including the whole international community to intervene and stop Israeli aggression on the Gaza Strip.
Islamic Jihad's Al-Quds Brigades also put all its fighters on alert asserting that Israel will pay a heavy toll for their heavy handed attacks.
Member of the Palestinian Legislative Council Muhammad Dahlan echoed Abbas' statements, calling the Israeli move a "bloody massacre," and called on all factions to unite and oppose the Israeli violence. He added that the international community must act swiftly to stop the attacks and the deaths of more civilians.
Aftermath of an Israeli airstrike on the Gaza Strip, Saturday
Hamas has ordered the Al-Qassam Brigades, its militant wing, to respond "by any means necessary" to the airstrikes in Gaza.
Tawfiq Jabber, the Gaza police chief, was reportedly killed in one on of the attacks.
Islam Shahwan, a Hamas police spokesman, said that the attacks destroyed most of the police headquarters in the Gaza Strip and that a police graduation ceremony was being held during the assault.
Hamas spokesman Fawzi Barhoum called for a massive response to the airstrikes and a renewal of operations within Israel.
He also asked Palestinians to "remain patient in light of these Israeli crimes."
Sources within Hamas told Ma'an that every de facto security building in the Gaza Strip was attacked.
Islamic Jihad leader Khaled Al-Batsh said that the Israeli attack amounts to "open war" against Palestinians, intended "to put down the resistance."
Al-Batsh condemned international and Arab States for their "silence on such massacres." He also swore that what had happened "would never make the resistance factions surrender."
Hamas has ordered the Al-Qassam Brigades, its militant wing, to respond "by any means necessary" to the airstrikes in Gaza.
Tawfiq Jabber, the Gaza police chief, was reportedly killed in one on of the attacks.
Islam Shahwan, a Hamas police spokesman, said that the attacks destroyed most of the police headquarters in the Gaza Strip and that a police graduation ceremony was being held during the assault.
Hamas spokesman Fawzi Barhoum called for a massive response to the airstrikes and a renewal of operations within Israel.
He also asked Palestinians to "remain patient in light of these Israeli crimes."
Sources within Hamas told Ma'an that every de facto security building in the Gaza Strip was attacked.
Islamic Jihad leader Khaled Al-Batsh said that the Israeli attack amounts to "open war" against Palestinians, intended "to put down the resistance."
Al-Batsh condemned international and Arab States for their "silence on such massacres." He also swore that what had happened "would never make the resistance factions surrender."
Aftermath of an Israeli airstrike on the Gaza Strip, Saturday
Israeli warplanes targeted the police station in Rafah, leading to the collapse of several tunnels.
Residents saw witnesses running from the tunnels as they collapsed behind them.
Among the police officers killed in the Israeli attack on the Gaza Strip was de facto Police Chief Imad Al-Amsi.
Israeli warplanes targeted the police station in Rafah, leading to the collapse of several tunnels.
Residents saw witnesses running from the tunnels as they collapsed behind them.
Among the police officers killed in the Israeli attack on the Gaza Strip was de facto Police Chief Imad Al-Amsi.
Aftermath of an Israeli airstrike on the Gaza Strip, Saturday
Egypt has opened the Rafah border crossing to transfer injured Palestinians, according to the Sinai governor.
Egypt announced that it opened the Rafah crossing to receive dozens of injured at Egyptian hospitals. It sent dozens of ambulances there, as well.
Angry mobs took to the streets in a number of the West Bank cities, including Ramallah Hebron and Bethlehem, denouncing the attacks.
Palestinian prime minister condemns Israeli airstrikes
Palestinian Prime Minister Salam Fayyad condemned the Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip and called on Israel to stop operations there "immediately."
Fayyad assured that the Palestinian Authority (PA) is making contact with to force the military to stop such attacks against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.
Fayyad announced a state of alert and called on ambulance and medical staff to prepare to rescue Palestinians in Gaza.
He called for all doctors to rush to hospitals to rescue injured Palestinians.
PLO: Now is the time for Palestinian unity
Yasser Abed Rabbo, a member of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO)'s Executive Board, called on Palestinians in the West Bank, Gaza Strip and East Jerusalem to unite in face of deadly Israeli airstrikes.
In a news conference, Rabbo called on national forces to unite in the face of Israeli attacks and rush to rescue the injured.
He called for unity in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, adding, "Now it is time to unite."
Egypt has opened the Rafah border crossing to transfer injured Palestinians, according to the Sinai governor.
Egypt announced that it opened the Rafah crossing to receive dozens of injured at Egyptian hospitals. It sent dozens of ambulances there, as well.
Angry mobs took to the streets in a number of the West Bank cities, including Ramallah Hebron and Bethlehem, denouncing the attacks.
Palestinian prime minister condemns Israeli airstrikes
Palestinian Prime Minister Salam Fayyad condemned the Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip and called on Israel to stop operations there "immediately."
Fayyad assured that the Palestinian Authority (PA) is making contact with to force the military to stop such attacks against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.
Fayyad announced a state of alert and called on ambulance and medical staff to prepare to rescue Palestinians in Gaza.
He called for all doctors to rush to hospitals to rescue injured Palestinians.
PLO: Now is the time for Palestinian unity
Yasser Abed Rabbo, a member of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO)'s Executive Board, called on Palestinians in the West Bank, Gaza Strip and East Jerusalem to unite in face of deadly Israeli airstrikes.
In a news conference, Rabbo called on national forces to unite in the face of Israeli attacks and rush to rescue the injured.
He called for unity in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, adding, "Now it is time to unite."
Aftermath of an Israeli airstrike on the Gaza Strip, Saturday
A spokesperson for the Fatah movement condemned attacks against the Gaza Strip on Saturday.
Fahmi Al-Za'arir blamed Israel for the "many injuries" and called for a ceasefire or truce "to protect the Palestinian people."
Al-Za'arir called for the international community to keep Palestinians safe from "such bloody wars" and to provide them with protection.
He added that Israel's attacks "will never put down our people's will."
Fatah officials in Nablus call Israeli strike "a new Holocaust"
Fatah officials in Nablus called the attacks in the Gaza Strip on Saturday a "new Holocaust" against Palestinians.
In a statement, Fatah said that the Israeli assault came at a time when Egypt is doing "all it can" to reinstitute the truce, condemning the fresh Israeli violation.
The statement applauded Egypt's efforts in evacuating the wounded, as well.
A spokesperson for the Fatah movement condemned attacks against the Gaza Strip on Saturday.
Fahmi Al-Za'arir blamed Israel for the "many injuries" and called for a ceasefire or truce "to protect the Palestinian people."
Al-Za'arir called for the international community to keep Palestinians safe from "such bloody wars" and to provide them with protection.
He added that Israel's attacks "will never put down our people's will."
Fatah officials in Nablus call Israeli strike "a new Holocaust"
Fatah officials in Nablus called the attacks in the Gaza Strip on Saturday a "new Holocaust" against Palestinians.
In a statement, Fatah said that the Israeli assault came at a time when Egypt is doing "all it can" to reinstitute the truce, condemning the fresh Israeli violation.
The statement applauded Egypt's efforts in evacuating the wounded, as well.
Leaders and citizens of Israel's neighboring Arab countries condemned an airstrike that killed at least 150 Palestinians and injured more than 200 others on Saturday.
Egypt
Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak condemned the attacks, holding Israel responsible for those killed and demanded that the semi-successful ceasefire between militants in Gaza and the Israeli army be renewed.
"Egypt will forge ahead with its contacts to create a favorable atmosphere for renewing the truce and attaining inter-Palestinian reconciliation in a bid to end the suffering of the Palestinian people," a statement from the president's office said.
Moments after the first 30 airstrikes at noon on Saturday, a high-level Egyptian official told Al-Jazeera that the Israeli operation was "an unprecedented massacre."
Jordan
Jordan's King Abdullah II called for an immediate end to "all militant activities" in a statement issued from his palace. The statement insisted that the attacks "targeted innocents among the civilians, including women and children.
The king insisted that "violence will only escalate the crisis and will not bring security to Israel."
"Jordan will exert every possible effort along with influential powers in the region and beyond to put an end to the Israeli military operations," said Nasser Judah, the kingdom's state minister for Media Affairs and Communication.
Judah added that only negitions will lead to peace and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state "on Palestinian soil."
Meanwhile, hundreds of Jordanians took to the streets when news arrived about the airstrikes. Gathering at the United Nations headquarters in Amman, Jordanians demonstrated by waving Hamas banners and shouting slogans about the Israeli attack and the occupation, in general.
Lebanon
Lebanese Prime Minister Fouad Seniora called the strikes "tragic and criminal."
Lebanon "strongly denounces and rejects the criminal operation in the Gaza Strip," a statement from Senior's office said.
The Lebanese prime minister called on the Arab League and other heads of state to immediately convene in an emergency session to adopt a "united Arab stand to face aggression."
He also insisted that the United Nations adopt "deterring and necessary measures against Israel for its continuous violations of Palestinian and Arab human rights."
Seniora also announced a "Lebanese, Arab and international solidarity campaign to stop the attack and rescue the victims."
Syria
In Syria's Damascus-area Al-Yarmouk Refugee Camp, dozens of Palestinians protested the attack, vowing to continue the fight against Israel, the Associated Press reported on Saturday.
Arab League Secretary General Amr Mousa, himself from Egypt, condemned the airstrikes and called for an emergency session to discuss a united Arab response to the attacks.
Egypt
Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak condemned the attacks, holding Israel responsible for those killed and demanded that the semi-successful ceasefire between militants in Gaza and the Israeli army be renewed.
"Egypt will forge ahead with its contacts to create a favorable atmosphere for renewing the truce and attaining inter-Palestinian reconciliation in a bid to end the suffering of the Palestinian people," a statement from the president's office said.
Moments after the first 30 airstrikes at noon on Saturday, a high-level Egyptian official told Al-Jazeera that the Israeli operation was "an unprecedented massacre."
Jordan
Jordan's King Abdullah II called for an immediate end to "all militant activities" in a statement issued from his palace. The statement insisted that the attacks "targeted innocents among the civilians, including women and children.
The king insisted that "violence will only escalate the crisis and will not bring security to Israel."
"Jordan will exert every possible effort along with influential powers in the region and beyond to put an end to the Israeli military operations," said Nasser Judah, the kingdom's state minister for Media Affairs and Communication.
Judah added that only negitions will lead to peace and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state "on Palestinian soil."
Meanwhile, hundreds of Jordanians took to the streets when news arrived about the airstrikes. Gathering at the United Nations headquarters in Amman, Jordanians demonstrated by waving Hamas banners and shouting slogans about the Israeli attack and the occupation, in general.
Lebanon
Lebanese Prime Minister Fouad Seniora called the strikes "tragic and criminal."
Lebanon "strongly denounces and rejects the criminal operation in the Gaza Strip," a statement from Senior's office said.
The Lebanese prime minister called on the Arab League and other heads of state to immediately convene in an emergency session to adopt a "united Arab stand to face aggression."
He also insisted that the United Nations adopt "deterring and necessary measures against Israel for its continuous violations of Palestinian and Arab human rights."
Seniora also announced a "Lebanese, Arab and international solidarity campaign to stop the attack and rescue the victims."
Syria
In Syria's Damascus-area Al-Yarmouk Refugee Camp, dozens of Palestinians protested the attack, vowing to continue the fight against Israel, the Associated Press reported on Saturday.
Arab League Secretary General Amr Mousa, himself from Egypt, condemned the airstrikes and called for an emergency session to discuss a united Arab response to the attacks.
The operation in Gaza was necessary and will be expanded as needed, said Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak during a five O'clock Saturday press conference. Two waves of Israeli airstrikes across the coastal region killed upwards of 200 Palestinians and injured almost 350.
Israel sent approximately 80 warplanes and helicopters over the Gaza Strip to drop more than 100 bombs on "Hamas targets," often in densely populated urban areas. The Israeli military has dubbed the action Operation Cast Lead, and says the attack will continue until Gaza militants stop launching homemade projectiles on Israeli towns.
The Israeli air force said it "hit" 190 Hamas activists and disabled equipment used for "terror activities."
During the press conference Barak explained the objective of the operation is to shuffle the cards in Gaza and change the situation on the ground. Israel hopes to deal a blow to Hamas and at the same time halt projectile launches at Israeli targets.
Barak told Israelis, "There is a time for calm and there is a time for fighting, and now is the time for fighting."
A statement from Olmert said the operation was not designed to topple Hamas, but to stop the projectiles coming into Israel. Barak and his chief of staff Gabi Ashkenazi are supervising the operation.
Israel prepared for attacks weeks in advance
The decision to carry out the operation was made Wednesday and Barak and outgoing Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert ordered the operation Saturday morning, though it has been in the works for weeks.
An Israeli security source reported that Friday's decision to allow aid into the Gaza Strip was a deliberate ploy to mislead Palestinians.
Israel ordered the residents living less than seven kilometers from Gaza borders to stay at home, and those who live 30 kilometers from the Gaza borders to remain close to shelters.
Gaza declared "special military zone"
Israel has not declared open war on Gaza, declaring the area a "special military zone."
Possibly fearing accusations of collective punishment and war against a civilian population Israeli Chanel 10's newscast said the strikes are "not against the population of Gaza," and clarified that they were against the militant groups firing projectiles.
Fatah in Hebron condemns Israeli attacks; organizes blood drive to save Gazan lives
Three days of mourning for the Gaza dead and a general strike have been declared by Hebron's Fatah party.
Fatah will organize a mass blood drive to support the beleaguered hospitals in Gaza and ensure as many Palestinian lives as possible are saved.
"Israel is committing Holocaust in the Gaza Strip," Fatah spokesperson in Hebron Jihad Al-Qawasmi said Saturday. "Israel is violating international laws under protection of the international community," he added in a statement condemning the Israeli actions.
Israel sent approximately 80 warplanes and helicopters over the Gaza Strip to drop more than 100 bombs on "Hamas targets," often in densely populated urban areas. The Israeli military has dubbed the action Operation Cast Lead, and says the attack will continue until Gaza militants stop launching homemade projectiles on Israeli towns.
The Israeli air force said it "hit" 190 Hamas activists and disabled equipment used for "terror activities."
During the press conference Barak explained the objective of the operation is to shuffle the cards in Gaza and change the situation on the ground. Israel hopes to deal a blow to Hamas and at the same time halt projectile launches at Israeli targets.
Barak told Israelis, "There is a time for calm and there is a time for fighting, and now is the time for fighting."
A statement from Olmert said the operation was not designed to topple Hamas, but to stop the projectiles coming into Israel. Barak and his chief of staff Gabi Ashkenazi are supervising the operation.
Israel prepared for attacks weeks in advance
The decision to carry out the operation was made Wednesday and Barak and outgoing Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert ordered the operation Saturday morning, though it has been in the works for weeks.
An Israeli security source reported that Friday's decision to allow aid into the Gaza Strip was a deliberate ploy to mislead Palestinians.
Israel ordered the residents living less than seven kilometers from Gaza borders to stay at home, and those who live 30 kilometers from the Gaza borders to remain close to shelters.
Gaza declared "special military zone"
Israel has not declared open war on Gaza, declaring the area a "special military zone."
Possibly fearing accusations of collective punishment and war against a civilian population Israeli Chanel 10's newscast said the strikes are "not against the population of Gaza," and clarified that they were against the militant groups firing projectiles.
Fatah in Hebron condemns Israeli attacks; organizes blood drive to save Gazan lives
Three days of mourning for the Gaza dead and a general strike have been declared by Hebron's Fatah party.
Fatah will organize a mass blood drive to support the beleaguered hospitals in Gaza and ensure as many Palestinian lives as possible are saved.
"Israel is committing Holocaust in the Gaza Strip," Fatah spokesperson in Hebron Jihad Al-Qawasmi said Saturday. "Israel is violating international laws under protection of the international community," he added in a statement condemning the Israeli actions.
Israeli Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni on Saturday ordered the Foreign Ministry to "take emergency measures" to spin the air force's attacks in the Gaza Strip to the international community, according to Israeli newspaper Ha'aretz.
Livni told senior Foreign Ministry officials to "open an aggressive and diplomatic international public relations campaign," the paper added.
At least 150 people were killed in the airstrikes around noon on Saturday. Estimates indicate that as many as 200 additional Palestinians may have been injured in the strikes.
One Israeli was killed in a projectile attack shortly after the Israeli airstrike.
The Israeli foreign ministry instructed ministry officials on vacation for the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah to immediately return to their posts abroad in order to "mount public relations campaigns in their station countries," Ha'aretz said.
The paper added that Livni told diplomats to lobby local media and public officials over the airstrikes, which Israel says were in response to ongoing Palestinian rocket fire.
Livni told senior Foreign Ministry officials to "open an aggressive and diplomatic international public relations campaign," the paper added.
At least 150 people were killed in the airstrikes around noon on Saturday. Estimates indicate that as many as 200 additional Palestinians may have been injured in the strikes.
One Israeli was killed in a projectile attack shortly after the Israeli airstrike.
The Israeli foreign ministry instructed ministry officials on vacation for the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah to immediately return to their posts abroad in order to "mount public relations campaigns in their station countries," Ha'aretz said.
The paper added that Livni told diplomats to lobby local media and public officials over the airstrikes, which Israel says were in response to ongoing Palestinian rocket fire.
Karen AbuZayd
Commissioner General of UNRWA Karen AbuZayd expressed her "horror" at the extensive destruction in the Gaza Strip Saturday, and communicated her "deep sadness at the terrible loss in human life," in a press statement.
The UNRWA said in the statement that it "strongly urges the Israeli Government to heed calls for ceasing its bombardment on Gaza." And reminded Israel that it is a signatory of "international conventions that protect non-combatants in times of conflict," and added that "these conventions are worthless if they are not upheld."
The organization said it would "exert all efforts to respond as quickly as possible to relieve suffering and pain."
They said that Saturday's "killing and destruction.follows weeks of a tight blockade that prevented UNRWA and other humanitarian agencies from assisting the population and mitigating the difficult economic situation. The population is already paying the price of the prolonged blockade, 1.5 million people are unable to fulfill their basic needs, and they now face military escalation."
Commissioner General of UNRWA Karen AbuZayd expressed her "horror" at the extensive destruction in the Gaza Strip Saturday, and communicated her "deep sadness at the terrible loss in human life," in a press statement.
The UNRWA said in the statement that it "strongly urges the Israeli Government to heed calls for ceasing its bombardment on Gaza." And reminded Israel that it is a signatory of "international conventions that protect non-combatants in times of conflict," and added that "these conventions are worthless if they are not upheld."
The organization said it would "exert all efforts to respond as quickly as possible to relieve suffering and pain."
They said that Saturday's "killing and destruction.follows weeks of a tight blockade that prevented UNRWA and other humanitarian agencies from assisting the population and mitigating the difficult economic situation. The population is already paying the price of the prolonged blockade, 1.5 million people are unable to fulfill their basic needs, and they now face military escalation."
Israeli politicians began spinning Gaza attacks before the dead were pulled out of the rubble Saturday.
Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak's Labor party announced they would halt their election campaign because the "security status in the southern districts necessitates that defense minister concentrate his efforts on leading military operations."
When Livni's Kadima party got Barak's message they released a similar statement saying they would halt campaigning "in respect to the army's position and to invest their time in assisting the security services through serving public interests."
Head of Kadima's election campaign Dalia Itsik called on all Israeli parties to suspend their election campaigns in light of "the war" going on in the south.
"This day all of us are soldiers in Israel's army, and residents of western Negev. There is no room for political activities and we must unite behind our army," Itsik added.
She went on to call Israeli political echelons irresponsible for conducting electoral campaigns in light of the "dire" security situation.
For its part, the Likud party also announced cancellation of all election activities scheduled for Saturday evening due to the military operation in the Gaza Strip.
Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak's Labor party announced they would halt their election campaign because the "security status in the southern districts necessitates that defense minister concentrate his efforts on leading military operations."
When Livni's Kadima party got Barak's message they released a similar statement saying they would halt campaigning "in respect to the army's position and to invest their time in assisting the security services through serving public interests."
Head of Kadima's election campaign Dalia Itsik called on all Israeli parties to suspend their election campaigns in light of "the war" going on in the south.
"This day all of us are soldiers in Israel's army, and residents of western Negev. There is no room for political activities and we must unite behind our army," Itsik added.
She went on to call Israeli political echelons irresponsible for conducting electoral campaigns in light of the "dire" security situation.
For its part, the Likud party also announced cancellation of all election activities scheduled for Saturday evening due to the military operation in the Gaza Strip.
Gaza City hospital a gruesome scene; shocked families pick through body parts to identify loved ones
Death shrouds the hallways of Gaza City's Ash-Shifa medical compound Saturday, its smell creeping in from all corners.
Amputated bodies are strewn throughout hallways because morgues in the city can no longer accommodate the dead.
In one corner a man stands with his seven year old son in a cardboard box because the hospital ran out of sheets to cover the dead with. This is how he will carry him home and bury him.
Another man stands dazed, in shock after watching his son Mohammed killed during his graduation ceremony at the de facto police headquarters. The father of one of Mohammed's classmates stood next to his son as he was decapitated. The man is still screaming.
In the packed hospital waiting room a mother sits silently staring into the distance; her son was pronounced dead shortly after she brought him in.
Despite the ugly scene at the medical compound people poured in, seeming not to notice the horror of blood and body parts they hurriedly try to pick out clothing or personal items of loved ones hit by Israeli missiles somewhere in the Gaza Strip.
Twelve year old Ayaman is screaming at his father who tries to prevent him from seeing the bodies of his uncle and brother, torn to pieces under sheets. "I'm not afraid to see them," he screamed. In a rage as his father holds tight, Ayman catches the hand of a resistance fighter; "shell and kill them as they did to us," he says.
Yaha Muheisen stops searching for his son's body for a moment to speak to Ma'an's reporter. "whatever Israel did it will not defeat us," he says, "it will not weaken our power."
Forty-year-old mother Nawal Al-Lad'a did not find the bodies of her two sons in the medical compound, so she left to look amid the rubble.
Husam Farajallah, a university student, was at the hospital collecting the body of his relative. He called what happened in Gaza a "black day" in the lives of all Palestinians, and wondered how the world could watch and do nothing.
Medics in Gaza confirmed that the majority of those killed in the day's attacks were civilians, including men, women and children. Most were cut to pieces, making the job of doctors and medics difficult, and the task of giving bodies back to families painful and gruesome.
The medics working in the field continue to dig up bodies from the densely populated urban areas of Gaza City.
The scenes remind many Palestinians of the images that came out of the Sabra and Shatila massacres from Beirut in 1982, when thousands of Palestinians were killed by the Lebanese Phalangist militia.
As the death toll climbs and no word on a halt to the attacks has come from Israel, Gazans fear for their lives and loved ones.
Amputated bodies are strewn throughout hallways because morgues in the city can no longer accommodate the dead.
In one corner a man stands with his seven year old son in a cardboard box because the hospital ran out of sheets to cover the dead with. This is how he will carry him home and bury him.
Another man stands dazed, in shock after watching his son Mohammed killed during his graduation ceremony at the de facto police headquarters. The father of one of Mohammed's classmates stood next to his son as he was decapitated. The man is still screaming.
In the packed hospital waiting room a mother sits silently staring into the distance; her son was pronounced dead shortly after she brought him in.
Despite the ugly scene at the medical compound people poured in, seeming not to notice the horror of blood and body parts they hurriedly try to pick out clothing or personal items of loved ones hit by Israeli missiles somewhere in the Gaza Strip.
Twelve year old Ayaman is screaming at his father who tries to prevent him from seeing the bodies of his uncle and brother, torn to pieces under sheets. "I'm not afraid to see them," he screamed. In a rage as his father holds tight, Ayman catches the hand of a resistance fighter; "shell and kill them as they did to us," he says.
Yaha Muheisen stops searching for his son's body for a moment to speak to Ma'an's reporter. "whatever Israel did it will not defeat us," he says, "it will not weaken our power."
Forty-year-old mother Nawal Al-Lad'a did not find the bodies of her two sons in the medical compound, so she left to look amid the rubble.
Husam Farajallah, a university student, was at the hospital collecting the body of his relative. He called what happened in Gaza a "black day" in the lives of all Palestinians, and wondered how the world could watch and do nothing.
Medics in Gaza confirmed that the majority of those killed in the day's attacks were civilians, including men, women and children. Most were cut to pieces, making the job of doctors and medics difficult, and the task of giving bodies back to families painful and gruesome.
The medics working in the field continue to dig up bodies from the densely populated urban areas of Gaza City.
The scenes remind many Palestinians of the images that came out of the Sabra and Shatila massacres from Beirut in 1982, when thousands of Palestinians were killed by the Lebanese Phalangist militia.
As the death toll climbs and no word on a halt to the attacks has come from Israel, Gazans fear for their lives and loved ones.
UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon is "deeply alarmed" by Saturday's "heavy violence and bloodshed" in Gaza, said a statement from his spokesperson Saturday evening.
The statement also expressed concern over the "continuation of violence in southern Israel."
Ki-Moon appealed to all sides to stop the violence.
In the statement Ki-Moon was said to "firmly reiterate Israel's obligation to uphold international humanitarian and human rights law," and further condemned their "excessive use of force leading to the killing and injuring of civilians."
He likewise condemned the use of violence by Palestinian militants and said he was "deeply distressed that repeated calls on Hamas for these attacks to end have gone unheeded."
He also called for aid to be sent to Gaza immediately.
The statement also expressed concern over the "continuation of violence in southern Israel."
Ki-Moon appealed to all sides to stop the violence.
In the statement Ki-Moon was said to "firmly reiterate Israel's obligation to uphold international humanitarian and human rights law," and further condemned their "excessive use of force leading to the killing and injuring of civilians."
He likewise condemned the use of violence by Palestinian militants and said he was "deeply distressed that repeated calls on Hamas for these attacks to end have gone unheeded."
He also called for aid to be sent to Gaza immediately.
A senior member of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) denounced the Israeli airstrikes that on Saturday killed over 200 men, women and children.
Zakarieyah Al-Agha, a member of the PLO's Executive Committee, of PLO condemned the attacks that have now reportedly killed at least 200 people, in addition to injuring hundreds others.
He called the attacks "state terrorism" and "a genocide carried out by the Israeli government," which is currently headed by outgoing Prime Minister Ehud Olmert.
He noted in a statement that the aim of the Israeli attacks is to "change the standards of the political game" to create new facts on the ground.
He added that "Israel is the only state that violates UN resolutions, refusing to implement them and continues targeting civilians."
He urged the international community to take responsibility in forcing Israel to comply with international law and to implement UN Resolutions 242 and 338.
He indicated that "the silence of the International community toward these attacks will not serve achieving stability in the region, but will increase tension and the deterioration of the situation," which will, in turn, "push Israel toward more escalation."
He confirmed that Palestinians have to restore national unity to confront these challenges, saying, "We have no other option."
Al-Agha demanded that Arab countries "take responsibility toward the Palestinians and their just cause" and urged them to support Palestinian "legitimate resistance."
Zakarieyah Al-Agha, a member of the PLO's Executive Committee, of PLO condemned the attacks that have now reportedly killed at least 200 people, in addition to injuring hundreds others.
He called the attacks "state terrorism" and "a genocide carried out by the Israeli government," which is currently headed by outgoing Prime Minister Ehud Olmert.
He noted in a statement that the aim of the Israeli attacks is to "change the standards of the political game" to create new facts on the ground.
He added that "Israel is the only state that violates UN resolutions, refusing to implement them and continues targeting civilians."
He urged the international community to take responsibility in forcing Israel to comply with international law and to implement UN Resolutions 242 and 338.
He indicated that "the silence of the International community toward these attacks will not serve achieving stability in the region, but will increase tension and the deterioration of the situation," which will, in turn, "push Israel toward more escalation."
He confirmed that Palestinians have to restore national unity to confront these challenges, saying, "We have no other option."
Al-Agha demanded that Arab countries "take responsibility toward the Palestinians and their just cause" and urged them to support Palestinian "legitimate resistance."