Israel and Gaza round-up:
From San Francisco, via Atlas Shrugs:
Israel Targets Iran-backed Hamas in Defensive Ground Operation, from The Israel Project
The ground operation comes eight days after Israel began airstrikes against Hamas targets in Gaza in the first phase of the operation which followed eight years of Palestinian rockets aimed at Israel's civilian population. During that time, terror groups in Gaza launched more than 10,000 rockets and mortars into Israel. [2]
Approximately one million Israeli civilians (15% of the country’s population) now live within range of rockets launched by Iran-backed terrorist groups in Gaza. [3] During Operation Cast Lead, Hamas rocket fire struck the furthest ever into Israel, hitting Israeli cities of Beersheba and Ashdod - each within the range of 25 miles (40 km) of the Gaza Strip. [4]
With hopes for peace and a two state solution, Israel evacuated all of its civilians and soldiers from Gaza in 2005, uprooting homes, schools and places of worship (click here for “Gaza by the Numbers”). The only remaining Israeli in Gaza became Staff Sgt. Gilad Shalit who was abducted from Israel on June 25, 2006 by Hamas in a bloody cross-border raid in which the terrorists killed two IDF soldiers and wounded four others. [5]
Arab leaders and civilians have blamed Hamas for the current violence in Gaza. Said Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak, "We warned [Hamas] repeatedly that rejecting the truce would push Israel to aggression against Gaza.” [6]
“We're continuing to expand the operation while being well aware that this move will include challenges, difficulties, and also victims. We are doing it because of the faith that at this time this is our duty to citizens of the country," said Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak in a televised statement today. "The decision to embark on the ground phase of the operation was taken following in depth consideration." [7] [SNIP]
Footnotes
[1] Jpost.com staff; Katz, Yaakov; AP, 'Dozens of Hamas gunmen killed in clashes with IDF troops,' The Jerusalem Post, Jan. 3, 2009, http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1230733150721&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull
[2] “Israelis living with rocket threat support Gaza military operation,” Xinhua News Agency, Jan. 2, 2009, http://www.china.org.cn/international/news/2009-01/02/content_17044074.htm;
[3] “Summary of Rocket Fire and Mortar Shelling in 2008,” Intelligence and Terrorism Information Center, Jan. 1, 2009, http://www.terrorism-info.org.il/malam_multimedia/English/eng_n/pdf/ipc_e007.pdf
[4] Ibid.
[5] Harel, Amos; Issacharoff, Avi; Haaretz Service and Reuters, "Two soldiers killed, one missing in raid on IDF post," Haaretz, June 25, 2006, http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/730994.html
[6] Khalil, Ashraf, “The already-strained Hamas-Egypt relationship sours,” The Los Angeles Times, Dec. 31, 2008, http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-hamas-egypt31-2008dec31,0,3951908,full.story
[7] Greenberg, Hanan, “IDF enters Gaza; dozens of terrorists hurt,” Ynetnews.com, Jan. 3, 2008, http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3649729,00.html [SNIP]
Palestinian legal adviser gets owned by Fox news, via JDIF:
Iraqis Demand a Response to Attacks in Gaza, Baghdad Bureau NYT blogs
Protesters in Baghdad held a Palestinian flag and a picture of President Bush. (Photo: Johan Spanner for The New York Times)BAGHDAD — Pro-Gaza demonstrations in Iraq are giving Shiite and Sunni sects a common target for their anger and adding to the rising fears of instability in the Middle East. It’s a sharp turnaround from the aftermath of the U.S. invasion when Palestinians were the focus of Shiite death squads here.
Palestinians, many of whom are Sunnis, were once protected in Iraq by Saddam Hussein. Going back to 1948, Iraqis have provided shelter for Palestinians fleeing conflicts. Once Shiites came to power the Palestinian enclaves were heavily targeted. Many were killed and many more attempted to flee the country.
About 1,000 Iraqis protested in Baghdad’s Mustansariya Square today. On Sunday, 1,300 protesters gathered in the center of the northern city of Mosul in a protest organized by the Sunni Iraqi Islamic Party. A suicide bomber on a bicycle wounded 16 people, the Associated Press reported. Several hundred people also gathered in Falluja, another city with a majority Sunni population.
Also check out Infidel Bloggers Alliance for much much more.
Notice from DEBKAfile.com
Sincerely,
DEBKAfile Administration
Note: DEBKAfile is back online this morning. You will remember that YNET,the English language online version of the leading Israeli newspaper "Yedioth Aharonoth" was hacked: YNET was hacked.
Hamas moves on Fatah 'collaborators', Jerusalem Post
The Hamas government has placed dozens of Fatah members under house arrest out of fear that they might exploit the current IDF operation to regain control of the Gaza Strip.
The move came amid reports that the Fatah leadership in the West
Bank has instructed its followers to be ready to assume power over the
Gaza Strip when and if Israel's military operation results in the
removal of Hamas rule.
Fatah officials in Ramallah told The Jerusalem Post that
Hamas militiamen had been assaulting many Fatah activists since the
beginning of the operation last Saturday. They said at least 75
activists were shot in the legs while others had their hands broken.
Also see:
A Statement of Support for Israel, American Interests
TIMES SQUARE NYC: PRO-HAMAS RALLY, UGLY, HATEFILLED *YAWN*, Atlas Shrugs
Here in NYC - attacked by Islam on 911. It is sickening to see this depraved trash in the American city that took the biggest hit in the biggest attack on American soil in the history of this nation. (continue reading commentary and viewing other images at Atlas Shrugs)
Anti-Israel Protest - First Hand Reports From This Ain't Hell. Chickenhawk Express
My alter-ego, Jonn, over at This Ain't Hell whipped
out his trusty camera and his running shoes and has some great
reports/photos/videos from the anti-Israel protests on Friday. Here's
one of his pics. Note the Hamas flag ...
He also witnessed a counter-protester being attacked by one of the "peace activisits". Click the links to see his full reports.
Muslim attacks Jewish counter protester in DC (UPDATED) [Jonn]
More on last night’s protest
Israel Enters Gaza for Ground War, Big Dog's Weblog
After pounding Hamas from the air for seven days the Israelis have entered Gaza with tanks and infantry on a mission to seek out and destroy anyplace Hamas has rockets. The Israeli military has been extremely careful in trying to minimize civilian deaths and casualties and they have been pretty successful. Now that they have boots on the ground things will get a bit more dicey because people will be all over and the cowards that pretend to be men in that part of the world will be hiding behind and among women and children.
Holding Hamas Accountable, Counterterrorism blog
By Matthew Levitt
Operation Cast Lead, initiated in response to resumed Hamas rocket attacks on communities in southern Israel, represents Israel's most furious attack on Hamas since the terrorist group assumed control of Gaza. For the past six months, an Egyptian-brokered cease-fire maintained an uneasy status quo, during which time Hamas smuggled some 80 tons of explosives, roadside bombs and longer-range rockets into Gaza. While Israel's military operation may succeed in weakening the heavily armed Islamist group, the Gaza crisis also highlights a vexing challenge awaiting the new Obama administration: the question of how to deal with Hamas.
Some will recommend that Obama approve direct talks with Hamas. Since Hamas controls Gaza, the theory goes, it must be brought into the political process, engaged not isolated, or else there is no hope for peace. But Hamas is dead set against a two-state solution, whether it joins a unity government or remains in the opposition. Indeed, Hamas deploys suicide bombers specifically aimed at derailing progress toward peace. Engaging Hamas will not help the peace process, but it will legitimize the group most violently opposed to such progress. (continue reading)
Hamas brags about using innocents as human shields: Gina Cobb
"For the Palestinian people, death has become an industry
In which excel the women and all the people of this land:
The older people excel, the jihadists excel
And the children excel
Consequently, [the Palestinians] created a human shield of women, children
Older people and jihadists
Against the Zionist bombing machine
That is telling the Zionist enemy
We want death just as much as you desire life."
David And Beersheba, Investors Business Daily
To the rest of the world, it may seem like a contest between Palestinians manufacturing homemade rockets to provoke the mighty Israeli Defense Force into a "disproportionate" response. But in reality it's part of Iran's grand design to destroy Israel.
Amid the Qassam rocket barrage launched against Israeli border towns, a Grad rocket landed near Gan Yavne in south Israel. What's significant is that the target was an area that is just a 15-minute highway ride from Tel Aviv.
The rocket was fired from just outside the Egyptian embassy in central Gaza — meaning that if the same rocket had been launched from northern Gaza, it technically could have reached outside Bat Yam, a suburb of Tel Aviv.(continue reading at IBD)
From the Jawa Report:
Arabs Demand UN Call For Immediate Ceasefire
US blocked the resolution. Gotta love that!
Via Breitbart
Hamas Wages Iran's Proxy War On Israel, Infidel Bloggers Alliance
Hamas denies it has weapons as they launch missile, Planck's Constant
The leader of the Muslim Brotherhood says it’s time for jihad to the max. (LGF)
Military Wary of Obama,Blue Star Chronicles
Che and Jihad in Toronto, Jihad Watch: Go see the images and read the commentary.
Bad Craziness in San Francisco, Little Green Footballs
Zombie’s latest includes the following video from KTVU TV of yesterday’s protest in downtown SF, at which pro-Israel demonstrators were attacked by Palestinians wearing peace scarves: ‘I’m a little spooked’: Palestinian protests bring Gaza fighting to San Francisco.
I hope folks are paying attention to what is going on. The fighting, and the Media's kow-towing to the Jihadis has enpowered our own 5th columnists...they have taken to the streets in record numbers without opposition.
January 2009 is looking a lot like January 2001.
Posted by: Michael Travis | January 04, 2009 at 11:27 AM
at least Israel is pushing back the hordes!!! :)
Posted by: Angel | January 04, 2009 at 11:49 AM
Without a doubt, the best roundup I've read.
Keep it up, Debbie! Awesome!
Posted by: Americaneocon | January 04, 2009 at 12:02 PM
I think Israel should should just bomb the crap out of Gaza until they can't bomb back anymore. This situation is complete and utter nonsense (just like the majority of conflict in the Middle East).
Christopher Hamilton
The Right Opinion, for the Right Wing
Posted by: Christopher Hamilton | January 04, 2009 at 12:59 PM
Great work here Debbie and thanks for citing my post.
Posted by: Otto - American Interests | January 04, 2009 at 06:29 PM
Pound them, Israel, POUND THEM TO HELL. Ignore the UN and the other Islamofascist appeasers and pantywastes, and POUND THEM.
Posted by: Skunkfeathers | January 04, 2009 at 07:24 PM
This time no truces. This time the job gets finished and Hamas is removed from Gaza. This time it has to be if Israel is to survive.
Posted by: Katie | January 04, 2009 at 09:03 PM
I'm going to link this to my blog...
*lol* the only way I know how...
Posted by: Terri | January 04, 2009 at 09:06 PM
Something i can never understand is why western countries are tolerating this sort of protest against the Israeli action. It is simply not morally right for them to oppose Israel and also march down the streets of America calling for the downfall of America. They should be rounded up and turfed out. Free speech doesn't entail calling for the downfall of your own country, to me.
Posted by: MK | January 04, 2009 at 11:54 PM
Well done. Nice round up.
Posted by: Jack | January 05, 2009 at 02:25 AM
I just want to say that the jews hate arabs. they said the best arab for them is a dead arab.
this is what happened in palestine.
what would you do if you wellcomed someone in your house then they decided to kick you out your own house. you would fight back wont you. thats exactly what israel did to palestine. it all started after the second world war. no one wanted the jews to stay in their country so the decided to give them there own land. the had a choice of lots of other places like antartica but there was some problems. then they decided to go to palestine. the palestine people wellcomed them in nicly and gave them food and shelter. then the israel people kicked them out their own homes. if they wouldnt go out they would kill them. after thet they took all their land and gave palestine gaza and the west bank. the isreal people are also planning to take over gaza and the west bank. the israel people kill children and they know there killing children. they bomed lots of school and make up islly exuses. they say they didnt know it was a school but they know exactly where there bombing. israel have all the latest wepons from america while the only way palestine can defend themselves is by making there own weopons. palastine only killed 14 or less israel people while israel killed thousands. there was so much bombing from israel that they killed two of their own soilders. go on youtube and type in gaza and look at all the children. they have been injured and killed. there is much worse things israel have done to palestine.what are palestine supposed to do, just sit there and watch israel killing them and trying to take over their country. well no they have to fight back.israel are trying to wipe out the whole of palestine and i 100% know that they will never wipe out palestine and if you dont belive me just wait and see. go on youtube and type in we will not go down (song for gaza) by (micheal heart) and watch it. please just watch it and see whats happening in gaza. please just watch. its such a sad song. i was crying.
the israel people are using illeagle weopons.
One rocket was fired out of Gaza. ONE. And who knows who fired it?
So Israel launches OVER THREE HUNDRED rockets in response?
the palestine people want peace and their land back. but israel wont give it to them back.
look at all the palestine people now. they are being killed. even right now. they are mostly killing children and women. israel have been doing this for 60 years. just go on youtube and type in we will not go down gaza and youll see how they suffer ech and every day. the jews have stopped food and medicine from going into gaza. they wont let any reporters go into gaza.i wonder why.its baecause they dont want them to see what tere doing to gaza.the jews are doing what hitler did to them in the second world war but even worse. shoudnt they not do the same to palestine because they know how it feels. they know they shoudnt do that but there cold hearted people. hitler said that he didnt want to kill all the jews because he wanted to show the world how mean the jews are. How could you like the jews there the ones that killed Jesus and much more. Im not saying all jews are bad. Some are good but only some.
i want to say israel are the nazis and the terrorists. israel is palestine. the jews came and kicked them out their own homes when the palestine people welcomed them kindly. also i want to say israel is trying to wipe out the whole of palestine.dont say there not trying to because they are. palestine will win one day. you'll see.
Posted by: hello | February 14, 2009 at 06:31 AM
I just want to say that the jews hate arabs. they said the best arab for them is a dead arab.
this is what happened in palestine.
what would you do if you wellcomed someone in your house then they decided to kick you out your own house. you would fight back wont you. thats exactly what israel did to palestine. it all started after the second world war. no one wanted the jews to stay in their country so the decided to give them there own land. the had a choice of lots of other places like antartica but there was some problems. then they decided to go to palestine. the palestine people wellcomed them in nicly and gave them food and shelter. then the israel people kicked them out their own homes. if they wouldnt go out they would kill them. after thet they took all their land and gave palestine gaza and the west bank. the isreal people are also planning to take over gaza and the west bank. the israel people kill children and they know there killing children. they bomed lots of school and make up islly exuses. they say they didnt know it was a school but they know exactly where there bombing. israel have all the latest wepons from america while the only way palestine can defend themselves is by making there own weopons. palastine only killed 14 or less israel people while israel killed thousands. there was so much bombing from israel that they killed two of their own soilders. go on youtube and type in gaza and look at all the children. they have been injured and killed. there is much worse things israel have done to palestine.what are palestine supposed to do, just sit there and watch israel killing them and trying to take over their country. well no they have to fight back.israel are trying to wipe out the whole of palestine and i 100% know that they will never wipe out palestine and if you dont belive me just wait and see. go on youtube and type in we will not go down (song for gaza) by (micheal heart) and watch it. please just watch it and see whats happening in gaza. please just watch. its such a sad song. i was crying.
the israel people are using illeagle weopons.
One rocket was fired out of Gaza. ONE. And who knows who fired it?
So Israel launches OVER THREE HUNDRED rockets in response?
the palestine people want peace and their land back. but israel wont give it to them back.
look at all the palestine people now. they are being killed. even right now. they are mostly killing children and women. israel have been doing this for 60 years. just go on youtube and type in we will not go down gaza and youll see how they suffer ech and every day. the jews have stopped food and medicine from going into gaza. they wont let any reporters go into gaza.i wonder why.its baecause they dont want them to see what tere doing to gaza.the jews are doing what hitler did to them in the second world war but even worse. shoudnt they not do the same to palestine because they know how it feels. they know they shoudnt do that but there cold hearted people. hitler said that he didnt want to kill all the jews because he wanted to show the world how mean the jews are. How could you like the jews there the ones that killed Jesus and much more. Im not saying all jews are bad. Some are good but only some.
i want to say israel are the nazis and the terrorists. israel is palestine. the jews came and kicked them out their own homes when the palestine people welcomed them kindly. also i want to say israel is trying to wipe out the whole of palestine.dont say there not trying to because they are. palestine will win one day. you'll see.
Posted by: hello | February 14, 2009 at 06:32 AM