Reply #127: Update: Israeli forces massed at Northern Gaza border, per BBC [View All]

[uppityperson]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/5127556.stm

Israel forces tighten Gaza grip

Israeli ground forces are massed at the northern border with Gaza, intensifying an assault on the territory sparked by the capture of a soldier by militants. Palestinian witnesses said Israeli tanks had crossed the border into Gaza near the town of Beit Hanoun, but Israel has not confirmed this. On Wednesday, Israeli forces entered southern Gaza amid air strikes.

On the West Bank, Israel has detained more than 25 ministers and lawmakers from the Hamas-led government.Among those held after the raids in several separate towns were at least eight cabinet ministers, Palestinian officials said. In the West Bank town of Qalqilya, the Hamas mayor and his deputy were taken into custody.
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Palestinian Prime Minister Ismail Haniya, of the governing Hamas party, criticised Washington for giving approval to the Israeli incursion. Mr Haniya said Washington had "given the green light to aggression" and called on the United Nations to step in to prevent an escalation in violence. A spokesman for US President George W Bush has said Israel has a right to defend itself and the lives of its citizens. ..(more@link)