IDF: Troops Entering Gaza, developing:

[babylonsister]

Israeli troops crossed the border into southern Gaza early Wednesday after airstrikes targeted a power plant and at least two bridges, the Israeli military told CNN. The campaign is aimed at securing the release of a soldier kidnapped by Palestinian militants. Palestinians have been building sand mounds on border roads to try to slow a land attack.

http://www.cnn.com/

Blurb on the left side of CNN main page. More to come...

Edited on Tue Jun-27-06 07:08 PM by OKNancy
http://www.cnn.com/2006/WORLD/meast/06/27/israel.soldie...

Note: We are waiving the "NO Israel - Palestine" thread in LBN for now.
All rules apply and will be strictly enforced.


Snip from article:
JERUSALEM (CNN) -- Israeli troops crossed the border into southern Gaza early Wednesday in a campaign meant to secure the return of a soldier kidnapped by Palestinian militants over the weekend, the Israeli military said.

Jets hit a power plant in Gaza City and knocked out a bridge connecting the northern and southern parts of town in predawn airstrikes, witnesses said.

Video from the Palestinian Ramattan news agency showed fires burning at the site of the power station.

Israeli troops and tanks had gathered along the Gaza border as tensions mounted over the abduction of 19-year-old Cpl. Gilad Shalit.

[Maccagirl]

1. Oh, shit

How this is going to play out is anyone's guess. It ain't gonna be pretty.

[uppityperson]

2. Top of BBC and alJazeera but no details yet.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/
http://english.aljazeera.net/HomePage

[Name removed]

3. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[The Magistrate]

6. If This Is To Remain Here, Sir

Attempts to commence a standard I/P wrangle over the matter will not help.

[AlamoDemoc]

37. I didn't think it required a delate...but under the climate we're in...

....thanks just the same

[The Magistrate]

39. The Argumentative Reply To It Went As Well, Sir

[AlamoDemoc]

42. I agree....and I thank you Sir.

"keep hope Alive"!

[Name removed]

33. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[uppityperson]

4. BBC article, brief and about the same, but here.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/5123262.stm
Israel army starts Gaza assault

The Israeli army says it has begun a ground offensive in Gaza, following the capture of an Israeli soldier by Palestinian militants.

Israeli aircraft earlier bombed bridges and a power plant in the Gaza Strip.

Cpl Gilad Shalit was abducted by Palestinian militants during a raid on an Israeli post near Gaza on Sunday.

Israel had warned of a massive military assault if he was not freed and its tanks have been massing along the border with Gaza for several days.
:cry:

[uppityperson]

19. BBC is expanding the article, a bit more here now.

It is unclear how many troops are being used in the incursion, launched from the Kerem Shalom crossing near southern Gaza. A spokeswoman for the Israeli armed forces said they had not encountered any resistance from the Palestinians. The Israeli forces are reported to have taken up positions near the town of Rafah, shortly after passing Gaza's disused international airport.

The Associated Press news agency quotes Palestinian witnesses as saying the soldiers were moving under the cover of tank shells.

Palestinian militants anticipating an Israeli assault have been erecting barricades and preparing hideouts and ambush positions. Israeli military officials have been quoted as saying Prime Minister Ehud Olmert had backed a "limited operation" targeting the "terrorist infrastructure".

[tocqueville]

5. see thread about this in Israel/Palestina forum.... nt

[OKNancy]

7. add this direct link to you OP please

http://www.cnn.com/2006/WORLD/meast/06/27/israel.soldier/index.html

Note: We are waiving the "NO Israel - Palestine" thread in LBN for now.
All rules apply and will be strictly enforced.


Snip from article:
JERUSALEM (CNN) -- Israeli troops crossed the border into southern Gaza early Wednesday in a campaign meant to secure the return of a soldier kidnapped by Palestinian militants over the weekend, the Israeli military said.

Jets hit a power plant in Gaza City and knocked out a bridge connecting the northern and southern parts of town in predawn airstrikes, witnesses said.

Video from the Palestinian Ramattan news agency showed fires burning at the site of the power station.

Israeli troops and tanks had gathered along the Gaza border as tensions mounted over the abduction of 19-year-old Cpl. Gilad Shalit.

[babylonsister]

8. Done and thanks. nt

[OKNancy]

9. Thank you!!

[seriousstan]

10. This blog have an obvious pro-Israel view,but it is a live, real-time blog

If anyone has another real-time blog, please post a link.

http://www.vitalperspective.com/

UPDATE 06/27 @ 18:10: AP reports that Palestinian security officials report third airstrike on a bridge near Gaza City. Confirmation of the third bridge here.

UPDATE 06/27 @ 18:45: AP reports that the Palestinian Authority says the IAF hit power stations in Gaza City, knocking out electricity. Fox News confirms on air.

UPDATE 06/27 @ 19:34: As per Mike Tobin in Gaza City, troops on the southern border of Gaza, not far from where the kidnapping took place, are now moving north into the area under the cover of night with the electricity having been knocked out and transportation routes destroyed.

UPDATE 06/27 @ 20:03: Palestinian security officials say Israeli ground troops and tanks are taking up positions around southern Gaza town of Rafah. This backs up what we heard earlier this evening.

[uppityperson]

12. Operation Summer Rain?

The Associated Press news agency quotes Palestinian witnesses as saying Israeli troops had taken up positions near the town of Rafah, under the cover of tank shells.

[seriousstan]

18. IDF plans to take control of all areas east of Rafah

UPDATE 06/27 @ 20:24: Ha'aretz reports that the IDF plans to take control of all areas east of Rafah. Reuters says that Palestinian security forces left the Gaza airport after being given an Israeli warning.

UPDATE 06/27 @ 20:32: YNET reports that a spokesman for the Popular Resistance Committees (PRC) said the group would kill kidnapped Eliyahu Asheri, 18, if IDF forces do not pull out of Gaza. Asheri was kidnapped on Sunday out of the West Bank.

http://www.vitalperspective.com/

[coalition_unwilling]

109. What does "take control" mean? Sounds like Vietnam

all over again, i.e., "We had to destroy the village in order to save it."

[The Magistrate]

111. It Seems A Pretty Straightforward Statement, Sir

They intend the area to be under control of their soldiery at the present time.

It is certainly possible this effort to retrieve the captured soldier will lead to his death, though.

[Name removed]

112. Deleted sub-thread

Sub-thread removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Solly Mack]

11. Watching Israel at a checkpoint on TV

Tanks...quite a few of them stand on the ready

I can see soldiers walking about on the tanks and the ground

Fire burning at what looks to be..or was...a building (probably the power station still burning)

lights blazing in the distance behind the tanks

tape on vehicles roping off an area where cars are parked...military and civilian

concertina wire in view..near checkpoint

a military vehicle just went through the checkpoint

(CNNi)

break...

[Solly Mack]

13. watching people use hoses in attempt to put out fire at power station

footage from a little earlier...per CNNi

now showing Israeli troops at tanks again...guy that left his tank earlier went to get something to snack on...he is now eating it

[Solly Mack]

14. 3 bridges in area hit by airstrike..and there is/was artillery fire

per IDF spokesperson, Noa Meir

now showing tanks again...looks surreal...just sitting there...waiting

now showing a tank moving slowly down a row

I can see people moving about in the area that's roped off

[Solly Mack]

27. showing armored bulldozers (2) being moved into the area

IDF

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Now showing hooded men (just the eyes showing) in battle fatigues, flak vests - with weapons and radios


------------------------------------------------------------------------

Now back to the row upon row of IDF tanks


---------------------------------------------------

Now talking with a reporter in Israel


showing IDF troops at tanks


back to earlier footage of the burning power station

[The Magistrate]

29. Thank You For The Up-Dates, Sir

As a matter of curiousity only, what channel are you watching?

[Solly Mack]

30. CNNi and TVE...I'm in Germany

I'm going between them...CNNi is where I'm seeing the most recent footage and live footage

you're welcome

[uppityperson]

31. Thank you for your updates. Nothing on the networknews here in WA.

But I don't get CNN. Thanks.

[Solly Mack]

32. Welcome

I'm checking the BBC every now and then...not really much...just updates

[babylonsister]

38. OT, Solly Mack. I never knew you were in Germany.

Do you live there?
CNN Int'l is quite a bit different than what we get here. Thanks for keeping us informed.

[Solly Mack]

68. Been living here since the autumn of 2004

4 hours sleep, a cup of coffee..and I'm almost human again. :)

[Solly Mack]

34. Reporter speaking of "sonic booms" setting off car alarms

but that's about all the booms were doing per reporter on the ground

Reporter says it's mostly quiet in Gaza City

airstrikes - meant to limit movement of captive...those who have him can't move him

statement from the PRC(those who took the IDF soldier hostage - Shalit )...Shalit is in a safe location...but still no proof of life


Israeli government working on assumption soldier is still alive... but might be injured

some gunfire in the area ...but unknown who they came from ...per reporter

[Solly Mack]

35. I'm off to grab a few hours sleep

Sorry

Night all

[The Magistrate]

36. Thank You For The Effort, Sir

It is much appreciated.

[uppityperson]

15. Reuters:first major ground offensive since...after 38 yrs.

http://today.reuters.com/news/newsArticle.aspx?type=newsOne&storyID=2006-06-27T234228Z_01_SCH354578_RTRUKOC_0_US-MIDEAST.xml

AZA (Reuters) - Israeli tanks and troops rolled into the southern Gaza Strip on Wednesday after mediators said hope was running out of recovering a soldier abducted by Palestinian gunmen.

The night-time incursion came shortly after Palestinian security forces deployed near the border town of Rafah, site of Gaza's only airport, said they were ordered out by the Israeli military.

The Israeli army confirmed its forces had crossed the border, the first major ground offensive in Gaza since the Jewish state withdrew last year after 38 years of occupation.

[babylonsister]

16. Isn't it since the last Israeli was kidnapped? nt

[uppityperson]

20. Depends on the definition of "major". nt

[Name removed]

22. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[uppityperson]

23. These sort sentiments need to be in thread in IP forum please

Otherwise this will get locked and we really don't want that. At least I would like 1 to stay unlocked in LBN so please say this in IP forum where it can be talked about. Thank you.

[The Magistrate]

25. It Is Our Intention To Keep This Open, Ma'am

For the information of forum members, and it is our hope people will refrain from imflammatory comment. Elsewhere in the thread is a link to a thread on the same matter in the Israel v. Palestine forum, where speeches can be made as usual.

[uppityperson]

28. Thank you sir.

Sometimes we need to be able to pass on information without speeches and I do appreciate your monitering this.

[Name removed]

26. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[saigon68]

71. Au Revoir

[seriousstan]

24. I think the admin made it clear. Many would like to see this stay in LBN.

Not relegated to the I/P dungeon. If you need to bare your soul and opinion, I am sure there are MANY threads in the I/P forum that are dying for input and insight.

[seriousstan]

52. I want to thank the mods for the outstanding efforts to keep this thread

in LBN. Thank you very much.

[PFunk]

17. This is bad....

No matter how things turn out that IDF soilder is probally dead now. And probally more would follow on both sides as this will probally kill any peace efforts for the forseeable future.

[BrotherBuzz]

21. Kidnapped Eliyahu Asheri is a bargaining chip at the moment

Spokesman for the Popular Resistance Committees (PRC) said the group would kill kidnapped Eliyahu Asheri, 18, if IDF forces do not pull out of Gaza.

That being said, the rest of your assessment will undoubtedly prove true.

[PFunk]

43. All that would do is to make matters worse.

And would make isreals both in and aboard targets in the process. As I think by now almost all pally's expect this now from the isreali's (thanks to past tactics). This is not going to end well unless a third party comes in to sepeate the parties. And I don't see anyone that can do this right now.

[ginnyinWI]

40. kick--this is real news for a change

[The Magistrate]

41. Reported Response From The Group Holding The Captured Soldier

And possibly another Israeli, who disappeared recently.

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/ap/world/4007684.html

[PFunk]

44. Damn. I was afriad this would happen...

And a fear it will only get worse now.

[The Magistrate]

46. Quite Possible, Sir

There are reports that the unfortunate youth mentioned may already be dead, so there could be an element of bluff here.

[lonestarnot]

45. hmmmm. my thread in GD locked.

Don't get it.

[The Magistrate]

47. What We Are Doing, Sir

Is maintaining a thread here for the information of forum members on the developing events, and maintaining otherwise the policy usually in force. Your's is not the only thread that has been locked.

[lonestarnot]

48. So we cannot discuss this issue in other forums? WTF

[The Magistrate]

49. Other Than This Thread, Sir, The Normal Policy Is In Force For Now

[lonestarnot]

50. Ok, but I'm not a sir.

:rofl: peace Sir.

[The Magistrate]

51. My Apologies, Ma'am

I shall try and remember.

[lonestarnot]

53. so k. I've been called worse. Peace.

[seriousstan]

54. So he got it right the second time?

:evilgrin:

[lonestarnot]

57. LOL

I think so, last time I checked :evilgrin:

[seriousstan]

59. Modern times......

[uppityperson]

55. but the IP forum, can discuss away there, right?

Israel/Palestine forum
edited for typo to clarify I cannot type right now.

[The Magistrate]

56. Open For Business As Usual, Ma'am

This has caused, by the way, surprisingly little stir there....

[lonestarnot]

58. Thanks uppity person. Didn't know it existed. Will go there now.

[Poll_Blind]

75. Direct link to Israel / Palestine discussion forum HERE

Israel / Palestine Forum

PB

[puffthemagicdragon]

60. one soldier for this?

I am very sorry for the IDF soldier that was nabbed but is one soldier worth women and children and infastructure? without those bridges I imagine it would be hard to work or do other normal human things.

[uppityperson]

61. That is the reason for destroying them. Break up the road, transportation.

[The Magistrate]

62. It Seems, Ma'am

The purpose behind it is most likely an attempt to pin in place the persons holding the soldier. It is not too far-fetched to suppose there is some intelligence giving at least a general sense of where he is.

[Behind the Aegis]

64. What would be interesting would be to know where...

...the intelligence came from. Was it an Israeli source? Was it a member of Fatah? What is it was even a member of the non-militant branch of Hamas? From what I have seen, following the Israeli press, everything seems to be very percise...almost like they are following a map.

(PS..I don't know what kind of sway you have over the "dictionary" for spell check here, but is there any way we can get "Hamas" and "Fatah" added?)

[The Magistrate]

65. Guessing Would Be Pointless, Sir

It is, after all, only supposition it exists in the first place, so statements about who might have supplied would seem to be running awfully far ahead of any sound support.

[Behind the Aegis]

66. Oh I know...

...I just think it would be interesting to know, supposing it does exist. I am trying to be 'good' and keep this out of I/P. :)

[outofbounds]

80. I have to say Magistrate

You are one courteous professional and respectful moderator. Hats off to you! :applause:

[Name removed]

110. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Mojorabbit]

63. I am so depressed about this

Both for the kidnapped Israeli, the Palestinians who have no money to rebuild the infrastructure that has and will be destroyed, for those on both sides who have worked to make things better and most of all for the innocent families huddled in their houses tonight.

[barb162]

67. kicking for this excellent comment

[mogster]

69. Picture and video

Gnorfegian, but pretty self explanatory:
http://www.dagbladet.no/nyheter/2006/06/28/470057.html

[mogster]

70. One more pic

[Poll_Blind]

73. AP Photo Gallery HERE

Right HERE.

PB

[Poll_Blind]

72. SATELLITE MAPS with overlays HERE

Map of Southern Gaza Strip with Kerem Shalom marked Size 195 K
Map of Southern Gaza Strip with Rafah, Sufa & Kerem Shalom crossings marked Size 161 K
Very detailed map of Gaza Size 1.4 Megs

Note: It is likely your browser will try to re-size these images to fit your screen. To show full size...

Internet Explorer: Hover cursor over image and click on this icon appears (in lower right-hand corner):
FireFox: Hover cursor over image until cursor changes into a magnifying glass with a + in it then click on the image.

Thank you Cryptome for finding these. Full "Eyeballing" of Kerem Shalom attack from Cryptome here. Images re-hosted by Image Shack.

PB

[The Magistrate]

95. Thank You Very Much, Sir, For Providing These Images

They will be a great help.

[JesterCS]

74. No matter what time passes, what devastation becomes of the earth

Israel and Palestine will always be fighting. I asked my parents if this was going on well before my time, and they have said, " honey, it was going on thousands of years ago, they just didnt have instant news, so you didnt heard about it. "

I just wish those two would get along. If i read the facts correctly Palestine was there before Israel, right?

[Recursion]

81. Boy, that's a loaded question...

If i read the facts correctly Palestine was there before Israel, right?

It's a region with very little water and arable land, so there has been fighting there for as long as there have been people there. There are certain very old books (notably the collection of books called the Bible) that describe conflicts between groups of people, including groups of people called Israelites and Philistines, in that area, but attempts to verify the historical accuracy of those stories, or definitively link groups and nations named therein to populations of people today, have been questionable at best.

It's a mistake to look too far to the past for the reasons for this conflict; no matter what demagogues say, people don't actually fight over things that happened 3000 years ago. People are fighting today because, today, too many people are trying to live in an area of land without enough resources for all of them. That spells "war" anywhere and anytime.

[Recursion]

83. Then again, maybe they need this

And hear me out before you start stomping.

This is military action that is very different in character from what's happened before, for at least a generation. Both sides now have to -- at least operationally -- act like there are two states. These are two groups of people living in two geographically distinct areas with physical borders. Even if one calls it "security" and the other calls it "resistance", both are *operationally* attacking a foreign country, and in the end operational truths do win out over politics. It just takes way too long some times.

At any rate, if they do start talking at some point to try to stop this fighting, the operational facts on the ground will be two independent peoples. That's a start.

[The Magistrate]

90. That Is An Excellent Point, Sir

Thank you for presenting it.

[dmoded]

82. hmm

1) You have another browser window open, which you either opened while posting and/or browsed around DU while posting and/or posted a different message on DU while composing this message.
2) Your browser and/or security software (such as anti-virus, firewall or anti-spyware) is set to block cookies from DU, or sees cookies from DU as a "threat" and deletes or quarantines them. Check your settings.
3) Your cookies from DU somehow got corrupted. Try deleting your DU cookies, closing your browser, and logging back into DU if this problem persists.

Below is the text of your message. You will have to start your post all over again, and copy the text into the new post.

struck me as odd though

you are right, these two will never stop over this small piece of land..

i was up late last night and started watching this breaking on cnn, they showed that powerplant, some tanks moving in. there were headlines such as "Attack!" and it seemed like we were going to see some fireworks, now it's been 14 hours and very, very quiet over there.

I ran into this article, i'm wondering the possibilities? are we perhaps getting a media blackout as to what really may have happened overnight? http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_I...

a new war?

today shall prove to be interesting. it seemed strange, the gung-ho attitude this started out with, then ominous silence in that whole region today.

take it easy. :)

[ama]

76. Israeli "Retaliation" and Double Standards

The killing by Palestinian militants of two Israeli soldiers and the capture of a third from an army post close to the Gaza Strip set the scene for Israeli "reprisals" and "retaliation", according to the reports of BBC correspondents in Israel and Gaza yesterday
http://www.counterpunch.org/cook06262006.html

[Violet_Crumble]

77. Families flee as Israeli tanks roll into Gaza

The Israeli Prime Minister today threatened "extreme action" to bring kidnapped soldier Gilad Shilat home as families fled southern Gaza to escape advancing troops.



Speaking hours after the Israeli army began attacks in Gaza, Ehud Olmert signalled that there would be ongoing military action until the hostage was released.

"We won't hesitate to carry out extreme action to bring Gilat back to his family," he said. "All the military activity that started overnight will continue in the coming days.

"We do not intend to reoccupy Gaza. We do not intend to stay there. We have one objective, and that is to bring Gilat home."

Mr Olmert, who holds the Hamas government of the Palestinian Authority responsible for the soldier's abduction reiterated that he would not negotiate Shalit's release.

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,3-2247202,00.html

http://images.thetimes.co.uk/TGD/picture/0,,314735,00.jpg

Flames rise from a power plant hit by an Israeli air strike (Reuters)

[otokogi]

78. Israel has no sense of Proportionality

i thought collective punishment was outlawed :shrug:

[The Magistrate]

89. A Military Operation To Recover A Prisoner Of War, Sir

Is not collective punishment. This thread is for the information of forum members interested in the developing events in Gaza, and not for broad-brush statements by partisans of either side, that could just as easily be made on any pretext. That is what the Israel v. Palestine forum is for.

[otokogi]

91. 'A Military Operation' does NOT ever justify targeting critical, civilian

infrastructure, hello...

which is part of the information i am reading about this operation that would appear to fit the common definition of collective punishment.

this is NOT a broad brushed judgment, this is based on the facts of this event and the decades of Israel military actions against a civilian population.

you probably would try and justify the nuking of civilians, too... if the authorities authorized it, eh?

[The Magistrate]

94. If You Wish To Argue The Rights And Wrongs Of The Matter, Sir

Please do so in the Israel v. Palestine forum. Here is a link to it:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topics&forum=124

Discussion of the Israel v. Palestine conflict, and events within it, is generally confined to that forum. An exception has been made to provide our members with information on a major developing event curently underway, and not to open a new venue for speech-making. If that comes to be predominant in this thread, it will be closed and moved to the dedicated forum.

You may further rest assured, Sir, that no speculation on your part concerning the extent of my immorality and cruelty could possibly plumb their true depths, particularly before the first full cup of coffee and two cigarettes....

[otokogi]

96. lol

:P

[Violet_Crumble]

79. Abbas calls IDF operation in Gaza a crime against humanity

Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas accused Israel on Wednesday of carrying out "crimes against humanity" with its incursion into Gaza Strip.

Israel Defense Forces operation Summer Rain, which began early Wednesday, has included air strikes against power stations and bridges and a tank invasion in the southern Gaza Strip, with the aim of releasing Corporal Gilad Shalit, abducted during an attack Sunday on an IDF base near Gaza.

"The president considers the aggression that targeted the civilian infrastructures as collective punishment and crimes against humanity," Abbas said in a statement released by his office. He called for international intervention to pressure Israel to stop the operation.

http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/732368.html

[alcibiades_mystery]

84. More collective retribution from the Israelis

The usual.

[Violet_Crumble]

85. Israel, Palestinians must step back from brink: EU

BRUSSELS (Reuters) - Israel and Palestinian militants must "step back from the brink" before a crisis over the kidnapping of an Israeli soldier spirals out of control, the European Union said on Wednesday.

"All sides need to consider their responsibilities extremely carefully," EU External Relations Commissioner Benita Ferrero-Waldner said in a statement.

She reiterated a call for those holding Corporal Gilad Shalit to free him and urged Israel to "act with prudence" to allow diplomatic efforts to secure his release to work.

"Both sides must step back from the brink before this becomes a crisis that neither can control," she said.

http://today.reuters.com/news/NewsArticle.aspx?type=topNews&storyid=2006-06-28T110739Z_01_L28892551_RTRUKOT_0_TEXT0.xml&src=062806_0722_TOPSTORY_israel_enters_gaza

[LaReservaPr]

86. CNNi Report right now

No reports of casualties from both sides so far.

[tabasco]

87. Bush's Roadmap To Peace.

Every road Bush drives us down leads to a big steaming pile of crap.

[XForce]

88. ongoing escalation

I sadly believe that there will never be any peace between the two sides. This has gone on for so many years that multiple new generations have been born into their hatred for each other and nothing will ever step in to 'completely' stop their fighting. I bet if one could separate the territories with 500 miles of mtn land in between them, they'd figure out how to reach the other side to eventually retaliate/strike again.

[jseankil]

92. Cutting off water to civilians is terror Israel. U.S. tax dollars at work?

This is unacceptable. You cannot punish an entire population based on the actions of a few militants, that is what terror is!

~~~
Seven hundred thousand Palestinians - roughly half the population of the Gaza - were without electricity since Tuesday night after IAF strikes knocked out power stations in the Strip.

The power outages also effected water supplies as many of the newer multi-story buildings in Gaza are dependent on electrical water pumps.

Palestinian engineers said repairs could take six months

http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/732368.html

[Englander]

93. IAF strike leaves 700,000 people without electricity in Gaza Strip

>snip

IDF Operation Summer Rain, which began early Wednesday, has included air strikes against power stations and bridges and a tank invasion in the southern Gaza Strip, with the aim of releasing Corporal Gilad Shalit, abducted during an attack Sunday on an IDF base near Gaza.

Seven hundred thousand Palestinians - roughly half the population of the Gaza - were without electricity since Tuesday night after IAF strikes knocked out power stations in the Strip.

The power outages also effected water supplies as many of the newer multi-story buildings in Gaza are dependent on electrical water pumps.

Palestinian engineers said repairs could take six months.

"The president considers the aggression that targeted the civilian infrastructures as collective punishment and crimes against humanity," Abbas said in a statement released by his office. He called for international intervention to pressure Israel to stop the operation.

http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/732368.html



Much of the Strip was plunged into darkness after Israeli war planes hit a power station and three bridges.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/in_pictures/5123564.stm

[Name removed]

97. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[The Magistrate]

98. Just As A Reminder, Sir

Discussion of the Israel v. Palestine conflict, and events within it, is generally confined to that forum. An exception has been made to provide our members with information on a major developing event curently underway, and not to open a new venue for speech-making. If that comes to be predominant in this thread, it will be closed and moved to the dedicated forum.

[Poll_Blind]

99. UPDATE (5 min. ago): IDF prepares to invade NORTHERN Gaza as well.

From Ha'aretz NEWS FLASHES

18:38 IDF artillery is shelling open areas in the northern Gaza Strip (Haaretz)
19:10 IDF calls on northern Gaza residents to leave their homes (Channel 10)
19:53 Peretz approves incursion into northern Gaza Strip; IDF might act within hours (Haaretz)

Current Israel time is 20:00 (8 PM)

PB

[Englander]

100. Israelis Bomb Camp, Cut Power and Water

By IBRAHIM BARZAK

RAFAH, Gaza Strip Jun 28, 2006 (AP)— Israel turned up the pressure on Palestinian militants to release a captive soldier Wednesday, sending its warplanes to bomb a Hamas training camp after knocking out electricity and water supplies for most of the 1.3 million residents of the Gaza Strip.

The Hamas-led Palestinian government called for a prisoner swap with Israel, saying the Gaza offensive would not secure the soldier's release. Hamas-affiliated militants holding the hostage previously made that demand, but this was the first time the government did.

Palestinians dug in behind walls and embankments, preparing for a major strike after Israel sent in troops and tanks and bombarded bridges and a power station. Warplanes fired missiles in northern and souther Gaza.

No casualties have been reported since the offensive began early Wednesday.

Residents of northern Gaza, preparing for what they feared could be a long military operation, stocked up on food, candles and batteries for radios as a minister warned of a "humanitarian crisis."

http://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory?id=2129023

[Poll_Blind]

101. BREAKING: IAF warplanes fly over palace of Syrian President Assad

Reported on breaking CNN, Ha'aretz news services, among others.

20:02 IAF warplanes fly over palace of Syrian President Assad (Haaretz)

:scared:   :scared:   :scared:   :scared:

PB

[The Magistrate]

102. Here Is A Link To The A.P. Account, Sir

http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/I/ISRAEL_SYRIA?SITE=FLTAM&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=customwire.htm

These up-dates are very much appreciated.

[Poll_Blind]

105. Thank you for the link! n/t

PB

[Poll_Blind]

107. FURTHER: Syria: We fired on Israeli warplanes

From CNN

PB

[uppityperson]

103. Thank you all for continuing the information and civility

Thanks Magistrate for keeping it on topic. I am checking in here after looking briefly @ news because here are a whole bunch of people gathering info to share. Thanks.

[The Magistrate]

104. Some Commentary From The BBC

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/5125766.stm

[uppityperson]

106. Syria: We fired on Israeli warplanes, Iraeli raids continue in Gaza to sa

http://www.cnn.com/2006/WORLD/meast/06/28/israel.soldier/index.html

Syria said it fired on Israeli warplanes Wednesday as they flew over the home of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, heightening regional tensions over the kidnapping of an Israeli soldier.

"The overflight by two Israeli planes near the Syrian shores is an aggressive act and a provocation," The Associated Press quoted Syria's television news, which quoted an Information Ministry official.It said "national air defenses opened fire in the direction of the planes, and they dispersed." Israel Defense Forces confirmed that Israeli planes had flown over the Syrian president's country home and Israeli television reported al-Assad was at home at the time.

(clip)

Later on Wednesday Israel issued a warning to residents of northern Gaza to leave their homes. As dusk fell, Israeli tanks could be seen firing into the northern Gaza area, which Palestinians have been using for months to fire rockets at Israel. Earlier raids were focused on the southern end of the territory....(more@link)

Link to LBN on this topic
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=102x2361369

[The Magistrate]

108. Some Diplomatic Developments From "The Australian"

http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,20867,19625342-1702,00.htm

[The Magistrate]

113. From The 'Daily Telegraph' of London

http://dailytelegraph.news.com.au/story/0,20281,19617395-5001027,00.html

[Poll_Blind]

114. Syria: "The overflight by two Israeli planes near the Syrian shores is...

...an aggressive act and a provocation" from Ha'aretz.

Please excuse me if this is a dupe or something like it- Ha'aretz regularly updates their stories adding information as they develop.

PB

[The Magistrate]

115. From 'Bloomberg'

http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601087&sid=a0y90FmavMnc&refer=

[The Magistrate]

116. Current Reuters Report, From 'Moscow Times'

http://www.themoscowtimes.com/stories/2006/06/29/251.htm

[Poll_Blind]

118. Working link HERE

Right HERE.

PB

[The Magistrate]

120. Thank You, Sir

If I knew what the mistake I made was, I would probably have been able to avoid it. These machines baffle me....

[uppityperson]

117. Israeli operation could escalate into protracted conflict Q&A

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2003092047_webmideastqna28.html

[Poll_Blind]

119. Thank you, that's a great primer for newly-interested parties. n/t

PB

[The Magistrate]

121. Hamas Labor Minister al'Barghouti Arrested: 'Haaretz' Report

http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/732528.html

[Spider Jerusalem]

122. BBC analysis of political situation:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/5124152.stm

[The Magistrate]

123. An Israeli's Commentary On The Circumstances

http://www.ariga.com/2006-06-28.shtml

[Phx_Dem]

124. Palestinians hoard food in fear of siege

RAFAH, Gaza Strip - In a scene repeated across the Gaza Strip, Nivine Abu Shbeke hoarded bags of flour, boxes of vegetables and other supplies ahead of Israel's invasion on Wednesday.

Left without electricity or running water after Israel knocked out Gaza's power plant, Abu Shbeke's extended family of 23 remained hopeful they could wait out the offensive.

"We're worried about how long the food will last," said Abu Shbeke, a 23-year-old mother of three. "The children devour everything."

Throughout Gaza, Palestinians fearing a lengthy siege stockpiled food, water, batteries and candles as their government warned of a humanitarian crisis if Israeli forces remain here.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060628/ap_on_re_mi_ea/palestinians_crisis_3

[Behind the Aegis]

125. Update: Hamas Leaders Arrested; Israeli Executed

GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip (AP) -- Israeli forces rounded up dozens of Palestinian Cabinet ministers and lawmakers from Hamas, increasing pressure on the Islamic militants to release a captured Israeli soldier, and witnesses said tanks moved into northern Gaza, widening Israel's largest military operation in the year since Israel pulled out of the seaside territory.

Adding to the tension, a Palestinian militant group said it executed an 18-year-old Jewish settler kidnapped in the West Bank. Palestinian security officials said they believed the body of Eliahu Asheri had been found in the West Bank city of Ramallah.

Hamas officials said more than 30 lawmakers have been arrested in the West Bank.

Palestinian security officials said Israeli forces detained the Palestinian deputy prime minister, Nasser Shaer, and three other Cabinet ministers, as well as four lawmakers in Ramallah. Several others were arrested in the town of Jenin, they said.

more...

[puffthemagicdragon]

126. arrested the deputy prime minister?

this certainly can't help the tensions much. jeesh

[uppityperson]

127. Update: Israeli forces massed at Northern Gaza border, per BBC

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.
(clip)

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)

[manic expression]

128. Disgusting n/t

[ama]

129. the poor children

On behalf of the children of Gaza , DCI/PS calls on all concerned parties to respect the limitations placed on reprisals, particularly against persons protected by the four Geneva Conventions.
http://www.dci-pal.org/english/display.cfm?DocId=500&CategoryId=1