Day 5 of the War, Dec 31 2008

Day 5 of the Gaza war, Wednesday Dec. 31 2008 -- Daily sticky post, constantly updated.

More liveblogging at IsraellyCool and on Twitter at http://twitter.com/muqata Keyword #GazaWar

Additional New posts from today can be found below this post.

As a general rule we will try and keep operational details to a minimum, that includes troop movements and the exact location of rocket hits. If items are reported in the Main Stream Israeli Media we will report them as well.

11:59 PM None injured in rocket attack on Beer Sheva.

This concludes Day 5 of Gaza's War on Israel. LiveBlogging will resume early tomorrow morning or earlier, depending on the severity or news-worthiness of what's going on.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Muqata Staff who has been tirelessly updating the blog and twitter feeds (and to our families who put up with this).

Thanks to all those who have sent heart-warming emails, expressing your support for Israel. We can be reached at muqata @ gmail . com

Wishing you all a good night from Israel,

Jameel @ Crew
The Muqata

11:56 PM Rescue personnel continue the search for wounded in Beer Sheva...after several rocekt strikes.

11:43 PM While some Israeli news sites are reporting exact locations of where rockets land, the Muqata blog will continue to only provide approximate locations of actual rocket strikes. Palestinians are monitoring the Israeli websites to determine exactly where the rockets have landed, to help calibrate their next launches.

11:42 PM Reports of 3-4 explosions in Beer Sheva and surrounding areas.

11:41 PM Explosion heard in Beer Sheva. Emergency Forces Responding.

11:39 PM Air Raid Sirens in Western Negev and Beer Sheva.

11:37 PM No injuries reported in Western Negev (from 11:29 PM report)

11:31 PM Gazan Leader Issmael Haneeyeh announces on Hamas TV tonight: "The Palestinian Victory over Israel is closer than you think." Reminds me of the Iraqi Information Minister (AKA 'Baghdad Bob'). [Source, Haaretz in Hebrew]

11:30 PM Explosion heard in Ashdod was New Year "fireworks" -- no injuries/damage.

11:29 PM Explosions heard in Ashdod and Western Negev. Emergency Personnel resonding.

11:19 PM Gazans report that IAF warplanes have been destroying targets in Gaza over the past hour, hitting rocket manufacturing buildings in Han Yunis, Jebaliya, and Beit Lahiya.

11:18 PM Palestinians throw molotov cocktail at Jewish motorist in Shomron/West Bank. The car caught fire and is going up in flames. The motorist managed to escape his car before it was consumed by fire.

Jameel adds: That could have been me -- I drove past that exact location an hour ago.

11:01 PM Cost Analysis. Since the war started 5 days ago, over 300 claims have been filed by Israelis for reparations from the Israeli government for damages caused by Palestinian Rockets. The Israel Tax Authority's initial estimate of damage is 35 Million Shekel (9.25 Million Dollars) for the first 5 days of fighting. Israel reimburses its citizens for damages caused by acts of war or terror. (sourced from YNET in Hebrew)

10:45 PM IDF Spokesman releases video of the mosque bombing a few hours earlier.



10:44 PMOngoing rockets landing in Netivot, Nachal Oz, Ashkelon, Sederot and Beer Sheva over the past hour. No reports of injuries -- the vast majority of the rockets landed in open areas.

9:59 PM Rockets fall in Be'er Sheva

8:57 PM Security sources claim that word of a ground attack on Friday is pure speculation.

8:55 PM Reports that IDF has hit 25 strategic targets in Gaza since this morning.

8:54 PM Command center of the People's Front terror group destroy by Air Force.

8:19 PM Channel 2 News reports that ground troops will go in on Friday.

7:38 PM Channel 1 Israel TV reports that an IDF Gunboat opened fire on 2 suspicious rubber dinghies near Taba (Egypt), Red Sea (Eilat).

7:28 PM Molotov cocktail thrown at Jewish motorist in the Shomron (West Bank area). No injuries.

7:19 PM Destroyed Gazan smuggling tunnel (courtesy of an IAF jet...)



7:13 PM Rockets land in fields. No damage, no injuries

7:09 PM Air Raid Sirens in Western Negev communities.

7:04 PM Gaza war goes global. Arabs shoot Israelis in a Denmark shopping mall -2 wounded. Most reports are indicating that the shooters were Palestinians.

6:47 PM IDF spokesman announces that the Gazan Mosque which was attacked today was also used as a launching site for rockets against Israel.


(credit WWW.YOFFNER.COM)

6:42 PM War Update - Day 5.

Al Jazeera reports Gazan casualties as follows:

393 Dead
2000 Wounded

Other Arab sources state:

401 dead (of those, 62 civilians)
1950 wounded (of those, 210 seriously wounded)

6:22 PM Rockets hit Ashkelon, no reports of damage or injuries

6:02 PM Air Raid Sirens in the Northern 40 kilometer zone.

5:50 PM IDF Tank solider at Gaza's border takes a quick break to pray.


(source: Independent)

5:46 PM Sirens in Western Negev communities (first 10 kilometer region)

5:42 PM Reports that IAF jets bomb a Gaza Mosque. Reports of wounded. The mosque was used for storing Rockets to be used against Israel.

5:30 PM Watch this short 15 second video clip. 15 seconds is all you have from the start of the "Code Red" or air raid siren if you're in the 10 kilometer zone around Gaza...to run to a bomb shelter.



(petition if you want, is here.)
5:23 PM Jameel's updated map (In English) of the different danger zones around Gaza.
5:14PM Sirens in Be'er Sheva.

5:05PM Israeli family shot at by Palestinian in Denmark. Reports of 1-2 injured.

4:57PM Sirens in Sderot.

4:50PM In a surprising turn of events, major Pro-Israel protest at Tel-Aviv University, not known for its nationalist sympathies.

4:41PM Rockets fired in the direction of Ashkelon.

4:37 PM Unconfirmed rumors that Israel is giving large rewards to Gaza residents that give information that leads to the assassination of Hamas commanders.

4:29 PM Rocket lands in open areas in the Eshkol region.

4:23 PM Yuval Diskin, head of the G.S.S.(Shabak) claims Hamas terrorists are dressing up as doctors.

4:15 PM Reports coming in that Hamas is ready to hear options for a cease fire.

4:14 PM A total of 45 rockets today.

3:41PM Head of Egyptian Intelligence supported the operation in Gaza as a way to get Hamas out and "end the suffering in Gaza".

3:38 PM 4 rockets in the Eshkol Region, no injuries.

3:37PM Rocket falls near S'dot Negev, no injuries.

3:34 PM Air Force attacking the center of Gaza.

3:32 PM Arabs throwing rocks on the 443 road near the Makkabim Junction

3:12 PM More rockets on the way.

Mada (Magen David Adom) has raised its alert level countrywide. This is the first time ever in the history of the country.

2:30 PM IDF helicopters carry out targeted strike (assasination)

2:27 PM 4 Rockets hitting Ofakim.

2:01 PM Jerusalem Post has publicized that one of the rockets earlier today hit Route 6. (On a lighter note, Hamas may go bankrupt once Derech Eretz starts fining them for littering on their highway).

1:58 PM Police arrest 2 individuals in Jerusalem's Old City trying to force Arab vendors to stay closed as part of a Gaza protest.

1:37 PM Kasam rocket lands in S'dot Negev, damage reported but no injuries.

1:35 PM 2 Palestinian infants injured serious in Gaza brought into Israel for medical care.

1:34 PM Schools in Gaza area closed tomorrow also, most likely for the rest of the week.

1:33 PM 2 rockets over Netivot.

1:25PM BREAKING Rockets landing in Israel are of Chinese manufacture, transported by Iran, via Egypt/Sinai through tunnels under the Rafiach crossing into Gaza. (Confirmed by Army spokesman)
Additionally rockets are packed with ball bearings that spread up to 100M from rocket strike.

12:35PM The Security forces are claiming they have totally destroyed all the laboratories for the construction of rockets.

12:34 PM Rockets and mortar fire over Sha'ar HaNegev and Sderot, also to the North of the Strip.

12:27 PM Reports that Hezbollah is trying to get larger longer range missiles to Gaza. The Air Force has succeeded in destroying some in tunnels under Rafiach.

12:23 PM Sirens in Ashkelon. At least 2-3 explosions heard.

12:19 PM Destruction of smuggling tunnels by Rafiach causing serious damage to Hamas's abilities in Gaza (Arutz 10)

12:09 PM Reports of rockets over Ofakim.

12:07 PM Home Front command has forbidden all gatherings in Be'er Sheva.

12:05 PM Head of General Security Services (ShaBaK) states that Hamas terrorists are hiding in hospitals in Gaza, a clear violation of the Geneva convention.

12:00 PM A total of 30 rockets fired this morning. 2 lightly wounded.

11:57 AM Some analysis of the situation:

1. Bret Stephens - Hamas Knows One Big Thing - WSJ
2. Barry Rubin - Understanding the Gaza War - Pajamasmedia
3. Phyllis Chesler - Israel's Morality vs. Hamas's Morality - Pajamasmedia
4. Shannon Love - Diplomacy and Terrorism - Chicago Boyz
5. Palestinian Propaganda 101 - LAHawk
6. Michael Ledeen - The Battle of Gaza and the Real War - Pajamasmedia
7. JoeSettler - The War is Over - The Muqata Network


11:56 AM No injuries reported from 11:52 barrage.

11:55 AM Sirens in Western Negev Communities.

11:52 AM Rockets land in Western Negev area and Sederot.

11:49 AM IDF reports that Palestinians have started firing their longer range missiles from within heavily populated areas in Gaza, making it more challenging for IAF helicopters to hit them. Gedera area gets hit by Grad missile. No reports of injuries.

11:39 AM Alarms in Be'er Sheva.

11:37 AM Reports of rocket fire over Ofakim.

11:32 AM President Peres was in Ashkelon at the time of rocket hits, spent it in one of the bunkers in the city.

11:20 AM We reported yesterday about the pet dog of a firefighter wounded in a rocket attack in Sderot. Unfortunately the dog has died.


11:15 AM Pictures of the roof of high school hit by Grad/Katyusha rocket. The class room was empty due to school cancellation.

11:13 AM Two women being treated for shock in Ashkelon.

11:04 AM A second wounded individual in Ashkelon. Another rocket lands in area.

11:02 AM Unconfirmed reports of rocket near Gedera.

11:01 AM Reports of rocket landing in Yavneh. Update: Mayor of Yavneh denies this.

10:54 AM Rocket strikes #6 road. (Arutz 2)

10:53 AM Any discussion of a cease fire or break is baseless. (Army sources)

10:51 AM Another explosion heard near Ashkelon.

10:50 AM Rocket lands in Ashdod area.

10:47AM One woman injured lightly in Ashkelon. 3 rockets.

10:45 AM Under pouring rain, Sirens in Sderot and Ashkelon.

10:35 AM 2 rockets reported in Ashkelon.

10:33 AM Sirens in Ashkelon. 8 people treated for shock in Be'er Sheva.

10:16 AM Fire breaks out from rocket hit on hotel in Be'er Sheva. No injuries. UPDATE: The fire unrelated to rocket.

10:13 AM 40 Hamas sites hit over night in Gaza. Operations against the tunnel network under the Philadelphia route.

10:12 AM A total of 20 rockets fired into Israel this morning so far.

10:09 AM Grad/Katyusha lands in Be'er Sheva, no report of injuries.

10:06 AM Sirens at this moment in Be'er Sheva.

10:00 AM Rocket lands North East of Lachish in the Yoav region, ~40 Km. from Gaza.

9:57 AM Sirens in S'derot.

9:56 AM Problems with sirens in Be'er Sheva.

9:52 AM Helicopters hunting rocket launching sites over Gaza. Navy firing artillery at launch sites.

9:50 AM 1 of the Grad/Katyusha rockets in Be'er Sheva exploded in an empty classroom.

9:49 AM Office of Ismail Haniyah hit by Air Force.

9:46 AM Barrage of rockets over Be'er Sheva, reports of 4 rockets falling in the city. Also Chof Ashkelon and Eshkol.

9:42 AM Sirens also in Kiryat Gat.

9:40 AM A rocket that fell earlier in the Eshkol region caused damaged to cars in the area, no injuries.

9:33 AM 3 Rockets land in and around Ofakim. Sirens in Yavneh.

9:30 AM Alarms in Ofakim and Be'er Sheva. At least one rocket landed in Ofakim, no reports of injuries.

8:30 AM Rockets land in Be'er Sheva.

Brother of Shas Minister of Religious Affairs Yitzchak Cohen injured in rocket attack in Ashkelon.

Defense Minister Barak weighing cease fire. PM Olmert against.

7:17 AM Intenationl Children's Welfare Organization "UNICEF" issues statement of concern for children in Gaza, yet blatently ignores the situation for Israeli children (how about the Hamas rocket attack on a kindergarten in Beer Sheva yesterday?)

"UNICEF is deeply concerned about the impact of the current violence in
Gaza on children"

Its disappointing that they share no concern for the impact of the current violence in Southern Israel on children. (UNICEF)

6:04 AM (IsraelNN.com) Classes in Be'er Sheva, nearby Kibbutz Hatzerim and at Ben Gurion University have been cancelled for Wednesday following Tuesday night's Grad Katyusha attacks in the Negev capital.

5:45 AM Israel strikes smuggling tunnels and Hamas office.

5:43 AM A quiet night in Israel, but not so much in Gaza. Air Force and Navy units hit multiple targets throughout the Gaza Strip. Reports of hits on houses of Hamas leaders, government buildings and the Gaza Port. Olmert rejects any chance for a cease fire at this point.


Wherever I am, my blog turns towards Eretz Yisrael טובה הארץ מאד מאד

Day 4 of the War, Dec 30 2008

Day 4 of the Gaza war, Tuesday, Dec 30th 2008 -- Daily sticky post, constantly updated.


For Day 5 of the war go to: Day 5 of the War, Dec 31 2008


More liveblogging at IsraellyCool and on Twitter at http://twitter.com/muqata Keyword #GazaWar

Additional New posts from today can be found below this post.

As a general rule we will try and keep operational details to a minimum, that includes troop movements and the exact location of rocket hits. If items are reported in the Main Stream Israeli Media we will report them as well.


12:03 AM Jameel here signing off. Thanks again to the wonderful Muqata staff who has been liveblogging around the clock. We hope to continue early tomorrow morning (or during the night if things get crazy).

This is Jameel @ The Muqata, reporting from somewhere in the hills of Samaria -- wishing safety and security to our IDF soldiers and Israel's civilians.

Good Night.

"When you sleep with a missile, sometimes you may not wake up." (Dan Gillerman, past Israeli Ambassador to the UN)

11:44 PM Tonight, a tourist from Chicago was attacked by an Arab mob in Nazereth -- they mistakenly assumed he was "Jewish". Police rescused the tourist who did not require medical assistance. (source in Hebrew) The police have opened an investigation to locate the attackers.

11:33 PM IAF warplanes destroy underground Grad/Katyusha launcher in Gaza which was used for tonight's rocket launch against Be'er Sheva.

11:29 PM Released for publication: One of the wounded tonight in a rocket attack in Ashkelon is the brother of Israeli Goverment Minister, Yitzchak Cohen [Shas]. His brother was lightly wounded. (Channel 2 Israel TV)

11:24 PM Over 34 shock victims tonight as a result of the Grad Missile (Katysuha) that hit a Beer Sheva kindergarten tonight. Two Kassam rockets launched at Western Negev -- no injuries or damage.

11:14 PM Jameel here for a bit more -- thanks Litvshe for some awesome reporting today! Many of the Jewish residents from Gaza who were removed by the Israeli Government during the "Disengagement" were relocated to temporary housing in Nitzan (3 years in temporary housing with no solution is another issue).

The problem is their temporary housing is made totally of sheetrock, and there are no shelters or concrete walls in case of the falling rockets from Gaza.

Today, the IDF Homefront command brought in concrete sewage pipes as a temporary measure...

11:00 PM This is Litvshe signing off for the night. I'll be back in the morning.

10:50 PM The cell that launched the rockets at Be'er Sheva has been hit by Air Force fire.

10:41 PM Fatah giving Israel intel to help pinpoint attacks. (h/t Instapundit)


10:32 PM United Hatzolah paramedic seriously wounded in yesterday's terrorist attack in Kiryat Sefer has taken a turn for the worse. (His name is Aryeh ben Varda)

10:28 PM One person lightly wounded by shrapnel in Ashkelon.

10:18 PM Reshet B radio reports 9 people treated for shock in Be'er Sheva, once child taken to hospital.

10:15 PM Several cars damaged in Ashkelon several cars damaged from rocket fire, 2 people treated for shock.

9:50 PM President Bush: "There is no point in a ceasefire just for the sake of having a ceasefire".

9:48 PM Unconfirmed reports of an explosion near Yavneh.

9:45 PM Reports of rockets falling in Be'er Sheva and Ashkelon.

9:42 PM Another barrage of rockets on its way. Sirens in Ashkelon and Ofakim.

9:33 PM Mortar fire reported over the Sha'ar HaNegev region.

9:30 PM 2,500 more reservists called up.

9:25 PM The rockets that landed in Be'er Sheva were Grad/Katuyshas. One hit an empty kindergarten.

9:22PM 3 rockets fall in Be'er Sheva. No injuries reported.

9:20 PM Sorry about the lack of posting, but Bezek in their infinite wisdom have mucked up my DSL line. (Litvshe)

7:47 PM IDF angrily reacts to Defense Ministry recommendation (from the French Foreign Minister Berner Kushner...how shocking) for a "48 hour cease fire".

IDF: "We are waiting for the order for the ground offensive to take over Gaza!" (source in Hebrew)

7:43 PM Channel 2 (Israel) TV Polled Israelis: What needs to be done now in Gaza?

61% Continue the attack
24% Ground Invasion
11% Cease fire
4% Don't Know



7:16 PM Politically-Uber-Correct YouTube Video service deletes IDF Spokesperson military video channel. LiveLeak is more than happy to pick up the traffic. Noah Pollak states:

This was apparently too much for YouTube, which moments ago removed several videos from the IDF’s channel, including the most-watched video, which showed a group of Hamas goons being blown up in an air strike as they loaded Katyusha missiles onto a truck. The point of such footage, as if it needed to be said, is not to revel in violence — it is to show the legitimacy of Israeli self-defense.

(hat-tip, Israel Matzav)

7:00 PM Palestinian Girl places blame for the war fully on Hamas.





I hope she stays safe...an outburst like that usually ends up with "dis-honor killings"...

6:52 PM Despite many Israeli media outlets (YNET, Haaretz newsflash at 5:11, NRG, and others) announcing that the IDF is recommending a 48 hour cease fire, the IDF Spokesman has firmly come out against the stories:

"The IDF Spokesman's Unit denied Tuesday's media reports suggesting the defense establishment recommended the National Security Cabinet explore a ceasefire in Gaza. "These statements are untrue and were not corroborated prior to their publication," said the military."

This goes hand in hand with the report below that the IDF is chastising Israel's media for attempting to dictate IDF military action.

6:43 PM Massive air strike on the Philadelphia strip at this moment.

6:35 PM YNET reports that Hamas has rejects a 48 hour cease-fire proposal by Israel. Hamas: "We will hold fire only when it suits us"

6:31 PM Rockets land in Ashdod, Ashkelon and Netivot. No injuries reported. IAF starts another bombing run on Gaza. IDF critically states that Israel's TV channels are attempting to dictate IDF policy.

6:20 PM Reports that the Gazan rocket which landed today north of Beer Sheva has a 60 kilometer maximum range. This could add a whole new dimension to the war...


6:00 PM There will be a short break in coverage as we move to our next undisclosedsed location.

5:31 PM Protests around the world. (h/t AtlasShrugs)

5:29 PM IDF YouTube channel showing hits on rocket launchers.

5:10 PM A total of 7 rockets launched in the last hour. 3 near Ashkelon, 1 S'derot, 3 near Gaza.

5:03 PM Two rockets land in open areas in the Eshkol region.

4:51 PM 3 year old child injured by stone thrown near the Zif Junction near Hevron.

4:46 PM More sirens going off in Sderot.

4:26 PM A female soldier was attacked near the Huwara junction by Schem. No injuries reported.

4:24 PM More sirens in Ashdod.

4:17 PM Rocket lands in the "Big" mall in Kastina near Kiryat Malachi, reports of injuries.

4:08 PM The range of various rockets and what they can hit.


4:04 PM 4 rocket launchers and a truck transporting Grad/Katyusha rockets struck by Air Force.

4:02 PM Rockets also near Kiryat Gat.

3:54 PM Reports that IAF has hit more then 95% of their targets.

3:41 PM Rockets in Be'er Sheva area.

3:40 PM Long range rockets fired over the Lachish Region, sirens in Kiryat Malachi.

3:31 PM A total of 14 rockets fired from Gaza today.

3:29 PM Rocket lands south of Rahat.

3:17 PM Army radio reports that it seems the Air Force is out of targets to hit.

3:15 PM Sirens in S'derot, explosions reported. More information as it comes in. Update: House of Chabad representative hit, he and family are currently in Kfar Chabad.

2:37 PM Terrorist stopped with explosive device at the Beit Iva checkpoint.

2:36 PM Motorist injured from rock attack near the Yitzhar settlement.

2:20 PM Rocket lands in the Western Negev. No injuries.

2:19 PM More pictures from today around Southern Israel:

IDF Soldier affixes flag to his tank (AP Ariel Schalit)

An IDF soldier in prayer (Reuters)

Taking Cover from a Gazan Rocket in Ashkelon (TSAFRIR ABAYOV)

Rocket Damage in Ashkelon (Bernat Armangue)

1:58 PM Protesting the war on Gaza (not sure against who though)


1:36 PM Critically wounded Palestinians from Gaza being transported to Egypt for treatment.

1:31 PM Arab rioter at Kalandia checkpoint shot while throwing Molotov Cocktail, in serious condition.

1:26 PM Rockets land in Western Negev region, no injuries.

1:08 PM More sirens heard in S'derot.

12:52 PM From one mission to the next. F-16 pilots returning from missions over Gaza, instead of taking time off are spending their time in S'derot and Netivot distributing toys to children in bunkers.

12:46 PM Czech FM has also set the blame directly on the shoulders of Hamas, claiming that their firing of rockets is unacceptable. The Czech republic takes over as President of the EU on Thursday.

12:42 PM Tanks have been used for the first time in the conflict, opening fire on targets in the strip.

1 2:21 PM Al-Jazeera are reporting a total of 380 killed and 1700 wounded.

12:12 PM 1 lightly wounded, 2 suffering shock from 3 rockets in S'derot. One of the rockets hit the house of a firefighter who was out on call. His pet dog was wounded seriously.

12:11 PM Hamas denies any contact with Senegal about a cease fires.

12:03 PM Israel spreading pamphlets to residents of Rafiach in Gaza to leave their houses.

11:49 AM A house hit in S'derot. No reports of injuries.

11:28 AM General Naveh of the IDF has stated the three ways that the situation can continue:
1. Cease fire - Hamas forced to request a cease fire.
2. Continuation of airborne attacks - Though there is a lack of targets.
3. Airborne and Ground based attacks continuing to bring the fight to Hamas
He is recommending the third option even though it will end in more casualties. The goals are to return to a cease fire, return to negotiations and the return of Gilad Shalit.

11:09 AM Corrections services vehicle stoned on the 443 road near the Ofer Prison.

11:04 AM The funeral of Irit Shitrit will take place at 2:00 PM in the Ashdod Cemetery. Staff-Sgt. Lutfi Nasraldin will be buried at 3:00 PM in the Usafiah military cemetery.

10:58 AM Some shots from of rocket hit sites in Ofakim. (source rotter.net)

10:33 AM A number of explosions heard in Gaza, reports of a car hit. Reports of 1 killed and two wounded.

10:20 AM Israel moving 100 trucks of humanitarian aid into Gaza.

10:19 AM "Color Red" alarm sounded in Ashdod.

10:01 AM Names of those killed in last nights attacks released. Staff Sergant Lutfi Nasraldin from Galil village Dalyat el Carmel and Irit Shitrit from Ashdod.

9:56 AM Israeli Government goes high tech and will hold a Twitter press conference. Key word #AskIsrael

9:53 AM Turkey and Egypt warn Israel that a ground war might well induce Hizbullah into joining the war. (source Ynet Hebrew)

9:32 AM Boats trying to deliver aid to Gaza have been turned back by Israeli Naval forces.

9:20 AM 107 Arab rioters arrested so far since the beginning of the Cast Lead operation. 94 are still in custody.

9:18 AM IDF forces hit rocket launch sites near Chan Yunis.

9:15 AM Thanks to JoeSettler and others who have kept this up while Jameel and Litvshe have been offline. And thanks to Bezek for choosing the opportune time to muck up my aDSL connection at home. (Litvshe)

9:00 AM Schools within 30 Kilometers of Gaza border have been ordered closed today (their has been no school this past week for the Chanukah holiday).

8:30 AM The Consulate General of Israel in York will be holding an online press conference today on Tuesday on Twitter, at http://www.twitter.com/IsraelConsulate between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. New York time.

ISM/Anarchist's ship carrying unknown cargo attempting to enter the Gaza war zone was just stopped. ISM reports that their ship was rammed by IDF navy.

IDF overrode the signal on Hamas radio this morning and warned all Gaza residents to stay away from ammunition bunkers as they will be blown up today.

2:10 AM Updates from the past few hours...

Rockets hit Ofakim and Yavneh. House in Ofakim hit.

Terrorist shoot at Border Policeman in Jerusalem. No injuries reported.

Stone throwing on 443 near Atarot. IDF dispersed the throwers. I was just there, but didn't see any signs of violence, though there were a lot of stones on the highway Monday morning.

Carmella Menashe of Israel Radio is reporting that IDF ground troops have begun entering Gaza at around midnight. No secondary sources are confirming/reporting this. Second time that this report has gone out in the past 6 hours.

Terrorist attack in Kedumim. Israeli man stabbed in the head by Palestinian.

Molotov cocktail was hurled at the back entrance of the Hadassah Mount Scopus Hospital in Jerusalem.

Jerusalem Municipality offering major discounts to Southern residents on shows and hotels for those visiting the capital.

Wherever I am, my blog turns towards Eretz Yisrael טובה הארץ מאד מאד

Round ups about Gaza

It is Jack here.

While our esteemed wafflemaster catches some much needed sleep I want to let you know that I have been putting together a round up of posts and news about Gaza. It should serve as a good resource in addition to the valuable news you are receiving here.

Gaza Round Up Part One

Gaza Round Up Part Two


Wherever I am, my blog turns towards Eretz Yisrael טובה הארץ מאד מאד

How you can help Israel

-- Advertisement --

Many of you are visiting us at the Muqata blog in search of more information on Israel's current war with Hamas/Gaza.

Some (perhaps all) of you may be interested in how you can help the people of Israel.

There is a Jerusalem organization called Warm the Needy that does wonderful work.

Every winter Warm the Needy helps thousands of poor Israeli families make it through the cold winter by supplying them with heaters/radiators and subsidizing their electric bills.

If you are looking to help the People of Israel, then Warm the Needy is definitely a good place to start.


Wherever I am, my blog turns towards Eretz Yisrael טובה הארץ מאד מאד

MESSAGE FROM SF VOICE FOR ISRAEL

Cross-posting here in the hopes some of you can forward this to your people in the SF Bay Area.
Thank you.



What: Counter Protest in Support of Israel
Where: Israeli Consulate – 456 Montgomery Street, San Francisco
When: Tuesday, December 30, 2008 - 4:45pm


Dear Friends,

Israel is taking care of business in Gaza, and it is upon us to watch her back, here, on the streets of San Francisco. As we have seen from recent events in the region, PR war is a big part of this conflict, and "the streets" is where it’s fought, and no one will fight it but us.


Under the camouflage of "Peace Movement", the haters and the misguided will be holding a demonstration in front of the Israeli Consulate to protest the "Holocaust in Gaza". We ask, where were they for 3 years to "stand for peace" when Israelis were being bombed, killed and injured? We ask why are the fair-minded supporters of Palestinians not outraged by Hamas’s continuous provocations which clearly led to this defensive action, by its human shields tactics, and by its complete disregard for human life, both Israeli and Palestinian? We ask, what would United States, Turkey, Russia or China do, if 750,000 of its citizens were under constant cross-border shelling? We ask the questions that are at the heart of this conflict, the ones that no-one will ask if we are not there!

So be there, with your own questions and answers, and flags and energy, to show by our solid presence our unwavering solidarity with the Jewish State.

For signs to support Israel, please go to:
http://www.standwithus.com/SIGNS/?type=focus&wc=39
And
http://www.standwithus.com/SIGNS/?type=focus&wc=21

These posters are ready to send to your local printer. Please bring your own flags and signs, we have limited resources for this event.

Be the San Francisco Voice for Israel!


As always, feel free to make your own signs but please no signs or graphics offensive to any racial or ethnic group including but not limited to Arabs, Islam, or Palestinians. Signs in violation of our policies will not be allowed.

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

Guest-posted by ATBOTH.
12/29/08
http://atthebackofthehill.blogspot.com/


Wherever I am, my blog turns towards Eretz Yisrael טובה הארץ מאד מאד

Day 3, 8th of Chanuka, Monday 12-29-08

Day 3 of the Gaza war -- Daily sticky post -- constantly updated.

More liveblogging at IsraellyCool


Tuesday's (Day 4) News can be found here
Wednesday's (Day 5) News can be found here


11:47 PM Good night. This concludes today's liveblogging coverage from the Muqata staff. Sending condolecnes to the families of those who died today, and a speedy recovery to Israel's wounded civilians.

Wishing success and safety to our IDF soldiers, and hoping that the outcome of this war is a safer Israel.

Regards,

Jameel & Crew.
The Muqata Blog.

Hoping to return to liveblogging early Tuesday morning.

11:45 PM Another rocket falls in the vicinity of Netivot. No reports of injuries or damage.

11:43 PM An IDF Soldier's mother collects her thoughts on her son serving in the war. I echo her sentiments, precisely.

11:39 PM Color Red warning in Sederot.

Belz and Gur Hasidic Yeshivas relocate their students from Ashdod to the center of Israel due to the ongoing rocket strikes in Ashdod.

11:34 PM Two Israelis wounded (1 light, 1 moderate) in Ofakim from 3 rocket strikes.

11:22 PM IDF concerned that Katyusha are getting closer to Rechovot (having already hit Ashdod, and northwards in the Yavneh vicinity)

11:19 PM Israel Government Minister Eli Yishai (Shas) scrambles to the ground for cover during Ashdod rocekt attack this evening.





11:06 PM Two Rockets fall in the vicinity of Yavneh, reports of a rocket in Kiryat Gat area as well.

11:01 PM AirRaid Sirens in Ashdod and Ashkelon.

11:00 PM Updated status on casualties (10:48 report) 3 Israelis killed today by Gaza rockets.

10:53 PM IAF launches fresh air assault on Gaza targets.

10:48 PM Channel 1 Israel TV reports that 3 people were killed in from Katyusha attacks against Israel today. 1 in Ashdod, 1 in Ashkelon, 1 in Nachal Oz.

10:38 PM Additional Katyusha (Grad) rocket lands in Ashdod. (Channel 10 Israel TV reporting)
10:26 PM No reports of rockets in the second Ashdod alert tonight.

10:24 PM 6 wounded, 1 killed by rocket attack in the Nachal Oz area.

10:19 PM Air Raid sirens again in Ashdod. Color Red Warning system in Sederot. Molotov Cocktail thrown at Hadassah hospital in Jerusalem. No injuries or damage in the firebomb attack.

9:42 PM Additional 2-3 wounded in Ashkelon rocket attack.

9:36 PM Reports of 2 seriously wounded in Ashdod rocket attack, and 15 with minor injuries.

9:35 PM MDA transporting 1 wounded person from a stabbing terror attack in Kedumim.

9:33 PM Reports of a barrage of Rockets to the Ashkelon to Ashdod region

9:30 PM Initial reports of 2 wounded in Ashdod rocket attack.

9:28 PM Reports of Rockets landing in Ashdod. Updates as they become available. Additional reports of a terrorist on the loose in the Kedumim settlement in the Shomron (West Bank)

9:05 PM Disappointing. PM Olmert's representatives announce that the goal of the IDF operation in Gaza does not include toppling Gaza's Hamas government. (source)

9:03 PM Israel's Channel 10 TV reports a massive explosion in Northern Gaza.

9:02 PM IDF decides it wasn't gunfire at their jeep, but rock throwing.

8:38 PM Shooting at IDF jeep in the Shomron (West Bank) between Revava and Ariel. No injuries.

8:22 PM Al-Jazeera reports that since Saturday, IDF forces have killed over 350 Palestinians in Gaza, and wounded 1600. Today alone, 35 were killed and 250 wounded.

8:18 PM In a rather odd broadcast, Israel's channel 10 TV news discloses that the 2 brigades scheduled to fight in Gaza are Givati and Tzanchanim (paratrooper).

8:16 PM Hamas TV once again off-air. Only a black screen can be seen in their broadcast.

8:14 PM Rocks thrown on Modi'in-Jerusalem highway, 443 by Atarot industrial park. Police officially advising motorists for now to avoid #443 near Atarot. (this warning is a shout out to my friends and relatives in Modi'in)

8:12 PM Photos from last night at the Gaza Border crossing, as Chabad-Lubavitch representatives bring jelly donuts to soldiers and light Chanuka candles.





















(source, Chabad On Line)

8:04 PM At 7:48, Gaza launches rockets toward Sederot. Shells misfire and land in Hamas-controlled Gaza. Channel 2 Israel TV reports that in their opinion, the ground assault will begin tonight.

7:41 PM IDF Spokesperson officially denies the report about Shifa hospital. I don't think we've heard the last of this.

7:32 PM Interesting. Apparently, IDF Intellignce believes (based on the sources I've gleaned) that the largest Hamas Grad Missile bunker in Gaza is located...directly beneath the Gaza Shifa Hospital. Israel's Channel 1 TV reports that the IDF has demanded the hospital be evacuated. Hamas, with its own "win-win" agenda is parading out the patients and dead (from the hospital's morgue). From their standpoint, a bombed out hospital is just as much a PR victory, as shooting dozens of grad missiles at Israel. We'll see how this plays out. (developing story)

6:15PM Pictures from Jabalyiah and Rafiach in Gaza (in Hebrew)

6:13 PM IAF destorys truck carrying Grad rockets in the Strip.

6:11 PM Arab claim that a strike on Beit Chanon kills 12 terrorists.

5:22 PM Hamas in the Gaza Strip is denying reports that the group has contacted Senegal and spoken about a cease fire.

5:16 PM A tunnel between Gaza and Israel was collapsed earlier in the day, trapping and killing 3-4 terrorists making their way to Israel to attempt a terror attack.

5:11 PM Sirens once more in Ashkalon.

5:07 PM Reports of 6 killed in attack on Northern Gaza Strip. The target was the house of Maier Zakut, a commander of the Iz-Adeem Al Kassam brigade.

5:03 PM Rocket hits empty house in S'derot. At least 70 rockets so far today.

4:40 PM 5 rockets fall in Sha'ar HaNegev, S'dot Negev and Chof Ashkalon region. No injuries reported.

4:38 PM Israeli Navy once more in action, with gunboats firing rockets on coastal positions. Arab sources claim several killed and wounded including terrorists hiding in a mosque.

4:37 PM Wide spread power outages in the Eshkol region near Gaza.

4:27 PM Rockets land in Sederot region. No injuries.

4:17 PM No reports of missiles launched or landed in Lachish region.

4:06 PM Air-raid sirens in Lachish Region (North-East of Gaza)

4:02 PM Carmel hospital in Haifa goes on alert status. (NRG) Despite Hizbollah's claim that they would not attack Israel in this war, Pro-Palestinian groups in South Lebanon might try to do so.

3:53 PM Two Israeli Arabs arrested for arson of trees in a Jerusalem area forest near Nabi Samuel.

3:48 PM IAF has once more attacked the Islamic University in Gaza. Additionally 2 rockets have fallen in the Eshkol region, no injuries or damage.

3:41 PM Reports that IDF has implemented a total closure on all Palestinian villages in the West Bank.

3:39 PM Reports coming in that Hamas 2nd in command Muhammad Abu Tir has been killed (source: Army Radio). CORRECTION: Ziad Abu Tir, one of the commander in the Islamic Jihad and not Muhammad Abu Tir.

3:35 PM Another rocket has landed in the Sha'ar HaNegev region, no injuries reported.

3:33 PM Targets in the North end of the Gaza strip are currently being hit by IDF fire.

3:25 PM 400,000 protest against Israel in Beirut.

3:24 PM German leader, Angela Merkel has also lain the blame at the feet of Hamas for the current crisis.

3:04 PM Photos -- Fresh from the front at Gaza. (source)










3:02 PM SMS messages fly throughout Israel stating that the ground offensive has started, including requests to pray for the safety and welfare of IDF soldiers. There is no corroborating evidence from Israeli sources, though Arab press reports that special units have been operating in Israel since the morning.

2:58 PM East Jerusalem Israeli Arabs riot and express support for Gaza terrorists. (Israel Channel 10 TV)






2:53 PM Sirens in Eshkol Region. Explosions heard (while posting this). No injuries or damage [they landed in an empty field]

2:52 PM Remains of the Islamic University in Gaza. (hat-tip)


2:32 PM IDF Home front command (pikud HaOref) starting to evacuate Israeli elderly and sick from the Gaza vicinity area, as it appears that the ground offensive is imminent. The IDF is concerned the ground offensive will lead to an increase in rocket attacks (there have already been twice as many today as yesterday, over 40 so far) (Walla News)

Volunteer United Hatzala EMT in serious condition after this morning's terror attack in Kiryat Sefer. As Jameel is an EMT in the same organization, he notes there is going to be a nationwide prayer service for his fellow medic at 3:30 PM, Israel time. Please add Aryeh ben Varda to your prayers (as well as for the safety and security of IDF soldiers, going into battle in Gaza). Donations can be made to United Hatzala here.

2:01 PM Rockets land in fields near S'dot Negev.

2:00 PM Fights breaking out at universities across the country between those supporting and those opposing the action in Gaza.

1:57 PM Reports in the Arab press that IDF ground troops are already active in Gaza.

1:29 PM Grad rocket hit the Municipal Stadium in Ashkalon.

1:15 PM Rocket launching teams in Gaza targeted by IAF. Hamas operative killed in Beit Hanoun.

12:52 PM Rocks thrown on the 443 road near Bir Naballah.

12:46 PM Video of rocket damage in Ashkalon.





12:44 PM Palestinians reported to be killing suspected collaborators.

12:15 PM Rockets currently falling in S'derot. Direct hit on yard in front of house. Massive damage done to house, no injuries, people suffering from shock. (Thanks to SderotMedia.com for the pictures)

12:09 AM Constant rocket fire on Ashkalon and S'derot over the last hour and half. A total of 20 rockets.

12:05 PM Palestinians claim bombs fall on hospital in Gaza. IDF denies aiming near hospital. Group that fired the Grad rocket that fell in Ashkalon hit by IDF fire.

11:53 AM Sirens in Ashkalon and S'derot. Rockets fall about 10 minutes ago in the Sha'ar HaNegev region.

11:51 AM Report of attack in Kiryat Sefer, a child was lightly injured from rocks thrown at him. The police forces in the area have lowered their readiness level.

11:48 AM Reports that Khalid Mesha'al, leader of Hamas in Damascus is requesting a cease fire.

11:44 AM Unconfirmed reports of another stabbing victim in Kiryat Sefer. Large forces of police are active in the area. Reports of an attack in a kindergarten have been proven to be false at this point.

11:40 AM Road 232 in the south has been closed by military order. Only army and local residents allowed to travel.

11:31 AM Jameel reports from an undisclosed location: constant sirens and rocket attacks ongoing in Ashkalon and S'derot. Rockets fall in Industrial Area and South Ashkalon. No injuries reported.

11:26 AM Defense Minister Barak now addressing the Knesset. M.K. A'sana ejected.

11:24 AM The worker killed in Ashkalon, a Bedouin from Rahat.

11:23 AM More reports of rockets fired at Ashkalon.

11:18 AM One of the Kasam rockets in Ashkalon has started a fire in the area.

11:09 AM 3 rockets land in Ashkalon in the last minute. Landed in open areas in the industrial area.

11:07 AM Another siren in Ashkalon. Reports of explosions in Mosques in Jibalya, with wounded.
11:04 AM 6 rockets in S'derot one on a house, several people being treated for shock.

10:58 AM Pipe bomb thrown at Rachel's Tomb, rioting in the area. About 100 Palestinians are taking part, throwing rocks, Molotov Cocktails and at least one explosive device.

10:57 AM 3 rockets have just fallen in S'derot. More information as it comes in.

10:56 AM The border crossings at Kerem Shalom have been opened and 80 trucks of humanitarian aid have passed through.

10:49 AM Element of surprise and how it was guarded.

10:45 AM Total of 8 rockets have fallen in the area around Gaza mostly in open areas, 3 near Netivot, excluding the 4 in Ashkalon.

10:42 AM Hamas also takes responsibility for Grad attack on Ashkalon. Also call for Arabs to leave population centers due to impending attacks.

10:35 AM Continuing sirens in Ashkalon heard at this moment. No injuries reported.

10:34 AM Update from Kiryat Sefer. 2 workers who were doing home improvements attacked the head of the household they were working on, attacking him with work tools. The critically wounded individual is a paramedic from the Ichud Hatzalah unit. Donations can be made at their site.

10:30 AM The Popular Front terrorist group has taken responsibility for the rocket attack in Ashkalon.

10:28 AM The area around Gaza has been declared a Closed Army Area and it is forbidden for civilians to enter the area.

10:27 AM Molotov Cocktail thrown on Road #6.

10:22 AM Pictures from rocket site in Ashkalon:





10:18 AM Total of 8 rockets in Ashkalon during the last 30 minutes. Reports of one wounded, but currently unconfirmed.

10:10 AM Update: Total 12-15 wounded in Ashkalon. Reports of rockets falling in Ashkalon and Sderot. No injuries. Rockets fell in open areas, though one was in a residential neighborhood.

10:07 AM More pictures from Kiryat Sefer including the weapon used in the attack. Screen shots from Channel 10 news.




10:03 AM Sirens in Ashkalon once more. 2 explosions heard.

9:51 AM Killed and injured in Ashkalon were workers from Kfar Manda.

9:50 AM Pictures from attack in Kiryat Sefer (source)

9:45 AM Report from the field: Jamaal calls in to report seeing large numbers of tanks being transported South.

9:30 AM Reports of rocket hit at building site in Ashkalon. 8 wounded, 1 killed. Update from IDF Radio: 1 Dead, 4 serious, 3 Medium, 4 Lightly wounded. Apparently a GRAD missle, destroying a building with a heavy roof.

9:27 AM Terror Attack Update Another victim located. Totals : 2 serious, 2 medium, 1 light. The attack took place in the Brachtfeld neighborhood. From two seperate attacks. One terrorist shot by the rapid response team and in custody. The second terrorist still at large.

9:24 AM Color Red sirens have gone of in Ashkalon, 2 rockets fall.

9:05 AM France 24 has reported that Israel has destroyed 50% of Hamas rocket arsenal.

9:02 AM The Navy has joined the fighting, shelling Hamas positions.

9:01 AM 4 rockets have fallen in the last hour in the Sha'ar HaNegev region. One mortar in the Nachal Oz area. No injuries.

8:54 AM Massive explosion seen in Gaza city. Exact target not yet known. UPDATE: Seems to be the Foreign Ministry building, though this is not confirmed.

8:48 AM Reports that terrorists have opened fire at IDF positions near the Kisufim crossing.

8:42 AM One terrorist shot and apprehended. Reports of an additional terrorist in the neighborhood of Kiryat Sefer. Large IDF, Police and CTU forces are combing the streets and buildings. Residents are urged to lock their doors and report anything suspicous to to Police (Phone number: 100)

8:35 AM More reactions from around the world. Canada lays the blame directly at the feet of the Hamas, while calling for calm. "The fact that Hamas is striking at civilian population centers in Israel, in a premeditated and continuing fashion is THE reason for the current situation." (translated from the Hebrew source.) Even the Arab press, while certainly condemning Israel in very strong terms, comes out very strongly against Hamas saying they should bear the responsibility for the situation and Israel's reaction. (source)

8:34 AM Terror Attack Roundup: 2 seriously wounded from Rasbi St. (men who just finished morning prayers). 1 moderately wounded on Yehuda HaNasi St. Shooting attack on Road leading to Kiryat Sefer from Carfeld neighborhood. Additional report of another person stabbed in a home on Yehuda HaNasi St. Ongoing confusion.

8:32 AM: Terror Attack Update: The terrorist is Palestinian Arab -- Air Conditioning technician and the wounded were just finishing their morning prayers.

8:29 AM: Terror Attack Update: The stabbing attack took place on Rashbi St.One of the wounded is in serious condition, both are in transport to the hospital. Sirens can be heard everywhere. Reports of shots fired at the terrorist a block away on Hillel and Shamai Street.

8:19 AM Update on terror attack. 2 people have been wounded by a terrorist in Kiryat Sefer -- stab wounds to the neck. The terrorist is currently at large - Police, IDF and Counter Terror Units are searching for the terrorist, still at large. Residents of Kiryat Sefer are being told to stay indoors and lock their homes.

8:17 AM Terror Attack in Kiryat Sefer/Modi'in Elit. A terrorist is rampaging through the streets in Kiryat Sefer, stabbing people. Reports of 3 wounded so far.

8:10 AM Around 6:55 AM today, 2 Gaza launched rockets landed in the Negev, Eshkol region (east of Gaza). No injuries or damage was reported.

8:09 AM NRG (Maariv) reports that IAF jets bombed the Hamas Interior Ministryin Gaza this past evening. (sourced from NRG in Hebrew)

8:02 AM Egyptian and Hamas sources state that IDF soldier Gilad Shalit, kidnapped and held by Hamas in Gaza for over 900 days, was wounded by IAF attacks on Gaza. IDF sources report that news of this sort is psychological warfare against Israel and "manipulation of the news." (source in Hebrew)

5:35 AM During the night Israeli Air Force jets hit multiple sites in Gaza including rocket labs at the Islamic University and near the house of Ismail Hani'ah, the head of Hamas.

Wherever I am, my blog turns towards Eretz Yisrael טובה הארץ מאד מאד