DAY 10 CAN BE FOUND HERE (AT DAY 10)
(photo from Reuters)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.
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 Good night. I'm exhausted...other muqata crew people might be giving updates over the night...
nodding off to sleep.
--Jameel
11:26 PM BBC reports dozens of IDF tanks, with IAF air support approaching Chan Younis in Central Gaza.
11:22 PM Rocket hits Ashkelon - no injuries reported.
11:12 PM Palestinians use Holocaust imagery from Warsaw ghetto in their pathetic attempt to garner support for their own murderous actions.
I don't recall the Warsaw's Jews sending rockets over at civilian targets, with the intent to kill and maim as many women and children as possible.
I don't recall the Warsaw's Jews sending rockets over at civilian targets, with the intent to kill and maim as many women and children as possible.
10:57 PM Jewish doctor in France shot and beaten outside of Paris.
10:57 PM Video of IAF hitting Gaza fuel depot last night.
10:55 PM Channel 2 Israel TV reports that most of the wounded (57) IDF troops are either settlers or Religious Jews.
10:54 PM IAF Helicopter brings 5 wounded combat soliders to hospital in central Israel
10:51 PM al-Aqsa Brigades (Fatah) terrorist injured fighting IDF soldiers in Gaza
10:13 PM Pictures from IDF spokesman - IDF reservists called up today for active duty.
10:13 PM Pictures from IDF spokesman - IDF reservists called up today for active duty.
10:00 PM Israeli motorist lightly wounded by rocks thrown at her by Palestinians between Elkana and Ariel on highway #5 in the West Bank (Shomron)
9:47 PM Bizzare Stories from Gaza (you can't make this stuff up)
The daughter in law of Nizar Riyan, senior Hamas terrorist killed last Thursday gave an interview today to "Ma'an" and described Riyan's last moments on Earth. (Sorry the Nizar video is a bit crass, it's the only one I could find)The daughter-in-law arrived at the family's home an hour before the bombing. When Nizar Riyan saw that she arrived, he laughed and asked her, "why did you come, do you want to die as a "shihada" (a martyr)?"Of course, she answered in the affirmative.A bit later, Riyan and his children swapped jokes about death and martyrdom. Riyan complained that his children aren't prepared to die with him, yet the stated they were prepared."We will live together, or die toegther", his children said.His youngest son said that he wassn't willing to live without his father, so he also wanted to die a martyr like is father, and enter paradise in the afterlife.Afterwards, some of his children said that the bodies of the casualties are taken to the morgue and kept in a freezer. Riyan laughed and said he doesnt want to be cold, and besides, he's too fat to fit in the morgue's freezer."I want to be buried right after I'm killed, so I can go straight to heaven", said Riyan.Afterwards, his daughter-in-law left the house, and the house was bombed by the IAF, killing Riyan and his family.The End. (source in Hebrew)
9:04 PM Linkage and Analysis break
Mark Steyn on the Clash of Civilization
Nation Review Editors on Hamas Fantasy World
P. David Hornik on the efficacy of the Ground Assault in Gaza.
Charles Krauthammer The Necessity of Israel
Nadia Matar Free Gaza
9:00 PM Israel hits targets in the upscale Rim-a-el neighborhood in Gaza. And no, I couldn't tell you what is considered upscale in Gaza.
8:53 PM Apache helicopters actively hunting rocket launching cells. 3 cells neutralized. Palestinian sources report that to units of the Al-Aksa group killed.
8:50 PM The funeral of Dvir Emanueloff is taking place tonight at 11:00 at the military cemetery at Mt. Herzl.
8:45 PM - Digest update: Sirens and rockets in Ashkelon, reports of two explosions, no report of wounded. Israel building temporary prison camp on the outskirts of Gaza. A total of 49 Israeli soldiers wounded, 4 serious, 1 killed. At least 47 terrorists killed.
8:15 PM 4 soldiers wounded from sniper fire today. 1 in moderate condition and 3 lightly wounded.
8:09 PM Channel 2 TV interviews wounded IDF soldiers in Be'er Sheva Seroka Hospital.
One message comes through very loud and clear. Every single soldier expressed a fierce determination to return to fight with their brothers-in-arms as soon as possible.
7:06 PM Firebomb attack directed at IDF soldiers near Itamar and Elon Moreh.
6:52 PM Ayala Chason (Israel TV) comments how symbolic it is that today, 3 years ago, marks the day Ariel Sharon fell into a coma as a result of a massive stroke.
Ariel Sharon led Israel's Disengagement from Gaza and the forced removal of thousands of Israelis from their homes. Today, Israel is fighting for its life against Hamas, and has returned its army in full force back into Gaza in a fight against terror and rockets.
6:48 PM Reports that IDF tanks and ground forces have Gaza city completely surrounded.
6:46 PM "We will not abandon the battlefield, and we will stay on the thorny course, and we will fight until the last breath," Hamas chief spokesman Ismail Radwan said in a statement on Palestinian network Al-Aqsa. (CNN)
Here's to hoping your last breath comes soon.
6:26 PM Name released for publication of IDF soldier, killed in action today in Gaza: IDF First Sergent, Dvir Emanualuf from Givat Ze'ev, near Jerusalem
Mark Steyn on the Clash of Civilization
Nation Review Editors on Hamas Fantasy World
P. David Hornik on the efficacy of the Ground Assault in Gaza.
Charles Krauthammer The Necessity of Israel
Nadia Matar Free Gaza
9:00 PM Israel hits targets in the upscale Rim-a-el neighborhood in Gaza. And no, I couldn't tell you what is considered upscale in Gaza.
8:53 PM Apache helicopters actively hunting rocket launching cells. 3 cells neutralized. Palestinian sources report that to units of the Al-Aksa group killed.
8:50 PM The funeral of Dvir Emanueloff is taking place tonight at 11:00 at the military cemetery at Mt. Herzl.
8:45 PM - Digest update: Sirens and rockets in Ashkelon, reports of two explosions, no report of wounded. Israel building temporary prison camp on the outskirts of Gaza. A total of 49 Israeli soldiers wounded, 4 serious, 1 killed. At least 47 terrorists killed.
8:15 PM 4 soldiers wounded from sniper fire today. 1 in moderate condition and 3 lightly wounded.
8:09 PM Channel 2 TV interviews wounded IDF soldiers in Be'er Sheva Seroka Hospital.
One message comes through very loud and clear. Every single soldier expressed a fierce determination to return to fight with their brothers-in-arms as soon as possible.
7:06 PM Firebomb attack directed at IDF soldiers near Itamar and Elon Moreh.
6:52 PM Ayala Chason (Israel TV) comments how symbolic it is that today, 3 years ago, marks the day Ariel Sharon fell into a coma as a result of a massive stroke.
Ariel Sharon led Israel's Disengagement from Gaza and the forced removal of thousands of Israelis from their homes. Today, Israel is fighting for its life against Hamas, and has returned its army in full force back into Gaza in a fight against terror and rockets.
6:48 PM Reports that IDF tanks and ground forces have Gaza city completely surrounded.
6:46 PM "We will not abandon the battlefield, and we will stay on the thorny course, and we will fight until the last breath," Hamas chief spokesman Ismail Radwan said in a statement on Palestinian network Al-Aqsa. (CNN)
Here's to hoping your last breath comes soon.
6:26 PM Name released for publication of IDF soldier, killed in action today in Gaza: IDF First Sergent, Dvir Emanualuf from Givat Ze'ev, near Jerusalem
6:24 PM Good Luck to all of the Muqata friends at Yeshiva/Stern college of Yeshiva University who are taking their final exams this week.
6:23 PM Reports of Pro-Israel demonstrations around the globe; NY, Melbourne, Toronto...send us your pictures and we'll be happy to post them!
6:07 PM Israel Foreign Minister Tzippi Livni taking a hard line against Hamas. Talking about the Islamic University the IAF bombed in Gaza: "In Israel, we talk about college faculties of life sciences. In Gaza, its the college faculties for the sciences of death" (source in Hebrew)
5:59 PM Surprise announcement byIsrael's President, Nobel peace prize laureate, Shimon Peres, against stopping the IDF ground offensive against Gazan terror: "With all due respect to international opinion, we have to protect our citizens. It is our right, and our moral and legal obligation [to do so]."
Reports of 5 Palestinians killed in IAF airstrike on Hamas muntions dump in a mosque in Beit Lahiya, Gaza.
5:36 PM Ongoing IAF airstrikes on Gazan Jabalya terror camp. Reports of Hamas Terrorists killed.
5:33 PM Explosions of rockets heard in Sderot. Emergency Teams responding.
5:33 PM Four rockets launched at Sderot area.
5:28 PM Hamas top terrorists hiding out in basement of Gaza's Shifa hospital. (Muqata reported last week of reports that the largest stockpile in Gaza of Katyusha and Grad missiles was also in the same basement) [Channel 1 Israel TV]
5:25 PM The War in Numbers:
Damage to Israeli Civilian Buildings: 228 Million NIS ($60.8 Million)
Damage to Gazan Buildings and infrastructure: 1.14 Billion NIS ($304 Million)
(source in Hebrew)
4:55 PM Israel TV Channel 10: Hamas Sources state: If we knew this [Israel's massive strike] was going to happen, we would not have broken the tahadya (cease-fire)
4:47 PM A second soldier who was evacuated from Gaza in critical condition is currently being operated on, he is now categorized as in Serious condition.
4:44 PM One of the soldiers seriously wounded is the son of Tzviki Bar-Chai, head of the Har Hevron municipal council. He was thrown out of Kfar Darom with the expulsion from Gush Katif. When he was called up he brought along a large orange flag to plant once more in the soil of Gaza.
4:40 PM Released for publication. It is with great sadness that we announce that an IDF soldier was killed in battle this morning, fighting against Hamas terrorists in the Gaza Strip. Please continue your prayers for the IDF's soldiers and Israeli civilian communities.
4:19 PM Critically wounded soldier medivacked by IAF helicopter from Gaza frontline to Israeli hospital. His family has been notified.
Zvi Yehezkeli (Channel 10 TV) reports that the machine gun weaponry firing at IDF troops now in Gaza City were given to the PA and Fatah by Israel as a "sign of goodwill, confidence-building measure."
4:02 PM Released for publication: IDF soldier critically wounded in Gaza ground op (Ch. 10 TV)
3:59 PM Mother of IDF Golani soldier seriously wounded in Gaza Strip ground operation recounts how officer came to her house to inform of son's injury. Mother of another soldier visits him in Beersheba hospital.
A., the mother of a Golani soldier who was seriously injured during Operation Cast Lead in the Gaza Strip told Ynet on Sunday, "We didn't know he went into Gaza, but we figured as much. We thought to ourselves – where could our child be if not there?" Her son sustained a serious injury to the head by shrapnel from a mortal shell.
The soldier's family sat outside the recovery room waiting for any news on his condition. "We got word at 5:30 am when the town officer knocked on the door. It was a very bad feeling," said the mother.
The wounded, who lives in a community in Jezreel Valley, was proud of his military service. According to his family, the schools in the area also held the military service of their alumni in high esteem. (Read the rest, here)
3:56 PM Israel Columnist to Anti War Protestors: Your opinion is irrelevant
Hanoch Daum informs anti-war protestors that their views are of no significance at this time. (Read it here)
3:45 PM Special Announcement: Foreign Students studying in Israel, as well as Foreign students at Yeshivot and Seminaries are invited to a special, official briefing for students by the IDF Spox (spokesman).
The briefing will take place on Monday and will be in English -- it will be led by IDF General (Res.) Eliezer Stern. Due to security concerns, please have interested students or group coordinators contact Dr. Mike Cohen for details: mike@gogalil.com or 054.499.6453
3:43 PM Heavy gunfire exchanges in Gaza between IDF ground troops and Hamas terrorists. Ongoing rocket fire at Western Negev communities. No injuries or damage reported in Western Communities.
3:34 PM NYC Mayor Michael Bloomberg pays a visit to the Southern Israel town of Sederot to get a first hand look at damage from Hamas terror. Pictures courtesy of The Muqata's good friend: SderotMedia
3:15 PM Al-Manar (Hizbolla sponsored) reports all sorts of nasty rumors. Don't believe a word of it -- IDF Spokesman categorically denies their reports. Avoid Al-Manar and Al-Jazeera -- they are feeding foreign news sources false information and lies.
3:14 PM Rockets land - no injuries or damage.
3:13 PM Rockets on their way to Sederot. IDF Ground forces continue incursion.
2:51 PM As of now, over 40 rockets have been shot at Israel today by Hamas terrorists.
2:30 PM IDF ups their psychological warfare on Gaza -- takes over Gaza TV broadcasts and keeps repeating over and over: "Gaza, Your Time is Running Out" (Walla News, Hebrew)
1:56 PM A Workable Solution: by Jameel @ The Muqata
Many scratch their heads and wonder what sort of solutions exists for the Hamas arms smuggling tunnels in the Rafiach/Philidephi corridor between the southern Gaza Strip and Egypt.
The Muqata has a real proposal, that offers many, many positive aspects solutions, and is workable.
I present, the modified Med-Dead project. The project proposal has been around for decades -- and in a nutshell is this. A waterway canal is dug from the Mediterranean Sea (sea level), eastwards across Israel to the Dead Sea (420 metres (1378 ft) below sea level, and its shores are the lowest point on the surface of the Earth on dry land.)
This would accomplish the following:
1. Start refilling the Dead Sea, which is evaporating away year by year.
2. Provide for a water desalination plant -- desperately needed water sources for the region.
3. Create thousands of jobs.
4. All for Creation of a hydroelectric generation plant, (the 420 water drop is perfect for hydrop electric generation) -- clean, green, energy.
The Muqata's plan goes one step forward. We propose that the initial water channel from the Medeterannean Sea start not on the Israeli shoreline, but on the Gaza shoreline at its southernmost point. By carving out a 500 meter wide channel for this waterway, it would be virtually impossible for underground tunnels to be built for arms smuggling.
5. Prevention of arms smuggling to Gaza.
Seeing that this is a win-win-win solution for the entire region, I would expect the UN and EU support it fully.
Yet somehow, I doubt it...
1:51 PM Pope Benedict XVI is calling on Israelis and Palestinians to immediately end the conflict in the Gaza Strip. The pontiff says recent history shows that "war and hate aren't the solution" to problems in the area. (YNET)
Turning the other cheek, ignoring their rocket strikes on us, and offering peaceful ceasefires to Hamas didn't really work that well.
12:51 PM Hamad, Hamas terrorist killed by IAF precision airstrike was a primary commander responsible for Grad/Katyusha strikes agaisnt Be'er Sheva and Western Negev cities.
12:49 PM Reports that Senior Hamas Terrorist, Muhammad Hamdan killed by IAF airstrike, based on up to date Shabak intelligence.
12:41 PM See this blog of an Israeli soldier's mother, whose son is currently in active IDF duty somewhere in and around Gaza.
12:38 PM Specialized IDF munitions hitting Gaza.
12:35 PM Foreign News services are quoting Al-Jazeera and Hamas "news" sources about all sorts of bad things going on regarding IDF soldiers. The IDF spokesman has authoritatively debunked some of them, and are looking into others. Be advised -- reports based on Al Jazeera and Hamas are for psychological warfare and do not necessarily reflect reality of planet Earth.
Rockets continue to be launched at the Western Negev, air raid sirens in dozens of Negev communities.
12:30 PM Ongoing Rocket Strikes -- reports of 2 rockets hitting Ashdod. Emergency Units responding.
12:14 PM Rockets continue to hit Israel's Western Negev communities. No reports of injuries or damage.
Reports that the IDF officer and combat soldier who were seriously wounded last night by a mortar attack in the Gaza ground incursion are improving.
In a rare break from their regualr secualr broadcasting, IDF Galei Tzahal (IDF radio) read a chapter of Tehillim (Psalms chapter 20) for the safety of IDF soldiers.
11:22 AM Gazabisected trisected by IDF.
Gaza City Shopping Center bombed.
CNN's "From the Blogs" lists Muqata as leading source of war news.
10:53 AM Why We're in Gaza in the First Place -- Let's pretend for a second, this was happening in the US.
10:52 AM Ongoing Gazan rocket strikes into Israel's Western Negev -- no injuries reported.
9:57 AM IDF/Security forces arresting Hamas commanders in Gaza.
9:48 AM Large clouds of smoke seen over Gaza. Most likely "mosque" being used to store weapons.
9:47 AM 3 rockets land in Eshkol region.
9:28 AM For the Hebrew readers in the audience... The official site of the the IDF Spokesman.
9:04 AM Reports of 150 tanks on the ruins of Netzarim (Sky News).
8:59 AM Update on 2 soldiers wounded seriously, not in a life threatening situation.
8:49 AM Maps of the Gaza strip showing major sites and the former Jewish settlements. The first picture shows the areas that the Army is currently entering Gaza. Some additional information and analysis here.
8:34 AM Direct hit on house in S'derot, one wounded lightly. Second rocket landed in open area.
8:31 AM IDF has taken control of the entire Karni route.
8:28 AM Israel back in Netzarim. Armored columns have entered and taken Netzarim. Gaza city is surrounded.
8:26 AM Two rockets land in/near S'derot.
8:00 Am Paratrooper, Engineering and Armored Corps. on the ground in N. Gaza. Preventing firing of rockets from the destroyed settlements of Alei Sinai and Dugit. Also Air Force and Naval units in action.
7:59 AM Rocket fired over Netivot. No reports of injuries or damage.
7:58 AM The Imam Mosque hit in Gaza City, suspected to be a hiding place for weapon cache.
7:55 AM The battle in Northern Gaza is progressing. So far reports of 30 wounded, 2 serious, 2 medium and the rest light. 20 currently in hospital.
2:00 AM Rockets fired at Netivot and the Negev.
(Unacknowledged IDF news blackout of the ground force incursion is going strong).
1:47 AM As many as 30 Hamas terrorists reported killed by IDF ground troops.
According to the Jerusalem Post, Hamas in Gaza have killed as many as 35 Fatah members and shot or injured an additional 75 whom they suspect of collaborating with Israel or simply expressed joy over Hamas getting hit.
The army has confiscated all cell phones of soldiers entering Gaza to prevent information leaks.
1:05 AM Reminder -- current IDF Homefront Command map of rocket threats from Gaza.
(click map for full-size view)
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12:57 AM Jameel here, I'm off to bed for a few hours. Depending on what happens, myself or other Muqata Blog crew members will be posting updates. In any event, we should be back on live around 7 AM Israel time (6 hours from now). Wishing the IDF success and safety in their mission, wishing a quiet night to Israel's residents, and a thank you to our readership for your continued encouragement and emails. We can be reached at muqata @ gmail . com
Good Night From Israel,
The Muqata Blog
12:56 AM Arab media sources report massive naval invasions from the Gazan coast in multiple locations, of IDF soldiers.
12:39 AM Jpost Reports: Police looking for reporter who defied military censor
12:33 AM Britain and France call for immediate IDFsurrender ceasefire.
California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger expressed support for the ground operation in Gaza. After meeting with the Israeli consul general in Los Angeles, Yaakov Dayan, Schwarzenegger declared that "every nation has the right to defend itself against terrorism and cold-blooded attacks on its people. Israel is no different and is right to defend itself against the unceasing violence of rocket attacks launched by Hamas." (Ynetnews)
12:20 AM Photos from right before the ground operation.
12:15 AM None of the rocket attacks over the past 2o minutes toward the Western Negev resulted in damage or injuries.
12:14 AM Over 200 IDF and MDA armored ambulances are prepared at Gaza borders in case of emergency treatment.
12:07 AM Ongoing Rockets at Western Negev Communities.
Wherever I am, my blog turns towards Eretz Yisrael טובה הארץ מאד מאד
6:23 PM Reports of Pro-Israel demonstrations around the globe; NY, Melbourne, Toronto...send us your pictures and we'll be happy to post them!
6:07 PM Israel Foreign Minister Tzippi Livni taking a hard line against Hamas. Talking about the Islamic University the IAF bombed in Gaza: "In Israel, we talk about college faculties of life sciences. In Gaza, its the college faculties for the sciences of death" (source in Hebrew)
5:59 PM Surprise announcement byIsrael's President, Nobel peace prize laureate, Shimon Peres, against stopping the IDF ground offensive against Gazan terror: "With all due respect to international opinion, we have to protect our citizens. It is our right, and our moral and legal obligation [to do so]."
Reports of 5 Palestinians killed in IAF airstrike on Hamas muntions dump in a mosque in Beit Lahiya, Gaza.
5:36 PM Ongoing IAF airstrikes on Gazan Jabalya terror camp. Reports of Hamas Terrorists killed.
5:33 PM Explosions of rockets heard in Sderot. Emergency Teams responding.
5:33 PM Four rockets launched at Sderot area.
5:28 PM Hamas top terrorists hiding out in basement of Gaza's Shifa hospital. (Muqata reported last week of reports that the largest stockpile in Gaza of Katyusha and Grad missiles was also in the same basement) [Channel 1 Israel TV]
5:25 PM The War in Numbers:
Damage to Israeli Civilian Buildings: 228 Million NIS ($60.8 Million)
Damage to Gazan Buildings and infrastructure: 1.14 Billion NIS ($304 Million)
(source in Hebrew)
4:55 PM Israel TV Channel 10: Hamas Sources state: If we knew this [Israel's massive strike] was going to happen, we would not have broken the tahadya (cease-fire)
4:47 PM A second soldier who was evacuated from Gaza in critical condition is currently being operated on, he is now categorized as in Serious condition.
4:44 PM One of the soldiers seriously wounded is the son of Tzviki Bar-Chai, head of the Har Hevron municipal council. He was thrown out of Kfar Darom with the expulsion from Gush Katif. When he was called up he brought along a large orange flag to plant once more in the soil of Gaza.
4:40 PM Released for publication. It is with great sadness that we announce that an IDF soldier was killed in battle this morning, fighting against Hamas terrorists in the Gaza Strip. Please continue your prayers for the IDF's soldiers and Israeli civilian communities.
4:19 PM Critically wounded soldier medivacked by IAF helicopter from Gaza frontline to Israeli hospital. His family has been notified.
Zvi Yehezkeli (Channel 10 TV) reports that the machine gun weaponry firing at IDF troops now in Gaza City were given to the PA and Fatah by Israel as a "sign of goodwill, confidence-building measure."
4:02 PM Released for publication: IDF soldier critically wounded in Gaza ground op (Ch. 10 TV)
3:59 PM Mother of IDF Golani soldier seriously wounded in Gaza Strip ground operation recounts how officer came to her house to inform of son's injury. Mother of another soldier visits him in Beersheba hospital.
A., the mother of a Golani soldier who was seriously injured during Operation Cast Lead in the Gaza Strip told Ynet on Sunday, "We didn't know he went into Gaza, but we figured as much. We thought to ourselves – where could our child be if not there?" Her son sustained a serious injury to the head by shrapnel from a mortal shell.
The soldier's family sat outside the recovery room waiting for any news on his condition. "We got word at 5:30 am when the town officer knocked on the door. It was a very bad feeling," said the mother.
The wounded, who lives in a community in Jezreel Valley, was proud of his military service. According to his family, the schools in the area also held the military service of their alumni in high esteem. (Read the rest, here)
3:56 PM Israel Columnist to Anti War Protestors: Your opinion is irrelevant
Hanoch Daum informs anti-war protestors that their views are of no significance at this time. (Read it here)
3:45 PM Special Announcement: Foreign Students studying in Israel, as well as Foreign students at Yeshivot and Seminaries are invited to a special, official briefing for students by the IDF Spox (spokesman).
The briefing will take place on Monday and will be in English -- it will be led by IDF General (Res.) Eliezer Stern. Due to security concerns, please have interested students or group coordinators contact Dr. Mike Cohen for details: mike@gogalil.com or 054.499.6453
3:43 PM Heavy gunfire exchanges in Gaza between IDF ground troops and Hamas terrorists. Ongoing rocket fire at Western Negev communities. No injuries or damage reported in Western Communities.
3:34 PM NYC Mayor Michael Bloomberg pays a visit to the Southern Israel town of Sederot to get a first hand look at damage from Hamas terror. Pictures courtesy of The Muqata's good friend: SderotMedia
3:15 PM Al-Manar (Hizbolla sponsored) reports all sorts of nasty rumors. Don't believe a word of it -- IDF Spokesman categorically denies their reports. Avoid Al-Manar and Al-Jazeera -- they are feeding foreign news sources false information and lies.
3:14 PM Rockets land - no injuries or damage.
3:13 PM Rockets on their way to Sederot. IDF Ground forces continue incursion.
2:51 PM As of now, over 40 rockets have been shot at Israel today by Hamas terrorists.
2:30 PM IDF ups their psychological warfare on Gaza -- takes over Gaza TV broadcasts and keeps repeating over and over: "Gaza, Your Time is Running Out" (Walla News, Hebrew)
1:56 PM A Workable Solution: by Jameel @ The Muqata
Many scratch their heads and wonder what sort of solutions exists for the Hamas arms smuggling tunnels in the Rafiach/Philidephi corridor between the southern Gaza Strip and Egypt.
The Muqata has a real proposal, that offers many, many positive aspects solutions, and is workable.
I present, the modified Med-Dead project. The project proposal has been around for decades -- and in a nutshell is this. A waterway canal is dug from the Mediterranean Sea (sea level), eastwards across Israel to the Dead Sea (420 metres (1378 ft) below sea level, and its shores are the lowest point on the surface of the Earth on dry land.)
This would accomplish the following:
1. Start refilling the Dead Sea, which is evaporating away year by year.
2. Provide for a water desalination plant -- desperately needed water sources for the region.
3. Create thousands of jobs.
4. All for Creation of a hydroelectric generation plant, (the 420 water drop is perfect for hydrop electric generation) -- clean, green, energy.
The Muqata's plan goes one step forward. We propose that the initial water channel from the Medeterannean Sea start not on the Israeli shoreline, but on the Gaza shoreline at its southernmost point. By carving out a 500 meter wide channel for this waterway, it would be virtually impossible for underground tunnels to be built for arms smuggling.
5. Prevention of arms smuggling to Gaza.
Seeing that this is a win-win-win solution for the entire region, I would expect the UN and EU support it fully.
Yet somehow, I doubt it...
1:51 PM Pope Benedict XVI is calling on Israelis and Palestinians to immediately end the conflict in the Gaza Strip. The pontiff says recent history shows that "war and hate aren't the solution" to problems in the area. (YNET)
Turning the other cheek, ignoring their rocket strikes on us, and offering peaceful ceasefires to Hamas didn't really work that well.
12:51 PM Hamad, Hamas terrorist killed by IAF precision airstrike was a primary commander responsible for Grad/Katyusha strikes agaisnt Be'er Sheva and Western Negev cities.
12:49 PM Reports that Senior Hamas Terrorist, Muhammad Hamdan killed by IAF airstrike, based on up to date Shabak intelligence.
12:41 PM See this blog of an Israeli soldier's mother, whose son is currently in active IDF duty somewhere in and around Gaza.
12:38 PM Specialized IDF munitions hitting Gaza.
12:35 PM Foreign News services are quoting Al-Jazeera and Hamas "news" sources about all sorts of bad things going on regarding IDF soldiers. The IDF spokesman has authoritatively debunked some of them, and are looking into others. Be advised -- reports based on Al Jazeera and Hamas are for psychological warfare and do not necessarily reflect reality of planet Earth.
Rockets continue to be launched at the Western Negev, air raid sirens in dozens of Negev communities.
12:30 PM Ongoing Rocket Strikes -- reports of 2 rockets hitting Ashdod. Emergency Units responding.
12:14 PM Rockets continue to hit Israel's Western Negev communities. No reports of injuries or damage.
Reports that the IDF officer and combat soldier who were seriously wounded last night by a mortar attack in the Gaza ground incursion are improving.
In a rare break from their regualr secualr broadcasting, IDF Galei Tzahal (IDF radio) read a chapter of Tehillim (Psalms chapter 20) for the safety of IDF soldiers.
11:22 AM Gaza
Gaza City Shopping Center bombed.
CNN's "From the Blogs" lists Muqata as leading source of war news.
10:53 AM Why We're in Gaza in the First Place -- Let's pretend for a second, this was happening in the US.
10:52 AM Ongoing Gazan rocket strikes into Israel's Western Negev -- no injuries reported.
9:57 AM IDF/Security forces arresting Hamas commanders in Gaza.
9:48 AM Large clouds of smoke seen over Gaza. Most likely "mosque" being used to store weapons.
9:47 AM 3 rockets land in Eshkol region.
9:28 AM For the Hebrew readers in the audience... The official site of the the IDF Spokesman.
9:04 AM Reports of 150 tanks on the ruins of Netzarim (Sky News).
8:59 AM Update on 2 soldiers wounded seriously, not in a life threatening situation.
8:49 AM Maps of the Gaza strip showing major sites and the former Jewish settlements. The first picture shows the areas that the Army is currently entering Gaza. Some additional information and analysis here.
8:34 AM Direct hit on house in S'derot, one wounded lightly. Second rocket landed in open area.
8:31 AM IDF has taken control of the entire Karni route.
8:28 AM Israel back in Netzarim. Armored columns have entered and taken Netzarim. Gaza city is surrounded.
8:26 AM Two rockets land in/near S'derot.
8:00 Am Paratrooper, Engineering and Armored Corps. on the ground in N. Gaza. Preventing firing of rockets from the destroyed settlements of Alei Sinai and Dugit. Also Air Force and Naval units in action.
7:59 AM Rocket fired over Netivot. No reports of injuries or damage.
7:58 AM The Imam Mosque hit in Gaza City, suspected to be a hiding place for weapon cache.
7:55 AM The battle in Northern Gaza is progressing. So far reports of 30 wounded, 2 serious, 2 medium and the rest light. 20 currently in hospital.
2:00 AM Rockets fired at Netivot and the Negev.
(Unacknowledged IDF news blackout of the ground force incursion is going strong).
1:47 AM As many as 30 Hamas terrorists reported killed by IDF ground troops.
According to the Jerusalem Post, Hamas in Gaza have killed as many as 35 Fatah members and shot or injured an additional 75 whom they suspect of collaborating with Israel or simply expressed joy over Hamas getting hit.
The army has confiscated all cell phones of soldiers entering Gaza to prevent information leaks.
1:05 AM Reminder -- current IDF Homefront Command map of rocket threats from Gaza.
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12:57 AM Jameel here, I'm off to bed for a few hours. Depending on what happens, myself or other Muqata Blog crew members will be posting updates. In any event, we should be back on live around 7 AM Israel time (6 hours from now). Wishing the IDF success and safety in their mission, wishing a quiet night to Israel's residents, and a thank you to our readership for your continued encouragement and emails. We can be reached at muqata @ gmail . com
Good Night From Israel,
The Muqata Blog
12:56 AM Arab media sources report massive naval invasions from the Gazan coast in multiple locations, of IDF soldiers.
12:39 AM Jpost Reports: Police looking for reporter who defied military censor
Police were searching Saturday night for a foreign reporter working for an Iranian TV network who reported the IDF incursion into Gaza before the military authorized the release of the information to the public.
Also Saturday evening, a reporter for the Lebanese LBC network who was broadcasting near the Gaza Strip said the IDF was moving from Nahal Oz towards the Nezarim junction. The reporter surmised that the military was planning to sever the Gaza Strip in half, effectively isolating Gaza City in an effort to minimize Hamas terrorists' ability to exploit urban areas.
The anchor reportedly stood in a vantage point overlooking the IDF staging grounds and reported military maneuvers.
12:33 AM Britain and France call for immediate IDF
California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger expressed support for the ground operation in Gaza. After meeting with the Israeli consul general in Los Angeles, Yaakov Dayan, Schwarzenegger declared that "every nation has the right to defend itself against terrorism and cold-blooded attacks on its people. Israel is no different and is right to defend itself against the unceasing violence of rocket attacks launched by Hamas." (Ynetnews)
12:20 AM Photos from right before the ground operation.
12:15 AM None of the rocket attacks over the past 2o minutes toward the Western Negev resulted in damage or injuries.
12:14 AM Over 200 IDF and MDA armored ambulances are prepared at Gaza borders in case of emergency treatment.
12:07 AM Ongoing Rockets at Western Negev Communities.
Wherever I am, my blog turns towards Eretz Yisrael טובה הארץ מאד מאד
24 comments:
Lunacy 1. Members of the "post-Zionist" Left are demonstrating against the Gaza Campaign in the midst of war. Why aren't they arrested for treason & aiding the enemy?
Why doesn't the Gov't declare them traitors? (This is the result of the education system of Israel's Left gov't)
Will the police treat these traitors with the same force as they meeted out to 'Hilltop Youth"?
Lunacy 2. Israeli court rules that journalists must be allowed into Gaza under the guise of Freedom of Speech. So why was it denied to Arutz7? Are the Israeli judges paid by Israel or the P.A.? Does the court think the journalists will send out pro-Israel reports once in Gaza?
Lunacy 3. Countries that are Israel's enemies have journalists in Israel & are sending out reports potentially harming the IDF. Why were they allowed in?
Lunacy 4. the IDF warned people in Hamas leader Rayan's's building of impending strike. He was hit & died because he refused to leave. How many other Hamas leaders have escaped?
God bless & protect the soldiers of the IDF
God bless Israel always now and forever. May the crazed nations of the world that can't see the forrest for the trees be forgiven for reporting the garbage that they do.
Be safe IDF. I always some to this blog when I want to know more of the real truth.
How long did people on this planet think Israel was going to take Hamas sending rockets into Israel everyday.
The people of Gaza that want to live a decent life need to leave and gfo some place else. The earth is a big place and there is plenty of room for everyone.
That Gaza garbage dump that the palistine people insist on living in is just that a garbage dump.
What can they expect to come from a garbage dump but garbage scumlords.
The human mind is a terrible thing to waste yet it is a easy thing to brainwash. That is what has happened to these people. They are so full of hate you would things they were all decendents of Satan himself.
May God give the good people of the earth the strength and courage to rid the world of the evil ones.
To me Islam is a cult. The Koran is a book of hate and evil.
Love to Israel.
Here is an interesting television program.
"Escaping Hamas"
Part 1 of 6
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Td8YdfNoPBk
Part 2 of 6
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WqIg0Tnav5o
Part 3 of 6
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M09nLJvoX9U
Part 4 of 6
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a4kmK1aDLpg
Part 5 of 6
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CEf9DUW8fMU
Part 6 of 6
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qXLskhpKXW4
Jameel--kol hakavod on the mention by CNN. I heartily agree--you are a key source of my war news.
Jameel,
Thanks for all your hard work! my wife and I are constantly checking the updates on the blog. The traditional news sources are frusratingly slow! Keep up the good work!
Gilad, not only are the places like CNN slow but they are always quick to blame Israel and make them out to be the guys.
I hope the IDF kills them all. Death to HAMAS.
I prefer Fox. At least they are more balanced and fair.
God bless Israel.
it seems that shopping center incident was a video of a 2005 hamas explosion mistake.
This was from liveleak:
The recent videos shown of an alleged Israeli bomb drop is actually footage of an explosion that occurred at a Hamas Rally on September 23rd, 2005.
Below are links to the story behind the actual events, plus a few photos.
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2005/09/23/world/main881068.shtml
http://www.militantislammonitor.org/article/id/1103
http://english.cri.cn/2239/2005-9-24/138@273609 More...htm
Jameel I LOVE your idea for the med-dead canal. I've been praying that they'd do this. I will continue to think positively...
I hope some decision-makers are reading your blog!
Thank you - you ARE a major and important source for information - CNN is correct (this time anyway!).
ONE QUESTION: I read a tweet on Twitter that says aid from Israel to Gaza is being turned back because they are out of storage room - if you come across anything verifying that, I'd be very appreciative - thank you and stay safe.
The photo of the "Specialized IDF munitions hitting Gaza" appears to be a hardSTOP, or similar IDF developed weapon. Very cutting edge for low collateral damage/urban warfare. Kudos to IDF!
http://blog.wired.com/defense/2007/09/how-can-you-use.html
http://tinyurl.com/hardstop
Jill, we mentioned this late last week. You can scroll down the last few days archives and see where it is mentioned. I think it was source in the Jpost.
Muqata blogger....you seem to be getting weary.....some handful of mistakes, minor albeit, have appeared in today's blogging here....
Thou art needed & vital & gratefully appreciated, more than you will ever know this side of eternity.
Praying for you too.
sincerely,
Ma Sands
Mpls., MN, U.S.A.
Ma Sands: Do you mean content mistakes, or formatting mistakes?
Ths formatting mistakes are because of browser incompatibility issues between myself and other muqata crew members.
And we keep posting on top of one another.
I hope the format issues are resolved now.
If you note content mistakes -- please advise ASAP!
Thanks,
Jameel
Jameel is definitely overriding my content, and I am not even (well hardly at least) adding any political commentary.
Just to get even, I keep writing over his.
By the third try we both manage to get up the info the way we want it.
But if you want unfiltered political commentary go to JoeSettler.
10:55 PM Channel 2 Israel TV reports that most of the wounded (57) IDF troops are either settlers or Religious Jews.
This is not the time for this kind of talk. And you don't just happen to be quoting Channel 2 either. Its wrong. Please stop.
Adam: Actually - I am just quoting it. I found it to be a weird sort of comment coming from the TV channel, and don't know what exactly their point is.
Im too tired to add that much thought -- just reporting whats being said and reported. Here's the link source if you wish.
http://rotter.net/forum/scoops1/18954.shtml
On that note, Im off to bed.
Good night.
Well, then I am sorry Jameel. Please accept my apology for misjudging you. Thanks for your hard work with this warblogging.
"4:55 PM Israel TV Channel 10: Hamas Sources state: If we knew this [Israel's massive strike] was going to happen, we would not have broken the tahadya (cease-fire)"
They should've been following Israeli politics. If they realized elections are coming up they probably would've waited...
On the other hand, maybe they're smarter than we think, perhaps they (hamas) saw how bad the left was doing in the polls and figured provoking them into some kind of half-baked response would strengthen them (the left) for the elections...
Will do, on the alerting, Jameel......mostly it is just stuff like using "to" instead of "two"....nothing a very interested reader couldn't decipher.... :)
sincerely,
Ma Sands
Thank you for posting the "Let's Play Pretend" video. I grew up in Long Beach, so it hits home.
Thanks all re: relief link - was looking for something more current but no prob - I did some searching on my own too. Stay safe.
what is up with the helmets our soldiers are wearing? seams like there is a large cloth flap attached to it?
it's a mitznefet, meant to break up the outline of the helmet and visibility of the soldier himself in areas of vegetation. look for them to come off as our boys go into the more urban cities.
Thank you, Jameel and crew, for the updates, information, and insights. I am grateful for the unmatched resource you are providing. You are part of the strength of Israel. Please keep up the good work and stay safe.
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