Stop Gaza Fighting, UN Boss Pleads

Israel vows 'great force' in response

(NEWSER) - A long-range rocket fired today from Gaza struck the Israeli city of Ashkelon in the first such attack since the ceasefire began last month, reports CNN. No injuries were reported, but Israel vowed to respond with "great force." Resumed rocket fire from Gaza presents a particular problem for the centrist-led Israeli government before next week's elections. Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert has threatened "disproportionate" retaliation for Gaza violence. More»

Olmert promises to strike back after rocket attacks

(NEWSER) - Israel’s military intelligence chief says Hamas “is conducting serious soul-searching on its strategic mistakes and operational failures" in the wake of the Gaza war, the Jerusalem Post reports. Rival Palestinian groups “are challenging the organization and carrying out attacks in order to bring on another escalation,” he told the Israeli cabinet this morning. “Hamas is deterred and respecting the ceasefire, but not doing enough to discourage the others.” More»

Israel agrees to withdraw from Gaza if truce holds

(NEWSER) - Hamas and other Gaza militants have agreed to an immediate ceasefire, and will allow Israel a week to pull troops out of the area, a Hamas official said today in Egypt. Israel said it would withdraw if the truce was upheld. It had declared a unilateral ceasefire beginning early this morning, but Hamas had vowed to keep fighting until troops were withdrawn from Gaza, Reuters reports. More»

(NEWSER) - Israel dropped leaflets on the Gaza strip today warning inhabitants of an escalation in the 2-week offensive against Hamas militants, the BBC reports. The leaflets assured civilians that the action was against “Hamas and the terrorists only” and urged people to stay away from military targets. The development could signal a deeper incursion by Israeli ground forces into Gazan cities and refugee camps, the BBC notes. More»

Cabinet mulls new phase to offensive as bombs rain on Gaza

(NEWSER) - Israel pushed ahead with its military operation in Gaza today, despite a unanimous Security Council resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire. On the 14th day of the offensive, warplanes bombed the outskirts of Gaza City and tanks shelled a house in the north of the Strip, killing six Palestinians from the same family. Israel may call in reservists for a new, third phase of the operation that would target Hamas guerrillas in urban areas. More»