BobaFett85 (talk | contribs) 9 KIA in offensive + Warrant Officer Lutfi Nasraladin was killed by a mortar attack on a military base near Nahal Oz, the BBC overcounted it's 10 soldiers not 11 killed |
BobaFett85 (talk | contribs) This needs to be mentioned |
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60 F-16 aircraft deployed<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/middle_east/article5404501.ece|title=Israeli jets kill ‘at least 225’ in strikes on Gaza}}</ref> |
60 F-16 aircraft deployed<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/middle_east/article5404501.ece|title=Israeli jets kill ‘at least 225’ in strikes on Gaza}}</ref> |
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|strength2= 20,000 Hamas operatives<ref name="abcnews1"/> |
|strength2= 20,000 Hamas operatives<ref name="abcnews1"/> |
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|casualties1='''Total Killed''': 13<br />Soldiers: 10<ref>http://www.calcuttanews.net/story/451232</ref><ref>http://dover.idf.il/IDF/English/News/the_Front/ |
|casualties1='''Total Killed''': 13<br />Soldiers: 10<ref>http://www.calcuttanews.net/story/451232</ref><ref>http://dover.idf.il/IDF/English/News/the_Front/09/01/0901.htm</ref><br />Civilians: 3<ref name=bbc2009jan8/><ref name=embassy4> [http://www.israelemb.org/Operation%20Cast%20Lead/Website4.htm Current events]. [[Diplomatic missions of Israel|Embassy of Israel in Washington DC]]. In the middle of the page is a list of 4 Israelis killed by rocket and mortar fire. One was a soldier killed on a military base inside Israel.</ref><ref name=jpost2009jan6/><br> |
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'''Total Wounded''': 119+<br />Soldiers: 80+<ref name=un2009jan1-8>[http://www.ochaopt.org/documents/ocha_opt_protection_of_civilians_weekly_2009_01_08_english.pdf Protection of Civilians Weekly Report. 1-8 January 2009]. OCHA oPt ([[United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs]] - occupied Palestinian territory).[http://www.ochaopt.org] ''"more than 80 Israeli soldiers have been injured since the ground operation began."''</ref><ref> http://www.nrg.co.il/online/1/HP_487.html#1/837/770</ref><br />Civilians: 39<ref name=jpost2009jan6> [http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1231167267556&pagename=JPost/JPArticle/ShowFull "Rocket slams into Ashdod kindergarten"]. Jan 6, 2009. ''[[Jerusalem Post]].'' "''Four Israelis have been killed, 10 moderately to seriously wounded, and 29 slightly wounded. Another 144 have been treated for shock.''"</ref><ref name=imfa2009jan4> [http://www.mfa.gov.il/MFA/Terrorism-+Obstacle+to+Peace/Hamas+war+against+Israel/Israel_strikes_back_against_Hamas_terror_infrastructure_Gaza_27-Dec-2008.htm "Israel strikes back against Hamas terror infrastructure in Gaza 27-Dec-2008"]. [[Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Israel)|Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs]]. Jan. 4, 2009. See the charts. 3 Israeli civilians killed and 119 civilians wounded.</ref> |
'''Total Wounded''': 119+<br />Soldiers: 80+<ref name=un2009jan1-8>[http://www.ochaopt.org/documents/ocha_opt_protection_of_civilians_weekly_2009_01_08_english.pdf Protection of Civilians Weekly Report. 1-8 January 2009]. OCHA oPt ([[United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs]] - occupied Palestinian territory).[http://www.ochaopt.org] ''"more than 80 Israeli soldiers have been injured since the ground operation began."''</ref><ref> http://www.nrg.co.il/online/1/HP_487.html#1/837/770</ref><br />Civilians: 39<ref name=jpost2009jan6> [http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1231167267556&pagename=JPost/JPArticle/ShowFull "Rocket slams into Ashdod kindergarten"]. Jan 6, 2009. ''[[Jerusalem Post]].'' "''Four Israelis have been killed, 10 moderately to seriously wounded, and 29 slightly wounded. Another 144 have been treated for shock.''"</ref><ref name=imfa2009jan4> [http://www.mfa.gov.il/MFA/Terrorism-+Obstacle+to+Peace/Hamas+war+against+Israel/Israel_strikes_back_against_Hamas_terror_infrastructure_Gaza_27-Dec-2008.htm "Israel strikes back against Hamas terror infrastructure in Gaza 27-Dec-2008"]. [[Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Israel)|Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs]]. Jan. 4, 2009. See the charts. 3 Israeli civilians killed and 119 civilians wounded.</ref> |
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|casualties2='''Total Killed''': 765'''*'''<ref name=bbc2009jan8> [http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/7818577.stm "UN suspends Gazan aid operation"]. BBC. Jan. 8, 2009. ''"At least 765 Palestinian lives are said by sources in Gaza to have been lost since the offensive began 13 days ago. Three more Israeli soldiers were killed in Thursday, bringing Israel's death toll to 11 military personnel and three civilians."''</ref><br />Militants: ~150 ([[Israel Defense Forces|IDF]] claim)<ref>http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1231167270150&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull</ref><br/>Policemen: 138<ref name="maan_victims">{{cite news | first= | last= | pages= | language =| title=Hamas: 120 police dead, 95% of security buildings demolished and hundreds of civilians slain | date= December 2008 | publisher=[[Ma'an News Agency]] | url=http://www.maannews.net/en/index.php?opr=ShowDetails&ID=34375 |accessdate=December 30, 2008 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/5dRcwVLYo |archivedate=December 31, 2008 }}</ref><br />Civilians: ~350 <small>([[Ministry of Health (Palestinian)|MoH]])</small>'''**''' <ref> |
|casualties2='''Total Killed''': 765'''*'''<ref name=bbc2009jan8> [http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/7818577.stm "UN suspends Gazan aid operation"]. BBC. Jan. 8, 2009. ''"At least 765 Palestinian lives are said by sources in Gaza to have been lost since the offensive began 13 days ago. Three more Israeli soldiers were killed in Thursday, bringing Israel's death toll to 11 military personnel and three civilians."''</ref><br />Militants: ~150 ([[Israel Defense Forces|IDF]] claim)<ref>http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1231167270150&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull</ref><br/>Policemen: 138<ref name="maan_victims">{{cite news | first= | last= | pages= | language =| title=Hamas: 120 police dead, 95% of security buildings demolished and hundreds of civilians slain | date= December 2008 | publisher=[[Ma'an News Agency]] | url=http://www.maannews.net/en/index.php?opr=ShowDetails&ID=34375 |accessdate=December 30, 2008 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/5dRcwVLYo |archivedate=December 31, 2008 }}</ref><br />Civilians: ~350 <small>([[Ministry of Health (Palestinian)|MoH]])</small>'''**''' <ref> |
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*{{cite news|title=Cull resumes after lull|url=http://www.kuwaittimes.net/read_news.php?newsid=MTY4Nzc0NjA1}}</ref><br>Unknown: ~130 |
*{{cite news|title=Cull resumes after lull|url=http://www.kuwaittimes.net/read_news.php?newsid=MTY4Nzc0NjA1}}</ref><br>Unknown: ~130 |
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'''Total Wounded''': 3,100<ref name=un2009jan8> [http://www.ochaopt.org/documents/ocha_opt_gaza_humanitarian_situation_report_2009_01_08_english.pdf Gaza Humanitarian Situation Report]. Jan. 8, 2009. OCHA oPt ([[United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs]] - occupied Palestinian territory).[http://www.ochaopt.org] "''As of 16.00 on 8 January, the MoH in Gaza revealed that 50 bodies were recovered today from the rubble of houses: the total number of fatalities is now 758, of whom 257 (34%) are children and 56 (7.4%) are women. Of the 3,100 injuries, 1,080 (34.8%) are children and 452 (14.6%) are women. The danger to medical staff and the difficulty of extracting the injured from collapsed buildings makes proper evacuation and estimation of casualties difficult.''"</ref> |
'''Total Wounded''': 3,100<ref name=un2009jan8> [http://www.ochaopt.org/documents/ocha_opt_gaza_humanitarian_situation_report_2009_01_08_english.pdf Gaza Humanitarian Situation Report]. Jan. 8, 2009. OCHA oPt ([[United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs]] - occupied Palestinian territory).[http://www.ochaopt.org] "''As of 16.00 on 8 January, the MoH in Gaza revealed that 50 bodies were recovered today from the rubble of houses: the total number of fatalities is now 758, of whom 257 (34%) are children and 56 (7.4%) are women. Of the 3,100 injuries, 1,080 (34.8%) are children and 452 (14.6%) are women. The danger to medical staff and the difficulty of extracting the injured from collapsed buildings makes proper evacuation and estimation of casualties difficult.''"</ref> |
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|casualties3=One [[Egyptian army|Egyptian]] border guard officer killed and another wounded<!--before blaming Hamas see Talk:2008–2009_Israel–Gaza_conflict#Infobox_blaming-->.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.nana10.co.il/Article/?ArticleID=605368&sid=126|title=קצין מצרי נהרג מירי אנשי חמאס סמוך למעבר רפיח|last=סוכנויות הידיעות|publisher=nana10.co.il|language=Hebrew|accessdate=2009-01-01}}</ref> |
|casualties3=One [[Egyptian army|Egyptian]] border guard officer killed and another wounded<!--before blaming Hamas see Talk:2008–2009_Israel–Gaza_conflict#Infobox_blaming-->.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.nana10.co.il/Article/?ArticleID=605368&sid=126|title=קצין מצרי נהרג מירי אנשי חמאס סמוך למעבר רפיח|last=סוכנויות הידיעות|publisher=nana10.co.il|language=Hebrew|accessdate=2009-01-01}}</ref><br>More than 35 Palestinians executed and 75 wounded by Hamas, suspected for collaborating with Israel.<ref name="jpost_fatah_executions"/> |
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|notes='''*'''Casualty figures in Gaza cannot yet be independently verified.<small><ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/7814772.stm|title=UN Chief Demands Gaza cease-fire|publisher=BBC|accessdate=2009-01-06}}</ref></small><br> |
|notes='''*'''Casualty figures in Gaza cannot yet be independently verified.<small><ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/7814772.stm|title=UN Chief Demands Gaza cease-fire|publisher=BBC|accessdate=2009-01-06}}</ref></small><br> |
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'''**'''Among the civilians killed in Gaza there were two foreigners, a Ukrainian woman and her child<small><ref>http://www.interfax.com/3/460918/news.aspx</ref></small> |
'''**'''Among the civilians killed in Gaza there were two foreigners, a Ukrainian woman and her child<small><ref>http://www.interfax.com/3/460918/news.aspx</ref></small> |
Revision as of 05:26, 9 January 2009
2008–2009 Israel–Gaza conflict | |||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Part of the Israeli–Palestinian conflict | |||||||
Map of Gaza | |||||||
| |||||||
Belligerents | |||||||
Israel (IDF) |
Hamas Islamic Jihad[1] File:Logoprc.jpg Popular Resistance Committees[2] File:Fateh-logo.jpgAl-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades[2] File:PFLP flag smoothed.svgPopular Front for the Liberation of Palestine[2] | ||||||
Commanders and leaders | |||||||
Ehud Barak (DefMin) Gabi Ashkenazi (CoS) Yoav Galant (SoCom) |
Ismail Haniyeh Mahmoud az-Zahar Ahmed al-Ja'abari | ||||||
Strength | |||||||
176,500 (10,000 deployed,[3] backed by tanks, artillery, gunboats,[4]) 60 F-16 aircraft deployed[5] | 20,000 Hamas operatives[6] | ||||||
Casualties and losses | |||||||
Total Killed: 13 Soldiers: 80+[12][13] Civilians: 39[11][14] |
Total Killed: 765*[9] | ||||||
One Egyptian border guard officer killed and another wounded.[19] More than 35 Palestinians executed and 75 wounded by Hamas, suspected for collaborating with Israel.[20] | |||||||
*Casualty figures in Gaza cannot yet be independently verified.[21] |
The 2008–2009 Israel–Gaza conflict, part of the ongoing Israeli–Palestinian conflict, began on 27 December 2008 (11:30 a.m. local time; 9:30 a.m. UTC)[23] when the Israel Defense Forces launched a military campaign codenamed Operation Cast Lead (Hebrew: מבצע עופרת יצוקה, Mivtza Oferet Yetzuka), targeting the members and infrastructure of Gaza's governing party, Hamas.[24][25][26][27] The conflict has been called the Gaza massacre (Arabic: مجزرة غزة) in the Arab World.[28][29][30][31][27][32]
A six-month truce between Hamas and Israel ended on 19 December 2008,[33][34][35] after both sides blamed the other for violations.[36] Hamas blamed Israel for not lifting the Gaza Strip blockade, and Israel blamed Hamas for the rocket and mortar attacks directed at its southern cities.[37] Israel's stated objectives in this conflict are to defend itself from Palestinian rocket fire[38] and prevent the rearming of Hamas. Hamas demands the cessation of Israeli attacks and an end to the Israeli blockade.[39]
At least 225 people were killed on the first day of the Israeli attack.[40] By the first evening, Israeli Air Force fighter-bomber aircraft had bombed roughly 100 targets in four minutes, including Hamas bases, training camps, headquarters and offices.[41][42] Israel also hit what it identified as Hamas-run institutions and bases in all of Gaza's main towns, including Gaza City and Beit Hanoun in the north and Khan Younis and Rafah in the south.[43][44][45][46][47][48] The attacks have also hit civilian infrastructure, including mosques and housing, with a great number of civilian casualties reported. Israel asserts many of these hid weapons and personnel, and that it is not targeting civilians.[49][50][51][52][53][54][55] The Israeli Navy has shelled targets in Gaza, instituting at the same time a naval blockade of Gaza, which has resulted in one naval incident with a civilian boat.[56][57][58][59]
Hamas has intensified its rocket and mortar attacks against Israel throughout the conflict, increasing the distance of attacks to as far away as 40 kilometres (25 mi) from the Gaza border, hitting civilian cities like Beersheba and Ashdod. These attacks have resulted in civilian casualties and damage to infrastructure. All schools in the area are closed.[60][61][62][63]
The IDF started massing infantry and armor units near the Gaza border and engaged in an active blockade of Gaza.[64] On 3 January 2009, a ground invasion began, with mechanised infantry, armor, and artillery units, supported by armed helicopters, entering Gaza.[65][66]
Both Israel and Hamas are under pressure for a humanitarian truce.[67][68] While Israeli defense minister Ehud Barak intially stated that this will be a "war to the bitter end"[69], Israeli defense officials have suggested as recently as January 6 that the operation could be "over in the next 72 hours".[70]
International reactions to the conflict have either condemned the Israeli operation, Hamas' attacks, or both. Many countries and organisations have called for an immediate ceasefire and have expressed concern about the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip, and the hindrances in delivering aid.[71][72] In response, Israel has coordinated daily 3-hour "humanitarian ceasefires", which Hamas has respected,[73] to address the concerns. Aid agencies welcomed the move, but have criticized it as being inadequate and accused Israel of "neglecting its obligations".[74][75]
Background
Template:Campaignbox Arab-Israeli conflict
- See also: List of rocket and mortar attacks in Israel in 2008 and 2009.
2008 cease-fire
On 19 June 2008, an Egyptian-brokered six-month cease-fire agreement "for the Gaza area"[34][76] went into effect between Hamas and Israel.[34] On 24 June 2008, Israel raided the city of Nablus on the West Bank, outside of the cease fire area,[77] killing a commander of Islamic Jihad (an organisation independent of Hamas) and one other Palestinian.[78] Later the same day, three Qassam rockets were fired from Gaza into Sderot, Israel, causing two minor injuries, and Islamic Jihad claimed responsibility, stating the attack was in response to the Israeli raid.[79] Israel closed border crossings into Gaza in response to the rocket attack,[77] and on 26 June, Hamas warned Israel that its closure of the Gaza border was seen as a major cease-fire violation.[citation needed]
Hamas called on other Palestinian factions to abide by the truce, and a rocket attack on Israel by Fatah was condemned by Hamas,[81]which undertook to imprison anyone, from its own ranks or other groups, caught firing them.[82] Rocket and mortar attacks continued at a rate of several rockets per month, often with no one taking responsibility. Rocket fire decreased 98% in the four and a half months between Jun 18 and Nov 4 in comparison with the four and half months preceding the ceasefire. Over 1,894 rockets were fired into Israel from Feb to Jun 18, 2008 and 37 were fired between Jun 18 and the beginning of November. [80]
Israel allowed some increase in the quantities of goods trucked into Gaza, from 70 truckloads per day to ninety, but traffic was not restored to the 500-600 truckloads delivered daily before the closing and the mix of goods was also restricted.[83] [84] Israel accused Hamas of continuing the smuggling of weapons into the Gaza strip via tunnels to Egypt, pointing out that the rocket attacks had not completely ceased, and complained that Hamas would not continue negotiating the release of Israeli hostage Gilad Schalit, held by Hamas in Gaza since 2006.[43]
On 4 November 2008, Israeli troops raided a border area of the Gaza Strip, where the Israeli military claimed Hamas had built a tunnel to use to capture Israeli soldiers.[85] A Hamas fighter was killed, Hamas launched rockets over the border, and Israeli strikes on the rocket launchers killed another five Hamas members.[85] Hamas termed this raid a "massive breach of the truce,"[86] and Hamas rocket attacks increase sharply in November 2008, approaching the pre-truce levels.[87]
Extension
On 13 December 2008, Israel announced that it was in favor of extending the cease-fire, provided Hamas adhered to its conditions.[88] Having previously asserted that an end to the truce would carry huge popular support and that there are daily Israeli attacks,[89] on 20 December Hamas officially announced that they would not be extending the cease-fire, citing Israeli border closures as the primary reason, and resumed its shelling of the western Negev.[90] Hamas blamed Israel for the end of the ceasefire, saying it had not respected its terms, including the lifting of the blockade, under which little more than humanitarian aid has been allowed into Gaza. Israel said it initially began easing the blockade, but resumed it when Hamas failed to fulfill the agreed conditions, including ending all rocket fire and halting weapons smuggling.[44]
On 23 December, Mahmoud al-Zahar, a senior Hamas leader, said that his group was willing to renew the truce if Israel refrained from operating in Gaza, and lifted its blockade of the Gaza strip.[91] The same day the IDF killed three Palestinian militants, stating that the militants were planting explosives on the Gaza border.[92] Israel was also reluctant to open the border crossings, which had been closed since November.[93] On 24 December the Negev was hit by more than 60 mortar shells and Katyusha and Qassam rockets, and the IDF was given a green light to operate.[94] Hamas claimed to have fired a total of 87 rockets and mortar rounds that day at Israel, code-naming the firing "Operation Oil Stain".[95]
On 25 December 2008, Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert delivered 'Last Minute' Warning to Gaza in direct appeal to Gaza's people via the Arabic language satellite channel al-Arabiya,to pressure their leaders to stop the barrages. "I am telling them now, it may be the last minute, I'm telling them stop it. We are stronger," he said. [96]
On 26 December 2008, Israel reopened five crossings between Israel and Gaza for humanitarian supplies. Despite the movement of relief supplies, militants fired about a dozen rockets and mortar shells from Gaza at Israel on Friday.[97] Fuel was allowed in for Gaza's main power plant and about 100 trucks loaded with grain, humanitarian aid and other goods were expected during the day.[98] Israel also reopened border crossings and announced, for the sake of Hamas deception, that it would continue deliberations on what course of action to take on 28 December.[99] Rocket attacks continued — about a dozen rockets and mortar bombs were fired from Gaza into Israel, one accidentally striking a northern Gaza house and killing two Palestinian sisters, aged five and thirteen, while wounding a third.[100] According to Israeli defense officials, the subsequent Israeli offensive took Hamas by surprise, thereby increasing their casualties.[99]
Rockets have in subsequent stages of the conflict reached as far as the cities of Gan Yavne[101] and Gedera[102], 40 km inside Israel, validating the IDF "Color Red" warning system.[103] Israel and outside observers allege that Iran appears to be using Hamas militants in Gaza as proxies to terrorise Israel. They claim that Iran supplied Hamas with components to allow it to upgrade the range and accuracy of its rockets that it was firing into Israel.[104]
A poll conducted before the 24 December rocket attacks indicated that 46% of Israelis did not support the invasion of the Gaza Strip, while 40% did.[105] A poll conducted on 1 January, four days after the operation begun, demonstrated that a decisive majority of Israelis support continuing the army's air campaign against Hamas targets in the Gaza Strip without endangering the lives of Israel Defense Forces soldiers in a ground offensive.[106]
Planning
The operation had reportedly been in planning since mid 2007, when Ehud Barak was appointed Israel's Minister of Defense[107], shortly after the Hamas administration had pre-empted and suppressed an attempted American-backed coup by Fatah militants[108], a full a year before the approximate time that the temporary cease-fire between Israel and Hamas was signed. On 19 November, the operation plan was submitted for Ehud Barak's final approval. On 18 December, Barak met with Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert at the IDF headquarters in Tel Aviv to approve the operation. Later, the Israeli cabinet unanimously voted in favor of the strike, leaving it for the Prime Minister, the Defense Minister and the Foreign Minister to work out the timing.[109] According to The Jerusalem Post, the head of the IDF's Southern Command had been calling for a military operation against Hamas since the group took over Gaza in the 2007 Battle of Gaza, but had been opposed at the national level. The paper said that a "technological threshold" had been set for the beginning of the operation, namely when Hamas became capable of manufacturing improved rockets with a greater accuracy and shelf-life. This condition was met by December 2008, when Hamas was in the middle of the rockets' production cycle.[99]
The plan included a large intelligence-gathering operation by Aman and the Shin Bet to map out Hamas security targets.[99] According to Haaretz, sources in the defense establishment said Barak instructed the IDF to prepare for the operation over six months ago. This intelligence-gathering effort brought back information about Hamas' security infrastructure, permanent bases, weapon silos, training camps, the homes of senior officials and coordinates of other facilities.[109]
Implementation of the plan was subsequently delayed in order to see how Hamas would react after the cease-fire's expiration. On 24 December the Israeli cabinet met to talk about the proposed operation, and approved it unanimously after a five-hour meeting.[99] Egyptian Foreign Minister Abou el Gheit said that Egypt didn't have prior knowledge of the date of the attack.[110] A final meeting of defense and intelligence chiefs took place on the morning of 26 December, followed by a meeting between Olmert, Livni, and Barak. They gave the final orders for the operation to the Israeli Air Force, and that night, into the morning of 27 December, various Israeli political leaders were told of the decision.[99]
According to the Israeli government and the UN, there were widespread warnings of attacks in the form of telephone calls or leaflets dropped by the IDF to the people of Gaza.[111][112] The UN reported that in some cases the strikes occurred only five minutes after the flee call. [113] Given the high population density in Gaza and the proximity between their homes, this has caused "considerable" panic and uncertainty among residents.[112] Finally, both Amnesty International and the United Nations report that in the densely populated areas of Gaza there are no "safe" places for civilians.[114][115]
Launched during the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah, the operation was named after a line in the children's Hanukkah song "In Honor of Hanukkah" (Hebrew: לכבוד החנוכה) by Hayyim Nahman Bialik in which a dreidel made of "cast lead" is mentioned.[116][117]
Timeline
Initial bombardment
Israel launched its military operation at 11:30 a.m., 27 December, when more than 50 fighter jets and attack helicopters entered Gazan airspace, killing 225-292 Palestinians and wounding more than 1,000.[118][119][120][121] The IAF, responding to intense Hamas rocket attacks on southern Israel,[122] dropped more than 100 bombs on 50 targets,[122] which included Hamas paramilitary bases, training camps, and underground Kassam launchers. It also hit Hamas headquarters, government offices and police stations.
About 140 members of Hamas security forces had been killed, including police chief Tawfiq Jabber, the head of Hamas’ security and protection unit[123] and the police commander for central Gaza,[124] along with at least 15 civilians. Children had been reported among the casualties.[123][125]
The day has become referred to by some Palestinians as the Massacre of the Black Saturday,[126] because of the magnitude of casualties inflicted. The Israeli attack is considered to be the bloodiest one-day death toll in 60 years of conflict with the Palestinians.[127]
Week of air strikes
Following the first day of air raides, the Israeli Air Force continued to inflict massive damage in the coming week to the Palestinian infrastructure. Among their targets were ministerial buildings, Hamas training camps, offices of the Popular Resistance Committees, homes of Hamas commanders, etc. A number of high-ranking Hamas commanders were killed in the attacks, including: Nizar Rayan, Abu Zakaria al-Jamal, Jamal Mamduch and others. Many of the killed Hamas leaders had died along with their families in their own homes. By 3 January 2009, the death toll among Palestinians was at 400, 25% of them civilians.[128]
Ground invasion
On the evening of 3 January, Israeli ground troops began entering Gaza for the first time since the operation began.[129][130] The intention of the ground invasion, termed the 'second stage' of Operation Cast Lead, according to the Israeli Defense Forces website, is to secure areas within the Gaza strip from which rockets have been launched even after the previous Israeli operations.
Israeli ground troops entered Beit Lahiya and Beit Hanoun in northern Gaza in the early hours.[131] Israeli forces reportedly bisected Gaza and surrounded Gaza City, but restricted their movements to areas that were not heavily urbanised.[132] The Israeli military said forty sites had been targeted, including targets for weapons depots and rocket launch sites.
On 3 January, the IDF attacked the Ibrahim al-Maqadna mosque in Beit Lahiya during evening prayers. Witnesses said over 200 Palestinians were praying inside at the time. [133][134] Thirteen people, including six children, were killed. Many more people were wounded.[134][135] Israel has accused Hamas of using mosques to hide weapons and ammunition.[134][136]
Another three Hamas commanders were killed on 4 January: Hussam Hamdan, Muhammad Hilou and Mohammed Shalpokh.
As Israeli tanks and troops seized control of large parts of the Gaza Strip, tens of thousands of Gazans fled their homes amidst artillery and gunfire, and flooded into the heart of Gaza city.[137] Gun battles reportedly broke out between Israel and Hamas on the streets of Gaza, as Israel surrounded the city.[138][139] On 6 January, at least 125 Palestinians and 5 Israeli soldiers were killed.[140]
Despite the ground operation by the IDF rocket attacks by Hamas continued against southern Israel.
Temporary humanitarian truce
After Israel faced mounting international pressure for a ceasefire in the wake of the UNRWA school attack,[141][142] it announced a three-hour "humanitarian truce" on 7 January, and opened a humanitarian corridor to allow aid supplies to reach Gazans. The Israeli army promised to refrain from attacks between 1 and 4 pm (UTC+2),[143] and Hamas responded that they would respect such a ceasefire.[73] 80 aid trucks entered the strip, and Israel delivered industrial fuel for Gaza's power plant. According to conflicting Israeli sources, they plan to repeat this move either daily or every other day. Fighting at large resumed immediately following the end of the truce.[143][144][145] Aid officials and the UN welcomed the truce, praising it, but said it was not enough.[141]
During the January 8 three-hour truce period, despite Israeli assurances to allow for humanitarian aid to reach civilians, Israeli forces opened fired on a UN aid convoy, killing two aid workers.[146] The UN said the delivery had been coordinated with Israel, and Chris Gunness, a UN spokesman, said that aid shipments were being suspended until the safety of UN staff could be guaranteed.[147][148] As of January 8, four UNRWA aid workers had been killed over the course of the offensive.[146]
Notable Incidents
The Dignity
On 29 December 2008, the Free Gaza Movement sailboat Dignity set sail from Cyprus, headed for Gaza, attempting to deliver 3.5 tonnes (3.9 short tons) of medical supplies to its residents.[57][149][149] The boat, which was boarded by Caoimhe Butterly, Cynthia McKinney, journalists from Al Jazeera and CNN,[56] three surgeons including Dr. Elena Theoharous,[150] was forced to turn back after a confrontation with Israeli Israeli naval vessels. According to passengers and crew, their boat was approached after dark, in international waters[57] 90 miles off the coast of Gaza,[151] ordered to halt, and upon refusal fired upon and rammed, thus sustaining heavy damage.[152][56] Israel responded that no shooting had occurred,[153] the sailboat was inside Israeli territorial waters, that it had failed to respond to Israeli naval radio contact,[151] crashed into an Israeli vessel and refused Israeli assistance.[154][155] Not having enough fuel to return to Cyprus, the boat docked in Lebanon.[154][149]
Cyprus lodged a formal complaint regarding the incident.[151] The Consulate General of Israel to the Southeast USA called McKinney "irresponsible", accusing her of a "provocation" that endangered many.[56] The Free Gaza movement is contemplating a suit against Israel for deliberately damaging the boat.[57][151][153][154]
Ibrahim al-Maqadna mosque
On 3 January 2009, the Israeli Defense Force attacked the Ibrahim al-Maqadna mosque in Beit Lahiya during evening prayers. Witnesses said over 200 Palestinians were praying inside at the time. [133][134] Thirteen people, including six children, were killed. Many more people were wounded.[134][156] The mosques is located in the town of Beit Lahiya in the Gaza Strip. Israel has accused Hamas of using mosques to hide weapons and ammunition.[134][136]
Samouni family
Palestinian medics quoted in The UK Telegraph stated that in Zeitoun, massive civilian casualties were sustained after the Israeli army entered Gaza. They stated about 100 members of the Samouni an extended family were ordered to gather in a single house early in the morning on 4 January 2009. The next day at 6:35am, the house was repeatedly shelled. Between 60 and 70 family members were killed by shrapnel and falling masonry. A few survivors, some wounded, others carrying some of the dead or dying, managed to reach Gaza's main north-south road where they were able to get lifts to the hospital. The site of the killings could not be reached until 7 January 2009. Mohammed Shaheen, a volunteer with Palestinian Red Crescent, confirmed accounts from survivors of the extended Samouni clan who said they feared between 60 and 70 family members had been killed. He said that paramedics also found fifteen people still alive but injured that they took to the hospital, but that eight injured people were left behind because "we could not get to them and it was no longer safe for us to stay."[157]
The New York Times reported different number of casualties quoting hospital official saying that 11 members of the Samouni extended family were killed and 26 wounded. [158]
UNRWA school
On January 6, two tank shells exploded outside a school run by UNRWA, spraying shrapnel on people inside and outside the building, where at least 350 Palestinians had sought refuge from fighting between Israeli soldiers and Palestinian militants.[159][160] 43 people were killed in the attack.[161][162] The strike took place near the Al-Fakhura school in Jabaliya in northern Gaza and was the third deadly Israeli attack near United Nations-run schools on January 6.[163]
UNRWA said immediately after the incident that it was "99.9 percent sure" there had been no militants in the school and called for "an independent investigation to establish the facts".[164][165] UNRWA also stated that this did not necessarily contradict Israel's claim that the militants were operating close by.[166] UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon condemned the attack, saying it was "totally unacceptable".[167] In a subsequent UN report, the UNRWA rejected Israeli claims that the school had been used to fire mortars at the Israeli army. [168] The UNRWA also stated that their shelters, which are not constructed to withstand bombardment, are had been marked and their GPS locations had been provided to the IDF.[168]
The Israel Defense Forces initially claimed that mortars had been fired at Israeli forces from inside the school, and that Israeli soldiers had been responding to them.[169][170]. The IDF_Spokesperson's_Unit re-released drone footage [171] of a separate incident some two years earlier (October 29th 2007) that shows mortars being fired from a different school. Israel had at that time warned Ban Ki Moon about the danger and requested an investigation. With regard to the 2009 incident, according to Ynet, "The Israeli army claimed that terrorists were firing mortar shells from the school just moments before the strike. The IDF stated that a number of Hamas gunmen were inside the school, among them Imad and Hassan Abu-Askar, who are known to the IDF as Hamas operatives." [172], and claimed to have found their bodies following the attack.[173] Hamas called the claims "baseless".[174] Residents of the neighborhood said that two Hamas fighters, Abu Asker and Hassan Abu Asker, were in the area at the time of the attack, but that the mortar fire had not come from the school compound, but from elsewhere in the neighborhood.[175] The UN states that Israel privately briefed diplomats the following day that militant fire had come from outside the school compound, not from inside it. So far the official Israeli position remains that militant fire did come from the school compound.[176]
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas ordered officials to look into taking Israel to international courts over the "massacre".[177] The U.N. wanted an inquiry into both the assault and the Israeli allegations about militants firing from its schools.[177] According to Reuters, "The deaths in the school prompted Obama to break his silence on the Gaza offensive and to say the loss of life among civilians was "a source of deep concern" for him."[178] Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez said that Israel's operation against Hamas was “genocidal” and called for Ehud Olmert to be tried for war crimes.[179] The Venezuelan government also expelled the Israeli ambassador.[177][179]
Rockets from Lebanon
On 8 January 2009, three Katyusha type rockets were fired at the northern Israeli city of Nahariyya from Lebanon and two Israeli civilians were injured. While, the IDF returned fire at the launch sites, no party has claimed responsibility for this attack.[180] While Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah made bold warnings against Israel during the commemoration of Ashura in Lebanon,[181] the group did not claim responsibility for the attack and promised an investigation.[182][183] According to the BBC, most analysts agree that Hezbollah's involvement is unlikely, though others disagree.[182] The attacks, condemned by Lebanese prime minister,[184] could have come from Lebanese-based Palestinian groups with no affiliation to Hezbollah.[185][182]
Casualties
Citing the Palestinian Ministry of Health, the UN reported that as of 8 January, 758 Palestinians had been killed; 34% (257) of the dead are children and 7.4% (56) are women. An additional 3,100 injuries were reported: 34.8% (1,080) are children and 452 (14.6%) are women.[18] Among the dead were also 21 Palestinian medical workers and four UN aid workers.[186][187] On 7 January, the eleventh day of the attacks, the UN reported that at least 100 (one hundred) children had been killed, "almost one thousand" injured and "tens of thousands" traumatized. [168]. The number of children fatalities is said to have increased by 250% since the beginning of ground operation on 3 January.[188]
Hamas said on January 4 that 10 of its fighters had been killed.[189] Five Israelis (two soldiers and three civilians) had been killed in the same period by Palestinian rockets,[190] and 5 soldiers were killed and 32 were injured during Israel's ground offensive.[189]
On 31 December, the Palestinian Ministry of Health in the Gaza Strip published a list of 187 of the people killed.[191] The UN stated that during the first three days of the operation there were over 300 dead, of which at least 60 are women or children.[192] However, Israel claimed most of the deaths during this period were members of Hamas security forces,[193][194] including Tawfik Jaber, the chief of Hamas police in Gaza.[118] As of 31 December, the death toll among Gaza Strip residents had reached 410, according to the director of the al-Shifa Hospital, Dr. Hussein,[191] and more than 1,720 people were wounded, "hundreds" of them seriously.[195] In the first 48 hours of the airstrikes, at least 32 Palestinian children were killed.[112] A day earlier, the United Nations humanitarian chief had said that about 320 Palestinians had been killed and 1400 injured. The UN said that civilian casualties, defined only as women and children, were 62.[26] Israel said that most of the deaths and injuries were Hamas militants, and said it takes careful steps to avoid harm to bystanders.[196] In a press conference in Gaza City on 29 December, a de facto Hamas Interior Ministry spokesperson, Ihab al-Ghusein, stated that most of the victims of the attacks were "Gazans at work, not activists launching rockets."[16] According to the New York Times, not all Hamas members necessarily fully accept the organisation's ideology; young men might be simply tempted by the steady work of the police force as jobs are scarce in Gaza due to an international embargo on Hamas.[197] A police spokesperson, Islam Shahwan, stated that "at least 95% of the security services buildings" were destroyed, and that 138 police officers had been killed: nine in Rafah, 29 in Khan Younis, 70 in Gaza City and 30 "in the north."[16] Israeli military sources claim to have killed 150 Hamas gunmen in ground fighting.[198] Israeli military officials and Palestinian residents have both observed that due to the fact that many Hamas militants fight without uniforms, and are more likely to be tended by Hamas personnel than civilian hospitals in Gaza if wounded or killed, it is difficult at this time to verify the number of militant dead. [199]
On the Israeli side, three civilians and one soldier have been killed by rocket attacks since the Gaza offensive began.[194] Two soldiers have been killed in Gaza fighting, while four additional soldiers were killed by friendly tank fire.[200][201]
BBC News, quoting Hamas run media sources, reported that Hamas claimed to have captured two IDF soldiers during the Israeli ground offensive,[202] though the Israeli army has declared this to be an attempt at spreading demoralising disinformation.[203] Hamas has also been accused of attacking Palestinians alleged to be collaborating with Israel.[20][204] On January 5, news sources reported that Hamas claimed that it had killed nine Israeli soldiers while fighting them in the Gaza strip. Israel denied these claims.[205][206] Israel claims it has captured 120 Hamas gunmen.[207]
One Egyptian border guard was killed and one was wounded by Hamas gunmen on December 28.[6]
The World Health Organization (WHO) said on 8 January that 21 Palestinian medical workers had been killed and 30 more injured since the beginning of Israel's offensive.[208]
Humanitarian crisis
The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs states that the Gaza strip humanitarian crisis is significant and should not be understated.[113] The UN states that the situation is a "human dignity crisis" in the Gaza strip, entailing "a massive destruction of livelihoods and a significant deterioration of infrastructure and basic services". Fear and panic are widespread; 80 percent of the population cannot support themselves and are dependent on humanitarian assistance.[113] A psychiatrist, who is the head of Gaza's mental health program, has estimated that nearly half of the population will suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder.[209]
Israel's foreign minister Tzipi Livni stated on January 3 that there's no humanitarian crisis in Gaza,[210]and that the humanitarian situation in Gaza is "completely as it should be", [211] maintaining Israel's earlier stance.[212][213][214] The head of the Arab League, Amr Moussa, has criticised Israeli Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni for declaring that there's no humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip. He also criticised the Security Council for not responding faster to the crisis.[211] The International Red Cross said the situation was "intolerable" and a "full blown humanitarian crisis."[215]
On 7 January, Israel agreed to a three-hour humanitarian truce, allowing supplies and fuel into Gaza.[145] The UN replied that "any mechanism that facilitates the distribution of assistance is welcomed", but stated that the needs of the Gaza population are so great, that humanitarian assistance need to operate around the clock providing constant supply lines to meet the population humanitarian needs.[168]The International Red Cross, United Nations and aid workers have reported intolerable conditions and a deepening humanitarian crisis in Gaza.[216] The Red Cross has accused the Israeli military of failing "to meet its obligation under international humanitarian law." [217] U.N. spokesman Chris Gunness said, "We've been coordinating with them (Israeli forces) and yet our staff continue to be hit and killed."[218]
Shelter
The UN described the situation as a "critical protection crisis".[168] The "entire civilian population" in the Gaza strip remains vulnerable, with no safe haven, no bomb shelters and with closed borders, making it one of the rare conflicts where "civilians have no place to flee".[219] [168] There is a sense of "panic, fear and distress" throughout the whole strip.[113][219] Civilians have implemented a self-imposed curfew since no public warning systems or effective shelters exist. [219] People have been evacuating their homes and staying in streets for long hours exposed to further danger, or staying with relatives. [112] Civilians face insecurities while re-stocking basic food items, water and cooking gas.[219] Most families are holed up in one or two rooms, without electricity and with barely running water.[219] Children, 56% of the population, have no outlets and they remain "dangerously exposed" to the fighting around them. [168] [219] Entire families are moving to safer places at night.[219]
The Palestinian Red Cross estimates that thousands of homes have been damaged and it became "increasingly difficult" for their residents to stay in them due to the cold weather.[220] The UNRWA has prepared its schools to act as temporary shelters for displaced persons. [112] As of January 1st, approximately 400 people spend the night under the UNRWA emergency shelters.[221][113] As reported by both the Save the Children Alliance and the Al Mezan Center, prior to the IDF ground operation, more than 13,000 people (2000 families) have been displaced in the strip. [220] The majority of those families seek shelter with relatives, while 1,200 people are staying on the temporary emergency shelters provided by the UNRWA. [220] As of the eleventh day of war, approximately 16,000 Palestinians are staying on the UNRWA shelters. [168] [222] As of the thirteenth of day the Israeli military operation, 19,800 displaced Palestinian people are stying on the UNRWA shelters.[223]
Fuel and electricity
The only power plant in Gaza is not operational due to the lack of industrial fuel and spare parts.[219][113] As of 1 January, power outages last 16 hours per day.[219][113][112] Due to localised damage following the airstrikes, some electrical lines have been cut, causing some areas to suffer from power cuts lasting 24 hours.[219][113] In addition, due to the damage caused by the air strikes to 15 electrical transformers, as much as 250,000 people in central and northern Gaza have no electricity supply during the entire day and night.[113] On the first of January, a 5MW line from Egypt to Rafah was damaged, extending the power cuts to Rafah, which usually has a continuous supply.[113] Fuel for heating and cooking are no longer available and most of the 240 gas stations in Gaza City have been closed.[113]
As of 4 January, there's almost total blackout in Gaza City, North Gaza, Middle Area and Khan Yunis. [220] 90% of the telephone network, including both cellular service and land lines, is down, since it depends on backup generators with dwindling fuel stocks.[224][220] Since the Israeli ground operation, 75% of Gaza's electricity has been cut off and the Palestinian technicians face difficulties reaching damaged lines because of the military attacks.[222] As of 7 January, much of the population of the Gaza Strip continues to live without electricity.[168]
Water
Since 5 November, there has been a shortage of chlorine for water treatment due to Israeli blockades, increasing the risk of outbreak of water diseases.[112] On 27 December, Israeli airstrikes extensively damaged two water wells, rendering a population of 30,000 Palestinians without water.[112] Since Wednesday 31 December, sewage and water systems in Beit Hanoun were hit at five locations causing considerable damage to the main sewage pipeline leading to sewage water pouring into the streets. [219] [113] On 2 January, airstrikes in the [[al-Mughraqa] area damaged a main drinking water pipe, cutting off water supplies to 30,000 people in Nuseirat Camp.[225] The UN sums the situation that as of 2 January, 250,000 people in Gaza City and northern Gaza are without water supply; seven water wells were seriously damaged and cannot be repaired due to bombardments.[113]
As of the fourth of January, and as reported by the Palestinian Coastal Municipality Water Utility (CMWU) throughout the UN reports, 70% of the Gaza strip 1.5 million population have no access to water. [220] The CMWU also fears that continued shelling near the Beit Lahiya sewage lagoon will cause a massive sewage overflow. In addition to agricultural areas, up to 15,000 people are directly at risk.[113][220]
Health
Weakened by the eighteen-month Blockade of the Gaza Strip, as of 31 December the central drug store reported that 105 drugs and 255 medical supplies of the essential drug and supplies list are still unavailable, and approximately 20 percent of the ambulances were grounded due to lack of spare parts.[112] Ambulances are experiencing difficulties in reaching the injured because of continuous fire. [220] Hospitals also suffer a "severe" shortage of cooking gas, which is expected to be totally depleted in the coming days. Due to this shortage, the WFP distributed canned meat and high energy biscuits. [113] As a result of shortages,[226] dozens of Gaza Arabs are being treated in Ashkelon's Barzilai Hospital,[227] while others are crossing into Egypt from Gaza for treatment.[228] According to the World Health Organisation, there are at least 1,000 medical machines out of order. As of the eighth day of war, this shortage of equipment and spare parts was still a "main challenge" but the Ministry of Health stated that "while conditions at hospitals are extremely precarious, the situation has stabilised, following the large volume of medical supplies received". [225]
As of the fourth of January, all of Gaza City hospitals have been without main electricity for 48 consecutive hours, depending entirely on back-up generators. The hospitals warn that the generators are close to collapse. [220] On the fourth of January, UNRWA had to close four out of its eighteen health centers because of hostilities in the vicinity, [220] with one more center closed by the next day. [222] On the fifth of January, generators at the Ministry of Health ambulance stations, vaccine stores, labs and warehouses shut down due to the lack of fuel, till the UNRWA delivered some short term fuel. [222] Humanitarian organisations are receiving urgent requests for strong pain killers, body gas, bed sheets for wrapping the dead, and an urgent need for neuro-, vascular-, orthopedic- and open heart surgeons. [222] Collateral damage to hospitals, broken windows as an example, are not being repaired. The Palestinian Red Cross has been unable to respond to many calls due to the military operations. [222]
Cash
The Israeli shekel is a widely used currency in the Gaza Strip, and the territory needs at least 400 million shekels, or about $100 million each month in new currency to replace aging notes and to pay salaries.[229] Since 24 December, the ban on the entry of banknotes into Gaza has hampered several humanitarian programs run by the UNRWA, the largest humanitarian assistance provider in the Gaza Strip.[113][112] As of 7 January, the eleventh day of the attacks, cash has still not entered the Gaza Strip and is urgently needed, including for the UNRWA cash distribution program to some 94,000 dependent beneficiaries, as well as for its "cash for work" program.[113][225][220][222] [168]
Humanitarian aid deliveries
See also: Humanitarian aid for Gaza
There are six border-crossing points into Gaza, five of which are under Israeli control (Erez crossing, Karni crossing, Nahal Oz, Sufa, and Kerem Shalom). The Rafah crossing is at the Gaza border with Egypt.[230]
On 28 December 2008, Israel opened the Kerem Shalom border crossing for 6 hours to allow 23 trucks of food and supplies to cross into Gaza.[231] The crossing was opened again the two following days, bringing the total number of truckloads to 179, including 10 ambulances.[232]Other humanitarian shipments which Israel allowed into the Gaza Strip include:
- 31 December 2008: 12 Palestinians entered Israel for medical treatment, including 2 children, together with their escorts. 93 truckloads of goods were delivered, bringing the total aid to 6500 tons.[233]
- 1 January 2009: 8 chronically ill Palestinians entered Israel for medical treatment, together with their escorts. 60 truckloads (1360 tons) of aid were delivered.[234]
- 2 January 2009: 64 trucks carried 1530 tons of aid into Gaza. 226 dual nationals were evacuated.[235]
- 5 January 2009: 49 truckloads of aid entered Gaza. Also delivered through pipelines were 215,000 liters of fuel for the Gaza power station, 93,000 liters of diesel for UN organizations and 50 tons of domestic cooking gas. Two doctors and two nurses entered Gaza at the Erez crossing.[236]
- 6 January 2009: 57 trucks loaded with 1312 tons of food, animal feed, and medical supplies were shipped into Gaza. There was also a shipment of hypochlorite for water purification.[237]
- 7 January 2009: 80 trucks of food and medical supplies were shipped into Gaza, 500,000 liters of diesel were piped from the Nahal Oz terminal, and 60,000 liters of fuel were shipped by truck.[238]
Addressing the aid situation on January 7, Save the Children stated that, "The small amount of aid allowed in, while better than nothing, is a pitiful gesture in the face of such an overwhelming humanitarian crisis." It noted that, "400 trucks of food alone need to be brought into Gaza every day to feed the 1.1 million people dependent on aid to survive. This figure does not include the truckloads of fuel, medical supplies and other essentials Gaza desperately needs."[239]
Several countries pledged aid after the offensive on Gaza began, promising financial support and relief and medical aid. Countries such as Algeria, Argentina, and Brazil have stated that they will send relief teams to help with the situation in Gaza[240][241][242]
Expatriate community
Besides Palestinian civilians, the large expatriate community living in Gaza has also been a victim to the attacks, many of them trapped and unable to leave due to the bombardment as well as the blockade on Gaza's borders. Before the attacks, thousands of foreigners were living in Gaza, and while many of them were allowed to leave during the attacks, hundreds still remain inside the territory, including nationals from several Western nations such as Canada, France, Norway, Poland, Sweden, and the United States.[243] Philippine nationals are also being evacuated.[244] On January 8, 2009, the first expatriates to die from the attacks was a Ukrainian mother and her daughter, while her other daughter was injured.[245]
Israeli public relations campaign
Haaretz reported that Israeli Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni "instructed senior ministry officials to open an aggressive and diplomatic international public relations campaign in order to gain support for Israel Defense Forces operations in the Gaza Strip." Israeli officials at embassies and consulates worldwide have mounted campaigns in local media, and to that end have recruited people who speak the native language. Israel has also opened an international media centre in Sderot.[246] Deputy Foreign Minister Majallie Whbee has criticised the international media coverage, claiming it has not shown the Israeli side.[247] Israel's consulate in New York began holding online press conferences on Twitter, a microblogging website, and the IDF Spokesperson's Unit has opened a channel on the website YouTube.[248]
Ban on foreign journalists in Gaza
Israel has refused access to Gaza by foreign journalists since November 2008. On January 6, the New York Times reported that the blocking of media access to Gaza was part of an "unprecedented" effort on the part of the Israeli government to "control entirely the message and narrative for reasons both of politics and military strategy." According to the article, journalists prevented from entering Gaza had "full access to Israeli political and military commentators eager to show them around southern Israel, where Hamas rockets have been terrorising civilians," as well as to press tours of Israel by private groups funded by Americans.[249]
The Foreign Press Association (FPA) of Israel issued a statement on January 6 stating that, "The unprecedented denial of access to Gaza for the world’s media amounts to a severe violation of press freedom and puts the state of Israel in the company of a handful of regimes around the world which regularly keep journalists from doing their jobs."[249]
Two days later, the Index on Censorship reported that the FPA in Israel, "expressed anger over the Israeli government's continued refusal to allow foreign journalists into Gaza," noting that despite a ruling from Israel's Supreme Court that journalists on a list compiled by the FPA must be allowed into the area, Israel was refusing to comply. Israeli press spokesperson, Daniel Seaman, said that the security situation was too dangerous to allow journalists to pass through the crossing, though a BBC reporter was allowed to enter, embedded with Israeli troops.[250]
Chris Warren, a spokesperson for the International Federation of Journalists, said that the ban on foreign media entering Gaza, combined with the Military Censor's now following strict guidelines issued by the head censorship office in Israel, meant that the world was not being allowed to see what is happening in Gaza. Warren also said that as, "It's not being monitored, because it's not being reported, then almost inevitably the loss of lives, the abuse of people's human rights, is going to be greater than it would be if it was being properly reported in a way that we would usually expect."[251]
Warnings to civilians
In an attempt to reduce civilian casualties, Israel has employed a tactic the IDF has named "roof knocking". Before a target is bombed, the building in question receives a telephone call in Arabic warning to evacuate the building. The tactic was used in the assassination of Nizar Rayan.[252][253]
Other tactics, have been said to be psychological, include sending warnings by sending recorded phone calls to Gazans. One call stated, "Urgent message, warning to the citizens of Gaza: Hamas is using you as human shields. Do not listen to them. Hamas has abandoned you and are hiding in their shelters", or dropping leaflets reading "that the IDF will continue using full force against Hamas...the toll will be very painful."[254] Meanwhile Hamas has sent its own messages to Israeli citizens' mobile phones, warning "rockets on all cities, shelters will not protect you."[255]
Reactions
International reactions
Most members of the Arab League including Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, Qatar, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, the United Arab Emirates, and Yemen have called for an end to the Israeli "attack" and/or "aggression". Cuba, Iran, Pakistan, Russia, South Africa, Spain, Turkey[256] and Venezuela also criticised Israel. Iran accused Israel's supporters of condoning "Zionist terrorism"[257]. Australia, Canada, the Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary, and the United States defended Israel's attacks and condemned Hamas.[258] Mauritania, one of three Arab League countries to hold diplomatic relations with Israel, recalled its ambassador from Tel Aviv in the aftermath of the invasion of Gaza for "consultations."[259]
Elements in Indonesia are seeking to put together a coalition such as the one put together after Saddam Hussein invaded Kuwait.[260][261]
On January 6, Venezuela expelled the Israeli ambassador and Hugo Chavez called for Ehud Olmert to be tried for war crimes.[262]
Cardinal Renato Martino said Look at the conditions in Gaza: more and more, it resembles a big concentration camp.[263] Yigal Palmor, a spokesman for the Israeli Foreign Ministry, called his comments Hamas propaganda.[264]
United Nations reaction
The United Nations Security Council issued a statement on 28 December, 2008 calling, "for an immediate halt to all violence",[265][266] the Arab League,[267] and the European Union made similar calls,[268] as did Argentina, Brazil, China, Hungary, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, Peru, the Philipines, South Korea, and Vietnam.[265] Libya pushed to issue a Security Council Resolution urging for a cease-fire, an effort which the US blocked, citing the failure of the statement made December 28.[257][269]
On 9 January, 2009, the United Nations Security Council voted on Resolution 1860, which was presented by the United Kingdom. Fourteen of the 15 Council members voted in favor of the resolution, with the United States abstaining. The Resolution called for an immediate withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, "unimpeded provision through Gaza of food, fuel and medical treatment, and intensified international arrangements to prevent arms and ammunition smuggling." All members stressed the importance of an "immediate and durable ceasefire".[270][271]
Civilian protests
- Further information: Civilian demonstrations and protests to the 2008–2009 Israel–Gaza conflict
Major protests against Israel were held world-wide[272][273] in Damascus (largest and "government-orchestrated"),[274] Istanbul,[275] London,[276] Paris,[277] Berlin,[278] Moscow,[279] Athens,[278] Malta,[280] Amsterdam,[281] Dublin,[282] Madrid,[278] The United States,[283] Iran,[284] Syria,[284] India,[285][286] Pakistan, Afghanistan,[287] Bangladesh,[285] Indonesia,[279] the Philippines,[285] and throughout Africa.[279][288][289] In Israel demonstrations were held both in support of the operation and against it.[290] In Egypt, the protests resulted in the government's reopening of the Rafah border crossing to allow passage of food and medicine to Gaza.[291] Smaller pro-Israel demonstrations were held in several American cities,[292] and other cities.[293]
Protesters in London, Paris, Oslo, and other cities clashed with the police.[294][295] One Palestinian man was shot dead during a clash between Israeli troops and Palestinian youth in the West Bank.[296] There were global isolated attacks against Jews, Israelis and Jewish targets,[297][298] and 300 Israeli Websites were defaced,[299][300] all of which were interpreted to be in response to the conflict.
Alleged violations of international law
Under international law warring parties are obliged to distinguish between combatants and civilians, ensure that attacks on legitimate military targets are proportional, and guarantee that the military advantage of such attacks outweigh the possible harm done to civilians. Violations of these laws are considered war crimes.[301]
Also under international law occupying powers have certain responsibilities to those under occupation.[302] Israel asserts it ended its occupation of Gaza in 2005.[303][304] However, the United Nations and other international organizations disagree.[305][306][307][308]
By the Israel Defense Forces
On 27 December, the United Nations Human Rights Council,[309] released a statement by Richard Falk, professor emeritus of international law at Princeton University and United Nations Special Rapporteur on "the situation of human rights in the Palestinian territories", [310] in his official capacity as Special Rapporteur. The statement described the Israeli airstrikes as "severe and massive violations of international humanitarian law as defined in the Geneva Conventions, both in regard to the obligations of an Occupying Power and in the requirements of the laws of war." [311] In a Houston Chronicle article Falk wrote that he had "called on the International Criminal Court" to investigate Israeli leaders responsible for possible violations of international criminal law.[312]
Richard Falk's UNHRC statement alleges three violations: “collective punishment” of all 1.5 million people in the Gaza Strip in response to the actions of a few; ”targeting of civilians” by carrying out air strikes in “the most densely populated area of the Middle East"; and ”disproportionate military response” in that Israeli’ attacks have "destroyed every police and security office of Gaza's elected government," and "killed and injured hundreds of civilians."[311]
In response, Justus Weiner and Avi Bell of the Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs state that Israel's actions do not fall under the legal definition of collective punishment, because it has not imposed any criminal-type penalties, and there is no precedent for prosecuting collective punishment in circumstances such as these. They defend the proportionality of the Israeli attacks on the grounds that targeting of military installations is not a violation, even if attacks cause collateral damage to civilians, and that attacks were not intended to cause excessive civilian damage, even if Israel erred in its estimates.[313]
UN Permanent Representative Dumisani Kumalo, representing South Africa in the 6060th UN Security Council meeting, stated that his country considers "the Israeli airstrikes using the most sophisticated war machinery, such as the F-16 planes, are a violation of the international humanitarian law".[27] In the same meeting, the Egyptian representative stated that the "crippling blockade imposed by Israel" is in "flagrant violation" of Israel's responsibilities under international law, international humanitarian law and its specific obligations as an "occupying power".[27] In a subsequent meeting, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Jordan stated that "the military operations were a flagrant violation of international humanitarian law and the Fourth Geneva Convention".[314]
With regard to specific incidents
President Mahmoud Abbas stated he was considering taking Israel to international courts after Israeli tank shells killed 42 Palestinians seeking shelter in a U.N. school.[177] Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu, secretary-general of the Organisation of the Islamic Conference (OIC), said in a statement "This is a brutal crime and a clear war crime, along with other attacks, and its perpetrators must not escape an international trial."[315][316] Raji Sourani, head of the Palestinian Center for Human Rights (PCHR) in Gaza stated that "The repeated bombing of clearly marked civilian buildings, where civilians were sheltering, crosses several red lines in regard to international law."[317]
After a delay of several days, a team of the Geneva-based International Committee of the Red Cross was allowed access by Israel to parts of Gaza on January 7. In a statement that expressed "shock" at the deplorable conditions found in areas struck by Israel, the Red Cross, in unusually blunt criticism stated that it "believes that in this instance the Israeli military failed to meet its obligation under international humanitarian law to care for and evacuate the wounded."[318] Four starving children were found sitting next to their mother's corpses and those of others in a part of Gaza City bombed by Israeli forces, along with wounded people too sick to get up within 80 meters of positions where Israeli soldiers were stationed.[319] [320] Pierre Wettach, an ICRC representative stated that “The Israeli military must have been aware of the situation but did not assist the wounded. Neither did they make it possible for us or the Palestine Red Crescent to assist the wounded,” he was quoted as saying.[321][322]
On January 7, Amnesty International accused the IDF and Palestinian gunmen of using Palestinian civilians as human shields. Malcolm Smart, the Middle East and North Africa programme director said that, "Our sources in Gaza report Israeli soldiers have entered and taken up positions in a number of Palestinian homes, forcing families to stay in a ground-floor room while they use the rest of their house as a military base and sniper position," and that, "This clearly increases the risk to the Palestinian families concerned, and means they are effectively being used as human shields."[323]
Petition to the Israeli Supreme Court
A petition by eight human rights groups is asking the Supreme Court in Israel to order the Israel Defense Forces to vouch for the safety of medical teams in Gaza and allow injured people to be evacuated to medical facilities. One of the eight groups, Physicians for Human Rights, cites six cases in the petition in which medical personnel were killed by the Israel Defense Forces. It also said that medical teams called to evacuate wounded Palestinians from collapsed buildings were often prevented from tending to the injured because of IDF fire directed at them, adding this occurs even in cases in which IDF forces are given advance notification of the medical teams' arrival. The state response to the petition said that IDF troops are under "clear instructions not to fire on ambulances and medical teams as they perform their tasks, except in cases in which they are used for fighting against the IDF, such as in cases where it is absolutely clear that an ambulance is used not to transport injured people but to move around rockets and ammunition." The petition will be heard by the court on January 9.[324]
By Palestinian militants
The UNHRC statement by Falk noted: "Certainly the rocket attacks against civilian targets in Israel are unlawful. But that illegality does not give rise to any Israeli right, neither as the Occupying Power nor as a sovereign state, to violate international humanitarian law and commit war crimes or crimes against humanity in its response."[311]
The BBC reports that, "Witnesses and analysts confirm that Hamas fires rockets from within populated civilian areas, and all sides agree that the movement flagrantly violates international law by targeting civilians with its rockets."[325]Qatar Minister of Foreign Affairs stated that "The pretext of Israel concerning Palestinian rockets cannot deceive people", stressing that the occupation of Palestinian territories was the cause of the rockets. He also stated that ending the Israeli occupation is necessary to restore calm.[314]
Harvard law professor, Alan M. Dershowitz also accused Hamas of various war crimes including its alleged use of the civilian population as human shields. He argues that "The use of human shields, in the way Hamas uses the civilian population of Gaza, is a war crime -- as is its firing of rockets at Israeli civilians. Every human shield that is killed by Israeli self-defence measures is the responsibility of Hamas […]"[326]
Israel argues that Hamas blurs the line between civilians and combatants, and is therefore responsible for civilian deaths in Gaza. The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs alleges that Hamas' alleged use of "human shields" and "operational use of heavily built-up and densely populated civilian areas" violates Article 8(2)(b)(xxiii) of the Rome Statute. This statute defines as a war crime the act of "Utilizing the presence of a civilian […] to render certain points, areas or military forces immune from military operations." It also defines Palestinian attacks as terrorist in nature, because they kill civilians in order to "sow terror" within the broader civilian population. This would constitute violation of the Laws of Armed Conflict, as outlined in Article 51(2) of Additional Protocol I to the Geneva Conventions of 1949.[327]
In 2007 exiled Hamas political chief Khaled Mashaal, called recent rockets attacks on Israel "self defense."[328] In a 2007 report on “Indiscriminate Fire” by both sides in the conflict Human Rights Watch stated that Hamas leaders “argue that rocket attacks on Israel are the only way to counter Israel's policies and operations, including artillery strikes. Such justifications do not overcome the illegality of the attacks under international humanitarian law."[329]
See also
References
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- ^ a b c "Hamas: We're using PA arms to battle IDF". The Jerusalem Post.
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- ^ "Israeli jets kill 'at least 225' in strikes on Gaza".
- ^ a b "ABC News: Israeli Troops Mobilise as Gaza Assault Widens". Abcnews.go.com. Retrieved December 28, 2008.
- ^ http://www.calcuttanews.net/story/451232
- ^ http://dover.idf.il/IDF/English/News/the_Front/09/01/0901.htm
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- ^ Current events. Embassy of Israel in Washington DC. In the middle of the page is a list of 4 Israelis killed by rocket and mortar fire. One was a soldier killed on a military base inside Israel.
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- ^ a b c d Libya calling the operation a "horrible massacre" in "United Nations Security Council 6060th meeting (Click on the page S/PV.6060 record for transcript)". United Nations Security Council. 2008-12-31. Retrieved 2009-1-7.
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- ^ MAX, ALEX (2009-01-01). "Israel targets Gaza mosques used by Hamas". Associated Press. Retrieved 2009-01-05.
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(help) - ^ Isabel Kershner (6/25/2008). "Rockets hit Israel, breaking Hamas truce". International Herald Tribune.
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(help) - ^ a b "Israel closes Gaza crossings after rocket fire". MSNBC.com. June 25, 2008. Retrieved 2009-01-08.
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ignored (help) - ^ Sofer, Roni (December 13, 2008). "Israel in favor of extending Gaza lull". Ynetnews. Retrieved December 27, 2008.
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(help) - ^ Amnesty International: there are no safe places in Gaza Palestine News Network 2009-01-01
- ^ Situation Report From The Humanitarian Coordinator, 7 January 2009, United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. "There is no safe space in the Gaza Strip- no safe haven, no bomb shelters, and the borders are closed making this one of the rare conflicts where civilians have no place to flee."
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- ^ a b c Who is behind the Lebanon rockets?
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- ^ "Lebanese prime minister condemns rocket attacks". Associated Press in Yahoo News.
- ^ Gaza conflict has potential to draw in Hezbollah
- ^ http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090109/ap_on_re_mi_ea/ml_israel_palestinians
- ^ http://www.13wmaz.com/article/20090108/NEWS04/90108015
- ^ Protection of Civilians Weekly Report. Jan. 1-9 2009. Jan. 8, 2009. OCHA oPt (United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs - occupied Palestinian territory).[7]
- ^ a b "Israeli forces split Gaza in two". BBC. 2009-1-04.
{{cite news}}
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(help) - ^ "Israel continues Gaza assault". Doha, QA: Al Jazeera. 2009-01-03. Retrieved 2009-01-03.
- ^ a b "Ministry of Health publishes names of those killed, number reaches 410". Palestine News Network. 2008-12-31.
{{cite news}}
:|access-date=
requires|url=
(help);|archive-url=
requires|url=
(help) - ^ "Statement to the Security Council on the situation in the Middle East". United Nations. December 31, 2008. Retrieved January 3, 2009.
- ^ "Israeli airstrikes kill dozens of Gaza civilians". International Herald Tribune. December 29, 2008. Archived from the original on January 2, 2009.
- ^ a b "Defiant Hamas hits Israel with dozens of rockets". Yahoo! News. December 29, 2008. Archived from the original on January 2, 2009.
- ^ "Jets target Rafah tunnels; 375 now dead, 1,720 injured". Ma'an News Agency. 2008-12-30. Retrieved "2008-12-31T00:50+02".
{{cite news}}
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value (help); Check date values in:|accessdate=
(help) - ^ The Associated Press (December 29 2008). "Israeli airstrikes kill dozens of Gaza civilians". The Herald Tribune.
{{cite web}}
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(help); Italic or bold markup not allowed in:|publisher=
(help) - ^ Israelis Say Strikes Against Hamas Will Continue 2008-27-12
- ^ IDF ready to deploy in all of Gaza Strip [The Jerusalem Post]
- ^ "Israel Resumes Attack After Pause for Aid Delivery".
- ^ "Three Israeli soldiers killed by 'friendly' fire: army".
- ^ "Tank and infantry operations in Gaza investigated". 2009-01-06.
- ^ "Israeli troops clash with Hamas". BBC News. 2009-01-04.
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(help) - ^ "Report: Hamas holding 2 Israeli soldiers; IDF: No knowledge of report".
- ^ http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/30/world/middleeast/30mideast.html?fta=y.
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(help); Missing or empty|title=
(help) - ^ Weiss, Mark (2009-01-05). "Death toll tops 500 as Israeli forces cut Gaza Strip in two".
- ^ "Invading Israeli troops battle Hamas fighters in Gaza".
- ^ Heavy shelling reported as IDF steps up anti-tunnel ops [The Jerusalem Post]
- ^ ARTHUR MAX and IBRAHIM BARZAK (January 8, 2009). "UN halts Gaza aid after Israel attack on workers". Associated Press, hosted on Google News. Retrieved 2009-01-09.
- ^ "Doctor in Gaza: Patients 'lying everywhere'". CNN.
- ^ "Livni: No crisis in Gaza Strip". Aljazeera English. 2009-1-1. Retrieved 2009-1-3.
{{cite news}}
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and|date=
(help) - ^ a b http://haaretz.com/hasen/spages/1052302.html
- ^ Gaza:"pas de crise humanitaire"(Livni) Le Figaro 1/1/2009
- ^ 'Livni: No crisis in Gaza Strip', AlJazeera, January 01, 2009
- ^ James Hider, Hamas rockets threaten Israel's N-plan, The Australian January 03, 2009
- ^ "Gaza clashes spark 'major crisis'". BCC News.
- ^ http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/middle_east/7813671.stm
- ^ "Red Cross Reports Grisly Find in Gaza". Washington Post.
- ^ http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090108/ap_on_re_mi_ea/ml_israel_palestinians
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k "Gaza Humanitarian Situation Report - 1 January 2009 as of 14:30". UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. 2009-1-1. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2009-1-3. Retrieved 2009-1-3.
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,|date=
, and|archivedate=
(help) - ^ a b c d e f g h i j k "Situation Report from the Humanitarian Coordinator - 4 January 2009 as of 17:00". UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. 2009-1-4. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2009-1-4. Retrieved 2009-1-4.
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,|date=
, and|archivedate=
(help) - ^ "Gaza Flash Appeal". UNRWA. 2009-1-1. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2009-1-3. Retrieved 2009-1-3.
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,|date=
, and|archivedate=
(help) - ^ a b c d e f g "Situation Report From The Humanitarian Coordinator - 5 January 2009 as of 17:00". UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. 2009-1-5. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2009-1-5. Retrieved 2009-1-5.
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,|date=
, and|archivedate=
(help) - ^ "Field Update From Gaza From The Humanitarian Coordinator - 8 January 2009, 17.00 hours". UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. 2009-1-8. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2009-1-8. Retrieved 2009-1-8.
{{cite news}}
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,|date=
, and|archivedate=
(help) - ^ http://www.google.com/hostednews/ukpress/article/ALeqM5iv4xv2KNWjkm8Ixw60eD52Va5zTw The Press Association - Gaza close to losing phone contact
- ^ a b c "Gaza Humanitarian Situation Report – 3 January 2009 as of 16:00". UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. 2009-1-3. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2009-1-3.
{{cite news}}
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and|archivedate=
(help); Unknown parameter|accesdate=
ignored (|access-date=
suggested) (help) - ^ Everingham, Sara (2008-12-31). "Gaza hospital chief says medical supplies still low". Gaza, PS: ABC Australia. Retrieved 2009-01-03.
- ^ Israeli Hospital Cares for Sick and Injured Gaza Arabs, INN, 29-12-2008
- ^ Mubarak: We'll open Gaza crossing only if PA takes control, Haaretz, 21-12-2008
- ^ Cash crunch leaves Gazans using tattered notes
- ^ "The Gaza Strip". July 24, 2007. Retrieved 2009-01-09.
- ^ IDF Opens Border Crossing for Humanitarian Aid Transfer to Gaza
- ^ Israel Increases Humanitarian Effort to the Gaza Strip
- ^ Israel Increases Humanitarian Effort to the Gaza Strip
- ^ Israel Increases Humanitarian Effort to the Gaza Strip
- ^ Israel Increases Humanitarian Effort to the Gaza Strip
- ^ Israel Increases Humanitarian Effort to the Gaza Strip
- ^ Israel Increases Humanitarian Effort to the Gaza Strip
- ^ Israel Increases Humanitarian Effort to the Gaza Strip
- ^ Save the Children (2009-1-7). "Three-hour Gaza ceasefire dangerously inadequate, says Save the Children". politics.co.uk. Archived from the original on 2009-1-8. Retrieved 2009-01-08.
{{cite web}}
: Check date values in:|date=
and|archivedate=
(help) - ^ Brasil anuncia envío de 14 de toneladas de ayuda humanitaria para Gaza.
- ^ Algeria to send aid to Gaza
- ^ Argentina enviará ayuda humanitaria a la Franja de Gaza
- ^ "Western governments working to extract their citizens from Gaza". CNN. 2008-01-07. Retrieved 2009-01-08.
- ^ "108 Pinoys in Gaza must join evacuation - DFA". GMA Network. 2008-01-08. Retrieved 2009-01-08.
- ^ "Ukrainian mother, child killed in Gaza". Interfax. 2008-01-08. Retrieved 2009-01-08.
- ^ Ravid, Barak (December 27, 2008). "Israel to mount emergency international PR effort in wake of Gaza campaign". Retrieved December 27, 2008.
{{cite web}}
: Cite has empty unknown parameter:|coauthors=
(help) - ^ "Whbee slams int'l media for playing down Israel's version". Jerusalem Post. December 28, 2008. Retrieved December 28, 2008.
- ^ Hodge, Nathan (2008-12-30). "YouTube, Twitter: Weapons in Israel's Info War". Wired. Retrieved 2008-12-31.
- ^ a b "Israel Puts Media Clamp on Gaza", by Ethan Bronner, New York Times, January 6, 2009.
- ^ Padraig Reidy (January 8, 2009). "Israel: Press anger over continued censorship". Index on Censorship. Retrieved 2009-01-08.
- ^ Based on an AM report by Nicole Butler (January 8, 2009). "Journalists say truth is the casualty of Gaza shut-out". ABC News.
{{cite web}}
:|access-date=
requires|url=
(help); Missing or empty|url=
(help) - ^ Marquez, Miguel (2 January 2009). "Bush: U.S. Calls for Monitored Cease-fire Pact". ABC News. Retrieved 8 January 2009.
{{cite news}}
: Unknown parameter|coauthors=
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suggested) (help) - ^ http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/1052052.html
- ^ "Israeli military surrounds Gaza City, officals say". CNN. Archived from the original on 2009-1-8.
{{cite news}}
: Check date values in:|archivedate=
(help) - ^ "Hamas leader killed in airstrike as Israelis reject ceasefire call". Times Online.
- ^ Turkey condemns attacks on Gaza, urges Israel to halt operations Hurriyet
- ^ a b Hashem Kalantari (2009-01-04). "Gaza to be Israeli "graveyard:" Iran's Larijani". Reuters. Retrieved 2009-01-04. Cite error: The named reference "Reuters" was defined multiple times with different content (see the help page).
- ^ "Merkel Blasts Hamas for Middle East Violence". Der Spiegel Online. December 29, 2008. Retrieved December 29, 2008.
- ^ Associated Press (January 6, 2009). "Mauritania recalls its ambassador from Tel Aviv". The Standard. Retrieved 2009-01-06.
- ^ http://old.thejakartapost.com/detailheadlines.asp?fileid=20090105.A04&irec=3
- ^ http://old.thejakartapost.com/detailnational.asp?fileid=20090105.H08&irec=2
- ^ http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601086&sid=aOeqjeBHkTx0&refer=latin_america
- ^ http://uk.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idUKTRE5066OA20090107
- ^ http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/09/world/middleeast/09vatican.html
- ^ a b Worsnip, Patrick (December 28, 2008). "U.N. Security Council calls for end to Gaza violence". Reuters. Retrieved December 28, 2008.
{{cite web}}
: Unknown parameter|coauthors=
ignored (|author=
suggested) (help) Cite error: The named reference "worsnip1" was defined multiple times with different content (see the help page). - ^ "Reaction in quotes: Gaza bombing". BBC News. December 27, 2008. Retrieved December 27, 2008.
- ^ "A rush to broker peace in Gaza".
- ^ Castle, Stephen. "Europe Sends Two Missions to Promote a Cease-Fire". New York Times.
{{cite news}}
: Unknown parameter|coauthors=
ignored (|author=
suggested) (help) - ^ Edith M. Lederer (2008-01-04). "US blocks UN Security Council action on Gaza". AP.
{{cite news}}
:|access-date=
requires|url=
(help) - ^ http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=29495&Cr=gaza&Cr1=
- ^ http://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/meast/01/08/gaza.security.council/index.html
- ^ "Gaza attacks: Israeli strikes spark protests across world". London, UK: Telegraph. 2008.
{{cite news}}
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ignored (help); Unknown parameter|month=
ignored (help) - ^ Dex, Robert (2009-01-02). "Protesters demand Egypt opens Gaza border". The Independent. Retrieved 2009-01-04.
- ^ http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1231167318634&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull
- ^ Hundreds of thousands protest in Turkey against Israeli offensive Hurriyet News English
- ^ http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2009/jan/04/gaza-israel-demonstration-trafalgar-square
- ^ http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3646039,00.html
- ^ a b c The Associated Press (January 3, 2009). "European protesters call for end to Gaza attacks". International Herald Tribune. Retrieved 2009-01-03.
- ^ a b c "Protests Against Israel's Gaza Bombardment Spread". VOA News. 2009-01-02.
{{cite news}}
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(help) - ^ "Protest against massacre in Gaza held in Valletta". Times of Malta. 2008-12-30. Retrieved 2009-01-05.
- ^ "Protest against Israeli assault on Gaza". Radio Netherlands. January 3, 2009. Retrieved 2009-01-03.
- ^ http://www.rte.ie/news/2009/0103/gaza.html
- ^ "Widespread protests in US against Gaza attack Israel still at it in Gaza".
{{cite news}}
: line feed character in|title=
at position 46 (help) - ^ a b http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2009/01/02/news/ML-Israel-Palestinians-Protests.php
- ^ a b c "Worldwide protests denounce Israel". Jazeera English. January 3, 3009. Retrieved 2009-01-03.
{{cite web}}
: Check date values in:|date=
(help) - ^ "Kolkata Muslims protest against Israeli air strikes". Thaindian News. January 3, 2009. Retrieved 2009-01-03.
- ^ "Hundreds of Afghans stage new anti-Israel demos". Indopia. January 3, 2009. Retrieved 2009-01-03.
- ^ "Israel continues assault, despite worldwide protests". CTV.ca. January 2, 2009. Retrieved 2009-01-03.
- ^ "Stop killing Palestinians, Dar Muslims tell Israel".
- ^ Raved, Ahiya (2008-12-29). "Students protest Gaza operation". Tel Aviv, IL: Ynet. Retrieved 2009-01-04.
- ^ "Hundreds of Gazans breach Egyptian border". Jerusalem Post. December 29, 2008. Archived from the original on January 2, 2009.
- ^ *"Pro-Palestinian demonstration held in NYC". SI Live. December 30, 2008. Archived from the original on January 5, 2009.
- "Police Allow Pro-Palestinians to Snarl San Francisco Streets - Scuffles Break Out". San Francisco Sentinel. December 31, 2008. Archived from the original on January 5, 2009.
- [8]
- [9]
- [10]
- http://www.nashvillecitypaper.com/news.php?viewStory=65114
- ^ "Thousands attend Gaza demonstrations in Sydney and Melbourne". News.au.com. January 4, 2009. Archived from the original on January 5, 2009.
- "Image from Reuter". Reuters. January 4, 2009. Archived from the original on January 5, 2009.
- "Pro-Israeli, Palestinian rallies face off over Gaza". CTV. December 28, 2008. Archived from the original on January 5, 2009.
- ^ Lawless, Jill (January 4, 2009). "European protesters urge end to offensive on Gaza". Associated Press. Archived from the original on January 4, 2009.
- ^ "European protests at Israel's Gaza offensive". Radio Netherlands Worldwide. January 3, 2009. Archived from the original on January 4, 2009.
- ^ [11]
- ^ "Arson Attempt On Chicago Synagogue Linked To Gaza Attacks". All Headline News. December 30, 2008.
{{cite web}}
: Check|archiveurl=
value (help) - ^ "Revenge attack? Israelis shot in Denmark". YNet News. December 31, 2008. Archived from the original on January 4, 2009.
- ^ CGI Security
- ^ Indymedia
- ^ "ICRC Advisory Service on International Humanitarian Law (July, 2004)". Retrieved January 4, 2009.
- ^ Occupation and international humanitarian law: questions and answers, International Committee of the Red Cross, 2004.
- ^ International Law and Gaza: The Assault on Israel's Right to Self-Defense, Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs, Vol. 7, No. 29, January 28,2008.
- ^ Israeli MFA Address by Israeli Foreign Minister Livni to the 8th Herzliya Conference, Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Israel), January 22, 2008.
- ^ Summary of the Advisory Opinion: Legal Consequences of the Construction of a Wall in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, International Court of Justice, July 9, 2004, treats Gaza as part of the occupied territories.
- ^ Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs office on Occupied Palestinian Territory web site, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs maintains an office on “Occupied Palestinian Territory” which continues to concern itself with the Gaza Strip.
- ^ A Debate on Israel’s Invasion of Gaza: UNRWA’s Christopher Gunness v. Israel Project’s Meagan Buren, Democracy Now, January 05, 2009; Christopher Gunness, spokesperson for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) identifies Israel an occupying power.
- ^ "Human Rights Council Special Session on the Occupied Palestinian Territories" July 6, 2006; Human Rights Watch considers Gaza still occupied.
- ^ [12]
- ^
"Human Rights Council elects Advisory Committee Members and approves a number of Special Procedures mandate holders". United Nations. 2008-03-26. Archived from the original on 2009-01-01. Retrieved 2009-01-01.
{{cite web}}
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(help) - ^ a b c
Falk, Richard (2008-12-27). "Statement by Prof. Richard Falk, United Nations Special Rapporteur for Human Rights in the Occupied Territories". United Nations Human Rights Council. Retrieved 2009-01-04.
{{cite web}}
: Cite has empty unknown parameter:|coauthors=
(help) - ^ Richard Falk, Bring light — and censure — to brutal Israeli attacks, World needs to see the victims and carnage in Gaza,Houston Chronicle, December 29, 2008.
- ^ Weiner, Justus Reid (2008-12-25). "International Law and the Fighting in Gaza". Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2009-01-02. Retrieved 2009-01-03.
{{cite web}}
: Unknown parameter|coauthors=
ignored (|author=
suggested) (help) - ^ a b UN Security Council 6061th Meeting Script
- ^ Islamic body says Israel school attack a war crime, Reuters, January 7, 2009.
- ^ Ihsanoglu condemns Israel’s killing of civilians in Gaza UN schools; calls for emergency special sessions of UNGA and human rights council, Organisation of the Islamic Conference web site, January 7, 2009.
- ^ Mel Frykberg, [http://www.alternet.org/rights/117950/could_israel_be_charged_with_war_crimes/?page=entire Could Israel Be Charged With War Crimes?], IPS News reprinted at Alternet, January 7, 2009.
- ^ New York Times, January 8, 2009, "Gaza Children Found With Mothers’ Corpses" http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/09/world/middleeast/09redcross.html
- ^ New York Times, January 8, 2009, "Gaza Children Found With Mothers’ Corpses" http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/09/world/middleeast/09redcross.html
- ^ New York Times, January 8, 2009, "U.N. and Red Cross Add to Mounting Outcry Against Gaza War", http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/09/world/middleeast/09mideast.html?hp
- ^ New York Times, January 8, 2009, "Gaza Children Found With Mothers’ Corpses" http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/09/world/middleeast/09redcross.html
- ^ Stephanie Nebehay (January 8, 2009). "ICRC says Israel broke international law in Gaza". Reuters. Retrieved 2009-01-08.
- ^ Mel Frykberg (January 8, 2009). [2009-01-08 "MIDEAST: Children Found Starving"]. australia.to.
{{cite web}}
: Check|url=
value (help) - ^ Amira Hass (January 9, 2009). "Human rights groups demand medical access to injured Palestinians". Haaretz.
- ^ Heather Sharp (January 5 2009). "Gaza conflict: Who is a civilian?". Jerusalem: BBC News.
{{cite web}}
: Check date values in:|date=
(help) - ^ "Alan Dershowitz: The CNN strategy". The National Post. January 7 2009.
{{cite web}}
: Check date values in:|date=
(help); Cite has empty unknown parameter:|1=
(help) - ^ "Hamas Exploitation of Civilians as Human Shields". Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs. January 2009. Archived from the original (PDF) on January 7, 2009.
- ^ Hamas: Rocket Attacks on Israel Are 'Self Defense', Associated Press, April 29, 2007.
- ^ Palestinian Rocket Attacks since the IDF Withdrawal, from report Indiscriminate Fire: Palestinian Rocket Attacks on Israel and Israeli Artillery Shelling in the Gaza Strip , Human Rights Watch, June 30, 2007.
External links
- Ongoing news coverage from Aljazeera, BBC News, CNN, Christian Science Monitor, The Guardian, Haaretz, Jerusalem Post, Los Angeles Times, Palestine News Network
- 2008–2009 Israel–Gaza conflict at Discourse DB
- The Palestinian Information Center
- "Israel's Attack on Gaza Strip - The reason." – 6 minutes 44 seconds long film at Google Video
Individual news articles
- "Israelis Face Satisfaction, Fear Over Gaza Attacks". FOXNews.com. FOX News Network. Associated Press. 30 December 2008. Retrieved 7 January 2009.
- Byers, David (31 December 2008). "Gaza: secondary war being fought on the internet". Times Online. Times Newspapers. Retrieved 7 January 2009.
- Qishta, Fida (3 January 2009). "Do Israel pilots feel happy killing innocent women and children? A Palestinian in Gaza chronicles life under Israeli bombardment". guardian.co.uk. Guardian News and Media. Retrieved 7 January 2009.