Israeli Forces Take Swath Of Gaza
Aiming to provide a buffer zone to prevent Palestinian rockets from landing in Israel, IDF elements have occupied an area of Northern Gaza.
A large contingent of IDF infantry and armor units moved into the ruins of three former settlements in northern Gaza in the early hours of the morning, after Qassam rockets fired from the area hit the southern coastal city of Ashkelon for the second time in two days.
Two IDF soldiers were lightly wounded near Beit Lahia earlier Thursday afternoon, one by Palestinian gunfire and the other when a weapon misfired.
The army aimed to capture a broad swath of territory of about one-and-a-quarter kilometers into Palestinian Authority territory, close to Beit Hanun, in an effort to hinder Qassam rocket launchers from targeting Ashkelon and to push them back toward Gaza City and the Jabalya refugee camp.
In southern Gaza, two militants were killed and five others were wounded Thursday afternoon in an Israel Air Force strike, witnesses said.
The IDF confirmed it had carried out the strike close to the Kissufim crossing, after IDF troops were attacked with anti-tank missiles and a rocket.
Militants gathered around the area after the air strike, taking up positions with grenade launchers.
The kidnappers of Gilad Shalit, meanwhile, continue to try to make demands. They appear to be lowering their expectations though.
Hamas has revised its demands for a prisoner exchange, the Arabic-language newspaper Al Hayat reported on Thursday.
According to the London-based publication, the Islamic militant group is now willing to free Gilad Shalit in return for the release of all Palestinian women detained in Israelis jails, estimated at some 100 prisoners, and a further 30 male inmates who have served terms of over 20 years.
The Al Hayat newspaper says Israel has tentatively agreed, but I have serious doubts about the validity of that report.
By Black Jack, Thursday, 6 July , 2006 @ 11:57 am
I sometimes wonder what would be the international response if Israel announced they would henceforth adopt the policies and employ the practices of their opponents. For example, in the case of Gaza, Israel would push the inhabitants into the sea. That might make for lively discussion at the UN and in the pages and broadcasts of MSM.
By Gaius, Thursday, 6 July , 2006 @ 12:00 pm
Yeah, it sure would be lively.