Israeli Forces Bisect Gaza Strip

As Troops Surround Gaza City, Death Toll Passes 500; U.N. Head Calls For End To Operation; Europe Pledges Aid

(CBS/AP)  Thousands of Israeli troops backed by tanks and helicopter gunships pushed deeper into Gaza Sunday, fighting militants at close range and surrounding the coastal territory's largest city in the first full day of an overwhelming ground offensive.

Israel said it has inflicted a heavy blow against Hamas as it expands a weeklong offensive meant to stop rocket fire on southern Israel. But spiraling civilian casualties fueled an intensifying international outcry.

Israel's ground forces moved in after nightfall Saturday following hours of intense, fiery artillery shelling to clear the way. Gaza will be Israel's graveyard, Hamas warned, but Israel said it lost just one soldier in the first day of ground combat, reports CBS News correspondent Richard Roth.

"Israeli soldiers are currently in combat operations in Gaza and we know that we will take casualties," said government spokesman Mark Regev. "We didn't enter this operation because we wanted to."

They did it because they had to, said Prime Minister Ehud Olmert at a cabinet meeting, to stop the barrage of Hamas rockets raining down on Israeli communities. But the rockets haven't stopped, Roth reports. More than thirty fell on Israel on Sunday.

Israeli soldiers continued to fight primarily in open areas in the launching zones used by Gaza's militants to send rockets raining down on Israeli cities. As the troops in three brigade-size formations moved in, residents of those Israeli cities began emerging from bomb shelters in hopes that the rocket fire would taper off.

Backing up the troops, mobile artillery units fired shells that exploded in heavy veils of white smoke over Gaza's urban skyline. Tanks pushed south of Gaza City as deep as the abandoned Israeli settlement of Netzarim, which Israel left along with other Israeli communities when it pulled out of Gaza in 2005.

That effectively cut off Gaza City, the territory's largest population center with some 400,000 residents, from the rest of Gaza to the south.

Israel's military chief said Hamas fighters were trying to draw soldiers deeper into Gaza's sprawling, densely packed urban areas, where the military said Hamas was seeking protection behind civilians.

Israeli forces have not yet entered urban areas, said Brig. Gen. Avi Benayahu, the chief army spokesman. He warned, however, that the operation was not a "school trip" and would be long and demanding.

The ground invasion presents Israel with the risk of being sucked into intense urban combat, with house-to-house fighting, sniper fire and booby-traps. Hamas is believed to have some 20,000 gunmen and has had time to prepare.

To guard against hidden explosives, Israel's ground forces moved through fields and orchards with bomb-sniffing dogs.

Since the ground assault began, 64 Palestinian civilians have been killed, said Dr. Moaiya Hassanain, a Health Ministry official.

At one hospital, in the northern town of Beit Lahiya, medics carrying three injured children in their arms rushed them to treatment. One of the children had a blood-soaked bandage wrapped around his head and covering his eyes.

An Israeli shell also struck an ambulance in the town, killing one paramedic, said Marwan Abu Ras, a hospital administrator. The relief organization Oxfam, which said the ambulance belonged to a partner organization, al-Awda Hospital, confirmed the incident.

An airstrike hit another ambulance belonging to the Hamas-run Health Ministry in Gaza City, killing three other paramedics, said medic Jamal Hawajiri. That ambulance crew was driving to a Hamas training site where there were reports of wounded.

[trapbreaker]

(CBS/AP) Israeli ground troops and tanks cut swaths through the Gaza Strip early Sunday, bisecting the coastal territory and surrounding its biggest city as the new phase of a devastating offensive against Hamas gained momentum.

Israeli troops singing, "Hi, Ho, Hi, Ho, its off to work we go."

[trapbreaker]

Typical Muslim whackos, doing their terrorism thing before breakfast. Now you can understand why Israel can''t have peace talks with Hamas or Hezbollah. They are whacko terrorist.

(CBS/AP) A female suicide bomber blew herself up on Sunday among a crowd of pilgrims worshipping at a revered Shiite shrine in northern Baghdad, killing at least 35 people and wounding at least 65, the Iraqi army said. There were fears the death toll could rise further.

[umberto55-2009]

To leave in peace palestinian have to choose wise politicians; hamas will drive palestinians to tragedy. It is possible to leave in peace, freedom and prosperity. Muslims can live in peace with hebrews. It is possible. Why not understand that? hebrew were there also just before mohamed!live together in peace and don''t listen masters of war!

Posted by Truthin2009
--------------------------------

Oh Lord, won%u2019t you buy me a Mercedes Benz ?
My friends all drive Porsches, I must make amends.
Worked hard all my lifetime, no help from my friends,
So Lord, won%u2019t you buy me a Mercedes Benz ?

Oh Lord, won%u2019t you buy me a color TV ?
Dialing For Dollars is trying to find me.
I wait for delivery each day until three,
So oh Lord, won%u2019t you buy me a color TV ?

Oh Lord, won%u2019t you buy me a night on the town ?
I%u2019m counting on you, Lord, please don%u2019t let me down.
Prove that you love me and buy the next round,
Oh Lord, won%u2019t you buy me a night on the town ?

Everybody!
Oh Lord, won%u2019t you buy me a Mercedes Benz ?
My friends all drive Porsches, I must make amends,
Worked hard all my lifetime, no help from my friends,
So oh Lord, won%u2019t you buy me a Mercedes Benz ?

That%u2019s it!
Janis Joplin....

[trapbreaker]

If terrorist can''t kill Jews, or Brits, or Americans, they will just kill each other.

.

[umberto55-2009]

To leave in peace palestinian have to choose wise politicians; hamas will drive palestinians to tragedy. It is possible to leave in peace, freedom and prosperity. Muslims can live in peace with hebrews. It is possible. Why not understand that? hebrew were there also just before mohamed!live together in peace and don''t listen masters of war!

[trapbreaker]

PRESIDENT JOHN F. KENNEDY: %u201CIsrael was not created in order to disappear - Israel will endure and flourish. It is the child of hope and the home of the brave. It can neither be broken by adversity nor demoralized by success. It carries the shield of democracy and it honors the sword of freedom.%u201D

.

[trapbreaker]

PRESIDENT HARRY S. TRUMAN: "The question of Palestine as a Jewish homeland goes back to the solemn promise that had been made to them [the Jews] by the British in the Balfour Declaration of 1917 - a promise which had stirred the hopes and the dreams of these oppressed people. This promise, I felt, should be kept, just as all promises made by responsible, civilized governments should be kept."

.

[zoopster1]

Terrorist organizations like Hamas, with their upstart agitation tactics, are a threat to world peace.

Let them all burn.

[iamhungry68]

Houses, fields, and vineyards have been bought in that land NOT until recent history.

The Bible predicted this would occur.

For you or anyone else to deny this simply cannot be done because there is no evidence whatsoever to say to the contrary

Posted by Truthin2009 at 08:29 AM : Jan 04, 2009





You present that like that''s "proof"?!?!

You''re kidding right?

[trapbreaker]

Levi? - Posted by FloydZeppd

In the Jewish tradition, a Levite (Hebrew: %u05DC%u05B5%u05D5%u05B4%u05D9, Standard Levi Tiberian L%u0113wn ; "Attached") is a member of the Hebrew tribe of Levi. When Joshua led the Israelites into the land of Canaan, the Levites were the only Israelite tribe who received cities but no tribal land "because the Lord the God of Israel himself is their possession".[1] The Tribe of Levi served particular religious duties for the Israelites and had political responsibilities as well. In return, the landed tribes were expected to give tithe to the Levites, particularly the tithe known as the Maaser Rishon or Levite Tithe.

[trapbreaker]

Cohen? - Posted by FloydZeppd

kohen (or cohen, Hebrew %u05DB%u05BC%u05D4%u05DF, "priest", pl. %u05DB%u05BC%u05D4%u05E0%u05B4%u05D9%u05DD, kohanim or cohanim) has a separate status in Judaism. A kohen is a direct male descendant of the Biblical Aaron, brother of Moses. Another term for the descendants of Aaron are the Aaronites or Aaronids.

[iamhungry68]

How can you possibly deny the fact that the land was desolate and literally uninhabited (backed up by historical facts from travellers through that land before the Jewish migration, like Mark Twain, for example) for 2,000 years until recent history?

Name one other country in the world that has been exiled for 2,000 years only to reborn as a nation again.

Just one

Posted by Truthin2009 at 08:31 AM : Jan 04, 2009






You''re claiming that it was desolate and uninhabited?!?!


By 1951, the United Nations estimated 711,000 Palestinian refugees existed outside Israel, caused by the 1948 Palestinian exodus!!! Where did those people come from - are you saying they just "materialized" out of nowhere?!?!?




As usual, you''re lying through your teeth and making up "facts" to try and prove your point that the jews are god''s chosen people.


I wonder if "your god" approves of your constant stream of lies?

[trapbreaker]

PRESIDENT RONALD REAGAN: : %u201CIn Israel, free men and women are every day demonstrating the power of courage and faith. Back in 1948 when Israel was founded, pundits claimed the new country could never survive. Today, no one questions that. Israel is a land of stability and democracy in a region of tyranny and unrest.%u201D

.

[lee2261]

Maybe if from the beginning they had done things right and lived along side the palestinians as friends it could have worked.
They moved in with demands and took some houses away from people and of course we gave them guns.
That would have been the time to say, get along with your neighboors and do it peacefully.
The people who established a state, did they consult with anyone in the region? Just the fact that americans helped them would be suspicious to some.
I am for 2 states, Israel turned a desert in to a living garden, but they could have done more to share their wealth and win hearts and mind, rather than the use of the mighty arms. I like to hang all those who give weapons to the like of Hamas and to those who continually support Israel with our tax money so they can by weapons.

[trapbreaker]

PRESIDENT JOHN F. KENNEDY: %u201CIsrael was not created in order to disappear - Israel will endure and flourish. It is the child of hope and the home of the brave. It can neither be broken by adversity nor demoralized by success. It carries the shield of democracy and it honors the sword of freedom.%u201D

.

[zoopster1]

Hey if rockets landed randomly in Texas and Arizona we would roll into Mexico, with guns blazing. We have done it before.

What Israel is doing is justified. They should find and slaughter every last Hamas terrorist savage until the terrorist puppeteers they have no choice but to accept the following conditions:

1. Renounce violence
2. Recognize Israel''s right to exist
3. Enter peace talks

When the IRA did that, the terrorism in Northern Ireland basically stopped. By the same token, Hamas is the obstacle to real peace here. They have repeatedly rejected diplomacy, so they should be burned out like the vermin they are, until they change their tune.

There''s no other way.

[iamhungry68]

God uses men (part of His creation) to fulfill His will and His prophecies.

He''''s done this since the beginning of time.

The persecution and slaughter of the JEws before they were given back Israel (the holocaust) was prophecied in the Bible as well.

What you''''re doing is denyin God''''s prophecy and putting His creation in the control of men, which in effect is like telling God "Your will can''''t be done".

But ask yourself, should God''''s will be done, or man''''s?

Posted by Truthin2009 at 08:43 AM : Jan 04, 2009






So god uses man to fulfill his prophesies - because he apparently has the power to use and control "man".

But he cannot control man, to prevent him from committing acts of evil?



What kind of bizarre hypocrisy is that?

[iamhungry68]

That''''s the whole point, he wasn''''t reading a Bible when he made this decision. He did it on his own, because God has the power to influence His creation to make the decisions according to His Good and perfect will.

Posted by Truthin2009 at 08:45 AM : Jan 04, 2009






Now you ADMIT that god has the power to stop man from committing acts of evil.


Now ask yourself, "Since HE possesses that power, why doesn''t he use it?"


Obviously, he likes evil, and wants to see it thrive and exist.

[iamhungry68]

Hey if rockets landed randomly in Texas and Arizona we would roll into Mexico, with guns blazing. We have done it before.

Posted by zoopster1 at 08:48 AM : Jan 04, 2009





WHY would Mexico launch rockets or missiles into Texas or Arizona?

What reason did we give to prompt them to violence?

[trapbreaker]

LOL! Hamas was broadcasting last week for Israel to stop the coward bombardment and come on the ground and it would slaughter Israelis.

Well, here is todays news:

(CBS/AP) Israeli ground troops and tanks cut swaths through the Gaza Strip early Sunday, bisecting the coastal territory and surrounding its biggest city as the new phase of a devastating offensive against Hamas gained momentum.

[inhaled_not]

Great Hoji count. Keep up the good work my Jewish friends

[iamhungry68]

No hungry, all the travellers who went through that land before the 20th century, Like Mark Twain, for example, specifically DOCUMENTED that the land was desolated and uninhabited.

Posted by Truthin2009 at 08:50 AM : Jan 04, 2009





Palestine was a thriving trading area for ALL of the Mediterranean for CENTURIES, and that was founded by the Persians and Greeks when they controlled the area from 500 BC - 300 BC.

Particularly the area near the sea, were thriving ports, markets set up for trade, and when the Romans conquered the area in 63 BC, they set up many aqueducts that allowed farming in the most desolate and barren areas of the region.



I don''t know WHY you consider Mark Twain some sort of expert, but do you know WHICH area of the region he walked through? If I walked through Death Valley, am I to assume that ALL of California is scorching hot desert?




As usual, history, knowledge, and common sense really escapes you.

[iamhungry68]

And He will end all evil in the end.

Posted by Truthin2009 at 08:53 AM : Jan 04, 2009




So why doesn''t he end it?

Could it be because he DOES NOT EXIST?

What "god" would not only ALLOW evil, but would promote and encourage it?

[iamhungry68]

You are exactly right Bagdadshere, just like how God used Hitler to show the real face of evil.

Hungry''''s problem is he can''''t recognize that there is a such thing as Absolute Good vs Absolute Evil

He sees the world in gray, not in black and white, as all atheists do

Posted by Truthin2009 at 08:54 AM : Jan 04, 2009





There is no such thing as Absolute Good vs Absolute Evil - that''s fiction created in your silly religion.

Chemotherapy makes it''s patients lose wait and makes them violently ill.

Is Chemotherapy Absolute Good or Absolute Evil?

[iamhungry68]

Maybe because we want to build a wall to prevent them from turning our border into a crossing for criminals and illegals?

Posted by BagdadsHere9 at 08:58 AM : Jan 04, 2009





That''s just stupid!!

Why would Mexico''s government bomb us because of that?

[waterbaby319]

The Israeli''s are committing genocide and the USA is condoning it. For shame!

[starsnbars12]

Good job Israel! Way to go! KILL....THEM....ALL!!!!!!!!!!! and do us all a favor in the process!

[waterbaby319]

The Israelis are committing genocide and OUR USA government is condoning it.

[iamhungry68]

If you think about it you"ll realize that GOD is ending the evil already. First was Egypt,then Jordan,then Lybia,now Iraq and Syria. One by one the former extremist and evil states are turning to good. After HAMAS there will be only IRAN left. Then the Gods job will be complete.

Posted by BagdadsHere9 at 09:05 AM : Jan 04, 2009




Mohamed Atta, pilot and group leader
Age: 33.
Nationality: Egyptian.



Oooops!!

Missed that one, huh?




If "your god" is REALLY concerned with eliminating evil, then WHY did he put the terrorists on the oil rich lands, giving them extreme amounts of wealth to be used to carry out their attacks?

[stupidrules3]

The Israeli''''s are committing genocide and the USA is condoning it. For shame!


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

Posted by waterbaby319 at 09:08 AM : Jan 04, 2009

I contend that the Israelis were invited into Gaza. The invitations were delivered by rocket. Any country in the world would respond as the Israelis have and once again, the Palestinians brought a knife (rock) to a gunfight.

[displeased]

First was Egypt,then Jordan,then Lybia,now Iraq and Syria. One by one the former extremist and evil states are turning to good. After HAMAS there will be only IRAN left.
Posted by BagdadsHere9

Perhaps your god should focus on the evil within the US. If our country is representing the "good", then why are we experiencing so much violence and crime? You wanting to eradicate the non-believers is a perfect example of evil.

[iamhungry68]

Because the Mexicans make a lot of money using our border to smuggle weapons,drugs and illegal workers. If we shut it, they are doomed.

Posted by BagdadsHere9 at 09:08 AM : Jan 04, 2009






You''re clueless.

That makes NO SENSE whatsoever.

[trapbreaker]

The Israelis are committing genocide and OUR USA government is condoning it. - Posted by waterbaby319

Just killing Hamas folks. Finally got tired of having rockets fired at them every day.

Notice that Fatah hasn''t fired a single rocket, and Israel isn''t bombing the West Bank? Abbas is just playing it cool and gaining respect around the world. Even the Arab League is calling on the Pals to unite under Fatah.

.

[excoachken]

This is why we will continue to be the target of Arab terrorists. We insist upon supporting Israel''s invasion and genocide to pay back Liberman, who supported our unwarrented invasion of Iraq!

[iamhungry68]

Right. God is using us to do the right thing.

Posted by BagdadsHere9 at 09:10 AM : Jan 04, 2009





Is that what he does with gang members, drug users, dictators, tyrants, etc, etc, etc?

[iamhungry68]

Why is it the more ''''holy'''' you are the more hateful you freaks become towards anyone else?


Posted by melchg at 09:14 AM : Jan 04, 2009





Very well said.

[trapbreaker]

SHRUBBLOWS

NO ARAB UNITY OVER HAMAS

Jordan won''t allow Hamas in its country. Egypt has them fenced off. The moderate government of the Arab League charge Hamas and the lack of Palestinian unity as the cause of the problem.

Fatah fires no rockets and will be the winner in this conflict. By showing restraint they are gaining stature with the Arab League and the world.

The days of a united attack on Israel by its Arab and Egyptian neighbors are over. Jordan and Egypt have diplomatic relations with Israel and have recognized Israel''s sovereignty, and both have now signed trade agreements with Israel.

The E.U., U.S. and Russian refuses to recognize Hamas, as does most of the Arab League. Only radical Iran among the power countries of the area side with Hamas.
The Palestinian people need to throw off Hamas, unite with Fatah and speak with one voice. The world would then listen.

[cbmtrx]

What if the headline had read "Palestine Invades Israel"?

The U.N. would already have acted to intervene, American warships and warplanes would already be leveling Palestinian targets, and the world would be gasping in horror and disbelief at this act of aggression against a peaceful nation.

Tell me I''m wrong.

[trapbreaker]

Trapbreaker , youre either a jew lawyer or just a jewspook...
Shoo.........Posted by SHRUBBLOWS

Neither, a Christian, who reads the news, western and Arab.

DIVISIONS DEEP AT ARAB LEAGUE MEETING

CAIRO %u2014 Arab countries appeared deeply divided on Wednesday over how to respond to the latest escalation in fighting between Israel and Hamas, with sharply differing comments from foreign ministers at the opening of an emergency Arab League meeting here.

Moderate Arab states generally allied to the United States blamed Hamas and Palestinian disunity for the crisis and more radical states, some of whom did not attend, urged collective action to defend the Palestinians against Israel.

In the most striking comments, Saudi Arabia%u2019s foreign minister, Prince Saud al-Faisal, took shots at Hamas and criticized the Palestinians for their inability to remain united behind President Mahmoud Abbas of Fatah %u2014 an implicit condemnation of Hamas, which took over Gaza entirely in 2007 in a brief but violent civil war with Fatah. Normally, during periods of Israeli-Palestinian fighting, Arab leaders only condemn Israel.

%u201CThis terrible massacre would not have happened if the Palestinian people were united behind one leadership, speaking in one voice,%u201D Prince Saud said at the league meeting%u2019s opening.

[iamhungry68]

Maybe because billions of years ago GOD didnt know that his creation (The man) would turn oil into a precious energy source.

Posted by BagdadsHere9 at 09:19 AM : Jan 04, 2009





So you admit that your god is NOT "all knowing".

NOW you''re getting somewhere!!!



Soon, you''ll have to admit that he''s not omnipotent.



Then you''ll have to wonder why you call him "god".

[iamhungry68]

Surely those are ALL the other gods'''' soldiers.

Er wait......don''''t they worship ONE god?



Posted by melchg at 09:20 AM : Jan 04, 2009





LOL!!!


The religious nutballs probably DO believe that all drug users, dictators, gang members, etc ARE muslims or atheists!!!

[iamhungry68]

Maybe GOD allows these guys to exist because life would be boring without them. Imagine how living would be if there was only the good?

Posted by BagdadsHere9 at 09:24 AM : Jan 04, 2009





Yeah - it would be paradise.

Why wouldn''t your god want us to live in paradise?

[DragQueenWhatDragQueen]

To you ignorant people posting you vile messages, encouraging the blood shed. Your too dumb to see whats on the horizon for America. We built those weapons, we armed Israel, we''re the reason no other country has come to the aid of Palestine. We''re in the middle of two other wars on Arab soil.

All it will take is a single nation to stand up to Israel, defend Palestine, and draw America into the conflict. After all the lies Bush has told regarding Iraq, our list of allies have grown thin. Not to mention our allies condemn Israels actions across the board. And with our current economic crisis, do you think it''s in our best interest to continue to condone Israels actions.

[iamhungry68]

First of all its not "my God", its your God too. Who made you and your parents and your grand-parents? Who gave the prison guard job? Who feed you and your family? Stop being atheist and pray to God once in a while.

Posted by BagdadsHere9 at 09:27 AM : Jan 04, 2009





Sorry to disappoint, but I''m far too smart to believe in a "god".

My grand parents, "made" my parents, who "made" me.

My EMPLOYER gave me my job.

My paycheck allows me to feed, clothe, and house my family.




Let me ask you this - WHO "creates" babies inflicted with horrible and painful birth defects? For that matter, why do "children''s hospitals" exist?

WHO creates natural disasters?

Who allows man to create and use acts of evil like war, pollution, greed, torture, murder, rape, etc, etc?

[iamhungry68]

You have to feel thirsty to drink fresh water. You have to feel hungry to feel the pleasure of a meal. You have to see the evil to find out the importance of the good.

Posted by BagdadsHere9 at 09:31 AM : Jan 04, 2009





I drink water whether I''m thirsty or not.

I can appreciate a fine tasting meal, even if I''m not starving to death.

And I CERTAINLY can go without ever seeing acts of evil, to know that I appreciate the "good" in life.

[trapbreaker]

NO ISRAEL = NO TERRORISTS - - - Posted by sidekick2009

If Muslim terrorist can''t kill Jews, or Brits, or Americans, they will just kill each other.

BAGHDAD %u2014 A female homicide bomber blew herself up on Sunday among a crowd of pilgrims worshiping at a revered Shiite shrine in northern Baghdad, killing at least 35 people and wounding at least 65, the Iraqi army said. There were fears the death toll could rise further.

The bomber blew herself up a short distance from the shrine of Imam Mousa al-Kazim, one of the holiest men in Shiite Islam, the army said, adding that many Iranian pilgrims were among the casualties.

The office of Iraqi army spokesman Brig. Gen. Qassim al-Moussawi said a woman wearing an explosives vest was responsible for the attack, which occurred just before noon in the northern Shiite neighborhood of Kazimiyah.

The attack came as Shiites prepared to mark Ashura on Jan. 7. Falling on the 10th of Muharram under the Islamic lunar calendar, it is one of the most important holy days for Shiite Muslims and marks the death of the Prophet Muhammad''s grandson Imam Hussein. The first 10 days of Muharram are often marked by pilgrimages to holy sites around Iraq culminating in the Shiite holy city of Karbala.

It ain''t sad and tragic enough that young, twenty first century men and women have to go out and fight and die to protect their twenty first century countries from a twelfth century culture in places like Gaza and Afghanistan. We also have to put up with those folks in our own culture thumping their stone age book and invoking their own god that was originally created in order to manipulate populations with.

[toncul-2009]

Hamas Kills 9 Israeli Troops, Captures 2 in Gaza Op.
Hanan Awarekeh Readers Number : 2526
http://www.almanar.com.lb/newssite/NewsDetails.aspx?id=69127&language=en


04/01/2009

And as it has vowed, the Palestinian resistance was waiting for the occupation soldiers to foil their aggression, killing nine of them and wounding dozens others, according to Ezz-eddine Al-Qassam Brigades, Hamas%u2019s military wing. Hamas resistance fighters also said they have destroyed an Israeli Merkava with a B-29bomb.

Hamas announced it had captured two Israeli soldiers, an event which, for Israel, would highlight the political risk domestically of sending its troops into Gaza.

[ffoulkes-2009]

If terrorist can''''t kill Jews, or Brits, or Americans, they will just kill each other.

Posted by Trapbreaker at 08:26 AM : Jan 04, 2009
____________
I''m ok with that...