이스라엘vs. 하마스 #5

Israel's war against Hamas/Gaza. The 9th day:

Since nearly 24 hours the "long-awaited" ("eagerly-awaited" by Hamas and other Palestinian "resistance" organisations) IDF ground operation, the "2nd Phase" of its war against Hamas, takes place inside the Gaza Strip.

Yesterday in the late afternoon (local time in Gaza) Israel dramatically escalated its war with Hamas, sending thousands of troops and tanks pouring over Gaza's borders in a move designed to reoccupy parts of the northern Gaza Strip. Amid reports of fierce clashes inside Gaza, columns of military vehicles and what the army said was "a sizeable number of troops" moved across the border at several points, backed by an intense air and artillery bombardment.
The Israeli gov't ordered today the call-up of tens of thousands of reservists, suggesting the operation will be expanded further. The army said it expected to be in Gaza "for many long days".

Gaza City, last night: attacked by IDF artillery..

Hamas leader Ismail Radwan "promised" y'day afternoon: "Gaza will be a graveyard for you (the IDF) and the aggression will not be a picnic. You have no choice but to stop the aggression and end the siege unconditionally. You will not enjoy security unless the Palestinian people enjoy it first."

Just 24 hours later y.net 'reported': "IDF chief of staff: Not much left from Hamas government in Gaza. Military Intelligence chief: They understand violating the lull was a strategic mistake."

For more latest news:
☞ Israel pushes deeper into Gaza (al-Jazeera, 01.04)

☞ Some 500 killed since start of Gaza op (y.net, 01.04)

☞ Our fighters inflicted heavy casualties in the ranks of IOF troops (PIC, 01.04)

☞ Shin Beth: Hamas has eased its demands.. (Haaretz, 01.04)

Related articles:
☞ Analysis: Who will come out on top? (Guardian, 01.03)

☞ Palestinian in Gaza chronicles life under bombardment (Guardian, 01.03)

☞ 'Even the Left Was in Favor of Striking Hamas' (Interview, Der Spiegel, 01.02)

Special reports:
☞ War On Gaza (al-Jazeera)

☞ Warfare in Gaza (Haaretz)

Related link:
☞ PFLP (Palestinian former M/L organisation)