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ICEJ News

Iran's election to UN Human Rights committee criticized
US diplomats on Wednesday slammed the appointment of Iran to the UN committee on non-governmental organizations, pointing out the brutal repression of human rights groups in the Islamic Republic. "Today is a black day for human rights," said Hillel Neuer, executive director of UN Watch. "By empowering the perpetrators over the victims, the UN harms the cause of human rights, betrays its founding principles, and undermines its own credibility."

Jerusalem Post.

The United States strongly criticized the decision to appoint Iran to the UN Committee on NGOs. “This step is especially troubling,” US Ambassador to the UN Samantha Power stated.

“The Iranian authorities’ arrest and torture human rights activists on a regular basis,” Power noted. “We will continue to support the critical work that NGOs do as part of the committee.”

In the past, conservative countries serving on the UN Committee on NGOs that determines which NGOs receive UN recognition prevented gay rights organizations from receiving UN recognition.

This is the second diplomatic incident within the last two months between the US and Iranian governments. Around three weeks ago, the US harshly criticized the appointment of Hamid Aboutalebi to be the Iranian Ambassador to the UN because he participated in the kidnapping of American hostages in Tehran in 1979. Washington announced that they would not provide him permission to work in UN Headquarters in New York.

Nigeria .
Dozens of Christians were killed and many others injured in two attacks by Boko Haram in Borno state on June 1 and June 3. On June 1, at least 27 believers were killed and another 50 severely injured when hundreds of militants invaded the Christian community of Attagara during church services. ...

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE


"A voice was heard in Ramah, Weeping and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children; And she would not be comforted, because they are not" Matthew 2:18


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TOP STORY
Bodies of abducted teenagers found near Hebron
The search for abducted Israeli teenagers Gil-Ad Shaer, Naftali Fraenkel, and Eyal Yifrah ended tragically Monday evening when a volunteer alerted security forces that he'd located the bodies of the three boys, who had apparently been murdered shortly after being kidnapped. The bodies were located under a pile of rocks in a a field northwest of Hebron, close to the spot where they'd been abducted. Israeli leaders gave voice to the shock, heartbreak and outrage of the entire nation, while adding their determination to track down the main suspects in the abductions, known Hamas operatives Marwan Kawasme and Amar Abu Aysha. "Alongside mourning, we remain determined to punish evil terrorists with a firm hand," said outgoing President Shimon Peres. "Our war on terrorism will only expand and will not be weakened so that murderous terrorism like this is able to raise its head." Read More
HEADLINES
ISIL operative declares intent to 'reach Jerusalem'
A man claiming to represent the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) recently posted a video he said was filmed on the increasingly meaningless border region between Iraq and Syria and entitled "The End of Sykes-Picot." The man, identifying himself as Abu Safiyya from Chile and speaking in English, declared "this is not the first border we will break. God will break all barriers..Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon...all of the them until we reach Jerusalem. This is the first of many barriers we will break." Foreign Minister Avigdor Liberman addressed the issue of ISIL on Monday during a press briefing in Berlin, where he said maintaining the stability of Jordan in the face of the threat from ISIL was a top national security concern of the Jewish State. Read More



ICEJ Projects-Emergency Relief in Israel
Some 4.5 million Israelis are now under threat of rocket attacks from Gaza. The ICEJ has been quick to respond. Those touched by the trauma of war and terror often find their problems compounded by having to face a grim future with a physical or mental disability, emotional scarring, loss of employment, ongoing treatment and accrued debts.
Donations allow us to maintain funding for emergency projects, and embark on new initiatives to support Israel in these critical days. Read More >>

NEWS IN BRIEF
Jews around the world mourn slain Israeli teenagers
Events to show solidarity with and extend comfort to the families of slain Israeli teenagers Naftali Fraenkel, Gil-Ad Shaer, and Eyal Yifrach were held at Jewish community centers and synagogues around the world on Monday evening. "This murder must spur the world into action, and the fight against fanatic, extremist groups such as Hamas must be stepped up urgently," said World Jewish Congress president Ronald Lauder, who added a demand that the Palestinian Authority cut its ties with Hamas. "We can only hope that all people of goodwill will stand together in unambiguous, immediate condemnation of this murder and give further thought to a Palestinian government that includes Hamas as one of its two pillars," agreed American Jewish Committee executive director David Harris.
Rockets from Gaza met by strong Israeli response
The Israeli Air Force launched a blistering response to continued rocket fire out of the Gaza Strip on Tuesday morning, launching raids on 34 terrorist infrastructure targets. The strikes failed to persuade terror groups in the Hamas-ruled Strip to cease firing rockets into Israel, with one rocket setting fire to a field north of Sderote. "If Hamas's aim is to escalate, we will act accordingly," a senior security source said, adding that if terror groups cease firing rockets Israel will respond by ceasing its airstrikes.
Turkey nervously watching the emergence of independent Kurdistan
Turkish officials reacted strongly on Monday against suggestions by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and others that the Kurds of northern Iraq should have their own independent state, saying instead that a national unity government in Baghdad would be best able to respond to the rise of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL.) However, a recent article in the Financial Times quoted a spokesman for Turkey's ruling AK Party as saying "if Iraq is divided and it is inevitable, they are our brothers... Unfortunately the situation in Iraq is not good, and it looks like it is going to be divided."

Israeli officials condemn murder of Arab teenager
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the apparent murder of an Arab teenager in Jerusalem overnight Wednesday, demanding that security forces apprehend the culprits quickly and reminding those who are rioting in response to the killing and those who might be quietly applauding it that Israel is "a nation of laws and everyone must act according to the law." Many Palestinians believe the youth was kidnapped and murdered to avenge the kidnapping and murder of three Israeli teenagers two weeks ago, but police say there's no evidence of that and have also pointed out that the family the boy was from is embroiled in a feud with another Arab family and attempts to kidnap members of the family have occurred in the past.
HEADLINES
Tens of thousands attend funeral of murdered teenagers
Tens of thousands of Israelis attended the funeral of Gil-Ad Shaer, Eyal Yifrah and Naftali Fraenkel in Modi'in on Tuesday afternoon, with Fraenkel's mother Rachel eulogizing her son and speaking for millions of other Israeli mothers by saying "we will have to learn to sing without you," adding that the many prayers for her son's safe return were not wasted but "you can not always change a decree. For us it was too late." Speaking after the parents of the slain, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised their behavior under the circumstances saying "you taught the whole world what a mother's cry is and what a mother's love is. Blessed are the boys of such parents and families, and how terrible it is that fate has separated you from them through an evil that is incomprehensible." Read More
HEADLINES
Netanyahu lays out plans to move against Hamas
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the nation on TV Tuesday evening from the Defense Ministry, with Defense Minister Moshe Ya'alon and Chief of Staff Lt.- Gen. Benny Gantz at his side, explaining how Israel would apprehend the murderers of Gil-Ad Shaer, Eyal Yifrah and Naftali Fraenkel and continue operations against Hamas in the West Bank. He added that Israel might expand operations in the Gaza Strip if "the need arises." Declaring that the goals of the kidnappers will not be realized, he said "Hamas is responsible, Hamas is paying, and Hamas will continue to pay. We will not rest until we get to the very last of them, and it does not matter where they try to hide. We have already arrested hundreds of Hamas activists, closed dozens of their institutions, and destroyed homes - and more is to come."

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE


"Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people" Proverbs 14:34


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TOP STORY
IDF responds to rocket fire in the South
In response to unceasing rocket fire into southern Israel from the Hamas-ruled Gaza Strip, which have continued despite numerous warnings backed up by retaliatory air-strikes, IDF ground forces have begun a limited deployment along the Gaza border. "Our policy regarding Gaza is one of de-escalation and preparedness," said an IDF spokesperson. "The IDF is operating to safeguard the southern communities of Israel." At least 18 rockets have were fired into Israel from Gaza from midnight Wednesday until press time, two of which did severe damage to residential structures, although no casualties were reported. Another two were intercepted by the Iron Dome air-defense system, with the others hitting open areas. Several mortars were also fired from Gaza into border communities inside Israel. Read More
HEADLINES
World leaders condemn murder of Arab teenager
Condemnation for the murder of an Arab teenager from eastern Jerusalem was sharp and immediate on Wednesday, even as police insisted they have not yet determined the identity or motive of Mohammad Abu Kheider killers. The chorus of condemnation was led by US Secretary of State John Kerry who declared Washington "condemns in the strongest possible terms the despicable and senseless abduction and murder" of Abu Khdeir. "There are no words to convey adequately our condolences to the Palestinian people. We look to both the Government of Israel and the Palestinian Authority to take all necessary steps to prevent acts of violence and bring their perpetrators to justice." The statement followed a tense day which saw riots in Arab neighborhoods of eastern Jerusalem and angry protests in several PA controlled cities in the West Bank.
HEADLINES
Maliki begs neighbors for help to counter ISIL
Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki issued an urgent plea to regional countries to assist him in battling the surging Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) terror militia, a day after the group changed its name to "the Islamic State" and declared the resurrection of the Islamic caliphate in the territory it controls. He also appealed to the various ethnic, religious and political factions within his own country to unite against the threat, including Sunni tribes which have allied with ISIL. However, most of the governments in neighboring countries appear to be in no big hurry to come to his aid, apart from Iran which reportedly was the source of a recent contingent of Russian-built ground-attack jets. Meanwhile, rebel factions in neighboring Syria have threatened to surrender to ISIL if they don't receive serious assistance within a week.

The Sunni Storm in Iraq
Who is this radical Islamic militia ISIS? How did they emerge as a real force in the region? Where are their fighters, weapons and support coming from? How are their recent advances impacting the region? And what should the US, the West and especially Israel do in the face of this new threat? Read More >>
NEWS IN BRIEF
Fires in Jerusalem fuel tensions
Three fires broke out in the hills surrounding Jerusalem overnight Wednesday, destroying several homes and forcing evacuations after one fire engulfed a plastics factory, releasing a cloud of noxious fumes. The fires, which police suspect were the result of arson, started near moshavs Even Sapir and Ora, with another smaller fire near Lifta which was quickly extinguished. The fires, coming amidst a scorching heat wave affecting the entire region, have added to tensions in the capital even as security forces have stepped up patrols over concerns of communal violence and rioting following the funeral on Tuesday for three murdered Israeli teenager and the discovery Wednesday morning of the body of a murdered Arab teenager. Insp.-Gen. Yohanan Danino said that police will enforce law and order and advised the public to "practice restraint in these days of tension and violence."
UNSC condemns killing of Israeli teenagers
The UN Security Council issued a statement late Tuesday condemning the killings of Eyal Yifrach, Gilad Shaer and Naftali Fraenkel. It was the first time the UNSC had issued any kind of statement referring to the three Israeli teenagers and came a few hours after their funeral.

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE


"Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, The people whom He has chosen for His own inheritance" Psalm 33:12


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TOP STORY
Israel trying to calm tense situation on Gaza border and in Jerusalem
Dozens of rockets were fired from the Hamas-ruled Gaza Strip into Israel on Thursday and into Friday morning, even as reports out of Cairo indicated the Egyptian government was attempting to broker a truce between Gaza-based terrorist groups and Israel. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the issue during his remarks at the US Embassy's Fourth of July celebrations Thursday evening, saying "the security of our citizens comes before anything," adding that if the rockets stop, Israeli countermeasures will stop, but if they don't, Israel will hit terrorists in Gaza hard. He added a strong condemnation of the murder earlier this week of Muhammad Abu Khdeir, a teenager from eastern Jerusalem whose body was discovered on Wednesday. Palestinians rioted in several neighborhoods on Thursday in reaction to the murder, although police are still investigating and have yet to determine the identity or the motives of the killers. Read More
HEADLINES
ISIL advancing in Syria as US mulls options in Iraq
Reports out of Syria indicate that the Islamic State (IS) formally known as the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) has solidified its control over the eastern parts of the country bordering Iraq, including most of Syria's oil production and refining infrastructure, as well as other strategic assets. However, rival Islamist factions are still fighting IS in Syria and the Assad regime has reportedly initiated a bombing campaign against its positions as well. Meanwhile, US Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Martin Dempsey told a press conference at the Pentagon Thursday that the IS offensive in neighboring Iraq has stalled, but added that the Baghdad regime would need significant assistance from the US in order to have any hope of regaining control over the areas IS has conquered.

NEWS IN BRIEF
Iran digging in as negotiating deadline nears
As the 20 July deadline approaches for a deal between the P5+1 nuclear powers (US, UK, France, Russia, China and Germany) and Iran to resolve the crisis over the Islamic Republic's renegade nuclear program, the clerical regime in Teheran appears to be digging in and defiantly declaring its unwillingness to compromise. "As we approach July 20, I feel compelled to warn again that pursuing a game of chicken in an attempt to extract last-minute concessions cannot achieve anything," Iran's chief negotiator and foreign minister, Javad Zarif said in a You-Tube message released this week. He also lamented that what he called the "unnecessary crisis" over the nuclear program "has distracted us from addressing together our common challenges, such as the horrifying events in the last few weeks in Iraq."
IDF Twitter feed hacked
The English-language twitter feed of the IDF Spokesperson's Unit was hacked on Thursday, with the hair-raising Tweet "Possible nuclear leak in the region after 2 rockets hit Dimona nuclear facility" briefly causing a stir before news sites corrected the error. The Syrian Electronic Army, a hacktivist group aligned with the regime of Syrian president Bashar Assad, claimed responsibility. In related news, a report surfaced on Thursday of a Jewish family from war torn Syria had managed to escape to Israel. The family, which has requested anonymity, is living at an absorption center north of Tel Aviv.
Salafi soccer ban sparks uproar in Moslem world
The growing feud between mainline Sunni Islamic authorities and their Salfi opponents erupted in yet another arena this month as leaders of the different streams issued fatwas both for and against Moslems watching World Cup Football (soccer) games on TV. The mainline camp, headed by scholars from Cairo's Al-Azhar University, have said that there's no problem with Moslems watching the games, adding that fatwas from what they described as "extremists" should be ignored. However, one Salafist Sheikh countered by quoting a saying attributed to Islam's founder that "every game one plays is futile except for archery, training one's horse, and (sexual) playing with one's wife."

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Breaking: Suspect involved in the three teens kidnap arrested

The rocket fire from Gaza is increasing: Rocked fired at Beersheba
1 comment · 19 hours ago

The discovery of the teens bodies: “One of the group members recognized something suspicious on the ground”

Heavy rocket fire on Israel’s south; several homes and a day care center suffer direct hits

BREAKING: A Barrage of Rockets Fired on Southern Israel during the Funeral

The IDF Arrested the Father of one of the Kidnappers
5 comments · 2 days ago

Hamas Threatens: “We Will Surprise Israel with Rocket Fire”

Israeli Arab Minor Threatened: “Traitor, I Will Shoot You in the Head”

: Full Call of Kidnapped Boy To Police Translated - The Kidnappers Sang: “We Brought Three”

Six Jewish youth were arrested on suspicion of involvement in the murder of Palestinian teen Mohammed Abu Khdeir. Some of the suspects, who are residents of Beit Shemesh and Jerusalem, are minors. While the suspects are right-wing extremists, they appear to have acted on their own. Some have criminal records. One is cooperating with police and has implicated the others. Investigators believe they committed the murder in revenge for the kidnapping and murder of three Israeli teens. Three of the six are suspected of kidnapping 16-year-old Abu Khdeir from the Shuafat neighborhood of East Jerusalem on Wednesday, taking him to the Jerusalem forest, injuring him on the head and burning him alive. Three others are suspected of attempting to kidnap a 9-year-old Palestinian boy from the same place on the day before Abu Khdeir's murder; that attempt was thwarted by the child's mother. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu conveyed his condolences to the Abu Khdeir family and promised that Israel would do all it could to bring the murderers to justice. Netanyahu emphasized that Israel does not differentiate between anti-Jewish terror and anti-Arab terror.

Mohammed Khdeir's murder sparked widespread riots in Israel's Arab sector and in East Jerusalem. Tensions increased with the release of a video, in which Israeli Border Police officers are seen beating the 15-year-old cousin of the murdered teen on Thursday in East Jerusalem. Tarek Abu Khdeir, a US citizen from Tampa, Florida, denied claims by Border Police that he was engaged in violent behavior.

A 34-year-old taxi driver from the Israeli Arab village Ibillin was arrested on suspicion of murdering 19-year-old Shelly Dadon in Migdal HaEmek in May. Hussein Yousef Khalifa is accused of stabbing Dadon 17 times after arguing with her in his taxi. Khalifa was arrested in June; the arrest was cleared for publication on Sunday. Police said they have not ruled out nationalist motives for the murder.

Over 30 rockets were fired on Israel's south on Sunday. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman of populism, after Lieberman criticized Netanyahu for not acting more forcefully against Hamas in the Gaza Strip. Netanyahu accused Lieberman of doing damage with his remarks, and warned that a massive operation in Gaza could bring about a widespread uprising.

Released for publication: Prominent Israeli attorney Ronel Fisher was arrested on Thursday on suspicion of passing bribes from clients to police officers in exchange for sensitive information about pending investigations. Fisher was caught in a sting operation when he met with Ashdod Port Workers Union Chairman Alon Hassan, who is being investigated for corruption. Fisher allegedly told Hassan that he could get two investigations against him closed for $150,000.

Tensions high on Gaza border amidst rocket fire
The Israeli Air Force struck several targets in the Gaza Strip early Monday morning in response to the barrage of rockets fired into Israel from the Hamas-ruled territory over the weekend. Hamas confirmed that nine of its operatives had been killed in the strikes, including one terrorist who was in the process of setting up a rocket to launch when he was hit. A Hamas spokesman declared that Israel had carried out a "grace escalation" and warned that the Jewish State would "pay the price" for daring to defend its citizens against his organizations violent attacks. Thousands of residents of southern Israel spent most of the weekend in or near bomb shelters, while the Iron Dome air defense system intercepted a handful of rockets fired towards Ber Sheeva and Ashkelon. Also, the IDF retaliated to a mortar round that was fired into Israel from Syrian territory on Saturday.

HEADLINES
Officials strongly condemn murder of Arab teenager by Jews
Israelis were shocked and dismayed on Sunday to learn that six young Jews had been arrested for the murder of Palestinian teen Muhammad Abu Khdeir, with one of the six confessing to the crime. Sources close to the investigation leaked details to the press, including that the six suspects included "young men and minors" from Beit Shemesh and Adam, a West Bank settlement. "The State of Israel is a country that abides by, and enforces, the law, and will continue to take determined action against all those who violate the law," said a statement from Public Security Minister Yitzhak Aharonovitch. "This was a shocking and unacceptable act which any sane person, certainly in a strong and democratic country such as the State of Israel, must strongly condemn." His condemnations and appeals for calm were echoed by several other officials, even as riots occurred in several Arab villages in northern Israel and neighborhoods of eastern Jerusalem. Read More
HEADLINES
Arab-Jewish relations in Israel fraught with tensions
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu opened the weekly cabinet meeting on Sunday morning by declaring that Arab-Israeli rioters can't attack Jewish citizens and property on one hand and expect to collect welfare benefits from the government on the other. He added a demand that the Israeli Arab leadership "show responsibility, stand up in the face of the rioting in order to restore quiet. There is no room in Israel for throwing rocks at police, throwing petrol bombs, blocking roads, destroying property or inciting against the very existence of the State of Israel." However, he added that Israel needed to act "with composure and responsibly," instead of "militancy or rashness." Meanwhile, members of Knesset met with mayors and community leaders from several Arab villages in the Galilee on Sunday to work towards restoring quiet there. Read More

NEWS IN BRIEF
Palestinian-American teenager released on bail
A video which purports to show Israeli police beating Palestinian-American teenager Tariq Khdeir, who is a cousin of murdered teenager Muhammed Abu Khdeir and was in Israel to visit family during the Ramadan holiday, went viral on the internet over the weekend. The video prompted the US State Department to demand a thorough investigation "and full accountability for any excessive use of force" but not that Khdeir be released, as he was being held n suspicion of participation in a riot. However, he was released on Sunday as MK Ahmed Tibi (United Arab List-Ta'al) reportedly posted bail for him. Israel's Justice Ministry announced it is opening an investigation into the incident while Israel Police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld was quoted by the New York Times as saying that the footage was "edited and biased," and that it "did not represent the scope of events."
Murdered Israeli woman was killed by Arab cab driver
Israeli police announced on Sunday that they have solved the case of 19-year-old Shelly Dadon of Afula, who was found dead on 1 May of an apparent stabbing attack in the Galilee community of Migdal Ha'emek. Her killer, Hassin Yussef Hasin Halifa, a taxi driver from Ibillin in the Galilee, was arrested on 16 June and subsequently confessed to the murder, giving details which were not publicly known. His motive remains unclear, but security forces said "our assessment is it was for nationalistic reasons." In related news, Palestinian media sources reported on Sunday that the IDF has arrested a suspect in the recent kidnapping and murder of three Israeli teenagers.

From the Jerusalem post .


Breaking News 23:02 Iron Dome makes rocket interceptions over Rishon Lezion

JPost.com Operation Protective Edge
Amid rocket fire, SPCA Israel inviting southern residents to bring pets to Tel Aviv By JERUSALEM POST STAFF 07/08/2014 12:19
Tweet Select Language​▼"The distress is severe, and it is possible to find assistance in our shelter's services for free," says organization's chairwoman.
Tzadok the dog on a balcony. Photo: Courtesy
In light of the escalation in Gazan rocket fire over the country's South, the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals in Israel is inviting southern residents to bring their pets for free to the organization's shelter in Tel Aviv.

Aiming to prevent pain and suffering to the animals as well as help southern residents cope with what has become a difficult situation, SPCA Israel stressed that residents who cannot properly care for their pets should bring them to the site, located on 159 Herzl Street in Tel Aviv. The organization called upon southern residents to refrain from abandoning their animals in the streets.

Related: IDF strikes 50 targets across Gaza as operation gets underwayNetanyahu decides to expand Gaza operation, orders preparations for ground offensive"The distress is severe, and it is possible to find assistance in our shelter's services for free," said Hilma Shmoshkowitz, SPCA Israel chairwoman. "It is very important to us to prevent distress both to animals and to residents of the South."

On Monday alone, SPCA Israel received at least 30 calls from southern residents, expressing concern about what to do with their animals in case of further escalation, the organization's spokesman, Gadi Vitner, told The Jerusalem Post. The calls have only increased on Tuesday, and the shelter has therefore sought to organize a safe haven for the pets.

Residents interested in bringing their pets to the SPCA Israel shelter should arrive with their identity cards and valid vaccination documents for the animals, the organization said.

Another organization Let Animals Live, whose shelter is based in Kfar Reut, also reported receiving numerous inquiries from southern residents about boarding policies for their pets. Due to this shelter's overcrowded conditions, however, spokeswoman Eti Altman said that her organization cannot accept additional animals. Instead, she called upon central Israel residents to offer refuge in their homes.

"We urgently need the help of the public in the Center, to take foster dogs in order to remove them from the line of fire," Altman said.

Breaking News 23:29 Tel Aviv Municipality publi_

JPost.com Operation Protective Edge
Hamas: All Israelis now targets for missile attacks By KHALED ABU TOAMEH 07/08/2014 18:06
Tweet Select Language​▼Terror group vows to continue firing rockets at Israel after air strike reportedly kills 7 in Gaza house; PA condemns Israel's "aggression" against Palestinians in Strip, West Bank.
Hamas vowed on Tuesday to step up its attacks on Israel, threatening that all Israelis have become a target for for the terror organization's missiles.

In the Gaza Strip, defiant Hamas spokesmen vowed to continue firing rockets at Israel after an Israeli air strike reportedly killed seven people in a house in Gaza.


Alleged IAF strike as seen from Gaza
Hamas spokesman Sami Abu Zuhri accused Israel of perpetrating “massacres” against women and children in Khan Yunis.

Related: IAF targets Hamas naval commander; Palestinians say 11 have been killedIDF actively begins calling up 40,000 reserves for Operation Protective EdgeReferring to an Israel Air Force bombing of a house belonging to a Hamas operative, Abu Zuhri said: “The Khan Yunis massacre against women and children is an ugly war crime. All Israelis have now become legitimate targets.”

Ismail al-Ashqar, a Hamas legislator, said that his movement would continue the rocket attacks until Israel succumbs to its demand and lifts the blockade imposed on the Gaza Strip.

Hussam Badran, a top Hamas figure, said that Israel’s “dream” of eliminating the rockets would not be fulfilled.

Alleged IAF strike as seen from Gaza

“The occupation began this aggression and we have the right to defend ourselves,” he said. “This is a war against the whole Palestinian people.”

He also lashed out at the Palestinian Authority leadership in the West Bank, saying it has been “completely detached” from its people.

“This could be the last chance for the Palestinian Authority leadership to correct its stance and join the choice of the people, which is based on resistance,” Badran said. “This is the time for unity at the battleground.”

Meanwhile, the PA on Tuesday condemned Israel’s “aggression” against Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza Strip.

“The Israeli decision to expand its aggression on the Gaza Strip and the policy of repression, harassment and settlements in the West Bank are tantamount to a declaration of an all-out war on our people,” said Nabil Abu Rudaineh, spokesman for PA President Mahmoud Abbas.

“The Israeli government alone will bear the consequences of its aggression and subsequent reactions.”

Abu Rudaineh said that Palestinians wouldn’t remain silent “in the face of the massacre that is being perpetrated against children, women and the elderly.”

The spokesman added that Palestinians are entitled to defend themselves with “all legitimate means and ways.”

He also criticized the US for failing to take action to stop the Israeli military offensive. “The silence of the international community and US Administration is no longer acceptable,” Abu Rudaineh said. “This will drive the Palestinian leadership to take fateful decisions to defend our people against this aggression.”

The Palestinian “national consensus” government also condemned the Israeli military strikes in the Gaza Strip and warned that the deterioration would plunge the region into destruction and instability.

The government also called on the United Nations to label all settlement activities as “terror acts.” A statement issued by the government following its weekly meeting in Ramallah also called for a special session of the UN Human Rights Council to discuss Israeli “crimes” against Palestinians.

VIETNAM ATTACK July 09, 2014
Several hundred people, including police and local officials, attacked a Bible School in southern Vietnam on June 9, injuring more than 20 pastors and students. The mob, which broke through a gate to enter the school, beat the believers, ransacked the building and tore off several doors before leaving nearly two hours later.

From Jerusalem Post .
Gazan rocket knocks out power for 70,000 Gazans By SHARON UDASIN 07/14/2014 11:11
Tweet Select Language​▼Israel Electric Corporation says danger posed to IEC workers because of security situation may delay fixing problem.
Rocket fired at built up area of Ashkelon, July 13 Photo: ISRAEL POLICE
A rocket fired from Gaza knocked out a power line in Israel that supplied electricity to 70,000 Gazans, according to the IDF Spokesman's Office on Sunday night.

The outage was caused by shrapnel from the rocketfire that hit the high voltage line that feeds electricity into Gaza, the Israel Electric Corporation said.

Related: Father of Ashkelon teen who is in ICU after rocket attack talks to 'Post'Gaza drone enters Israel, is shot down over Ashdod by IAFPrime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu and National Infrastructure, Energy and Water Minister Silvan Shalom instructed IEC chairman Yiftah Ron-Tal to refrain from endangering the lives of IEC workers, according to the company.

"For this reason, the IEC intends to fix the problem," a company spokeswoman said. "However, in light of the security situation, and the great danger that we foresee for the lives of the IEC workers in the event if they perform the repair under fire, the problem will be fixed as soon as possible in terms of security."






Breaking News 22:48 Rocket from Lebanon lands in open area near border, Rosh Hanikra

JPost.com Operation Protective Edge
Ya'alon: Hamas leaders will see destruction we inflicted when they come out of hiding By JPOST.COM STAFF LAST UPDATED: 07/14/2014 13:00
Tweet Select Language​▼Ashdod hit with barrage of rockets in afternoon -Iron Dome intercepts 4, eight-year-old lightly injured.
Defense Minister Moshe Ya'alon at Herzliya Conference, June 10 Photo: EREZ HARODI - OSIM TSILUM
As rockets continued to be fired on southern Israel on Monday morning Defense Minister Moshe Ya'alon emphasized the great losses that Hamas had suffered in the seven days since Operation Protective Edge began.

"When Hamas comes out of their hiding places they will discover the extent of the destruction and the damage that we have caused the organization that will make them regret that they entered this round of fighting against Israel," Ya'alon said at an IDF briefing.

Related: Netanyahu giving no indication when Gaza operation will endIAF intensifies strikes as rocket barrage continues"We continue to smash Hamas and its infrastructure. They have suffered great damage. We have destroyed weapons-production capabilities, tunnels, terrorists' homes, and institutions and we will continue this activity today," the defense minister said.

Ya'alon said that Hamas was trying to score a victory at any price, and that the security forces must continue to be on high alert.

On Monday morning, the southern part of Ashkelon Coast Regional Council was turned into a closed military zone due to security reasons, Army Radio said.

The Iron Dome rocket defense system intercepted a number of rockets fired at Ashkelon on Monday morning. The Code Red rocket siren sounded in a number of areas in southern Israel.

Early in the afternoon, six rockets were fired on Monday at around 12:30 p.m. on Ashdod.

One of the rockets landed in the yard of a house causing an injury to an eight-year-old boy's hand. Magen David Adom said he was lightly injured and was being treated at the scene. The rocket that landed in the yard also set a vehicle on fire.



Four other rockets were intercepted by Iron Dome in the barrage on Ashdod. Another rocket landed in an open area of the city.

The Defense Minister referred in his statements to the drone launched from Gaza into Israel that was shot down on Monday morning.

"The IAF shooting down Hamas's drone is an example of the IDF's readiness in the face of their attempts to harm us in any way they can," Ya'alon said.

"We will continue to hit hard at Hamas and the other Gaza terror organizations, until we ensure the security of our citizens," he added.

Syria's army can learn a lot about morality from the IDF, Al-Jazeera host says By JPOST.COM STAFF LAST UPDATED: 07/15/2014 21:37
Tweet Select Language​▼Faisal al-Qassem praises the Israeli army for taking great efforts to avoid shelling areas populated by civilians.

The Syrian army can learn from the Israeli army about morality in urban warfare and safeguarding the lives of civilians, a moderator on a popular Al-Jazeera news show has said.

The conversation on the news show "The Opposite Direction" hosted by Faisal al-Qassem centered around Syrian President Bashar Assad's military tactics in the ongoing Syrian civil war. Along with the Israeli army, al-Qassem also praised the moral character of the French military.

"Why don't they learn from the Israeli army, which tries, through great efforts, to avoid shelling areas populated by civilians in Lebanon and Palestine?

"Didn't Hezbollah take shelter in areas populated by civilians because it knows that the Israeli air force doesn't bomb these areas? Why doesn't the Syrian army respect the premises of universities, schools or inhabited neighborhoods?"

"Didn't they [the Syrian Army] ever hear about principles and morals of urban warfare? Didn't the Syrian army target many civilian areas despite the fact that no fighters were present there?" al-Qassem asked.

"The Israeli army, if it wanted to break up a demonstration, would have used water cannons or rubber bullets, not rockets or explosive barrels as happens in Aleppo today.

"I want to ask you on one important point. ... It's a shame to compare the National Syrian Army with the French during the French occupation, or the Israeli army. Shame!" the moderator added.

Israel is currently in the middle of the eighth day of a military operation in the Gaza Strip that it launched to stop the continued firing of rockets from the Hamas controlled Palestinian enclave.

Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu has said that Israel makes great efforts not to harm civilian populations in Gaza and has accused the Hamas of using non-combatants as human shields.

On Sunday, Netanyahu said that Hamas was hiding in mosques, putting arms storehouses in hospitals, and placing their command centers near kindergartens. They are bringing a disaster to Gaza's citizens, he said, adding that Hamas is responsible for harm befalling the civilian population there.

The difference between Hamas and Israel, he said, was that while Israel was using anti-rocket batteries to protect Israeli citizens, Hamas is using Gaza's citizens to defend their rockets.

IAF bombs 30 targets in Gaza, renews operations to destroy Hamas infrastructure By YAAKOV LAPPIN 07/15/2014 17:51
▼"Hamas ignored truce, we have resumed attacks," OC southern command says, adding that IDF has not activated its full range of capabilities.
After Hamas rejected an Egyptian-initiated ceasefire proposal and continued to rain rockets throughout Israel on Tuesday, the IAF carried out a devastating series of airstrikes on thirty targets throughout the Gaza Strip on Tuesday evening.

The targets included 20 underground rocket launchers which included medium-range launchers, tunnels, a facility for storing weapons, and an operations base used by senior Islamic Jihad members.

Related: First Israeli death of Gaza operation as mortar shell kills man at Erez CrossingIn addition, the IDF struck a terrorist in northern Gaza who was in the last stage of preparing a rocket attack on Israel, the military said.

Speaking earlier on Tuesday about the IDF's move to resume the fight against terror organizations in Gaza, OC Southern Command Maj.-Gen. Sami Turgeman said, "The cabinet took a decision to hold [our] fire. In light of the continuation of rocket fire by Hamas and other terror organizations, we are working as we have done in recent days - with force and against the components of Hamas's operational infrastructure."

"Hamas launched this operation and brought significant damage on all of its operational infrastructures," Turgeman added. During the operation, Hamas failed to surprise Israel from the air, land, or sea, he stated.

The IDF targeted homes of senior Hamas leaders and field commanders that acted as war rooms and weapons storage facilities Turgerman said.

"Hamas's flagship project - the attack tunnels - has been exposed, and we succeeded in disrupting its will and ability to carry out an underground attack," Turgeman added.

"We have not activated all of our capabilities. We have additional capabilities and plans. If we are required to activate them, we will do so with full force," he vowed. "Our job as the military is to supply to the government and general staff all of the operations that can and should be taken. The Southern Command, along with other bodies, built these plans and capabilities," he said.

A ground offensive is one of a set of plans, Turgeman said, adding, "I don't think it's right to declare what we are about to do. We will continue to follow what is happening on the ground, and we will activate plans in accordance with decisions by the government and general staff."