Israeli Soldier, Woman Jogger Killed in Gaza Ambushes

[Scurrilous]

http://olympics.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=worldNews&storyID=6375319

<snip>

"Palestinian gunmen killed an Israeli soldier and a woman jogger in Gaza on Thursday as the army intensified an offensive to root out militants behind a rocket attack that killed two Israeli children in a border town."

<snip>

"Under cover of fog and darkness, two Hamas gunmen attacked an army position near the Jabalya refugee camp before dawn, opening fire and launching grenades. One soldier was killed and two wounded before troops shot dead the militants.

Hours later, gunmen killed an Israeli woman as she went for a morning jog on a road connecting two Jewish settlements in northern Gaza, military sources said. Soldiers who rushed to the scene returned fire and killed at least one gunman, the sources said.

The army expanded an operation against militants early on Thursday, sending a column of tanks to the center of Jabalya, a militant stronghold, where fierce fighting between soldiers and gunmen raged overnight."

[tinnypriv]

1. I see Sharon is carrying out his threat

To retaliate against civilians in the event of rocket attacks on Israel.

[bemildred]

2. "launching grenades"

You don't suppose they got their hands on some RPGS?

[Darranar]

3. Violence flares in Gaza

More "withdrawal".

At least seven Palestinians have been killed by an Israeli tank shell in the Jabalya refugee camp, raising the death toll in violence across Palestine to 24.

The tank shell incident took place on Thursday near Jabalya's main market, scene of gun battles between occupation soldiers and resistance fighters. Palestinian witnesses said the dead were likely to be civilians and not armed men.

The Israeli army had no immediate comment.

Doctors said they were treating at least 20 people wounded in the explosion, many of whom they said were critically hurt. Several among the wounded are aged between 10 to 18, doctors said. The bodies of the seven dead were blown apart in the explosion. Doctors are trying to identify them.

http://english.aljazeera.net/NR/exeres/396DCFA4-0F47-41DA-BEAA-2C1C399BC9DD.htm

[Scurrilous]

4. "Days of Penitence"....

Palestinians: Large IDF force enters northern Gaza

http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/483526.html

<snip>

"A large number of Israel Defense Forces troops, accompanied by 100 tanks and helicopters flying overhead, entered the northern Gaza Strip early Friday, Israel Radio quoted Palestinian security officials as saying. The sources said that tanks had entered Beit Lahiya, the Jabalya refugee camp, and Beit Hanun.

The move comes after the security cabinet approved unanimously on Thursday Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's plans for an expanded military ground operation in the Gaza Strip in response to the launching of Qassam rockets and the recent escalation of hostilities in the region.

Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz and the heads of the Israel Defense Forces presented the plan to Sharon on Thursday evening prior to the cabinet meeting.

The plan, code-named "Days of Penitence," will include an expanded IDF ground operation in areas from where Qassam rockets can be launched in the direction of Sderot, "exacting a price" from terror organizations in Gaza, and preparation for an extended stay in the territory."