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LIVE BLOG DAY 5: Operation Pillar Of Defense [UPDATED 11:12PM IL]


UPDATE 11:12PM IL: A rocket exploded in a community in the Beer Tuvia Regional Council. A few other rockets fired at the region were intercepted by the Iron Dome. No injuries were immediately reported.

UPDATE 10:28PM IL: According to the IDF spokesman, Hamas’ rocket-launching capability has declined. Additionally, he says that “hundreds of rockets launched from Gaza today against Israel actually fell inside the Gaza Strip”.

UPDATE 10:13PM IL: IAF kills two people in the Tel al-Islam area in the Central Gaza Strip.

UPDATE 9:21PM IL: Approx 500 Egyptian activists cross into Gaza to deliver medical supplies and show support for Palestinians. (AP)

UPDATE 9:04PM IL: The Israeli envoy who visited Cairo Sunday to discuss a ceasefire has left Cairo, Arabic media reported.

The report was not confirmed by any Israeli sources.

UPDATE: 7:49PM IL: Sirens sounding in Kerem Shalom.

UPDATE: 7:44PM IL: There were two successive sirens in Ofakim. It appears the rockets were intercepted.

UPDATE: 7:41PM IL: Sirens sounding in Ofakim and the Eshkol Regional Council.

UPDATE: 7:37PM IL: Channel 2 TV News analyst Amnon Abramowitz reports that according to his information, at the present rate of rocket fire Hamas can continue for another two to three weeks.

UPDATE: 7:31PM IL: Channel 2 News reports that Hamas’ Sami Abu Zuri in Gaza released a message that efforts to reach a ceasefire with Israel have failed.

UPDATE: 7:04PM IL: Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu quoted as saying there cannot be a ceasefire with Hamas without the terror organization agreeing to a total unconditional cessation of rocket fire into Israel.

UPDATE: 6:44PM IL: Two rockets fired from Gaza at Gush Dan intercepted by the Iron Dome for a second time today Baruch Hashem.

UPDATE: 6:43PM IL: One rocket was intercepted over the Bat Yam area. There were others and officials are working to track what occurred. There are reports of explosions, signaling they may have impacted, escaping the Iron Dome. More to follow.

UPDATE: 6:41PM IL: Sirens sounding in the Greater Tel Aviv area, Holon, Bat Yam, as well as in southern areas.

UPDATE: 6:37PM IL: Sirens once again in the Eshkol Regional Council.

UPDATE: 6:16PM IL: Ben-Gurion University in the Negev announces it will remain closed on Monday for another day due to ongoing rocket fire.

UPDATE: 6:05PM IL: IDF spokesman Brig.-Gen. Yoav Mordechai tells Channel 2 News “Tens of thousands of reservists have been activated and they are set, ready, and I believe when they are called upon to act they will be effective and deadly.”

UPDATE: 6:03PM IL: IDF spokesman Brig.-Gen. Yoav Mordechai tells Channel 2 News “many targets remain and there is much work ahead… every missile [fired by the IDF] has an address on it”.

UPDATE: 5:57PM IL: Two rockets landed between buildings in Ashdod about three hours ago. Significant damage resulted to a number of vehicles and buildings in the area.

UPDATE: 5:54PM IL: Iron Dome intercepts rockets fired at Ashkelon.

UPDATE: 5:48PM IL: IDF Homefront Command calls on Beersheva residents to leave lobby doors of apartment buildings unlocked to permit pedestrians to run for cover in stairwells in the event of rocket sirens.

UPDATE: 5:46PM IL: Another round of rocket fire directed at Ashkelon.

UPDATE: 5:44PM IL: Rocket(s) fell in open area in Ashkelon. Sirens sounding in Ashkelon Coast Regional Council as well.

UPDATE: 5:39PM IL: Gaza reports 21 killed by IAF today, 69 since start of operation/ Artillery fire into Gaza being reported at this time.

UPDATE: 5:07PM IL: Channel 2 Arab Affairs correspondent Ehud Ya’ari reports Hamas unwilling to accept a long term ceasefire because “The West Bank is still occupied”.

Ya’ari adds the person chosen by Qatar and Turkey to represent Gaza in ceasefire talks with Israel is a terrorist released in the Shalit prisoner exchange. Due to his heinous acts of terror he was exiled to out of the country and today sits opposite Israeli officials in ceasefire talks with Hamas.

UPDATE: 5:03PM IL: At least 100 rockets fired into Israel today.

UPDATE: 5:01PM IL: GAZA: Two additional fatalities in IAF strike on a car in the Jabalya area. The identities of the victims have not yet been released.

UPDATE: 4:58PM IL: Update pertaining to the victims of the direct hit on a vehicle in Ofakim. The wounded exited their car in compliance with Homefront Command instructions and they were on the roadway when they were hit.

Baruch Hashem hospital officials report the seriously wounded victim is now listed in moderate condition.

UPDATE: 4:57PM IL: Sirens sounding in Shar HaNegev and S’dot HaNegev Regional Councils.

UPDATE: 4:56PM IL: Several rounds of rocket fire into the Eshkol Regional Council and Sderot.

CBS continues to report “a senior Israeli official” has landed in Gaza for ceasefire talks.

UPDATE 4:55PM IL: Rocket strike just confirmed in an open area near Sderot. B”H no injuries reported.

UPDATE 4:38PM IL: Ten Palestinian civilians were killed on Sunday in an IAF strike on a house in Gaza, Palestinian medics said, the highest civilian death toll in a single incident during five days of fighting.

An Israeli military spokesman said he was checking the report.

UPDATE: 4:22PM IL: IDF Spokesman Brigadier-General Yoav Mordechai confirms Yechi Biya, the Hamas commander of the rocket firings brigades, was eliminated in a targeted strike earlier in the afternoon.

Mordechai explained that the surgical strike was carried out following a direct order from IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Benny Gantz to step up attacks against Hamas in Gaza.

UPDATE: 4:16PM IL: A number of rockets land in kibbutzim in the Eshkol Regional Council region. There are no reports of injuries.

UPDATE: 4:16PM IL: Hamas gathers children holding signs, photos of victims at the home in which children were killed earlier this afternoon. They are holding an impromptu media event which is well attended by the international press, calling on the international community “to save us from Israeli attacks”.

UPDATE: 4:13PM IL: Two rocket attack victims in Ashkelon reported in light condition.

UPDATE: 4:05PM IL: Update from Ofakim from MDA Chief Eli Bin – one victim in serious condition, two others in light-to-moderate condition and a fourth victim in light condition. It is unknown if the victims were in or near the vehicle when the rocket struck.

UPDATE: 4:03PM IL: A rocket makes a direct hit to a vehicle in Ofakim. Two people reported in serious condition according to preliminary information from the scene.

3:33PM IL: The head of the Arab League and a group of Arab foreign ministers will visit Gaza on Tuesday to show solidarity with “Palestinians under Israeli attack”, officials said on Sunday.

Arab league ministers had called at an earlier meeting for a mission to go to Gaza. Arab League chief Nabil Elaraby told reporters in Cairo the visit would take place on Tuesday. A League source said Elaraby would lead the delegation. (Reuters)

3:23PM IL: IDF Chief of Staff has instructed the IDF to pick up the pace of Gaza strikes.

UPDATE: 3:18PM IL: Hosting southern residents in Kiryat Motzkin – 08-878-0900. Hosting by Ofarim – 050-3889907.

UPDATE: 3:14PM IL: MDA spokesman Zaki Heller reports an elderly woman sustained a shrapnel injury in her arm from Ofakim attack. Her injuries are described as light. Six others being treated for hysteria/panic at the rocket impact scene.

UPDATE: 3:13PM IL: Possible siren malfunction. No rockets detected in Ashdod.

UPDATE: 3:12PM IL: Channel 2 reports sirens sounding in Ashdod at this time.

UPDATE: 3:11PM IL: Over 12,000 rockets fired at southern Israel from Gaza over the past 12 years.

UPDATE: 3:06PM IL: Officials in Ofakim confirm a direct hit in last attack, reporting no physical injuries on the scene.

Channel 2 reports IAF targets a building in the Sheik Radjwan area of Gaza. Three dead and tens wounded. Channel two adds the bottom floor of the building struck was an ammunition warehouse.

Israel has made tens of thousands of phone calls to warn Gaza residents to leave.

UPDATE: 3:03PM IL: Sirens sounding in the Eshkol Regional Council/ Direct hit reported in Ofakim.

UPDATE: 3:01PM IL: Quartet Foreign Minister Tony Blair expected in Israel on Sunday night. (Quartet is the US, UN, EU and Russia).

Channel 2 TV News reports that rumors regarding an Israeli promise to US President Barak Obama that there will be no infantry operation in Gaza in the coming 48 hours are not accurate.

Sirens sounding in Nirim.

UPDATE: 2:58PM IL: Channel 2 reports at least 60 rockets fire at Israeli communities today.

UPDATE: 2:56PM IL: Sirens sounding in Ofakim, Eshkol Council, and Kfar Aza.

UPDATE: 2:55PM IL: Arab League ministers are expected to make a visit to Gaza later in the week. It now appears such a visit is set for Tuesday, 6 Kislev 5773.

UPDATE: 2:53PM IL: FM Lieberman added that if all terror organizations agree to a true and absolute cease fire, then there is a place to entertain such a move.

UPDATE: 2:48PM IL: Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman just announced that Israel is reviewing all of the ceasefire recommendations but such a move appears unlikely at the movement based on realities taking place.

Sirens sounding in the Eshkol and S’dot Negev Regional Councils.

UPDATE: 2:45PM IL: 5/6 rockets intercepted over Ashdod in the last wave.

UPDATE: 2:38PM IL: German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle expected in Israel Monday to attempt to advance a cease fire.

UPDATE: 2:35PM IL: Sirens sounding once again in Ashdod.

UPDATE: 2:31PM IL: Three rockets landed in the Eshkol Region. There are no reports of injuries.

UPDATE: 2:23PM IL: Sirens are sounding in the Eshkol Regional Council t this time.

UPDATE: 2:20PM IL: Regarding last wave of rocket fire in Ashdod, Zaka reports a parking lot of an eight story building was hit and a yard of a private home. In both cases there is damage but no physical injuries. A number of people are being treated for hysteria/panic.

UPDATE: 2:19PM IL: Funds have been raised to buy and distribute tzizis and yarmulkes for soldiers waiting to enter Gaza for those wishing to add a spiritual flak jacket to their other equipment.

UPDATE: 2:11PM IL: Rocket launched towards Ashkelon/ Rocket lands in an Ashdod apartment complex parking lot, resulting in extensive damage.

There are unconfirmed reports that one of the rocket that landed in the last wave contained phosphorus, which is outlawed by international law.

UPDATE: 2:08PM IL: Sirens sounding once again in Ashkelon and the Ashkelon Coast Regional Council.

UPDATE: 2:05PM IL: Preliminary reports of at least one katyusha rocket landing in Ashdod. Over 10 Iron Dome rockets fired.

Sirens at this time in the Eshkol Regional Council.

UPDATE: 2:04PM IL: It appears many rockets were intercepted in the last wave of massive rocket fire by the Iron dome. There are no immediate reports of injuries in Ashdod.

Sirens sounding in the Eshkol Regional Council district.

Be’er Tuvia situation room: 08-950-9800.

UPDATE: 2:02PM IL: Preliminary reports of at least one katyusha rocket landing in Ashdod. Over 10 Iron Dome rockets fired.

Sirens at this time in the Eshkol Regional Council.

UPDATE: 1:59PM IL: Third or fourth wave of sirens in Ashdod/ Explosions hear in many cities. Extremely heavy wave of rocket fire.

Reports of explosions in Gan Yavne and Ashkelon without sirens sounding.

UPDATE: 1:58PM IL: Appears at least 7 rocket intercepts over Ashkelon. Additional sirens sounding in Ashdod.

UPDATE: 1:55PM IL: Sirens in Kiryat Malachi, Gan Yavne, Ashkelon, Be’er Tuvia, and Ashdod.

UPDATE: 1:52PM IL: A rocket explodes in Kibbutz Shar HaNegev. Baruch Hashem no loss of life or injuries being reported.

UPDATE: 1:49PM IL: The foreign media is leaving Hamas main communications building in Gaza after the IAF targeted the roof and warned additional attacks may occur in the future.

The IDF Spokesman reports the roof was hit in the first attack but Hamas’ 8th story offices in that structure were left undamaged.

Sirens sounding in the Eshkol Regional Council at this time.

UPDATE: 1:46PM IL: Shafir Council situation room number is 08-850-0973/4.

UPDATE: 1:45PM IL: Sirens sounding in the Eshkol Regional Council.

UPDATE: 1:41PM IL: Beersheva- officials now reporting 3 rockets were intercepted by the Iron dome while two others landed in the city. Baruch Hashem no one was killed or physically injured. Four people are being treated for hysteria. Extensive damage being reported.

UPDATE: 1:38PM IL: Three impacts reports in Beersheva following the last wave of rocket fire. B’chasdei Hashem, there are no reports of physical injuries at this time but there is an unspecified number of people being treated for hysteria, which should not be minimized.

Experts in Israel are reporting the “post traumatic warfare injuries” are most serious and in some cases take years to heal.

UPDATE: 1:33PM IL: Direct hit to apartment building in Beersheva in the last rocket attack. Ambulances responding to the scene. More to follow if required.

UPDATE: 1:31PM IL: Conflicting reports. One states that three rockets heading for Beersheva were intercepted by the Iron dome/ Other reports state a rocket landed in the city. A MDA mobile intensive care unit is seen traveling in emergency response mode, possibly signaling injuries. More to follow.

UPDATE: 1:26PM IL: Direct hit earlier in Sderot rocket attack. Significant damage reported. B’chasdei Hashem, no loss of life or injuries.

UPDATE: 1:24PM IL: Sirens sound for a second time in Beersheva. Sirens in Merchavim and Bnei Shimon Council.

UPDATE: 1:22PM IL: Sirens sounding in Beersheva/ IDF have called up 16,000 soldiers, most stationed in the south in preparation for ground forces operation in Gaza.

UPDATE: 1:18PM IL: A controlled explosion of an unexploded rocket component found on Ashdod rooftop a short time ago is expected. Authorities have closed down the street and are making preparations to have the rocket remains detonated.

IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Benny Gantz has visited troops waiting in southern Israel to enter into Gaza. He has ordered stepped up IAF assaults against terrorists in Gaza.

UPDATE: 1:12PM IL: Shrapnel falling from the sky above Ashkelon from last Iron Dome intercept. No injuries reported.

UPDATE: 1:09PM IL: Three mortar shells landed in an open area in the Shar HaNegev Regional Council region. B”H no injuries.

UPDATE: 1:01PM IL: Sirens in Eshkol region and Sderot. Two rounds of sirens in Ashkelon.

UPDATE: 12:31PM IL: Over 1,000 students holding an IDF solidarity event in Haifa University at this time in response to and event held Thursday by Arab students during which they expressed solidarity with Ahmed Jabari, the slain Hamas chief of staff.

UPDATE: 12:27PM IL: The IAF is continuing sorties over Gaza at this time.

UPDATE: 12:25PM IL: IDF Spokesman – last rocket landed very close to a kindergarten. Fortunately, the school was closed today as all schools in 40km range of Gaza border.

UPDATE: 12:19PM IL: 124 trucks carrying medications, food, gas and other supplies crossing into Gaza at Kerem Shalom Crossing in southern Israel.

UPDATE: 12:16PM IL: Iron Dome intercepts rockets heading for Ashdod.

UPDATE: 12:15PM IL: Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu made the following remarks at the start of the weekly Cabinet meeting today:

“By now the IDF has attacked over 1,000 terrorist targets in Gaza and it is continuing its operations as we speak. It is achieving significant hits on weapons aimed at Israeli citizens, as well as on those who use these weapons and those who dispatch them. We are exacting a heavy price from Hamas and the [other] terrorist organizations, and the IDF is prepared for a significant expansion of its operations.

Today as well, I will continue to speak with world leaders. I appreciate the understanding that they are showing for Israel’s right to defend itself. In my talks with the leaders, I emphasize the effort Israel is making to avoid hitting civilians, and this at a time when Hamas and the [other] terrorist organizations are making every effort to hit civilian targets in Israel. We are a responsible government that is obligated, above all, to the security of its citizens, and we are acting in accordance with this obligation.

“Over the weekend, I spoke again with US President Barack Obama. I thanked him for his support of Israel’s right to defend itself and for his contribution, and that of the American people, in developing Iron Dome. I repeat and praise the restraint, determination and resilience of Israel’s citizens on the home front, and I repeat my request to all of you to follow the instructions from IDF Home Front Command because it saves lives.

“The operation in Gaza is continuing and we are prepared to expand it. I appreciate the rapid and impressive mobilization of the reservists who have come from all over the country and turned out for the mission at hand. Reservist and conscript soldiers are ready for any order they might receive.”

UPDATE: 12:13PM IL: Sirens sounding in Ashdod.

UPDATE: 12:01PM IL: Ichud Hatzalah now reporting the firefighter injured a short time ago is listed in moderate-to-serious condition.

UPDATE: 11:58AM IL: Sirens sounding in the Ashkelon Coast Regional Council.

UPDATE: 11:51AM IL: Terrorists release a message that rockets fired at Gush Dan had 80km (48 miles) range and were intended for Herzliya.

UPDATE: 11:46AM IL: Ichud Hatzalah reports the victim sustained a serious head injury but remains conscious. He is being transported by an Ichud ambulance to rendezvous with a helicopter which will fly him to the trauma unit.

The victim is identified to be a firefighter.

UPDATE: 11:41AM IL: Seriously wounded rocket victim from the Shar HaNegev area being transported to the trauma unit of Soroka Medical Center in Beersheva.

UPDATE: 11:40AM IL: The IDF has taken control of Hamas Radio in Gaza and using it to broadcast warnings to Gaza residents ahead of an imminent ground forces operation.

UPDATE: 11:38AM IL: One person was seriously injured in the last rocket attack in Nachal Ohz. The victim is being transported by EMS personnel.

UPDATE: 11:33AM IL: IAF warning residents of N Gaza of imminent ground forces operation/ Egypt continues to release messages regarding a ceasefire.

UPDATE: 11:29AM IL: One cannot ignore the absurdity of the mainstream media as the television news is obsessed with the notion of a ceasefire. This began on motzei shabbos when the Arabs sources leaked news of an impending ceasefire, and it has not ceased today, even after increasing rocket attacks.

The TV stations are bringing a host of experts who explain the logistics of a ceasefire. In the meantime, Israelis are being transported to hospitals for physical and psychological injuries and homes, vehicles and property are being damaged and destroyed.

UPDATE: 11:27AM IL: A number of mortar shells land in Kibbutz Shar HaNegev. No injuries are being reported.

UPDATE: 11:26AM IL: Sirens sounding in Nachal Ohz, Shar HaNegev Council, S’dot Negev Council.

UPDATE: 11:23AM IL: Magen David Adom treating a number of Ashdod victims for hysteria/panic after a rocket slammed into an apartment building.

UPDATE: 11:21AM IL: IAF eliminates two additional rocket launchers in Gaza as aerial attacks against terrorists continue.

UPDATE: 11:19AM IL: The Queen Elizabeth and Costa Pacific are among the luxury liners that have canceled plans to dock in Israel due to warfare.

UPDATE: 11:15AM IL: Hearing impaired residents may obtain a vibrating pager from IDF Homefront Command by phoning 03-739-6419.

UPDATE: 11:09AM IL: Sirens sounding once again in Ashkelon, Ashkelon Coast Regional Council, Be’er Tuvia and Shafir Regional Council.

UPDATE: 11:07AM IL: Hamas in Gaza continues to release threatening statements against Israel, warning Jerusalem of the consequences if the military operation continues.

UPDATE: 11:05AM IL: A vehicle is in flames at Wolfson Interchange in Cholon, the result of rocket fragments. B’chasdei Hashem there are no injuries. Heavy damage reported.

UPDATE: 11:03AM IL: Iron Dome makes sixth interception of incoming rockets this morning in Ashdod.

UPDATE: 11:00AM IL: Sirens sounding in Ashdod and Gan Yavne

UPDATE: 10:51AM IL: A direct hit reported in last rocket attack in Ashkelon. A number of people are being transported to hospital for treatment for hysteria/panic. B’chasdei Hashem there is no reports of physical injuries. Damage reported.

UPDATE: 10:48AM IL: Three rockets were fired at the Gush Dan area. Two were intercepted by the Iron Dome. The third, heading on a path for an uninhabited area was permitted to impact. B’chasdei Hashem no injuries reported.

UPDATE: 10:41AM IL: Sirens sounding in the Ashkelon Coast Regional Council.

UPDATE: 10:40AM IL: Sirens sounding in Ashdod and Ashkelon

UPDATE: 10:33AM IL: New Iron Dome set in Gush Dan on Shabbos intercepted Fajar rocket heading to Tel Aviv.

Sirens sounded in Rishon L’Tzion, Bnei Brak, Bat Yam and many other areas in Gush Dan.

UPDATE: 10:29AM IL: Sirens sounding in Tel Aviv, Cholon and Bnei Brak.

UPDATE: 10:28AM IL: Sirens sounding in the Ashkelon Coast Regional Council.

UPDATE: 10:26AM IL: Sirens sounding once again in Ashdod/ Sirens in Nitsana as well.

UPDATE: 10:25AM IL: The damage to the Ashkelon apartment building that sustained a direct hit earlier today is extensive. Two people were injured lightly from shrapnel because they were in a stairwell and they did not remain in the apartment, which was destroyed.

UPDATE: 10:21AM IL: The Kerem Shalom Crossing in S. Israel is open at this time to permit the delivery of pharmaceuticals and other humanitarian supplies into Gaza.

UPDATE: 10:08AM IL: B’chasdei Hashem, Iron Dome intercepts 3 rockets. Others landed in an open area. No injuries reported/ One rocket exploded in Kibbutz Nirim. No injuries.

UPDATE: 10:04AM IL: Sirens sounding once again in Ashdod.

UPDATE: 10:03AM IL: A mortar shell explodes in the Shar HaNegev Council area. Baruch Hashem, no injuries/ A rocket landed in an open area in the Be’er Tuvia region. B”H, no injuries.

UPDATE: 9:48AM IL: IDF Southern District Commander Major-General Tal Russo: A ground forces operation in Gaza is on the agenda. We will achieve the goals set for Operation Pillar of Defense.

UPDATE: 9:46AM IL: IAF continues to strike terrorist targets in Gaza/ some of the rockets fired in last wave intercepted by Iron Dome. No injuries being reported Baruch Hashem.

UPDATE: 9:33AM IL: Sirens sounding in the S’dot HaNegev and Shar HaNegev Regional Councils.

UPDATE: 9:23AM IL: Gaza reports 48 people killed and 450 injured as a result of IAF attacks. IAF officials report the overwhelming number of fatalities was terrorists targeted in surgical strikes.

UPDATE: 9:21AM IL: Sirens sounding again in the S’dot Negev Council and Shar HaNegev Regional Council.

UPDATE: 9:19AM IL: Sirens sounding in S’dot Negev Regional Council/ IAF continues striking smuggling tunnels, the lifeline for Hamas’ weapons and ammunition.

UPDATE: 9:07AM IL: The Jewish Agency for Israel today is taking over 3,200 children who live within 15km of the Gaza border for a day of fun in northern Israel.

UPDATE: 9:03AM IL: Another siren sounding in Ashkelon at this time.

UPDATE: 9:00AM IL: Ashkelon update: Two people were injured lightly by shrapnel to their hands in attack earlier this morning. The rocket slammed into the 4th floor of an apartment building earlier. The victims were transported to Barzilai Hospital in Ashkelon.

The victims were in a stairwell when the rocket impacted. Homefront Command officials point out once again that if they would have remained in the apartment, the outcome would most likely have been significantly worse.

UPDATE: 8:47AM IL: Hosting families from the south: Haifa 08-677-5598.

UPDATE: 8:36AM IL: Firefighters and Magen David Adom personnel checked the building struck by a rocket in Ashkelon and found a man inside an apartment with a shrapnel injury to a shoulder. He is being transported to Barzilai Hospital.

UPDATE: 8:29AM IL: Ashkelon update: Damage to a building and a car in flames. B’chasdei Hashem, no injuries.

UPDATE: 8:22AM IL: One rocket slammed into a home in Ashkelon..

UPDATE: 8:17AM IL: Sirens sounding in Ashkelon, the city’s industrial center, Yad Mordechai and Zikim.

UPDATE: 8:15AM IL: IDF Spokesman Brigadier-General Yoav Mordechai reports “we are waiting for the order to begin ground forces operation.”

UPDATE: 8:11AM IL: Sirens sounded in Shar HaNegev of Ashkelon Coast Regional Councils a few minutes ago.

UPDATE: 8:05AM IL: The Balad Arab Party held its primaries in Nazareth on Saturday. Members of the Arab party observed a minute of silence in memory of the victims killed in Gaza.

UPDATE: 7:53AM IL: The IAF continues to pound Gazan terrorists at this time. 70 targets hit during the night, including 30 hidden rocket launchers.

UPDATE: 7:52AM IL: The IDF during the night fired over the border into Syria following light weapons gunfire into N. Israel from Syria on motzei shabbos.

UPDATE: 7:51AM IL: B’chasdei Hashem, all the rockets impacted in open areas.

UPDATE: 7:48AM IL: Channel 2 – Efforts towards a ceasefire have failed.

UPDATE: 7:44AM IL: Sirens now sounding in Zikim, the Ashkelon Coast and Shar HaNegev Regional Councils and Yad Mordechai.

UPDATE: 7:39AM IL: GAZA: The commander of the Islamic Jihad artillery corps was eliminated by the IAF during the night.

UPDATE: 7:35AM IL: Six correspondents of the Al-Quds News were injured in Gaza during the night and at least two people were killed.

UPDATE: 7:30AM IL: After 13 hours of quiet sirens sounded a short time ago. While the Iron Dome in Ashdod was heard firing rockets, the impact location of the rockets moments ago remains unknown at this time.

In Sderot, stores are generally open by 7:30am, at least the groceries and cafes, but the city is a ghost town this Sunday morning as is the case in other cities in rocket range.

UPDATE: 7:21AM IL: Sirens sounding in Moshav Zameret, located between Beersheva and Ashelon as well as the S’dot Negev Regional Council.

UPDATE: 7:17AM IL: The night passed without attacks Baruch Hashem but the Gaza border communities remain on high alert and schools are closed until the 40km mark. Soldiers remain on standby near the border to Gaza for the order to begin advancing and the media is already dissecting what appears to be a ceasefire despite statements from Israeli officials that there is no ceasefire.

As this is being prepared sirens go off in the south. More to follow

UPDATE: 1:04AM IL: Gaza – The IAF attacks a Hamas training facility. Heavy damage is being reported. No IDF confirmation as of this time.

UPDATE: 12:50AM IL: Hizbullah leader Sheikh Hassan Nasrallah warns Israel that a ground forces incursion into Gaza would be a foolish move

UPDATE: 12:47AM IL: Gaza reports Islamic Jihad terrorist eliminated in IAF targeted strike in Central Gaza.

UPDATE 12:29AM IL: Gunfire directed at IDF soldiers in the Golan Heights from across the Syrian border in the Tel Chazaka area. There are no immediate reports of injuries.

UPDATE: 12:22AM IL: IDF Homefront Command officials explain that while Gush Dan area residents are encouraged to maintain a regular schedule, they should realize that additional sirens in the area are likely in coming days.

Therefore, residents should be familiar with area shelters and have a plan to seek safety within the 90 seconds allotted from hearing the sirens to impact.

UPDATE: 12:14AM IL: Israel points out that Hamas’ increasingly difficult situation is becoming apparent after many rocket launching sites and long-range rockets destroyed on the ground accompanied by the fact the terror organization is airing videos that “show” Hamas downed an Israeli fighter jet as well as reports from terror leaders that the fired a rocket into the Knesset. Israeli officials deny the accuracy of these reports.

CLICK HERE FOR THE YWN LIVE BLOG FROM DAY 4 OF OPERATION PILLAR OF DEFENSE

CLICK HERE FOR THE YWN LIVE BLOG FROM DAY 3 OF OPERATION PILLAR OF DEFENSE

CLICK HERE FOR THE YWN LIVE BLOG FROM DAY 2 OF OPERATION PILLAR OF DEFENSE

CLICK HERE FOR THE YWN LIVE BLOG FROM DAY 1 OF OPERATION PILLAR OF DEFENSE

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)



16 Responses

  1. To the Yeshiva World editor: Your English is fine, don’t worry about it. The key is timely and accurate information, and you are doing a great job.

    Hashem ya’azor.

  2. Yeshiva world is doing a wonderful job. Yeshiva readers are reading between the lines. Vocabulary is not important . Don’t aggravate your self The daily news and the post they write a good vocabulary.

  3. it always shocks me & saddens me that it takes the sitaution to become this bad R”L before we can accept Hashems wake-up call for teshuva.
    why can’t we do teshuva & achdus before these tragic events happen.
    perhaps you can guide me with an answer
    may we all do the proper teshuva Hashem is waiting for so mashiach can come

  4. Please read to the bottom

    UPDATE: 10:29AM IL: Sirens sounding in Tel Aviv and Bnei Brak.

    UPDATE: 10:28AM IL: Sirens sounding in the Ashkelon Coast Regional Council.

    UPDATE: 10:26AM IL: Sirens sounding once again in Ashdod/ Sirens in Nitsana as well.

    UPDATE: 10:26AM IL:
    “The Kerem Shalom Crossing in S. Israel is open at this time to permit the delivery of pharmaceuticals and other humanitarian supplies into Gaza.”

    IS TODAY PURIM?

  5. “There are unconfirmed reports that one of the rocket that landed in the last wave contained phosphorus, which is outlawed by international law”
    Ha Ha and deliberately firing rockets into densely populated civilian areas is not banned under international law?

  6. Call it what it is reprisals not attacks but then again the liberal and ArAb media obviously are not into fact finding they are into forming opinions

  7. @1 Please! Can’t you see that Hashem is sending us messages. One of which is Ahavas Yisroel. Please refrain from nasty posts. We ALL need to do teshuva – NOW.
    May Hashem protect all of Klal Yisroel.

  8. “one of the rocket that landed in the last wave contained phosphorus, which is outlawed by international law.”

    International law permits the firing of rockets at neighboring countries if they don’t contain phosphorous?

    Is there any corroboration to this claim?

  9. Thank you for your great reporting.
    (Perhaps you can add the EST next to the IL time so the corresponding comments — in EST — would be more meaningful.)
    Again, Kudos to the staff and editors of Yeshiva World News!!!

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