Gaza Conflict: Timeline, Key Fatalities, and Updates

Charlie Szrom, of the American Enterprise Institute (www.aei.org), has compiled a documented timeline of the conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.  He has also provided a list of key Hamas leadership casualties.  In addition, Szrom will be providing regular updates on the crises.  Be sure to check back often for the latest updates. 

Timeline  |   Key Hamas Leadership Fatalities  |  Update 1 (Jan 5, 2009)  |  Update 2 (Jan 5, 2009 9:00pm) |  Update 3 (Jan 6, 2009 6:00pm) | Update 4 (Jan 8, 2009 7:45am) |   Update 5 (Jan 9, 2009 10:00am)  |   Update 6 (Jan 15, 2009 1:00pm)

Israeli Air Force Strikes in Gaza

Israeli Defense Forces Movements in Gaza and Naval Blockade

Sites of Frequent Rocket Attacks from Gaza

Update 6 (January 15, 2009 1:00pm) 

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January 14-15

     Israeli forces inched further into Gaza City and may be conducting more large-scale incursions into city centers. Hamas Interior Minister Said Siam died after an Israeli airstrike in Gaza City. Israeli forces claim that air strikes have now destroyed nearly 70 percent of the tunnels under the Egypt-Gaza border; Hamas rocket attacks on Israel have fallen to roughly 20 a day from previous averages near 40. Unidentified operatives launched several rockets from Lebanon towards northern Israel on Wednesday and Hamas launched 25 rockets Thursday morning.

     Public statements and other sources indicated a rift may be opening between Hamas leaders situated in Gaza and those based outside the Strip; with Gaza-based leaders now appearing more willing to accept a ceasefire. Ehud Barak and Tzip Livni also appeared open to a ceasefire. Palestinian deaths now top 1070, with disagreement over the amount of civilian deaths ranging from a fourth to two-thirds of the total number. Gaza’s electrical grid is now operating at74%, up from 40% earlier in the conflict. Iranian leaders continued to call for support for Gaza and opposition to Israel; Osama bin Laden joined them, saying Hamas fighters should take heart from the American economic downturn, American problems in Iraq and Afghanistan, the Soviet failure in Afghanistan, and the 9/11 attacks.

Operation Results

• The IDF believes it has destroyed 70 percent of the tunnels under the Egypt-Gaza border. (Katz, Yaakov. “IAF planes strike 70 Hamas targets.” Jerusalem Post. 15 January 2009. 

• Rocket attacks against Israel have fallen to less than 20 a day, from 30-40 a day previously. (Katz, Yaakov. “IAF planes strike 70 Hamas targets.” Jerusalem Post. 15 January 2009.) (Ravid, Barak. “IDF: Hamas rocket fire down 50% since start of Gaza offensive.” Ha’aretz. 12 January 2009.) 

• Israeli forces killed Hamas Interior Minister Said Siam, one of Hamas’ top three commanders after Ismail Haniyeh and Mahmoud Zahar. (Barzak, Ibrahim and Amy Teibel. “Israeli forces shell UN headquarters in Gaza.” Associated Press. 15 January 2009.) (Harel, Amos. “Sources: IDF kills Hamas military wing head, interior min., security chief.” Ha’aretz. 15 January 2009.) (Katz, Yaakov. “Hamas interior minister Said Siam dies in IAF air strike.” Jerusalem Post. 15 January 2009.)

Ceasefire

• A Hamas delegation to Cairo announced that it had accepted an Egyptian-backed ceasefire “in principle”; the truce would supposedly last 10 days (Abu Toameh, Khaled, Herb Keinon, and Yaakov Katz. “Hamas accepts ceasefire ‘in principle.’” Jerusalem Post. 15 January 2009.) (Ravid, Barak. “Olmert to Ban: Gunmen fired at IDF troops from UN compound.” Ha’aretz. 15 January 2009.)

• Hamas wants “rehabilitation” for the Gaza strip and the opening of border crossings. (Ravid, Barak, Amos Harel, and Avi Issacharoff. “Hamas agrees in principle to Egypt offer for Gaza truce.” Ha’aretz. 15 January 2009.)

• A rift may be widening between Gaza-based Hamas leaders and Hamas leaders outside Palestine: Damascus-based Moussa Abu Marzouk and Beirut-based Osama Hamdan said Hamas did not fully agree with the ceasefire offer, while Gaza-based Salah al-Bardwil expressed hope the Egyptian ceasefire would succeed. Information from Israeli intelligence and Egyptian officials concurs with the assessment of a rift. (Ravid, Barak, Amos Harel, and Avi Issacharoff. “Egypt television: Israel agreed in principle to Gaza truce plan.” Ha’aretz. 15 January 2009.)

• “The delegation consisted of Salah Bardaweel and Ayman Taha from the Gaza Strip and Imad al-Alami and Muhammad Nasser from Syria.” (Abu Toameh, Khaled, Herb Keinon, and Yaakov Katz. “Hamas accepts ceasefire ‘in principle.’” Jerusalem Post. 15 January 2009.

• Hamas spokesmen Muhammad Nazal in Damascus rejected a long-term ceasefire, a halt to arms smuggling, and the presence of an international force in Gaza. Lebanon-based Hamas spokesman Osama Hamdan said the Eygptian ceasefire needed modification. (Abu Toameh, Khaled, Herb Keinon, and Yaakov Katz. “Hamas accepts ceasefire ‘in principle.’” Jerusalem Post. 15 January 2009.

• Haniyeh allies in the Gaza Strip have been reportedly attempting to get Arab states to pressure Meshaal to accept a ceasefire, as of Tuesday January 13. (Abu Toameh, Khaled. “Analysis: Heavy losses haven’t broken the Hamas regime.” Jerusalem Post. 14 January 2009. 

•  Israeli officials said the sequence of the events would most likely be as follows:

• Israeli foreign ministry director-general Aaron Abramovich discussed with American officials how to interrupt weapons smuggling before it reached the Gaza-Egypt border from Iran. (Abu Toameh, Khaled, Herb Keinon, and Yaakov Katz. “Hamas accepts ceasefire ‘in principle.’” Jerusalem Post. 15 January 2009.)

• Israeli Foreign Minister Tzip Livni and Defense Minister Ehud Barak reportedly favor a ceasefire that allows for the offensive to resume after a humanitarian pause if diplomatic conditions do not appear favorable. Prime Minister Ehud Olmert reportedly favors continuing military operations to keep pressure on Hamas. (Horovitz, David. “Analysis: What constitutes a ‘victory?’” Jerusalem Post. 15 January 2009.) (Whitlock, Craig. “Progress Reported in Gaza Truce Talks; Palestinian Toll Exceeds 1,000.” Washington Post. 15 January 2009.)

Israeli Troop Positions:

• Israeli forces tightened control of Gaza City and moved deeper into the Shati refugee camp. (Katz, Yaakov. “IAF planes strike 70 Hamas targets.” Jerusalem Post. 15 January 2009.)

• Israeli troops have largely held outside the urban centers of Gaza City, making occasional forays into areas to eliminate Hamas infrastructure, although they appear more willing to conduct operations in crowded areas with a new offensive on Thursday, January 15. (Ravid, Barak. “Olmert to Ban: Gunmen fired at IDF troops from UN compound.” Ha’aretz. 15 January 2009.) (Witte, Griff and Craig Whitlock. “Progress Reported in Gaza Truce Talks; Palestinian Toll Exceeds 1,000.” Washington Post. 15 January 2009.)

• Additional reservist troops entered Gaza beginning Thursday 1/8 or on Sunday 1/11, according to different reports. 1/8: (Erlanger, Steven and Ethan Bronner. “As Troops Enter Gaza, Israel Sees an Opening.” New York Times. 11 January 2009.) 1/11: (Ravid, Barak. “IDF: Hamas rocket fire down 50% since start of Gaza offensive.” Ha’aretz. 12 January 2009.)

Israeli Air Strikes and Naval Bombardments 

• The IAF hit 35 targets the morning of Thursday, January 15. (Kirsh, Elana. “Palestinians: IDF tanks shell UNRWA building in Gaza City.” Jerusalem Post. 15 January 2009.)

• IAF strikes hit 70 targets Wednesday night. (Kirsh, Elana. “Palestinians: IDF tanks shell UNRWA building in Gaza City.” Jerusalem Post. 15 January 2009.)

• 60 targets during the day on Wednesday. (Katz, Yaakov. “IAF planes strike 70 Hamas targets.” Jerusalem Post. 15 January 2009.)

Hamas Response:

• Hamas rocket fire has decreased 50% since the beginning of Operation Cast Lead according to Israeli military officials. The daily average has come down to 20-30 rockets a day from 40-50 previously. 22 rockets hit southern Israel on Sunday, January 11. (Ravid, Barak. “IDF: Hamas rocket fire down 50% since start of Gaza offensive.” Ha’aretz. 12 January 2009.)

• Much of Hamas’ rocket launching infrastructure has been decimated: according to the IDF, Hamas operators now have to fire in less than 2 minutes to move quickly enough to avoid Israeli military strikes. (Harel, Amos. “Hamas forced to fire rockets in under two minutes.” Ha’aretz. 12 January 2009.)

• At least 25 rockets hit Israel on the morning of Thursday, January 15, hitting locations including Gedera, Ofakim, and Sderot. (“Grad rocket from Gaza hits Gedera.” Jerusalem Post. 15 January 2009.)

• At least 15 rockets hit Israel on Wednesday, January 14. (“Grad rocket from Gaza hits Gedera.” Jerusalem Post. 15 January 2009.)

Hamas Casualties:

• As of Tuesday, several hundred Hamas fighters had died and more than 2550 had been wounded since the beginning of Operation Cast Lead. (Abu Toameh, Khaled. “Analysis: Heavy losses haven’t broken the Hamas regime.” Jerusalem Post. 14 January 2009.)

• These represent a small percentage, however, of the 25,000 reported fighters belonging to Hamas and allied groups such as the al-Aqsa Martyr’s Brigade (Fatah), Islamic Jihad, the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, the Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine, and the Popular Resistance Committees. (Abu Toameh, Khaled. “Analysis: Heavy losses haven’t broken the Hamas regime.” Jerusalem Post. 14 January 2009.)

• Palestinian reports estimate 150 of the members of these associated groups had been killed as of Tuesday, January 15. (Abu Toameh, Khaled. “Analysis: Heavy losses haven’t broken the Hamas regime.” Jerusalem Post. 14 January 2009.)

• Five bodyguards for Hamas co-founder Mahmoud Zahar were killed Wednesday night in southern Gaza City. (Kirsh, Elana. “Palestinians: IDF tanks shell UNRWA building in Gaza City.” Jerusalem Post. 15 January 2009.)

Other Palestinian Casualties:

• As many as 1070 Palestinians have died in the fighting so far, including 670 civilians, according to Palestinian sources. 1055 Palestinians dead: (Ravid, Barak. “Olmert to Ban: Gunmen fired at IDF troops from UN compound.” Ha’aretz. 15 January 2009.)  1070: (Witte, Griff and Craig Whitlock. “Progress Reported in Gaza Truce Talks; Palestinian Toll Exceeds 1,000.” Washington Post. 15 January 2009.)

• An Israeli tank shell hit the UN Relief and Works Agency Gaza headquarters on Thursday, January 15. (Kirsh, Elana. “Palestinians: IDF tanks shell UNRWA building in Gaza City.” Jerusalem Post. 15 January 2009.)
  • Israeli troops had responded to alleged Hamas gunfire from within the compound, which housed 700 Palestinian refugees. (Ravid, Barak. “Olmert to Ban: Gunmen fired at IDF troops from UN compound.” Ha’aretz. 15 January 2009.)

• An Israeli tank shell hit a wing of the Al-Quds hospital in Gaza on Thursday, January 15. (Kirsh, Elana. “Palestinians: IDF tanks shell UNRWA building in Gaza City.” Jerusalem Post. 15 January 2009.) (El-Khodary, Taghreed and Isabel Kershner. “Israel Strike Hits U.N. Building in Gaza Strip.” New York Times. 15 January 2009.)

• On Wednesday, January 14, IDF sources claim only 25% of Gaza deaths have been civilians; they have constructed a list of 900 individuals, 150 of which are women, children, and elderly. Another “senior Israeli military official” said “a few hundred” Hamas fighters had died in the conflict. In contrast, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said 311 children and 76 women had died. The IDF claimed 4418 had been wounded, including 1549 children and 652 women. (Katz, Yaakov. “IDF: Civilian deaths less than 25% of total.” Jerusalem Post. 15 January 2009.)  “few hundred” Hamas fighters: (Witte, Griff and Craig Whitlock. “Progress Reported in Gaza Truce Talks; Palestinian Toll Exceeds 1,000.” Washington Post. 15 January 2009.)

• The civilian deaths number conflicts with other reports: “Over two-thirds of the nearly 1,000 people killed since the onset of the operation are civilians, according to Dr. Ishai Menuchin of the Public Committee Against Torture in Israel, who added that nearly one-third are children.” (Stoil, Rebecca Anna. “Israeli groups: Probe IDF ‘war crimes.’” Jerusalem Post. 15 January 2009.)

Israeli Casualties:

• 22 Israeli soldiers were wounded Wednesday, January 15 when a house collapsed on them in the northern Gaza strip. (Katz, Yaakov. “IAF planes strike 70 Hamas targets.” Jerusalem Post. 15 January 2009.)

• The Israeli dead count stands at 13, 10 soldiers and 3 civilians, since the beginning of Operation Cast Lead. (Ravid, Barak. “Olmert to Ban: Gunmen fired at IDF troops from UN compound.” Ha’aretz. 15 January 2009.)

Humanitarian aid:

• The IDF observed a humanitarian aid pause from 11 am to 3pm, now a daily practice, on January 15. (Kirsh, Elana. “Palestinians: IDF tanks shell UNRWA building in Gaza City.” Jerusalem Post. 15 January 2009.)

• The electrical grid in Gaza City is now operating at 74%, up from 40% earlier in the operation, due to coordination between the IDF, Palestinian energy officials, and the Red Cross. (Kirsh, Elana. “Palestinians: IDF tanks shell UNRWA building in Gaza City.” Jerusalem Post. 15 January 2009.)

• The IDF enacted stricter rules of engagement relating to firing on ambulances, which Hamas operatives have used for transport, in the Gaza strip. 13 medical personnel have reportedly died in Gaza since the outbreak of fighting. (Mizroch, Amir. “IDF tightens open-fire orders on Palestinian ambulances.” Jerusalem Post. 14 January 2009.)

• “As of the evening of January 12, UNRWA was operating 38 emergency shelters, with 35,520 displaced people.” (Mizroch, Amir. “IDF tightens open-fire orders on Palestinian ambulances.” Jerusalem Post. 14 January 2009.)

• Israel has admitted 1136 trucks of humanitarian aid to Gaza since the beginning of the ground operation. (Kirsh, Elana. “Palestinians: IDF tanks shell UNRWA building in Gaza City.” Jerusalem Post. 15 January 2009.)

Lebanon

• At least three and as many as twelve rockets were launched from Lebanon towards Israel on Wednesday, January 14.  According to January 14 Ha’aretz reportage, only 1 rocket actually landed inside Israel, in Kiryat Shmona. The rockets were launched from near the Lebanese town of Hasbaya, according to Lebanese television. (Ashkenazi, Eli and Anshel Pfeffer. “3 rockets fired from Lebanon hit north Israel; IDF returns fire.” Ha’aretz. 14 January 2009.) 12 rockets: (Whitlock, Craig. “Progress Reported in Gaza Truce Talks; Palestinian Toll Exceeds 1,000.” Washington Post. 15 January 2009.)

• IDF forces fired five artillery shells into Lebanon in response. (Ashkenazi, Eli and Anshel Pfeffer. “3 rockets fired from Lebanon hit north Israel; IDF returns fire.” Ha’aretz. 14 January 2009.)

Iran

• According to an Egyptian government official, Ali Larijani, speaker of the Iranian parliament, and Saiid Jalili of the Iranian intelligence service, pressured Hamas not to accept the Egyptian cease-fire offer, threatening to cut off the flow of funds and weapons if Hamas laid down its arms. (Abu Toameh, Khaled. “Iran warns Hamas not to accept truce.” Jerusalem Post. 12 January 2009.)

• Tensions may be rising among Hamas officials who might feel abandoned by Iran and Syria – a Hamas official in Gaza City said: “We feel that our brothers in Teheran and Damascus have betrayed us, as have the rest of the Arab and Islamic governments." (Abu Toameh, Khaled. “Analysis: Heavy losses haven’t broken the Hamas regime.” Jerusalem Post. 14 January 2009.)

• An Israeli man who had been living in Argentina was arrested three weeks ago for allegedly attempting to spy on Israel for Iran. (Harel, Amos. “Israeli charged with attempting to spy on behalf of Iran.” Ha’aretz. 15 January 2009.)

• Israel turned away an Iranian ship loaded with 2,000 tons of reported humanitarian aid that it was attempting to enter Gaza. The ship, the Shaded, was turned away 20 miles off the Gaza coast, the perimeter previously established by the Israeli naval blockade, and sent to Egypt.  (Whitlock, Craig. “Progress Reported in Gaza Truce Talks; Palestinian Toll Exceeds 1,000.” Washington Post. 15 January 2009.) (Dareini, Ali Akbar. “Iran's president urges Arabs to stop Israel.” Associated Press. 15 January 2009.)

• Mahmoud Ahmadenijad urged Arab leaders to cut all ties with Israel and pressure Israel with “economic wealth.” (Dareini, Ali Akbar. “Iran's president urges Arabs to stop Israel.” Associated Press. 15 January 2009.)
  • Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei forbidding the purchase of Israeli goods or trade with Israeli companies. (Dareini, Ali Akbar. “Iran's president urges Arabs to stop Israel.” Associated Press. 15 January 2009.)

Al Qaeda

• Osama bin Laden called for Muslims to support Gazans. (Whitlock, Craig. “Progress Reported in Gaza Truce Talks; Palestinian Toll Exceeds 1,000.” Washington Post. 15 January 2009.)
  • Bin Laden said Gazans could succeed because of the examples of the defeat of the Soviet Union in Afghanistan, the 9/11 attack, American difficulties in Iraq and Afghanistan, and the current economic downturn in the U.S. (“Bin Laden Calls for Support to Gaza, Jihad.” SITE Intelligence Service. 14 January 2009.)
  •  Bin Laden called for financial donations to mujahedeen. (“Bin Laden Calls for Support to Gaza, Jihad.” SITE Intelligence Service. 14 January 2009.)
  •  Bin Laden claimed Al Qaeda is in a position to “open other fronts” against the U.S. (“Bin Laden Calls for Support to Gaza, Jihad.” SITE Intelligence Service. 14 January 2009. 

Update 5 (January 9, 2009 10:00am) 

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January 8-9

Ceasefire

• The UN Security Council passed Resolution 1860 calling for a halt to the violence in Gaza and a “durable” ceasefire. It called on international actors “to intensify efforts to provide arrangements and guarantees in Gaza in order to sustain a durable cease-fire and calm, including to prevent illicit trafficking in arms and ammunition and to ensure the sustained re-opening.” (“UN passes Gaza cease-fire resolution.” Jersualem Post. 9 January 2009.)
  • The resolution supports anti-smuggling efforts such as the 2005 Agreement on Movement and Access between the Palestinian Authority and Israel and the recent Egyptian initiative. (“Text of UN Security Council resolution for Gaza cease-fire.” Ha’aretz. 9 January 2009.)
  • It calls for intra-Palestinian reconciliation and calls for an international meeting in Moscow related to the peace process in 2009. (“Text of UN Security Council resolution for Gaza cease-fire.” Ha’aretz. 9 January 2009.)
  • Full text available at: http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/1054206.html.

• Israeli troops do not have to withdraw until a “durable” ceasefire occurs. (“UN passes Gaza cease-fire resolution.” Jersualem Post. 9 January 2009.)

• Israel demands a ceasefire that guarantees an end to rocket fire and arms smuggling. (“Hamas: UN Gaza truce resolution ‘does not meet our demands.’ Ha’aretz. 9 January 2009.)

• Hamas representatives have rejected the ceasefire. Osama Hamdan, the group’s Lebanon envoy, said Hamas “is not interested in it because it does not meet the demands of the movement.” Hamas spokesman Sami Abu Zuhri called for further resistance from Hamas fighters and further protests throughout the Arab world. (Keinon, Herb. “Olmert: Gaza op to continue, UNSC resolution not practical.” Jerusalem Post. 9 January 2009.)

• The vote was 14-0; the US abstained. (“UN passes Gaza cease-fire resolution.” Jersualem Post. 9 January 2009.) (Ravid, Barak and Shlomo Shamir. “Olmert rejects ‘unworkable’ UN Gaza truce resolution.” Ha’aretz. 9 January 2009.)

Israeli Troop Positions

• Israeli tanks withdrew from near Khan Yunis, not clear to where – limited other sources on this withdrawal, it may just reflect a continued Israeli intent to avoid engagements in urban centers. (“Gaza conflict map.” BBC News. 9 January 2009.)

Israeli Air Strikes and Naval Bombardments

• IAF hit 50 targets in Thursday night, Friday morning strikes. (“Gaza clashes follow UNSC resolution.” Jerusalem Post. 9 January 2009.)

• Palestinian sources claim the IAF hit 30 targets. (“Palestinians: Israel attacks 30 Gaza targets, killing at least 10.” Ha’aretz. 9 January 2009.)

Hamas Response

• Hamas fired 20 rockets early Friday. (“UN passes Gaza cease-fire resolution.” Jersualem Post. 9 January 2009.) Some of these hit Eshkol, Be’ersheva, and Ashkelon.  (“Three more IDF soldiers killed in fighting in Gaza Strip.” Ha’aretz. 9 January 2009.)

• Hamas fired 25 rockets Thursday afternoon.  (“Three more IDF soldiers killed in fighting in Gaza Strip.” Ha’aretz. 9 January 2009.)

• Mohammed Nazal, a Syria-based Hamas official said Hamas would continue to resist Israeli forces, fighting them house-to-house in Gaza. (“UN passes Gaza cease-fire resolution.” Jersualem Post. 9 January 2009.)

Hamas Capabilities

• Although taking heavy losses, Hamas has divided its cities to defend against the Israeli advance on a neighborhood-by-neighborhood basis. Israeli intelligence released a map discovered by Israeli soldiers that Hamas had apparently used to plan a defense of the northern Gazan town of al-Atatra, one of the first cities in Gaza to encounter Israeli troops during Operation Cast Lead. (Katz, Yaakov. “IDF unveils Hamas map seized in Gaza.” Jerusalem Post. 8 January 2009.) The map allegedly showed:
  • A sniper position next to a mosque.
  • A bomb next to a gas station
  • The division of Atatra into three sectors

• Reportedly, soldiers also discovered a mannequin dressed a soldier inside a house – the mannequin was rigged to explode upon entry of the house, to collapse the floor and cause Israeli soldiers to fall into a tunnel where Hamas operatives would supposedly attempt abduction.  (Katz, Yaakov. “IDF unveils Hamas map seized in Gaza.” Jerusalem Post. 8 January 2009.)

• Hamas reportedly has 1500 tunnels under the Egypt-Gaza border. (Attalah, Lina. “Rafah: A  border town caught between Egypt and Hamas.” Christian Science Monitor. 9 January 2009.)
  • Many of the tunnel operators smuggle for the cash, not ideological reasons. One, an Abu Muhamed interviewed by the BBC, earns up to $3500 every 10 days for operating a 550 yard long tunnel, which Israel has recently destroyed in a bombing run. One local tunnel operator claimed Israel’s blockade of Gaza had tripled the economy in Egypt near the border due to trade. (Fraser, Christian. “Gaza conflict hampers Egypt smugglers.” BBC News. 8 January 2009.)

Palestinian Casualties

• The UN has claimed that Israeli soldiers admitted no mortar fire emanated from the UNRWA al-Fakhura school hit on Tuesday, January 6 and that video footage released by the IDF came from 2007, not the current operation. (Ravid, Barak and Akiva Eldar. “UN: IDF officers admitted there was no gunfire from Gaza school which was shelled.” Ha’aretz. 9 January 2009.

• 750-758 Palestinians now dead and 3100 wounded, including 1080 children. 750: (Ravid, Barak and Shlomo Shamir. “Olmert rejects ‘unworkable’ UN Gaza truce resolution.” Ha’aretz. 9 January 2009.) 758: (Bronner, Ethan. “U.N. and Red Cross Add to Outcry on Gaza War.” New York Times. 8 January 2009.)

• 19 Palestinians died by mid-day Friday (Friedman, Matti and Ibrahim Barzak. “Israel to continue offensive despite UN resolution.” AP. 9 January 2009.)

• The UN claimed that on Saturday, January 4, Israeli troops bombed a building two which they had evacuated nearly 110 Palestinian civilians just 24 hours earlier; the UN claimed 30 died in the bombing of the house. (“UN: IDF bombed building which housed civilians in Gaza.” Ha’aretz. 9 January 2009.)

Israeli Casualties

• 13 Israelis dead to date. (Friedman, Matti and Ibrahim Barzak. “Israel to continue offensive despite UN resolution.” AP. 9 January 2009.)

• This may conflict with a report saying that 9 IDF soldiers have died during the operation, including 3 in hours just before the UN vote. (“Palestinians: Israel attacks 30 Gaza targets, killing at least 10.” Ha’aretz. 9 January 2009.)

• Capt. Omer Rabinovitch and Sgt. Amit Robinson died on Thursday (after the Gaza Conflict Update of yesterday). This would confirm the AP report: 10 IDF soldiers and 3 civilians have died. (“Three more IDF soldiers killed in fighting in Gaza Strip.” Ha’aretz. 9 January 2009.)

Hamas-Fatah Rivalry

• Abbas’ term as PA leader expires today, January 9.  Abbas says he will not step down soon, claiming that the Palestinian Authority’s Basic Law allows him to stay in power for another year; Hamas says he must step down immediately and that they no longer recognize him as PA president. (“Hamas: Abbas no longer heads PA.” Jersualem Post. 9 January 2009.)

Lebanon Rockets

• Four rockets, not three as earlier reported, fell on Nahariya on January 8. Suspicion continued to focus on Palestinian terrorists, not Hezbollah:
  • “An Al-Jazeera reporter with close ties to Hizbullah said there was no chance the rockets were fired by the Shi'ite terrorist group, because they were an outdated model that Hizbullah had not used for years.” (Katz, Yaakov. “IDF on alert after Nahariya attack.” Jerusalem Post. 9 January 2009.)
  • “‘The first assumption is that it's not Hezbollah, it's global jihadists, groups much more connected with Al Qaeda,’ says Col. (Res.) Miri Eisin, a spokesperson for the Israeli government. ‘We're talking about a group that doesn't care about Lebanon or its politics, but uses it as a base, the way other militants do with Afghanistan or Iraq.’” (Prusher, Ilene and Nicholas Blanford. “Rocket fire from Lebanon: a second front for Israel?” Christian Science Monitor. 9 January 2009.)
  • While many suspect the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, it has denied responsibility while supporting the attack. (Prusher, Ilene and Nicholas Blanford. “Rocket fire from Lebanon: a second front for Israel?” Christian Science Monitor. 9 January 2009.)

Iran

• Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei banned volunteers from travelling to Israel to conduct suicide bombings; over 70,000 had supposedly registered in Iran to conduct such activity. (“Iran bans volunteer suicide bombers from travelling to Israel.” Ha’aretz. 8 January 2009.)

UN

• The UN suspended aid to Gaza after one of its truck drivers was killed on Thursday; it said the offensive endangered its staff. The UN employs nearly 9,000 Gazans and delivers food aid for 750,000, half of the population. (“UN says halting aid to Gaza, citing danger to staff from IDF.” Ha’aretz. 8 January 2009.)

UPDATE 4 (January 8, 2009 7:45am)

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January 7-8

Rockets from Lebanon struck northern Israel on Thursday morning; no group has claimed responsibility and initial suspicion does not trend towards Hezbollah. Five brigades of Israeli troops continued engaging in heavy fighting in northern Gaza, as tens of thousands of reservists were readied on Thursday morning to potentially expand the ground operation. The Israeli air force continued to pound the Egypt-Gaza border. Hamas fired only 20 rockets against Israel on Wednesday, a significant decline from earlier daily totals that averaged at least twice that number. 11 Israelis, including 8 soldiers, have died so far in the operation while 683 Palestinians, including as many as 130-350 Hamas fighters, have perished. Israel said it would halt operations on Thursday for a three-hour window to allow humanitarian aid through, continuing a practice it began on Wednesday.

Operation Results

• According Israeli security sources, Hamas members are 200 of the 290 identified out of the total of more than 600 dead. (Harel, Amos. “Defense sources: Even if Hamas agrees to a truce, its armed wing may resist.” Ha’aretz. 7 January 2009.)
• At least 130 and up to 350 Hamas fighters killed since the beginning of the operation. 130: (Erlanger, Steven. “Rockets Fired From Lebanon Into Northern Israel.” New York Times. 8 January 2009.) 350: (Mizroch, Amir. “Analysis: Move in hard or get out quick.” Jerusalem Post. 8 January 2009.)
• Hamas fighters and rocket launchers have retreated into larger cities, hoping to engage IDF forces in potentially more-costly urban warfare. (Witte, Griff. “Hamas Pulling Back Into Crowded Cities, Beckoning Israelis.” Washington Post. 8 January 2009.)
• Hamas fired roughly 20 rockets on Wednesday, a significant decline from earlier daily totals. Four hit Sderot, 2 hit Be’ersheva, Ashkelon, Ofakim, and Netivot, and one hit Kiryat Malachi. 13: (“Be’er Sheva hit by 2 rockets as militants in Gaza fire barrage.” Ha’aretz. 7 January 2009.) 20: (Witte, Griff. “Hamas Pulling Back Into Crowded Cities, Beckoning Israelis.” Washington Post. 8 January 2009.)

Israeli Troop Positions

• Heavy fighting continues in northern Gaza: “The fiercest battles are currently in eastern Gaza City, on the outskirts of Sajaiyeh and the Jabalya refugee camps, and in the northern part of the Strip.” (“Clashes resume in Gaza City after 3-hour humanitarian truce.” Ha’aretz. 7 January 2009.)
• Five brigades of Israeli troops searched for rocket-launching infrastructure such as sites and bunkers. (“Clashes resume in Gaza City after 3-hour humanitarian truce.” Ha’aretz. 7 January 2009.)
• Tens of thousands of reservists will be ready today, January 8, to expand the operation in Gaza. (Harel, Amos and Avi Issacharoff. “Analysis: Israel's three alternatives for the future of the Gaza war.” Ha'aretz. 8 January 2008.)

Tactical Operation Types

• More accurate airstrikes and surgical ground insertions possible during Operation Cast Lead due to Shin Bet's enhanced electronic intelligence capabilities. (Melman, Yossi. “Analysis: Excellent on Gaza shows Israel learned from its erros in Lebanon.” 8 January 2009.)

Israeli Information Operations

• Israel dropped leaflets, warning Gazans who live near the Egyptian border to leave their homes: “The leaflet addressed the residents of a strip of neighborhoods that run 
parallel ot (sic) the Egypt border. ‘Because Hamas uses your houses to hide and smuggle military weapons, the IDF will attack the area, between the Egyptian border until the beach road,’ the leaflet said, according a local UN official. After the leaflets were dropped, more than 800 families fled to two UN 
schools turned into temporary shelters.” (“Israel bombs south Gaza tunnels, tells local residents to flee.” Ha’aretz. 7 January 2009.)

Israeli Air Strikes and Naval Bombardments

• Israel struck aggressively at tunnels in southern Gaza on Wednesday, January 7. (“Israel bombs south Gaza tunnels, tells local residents to flee.” Ha’aretz. 7 January 2009.)
• IAF strikes hit 40 targets before and after the lull in fighting on Wednesday. (Coker, Margaret, Farnaz Fassihi, and Jay Solomon. “Militants in Southern Lebanon Fire Rockets Into Israel.” Wall Street Journal. 8 January 2009.)
• Israel hit 60 targets Wednesday night. (“Israel bombs Gaza into the night.” BBC News. 8 January 2009.) (“IDF officer killed during battle with Hamas militants in Gaza.” Ha'aretz. 8 January 2009.)
• The Israeli air force and navy hit 40 targets, including 15 smuggling tunnels, in Gaza Tuesday night / Wednesday morning. (“Clashes resume in Gaza City after 3-hour humanitarian truce.” Ha’aretz. 7 January 2009.)
• Israel attacked homes of Yasser Natat, director of rocket launches from Rafah, and Mohammed Sanuar, commander of Hamas' Khan Yunis element.
• Rockets fired from Lebanon
  • 3 rockets fired from Lebanon fell near the Israeli town of Nahariya; the Israeli army responded with artillery fire against the source of the attacks. Hezbollah said it was conducting an investigation into the attacks, Lebanese Prime Minister Fuad Siniora immediately condemned the attacks, and no one has claimed responsibility so far. (Erlanger, Steven. “Rockets Fired From Lebanon Into Northern Israel.” New York Times. 8 January 2009.) (Coker, Margaret, Farnaz Fassihi, and Jay Solomon. “Militants in Southern Lebanon Fire Rockets Into Israel.” Wall Street Journal. 8 January 2009.)
  • The rockets were launched near the Lebanese coastal town of Naqoura. (Coker, Margaret, Farnaz Fassihi, and Jay Solomon. “Militants in Southern Lebanon Fire Rockets Into Israel.” Wall Street Journal. 8 January 2009.)
  • Lebanese Information Minister Tareq Mitri said he did not believe Hezbollah was responsible. (Khoury, Jack. “At least two Lebanon rockets hit north Israel; IDF responds with shells.” Ha'aretz. 8 January 2009.)
  • Suspicion for the group responsible may center on the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, which would neither “confirm nor deny” its participation. (Coker, Margaret, Farnaz Fassihi, and Jay Solomon. “Militants in Southern Lebanon Fire Rockets Into Israel.” Wall Street Journal. 8 January 2009.)

Hamas Response

• Hamas fired roughly 20 rockets on Wednesday, a significant decline from earlier daily totals. Four hit Sderot, 2 hit Be’ersheva, Ashkelon, Ofakim, and Netivot, and one hit Kiryat Malachi. 13: (“Be’er Sheva hit by 2 rockets as militants in Gaza fire barrage.” Ha’aretz. 7 January 2009.) 20: (Witte, Griff. “Hamas Pulling Back Into Crowded Cities, Beckoning Israelis.” Washington Post. 8 January 2009.)
• 90 rockets have hit Ashkelon since the beginning of the war, making it one of the most frequently-targeted Israeli population centers. (“Ashkelon mayor: 'Gaza operation must go on.'” Jerusalem Post. 8 January 2009.)
• Hamas has executed as many as 80 “collaborators,” Fatah members, and common criminals since the beginning of the operation. (Haass, Amira. “Hamas execute collaborat and restricts Fatah movement.” Ha'aretz. 8 January 2009.)

Palestinian Casualties

• 29 Palestinians killed, including 22 civilians, on Wednesday, January 7. (“Israel bombs south Gaza tunnels, tells local residents to flee.” Ha’aretz. 7 January 2009.)
• 683 Palestinians dead and 3085 wounded since the beginning of the conflict according to Palestinian medical officials. (Erlanger, Steven. “Rockets Fired From Lebanon Into Northern Israel.” New York Times. 8 January 2009.)
• 43 died and 100 were wounded in Tuesday's strike on the al-Fakhura UN school in Gaza. (Levinson, Charles. “Israelis Watch the Fighting in Gaza.” Wall Street Journal. 8 January 2009.)
• The International Committee of the Red Cross criticized Israel on Thursday, saying it was not meeting its obligations under international law to care for the wounded in a combat zone. (Cowell, Alan. “Red Cross Accuses Israel of Neglecting Gaza Wounded.” New York Times. 8 January 2009.)

Israeli Casualties

• 11 Israeli dead, 8 soldiers and 3 civilians, since the beginning of the conflict. (Erlanger, Steven. “Rockets Fired From Lebanon Into Northern Israel.” New York Times. 8 January 2009.)
• An anti-tank missile fired by a Hamas operative caused the latest Israeli death, an officer who was conducting searches near the Kissufim border crossing or on patrol in the former Israeli settlement of Netzarim. Kisufim: (Katz, Yaakov. “IDF officer killed by anti-tank missile in central Gaza.” Jerusalem Post. 8 January 2009.) Netzarim: (“IDF officer killed during battle with Hamas militants in Gaza.” Ha'aretz. 8 January 2009.)

Humanitarian Aid

• Israel paused operations near Gaza City for three hours from 1PM to 4PM Israeli time on Wednesday to allow humanitarian aid to reach Gazans. Seventy-eight trucks came through the Keren Shalom crossing and 400,000 liters of fuel came through the Nahal Oz depot for Gaza’s power plant, which provides 25 percent of Gaza's power and has been shut down since December 31. Israel may continue the operational halts on a daily basis – it confirmed it would do so on Thursday – if so, its forces will set up a corridor to allow aid through. (“Clashes resume in Gaza City after 3-hour humanitarian truce.” Ha’aretz. 7 January 2009.) (Lazaroff, Tovah and Judy Siegel. “IDF to help facilitate aid to Gazans.” Jerusalem Post. 8 January 2009.)
• Over half – 800,000 – of Gazans do not have running water. (Lazaroff, Tovah and Judy Siegel. “IDF to help facilitate aid to Gazans.” Jerusalem Post. 8 January 2009.)
• 500 trucks of humanitarian aid have been delivered since the conflict began. (Lazaroff, Tovah and Judy Siegel. “IDF to help facilitate aid to Gazans.” Jerusalem Post. 8 January 2009.)

UPDATE 3 (6:00PM EDT January 6, 2009)

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Israel lost 5 soldiers on Monday and Tuesday, with as many as four perishing to friendly fire. Israeli units advanced farther south into Gaza, closing in on Khan Yunis and Dier al Balah. 80 Palestinians have been arrested and 130 Hamas fighters killed since the beginning of the ground operation. Hamas rocket fire continued, hitting as far north as 20 miles south of Tel Aviv. 640 Palestinians have died since the beginning of Operation Cast Lead, including 42 who died today when Israeli airplanes struck near a UN school Hams militants were using as a mortar base. Ayman al-Zawahiri criticized Hosni Mubarak and President-elect Barack Obama for the conflict, while al-Zarqawi’s spiritual mentor said Hamas has not been faithful enough in applying Shari’ah.

Operation Results

• No rocket fire seen from areas seized by Israeli troops. (Harel, Amos, Fadi Eyadat, Yanir Yagna, and Avi Issacharoff. “Fifth Israeli soldier killed in ground op, as IDF closes in on Gaza cities.” Ha’aretz. 6 January 2009.)

• 80 Palestinians arrested. (Harel, Amos, Fadi Eyadat, Yanir Yagna, and Avi Issacharoff. “Fifth Israeli soldier killed in ground op, as IDF closes in on Gaza cities.” Ha’aretz. 6 January 2009.)

• 130 Hamas fighters killed since beginning of ground operation. (El-Khodary, Taghreed and Isabel Kershner. “Israeli Strike Reportedly Hits UN School in Gaza.” New York Times. 6 January 2009.)

• A Jubalya-based Hamas command and control center was supposedly destroyed in an airstrike. (Katz, Yaakov. “IDF hits UN-run school; Palestinians: At least 30 killed.” 6 January 2009.)

• Hamas command-and-control may be breaking down: the Gaza Hamas leadership has stopped using mobile phones and gone into hiding, there is little or no coordination between Gaza and Damascus Hamas leaders, and Hamas fighters now have nearly free reign with potentially little direction. (Abu Toameh, Khaled. “Analysis: Hamas desperate for lull.” Jerusalem Post. 6 January 2009.)

Israeli Troop Positions

• Tanks moved farther south towards Khan Yunis, Dir el Balah, and Abasan. (Harel, Amos, Fadi Eyadat, Yanir Yagna, and Avi Issacharoff. “Fifth Israeli soldier killed in ground op, as IDF closes in on Gaza cities.” Ha’aretz. 6 January 2009.) (El-Khodary, Taghreed and Isabel Kershner. “Israeli Strike Reportedly Hits UN School in Gaza.” New York Times. 6 January 2009.) (“Gaza conflict map.” BBC News. 6 January 2009. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/7812136.stm. Accessed: 6 January 2009.)

Tactical Operation Types

• “IDF troops are going out on ambushes and attacks known as 'response-stimulating' operations.” (Harel, Amos, Fadi Eyadat, Yanir Yagna, and Avi Issacharoff. “Fifth Israeli soldier killed in ground op, as IDF closes in on Gaza cities.” Ha’aretz. 6 January 2009.)

Israeli Air Strikes and Naval Bombardments

• Navy fires at targets in Dier-al-Balah and El-Burejj refugee camps. (Katz, Yaakov. “IDF hits UN-run school; Palestinians: At least 30 killed.” 6 January 2009.)

• The IAF strikes 40 targets Tuesday morning. (Greenberg, Hanan. “IDF uncovers kidnapping tunnel.” Ynetnews. 6 January 2009.)

• IAF flies 30 sorties Tuesday morning / Monday night: “IAF planes bombed the Jabalya home of Basal Abu Wadi, a prominent Hamas military officer who was at the level of a company commander in Izzadim Kassam. The Jubalya home of another Hamas officer, Ashraf Guda, was also destroyed in a different air strike. His house was said to function as a Hamas Command and Control Center. The house of a third company commander in the military wing, Iman Jalala, was also targeted overnight.” (Katz, Yaakov. “IDF hits UN-run school; Palestinians: At least 30 killed.” 6 January 2009.)

• More than 150 tunnels were hit on Monday. (Whitlock, Craig. “Israel Rejects Intensified Push for Cease-Fire.” Washington Post. 6 January 2009.)

Hamas Response

• Hamas rockets have fallen to roughly 20 attacks a day from 80 on Christmas, according to Israeli officials in Washington, DC. Day-by-day reports from sources in Israel often indicate higher daily totals. (Kershner, Isabel and Taghreed El-Khodary. “Death Toll Mounts as Israel Expands Gaza Offensive.” New York Times. 6 January 2009.)

• Rocket hit as far north as Gedera, just 20 miles (roughly 30 km) from Tel Aviv and 25 miles north of Gaza, on Tuesday. (“Gaza rocket hits Gedera, 30km from Tel Aviv; baby lightly hurt.” Ha’aretz. 6 January 2009.) (Kershner, Isabel and Taghreed El-Khodary. “Death Toll Mounts as Israel Expands Gaza Offensive.” New York Times. 6 January 2009.) (El-Khodary, Taghreed and Isabel Kershner. “Israeli Strike Reportedly Hits UN School in Gaza.” New York Times. 6 January 2009.)

• Others of the 30 rockets fired on Tuesday also hit Ofakim, western Negev, and Netivot. (“Gaza rocket hits Gedera, 30km from Tel Aviv; baby lightly hurt.” Ha’aretz. 6 January 2009.)

• 30-40 rockets fired at Israel on Monday, January 5, 30: (Whitlock, Craig. “Israel Rejects Intensified Push for Cease-Fire.” Washington Post. 6 January 2009.) 40: (Harel, Amos, Fadi Eyadat, Yanir Yagna, and Avi Issacharoff. “Fifth Israeli soldier killed in ground op, as IDF closes in on Gaza cities.” Ha’aretz. 6 January 2009.)

• Cities hit on Monday, confirming earlier update: “Ashkelon, Ashdod, Sderot, Kiryat Malakhi, near Ofakim, Netivot and Be'er Sheva.” (Harel, Amos, Fadi Eyadat, Yanir Yagna, and Avi Issacharoff. “Fifth Israeli soldier killed in ground op, as IDF closes in on Gaza cities.” Ha’aretz. 6 January 2009.)

Hamas Capabilities

• Israeli forces have discovered tunnels and motorbikes strategically placed to facilitate the kidnapping of Israeli soldiers, as well as numerous booby-trapped tunnels. (Greenberg, Hanan. “IDF uncovers kidnapping tunnel.” Ynetnews. 6 January 2009.)

Palestinian Casualties

• 10-25 Hamas and Islamic Jihad fighters killed in gunfights on Tuesday. 10: IDF, 25: Palestinian sources. (Katz, Yaakov. “IDF hits UN-run school; Palestinians: at least 30 killed.” Jerusalem Post. 6 January 2009.)

• 600-640 Palestinians have now died since the beginning of the air campaign on December 27. (Kershner, Isabel and Taghreed El-Khodary. “Death Toll Mounts as Israel Expands Gaza Offensive.” New York Times. 6 January 2009.)  600: (“Strike on Gaza school ‘kills 40.’” BBC News. 6 January 2009.) 640: (Keshawi, Azmi, James Hider and James Bone. “Israel claims Hamas fired from school as death toll hits 640.” The Times (UK). 6 January 2009.)

• 30, 34-40-42 Palestinians dead from an Israeli airstrike that hit near Gaza’s UN-run al-Fakhura school, from which Hamas operatives were firing mortars.  The school was reported to be in Jabiliya refugee camp by the BBC but reported to be in Beit Hanoun by the IDF. 30-42: (Kershner, Isabel and Taghreed El-Khodary. “Israeli Strike Reportedly Hits UN School in Gaza.” New York Times. 6 January 2009.) (Kershner, Isabel and Taghreed El-Khodary. “Death Toll Mounts as Israel Expands Gaza Offensive.” New York Times. 6 January 2009.) 30: (Katz, Yaakov. “IDF hits UN-run school; Palestinians: At least 30 killed.” 6 January 2009.) 34: (Blanchford, Nicholas. “Deepening Israeli assault on Hamas divides Arab world.” Christian Science Monitor. 7 January 2009.) 40: (“40 Palestinians killed in IDF strike on UN school.” Ha’aretz. 6 January 2009.) BBC also says at least 40 have been killed: (“Strike on Gaza school ‘kills 40.’” BBC News. 6 January 2009.)
  • The Israeli Defense Forces released a video showing Hamas operatives firing mortar shells from the school. (“IAF Strike in Beit Hanoun: Rockets Launched From UNRWA School.” Israeli Defense Forces. 6 January 2009. http://dover.idf.il/IDF/English/News/the_Front/09/01/0605.htm. Accessed: 6 January 2009.)
  • Israeli may file a complaint to the UN regarding the use of UN facilities by Hamas operatives. (Sofer, Roni. “Israel may file complaint over Hamas’ use of schools.” YnetNews. 6 January 2009.)
  • The UNRWA is demanding an independent investigation into whether any violations of international law occured. (Ravid, Barak and Natasha Mozgavaya. “IDF shell kills 30 in Gaza UN school; Israel mulls appeal over Hamas fire from UN facilities.” Ha’aretz. 6 January 2009.)
  • UN schools were also hit in Beach Camp and Rafah. (Keshawi, Azmi, James Hider and James Bone. “Israel claims Hamas fired from school as death toll hits 640.” The Times (UK). 6 January 2009.)

• 70 Palestinians supposedly killed on Tuesday alone. (“Strike on Gaza school ‘kills 40.’” BBC News. 6 January 2009.)

• 40-100 Palestinians killed on Monday. 40: (Whitlock, Craig. “Israel Rejects Intensified Push for Cease-Fire.” Washington Post. 6 January 2009.) Estimate – not official number – of 100: (Harel, Amos, Fadi Eyadat, Yanir Yagna, and Avi Issacharoff. “Fifth Israeli soldier killed in ground op, as IDF closes in on Gaza cities.” Ha’aretz. 6 January 2009.)

Israeli Casualties

• An Israeli major, the first Israeli officer fatality, died in an incident that may be the second friendly-fire incident; a misdirected tank shell may have caused his death. (Harel, Amos, Fadi Eyadat, Yanir Yagna, and Avi Issacharoff. “Fifth Israeli soldier killed in ground op, as IDF closes in on Gaza cities.” Ha’aretz. 6 January 2009.) Officer status: (Katz, Yaakov. “IDF hits UN-run school; Palestinians: At least 30 killed.” 6 January 2009.)

• The first IDF soldier killed by Hamas gunfire died on Tuesday, January 6 in northern Gaza City. (Katz, Yaakov and Abe Selig. “IDF soldier killed in Gaza, fifth in the past 24 hours.” Jerusalem Post. 6 January 2009.)

• Five IDF soldiers have died in the last 24 hours, and six have died since the beginning of Operation Cast Lead. (Katz, Yaakov and Abe Selig. “IDF soldier killed in Gaza, fifth in the past 24 hours.” Jerusalem Post. 6 January 2009.)

Humanitarian Aid

• The IDF continues to transport humanitarian aid into Gaza, despite Israeli Defense Ministry claims that Hamas is taking most of the medical supplies for its own fighters. 80 trucks came into Gaza on Monday. (Katz, Yaakov. “Hamas opens hospital for gunmen.” Jerusalem Post. 6 January 2009.) (Whitlock, Craig. “Israel Rejects Intensified Push for Cease-Fire.” Washington Post. 6 January 2009.)

Hezbollah

• Saaed Jalili told Saad Hariri that Hezbollah would not attack Israel as a result of the Gaza operation. (Stern, Yoav. “‘Iran pledged that Hezbollah won’t respond to Gaza op.” Ha’aretz. 6 January 2009.)

Al-Qaeda

• Ayman al-Zawahiri blamed Hosni Mubarak and Barack Obama for the Israeli offensive, and called for an uprising among Bedouin tribes in the Sinai Peninsula as well as strikes among the general Egyptian population. He said that his organization would destroy the borders so that they can join with the Gazan mujahedeen, claiming the “American withdrawal from Iraq” is progress towards this goal. (“Zawahiri Blames Obama, Mubarak for Gaza Offensive.” SITE Intelligence Group. 6 January 2009.)

• Abu Muhammad al-Maqdisi, the spiritual mentor of former Al-Qaeda in Iraq leader Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, said that Hamas has not applied the Shar’iah, has distanced itself from groups like the Taliban, has not opposed “secular” individuals like Mahmoud Abbas vigorously enough, and has put too much faith in democracy. (“Maqdisi Urges Hamas to Take Salafist Position.” SITE Intelligence Group. 6 January 2009.)

Update 2 (January 5, 2009 - 9:00pm)

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Operation Results:

• “Dozens” of Hamas members taken prisoner since conflict start. (Katz, Yaakov. “Dozens of Hamas operatives captured during ground op.” Jerusalem Post. 5 January 2009.)

Israeli Troop Positions:

• Israeli forces moved into several neighborhoods of Gaza City: “Israeli troops commandeered high-rise buildings in three eastern districts of Gaza City on Monday….In addition to Zeitoun, the neighborhoods where the Israeli military has been most active are Toufah and Shajaiah. All are poor areas where Hamas has strong political support.” (El-Khodary, Taghreed and Isabel Kershner. “Israel Drives Deeper Into Gaza, Rebuffing Diplomatic Efforts.” New York Times. 5 January 2009.)
  • “Witnesses said the troops took up rooftop positions on several six-story buildings on the outskirts of the city, which has a population of 400,000.” (Bordreaux, Richard. “Israeli forces reach outskirts of Gaza City.” Los Angeles Times. 6 January 2009.)
  • Ehud Barak said Gaza City is partially surrounded and IDF troops have reached pre-assigned targets. (Katz, Yaakov. “IDF prepared for urban battles.” Jerusalem Post. 5 January 2009.)

• Israeli forces have also moved towards El-Burejj: “Elsewhere, Israeli tanks were moving towards the Bureij refugee camp in central Gaza, according to the Reuters news agency. “ (“Casualties rise in Gaza offensive.” BBC News. 6 January 2009.)

• Clashes occurred near Beit Lahiya and Beit Hanoun, in the “northern Gaza Strip” and eastern Gaza, “near the border with Israel.” (Harel, Amos and Avi Issacharoff. “Israeli troops trade heavy fire with Hamas gunmen in northern Gaza.” Ha’aretz. 5 January 2009.)

• Troops advanced towards Jabliya: “Fighting was earlier witnessed around Beit Hanoun and the Jabaliya refugee camp.” (“Casualties rise in Gaza offensive.” BBC News. 6 January 2009.)

• Israeli troops are ready and trained to enter Gazan cities and refugee camps, according to an unnamed senior military officer: “Over the past year, all of the units that have been deployed in Gaza and are scheduled to be deployed have undergone training at the IDF's Ground Forces Command Urban Training Center near Tze'elim. There, the IDF has built a mock-Palestinian city where the forces train on operating in populated areas…‘We built models for them of places inside Gaza,’ the officer said. ‘There are places that replicate city outskirts, the casba marketplaces and over-populated refugee camps.’” (Katz, Yaakov. “IDF prepared for urban battles.” Jerusalem Post. 5 January 2009.)

Israeli Unit Types:

• Ehud Barak: “He said that IDF Armored Corps, Engineering Corps and Artillery Corps soldiers were participating in the ground operation, alongside special forces and backed up by the navy and air force.” (Katz, Yaakov. “IDF prepared for urban battles.” Jerusalem Post. 5 January 2009.)

Israeli Air Strikes:

• 30 targets bombed Sunday night / Monday morning January 5. (Katz, Yaakov. “Dozens of Hamas operatives captured during ground op.” Jerusalem Post. 5 January 2009.)

• IAF bombed 40 smuggling tunnels in the Philadelphi corridor Monday afternoon. (Katz, Yaakov. “Dozens of Hamas operatives captured during ground op.” Jerusalem Post. 5 January 2009.)

• Gaza City , Rafah, other locations hit:  “The IDF said that the targets hit overnight included a mosque used for storing weapons, an underground bunker in Gaza City stocked with explosives which set off secondary explosions, a number of Hamas-operated tunnels near Rafah in the southern Strip, a rocket launcher, four homes of militants, and a suspected anti-aircraft missile.” (Harel, Amos and Avi Issacharoff. “Israel strikes dozens of tunnels in southern Gaza.” Ha’aretz. 5 January 2009.)

Information Operations:

• IDF soldiers used Hamas TV to tell Gazans not to let Hamas use them as human shields. (Katz, Yaakov. “Dozens of Hamas operatives captured during ground op.” Jerusalem Post. 5 January 2009.)

• “Inside Gaza City, where windows are blown out, electricity is cut and drinking water scarce, residents’ telephones rang repeatedly with recorded Israeli military messages saying, ‘We are getting rid of Hamas and we will use still other means to do so. Leaflets dropped from airplanes say: ‘Hamas is getting a taste of the power of the Israeli military after more than a week and we have other methods that are still harsher to deal with Hamas. They will prove very painful. For your safety, please evacuate your neighborhood.’ But many in Gaza said they had no place to go since many neighborhoods received the same message.” (El-Khodary, Taghreed and Isabel Kershner. “Israel Drives Deeper Into Gaza, Rebuffing Diplomatic Efforts.” New York Times. 5 January 2009.)

Hamas Response:

• Hamas fighters have largely stuck to fighters: “‘Hamas did not seek a direct confrontation with our forces,’ Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak told a parliamentary committee Monday morning. ‘They want to drag us into urban areas. The main test could still be ahead.’ (Bordreaux, Richard. “Israeli forces reach outskirts of Gaza City.” Los Angeles Times. 6 January 2009.)

• Hamas fired 31-50 rockets throughout the day of January 5, hitting Ashdod, Ashkelon, Beersheba, Sderot, Yavne, Eshkol, Sdot Negev, Sha’ar Hagenev, Netivot, and Ofakim: “Sixteen rockets were fired at Netivot. Thirteen were fired at Sderot, and another 13 were fired at Ofakim. Police sappers had recovered 10 rockets by the evening.” “at least” 31: (Bordreaux, Richard. “Israeli forces reach outskirts of Gaza City.” Los Angeles Times. 6 January 2009.)50:(Katz, Yaakov and Yaakov Lappin. “Rehovot, Rishon may be in rocket range.” Jerusalem Post. 5 January 2009.)  (“Grad hits empty Ashdod kindergarten.” Jerusalem Post. 5 January 2009.)  (“Gaza rocket strikes empty kindergarten in Ashdod.” Ha’aretz. 5 January 2009.)

• New York Times reports only 25 Hamas rockets fired throughout day. (El-Khodary, Taghreed and Isabel Kershner. “Israel Drives Deeper Into Gaza, Rebuffing Diplomatic Efforts.” New York Times. 5 January 2009.)

• The central Israeli cities of Rishon Lezion and Rehovot may come under rocket attack from advanced Iranian-produced Hamas rockets; Rishon lies roughly 10 miles south of Tel Aviv. (Katz, Yaakov and Yaakov Lappin. “Rehovot, Rishon may be in rocket range.” Jerusalem Post. 5 January 2009.)

• Ashkelon may receive more rocket attacks as Hamas is forced to fire from southern Gazan launching site, having lost a majority of its northern rocket launching sites to Israeli ground troops. (Katz, Yaakov and Yaakov Lappin. “Rehovot, Rishon may be in rocket range.” Jerusalem Post. 5 January 2009.)

• Hamas fired a total of 45-50 rockets at Israel during the first full day of the ground operation on Sunday, January 4.  45: (“Gaza rocket strikes empty kindergarten in Ashdod.” Ha’aretz. 5 January 2009.) 50: (“Grad hits empty Ashdod kindergarten.” Jerusalem Post. 5 January 2009.)

• Ehud Barak: “40 percent of the rockets Hamas had fired [have] fallen in built-up areas, 10% hit buildings and only 2% hit people directly.” (Hoffman, Gil. “Barak: The main test is still before us.” Jerusalem Post. 6 January 2009.)

• Mahmoud Zahar, the foreign minister for Hamas in Gaza and a Hamas co-founder, told Hamas fighters to “crush” IDF forces and mentioned the possibility of greater attacks against Israeli civilians. (“Zahar promises victory over Israel.” Jerusalem Post. 5 January 2009.) (“Interview with Hamas co-founder Mahmoud Zahar: ‘We Will Try to Form an Islamic Society.’” Der Spiegel Online. 22 June 2007.)

Hamas Capabilities:

• Hamas still has significant materiel: “The head of the Military Intelligence Research Division, Brig.-Gen. Yossi Baidatz, said Hamas still had enough rockets and mortars to last weeks.” (Hoffman, Gil. “Barak: The main test is still before us.” Jerusalem Post. 6 January 2009.)

Palestinian Casualties:

• 100 armed Palestinians killed in gunfights with IDF forces since beginning of ground operation. (Harel, Amos and Avi Issacharoff. “Israeli troops trade heavy fire with Hamas gunmen in northern Gaza.” Ha’aretz. 5 January 2009.)

• Half of the 125 deaths since the beginning of the ground operation have been civilians, according to Palestinian medical sources: (Bordreaux, Richard. “Israeli forces reach outskirts of Gaza City.” Los Angeles Times. 6 January 2009.)
  • The BBC says only 90 have been killed since the start of the ground operation. (“Casualties rise in Gaza offensive.” BBC News. 6 January 2009.)

• 550 Palestinians have been killed since beginning of Operation Cast Lead according to Palestinian medics (El-Khodary, Taghreed and Isabel Kershner. “Israel Drives Deeper Into Gaza, Rebuffing Diplomatic Efforts.” New York Times. 5 January 2009.) (Bordreaux, Richard. “Israeli forces reach outskirts of Gaza City.” Los Angeles Times. 6 January 2009.)

• A family of seven was killed on Monday January 5: “Haitham Dababish, emergency chief at Shifa Hospital in Gaza city said that seven members of the Abu Aeisha family were killed earlier on Monday after an Israeli naval shell hit their house in the Beach refugee camp in western Gaza City. The father, mother and five of their children were killed.” (El-Khodary, Taghreed and Isabel Kershner. “Israel Drives Deeper Into Gaza, Rebuffing Diplomatic Efforts.” New York Times. 5 January 2009.)

• Conditions worsen at Palestinian hospitals, while Gaza largely lacks power and runs short of cooking gas: “Dr. Mads Gilbert, a Norwegian who was allowed into Gaza last week to give emergency medical aid, and who has worked in many conflict zones, said the situation was the worst he had seen. The hospital lacked everything, he said: monitors, anesthesia, surgical equipment, heaters and spare parts. Israeli bombing nearby blew out windows, and like the rest of Gaza, here the severely limited fuel supplies were running low. (El-Khodary, Taghreed. “Gaza Hospital Fills Up, Mainly With Civilians.” New York Times. 5 January 2009.)

• Israel’s cabinet secretary Oved Yehezkel claims “no humanitarian crisis” exists in Gaza; Israel has allowed 10,000 tons of humanitarian aid to be delivered, including “2,000 units of blood from Jordan, five ambulances from Turkey and five transferred on behalf of the Palestinian Red Crescent Society from the West Bank.”  (El-Khodary, Taghreed. “Gaza Hospital Fills Up, Mainly With Civilians.” New York Times. 5 January 2009.)

Israeli Casualties:

• In a friendly-fire incident, three Israeli soldiers died in northern Gaza after an errant tank shell hit a house where they had sought cover.

• 12 IDF troops wounded on Monday as of 11:30AM EDT January 5; 7 in the morning and 5 in the afternoon. (Katz, Yaakov. “Dozens of Hamas operatives captured during ground op.” Jerusalem Post. 5 January 2009.)

• The IDF has lost 1-2 soldiers and 3 civilians since the beginning of the operation 10 days ago; it has lost 1 soldier during the ground operation. (Katz, Yaakov. “Dozens of Hamas operatives captured during ground op.” Jerusalem Post. 5 January 2009.)

• At least one Israeli soldier and three Israeli civilians have died – it is unclear whether the fifth casualty is a soldier or civilian:: “Five Israelis have been killed in that period, including a soldier and three civilians hit by cross-border rocket fire.” (Bordreaux, Richard. “Israeli forces reach outskirts of Gaza City.” Los Angeles Times. 6 January 2009.)

Update 1 (Jan 5, 2009)

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Reportedly, at least four Israeli brigades moved into northern Gaza to surround Gaza City from all directions. As of 12:00 AM EDT January 5, the Israeli troops appear to have reached assigned positions and are now conducting searches for Hamas leadership and infrastructure, including rocket launch sites. In these first 24 hours of the operation, the IDF claims to have seized the launch sites responsible for 73% of the rockets fired on Israel last week. One Israeli soldier has died during the ground operation. (Katz, Yaakov. “4 brigades deployed in northern Gaza.” Jerusalem Post. 5 January 2009.) (Greenberg, Hanan. “Next stage of Gaza op: 'Root canal' for terror.” YnetNews. 5 January 2009.) (Harel, Amos and Avi Issacharoff. “Israeli soldier as IDF slices Gaza into three.” Ha'aretz. 5 January 2009.) 

Israeli Troop Positions:

• Four brigades entered northern Gaza, taking positions in Beit Lahiya, the Saja'iya neighborhood of Gaza City, Jabalya, and al-Atatra. (Katz, Yaakov. “4 brigades deployed in northern Gaza.” Jerusalem Post. 5 January 2009.)

• Conflicting source: “IDF forces have inserted forces deep in the Gaza Strip along two axes: between the Karni crossing and the beachfront highway, and in the area of Morag, between Khan Yunis and Rafah, in the south, effectively cutting the strip in three.” (Harel, Amos and Avi Issacharoff. “Israeli soldier as IDF slices Gaza into three.” Ha'aretz. 5 January 2009.)

• “Witnesses also report Israeli troops in the Zeitoun area, and that the main north-south road is blocked. Israeli troops take control of the site of the former Jewish settlement of Netzarim.” (“Map: Gaza and Israel conflict.” BBC News. 4 January 2009.)

• “Fighting concentrated around Beit Hanoun and Beit Lahiya.” (Katz, Yaakov. “IDF battling terrorists in Beit Lahiya, Beit Hanoun.” Jerusalem Post. 5 January 2009.)

• 150 tanks arrived in the area of the former Israeli settlement of Netzarim; Israel appeared to cut the Gaza Strip in 2. (Katz, Yaakov. “Palestinians: IDF divides Gaza Strip into several segments.” Jerusalem Post. 4 January 2009.)

• Israeli troops apparently approached Sudaniyah throughout the night and entered Bayt Hanoun. (Colvin, Marie. “Battles rage between Israeli ground troops and Hamas.” The Times (UK). 4 January 2009.)

• Gun battles in Gaza City were heard overnight (Bordreaux, Richard. “Gaza Israel launches ground assault into Gaza.” Los Angeles Times. 4 January 2009.)

• Israeli tanks and troops reportedly reached the outskirts of Gaza City; unnamed defense officials have said that Israel will not enter refugee camps or large cities. (Katz, Yaakov. “Palestinians: IDF divides Gaza Strip into several segments.” Jerusalem Post. 4 January 2009.)

Israeli Unit Types:

• Thousands” of troops entered Gaza: “Soldiers from the Armored Corps, Engineering Corps, and Paratroopers, Givati, Golani brigades were participating in the fighting, with at least four brigades' worth of troops inside the Gaza Strip.” (Katz, Yaakov. “30 IDF soldiers wounded as troops engage Hamas gunmen.” Jerusalem Post. 4 January 2009.)

• Israeli special forces units Shaldag (Kingfisher) and Duvdevan (Cherry) were hunting down Hamas leadership inside Gaza. (Colvin, Marie. “Battles rage between Israeli ground troops and Hamas.” The Times (UK). 4 January 2009.)

• Hundreds of tanks” entered Gaza. (CNN International TV. 4 January 2009.

Hamas Capabilities:

• Hamas is using weapons it seized from the PA, including those of American origin: “After its men took full control of the Gaza Strip in 2007, Hamas announced that it had seized tens of thousands of rifles and pistols, including heavy machine guns, night-vision goggles and bulletproof vests, as well as vast amounts of ammunition.” (Abu Toameh, Khaled. “Hamas: we're using PA arms to battle Hamas.” Jerusalem Post. 5 January 2009.)

• Hamas is rumored to maintain an army close to 20,000. (Katz, Yaakov. “4 brigades deployed in northern Gaza.” Jerusalem Post. 5 January 2009.)

• Israeli forces have encountered mortars, IEDs, and kidnap attempts. (Amanpour, Christiane. CNN (TV). 4 January 2009.)

Early Results of Ground Offensive:

• On Sunday's cabinet meeting, the ministers were informed that 220 of the 300 rockets fired on Israel's south in the last week – 73% - were launched from areas that have been seized by the army in the last 24 hours.” (Greenberg, Hanan. “Next stage of Gaza op: 'Root canal' for terror.” YnetNews. 5 January 2009.)

• Meanwhile, the IDF bombed some 45 Hamas targets in the Gaza Strip overnight, including seven tunnels, several mortar firing cells and Kassam rocket launching cells. Dozens of Hamas gunmen were reported killed by IDF troops…IDF sources said that the goal was to conquer territory in northern Gaza, including rocket launch sites…The sources said that a majority of the rockets fired into Beersheba and Ashdod were launched from the northern Gaza Strip.” (Katz, Yaakov. “30 IDF soldiers wounded as troops engage Hamas gunmen.” Jerusalem Post. 4 January 2009.)

• According to Israeli military intelligence, Israel has destroyed one-third of Hamas’ rocket arsenal since the beginning of the operation and significantly damaged Hamas’ personnel and infrastructure, including weapons factories and dozens of smuggling tunnels. (Ravid, Barak. “Shin Bet Chief: Hamas has eased its demands for a cease-fire with Israel.” Ha’aretz. 4 January 2009.)

• An IAF strike killed two senior Hamas leaders: Muhammad Hilo, in charge of the special forces in Khan Yunis, and Hussam Hamdan, who directed rocket launches into Beersheba and Ofakim. (Katz, Yaakov. “Another in critical condition after clash with Hamas gunmen.” Jerusalem Post. 4 January 2009.)

Casualties:

• One IDF soldier, Staff Sergeant Dvir Emmanueloff, died the morning of January 4 from wounds incurred during a mortar attack near Jabaliya on the evening of January 3. (Katz, Yaakov. “Another in critical condition after clash with Hamas gunmen.” Jerusalem Post. 4 January 2009.) (Harel, Amos and Avi Issacharoff. “Israeli soldier as IDF slices Gaza into three.” Ha'aretz. 5 January 2009.)

• At least 34 soldiers were wounded during the day: 30 in the morning and 4 by sniper fire in the evening. (Katz, Yaakov. “IDF Battling Hamas terrorists in Beit Lahiya, Beit Hanoun.” Jerusalem Post. 5 January 2009.)

• Palestinians reported 64 dead since the beginning of the operation. The number of 64 comes from Palestinian sources and could not be confirmed otherwise.(Katz, Yaakov. “IDF Battling Hamas terrorists in Beit Lahiya, Beit Hanoun.” Jerusalem Post. 5 January 2009.)

• Increased artillery fire, commencing at 4pm January 3 Israeli time, preceded the assault. (Katz, Yaakov. “Soldiers on the Gaza border. “We know what we’re doing.” Jerusalem Post. 4 January 2009.)

Hamas Response:

• Hamas fired 45 rockets on January 4, including 36 rockets during the morning, hitting Sderot with 3 rockets, Netivot with 2 rockets, and 2 more in Eshkol. 6 Israelis were hurt as a result of these attacks. (Lappin, Yaakov. “4 hurt as rockets hit buildings in South.” Jerusalem Post. 4 January 2009.) (“6 hurt as 36 rockets, shells hit South.” Jerusalem Post. 4 January 2009.) 45 rockets source: (Harel, Amos and Avi Issacharoff. “Israeli soldier as IDF slices Gaza into three.” Ha'aretz. 5 January 2009.)

• Hamas spokesmen threatened Israel on Saturday night: Ismail Radwan said Gaza would become “a graveyard” for Israel and a spokesman for the Kassam brigades said “Israel will pay a heavy price.” (“’Gaza will become graveyard for troops.’” Jerusalem Post. 4 January 2009.)

• 300-500 rockets have been fired against Israel since the beginning of the conflict 500 number: (“Invading Israeli troops battle Hamas.” Agence France Presse. 4 January 2009.) 300 number: (Greenberg, Hanan. “Next stage of Gaza op: 'Root canal' for terror.” YnetNews. 5 January 2009.)

• Hamas draws much of its political support from the targeted northern areas; it holds 5 of the 8 seats in Gaza City and all five seats in Jabalaya. (“Analysis: Hamas could not be deterred.” Jerusalem Post. 4 January 2009.)

The Israeli navy has enforced a blockade 20 miles out from the Gaza shore. (Bordreaux, Richard. “Gaza Israel launches ground assault into Gaza.” Los Angeles Times. 4 January 2009).

Shin Bet head Yuval Diskin said some Hamas leaders were now less willing to continue fighting. (“Gov’t: We have no intention of taking over Gaza Strip.” Jerusalem Post. 4 January 2009.)

Israel has announced a call-up of tens of thousands of more reservists (Colvin, Marie. “Battles rage between Israeli ground troops and Hamas.” The Times (UK). 4 January 2009.) and tens of thousands of Israeli troops, along with hundreds of tanks, are reported massed on the Gaza border. (“Israeli troops enter Gaza.” BBC. 4 January 2009.)

Timeline

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December 19, 2008:

• Six-month Israeli-Hamas ceasefire expires.

December 24, 2008:

• Hamas launches 70 rockets, a significant increase from the 15 to 20 rockets a month during the fall (El-Khodary, Taghreed and Ethan Bronner. “Israelis Say Strikes Against Hamas Will Continue.” New York Times. 27 December 2008).

• Israel responds by killing a Hamas gunman in an air strike (al-Mughrabi, Nidal. “Flare-up dims truce hopes along Israel-Gaza border.” Reuters. 24 December 2008.)

December 26, 2008:

• Israel re-opens border crossings with Gaza to allow as many as 100 trucks carrying humanitarian cargo across the border (“Israel Reopens Border Crossings.” New York Times / Reuters. 26 December 2008.)

December 27, 2008:

• Israel begins its assault by bombing over 40 security compounds, killing up to 229 Palestinians and wounding 700. (“Israel kills scores in Gaza air strikes.” Reuters. 27 December 2008).

• “The Israeli attacks on Saturday focused on Hamas military and public security installations, including a police graduation ceremony, an intelligence headquarters and a training base of Hamas' Al- Qassam brigades.” (Mitnick, Joshua and Charles Levinson. “Israel Strikes on Gaza Kill Scores.” Wall Street Journal. 28 December 2008). 

• The Israeli attack took place in only three to five minutes. (Harel, Amos. “Analysis: IAF strike on Gaza is Israel’s version of ‘shock and awe’”. Ha’aretz. 27 December 2008).

• Hamas responded with over 80 attacks using Qassams, Katyushas, and mortar shells (Katz, Yaakov. “230 dead in 1st day.” Jerusalem Post. 27 December 2008).

December 28, 2008:

• Israeli jets hit Islamic University of Gaza, security compound, mosque, smugglers’ tunnels between Egypt and Palestine - destroying 40 tunnels, and a TV station, bringing Palestinian death toll to 300. (Witte, Griff. “Israel mounts Third Day of Raids,“ Washington Post. 29 December 2008). The destruction of Hamas’ main security compound killed 4, and the destruction of the mosque killed 2 (“At least 280 Palestinians killed as Israeli strikes on Gaza continue.” Voice of America. 28 December 2008.) Al-Aqsa was the television station destroyed (“Israel resumes Gaza bombardment.”)

• Israel claims to have destroyed up to 210 targets to this point (Witte, Griff. “Israel mounts Third Day of Raids,“ Washington Post. 29 December 2008).

• Israel calls up 6500 reservists for potential troop invasion (Witte, Griff. “Israel mounts Third Day of Raids,“ Washington Post. 29 December 2008).

• Hamas launches 20 Katyushas deep into Israeli territory (Witte, Griff. “Israel mounts Third Day of Raids,“ Washington Post. 29 December 2008).

• Death toll reached 230 at mid-day (Mitnick, Joshua and Charles Levinson. “Israel Strikes on Gaza Kill Scores.” Wall Street Journal. 28 December 2008). However, it should be noted that these death numbers come from Hamas officials and thus should be considered slanted.

• Egypt closes Gaza border late on Sunday after nearly 200 Palestinians attempt to cross; Egypt has 46 Gazans in custody. (“Palestinian wounded finally pass through Egypt Crossing.” Agence France Presse. 29 December 2008).

• “Meanwhile, hundreds of IDF infantry and armored corps troops headed for Gaza border early Sunday in preparation for a possible ground invasion, according to Israeli military officials.
  Also on Sunday, local news service Ynet reported that IDF deployed an artillery battery opposite Gaza for the first time in a year.” (Xu Gang. “Israeli Army Continuing Preparations for Possible Gaza Ground Incursion.” Xinhua. 28 December 2008.)

December 29, 2008:

• Hamas fires up to 80 rockets (Harel, Amos and Avi Issacharoff. “Analysis: Hamas is hoping for an IDF ground operation in Gaza.” Ha’aretz. 30 December 2008), hitting Ashkelon and Sderot, and as far as Yavne, Ofakim, and Ashdod. (“Attacks from the Gaza Strip reach as far as Yavne, Ofakim.” Jerusalem Post. 28 December 2008.) Qassam rockets have struck Ashkelon and Sderot in the past.

• Israel has struck 280 targets and flown 300 sorties since beginning of Operation Cast Lead on Saturday (Katz, Yaakov and Khaled Abu Toameh. “Hamas chief of staff may be dead.” Jerusalem Post. 29 December 2008).

• Israel may have killed the Hamas chief of staff Ja’abri (Katz, Yaakov and Khaled Abu Toameh. “Hamas chief of staff may be dead.” Jerusalem Post. 29 December 2008).

• Human rights activists report as few as 45-60 civilian casualties throughout the whole operation. (Katz, Yaakov and Khaled Abu Toameh. “Hamas chief of staff may be dead.” Jerusalem Post. 29 December 2008). 

• Egypt permits wounded Palestinians to cross. (“Palestinian wounded finally pass through Egypt Crossing.” Agence France Presse. 29 December 2008).

December 30, 2008:

•  Khaled Meshaal has called for a ceasefire for two days now (Harel, Amos and Avi Issacharoff. “Analysis: Hamas is hoping for an IDF ground operation in Gaza.” Ha’aretz. 30 December 2008).

• Poor weather has begun to hamper IAF operations (Harel, Amos and Avi Issacharoff. “Analysis: Hamas is hoping for an IDF ground operation in Gaza.” Ha’aretz. 30 December 2008).

• Civilian casualties may increase, however, as Israel widens its target list to include “anything affiliated with Hamas.” (Witte, Griff. and Sudarsan Raghavan. “Israel Rejects Truce, Presses on with Gaza Strikes.” Washington Post. 30 December 2008.)

•  IAF strikes have now hit as many as 390 targets (Katz, Yaakov. “Airstrikes target Gaza City, Khan Yunis.” Jerusalem Post. 30 December 2008).

• Israeli patrol boat collides with humanitarian aid vessel attempting to deliver supplies. Former Green Party presidential candidate Cynthia McKinney is also on the boat. (“Israeli patrol boat collides with aid ship off Gaza.” Agence France Presse. 30 December 2008).

• Egypt refuses to wholly open its border with Israel, insisting it will only do so if Mahmoud Abbas and the PA control the border. (“Egypt refuses full opening of Gaza crossing.” AP. 30 December 2008.)

• More Israeli troops move to the border: “Convoys of trucks, tanks and armoured personnel carriers streamed toward the border area Tuesday.” (McNabb, Lauren. “Israel considers Gaza truce; But forces continue to gather and war planes hit targets.” Canwest News Service. 31 December 2008.)
  December 31

• Israel rejects a 48-hour ceasefire with Hamas. (“Israel Rejects Immediate Cease-fire with Hamas.” VOA News. 31 December 2008).

• “The IDF believes that about two thirds of Hamas' underground rocket launch sites in the northern Gaza Strip were destroyed in the first round of Air Force sorties, on Saturday.” (Harel, Amos. “IAF bombs Gaza mosque being used as weapons storehouse.” Ha’aretz. 31 December 2008)

• A total of 9010 reservists have now been called up. “Defense Minister Ehud Barak asked the cabinet Tuesday night to approve the mobilization of an additional 2,510 reserve forces soldiers by means of an emergency call-up order (Tzav Shmoneh).” (Harel, Amos. “IAF bombs Gaza mosque being used as weapons storehouse.” Ha’aretz. 31 December 2008)

• 394 Palestinians are dead as of mid-day December 31 2008. (“Hamas defiant as Israel rejects Gaza truce.” Agence France Presse. 31 December 2008).

January 1, 2009:

• Key Hamas leader Nizar Rayan killed in IAF strike that kills family and children (Abu Toameh, Khaled. “No tears for Hamas leader in Ramallah.” Jerusalem Post. 1 January 2009.) (Katz, Yaakov. “IAF strikes 35 targets in Gaza Strip.” Jerusalem Post. 2 January 2009.)

• Egyptian foreign minister Ahmed Abdul Gheit says Hamas must stop rocket attacks before ceasefire can occur (“Egypt: Hamas must halt attacks for truce.” Jerusalem Post. 1 January 2009.)

• Gaza militants fire 40 rockets into Israel during the day on Thursday (“Israel kills third Hamas leader since start of Gaza offensive.” Ha’aretz. 3 January 2009.)

January 2, 2009:

• IAF strikes 35 targets in Gaza, including the homes of a dozen Hamas operatives, including Imad Akel. A Gaza airstrip is also hit and strikes on smuggling tunnels continue. The IAF also targets a mosque used for weapons storage in the Jabalaya refugee camp, where Rayan also resided. (Katz, Yaakov. “IAF strikes 35 targets in Gaza Strip.” Jerusalem Post. 2 January 2009.)

• Khaled Meshaal threatens to kidnap more Israeli soldiers (“Hamas: Israel faces more abducted soldiers if it invades Gaza.” Ha’aretz. 3 January 2009)

• At least 426 Palestinians killed and 2000 wounded as of the end of the day. (“Hamas: Israel faces more abducted soldiers if it invades Gaza.” Ha’aretz. 3 January 2009.)

• Israel allowed 300 Palestinian who held foreign passports to flee, clearing the way for a ground operation. (Katz, Yaakov. “Israel allows foreigners to flee Gaza Strip.” Jerusalem Post. 2 January 2009.)

• Dissention occurs among Fatah members in Gaza as some criticize Fatah leadership for lackluster support to Hamas. (Abu Toameh, Khaled. “Fatah: Let us help you fight Israel in Gaza.” Jerusalem Post. 2 January 2009.)

January 3, 2009:

• Israel begins limited ground operation.

• IAF hits targets again throughout day (“Israel kills third Hamas leader since start of Gaza offensive.” Ha’aretz. 3 January 2009.) Targets include:
  • Two Hamas militants in Khan Yunis in south Gaza (“At least 4 Palestinians killed in Israeli ground assault.” CNN.com. 4 January 2009.)
  • House of Azadin Hadad, Hamas commander in eastern Gaza City. (“At least 4 Palestinians killed in Israeli ground assault.” CNN.com. 4 January 2009.)
  • House of Ismail Renma in Beit Lahiya, who played key role in launching rockets. (“At least 4 Palestinians killed in Israeli ground assault.” CNN.com. 4 January 2009.)
  • 25 Hamas “outposts, training camps, and rocket sites.” (“At least 4 Palestinians killed in Israeli ground assault.” CNN.com. 4 January 2009.)
  • A mosque in Beit Lahiya, killing 13-14 and wounding 37-60. (“At least 4 Palestinians killed in Israeli ground assault.” CNN.com. 4 January 2009.) CNN claimed 13 and 60, the Jerusalem Post 14 killed and 37 wounded. (Katz, Yaakov. “30 IDF soldiers wounded as troops engage Hamas gunmen.” Jerusalem Post. 4 January 2009.) The Los Angeles Times claimed 13 were killed and 33 were wounded. (Bordreaux, Richard. “Gaza Israel launches ground assault into Gaza.” Los Angeles Times. 4 January 2009.)
  • The American International School in Gaza, which teaches an English curriculum. (Katz, Yaakov. “30 IDF soldiers wounded as troops engage Hamas gunmen.” Jerusalem Post. 4 January 2009.)

• Abu Zakaria al-Jamal, senior Hamas military commander, died of wounds sustained on January 2. (“Israel kills third Hamas leader since start of Gaza offensive.” Ha’aretz. 3 January 2009.) Probably also known as Azkariah al-Jamal and apparently in charge of Hamas’ rocket brigades. (“At least 4 Palestinians killed in Israeli ground assault.” CNN.com. 4 January 2009.)

• Hamas fired 20-40 rockets in southern Israel, hitting Ashkelon, Ashdod, Eshkol, Netivot, Gan Yavne, Kiryat Malachi, and Sha’ar Hanegev (“At least 4 Palestinians killed in Israeli ground assault.” CNN.com. 4 January 2009.) CNN claimed 20, the Jerusalem Post claimed 40: “At least 40 Kassam and Katyusha rockets pounded the South, scoring direct hits on homes in Netivot and Ashdod, and striking Ashkelon, Yavne and Sderot.” (Katz, Yaakov. “30 IDF soldiers wounded as troops engage Hamas gunmen.” Jerusalem Post. 4 January 2009.) Source for rocket attacks beyond Ashkelon and Ashdod: (Lappin, Yaakov. “4 hurt as rockets hit buildings in South.” Jerusalem Post. 4 January 2009.)

• The UN Security Council calls emergency session to discuss Gaza situation; US blocks resolution, claiming Hamas will not abide by any further statements from the UNSC.

January 4, 2009:

• Israel invaded Gaza, entering Bayt Hanoun, and advancing towards Bayt Lahiya, Gaza City, Sudaniyah, and Jabaliya. As of noon US Eastern Time January 4, it is unclear whether Israeli troops have entered Jabaliya and Gaza City or if troops have held outside these large population centers to avoid engaging Hamas in potentially costly urban warfare. (CNN International TV. 4 January 2009.; “Israeli troops enter Gaza.” BBC. 4 January 2009.) Israeli troops apparently approached Sudaniyah throughout the night and entered Bayt Hanoun. (Colvin, Marie. “Battles rage between Israeli ground troops and Hamas.” The Times (UK). 4 January 2009.)
  • “Meanwhile, the IDF bombed some 45 Hamas targets in the Gaza Strip overnight, including seven tunnels, several mortar firing cells and Kassam rocket launching cells. Dozens of Hamas gunmen were reported killed by IDF troops. “30 IDF soldiers wounded as troops engage Hamas gunmen.” Jerusalem Post. 4 January 2009.)
  • “Thousands” of troops entered Gaza: “Soldiers from the Armored Corps, Engineering Corps, and Paratroopers, Givati, Golani brigades were participating in the fighting, with at least four brigades' worth of troops inside the Gaza Strip.” (Katz, Yaakov. “30 IDF soldiers wounded as troops engage Hamas gunmen.” Jerusalem Post. 4 January 2009.)
  • Israeli special forces units Shaldag (Kingfisher) and Duvdevan (Cherry) were hunting down Hamas leadership inside Gaza. (Colvin, Marie. “Battles rage between Israeli ground troops and Hamas.” The Times (UK). 4 January 2009.)
  • Artillery fire, increasing at 4pm January 3 Israeli time, preceded the assault. (Katz, Yaakov. “Soldiers on the Gaza border. “We know what we’re doing.” Jerusalem Post. 4 January 2009.)
  • “Hundreds of tanks” entered Gaza. (CNN International TV. 4 January 2009.)
  • Sources conflict on whether Israel entered into Jabaliya – some claim Israel is avoiding large refugee camps. (CNN International TV. 4 January 2009.)
  • One IDF soldier died the morning of January 4 from wounds incurred during a mortar attack near Jabaliya on the evening of January 3. (Katz, Yaakov. “Another in critical condition after clash with Hamas gunmen.” Jerusalem Post. 4 January 2009.)
  • 33 soldiers were wounded, including 2 seriously, in the initial assault (Katz, Yaakov. “30 IDF soldiers wounded as troops engage Hamas gunmen.” Jerusalem Post. 4 January 2009.) The Israeli casualty number comes from the IDF and Ha’aretz confirms it. Palestinian sources claim 4 Palestinians have been killed. (CNN International TV. 4 January 2009.) (Katz, Yaakov. “Another in critical condition after clash with Hamas gunmen.” Jerusalem Post. 4 January 2009.)
  • Gun battles in Gaza City were heard overnight (Bordreaux, Richard. “Gaza Israel launches ground assault into Gaza.” Los Angeles Times. 4 January 2009.)
  • Israeli forces have encountered mortars, IEDs, and kidnap attempts. (Amanpour, Christiane. CNN TV. 4 January 2009.)
  • 150 tanks arrived in the area of the former Israeli settlement of Netzarim; Israel appeared to cut the Gaza Strip in 2. (Katz, Yaakov. “Palestinians: IDF divides Gaza Strip into several segments.” Jerusalem Post. 4 January 2009.)
  • Israeli tanks and troops reportedly reached the outskirts of Gaza City; unnamed defense officials have said that Israel will not enter refugee camps or large cities. (Katz, Yaakov. “Palestinians: IDF divides Gaza Strip into several segments.” Jerusalem Post. 4 January 2009.)

• An IAF strike killed two senior Hamas leaders: Muhammad Hilo, in charge of the special forces in Khan Yunis, and Hussam Hamdan, who directed rocket launches into Beersheba and Ofakim. (Katz, Yaakov. “Another in critical condition after clash with Hamas gunmen.” Jerusalem Post. 4 January 2009.

• Hamas draws much of its political support from the targeted northern areas; it holds 5 of the 8 seats in Gaza City, all five seats in Jabalaya, as well as 3 of 5 seats from the southern city of Khan Yunis. (“Analysis: Hamas could not be deterred.” Jerusalem Post. 4 January 2009.)

• The Israeli navy has enforced a blockade 20 miles out from the Gaza shore. (Bordreaux, Richard. “Gaza Israel launches ground assault into Gaza.” Los Angeles Times. 4 January 2009.)

• Hamas fired 36 rockets on the morning of January 4, hitting Sderot with 3 rockets, Netivot with 2 rockets, and 2 more in Eshkol. 6 Israelis were hurt as a result of these attacks. (Lappin, Yaakov. “4 hurt as rockets hit buildings in South.” Jerusalem Post. 4 January 2009.) (“6 hurt as 36 rockets, shells hit South.” Jerusalem Post. 4 January 2009.)
  • Hamas spokesmen threatened Israel on Saturday night: Ismail Radwan said Gaza would become “a graveyard” for Israel and a spokesman for the Kassam brigades said “Israel will pay a heavy price.” (“’Gaza will become graveyard for troops.’” Jerusalem Post. 4 January 2009.)
  • Up to 500 rockets have been fired against Israel since the beginning of the conflict (“Invading Israeli troops battle Hamas.” Agence France Presse. 4 January 2009.)

• Shin Bet head Yuval Diskin said some Hamas leaders were now less willing to continue fighting. (“Gov’t: We have no intention of taking over Gaza Strip.” Jerusalem Post. 4 January 2009.)

• According to Israeli military intelligence, Israel has destroyed one-third of Hamas’ rocket arsenal since the beginning of the operation and significantly damaged Hamas’ personnel and infrastructure, including weapons factories and dozens of smuggling tunnels. (Ravid, Barak. “Shin Bet Chief: Hamas has eased its demands for a cease-fire with Israel.” Ha’aretz. 4 January 2009.)

•  Israel has announced a call-up of tens of thousands of more reservists (Colvin, Marie. “Battles rage between Israeli ground troops and Hamas.” The Times (UK). 4 January 2009.) and tens of thousands of Israeli troops, along with hundreds of tanks, are reported massed on the Gaza border. (“Israeli troops enter Gaza.” BBC. 4 January 2009.)
   

Hamas Leadership Key Fatalities

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• Said Siam, Hamas interior minister, killed January 15, while hiding in his brother’s home in the Jabaliya neighborhood of Gaza City. He was seen as the Hamas number three, after Ismail Haniyeh and Mahmoud Zahar, according to some reports, and among the top five Hamas leaders, according to other reports. (Harel, Amos. “Sources: IDF kills Hamas military wing head, interior min., security chief.” Ha’aretz. 15 January 2009.) (Barzak, Ibrahim and Amy Teibel. “Israeli forces shell UN headquarters in Gaza.” Associated Press. 15 January 2009.) (Katz, Yaakov. “Hamas interior minister Said Siam dies in IAF air strike.” Jerusalem Post. 15 January 2009.)

• Amir Mansi, commander of Gaza City rocket launching operations, killed January 10. Hamas confirmed his death. (Waked, Ali. “Islamic Jihad seizes IDF rocket, hotdogs.” Ynetnews. 10 January 2009.) (Boudreaux, Richard and Rushi Abu Alouf. “Israel warns wider offensive in works.” Baltimore Sun / Los Angeles Times. 11 January 2009.)

• Nizar Rayan, considered by some to be the successor of Sheikh Ahmed Yassin; considered by some to be more significant than Haniyeh and said to be liaison between Kassam brigades and Hamas political leaderhsip. Killed January 1. (Abu Toameh, Khaled. “No tears for Hamas leader in Ramallah.” Jerusalem Post. 1 January 2009.)

• Abu Zakaria al-Jamal, a senior Hamas military commander who died January 3 of wounds sustained earlier in Israeli strikes. (“Israel kills third Hamas leader since start of Gaza offensive.” Ha’aretz. 3 January 2009.) Probably also known as Azkariah al-Jamal and apparently in charge of Hamas’ rocket brigades. (“At least 4 Palestinians killed in Israeli ground assault.” CNN.com. 4 January 2009.)

• Tawfiq Jabber , Gaza‘s chief of police; killed December 27. (Reuters. 27 December 2008) (“Israel continues airstrikes on Gaza, 271 killed.” Xinhua. 28 December 2008.) (“Hundreds die in Israel raid on Gaza.” Al Jazeera English. 27 December 2008).

• Ziad Abu Tir, senior Islamic Jihad member (“Attacks from the Gaza Strip reach as far as Yavne, Ofakim.” Jerusalem Post. 28 December 2008.) Also noted by Xinhua as the leader of Hamas’ armed Suraya al-Quds force. (“Palestinian negotiator says peace talks with Israel ‘suspended.’” Xinhua. 29 December 2008).

• Ismail Ja’bari, Head of Hamas’ security and protection unit in the Gaza police (Reuters, 27 December 2008); killed December 27. (“Israel continues airstrikes on Gaza, 271 killed.” Xinhua. 28 December 2008.) (Noir, Hiyam. “Israel Used Internationally Banned Weaponry in Massive Airstrikes Across Gaza Strip.” PalestineFreeVoice blog.

• Salah Abu Shreh, also spelled Salah Abu Shrakh, the head of the Hamas general security service, was also killed in the air strike.  head of the Hamas “security apparatus,” killed January 15. (Harel, Amos. “Sources: IDF kills Hamas military wing head, interior min., security chief.” Ha’aretz. 15 January 2009.) (Katz, Yaakov. “Hamas interior minister Said Siam dies in IAF air strike.” Jerusalem Post. 15 January 2009.)

• Mahmoud Watfah, head of the Hamas military wing, killed January 15. (Harel, Amos. “Sources: IDF kills Hamas military wing head, interior min., security chief.” Ha’aretz. 15 January 2009.)

• Assad el Jamala, senior Hamas operative, killed by tank fire in the eastern Gaza City neighborhood of Zeitoun on January 9. (“Gaza clashes follow UNSC resolution.” Jerusalem Post. 9 January 2009.)

• Hussam Hamdan, coordinator of rocket launches into Beersheba and Ofakim. Killed January 4. (Katz, Yaakov. “Another in critical condition after clash with Hamas gunmen.” Jerusalem Post. 4 January 2009.) Secondary source: (Julian, Hana Levi. “IAF Kills Terrorists Who Fired Missiles at Be'er Sheva, Ofakim.” Israeli National News. 4 January 2009. http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/129211) Information remains unconfirmed outside these sources, however.

• Muhammad Hilo, leader of the special forces in Khan Yunis. Killed January 4. (Katz, Yaakov. “Another in critical condition after clash with Hamas gunmen.” Jerusalem Post. 4 January 2009.) Secondary source: (Julian, Hana Levi. “IAF Kills Terrorists Who Fired Missiles at Be'er Sheva, Ofakim.” Israeli National News. 4 January 2009. http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/129211) Information remains unconfirmed outside these sources, however.

• Ahmed Ja’abri, (Unconfirmed outside Yaakov Katz.) head of the Izzadin Kassam brigades and the Hamas chief of staff. Allegedly killed December 29. (Katz, Yaakov and Khaled Abu Toameh. “Hamas chief of staff may be dead.” Jerusalem Post. 29 December 2008). http://palestinefreevoice.blogspot.com/2008/12/israel-used-international....) 

• Muhammad Shalpoch, supposedly killed in airstrike on January 4. No other mention of his death, however, and while Yaakov Katz notes the strike on Shalpoch, Katz does not mention his death. (Julian, Hana Levi. “IAF Kills Terrorists Who Fired Missiles at Be'er Sheva, Ofakim.” Israeli National News. 4 January 2009. http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/129211)

• Ahmad Abu Aashur, governor of the central Al-Wusta district. Killed December 27. (“Israel continues airstrikes on Gaza, 271 killed.” Xinhua. 28 December 2008.) (Noir, Hiyam. “Israel Used Internationally Banned Weaponry in Massive Airstrikes Across Gaza Strip.” PalestineFreeVoice blog. http://palestinefreevoice.blogspot.com/2008/12/israel-used-internationally-banned.html.)

• Most other dead are Kassam members and/or policemen: “The majority of the Palestinians killed in the IDF air raids that began Saturday were policemen and militiamen belonging to Izaddin Kassam, human rights activists and medical sources said Sunday. They revealed that about 160 blue-uniformed policemen were killed in the first day of the operation. Most of the cadets were attending a graduation ceremony at the main police headquarters in Gaza City on Saturday. The IDF said that in total, over 280 Palestinians were killed, most of them Hamas operatives.” (Katz, Yaakov and Khaled Abu Toameh. “Hamas chief of staff may be dead.” Jerusalem Post. 29 December 2008).