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Israel-Palestine-Jordan
Gaza conflict nearing an end - Israel
2009-01-11
ISRAEL has indicated for the first time today that an end is in sight to its war on Hamas, amid some of the heaviest clashes of an offensive that has killed nearly 900 people in the Gaza Strip.

Infantry units backed by tanks pushed deeper into Gaza's main city, sparking some of the fiercest battles yet of the 16-day-old war Israel launched on the Islamists in response to rocket fire from their stronghold.

But Israeli officials suggested the Jewish state is nearing the end of its deadliest ever offensive in the Palestinian enclave, despite having last week waved off a UN Security Council resolution calling for a halt to the fighting.

"The decision of the (UN) security council doesn't give us much leeway,'' Deputy Defence Minister Matan Vilnai told public radio. "Thus it would seem that we are close to ending the ground operation and ending the operation altogether.''
Silly man. What power does the UNSC have? Saddam defied them 17 times and would have gotten away with it 17 more if George Bush hadn't been president -- which he won't be in nine days.

Anyone honestly think the UNSC can enforce a resolution? Anyone honestly see international 'peace-keeping' troops in Gaza, getting potted by Hamas hard boyz and being blamed by the Israelis (if no one else) every time a Qassam heads outbound?

Finish the job. If the goal is to break Hamas, break them.
Earlier, Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said the Jewish state is nearing the goals it has set for its operation, but said fighting will continue for the time being. "Israel is approaching these goals, but more patience and determination are required in order to reach these goals'' and "change the security reality in the south in a way that will allow our citizens to live in security and stability over a long period of time,'' Mr Olmert said at the start of the cabinet meeting.

Both Israel and Hamas last week brushed off the UN Security Council resolution that called on both sides to stop fighting, and the early Sunday hours saw Israeli troops push deep into the territory's main population centre.

Troops crept into the southern Tal al-Hawa neighbourhood in the early morning hours, encountering roadside bombs, mortars and gunfire from Palestinian fighters, witnesses said. The troops withdrew at daybreak, but hundreds of panicked residents fled from the area, clutching small children and hurriedly-packed bags after a sleepless night.
Posted by:tipper

#5  Hudna - deny
Posted by: Frank G   2009-01-11 19:06  

#4  Just before midnight 1/12 local time, Haaretz reports that Hamas reps in Cairo are close to agreeing to (or begging for) a cease fire.
Posted by: mhw   2009-01-11 18:56  

#3  IDF confirms: Reservists now participating in Gaza operation
Posted by: g(r)omgoru   2009-01-11 16:59  

#2  deadliest ever offensive in the Palestinian enclave, despite having last week waved off a UN Security Council resolution calling for a halt to the fighting

Frank, DeaconMan... AP... if Ima still on the floor in 12 hours pls thro me a blanket over.

TKs.
Posted by: .5MT   2009-01-11 14:27  

#1  PM, senior ministers determined to continue with ground offensive despite international efforts to promote ceasefire. Military sources say IDF seeks to step up pressure on Hamas, send more units into Gaza
Posted by: g(r)omgoru   2009-01-11 11:16  

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