You may have noticed that for the past few days, I have not been able to maintain my liveblogging. As I am sure you understand, I am a one-man operation with a very demanding day job. Unless this becomes my day job (feel free to contribute to help make this a reality!), it is always going to be a difficult proposition.
Having said that, I will try – when possible – at the very least to summarize the events of the day, when liveblogging is not feasible. I see much demand for updates from this region of the world, and my Separated at Birth posts can satisfy you for only so long.
Ok, that’s one hell of a long introduction. Now let’s see what’s been happening today.
10:05PM: It’s time for the world to switch to alternative energy sources.
According to two indectments served Monday, millions of shekels have been transferred from a Saudi organization to Hamas operatives in Jerusalem. The money was received as charity although, in reality, it was earmarked for terrorist activities.
9:30PM: I just saw this report now: Jimmy Carter has said that the US, Israel and EU must end their policy of favoring Fatah over Hamas, an action which he called “criminal.” He also stated that Hamas had proven itself to be far more organized than Fatah.
Which begs the question: Is Carter senile or just plain evil?
9:18PM: Listen to the words of one of the palestinians injured at the Erez Crossing and evacuated to an Israeli hospital:
“We were there for four days. Hamas gunmen shot me‚Ķ we had nothing to eat, nothing to drink‚Ķ they killed one of my friends, who was right next to me. They’re butchering people.”
Despite this clear statement of who was trying to kill these palestinians, the palestinian Ma’an News Agency is reporting something else entirely.
One Palestinian was killed and three wounded on Monday night as they attempted to flee the Gaza Strip through Erez Crossing. The Israeli forces opened fire on the crowds that were trying to escape Hamas-controlled Gaza into Israel.
—-The Israeli soldiers opened fire on the Palestinian civilians while they were waiting in an area known as the ‘sleeve’ at Erez Crossing. The Gazans were trying to leave through Israel and take up residence in the Palestinian West Bank.
Bear this in mind next time you hear of conflicting reports from IDF and palestinian sources, and have to decide which one to believe.
8:58PM: Ha’aretz reports that an aide to Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh said that intensive negotiations are underway for BBC reporter Alan Johnston’s release. Of course, yesterday Hamas issued an ultimatum threatening to free him by force if the group holding him captive did not release him by the end of the day.
I’m guessing that Hamas are new to this whole ultimatum thing.
8:37PM: Channel 10 has reported that Israeli Deputy Defense Minister Efraim Sneh, together with Givati Brigade troops, crossed into the Gaza Strip overnight Monday in order to rescue several Fatah operatives.
Yes, our government really is that stupid.
8:15PM: Today it was revealed that another terror plot brought to you by the peaceful folk with whom we should live “side-by-side in security” was uncovered by the Shin Bet. It seems like the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) – who are only popular because of their nefarious activities – planned to carry out several attacks, including bombing a Modi’in synagogue and kidnapping US citizens in the West Bank.
One of the cell members was an illegal worker at a construction site located near the synagogue in Modi’in. Remember that next time palestinians complain of their dire economic situation. They really should be blaming their homegrown terrorists.
8:07PM: In his meeting with Israeli PM Olmert, US President Bush reaffirmed his misguided two-state vision, and equally misguided support of PA Chairman Mahmoud Abbas. Mind you, given that Olmert and his government support the same vision, can we really blame Bush? After all, he cannot practically appear less accommodating to the palestinians than the Israeli government.
Bush also stated that “all options are on the table” in terms of dealing with Iran to ensure to they do not develop a nuclear weapon.
Christians can only continue living safely in the Gaza Strip if they accept Islamic law, including a ban on alcohol and on women roaming publicly without proper head coverings, an Islamist militant leader in Gaza told WND in an exclusive interview.The militant leader said Christians in Gaza who engage in “missionary activity” will be “dealt with harshly.”The threats come two days after a church and Christian school in Gaza was attacked following the seizure of power in the territory by the Hamas terror group.“I expect our Christian neighbors to understand the new Hamas rule means real changes. They must be ready for Islamic rule if they want to live in peace in Gaza,” said Sheik Abu Saqer, leader of Jihadia Salafiya, an Islamic outreach movement that recently announced the opening of a “military wing” to enforce Muslim law in Gaza.—-“The situation has now changed 180 degrees in Gaza,” said Abu Saqer, speaking from Gaza yesterday.“Jihadia Salafiya and other Islamic movements will ensure Christian schools and institutions show publicly what they are teaching to be sure they are not carrying out missionary activity. No more alcohol on the streets. All women, including non-Muslims, need to understand they must be covered at all times while in public,” Abu Asqer told WND.“Also the activities of Internet cafes, pool halls and bars must be stopped,” he said. “If it goes on, we’ll attack these things very harshly.”
11:10PM: 2 Qassams have landed in the western Negev, with 2 people suffering shock.
11:00PM: The Lebanese army has reportedly found 2 new Russian-made rockets near the Lebanese-Israeli border.
10:20PM: A Qassam has landed near a Sderot factory, hitting a container possibly holding chemicals.
9:30PM: According to the IDF, palestinians threw a grenade and fired at civilians at the Erez crossing, and soldiers shot at the gunmen. Meanwhile, the Jerusalem Post is reporting at least 2 palestinians dead.
