UK & World News
- 19 November 2012, 13:37
Gaza Conflict: Rockets 'Hit Israeli Town'
Three rockets have hit the southern Israeli town of Ashkelon, according to Sky sources - amid calls for a ceasefire as Israel's bombardment of Gaza continues.
The Israel Defence Forces said a school in the town had been hit. Police said 20 rockets were intercepted by Israel's Iron Dome anti-missile battery. Nobody was hurt.
Pictures from Gaza City in the early hours of Monday showed buildings in flames and thick, black plumes of smoke rising into the air.
Medics and Palestinian security officials said airstrikes across the Gaza Strip left at least 12 Palestinian civilians dead on Monday.
UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon is on his way to the region to appeal for an end to the violence. He is expected to meet Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi before visiting Israel and Gaza.
Sky's Sam Kiley, in Gaza City, said there had been a "considerable lull" in attacks on both sides as Israel faces international pressure to head off a ground offensive and Hamas appears to show "goodwill" towards the idea of talks.
But he said shelling had been taking place some 600 metres from the scene of a funeral procession in Gaza, following the deaths of 11 people in an attack on the home of one family.
That airstrike happened on Sunday, the bloodiest day so far of Israel's Operation Pillar of Defence, with more than 120 targets hit and 29 Palestinians killed.
Gaza medics say women and children accounted for most of those killed, among them five babies and toddlers.
"This must stop," said Mr Ban. "I strongly urge the parties to co-operate with all efforts led by Egypt to reach an immediate ceasefire."
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has warned he is ready to expand the operation. The Reuters news agency quoted a senior Israeli official saying the country is ready for a ground invasion but prefers a diplomatic solution.
The mobilisation of 75,000 army reservists has already been authorised, suggesting a ground invasion could be imminent.
Talks to avert an escalation of violence will continue in Egypt later.
The Turkish Prime Minister and the Emir of Qatar are in the Egyptian capital, along with senior Israeli diplomats and representatives of Hamas.
British Foreign Secretary William Hague has warned Israel that it risks losing international sympathy if it escalates its campaign against Palestinian militants into a ground invasion.
Overall, the offensive that began last Wednesday has killed 94 Palestinians, including 50 civilians, and wounded some 720 people, Gaza heath official Ashraf al Kidra said. Among the wounded were 225 children, he said.
On the Israeli side, three civilians have died from Palestinian rocket fire and dozens have been wounded. Rocket-defence technology has intercepted rockets bound for populated areas.
what do you think?
Micky Lyden
It's simple if Hams stops firing rockets into Israel then they will stop the bombing the city
jeni sperber
Will isreal give back illegal settlement land they have stolen, isreal are not that innocent in this, but no one cares about that side do they
stevie may
Is the world really at a crisis point? I dont believe so. Humanity has been waging war on itself for the last 7000 years. . Nothing has changed. This is just par for the course. Nothing to cause particular concern unless bombs are dropping on you personally
ali baba
No occupied territory, no rockets.
Sharon Houghton
I think you need a lesson in history and truth
Si Hansolo
Gaza nor the west bank is occupied. So why rockets
peter brady
The West Bank is occupied the entire international community recognises this. Gaza has been under blockade for over five years.
Gordon Wright
Do try and keep up, The occupation of Gaza ceased years ago when Israeli troops moved out under a "so called" peace agreement with the Palestinians. They must be wishing they had stayed where they were Perhaps the Israelis are now thinking, another occupation equals no rockets fired into Israel..........
ali baba
please explain west bank and golan heights
Paul Grice
I though Tony Blair was in charge after middle eastern problems FORGOT HE WAS IN CHARGE OF THE UK for ten years and what a good job he made of that ???
Louisa Gieldon
He is not" in charge of middle eastern problems" Paul. That would be a task!
Russell6730
T Blair while P.M. got this country involved in 5 wars.Since becoming middle east peace envoy he has stuffed his pockets with millions of arab dollars only the devil knows what hideous deals and sellouts he did to earn it........keep him out of the middle east till its all over he's capable of starting WW3
Mark Hussey
Fox in charge of henhouse comes to mind
Chris Carr
Interesting isn't it that the Arab world highlights the women and children killed by Israeli action but not those killed or displaced by other Arabs in Syria?
Sharon Houghton
Well said, remember, who's troops went to Bosnia to sort the mass killings, where was the Muslim condemnation, they stayed silent and let our armed forces deal with the horrors
Louisa Gieldon
Chris a few weeks ago in a discussion about Assad we were howled down for doing just that. I deplore the governments of Syria and of Israel
Chris Carr
And the Hamas government who have been cited for summarily executing people who oppose them after "unfair" military trials?
Viv hanshall
This comment has been removed for violations of our Terms and Conditions.
Chris Carr
I'm sure that someone somewhere can produce a list of Jewish children and babies killed by Hamas rockets and Palestinian suicide bombers. Both sides are wrong.
Viv hanshall
One side is under occupation and under siege.
Si Hansolo
How about the the Israelis killed on the day when things escalated? The 27 year old women was 7 months pregnant?
Si Hansolo
No vic, the people of Gaza that elected Hamas are in this position because Hamas will not cease there aim to destroy Israel.they lived much better under Arafat, Hamas is using Gaza for their own intentions and they don't care about their own people
peter brady
Hamas is recognised as legitimate by more and more nations. Tomorrow the Turkish FM is due to visit. Even the Israelis have negotiated with Hamas in the past. Hamas were elected precisely because the people recognised that they did care about the population - Hamas were democratically elected. The time is to talk with Hamas and to accept them as elected and equal.
Louisa Gieldon
Thanks for that Viv- i found it very moving and made your pont well.
Viv hanshall
Hello Si - the israelis killed by the rocket strike are given names and identities. (They also do not deserve to die) The Palestinians are not given names - they are just another 10 killed yesterday, 15 the day before, etc. I want to give them names.
Lorgar Aurelian
Nothing about Hamas is democratic.
Sharon Houghton
The death of children is disgusting, Jewish children have also died because,of hamas rockets and suicide bombers you seem not mention those. What about the suicide bomber that walked into a kabalah school where innocent children where studying their faith , killing hundreds or the children attending basketball match only to be blown up, those events are just a few that never got mentioned in western media
Viv hanshall
'What about the suicide bomber that walked into a kabalah school where innocent children where studying their faith , killing hundreds' Really, when was that?
Sharon Houghton
Viv your comments are somewhat disturbing to say what of the suicide bomber of innocent children.. and I'm sure with all your fact finding missions you will find it, if for once you care not to be onesided with your views
Viv hanshall
Hi Sharon - I have tried to find an article on the suicide bomb attack on the Kabbalah school that killed 'hundreds' I am afraid I can't find one. Could you post a link please?
Viv hanshall
A lot of people are under the impression that this Israeli aggression started last week with the assasination of a senior Hamas politician. Infact, in the past three years, 345 Palestinians have been killed by Israel. These Palestinians were shot or blown up inside the West Bank or Gaza and not in Israel. These deaths were not reported in the West. It averages out to two Palestinians killed per week by israel and explains the frustration and despair that the Palestinians suffer.
Name witheld
This comment has been removed for violations of our Terms and Conditions.
Viv hanshall
Hi Sharon - I have tried to find an article on the suicide bomb attack on the Kabbalah school that killed 'hundreds' I am afraid I can't find one. Could you post a link please?
Si Hansolo
Why is the title in parenthesis? 'hit Israeli town' does that mean no one takes it seriously except if it is building 'hit' in Gaza? This is unreal reporting
Viv hanshall
For a catalogue of abuses inflicted on the Palestinians by the Israeli occupation look up B'tselem and Gisha. Both are Israelis groups that monitor the occupation.
Si Hansolo
Those two organisations are biased, they never ever show the Israeli side of things. I bet they don't live in sderot or askelon or bersheva.let's see then holidaying for a week there and then they will rewrite the biased reporting
Mark Hussey
This comment has been removed for violations of our Terms and Conditions.
peter brady
Viv - another group that monitors the occupation is ICAHD - The Israeli Committee Against House Demolitions. They also give statistics on the number of Palestinian houses that have been demolished in The West Bank, how many Palestinians have been displaced. It offers a sharp insite into the daily realities of the occupation of the West Bank and Gaza.
TIM x
100% support Israel. Hamas sole aim is to destroy the Jewish state. Tired of the pro Palestinian media. Israel does not try to harm children Hamas does. Unfortunately no matter how careful the Israelis are there will always be a few civilian casualties.
Abid Ali
But who is harming children Tim? I know you said 'try' not to harm children but, I think they need to 'try' harder.
Si Hansolo
So Israeli try to target terrorist groups, yrs they made a mistake and its a very sad loss the family from yesterday, but the aggression is directed at the terrorist specifically, what soldiers or military buildings do Hamas target? Non, its always at civilians and the cities and Towns they live in so where is soldier vs soldier.
Abid Ali
I saw a video of an Israeli air strike on a moving car. So if you have that kind of accuracy, how do you still kill innocent children?
Si Hansolo
It was a tragic accident, not malicious, try the merkaz harav massacre, google it and that's called malicious, cold blooded
Abid Ali
I see your point but tell me what you would call it if Hamas (the elected government) carpet bombed Israel like they do to the people of Gaza in retaliation to what happened to the children in Gaza? Not that Hamas has the ability to carpet bomb anyone.
Si Hansolo
Ali, if you were next to a Hamas operative you would distance yourself, and the Israeli gave fair warning. What warning is there when the rockets however primitive they may be start flying over for months and months, this is against civilians over the Last 12 years, not against the military. Where is the malicious carpet bombing you claim about? These are legitimate targets of an organization recognised by the world a terrorist.be realistic and mature and think about it logically, please.
Chris Price
They hit a moving vehicle from the air and landed the munition dead on the money Before it could park up out side a school or market place full of civilians. Like hamas do with their rocket launchers and mortars. That is why there is unfortunate civilian casualties in these islamic countries because unlike the western millitaries siting their weaponry and installations away from population areas. They stick missile batteries in school playgrounds or move the offices high profile figures in with residential areas. And then expect countries like israel to just sit there while they lob mortar shells into their busy streets. I bet the IDF has to think twice before attacking a target to try and reduce casualty numbers. Then when there are casualties hamas turn round and say "look what the evil zionists have done"
Chris Price
Si they are not primitive rockets being used they are dated but not primitive. They use old soviet russian missiles
Abid Ali
Why are you guys making out that all the Israeli's are innocent when Israeli's themselves call for war themselves. Not the government but the people of Israel calling for Gaza to be a graveyard and wanting the distruction of Gaza. Saying that there is no innocent person in Gaza. Children in Israel sign their names on the rockets that are fired into Gaza and you say these people are innocent? If you don't believe me check out the trending videos on YouTube. There is a video called "voices of Israel". A protest which happened two days ago.
peter brady
Abid, those who excuse the occupation will make out that the Palestinians in Gaza are somehow deserving of their own deaths and that any children who are killed are killed sue to an 'accident'. The other myth is that Hamas fire from civilian areas. Without mentioning of course that Gaza is the most densely populated area on the planet and of course no one can leave due to the Israeli imposed siege. The people in Gaza are incarcerated.
Chris Price
Im not supporting them. I never once said i did support israel both sides are as bad as each other.
Viv hanshall
This comment has been removed for violations of our Terms and Conditions.
Si Hansolo
One question, were they targeted? No, it was a tragic mistake.there was no malicious intent. Malicious intent is when a human goes into a Jewish rabbinical college in Jerusalem and walks around killing with cold blooded point blank accuracy innocent boys.you want names i will give you plenty.how about the fogel family, murdered, the children had their throats cut, pure malicious intent
Viv hanshall
Si - I don't wish to diminish the death of an Israeli nor do I wish to excuse anyone's actions. I am posting the names of the Palestinians who are being killed and I wish to give them names and identities. The entire area of Gaza is targeted let's not forget.
fish41
Misleading headline and photo. The explosion in the picture is of Israeli bombs hitting gaza not rockets hitting Ashkelon. The rockets fired by palestinians are home made affairs. They have no guidance systems so are not "targeting" civilians. They are just fired with a hit and hope desperation. They are more of a phsychological weapon against Israel. They are never going to defeat Israel militarily. Israeli govt will make the most of it politically at the expense of hundreds of Palestinian lives. I certainly know where i would prefer to be and that is in Israel rather than the concentration soon to become death camp of Gaza
Mark Hussey
Rockets are lranen farj 5s short range battlefield missles simler to tommahawkes
Abid Ali
Well said fish
Mark Hussey
Are orange hamas uk suporters club.i have never seen so much anti jewish hate.everyone has a right to live in peace.bet orange do not post this
Sharon Houghton
Well said mark, the hatred posted on here from certain posters is disgusting, and wonder why there is bloodshed on all sides
peter brady
Where is the Jewish hate? (I think that's what you mean rather than the 'anti jewish hate' (sic); which is oxymoronic) Give me an example of hatred towards Jewish people exhibited by a single poster.
Sharon Houghton
Peter the poster and comments have been removed and rightly so, the threads over the last few days have been distubing, I think you have missed them
peter brady
Si - You talk about Dialogue. Could you explain why in the West Bank where there is no Hamas or rockets there is still an occupation, an apartheid structure of law (and roads etc) and why there are so many illegal settlements and land confiscations? And also could you explain why so many Palestinians are shot dead in the West Bank?
peter brady
Si - you talk about 'kidnapping' soldiers. As of 1 September 2012, there were 4,606 Palestinian political prisoners in Israeli prisons and detention centers, including 212 administrative detainees, 7 women and 194 children. Those under administrative detention are held without charge, without evidence held against them and indefinitely. 194 are children
Russell6730
7:42am on 19/11/2012
A lot of people are under the impression this Israeli agression was only started last Wednesday when they took out the Hamass top terrorist, in fact Hammas have been lobbing rockets into Israel for months now and has been mainly ignored by the media because there were very few reported deaths.Much of the problem is the media are only interested in agression where lots of women and children are killed and they can print graphic pictures of broken bodies.The media should have swung into action back then.As for Banki Moon he's left it too late by months to do the rounds of the region.His only hope now is to get the super powers to an emergency meeting at the UN. The world is at a crisis point,We can only hope this conflict is not a trigger for a major war.