Gaza

After our discussion last night about the conflict in the Middle East, Gaza in particular, I have excerpted this from today's New York Times:


Sun., Jan.11, 2 PM ET

Israeli troops began heavy fighting in the suburbs of Gaza City before dawn, moving in from the former settlement of Netzarim. Attacks in the Sheikh Ajleen neighborhood killed at least eight people, including two women and two children.

Airstrikes, and naval and artillery shelling continued through the day. Israeli forces are present in the northern section of Gaza, the eastern border and the Rafah border area.

Three rockets were fired from Gaza at Israel in the morning. Two exploded near Beersheva, injuring several people. A third hit empty land.

Casualty figures are difficult to verify, but the Gazan authorities have reported 884 dead, including 275 children, 93 women and 12 medical personnel. That does not include complete figures for Hamas fighters, who have not been taken to hospitals.

Israel allowed a three-hour cease-fire for the fourth day to give civilians an opportunity to seek supplies and medical care. The crossing at Kerem Shalom was open for supplies and Rafah was open for medical aid and patient evacuation. Karni Crossing - the only transfer point for grain delivery - remained closed.

More than 25,600 people are staying in emergency shelters. The United Nations opened four new shelters to meet demand in Gaza City, Jabaliya and Deir al Balah.

Some 500,000 people have no access to running water and the rest of the population has access for a few hours every two to seven days.


Previous days of conflict
JAN. 10U.N. relief operations resume after a daylong suspension prompted by a lack of security for convoys.

JAN. 9Israel and Hamas reject a United Nations call for a cease-fire.

JAN. 8Humanitarian aid deliveries are suspended after a driver was killed and two were injured.

JAN. 7Both sides cease fighting for three hours to allow civilians to access aid