End Times and Current Events
March 28, 2024, 01:36:26 pm
Welcome, Guest. Please login or register.

Login with username, password and session length
News: Welcome To End Times and Current Events.
 
  Home Help Search Gallery Staff List Login Register  

UN chief: End occupation, divide Jerusalem

Shoutbox
March 27, 2024, 12:55:24 pm Mark says: Shocked Shocked Shocked Shocked  When Hamas spokesman Abu Ubaida began a speech marking the 100th day of the war in Gaza, one confounding yet eye-opening proclamation escaped the headlines. Listing the motives for the Palestinian militant group's Oct. 7 massacre in Israel, he accused Jews of "bringing red cows" to the Holy Land.
December 31, 2022, 10:08:58 am NilsFor1611 says: blessings
August 08, 2018, 02:38:10 am suzytr says: Hello, any good churches in the Sacto, CA area, also looking in Reno NV, thanks in advance and God Bless you Smiley
January 29, 2018, 01:21:57 am Christian40 says: It will be interesting to see what happens this year Israel being 70 years as a modern nation may 14 2018
October 17, 2017, 01:25:20 am Christian40 says: It is good to type Mark is here again!  Smiley
October 16, 2017, 03:28:18 am Christian40 says: anyone else thinking that time is accelerating now? it seems im doing days in shorter time now is time being affected in some way?
September 24, 2017, 10:45:16 pm Psalm 51:17 says: The specific rule pertaining to the national anthem is found on pages A62-63 of the league rulebook. It states: “The National Anthem must be played prior to every NFL game, and all players must be on the sideline for the National Anthem. “During the National Anthem, players on the field and bench area should stand at attention, face the flag, hold helmets in their left hand, and refrain from talking. The home team should ensure that the American flag is in good condition. It should be pointed out to players and coaches that we continue to be judged by the public in this area of respect for the flag and our country. Failure to be on the field by the start of the National Anthem may result in discipline, such as fines, suspensions, and/or the forfeiture of draft choice(s) for violations of the above, including first offenses.”
September 20, 2017, 04:32:32 am Christian40 says: "The most popular Hepatitis B vaccine is nothing short of a witch’s brew including aluminum, formaldehyde, yeast, amino acids, and soy. Aluminum is a known neurotoxin that destroys cellular metabolism and function. Hundreds of studies link to the ravaging effects of aluminum. The other proteins and formaldehyde serve to activate the immune system and open up the blood-brain barrier. This is NOT a good thing."
http://www.naturalnews.com/2017-08-11-new-fda-approved-hepatitis-b-vaccine-found-to-increase-heart-attack-risk-by-700.html
September 19, 2017, 03:59:21 am Christian40 says: bbc international did a video about there street preaching they are good witnesses
September 14, 2017, 08:06:04 am Psalm 51:17 says: bro Mark Hunter on YT has some good, edifying stuff too.
View Shout History
Pages: 1 ... 17 18 [19] 20 21 ... 27   Go Down
  Print  
Author Topic: UN chief: End occupation, divide Jerusalem  (Read 86822 times)
Mark
Administrator
Hero Member
*****
Offline Offline

Posts: 21786



View Profile
« Reply #540 on: July 13, 2014, 09:56:34 am »

Israel calls for north Gaza evacuation after raid


JERUSALEM (July 13, 2014) — Israel briefly deployed ground troops inside the Gaza Strip for the first time early Sunday as its military warned northern Gaza residents to evacuate their homes, part of a widening offensive that's killed more than 160 Palestinians.

Neither Israel nor Palestinian militants show signs of agreeing to a cease-fire, despite calls by the United Nations Security Council and others to end the increasingly bloody six-day offensive. With Israel massing tanks and soldiers at Gaza's borders, some fear that could signal a wider ground offensive that would cause heavy casualties.

"We don't know when the operation will end," Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netayahu told a Cabinet meeting Sunday. "It might take a long time."

As the ultimatum drew near, hundreds fled Beit Lahiya, one of the communities the Israeli announcement affected. Some raced by in pickup trucks, waving white flags.

"They are sending warning messages," resident Mohammad Abu Halemah said. "Once we received the message, we felt scared to stay in our homes. We want to leave."

Ignoring international appeals for a cease-fire, Israel widened its range of Gaza bombing targets Saturday to include civilian institutions with suspected Hamas ties. One strike hit a center for the disabled, killing two patients and wounding four people. In a second attack, an Israeli warplane flattened the home of Gaza police chief Taysir al-Batsh and damaged a nearby mosque as evening prayers ended, killing at least 18 people, 17 of whom were al-Batsh family members. Fifty were wounded, including al-Batsh himself.

On Sunday, Palestinians with foreign passports began leaving Gaza through the Erez border crossing. Israel, which is cooperating in the evacuation, says 800 Palestinians living in Gaza have passports from countries including Australia, the United Kingdom and the U.S.

U.S. citizen Ahmed Mohana said he had mixed feelings about leaving friends and family behind in the troubled Gaza Strip.

Israeli soldiers on a mobile artillery unit fire a shell towards Gaza at a position on the Israel-Gaza border, July 12.

"It is very hard, it is very tough," he said. "We are leaving our family, our relatives and brothers and sisters in this horrible situation —we have to do what we have to do."

Israel has launched more than 1,300 air strikes since the offensive began, military spokesman Lt. Col. Peter Lerner said Sunday. Palestinian militants have launched more than 800 rockets at Israel, including 130 in the last 24 hours, the Israeli military said Sunday. Several Israelis have been wounded, but there have been no fatalities.

Israel has said it's acting in self-defense against rockets that have disrupted life across much of the country. It also accuses Hamas of using Gaza's civilians as human shields by firing rockets from there.

Critics say Israel's heavy bombardment of one of the most densely populated territories in the world is itself the main factor putting civilians at risk.

The offensive marks the heaviest fighting since a similar eight-day campaign in November 2012 to stop Gaza rocket fire. The outbreak of violence follows the kidnappings and killings of three Israeli teenagers in the West Bank, the kidnapping and killing of a Palestinian teenager in an apparent revenge attack, and wide-ranging Israeli moves against Hamas militants and infrastructure in the West Bank.

Foreign diplomats also continued their efforts to end the bloodshed. German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier will fly to Israel for talks Monday and Tuesday with both the Israelis and the Palestinians. Meanwhile, the Arab League will meet Monday to discuss the offensive.

- See more at: http://www.onenewsnow.com/ap/world/israel-calls-for-north-gaza-evacuation-after-raid#.U8KeGLFgF8E
Report Spam   Logged

What can you do for Jesus?  Learn what 1 person can accomplish.

The Man from George Street
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SkjMvPhLrn8
Psalm 51:17
Global Moderator
Hero Member
*****
Offline Offline

Posts: 28357


View Profile
« Reply #541 on: July 13, 2014, 10:01:11 am »

http://news.yahoo.com/dwight-howard-tweets-quickly-deletes-freepalestine-234400693.html
Houston Rockets' Dwight Howard Tweets and Quickly Deletes #FreePalestine
7/13/14

Dwight Howard, the star center on the Houston Rockets, the only NBA team with an Israeli player, briefly waded into the digital discourse on the ongoing battle between Israel and Hamas. He then very quickly jumped out.

The offending (depending on your take) tweet came late on Saturday afternoon, reportedly in response to a fan plea on Twitter. 



Some fifteen minutes after it went up to his five million followers, it was gone. He quickly clarified: 

Dwight Howard        ✔ @DwightHoward
Follow

previous tweet was a mistake. I have never commented on international politics and never will.
3:11 PM - 12 Jul 2014

Dwight Howard        ✔ @DwightHoward
Follow

I apologize if I offended anyone with my previous tweet, it was a mistake!
3:15 PM - 12 Jul 2014

Less equivocal about Middle Eastern politics is Omri Casspi, Howard's teammate on the Rockets, who is the first Israeli player ever to be drafted or to play in the NBA. Following the kidnapping and murders of three Israeli teenagers in the West Bank, one of the instigating events in the ongoing crisis, Casspi lent his support to the public awareness/social media campaign to bring the kidnapped teenagers back. In recent days, he has been active on the topic on Twitter, including this tweet, which came a short while after Howard's.

Omri Casspi        ✔ @Casspi18
Follow

600 missiles been fired from GAZA by Hamas in the last 4 days. NUMBERS DONT LIE. STOP LYING.
4:31 PM - 12 Jul 2014

Report Spam   Logged
Psalm 51:17
Global Moderator
Hero Member
*****
Offline Offline

Posts: 28357


View Profile
« Reply #542 on: July 15, 2014, 10:23:03 am »

http://news.yahoo.com/egyptian-truce-plan-unravels-fighting-131459401.html
Egyptian truce plan unravels after new fighting
7/15/14

GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip (AP) — An Egyptian truce proposal for the conflict in Gaza quickly unraveled Tuesday, after the Islamic militant Hamas rejected the plan, Gaza militants fired scores of rockets at Israel and Israel responded with more than a dozen air strikes.

The speedy resumption of violence, less than a day after Egypt presented its cease-fire plan, illustrated that it will be harder this time than in the past to negotiate an end to Israel-Hamas fighting.

A key difference to a previous truce in 2012 is that Hamas does not trust the current rulers of Egypt who deposed a Hamas-friendly government in Cairo a year ago.


Israel had agreed to the Egyptian plan, proposed late Monday. Under it, a 12-hour period of de-escalation was to begin at mid-morning Tuesday. Once both sides agree to halt hostilities, they would negotiate the terms of a longer-term truce.

Gaza militants responded by firing dozens of rockets after the proposed start of the de-escalation, some of them reaching deep into Israel, though not causing injuries. Israel, which had warned it would strike Gaza harder than before if Hamas did not halt hostilities, held its fire for several hours, but resumed air strikes by mid-afternoon Tuesday.

After the renewed rocket fire from Gaza on Tuesday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Moshe Yaalon "directed the military to act with intensity against terror targets in Gaza," said an Israeli official who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to discuss the decision with the media.

Since the outbreak of cross-border fighting on July 8, more than 190 Palestinians have been killed in hundreds of Israeli air strikes and millions of Israelis have been exposed to rocket fire. The current round of violence was the third in just over five years. The previous one, in 2012, eventually ended with the help of Egypt, at the time seen as a trusted broker by Hamas.

But Hamas distrusts Egypt's current rulers, who have tightened the border blockade on Gaza, including curtailing travel in and out of the territory. An easing of the blockade of the coastal strip is key to the survival of Hamas.

Hamas officials on Tuesday rejected the Egyptian plan as is, noting they weren't consulted by Cairo. Some portrayed the truce offer as an ultimatum presented to Hamas by Israel and Egypt.

The officials, including Osama Hamdan, a senior aide to top Hamas leader Khaled Mashaal, said the Egyptian plan offered no tangible achievements, particularly on easing a border blockade of the coastal strip, which has been enforced by Israel and Egypt for the past seven years.

Hamdan said the movement needs detailed assurances that Gaza's borders will be opened, particularly the Rafah crossing between Gaza and Egypt, the territory's main gate to the world.

Hamas also wants to be recognized by Egypt as a partner in any truce efforts. "We did not receive any official draft of this Egyptian proposal," said Sami Abu Zuhri, a senior Hamas official in Gaza. He said the Egyptian plan, as is, is "not acceptable."

Hamas officials are weary of promises by Egypt and Israel to ease the border blockade. Such promises were also part of a truce in 2012, but were not fully implemented as the strip remained under blockade.

Before the outbreak of the latest round of fighting, the militant group found itself in a serious financial crisis because the Egyptian closure had prevented cash and goods from coming into the strip through hundreds of smuggling tunnels under the Gaza-Egypt border.

In response to the Egyptian truce plan, Gaza militants fired some 50 rockets at Israel on Tuesday,

The Israeli military said several rockets reached deep into Israel, including near the northern port city of Haifa. Sirens also went off in the towns of Hadera and Zichron Yaakov, more than 100 kilometers (60 miles) north of Gaza.

The military wing of Hamas, which has been responsible for most of the hundreds of rockets launched at Israel in the past week, said the Egyptian plan "wasn't worth the ink it was written with."

As fighting resumed, the Israeli military faced difficult choices. It has warned in the past that it might launch a ground of offensive in Gaza and has amassed thousands of troops on Gaza's border.

However, entering Gaza would likely drive up casualties on both sides. In the past, Israel has shied away from ground operations for fear of getting entangled in the densely populated territory of 1.7 million.

In Vienna, Secretary of State John Kerry blasted Hamas for firing rockets after the proposed cease-fire was to have taken effect.

"I cannot condemn strongly enough the actions of Hamas," Kerry told reporters. In contrast, he praised Egypt's intervention and Israel's acceptance of the deal.

Kerry said the U.S. would continue pushing for a cease-fire is because of the potential for the violence escalating even further.
Report Spam   Logged
Psalm 51:17
Global Moderator
Hero Member
*****
Offline Offline

Posts: 28357


View Profile
« Reply #543 on: July 16, 2014, 01:05:07 pm »

http://news.yahoo.com/hamas-made-israel-truce-offer-only-refuse-152657455.html
Hamas Made Israel a 'Truce Offer' That It Can Only Refuse
7/16/14

Following Hamas' rejection of a ceasefire proposal by Egypt, the group may have announced its own terms for a 10-year truce, replete with conditions that Israel will never be willing to meet.

Early reports are signaling that Hamas, along with the Gaza terrorist group Islamic Jihad, are proposing a cessation of hostilities in exchange for the release of Palestinian prisoners who were initially released in the prisoner exchange that freed kidnapped Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit in 2011. A number of the men were rearrested during Israel's operation to find the men who abducted and killed three Israeli teenagers in the West Bank last month.

The Times of Israel reports some of the other demands:

    [Hamas also] demands that all crossings to the Gaza Strip be opened, and that the Rafah crossing to Egypt be secured by UN forces. It calls for an airport to be established in the Strip, that fishing areas be expanded, and that Israeli aircraft alter their flight routes such that none fly over the coastal enclave.


The Israeli site Arutz Sheva adds:

    There is no official confirmation of the offer and it is being greeted with skepticism, as more of a trial balloon than an actual offer.


It seems fair to say that few of these demands will be taken seriously by Israel. Let's have a look at them.

Context

As we noted yesterday, Hamas dismissed Egypt's ceasefire proposal out of hand, reportedly in objection to having been left out of the negotiations. The more likely reason though is that the Egyptian proposal contained no incentives that would allow the terrorist group to declare some kind of public relations victory for its battle with Israel.

RELATED: Egyptian Court Condemns Tahrir Square Sexual Assaults With Seven Life Sentences

Release of Palestinian prisoners

So long as the killers of the three teenage Israelis are on the loose, it seems highly unlikely that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will be politically able or personally willing to make this concession.

But this does broach an interesting possibility. Were Hamas or the Palestinian Authority to find and/or turn in the men responsible, it would change all the political calculations here. Don't count on it.

UN observers at border crossings

The United Nations doesn't have a sterling reputation when it comes to enforcing conditions of a ceasefire. Following the end of Israel's 2006 war with Hezbollah (which has many parallels to the Gaza conflicts of the past few years), the set up a force called UNIFIL (United Nations Interim Force In Lebanon), which was meant to enforce the ceasefire and keep Hezbollah from rearming. According to Israel and some press reports, Hezbollah's stockpiling of rockets from Iran resumed almost immediately

RELATED: Israel Vows to Increase Intensity of Attacks

Hoping to move things along, France is reportedly proposing that EU observers man the border crossings between Israel and Gaza. Does the EU have more credibility than the UN? Probably.

Easing the blockade of Gaza

The other demands set forth by Hamas and Islamic Jihad speak to Israel's much-maligned blockade of Gaza, which is meant to keep the terrorist groups from rearming. The blockade also makes the importing of material goods for building a Palestinian economy extremely difficult.

Previous ceasefires have included provisions that would limit the scope of Israel's blockade, however, given the number of rockets fired into Israel from Gaza (particularly in the direction of population centers like Tel Aviv) as well as the number of rockets reportedly destroyed by Israeli airstrikes, the easing of the blockade against Gaza seems like a nonstarter...for now.

With enough international pressure (which doesn't seem to be coming quite as forcefully as it has in conflicts past), this may change.

RELATED: Rihanna Ignites Another Israel-Palestine Pseudo-Controversy

What's next?

On Tuesday, the Israeli cabinet approved the (Hamas-rejected) Egyptian ceasefire and held back on striking Gaza for six hours. One Israeli was reportedly killed as Hamas continued firing rockets. Following the end of the Israeli pause, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to strike with even greater intensity. On the domestic front, he is facing pressure from some politicians on the right to order a ground invasion of Gaza.

With the 2009 conflict between Israel and Hamas in mind, the international community is working hard to make sure what would be a destructive and deadly ground invasion stays in the hypothetical. (Egypt is said to be mediating another truce.)

Meanwhile, until a palatable proposal emerges or an external factor forces the hand of one of the sides, the violence will continue. In the ninth of fighting, the Palestinian death toll passed 200 and rockets continue to rain down on Israeli cities.
Report Spam   Logged
Psalm 51:17
Global Moderator
Hero Member
*****
Offline Offline

Posts: 28357


View Profile
« Reply #544 on: July 17, 2014, 12:16:16 pm »

http://news.msn.com/world/gaza-rocket-hits-israel-as-humanitarian-lull-ends
Gaza rocket hits Israel as humanitarian lull ends

JERUSALEM (AP) — Palestinian militants fired a rocket at Israel Thursday just as a five-hour U.N. humanitarian cease-fire expired, the Israeli military said.

Gaza residents had crowded banks, vegetable markets and shops as they took advantage of the first respite from 10 days of fierce fighting.

The military says the rocket struck the city of Ashkelon at precisely 3 p.m. (1200 GMT, 8 a.m. EDT) as the pause in military activity ended.

No injuries were reported. Gaza militants also fired three mortar shells toward Israel after the truce took effect at 10 a.m. Israel has not responded yet to either incident though it vowed to strike hard if fire continued.

Gaza City, a virtual ghost town for the past 10 days, returned to apparent normalcy within minutes of the start of the truce. Streets were jammed, motorists honked horns and Hamas police directed traffic at busy intersections.

Crowds of hundreds formed outside banks, with people jostling and shouting to get to ATM machines. In an outdoor market, shoppers filled plastic bags with fruit, vegetables and freshly slaughtered chickens.

The rush to restock signaled that Gaza residents don't expect a quick end to the fighting. Egypt renewed cease-fire efforts after its initial attempt collapsed earlier in the week, but the demands of Israel and Hamas remain far apart.

"'The situation is likely to get worse because there is no clear way out of it," said Moussa Amran, 43, a money changer in central Gaza City.

Israel accepted Egypt's initial call earlier this week to halt all hostilities, but Hamas rejected the idea because it does not want to return to the situation before the outbreak of fighting. An intensified Egyptian border blockade of Gaza over the past year, combined with long-running Israeli restrictions on access, had severely weakened the Islamic militant group.

Egypt's Foreign Minister Sameh Shukri insisted in an interview with The Associated Press that the cease-fire deal was still alive and expressed frustration that "Palestinian factions" -- a clear reference to Hamas -- had not agreed to it.

Hamas' agreement is crucial to any such truce, but its demand that the blockade be eased significantly is likely to be rejected by Israel and Egypt because it would strengthen the group's hold on Gaza, where it seized power in 2007.

Thursday's temporary truce, brokered by the United Nations, came after Israel carried out nearly 2,000 air strikes on Gaza over 10 days and Hamas fired more than 1,300 rockets into Israel, reaching the country's economic and cultural heartland. The cross-border fighting has so far killed more than 230 Palestinians and an Israeli, according to officials.

Fighting continued early Thursday in the lead-up to the cease-fire, with the military saying it foiled an attack by 13 militants who sneaked into Israel through a tunnel from Gaza. Israeli aircraft struck the fighters at the mouth of the tunnel some 250 meters (820 feet) inside Israel, near a kibbutz.

Lt. Col. Peter Lerner, a military spokesman, said the military believed at least one militant was killed in the strike and that the remaining fighters appeared to have returned to Gaza through the tunnel.

Footage released by the military showed a number of individuals creeping slowly toward what appeared to be a hole in the ground. A separate shot showed an explosion from an airstrike on the tunnel entrance.

Lerner said the militants were armed with "extensive weapons," including rocket-propelled grenades.

Hamas' military wing said all its fighters returned safely even though the group was targeted by Israeli warplanes.

It was the second time militants attempted to sneak into Israel in this round of fighting. Last week, four fighters were killed when they infiltrated Israel from the sea.

The military also said 15 rockets were fired at Israel Thursday morning, including toward areas in the center, some 90 kilometers (55 miles) from the Gaza Strip.

In fighting early Thursday, Israeli aircraft struck 37 targets, including the homes of senior Hamas leaders Fathi Hamad and Khalil al-Haya, the military said.

Three people were killed by a tank shell that hit a house in the southern town of Rafah, the Hamas-run police and Gaza Health Ministry spokesman Ashraf al-Kidra said.

The Gaza Interior Ministry had earlier said that 30 houses were struck in the Israeli raids. Four people were killed and a 75-year-old woman died of wounds suffered the day before, the ministry said.

A senior Hamas official said the group's deputy leader, Moussa Abu Marzouk, met with Egyptian officials Wednesday night to present Hamas' demands, which were also delivered to Jordan and the U.N. The official said Hamas wants countries other than Egypt to be involved in forging an agreement to end the fighting, a sign of the militant group's mistrust of Cairo.

Egypt, the first Arab country to make peace with Israel, has often served as a mediator between Israel and Hamas. But Hamas does not trust Egypt's current rulers, who deposed a Hamas-friendly government in Cairo last year.

Egypt's new leaders have since launched a sweeping crackdown on Hamas, shutting down a network of smuggling tunnels along the border that were the Islamic militant group's key economic lifeline — and weapons supply route.

The official spoke of condition of anonymity because he wasn't authorized to discuss the diplomatic steps with the media.

Also Thursday, a Jerusalem court indicted a 29-year-old and two 16-year-olds in the death of Mohammed Abu Khdeir, 16, whose charred body was found after he was reported kidnapped. According to the indictment, the suspects went out for a "man hunt" that ended when they "cruelly" killed Abu Khdeir.

The indictment said the suspects carried out the crime in revenge for the deaths of three Israeli teens last month and that they killed Abu Khdeir "solely because he was an Arab." The suspects are also accused of attempting to kidnap a seven-year-old Arab boy a day earlier.

The indictment said Abu Khdeir was strangled, beaten and burned to death while he was unconscious.

The death led to days of clashes between Palestinian protesters and police in east Jerusalem and elicited widespread international condemnation.
Report Spam   Logged
Psalm 51:17
Global Moderator
Hero Member
*****
Offline Offline

Posts: 28357


View Profile
« Reply #545 on: July 17, 2014, 03:04:55 pm »

Breaking CNN - Israel Launches Ground Invasion Against Gaza
Report Spam   Logged
Mark
Administrator
Hero Member
*****
Offline Offline

Posts: 21786



View Profile
« Reply #546 on: July 17, 2014, 04:16:32 pm »

IDF starts Gaza ground offensive

LAST UPDATED: 07/17/2014 22:46

Netanyahu's office says purpose of mission is to destroy terror tunnels and seriously harm the infrastructure of Hamas and other terrorist organizations in Gaza.

After days of waiting and deliberation, Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu on Thursday night directed the IDF to send ground troops into Gaza to strike the terror tunnels into Israel.

A statement put out by the Prime Minister's Office said that Netanyahu and Defense Minister Moshe Ya'alon Netanyahu directed the IDF to prepare to expand the ground operation.

The statement said that the security cabinet approved the operation after Israel agreed to the Egyptian cease-fire proposal on Tuesday, which Hamas rejected. In addition, the statement said, Hamas even fired rockets during the Thursday's five-hour humanitarian cease-fire.

“In light of Hamas' continuous criminal aggression, and the dangerous infiltration into Israeli territory, Israel is obligated to act in defense of its citizens,” the statement said.

The statement said that Operation Protective Edge, now in its 10th day, will continue until its goals are reached: restoring quiet for an extended period of time,and delivering a significant blow to Hamas and the other terrorist organizations in Gaza.

Prior to the commencement of the ground invasion, the IDF launched a massive wave of combined air and artillery strikes on Thursday night.

The ground invasion comes hours after a Hamas assault squad of thirteen highly armed terrorists attempted to carry out a massacre of civilians at Kibbutz Sufa, near the border, before being blocked by the IDF.

Infantry, Armored Corps, Engineering Corps, artillery, and intelligence units are taking over various areas in Gaza, and are all working with one another and the air force. They are operating in northern, central, and southern Gaza, where Hamas has dug an extensive terrorist tunnel network.

The IDF's Southern Command is overseeing the ground offensive.

The units involved have undergone intensive training recently ahead of their missions, Brig.-Gen. Moti Almoz, IDF spokesman, said on Thursday night.

"The operation has reached its ground phase," Almoz said. "Large numbers of forces began a focused effort to destroy tunnels in Gaza.

We are in a new stage," he stated. At the same time, the air force is continuing with air strikes against Hamas and Islamic Jihad around Gaza.

The Ground Forces are currently engaging terrorist infrastructure, and the operation "will be expanded as needed," Almoz said. "They're moving now in various areas of Gaza. We will continue to attack in every location we think needs to be struck," he warned.

The IDF is currently calling up more reserves, Almoz added.

Palestinian sources said strikes occurred up and down the Strip, adding that one strike targeted a motorcycle apparently carrying members of a rocket launching cell on their way to an attack on Israel.

At around 10:00 p.m. rocket sirens sounded in the Tel Aviv area, and in the Shfela. Iron Dome made a number of interceptions in the Tel Aviv area.

Hamas bombarded Israel on Thursday with rockets after the end of the humanitarian truce, firing over 100 projectiles after 3 p.m. Eighty one rockets landed in open areas, two fell inside villages, damaging two homes, and 20 were intercepted by the Iron Dome air defense system.

Also on Thursday, a drone from Gaza was detected in Israeli airspace, over the Ashkelon area. The IAF fired a patriot surface-to-air missile at the aircraft, shooting it down. It was the second Hamas drone to be shot down in recent days.

The IDF on Thursday warned citizens of Gaza to evacuate their homes and make their way from less populated areas to the Strip's major cities.

Close to 100,000 leaflets containing the message were dropped over the territory and hundreds of thousands of citizens from all over Gaza received recorded phone messages warning them to vacate villages.

Air raid sirens sounded throughout southern and central areas during the day. Ashkelon and Ashdod were targeted by Hamas repeatedly in the evening, and were successfully defended by Iron Dome.

Iron Dome intercepted two rockets over central Israel and the Sharon district in the evening, and one over the city of Ashdod. Several rockets landed in open areas.

The Gaza-border region of Eshkol came under continuous rocket barrages. Some ten rockets in open areas, and one damaged a home.

Between 3 p.m. and 5:30 p.m., Hamas fired 40 rockets at Israel, and Iron Dome shot three down Two rockets were fired at Beersheba, with one falling in an open area and a second intercepted over the Negev city.

Within a minute of the ceasefire ending, rockets were fired from Gaza at the Ashkelon industrial area and Hof Ashkelon region. Most fell in open areas.

The humanitarian ceasefire was violated when Hamas fired 3 projectiles at the Eshkol region. The rockets exploded in open areas.

On Thursday morning, one rocket was intercepted over the greater Tel Aviv and Sharon district, and one rocket fell in an open area. In Beersheba, Iron Dome intercepted an incoming Gazan rocket.

http://www.jpost.com/Operation-Protective-Edge/IDF-intensifies-Gaza-attacks-with-artillery-fire-air-strikes-363289
Report Spam   Logged

What can you do for Jesus?  Learn what 1 person can accomplish.

The Man from George Street
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SkjMvPhLrn8
Psalm 51:17
Global Moderator
Hero Member
*****
Offline Offline

Posts: 28357


View Profile
« Reply #547 on: July 17, 2014, 05:11:42 pm »

Netanyahu/Israel wanted this as a last resort(at best). We'll see how this goes...
Report Spam   Logged
Psalm 51:17
Global Moderator
Hero Member
*****
Offline Offline

Posts: 28357


View Profile
« Reply #548 on: July 18, 2014, 07:28:29 pm »

http://news.yahoo.com/pope-francis-phones-peres-abbas-call-gaza-ceasefire-140152686.html
Pope Francis phones Peres, Abbas to call for Gaza ceasefire
7/18/14

Vatican City (AFP) - Pope Francis on Friday phoned Israeli President Shimon Peres and Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas to call for an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza conflict, the Vatican said.

Francis "reminded the presidents" about the need "to bring an end to hostilities, making efforts to promote a truce, peace and reconciliation in the hearts of those involved", read a statement from the Vatican.

"The Holy Father Francis personally telephoned President Shimon Peres and President Mahmoud Abbas to share his very serious concerns regarding the current situation," it said.

The Vatican said Francis considered Abbas and Peres to be "men of peace and seekers of peace" and told them the conflict was "giving rise to a serious humanitarian emergency".

Abbas and Peres attended an unprecedented joint prayer for peace with Francis in the Vatican Gardens last month, which followed the pope's visit to the Middle East in May.

Francis on Sunday had called for "concrete gestures to build peace" and referred to his June 8 prayer with Abbas and Peres.

"Some people might think that such a meeting was in vain. But this is not the case because prayer helps us not to be conquered by evil," he said then.
Report Spam   Logged
Mark
Administrator
Hero Member
*****
Offline Offline

Posts: 21786



View Profile
« Reply #549 on: July 23, 2014, 07:15:02 am »

FLIGHT DIVERTED AFTER ROCKET LANDS NEAR TLV
FAA CLOSES ROUTE TO ISRAEL

http://newyork.cbslocal.com/2014/07/22/delta-cancels-all-israel-flights-over-missile-fear/

Flight bans could be Hamas' biggest success in latest clash...
http://washingtonexaminer.com/u.s.-flight-ban-could-be-hamas-biggest-success-in-latest-clash-with-israel/article/2551124

Israel transport minister: 'They have given prize to terror'...
http://www.nationaljournal.com/defense/faa-suspends-all-u-s-flights-to-israel-for-24-hours-20140722

Netanyahu urges Kerry to restore...
http://www.timesofisrael.com/ceasefire-efforts-gather-pace-as-idf-death-toll-reaches-25/

European safety agency to recommend airlines avoid Tel Aviv...
http://news.yahoo.com/lufthansa-suspends-flights-tel-aviv-36-hours-174306594.html
Report Spam   Logged

What can you do for Jesus?  Learn what 1 person can accomplish.

The Man from George Street
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SkjMvPhLrn8
Mark
Administrator
Hero Member
*****
Offline Offline

Posts: 21786



View Profile
« Reply #550 on: July 23, 2014, 07:20:12 am »

For second time, rockets found at UN school in Gaza
‘How many more schools will have to be abused by Hamas missile squads before the international community will intervene?’ Foreign Ministry fumes


For the second time in less than a week, rockets have been found in a school in Gaza operated by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency, the body said.

“Today, in the course of the regular inspection of its premises, UNRWA discovered rockets hidden in a vacant school in the Gaza Strip,” the organization said in a statement issued Tuesday. “As soon as the rockets were discovered, UNRWA staff were withdrawn from the premises, and so we are unable to confirm the precise number of rockets. The school is situated between two other UNRWA schools that currently each accommodate 1,500 internally displaced persons.”

As it did the last time around when missiles were found in a school it operates, UNRWA said it “strongly and unequivocally condemns the group or groups responsible for this flagrant violation of the inviolability of its premises under international law.”

UNRWA, the UN agency charged with overseeing humanitarian efforts in Gaza, said it immediately “informed the relevant parties and is pursuing all possible measures for the removal of the objects in order to preserve the safety and security of the school.” The organization again pledged to launch a “comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding this incident.”

Israeli officials reacted furiously to the discovery. “How many more schools will have to be abused by Hamas missile squads before the international community will intervene,” Foreign Ministry spokesperson Yigal Palmor told The Times of Israel. “How many times can it turn its head the other way and pretend that it just doesn’t see?”

Last Wednesday, UNRWA found some 20 rockets in a school under its auspices, also during a standard inspection. A spokesperson for UNRWA said the organization gave the rockets to “local authorities,” which answer to the Hamas-backed unity government led by Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas. “According to longstanding UN practice in UN humanitarian operations worldwide, incidents involving unexploded ordnance that could endanger beneficiaries and staff are referred to the local authorities,” UNRWA’s director of advocacy and strategic communications, Christopher Gunness, told The Times of Israel Sunday.

In Jerusalem, such assertions are rejected, even ridiculed, with officials charging that the weaponry was returned to Hamas. “The rockets were passed on to the government authorities in Gaza, which is Hamas. In other words, UNRWA handed to Hamas rockets that could well be shot at Israel,” a senior Israeli official told The Times of Israel.

Another senior official pointed out that UNRWA has a history of letting Hamas use its facilities for its terrorist activities. “Time and again, over the years, UNRWA has been abused by gunmen from different terrorist factions who are using UN facilities to stockpile weapons, to fire rockets from, to steal UNRWA humanitarian equipment and to cause damage and fire in UNRWA’s hangars,” a senior Foreign Ministry official told The Times of Israel.

“Against all evidence, UNRWA refuses to acknowledge reality and pathetically attempts to ingratiate itself with Hamas, pretending that nothing serious has happened,” the senior official said. “This is a classic case of beaten-wife syndrome, which we have been witnessing for years from UNRWA. The people of Gaza, and indeed taxpayers from countries who contribute to UNRWA’s budget — including Israel — deserve better.”

Read more: For second time, rockets found at UN school in Gaza | The Times of Israel http://www.timesofisrael.com/for-second-time-rockets-found-at-un-school-in-gaza/#ixzz38IGM415k

Report Spam   Logged

What can you do for Jesus?  Learn what 1 person can accomplish.

The Man from George Street
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SkjMvPhLrn8
Mark
Administrator
Hero Member
*****
Offline Offline

Posts: 21786



View Profile
« Reply #551 on: July 24, 2014, 04:28:53 am »

Kerry meets with Netanyahu amid Israeli anger over ban on U.S. flights

The United States on Wednesday put the most direct pressure yet on its ally Israel to cut short its military campaign against Hamas in Gaza, but Secretary of State John F. Kerry did not get a deal from Israel or the Palestinians to stop the bloodshed.

Despite a swirl of shuttle diplomacy, the war looked far from over Wednesday. Israeli leaders told their soldiers to prepare for an escalation inside the Gaza Strip, while the leader of Hamas vowed that his Islamist militant movement would not sign a permanent cease-fire until Israel ends its blockade of the coastal enclave.

Ordinary Israelis were upset with the United States and accused the Americans of cowardice after the Federal Aviation Administration, nervous that Hamas rockets have landed near Israel’s main airport, extended a ban on U.S. commercial flights to Tel Aviv. The decision was bad news for a small, image-conscious country such as Israel whose economy relies on international trade and tourism.

The FAA lifted the ban at 11:45 p.m. EDT on Wednesday.

Kerry met in Israel with on Wednesday with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who was angry about the FAA action and suspicious that it was an attempt by the Obama administration to squeeze Israel to end its Gaza campaign.

But there were signs the fighting will get worse before it ends. While visiting troops preparing to enter the Gaza Strip, Israeli Defense Minister Moshe Yaalon signaled that Israel will broaden its air and ground offensive beyond finding and destroying Hamas rockets and tunnels.

“We are preparing the next stages of the fighting after dealing with the tunnels, and you need to be ready for any mission,” Yaalon told the soldiers. “You need to be ready for more important steps in Gaza, and the units that are now on standby need to prepare to go in.”

The top Hamas leader, Khaled Meshaal, said his Islamist militant group, which controls the Gaza Strip but is considered a terrorist organization by Israel and the United States, will not sign any lasting cease-fire until Israel lifts its blockade of goods and frees Hamas prisoners.

“From Day One people told us, agree to a cease-fire and then negotiate on your demands,” Meshaal said at a news conference in Qatar, where Hamas maintains offices. “We reject this, and we reject it again tonight.”

But Meshaal did signal that a temporary “humanitarian truce” could still be possible.

U.S. officials are barred from direct meetings or negotiations with the militants.

Two senior State Department officials, who described Kerry’s discussions on the condition of anonymity, said the goal now is something that stops the fighting and opens the door for additional negotiations. Kerry returned to Cairo on Wednesday night.

rest: http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/kerry-in-israel-to-push-for-cease-fire/2014/07/23/4d902146-123b-11e4-98ee-daea85133bc9_story.html
Report Spam   Logged

What can you do for Jesus?  Learn what 1 person can accomplish.

The Man from George Street
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SkjMvPhLrn8
Mark
Administrator
Hero Member
*****
Offline Offline

Posts: 21786



View Profile
« Reply #552 on: July 25, 2014, 06:32:31 am »

Israel On Alert After Deadly West Bank Clashes
Thousands of Israeli security forces are deployed in and around Jerusalem, as the violence seeps beyond the conflict in Gaza.


video: http://news.sky.com/story/1307077/israel-on-alert-after-deadly-west-bank-clashes

Israeli security forces have been put on heightened alert after two Palestinians were killed during a massive protest in the West Bank.

The victims were among an estimated 10,000 people who clashed violently with soldiers and border police at a checkpoint in Qalandiya, between Jerusalem and Ramallah.

The protest came hours after 15 people were killed and more than 200 injured when a UN-run school in the city of Beit Hanoun, Gaza, was hit by an Israeli artillery shell.

Israel said today it had deployed thousands of security forces were deployed in and around Jerusalem to "deal with any disturbances".

 The move came as Palestinians said Israeli aircraft struck 30 homes in Gaza early this morning, killing a senior militant.

Sky's David Bowden in Ashkelon, near Israel's border with Gaza, said: "After Friday prayers who knows what might happen. We are coming to the end of Ramadan. All of this is boiling up now."

Israel's security cabinet is meeting later to decide whether to expand its operation or consider a US-drafted proposal for a ceasefire in Gaza.

At least 90 people were injured in Thursday night's checkpoint clashes in the West Bank, with reports live fire was being used.

 An Israeli army spokeswoman told the AFP news agency soldiers used "riot disposal means" to control the protest.

She said: "There are thousands of rioters there. They are rolling burning tyres and throwing Molotov cocktails and fireworks at soldiers and border police."

The school that was hit in Beit Hanoun was being used as a shelter by hundreds of Palestinians who fled their homes two weeks ago because of airstrikes.

It is the fourth time a UN facility has been hit during the recent conflict.

 UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said: "I was shocked and appalled by what has happened in Beit Hanoun. It is totally unacceptable."

Chris Gunness, a spokesman for the UN's Palestinian refugee agency UNRWA, said a window to allow civilians to leave the area was never granted.

He added: "The consequences of that appear to be tragic."

But the Israel Defence Forces (IDF), posting on its official Twitter feed, said the Red Cross had received its message to evacuate civilians from the school, but Hamas had prevented people evacuating the area.

The IDF added: "Several rockets launched from Gaza toward Israel fell short and hit Beit Hanoun."

 Israel's military said it had acted "against a terrorist target located in a populated area" and promised a probe into what happened.

"I accept it could have been Israeli fire" that landed on the UN school in Gaza, Israeli government spokesman Mark Regev said.

Last week, the UNRWA slammed militants after it discovered around 20 rockets were being kept in one of its schools.

More than 800 Palestinians have been killed in 17 days of fighting in Gaza, according to health officials. More than 140,000 people have fled the conflict.

Some 32 Israeli soldiers have also been killed, and three civilians have died in Israel from rocket fire.

Report Spam   Logged

What can you do for Jesus?  Learn what 1 person can accomplish.

The Man from George Street
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SkjMvPhLrn8
Psalm 51:17
Global Moderator
Hero Member
*****
Offline Offline

Posts: 28357


View Profile
« Reply #553 on: July 25, 2014, 03:13:18 pm »

http://news.yahoo.com/israel-rejects-kerry-gaza-ceasefire-proposal-israeli-tv-175452326.html
Israel rejects Kerry Gaza ceasefire proposal: Israeli TV
7/25/14

Gaza City (Palestinian Territories) (AFP) - Israel on Friday rejected a Gaza ceasefire proposal presented by US Secretary of State John Kerry, Israeli public television said.

"The security cabinet has unanimously rejected the ceasefire proposal of Kerry, as it stands," Channel 1 said, adding ministers would keep discussing it.

Kerry met UN chief Ban Ki-moon and Egypt's foreign minister on Friday as pressure mounted for a ceasefire to end an 18-day conflict that has killed more than 800 Palestinians and 37 people on the Israeli side, 34 of them soldiers.

Israeli media reported Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government demanded the army be allowed to continue destroying tunnels used by the Palestinian group Hamas to carry out attacks inside Israel.

Kerry's proposal reportedly involved an initial truce to be followed by negotiations on a final deal by delegations from all the parties.

Hamas, the main power in Gaza, previously rejected an initial ceasefire proposal, demanding a full settlement before it stopped shooting, but international mediation efforts have gathered pace in the past few days.

Kerry, who spent another night in Cairo reaching out by telephone to regional officials, met Ban and Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukri for around half an hour.

He later went into a one-on-one meeting with Ban, who has also been shuttling around the region.

Kerry had said he would speak to reporters late on Friday.
Report Spam   Logged
Mark
Administrator
Hero Member
*****
Offline Offline

Posts: 21786



View Profile
« Reply #554 on: July 27, 2014, 02:30:26 pm »

'Freedom Flotilla II' set to sail for Gaza from Turkey

Ankara gives flotilla green light and protection of Turkish Navy according to organizer, IHH, the same group behind the 2010 ,Mavi Marmara, flotilla.

Amid Israel's Operation Protective Edge to stop Hamas rocket fire from Gaza, a "Freedom Flotilla" was being organized in Turkey to bring humanitarian aid to the Hamas controlled Palestinian coastal enclave.

The flotilla being organized, called the "Freedom Flotilla II," is the successor of the Mavi Marmara flotilla that sought to break Israel’s blockade of the Gaza Strip in May 2010.

The new flotilla is being organized by the Foundation for Human Rights and Freedoms and Humanitarian Relief" (Insani Yardim Vakfi), otherwise known as the IHH, the same organization behind the Mavi Marmara ship, which Israel Navy commandos boarded, killing nine aboard who attacked them.

Israel and the US have both labelled the IHH a terrorist organization.

IHH chairman Bulent Yildrim told local Turkish media last week that the activists will set sail as they had received permission from the authorities in Ankara and that the Turkish Navy will provide protection. 

Diplomatic officials said Jerusalem was following the reports carefully, but stressed that it was not clear whether the flotilla would ultimately set sail.

So far there has only been a declaration of intent, with no firm date set, one official said.

http://www.jpost.com/Diplomacy-and-Politics/Freedom-Flotilla-II-set-to-sail-for-Gaza-from-Turkey-369065
Report Spam   Logged

What can you do for Jesus?  Learn what 1 person can accomplish.

The Man from George Street
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SkjMvPhLrn8
Christian40
Moderators
Hero Member
*****
Offline Offline

Posts: 3836


View Profile
« Reply #555 on: July 29, 2014, 05:04:55 am »

And I will bless them that bless thee…

Brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved. Romans 10:1

"Christian bible believers in Ireland this weekend staged a rally outside the Israeli Embassy in Dublin to show their support for the Jewish people and for the right of the nation of Israel, whose capital is Jerusalem, to defend themselves from rocket attacks.

Ireland’s ambassador to Israel Boaz Modai told Bro. Eliasen and his group that he was very grateful to receive the support of Ireland’s Christian population, seen above upper-left hand of photo.

If you are a Christian, then Israel and the Jewish people should have your full support. Not a “blank check” to do whatever they like, as some slanderously accuse us of doing, but standing with them knowing that Israel is still God’s holy land, and the Jews are still His chosen people. Certainly any sovereign nation has the right to defend themselves!"

Good job to Bro. Eliasen and his awesome crew of born-again Israel supporters. Keep up the good work, and keep looking for “that blessed hope“!

http://www.nowtheendbegins.com/blog/?p=23738
Report Spam   Logged
Christian40
Moderators
Hero Member
*****
Offline Offline

Posts: 3836


View Profile
« Reply #556 on: July 29, 2014, 05:09:23 am »

“What is coming will be worse,” the Israeli military said in phone messages targeting Gaza militants.

For God will save Zion, and will build the cities of Judah: that they may dwell there, and have it in possession. Psalm 69:35

"Israel’s prime minister warned Monday that the country faced a prolonged campaign against Hamas in the Gaza Strip, as the military urged residents in parts of the embattled territory to evacuate ahead of what appeared to be a broadening of the three-week war.

Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep. Psalm 121:4

The international community so far has been unable to bring about a cease-fire that would end the fighting, which has already killed at least 1,050 Palestinians, 52 Israeli soldiers and three civilians on the Israeli side.

But with attacks mounting from both sides Monday, and Israel and Hamas far apart on terms for a truce, a cease-fire appeared elusive.

“We need to be ready for a prolonged campaign,” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said, standing beside his defense minister and chief of staff. “We will continue to act aggressively and responsibly until the mission is completed to protect our citizens, soldiers and children.”

Hamas spokesman Sami Abu Zuhri struck a defiant tone in response to Netanyahu’s warnings. “His threats do not scare Hamas or the Palestinian people and the occupation will pay the price for the massacres against civilians and children,” he said.

Israel said it sent text messages and phoned residents of northern Gaza — including Shijaiyah, the site of one of the war’s bloodiest battles last week — urging them to flee their homes and move toward Gaza City."

http://www.nowtheendbegins.com/blog/?p=23777
Report Spam   Logged
Psalm 51:17
Global Moderator
Hero Member
*****
Offline Offline

Posts: 28357


View Profile
« Reply #557 on: July 31, 2014, 05:34:04 pm »

http://news.yahoo.com/us-un-announce-deal-gaza-cease-fire-213411794--politics.html
US, UN announce deal on Gaza cease-fire
7/31/14

NEW DELHI (AP) — The United States and United Nations are announcing that Israel and Hamas have agreed to a humanitarian cease-fire to start Friday morning for 72 hours.

In a joint statement, the U.S. and U.N. said they had gotten assurances that all parties to the conflict had agreed to an unconditional cease-fire during which there would be negotiations on a more durable truce.

The statement was released in New Delhi, where Secretary of State John Kerry is now meeting with Indian officials.
Report Spam   Logged
Psalm 51:17
Global Moderator
Hero Member
*****
Offline Offline

Posts: 28357


View Profile
« Reply #558 on: August 01, 2014, 11:55:31 am »

http://www.politico.com/story/2014/07/joe-scarborough-israel-gaza-109577.html

7/31/14
Joe Scarborough: Israel's actions 'asinine'

Joe Scarborough on Thursday had harsh words for Israel’s actions in Gaza, saying the country was engaging in “indiscriminate” killing.

“This is asinine,” said the MSNBC host and former Republican congressman. “This continued killing of women and children in a way that appears to be indiscriminate is asinine.”

Read more: http://www.politico.com/story/2014/07/joe-scarborough-israel-gaza-109577.html#ixzz394dWOaxh
Report Spam   Logged
Psalm 51:17
Global Moderator
Hero Member
*****
Offline Offline

Posts: 28357


View Profile
« Reply #559 on: August 01, 2014, 07:18:45 pm »

http://news.yahoo.com/latin-america-comes-force-against-israel-201551167.html
Latin America comes out in force against Israel
8/1/14

Montevideo (AFP) - Latin America's leaders are among the most vehement in condemning Israel's Gaza offensive -- labelling the Jewish state "terrorist", recalling ambassadors, and offering near-unanimous, unwavering support to Palestinians.

"I can't remember another similar situation where (all the countries in the region) have reacted practically as a bloc," said political scientist Reginaldo Nasser, a professor at the Pontifical University in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

One of the most symbolic recent developments came from Bolivian President Evo Morales -- one of the leaders of Latin America's far left -- who put Israel on its list of "Terrorist States" and eliminated a visa waiver program for Israeli citizens.

More than 1,400 Palestinians have been killed and 8,000 injured, two-thirds of them civilians, in Gaza in 24 days of fighting between Hamas and Israel. The conflict has also cost the lives of 61 Israeli soldiers, as well as two civilians and a Thai farm worker killed by rocket fire.

More than 245 of the dead Palestinians were children, UNICEF has said.

Brazil President Dilma Rousseff this week called the Israeli military operation a "massacre."

Tensions between the two countries had already escalated a week earlier, when Brazil recalled its envoy from Tel Aviv, a move that prompted Israel's foreign ministry spokesman to call the Latin American powerhouse a "diplomatic dwarf".

Rousseff's condemnation did not go as far as some of her peers. Venezuela President Nicolas Maduro denounced "a war of extermination that has lasted nearly a century" against the Palestinian people. A lawmaker from his party used the term "genocide" -- a term rejected by Rousseff.

Peru, Ecuador, Chile, and El Salvador have also recalled their ambassadors for consultations, while Costa Rica and Argentina, which have the largest Jewish populations in the region, called the Israeli ambassador for meetings at their foreign ministries.

The region has universally condemned the violence from Israeli military operations, urged a ceasefire and the resumption of negotiations between the two sides.

On Thursday, Uruguay President Jose Mujica asked for "an immediate withdrawal" of Israeli troops from Gaza and suggested it may also recall its envoy in Tel Aviv.

Israeli foreign ministry spokesman Yigal Palmor expressed "deep disappointment" over the recalls, saying they constituted "encouragement for Hamas, a group recognized as a terror organization by many countries around the world."

Other politically leftist Latin American countries had years earlier broken diplomatic relations with Israel, including Nicaragua in 2010, Venezuela and Bolivia in 2009, after a previous military campaign in Gaza, and Cuba, in 1973, after the Yom Kippur War.

The only somewhat dissonant voice has come from Colombia, where the center-right President Juan Manuel Santos has rejected calls to recall his diplomatic representative in Tel Aviv.

- Following the people -

Political scientist Nasser, himself surprised by the nearly unanimous condemnation of Israel, suggested several reasons.

"In the first place, a country today making a declaration against Israel is no longer considered outside international norms," he said.

There is also a link to anti-American sentiments, Nasser said, as a result of Israel's especially close diplomatic relationship to the United States.


But official moves have also reflected public anger at the war, said political scientist Ithai Bras, of the Autonomous University of Mexico.

In recent weeks, several protests across the region, from Mexico to southern Chile, have seen thousands of Latin Americans take to the streets in support of Palestinians.

These pro-Palestinian protests have been larger in Europe and Latin America than in Arab countries, Nasser noted, suggesting the issue speaks to concerns over asymmetrical relations.

Bras said the protests are "an identification with pain, a sentiment of solidarity with what is happening in Latin America," where feelings of oppression are widespread.
Report Spam   Logged
Psalm 51:17
Global Moderator
Hero Member
*****
Offline Offline

Posts: 28357


View Profile
« Reply #560 on: August 07, 2014, 10:45:11 pm »

Gaza rockets hit Israel as ceasefire expiry nears: army
http://news.yahoo.com/gaza-rockets-hit-israel-ceasefire-expiry-nears-army-014955188.html
8/7/14

Jerusalem (AFP) - Rockets fired from the Gaza Strip crashed into Israel Friday, the army said, less than four hours from the scheduled expiry of a three-day truce.

"Just now, two rockets fired from Gaza hit southern Israel. No injuries reported," the army said in a text message to journalists ahead of the 0500 GMT deadline for the truce to be renewed or end.

"Terrorists have violated the cease-fire," it added on its official Twitter site.
Report Spam   Logged
Psalm 51:17
Global Moderator
Hero Member
*****
Offline Offline

Posts: 28357


View Profile
« Reply #561 on: August 14, 2014, 10:42:52 pm »

http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/184037#.U-x_r8VdUdU
Obama Reportedly Blocks Israel Missile Shipment
US administration officials stop missile transfer, order all future transfers to be scrutinized in sign of further cooling ties.

8/14/14

A new report reveals that US President Barack Obama's administration stopped a shipment of missiles to Israel late last month and tightened weapons shipment procedures to Israel, as tensions between the two nations grow amid Operation Protective Edge.

The report in the Wall Street Journal, released Wednesday night, cites US officials in Obama's administration, who say they discovered Israel had requested a large number of Hellfire missiles directly through military-to-military channels. An initial batch of the missiles was about to be shipped, according to sources in Israel and the US Congress.

At that point, the Pentagon stepped in and put the transfer on hold. Further, top White House officials instructed various US military agencies to consult with the US State Department before approving any additional requests from Israel.

A senior Obama administration official was quoted in the report as saying the transfer shouldn't have been a routine "check-the-box approval," given Israel's defensive operation in Gaza against Hamas, which is recognized as a terrorist organization by the US.

The decision to clamp down on future transfers was the equivalent of "the United States saying 'the buck stops here. Wait a second…It's not OK anymore,'" said the official.

A Israeli defense official confirmed the reports to Walla! on Thursday, saying "the US delayed a shipment of Hellfire missiles to the Israeli airforce." He added "apparently it was (done) on the background of national tension" with Israel.

Obama has been at odds with Israel over the defensive operation in Gaza, making various attempts to press Israel into accepting a truce with the adamant terrorist organization of Hamas. Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu reportedly responded to the pressure by telling the administration "not to ever second guess me again," after Hamas committed one of its many ceasefire violations.

Currently a new five-day ceasefire has come into effect as of Wednesday at midnight, with Obama calling Netanyahu shortly ahead of when it came into effect to push for a "sustainable" ceasefire.

According to US officials cited in the Wall Street Journal report, the Wednesday night phone call between Obama and Netanyahu was "particularly combative."

"Discovering" military-to-military arms transfers

The report noted that on July 20, ahead of the Hellfire missile cancellation, the IDF asked the US military for various munitions such as 120-mm mortar shells and 40-mm illuminating rounds, without the knowledge of Obama's administration.

Three days later the request was approved by the military, without Obama or US Secretary of State John Kerry being approached for approval, given that their approval was not required for such a transfer.

A US defense official added that the standard review process in such requests was properly followed.

The transfer without Obama's unnecessary approval was followed by a similar incident ahead of the Hellfire cancellation, which occurred the same day as the July 30 IDF strike on terrorists adjacent to a UN school, which the US slammed as "disgraceful."

In response, the IDF confirmed it targeted Islamic Jihad terrorists in the vicinity of the school. Previously the IDF provided video evidence that Hamas fires rockets from inside schools; further, UNRWA schools have been used in at least three cases to store Hamas rockets, after which UNRWA repeatedly returned the rockets to Hamas.

On the same day as the UN school strike, US reports said the 120-mm and 40-mm rounds had been released by the US army to the IDF, with one Obama administration official saying "we were blindsided."

A US defense official responded, saying "there was no intent to blindside anyone. The process for this transfer was followed precisely along the lines that it should have."

Demonstrating the tense ties between Obama's administration and Israel, a senior official of the administration told the Wall Street Journal "we have many, many friends around the world. The United States is their (Israel's) strongest friend."

"The notion that they are playing the United States, or that they're manipulating us publicly, completely miscalculates their place in the world," added the official.

The US decision to tighten down on arms transfers to Israel comes as the UK is threatening similar actions. On Tuesday, the British government threatened to suspend 12 arms export licenses to Israel if fighting resumed in Gaza.
Report Spam   Logged
Mark
Administrator
Hero Member
*****
Offline Offline

Posts: 21786



View Profile
« Reply #562 on: October 14, 2014, 10:37:27 am »

UK MPs’ ‘Yes’ to Palestine – no earthquake, but certainly a tremor
Now that the Parliament of the former mandatory power has endorsed Palestinian statehood, it may become harder for Israel to stave off similar moves elsewhere


British MPs’ overwhelming 274-12 vote to urge their government to recognize a Palestinian state is no diplomatic earthquake. But it is certainly a tremor — and it could expand into a major fault that makes it increasingly difficult for Israel to argue against such unilateral moves.

Read more: UK MPs' 'Yes' to Palestine – no earthquake, but certainly a tremor | The Times of Israel http://www.timesofisrael.com/uk-mps-yes-to-palestine-no-earthquake-but-certainly-a-tremor/#ixzz3G8NUbl7O

Report Spam   Logged

What can you do for Jesus?  Learn what 1 person can accomplish.

The Man from George Street
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SkjMvPhLrn8
Mark
Administrator
Hero Member
*****
Offline Offline

Posts: 21786



View Profile
« Reply #563 on: October 19, 2014, 08:03:34 am »

Seeking the annihilation of a UN member: Initiators and accomplices

Seeking the annihilation of a UN member: Initiators and accomplices

The announcement by Sweden’s new prime minister that his government plans to extend recognition to a “Palestinian” state raises major questions in both international and United Nations law.

Israelis are frequently asked: “Why is Israel opposed to recognizing a Palestinian state? Detach yourselves from the Palestinians like the French detached themselves from Algeria and the two states will live in peace with each other as was originally envisaged under the 1947 Partition Resolution.”

In response, the Israelis ask two questions, one of which answers the other: 1. Why have the Palestinians waited for 65 years to seek the establishment of an independent state? 2. In the Algerian struggle for independence, were the Algerians proclaiming that they were bent on occupying and destroying France? For over sixty years the leaders of the Arab population of Mandatory Palestine rejected every suggestion that they proclaim an independent Palestinian state alongside Israel as envisaged under the 1947 General Assembly Partition Resolution. Instead, the Palestinian Arab leaders committed themselves to destroying the Jewish state and invited neighboring Arab states to join them in the act of annihilation.

Years before Israel came into control of the remaining territory of the Mandate, the PLO, a terrorist organization, was created in 1964 with the goal of wiping Israel off the map. Hamas, of course, still proclaims this aim openly. What, then, has prompted Abu Mazen (Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas), to undertake what the Palestinians have adamantly spurned for over six decades? Clearly, Abu Mazen has simply shifted gears and has adopted a different strategy to achieve the goal that he shares with Hamas. His diplomatic route represents war by other means. It is a two-step strategy, modeled after the UN two-step approach to South West Africa/South Africa, by which the initial assault on South Africa’s colonial rule in South West Africa (Namibia) was followed by a delegitimation of the apartheid regime within South Africa itself.

Analogously, and even after the formal repeal of the obscene “Zionism is racism” General Assembly resolution, the campaign within the UN to delegitimate Israel’s existence persisted, with an emphasis first on Israel’s “colonial” rule in the areas outside the pre-1967 armistice lines, followed by attempts to deny Israel’s right to exist at all.

By stamping Israel as an apartheid state akin to South Africa, Israel could be prevented from successfully defending itself. Its responses to repeated armed attacks against its civilian populations could then more readily be deemed “aggression” rather than self-defense; all its use of force would be automatically labeled “war crimes;” and it could be boycotted, denied the right to obtain arms, or even to export the goods wherewith to pay for its existence.

All international institutions would be enlisted to stamp Israel as an illegal entity.

Operating in this context, the Palestinian Authority succeeded in getting the General Assembly to request an advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice on the legality of the defensive wall that Israel was constructing. The Court was requested to add its seal of approval to the Assembly’s preset conclusions, and the Court willingly obliged.

In its opinion, the Court asserted, inter alia, that Israel could not invoke the right of self-defense, as enshrined in Article 51 of the UN Charter, against Palestinian suicide bombings, since the provision only applies to defense against attacks from another state and not from a non-state entity. Unsurprisingly, the permanent members of the Security Council never endorsed such a proposition.

To confirm that Abu Mazen has no intention of erecting a Palestinian state committed to living in peace with Israel, the following facts ought to be taken into account: 1. Abu Mazen refuses to acknowledge Israel as a Jewish state, since that would be to recognize Israel’s rights in the Land of Israel. He is prepared to recognize the presence of two states in Mandatory Palestine, both labeled Palestinian, but not a Jewish and Palestinian state. So long as he refuses to recognize Israel as a Jewish state, his intentions are blatantly directed to replacing that state with some other entity.

2. He continues to deny that Israel has any historical attachment to Jerusalem. The Western Wall of Solomon’s temple, he asserts, is a figment of imagination.

3. He published an Op-Ed article in The New York Times stating candidly that his purpose in proclaiming a Palestinian state is “lawfare.” He said: “Palestine’s admission to the United Nations would pave the way for the internationalization of the conflict as a legal matter, not only as a political one. It would also pave the way for us to pursue claims against Israel at the United Nations, human rights treaty bodies and the International Criminal Court.”

4. He continues to insist that all “seven million Palestinian refugees” will enjoy the right of “return.”

This is a euphemism for a program to annihilate the Jewish state with one fell swoop.

5. He continues to complain that the Palestinians have suffered “under occupation for 63 years” – something that confirms that he is not content with a Palestinian state alongside Israel, but that the very existence of Israel represents “occupation” of Palestinian land. It lies at the root of Abu Mazen’s strategy.

6. Abu Mazen’s lack of integrity is reflected in his failure to retract the Holocaust-denying thesis he presented in the doctoral dissertation that he completed at Moscow University. He has never apologized to the Jewish people for such a gross distortion of the historical record.

7. Abu Mazen has concluded an agreement with Hamas for the establishment of a “united” Palestinian entity. Hamas openly espouses the destruction of Israel in its Charter, and Abu Mazen has not repudiated their right to adhere to it.

8. If any further evidence was required, it was dramatically revealed when Abu Mazen, in his recent address to the General Assembly, charged Israel with aggression against Hamas, even though it was clear to him and the entire world that Israel had only acted in self-defense after its citizens had been targeted by hundreds of rockets. If his aim was peace, he should have been addressing aggression by Hamas and not addressing the United Nations.

In sum, the Palestinian bid for recognition as a state is part of a process of bringing about the replacement of Israel with a Palestinian state extending from the coast to the Jordan River. This scheme manifestly violates United Nations law and international law. The United Nations, as its Charter proclaims in Article 2 (1), “is based on the principle of the sovereign equality of all its Members.” Under Article 2(4) all its members are pledged to refrain from the threat of force “against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state.”

A scheme to replace Israel with a Palestinian state from the coast to the Jordan is a clear violation of the Charter. It may even smack of genocide. Any country extending recognition to a Palestinian state before a peace settlement has been attained between the parties clearly acknowledging the right of Israel to continue to exist as a sovereign independent state, violates the principles of the UN Charter and supports a genocidal scheme for the destruction of a member state. It acts as an accomplice to international aggression.


http://www.jpost.com/Opinion/Seeking-the-annihilation-of-a-UN-member-Initiators-and-accomplices-379140
Report Spam   Logged

What can you do for Jesus?  Learn what 1 person can accomplish.

The Man from George Street
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SkjMvPhLrn8
Psalm 51:17
Global Moderator
Hero Member
*****
Offline Offline

Posts: 28357


View Profile
« Reply #564 on: October 20, 2014, 12:22:40 pm »

http://www.mfat.govt.nz/Foreign-Relations/Middle-East/2-Arab-Israeli-conflict.php

Arab – Israeli Conflict: New Zealand Position

Since the beginning of the Arab – Israeli conflict, New Zealand has sought to approach the issue even-handedly, seeking a solution that provided for a Jewish/Israeli and a Palestinian state on the land of the former British mandate of Palestine. This policy has its origins in our commitment to the 1947 United Nations (UN) partition resolution on Palestine (Jewish state, Arab state, and internationalisation of Jerusalem) and the 1967 UN Security Council (UNSC) resolution on the need for a just settlement and Israel’s withdrawal from occupied territories.

The policy has been underpinned through contributions to the UN Truce Supervision Organisation (UNTSO) since 1954 and to the Sinai Multinational Force and Observers (MFO) since 1982. We have also core funded the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA).

New Zealand continues to advocate for a balanced and constructive resolution of interests, based on the need for a lasting two-state settlement in accordance with UNSC resolutions and subsequent agreements between the two parties. We have sought in our statements in the United Nations to draw attention to the rights and responsibilities of both sides. In particular, while constantly advocating the need for a peaceful two-state settlement, New Zealand has expressed strong opposition to ongoing acts of violent resistance against Israel, while underlining Israel’s own responsibility to act lawfully and with restraint.

New Zealand is prepared to speak out against actions by any party that are likely to have contravened international law. These include rocket attacks by Hamas and/or other Palestinian militant groups against Israel.  Equally, we have spoken out against actions by Israel, including the blockade of the Gaza Strip, and expansion of settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.

This carefully balanced position is consistent with New Zealand’s international reputation for fair-mindedness. It reflects the value we, as a small country, place on the international rule of law.

Positions New Zealand takes on resolutions within the United Nations reflect this even-handed, balanced and constructive approach.  We acknowledge that, ultimately, a lasting two-state settlement is something that will have to be negotiated between the two principle parties.  But the UN and its members have a role to play in promoting dialogue to encourage that negotiated settlement.   There is also an important role to play by the UN development and humanitarian agencies in addressing the severe humanitarian hardships, and growing health-related problems, among the Palestinian people, especially women and children.

New Zealand therefore supports UN resolutions that advance the two-state solution, uphold international law, including human rights and humanitarian law, or call for humanitarian assistance.
Report Spam   Logged
Psalm 51:17
Global Moderator
Hero Member
*****
Offline Offline

Posts: 28357


View Profile
« Reply #565 on: October 20, 2014, 12:26:38 pm »

http://www.israeltoday.co.il/NewsItem/tabid/178/nid/25425/Default.aspx
Can Israel Still Count on America at UN Security Council?
Sunday, October 19, 2014 |  Israel Today Staff

Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas has been loudly threatening to unilaterally petition the international community to recognize the State of Palestine and force an Israeli withdrawal, and upcoming changes on the UN Security Council might afford him the best opportunity in decades to do so.

Abbas wants the United Nations to officially recognize Palestinian sovereignty and independence outside the framework of a bilateral peace agreement with Israel, which looks to be increasingly out of reach.

He also wants the UN Security Council, the only UN body able to pass legally-binding decisions, to set a firm date for an Israeli withdrawal from all of Judea, Samaria and the eastern half of Jerusalem.

Until now, getting the Security Council to make such far-reaching moves has been virtually impossible. Of the five permanent council members, only Russia and China could be counted upon to support the Palestinian motion, and only to embarrass the Americans, who could traditionally be counted upon to veto any such proposal.

But now, Israeli analysts aren’t so sure Washington would have the Jewish state’s back.

In January, the Security Council will be joined by five new non-permanent members - New Zealand, Spain, Angola, Malaysia and Venezuela. Of those, Malaysia and Venezuela would almost certainly support the Palestinian motion, and news over the weekend was that Spain had been successfully lobbied to do the same if and when the time comes.

New Zealand and Angola remained undecided on the issue, but neither nation has a track record of diplomat support for Israel vis-a-vis its conflict with the Arabs.


Usually, none of that would matter, because either the US, Britain or France - the other three permanent council members along with Russia and China - would simply veto any motion that posed a threat to Israel or regional stability.

But Britain’s parliament last week held a non-binding vote in which is supported recognition of a State of Palestine, and if mid-term congressional elections go badly for the Democrats in America, there is growing speculation that the Obama White House might seek some retribution against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu by withholding the US veto on the Security Council.

That would leave only Paris to thwart the Palestinian scheme, which Israel could by no means count on considering France’s burgeoning and increasingly violent Muslim minority.

Even if this somewhat extreme scenario weren’t to play out, it is widely believed in Israel that the Obama Administration wouldn’t hesitate to use the threat of such a narrative to diplomatically strong-arm Jerusalem back to the negotiating table on Arab terms.
Report Spam   Logged
Psalm 51:17
Global Moderator
Hero Member
*****
Offline Offline

Posts: 28357


View Profile
« Reply #566 on: October 21, 2014, 08:47:39 pm »

http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4582208,00.html
Another diplomatic problem for Israel: Qatar eyeing UN chief position
The Emir of Qatar pushing nomination of former Qatari prime minister for UN secretary general. If Hamas' biggest benefactor has its way, it could use the important position to further turn the world against Israel.


Published:    10.20.14

Israel might be facing another diplomatic problem soon as Qatar, a harsh critic of Israel and one of Hamas' main sources of funding, is eyeing the role of UN Secretary General, according to a report Sunday in the Telegraph.
 
Sources in the Persian Gulf told the paper that the young new Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamid al-Thani, is trying to promote the nomination of Qatar's former prime minister, Hamad bin Jassim bin Jaber Al Thani, for the role of UN chief Ban Ki-moon, who is ending his term in 2016.
 
According to the paper, the Emir of Qatar offered Hamad bin Jassim, who served as prime minister under the previous Emir of Qatar and resigned last year, to support his campaign for the United Nation's Secretary General as a form of "political compensation."
 
The Telegraph noted that Qatar played a central role in the 2006 election of the then-foreign minister of South Korea, Ban Ki-moon.
 
Qatar may be a small nation of less than 2 million residents, most of them not even citizens, but its vast oil and gas stocks and its exaggerated wealth give it great political and economic influence all over the world. This is how, for example, it was chosen - against all expectations - to host the 2022 World Cup games (according to reports, Qatar did so using bribery) as well as hosting many other conferences and large-scale international events, which add to its prestige.
 
If Qatar has its way again and the UN Secretary General is a Qatari appointment, Israel's status in the world could suffer further.
 
Qatar, which Israel accuses of funding Hamas and other terror organizations, is a harsh critic of Israel, even though the two countries have had various degrees of economic ties over the years.
 
Comments made by the UN Secretary General receive broad coverage throughout the world and if a Qatari is elected to this position, it would be easier for Doha to smear Israel.
 
The UN's member states are those who elect the Secretary General and Qatar has already proven it could influence those pulling the strings using diplomatic and economic pressure.
 
Even so, an election of the Qatari sheikh at this moment in time could draw criticism not just from Israel, but from other countries amid reports and suspicions Qatar is aiding other terror organizations in addition to Hamas. Qatar has extensive ties, among others, with the Nusra Front (an al-Qaeda-linked group operating in Syria), and other Islamist factions fighting to topple Bashar Assad's regime.

Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim bin Jaber Al Thani is considered one of the strongest political figures in Qatar. He served as foreign minister of Qatar since 1992 and from 2007, as both prime minister and foreign minister until 2013. In addition to his political influence, he also gained economic influence when he served as the head of the Qatar Investment Authority that invests billions of dollars worldwide on behalf of the Qatari regime. He also held several senior positions in banks and other important Qatari institutions.
Report Spam   Logged
Psalm 51:17
Global Moderator
Hero Member
*****
Offline Offline

Posts: 28357


View Profile
« Reply #567 on: October 22, 2014, 11:23:59 pm »

Report Spam   Logged
Psalm 51:17
Global Moderator
Hero Member
*****
Offline Offline

Posts: 28357


View Profile
« Reply #568 on: October 29, 2014, 10:09:35 pm »

http://news.yahoo.com/un-holds-emergency-meeting-israel-tensions-200415654.html
UN holds emergency meeting on Israel tensions
10/29/14

UNITED NATIONS (AP) — A U.N. official warned in an emergency meeting of the Security Council on Wednesday that Israel's plans for further settlements in east Jerusalem threaten the viability of the future Palestinian state. Close ally the United States also warned against Israel's plans.

The council met at the request of member Jordan on behalf of the Palestinians, who are insisting upon a halt to such settlement efforts.

Tensions have been revived between Arabs and Jews over Israel's plans to build about 1,000 housing units in east Jerusalem, the part of the city the Palestinians demand for their future state.

U.N. political chief Jeffrey Feltman said the settlements, if pursued, would raise "grave doubts" about Israel's plans for a durable peace solution with the Palestinians, especially as wounds from the latest conflict in Gaza continue to heal. He warned that the latest developments move the situation "ever closer to a one-state reality."

Israel's ambassador, Ron Prosor, said his country is doing everything possible to minimize tensions. The Palestinian ambassador, Riyad Mansour, said Israel isn't listening and called the situation "explosive."

Feltman suggested that the Security Council take action on the issue, and pushed both sides to remedy tensions through negotiations. The latest push for talks, led by U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry, failed.

The meeting gave council members a chance to vent about the complicated tensions and point out that such settlements are a breach of international law, but little action had been expected to come from the meeting. The U.S. is a permanent council member with the power to veto any resolutions that target Israel.

The U.S. called Israel's latest settlements plans "deeply concerning," saying any settlement activity "will already escalate tensions at a time they are already tense enough." The U.S. alternate representative for special political affairs, David Pressman, urged both sides to refrain from "provocative actions."

On Monday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended the new settlement plans, saying there was a wide consensus in Israel to continue building throughout the east Jerusalem, just as every Israeli government has done since Israel captured the city in 1967.

East Jerusalem is home to the city's most sensitive Jewish, Christian and Muslim holy sites. Israel says the whole city will forever be its capital, citing historical, religious and security reasons.

"Jerusalem had a Jewish character long before most cities in the world had any character," Prosor told the council.

The international community, including the United States, does not recognize Israel's annexation of the eastern sector of Jerusalem.

Palestinian protesters have been clashing regularly with Israeli security forces in east Jerusalem for months, and the U.N. says the 50-day war over the summer killed more than 2,100 Palestinians, including hundreds of civilians. Violence has risen in recent days at a key Jerusalem holy site, the Dome of the Rock, which is revered by both Jews and Muslims.

Israel's image is under pressure as some countries lose patience with its actions. British lawmakers this month voted in favor of recognizing Palestine as a state, a symbolic move. And Sweden's new prime minister has said his government will recognize a Palestinian state.

The Palestinians, trying to build on such sentiments, have been trying to line up support in the Security Council for a resolution that would set November 2016 as the deadline for Israeli troops to withdraw from all Palestinian territories.

Feltman mentioned the resolution in his speech, and France and Argentina urged the council to take some kind of action instead of standing by.

"Mr. Feltman and the secretary-general are feeling the situation is so critical that the Security Council has to do something," Mansour told reporters, saying Israel has no reason to change its course unless it sees there could be consequences.

But diplomats warn that finding agreement on what they call a balanced resolution is difficult.

Asked by reporters about Feltman's call for Security Council action, Prosor told reporters: "Any attempt to force things from the outside will never succeed."
Report Spam   Logged
Psalm 51:17
Global Moderator
Hero Member
*****
Offline Offline

Posts: 28357


View Profile
« Reply #569 on: November 04, 2014, 04:59:45 pm »

http://www.nowtheendbegins.com/blog/?p=27928
ISLAMIC STATE CALLS FOR THE INVASION OF JERUSALEM
NTEB News Desk | November 4, 2014 | 16 Comments

THE ULTIMATE GOAL IS ISIS HAS ALWAYS BEEN THE DESTRUCTION OF ISRAEL

“And when ye shall see Jerusalem compassed with armies, then know that the desolation thereof is nigh.” Luke 21:20

The allied rocket strike attacks on ISIS in Syria and Iraq have certainly slowed down their forward momentum, but has not even come close to stopping them. The Russian Times today reports that the Islamic State has seized it’s second oil field in Syria in a week:

Islamic State militants claim to have gained control of the Jahar gas field in central Homs province from the Syrian army. The militants posted pictures on social media boasting of the capture, which they now consider part of their ‘Caliphate.’ The photos depict an Islamic State (IS, formerly ISIS) flag raised over the field as well as captured Syrian tanks and weapons, says SITE, a jihadist web monitoring service. IS says they have captured two tanks, seven four-wheel drive cars, and several machine guns after clashes with regime forces. Last Thursday, the insurgents took control of the Sha’ar gas field, where they killed at least 30 pro-government soldiers, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR).

The mere fact that ISIS is still about to do that after a month of allied bombing shows you how ineffective the strikes truly are. But this battle that has been raging for months now is about one thing and one thing only – Israel. Today the Islamic State made the announcement that revealed their true intentions.

CAIRO, NOVEMBER 3 – The Islamic State (ISIS) has issued a statement saying that an Islamic Caliphate will be established in the Sinai, calling it the ”first step towards the invasion of Jerusalem”. The statement threatens Egyptian security forces, which were suffered an attack on October 24. ISIS urged jihadists in the region to ”destroy police checkpoints and stations, launch RPGs at their gatherings and show the world that the Rule of God must be imposed”.

As the prophets have declared, Jerusalem is the end game in this spiritual battle. Everything that is happening right now will reach it’s true fulfillment in the battle of Armageddon during the time of Jacob’s trouble.

“Alas! for that day is great, so that none is like it: it is even the time of Jacob’s trouble; but he shall be saved out of it.” Jeremiah 30:7

For now, the Islamic State seems to be on a preordained unstoppable path that began with the formation of a caliphate in Iraq and ends in an attack on Jerusalem. Just how much they will be able to accomplish only God knows. But they are giving it their best shot which so far has been surprisingly effective.  These are the days written of by the prophets, the actors have taken the stage as we watch the play unfold. Birth pangs, prophecy, and the blessed hope.

“And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.” Luke 21:28
Report Spam   Logged
Pages: 1 ... 17 18 [19] 20 21 ... 27   Go Up
  Print  
 
Jump to:  

Powered by EzPortal
Bookmark this site! | Upgrade This Forum
Free SMF Hosting - Create your own Forum

Powered by SMF | SMF © 2016, Simple Machines
Privacy Policy