Israel will only take so much pestering before they swat the pests that keep firing missles into their territory. Saturday morning that point had been reached and Israel responded. Israeli warplanes retaliating for rocket fire from the Gaza Strip pounded dozens of security compounds across the Hamas-ruled territory in unprecedented waves of airstrikes Saturday, killing at least 155 and wounding more than 310 in the single bloodiest day of fighting in recent memory.
So here we go! :-(
The vast majority of those killed were security men, but civilians were also among the dead. Hamas said all of its security installations were hit and responded with several medium-range Grad rockets at Israel, reaching deeper than in the past. One Israeli was killed and at least four people were wounded in the rocket attacks. With so many wounded, the Palestinian death toll was likely to rise.
"The operation will last as long as necessary," declared Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak, though it was not clear if it would be coupled with a ground offensive. Asked if Hamas political leaders might be targeted next, military spokeswoman Maj. Avital Leibovich said, "Any Hamas target is a target." In other words, this is far from over and no one wins as is he case in war! Some just lose less than others.
Israel said the operation, dubbed "Solid Lead," targeted "terrorist infrastructure" following days of rocket attacks on southern Israel that caused damage but few injuries. Israeli army officials said Hamas leaders could be targeted. "There is a time for calm and a time for fighting, and now the time has come to fight," Defense Minister Ehud Barak said.
"It may take time, and each and every one of us must be patient so we can complete the mission," Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert told reporters after the air strikes. A senior Israeli military source said they marked the start of a campaign that could be expanded to include ground forces. Israeli analysts said the assault could be aimed at forcing Hamas to accept tougher terms for renewing the truce.
An Islamist group threatened vengeance and called for a new Palestinian uprising against Israel. Black smoke billowed over Gaza City, where the dead and wounded lay scattered on the ground after Israel bombed more than 40 security compounds, including two where Hamas was hosting graduation ceremonies for new recruits.
Welome to the real world Barack!
About the Author:
As a spiritual-futurist, I interpret current events in light of possible macro-universal forces at play leading up to 2012, but not limited to it.