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Palestinian Death Toll Reaches 900, Aid Resumes in Gaza

by Rob Walker | January 12, 2009 at 10:02 am

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The death toll in Gaza has risen to 900, according to medical officials in the strip. They said that number includes at least 380 civilians. Israel stated that three Israeli civilians and 10 soldiers have died in a conflict that began 17 days ago.

Medical officials said the Palestinian death toll in the offensive Israel began 17 days ago had risen past 900 and included at least 380 civilians. Israel says three Israeli civilians, hit by Hamas rockets, and 10 soldiers have died.

Meanwhile, the Israeli Defence Ministry is appealing a supreme court ruling which banned the use of palestinians as human shields in raids.

Defence minister Shaul Mofaz will be making a personal appearance in court to defend the practice, which was banned in 2002 after a civilian was killed during forced negotiations with a militant.

The court ruled out both the placing of civilians in front of soldiers on operations and an "early warning" procedure employed by the army.
In this practice, the Israeli army would force local Palestinians to approach the homes of militants and ask them to surrender.

In President George W. Bush's final press conference before leaving office next week, he renewed his support for Israel's operations in Gaza. Bush said Israel should try to prevent civilian casaulties but laid the blame for the violence on Hamas.

President George W. Bush on Monday renewed his support for Israel's military operations in Gaza, saying it has the right to defend its citizens from Hamas rocket attacks. But he also called for a lasting cease-fire that includes the disarming of militants.

While aid efforts restarted today in Gaza, activists with medical supplies are attempting to said for Gaza, despite heavy security and an Israeli naval blocked.

Activists with medical supplies set sail for Gaza from Cyprus on Monday in defiance of the naval blockade Israel tightened on the Hamas-ruled Palestinian enclave after it began its Gaza offensive 17 days ago.

Aid agencies said Monday they have resumed relief operations in Gaza, but fighting still prevented them from reaching all the people who urgently need help and evacuating the sickest out of Gaza.
The United Nations Relief and Works Agency, or UNWRA, brought food and other aid to around 10,000 people on Sunday, said spokesman Johan Eriksson. But the situation for civilians is "extremely dire," he said.

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Yuliya Talmazan

at 10:13 on January 12th, 2009

I can't believe Israel was using Palestinian civilians as human shields. I never knew about that. I am amazed stuff like that is still happening in the 21st century.

object...

at 12:01 on January 12th, 2009

The picture I added was taken at the London protest march (10th jan 09) against Israel's actions in Gaza, these protestors were standing on the back gate of the Israeli embassy. Shortly afterward the police moved in and tried to move on the protestors, resulting in the first confrontation of the rally...

Around 100 000 people marched through London in support of the people of Gaza (and Palestine generally).

object... has contributed a photo to this story.

Petezin

at 15:50 on January 12th, 2009

Thanx for using my content. I've uploaded more pics from Madrid: http://www.flickr.com/photos/petezin/3192115254/in/set-72157612451441593/ And a video, aswell: http://vimeo.com/2796316

Zapathib

at 16:13 on January 12th, 2009

Much more pictures from the brussels demonstration for a ceasefire in Gaza here :
http://flickr.com/photos/thibautquintens/sets/72157612448655817/show/

Zapathib has contributed a photo to this story.

Karen Hatter

at 16:22 on January 12th, 2009

" .... the Israeli army would force local Palestinians to approach the homes of militants and ask them to surrender."

How long was this tactic used and why wasn't this put on 'full blast' and reported by the media?

mistletoe018

at 07:31 on January 14th, 2009

The most hearbreaking picture I have taken in a while. I think it speaks for itself.
I was surprised to see so many children, such stern, young faces, shouting: Gaza, Gaza don't you cry, Palestine will never die. To be forced to understand death at such a young age... - Dyane Jean Francois

mistletoe018 has contributed a photo to this story.

Paschen

at 08:01 on January 14th, 2009

I keep having Bob Dylan's song coming to my mind when ever I read this sort of news. "The Anther is blowing in the wind..." I do really wonder how much it will take before Humanity will stand up and say no more!