Gaza War Renewed

The IDF Spokesman reported January 29, 2009:

Explosive Device detonated against IDF Patrol near the Gaza Security Fence

An explosive device was detonated this morning against an IDF force patrolling on the Israel side of the Gaza Strip security fence, north of the Israeli community of Kissufim.

One noncommissioned officer was killed, one officer was severely wounded and two soldiers were lightly wounded in the incident. The wounded were evacuated to hospitals and their families have been informed.

IDF tank columns are now operating in the Gaza strip in multiple locations and heavy shelling in the Dir Al Balach region of Gaza has been reported since early evening. Hamas was quoted as stating that they had not yet really agreed to a cease fire, only a pause, and Islamic Jihad announced that for them the 7-day cease fire has ended. One week's quiet was apparently meant to impress Obama who, incidentally, received thousands of dollars in internet campaign contributions from various Palestinian sources!

Additional explosives were reportedly found in the same area.

Since Israeli elections are coming up within 2 weeks, Israelis can expect to see a firm response to any attack.  Since Hamas will revert to it's previously successful tactics of firing from civilian loactions, there will be more unnecessary deaths. And that reported number will be nearly doubled (as it apparently was in the first go round!)

A recording indicates Hamas used the Arabic media Center in Gaza as launch-pad for Grad missiles.

For audio and transcripts proving that Hamas fired from the Arabic Media Center in Gaza and further evidence of Hamas violations of international law, see IsraCast article.