Monday, November 19, 2012

Israel pounds Gaza for fifth day


Tel Aviv, 18 November 2012 (MIA) - Israel has been shelling Gaza from the sea and air on the fifth day of its bombardment of the coastal territory, BBC reports.

Two media buildings were hit, including one housing offices of Hamas TV as well as Britain's Sky and ITN. Several Palestinian journalists were injured.

The Israeli army said eight rockets had been fired from Gaza since midnight, three of which hit Israeli territory.

Israel is ready to "significantly expand" its operation in Gaza, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said.

"The soldiers are ready for any activity that could take place," Mr Netanyahu said at a cabinet meeting on Sunday.

The World Health Organisation says hospitals in Gaza are overwhelmed with casualties and short on supplies.

Egypt's president had said earlier there were "indications" a truce could be reached but that there were "no guarantees".

Mohammed Mursi was speaking in Cairo after meeting Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Hamas leader Khaled Meshaal is also in the Egyptian capital for the talks, aimed at de-escalating the conflict.

But Mr Mursi warned Israel against launching a ground offensive into Gaza.

Israel has put 75,000 reservists on stand-by, with one government minister being quoted as saying a ground offensive could be launched into Gaza on Sunday if the rocket fire does not stop.

Mr Mursi said: "If a ground invasion takes place... this will have serious repercussions for the region. We will never accept this and neither will the free world."

The Arab League has been holding an emergency meeting, also in Cairo, and announced it would send a delegation to Gaza in the next few days.

On Saturday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke to German Chancellor Angela Merkel, who emphasised Israel's right to self-defence, a spokesman for Mrs Merkel said.

She agreed with Mr Netanyahu on the need for a comprehensive ceasefire as soon as possible to prevent further bloodshed, the spokesman said. sk/11:31

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Source: http://www.mia.com.mk/default.aspx?vId=99161845&lId=2

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