Gaza Crisis: Un's Ban Calls For Ceasefire After Israeli Airstrike Kills Civilians

[News_Editor]

Gaza crisis: UN's Ban calls for ceasefire after Israeli airstrike kills civilians < br />

2012-11-19 12:48:56 GMT+7 (ICT)

NEW YORK (BNO NEWS) -- United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Sunday called on all parties in Israel and Gaza to cooperate with Egypt and reach an immediate ceasefire to end the escalating conflict, hours after an Israeli airstrike flattened a residential building and killed 10 civilians.

Sunday was the fifth and bloodiest day of attacks, with Israel carrying out airstrikes on the Gaza Strip while Hamas militants in Gaza continued to fire rockets at Israel. One person was injured in Israel and at least 26 people were killed in Gaza on Sunday alone, raising the week's death toll in the Gaza Strip to at least 64 with more than 550 people injured.

"This must stop. I strongly urge the parties to cooperate with all efforts led by Egypt to reach an immediate cease fire," Ban said in a statement released by his office. "Any further escalation will inevitably increase the suffering of the affected civilian populations and must be avoided. I am heading to the region to appeal personally for ending the violence and contribute to ongoing efforts to that end."

The call for a ceasefire came hours after an Israeli airstrike flattened a residential building in the Naser district of Gaza City, killing 10 people from the same family, including 5 children and 4 women. It is believed the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) bombed the building by mistake due to a technical error, instead having targeted the house of a senior Hamas militant in charge of the group's rocket firing teams.

Israeli military officials were reluctant to discuss the incident, but the Al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Hamas, strongly condemned the deaths and promised to strike back. "The massacre against the Ad-Dalo family will not go unpunished," the group said, later adding that it was shelling Israeli cities and bases in response.

Ban expressed his concern about the violence on both sides and urged all parties to stop. "I am deeply saddened by the reported deaths of more than ten members of the Dalu family, including women and children, and additional Palestinian civilians killed as a result of the ongoing violence in the Gaza strip," he said. "I am also alarmed by the continuing firing of rockets against Israeli towns, which has killed several Israeli civilians."

According to the IDF, Hamas militants fired a total of 146 rockets at Israel on Sunday, including 105 rockets which impacted and 41 rockets which were intercepted by the Iron Dome missile defense system. The Iron Dome system uses sophisticated radar to track, intercept and destroy incoming missiles.

Israel earlier authorized the mobilization of up to 75,000 army reservists, adding to fears that Israel is preparing to launch a ground invasion of the Gaza Strip if the violence continues to escalate. Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi on Sunday said such an invasion would have "serious repercussions", and warned this would be unacceptable to Egypt and the international community.

In the winter of 2008-2009, Israel launched a surprise attack on the Gaza Strip which marked the beginning of a three-week military conflict between Israel and Hamas, killing nearly 1,500 people and leaving thousands more injured and displaced. Israel stated its aim was to stop rocket fire from and arms import into Gaza.

-- © BNO News All rights reserved 2012-11-19

[mania]

hours after an Israeli airstrike flattened a residential building and killed 10 civilians.

I think this is the residence mentioned

http://www.aljazeera...2933654975.html

Actually reporting 12 from a single family

Edited November 19, 2012 by mania

[webfact]

Israel gives 36-hour ultimatum to Hamas

JERUSALEM: -- Israel has warned Hamas it will step up its offensive in the Gaza Strip in 36 hours if they do not cease rocket fire.

Israeli Finance Minister told IDF radio that the time left before Israel escalates its attacks can be measured in “hours, not days.”

‘The situation is surreal, but that is the reality we live in’ – Gaza-Israel conflict

People are terrified to death, death tolls are rising, as the violent conflict between Israel and the Palestinians continues for the sixth straight day, despite diplomatic talks in Egypt.

On Sunday a bomb rocketed from Israel hit a two-story home of Jamal Dalu, a shop owner, and killed his entire family: his sister, wife, two daughters, daughter-in-law, four grandchildren ages 2 to 6, along with two neighbors, an 18-year-old and his grandmother. Mr. Dalu was himself at a neighbor’s when the tragedy happened.

The attack was condemned by Hamas rulers as a “massacre” that “exceeded all expectations.”

“The wanted target in this case was responsible for firing dozens of rockets into Israel,” a spokesperson for the Israeli military said. “We are committed to the safety of the citizens of Israel.”

The same Sunday Israelis were awoken by a new torrent of Palestinian rockets, some of them knocked out of the sky by the so called Iron Dome missile defense system.

Full story: http://english.ruvr....matum-to-Hamas/

-- THE VOICE OF RUSSIA 2012-11-19

[uptheos]

"Israel has warned Hamas it will step up its offensive in the Gaza Strip in 36 hours if they do not cease rocket fire".

36 hours is fair warning. Now up to Hamas.

[chooka]

"Israel has warned Hamas it will step up its offensive in the Gaza Strip in 36 hours if they do not cease rocket fire".

36 hours is fair warning. Now up to Hamas.

It is just plain wrong what Israel is doing.

[mania]

36 hours is fair warning. Now up to Hamas.

Then what?

It would be nice if it were that simple though I agree.

But if they once again stop the rocket attacks

Will Israel ever stop their expansion & illegal annexing of lands?

It is a vicious circle & does not seem to have an end.

[Jingthing]

36 hours is fair warning. Now up to Hamas.

Then what?

It would be nice if it were that simple though I agree.

But if they once again stop the rocket attacks

Will Israel ever stop their expansion & illegal annexing of lands?

It is a vicious circle & does not seem to have an end.

Gaza was returned to the Palestinians. You are talking about the west bank. Different location entirely.

Anyway, what's wrong with Gaza stopping the rockets and then see what happens? Israel may want to take this opportunity to destroy as much of Gaza's military operations as possible, but continuing the rockets just gives them the rationale to continue with that.

It is indeed very tragic when innocent people are killed in any war, on any side. Nobody is denying that many more innocent Palestinians are being killed in this conflict than innocent Israelis. However, it isn't "rocket science" that if you shoot rockets into Israel they are going to sooner or later come down HARD. It is rather insane to expect anything else. If Hamas wants to build a peace and to really help their own people it also isn't rocket science: recognize Israel's right to exist / dismantle their rocket capability themselves / make gestures towards peace negotiations.

Edited November 19, 2012 by Jingthing

[Payboy]

Nothing like a few strong words from Ban to make both sides shiver with fear.

[uptheos]

Nothing like a few strong words from Ban to make both sides shiver with fear.

Right, just look at Assad quaking in his boots, whilst slaughtering hundreds DAILY.

Gaza is a nice little diversion for Ban.

[kblaze]

Looking at the beginning of the escalation of attacks between the two sides, I found these to be events of significance;

Oct 7th; IDF air strike kills 1 terrorist, badly injures other, as well as 11 civilians, including 5 children.

Oct 8th; Hamas responds by firing 30-50 rockets/mortars into Israel, killing two goats and injuring 9 others at a petting zoo.

Oct 24th; Hamas shot 80 rockets into Israel, injuring 5. (this is the attack that injured 3 Thai workers)

Nov 5th; Israeli forces shoot and kill unarmed, mentally-handicapped man was approaching border. Medics who were kept from reaching the man, claimed he died from injuries that could have been treated.

Nov 6th; 13 year old Palestinian youth is shot in the head and killed playing football.

Nov 10th; Militants fire anti tank missle at IDF, injuring 4 soldiers. In response, IDF fires tank rounds at football playground killing 4 teenagers and wounding 38 others.

From then on...escalation on both sides.

http://en.wikipedia....on_Israel,_2012

Ok now for my view on this;

Israel has the right to defend themselves. Their problem is proportionality.

For example, yes they had the right to take out the terrorist on Oct 7th, but their problem was how they did it. Rather than employing the tactics they use in Iran and other middle east countries, a la covert assasination (remember the Bond/Bourne-like hits on the Iranian scientists, attaching plastic bombs to cars that kill the scientist with no collateral damage?), the IDF tends to resort to overpowered air strikes in commercial zones with Palestinian militants.

The Oct 7th hit followed this path and what was the result? 1.5 terrorists taken out at the cost of 10 civilian injuries. All those civilians have families, whose anger toward Israel is thereafter fueled. Hamas feels the need to respond to save face and show their populace that they are big tough guys and thus the rockets. Israel then responds to the rockets with air strikes, takes out 2 or 3 militants, injures/kills 10+ innocents....and the cycle continues...

How can it be stopped? Egypt traditionally is the favorite peace broker, but now with the MB in charge, Israel is understandably more wary of engaging them as a mediator. Hamas needs to stop its rockets, first and foremost. Its problem is that there are 20+ militant factions, and many won't listen to them. They need to get them under control.

Edited November 19, 2012 by kblaze

[Steely Dan]

Here is a good article showing the damned if you do damned if you don't position Israel are in. They supposedly have western support, but not for a ground invasion, though without one Hamas can't be neutralized so such 'support' is meaningless. Best do what Israel used to and ignore world opinion imho.

http://melaniephillips.com/between-a-rock-and-a-hard-place

[kblaze]

Here is a good article showing the damned if you do damned if you don't position Israel are in. They supposedly have western support, but not for a ground invasion, though without one Hamas can't be neutralized so such 'support' is meaningless. Best do what Israel used to and ignore world opinion imho.

http://melaniephilli...nd-a-hard-place

Ignore world opinion? You don't remember they needed the world (US and UN) to establish their country in the first place?

[Jingthing]

Israel's point of view which is quite rational is that survival is more important than being loved. Of course both would be nice but not in the cards. I know, I know, Israel does indeed have a strong military but in my opinion if they didn't, they would no longer exist. Israel is well aware that much of the world would be thrilled if they no longer existed, but that's another story.

Edited November 19, 2012 by Jingthing

[Morch]

Different media reports from Egypt. Gaza and Israel indicate that negotiations on ceasefire are going on.

According to these, all sides (Hamas and Islamic Jihad represented separately, a first, I believe) started from almost impossible sets of conditions. That by itself isn't unusual in Middle East negotiations, but some of it does sound (if reports are indeed correct) as if all parties are not quite there as far as their willingness to compromise is concerned. Then again, always need to talk tough for public opinion's sake.

The Egyptians are hard at it, and more power to them for their efforts, regardless of their own interests in the conflict. Remains to be seen if they can actually broker a deal. I daresay no one has high hopes for the duration of any such ceasefire, though.

[Steely Dan]

36 hours is fair warning. Now up to Hamas.

Then what?

It would be nice if it were that simple though I agree.

But if they once again stop the rocket attacks

Will Israel ever stop their expansion & illegal annexing of lands?

It is a vicious circle & does not seem to have an end.

Gaza was not annexed, it was handed unilaterally to the Palestinians, who have not stopped firing missiles since. This has nothing to do with lands being 'annexed'.

[Jingthing]

So let me get this straight. GAZA, which was returned to the Palestinians, is rocketing Israel because of settlements in the West Bank? Seriously?

[cdnvic]

Dial back the indignation a bit evereyone. I know it's an emotional subject but we have/will delete comments that go too far and remove posting rights from repeat offenders.

[mania]

Gaza was not annexed, it was handed unilaterally to the Palestinians, who have not stopped firing missiles since. This has nothing to do with lands being 'annexed'.

I do not think this whole deal can be served ala carte

This "problem" will have to be addressed as a whole.

Eventually............

[Payboy]

Nothing like a few strong words from Ban to make both sides shiver with fear.

Right, just look at Assad quaking in his boots, whilst slaughtering hundreds DAILY.

Gaza is a nice little diversion for Ban.

"He's like a bad chef in a cheap kitchen" - Supreme Leader Admiral General Aladeen

[mania]

The Egyptians are hard at it, and more power to them for their efforts, regardless of their own interests in the conflict. Remains to be seen if they can actually broker a deal. I daresay no one has high hopes for the duration of any such ceasefire, though.

Agreed & I hope something comes from it.

But as always even after a cease fire there needs to be talks & acceptance on both sides.

A big sticking point is the UN upgrade of Palestine's status to a non-member state

which will also allow Palestinians to file complaints at the International Criminal Court.

The world has voted on this & it is clearly going to happen

[Steely Dan]

"Israel has warned Hamas it will step up its offensive in the Gaza Strip in 36 hours if they do not cease rocket fire".

36 hours is fair warning. Now up to Hamas.

It's a tough one though. On the one hand stop trying to murder Israeli civilians and by doing so avoid large numbers of your own being killed, or have a Pallywood extravaganza sponsored by Al-Jazeera. One hour from the deadline I expect a rain of missiles.

[mania]

or have a Pallywood extravaganza sponsored by Al-Jazeera. One hour from the deadline I expect a rain of missiles.

I had to look up Pallywood

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pallywood

Never heard it before.

[Scott]

Unless there is clear evidence of an attempt to manipulate the media on any particular point in this topic, we will drop that as a point of discussion. It's off-topic.

[simple1]

"Israel has warned Hamas it will step up its offensive in the Gaza Strip in 36 hours if they do not cease rocket fire".

36 hours is fair warning. Now up to Hamas.

It's a tough one though. On the one hand stop trying to murder Israeli civilians and by doing so avoid large numbers of your own being killed, or have a Pallywood extravaganza sponsored by Al-Jazeera. One hour from the deadline I expect a rain of missiles.

Again belittling the number of dead and wounded civilians in Gaza. Do you also believe other international media located in Gaza such as CNN etc are also indulging in Pallywood extravaganzas? BTW no matter what you think, Al-Jazeera are a highly respected professional news organisation.

[marshbags]

36 hours is fair warning. Now up to Hamas.

Then what?

It would be nice if it were that simple though I agree.

But if they once again stop the rocket attacks

Will Israel ever stop their expansion & illegal annexing of lands?

It is a vicious circle & does not seem to have an end.

Gaza was not annexed, it was handed unilaterally to the Palestinians, who have not stopped firing missiles since. This has nothing to do with lands being 'annexed'.

First of all I would like to post the following ref url apertaining to a David Frost interview today on Al jazera news television with Bishop Desmond TuTu.

http://www.aljazeera...5225355813.html

If you go 39.25 minutes into the interview there is a section that includes Jimmy Carter and they talk about the conflict and thier invovlement as " world Elders " ( approx 6 minutes )

Several high profile ex politicains and statespeople have formed a group of recognised and respected ex world leaders to try and negotiate ways to try and solve / end issues similar to the one relating to this debate and well worth viewing.

They specifically talk about what has been happening and how bad it has now become for the Palestinians.

It is of course a brief reference to how they learned of the the true scenario and who they all hold responsible for it,s continued escalation into the tragical consequences that keep re occuring.

...........................................................................

Re this debate this is my reaction to the continued quotes about Gaza as if it is the only reason for the conflict, while sadly ignoring this much broader and about Palestine and the Palestinian people of which Gaza is a part of.

It is not just about Gaza and all those contributing to his extended debate should be well aware of the reasons which go back to 1967 were Israel then started to not only ignore the reached agreement, but then started a prolonged persecution of the Palestinian people.

Incidently this was long before Hammas were elected to their present elected positions of power in Gaza.

Iironically the Iraelis shot themselves in the foot in relation to them being elected in the first place IMHO, due in many ways to Israels horrendous and inhuman treatment towards the Palistinian people and very restrictive embargos forced upon them.

What incentives are they prepared to offer the Palestinians by way of rectifying all the wrong they have systematically done to them over many years, not the other way round

Come to that when are they going to try and start a dialogue with the Hamas instead of a total refusal to recognise and negotiate common ground re their differences ect. ect..

A good start would be returning the land they have owned and worked for centuries to their rightful owners, compensate them for all the propertied they have plundered and / or destroyed and most importantly of all return the unlawful occupiers to Israel and give the newly built settlements to the Palestinian people by way of retribution andin sincere acknowledgement for thier wrongdoings since 1967

For me personally the Israelis have much to answer for in terms of human rights plus most the plundering of land / farms and property that has belonged to the Palestinians for centuries.

marshbags

P.S. if you have time the full interview is worth a view IMHO

Edited November 19, 2012 by marshbags

[coma]

hours after an Israeli airstrike flattened a residential building and killed 10 civilians.

I think this is the residence mentioned

http://www.aljazeera...2933654975.html

Actually reporting 12 from a single family

You are correct. Apparently due to a faulty airstrike. Whatever that means ?

There is a picture in this link of the remnants of the residence.

http://www.haaretz.c...remium-1.478887

Edited November 19, 2012 by Scott

[coma]

"Israel has warned Hamas it will step up its offensive in the Gaza Strip in 36 hours if they do not cease rocket fire".

36 hours is fair warning. Now up to Hamas.

It is just plain wrong what Israel is doing.

So true.

[Chicog]

Here is a good article showing the damned if you do damned if you don't position Israel are in. They supposedly have western support, but not for a ground invasion, though without one Hamas can't be neutralized so such 'support' is meaningless. Best do what Israel used to and ignore world opinion imho.

http://melaniephilli...nd-a-hard-place

Sorry, "used to do"?!

[Chicog]

Speaks for itself really.

http://www.infowars.com/video-cnn-guest-interrupted-by-israeli-air-strike/

[Morch]

A big sticking point is the UN upgrade of Palestine's status to a non-member state

which will also allow Palestinians to file complaints at the International Criminal Court.

The world has voted on this & it is clearly going to happen

I seriously doubt this has much to do with the Palestinian UN bid.

The Hamas isn't exactly supportive of the PA's move, and wasn't a major part (if at all) of the international effort concerning this.

When Israel goes against the Palestinians, the usual result on the international diplomatic front is increased support for the Palestinian cause. If anything, an invasion will improve the Palestinian chances of getting their way.

Not that savvy on the legal issue you brought up, but as far as I understand this goes both ways - might explain why the Hamas leadership isn't all that in favor. Either way, this doesn't seem to be a major issue from the Israeli point of view, rarely comes up in the media.

Edited November 19, 2012 by Morch