Israel launches air strikes on Gaza, 155 dead

[thundley4]

GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip – 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.
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."
The strikes caused widespread panic and confusion in Gaza, as black clouds of smoke rose above the territory, ruled by Hamas for the past 18 months. Some of the Israeli missiles struck in densely populated areas as children were leaving school, and women rushed into the streets frantically looking for their children. Most of those killed were security men, but civilians were among the dead.

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Just one more thing for Der Fuhrer to deal soon.

[Wineslob]

At least Israel knows how to deal with terrorists.

[Chris_]

At least Israel knows how to deal with terrorists.

Its about damn rime.

[thundley4]

Condemnation coming from the MSM and the UN in 3.2.1 .

[Airwolf]

**** the little bastards. They had an agreement to be peacefull and the Israelis would lever them alone and as per the usual Hamas Playbook they couldn't wait to **** it up. I hope the Israeli air force pounds them into paste.

[Mr Mannn]

Its the biggest palestinain death toll in a single day since the 1980's.
40 targets were destroyed in the first 4 minutes. so far 100 targets have been hit.
Hamas police stations have been destroyed, including one Hamas police graduation ceremony.
(in Hamasistan, police stations are code for light infantry bases)
last count is 170 dead, police and militants (same thing).

updates now say 100 targets were hit. at least one senior Hamas leader is confirmed dead, likely others are too.

Europe has begun its great whiney baby tantrum we hear whenever Israel defends herself, but nobody is listening.  

With Olmert in charge, I'm expecting him to capitulate any minute.
BUT this feels different. I wonder if Israeli patience is finally over.

[thundley4]

Maybe Israel felt the need to do this before Der Fuhrer takes charge.

[BlueStateSaint]

Maybe Israel felt the need to do this before Der Fuhrer takes charge.

From what I've heard, the Obamessiah is all for peace in the ME--even if it costs Israel's existence.

[debk]

I find this very scary.....particularly with Obama taking over in 3 weeks.

There's a big gun show going on here that started yesterday through tomorrow. The local news was showing video of it....said people were waiting when the doors were open and the place was packed all day. People were buying ...not just looking.

[Atomic Lib Smasher]

Maybe Israel felt the need to do this before Der Fuhrer takes charge.

I was thinking the same thing. Israel might have the backing that it's used to with Hussein in charge, so they better do all they can to wipe out the savage terrorists before Carter II ****s it up for them.

[thundley4]

I've been listening to FNC in the background, and they've had some of the usual Hamas apologists calling Israel the aggressor as usual.  Of course most of the MSM will downplay the Hamas rocket attacks, and will focus on any civilians killed by Israel.  As far as I'm concerned, there are no civilians in Gaza. That stopped when they elected Hamas members as their government.

[Chris_]

From what I've heard, the Obamessiah is all for peace in the ME--even if it costs Israel's existence.

Near as I can tell, The One doesn't subscribe to Golda Mier's assessment of what it'll take for there to be peace in the middle east:

There will be no peace until they love their children more than they hate us.

Ergo, this is just one more avenue in which The One is doomed to failure before he even begins.

[djones520]

I'm curious if this will draw Gator out of hiding at TOS.

[Chris_]

See, there IS a difference between firing with a target designated and just firing wildly...

[debk]

I have ABC evening news on now...they just said Israel is preparing for a ground attack. Tanks are moving into place.

 

[LC EFA]

Finally they're admitting what has been known for a long time ...

Israel 'cannot accept' ceasefire with Hamas

ISRAEL "cannot really accept" a ceasefire with Hamas, Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak said in a U.S. television interview today, rejecting calls by the United Nations and the European Union for a truce after Israeli air strikes killed 227 people in Gaza.
"For us to be asked to have a ceasefire with Hamas is like asking you to have a ceasefire with al Qaeda. It's something we cannot really accept," Barak told Fox News from Tel Aviv.

...
http://www.news.com.au/story/0,23599,24849650-1702,00.html?from=public_rss

I suspect that this may only be the beginning.

[Lord Undies]

I read the book.  The A-rabs don't win in the end.   

[djones520]

Finally they're admitting what has been known for a long time ...

I suspect that this may only be the beginning.

And he's absolutely right.  If France where to come to us and say "Let by gones be bygones." with Al Qaeda, we'd tell them where to shove it.

[Lacarnut]

Finally they're admitting what has been known for a long time ...

I suspect that this may only be the beginning.

These murdering thugs might have bought some time if McCain had won the Presidency. Now, all bets are off. I suspect those countries that fund, supply and train Hamas terrorists better start worrying. Al Gore predicition that their will be a great deal of turmoil in the next six months will come true. Even he gets something right once in a blue moon.  

[Lord Undies]

What amazes me is that the Arabs are so anti-liberal it isn't even a closed secret, yet, over the goodness of Christianity the Love of The Lord, the stupid mindless liberals would rather side with satan himself, and even sacrifice their blessed queers, than have the Christians win.

They are more into satan than they are The Lord, and anyone who has read the book knows how that turns out.  It ain't pretty for the A-rabs and the radical homosexuals.  Jesus WILL NOT lose.  These minions of satan know they do not have a chance, but they intend to cause as much harm as they can.  Liberals and the rest of satan's administration love to see people struggle

[Chris_]

Go IDF is all I have to say. 

[DumbAss Tanker]

At least Israel knows how to deal with terrorists.

Actually it is an amazingly counterproductive tactic as far as eliminating or discouraging a threat to Israel goes.  It is very effective at pleasing the Israeli electorate and convincing Palestinians all Israelis must be killed, though.  They've been doing it for 50 years, the Palestinians are still attacking them and have as strong an organization as at any past time.

[djones520]

Actually it is an amazingly counterproductive tactic as far as eliminating or discouraging a threat to Israel goes.  It is very effective at pleasing the Israeli electorate and convincing Palestinians all Israelis must be killed, though.  They've been doing it for 50 years, the Palestinians are still attacking them and have as strong an organization as at any past time.

I'm getting the indication that the Palestinian government has about had it with Hamas on this one.  Abbas made moves to stop protests against Israeli soldiers, and has even laid the blame for the attack on Hamas.

Israel at the same time is being very clear that they are targetting Hamas forces, not Palestinian forces.  While this may not have a real distinction to the unschooled Palestinians, the people in charge know it, and it seems their doing what they can to stay out of Israels way.

[DumbAss Tanker]

I'm getting the indication that the Palestinian government has about had it with Hamas on this one.  Abbas made moves to stop protests against Israeli soldiers, and has even laid the blame for the attack on Hamas.

Israel at the same time is being very clear that they are targetting Hamas forces, not Palestinian forces.  While this may not have a real distinction to the unschooled Palestinians, the people in charge know it, and it seems their doing what they can to stay out of Israels way.

It would be nice if it works out that way, but personally I have too low an opinion of Palestinian political organization to put much trust in that.  Fatah, Hamas, or any successor party all rely on a bottom-up populist power structure, not a top-down ideology-driven one, so their ability to provide a cogent direction at a national policy level and bring it to fruition is as shaky as a Chicago Democrat's integrity. 

[Tucker]

I wonder which faction Mr. Hussein will side with?