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VIDEO:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3fZ2E_Tr8Hk&eurl=http://idfspokesperson.com/
(IDF)

“IDF VLOG UPDATE: Ground Forces Enter Gaza - Capt. Benjamin Rutland - 3 Jan. 2009”

VIDEO DESCRIPTION:

idfnadesk
January 03, 2009
(less info)
BREAKING NEWS - 3 Jan. 2009 - Israel Defense Forces spokesman Capt. Benjamin Rutland announces the entrance of IDF forces into Gaza with the objective of dealing a heavy blow to Hamas’ terrorist infrastructure and rocket-launching capability.

http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3649851,00.html

“Rocket attacks persist despite Gaza invasion”

SNIPPET: “IDF says Hamas having difficulties manufacturing new rockets, but still has enough to continue and perhaps increase launchings in coming days”

Ilana Curiel
Published: 01.04.09, 00:38 / Israel News

ARTICLE SNIPPET: “Palestinian gunmen continued to fire rockets toward Israel’s western Negev region late Saturday night even after IDF ground forces entered the Hamas-controlled territory in the framework of Operation Cast Lead.

Five rockets fired from the northern Strip landed in open areas within the Sdot Negev Regional Council’s limits, but caused no injury or damage.

“It is our estimation that the rocket fire on Israel will continue and perhaps even increase in the coming days,” a military official said, adding that while Hamas is having difficulties manufacturing new rockets, it still has some stockpiled.

A total of 12 Qassam rockets hit the Sdot Negev area on Saturday; all of them landed in open fields and caused no injuries.

Sdot Negev Regional Council head Meir Yifrach told Ynet “we support the troops and pray that the operation will succeed and that they’ll return home safely.”

Note: The following text is a quote:

http://idfspokesperson.com/2009/01/04/statement-by-ehud-barak-minister-of-defence/

VLOG: Ground Forces Enter GazaJANUARY 4, 2009...00:23
Statement by Ehud Barak, Minister of Defence
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January 3rd, 2009

Statement by the Minister of Defence, Mr. Ehud Barak:

“A few hours ago, Israeli ground forces entered the Gaza Strip as part of operation Cast Lead against the Hamas terrorists and their affiliates and infrastructure in Gaza.

So far, the Israeli Defense Forces have dealt an unprecedented heavy blow to Hamas. In order to complete their mission we now launched the ground operation.

I have said all along that our military activities will widen and deepen as much as needed. Our aim is to force Hamas to stop its hostile activities against Israel and Israelis from Gaza, and to bring about a significant change in the situation in Southern part of Israel.

We have carefully weighed all our options. We are not war hungry but we shall not, I repeat – we shall not allow a situation where our towns, villages and civilians are constantly targeted by Hamas. It will not be easy or short, but we are determined.

We are well aware of the humanitarian aspect and are doing and will continue to do everything possible to provide all humanitarian needs to Gaza.

While we are fighting in Gaza, we keep an open eye on the sensitive situation in our northern border. We have no aggressive intentions there. We hope the situation there will remain calm; nevertheless we are ready and alert to face any unwarranted development in that area.

We are peace seekers. We have restrained ourselves for a long time but now is the time to do what needs to be done. We are determined to afford our citizens what any citizen anywhere in the world is entitled to – peace, tranquility and freedom from threats”.