Thursday, January 22, 2009

INN World Report Israel Gaza UN



International News Net World Report

Israel Gaza UN

1-22-09
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Israel threatens Gazans with another attack 2009-01-22
Israel has threatened to launch a new strike against Gaza after having failed to diminish Hamas's power through three weeks of offensive. Defense Minister Ehud Barak said on Wednesday "If we are forced to, there will be more attacks" . IDF Soldiers have been deployed along the border in order to provide a quick response should the need arise.

United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon demanded a full explanation from Israel regarding its attacks on UN schools and other facilities during the 22-day war in the Gaza Strip, which he called “outrageous.” Ban, after completing a tour of the Gaza Strip, said “those responsible will be held accountable for their actions.”

First war tally: 1,284 Gazans dead, 4,336 wounded As the last Israeli troops left the Gaza Strip before dawn Wednesday, the Palestinian Center for Human Rights which counted the casualties of the 23-day war on Gaza, released a final tally . The report found that 1,284 Gazans were killed and 4,336 wounded. The group said 894 of the dead were civilians, including 280 children and minors 17 and under, as well as 111 women. The remaining 390 dead were members of Hamas or other militant groups.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) says it will open an investigation into Israel's alleged use of depleted uranium during the 22-day offensive in the Gaza Strip. Arab nations sent a letter the agency asking the UN to investigate whether the controversial munitions were used in the war.

Israel accused of executing parents in front of children in Gaza
Israel refuted allegations of war atrocities in Gaza after Palestinian children described how their parents had been "executed" in front of them by Israeli troops. A psychiatrist treating children described the deaths as a "massacre". One Jordanian doctor said civilians, including children, were rounded up and killed . Israel dismissed the claims as Hamas propaganda.

Israel's concerns about international lawsuits following Operation Cast Lead is apparently growing. Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni's trip to Brussels remained uncertain until the very last minute, fearing she may face legal action in Belgium for alleged war crimes. Livni's trip was put on hold Wednesday, after a Nazareth journalist reported the possiblility of legal action. However, Livni will address EU foreign ministers as scheduled.
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