Witnesses: Israeli occupation forces tanks shell Beit Hanoun

Published today (updated) 16/01/2010 14:13

Gaza – Ma’an –

Israeli occupation forces tanks operating near the northern Gaza border near Beit Hanoun targeted civilian properties with heavy artillery fire, witnesses said late Friday night.

Eyewitnesses said tanks were spotted at the border, and noted a heavier than usual weaponry used by the forces. They said the fire hit civilian homes on the outskirts of the town, causing material damages but no injuries.

Families said the louder than usual tank fire terrified their children.

An Israeli occupation forces spokesman said he was unfamiliar with any military activity in the area overnight, but said he would look into the incident.

According to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs' weekly Protection of Civilians Report, last week saw a steep escalation in violence in Gaza. It counted seven Palestinians in Gaza killed by Israeli airstrikes, and called the deaths a "serious escalation."

Palestinian resistance organizations claim responsibility for Israeli tower attack

Published yesterday 22:49

Gaza – Ma’an –

 The Palestinian resistance organizations of Al-Aqsa Brigades and the Imad Mughaniyah group, armed wings of Fatah, and the Abu Al-Qumans military council, claimed responsibility on Friday for an attack against the largest transmission tower west of the Erez border crossing, northern Gaza.

"This attack confronted recent Israeli occupation forces invasions, attacks and assassination of six leaders of the Imad Mughaniyah and Al-Quds Brigades [Islamic Jihad's paramilitary wing]" a joint statement issued by the groups said.

According to the statement the tower was hit directly. Residents told Ma'an that loud explosions were heard near the Erez crossing, but that the cause was unknown.

Hamas, Islamic Jihad: “No Ceasefire Under Israeli Aggression”

Friday January 15, 2010 22:06 by Saed Bannoura - IMEMC & Agencies

The Hamas and the Islamic Jihad movements in Palestine stated in separate press releases that the Palestinian resistance did not reach a ceasefire deal with the occupation and will always defend itself and the Palestinian people from any Israeli aggression.

Hamas leader, Ayman Taha, stated Friday that the Palestinian factions are aware of the internal situation and the effects of the Israeli aggression on Gaza, and will act accordingly.

He added that no one offered lull or truce, and that there was no agreement with the occupation in this regard.

Nafeth Azzam, a senior political leader of the Islamic Jihad, stated that the factions are trying to give the Palestinians the chance to recover from the Israeli aggression.

Azzam told the Maan News Agency that the policies of the movement are not based on reactions, and added that the resistance has the right to defend itself and its people.

He said that the current lull is based on the evaluation on the situation in Gaza and the harsh conditions of its people living under strict Israeli-led siege.

Azzam further stated that should Israel continue its air strikes against the Gaza Strip, the resistance will be forced to counter this aggression.

Hamas, Islamic Jihad: No truce with Israel under aggression

Published yesterday (updated) 16/01/2010 14:09

Gaza – Ma’an –

Hamas and Islamic Jihad, declared on Friday that no suspension of hostilities has been agreed upon with Israel under aggression.

Senior Hamas leader Ayman Taha said "there is no agreement for a truce [with Israel]. No one has offered us an agreement to consult on," during a telephone interview with Ma'an.

"Hamas meetings are ongoing with various factions to consult on a strategic stance on internal Palestinian affairs. These factions have undertaken to realize the interests of Palestinians, all with the highest level of responsibility."

Nafedh Azzam, senior Islamic Jihad leader reiterated that no truce had been agreed on, adding that "resistance factions sympathize with Palestinians following Israel's war on Gaza and have tried to handle it's impact," he said also during a telephone interview with Ma'an.

"We have not received an invitation for any meeting. Our policy is not based on reactions and we will not build our stances on them."

"Following the war on Gaza, we evaluated the circumstances in the field ... If Israel wages war then the Palestinian resistance should defend itself and its people."

"If Israel continues carrying out attacks against Gaza and killing people, then this should be subject to evaluation. It is necessary to coordinate between all factions to adopt a [united] stance to confront the assault," Azzam concluded.