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Visit our Web site: www.bridgesforpeace.com | January 2, 2012 |
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1. Israeli, Palestinian Representatives to Meet for First Time since 20102. Moving Closer to Gaza War3. Erdogan to Haniyeh: Talks Must Include Hamas4. US Criticizes Palestinian Authority Double Talk5. Three Years since Operation Cast Lead in the Gaza Strip6. Israel's Cancer Ambassador7. Rare Second Temple Find
1. Israeli, Palestinian Representatives to Meet for First Time since 2010
Negotiators from the Palestinians and Israelis are set to meet directly with representatives from the Mideast Quartet on Tuesday [January 3], the first such interaction since the Palestinians suspended peace talks in the second half of 2010. Despite the significance of the conversation, the meeting does not apparently mark the true resumption of peace talks - just a step towards them. The discussion between the sides will take place in Amman under the auspices of the Jordanian government.
The Quartet - consisting of the United States, the European Union, Russia and the United Nations - has been trying to restart peace talks for months, with the forthcoming meeting the largest breakthrough to date. The Quartet has called for the sides to present proposals on borders as part of the process, with the goal to have an agreement by the end of the year.
Jordan's Petra news agency reported that the Jordanians will host the sides in one meeting with the Quartet and then again without the world powers. "This aims at reaching a common ground to resume direct talks between the two sides and to achieve a Palestinian-Israeli peace accord that embodies the two-state solution and addresses all final status issues by the end of 2012," Jordanian Foreign Ministry spokesman Muhammad Al-Kayed was quoted as saying.
The set-up by the Jordanians follows separate meetings between King Abdullah II of Jordan with Israeli President Shimon Peres and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.
Talks between the sides were suspended by the Palestinians in 2010 following the end of Israel's unprecedented 10-month settlement construction freeze. The Palestinians have since demanded that Israel again halt settlement building and make concessions on borders prior to the resumption of peace negotiations.
Despite the latest breakthrough on a direct meeting between the sides thanks to the Jordanian efforts, the Palestinians are still calling for the Israelis to take the steps. Chief Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat was quoted by the WAFA Palestinian news agency as saying that the meeting in Jordan is an "opportunity" for the Israelis to meet the Palestinian demands to set the environment for peace talks. The Israeli news Web site Ynet reported that Erekat told them the meeting "does not constitute a return to negotiations."
The Israelis, which have long been calling for peace talks to resume, were thankful for the effort by the Jordanians. Israeli National Information Directorate head Dr. Yoaz Hendel said in a statement from the Prime Minister's Office, "We are grateful to King Abdullah II and to Jordanian Foreign Minister Nasser Judeh for their initiative in convening the sides in accordance with the Quartet outline."
(By Joshua Spurlock, www.themideastupdate.com, January 1, 2012)
Prayer Focus
Pray for the Lord's guidance with regard to the resumption of direct negotiations. Pray that the Quartet will not pressure Israel to make concessions prior to a return to discussions.
Scripture
"I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with My eye" (Psalm 32:8).
The Quartet - consisting of the United States, the European Union, Russia and the United Nations - has been trying to restart peace talks for months, with the forthcoming meeting the largest breakthrough to date. The Quartet has called for the sides to present proposals on borders as part of the process, with the goal to have an agreement by the end of the year.
Jordan's Petra news agency reported that the Jordanians will host the sides in one meeting with the Quartet and then again without the world powers. "This aims at reaching a common ground to resume direct talks between the two sides and to achieve a Palestinian-Israeli peace accord that embodies the two-state solution and addresses all final status issues by the end of 2012," Jordanian Foreign Ministry spokesman Muhammad Al-Kayed was quoted as saying.
The set-up by the Jordanians follows separate meetings between King Abdullah II of Jordan with Israeli President Shimon Peres and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.
Talks between the sides were suspended by the Palestinians in 2010 following the end of Israel's unprecedented 10-month settlement construction freeze. The Palestinians have since demanded that Israel again halt settlement building and make concessions on borders prior to the resumption of peace negotiations.
Despite the latest breakthrough on a direct meeting between the sides thanks to the Jordanian efforts, the Palestinians are still calling for the Israelis to take the steps. Chief Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat was quoted by the WAFA Palestinian news agency as saying that the meeting in Jordan is an "opportunity" for the Israelis to meet the Palestinian demands to set the environment for peace talks. The Israeli news Web site Ynet reported that Erekat told them the meeting "does not constitute a return to negotiations."
The Israelis, which have long been calling for peace talks to resume, were thankful for the effort by the Jordanians. Israeli National Information Directorate head Dr. Yoaz Hendel said in a statement from the Prime Minister's Office, "We are grateful to King Abdullah II and to Jordanian Foreign Minister Nasser Judeh for their initiative in convening the sides in accordance with the Quartet outline."
(By Joshua Spurlock, www.themideastupdate.com, January 1, 2012)
Prayer Focus
Pray for the Lord's guidance with regard to the resumption of direct negotiations. Pray that the Quartet will not pressure Israel to make concessions prior to a return to discussions.
Scripture
"I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with My eye" (Psalm 32:8).
2. Moving Closer to Gaza War
Tensions in southern Israel remain high after the Air Force targeted an Islamic Jihad cell Friday [December 30] as it prepared to fire a rocket into Israel, the latest incident in a string of tit-for-tat attacks in recent days.
So far, the Islamic Jihad's response has been relatively mild. In previous instances, the group responded by firing rocket salvos deep into Israel. The meek response may be attributed to several factors. First and foremost, the group has suffered serious losses in its recent skirmishes with Israel, especially during the months of August, September and October. Second, the Islamic Jihad is being restrained by Hamas, which controls the Strip and has a low interest in escalating the situation at this point. Lastly the group is being pressured by both Fatah and Hamas to avoid escalation at a time when reconciliation talks between Palestinian factions are underway.
Since the cessation of Operation Cast Lead in 2009, both Israel and Gaza-based groups upheld an unspoken status quo. In this new reality, sporadic rocket fire into the area surrounding the Gaza Strip was largely tolerated, with each such incident met with a limited IDF [Israel Defense Froces] response. Every violation of this status quo led to a temporary and localized escalation.
The frequency of these localized flare-ups has increased considerably since the summer of 2011, after a coordinated terror attack along Israel's southern border claimed the lives of seven Israelis. Meanwhile, the temporary deterrence achieved by Israel in Operation Cast Lead has been exhausted to an extent, especially with regard to the Islamic Jihad and the smaller factions - as opposed to Hamas.
Under these circumstances, a second Israeli operation in the Gaza Strip is inevitable. The fact remains that the Israeli government will not tolerate the continued rocket attacks from the Strip as the new status quo. Meanwhile, current political trends and events taking place in the region and elsewhere provide Israel with a comfortable period in which to launch what would undoubtedly be a highly controversial operation.
The IDF is keeping close watch on the political situation in neighboring Egypt with the understanding that the currently cooperative military leadership may be replaced by far more hostile Islamist parties. Meanwhile, the United States is heading into an election year, which would likely reduce any pressure from the administration to condemn such offensive.
As such, the situation in southern Israel remains extremely tense. Hamas must now tread carefully to ensure that any one of the dozen splinter factions in the Strip do not engage in any sort of provocation that could drag its regime into a full confrontation with the IDF at such critical juncture.
Unfortunately for Hamas, as well as the citizens of Gaza and southern Israel, the Gaza Strip remains a negligible pawn on the Middle East chessboard, a playing card to be used by regional powers when it suits them most. With Iran, Syria and Hizbullah on the defensive, the fate of the Gaza Strip no longer rests with Hamas.
(Excerpts of an article by Ron Gilran, Ynetnews, December 1, 2012)
Prayer Focus
Pray that the Lord will give Israel's leaders great wisdom as they make decisions regarding the steps necessary to protect Israel's citizens.
Scripture
"The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD, like the rivers of water; He turns it wherever He wishes" (Proverbs 21:1).
So far, the Islamic Jihad's response has been relatively mild. In previous instances, the group responded by firing rocket salvos deep into Israel. The meek response may be attributed to several factors. First and foremost, the group has suffered serious losses in its recent skirmishes with Israel, especially during the months of August, September and October. Second, the Islamic Jihad is being restrained by Hamas, which controls the Strip and has a low interest in escalating the situation at this point. Lastly the group is being pressured by both Fatah and Hamas to avoid escalation at a time when reconciliation talks between Palestinian factions are underway.
Since the cessation of Operation Cast Lead in 2009, both Israel and Gaza-based groups upheld an unspoken status quo. In this new reality, sporadic rocket fire into the area surrounding the Gaza Strip was largely tolerated, with each such incident met with a limited IDF [Israel Defense Froces] response. Every violation of this status quo led to a temporary and localized escalation.
The frequency of these localized flare-ups has increased considerably since the summer of 2011, after a coordinated terror attack along Israel's southern border claimed the lives of seven Israelis. Meanwhile, the temporary deterrence achieved by Israel in Operation Cast Lead has been exhausted to an extent, especially with regard to the Islamic Jihad and the smaller factions - as opposed to Hamas.
Under these circumstances, a second Israeli operation in the Gaza Strip is inevitable. The fact remains that the Israeli government will not tolerate the continued rocket attacks from the Strip as the new status quo. Meanwhile, current political trends and events taking place in the region and elsewhere provide Israel with a comfortable period in which to launch what would undoubtedly be a highly controversial operation.
The IDF is keeping close watch on the political situation in neighboring Egypt with the understanding that the currently cooperative military leadership may be replaced by far more hostile Islamist parties. Meanwhile, the United States is heading into an election year, which would likely reduce any pressure from the administration to condemn such offensive.
As such, the situation in southern Israel remains extremely tense. Hamas must now tread carefully to ensure that any one of the dozen splinter factions in the Strip do not engage in any sort of provocation that could drag its regime into a full confrontation with the IDF at such critical juncture.
Unfortunately for Hamas, as well as the citizens of Gaza and southern Israel, the Gaza Strip remains a negligible pawn on the Middle East chessboard, a playing card to be used by regional powers when it suits them most. With Iran, Syria and Hizbullah on the defensive, the fate of the Gaza Strip no longer rests with Hamas.
(Excerpts of an article by Ron Gilran, Ynetnews, December 1, 2012)
Prayer Focus
Pray that the Lord will give Israel's leaders great wisdom as they make decisions regarding the steps necessary to protect Israel's citizens.
Scripture
"The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD, like the rivers of water; He turns it wherever He wishes" (Proverbs 21:1).
3. Erdogan to Haniyeh: Talks Must Include Hamas
Hamas prime minister in Gaza Ismail Haniyeh on Sunday [January 1] received a warm welcome from Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan during an official meeting in Istanbul.
Palestinian media outlets reported that Haniyeh and Erdogan met in the prime minister's residence along with Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu and other officials. Palestinian sources said the meeting lasted two hours, during which the leaders agreed that a permanent solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict cannot be reached without involving Hamas in the negotiations.
According to reports, Haniyeh and Erdogan discussed the "The 'Jewfication' of Jerusalem and the cruel attacks against its Arab residents."
Erdogan, who expressed support for reconciliation efforts between Hamas and Fatah, spoke about "the necessary steps to preserve the holy sites for Muslims and Christians," and expressed hope that the Palestinians will have "an umbrella organization that will offer significant and democratic representation to all political groups."
During the meeting, the two also discussed the blockade imposed on the Gaza Strip, and the May 2010 IDF raid on the flotilla that aimed to break it. Haniyeh thanked Erdogan for his firm stance on the Palestinian issue, praising him for demonstrating "solidarity with the residents of the Gaza Strip during Operation Cast Lead.
The Hamas prime minister departed on his first official visit outside of Gaza since 2007 last week. He left the Strip through Rafah Crossing and is expected to also visit Egypt, Sudan, Qatar, Tunisia and Bahrain.
(By Roi Kais, Ynetnews, December 1, 2012)
Prayer Focus
Pray that Haniyeh's new-found freedom to travel the world through the Rafah Crossing will not succeed in increasing international incitement against Israel.
Scripture
"Behold, all those who were incensed against you shall be ashamed and disgraced; they shall be as nothing, and those who strive with you shall perish…For I, the LORD your God, will hold your right hand, saying to you, 'Fear not, I will help you'" (Isaiah 41:11, 13).
Palestinian media outlets reported that Haniyeh and Erdogan met in the prime minister's residence along with Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu and other officials. Palestinian sources said the meeting lasted two hours, during which the leaders agreed that a permanent solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict cannot be reached without involving Hamas in the negotiations.
According to reports, Haniyeh and Erdogan discussed the "The 'Jewfication' of Jerusalem and the cruel attacks against its Arab residents."
Erdogan, who expressed support for reconciliation efforts between Hamas and Fatah, spoke about "the necessary steps to preserve the holy sites for Muslims and Christians," and expressed hope that the Palestinians will have "an umbrella organization that will offer significant and democratic representation to all political groups."
During the meeting, the two also discussed the blockade imposed on the Gaza Strip, and the May 2010 IDF raid on the flotilla that aimed to break it. Haniyeh thanked Erdogan for his firm stance on the Palestinian issue, praising him for demonstrating "solidarity with the residents of the Gaza Strip during Operation Cast Lead.
The Hamas prime minister departed on his first official visit outside of Gaza since 2007 last week. He left the Strip through Rafah Crossing and is expected to also visit Egypt, Sudan, Qatar, Tunisia and Bahrain.
(By Roi Kais, Ynetnews, December 1, 2012)
Prayer Focus
Pray that Haniyeh's new-found freedom to travel the world through the Rafah Crossing will not succeed in increasing international incitement against Israel.
Scripture
"Behold, all those who were incensed against you shall be ashamed and disgraced; they shall be as nothing, and those who strive with you shall perish…For I, the LORD your God, will hold your right hand, saying to you, 'Fear not, I will help you'" (Isaiah 41:11, 13).
4. US Criticizes Palestinian Authority Double Talk
Following Palestinian Media Watch's exposure of Hitler glorification in the Palestinian magazine "Zayzafuna" funded by UNESCO, UNESCO's funding was condemned internationally. The US Ambassador to UNESCO condemned the PA for its duplicity and called on UNESCO to act:
"UNESCO must let the Palestinian Authority know that this double-speak, using a message of peace for the international community, and another message for domestic consumption that teaches hatred, is unacceptable. I count on you [Madame Irinia Bokova, Director-General of UNESCO] to investigate whether UNESCO funding is, in fact, still being used to sponsor this Palestinian magazine; and, if so, to take the appropriate steps to end the international community's financing of such hatred through this organization." [US Ambassador to UNESCO, David T. Killion, Dec. 22, 2011]
PMW welcomes the US Ambassador's clear reference to Palestinian Authority duplicity, which PMW has been documenting for years. Responding to the US Ambassador, UNESCO stated:
"UNESCO is shocked and dismayed by the content of the February issue [of Zayzafuna], and has requested more detailed information and clarification from the editors of the magazine and to Palestinian Authority. UNESCO strongly deplores and condemns the reproduction of such inflammatory statements in a magazine associated with UNESCO's name and mission and will not provide any further support to the publication in question." [UNESCO, www.unesco.org , Dec. 23, 2011]
Ambassador Killion, also pointed out that Bokova had told Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas that "membership of UNESCO goes beyond raising the flag" at the organization's headquarters. "It means sharing values - the values of tolerance, respect for others," Bokova said. UNESCO member states voted to accept the PA as a member in October.
"Ideally, of course, UNESCO would have recognized sooner that its funds were being misused to promote such vile hatred of Jews," said Harris. "Still, we are pleased that Director-General Bokova, once alerted, moved decisively. We trust that, against this revealing backdrop, UNESCO will immediately take all necessary further steps to investigate how its funding of Palestinian projects is, in fact, being used."
(Excerpts of an article by The Palestinian Media Watch, December 26, 2011)
Prayer Focus
Praise the Lord for the action taken by UNESCO Director-General Bokova. Pray that further disclosure of Palestinian duplicity will result in other agencies demanding that PA leaders work to create an atmosphere of peace rather than hatred.
Scripture
"Deceit is in the heart of those who devise evil, but counselors of peace have joy" (Proverbs 12:20).
"UNESCO must let the Palestinian Authority know that this double-speak, using a message of peace for the international community, and another message for domestic consumption that teaches hatred, is unacceptable. I count on you [Madame Irinia Bokova, Director-General of UNESCO] to investigate whether UNESCO funding is, in fact, still being used to sponsor this Palestinian magazine; and, if so, to take the appropriate steps to end the international community's financing of such hatred through this organization." [US Ambassador to UNESCO, David T. Killion, Dec. 22, 2011]
PMW welcomes the US Ambassador's clear reference to Palestinian Authority duplicity, which PMW has been documenting for years. Responding to the US Ambassador, UNESCO stated:
"UNESCO is shocked and dismayed by the content of the February issue [of Zayzafuna], and has requested more detailed information and clarification from the editors of the magazine and to Palestinian Authority. UNESCO strongly deplores and condemns the reproduction of such inflammatory statements in a magazine associated with UNESCO's name and mission and will not provide any further support to the publication in question." [UNESCO, www.unesco.org , Dec. 23, 2011]
Ambassador Killion, also pointed out that Bokova had told Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas that "membership of UNESCO goes beyond raising the flag" at the organization's headquarters. "It means sharing values - the values of tolerance, respect for others," Bokova said. UNESCO member states voted to accept the PA as a member in October.
"Ideally, of course, UNESCO would have recognized sooner that its funds were being misused to promote such vile hatred of Jews," said Harris. "Still, we are pleased that Director-General Bokova, once alerted, moved decisively. We trust that, against this revealing backdrop, UNESCO will immediately take all necessary further steps to investigate how its funding of Palestinian projects is, in fact, being used."
(Excerpts of an article by The Palestinian Media Watch, December 26, 2011)
Prayer Focus
Praise the Lord for the action taken by UNESCO Director-General Bokova. Pray that further disclosure of Palestinian duplicity will result in other agencies demanding that PA leaders work to create an atmosphere of peace rather than hatred.
Scripture
"Deceit is in the heart of those who devise evil, but counselors of peace have joy" (Proverbs 12:20).
5. Three Years since Operation Cast Lead in the Gaza Strip
Three years ago, the IDF [Israel Defense Forces] conducted Operation Cast Lead in the Gaza Strip. The operation lasted three weeks and significantly boosted the IDF's deterrence.
Since the operation, the Gaza Strip region has undergone major changes, in regards to the quality of life in Israeli communities near Gaza, humanitarian aid within Gaza and the means of warfare used by the IDF.
Since January 2009, with the completion of Operation Cast Lead, the Gaza Strip has been relatively quiet, with occasional waves of violence.
The Iron Dome system, designed to intercept rockets fired from Gaza toward Israel, operates amidst the current reality in which the enemy is mainly directing its fire at populated civilian areas within Israel. Since Cast Lead, the warning siren system has been improved and hundreds of new sirens have been put in place by the Home Front Command. Three Iron Dome batteries are deployed, in accordance with current threats. Two more batteries will be added by the end of 2012, with a sixth to be put into operation in 2013.
Since Cast Lead, changes have occurred in the field of humanitarian aid in the Gaza Strip. The operations of the Coordination and Liaison Administration of Gaza, subject to the guidelines of the Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT), include all areas of aid that Israel can provide.
During Cast Lead, the IDF struck terrorist targets, and did not aim at the civilian population. Following a number of incidents in which civilians were unintentionally harmed, both the IDF and COGAT invested many efforts to avoid harm to uninvolved civilians.
More accurate weapons have been developed and population liaison officers have begun to operate. These officers are reservists specially trained by the Coordination and Liaison Administration of Gaza with the aim of finding solutions to humanitarian problems faced by commanders during battle. Some of the lessons from Cast Lead showed the need for population liaison officers and an array of such officers has been established over the past three years. Now, during a battle in Gaza, a population liaison officer will be present with IDF forces and assist in cases of uncertainty on the field of battle.
Other than military activity, a number of other humanitarian efforts were made by Israel to assist the population of Gaza. After Cast Lead, 1,511 trucks entered Gaza with 137,162 tons of goods - flour, rice, sugar, oil, pharmaceutical and medical supplies, food and animal feed. About four million liters of fuel and 234 tons of gas entered Gaza. 706 trucks carrying donations from foreign countries and international organizations were permitted to enter Gaza.
After Cast Lead, a special medical center and field hospital were set up for Gaza residents at the Erez Crossing. According to IDF officers, all goods requested by Gaza residents were permitted to enter, except those that could be used as weapons (for example, metal pipes that could be used to make rockets, although Israel provided rubber and plastic alternatives).
Israel is also taking steps with the goal of creating an independent economy in Gaza, not dependent on Israel. Among other things, Israel assists the export of goods from Gaza, the establishment of fish ponds, the promotion of self-production, and giving lessons by experts in various fields to Palestinian representatives.
"We are required to equip infantry forces and improve their defenses and capabilities - the ability to fight at night, for example," said Major Roniel Turgeman, head of the infantry's weaponry and unmanned vehicles department. "These are things that arose from conclusions following the Second Lebanon War and Operation Cast Lead, which is why we are investing heavily in the development and deployment of weaponry - which are essential for battle."
"Because this is a built-up area, it is required to improve the lethality and precision of the forces, as the well as the ability to maneuver and to respond effectively to this complex type of conflict," Maj. Turgeman said. "These are things that increase the confidence of soldiers in their ability to fight and their ability to deal with well-prepared enemies…Enhanced weaponry will help forces become more rapid, lethal and flexible."
A system is being developed that will identify the source of small arms fire, allowing forces to respond more rapidly and precisely. Also, a new sophisticated grenade launching system will improve accuracy and lethality.
"Unmanned vehicles help security forces locate and identify objects and people along the entire border fence in a short and effective amount of time, without exposing our forces to risk," Maj. Turgeman said, adding that the vehicles provide an answer to planted explosive devices and direct shooting attacks on IDF forces.
Maj. Turgeman concluded: "The end goal is to coordinate the ground forces with the enemy's preparations that are improving and evolving over time. We must face these challenges in a quick, precise and lethal manner, with technological improvements and developments of existing weapons."
(Excerpts of an article by The Israel Defense Forces, December 28, 2011)
Prayer Focus
Praise the Lord that Israel has gone the second mile and beyond in assisting the citizens of Gaza after Operation Cast Lead, improving their living conditions now and hope for the future.
Scripture"Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! It is like the precious oil upon the head, running down on the beard, the beard of Aaron, running down on the edge of his garments. It is like the dew of Hermon, descending upon the mountains of Zion; for there the LORD commanded the blessing - life forevermore" (Psalm 133:1-3).
Since the operation, the Gaza Strip region has undergone major changes, in regards to the quality of life in Israeli communities near Gaza, humanitarian aid within Gaza and the means of warfare used by the IDF.
Since January 2009, with the completion of Operation Cast Lead, the Gaza Strip has been relatively quiet, with occasional waves of violence.
The Iron Dome system, designed to intercept rockets fired from Gaza toward Israel, operates amidst the current reality in which the enemy is mainly directing its fire at populated civilian areas within Israel. Since Cast Lead, the warning siren system has been improved and hundreds of new sirens have been put in place by the Home Front Command. Three Iron Dome batteries are deployed, in accordance with current threats. Two more batteries will be added by the end of 2012, with a sixth to be put into operation in 2013.
Since Cast Lead, changes have occurred in the field of humanitarian aid in the Gaza Strip. The operations of the Coordination and Liaison Administration of Gaza, subject to the guidelines of the Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT), include all areas of aid that Israel can provide.
During Cast Lead, the IDF struck terrorist targets, and did not aim at the civilian population. Following a number of incidents in which civilians were unintentionally harmed, both the IDF and COGAT invested many efforts to avoid harm to uninvolved civilians.
More accurate weapons have been developed and population liaison officers have begun to operate. These officers are reservists specially trained by the Coordination and Liaison Administration of Gaza with the aim of finding solutions to humanitarian problems faced by commanders during battle. Some of the lessons from Cast Lead showed the need for population liaison officers and an array of such officers has been established over the past three years. Now, during a battle in Gaza, a population liaison officer will be present with IDF forces and assist in cases of uncertainty on the field of battle.
Other than military activity, a number of other humanitarian efforts were made by Israel to assist the population of Gaza. After Cast Lead, 1,511 trucks entered Gaza with 137,162 tons of goods - flour, rice, sugar, oil, pharmaceutical and medical supplies, food and animal feed. About four million liters of fuel and 234 tons of gas entered Gaza. 706 trucks carrying donations from foreign countries and international organizations were permitted to enter Gaza.
After Cast Lead, a special medical center and field hospital were set up for Gaza residents at the Erez Crossing. According to IDF officers, all goods requested by Gaza residents were permitted to enter, except those that could be used as weapons (for example, metal pipes that could be used to make rockets, although Israel provided rubber and plastic alternatives).
Israel is also taking steps with the goal of creating an independent economy in Gaza, not dependent on Israel. Among other things, Israel assists the export of goods from Gaza, the establishment of fish ponds, the promotion of self-production, and giving lessons by experts in various fields to Palestinian representatives.
"We are required to equip infantry forces and improve their defenses and capabilities - the ability to fight at night, for example," said Major Roniel Turgeman, head of the infantry's weaponry and unmanned vehicles department. "These are things that arose from conclusions following the Second Lebanon War and Operation Cast Lead, which is why we are investing heavily in the development and deployment of weaponry - which are essential for battle."
"Because this is a built-up area, it is required to improve the lethality and precision of the forces, as the well as the ability to maneuver and to respond effectively to this complex type of conflict," Maj. Turgeman said. "These are things that increase the confidence of soldiers in their ability to fight and their ability to deal with well-prepared enemies…Enhanced weaponry will help forces become more rapid, lethal and flexible."
A system is being developed that will identify the source of small arms fire, allowing forces to respond more rapidly and precisely. Also, a new sophisticated grenade launching system will improve accuracy and lethality.
"Unmanned vehicles help security forces locate and identify objects and people along the entire border fence in a short and effective amount of time, without exposing our forces to risk," Maj. Turgeman said, adding that the vehicles provide an answer to planted explosive devices and direct shooting attacks on IDF forces.
Maj. Turgeman concluded: "The end goal is to coordinate the ground forces with the enemy's preparations that are improving and evolving over time. We must face these challenges in a quick, precise and lethal manner, with technological improvements and developments of existing weapons."
(Excerpts of an article by The Israel Defense Forces, December 28, 2011)
Prayer Focus
Praise the Lord that Israel has gone the second mile and beyond in assisting the citizens of Gaza after Operation Cast Lead, improving their living conditions now and hope for the future.
Scripture"Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! It is like the precious oil upon the head, running down on the beard, the beard of Aaron, running down on the edge of his garments. It is like the dew of Hermon, descending upon the mountains of Zion; for there the LORD commanded the blessing - life forevermore" (Psalm 133:1-3).
6. Israel's Cancer Ambassador
After losing her son and brother to the disease, Miri Ziv became 'the' source for cancer news, breakthroughs and research in Israel. "Together we work against the disease and for the patients," says Miri Ziv.
"I'm not answering that!" calls out Miri Ziv, director general of the Israel Cancer Associatio (ICA), when told that yet another head of an organization must speak with her. Ziv, of course, picks up the telephone. She is sitting at her desk at ICA headquarters in Givatayim, a suburb of Tel Aviv. Piles of papers, newspaper clippings, research documents and advertising material fill her office. A self-proclaimed workaholic, Ziv has been the face of Israel's cancer community since 1992 -- the year her 21-year-old son, Oren, died from melanoma.
In a country that lacks a National Cancer Institute, and where the ICA is the watchdog, Ziv is "the" source for cancer news, breakthroughs and research. "I was born when the Israel Cancer Association was created in 1952. I am not a physician but I know a lot about cancer control," she says. Even before cancer struck her personally -- her son and brother succumbed to the illness -- Ziv made it clear that she wanted to help in the fight against one of the world's most deadly diseases.
She has been a part of the Israel Cancer Association's landscape for nearly 30 years. She recently returned from New York where she represented Israel at the United Nations Summit on Non-Communicable Diseases. "We deal with prevention. Our aim is to reduce cancer morbidity and mortality. Without inventing anything new and just using what we have, people can reduce the likelihood of cancer by 50 percent," Ziv tells ISRAEL21c.
Ziv breathes facts and figures related to cancer. She's up at four in the morning and likes to start her day with a glass of water and lemon juice. Then she catches up on the latest cancer-related articles, publications and documents she didn't have time to read the day before at the office.
She is a woman of many hats. In addition to her role at the ICA, she is also a member of the Israel National Health Committee, the Israel National Council of Oncology, the National Council of Health Promotion as well as a national representative of the European Breast Cancer Coalition. This year she was elected as Global Cancer Ambassador by the American Cancer Society. "I have a lot of meetings," she says.
With some 28,000 Israelis diagnosed with cancer annually and about 10,000 dying from cancer every year, Ziv and her team are kept busy.
Despite the newspaper clippings citing certain successes and the colorful ad campaign posters on the walls of the corridors, there's no masking why the Israel Cancer Association exists.
"You can't work here unless you know the work is important," says Ziv. "It's difficult to do what we do. That's why our volunteers work with the commitment as if they were paid staff, and the staff works with such devotion as if they were volunteers. Together we work against the disease and for the patients."
Cancer in Israel - the statistics:
In Israel, cancer is the No. 1 cause of death.
There are some 200,000 patients/survivors in Israel today.
Israeli hospitals provide cutting-edge treatment for cancer,
including targeted therapies for specific types of tumors based
on in-house and international research.
Israel is a world leader in breast cancer survival rates and research.
Israel has 56 mammography screening institutes and leads the world in
mammography compliance rates, according to a World Health Organization survey.
Israel was one of the first 10 countries to pass a law prohibiting smoking in public places.
(By Israel21c, December 21, 2011)
Prayer Focus
Pray that Israel's participation in the international war against cancer will continue to bring results that will benefit people the world over.
Scripture
"I will make you a great nation; I will bless you and make your name great; and you shall be a blessing" (Genesis 12:2).
"I'm not answering that!" calls out Miri Ziv, director general of the Israel Cancer Associatio (ICA), when told that yet another head of an organization must speak with her. Ziv, of course, picks up the telephone. She is sitting at her desk at ICA headquarters in Givatayim, a suburb of Tel Aviv. Piles of papers, newspaper clippings, research documents and advertising material fill her office. A self-proclaimed workaholic, Ziv has been the face of Israel's cancer community since 1992 -- the year her 21-year-old son, Oren, died from melanoma.
In a country that lacks a National Cancer Institute, and where the ICA is the watchdog, Ziv is "the" source for cancer news, breakthroughs and research. "I was born when the Israel Cancer Association was created in 1952. I am not a physician but I know a lot about cancer control," she says. Even before cancer struck her personally -- her son and brother succumbed to the illness -- Ziv made it clear that she wanted to help in the fight against one of the world's most deadly diseases.
She has been a part of the Israel Cancer Association's landscape for nearly 30 years. She recently returned from New York where she represented Israel at the United Nations Summit on Non-Communicable Diseases. "We deal with prevention. Our aim is to reduce cancer morbidity and mortality. Without inventing anything new and just using what we have, people can reduce the likelihood of cancer by 50 percent," Ziv tells ISRAEL21c.
Ziv breathes facts and figures related to cancer. She's up at four in the morning and likes to start her day with a glass of water and lemon juice. Then she catches up on the latest cancer-related articles, publications and documents she didn't have time to read the day before at the office.
She is a woman of many hats. In addition to her role at the ICA, she is also a member of the Israel National Health Committee, the Israel National Council of Oncology, the National Council of Health Promotion as well as a national representative of the European Breast Cancer Coalition. This year she was elected as Global Cancer Ambassador by the American Cancer Society. "I have a lot of meetings," she says.
With some 28,000 Israelis diagnosed with cancer annually and about 10,000 dying from cancer every year, Ziv and her team are kept busy.
Despite the newspaper clippings citing certain successes and the colorful ad campaign posters on the walls of the corridors, there's no masking why the Israel Cancer Association exists.
"You can't work here unless you know the work is important," says Ziv. "It's difficult to do what we do. That's why our volunteers work with the commitment as if they were paid staff, and the staff works with such devotion as if they were volunteers. Together we work against the disease and for the patients."
Cancer in Israel - the statistics:
In Israel, cancer is the No. 1 cause of death.
There are some 200,000 patients/survivors in Israel today.
Israeli hospitals provide cutting-edge treatment for cancer,
including targeted therapies for specific types of tumors based
on in-house and international research.
Israel is a world leader in breast cancer survival rates and research.
Israel has 56 mammography screening institutes and leads the world in
mammography compliance rates, according to a World Health Organization survey.
Israel was one of the first 10 countries to pass a law prohibiting smoking in public places.
(By Israel21c, December 21, 2011)
Prayer Focus
Pray that Israel's participation in the international war against cancer will continue to bring results that will benefit people the world over.
Scripture
"I will make you a great nation; I will bless you and make your name great; and you shall be a blessing" (Genesis 12:2).
7. Rare Second Temple Find
Today the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) announced that a seal had been found in excavations being carried out near the Robinson Arch [just south of the Western Wall] in soil covering the foundations of the Western Wall. This very rare find is indicative of activity in the Second Temple times. IAA archaeologist Eli Shukron and Professor Ronny Reich of the University of Haifa explained that the meaning of the inscription was "pure for G-d."
"It is probable that the inscribed object was used to mark products or objects that were brought to the Temple, and it was imperative they be ritually pure…To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time that such an object or anything similar to it was discovered in an archaeological excavation and it constitutes direct archaeological evidence of the activity on the Temple Mount and the workings of the Temple during the Second Temple Period."
Layers of soil, covering the foundations of the Western Wall about 15 meters [49 feet] north of the southwestern corner of the Temple Mount, were excavated beneath Robinson's Arch. On top of these layers, dating to the first century CE [AD] (the late Second Temple period), was paved the Herodian street which was the main road of Jerusalem at that time.
From the very start of the excavations in this area, the archaeologists decided that all of the soil removed from there would be meticulously sifted (including wet-sifting and thorough sorting of the material remnants left in the sieve). This scientific measure is being done in cooperation with thousands of pupils.
It was during the sieving process that a tiny object of fired clay, the size of a button, about two centimeters in diameter, was discovered. The item is stamped with an Aramaic inscription consisting of two lines, which means pure. Following is the shortened form (two of the four letters) for the name of the G-d of Israel.
Tractate Shekalim tells of the administration procedures on the Temple Mount in which this object was used, "Whoever required libations would go to Yohanan, who was in charge of the stamps, give him [the appropriate amount of] money, and would receive a stamp from him in return. He would then go to Ahiyah, who was in charge over the libations, give him the stamp, and receive the libations from him."
In addition to this item, other artifacts dating to the Second Temple Period were discovered. Some are even earlier and date to the time of the Hasmoneans, such as oil lamps, ceramic cooking pots, and a fusiform [wide in the middle, tapering at both ends] juglet that may have contained oils and perfume, as well as coins of the Hasmonean kings, such as Alexander Jannaeus and John Hyrcanus.
(By Isranet, January 25, 2011)
"It is probable that the inscribed object was used to mark products or objects that were brought to the Temple, and it was imperative they be ritually pure…To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time that such an object or anything similar to it was discovered in an archaeological excavation and it constitutes direct archaeological evidence of the activity on the Temple Mount and the workings of the Temple during the Second Temple Period."
Layers of soil, covering the foundations of the Western Wall about 15 meters [49 feet] north of the southwestern corner of the Temple Mount, were excavated beneath Robinson's Arch. On top of these layers, dating to the first century CE [AD] (the late Second Temple period), was paved the Herodian street which was the main road of Jerusalem at that time.
From the very start of the excavations in this area, the archaeologists decided that all of the soil removed from there would be meticulously sifted (including wet-sifting and thorough sorting of the material remnants left in the sieve). This scientific measure is being done in cooperation with thousands of pupils.
It was during the sieving process that a tiny object of fired clay, the size of a button, about two centimeters in diameter, was discovered. The item is stamped with an Aramaic inscription consisting of two lines, which means pure. Following is the shortened form (two of the four letters) for the name of the G-d of Israel.
Tractate Shekalim tells of the administration procedures on the Temple Mount in which this object was used, "Whoever required libations would go to Yohanan, who was in charge of the stamps, give him [the appropriate amount of] money, and would receive a stamp from him in return. He would then go to Ahiyah, who was in charge over the libations, give him the stamp, and receive the libations from him."
In addition to this item, other artifacts dating to the Second Temple Period were discovered. Some are even earlier and date to the time of the Hasmoneans, such as oil lamps, ceramic cooking pots, and a fusiform [wide in the middle, tapering at both ends] juglet that may have contained oils and perfume, as well as coins of the Hasmonean kings, such as Alexander Jannaeus and John Hyrcanus.
(By Isranet, January 25, 2011)
Note: All Scripture is taken from the New King James Version, unless otherwise noted.
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