"The political echelons of Israel don't want a paper, for the same reason that Hamas wants one. The Israelis prefer to make a verbal agreement. Putting the conditions on paper will limit Israel's freedom to act militarily in the future..."--Senior Israeli political analyst Nahum Barnea in Yedioth today.
- Israeli strikes on Gaza Tuesday kill 2 children and 25 others - Israeli airstrikes on the Gaza Strip on Tuesday afternoon killed two children, bringing the day's death toll to 27. Since the Israeli bombardment started, 141 Palestinians have been killed and over 900 injured. Among the killed Tuesday was Mohammad Rezeq al-Zahar, in his 30s; his three-year-old son, Ahmad, was wounded. Three Palestinian journalists were also killed yesterday. (Maan)
- Internal Arab protests against Gaza operation spread - A woman is severely injured by a stone in the Gush Etzion settlement bloc. Two soldiers are wounded during demonstrations in the West Bank. Dozens protest against Gaza operation in Acre. (Israel Hayom)
- IDF drops leaflets in Gaza City warning residents to evacuate outlying areas - See Haaretz's Day 8 Live Blog. (Haaretz) Beersheba residents against truce: We've had enough - Dozens urge government to reject Egypt-brokered truce ceasefire proposal, chant 'we want Hamas eliminated.' (Ynet)
- Lieberman to UN chief: Urging Israel to avoid ground offensive bolsters Hamas - Ban Ki-moon arrives in Israel as part of an extensive diplomatic push, aimed at bringing Israel and Hamas to hold their fire; Hillary Clinton to land later in the day. (Haaretz+)
- A costly conflict - So far, the cost of Operation Pillar of Defense is estimated at 5 billion shekels ($1.3 billion). More than 1,400 structures and vehicles were damaged by rockets. (Israel Hayom)
- Mohammed Deif in rare video: Our path leads to paradise - Head of Hamas' military wing is heard saying 'Israel underestimated us, put your faith in Allah and in your ability to win.' (Ynet)
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