Gaza ground operation started

IDF is in Northern Gaza. And on Israel territory army is increasing level of readiness - according to IDF spokeperson. Here is official communique:

A short while ago (Jan.3), IDF forces began to implement the second stage of Operation Cast Lead. Ground forces have begun to maneuver within the Gaza Strip. The objective of this stage of the operation is to destroy the terrorist infrastructure of the Hamas in the precise area of operation, while taking control of some of rocket launching area used by the Hamas in order to greatly reduce the quantity of rockets fired at Israel and Israeli civilians. The IDF Spokesperson emphasizes that this stage of the operation will further the goals of Operation Cast Lead as communicated till now: To strike a direct and hard blow against Hamas while increasing the deterrent strength of the IDF, in order to bring about an improved and more stable security situation for residents of southern Israel in the long term. A large number of IDF forces are taking part in this stage of the operation including infantry, tanks, engineering forces, artillery and intelligence, along with the support of the Israel Air Force, Israel Navy, Israel Security Agency and other security agencies. The operation is in accord with the decisions of the Security Cabinet. This stage of the operation is a part of the IDF's overall operational plan, and will continue on the basis of ongoing situational assessments by the IDF General Staff. The forces participating in the operation have been highly trained and were prepared for the mission over the long period that the operation was planned. The Commander of the operation is Maj. Gen. Yoav Galant, GOC Southern Command. The IDF and the Home Front Command has taken the necessary steps to protect the civilian population. All residents of Southern Israel are requested to follow the guidelines of the Home Front Command as communicated via the media. The IDF Spokesperson wishes to reiterate that the residents of Gaza are not the target of the operation. Those who use civilians, the elderly, women and children as human shields are responsible for any and all injuries to the civilian population. Anyone who hides a terrorist or weapons in his house is considered a terrorist. Based on a situational analysis, The IDF is taking steps to raise the level of alert for its forces in other areas of the country.

ISRAEL DEFENDING WESTERN WORLD

It's obvious that Israeli campaign in south of Israel is of defensive character. Terrorist sponsored by Iran are constantly attacking in vicious ways Israeli state. They are of character as a Soviet Empire was. Its goal is unlimited:
1) destruction of Israel
2) conquering the world and creation of islamic order
3) battle one part of Islamic world (Sunni) with the other one (Shia).
So war which Muslims are waging is unresolved. And its final result must be total destruction. That is why thinking world should wake up soon.
Europeans should be appreciative Israeli mission of stopping terror in the Middle East. Otherwise Intifada or terrorist campaign labeled differently would take place in Europe...

What is taking place in Israel is a preliminary battle for Muslims. Those who are sending terrorists are completely mad.
The day before yeasterday the news broke out that name of Bernard Henri-Levy, one of known intellectuals, who often defends Israel, was found on a list of potential targets for assasination.
If one had doubts about Hamas and similar terrorists now those doubts should disappear.
At that point it is worthy to remind that Zuheir Mohsen high Palestianian operative said years ago that Palestinian nation do not exists:
In a March 31, 1977 interview with the Amsterdam-based newspaper "Dagblad de Verdieping Trouw", March 31, 1977, PLO executive committee member Zahir Muhsein said: "The Palestinian people does not exist. The
creation of a Palestinian state is only a means for continuing our struggle against the state of Israel for our Arab unity. In reality today there is no difference between Jordanians, Palestinians, Syrians and Lebanese. Only for political and tactical reasons do we speak today about the existence of a Palestinian people, since Arab national interests demand that we posit the existence of a distinct 'Palestinian people' to oppose Zionism. For tactical reasons, Jordan, which is a sovereign state with defined borders, cannot raise claims to Haifa and Jaffa, while as a Palestinian, I can undoubtedly demand Haifa, Jaffa, Beer-Sheva and Jerusalem. However, the moment we reclaim our right to all of Palestine, we will not wait even a minute to unite Palestine and Jordan."

Even if some Arabs would like to live peacefully in the land they have they still can do it if they eradicate terrorism.. Unfortunately those lands given to them are rather operation territory for attacking Israel. They are not interested in welfare of state. They hate peace.

There is very interesting summary of terrorists attacks on Israel and IDF defensive operation rovided by Yeshiva World News.
Israpundint provides intelligence on possible ground operations in Gaza

DEBKAfile’s military sources list 9 pointers to an imminent Israeli incursion:

1. Israel’s three decision-makers, the prime minister, defense minister Ehud Barak and foreign minister Tzipi Livni, met Friday, Dec. 2, and resolved “to keep up the military pressure on Hamas” – a decision that gives the IDF a free hand.

2. Hamas’ conduct Friday: After 9 Grad Katyusha rockets were fired against Ashkelon, destroying two buildings and injuring five Israelis, the tempo slowed to 40 launchings the whole day - half the week’s daily average. The Palestinian terrorists were evidently reserving stocks for a grand climax when Israeli tank and armored infantry crossed into Gaza.

3. Hamas threats have mounted to a new pitch: Damascus-based Khaled Meshaal, who is in hiding, warned Israel (in a taped speech) of a “black fate” if it invades Gaza, including more kidnapped Israeli soldiers. Underlying his words was the threat of guerrilla action behind Israeli lines to snatch hostages.

4. Israeli air strikes against the empty homes of Hamas leaders continued early Saturday after 45 were destroyed Thursday and Friday. Their objective is to demoralize the Hamas command echelon and break its will to fight.

5. The Hamas military wing reported thwarting an Israeli special forces’ attempt to steal into the Sejaya refugee camp in Gaza City early Saturday. This is the third such claim in three days. The IDF spokesman denied knowledge of the incident.

6. DEBKAfile’s military sources report mass-desertions by teenagers who form the backbone of Hamas’ fighting rank and file. They are going home to their parents.

7. Early signs that former Palestinian security officers unaffiliated with Hamas are getting together to seize control of Gazan districts in which Hamas rule has collapsed.

Israeli warplanes dropped leaflets from Friday night advising people living in the northern and eastern neighborhoods of Gaza City to leave their homes. Defiance of this curfew directive carried the risk of being shot.

8. Cairo forwarded an urgent request to Hamas leaders in Damascus to make known their conditions for a ceasefire.

9. The arrival in Damascus of the chairman of Iran’s national security council and nuclear negotiator Said Jalili for urgent talks with Syrian president Bashar Assad and the leaders of Hamas and Jihad Islami.