Joshua Lapide

Hamas says it was a simple mistake. But the UN is asking for the restitution of whole truckloads of food, and guarantees that it will not happen again. 1.5 million people depend on this humanitarian aid.

The Israeli Navy blocked the ship yesterday concerned it was carrying weapons for Palestinians. Instead it was carrying humanitarian aid. Among the expelled Msgr. Hilarion Capucci, current bishop of Cesarea.

First violent break in the ceasefire. Meanwhile the US envoy George Mitchell arrives, with a message from Obama for a resumption of dialogue between Israelis and Palestinians.

Truce is holding despite some shooting. Ban Ki-moon says he is “outraged” by Israel’s attacks against UN buildings, calls Hamas violence against Sderot “appalling.” At least 1,300 Palestinians are dead as a result of the Israeli offensive. UN hopes for Hamas-Fatah reconciliation within Palestinian Authority.

The UN secretary general will not meet with members of Hamas. Abbas: Israel wants to “wipe-out” the people in the Strip. The death toll reaches 975. The UN accuses Israel of failing to respect the rights of children. The International Red Cross demands respect for the wounded and medical workers.

Urban warfare begins. Dozens of homes destroyed. 930 dead among the Palestinians; 4,200 injured. Olmert and Haniye are threatening each other. Ban Ki-moon continues calling for a ceasefire. Tomorrow, he will be in Egypt and Jordan, then in Israel and the West Bank.

Hamas continues to fire rockets against Israeli cities despite a drop in number. Almost 900 Palestinians, half civilians, have died so far. Human Rights Watch accuses Israel of using white phosphorous shells which set homes on fire and burn skin. The Arab world stressed the humanitarian crisis in Gaza but gives Hamas the cold shoulder.

Fourteen of the council's 15 members vote in favour of a Security Council resolution. United States abstains. Text calls for a ceasefire, free passage for humanitarian aid, and an Israeli pullout. It also condemns all acts of terrorism and violence against civilians and calls for greater monitoring of arms and ammunition smuggling into the Strip. The number of dead is growing among Palestinians (750) and Israelis (16). UNRWA stops relief operations after one of its drivers is killed. The International Red Cross accuses Israel of not helping the wounded.

Five Israelis in the Galilee are slightly wounded. Israel’s army fires back. No one claims responsibility but the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine is thought to be behind the attack. Hizbollah issues threats as Iranian leader Larijani is in Damascus to meet Khaled Meshaal and other pro-Tehran Palestinian groups. In Gaza toll tops 700 dead and more than 3,000 wounded.

The humanitarian crisis is getting worse. Three UN-run schools are hit and more than 70 Palestinians are killed. According to the Israeli army, Hamas militants used the schools to fire on its soldiers. Israel halts for a three-hour truce.

The city of Gaza is isolated from the rest of the territory. The death toll and the number of wounded is growing. Intense diplomatic activity in the region by president Sarkozy, EU, Russia. A Hamas delegation is also heading to Cairo for talks.

Abu Zakaria al-Jamal has been killed. Khaled Mashaal is threatening Tel Aviv, and urging the Muslim world to unite. Demonstrations in many Islamic countries. Humanitarian crisis worsens.