Starting today, the first day of the academic year, schools remained closed due to Israel’s failure to renew entry permits for school staff. The Jewish state's measure affects more than 70 teachers and non-teaching staff, as well as 8,500 students. Various Christian Churches are united in protest, a repeat of what occurred last Christmas.
The Office for Justice, Peace and Development of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of India appeals to India's external affairs minister. In two days time, the UN will vote on recognising Palestine as a non-member state. For Catholic leaders, Israeli settlements in the West Bank "are illegal".
On 29 November, the General Assembly of the United Nations will vote whether to admit or not Palestine as a non-member state. Palestinian diplomats expect a "pleasant surprise", counting on 150 votes out 193. Some doubts persist about some European nations. Israel's diplomatic counteroffensive is aimed at governments and presidents. It fears that Palestine might be admitted to the International Criminal Court to press charges against Israel over war crimes and illegal Jewish settlements. For Avigdor Lieberman, that would be a declaration of war.
Israel's goal in its "Pillar of Defence' operation was to undermine Abbas's UN request. Everyone appears to agree on this: Israel, Hamas, Egypt and the United States. The great former statesman now peace activist suggests steps to take to achieve coexistence: direct dialogue with Hamas and support for a Palestinian seat at the UN. Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman has other plans: colonising the West Bank and let Gaza be.
The truce demands an end to violence and attacks by both sides and the re-opening of the border crossings between Gaza and Egypt and Israel. Joyful celebrations in Gaza. Israel happy about the guarantees of peace for the southern populations. Mohamed Morsi applauded for his diplomatic contribution. The importance of the 500 tunnels between Egypt and Gaza for smuggling weapons and goods.
Ban Ki-moon, Hillary Clinton, Nabil al-Arabi, Mohamed Morsi are engaged in visits and dialogues. Last night the Israeli army hit "100 terrorist locations." More than 160 missiles were fired from the Strip. The death toll grows: 130 Palestinians (including 31 children), five Israelis. More than 80% of Israelis support the operation, but there are young people who are refusing military service. The difficult conditions requested for the truce.
Benedict XVI offered encouragement for those working on a truce. Continuing his catechesis on the Year of Faith, Benedict XVI said that fideism, as expressed in the phrase 'I believe because it is absurd', "is not a formula that interprets the Catholic faith". For the latter, believing is indeed reasonable.
Of the wounded, only one is in serious condition. Among the Palestinians killed today, three are children. The Tel Aviv police fears a new wave of terrorism. By the eighth day of the offensive, Israel has made over 1,500 airstrikes, killing 158 Palestinians. The Hamas militants have launched 1,400 rockets into Israel, killing four civilians and a soldier.
The agreement went into effect at 7:00 p.m. (local time). The announcement was made by Mohammed Kamel Amr, the Egyptian foreign minister. Netanyahu calls Obama to confirm acceptance of the truce, but warns of an even harder operation in the event of new rocket attacks from the Gaza Strip.
As the Israeli cabinet meets, Israeli PM's spokesman Mark Regev raises the possibility of a truce. As Israeli tanks and armoured vehicles are poised for attack on the border with the Gaza Strip, extremists stop launching rockets against Israel. From Cairo, Ban Ki-Moon calls on both sides to cease fire. So far, "Pillar of defence' has caused 110 dead among Palestinians and three among Israelis.
An Israeli raid, which was to kill the Hamas leader, responsible for the rocket attacks, has killed nine people, including some children: "a technical error". Yesterday nearly 150 missiles on Israeli cities have left two seriously injured. In Cairo, together with Israeli and Palestinian representatives, work is being done for a cease-fire.
The secularised mindset accuses missionaries of imposing their truth without respect for others. Even within the Church, the 'dictatorship of relativism' appears to be spreading, extinguishing love for the truth of Christ and mission. A so-called 'adult' faith tries to do without Church and true humanism.
Israel conducted 180 strikes overnight. Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh's headquarters is destroyed. Israel calls up 75,000 reservists. Ban Ki-moon urges both sides to stop the escalation. Obama backs Netanyahu, but asks Egypt's president to stop Hamas. Demonstrations in solidarity with the Palestinians are held in Egypt, Syria, Lebanon, West Bank and Iran. The death toll from Operation 'Pillar of Defence' now stands at 38 dead for the Palestinians, plus 280 wounded. Three Israelis are also killed.
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