Israel Splits Gaza in Three as Soldiers Battle Hamas

[tekisui]

Source: Times Online

Israeli troops fought heavy battles with Hamas fighters in two densely populated Gaza towns today as the Army sought to split the strip into three sections to cut off the Islamist group’s supply lines.

Thirty Israeli troops were injured, two seriously, and 19 Palestinian fighters were killed, the military said. Hamas said that it had captured two soldiers, but the Israeli Defence Force would not confirm the claim, adding that it could be a propaganda ploy.

The Israeli strategy of splitting Gaza into north, central and southern sections mirrors a similar tactic employed when settlers used to come under attack in the strip.

It enables the military to stop Gaza City being supplied from the south, stops Hamas movements and gives troops distinct areas to clear.

Israeli troops also took up positions in the old Jewish settlement of Netzarim which controls the main north-south road.

In Gaza City an explosion hit Palestine Square the main shopping area, close to a market, killing five people and badly injuring dozens.

A Times reporter at Shifa hospital saw six ambulances and seven cars – there is a shortage of emergency vehicles – arrive with the wounded. One was a badly maimed teenage girl and a man missing body parts.

more: http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/middle_east/article5443427.ece

[madrchsod]

1. "masters of war"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H0h_lqaQz-A&feature=related