Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
09JERUSALEM138
2009-01-15 12:11:00
UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
Consulate Jerusalem
Cable title:
GAZA UPDATE JANUARY 15, 2009, 1300 LOCAL
how-toVZCZCXRO7591 OO RUEHROV DE RUEHJM #0138/01 0151211 ZNR UUUUU ZZH O 151211Z JAN 09 FM AMCONSUL JERUSALEM TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 3853 INFO RUEHXK/ARAB ISRAELI COLLECTIVE PRIORITY RHEHNSC/WHITE HOUSE NSC PRIORITY
UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 JERUSALEM 000138
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
NEA FOR FRONT OFFICE AND IPA, NSC FOR ABRAMS/PASCUAL/RAMCHAND
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: KWBG PTER MOPS PHUM PREF AFSN CASC IS
SUBJECT: GAZA UPDATE JANUARY 15, 2009, 1300 LOCAL
UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 JERUSALEM 000138
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
NEA FOR FRONT OFFICE AND IPA, NSC FOR ABRAMS/PASCUAL/RAMCHAND
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: KWBG PTER MOPS PHUM PREF AFSN CASC IS
SUBJECT: GAZA UPDATE JANUARY 15, 2009, 1300 LOCAL
1. (SBU) Summary. IDF troops moved central Gaza City the morning
of January 15. Contacts there told ConGenOffs by phone that the
city is "burning" and residents are fleeing as the IDF advanced into
the city center from three directions. They said the threat to
their lives increased and humanitarian conditions are worsening as
the fighting continues. Gaza-based contacts report that the IDF is
within 500 meters of the al-Shifa hospital, that IDF strikes set
fire to the al-Quds Hospital, that a PRCS hospital was hit by
Israeli shelling, and that two Palestinians were killed during an
attempted fire brigade response. UNRWA reports that its main
compound in central Gaza City sustained shelling by the IDF in the
morning, causing a major fire consuming its warehouse and workshop.
Post received the first report of an AmCit fatality in Gaza and one
of our remaining FSNs reported that his house was destroyed and his
family was in grave danger. Airstrikes targeted at least 70 targets
across the Gaza Strip January 14-15, many of them Hamas-affiliated
buildings and smuggling tunnels. Gaza-based medical sources
reported a total of 42 deaths January 14-15, bringing the total
estimate to 1,054 killed and 4,850 wounded since IDF operations
began. End summary.
IDF Operations Enter Gaza City
--------------
2. (SBU) The IDF pushed further into Gaza City center January 15,
backed by helicopters, tanks, and heavy guns. A Gaza-based fuel
sector executive told EconOff that the IDF began moving into
residential areas from the north and east the evening of January 14.
Heavy fighting occurred January 15 in the western neighborhoods of
Shaykh Ajleen and Tel al-Hawa, where IDF troops reached positions
near the former PA PSO headquarters. Militants employed machine
guns, roadside charges, grenades, and suicide bombers against the
IDF forces. There was heavy fighting in the southern neighborhoods
of the city, where the IDF pushed northward into the Sabra
neighborhood, killing at least two militants. Fighting was reported
for the first time in the Beach (aka Shati) refugee camp. Israeli
Engineering Corps soldiers reportedly destroyed a cache of 20
Katyusha rockets in Gaza City. IAF airstrikes were reported in Tel
al-Hawa, Zaytun, and the western neighborhood of Rimal, targeting
Hamas-affiliated homes and offices, and at least one mosqueHAMAS
HAMAkdlasdf.
Gaza City Residents Fear For Their Lives
--------------
3. (SBU) Gaza-based sources and press reported that thousands of
Gaza City residents fled their homes January 15 as the IDF advanced.
The fuel sector executive said the city was full of smoke from
burning buildings. He said tanks and other military vehicles were
within 500 meters of al-Shifa Hospital, and IDF strikes set fire to
the al-Quds Hospital, endangering many patients. ICRC reported that
a PRCS hospital was hit by Israeli shelling, and that two
Palestinians were killed when fire brigades attempted to respond.
Transportation contacts and AmCits in Gaza City told ConGen that a
fire at UNRWA's main compound in central Gaza City was "out of
control" after several hours of IDF shelling the morning of January
15, and television coverage showed the compound burning. The UN
reported three casualties at the compound and said they were trying
to remove several full fuel tankers to avoid an explosion. In the
meantime, they were encouraging Gazans to seek shelter at the nearby
Center for the Blind compound. A Gaza-based contact reported to
ConGen that the IDF occupied a floor in his apartment building, near
the UNRWA compound. He said he and his family were trapped in the
building by heavy street fighting.
4. (SBU) American Corner Gaza Director Dr. Awni Karzon told PDOff
that Gaza City has become significantly more dangerous, and
residents fear for their lives. He said the IDF is operating within
several hundred meters of his home in the North Rimal neighborhood
(northwest Gaza City) -- although he has not seen militants in the
area -- and that the IDF is moving along major streets leading
downtown, whichQe described as an "occupation." He said the IDF
warned al-Hilal Hospital administrators to evacuate the building,
and began shelling the area around Islamic University, possibly in
advance of occupying it. Dr. Karzon said he doubts residents will
take advantage of the daily "humanitarian pause," because they feel
unsafe leaving their homes.
5. (SBU) One ConGen LES employee and his family, and one USAID LES
employee and her family, were located in the Tel al-Hawa
neighborhood as heavy fighting took place midday January 15.
ConGen, USAID, and Embassy Tel Aviv were coordinating in order to
make contact with the employees and direct them to potential safe
havens.
6. (SBU) ConGen received a phone call the morning of January 15 in
which a credible caller reported that Colorado-born AmCit Hassan Abu
Shanab, whom ConGen was trying to help evacuate from Gaza, was
JERUSALEM 00000138 002 OF 002
killed in Gaza City January 14. The caller did not provide
information on how Abu Shanab died. ConGen has tried to reach the
caller and Abu Shanab but has not spoken with either as of 1300
January 15.
Fighting Continues in Northern Gaza
--------------
7. (SBU) The UN reported that fighting occurred the evening of
January 14 in the northern Gaza cities of Bayt Lahiya, Bayt Hanun,
and Jabaliya. The Paratroopers 101st Battalion sustained two
injuries during clashes in northern Gaza January 14, and the IDF
shelled homes in Bayt Lahiya and Jabaliya, killing at least three
non-combatants and wounding 12 others.
Conditions Deteriorate in Southern Gaza
--------------
8. (SBU) Gaza-based sources and press reported that IAF airstrikes
targeted an estimated 25 smuggling tunnels along the Rafah border
area January 14-15, as well as a house and a mosque in the Barazil
border neighborhood. Mayor of Qarara (northeast of Khan Yunis) Eid
Sulayman Abdullah told PolOff the evening of January 14 that many
have fled from southern Gazan towns to Khan Yunis or UNRWA shelters
seeking safety from the fighting. He said shelters are overcrowded
and resources, including good, are scarce.
Rockets Continue
--------------
9. (SBU) Press reported at least two Grad missiles and five Qassam
rockets fired into Israel from Gaza January 15 as of 1300 local,
causing no casualties but severely damaging one Israeli house and
several vehicles. Press reported 20 Grad missiles and Qassam
rockets from Gaza landed in Israel January 14, causing no
casualties.
Casualties
--------------
10. (SBU) Gaza-based medical sources told the press that a total of
42 Palestinians died January 14-15. The sources estimated that
1,054 Palestinians have been killed since IDF operations began
(including at least 311 children, 93 women, 13 paramedics, and three
journalists),and that 4,850 people have required medical treatment
for injuries (including at least 1,549 children and 652 women).
11. (SBU) Israeli press reported that between eleven and 22 IDF
soldiers were lightly injured overnight during incidents in north
Gaza.
Humanitarian Pause
--------------
12. (SBU) A "humanitarian pause" was scheduled from 1100-1500 local
January 15, although significant fighting and shelling continued
after 1100. ConGenOffs who were on the phone with Gaza contacts
1100-1300 heard explosions in the background. The IDF reported that
it will not regularize pause timing in order to prevent militants
from using a predictable window for attacks.
Political Developments
--------------
13. (U) Head of Hamas PLC bloc Salah Bardawil publicly said January
14 that Hamas has presented its comments on the Egyptian proposal
and is working to achieve a ceasefire that meets Hamas's demands.
West Bank Reaction and Security
--------------
14. (SBU) Israeli security forces imposed a curfew for several
hours on the village of Huwara, south of Nablus, as they searched
several houses. The IDF removed dozens of settlers on January 14
who blocked the road to Qaryut village, south of Nablus. Late
January 14, the IDF clashed with protesting Palestinians in
al-Jadeera village, southeast of Ramallah, injuring five
Palestinians with rubber bullets. Israeli Border Police clashed
with Palestinians in Shuafat refugee camp, north of Jerusalem, where
four Border Policemen were lightly injured by stones, and a 16-year
old Palestinian was beaten and arrested. Several peaceful protests
took place across the West Bank January 14. The IDF arrested 24
Palestinians across the West Bank January 14-15.
WALLES
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
NEA FOR FRONT OFFICE AND IPA, NSC FOR ABRAMS/PASCUAL/RAMCHAND
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: KWBG PTER MOPS PHUM PREF AFSN CASC IS
SUBJECT: GAZA UPDATE JANUARY 15, 2009, 1300 LOCAL
1. (SBU) Summary. IDF troops moved central Gaza City the morning
of January 15. Contacts there told ConGenOffs by phone that the
city is "burning" and residents are fleeing as the IDF advanced into
the city center from three directions. They said the threat to
their lives increased and humanitarian conditions are worsening as
the fighting continues. Gaza-based contacts report that the IDF is
within 500 meters of the al-Shifa hospital, that IDF strikes set
fire to the al-Quds Hospital, that a PRCS hospital was hit by
Israeli shelling, and that two Palestinians were killed during an
attempted fire brigade response. UNRWA reports that its main
compound in central Gaza City sustained shelling by the IDF in the
morning, causing a major fire consuming its warehouse and workshop.
Post received the first report of an AmCit fatality in Gaza and one
of our remaining FSNs reported that his house was destroyed and his
family was in grave danger. Airstrikes targeted at least 70 targets
across the Gaza Strip January 14-15, many of them Hamas-affiliated
buildings and smuggling tunnels. Gaza-based medical sources
reported a total of 42 deaths January 14-15, bringing the total
estimate to 1,054 killed and 4,850 wounded since IDF operations
began. End summary.
IDF Operations Enter Gaza City
--------------
2. (SBU) The IDF pushed further into Gaza City center January 15,
backed by helicopters, tanks, and heavy guns. A Gaza-based fuel
sector executive told EconOff that the IDF began moving into
residential areas from the north and east the evening of January 14.
Heavy fighting occurred January 15 in the western neighborhoods of
Shaykh Ajleen and Tel al-Hawa, where IDF troops reached positions
near the former PA PSO headquarters. Militants employed machine
guns, roadside charges, grenades, and suicide bombers against the
IDF forces. There was heavy fighting in the southern neighborhoods
of the city, where the IDF pushed northward into the Sabra
neighborhood, killing at least two militants. Fighting was reported
for the first time in the Beach (aka Shati) refugee camp. Israeli
Engineering Corps soldiers reportedly destroyed a cache of 20
Katyusha rockets in Gaza City. IAF airstrikes were reported in Tel
al-Hawa, Zaytun, and the western neighborhood of Rimal, targeting
Hamas-affiliated homes and offices, and at least one mosqueHAMAS
HAMAkdlasdf.
Gaza City Residents Fear For Their Lives
--------------
3. (SBU) Gaza-based sources and press reported that thousands of
Gaza City residents fled their homes January 15 as the IDF advanced.
The fuel sector executive said the city was full of smoke from
burning buildings. He said tanks and other military vehicles were
within 500 meters of al-Shifa Hospital, and IDF strikes set fire to
the al-Quds Hospital, endangering many patients. ICRC reported that
a PRCS hospital was hit by Israeli shelling, and that two
Palestinians were killed when fire brigades attempted to respond.
Transportation contacts and AmCits in Gaza City told ConGen that a
fire at UNRWA's main compound in central Gaza City was "out of
control" after several hours of IDF shelling the morning of January
15, and television coverage showed the compound burning. The UN
reported three casualties at the compound and said they were trying
to remove several full fuel tankers to avoid an explosion. In the
meantime, they were encouraging Gazans to seek shelter at the nearby
Center for the Blind compound. A Gaza-based contact reported to
ConGen that the IDF occupied a floor in his apartment building, near
the UNRWA compound. He said he and his family were trapped in the
building by heavy street fighting.
4. (SBU) American Corner Gaza Director Dr. Awni Karzon told PDOff
that Gaza City has become significantly more dangerous, and
residents fear for their lives. He said the IDF is operating within
several hundred meters of his home in the North Rimal neighborhood
(northwest Gaza City) -- although he has not seen militants in the
area -- and that the IDF is moving along major streets leading
downtown, whichQe described as an "occupation." He said the IDF
warned al-Hilal Hospital administrators to evacuate the building,
and began shelling the area around Islamic University, possibly in
advance of occupying it. Dr. Karzon said he doubts residents will
take advantage of the daily "humanitarian pause," because they feel
unsafe leaving their homes.
5. (SBU) One ConGen LES employee and his family, and one USAID LES
employee and her family, were located in the Tel al-Hawa
neighborhood as heavy fighting took place midday January 15.
ConGen, USAID, and Embassy Tel Aviv were coordinating in order to
make contact with the employees and direct them to potential safe
havens.
6. (SBU) ConGen received a phone call the morning of January 15 in
which a credible caller reported that Colorado-born AmCit Hassan Abu
Shanab, whom ConGen was trying to help evacuate from Gaza, was
JERUSALEM 00000138 002 OF 002
killed in Gaza City January 14. The caller did not provide
information on how Abu Shanab died. ConGen has tried to reach the
caller and Abu Shanab but has not spoken with either as of 1300
January 15.
Fighting Continues in Northern Gaza
--------------
7. (SBU) The UN reported that fighting occurred the evening of
January 14 in the northern Gaza cities of Bayt Lahiya, Bayt Hanun,
and Jabaliya. The Paratroopers 101st Battalion sustained two
injuries during clashes in northern Gaza January 14, and the IDF
shelled homes in Bayt Lahiya and Jabaliya, killing at least three
non-combatants and wounding 12 others.
Conditions Deteriorate in Southern Gaza
--------------
8. (SBU) Gaza-based sources and press reported that IAF airstrikes
targeted an estimated 25 smuggling tunnels along the Rafah border
area January 14-15, as well as a house and a mosque in the Barazil
border neighborhood. Mayor of Qarara (northeast of Khan Yunis) Eid
Sulayman Abdullah told PolOff the evening of January 14 that many
have fled from southern Gazan towns to Khan Yunis or UNRWA shelters
seeking safety from the fighting. He said shelters are overcrowded
and resources, including good, are scarce.
Rockets Continue
--------------
9. (SBU) Press reported at least two Grad missiles and five Qassam
rockets fired into Israel from Gaza January 15 as of 1300 local,
causing no casualties but severely damaging one Israeli house and
several vehicles. Press reported 20 Grad missiles and Qassam
rockets from Gaza landed in Israel January 14, causing no
casualties.
Casualties
--------------
10. (SBU) Gaza-based medical sources told the press that a total of
42 Palestinians died January 14-15. The sources estimated that
1,054 Palestinians have been killed since IDF operations began
(including at least 311 children, 93 women, 13 paramedics, and three
journalists),and that 4,850 people have required medical treatment
for injuries (including at least 1,549 children and 652 women).
11. (SBU) Israeli press reported that between eleven and 22 IDF
soldiers were lightly injured overnight during incidents in north
Gaza.
Humanitarian Pause
--------------
12. (SBU) A "humanitarian pause" was scheduled from 1100-1500 local
January 15, although significant fighting and shelling continued
after 1100. ConGenOffs who were on the phone with Gaza contacts
1100-1300 heard explosions in the background. The IDF reported that
it will not regularize pause timing in order to prevent militants
from using a predictable window for attacks.
Political Developments
--------------
13. (U) Head of Hamas PLC bloc Salah Bardawil publicly said January
14 that Hamas has presented its comments on the Egyptian proposal
and is working to achieve a ceasefire that meets Hamas's demands.
West Bank Reaction and Security
--------------
14. (SBU) Israeli security forces imposed a curfew for several
hours on the village of Huwara, south of Nablus, as they searched
several houses. The IDF removed dozens of settlers on January 14
who blocked the road to Qaryut village, south of Nablus. Late
January 14, the IDF clashed with protesting Palestinians in
al-Jadeera village, southeast of Ramallah, injuring five
Palestinians with rubber bullets. Israeli Border Police clashed
with Palestinians in Shuafat refugee camp, north of Jerusalem, where
four Border Policemen were lightly injured by stones, and a 16-year
old Palestinian was beaten and arrested. Several peaceful protests
took place across the West Bank January 14. The IDF arrested 24
Palestinians across the West Bank January 14-15.
WALLES