01/05/09

* Israel vows no let-up over Gaza Israeli Defence Minister Ehud Barak says Palestinian militant group Hamas has suffered a "hard blow", but insists the offensive in Gaza will continue.

* Turkey wants int'l monitors in Gaza Turkey favors a cease-fire that would include international monitors to ensure a truce between Israel and Hamas.

* IDF general warns of Hezbollah retaliation against North Head of Military Intelligence Maj. Gen. Amos Yadlin told the cabinet Sunday that Hezbollah might carry out a limited attack in the north.

* Grad hits empty Ashdod kindergarten Hamas continued its rocketing of innocent Israeli civilians on Monday afternoon, with a Grad-type rocket slamming into an empty kindergarten.

* 'IDF prepared for urban battles' The IDF is prepared to enter urban and built-up areas in the Gaza Strip if the need arises.

* Zahar promises victory over Israel Mahmoud Zahar, a top Hamas strongman in Gaza, on Monday urged Hamas fighters to "crush" IDF forces.

* Golani soldier escapes kidnap attempt A Golani soldier managed to single-handedly foil an attempt to kidnap him during nocturnal operations in the Gaza Strip overnight Sunday.

* Harlem Church Offers Special Prayer for Israel During Gaza War A church in the Manhattan neighborhood of Harlem, run by pro-Israel Bishop Carlton Brown, included a special prayer for the Jewish people.

* Jordan's Queen Rania calls for aid to Gaza Jordan's Queen Rania, who is of Palestinian origin, appealed Monday for urgent aid for the residents of the Gaza Strip.