01/12/09

* Gaza war: Second stage nearing completion As clashes in Gaza decrease, IDF sources say if Israel seeks to strike Hamas harder ground offensive must be expanded, more forces thrown into battle.

* PM slams Gaza coverage in int'l media Prime Minister Ehud Olmert criticized international media for its coverage the Israeli offensive against Hamas in the Gaza Strip.

* Army creating 'security zone' in Gaza Israel dispatched reserve units to the Gaza Strip as the IDF was said to be carving out a "security zone" along the border.

* IDF mulls field hospital for Gazans The IDF is considering the establishment of a field hospital near the Gaza Strip to help treat Palestinians wounded during the fighting between Israel and Hamas.

* Israelis 'edge into urban Gaza' Israeli forces are moving slowly into Gaza's most densely populated areas, as they continue air and ground attacks on Hamas militants.

* Peres says IDF achieving remarkable results in Gaza "Israel has never had an army that was better trained, organized and sophisticated," president tells reservists in Zeelim.

* Bush: Hamas must stop rocket fire if it wants Gaza truce President Bush gave his last press conference at the White House, calling for a cease-fire in the Gaza Strip, but emphasizing Israel's right to defend itself.

* IDF has killed 400 Hamas operatives Over 900 Palestinians have been killed since Operation Cast Lead began in December 2008.

* Hamas rocket fire down 50% since start of Gaza offensive There has been a dramatic drop in the ability of Hamas to launch rockets against Israel.

* Hamas leaders hiding in basement of Israel-built hospital Senior Hamas officials in Gaza are hiding out in a "bunker" built by Israel, intelligence officials suspect.