01/13/09

* Barak: We respect the UN, but we're continuing with Gaza op Defense Minister Ehud Barak on Tuesday reiterated that the IDF was continuing its offensive in Gaza.

* Ashkenazi: We hit Hamas hard; much to be done IDF Chief of Staff Gabi Ashkenazi commented on Operation Cast Lead at a the start of the Knesset's Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee meeting in Tel Aviv saying, "The soldiers are doing an extraordinary job.

* Reservists take over in northern Strip, infantry push deeper into Gaza IDF reservists took up responsibility for areas in northern Gaza on Monday, enabling regular-service infantry units to push deeper into Gaza City.

* At least 10 Gaza rockets strike Negev, one near Ashkelon school Gaza militants fired more than 10 rockets at Israel's southern communities on Tuesday morning.

* Qatar calls for urgent summit to discuss Gaza Arab League Secretary-General Amr Moussa said Sunday he is working to organize an urgent summit of Arab foreign ministers.

* Israeli leader warns Hamas of 'iron fist' Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert stood within Hamas rocket range Monday and warned Islamic militants that they face an "iron fist".

* Haniyeh: We'll weigh truce initiatives Hamas on Monday openly signaled its willingness to accept a cease-fire with Israel.

* 'Do to Hamas what the US did to Japan' Operation Cast Lead must continue until Hamas "loses the will to fight."

* Israelis strike 60 Gaza targets Israeli planes have attacked more than 60 targets in Gaza.

* Reporter's Notebook: Miracles and wonders Walking through the rubble on the floor of Gabi Ben-Hamu's Beersheba home on Sunday, everyone was talking about miracles.