01/15/09

* 'Shelling of UNRWA building was response to anti-tank fire' Gunshots and an anti-tank missile were fired at IDF troops near the UN compound that was attacked by the IDF on Thursday.

* Barak: Keeping eyes open for Gaza op end Defense Minister Ehud Barak continues to show signs of support for a ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip.

* Overwhelming Israeli support of Gaza op The Israeli military operation against Hamas in Gaza enjoys the overwhelming support of Israeli Jews despite the loss of civilian life in the Hamas-run territory.

* Cast Lead: IDF Strikes from Air, Ground, Sea IDF troops on the ground, in the air, and at sea worked together Wednesday to take out roughly 20 targets in Gaza. At least 15 terrorists were hit.

* Pro-Gaza demonstration in Ramallah canceled for a lack of protesters It's quiet in Ramallah. At the northern entrance to the city, not far from the mall, a new fountain spouts water.

* Ban: Death toll in Gaza 'unbearable' UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Thursday called on for an immediate ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.

* First Gaza damage estimate: $1.4 billion Israel's fierce assault on Gaza's Hamas rulers has destroyed at least $1.4 billion worth of buildings, roads, pipes, power lines and other infrastructure.

* Hamas accepts cease-fire 'in principle' Hamas announced on Wednesday that it has accepted the Egyptian cease-fire initiative "in principle" and that it was now awaiting Israel's response.

* Rift apparent in Hamas as fighting intensifies Signs of sharp division are appearing within the top ranks of Hamas as fighting with Israel in Gaza intensifies and cease-fire talks brokered by Egypt reach a critical point.

* Israel asks Security Council to condemn Hamas Israel's Ambassador to the UN Gabriela Shalev asked the UN Security Council on Thursday to include a condemnation of Hamas.