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Subscribe to RSSIsraeli leaders indicate that a new offensive against Islamic militant commanders is underway. NBC's Martin Fletcher reports.
Updated at 10:46 p.m. ET: TEL AVIV -- The head of the militant wing of the Palestinian Hamas movement and seven others were killed as Israel launched a series of airstrikes in Gaza Wednesday, officials said.
Hamas spokesman Fauazy Brehom told NBC News that Ahmed Jabari was killed in the attack by Israeli forces. Jabari was the most senior commander of Hamas' military wing, the Ezzidine Al-Qassam Brigades.
A statement from the Al-Qassam Brigades said that Israel had “opened the gates of hell.”
President Barack Obama spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu Wednesday, urging him to avoid civilian casualties. The president reiterated the United States' support for Israel's right to self-defense following rocket attacks launched from Gaza.
Obama also spoke Wednesday with Egyptian President Mohammed Morsi because of the country's central role in preserving regional security. Obama condemned the rocket fire from Gaza into Israel and reiterated Israel's right to self-defense. The two leaders agreed on the importance of working to deescalate the situation quickly and they agreed to stay in touch in coming days.
In a frequently updated live blog chronicling the attacks, the Israel Defense Forces claimed it had targeted "dozens" of Hamas’ medium-range underground rocket launch sites and other weapons storage facilities. The report said Israel had also intercepted 17 rockets fired from Gaza.
"If I were a senior Hamas activist - I would look for a place to hide," IDF spokesman Brgi. Gen. Yoav (Poly) Moredechai said in a statement published online.
Moredechai said the possibility of a ground invasion would not be ruled out, and emphasized that all options remain on the table. "Infantry brigades have been shifted in preparation for the operation," his statement read. "All options that allow us to cause seriously damage to Hamas and the other terrorist organizations are on the table."
A statement from the Israeli embassy blamed Hamas for launching 150 rockets at Israel's south over the past week.
Darren Whiteside / Reuters
Smoke rises after Israeli air strikes in the northern Gaza Strip on Nov. 14. Israel launched a major offensive against Palestinian militants in Gaza on Wednesday, killing the military commander of Hamas in an air strike and threatening an invasion of the enclave that the Islamist group vowed would "open the gates of hell."
"Israel has the right and duty to defend itself from terrorist attacks designed to kill thousands of its citizens," Israeli Ambassador to the United States Michael Oren said. "We are sending an unequivocal message that our citizens will not be hostage to terrorist missile fire and cross-border attacks. The scope of the IDF's defensive operation depends on Hamas and whether it takes the decision to cease firing missiles on our neighborhoods and homes."
Jabari is the most senior Hamas official to have died due to Israeli military action since the killing of Saeed Seyam four years ago.
Sources at the Kamal Adwan and Al-Shifa hospitals said a total of eight people had been killed and 80 injured.
A statement on the IDF website said that Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Benny Gantz had “approved an expansive strike against terrorist organizations in Gaza.”
Ali Ali / EPA
Emergency services extinguish the burned out destroyed car of Qassam top leader Ahmed Jabari after an Israeli air strike in Gaza City on Wednesday, Nov. 14, 2012.
“As a part of the program, a short while ago, the Israeli Air Force (IAF) struck Ahmed al-Jabari and other senior officers of Hamas' Military Wing, who were involved in planning and implementing dozens of attacks, including the kidnapping of SFC [Israeli soldier] Gilad Shalit,” it said.
The airstrike took place in central Gaza, according to the statement, which was headlined "Chief of Hamas' Military Wing Ahmed al-Jabari assassinated." The headline was later changed to "Senior Hamas operative targeted," and the statement dropped the reference to Shalit.
The statement quoted IDF spokesman Mordechai as saying military action began following the "intolerable situation in the south of the country, and seeks to harm terrorist organizations operating in the Gaza Strip."
'Forward base for Iran'
The IDF later announced it had begun "Operation Pillar of Defense." Israel confirmed there had been several airstrikes.
Hamas Office via Reuters, file
Ahmed Al-Jabari, top commander of Hamas armed wing Al-Qassam brigades, poses for a picture after a prisoner swap deal between Hamas and Israel, in Cairo, in this October 18, 2011 file photo.
In another update, the statement said the IDF had "targeted a significant number of long range rockets sites ... owned by Hamas. This deals a significant blow to the terror organizations' underground rocket launching capabilities and munitions warehouses that are owned by Hamas and other terror organizations."
"The Gaza strip, has turned it into a forward base for Iran, firing rockets and carrying out terrorist attacks against Israeli citizens. The IDF will continue to target terrorist sites that are used to carry out terror attacks against Israeli citizens," it said.
"The IDF will continue to target sites that are used for carrying out terror attacks against the citizens of Israel while improving their daily security," it added.
An IDF statement Monday said more than 120 rockets fired from Gaza had hit Israel since Saturday and that the Israeli air force had responded with airstrikes on a number of sites.
Jabari had survived numerous assassination attempts in the past and had served close to a decade in an Israeli jail, according to NBC's Ayman Mohyeldin.
He was widely considered the second most important figure within Hamas' overall structure after Khaled Mishaal, the head of the organization’s political bureau.
Uriel Sinai / Getty Images
Israeli children play games at a bomb shelter on Nov. 14 in Netivot, Israel. Israel Defense Forces launched aerial attacks on targets in Gaza that killed the top military commander of Hamas.
Jabari was instrumental in negotiations about the release of Shalit, Mohyeldin said. Jabari was rarely seen in public and even more seldom filmed but he was seen accompanying Shalit to the border crossing with Egypt ahead of his handover.
US reacts; Israeli ambassador leaves Egypt
U.S. State Department spokesman Mark Toner said the United States "strongly" condemns the rocket fire from Gaza into southern Israel.
"There is no justification for the violence that Hamas and other terrorist organizations are employing against the people of Israel," Toner's statement read. "We call on those responsible to stop these cowardly acts immediately. We support Israel's right to defend itself, and we encourage Israel to continue to take every effort to avoid civilian casualties."
Egypt's foreign minister called Israel's airstrikes on Gaza a dangerous escalation at a critical time for the region, and called on the Israeli government to quickly halt the offensive.
Egypt's ruling Freedom and Justice Party condemned the killing of Jabari, and said Israel was using the military operation as a card in its own political game, ahead of elections in January. The party called on the international community and Arab states to act immediately to stop the massacre against the Palestinian people, adding that Israel's attacks were meant to create instability in the region.
Airport sources in Egypt confirmed to NBC News that the Israeli ambassador and other Israelis were leaving Cairo Wednesday night.
The U.N. chief also called on Israel and Palestinian Hamas militants to prevent an escalation of hostilities, urging both sides to ensure civilians will be protected, a U.N. spokesman said Wednesday.
"The Secretary-General calls for an immediate de-escalation of tensions," U.N. spokesman Martin Nesirky said, adding that it was a reiteration of Ban's already-stated position.
"Both sides should do everything to avoid further escalation and they must respect their obligations under international humanitarian law to ensure the protection of civilians at all times," he told reporters.
A Palestinian rocket fired from the Gaza Strip struck a house in southern Israel today, causing damage but no injuries. NBCNews.com's Dara Brown reports.
Related content:
Israel, Gaza agree to hold fire after latest round of fighting
Israel warns of tough response after Gaza rocket hits house
Israel fires into Syria for second day, scores 'direct hits'
NBC's Ian Johnston, Ayman Mohyeldin, NBC News staff and Reuters contributed to this report.
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How do you kill a Jew? Strangle his wallet!
andy-1712707
Now that's what I call anti-Semitic.
Such canards are simply what you get when scratch the surface of any of the comments by m6c9d200, Henrich von Dorf and rockin moroccan. They are based simply on pure bigotry and hatred for the Jewish people. I can only hope that your bigotry leads to your own demise.
NBC, you disgust every decent person in the world. You attempt to rewrite history every day from a virulent anti-Semitic bias. Your articles have a formula. First comes the screaming headline attacking Israel's response to the escalating terrorism against her civilian population. But there has been virtual silence from NBC during the past 4 days of Hamas led missile barrages fired into Israel, causing several casualties and much damage. And never do you mention that Gaza is ruled by force by the ruthless terrorist organization, Hamas, that has opened it's doors to a variety of other terrorist organizations. And of course, you would never mention that the loudly stated goal of Hamas is the annihilation of Israel and the extermination of the Jewish people. You also don't mention that the terrorists use civilians as human shields and target innocent men, women and children. Finally you legitizmize terrorist henchmen by calling them "officials" or "military chiefs" or a host of other honorable titles when they are no more than a gang of mass murdering thieves. NBC, you have no integrity, honesty or professional ethics.
If the Iranians had half a quarter of a brain they would know time is up.
While Israel has, and the clue for Iran here is 'has had', ever right to defend itself from hamas but has not used anymore force than needed to protect themselves until now.
So while this attack is well overdue and justified it is more than likely not about all the missiles before this. As much as it is about all the missiles after their assault on Iran. As it would be foolish for Israel to make a first strike against Iran. While leaveing Irans proxy puppets in full force to attack them at their borders while their military attention is busy with Iran.
Step one in progress?
Israel like any country has a right and moral obligation to defend itself when attacked. Well done Israel!
From a Democrat here in the USA.
Think about it...
Go Israel...open the gates of hell for the murdering, hate-filled Muslims and send them there.
To those Muslims who truly believe Islam is a religion of peace--- stand up against the violence that your Muslim brothers preach. Take control of your religion if you have the courage and self-respect.
It takes courage to speak out against those radical Muslims who are ready to kill you for daring to question their extremist beliefs. Is it easier to suicide-bomb innocent civilians while believing in an eternity of pleasure with 72 virgins? Even if it were true, your "sacrifice" would have to be the most selfish atrocity ever committed.
All religions preach of salvation for the true believers, but their true purpose is to control and enslave you with fear, doubt, uncertainty and confusion. If you question the logic, you get the flippant "God works in mysterious ways."
OBAMA THE FISCAL WIZARD WILL FIX IT ALL RIGHT?
at the rate he is going Most All Americans soon to become Slaves.
Your Taxes are going to go up and up and up till you think they are trying to go to the moon on your pay check.
The US Dollar creditworthiness on World markets just went to from a negative 10 to a negative 100, the U.S. Treasury note or Dollar to fall World Wide.
Now you would think if one keeps doubling your debt every year you would look for a new business manager and accountant or put both of them in jail. Now for them to give away your money to other Countries that say they hate you because you can read and carry a Bible is wicked.
If you want a country to not grow keep on taxing them to death, only the government leaders and their friends that are rich will live well the rest are Slaves to them.
Americans if you truly want the USA to stay strong and grow and for all to live will here, tell everyone in any Government office to lower all taxes. If they will not get them out of office not in less they are your friends and you are rich. Or you never learned to count or keep a bank account. you cannot spend more then you have and keep doing this we use to call this stealing. Why let our Government Leaders do it.
After ISRAEL Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu gave the UN a speech showing a line that will not be crossed to all the world. Hillary Rod ham Clinton could not get to talk to ISRAEL's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu Fast Enough.
Be for this she said "Further talks with IRAN" on Monday. i would say she is saying the white house is talking to a nation that has said many times the USA is the enemy. That they feel us as a FOE showing hatred to us and Threatening us and other Nations Many Times.
To not talk with are ALLIES make no sense at all. Hillary Rod ham Clinton must have been way too busy or too slow in the head. To See Right from wrong.
Do not Be Mislead
NEXT THE SUNDAY FUNNIES TO GO.
Wolf In Sheep Skin.
The LORD's Word in the Bible tells all to beware of many
that will be False Prophets.
Even the Devil cannot fake or hide that he is not
a Christian. The Devil will always lead you to HELL.
Most all on Earth, know that there is but one GOD.
The Prophets of Our Lord and GOD would not tell others to
hurt or harm others or to sin. But the wicked will.
So how can so many be blind to think a Christian, a Prophet
or anyone that wants to go to Heaven would tell others to do harm to one or
anyone. Or to sin or to keep THREATENING OTHERS Making many live in Terror.
Read the Bible
do good and Help others
and Listen to are Lord not Wolfs in sheep skin. Or the
Wicked.
September 11 ,2001 the middle east party in the
streets celebrating. Christian why do you think they would do any think
different each and every September 11, . Only weak Leaders will let this happen.
Do you really want to see oh hear of more Americans killed for sport from the wicked.
This Nation Under GOD Needs Good Strong Christian Leaders.
Do we want to be like many other countries like Norway Muslims Attack children in schools and Norway Muslims immigrate rape women even a 12 year old.
And yes they are holding up signs in the middle east today saying the they are peaceful, RIGHT, most of them with a big smile on their face. and signs now that say ISLAM IS AT WAR WITH US.
In Pakistan a young 15 year old girl "Malala Yousufzai" was shot in the head for just wanting to go to school woman have on rights and can not go to school in many Muslim countries. Many of these Countries have let this kind of barbaric and savage behavior go on for Years doing little to stop it.
AMERICANS
Please go to Kate Smith Introduces GOD BLESS AMERICA
on You Tube
and please listen to all of it the best is at the end.
The Lord's Little Helper
Paul Felix Schott
PS
Do not worry obama will keep giving way your tax dollars to Arming The Middle East sad that many of them will never come to know The Lord Jesus Christ. Its only your money he is giving to Arming them. Two German Submarines....... the list is endless. Most all on earth need good work jobs and FOOD AND SAFE DRINKING WATER. NOT MORE WEAPONS AND MORE WARS.
TERROR ORGANIZATIONS YOUR LEADERS VERY SOON WILL HAVE NOWHERE TO HIDE ON EARTH.
Ahmed Al-Jabari <<< That's one!!
Uh, Oh Noam Chomsky, liberal alert! I'd love to see how your beautiful life takes flower in your muslim paradise. No, I don't think you're a muslim. But what would your life be like in say Egypt, Iran, Syria, Libya, or Dearborn Michigan? Am I being biggoted? Sorry dude. Someone has to look out for you vulnerable types. Now how about democratic Israel (if there's anything left)? You would be free to criticize them all you like; just like... guess where? The good old US of A. You can't do too much criticism in your muslim countries. They cure that by chopping, or sawing, off your head. Kind of harsh, I think. I can handle your liberal/progressive diatribe; at least your not trying to actually kill me. Well maybe bore me to death! LOL!