Palestinians Brace for Israeli Invasion
The Associated Press
Tuesday, June 27, 2006; 7:19 AM
GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip -- Palestinian bulldozers on Tuesday blocked roads in northern Gaza with sand piles, bracing for an Israeli invasion after the recent abduction of an Israeli soldier.
"We are ready to confront any stupid act that the Zionists might commit," said Abu Obeida, spokesman for Hamas' military wing. "We are well-prepared and God willing, we are not going to welcome them with flowers."
Separately, the Islamic Jihad militant group called for a general mobilization of its fighters "in anticipation for the looming Zionist aggression." The group is believed to have several thousands armed members.
Israel has massed troops along the border following Sunday's abduction of Cpl. Gilad Shalit, who was seized by militants who infiltrated Israel through a tunnel.
On Monday, Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert threatened to carry out a "broad and ongoing" offensive into Gaza. Israel has sent ground troops into Gaza just three times _ all for brief periods _ since pulling out of Gaza last September.
Palestinian militants released a statement Monday demanding the release of all female prisoners and Palestinian minors being held by Israel in exchange for information about Shalit.
Olmert has ruled out negotiations with militants and demanded Shalit's unconditional release.
Meanwhile, Israeli police said they were taking seriously reports that a Jewish settler was abducted by Palestinian militants in the West Bank.
Israel Radio quoted the man's relatives as saying he did not return home on Monday night. The report said the man had been hitchhiking.
In the Gaza Strip, a spokesman for the Popular Resistance Committees claimed his group had abducted the settler. The PRC was involved in Shalit's abduction.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/06/27/AR2006062700285.html
The Associated Press
Tuesday, June 27, 2006; 7:19 AM
GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip -- Palestinian bulldozers on Tuesday blocked roads in northern Gaza with sand piles, bracing for an Israeli invasion after the recent abduction of an Israeli soldier.
"We are ready to confront any stupid act that the Zionists might commit," said Abu Obeida, spokesman for Hamas' military wing. "We are well-prepared and God willing, we are not going to welcome them with flowers."
Separately, the Islamic Jihad militant group called for a general mobilization of its fighters "in anticipation for the looming Zionist aggression." The group is believed to have several thousands armed members.
Israel has massed troops along the border following Sunday's abduction of Cpl. Gilad Shalit, who was seized by militants who infiltrated Israel through a tunnel.
On Monday, Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert threatened to carry out a "broad and ongoing" offensive into Gaza. Israel has sent ground troops into Gaza just three times _ all for brief periods _ since pulling out of Gaza last September.
Palestinian militants released a statement Monday demanding the release of all female prisoners and Palestinian minors being held by Israel in exchange for information about Shalit.
Olmert has ruled out negotiations with militants and demanded Shalit's unconditional release.
Meanwhile, Israeli police said they were taking seriously reports that a Jewish settler was abducted by Palestinian militants in the West Bank.
Israel Radio quoted the man's relatives as saying he did not return home on Monday night. The report said the man had been hitchhiking.
In the Gaza Strip, a spokesman for the Popular Resistance Committees claimed his group had abducted the settler. The PRC was involved in Shalit's abduction.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/06/27/AR2006062700285.html