Islamic Extremists in Gaza

As part of the general anarchy in the Gaza Strip, a new phenomenon struck the streets.
A new group of Islamic radicalists are damaging businesses which they view as unislamic. The new group who is inspired by Al-Qaeda burned a cassette store. In another incident, the group damaged an internet cafe. The pamphlets which were hung by this new group which calls itself "The Sword of Islam" promise more actions.
Officials in the Palestinian Authority fear that religious attacks of this sort will continue and may even increase in frequency in the near future as Islamic radiclist groups abound in Gaza, feeding on the anarchy and despair.

Iran: Will continue the nuclear program

Iran's response to the sanctions resolution which was passed by the UN Security Council today is blatant disregard. The Iranian FM issued a statement in which it proclaimed that Iran views the resolution as illegal and will continue its nuclear program as it is its inherent right. Iran criticized the lack of action which is taken by the UN regarding Israel's nuclear program which was supposedly confirmed by PM Ehud Olmert.
The United States issued a statement in which it displayed satisfaction with the resolution but went on to say that further steps will have to be taken to deter Iran.

Olmert and Abu Mazen met this evening

Israel's Prime Minister, Ehud Olmert and Palestinian President Abu Mazen, met this evening in Jerusalem. The meeting lasted two hours and was considered "good" by the aides of both leaders. Abu Mazen's spokesman said that agreements were reached on several issues. The two discussed the possibility of a prisoners release in exchange for kidnapped Israeli soldier, Gilad Shalit, the ceasefire and the internal Palestinian situation.

Saib Arikat, a high ranking Palestinian official went further and announced that Israel will deliver 100 million dollars of frozen Palestinian funds to Abu Mazen and that additional meetings are due.

This meeting was long due, as both leaders expressed their desire for a meeting over the past few months. Why it took this long is anyone's guess. Recently, several figures in the international community urged both leaders to meet and talk.

This meeting was highly criticized by Hamas who does not recognize Israel.

Russia agreed to impose sanctions on Iran

A short time before the Security Council convened to discuss the possibility of imposing sanctions on Iran, Russia gave its agreement to the sanctions resolution.

All 15 members of the Council agreed on the resolution which prohibits supplying Iran with equipment and materials which can be used to further its nuclear program. Furthermore, assets of several persons and Iranian institutions will be frozen.

Iran was given a 60 days ultimatum in which it is to comply with the resolution which states that Iran should cease enriching Uranium which may be used in nuclear bombs. Should Iran fail to comply, the Security Council is to reconvene and impose harsher sanctions.

Iran threatened that if sanctions are imposed it would reconsider its relationship with the International agency of Atomic Energy.

The resolution discludes the possibility of military action against Iran, and allows only financial and diplomatic measures.

A Fatah Colonel killed in Gaza

A Fatah Colonel of the Palestinian Security Forces was shot and killed this morning in Gaza.

The Colonel was riding in a car when spurts of fire were opened on it. The Colonel dies on the scene, his bodyguard an a passerby 9 year old girl were injured. No organization claimed responsibility for the incident, though the common assumption is that Hamas operatives were involved.

Earlier a gunfight ensued in the vicinity of the Presidential residence in Gaza. No injuries were reported in the skirmish.

The ceasefire which was declared two days ago lies in shambles as violence continues in Gaza and, to a lesser degree, in the West bank.

Sanctions on Iran?

The UN Security Council is to meet tomorrow to impose sanctions on Iran for its adherence to its nuclear program. After many months of diplomacy, it seems that tomorrow an agreed upon resolution will pass. This resolution shall include a series of "soft" sanctions on Iran.
The United States, which has led the campaign to impose sanctions, deisred stronger measures, but wishing to arrive at a consensus among the permanent members of the council led to the adoption of a much softer draft.
At the last moment it seemed that Russia may in fact be reluctant to go through with the sanctions at all. President Putin is to review the final draft and to confirm it personally. In Israel there is grave concern that Russia may impose an even softer batch of sanctions which are unlikely to cause the Iranian program any tangible harm.
The current draft of sanctions includes a list of products that should be denied the Iranians and another list of persons and organizations which work in conjunction with the Iranian program, which should also be denied right of purchase of products and materials which may be used to further the Iranian program.