Topic: Operation Cast Lead

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Who is Hamas? 5 questions about the Palestinian militant group.

The Palestinian militant group Hamas has agreed to form a unity government led by Mahmoud Abbas, president of the Palestinian Authority and head of rival Palestinian faction Fatah. But who is Hamas? What is their relationship with Fatah, and what might Hamas gain from reconciling with them? Here are five key questions about Hamas.
Goldstone Report: Reexamining 5 key findings

The controversial Goldstone Report, the result of a UN fact finding mission following allegations of human rights violations during the 2008 to 2009 Israel-Gaza conflict, is under scrutiny again. What findings makes this nonbinding UN report such a flashpoint?

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Israeli army chief says he doubts Iran will build a nuclear weapon

In an interview with Haaretz, Israel Defense Forces Chief of Staff Benny Gantz acknowledged the threat of a nuclear Iran but said Tehran wasn't likely to go there, citing its 'rational' leadership.
Jewish community draws solace from France's response to killings

Since a gunman killed a rabbi and three children at a Jewish school in Toulouse, French Jews have been bolstered by the universal national revulsion over the attacks.
Who is Hamas? 5 questions about the Palestinian militant group.

The Palestinian militant group Hamas has agreed to form a unity government led by Mahmoud Abbas, president of the Palestinian Authority and head of rival Palestinian faction Fatah. But who is Hamas? What is their relationship with Fatah, and what might Hamas gain from reconciling with them? Here are five key questions about Hamas.
Terrorism & Security
Israeli general hints at another Gaza campaign

Israel and Gaza traded fire this week as Israel began discussing the possibility of another incursion to reestablish 'deterrence.'
Terrorism & Security
Israel-Gaza violence appears to ease after overnight airstrikes

Palestinian rocket fire had spurred Israel-Gaza violence over the weekend, but Hamas – whose militants were not involved – seems eager to end the flare-up.
Gaza border violence: Another threat to Palestinian statehood?

Israel said Thursday Gaza militants fired 24 rockets across the border so far in July. Many Gazans are worried that an escalation could torpedo Palestinian reconciliation and statehood efforts.
Goldstone Report: Reexamining 5 key findings

The controversial Goldstone Report, the result of a UN fact finding mission following allegations of human rights violations during the 2008 to 2009 Israel-Gaza conflict, is under scrutiny again. What findings makes this nonbinding UN report such a flashpoint?
Terrorism & Security
Worst Israel-Gaza clashes since 2009 war

The exchange of rockets and air strikes between Gaza and Israel the last few days is reminiscent of the buildup that escalated into the Israeli incursion into Gaza in 2009.
Will Abbas get, and accept, a two-month settlement freeze?

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is backing a 'loyalty oath' to appease Israel's right wing, and there are indications that Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas will be offered a two-month settlement freeze to keep peace talks going.
Why Mahmoud Abbas is so committed to Israeli-Palestinian peace talks

As Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu resists pressure to extend a settlement freeze, Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas faces mounting criticism for remaining in peace talks.
Terrorism & Security
UN's Gaza flotilla probe finds Israeli soldiers committed 'willful killing'

Israel rejected the UN Gaza flotilla probe's findings as 'biased.' In Turkey, most politicians welcomed the news and praised the panel's objectivity.
For Hamas, an end to Gaza's tunnel trade may be only the beginning

As Israel eases the Gaza blockade, Hamas is positioned to strengthen its grip on the Gaza Strip. The Gaza tunnel trade that thrived under the blockade provided tax revenues and helped Hamas stay firmly in control.
Rocket attacks on Israel: Why Hamas has an interest in keeping Gaza quiet

Rocket attacks near the Israeli towns of Sderot and Eilat have raised concerns of escalating Israel-Hamas tensions. But while Hamas could be a potential spoiler in peace talks, it also has an interest in avoiding a fresh clash.
Palestinians battle bitterly over Palestinian forces' conduct

One year after the Gaza war, 11 Palestinian rights groups came together to ask leaders of Hamas and the Palestinian Authority to investigate the conduct of Palestinian forces during the war.
Israel will consult legal advisers on future military action

The announcement that Israel will consult legal advisers before and during future conflicts suggests that Israel has undergone an internal assessment of the Gaza war and is hoping to improve conduct and preclude attempts at war-crimes charges.
Gaza war anniversary: How one group helps victims overcome trauma

The Healing the Wounds of War (HWW) program trains Gazans to use alternative nonmedical techniques to cope with stress from last year's Gaza war.
Gaza border: Why Egypt is building a steel underground wall

Reports from the Gaza border say that Egypt is building an underground wall as deep as 100 feet to stem smuggling in Hamas-controlled tunnels. But there are broader goals, too.
Global News Blog
Filmmakers weigh in on Israel Gaza war

Thirteen filmmakers examine Israel's assault in the Gaza strip last winter.
Global News Blog
At Brandeis, Goldstone defends UN war crimes report

Justice Richard Goldstone, at a Brandeis University forum, defended the UN report on war crimes committed by Israel and Hamas in the Gaza war. It was the first time he has publicly discussed the report with a high-level Israeli official.
As Goldstone report debate rages, more Israelis call for investigation

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's cabinet still refuses to set up an investigation into war crimes allegations made in the Goldstone report, but some Israelis say his government should change course.
Global News Blog
In Gaza, Mia Farrow highlights children's plight – and their hope

Nine months after Israel's offensive in Gaza to end Hamas rocket attacks, US actress and children's advocate Mia Farrow described widespread trauma – but also glimmers of resilience.
Israel rejects UN criticism of Gaza war conduct [TEST]

The UN report, which accuses Israel of committing war crimes, "makes a mockery of history," said Israeli President Shimon Peres.
Global News Blog
Israel rejects UN criticism of Gaza war conduct

The UN report, which accuses Israel of committing war crimes, "makes a mockery of history," said Israeli President Shimon Peres.
Hamas bends to pressure in Gaza and abroad

Its support base dropped to 19 percent after the war; many blame the Hamas-Fatah standoff for their plight. Egypt hosts the rivals for a final round of reconciliation talks July 25.
Will all Palestinian factions honor Hamas's cease-fire?

Hamas may not be able to prevent other factions from attacking Israel, analysts say.