An IDF soldier was lightly injured in northern Gaza fighting. He was transported to a hospital in Israel.

**Israel Radio reports the IDF is getting ready for phase three of Operation Cast Lead, sending in a large force of soldiers to complete the job – eradicating Hamas’ rocket-firing abilities.

**DM Barak orders opening Gaza crossings on Wednesday to permit humanitarian aid into PA areas.

** Combat Engineering Corps Staff-Sgt. Alexander Mashvitzky, 21, from Beersheva, who fell in battle in Gaza, will be buried on Wednesday at 3:00pm in the Beersheva Military Cemetery.

**All schools remain closed within the 40km range from the Gaza border except prearranged classes taking place in shelters conforming with Homefront Command directives.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)