Shabbos was a day of rocket attacks and fighting in Gaza, but government officials announce Israel will be announcing a unilateral ceasefire on motzei Shabbos. In addition, Israel is bending over backwards to treat wounded Gazans, to the extent the Ministry of Health is establishing a medical clinic at Eretz Crossing.

In an act of despair perhaps, the Shalit family on motzei Shabbos held a press conference, announcing what everyone knows, that any ceasefire agreement made with Hamas that does not include Shalit’s release will seriously compromise any future chances of obtaining his release, with many fearing it would make Shalit the next Ron Arad.

Mr. Noam Shalit explained that he and his wife Aviva have maintained their silence during the Gaza War, realizing the difficult situation, and first wished to express their condolences to the families of the fallen soldiers and a complete recovery to the wounded.

Noam added that after over 2.5 years in captivity, we cannot permit a ceasefire without including Gilad. He reminded the nation that this plays a major role in restoring Israel’s ‘power of deterrence,’ one of the major components of the Gaza War. He added most of the cabinet ministers who he spoke with are in agreement with him, explaining there cannot be a cessation in the IDF’s military operation without the return of Gilad home. Mr. Shalit painfully pointed out that his son has not had Red Cross visits and is deprived of the very basic humanitarian rights given to prisoners. Aviva Shalit stated they decided to call the press conference in the hope of pressuring cabinet ministers not to accept any agreement with their son’s release. “We are not encouraged, but there is still an element of hope” she added”.

Five Givati Brigade soldiers were injured on Shabbos in a mistaken fire incident, with one reported in serious condition, one moderate and the remainder light. They were hit by an anti-tank rocket.

In addition, four paratroopers were seriously wounded in the fighting, two soldiers and two officers. They were hit by a mortar shell.

Israel announced that it will transfer more Gaza residents to hospitals in Israel for treatment in addition to establishing a medical facility in the Erez area of southern Israel. According to MDA Emergency Medical Service officials, the clinic will staff pre-hospital personnel along with physicians, specialists in the fields of pediatrics, trauma medicine and gynecology.

Hamas officials in Lebanon on the other hand announced the rocket fire would continue until its demands are met, adding Gilad Shalit’s release will not be included in any ceasefire agreement.

SHABBOS DAY LOG OF ROCKET ATTACKS
09:16: Rockets land in S’dot HaNegev Council.

09:40: Rockets land in western Negev.

09:57: Rockets land in Eshkol Regional Council.

10:20: Rocket lands in western Negev.

**The IDF observes a humanitarian pause from 12:00pm-3:00pm.

12:15: Rockets land in the Eshkol region and Ofakim.

16:15: Rockets land in Ashkelon and Kiryat Gat.

16:52: Rockets land in the Eshkol region.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel – Published motzei Shabbos in Eretz Yisrael)