23:26: Hamas denies top commander killed

22:42: Pro-Palestinians storm Maccabi Haifa training match in Austria, attack players

21:44: Hamas rejects Gaza truce before blockade lifted.

21:26: Gaza reports the death toll at a minimum of 660 dead and thousands wounded.

21:16: Hamas leader Khalid Meshal in Qatar announces “We are the victims. We are responding to attacks against us”.

• No one can demilitarize the resistance of its weapons
• In his ongoing address, Meshal makes it clear that Hamas is not the aggressor, but the victim.

21:13: Three rockets were intercepted over Rishon L’Tzion.

• There are no injuries reported anywhere at this time.
• Three rockets were intercepted over Ashdod.
• Turkish Airlines extends its suspension of lights to Israel for an additional 24 hours.

21:11: Haaretz correspondent David Ravid reports Russian President Putin has signaled his willingness to assist in mediating a ceasefire between Hamas and Israel.

21:07: At least eleven rockets were fired in the last barrage. Authorities are keenly aware that Hamas will continue firing towards Gush Dan in the hope of keeping Ben-Gurion International Airport closed to international carriers.

 21:02: Sirens sounding throughout southern and Central Israel. This includes but is not limited to the Ashkelon district, Ashdod district, Lachish district, Shoham, News Tziona, Be’er Yaakov, Ramle, Givat Brenner, Kfar Daniel, Rehovot, Beit Dagan, Kfar Chabad, Kfar Truman Lod, Nir Tzvi, Tzrifin, and Rishon L’Tzion.

21:01: IDF SPOKESMAN Brig.-Gen. Moti Almoz: We mean what we say and when we tell the Gazans to evacuate because we are going to attack, we are going to do just that.

Almoz explains the counter-terrorism offensive in Gaza is moving ahead.

20:42: Ofir and Bat Galim Shaar, the parents of Gilad HY”D visited the family of missing IDF soldier Sgt. Oron Shaul. They explained to Oron’s parents that have the tools to assist them through this most difficult and agonizing situation.

Shaul was among the soldiers in a Golani Brigade APC that was hit with a rocket, killing six soldiers. Hamas claims Oron is their prisoner, not specifying if he is dead or alive. The IDF denies the accuracy of the Hamas claim.

20:37: The IDF spokesman told Channel 2 News moments ago that the IDF now controls many areas of Gaza

20:33: During the last hours, Hamas fired mortar shells at IDF field hospital at Israel side of Erez Crossing where Gaza wounded are being treated.

20:28: Sirens sounding in Zikim and Karmiya.

20:16: Prime Minister Netanyahu condemns UN rights council decision as a travesty that should be condemned by decent people everywhere.

20:02: The UN Human Rights Council in Geneva has decided to form an international commission of Inquiry into alleged Israeli war crimes in Gaza.

20:01: The IAF targeted a vehicle in Khan Yunis killing four and wounding two others seriously. It is believed that among the dead is senior Islamic Jihad terrorist Muhmad Sinwar, the Khan Yunis area commander, who was a major player in the abduction of IDF soldier Gilad Shalit.

19:59: Sirens in Nir Yitzchak, Sufah and surrounding communities once again.

19:58: The FAA has officially announced it is extending its flight ban to Tel Aviv for an additional 24 hours. Read the story.

19:57: Sirens in the Ashkelon Coast Council.

19:55: Sirens sounding in the Eshkol Council.

19:08: Three IDF soldiers were killed in Gaza fighting today R”L. Read the article. (Image Below)

18:55: The air force has attacked a building in the Jabalya area of Gaza housing the commander of the Islamic Jihad and some of his troops.

18:53: Italian airlines NEOS has announced that seven flights will land in Uvda Airport on Thursday after Transportation Minister Katz today authorized the use of the airport for commercial flight. This permits the airline to avoid the Tel Aviv area as it wishes to do.

18:47: The Iron Dome intercepts three rockets over Ashdod and Kiryat Malachi.

18:45: Sirens sounding once again the Ashdod and Ashkelon districts.

18:34: Hamas releases a message that the closure of Israeli air space to commercial aircraft is a victory for the resistance.

18:25: Sirens in Nirim and surrounding communities.

• A number of Iron Dome Intercepts earlier.
• At least one rocket landed in an open area in the Eshkol Regional Council.

18:16: Sirens in the Beersheva district once again.

18:11: Sirens in Beersheva and the surrounding area

18:07: Sirens once again in the Ashdod and Ashkelon districts. Multiple sirens in those areas.

18:02: Sirens in Merkaz Shapira, Ein Tzurim, Sapir, Ashdod, Hadera, Ganei  Tal Kibbutz Chafetz Chaim, Kiryat Malachi, Gadera, Gan Yavne, & surrounding areas. Another round of sirens in Yavne and surrounding areas.

17:47: Visiting US Secretary of State John Kerry is now meeting with President Shimon Peres, who steps down from office next week.

17:38: With the assistance of the IDF Coordinator of Activities in the Territories, six Gaza wounded were transported to Jordan and eastern Jerusalem. A total of 17 wounded Gazans have been sent to either Jordan or eastern Yerushalayim since the operation began.

Jordanian ambulances are permitted to the Erez Crossing in Israel, and from there they evacuate some wounded to Jordan.

17:34: Defense Minister Moshe Ya’alon announced the IDF is now moving to the next stage of the operation, destroying  the tunnels that were uncovered.

17:05: The commander of the 401st Armored Corps Brigade Colonel Saar Tzur reports the Windbreaker anti-tank rocket defense system permits his tanks to advance in Gaza without fear of rocket attacks.

17:04: The IDF today hit seven anti-tank firing teams in Gaza.

17:02: Sirens sounding in Ashdod, Bnei Darom, Nitzan and the surrounding areas.

16:53: YNET reports the Red Cross has called a humanitarian ceasefire in the Bet Hanoun and Shajaia  areas of Gaza to permit evacuating wounded residents.

16:43: Former left-wing minister and MK Chaim Ramon told Channel 2 News that history has shown us a ceasefire agreement with Hamas is worthless for Hamas always violates it. He added that with each agreement the ceasefire violations by Hamas occur quicker. Ramon adds a deal cannot be made with Hamas, which only has one friend in the world, Qatar.

Ramon warns against making Hamas a legitimate entity regarding a ceasefire for it cannot succeed.

16:37: 21 wounded IDF soldiers arrived in Soroka Hospital in the last hours. One is listed in critical condition, one serious, two moderate and the remainder light.

• Another rocket attack to the Zikim area.

16:34: Sirens sounding in Zikim and Karmiya once again.

16:32: Another security situation is reported in the Ashkelon Coast communities at this time. Residents are instructed to remain locked indoors as the IDF combs the area, fearing a possible terrorist infiltration.

16:21: Transportation Minister Yisrael Katz authorized using Uvda Airport in the Negev for commercial flights in the hope of persuading airlines to resume flights to Israel but it appears the move did little to allay FAA fears.

• Thousands of Israelis are stranded in cities around the world, hoping to make their way home sooner rather than later.
• 4,000 Israelis are stranded in Turkey. Since El Al cannot land there, the Israelis will have to head to another destination and then hope to arrange a flight home.

16:19: Sirens in Yad Mordechai and surrounding communities.

16:17: Mrs. Rivital Gantz, the wife of the IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Benny Gantz was among the many citizens arriving in Soroka Hospital in Beersheva to visit the wounded.

16:14: Sirens in Yad Mordechai and surrounding area.

16:01: Since US Secretary of State John Kerry’s Boeing 757 jet is considered a military aircraft, it is a Special Air Mission flown by the Air Force and it did not violate FAA ban on flights to Tel Aviv.

• Upon exiting the meeting in Ramallah with PA Chairman Mahmoud Abbas (Abu Mazen), Kerry signaled progress is on the horizon.
• It is reported that Abu Mazen states he received US guarantees regarding the opening of border crossings, including the Rafiach Crossing to Egypt. It remains to be seen how Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi will respond.
• In his address, el-Sisi told the media when the fighting in Gaza ceases the Rafiach Crossing will reopen to permit the flow of goods and people.

15:49: Sirens in Nir Yitzchak, Sufah and area communities.

15:46: Foreign airlines have announced the cancellation of flights to and from Israel in the coming 24 hours as well.

• Sirens sounding in Yad Mordechai and neighboring communities.

15:14: British Foreign Minister Philip Hammond is scheduled to arrive in Israel to meet with PA Chairman Mahmoud Abbas (Abu Mazen) on Wednesday night followed by a meeting on Thursday with Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman.

15:10: Eighty flights were canceled at Ben-Gurion International Airport as a result of the FAA announcement to halt flights.

15:09: Sirens sounding in Kerem Shalom, Bnei Netzarim, Shlumit, and surrounding areas.

15:01: The IDF uncovered IDF uniforms, maps and weapons inside a tunnel entrance in Gaza.

14:52: Fighting in Gaza today seems concentrated in Shajaia in northern Gaza and Khan Yunis in southern Gaza.

14:45: B’chasdei Hashem, once again there are no reports of injuries in the last very large wave of rocket fire to many areas of Israel.

14:40: Brigadier-General (reserves) Effie Eitam, who is known as a right-wing hawk: The Goldstone era is behind us. Today, both the United States and the European community are aware of what Israel is up against and the need to complete the operation to strip Hamas of its military capabilities. A civilian government must replace Hamas in Gaza, and Israel will be pleased to help the latter.

14:38: Two rocket intercepts reported over Ashdod.

14:33: Sirens sounding in Ohr HaNer, Erez, Gavim, Bat Hadar, S’dei David, Rishon L’Tzion, Yavne, Rehovot, Lod, Ramle, Gadera and more.

• Sirens also in Palmachim, Kfar Silver, Ashkelon,  Sapir, Yad Rambam, Yesodot, Kfar Shmuel, Ramot Meir.
• Multiple sirens in some area. Major wave of rocket fire.

14:23: The Security Cabinet is schedule to convene at 21:30.

14:23: Brigadier-General (reserves) Giora Inbar, who admittedly is aligned with the political left-wing, explains that if we permit the painful loss of life paralyze us, it will lead to additional loss of life. The operation must move ahead until Hamas is demilitarized.

14:07: One rocket was intercepted over Ashdod and two others over Ashkelon. Some rockets landed in open areas.

• A large confrontation is reported in southern Gaza between terrorists and IDF soldiers.
• Initial reports state at least 10 terrorists are dead.
• Secondary explosions resulted from targeting the hospital, indicating there were explosives inside.
• A phone call was made in advance of the attack by the IDF to the director of the hospital, who evacuated the patients.

 13:41: Sirens sounding in Ashdod, Bnei Darom, Nitzanim, Nitzan, Nitzan Bet, Emunim, Beit Ezra, Givati, Ezer, Shtulim and area communities.

13:32: Anti-aircraft fire originated in Wafa Hospital during recent days as well as light weapons fire against soldiers operating in the area.

• Sirens sounding in the Ashkelon industrial area, Ashkelon, Zikim, Karmiya and surrounding areas.

13:29: Four El Al planes in cooperation with the Foreign Ministry began to bring home passengers stranded in Ankara as carrier’s halted service to Israel. El Al hopes all of the thousands of Israelis stranded in Turkey will be home by Thursday.

• The Iron Dome intercepted four rockets over Beersheva. One rocket landed in an open area.

13:27: Yesha Council’s Dani Dayan on Hamas Attack at Ben-Gurion Airport:

“Hamas has delivered a powerful message to the world. With one rocket from Gaza they closed down our airport. With an independent state overlooking three quarters of Israel’s population, they could close down the entire country.”

13:25: IDF SPOKESMAN regarding attack on Wafa Hospital:

• We have repeatedly conveyed warnings directly to the hospital administration, Palestinian officials, and international organizations.
• In recent days, Hamas has fired anti-tank missiles from Wafa Hospital. Hamas gunfire from the building continued this morning.
• Hamas has used Wafa Hospital & its immediate surroundings as a command center, rocket launching site & position from which to fire at us.

 13:23: Deputy Knesset Speaker Moshe Feiglin: It is unethical to endanger IDF soldiers to protect Gazans. They elected Hamas by a huge majority in approval of terror.

13:20: The IDF has launched a strike against Wafa Hospital in Gaza after attacks against soldiers in Gaza were launched from the complex during recent days. The attack was preceded by warnings to evacuate the structure. The IDF learned the hospital has been serving as the war room and command center for terror leaders.  Read the article.

13:19: Sirens sounding in Ein HaShloshah and Nirim.

13:09: Hundreds of Khan Yunis residents of southern Gaza have fled, facilitating the IDF operation in that location.

13:08: Soldiers detected 3-to-4 terrorists exiting a tunnel in southern Gaza. The force opened fire killing one of them. The others fled.

13:06: IDF SPOKESMAN: We have destroyed 30-40% of Hamas’ rockets since starting our operation in Gaza.

13:02: One rocket was intercepted by the Iron Dome over Ashkelon and two others landed in open areas.

12:57: Sirens sounding in Beersheva, Tifrach, Chatzeirim and the surrounding areas. Multiple attacks reported.

12:56: The foreign worker wounded in a mortar shell attack earlier has died of injuries. He becomes the second civilian killed in Operation Protective Edge. Read the story.

12:48: Sirens sounded in the Ashkelon Coast Regional Council a few minutes ago.

12:47: The security alert in the Shar HaNegev area has been called off.

12:45: Channel 2 News reports 30,000 people took part in the levaya for lone soldier Sgt. Max Steinberg HY”D from Beersheva. Steinberg was a lone soldier who made aliyah from California.

12:42: Sirens once again in Zikim and Karmiya.

12:36: Route 232 in the Shar HaNegev Council area is closed due to an ongoing ‘security incident’.

• Sirens sounding in Yad Mordechai, Netiv HaAsarah, Ashkelon, Be’er Ganim, the Ashkelon industrial area. Second siren in Ashkelon.
• Sirens also sounding in Zikim and Karmiya.

12:32: A foreign laborer working in a field was seriously injured in a mortar attack in Ashkelon Coast Council community.

12:21: Sirens sounding in Zikim and Karmiya.

11:46: Finance Minister Yair Lapid has approved another delay in tax payments for businesses located within 40km of the Gaza border.

11:27: Due to the many levayas taking place in the Har Herzl Military Cemetery in Jerusalem R”L, persons planning to take part are urged to allow additional time for traffic snarls and street closures in the area of the beis hachaim.

11:25: Royal Jordanian Airlines has canceled flights to Israel.

11:25: UN Human rights commissioner Pillay:

• I condemn rocket fire from Gaza and locating military assets in civilian areas.
• Women and children suffer the most from the fighting in Gaza

11:20: At least one rocket was intercepted over Sderot and five over Ashkelon.

11:17: US Secretary of State John Kerry has arrived in Israel. He will be meeting with Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu and PA Chairman Mahmoud Abbas (Abu Mazen).

11:15: Sirens sounding in Miflasim, Gavim, Sapir, Nir Am and area communities.

11:13: Five rockets intercepted over Ashkelon earlier this morning.

09:36: El Al CEO David Maimon told Channel 2 News that the company is doing everything possible to accommodate thousands of stranded passengers trying to get to and from Israel. He reminds travelers that it is summer and therefore, the airline does not have many spare planes since it is peak travel season. The airline is adding flights between Tel Aviv and New York but Maimon admits El Al cannot compensate for a number of carriers halting service. He stresses El Al is not increasing prices but reminds travelers that during summer months prices are generally higher than other times of the year.

09:30: Sirens sounding in Kfar Aza, Saad, Toshiya and the surrounding areas.

09:11: Former Former ISA (Israel Security Agency – Shin Bet) director  Avi Dichter told Ynet “If they shoot a minimum of once a week at Ben-Gurion International Airport, it is sufficient to exacerbate the situation.

09:07: In rocket attacks a short time ago, four mortar shells landed in open areas in the Eshkol Regional Council.

09:04: Twenty-one IDF soldiers are admitted to Tel Hashomer Hospital in Tel Aviv of which 12 are listed in serious and moderate condition and eight light.

09:03: Gaza reports the death toll at 640 and over 4,000 injured from the ongoing IDF operation.

09:01: Sixty-one soldiers are being treated in Soroka Medical Center in Beersheva, of which forty-three are in intensive care units, three listed as serious, 19 moderate and 21 light.

08:45: IDF SPOKESMAN: Hamas has fired more than 2160 rockets at Israel since July 8. That’s more than 1 rocket every 10 minutes for 15 days.

08:42: 15 wounded are hospitalized in Barzilai Hospital in Ashkelon this morning including 11 IDF soldiers. A number of the wounded were transferred to other hospitals to facilitate family visits.

08:06: Former NYC Mayor Michael Bloomberg is heading to Israel on an El Al flight Wednesday in a showing of solidarity as well as to show travelers there is no reason to fear flying to Israel.

08:03: Military police arrested 3 soldiers and a civilian believed responsible for spreading rumors via WhatsApp regarding ongoing events in Operation Protective Edge.

07:58: The second officer killed in Gaza fighting on Tuesday is Lt. Natan Cohen HY”D, 23, from Modi’in.

07:10: Sirens sounding in Kibbutz Nirim and Ein HaShloshah once again.

• A rocket fired earlier at the Ashkelon Coast Regional Council was intercepted by the Iron Dome.

06:57: The IDF killed 30 terrorists in Gaza in the past 24 hours and 210 since the beginning of the ground operation.

• Twenty-eight tunnels were discovered along 57 tunnel access points.

06:51: El Al announced it will continue regular flights to and from Israel despite cancellations by other airlines. The airline added that priority will be given to passengers who purchased tickets in advance.

• Jordan Airline announced it too will continue regular service on its Israel-US route.
• Sirens sounding in Yad Mordechai, Netiv HaAsarah, Zikim, Nirim, Ein HaShloshah, & Karmiya.

06:49: 200 terror targets were attacked by the IDF in the past 24 hours, 3,250 since the beginning of Operation Protective Edge.

06:47: Three soldiers were seriously wounded in Gaza fighting on Tuesday, nine moderate and eight light.

05:50: Two IDF Soldiers Killed R’L Over Night in Gaza. The death toll of soldiers is now up to 29. Read the article.

01:13: The American government criticized the UN agency UNRWA for passing on 20 rockets found in one of their schools in Gaza to local police, which are Hamas members.

01:10: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu asks U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry to intervene to resume U.S. flights to Israel.

00:52: On Tuesday, 67 rockets and mortar shells landed in Israeli territory, and 18 rockets were intercepted by Iron Dome.

00:10: IDF aircraft and tanks are attacking dozens of terrorist targets in the south and north of Gaza. Large explosions are being reported.

UPDATE: 12:00AM IL: With the clock striking midnight on Tuesday evening / Wednesday morning, Israel has now entered “Day 16 of Operation Protective Edge”. Stay with YWN as we continue our non-stop 24 hour news coverage – updated just seconds after an event occurs.

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