22:52: Red alerts now in the Ashkelon coast area.

22:21: Numerous explosions over Central israel moments ago – indicating successful interceptions by the Iron Dome.

22:16: Red alerts in Gush Dan area (Tel Aviv, Bnei Brak, Petach Tikvah) as well as in Ashdod, Ashkelon and many other areas.

21:47: Chile and Peru have recalled their ambassador from Israel in response to Israeli’s bombardment of Gaza.

21:46: Significant IAF presence over the skies of Gaza at this time.

21:41: Nine rockets were fired to the Beersheva district of which four were intercepted by the Iron Dome. The remainder landed in open areas. B”H no fatalities of injuries being reported.

21:28: Sirens throughout the Beersheva and Negev districts. Multiple launches as sirens continue to wail.

21:07: Once again the UN’s UNRWA organization admits rockets were found in a Gaza school that is closed for summer vacation.

21:04: One soldier is in moderate condition and four in light condition following a mortar rocket attack near a Shar HaNegev Regional Council community.

20:46: Heavy IDF fire being directed to northern Gaza to permit the evacuation of six wounded from a mortar rocket attack. B’chasdei Hashem there are no fatalities. The condition of the wounded is not known at this time.

20:33: Channel 2 reports that Hamas leaders are executing Gazans who dared to publically protest against the leadership.

20:29: Fragments from the Iron Dome interception have landed in areas in the Beit Shemesh district. At present, there are no reports of injuries.

20:25: One rocket was intercepted by the Iron Dome and another landed in an open area. Sirens were heard from Beit Shemesh to the Jerusalem Hills to Gush Etzion.

20:23: Sirens in Even Sapir, Ora, Mevo Betar, Tzur Hadassah, Abu Gosh, Ramat Raziel, Efrat Betar Illit, Telshe Stone: The Beit Shemesh & Yehuda districts

20:16: About 100 people turn out for a rally in Ramat Yishai calling on the government to take the ground operation all the way towards disarming Hamas.

20:10: Amid talk of an imminent ceasefire, security agencies are on high alert expecting a Hamas finale. Forces in the south are on alert against tunnel infiltrations and increased rocket fire is expected around Israel, Channel 2 reports.

19:49: North Korea denies reports that it is planning to sell missiles to Hamas.

19:47: The Security Cabinet meeting that was to convene tonight at 19:00 has been postponed until tomorrow.

19:46: Four rockets aimed at the Ashkelon Coast council landed in Gaza. There are no reports of injuries in the last rounds of rocket fire B”H

19:43: A State Comptroller report from May 2007, written by Justice Lindenstrauss, warned of the severity of the tunnels and the lack of attention given to the issue by the military.

19:41: Sirens sounding in Zikim and Karmiya.

19:38: Sirens sounding in Zikim and Karmiya.

19:37: Sirens sounding in Zikim and Karmiya.

19:31: Sirens sounding in Zikim and Karmiya.

• Second round of sirens.

19:15: An official declaration of a ceasefire appears will occur in the next 24-48 hours. The IDF will continue operating in Gaza until that time.

19:07: Main points of formulating ceasefire plan include;

• There will be a ceasefire without preconditions.
• Israel will be able to continue destroying tunnels.
• There will be zero tolerance for rocket fire.

If the above is true, it will represent the de facto acceptance of Hamas as ruler in Gaza.

19:05: Sirens are sounding in Alumim and Nachal Ohz.

19:02: Channel 2’s Roni Daniel reports all sides are in agreement, seeking a ceasefire. This includes Israel, Hamas and the PA (Palestinian Authority), as well as the US and the UN. It appears the negotiating will be handled by Egypt.

18:19: Gaza electric reports the damage from the IDF attack will take a year to repair. As such there will limited electric to limited areas for 2-3 hours daily. Hospitals will run on generators. The Gaza population will be informed of this new reality.

17:51: UNRWA reports 182,000 Gazans fled their homes to one of the UN buildings and schools in Gaza. The number does not include Gazans that are homeless but remaining with family members and not the UN.

17:23: Hamas and Islamic Jihad TV reporting 12 dead in an IDF bombing in Jabalya.

17:14: Once again sirens are wailing in the Ashkelon Coast Regional Council.

16:49: A Givati force a short time ago detected five terrorists exiting a tunnel, opening fire, killing them all. The force recovered weapons, ammunition and explosives on the scene.

16:37: The Iron Dome intercepted a rocket heading for Netivot.

16:35:  There are no reports of injuries or fatalities in the last wave of rocket fire.

16:26: Sirens in Nir Am, Nitzanim, Nirim, Ein HaShloshah, Nir Ohz and surrounding communities.

16:22: In the last rocket attack directed at the Ashkelon Coast Council, the rocket landed in Gaza.

16:21: No explanation is being given at present for the huge pillars of dense smoke over Gaza City.

16:17: Israel Channel 2 reports Sky News says “a senior Israeli official and Hamas” have both rejected the PA (Palestinian Authority) 72-hour ceasefire.

16:07: Sirens in Zikim and Karmiya.

• Once again it is clear that PA Chairman Mahmoud Abbas (Abu Mazen) has no influence on Hamas and is not capable of enforcing a ceasefire if Hamas opts not to accept it.
• As the PA tried throwing the ball in Israel’s court, the ball has deflated as Hamas has not stopped rocket fire.

15:59: Despite talk of a ceasefire, sirens wailing throughout the Ashkelon district and Gaza border communities.

15:53: Minister of Tourism (Yisrael Beitenu) Dr. Uzi Landau: No ceasefire until Hamas is disarmed and we are certain the tunnel network has been dismantled. Granting Hamas a ceasefire just permits them to prepare for renewed warfare.

Speaking in Ashkelon, Minister Naftali Bennett says Israel must go all the way until Hamas, “which is a Jihad organization committed to Israel’s destruction” is brought down. He said statements like “we will do our best to alleviate the tunnel problem” are unacceptable. “We must do what it takes and permit the IDF to operate for as long as it takes to get the job done, even if it takes three years”.

15:43: A rocket exploded in an open area in the Ashkelon Coast Council in the last attack.

15:20: It would appear the ceasefire has yet to begin. Sirens sounding in Zikim and Karmiya.

15:18: Part of the deal between PA Chairman Mahmoud Abbas (Abu Mazen) and Hamas to accept the unilaterally announced 72-hour ceasefire includes the PA (Palestinian Authority) leader moving to the International Court of Justice to file war crime charges against Israeli leaders.

15:15: The levaya of fallen IDF soldier Corporal Maimon Biton HY”D, 20, of Netivot, is taking place at this time in Netivot.

15:06: Fatah official Yasser Abed Rabbo announces a 72-hour ceasefire approved by Hamas goes into effect immediately.

15:02: At this time, the levaya of fallen soldier Sgt. First Class Moshe Doini HY”D, 20, of Jerusalem is taking place in the Mt. Herzl Military Cemetery.

14:33: Two rockets exploded in open areas near Sderot. Once again, B”H, without loss of life or injuries. A fire has resulted from the rocket explosions.

14:32: Hamas Spokesman Mushir al-Masri: The blood of the shahids in this campaign is the fuel of our victory.

 14:27: Sirens sounding in Miflasim.

14:22: Some rockets detonated in open areas, others in Gaza. B’chasdei Hashem there are no fatalities or injuries being reported following several rounds of rocket fire during the past half hour.

14:18: Sirens in Yad Mordechai and Netiv HaAsarah.

14:14: Sirens in Sapir College, Nir Am, Sderot and surrounding areas.

14:10: No injuries reported in two attacks targeting the Ashkelon Coast Regional Council communities.

13:57: Sirens in Kerem Shalom and Zikim.

13:46: Midgam poll for the Knesset Channel:
How should Israel act regarding the warfare in Gaza?

• 57% – Continue until the tunnels are resolved and Hamas cannot fire rockets.
• 23% – Topple the Hamas government and take over Gaza for a prolonged period.
• 18% – Topple the Hamas government.

13:41: Sirens once again in Kerem Shalom.

13:31: Two rockets landed outside an Eshkol Regional Council Community. B”H there are no fatalities or injuries being reported.

13:21: The Windbreaker tank anti-rocket defense system repelled an anti-tank rocket fired at the 401st Battalion operating in Khan Yunis. A Merkava 4 tank was targeted. The tank’s crew returned fire in the direction of the rocket firing.

13:20: Sirens sounding in Kerem Shalom

13:09: IDF SPOKESMAN: Last night, we struck 4 massive weapons caches that Hamas hid inside of mosques.

13:03: The PA Maan news agency reports 40 fatalities in Gaza as a result of IDF bombing since midnight.

13:01: Fifteen rockets have been fired from Gaza nationwide since midnight, including Gush Dan and Ashkelon. B’chasdei Hashem there have not been any fatalities or injuries.

12:55: Minister Naftali Bennett explains it is not about sealing tunnels or beating Hamas but about demilitarizing Gaza and nothing less is acceptable. Bennett adds that Iran, Hizbullah and others are watching and the decisions made by the Security Cabinet are critical.

12:46: The IDF warning Gaza residents in the area east of Khan Yunis, [Hirbat Hizah, Bnei Sehila and other areas] to evacuate immediately to Central Khan Yunis. Flyers were dropped and phone calls were made.

12:19: Bedouin violence was reported including rock-throwing at vehicles heading to the levaya in Metar of fallen IDF soldier Captain Liad Lavie HY”D.

11:51: Gaza reports one dead and three seriously wounded in IDF bombing in the Beit Lahiya area of Gaza.

11:46: Thousands of people are taking part in the levaya in Tzfas for IDF Sgt. Eliav Kahlon HY”D, who was killed in Gaza fighting on Monday.

11:44: The PA (Palestinian Authority) delegation was summoned to Cairo by Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi along with Islamic Jihad representatives.

11:30: Rockets in earlier attack landed in open areas. One rocket was intercepted over Ashkelon.

11:20: Minister (Likud) Silvan Shalom told Channel 2 News that this must end with Hamas understanding it can no longer fire rockets at Gaza. “Our goal is to bring quiet to the south and we must continue”.

11:14: Sirens in Ashkelon, the Ashkelon Coast council, Yad Mordechai, Zikim, Karmiya, Ohr HaNer, Erez and areas communities.

11:05: A French media agency reports IDF shelling of Gaza has resulted in a cessation of Gaza’s only power station. Shells struck the fuel tanks, bringing the power station to a halt.

11:00: Islamic Jihad and Fatah representatives have traveled to Cairo to address the Egyptian ceasefire proposal.

10:54: The Security Cabinet is scheduled to convene this evening at 19:00 in the Defense Ministry in Tel Aviv.

10:47: Minister of Welfare & Social Services (Yesh Atid) Meir Cohen explains Israel must get to the negotiating table to reach agreement but only after the heads of Hamas are eliminated. He explains Israel must negotiate from a point of strength and success, questioning why the cabinet has not yet instructed the IDF to eliminate the Hamas leadership.

10:31: MK (Likud) Carmel Shama HaKohen told the press Israel cannot accept additional ceasefire or cessations in the warfare for the last one, on Monday was most costly, leaving ten soldiers dead and 17 wounded.

10:20: As has been his custom in the past, Rami Levi, who owns the nationwide supermarket chain bearing his name, continues bringing large quantities of food to the families of the fallen soldiers, Channel 10 News reports.

10:13: Retired IDF Navy Commander Admiral Eliezer Merom: The IDF must eliminated Hamas’ leaders or withdraw IDF forces from Gaza.

10:10: Update from Barzilai Hospital in Ashkelon
A total of 37 people are hospitalized in the facility, of which 32 are IDF personnel. Seven of the wounded are in moderate condition. The remainder is less severe.

Channel 2 News reports there are 130 wounded nationwide of which one is listed in very serious condition, six serious, 35 moderate and the remainder less serious. The most seriously wounded are hospitalized in Soroka Medical Center in Beersheva.

09:42: While rocket fire continues, PM Netanyahu continues to stress the operation will not halt until the tunnels are destroyed.

09:38: Sirens sounding in the Ashkelon Coast Council once again.

09:28: Israel Police announces that Route 232 remains closed from Saad Junction to Nachal Ohz Junction.

09:24: The rocket fired into the Ashkelon Coast Regional Council minutes ago landed in Gaza.

09:20: UPDATE ON the WOUNDED: 120 IDF soldiers and officers remain hospitalized in hospitals around Israel. One soldier remains in very serious condition from last week. Eight soldiers are in serious condition.

09:18: Sirens sounding in Zikim and Karmiya.

09:15: IDF aerial and artillery fire against terror targets in Gaza have resumed.

08:34: The name of the fifth soldier killed at the Karnei Crossing in Gaza is cleared for release.
Sgt. Nadav Raymond, 19, from Shdamot Devorah. The levaya will take place today at 18:00 in the Shdamot Devorah Military Cemetery.

• For all the names, read the article:

07:40: Employment service offices in Kiryat Gat, Kiryat Malachi, Ofakim and Yavne will not open today.

• Offices in Ashkelon, Ashdod, Beersheva, Netivot, Sderot, and Rahat are operating.
• Residents of communities in the 40km area of the Gaza border who are required to sign in for unemployment are not required to do so.

07:38: Sirens sounding in Chulit, Nir Yitzchak and Sufah.

07:33: A terrorist  during the infiltration near Kibbutz Nachal Ohz on Monday tried to drag the body of an IDF soldier into the tunnel to take to Gaza. The terrorist was shot dead.

07:33: Update from Soroka Medical Center:
Thirty-six IDF soldiers are hospitalized with one listed in serious condition. Thirteen soldiers and officers are listed in moderate condition and the remainder light. Nine soldiers were admitted on Monday night, and some underwent surgery during the night. They are recuperating in intensive care units.

07:28: The IAF during the night attacked 150 terror targets in Gaza.

07:12: Read the article for the names and levaya times of the soldiers and killed near Nachal Ohz on Monday HY”D and the soldier killed in a shootout in the Khan Yunis area of Gaza HY”D.

07:11: The Islamic Jihad confirms Rafiach Brigade Commander Ahmed Najim (Abu Hizme) was killed in an IAF strike, becoming the first brigade commander killed in the operation.

06:45: It is permitted to publish the names of four of the five HY”D. Read the article.

06:22: Cleared for publication: Five IDF soldiers were killed by terrorists firing an anti-tank rocket at them at Karnei Crossing. The death toll in the past 24 hours is 10. The IDF death toll in Operation Protective Edge is 53 R”L.

04:11: Red alerts now in Yad Mordechai, Ashkelon Coast area, Nativ Asara and surrounding areas.

03:51: Among the IDF targets in Gaza the past hour is the “Shorouq building” which is the home for several TV and radio channels. The entire building is engulfed in flames.

03:06: Red alerts now sounding in Ashkelon.

03:02: The IAF has just struck Al Aqsa Satellite Channel in Gaza City. It is unknown if the channel is still on the air.

03:00: reporters in Gaza report that this night has by far been the most intense by the IDF. There is thick smoke and explosions are being heard accords Gaza. Many people have been killed and injured.

02:40: According to Walla News, the IAF has just bombed the home of Hamas terror leader Ismail Haniyeh.

02:36: Multiple explosions heard over the Tel Aviv area indicating possible Iron Dome interceptions.

02:35: Sirens in Rishon Letzion.

02:34: Red alert sirens ringing in Tel Aviv right now.

02:33: Red alerts now in Ashdod.

02:01: News reporters based in Gaza report heavy artillery and explosions rocking locations across Gaza. It appears the IDF has increased their attacks this evening against terror targets.

01:31: Gaza media outlets are reporting at least 12 people just killed in IDF strikes against Hamas terror targets. Numerous people wounded.

01:16: Residemts in several communities along Route 232 told to remain in their homes.

01:09: A security situation is reportedly unfolding along Gaza border. Road 232 has been shut by Police, IDF forces are searching area. This is another possible infiltration.

01:02: Massive explosions are being reported across Gaza as the IAF carries out numerous strikes against Hamas terror targets.

00:54: Brazil President calls Israel op in Gaza a ‘disproportionate massacre’.

00:09: 51 rockets and mortar shells fired at Israel on Monday, 40 rockets and mortar shells exploded in Israel, Iron Dome intercepted 6 rockets.

00:03: Names of 4 soldiers killed on Monday:
-Sgt. Eliav Eliyahu Kahlon, 22,
-Corporal Meidan Biton, 20,
-Corporal Niran Cohen, 20,
-Sgt. Adi Briga, 23,

UPDATE: 12:00AM IL: With the clock striking midnight on Monday evening / Tuesday morning, Israel has now entered “Day 22 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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(YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)