Israeli cabinet considers 'Punishing' Gazans for Qassam rockets

The Israeli Haaretz reported today that Israeli security Cabinet members will support increasing financial pressure on the Gaza Strip during the cabinet's meeting in Jerusalem today.

The daily added that Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak ordered the defense establishment to examine "the operational and legal aspects of steps designed to limit Hamas' rule in the Gaza Strip." Barak wanted to determine the degree to which Israel was obligated to provide services for the Strip.

Israel, which occupies the Palestinian territories and which has near total control of Palestinian lives, said on Monday that rockets launched were on Sderot and that "They threatened the well-being of kindergarten children."

The call to cut off water, electricity, gas and fuel to the Strip is seen as an alternative - or, if unsuccessful, a prelude - to a broad Israeli incursion into northern Gaza. Government sources, however, said Prime Minister Ehud Olmert was unlikely to authorize an escalation in Israel's military actions in the region.

Today, Israeli tanks and bulldozers moved into the northern Gaza Strip in what appeared to be a limited operation against the launchers. No shooting nor injuries were initially reported.

Meantime, Israeli occupation forces wounded today two Palestinians in the West Bank city of Qalqiliya, when Israeli soldiers stormed at dawn Azzoun town, east the city and opened fire towards citizens, wounding two of them.

PLO National and International Relations Department said today that the Israeli occupation forces (IOF) killed 52 Palestinian ,including 12 children in the past month.