Hamas is hoping for an IDF ground operation in Gaza ATFP World Press Roundup Article from Haaretz by Amos Harel, Avi Issacharoff - December 30, 2008 - 1:00am Three days into Operation Cast Lead, Israel is proposing a diplomatic exit. A ground operation likely looms in an effort to increase the pressure on Hamas. At the same time, however, others argue that the air force is close to exhausting its target bank, so if Hamas can be brought to accept a cease-fire on terms convenient to Israel in the near future it would be better to do so. Hamas intensified its rocket and mortar fire at Israel Monday. It is starting to recover from the initial shock of the assault, and the bad weather is helping to protect its launching crews from Israeli aircraft. » Read more

IDF war games predict look of Gaza ground operation ATFP World Press Roundup Article from Haaretz by Uri Blau - December 30, 2008 - 1:00am Israel Defense Forces Chief of Staff Gabi Ashkenazi believes that any occupation of Gaza by the army must end as soon as possible, according to an officer who participated in discussions and war games related to such an operation. At the same time, however, Ashkenazi fears that if the operation ends too quickly, the IDF will only have to go back into the Gaza Strip later. The officer added that Ashkenazi seeks to minimize harm to Palestinian civilians, but recognizes that this cannot be prevented completely. » Read more

Israel warns attack on Gaza has just begun ATFP World Press Roundup Article from The Times by James Hider, Nico Hines - December 30, 2008 - 1:00am Israel warned today that the aerial attack on Gaza, which has now entered its fourth brutal day, is only “the first of several” military stages intended to wipe out Hamas. As the army said it was ready to launch a ground incursion and tanks and infantry forces massed on the border, Israeli officials claimed the military “has made preparations for long weeks of action”. » Read more

Has Israel Revived Hamas? ATFP World Press Roundup Article from The Washington Post by Daoud Kuttub - December 30, 2008 - 1:00am JERUSALEM -- In its efforts to stop amateur rockets from nagging the residents of some of its southern cities, Israel appears to have given new life to the fledging Islamic movement in Palestine. » Read more