WarSclerotic

US blames Hamas for ceasefire breakdown

The United States is “very concerned” about the violation of an extended ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, placing the blame for rocket fire from the Gaza on the shoulders of Hamas, even though no organization has taken responsibility for the Tuesday barrage.

“We are very concerned about today’s development and condemn the renewed rocket fire,” State Department Deputy Spokesperson Marie Harf says while briefing the press. She notes that the US had confirmed that rockets were fired from the Gaza Strip, and that “Hamas has security responsibility for Gaza.”

Harf reiterates that the US supports Israel’s right to defend itself against terror attacks from Gaza.

– Rebecca Shimoni Stoil

20:53
Egypt says ceasefire talks canceled

Egypt’s Foreign Ministry says that ceasefire talks between Israel and the Palestinians have been canceled indefinitely amid renewed fighting.

#Egypt’s foreign ministry say ceasefire talks have been suspended indefinitely.

— آدم مكاري (@adamakary) August 19, 2014

A conflicting report says that talks are “ongoing,” despite the Israeli delegation being recalled to Israel following rocket fire from Gaza.

#Egypt’s foreign ministry spokesman denies ceasefire negotiations have been suspended indefinitely; says “consultations are still ongoing”.

— Patrick Kingsley (@PatrickKingsley) August 19, 2014

20:45
Livni calls for heavy blow to Hamas, cooperation with PA

Justice Minister Tzipi Livni says she’s in favor of dealing a heavy military blow to Hamas, but that in order to effect real change in the Gaza Strip Israel needs to cooperate with the Palestinian Authority.
20:44
Communities within 25 miles of Gaza told to open shelters

The Home Front Command instructs all cities and towns within 40 kilometers (25 miles) of the Gaza Strip to open public bomb shelters.

According to GlobalPost correspondent Noga Tarnopolsky, cities in central Israel, far outside the 40 kilometer radius, have already opened their shelters without Home Front Command orders as a precautionary measure.

Not waiting for Home Front command instructions, all central Israeli cities, including Tel Aviv, are reopening shelters. #Israel #Gaza

— Noga Tarnopolsky (@NTarnopolsky) August 19, 2014

The mayors of the Tel Aviv suburbs of Rishon Lezion, Rehovot, Bat Yam and Ramat Gan ordered the opening of public bomb shelters in their cities because of the possibility of renewed rocket fire at the greater Tel Aviv area, Channel 2 reports. In Holon, another Tel Aviv suburb, shelters are already prepped and open.