12/29/08

* Israel strikes key Hamas offices Israeli air raids have pounded the Gaza Strip for a third day, hitting key sites linked to militant group Hamas.

* Barak: This is 'all out war' on Hamas Defense Minister and Labor chairman Ehud Barak on Monday said that Israel would expand its military operation in the Gaza Strip until all the goals were achieved.

* Israeli aircraft continue raids on Gaza The attacks brought the death toll in Gaza to more than 300, according to Palestinian medical officials.

* Crude Oil Rises After Israeli Attacks on Gaza Roil Middle East Crude oil rose as much as 12% after Israeli air strikes in the Gaza Strip raised concerns that supply from the Middle East may be disrupted.

* EU expresses 'grave concern' at Israeli attacks on Gaza The European Union has expressed its "grave concern" at Israel's continuing attacks on the Gaza Strip, calling the airstrikes "unacceptable" and urging both sides to halt military actions.

* Abbas Blames Hamas for Gaza Raids PA President Mahmoud Abbas blamed the rival Hamas terrorist organization for causing Israel's military operations in Gaza by not extending a six-month truce with Israel.

* Iranians register volunteers to fight Israel Group of hardline clerics signs up volunteers to fight in Gaza Strip in response to IDF airstrikes that have killed at least 300 Palestinians.

* Report: Hamas ready to sign Gaza truce Senegal's Foreign Ministry says Hamas leader proposed ceasefire agreement that would involve Israel ending its attacks, blockade of Strip

* Egypt: Hizbullah declared war on us In a press conference held on Monday afternoon in Ankara with his Turkish counterpart, Egyptian Foreign Minister Ahmed Aboul Gheit responded to criticism by Hizbullah leader Hassan Nasrallah on Sunday, saying that "They have practically declared war on Egypt via several satellite stations. The Egyptian people reject and opposes this declaration."

* Jerusalem: No international pressure to end op Israel is feeling "no real pressure" from the world to end the operation in the Gaza Strip, and the amount of time the international community will sit relatively quietly on the sidelines depends on how things develop.