Gaza , August 18, 2011, 1am

Dear Friends,

I am ok.

Gaza , August 18, 2011, 1am

Dear Friends,

I am ok.

Israel has started shelling Gaza City and different parts of the Gaza Strip. The first attack in Gaza City was so close to my building, the F16 hit Almuntada; they have also attacked the north of the city. Already 6 people have been injured and one killed (6 more were killed few hours earlier on in an airstrike on Rafah). I can hear and see the emergency vehicles on their way to the site of the shelling. My computer is not working so I am using Theresa’s laptop – bad timing. It is sad to see the families below the building panicking and running outside of the sea resort. The second shelling was against the police building (Arafat police headquarters), so close to the Red Crescent building. The operation is expected to be accelerated and many people say the UN has evacuated its employees. I am trying to calm down while receiving many calls from friends and family checking on me. I have asked Theresa to leave to the West Bank tomorrow; she was due to leave on Sunday. I am relieved it is the end of her visit, and she has accomplished her practicum.

Netanyahu exports the internal Israeli political turmoil to an external situation.

With love and solidarity,

Mona