Palestinian tractors and bulldozers have blocked major roads into Gaza with dirt mounds and large rocks in an attempt to slow Israeli military vehicles, and the Palestinian Health Ministry has built a new surgery room in anticipation of the approaching crisis.
While Israeli forces are massing in the north and south of the Gaza strip, Palestinians are preparing for the coming invasion.
Negotiations failed early in the process, after Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert refused to negotiate for the release of around 400 women and children (under the age of 18) prisoners. While diplomatic efforts have been made by France, the United States, and Egypt among others the Israeli military buildup has been continuous and the people in Gaza have begun preparations for an invasion that could leave the city completely devastated.
Israel radio (Voice of Israel, Jerusalem, in Hebrew 27 Jun 06) said: "Large forces of tanks, APCs (armoured personnel carriers) and infantry troops are deployed in the Nahal Oz area. A full naval and ground blockade has been imposed on the Gaza Strip and the IDF plans to trisect the Gaza Strip in order to exert pressure to return kidnapped soldier Gilad Shalit."
Sources in Al Aqsa and Al Qassam brigades, the armed resistance wings of Fateh and Hamas respectively, report that factions are working together to dig trenches and collect weapons.
Palestinian tractors and bulldozers have blocked major roads into Gaza with dirt mounds and large rocks in an attempt to slow Israeli military vehicles.
The Palestinian Health Ministry built a new surgery room in anticipation of the invasion.
Residents of Beit Lahiya and Beit Hanoun in Gaza near the border with Isreael are reported to be leaving their homes and finding safe locations for children prior to the invasion.
Gazans also face a potential blockade of basic goods. Prime Minister Ehud Olmert announced Tuesday that if IDF soldier Gilad Shalit is not released, Israel will prevent the entry of fuel and food into Gaza. The Israeli daily Yediot Aharonot reported that Israel will cut off the electricity and water from the Gaza Strip as well.
Two thousand five-hundred Egyptian police are currently guarding the Rafah crossing, which is also indefinitely closed.
