New airstrikes on Gaza

Today the Israeli state agreed to pay the UN $10 million compensation for damage done to its buildings during last year's bombardment of Gaza.

This time last year 1,400 Palestinians and 13 Israelis were killed in a remorseless attack which also left much infrastructure in ruins. The blockade of Gaza has been designed to immiserate the Palestinians in the area and prevent reconstruction.

Tonight Israel launched new strikes killing at least one person. So far we have three air strikes and two missile attacks on the area apparently in response to mortar attacks which were in response to an air strike which was, no doubt, in response to something else in this continuing cycle.

Haaretz also reports that thousands of leaflets were dropped on the area which "featured a map, and warns Gazans that anyone within 300 meters of the security fence is endangering himself."

These attacks coincide with rioting at the Egyptian border (pictured) over the aid convoy led by George Galloway hoping to break the blockade. These riots resulted in a number of injuries, the death of an Egyptian soldier and their eventual entry into Gaza. Green Party councillor Peter Offord is part of that convoy, and whilst he has been through the mill somewhat I believe he's currently alright.

Let's hope this is not the beginning a repeat of the horrors of last year.