Israel continues offensive
The week's news at a glance.
Gaza
Brushing aside complaints from Europe, Prime Minister Ehud Olmert this week said Israel would continue its military action in Gaza. Israel launched the assault after Palestinian militants kidnapped an Israeli soldier. The E.U. called the Israeli attacks on Gaza, which have killed some 60 people, “disproportionate.” Olmert countered that in the last month alone, Palestinian militants had fired 300 rockets into Israeli towns from Gaza. Hamas, the militant party that controls the Palestinian government, said this week it would free the Israeli soldier in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. But Israel rejected the offer, noting that Palestinian prisoners were tried and convicted of crimes, while the Israeli was taken hostage.
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
-
Libya's 'curious' football cup, played in Italy to empty stadiums
Under The Radar 'Curious collaboration' saw Al-Ahli Tripoli crowned league champions in Milan before a handful of spectators
-
What taxes do you pay on a home sale?
The Explainer Some people — though not many — will need to pay capital gains taxes upon selling their home
-
Schools: The return of a dreaded fitness test
Feature Donald Trump is bringing the Presidential Fitness Test back to classrooms nationwide