Is it mission accomplished for Israel's Gaza operation?
Anderson Cooper is in Jerusalem as the first day of the cease–fire appears to be holding. Gaza residents are starting to leave their shelters to get a first look at what's left of their homes. Anderson spoke to IDF spokesman Lt. Col. Peter Lerner, who acknowledged that Hamas fighters were better trained and more professional than in previous conflicts.
Anderson also spoke with Chief Palestinian Negotiator Saeb Erakat about what Hamas got out of this conflict.
Did Hamas really use human shields?
Israel claims that Hamas is intentionally putting Palestinian civilians in harms way. Randi Kaye takes a closer look at what the Israeli military says is evidence that Hamas has developed a strategy of using human shields.
Chris Gunness is the spokesman for the United Nation's Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian refugees. He says the one thing the U.N. cannot deliver is security.
Will this ceasefire be different from the last?
Anderson Cooper spoke with Mark Regev, the chief spokesman for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. He says Israeli forces are not going to be relaxing, but instead watching to make sure Hamas honors the cease–fire.
Anderson also spoke with the PLO's Ambassador to the U.S., Maen Areikat. He addressed demands to demilitarize Hamas, saying Israel should end the blockade and occupation of Gaza first.
Cease-fire comes amid a new round of deadly violence
The world is holding its breath as Israel and Palestinian groups agree to a three day cease–fire. The news follows a string of violent incidents on both sides of the Gaza border. Anderson Cooper takes a look at the events that led to this latest cease–fire deal.
Gaza citizens caught in the crossfire
There is no end in sight to the crisis in Gaza. Citizens there have nowhere to go. With fighting raging they can’t bury their dead. There is often no time to tend to their wounded. It’s a humanitarian crisis that is escalating along with the violence.
Chris Gunness is the spokesman for the U.N. Relief and Works Agency. He told Anderson they have nothing but international law and humanitarian principles to protect us.
What does it take to negotiate the release of a captured Israeli soldier?
A search operation is underway to find 2nd Lt. Hadar Goldin. Israeli Defense Forces say he was captured by Hamas in an attack that killed two of his fellow soldiers. It happened about 90 minutes after the cease-fire went into effect. This latest abduction recalls the ordeal of Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit, who was captured by Hamas eight years ago and held captive for more than five years. Gershon Baskin helped negotiate his release. He told Anderson it will be "very miraculous" if Goldin comes back alive.
Why Israel is so intent on destroying Hamas' tunnels
Israel has said one of the top goals of its Gaza operation is the destruction of Hamas' underground tunnels. Randi Kaye looks at how Hamas claims to use them, and why Israel is so intent on destroying them.
Palestinians and Israelis respond to news of the ceasefire
Expectations and emotions are high after the news of a 72-hour ceasefire deal in Gaza. Maen Areikat is the Chief of the PLO delegation in Washington. He tells Anderson that Palestinians will only agree to demilitarization when Israel ends its occupation of Gaza.
Daniel Ayalon is a former Israeli Ambassador to the United States. He denies that his country is occupying Gaza and explains to Anderson that Israel now needs to see Hamas stop its attacks.
Gaza: Deadly attack on U.N. school
Artillery hit a United Nations school in Gaza that was sheltering thousands of Palestinians. An initial review by the Israeli military found that its forces were responding to nearby mortar fire. The United Nations and the White House condemned the attack. Karl Penhaul got an up close look at the immediate aftermath.
Anderson discussed the deadly attack with Pierre Krahenbuhl, who is the Director of Operations for the U.N. Relief and Works Agency.
Web Exclusive: Anderson Cooper's full interview with Israel's Ambassador to the U.S. Ron Dermer
Authorities in Gaza say more than 1,300 people have been killed there since the war began. The United Nations estimates 70-80% of the dead were civilians. 56 Israelis have been killed, all but three were troops. That disparity drives a perception in parts of the world, that the war is, if not wrong outright, then at least it is being wrongly fought. In Israel, there is overwhelming public support, with approval between 80-90%. Ron Dermer is Israel's Ambassador to the United States.
Watch Part 2 of this interview:
