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Last update - 23:29 20/05/2008 Western Negev council heads implore PM to stop Qassam fire By Fadi Eyadat, Haaretz Correspondent Tags: Sderot, Ashkelon  Western Negev regional council heads on Tuesday turned to Prime Minister Ehud Olmert requesting he bring an immediate end to the Qassam attacks from Gaza and that he come to their communities to see the effect of the rockets on the quality of life of their residents. In a letter sent by the council heads to Olmert, they stated that the government of Israel must "work to immediately end the missile threat hanging over our residents, that disrupts our lives and turns us into hostages of cruel terrorists." In the letter, the council heads also criticize the government as being solely responsible for their security, and allege that "because we are residents of the periphery, far from the center of Israel, we are asked to hold still, to wait patiently until the government fills its responsibility to ensure our safety." Advertisement The council heads also express their worry that the "the corrosive, ongoing erosion of the national and mental fortitude of our residents, many of whom are carrying emotional trauma, anxiety and shock, some of them suffering from amputations and eternal physical scars, some of whom have lost loved ones, have left them suffering from feelings of frustration and helplessness, as they are exposed on a daily basis to the threat of death." The council heads also say that the situation in their communities has led many residents to flee the area. Palestinian rocket crews target western Negev communities on a near daily basis, and last week, a long-range rocket hit a mallin Ashkelon, wounding 90, four seriously. Last Sunday, the leaders met for the first time in years to form a unified approach to "force the government to decide to end Qassam fire on [Israeli] communities," Ashkelon Mayor Roni Mahtsari said on Sunday. The leaders said they will demand to address the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, Mahtsari said. The leaders have decided to allot a certain amount of their community budget to public relations to inform people of the residents' plight in light of the security situation. Related articles: Negev leaders: We'll force government to stop Qassam fire Sderot will celebrate Israel's 60th, in spite of everything News / Several hurt after Katyusha strikes Ashkelon mall Bookmark to del.icio.us   Fear of extinction The state of over 20 species of birds in Israel has worsened considerably. Taking advantage Jerusalem police probe possible gang rape of disabled woman.   1.   Why are you guys complaining? You think you are hostages? 00:00  |  Ehud Olmert 21/05/08   2.   Move all the Leftists to the Western Negev 00:27  |  So they can enjoy 21/05/08   3.   Nice try 00:28  |  Yanosh 21/05/08   4.   don`t `implore.` fire missiles of your own. 00:41  |  frenz 21/05/08   5.   The Results of Weakness, Appeasement, and Self- Delusion 00:48  |  Tod Zuckerman 21/05/08   6.   POLITICS and demagoguery 01:20  |  Akiva P 21/05/08   7.   How about making Peace & stopping the occupation + blockade 01:40  |  POP 21/05/08   8.   A Couple of Envelopes May Entice Olmert to Act . Ask Talanski 02:18  |  Joseph . E 21/05/08

Read & React Israel-Hamas truce in Gaza could take effect later this week Responses: 110 Amos Harel: Iran's fingerprints all over Gaza strife Responses: 83 McCain blasts Obama for Iran threat comments Responses: 176 Jerusalem, Petah Tikva ban 'Sex in the City' film adverts Responses: 69 Rosner's Domain 5 questions: Does Israel need rescue? Hyping the threat from Iran (WTR) Poll: Meeting the president of Iran - good or bad? Guests: In regard to Hezbollah, Israeli deterrence works "Controlled Unclassified Information" and the AIPAC trial (WTR) More Headlines 21:37 Supreme Court denies Olmert bid to block testimony against him 02:23 Police to question Olmert in Talansky bribe case Friday 23:29 Western Negev council heads implore PM to stop Qassam fire 02:26 U.K. warns Iran nukes could spark Mideast arms race 00:03 Al Gore says Israel should lead the way in renewable energy 02:11 Egypt still trying to commit smaller factions to cease-fire 20:36 Top U.S. military officer says Iran jeopardizing peace in Iraq 21:41 Comptroller: Olmert waited 18 months to make decision on Darfur refugees 21:51 Ashkelon Mayor Roni Mahatzri investigated for sexual assault 01:20 No coordination or sensitivity in dealing with Ethiopian immigrants 00:57 U.S. Sen. Ted Kennedy diagnosed with malignant brain tumor 18:04 Orthodox Jewish youths burn New Testaments in Or Yehuda Previous Editions Select Day 20 may 19 may 18 may 16 may 15 may 14 may 13 may 12 may 11 may 09 may 08 may 07 may

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