Newscast for Wednesday, November 14, 2012

Israeli military launches strikes on Gaza, killing Hamas leader, civilians

Despite an agreement mediated by Egypt to stop the violence, the Israeli military launched a barrage of strikes on Gaza today, assassinating a top Hamas military leader and killing civilians, including children. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke in a televised address. Translation from Al Jazeera. Israeli officials say their offensive is a “widespread campaign” called Operation Pillar of Defense and published a video of the strike that killed Hamas military chief Ahmed Al-Jabari. Israeli military spokesperson Avital Leibovich said the attack is justified because of Hamas rocket fire into Israel. Gazans reported multiple strikes throughout the evening following the attack on Al-Jabari’s car and many injuries. Residents posting to social media described warships firing from the water and drones flying overhead. Photos posted online allegedly show a one and four year old killed in the attacks. For more we’re joined by FSRN’s Rami Almeghari in Gaza.

Workers in Madrid hospitals face cuts as strikes spread across Europe

Across Europe today, tens of thousands of public workers staged anti-austerity strikes in nearly two-dozen countries. Workers say the spending cuts and tax raises imposed on citizens are hurting chances for a recovery.  Spain and Portugal held their first-ever coordinated general strike, which was Spain’s second this year. In Spain alone, more than 700 flights were cancelled. But many question how effective the strike can be. Workers from one public institution on the cutting block — Madrid hospitals — said they don’t want their message confused with that of the protestors. From Madrid, FSRN’s Robert Downs reports.

Congress to take up cybersecurity bill, prompting concern over privacy

In Washington, D.C. today, Republicans and Democrats in the Senate re-elected their party leaders and laid out their policy priorities for the short term before the holidays. Both sides have also been angling for the allegiance of newly elected Independent Senator Angus King from Maine, who only made a decision after learning that remaining completely neutral would cut him out of the committee process.

"And so I have decided to affiliate myself with the Democratic Caucus, because doing so will allow me to take independent positions on issues as they arise, and at the same time will allow me to be an effective representative with the people of Maine."

King noted that the only two Independent Senators currently serving in Congress, Bernie Sanders of Vermont and Joe Lieberman of Connecticut, also caucus with the Democrats. With the membership and leadership of the Senate hammered out, lawmakers are getting down to business. But with the Farm Bill, Defense Authorization Act, Violence Against Women Act, Hurricane Sandy disaster aid and US Postal Service rescue bill still left incomplete, the Senate is using its first days back in session to consider the Sportsmen’s Act, which allows for more hunting and fishing on public land. Lawmakers are scheduled to consider a Cybersecurity bill next, which has privacy and civil liberties advocates concerned. On Capitol Hill, FSRN’s Alice Ollstein has more.

Wisconsin police officers challenge state law over union rights

In Wisconsin, a controversial state law weakening union rights for public workers faces another legal challenge. A union representing state police officers filed a lawsuit in Madison on Tuesday, charging that the law violates the state’s constitution.  FSRN’s Molly Stentz has more.