IDF Southern Command Chief Major General Yoav Galant raised the level of alert in the area surrounding the Gaza Strip on Thursday in anticipation of a possible terror attack during a demonstration marking the founding of the Hamas terrorist organization. Galant ordered forces to prepare for attack against both Israeli civilians and IDF soldiers over the next few days ahead of Sunday's celebration. The alert comes only days before the looming expiration of the Hamas-Israel cease-fire next Friday. 12/11/08