9/11receipts
Rare documents • FOIA disclosures • WikiLeaks files • Media propaganda
PENTTBOMB | TWINBOM
↓↓ Inscribed archive & directory 📟 #911txts
Gaza: Israel's Fuel and Power Cuts Violate Laws of WarFor Immediate ReleaseGaza: Israel's Fuel and Power Cuts Violate Laws of WarCivilians Should Not Be Penalized for Rocket Attacks by Armed Groups(New York, October 29, 2007) - Israel's decision to limit fuel andelectricity to the Gaza Strip in retaliation for unlawful rocket attacksby armed groups amounts to collective punishment against the civilianpopulation of Gaza, in violation of international law, and will worsen thehumanitarian crisis there, Human Rights Watch said today."Israel may respond to rocket attacks by armed groups to protect itspopulation, but only in lawful ways," said Sarah Leah Whitson, director ofHuman Rights Watch's Middle East division. "Because Israel remains anoccupying power, in light of its continuing restrictions on Gaza, Israelmust not take measures that harm the civilian population - yet that isprecisely what cutting fuel or electricity for even short periods willdo."On Sunday, the Israeli Defense Ministry ordered the reduction of fuelshipments from Israel to Gaza. A government spokesman said the plan was tocut the amount of fuel by 5 to 11 percent without affecting the supply ofindustrial fuel for Gaza's only power plant.According to Palestinian officials, fuel shipments into Gaza yesterdayfell by more than 30 percent.In response to the government's decision, a group of 10 Palestinian andIsraeli human rights groups petitioned the Israeli Supreme Court onSunday, seeking an immediate injunction against the fuel and electricitycuts. The court gave the government five days to respond but did not issuea temporary injunction. On Monday, the groups requested an urgent hearingbefore the five days expire.Last Thursday, Defense Minister Ehud Barak approved cutting electricity toGaza for increasing periods in response to ongoing rocket attacks againstcivilian areas in Israel, but the government has not yet implemented theorder.The rockets fired by Palestinian armed groups violate the internationallegal prohibition on indiscriminate attacks because they are highlyinaccurate and cannot be directed at a specific target. Because Hamasexercises power inside Gaza, it is responsible for stopping indiscriminateattacks even when carried out by other groups, Human Rights Watch said.On Friday, Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said that Israel wouldrespond strongly to the ongoing attacks without allowing a humanitariancrisis. But the UN's top humanitarian official, UN DeputySecretary-General John Holmes, said that a "serious humanitarian crisis"in Gaza already exists, and called on Israel to lift the economic blockadethat it tightened after Hamas seized power in June.Israel's decision to cut fuel and electricity is the latest move aimedostensibly against Hamas that is affecting the entire population of Gaza.In September, the Israeli cabinet declared Gaza "hostile territory" andvoted to "restrict the passage of various goods to the Gaza Strip andreduce the supply of fuel and electricity." Since then, Israel hasincreasingly blocked supplies into Gaza, letting in limited amounts ofessential foodstuffs, medicine and humanitarian supplies. According toHolmes, the number of humanitarian convoys entering Gaza had dropped to1,500 in September from 3,000 in July."Cutting fuel and electricity obstructs vital services," Whitson said."Operating rooms, sewage pumps, and water well pumps all need electricityto run."Israel sells to Gaza roughly 60 percent of the electricity consumed by theterritory's 1.5 million inhabitants. In June 2006, six Israeli missilesstruck Gaza's only power plant; today, for most residents, electricity isavailable during only limited hours.Israeli officials said they would cut electricity for 15 minutes aftereach rocket attack and then for increasingly longer periods if the attackspersist. Deputy Defense Minister Matan Vilnai said Israel would"dramatically reduce" the power it supplied to Gaza over a period ofweeks.Cutting fuel or electricity to the civilian population violates a basicprinciple of international humanitarian law, or the laws of war, whichprohibit a government that has effective control over a territory fromattacking or withholding objects that are essential to the survival of thecivilian population. Such an act would also violate Israel's duty as anoccupying power to safeguard the health and welfare of the populationunder occupation.Israel withdrew its military forces and settlers from the Gaza Strip in2005. Nonetheless, Israel remains responsible for ensuring the well-beingof Gaza's population for as long as, and to the extent that, it retainseffective control over the area. Israel still exercises control overGaza's airspace, sea space and land borders, as well as its electricity,water, sewage and telecommunications networks and population registry.Israel can and has also reentered Gaza for security operations at will.Israeli officials state that by declaring Gaza "hostile territory," it isno longer obliged under international law to supply utilities to thecivilian population, but that is a misstatement of the law."A mere declaration does not change the facts on the ground that impose onIsrael the status and obligations of an occupying power," said Whitson.For more information, please contact:In New York, Fred Abrahams (English, German): +1-917-385-7333 (mobile)In Washington, DC, Joe Stork (English): +1-202-299-4925 (mobile)In Cairo, Gasser Abdel-Razek (Arabic, English): +20-2-2-794-5036 (mobile);or +20-10-502-9999 (mobile)
Gaza: Israel's Fuel and Power Cuts Violate Laws of WarFor Immediate ReleaseGaza: Israel's Fuel and Power Cuts Violate Laws of WarCivilians Should Not Be Penalized for Rocket Attacks by Armed Groups(New York, October 29, 2007) - Israel's decision to limit fuel andelectricity to the Gaza Strip in retaliation for unlawful rocket attacksby armed groups amounts to collective punishment against the civilianpopulation of Gaza, in violation of international law, and will worsen thehumanitarian crisis there, Human Rights Watch said today."Israel may respond to rocket attacks by armed groups to protect itspopulation, but only in lawful ways," said Sarah Leah Whitson, director ofHuman Rights Watch's Middle East division. "Because Israel remains anoccupying power, in light of its continuing restrictions on Gaza, Israelmust not take measures that harm the civilian population - yet that isprecisely what cutting fuel or electricity for even short periods willdo."On Sunday, the Israeli Defense Ministry ordered the reduction of fuelshipments from Israel to Gaza. A government spokesman said the plan was tocut the amount of fuel by 5 to 11 percent without affecting the supply ofindustrial fuel for Gaza's only power plant.According to Palestinian officials, fuel shipments into Gaza yesterdayfell by more than 30 percent.In response to the government's decision, a group of 10 Palestinian andIsraeli human rights groups petitioned the Israeli Supreme Court onSunday, seeking an immediate injunction against the fuel and electricitycuts. The court gave the government five days to respond but did not issuea temporary injunction. On Monday, the groups requested an urgent hearingbefore the five days expire.Last Thursday, Defense Minister Ehud Barak approved cutting electricity toGaza for increasing periods in response to ongoing rocket attacks againstcivilian areas in Israel, but the government has not yet implemented theorder.The rockets fired by Palestinian armed groups violate the internationallegal prohibition on indiscriminate attacks because they are highlyinaccurate and cannot be directed at a specific target. Because Hamasexercises power inside Gaza, it is responsible for stopping indiscriminateattacks even when carried out by other groups, Human Rights Watch said.On Friday, Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said that Israel wouldrespond strongly to the ongoing attacks without allowing a humanitariancrisis. But the UN's top humanitarian official, UN DeputySecretary-General John Holmes, said that a "serious humanitarian crisis"in Gaza already exists, and called on Israel to lift the economic blockadethat it tightened after Hamas seized power in June.Israel's decision to cut fuel and electricity is the latest move aimedostensibly against Hamas that is affecting the entire population of Gaza.In September, the Israeli cabinet declared Gaza "hostile territory" andvoted to "restrict the passage of various goods to the Gaza Strip andreduce the supply of fuel and electricity." Since then, Israel hasincreasingly blocked supplies into Gaza, letting in limited amounts ofessential foodstuffs, medicine and humanitarian supplies. According toHolmes, the number of humanitarian convoys entering Gaza had dropped to1,500 in September from 3,000 in July."Cutting fuel and electricity obstructs vital services," Whitson said."Operating rooms, sewage pumps, and water well pumps all need electricityto run."Israel sells to Gaza roughly 60 percent of the electricity consumed by theterritory's 1.5 million inhabitants. In June 2006, six Israeli missilesstruck Gaza's only power plant; today, for most residents, electricity isavailable during only limited hours.Israeli officials said they would cut electricity for 15 minutes aftereach rocket attack and then for increasingly longer periods if the attackspersist. Deputy Defense Minister Matan Vilnai said Israel would"dramatically reduce" the power it supplied to Gaza over a period ofweeks.Cutting fuel or electricity to the civilian population violates a basicprinciple of international humanitarian law, or the laws of war, whichprohibit a government that has effective control over a territory fromattacking or withholding objects that are essential to the survival of thecivilian population. Such an act would also violate Israel's duty as anoccupying power to safeguard the health and welfare of the populationunder occupation.Israel withdrew its military forces and settlers from the Gaza Strip in2005. Nonetheless, Israel remains responsible for ensuring the well-beingof Gaza's population for as long as, and to the extent that, it retainseffective control over the area. Israel still exercises control overGaza's airspace, sea space and land borders, as well as its electricity,water, sewage and telecommunications networks and population registry.Israel can and has also reentered Gaza for security operations at will.Israeli officials state that by declaring Gaza "hostile territory," it isno longer obliged under international law to supply utilities to thecivilian population, but that is a misstatement of the law."A mere declaration does not change the facts on the ground that impose onIsrael the status and obligations of an occupying power," said Whitson.For more information, please contact:In New York, Fred Abrahams (English, German): +1-917-385-7333 (mobile)In Washington, DC, Joe Stork (English): +1-202-299-4925 (mobile)In Cairo, Gasser Abdel-Razek (Arabic, English): +20-2-2-794-5036 (mobile);or +20-10-502-9999 (mobile)
Gaza: Israel's Fuel and Power Cuts Violate Laws of WarFor Immediate ReleaseGaza: Israel's Fuel and Power Cuts Violate Laws of WarCivilians Should Not Be Penalized for Rocket Attacks by Armed Groups(New York, October 29, 2007) - Israel's decision to limit fuel andelectricity to the Gaza Strip in retaliation for unlawful rocket attacksby armed groups amounts to collective punishment against the civilianpopulation of Gaza, in violation of international law, and will worsen thehumanitarian crisis there, Human Rights Watch said today."Israel may respond to rocket attacks by armed groups to protect itspopulation, but only in lawful ways," said Sarah Leah Whitson, director ofHuman Rights Watch's Middle East division. "Because Israel remains anoccupying power, in light of its continuing restrictions on Gaza, Israelmust not take measures that harm the civilian population - yet that isprecisely what cutting fuel or electricity for even short periods willdo."On Sunday, the Israeli Defense Ministry ordered the reduction of fuelshipments from Israel to Gaza. A government spokesman said the plan was tocut the amount of fuel by 5 to 11 percent without affecting the supply ofindustrial fuel for Gaza's only power plant.According to Palestinian officials, fuel shipments into Gaza yesterdayfell by more than 30 percent.In response to the government's decision, a group of 10 Palestinian andIsraeli human rights groups petitioned the Israeli Supreme Court onSunday, seeking an immediate injunction against the fuel and electricitycuts. The court gave the government five days to respond but did not issuea temporary injunction. On Monday, the groups requested an urgent hearingbefore the five days expire.Last Thursday, Defense Minister Ehud Barak approved cutting electricity toGaza for increasing periods in response to ongoing rocket attacks againstcivilian areas in Israel, but the government has not yet implemented theorder.The rockets fired by Palestinian armed groups violate the internationallegal prohibition on indiscriminate attacks because they are highlyinaccurate and cannot be directed at a specific target. Because Hamasexercises power inside Gaza, it is responsible for stopping indiscriminateattacks even when carried out by other groups, Human Rights Watch said.On Friday, Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said that Israel wouldrespond strongly to the ongoing attacks without allowing a humanitariancrisis. But the UN's top humanitarian official, UN DeputySecretary-General John Holmes, said that a "serious humanitarian crisis"in Gaza already exists, and called on Israel to lift the economic blockadethat it tightened after Hamas seized power in June.Israel's decision to cut fuel and electricity is the latest move aimedostensibly against Hamas that is affecting the entire population of Gaza.In September, the Israeli cabinet declared Gaza "hostile territory" andvoted to "restrict the passage of various goods to the Gaza Strip andreduce the supply of fuel and electricity." Since then, Israel hasincreasingly blocked supplies into Gaza, letting in limited amounts ofessential foodstuffs, medicine and humanitarian supplies. According toHolmes, the number of humanitarian convoys entering Gaza had dropped to1,500 in September from 3,000 in July."Cutting fuel and electricity obstructs vital services," Whitson said."Operating rooms, sewage pumps, and water well pumps all need electricityto run."Israel sells to Gaza roughly 60 percent of the electricity consumed by theterritory's 1.5 million inhabitants. In June 2006, six Israeli missilesstruck Gaza's only power plant; today, for most residents, electricity isavailable during only limited hours.Israeli officials said they would cut electricity for 15 minutes aftereach rocket attack and then for increasingly longer periods if the attackspersist. Deputy Defense Minister Matan Vilnai said Israel would"dramatically reduce" the power it supplied to Gaza over a period ofweeks.Cutting fuel or electricity to the civilian population violates a basicprinciple of international humanitarian law, or the laws of war, whichprohibit a government that has effective control over a territory fromattacking or withholding objects that are essential to the survival of thecivilian population. Such an act would also violate Israel's duty as anoccupying power to safeguard the health and welfare of the populationunder occupation.Israel withdrew its military forces and settlers from the Gaza Strip in2005. Nonetheless, Israel remains responsible for ensuring the well-beingof Gaza's population for as long as, and to the extent that, it retainseffective control over the area. Israel still exercises control overGaza's airspace, sea space and land borders, as well as its electricity,water, sewage and telecommunications networks and population registry.Israel can and has also reentered Gaza for security operations at will.Israeli officials state that by declaring Gaza "hostile territory," it isno longer obliged under international law to supply utilities to thecivilian population, but that is a misstatement of the law."A mere declaration does not change the facts on the ground that impose onIsrael the status and obligations of an occupying power," said Whitson.For more information, please contact:In New York, Fred Abrahams (English, German): +1-917-385-7333 (mobile)In Washington, DC, Joe Stork (English): +1-202-299-4925 (mobile)In Cairo, Gasser Abdel-Razek (Arabic, English): +20-2-2-794-5036 (mobile);or +20-10-502-9999 (mobile)
Gaza: Israel's Fuel and Power Cuts Violate Laws of WarFor Immediate ReleaseGaza: Israel's Fuel and Power Cuts Violate Laws of WarCivilians Should Not Be Penalized for Rocket Attacks by Armed Groups(New York, October 29, 2007) - Israel's decision to limit fuel andelectricity to the Gaza Strip in retaliation for unlawful rocket attacksby armed groups amounts to collective punishment against the civilianpopulation of Gaza, in violation of international law, and will worsen thehumanitarian crisis there, Human Rights Watch said today."Israel may respond to rocket attacks by armed groups to protect itspopulation, but only in lawful ways," said Sarah Leah Whitson, director ofHuman Rights Watch's Middle East division. "Because Israel remains anoccupying power, in light of its continuing restrictions on Gaza, Israelmust not take measures that harm the civilian population - yet that isprecisely what cutting fuel or electricity for even short periods willdo."On Sunday, the Israeli Defense Ministry ordered the reduction of fuelshipments from Israel to Gaza. A government spokesman said the plan was tocut the amount of fuel by 5 to 11 percent without affecting the supply ofindustrial fuel for Gaza's only power plant.According to Palestinian officials, fuel shipments into Gaza yesterdayfell by more than 30 percent.In response to the government's decision, a group of 10 Palestinian andIsraeli human rights groups petitioned the Israeli Supreme Court onSunday, seeking an immediate injunction against the fuel and electricitycuts. The court gave the government five days to respond but did not issuea temporary injunction. On Monday, the groups requested an urgent hearingbefore the five days expire.Last Thursday, Defense Minister Ehud Barak approved cutting electricity toGaza for increasing periods in response to ongoing rocket attacks againstcivilian areas in Israel, but the government has not yet implemented theorder.The rockets fired by Palestinian armed groups violate the internationallegal prohibition on indiscriminate attacks because they are highlyinaccurate and cannot be directed at a specific target. Because Hamasexercises power inside Gaza, it is responsible for stopping indiscriminateattacks even when carried out by other groups, Human Rights Watch said.On Friday, Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said that Israel wouldrespond strongly to the ongoing attacks without allowing a humanitariancrisis. But the UN's top humanitarian official, UN DeputySecretary-General John Holmes, said that a "serious humanitarian crisis"in Gaza already exists, and called on Israel to lift the economic blockadethat it tightened after Hamas seized power in June.Israel's decision to cut fuel and electricity is the latest move aimedostensibly against Hamas that is affecting the entire population of Gaza.In September, the Israeli cabinet declared Gaza "hostile territory" andvoted to "restrict the passage of various goods to the Gaza Strip andreduce the supply of fuel and electricity." Since then, Israel hasincreasingly blocked supplies into Gaza, letting in limited amounts ofessential foodstuffs, medicine and humanitarian supplies. According toHolmes, the number of humanitarian convoys entering Gaza had dropped to1,500 in September from 3,000 in July."Cutting fuel and electricity obstructs vital services," Whitson said."Operating rooms, sewage pumps, and water well pumps all need electricityto run."Israel sells to Gaza roughly 60 percent of the electricity consumed by theterritory's 1.5 million inhabitants. In June 2006, six Israeli missilesstruck Gaza's only power plant; today, for most residents, electricity isavailable during only limited hours.Israeli officials said they would cut electricity for 15 minutes aftereach rocket attack and then for increasingly longer periods if the attackspersist. Deputy Defense Minister Matan Vilnai said Israel would"dramatically reduce" the power it supplied to Gaza over a period ofweeks.Cutting fuel or electricity to the civilian population violates a basicprinciple of international humanitarian law, or the laws of war, whichprohibit a government that has effective control over a territory fromattacking or withholding objects that are essential to the survival of thecivilian population. Such an act would also violate Israel's duty as anoccupying power to safeguard the health and welfare of the populationunder occupation.Israel withdrew its military forces and settlers from the Gaza Strip in2005. Nonetheless, Israel remains responsible for ensuring the well-beingof Gaza's population for as long as, and to the extent that, it retainseffective control over the area. Israel still exercises control overGaza's airspace, sea space and land borders, as well as its electricity,water, sewage and telecommunications networks and population registry.Israel can and has also reentered Gaza for security operations at will.Israeli officials state that by declaring Gaza "hostile territory," it isno longer obliged under international law to supply utilities to thecivilian population, but that is a misstatement of the law."A mere declaration does not change the facts on the ground that impose onIsrael the status and obligations of an occupying power," said Whitson.For more information, please contact:In New York, Fred Abrahams (English, German): +1-917-385-7333 (mobile)In Washington, DC, Joe Stork (English): +1-202-299-4925 (mobile)In Cairo, Gasser Abdel-Razek (Arabic, English): +20-2-2-794-5036 (mobile);or +20-10-502-9999 (mobile)
Gaza: Israel's Fuel and Power Cuts Violate Laws of WarFor Immediate ReleaseGaza: Israel's Fuel and Power Cuts Violate Laws of WarCivilians Should Not Be Penalized for Rocket Attacks by Armed Groups(New York, October 29, 2007) - Israel's decision to limit fuel andelectricity to the Gaza Strip in retaliation for unlawful rocket attacksby armed groups amounts to collective punishment against the civilianpopulation of Gaza, in violation of international law, and will worsen thehumanitarian crisis there, Human Rights Watch said today."Israel may respond to rocket attacks by armed groups to protect itspopulation, but only in lawful ways," said Sarah Leah Whitson, director ofHuman Rights Watch's Middle East division. "Because Israel remains anoccupying power, in light of its continuing restrictions on Gaza, Israelmust not take measures that harm the civilian population - yet that isprecisely what cutting fuel or electricity for even short periods willdo."On Sunday, the Israeli Defense Ministry ordered the reduction of fuelshipments from Israel to Gaza. A government spokesman said the plan was tocut the amount of fuel by 5 to 11 percent without affecting the supply ofindustrial fuel for Gaza's only power plant.According to Palestinian officials, fuel shipments into Gaza yesterdayfell by more than 30 percent.In response to the government's decision, a group of 10 Palestinian andIsraeli human rights groups petitioned the Israeli Supreme Court onSunday, seeking an immediate injunction against the fuel and electricitycuts. The court gave the government five days to respond but did not issuea temporary injunction. On Monday, the groups requested an urgent hearingbefore the five days expire.Last Thursday, Defense Minister Ehud Barak approved cutting electricity toGaza for increasing periods in response to ongoing rocket attacks againstcivilian areas in Israel, but the government has not yet implemented theorder.The rockets fired by Palestinian armed groups violate the internationallegal prohibition on indiscriminate attacks because they are highlyinaccurate and cannot be directed at a specific target. Because Hamasexercises power inside Gaza, it is responsible for stopping indiscriminateattacks even when carried out by other groups, Human Rights Watch said.On Friday, Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said that Israel wouldrespond strongly to the ongoing attacks without allowing a humanitariancrisis. But the UN's top humanitarian official, UN DeputySecretary-General John Holmes, said that a "serious humanitarian crisis"in Gaza already exists, and called on Israel to lift the economic blockadethat it tightened after Hamas seized power in June.Israel's decision to cut fuel and electricity is the latest move aimedostensibly against Hamas that is affecting the entire population of Gaza.In September, the Israeli cabinet declared Gaza "hostile territory" andvoted to "restrict the passage of various goods to the Gaza Strip andreduce the supply of fuel and electricity." Since then, Israel hasincreasingly blocked supplies into Gaza, letting in limited amounts ofessential foodstuffs, medicine and humanitarian supplies. According toHolmes, the number of humanitarian convoys entering Gaza had dropped to1,500 in September from 3,000 in July."Cutting fuel and electricity obstructs vital services," Whitson said."Operating rooms, sewage pumps, and water well pumps all need electricityto run."Israel sells to Gaza roughly 60 percent of the electricity consumed by theterritory's 1.5 million inhabitants. In June 2006, six Israeli missilesstruck Gaza's only power plant; today, for most residents, electricity isavailable during only limited hours.Israeli officials said they would cut electricity for 15 minutes aftereach rocket attack and then for increasingly longer periods if the attackspersist. Deputy Defense Minister Matan Vilnai said Israel would"dramatically reduce" the power it supplied to Gaza over a period ofweeks.Cutting fuel or electricity to the civilian population violates a basicprinciple of international humanitarian law, or the laws of war, whichprohibit a government that has effective control over a territory fromattacking or withholding objects that are essential to the survival of thecivilian population. Such an act would also violate Israel's duty as anoccupying power to safeguard the health and welfare of the populationunder occupation.Israel withdrew its military forces and settlers from the Gaza Strip in2005. Nonetheless, Israel remains responsible for ensuring the well-beingof Gaza's population for as long as, and to the extent that, it retainseffective control over the area. Israel still exercises control overGaza's airspace, sea space and land borders, as well as its electricity,water, sewage and telecommunications networks and population registry.Israel can and has also reentered Gaza for security operations at will.Israeli officials state that by declaring Gaza "hostile territory," it isno longer obliged under international law to supply utilities to thecivilian population, but that is a misstatement of the law."A mere declaration does not change the facts on the ground that impose onIsrael the status and obligations of an occupying power," said Whitson.For more information, please contact:In New York, Fred Abrahams (English, German): +1-917-385-7333 (mobile)In Washington, DC, Joe Stork (English): +1-202-299-4925 (mobile)In Cairo, Gasser Abdel-Razek (Arabic, English): +20-2-2-794-5036 (mobile);or +20-10-502-9999 (mobile)
Gaza: Israel's Fuel and Power Cuts Violate Laws of WarFor Immediate ReleaseGaza: Israel's Fuel and Power Cuts Violate Laws of WarCivilians Should Not Be Penalized for Rocket Attacks by Armed Groups(New York, October 29, 2007) - Israel's decision to limit fuel andelectricity to the Gaza Strip in retaliation for unlawful rocket attacksby armed groups amounts to collective punishment against the civilianpopulation of Gaza, in violation of international law, and will worsen thehumanitarian crisis there, Human Rights Watch said today."Israel may respond to rocket attacks by armed groups to protect itspopulation, but only in lawful ways," said Sarah Leah Whitson, director ofHuman Rights Watch's Middle East division. "Because Israel remains anoccupying power, in light of its continuing restrictions on Gaza, Israelmust not take measures that harm the civilian population - yet that isprecisely what cutting fuel or electricity for even short periods willdo."On Sunday, the Israeli Defense Ministry ordered the reduction of fuelshipments from Israel to Gaza. A government spokesman said the plan was tocut the amount of fuel by 5 to 11 percent without affecting the supply ofindustrial fuel for Gaza's only power plant.According to Palestinian officials, fuel shipments into Gaza yesterdayfell by more than 30 percent.In response to the government's decision, a group of 10 Palestinian andIsraeli human rights groups petitioned the Israeli Supreme Court onSunday, seeking an immediate injunction against the fuel and electricitycuts. The court gave the government five days to respond but did not issuea temporary injunction. On Monday, the groups requested an urgent hearingbefore the five days expire.Last Thursday, Defense Minister Ehud Barak approved cutting electricity toGaza for increasing periods in response to ongoing rocket attacks againstcivilian areas in Israel, but the government has not yet implemented theorder.The rockets fired by Palestinian armed groups violate the internationallegal prohibition on indiscriminate attacks because they are highlyinaccurate and cannot be directed at a specific target. Because Hamasexercises power inside Gaza, it is responsible for stopping indiscriminateattacks even when carried out by other groups, Human Rights Watch said.On Friday, Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said that Israel wouldrespond strongly to the ongoing attacks without allowing a humanitariancrisis. But the UN's top humanitarian official, UN DeputySecretary-General John Holmes, said that a "serious humanitarian crisis"in Gaza already exists, and called on Israel to lift the economic blockadethat it tightened after Hamas seized power in June.Israel's decision to cut fuel and electricity is the latest move aimedostensibly against Hamas that is affecting the entire population of Gaza.In September, the Israeli cabinet declared Gaza "hostile territory" andvoted to "restrict the passage of various goods to the Gaza Strip andreduce the supply of fuel and electricity." Since then, Israel hasincreasingly blocked supplies into Gaza, letting in limited amounts ofessential foodstuffs, medicine and humanitarian supplies. According toHolmes, the number of humanitarian convoys entering Gaza had dropped to1,500 in September from 3,000 in July."Cutting fuel and electricity obstructs vital services," Whitson said."Operating rooms, sewage pumps, and water well pumps all need electricityto run."Israel sells to Gaza roughly 60 percent of the electricity consumed by theterritory's 1.5 million inhabitants. In June 2006, six Israeli missilesstruck Gaza's only power plant; today, for most residents, electricity isavailable during only limited hours.Israeli officials said they would cut electricity for 15 minutes aftereach rocket attack and then for increasingly longer periods if the attackspersist. Deputy Defense Minister Matan Vilnai said Israel would"dramatically reduce" the power it supplied to Gaza over a period ofweeks.Cutting fuel or electricity to the civilian population violates a basicprinciple of international humanitarian law, or the laws of war, whichprohibit a government that has effective control over a territory fromattacking or withholding objects that are essential to the survival of thecivilian population. Such an act would also violate Israel's duty as anoccupying power to safeguard the health and welfare of the populationunder occupation.Israel withdrew its military forces and settlers from the Gaza Strip in2005. Nonetheless, Israel remains responsible for ensuring the well-beingof Gaza's population for as long as, and to the extent that, it retainseffective control over the area. Israel still exercises control overGaza's airspace, sea space and land borders, as well as its electricity,water, sewage and telecommunications networks and population registry.Israel can and has also reentered Gaza for security operations at will.Israeli officials state that by declaring Gaza "hostile territory," it isno longer obliged under international law to supply utilities to thecivilian population, but that is a misstatement of the law."A mere declaration does not change the facts on the ground that impose onIsrael the status and obligations of an occupying power," said Whitson.For more information, please contact:In New York, Fred Abrahams (English, German): +1-917-385-7333 (mobile)In Washington, DC, Joe Stork (English): +1-202-299-4925 (mobile)In Cairo, Gasser Abdel-Razek (Arabic, English): +20-2-2-794-5036 (mobile);or +20-10-502-9999 (mobile)
Gaza: Israel's Fuel and Power Cuts Violate Laws of WarFor Immediate ReleaseGaza: Israel's Fuel and Power Cuts Violate Laws of WarCivilians Should Not Be Penalized for Rocket Attacks by Armed Groups(New York, October 29, 2007) - Israel's decision to limit fuel andelectricity to the Gaza Strip in retaliation for unlawful rocket attacksby armed groups amounts to collective punishment against the civilianpopulation of Gaza, in violation of international law, and will worsen thehumanitarian crisis there, Human Rights Watch said today."Israel may respond to rocket attacks by armed groups to protect itspopulation, but only in lawful ways," said Sarah Leah Whitson, director ofHuman Rights Watch's Middle East division. "Because Israel remains anoccupying power, in light of its continuing restrictions on Gaza, Israelmust not take measures that harm the civilian population - yet that isprecisely what cutting fuel or electricity for even short periods willdo."On Sunday, the Israeli Defense Ministry ordered the reduction of fuelshipments from Israel to Gaza. A government spokesman said the plan was tocut the amount of fuel by 5 to 11 percent without affecting the supply ofindustrial fuel for Gaza's only power plant.According to Palestinian officials, fuel shipments into Gaza yesterdayfell by more than 30 percent.In response to the government's decision, a group of 10 Palestinian andIsraeli human rights groups petitioned the Israeli Supreme Court onSunday, seeking an immediate injunction against the fuel and electricitycuts. The court gave the government five days to respond but did not issuea temporary injunction. On Monday, the groups requested an urgent hearingbefore the five days expire.Last Thursday, Defense Minister Ehud Barak approved cutting electricity toGaza for increasing periods in response to ongoing rocket attacks againstcivilian areas in Israel, but the government has not yet implemented theorder.The rockets fired by Palestinian armed groups violate the internationallegal prohibition on indiscriminate attacks because they are highlyinaccurate and cannot be directed at a specific target. Because Hamasexercises power inside Gaza, it is responsible for stopping indiscriminateattacks even when carried out by other groups, Human Rights Watch said.On Friday, Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said that Israel wouldrespond strongly to the ongoing attacks without allowing a humanitariancrisis. But the UN's top humanitarian official, UN DeputySecretary-General John Holmes, said that a "serious humanitarian crisis"in Gaza already exists, and called on Israel to lift the economic blockadethat it tightened after Hamas seized power in June.Israel's decision to cut fuel and electricity is the latest move aimedostensibly against Hamas that is affecting the entire population of Gaza.In September, the Israeli cabinet declared Gaza "hostile territory" andvoted to "restrict the passage of various goods to the Gaza Strip andreduce the supply of fuel and electricity." Since then, Israel hasincreasingly blocked supplies into Gaza, letting in limited amounts ofessential foodstuffs, medicine and humanitarian supplies. According toHolmes, the number of humanitarian convoys entering Gaza had dropped to1,500 in September from 3,000 in July."Cutting fuel and electricity obstructs vital services," Whitson said."Operating rooms, sewage pumps, and water well pumps all need electricityto run."Israel sells to Gaza roughly 60 percent of the electricity consumed by theterritory's 1.5 million inhabitants. In June 2006, six Israeli missilesstruck Gaza's only power plant; today, for most residents, electricity isavailable during only limited hours.Israeli officials said they would cut electricity for 15 minutes aftereach rocket attack and then for increasingly longer periods if the attackspersist. Deputy Defense Minister Matan Vilnai said Israel would"dramatically reduce" the power it supplied to Gaza over a period ofweeks.Cutting fuel or electricity to the civilian population violates a basicprinciple of international humanitarian law, or the laws of war, whichprohibit a government that has effective control over a territory fromattacking or withholding objects that are essential to the survival of thecivilian population. Such an act would also violate Israel's duty as anoccupying power to safeguard the health and welfare of the populationunder occupation.Israel withdrew its military forces and settlers from the Gaza Strip in2005. Nonetheless, Israel remains responsible for ensuring the well-beingof Gaza's population for as long as, and to the extent that, it retainseffective control over the area. Israel still exercises control overGaza's airspace, sea space and land borders, as well as its electricity,water, sewage and telecommunications networks and population registry.Israel can and has also reentered Gaza for security operations at will.Israeli officials state that by declaring Gaza "hostile territory," it isno longer obliged under international law to supply utilities to thecivilian population, but that is a misstatement of the law."A mere declaration does not change the facts on the ground that impose onIsrael the status and obligations of an occupying power," said Whitson.For more information, please contact:In New York, Fred Abrahams (English, German): +1-917-385-7333 (mobile)In Washington, DC, Joe Stork (English): +1-202-299-4925 (mobile)In Cairo, Gasser Abdel-Razek (Arabic, English): +20-2-2-794-5036 (mobile);or +20-10-502-9999 (mobile)
Gaza: Israel's Fuel and Power Cuts Violate Laws of WarFor Immediate ReleaseGaza: Israel's Fuel and Power Cuts Violate Laws of WarCivilians Should Not Be Penalized for Rocket Attacks by Armed Groups(New York, October 29, 2007) - Israel's decision to limit fuel andelectricity to the Gaza Strip in retaliation for unlawful rocket attacksby armed groups amounts to collective punishment against the civilianpopulation of Gaza, in violation of international law, and will worsen thehumanitarian crisis there, Human Rights Watch said today."Israel may respond to rocket attacks by armed groups to protect itspopulation, but only in lawful ways," said Sarah Leah Whitson, director ofHuman Rights Watch's Middle East division. "Because Israel remains anoccupying power, in light of its continuing restrictions on Gaza, Israelmust not take measures that harm the civilian population - yet that isprecisely what cutting fuel or electricity for even short periods willdo."On Sunday, the Israeli Defense Ministry ordered the reduction of fuelshipments from Israel to Gaza. A government spokesman said the plan was tocut the amount of fuel by 5 to 11 percent without affecting the supply ofindustrial fuel for Gaza's only power plant.According to Palestinian officials, fuel shipments into Gaza yesterdayfell by more than 30 percent.In response to the government's decision, a group of 10 Palestinian andIsraeli human rights groups petitioned the Israeli Supreme Court onSunday, seeking an immediate injunction against the fuel and electricitycuts. The court gave the government five days to respond but did not issuea temporary injunction. On Monday, the groups requested an urgent hearingbefore the five days expire.Last Thursday, Defense Minister Ehud Barak approved cutting electricity toGaza for increasing periods in response to ongoing rocket attacks againstcivilian areas in Israel, but the government has not yet implemented theorder.The rockets fired by Palestinian armed groups violate the internationallegal prohibition on indiscriminate attacks because they are highlyinaccurate and cannot be directed at a specific target. Because Hamasexercises power inside Gaza, it is responsible for stopping indiscriminateattacks even when carried out by other groups, Human Rights Watch said.On Friday, Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said that Israel wouldrespond strongly to the ongoing attacks without allowing a humanitariancrisis. But the UN's top humanitarian official, UN DeputySecretary-General John Holmes, said that a "serious humanitarian crisis"in Gaza already exists, and called on Israel to lift the economic blockadethat it tightened after Hamas seized power in June.Israel's decision to cut fuel and electricity is the latest move aimedostensibly against Hamas that is affecting the entire population of Gaza.In September, the Israeli cabinet declared Gaza "hostile territory" andvoted to "restrict the passage of various goods to the Gaza Strip andreduce the supply of fuel and electricity." Since then, Israel hasincreasingly blocked supplies into Gaza, letting in limited amounts ofessential foodstuffs, medicine and humanitarian supplies. According toHolmes, the number of humanitarian convoys entering Gaza had dropped to1,500 in September from 3,000 in July."Cutting fuel and electricity obstructs vital services," Whitson said."Operating rooms, sewage pumps, and water well pumps all need electricityto run."Israel sells to Gaza roughly 60 percent of the electricity consumed by theterritory's 1.5 million inhabitants. In June 2006, six Israeli missilesstruck Gaza's only power plant; today, for most residents, electricity isavailable during only limited hours.Israeli officials said they would cut electricity for 15 minutes aftereach rocket attack and then for increasingly longer periods if the attackspersist. Deputy Defense Minister Matan Vilnai said Israel would"dramatically reduce" the power it supplied to Gaza over a period ofweeks.Cutting fuel or electricity to the civilian population violates a basicprinciple of international humanitarian law, or the laws of war, whichprohibit a government that has effective control over a territory fromattacking or withholding objects that are essential to the survival of thecivilian population. Such an act would also violate Israel's duty as anoccupying power to safeguard the health and welfare of the populationunder occupation.Israel withdrew its military forces and settlers from the Gaza Strip in2005. Nonetheless, Israel remains responsible for ensuring the well-beingof Gaza's population for as long as, and to the extent that, it retainseffective control over the area. Israel still exercises control overGaza's airspace, sea space and land borders, as well as its electricity,water, sewage and telecommunications networks and population registry.Israel can and has also reentered Gaza for security operations at will.Israeli officials state that by declaring Gaza "hostile territory," it isno longer obliged under international law to supply utilities to thecivilian population, but that is a misstatement of the law."A mere declaration does not change the facts on the ground that impose onIsrael the status and obligations of an occupying power," said Whitson.For more information, please contact:In New York, Fred Abrahams (English, German): +1-917-385-7333 (mobile)In Washington, DC, Joe Stork (English): +1-202-299-4925 (mobile)In Cairo, Gasser Abdel-Razek (Arabic, English): +20-2-2-794-5036 (mobile);or +20-10-502-9999 (mobile)
Gaza: Israel's Fuel and Power Cuts Violate Laws of WarFor Immediate ReleaseGaza: Israel's Fuel and Power Cuts Violate Laws of WarCivilians Should Not Be Penalized for Rocket Attacks by Armed Groups(New York, October 29, 2007) - Israel's decision to limit fuel andelectricity to the Gaza Strip in retaliation for unlawful rocket attacksby armed groups amounts to collective punishment against the civilianpopulation of Gaza, in violation of international law, and will worsen thehumanitarian crisis there, Human Rights Watch said today."Israel may respond to rocket attacks by armed groups to protect itspopulation, but only in lawful ways," said Sarah Leah Whitson, director ofHuman Rights Watch's Middle East division. "Because Israel remains anoccupying power, in light of its continuing restrictions on Gaza, Israelmust not take measures that harm the civilian population - yet that isprecisely what cutting fuel or electricity for even short periods willdo."On Sunday, the Israeli Defense Ministry ordered the reduction of fuelshipments from Israel to Gaza. A government spokesman said the plan was tocut the amount of fuel by 5 to 11 percent without affecting the supply ofindustrial fuel for Gaza's only power plant.According to Palestinian officials, fuel shipments into Gaza yesterdayfell by more than 30 percent.In response to the government's decision, a group of 10 Palestinian andIsraeli human rights groups petitioned the Israeli Supreme Court onSunday, seeking an immediate injunction against the fuel and electricitycuts. The court gave the government five days to respond but did not issuea temporary injunction. On Monday, the groups requested an urgent hearingbefore the five days expire.Last Thursday, Defense Minister Ehud Barak approved cutting electricity toGaza for increasing periods in response to ongoing rocket attacks againstcivilian areas in Israel, but the government has not yet implemented theorder.The rockets fired by Palestinian armed groups violate the internationallegal prohibition on indiscriminate attacks because they are highlyinaccurate and cannot be directed at a specific target. Because Hamasexercises power inside Gaza, it is responsible for stopping indiscriminateattacks even when carried out by other groups, Human Rights Watch said.On Friday, Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said that Israel wouldrespond strongly to the ongoing attacks without allowing a humanitariancrisis. But the UN's top humanitarian official, UN DeputySecretary-General John Holmes, said that a "serious humanitarian crisis"in Gaza already exists, and called on Israel to lift the economic blockadethat it tightened after Hamas seized power in June.Israel's decision to cut fuel and electricity is the latest move aimedostensibly against Hamas that is affecting the entire population of Gaza.In September, the Israeli cabinet declared Gaza "hostile territory" andvoted to "restrict the passage of various goods to the Gaza Strip andreduce the supply of fuel and electricity." Since then, Israel hasincreasingly blocked supplies into Gaza, letting in limited amounts ofessential foodstuffs, medicine and humanitarian supplies. According toHolmes, the number of humanitarian convoys entering Gaza had dropped to1,500 in September from 3,000 in July."Cutting fuel and electricity obstructs vital services," Whitson said."Operating rooms, sewage pumps, and water well pumps all need electricityto run."Israel sells to Gaza roughly 60 percent of the electricity consumed by theterritory's 1.5 million inhabitants. In June 2006, six Israeli missilesstruck Gaza's only power plant; today, for most residents, electricity isavailable during only limited hours.Israeli officials said they would cut electricity for 15 minutes aftereach rocket attack and then for increasingly longer periods if the attackspersist. Deputy Defense Minister Matan Vilnai said Israel would"dramatically reduce" the power it supplied to Gaza over a period ofweeks.Cutting fuel or electricity to the civilian population violates a basicprinciple of international humanitarian law, or the laws of war, whichprohibit a government that has effective control over a territory fromattacking or withholding objects that are essential to the survival of thecivilian population. Such an act would also violate Israel's duty as anoccupying power to safeguard the health and welfare of the populationunder occupation.Israel withdrew its military forces and settlers from the Gaza Strip in2005. Nonetheless, Israel remains responsible for ensuring the well-beingof Gaza's population for as long as, and to the extent that, it retainseffective control over the area. Israel still exercises control overGaza's airspace, sea space and land borders, as well as its electricity,water, sewage and telecommunications networks and population registry.Israel can and has also reentered Gaza for security operations at will.Israeli officials state that by declaring Gaza "hostile territory," it isno longer obliged under international law to supply utilities to thecivilian population, but that is a misstatement of the law."A mere declaration does not change the facts on the ground that impose onIsrael the status and obligations of an occupying power," said Whitson.For more information, please contact:In New York, Fred Abrahams (English, German): +1-917-385-7333 (mobile)In Washington, DC, Joe Stork (English): +1-202-299-4925 (mobile)In Cairo, Gasser Abdel-Razek (Arabic, English): +20-2-2-794-5036 (mobile);or +20-10-502-9999 (mobile)
Gaza: Israel's Fuel and Power Cuts Violate Laws of WarFor Immediate ReleaseGaza: Israel's Fuel and Power Cuts Violate Laws of WarCivilians Should Not Be Penalized for Rocket Attacks by Armed Groups(New York, October 29, 2007) - Israel's decision to limit fuel andelectricity to the Gaza Strip in retaliation for unlawful rocket attacksby armed groups amounts to collective punishment against the civilianpopulation of Gaza, in violation of international law, and will worsen thehumanitarian crisis there, Human Rights Watch said today."Israel may respond to rocket attacks by armed groups to protect itspopulation, but only in lawful ways," said Sarah Leah Whitson, director ofHuman Rights Watch's Middle East division. "Because Israel remains anoccupying power, in light of its continuing restrictions on Gaza, Israelmust not take measures that harm the civilian population - yet that isprecisely what cutting fuel or electricity for even short periods willdo."On Sunday, the Israeli Defense Ministry ordered the reduction of fuelshipments from Israel to Gaza. A government spokesman said the plan was tocut the amount of fuel by 5 to 11 percent without affecting the supply ofindustrial fuel for Gaza's only power plant.According to Palestinian officials, fuel shipments into Gaza yesterdayfell by more than 30 percent.In response to the government's decision, a group of 10 Palestinian andIsraeli human rights groups petitioned the Israeli Supreme Court onSunday, seeking an immediate injunction against the fuel and electricitycuts. The court gave the government five days to respond but did not issuea temporary injunction. On Monday, the groups requested an urgent hearingbefore the five days expire.Last Thursday, Defense Minister Ehud Barak approved cutting electricity toGaza for increasing periods in response to ongoing rocket attacks againstcivilian areas in Israel, but the government has not yet implemented theorder.The rockets fired by Palestinian armed groups violate the internationallegal prohibition on indiscriminate attacks because they are highlyinaccurate and cannot be directed at a specific target. Because Hamasexercises power inside Gaza, it is responsible for stopping indiscriminateattacks even when carried out by other groups, Human Rights Watch said.On Friday, Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said that Israel wouldrespond strongly to the ongoing attacks without allowing a humanitariancrisis. But the UN's top humanitarian official, UN DeputySecretary-General John Holmes, said that a "serious humanitarian crisis"in Gaza already exists, and called on Israel to lift the economic blockadethat it tightened after Hamas seized power in June.Israel's decision to cut fuel and electricity is the latest move aimedostensibly against Hamas that is affecting the entire population of Gaza.In September, the Israeli cabinet declared Gaza "hostile territory" andvoted to "restrict the passage of various goods to the Gaza Strip andreduce the supply of fuel and electricity." Since then, Israel hasincreasingly blocked supplies into Gaza, letting in limited amounts ofessential foodstuffs, medicine and humanitarian supplies. According toHolmes, the number of humanitarian convoys entering Gaza had dropped to1,500 in September from 3,000 in July."Cutting fuel and electricity obstructs vital services," Whitson said."Operating rooms, sewage pumps, and water well pumps all need electricityto run."Israel sells to Gaza roughly 60 percent of the electricity consumed by theterritory's 1.5 million inhabitants. In June 2006, six Israeli missilesstruck Gaza's only power plant; today, for most residents, electricity isavailable during only limited hours.Israeli officials said they would cut electricity for 15 minutes aftereach rocket attack and then for increasingly longer periods if the attackspersist. Deputy Defense Minister Matan Vilnai said Israel would"dramatically reduce" the power it supplied to Gaza over a period ofweeks.Cutting fuel or electricity to the civilian population violates a basicprinciple of international humanitarian law, or the laws of war, whichprohibit a government that has effective control over a territory fromattacking or withholding objects that are essential to the survival of thecivilian population. Such an act would also violate Israel's duty as anoccupying power to safeguard the health and welfare of the populationunder occupation.Israel withdrew its military forces and settlers from the Gaza Strip in2005. Nonetheless, Israel remains responsible for ensuring the well-beingof Gaza's population for as long as, and to the extent that, it retainseffective control over the area. Israel still exercises control overGaza's airspace, sea space and land borders, as well as its electricity,water, sewage and telecommunications networks and population registry.Israel can and has also reentered Gaza for security operations at will.Israeli officials state that by declaring Gaza "hostile territory," it isno longer obliged under international law to supply utilities to thecivilian population, but that is a misstatement of the law."A mere declaration does not change the facts on the ground that impose onIsrael the status and obligations of an occupying power," said Whitson.For more information, please contact:In New York, Fred Abrahams (English, German): +1-917-385-7333 (mobile)In Washington, DC, Joe Stork (English): +1-202-299-4925 (mobile)In Cairo, Gasser Abdel-Razek (Arabic, English): +20-2-2-794-5036 (mobile);or +20-10-502-9999 (mobile)
Gaza: Israel's Fuel and Power Cuts Violate Laws of WarFor Immediate ReleaseGaza: Israel's Fuel and Power Cuts Violate Laws of WarCivilians Should Not Be Penalized for Rocket Attacks by Armed Groups(New York, October 29, 2007) - Israel's decision to limit fuel andelectricity to the Gaza Strip in retaliation for unlawful rocket attacksby armed groups amounts to collective punishment against the civilianpopulation of Gaza, in violation of international law, and will worsen thehumanitarian crisis there, Human Rights Watch said today."Israel may respond to rocket attacks by armed groups to protect itspopulation, but only in lawful ways," said Sarah Leah Whitson, director ofHuman Rights Watch's Middle East division. "Because Israel remains anoccupying power, in light of its continuing restrictions on Gaza, Israelmust not take measures that harm the civilian population - yet that isprecisely what cutting fuel or electricity for even short periods willdo."On Sunday, the Israeli Defense Ministry ordered the reduction of fuelshipments from Israel to Gaza. A government spokesman said the plan was tocut the amount of fuel by 5 to 11 percent without affecting the supply ofindustrial fuel for Gaza's only power plant.According to Palestinian officials, fuel shipments into Gaza yesterdayfell by more than 30 percent.In response to the government's decision, a group of 10 Palestinian andIsraeli human rights groups petitioned the Israeli Supreme Court onSunday, seeking an immediate injunction against the fuel and electricitycuts. The court gave the government five days to respond but did not issuea temporary injunction. On Monday, the groups requested an urgent hearingbefore the five days expire.Last Thursday, Defense Minister Ehud Barak approved cutting electricity toGaza for increasing periods in response to ongoing rocket attacks againstcivilian areas in Israel, but the government has not yet implemented theorder.The rockets fired by Palestinian armed groups violate the internationallegal prohibition on indiscriminate attacks because they are highlyinaccurate and cannot be directed at a specific target. Because Hamasexercises power inside Gaza, it is responsible for stopping indiscriminateattacks even when carried out by other groups, Human Rights Watch said.On Friday, Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said that Israel wouldrespond strongly to the ongoing attacks without allowing a humanitariancrisis. But the UN's top humanitarian official, UN DeputySecretary-General John Holmes, said that a "serious humanitarian crisis"in Gaza already exists, and called on Israel to lift the economic blockadethat it tightened after Hamas seized power in June.Israel's decision to cut fuel and electricity is the latest move aimedostensibly against Hamas that is affecting the entire population of Gaza.In September, the Israeli cabinet declared Gaza "hostile territory" andvoted to "restrict the passage of various goods to the Gaza Strip andreduce the supply of fuel and electricity." Since then, Israel hasincreasingly blocked supplies into Gaza, letting in limited amounts ofessential foodstuffs, medicine and humanitarian supplies. According toHolmes, the number of humanitarian convoys entering Gaza had dropped to1,500 in September from 3,000 in July."Cutting fuel and electricity obstructs vital services," Whitson said."Operating rooms, sewage pumps, and water well pumps all need electricityto run."Israel sells to Gaza roughly 60 percent of the electricity consumed by theterritory's 1.5 million inhabitants. In June 2006, six Israeli missilesstruck Gaza's only power plant; today, for most residents, electricity isavailable during only limited hours.Israeli officials said they would cut electricity for 15 minutes aftereach rocket attack and then for increasingly longer periods if the attackspersist. Deputy Defense Minister Matan Vilnai said Israel would"dramatically reduce" the power it supplied to Gaza over a period ofweeks.Cutting fuel or electricity to the civilian population violates a basicprinciple of international humanitarian law, or the laws of war, whichprohibit a government that has effective control over a territory fromattacking or withholding objects that are essential to the survival of thecivilian population. Such an act would also violate Israel's duty as anoccupying power to safeguard the health and welfare of the populationunder occupation.Israel withdrew its military forces and settlers from the Gaza Strip in2005. Nonetheless, Israel remains responsible for ensuring the well-beingof Gaza's population for as long as, and to the extent that, it retainseffective control over the area. Israel still exercises control overGaza's airspace, sea space and land borders, as well as its electricity,water, sewage and telecommunications networks and population registry.Israel can and has also reentered Gaza for security operations at will.Israeli officials state that by declaring Gaza "hostile territory," it isno longer obliged under international law to supply utilities to thecivilian population, but that is a misstatement of the law."A mere declaration does not change the facts on the ground that impose onIsrael the status and obligations of an occupying power," said Whitson.For more information, please contact:In New York, Fred Abrahams (English, German): +1-917-385-7333 (mobile)In Washington, DC, Joe Stork (English): +1-202-299-4925 (mobile)In Cairo, Gasser Abdel-Razek (Arabic, English): +20-2-2-794-5036 (mobile);or +20-10-502-9999 (mobile)
Gaza: Israel's Fuel and Power Cuts Violate Laws of WarFor Immediate ReleaseGaza: Israel's Fuel and Power Cuts Violate Laws of WarCivilians Should Not Be Penalized for Rocket Attacks by Armed Groups(New York, October 29, 2007) - Israel's decision to limit fuel andelectricity to the Gaza Strip in retaliation for unlawful rocket attacksby armed groups amounts to collective punishment against the civilianpopulation of Gaza, in violation of international law, and will worsen thehumanitarian crisis there, Human Rights Watch said today."Israel may respond to rocket attacks by armed groups to protect itspopulation, but only in lawful ways," said Sarah Leah Whitson, director ofHuman Rights Watch's Middle East division. "Because Israel remains anoccupying power, in light of its continuing restrictions on Gaza, Israelmust not take measures that harm the civilian population - yet that isprecisely what cutting fuel or electricity for even short periods willdo."On Sunday, the Israeli Defense Ministry ordered the reduction of fuelshipments from Israel to Gaza. A government spokesman said the plan was tocut the amount of fuel by 5 to 11 percent without affecting the supply ofindustrial fuel for Gaza's only power plant.According to Palestinian officials, fuel shipments into Gaza yesterdayfell by more than 30 percent.In response to the government's decision, a group of 10 Palestinian andIsraeli human rights groups petitioned the Israeli Supreme Court onSunday, seeking an immediate injunction against the fuel and electricitycuts. The court gave the government five days to respond but did not issuea temporary injunction. On Monday, the groups requested an urgent hearingbefore the five days expire.Last Thursday, Defense Minister Ehud Barak approved cutting electricity toGaza for increasing periods in response to ongoing rocket attacks againstcivilian areas in Israel, but the government has not yet implemented theorder.The rockets fired by Palestinian armed groups violate the internationallegal prohibition on indiscriminate attacks because they are highlyinaccurate and cannot be directed at a specific target. Because Hamasexercises power inside Gaza, it is responsible for stopping indiscriminateattacks even when carried out by other groups, Human Rights Watch said.On Friday, Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said that Israel wouldrespond strongly to the ongoing attacks without allowing a humanitariancrisis. But the UN's top humanitarian official, UN DeputySecretary-General John Holmes, said that a "serious humanitarian crisis"in Gaza already exists, and called on Israel to lift the economic blockadethat it tightened after Hamas seized power in June.Israel's decision to cut fuel and electricity is the latest move aimedostensibly against Hamas that is affecting the entire population of Gaza.In September, the Israeli cabinet declared Gaza "hostile territory" andvoted to "restrict the passage of various goods to the Gaza Strip andreduce the supply of fuel and electricity." Since then, Israel hasincreasingly blocked supplies into Gaza, letting in limited amounts ofessential foodstuffs, medicine and humanitarian supplies. According toHolmes, the number of humanitarian convoys entering Gaza had dropped to1,500 in September from 3,000 in July."Cutting fuel and electricity obstructs vital services," Whitson said."Operating rooms, sewage pumps, and water well pumps all need electricityto run."Israel sells to Gaza roughly 60 percent of the electricity consumed by theterritory's 1.5 million inhabitants. In June 2006, six Israeli missilesstruck Gaza's only power plant; today, for most residents, electricity isavailable during only limited hours.Israeli officials said they would cut electricity for 15 minutes aftereach rocket attack and then for increasingly longer periods if the attackspersist. Deputy Defense Minister Matan Vilnai said Israel would"dramatically reduce" the power it supplied to Gaza over a period ofweeks.Cutting fuel or electricity to the civilian population violates a basicprinciple of international humanitarian law, or the laws of war, whichprohibit a government that has effective control over a territory fromattacking or withholding objects that are essential to the survival of thecivilian population. Such an act would also violate Israel's duty as anoccupying power to safeguard the health and welfare of the populationunder occupation.Israel withdrew its military forces and settlers from the Gaza Strip in2005. Nonetheless, Israel remains responsible for ensuring the well-beingof Gaza's population for as long as, and to the extent that, it retainseffective control over the area. Israel still exercises control overGaza's airspace, sea space and land borders, as well as its electricity,water, sewage and telecommunications networks and population registry.Israel can and has also reentered Gaza for security operations at will.Israeli officials state that by declaring Gaza "hostile territory," it isno longer obliged under international law to supply utilities to thecivilian population, but that is a misstatement of the law."A mere declaration does not change the facts on the ground that impose onIsrael the status and obligations of an occupying power," said Whitson.For more information, please contact:In New York, Fred Abrahams (English, German): +1-917-385-7333 (mobile)In Washington, DC, Joe Stork (English): +1-202-299-4925 (mobile)In Cairo, Gasser Abdel-Razek (Arabic, English): +20-2-2-794-5036 (mobile);or +20-10-502-9999 (mobile)
Gaza: Israel's Fuel and Power Cuts Violate Laws of WarFor Immediate ReleaseGaza: Israel's Fuel and Power Cuts Violate Laws of WarCivilians Should Not Be Penalized for Rocket Attacks by Armed Groups(New York, October 29, 2007) - Israel's decision to limit fuel andelectricity to the Gaza Strip in retaliation for unlawful rocket attacksby armed groups amounts to collective punishment against the civilianpopulation of Gaza, in violation of international law, and will worsen thehumanitarian crisis there, Human Rights Watch said today."Israel may respond to rocket attacks by armed groups to protect itspopulation, but only in lawful ways," said Sarah Leah Whitson, director ofHuman Rights Watch's Middle East division. "Because Israel remains anoccupying power, in light of its continuing restrictions on Gaza, Israelmust not take measures that harm the civilian population - yet that isprecisely what cutting fuel or electricity for even short periods willdo."On Sunday, the Israeli Defense Ministry ordered the reduction of fuelshipments from Israel to Gaza. A government spokesman said the plan was tocut the amount of fuel by 5 to 11 percent without affecting the supply ofindustrial fuel for Gaza's only power plant.According to Palestinian officials, fuel shipments into Gaza yesterdayfell by more than 30 percent.In response to the government's decision, a group of 10 Palestinian andIsraeli human rights groups petitioned the Israeli Supreme Court onSunday, seeking an immediate injunction against the fuel and electricitycuts. The court gave the government five days to respond but did not issuea temporary injunction. On Monday, the groups requested an urgent hearingbefore the five days expire.Last Thursday, Defense Minister Ehud Barak approved cutting electricity toGaza for increasing periods in response to ongoing rocket attacks againstcivilian areas in Israel, but the government has not yet implemented theorder.The rockets fired by Palestinian armed groups violate the internationallegal prohibition on indiscriminate attacks because they are highlyinaccurate and cannot be directed at a specific target. Because Hamasexercises power inside Gaza, it is responsible for stopping indiscriminateattacks even when carried out by other groups, Human Rights Watch said.On Friday, Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said that Israel wouldrespond strongly to the ongoing attacks without allowing a humanitariancrisis. But the UN's top humanitarian official, UN DeputySecretary-General John Holmes, said that a "serious humanitarian crisis"in Gaza already exists, and called on Israel to lift the economic blockadethat it tightened after Hamas seized power in June.Israel's decision to cut fuel and electricity is the latest move aimedostensibly against Hamas that is affecting the entire population of Gaza.In September, the Israeli cabinet declared Gaza "hostile territory" andvoted to "restrict the passage of various goods to the Gaza Strip andreduce the supply of fuel and electricity." Since then, Israel hasincreasingly blocked supplies into Gaza, letting in limited amounts ofessential foodstuffs, medicine and humanitarian supplies. According toHolmes, the number of humanitarian convoys entering Gaza had dropped to1,500 in September from 3,000 in July."Cutting fuel and electricity obstructs vital services," Whitson said."Operating rooms, sewage pumps, and water well pumps all need electricityto run."Israel sells to Gaza roughly 60 percent of the electricity consumed by theterritory's 1.5 million inhabitants. In June 2006, six Israeli missilesstruck Gaza's only power plant; today, for most residents, electricity isavailable during only limited hours.Israeli officials said they would cut electricity for 15 minutes aftereach rocket attack and then for increasingly longer periods if the attackspersist. Deputy Defense Minister Matan Vilnai said Israel would"dramatically reduce" the power it supplied to Gaza over a period ofweeks.Cutting fuel or electricity to the civilian population violates a basicprinciple of international humanitarian law, or the laws of war, whichprohibit a government that has effective control over a territory fromattacking or withholding objects that are essential to the survival of thecivilian population. Such an act would also violate Israel's duty as anoccupying power to safeguard the health and welfare of the populationunder occupation.Israel withdrew its military forces and settlers from the Gaza Strip in2005. Nonetheless, Israel remains responsible for ensuring the well-beingof Gaza's population for as long as, and to the extent that, it retainseffective control over the area. Israel still exercises control overGaza's airspace, sea space and land borders, as well as its electricity,water, sewage and telecommunications networks and population registry.Israel can and has also reentered Gaza for security operations at will.Israeli officials state that by declaring Gaza "hostile territory," it isno longer obliged under international law to supply utilities to thecivilian population, but that is a misstatement of the law."A mere declaration does not change the facts on the ground that impose onIsrael the status and obligations of an occupying power," said Whitson.For more information, please contact:In New York, Fred Abrahams (English, German): +1-917-385-7333 (mobile)In Washington, DC, Joe Stork (English): +1-202-299-4925 (mobile)In Cairo, Gasser Abdel-Razek (Arabic, English): +20-2-2-794-5036 (mobile);or +20-10-502-9999 (mobile)
Gaza: Israel's Fuel and Power Cuts Violate Laws of WarFor Immediate ReleaseGaza: Israel's Fuel and Power Cuts Violate Laws of WarCivilians Should Not Be Penalized for Rocket Attacks by Armed Groups(New York, October 29, 2007) - Israel's decision to limit fuel andelectricity to the Gaza Strip in retaliation for unlawful rocket attacksby armed groups amounts to collective punishment against the civilianpopulation of Gaza, in violation of international law, and will worsen thehumanitarian crisis there, Human Rights Watch said today."Israel may respond to rocket attacks by armed groups to protect itspopulation, but only in lawful ways," said Sarah Leah Whitson, director ofHuman Rights Watch's Middle East division. "Because Israel remains anoccupying power, in light of its continuing restrictions on Gaza, Israelmust not take measures that harm the civilian population - yet that isprecisely what cutting fuel or electricity for even short periods willdo."On Sunday, the Israeli Defense Ministry ordered the reduction of fuelshipments from Israel to Gaza. A government spokesman said the plan was tocut the amount of fuel by 5 to 11 percent without affecting the supply ofindustrial fuel for Gaza's only power plant.According to Palestinian officials, fuel shipments into Gaza yesterdayfell by more than 30 percent.In response to the government's decision, a group of 10 Palestinian andIsraeli human rights groups petitioned the Israeli Supreme Court onSunday, seeking an immediate injunction against the fuel and electricitycuts. The court gave the government five days to respond but did not issuea temporary injunction. On Monday, the groups requested an urgent hearingbefore the five days expire.Last Thursday, Defense Minister Ehud Barak approved cutting electricity toGaza for increasing periods in response to ongoing rocket attacks againstcivilian areas in Israel, but the government has not yet implemented theorder.The rockets fired by Palestinian armed groups violate the internationallegal prohibition on indiscriminate attacks because they are highlyinaccurate and cannot be directed at a specific target. Because Hamasexercises power inside Gaza, it is responsible for stopping indiscriminateattacks even when carried out by other groups, Human Rights Watch said.On Friday, Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said that Israel wouldrespond strongly to the ongoing attacks without allowing a humanitariancrisis. But the UN's top humanitarian official, UN DeputySecretary-General John Holmes, said that a "serious humanitarian crisis"in Gaza already exists, and called on Israel to lift the economic blockadethat it tightened after Hamas seized power in June.Israel's decision to cut fuel and electricity is the latest move aimedostensibly against Hamas that is affecting the entire population of Gaza.In September, the Israeli cabinet declared Gaza "hostile territory" andvoted to "restrict the passage of various goods to the Gaza Strip andreduce the supply of fuel and electricity." Since then, Israel hasincreasingly blocked supplies into Gaza, letting in limited amounts ofessential foodstuffs, medicine and humanitarian supplies. According toHolmes, the number of humanitarian convoys entering Gaza had dropped to1,500 in September from 3,000 in July."Cutting fuel and electricity obstructs vital services," Whitson said."Operating rooms, sewage pumps, and water well pumps all need electricityto run."Israel sells to Gaza roughly 60 percent of the electricity consumed by theterritory's 1.5 million inhabitants. In June 2006, six Israeli missilesstruck Gaza's only power plant; today, for most residents, electricity isavailable during only limited hours.Israeli officials said they would cut electricity for 15 minutes aftereach rocket attack and then for increasingly longer periods if the attackspersist. Deputy Defense Minister Matan Vilnai said Israel would"dramatically reduce" the power it supplied to Gaza over a period ofweeks.Cutting fuel or electricity to the civilian population violates a basicprinciple of international humanitarian law, or the laws of war, whichprohibit a government that has effective control over a territory fromattacking or withholding objects that are essential to the survival of thecivilian population. Such an act would also violate Israel's duty as anoccupying power to safeguard the health and welfare of the populationunder occupation.Israel withdrew its military forces and settlers from the Gaza Strip in2005. Nonetheless, Israel remains responsible for ensuring the well-beingof Gaza's population for as long as, and to the extent that, it retainseffective control over the area. Israel still exercises control overGaza's airspace, sea space and land borders, as well as its electricity,water, sewage and telecommunications networks and population registry.Israel can and has also reentered Gaza for security operations at will.Israeli officials state that by declaring Gaza "hostile territory," it isno longer obliged under international law to supply utilities to thecivilian population, but that is a misstatement of the law."A mere declaration does not change the facts on the ground that impose onIsrael the status and obligations of an occupying power," said Whitson.For more information, please contact:In New York, Fred Abrahams (English, German): +1-917-385-7333 (mobile)In Washington, DC, Joe Stork (English): +1-202-299-4925 (mobile)In Cairo, Gasser Abdel-Razek (Arabic, English): +20-2-2-794-5036 (mobile);or +20-10-502-9999 (mobile)
Rice, Israeli FM discuss Israeli decision of defining Gaza as "hostileentity"2007-09-20 00:41:16http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2007-09/20/content_6756959.htmJERUSALEM, Sept. 19 (Xinhua) -- Visiting U.S. Secretary of StateCondoleezza Rice met with Israeli Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni onWednesday, the two discussed Israel's decision that defined the Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip as a "hostile entity."At a joint press conference held after their meeting, Rice told thereporters that the Palestinian Hamas is a "hostile entity" to U.S. as well.Israel's Security Cabinet declared the Gaza Strip a "hostile entity" onWednesday ahead of Rice's visit and said it would cutoff power and fuelsupplies to the strip.Gaza's population, largely impoverished, is almost entirelydependent on Israel for the supply of electricity, water and fuel, and acutoff would deepen their hardship.Since the Hamas takeover in June, Israel has closed crossings withGaza almost entirely, allowing in only humanitarian aid. However, Ricereiterated that the United States will not abandon the innocentPalestinians in Gaza.For her part, Livni said that Israel withdrew from the Gaza Striptwo years ago, hoping that could lead to the establishment of aPalestinian state, but only get almost daily rocket attacks in return."We expect the Palestinians to understand that Israeli security isin their own interests," Livni said, adding that Palestinians mustunderstand "supporting Hamas won't help them."The Israeli Security Cabinet's declaration of Gaza as an "hostileentity" could lead to the most severe retaliatory measure taken byIsrael against Palestinian rocket fire from the strip.The crude rocket attacks have killed 12 people in southern Israel inthe past seven years, injured dozens more and badly disrupted daily lifein the region.Last week, a Qassam rocket hit an Israeli military base near theGaza Strip, wounding over 60 soldiers in the attack. The attack thensparked calls for the government to take harsh response against the GazaStrip, which has been under the control of Hamas since it violently tookover the enclave in mid June.The Jewish states has been holding Hamas responsible for the attack,although the movement has not been directly involved in the attacks.Israel still accused the Islamic movement of doing little to halt them.Apart from the Palestinian issue, Rice also discussed with Livniissues about Iran, Lebanon and the Middle East peace progress.She said Israel and the Palestinians are showing good faith in theirnegotiations towards a "two state solution."Regarding Iranian issues, Rice told reporters that diplomatic meanis a part of efforts to halt the Iranian nuclear program, but stressedit "has to have teeth."Rice, who had visited this region in August, is also expected tohold separate meetings on Wednesday with Israeli Defense Minister EhudBarak and the Likud party head Binyamin Netanyahu.She will then hold a dinner meeting with Israeli Prime Minister EhudOlmert.Rice is scheduled to leave here Thursday afternoon and visit theWest Bank city of Ramallah for meetings with the Palestinian leadershipon Thursday.
Rice, Israeli FM discuss Israeli decision of defining Gaza as "hostileentity"2007-09-20 00:41:16http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2007-09/20/content_6756959.htmJERUSALEM, Sept. 19 (Xinhua) -- Visiting U.S. Secretary of StateCondoleezza Rice met with Israeli Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni onWednesday, the two discussed Israel's decision that defined the Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip as a "hostile entity."At a joint press conference held after their meeting, Rice told thereporters that the Palestinian Hamas is a "hostile entity" to U.S. as well.Israel's Security Cabinet declared the Gaza Strip a "hostile entity" onWednesday ahead of Rice's visit and said it would cutoff power and fuelsupplies to the strip.Gaza's population, largely impoverished, is almost entirelydependent on Israel for the supply of electricity, water and fuel, and acutoff would deepen their hardship.Since the Hamas takeover in June, Israel has closed crossings withGaza almost entirely, allowing in only humanitarian aid. However, Ricereiterated that the United States will not abandon the innocentPalestinians in Gaza.For her part, Livni said that Israel withdrew from the Gaza Striptwo years ago, hoping that could lead to the establishment of aPalestinian state, but only get almost daily rocket attacks in return."We expect the Palestinians to understand that Israeli security isin their own interests," Livni said, adding that Palestinians mustunderstand "supporting Hamas won't help them."The Israeli Security Cabinet's declaration of Gaza as an "hostileentity" could lead to the most severe retaliatory measure taken byIsrael against Palestinian rocket fire from the strip.The crude rocket attacks have killed 12 people in southern Israel inthe past seven years, injured dozens more and badly disrupted daily lifein the region.Last week, a Qassam rocket hit an Israeli military base near theGaza Strip, wounding over 60 soldiers in the attack. The attack thensparked calls for the government to take harsh response against the GazaStrip, which has been under the control of Hamas since it violently tookover the enclave in mid June.The Jewish states has been holding Hamas responsible for the attack,although the movement has not been directly involved in the attacks.Israel still accused the Islamic movement of doing little to halt them.Apart from the Palestinian issue, Rice also discussed with Livniissues about Iran, Lebanon and the Middle East peace progress.She said Israel and the Palestinians are showing good faith in theirnegotiations towards a "two state solution."Regarding Iranian issues, Rice told reporters that diplomatic meanis a part of efforts to halt the Iranian nuclear program, but stressedit "has to have teeth."Rice, who had visited this region in August, is also expected tohold separate meetings on Wednesday with Israeli Defense Minister EhudBarak and the Likud party head Binyamin Netanyahu.She will then hold a dinner meeting with Israeli Prime Minister EhudOlmert.Rice is scheduled to leave here Thursday afternoon and visit theWest Bank city of Ramallah for meetings with the Palestinian leadershipon Thursday.
Rice, Israeli FM discuss Israeli decision of defining Gaza as "hostileentity"2007-09-20 00:41:16http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2007-09/20/content_6756959.htmJERUSALEM, Sept. 19 (Xinhua) -- Visiting U.S. Secretary of StateCondoleezza Rice met with Israeli Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni onWednesday, the two discussed Israel's decision that defined the Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip as a "hostile entity."At a joint press conference held after their meeting, Rice told thereporters that the Palestinian Hamas is a "hostile entity" to U.S. as well.Israel's Security Cabinet declared the Gaza Strip a "hostile entity" onWednesday ahead of Rice's visit and said it would cutoff power and fuelsupplies to the strip.Gaza's population, largely impoverished, is almost entirelydependent on Israel for the supply of electricity, water and fuel, and acutoff would deepen their hardship.Since the Hamas takeover in June, Israel has closed crossings withGaza almost entirely, allowing in only humanitarian aid. However, Ricereiterated that the United States will not abandon the innocentPalestinians in Gaza.For her part, Livni said that Israel withdrew from the Gaza Striptwo years ago, hoping that could lead to the establishment of aPalestinian state, but only get almost daily rocket attacks in return."We expect the Palestinians to understand that Israeli security isin their own interests," Livni said, adding that Palestinians mustunderstand "supporting Hamas won't help them."The Israeli Security Cabinet's declaration of Gaza as an "hostileentity" could lead to the most severe retaliatory measure taken byIsrael against Palestinian rocket fire from the strip.The crude rocket attacks have killed 12 people in southern Israel inthe past seven years, injured dozens more and badly disrupted daily lifein the region.Last week, a Qassam rocket hit an Israeli military base near theGaza Strip, wounding over 60 soldiers in the attack. The attack thensparked calls for the government to take harsh response against the GazaStrip, which has been under the control of Hamas since it violently tookover the enclave in mid June.The Jewish states has been holding Hamas responsible for the attack,although the movement has not been directly involved in the attacks.Israel still accused the Islamic movement of doing little to halt them.Apart from the Palestinian issue, Rice also discussed with Livniissues about Iran, Lebanon and the Middle East peace progress.She said Israel and the Palestinians are showing good faith in theirnegotiations towards a "two state solution."Regarding Iranian issues, Rice told reporters that diplomatic meanis a part of efforts to halt the Iranian nuclear program, but stressedit "has to have teeth."Rice, who had visited this region in August, is also expected tohold separate meetings on Wednesday with Israeli Defense Minister EhudBarak and the Likud party head Binyamin Netanyahu.She will then hold a dinner meeting with Israeli Prime Minister EhudOlmert.Rice is scheduled to leave here Thursday afternoon and visit theWest Bank city of Ramallah for meetings with the Palestinian leadershipon Thursday.
Rice, Israeli FM discuss Israeli decision of defining Gaza as "hostileentity"2007-09-20 00:41:16http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2007-09/20/content_6756959.htmJERUSALEM, Sept. 19 (Xinhua) -- Visiting U.S. Secretary of StateCondoleezza Rice met with Israeli Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni onWednesday, the two discussed Israel's decision that defined the Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip as a "hostile entity."At a joint press conference held after their meeting, Rice told thereporters that the Palestinian Hamas is a "hostile entity" to U.S. as well.Israel's Security Cabinet declared the Gaza Strip a "hostile entity" onWednesday ahead of Rice's visit and said it would cutoff power and fuelsupplies to the strip.Gaza's population, largely impoverished, is almost entirelydependent on Israel for the supply of electricity, water and fuel, and acutoff would deepen their hardship.Since the Hamas takeover in June, Israel has closed crossings withGaza almost entirely, allowing in only humanitarian aid. However, Ricereiterated that the United States will not abandon the innocentPalestinians in Gaza.For her part, Livni said that Israel withdrew from the Gaza Striptwo years ago, hoping that could lead to the establishment of aPalestinian state, but only get almost daily rocket attacks in return."We expect the Palestinians to understand that Israeli security isin their own interests," Livni said, adding that Palestinians mustunderstand "supporting Hamas won't help them."The Israeli Security Cabinet's declaration of Gaza as an "hostileentity" could lead to the most severe retaliatory measure taken byIsrael against Palestinian rocket fire from the strip.The crude rocket attacks have killed 12 people in southern Israel inthe past seven years, injured dozens more and badly disrupted daily lifein the region.Last week, a Qassam rocket hit an Israeli military base near theGaza Strip, wounding over 60 soldiers in the attack. The attack thensparked calls for the government to take harsh response against the GazaStrip, which has been under the control of Hamas since it violently tookover the enclave in mid June.The Jewish states has been holding Hamas responsible for the attack,although the movement has not been directly involved in the attacks.Israel still accused the Islamic movement of doing little to halt them.Apart from the Palestinian issue, Rice also discussed with Livniissues about Iran, Lebanon and the Middle East peace progress.She said Israel and the Palestinians are showing good faith in theirnegotiations towards a "two state solution."Regarding Iranian issues, Rice told reporters that diplomatic meanis a part of efforts to halt the Iranian nuclear program, but stressedit "has to have teeth."Rice, who had visited this region in August, is also expected tohold separate meetings on Wednesday with Israeli Defense Minister EhudBarak and the Likud party head Binyamin Netanyahu.She will then hold a dinner meeting with Israeli Prime Minister EhudOlmert.Rice is scheduled to leave here Thursday afternoon and visit theWest Bank city of Ramallah for meetings with the Palestinian leadershipon Thursday.
Rice, Israeli FM discuss Israeli decision of defining Gaza as "hostileentity"2007-09-20 00:41:16http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2007-09/20/content_6756959.htmJERUSALEM, Sept. 19 (Xinhua) -- Visiting U.S. Secretary of StateCondoleezza Rice met with Israeli Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni onWednesday, the two discussed Israel's decision that defined the Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip as a "hostile entity."At a joint press conference held after their meeting, Rice told thereporters that the Palestinian Hamas is a "hostile entity" to U.S. as well.Israel's Security Cabinet declared the Gaza Strip a "hostile entity" onWednesday ahead of Rice's visit and said it would cutoff power and fuelsupplies to the strip.Gaza's population, largely impoverished, is almost entirelydependent on Israel for the supply of electricity, water and fuel, and acutoff would deepen their hardship.Since the Hamas takeover in June, Israel has closed crossings withGaza almost entirely, allowing in only humanitarian aid. However, Ricereiterated that the United States will not abandon the innocentPalestinians in Gaza.For her part, Livni said that Israel withdrew from the Gaza Striptwo years ago, hoping that could lead to the establishment of aPalestinian state, but only get almost daily rocket attacks in return."We expect the Palestinians to understand that Israeli security isin their own interests," Livni said, adding that Palestinians mustunderstand "supporting Hamas won't help them."The Israeli Security Cabinet's declaration of Gaza as an "hostileentity" could lead to the most severe retaliatory measure taken byIsrael against Palestinian rocket fire from the strip.The crude rocket attacks have killed 12 people in southern Israel inthe past seven years, injured dozens more and badly disrupted daily lifein the region.Last week, a Qassam rocket hit an Israeli military base near theGaza Strip, wounding over 60 soldiers in the attack. The attack thensparked calls for the government to take harsh response against the GazaStrip, which has been under the control of Hamas since it violently tookover the enclave in mid June.The Jewish states has been holding Hamas responsible for the attack,although the movement has not been directly involved in the attacks.Israel still accused the Islamic movement of doing little to halt them.Apart from the Palestinian issue, Rice also discussed with Livniissues about Iran, Lebanon and the Middle East peace progress.She said Israel and the Palestinians are showing good faith in theirnegotiations towards a "two state solution."Regarding Iranian issues, Rice told reporters that diplomatic meanis a part of efforts to halt the Iranian nuclear program, but stressedit "has to have teeth."Rice, who had visited this region in August, is also expected tohold separate meetings on Wednesday with Israeli Defense Minister EhudBarak and the Likud party head Binyamin Netanyahu.She will then hold a dinner meeting with Israeli Prime Minister EhudOlmert.Rice is scheduled to leave here Thursday afternoon and visit theWest Bank city of Ramallah for meetings with the Palestinian leadershipon Thursday.
Rice, Israeli FM discuss Israeli decision of defining Gaza as "hostileentity"2007-09-20 00:41:16http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2007-09/20/content_6756959.htmJERUSALEM, Sept. 19 (Xinhua) -- Visiting U.S. Secretary of StateCondoleezza Rice met with Israeli Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni onWednesday, the two discussed Israel's decision that defined the Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip as a "hostile entity."At a joint press conference held after their meeting, Rice told thereporters that the Palestinian Hamas is a "hostile entity" to U.S. as well.Israel's Security Cabinet declared the Gaza Strip a "hostile entity" onWednesday ahead of Rice's visit and said it would cutoff power and fuelsupplies to the strip.Gaza's population, largely impoverished, is almost entirelydependent on Israel for the supply of electricity, water and fuel, and acutoff would deepen their hardship.Since the Hamas takeover in June, Israel has closed crossings withGaza almost entirely, allowing in only humanitarian aid. However, Ricereiterated that the United States will not abandon the innocentPalestinians in Gaza.For her part, Livni said that Israel withdrew from the Gaza Striptwo years ago, hoping that could lead to the establishment of aPalestinian state, but only get almost daily rocket attacks in return."We expect the Palestinians to understand that Israeli security isin their own interests," Livni said, adding that Palestinians mustunderstand "supporting Hamas won't help them."The Israeli Security Cabinet's declaration of Gaza as an "hostileentity" could lead to the most severe retaliatory measure taken byIsrael against Palestinian rocket fire from the strip.The crude rocket attacks have killed 12 people in southern Israel inthe past seven years, injured dozens more and badly disrupted daily lifein the region.Last week, a Qassam rocket hit an Israeli military base near theGaza Strip, wounding over 60 soldiers in the attack. The attack thensparked calls for the government to take harsh response against the GazaStrip, which has been under the control of Hamas since it violently tookover the enclave in mid June.The Jewish states has been holding Hamas responsible for the attack,although the movement has not been directly involved in the attacks.Israel still accused the Islamic movement of doing little to halt them.Apart from the Palestinian issue, Rice also discussed with Livniissues about Iran, Lebanon and the Middle East peace progress.She said Israel and the Palestinians are showing good faith in theirnegotiations towards a "two state solution."Regarding Iranian issues, Rice told reporters that diplomatic meanis a part of efforts to halt the Iranian nuclear program, but stressedit "has to have teeth."Rice, who had visited this region in August, is also expected tohold separate meetings on Wednesday with Israeli Defense Minister EhudBarak and the Likud party head Binyamin Netanyahu.She will then hold a dinner meeting with Israeli Prime Minister EhudOlmert.Rice is scheduled to leave here Thursday afternoon and visit theWest Bank city of Ramallah for meetings with the Palestinian leadershipon Thursday.
Rice, Israeli FM discuss Israeli decision of defining Gaza as "hostileentity"2007-09-20 00:41:16http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2007-09/20/content_6756959.htmJERUSALEM, Sept. 19 (Xinhua) -- Visiting U.S. Secretary of StateCondoleezza Rice met with Israeli Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni onWednesday, the two discussed Israel's decision that defined the Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip as a "hostile entity."At a joint press conference held after their meeting, Rice told thereporters that the Palestinian Hamas is a "hostile entity" to U.S. as well.Israel's Security Cabinet declared the Gaza Strip a "hostile entity" onWednesday ahead of Rice's visit and said it would cutoff power and fuelsupplies to the strip.Gaza's population, largely impoverished, is almost entirelydependent on Israel for the supply of electricity, water and fuel, and acutoff would deepen their hardship.Since the Hamas takeover in June, Israel has closed crossings withGaza almost entirely, allowing in only humanitarian aid. However, Ricereiterated that the United States will not abandon the innocentPalestinians in Gaza.For her part, Livni said that Israel withdrew from the Gaza Striptwo years ago, hoping that could lead to the establishment of aPalestinian state, but only get almost daily rocket attacks in return."We expect the Palestinians to understand that Israeli security isin their own interests," Livni said, adding that Palestinians mustunderstand "supporting Hamas won't help them."The Israeli Security Cabinet's declaration of Gaza as an "hostileentity" could lead to the most severe retaliatory measure taken byIsrael against Palestinian rocket fire from the strip.The crude rocket attacks have killed 12 people in southern Israel inthe past seven years, injured dozens more and badly disrupted daily lifein the region.Last week, a Qassam rocket hit an Israeli military base near theGaza Strip, wounding over 60 soldiers in the attack. The attack thensparked calls for the government to take harsh response against the GazaStrip, which has been under the control of Hamas since it violently tookover the enclave in mid June.The Jewish states has been holding Hamas responsible for the attack,although the movement has not been directly involved in the attacks.Israel still accused the Islamic movement of doing little to halt them.Apart from the Palestinian issue, Rice also discussed with Livniissues about Iran, Lebanon and the Middle East peace progress.She said Israel and the Palestinians are showing good faith in theirnegotiations towards a "two state solution."Regarding Iranian issues, Rice told reporters that diplomatic meanis a part of efforts to halt the Iranian nuclear program, but stressedit "has to have teeth."Rice, who had visited this region in August, is also expected tohold separate meetings on Wednesday with Israeli Defense Minister EhudBarak and the Likud party head Binyamin Netanyahu.She will then hold a dinner meeting with Israeli Prime Minister EhudOlmert.Rice is scheduled to leave here Thursday afternoon and visit theWest Bank city of Ramallah for meetings with the Palestinian leadershipon Thursday.
Rice, Israeli FM discuss Israeli decision of defining Gaza as "hostileentity"2007-09-20 00:41:16http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2007-09/20/content_6756959.htmJERUSALEM, Sept. 19 (Xinhua) -- Visiting U.S. Secretary of StateCondoleezza Rice met with Israeli Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni onWednesday, the two discussed Israel's decision that defined the Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip as a "hostile entity."At a joint press conference held after their meeting, Rice told thereporters that the Palestinian Hamas is a "hostile entity" to U.S. as well.Israel's Security Cabinet declared the Gaza Strip a "hostile entity" onWednesday ahead of Rice's visit and said it would cutoff power and fuelsupplies to the strip.Gaza's population, largely impoverished, is almost entirelydependent on Israel for the supply of electricity, water and fuel, and acutoff would deepen their hardship.Since the Hamas takeover in June, Israel has closed crossings withGaza almost entirely, allowing in only humanitarian aid. However, Ricereiterated that the United States will not abandon the innocentPalestinians in Gaza.For her part, Livni said that Israel withdrew from the Gaza Striptwo years ago, hoping that could lead to the establishment of aPalestinian state, but only get almost daily rocket attacks in return."We expect the Palestinians to understand that Israeli security isin their own interests," Livni said, adding that Palestinians mustunderstand "supporting Hamas won't help them."The Israeli Security Cabinet's declaration of Gaza as an "hostileentity" could lead to the most severe retaliatory measure taken byIsrael against Palestinian rocket fire from the strip.The crude rocket attacks have killed 12 people in southern Israel inthe past seven years, injured dozens more and badly disrupted daily lifein the region.Last week, a Qassam rocket hit an Israeli military base near theGaza Strip, wounding over 60 soldiers in the attack. The attack thensparked calls for the government to take harsh response against the GazaStrip, which has been under the control of Hamas since it violently tookover the enclave in mid June.The Jewish states has been holding Hamas responsible for the attack,although the movement has not been directly involved in the attacks.Israel still accused the Islamic movement of doing little to halt them.Apart from the Palestinian issue, Rice also discussed with Livniissues about Iran, Lebanon and the Middle East peace progress.She said Israel and the Palestinians are showing good faith in theirnegotiations towards a "two state solution."Regarding Iranian issues, Rice told reporters that diplomatic meanis a part of efforts to halt the Iranian nuclear program, but stressedit "has to have teeth."Rice, who had visited this region in August, is also expected tohold separate meetings on Wednesday with Israeli Defense Minister EhudBarak and the Likud party head Binyamin Netanyahu.She will then hold a dinner meeting with Israeli Prime Minister EhudOlmert.Rice is scheduled to leave here Thursday afternoon and visit theWest Bank city of Ramallah for meetings with the Palestinian leadershipon Thursday.
Rice, Israeli FM discuss Israeli decision of defining Gaza as "hostileentity"2007-09-20 00:41:16http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2007-09/20/content_6756959.htmJERUSALEM, Sept. 19 (Xinhua) -- Visiting U.S. Secretary of StateCondoleezza Rice met with Israeli Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni onWednesday, the two discussed Israel's decision that defined the Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip as a "hostile entity."At a joint press conference held after their meeting, Rice told thereporters that the Palestinian Hamas is a "hostile entity" to U.S. as well.Israel's Security Cabinet declared the Gaza Strip a "hostile entity" onWednesday ahead of Rice's visit and said it would cutoff power and fuelsupplies to the strip.Gaza's population, largely impoverished, is almost entirelydependent on Israel for the supply of electricity, water and fuel, and acutoff would deepen their hardship.Since the Hamas takeover in June, Israel has closed crossings withGaza almost entirely, allowing in only humanitarian aid. However, Ricereiterated that the United States will not abandon the innocentPalestinians in Gaza.For her part, Livni said that Israel withdrew from the Gaza Striptwo years ago, hoping that could lead to the establishment of aPalestinian state, but only get almost daily rocket attacks in return."We expect the Palestinians to understand that Israeli security isin their own interests," Livni said, adding that Palestinians mustunderstand "supporting Hamas won't help them."The Israeli Security Cabinet's declaration of Gaza as an "hostileentity" could lead to the most severe retaliatory measure taken byIsrael against Palestinian rocket fire from the strip.The crude rocket attacks have killed 12 people in southern Israel inthe past seven years, injured dozens more and badly disrupted daily lifein the region.Last week, a Qassam rocket hit an Israeli military base near theGaza Strip, wounding over 60 soldiers in the attack. The attack thensparked calls for the government to take harsh response against the GazaStrip, which has been under the control of Hamas since it violently tookover the enclave in mid June.The Jewish states has been holding Hamas responsible for the attack,although the movement has not been directly involved in the attacks.Israel still accused the Islamic movement of doing little to halt them.Apart from the Palestinian issue, Rice also discussed with Livniissues about Iran, Lebanon and the Middle East peace progress.She said Israel and the Palestinians are showing good faith in theirnegotiations towards a "two state solution."Regarding Iranian issues, Rice told reporters that diplomatic meanis a part of efforts to halt the Iranian nuclear program, but stressedit "has to have teeth."Rice, who had visited this region in August, is also expected tohold separate meetings on Wednesday with Israeli Defense Minister EhudBarak and the Likud party head Binyamin Netanyahu.She will then hold a dinner meeting with Israeli Prime Minister EhudOlmert.Rice is scheduled to leave here Thursday afternoon and visit theWest Bank city of Ramallah for meetings with the Palestinian leadershipon Thursday.
Rice, Israeli FM discuss Israeli decision of defining Gaza as "hostileentity"2007-09-20 00:41:16http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2007-09/20/content_6756959.htmJERUSALEM, Sept. 19 (Xinhua) -- Visiting U.S. Secretary of StateCondoleezza Rice met with Israeli Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni onWednesday, the two discussed Israel's decision that defined the Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip as a "hostile entity."At a joint press conference held after their meeting, Rice told thereporters that the Palestinian Hamas is a "hostile entity" to U.S. as well.Israel's Security Cabinet declared the Gaza Strip a "hostile entity" onWednesday ahead of Rice's visit and said it would cutoff power and fuelsupplies to the strip.Gaza's population, largely impoverished, is almost entirelydependent on Israel for the supply of electricity, water and fuel, and acutoff would deepen their hardship.Since the Hamas takeover in June, Israel has closed crossings withGaza almost entirely, allowing in only humanitarian aid. However, Ricereiterated that the United States will not abandon the innocentPalestinians in Gaza.For her part, Livni said that Israel withdrew from the Gaza Striptwo years ago, hoping that could lead to the establishment of aPalestinian state, but only get almost daily rocket attacks in return."We expect the Palestinians to understand that Israeli security isin their own interests," Livni said, adding that Palestinians mustunderstand "supporting Hamas won't help them."The Israeli Security Cabinet's declaration of Gaza as an "hostileentity" could lead to the most severe retaliatory measure taken byIsrael against Palestinian rocket fire from the strip.The crude rocket attacks have killed 12 people in southern Israel inthe past seven years, injured dozens more and badly disrupted daily lifein the region.Last week, a Qassam rocket hit an Israeli military base near theGaza Strip, wounding over 60 soldiers in the attack. The attack thensparked calls for the government to take harsh response against the GazaStrip, which has been under the control of Hamas since it violently tookover the enclave in mid June.The Jewish states has been holding Hamas responsible for the attack,although the movement has not been directly involved in the attacks.Israel still accused the Islamic movement of doing little to halt them.Apart from the Palestinian issue, Rice also discussed with Livniissues about Iran, Lebanon and the Middle East peace progress.She said Israel and the Palestinians are showing good faith in theirnegotiations towards a "two state solution."Regarding Iranian issues, Rice told reporters that diplomatic meanis a part of efforts to halt the Iranian nuclear program, but stressedit "has to have teeth."Rice, who had visited this region in August, is also expected tohold separate meetings on Wednesday with Israeli Defense Minister EhudBarak and the Likud party head Binyamin Netanyahu.She will then hold a dinner meeting with Israeli Prime Minister EhudOlmert.Rice is scheduled to leave here Thursday afternoon and visit theWest Bank city of Ramallah for meetings with the Palestinian leadershipon Thursday.
The SAMS paper tries to predict events in the first year of peacekeeping and the dangers U.S. troops would face.
The SAMS paper tries to predict events in the first year of peacekeeping and the dangers U.S. troops would face.
It calls the Israeli armed forces a “500-pound gorilla in Israel. Well armed and trained. Operates in both Gaza [and the West Bank]. Known to disregard international law to accomplish mission. Very unlikely to fire on American forces.”
On the Mossad, the Israeli intelligence service, the Army study says, “Wildcard. Ruthless and cunning. Has capability to target U.S. forces and make it look like a Palestinian/Arab act.”
The SAMS paper tries to predict events in the first year of peacekeeping and the dangers U.S. troops would face.
face.It calls the Israeli armed forces a “500-pound gorilla in Israel. Well armed and trained. Operates in both Gaza [and the West Bank].
The SAMS paper tries to predict events in the first year of peacekeeping and the dangers U.S. troops would face.
The SAMS paper tries to predict events in the first year of peacekeeping and the dangers U.S. troops would face.It calls the Israeli armed forces a “500-pound gori
The SAMS paper tries to predict events in the first year of peacekeeping and the dangers U.S. troops would face.
The SAMS paper tries to predict events in the first year of peacekeeping and the dangers U.S. troops would face.It calls the Israeli armed forces a “500-pound gorilla in Israel. Well armed and trained. Operates in both Gaza [and the West Bank]. Known to disregard international law to accomplish mission. Very unlikely to fire on American forces.”On the Mossad, the Israeli intelligence service, the Army study says, “Wildcard. Ruthless and cunning. Has capability to target U.S. forces and make it look like a Palestinian/Arab act.”
The SAMS paper tries to predict events in the first year of peacekeeping and the dangers U.S. troops would face.
The SAMS paper tries to predict events in the first year of peacekeeping and the dangers U.S. troops would face.It calls the Israeli armed forces a “500-pound gorilla in Israel. Well armed and trained. Operates in both Gaza [and the West Bank]. Known to disregard international law to accomplish mission. Very unlikely to fire on American forces.”On the Mossad, the Israeli intelligence service, the Army study says, “Wildcard. Ruthless and cunning. Has capability to target U.S. forces and make it look like a Palestinian/Arab act.”
The SAMS paper tries to predict events in the first year of peacekeeping and the dangers U.S. troops would face.
The SAMS paper tries to predict events in the first year of peacekeeping and the dangers U.S. troops would face.It calls the Israeli armed forces a “500-pound gorilla in Israel. Well armed and trained. Operates in both Gaza [and the West Bank]. Known to disregard international law to accomplish mission. Very unlikely to fire on American forces.”On the Mossad, the Israeli intelligence service, the Army study says, “Wildcard. Ruthless and cunning. Has capability to target U.S. forces and make it look like a Palestinian/Arab act.”
The SAMS paper tries to predict events in the first year of peacekeeping and the dangers U.S. troops would face.
The SAMS paper tries to predict events in the first year of peacekeeping and the dangers U.S. troops would face.It calls the Israeli armed forces a “500-pound gorilla in Israel. Well armed and trained. Operates in both Gaza [and the West Bank]. Known to disregard international law to accomplish mission. Very unlikely to fire on American forces.”On the Mossad, the Israeli intelligence service, the Army study says, “Wildcard. Ruthless and cunning. Has capability to target U.S. forces and make it look like a Palestinian/Arab act.”
The SAMS paper tries to predict events in the first year of peacekeeping and the dangers U.S. troops would face.
The SAMS paper tries to predict events in the first year of peacekeeping and the dangers U.S. troops would face.It calls the Israeli armed forces a “500-pound gorilla in Israel. Well armed and trained. Operates in both Gaza [and the West Bank]. Known to disregard international law to accomplish mission. Very unlikely to fire on American forces.”On the Mossad, the Israeli intelligence service, the Army study says, “Wildcard. Ruthless and cunning. Has capability to target U.S. forces and make it look like a Palestinian/Arab act.”
The SAMS paper tries to predict events in the first year of peacekeeping and the dangers U.S. troops would face.
The SAMS paper tries to predict events in the first year of peacekeeping and the dangers U.S. troops would face.It calls the Israeli armed forces a “500-pound gorilla in Israel. Well armed and trained. Operates in both Gaza [and the West Bank]. Known to disregard international law to accomplish mission. Very unlikely to fire on American forces.”On the Mossad, the Israeli intelligence service, the Army study says, “Wildcard. Ruthless and cunning. Has capability to target U.S. forces and make it look like a Palestinian/Arab act.”
The SAMS paper tries to predict events in the first year of peacekeeping and the dangers U.S. troops would face.
The SAMS paper tries to predict events in the first year of peacekeeping and the dangers U.S. troops would face.It calls the Israeli armed forces a “500-pound gorilla in Israel. Well armed and trained. Operates in both Gaza [and the West Bank]. Known to disregard international law to accomplish mission. Very unlikely to fire on American forces.”On the Mossad, the Israeli intelligence service, the Army study says, “Wildcard. Ruthless and cunning. Has capability to target U.S. forces and make it look like a Palestinian/Arab act.”
It calls the Israeli armed forces a “500-pound gorilla in Israel. Well armed and trained. Operates in both Gaza [and the West Bank]. Known to disregard international law to accomplish mission. Very unlikely to fire on American forces.”
It calls the Israeli armed forces a “500-pound gorilla in Israel. Well armed and trained. Operates in both Gaza [and the West Bank]. Known to disregard international law to accomplish mission. Very unlikely to fire on American forces.”On the Mossad, the Israeli intelligence service, the Army study says, “Wildcard. Ruthless and cunning. Has capability to target U.S. forces and make it look like a Palestinian/Arab act.”
It calls the Israeli armed forces a “500-pound gorilla in Israel. Well armed and trained. Operates in both Gaza [and the West Bank]. Known to disregard international law to accomplish mission. Very unlikely to fire on American forces.”
It calls the Israeli armed forces a “500-pound gorilla in Israel. Well armed and trained. Operates in both Gaza [and the West Bank]. Known to disregard international law to accomplish mission. Very unlikely to fire on American forces.”On the Mossad, the Israeli intelligence service, the Army study says, “Wildcard. Ruthless and cunning. Has capability to target U.S. forces and make it look like a Palestinian/Arab act.”
It calls the Israeli armed forces a “500-pound gorilla in Israel. Well armed and trained. Operates in both Gaza [and the West Bank]. Known to disregard international law to accomplish mission. Very unlikely to fire on American forces.”
It calls the Israeli armed forces a “500-pound gorilla in Israel. Well armed and trained. Operates in both Gaza [and the West Bank]. Known to disregard international law to accomplish mission. Very unlikely to fire on American forces.”
On the Mossad, the Israeli intelligence service, the Army study says, “Wildcard. Ruthless and cunning. Has capability to target U.S. forces and make it look like a Palestinian/Arab act.”
It calls the Israeli armed forces a “500-pound gorilla in Israel. Well armed and trained. Operates in both Gaza [and the West Bank]. Known to disregard international law to accomplish mission. Very unlikely to fire on American forces.”
It calls the Israeli armed forces a “500-pound gorilla in Israel. Well armed and trained. Operates in both Gaza [and the West Bank]. Known to disregard international law to accomplish mission. Very unlikely to fire on American forces.”On the Mossad, the Israeli intelligence service, the Army study says, “Wildcard. Ruthless and cunning. Has capability to target U.S. forces and make it look like a Palestinian/Arab act.”
It calls the Israeli armed forces a “500-pound gorilla in Israel. Well armed and trained. Operates in both Gaza [and the West Bank]. Known to disregard international law to accomplish mission. Very unlikely to fire on American forces.”
It calls the Israeli armed forces a “500-pound gorilla in Israel. Well armed and trained. Operates in both Gaza [and the West Bank]. Known to disregard international law to accomplish mission. Very unlikely to fire on American forces.”On the Mossad, the Israeli intelligence service, the Army study says, “Wildcard. Ruthless and cunning. Has capability to target U.S. forces and make it look like a Palestinian/Arab act.”
It calls the Israeli armed forces a “500-pound gorilla in Israel. Well armed and trained. Operates in both Gaza [and the West Bank]. Known to disregard international law to accomplish mission. Very unlikely to fire on American forces.”
It calls the Israeli armed forces a “500-pound gorilla in Israel. Well armed and trained. Operates in both Gaza [and the West Bank]. Known to disregard international law to accomplish mission. Very unlikely to fire on American forces.”
On the Mossad, the Israeli intelligence service, the Army study says, “Wildcard. Ruthless and cunning. Has capability to target U.S. forces and make it look like a Palestinian/Arab act.”
It calls the Israeli armed forces a “500-pound gorilla in Israel. Well armed and trained. Operates in both Gaza [and the West Bank]. Known to disregard international law to accomplish mission. Very unlikely to fire on American forces.”
It calls the Israeli armed forces a “500-pound gorilla in Israel. Well armed and trained. Operates in both Gaza [and the West Bank]. Known to disregard international law to accomplish mission. Very unlikely to fire on American forces.”On the Mossad, the Israeli intelligence service, the Army study says, “Wildcard. Ruthless and cunning. Has capability to target U.S. forces and make it look like a Palestinian/Arab act.”
It calls the Israeli armed forces a “500-pound gorilla in Israel. Well armed and trained. Operates in both Gaza [and the West Bank]. Known to disregard international law to accomplish mission. Very unlikely to fire on American forces.”
It calls the Israeli armed forces a “500-pound gorilla in Israel. Well armed and trained. Operates in both Gaza [and the West Bank]. Known to disregard international law to accomplish mission. Very unlikely to fire on American forces.”On the Mossad, the Israeli intelligence service, the Army study says, “Wildcard. Ruthless and cunning. Has capability to target U.S. forces and make it look like a Palestinian/Arab act.”