Israeli raids kill 9 Palestinians

On September 26, up to nine Palestinians were killed in two separate Israeli raids into Gaza.  Four or five members of the Army of Islam were killed during a strike carried out by the Israeli Air Force (IAF).  Palestinian medical authorities report that four men were killed, while the Army of Islam report that five were.  Witnesses report that a missile hit the vehicle the militants were driving at a crowded intersection in Gaza City.

IAF officials report that these men were in the process of transporting several Qassam rockets.  The group was responsible for the kidnapping of Alan Johnston and believed to be the group who kidnapped Gilad Shalit, an Israeli corporal.

The second raid, a ground operation in Beit Hanoun, resulted in the deaths of three civilians and one gunman.  Also, at least twenty other Palestinians were injured, several critically.  The deaths and many of these injuries resulted from tank fire.  IDF entered Beit Hanoun to “dismantle terrorist infrastructure” in the area.

These raids came a few hours after Israeli Defense Minister, Ehud Barak, stated that Israel was “getting closer to carrying out a widespread operation in Gaza.”  For several weeks, members of the security cabinet have been discussing how to combat the frequent rocket fire from Gaza.  On September 26, it is believed that 10 Qassam rockets and 20 mortar shells were fired into Israel from Gaza.  While no injuries occurred, Prime Minister Olmert and the Israeli government are receiving a lot of pressure to react to these frequent attacks.

However, Israeli media reports that Israel ruled out military operations last month, in favor of economic sanctions such as cutting off the delivery of fuel and electricity.  Reports on the probability of a full military operation, compared to limited raids such as the two on September 26, are conflicting.  While Barak reports that full military operations are near, some Israeli ministers, such as Benjamin Ben-Eliezer, a member of the inner security cabinet, claim that such an operation is the very last alternative there is.

Also, Israel has declared an indefinite closure of both Gaza and the West Bank in preparation of the Jewish holiday, Succot.  It is quite common for Israel to enforce a blanket travel restriction during Jewish holidays.

For more information, please see:
Independent- Barak says Israel is ‘close’ to Gaza Operation– 27 September 2007

Jerusalem Post- Nine Palestinians reported dead as Gaza violence intensifies– 27 September 2007

Associated Press- Israeli strikes kills 8 in Gaza, wound 25– 26 September 2007

BBC- ‘Eight die’ in Israeli Gaza raids– 26 September 2007

New York Times- Israeli strikes in Gaza kill up to 9 Palestinians– 26 September 2007

Reuters- Gaza operation is nearing-Israeli defense minister– 26 September 2007

Author: Impunity Watch Archive