INDEPENDENT NEWS

Violence in Gaza prompts USA to urge restraint

Published: Tue 4 Mar 2003 04:23 PM
Violence in Gaza prompts USA to urge restraint
On the same day that six deaths were reported from US & UK bombing attacks against Iraq, the US State Department voiced its concern about excessive use of violence by the Israeli military. The statement seemed to be a response to the raid on the refugee camp of el-Buriej, which saw eight Palestinians lose their lives, including a thirteen-year old boy and a pregnant woman.
"We urge the Israeli government to take appropriate caution to prevent the death or injury of innocent civilians and damage to civilian humanitarian infrastructure," spokesman Richard Boucher declared.
But Boucher tempered this by saying, "The United States understands the need for Israel to defend itself against ongoing violence and terror."
Thanks for being so even-handed, Dick.
Israeli Tanks invade Nablus again-man killed
A young man of 22 bled to death after being shot in the leg after the Israeli military once again went into the old city of Nablus on Monday. Observers reported seeing the young man lying injured on the ground and then handcuffed with plastic strips, although clearly in need of medical attention. Mohammed Issa was shot after trying to go round a checkpoint. Sources at Rafiti Hospital said he had been denied medical treatment for three hours and consequently died.
The killing happened as Israeli forces once again invaded the old city of Nablus, and dozens of tanks occupied the city. At one point, ISM activists tried to enter an occupied house, but were repelled when soldiers threw a sound grenade in their direction.

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