 |
MideastWeb Middle East Web Log |
| log | archives | middle east | maps | history | documents | countries | books | encyclopedia | culture | dialogue | links | timeline | donations |
|
Search: |
|
|
Gaza Horrors05/19/2004 The Palestinian-Israeli conflict has erupted again. It has simmered for some months against a "dull routine" of Israeli incursions and assassinations on the one hand, and Palestinian terror attacks, attempted terror attacks and hate propaganda on the other. This activity occurs almost every day, even on days when you may think there is "no news" about Israel or Palestine. Even on those days there are Palestinians being humiliated at checkpoints, terrorists being apprehended on the way to suicide missions, and perhaps an Israeli incursion that may or may not cost a life leave a few wounded. All of this grim routine of death and suffering is usually submerged in the news by accounts of fine speeches and announcements of diplomatic initiatives.
The latest round began with an Israeli drive into Gaza intended to stop weapons smuggling and arrest or kill malefactors, and most likely, to boot Ariel Sharon's image as a hardliner, in order to push his disengagement solution. After 11 Israeli soldiers were killed by Palestinian booby traps, a second round was initiated by the IDF, which includes an all out assault on the town of Rafah and house demolitions. Nobody knows what house demolitions are planned or why, since the IDF announcements change every day. First the IDF claimed that they needed to demolish the houses in order to widen the Rafah patrol road. To the Israeli Supreme Court they said they would only be demolishing houses used by snipers. Then they announced again that they were widening the road. Then they announced that they had given up the plan to widen the road, but that some houses of people who had committed terror attacks would be demolished. Now the government has formed a committee to study the question of widening the Philadelphi patrol road. Meanwhile, thousands of Palestinians fled their homes in anticipation of the demolitions and the Israeli incursion.Israeli actions, intentions and rumors of intentions have been roundly denounced by the EU, various US officials. and the UN. More denunciations are in the works. It is difficult to understand what anyone thought they could gain by this show of force, except to prove conclusively that there really is no military solution. Now the violence escalated dramatically, when an Israeli missile attack (or tank shelling, or other violence) killed a large number of Palestinians (at least 10 by current count), mostly schoolchildren, and wounded many others. Cynics will say that with Ariel Sharon as Prime Minister, it was only a matter of time before there was a really inexcusable massacre. The worst may be yet to come. Each massacre leads to a bigger and better massacre. The real toll of operations such as this one will be exacted in the accumulated tally of hate and the retaliations that will invariably follow. If it wasn't clear to everyone why Israel must get out of Gaza before the latest fiasco, it should be clear now. Perhaps that is the point that Ariel Sharon was trying to make. Meanwhile, Sharon is about to unveil his revised disengagement plan. As I predicted, it is a slightly changed version of the original plan. However, the new plan has features that make it less attractive and perhaps unworkable. The abandoned houses of settlers may be razed rather than turned over to Palestinians. It is a senseless destruction of property that could be used to help build some confidence. Perhaps demolishing has become an ideological goal of the government in itself, regardless of whether they are Palestinian houses or Israeli houses to be given to Palestinians. If we insist every Palestinian is a potential terrorist, then of course it makes sense to plan ahead and demolish the houses of all potential terrorists, no? The plan also contemplates an international force in Gaza, with US and UN involvement. Since the US is hardly likely to commit soldiers to Gaza and since UN forces have long been anathema in Israel, especially to the Sharon government, the suspiscion arises that Sharon may not be serious about implementing this plan at all, and that it is just a smokescreen for murderous operations like this one. Ami Isseroff
Original text copyright by the author and MidEastWeb for Coexistence, RA. Posted at MidEastWeb Middle East Web Log at http://www.mideastweb.org/log/archives/00000261.htm where your intelligent and constructive comments are welcome. Distributed by MEW Newslist. Subscribe by e-mail to mew-subscribe@yahoogroups.com. Please forward by email with this notice and link to and cite this article. Other uses by permission. |
|
If you like this post - click to Reddit! 
add to del.icio.us
Add to digg - digg it
|
Replies: 17 comments [obscene and belligerent comment deleted - ed.] Posted by PeaceMaker @ 05/19/2004 10:09 PM CST It becomes clear that the Palestinian policy of armed men using civilian protesters as human shields has fueled another tragedy. How long will the Palestinian people tolerate armed men who hide behind the skirts of women and the bodies of children as a military tactic.
IDF Spokesperson Wednesday 19 May 2005
Today's incident in Rafah is a very grave incident and the IDF expresses
At no point in this incident was intentional fire opened in the direction of
A large procession of several hundreds demonstrators, among them gunmen,
As the crowd, with the gunmen among them, drew near IDF forces, a warning
In addition, flares were fired in the air to deter the crowd and to prevent
It is possible that the causalities were a result of the tank fire on the
It should be mentioned that the scene of the incident is an area of combat
At this stage it is difficult to determine the cause of the civilian
The IDF has approached the Palestinians and offered medical assistance, Posted by Jim @ 05/19/2004 10:42 PM CST How long will it take before the media (and Ami) to understand that casualty reports from palestinian sources are ALWAYS massively inflated. The original story mailed out to subscribers described 23 dead, almost entirely children. The latest count is 7. Five of those were actually gunmen. And no - it is not clear what Israel will gain by pulling out of Gaza. When it withdrew (retreated)from Lebanon (in the middle of the night), all Israel got for appeasing the world's leftists was the Oslo war, and tens of thousands of rockets planted by Hizbulla in the territory they vacated. =================================
PA Inflated Figures - Actually 7 Killed - Of Which 5 Armed Men - Killed In Aaron Lerner Date: 19 May 2004
Israel Television Channel One defense correspondent Yoav Limor reports from
Dr. Aaron Lerner, Director IMRA (Independent Media Review & Analysis) Posted by Rick @ 05/19/2004 11:36 PM CST Why is it in this day and age that two nations cannot accept their differences and realize that they are just continuing to feed the fear and horror that is daily life in the middle east? May we all pray for an end to conflict in all nations. Posted by chris Luttrell @ 05/20/2004 03:01 AM CST Jim, Rick, I take it the IDF boys are just really, really bad shots what with all the practise they get I would have thought their aim would improve. I take it you agree with legislator Yuval Steinitz, a hard-line member of the Likud Party, who said Palestinian militants pushed the demonstrators into a war zone and thus bore responsibility for the consequences. "It's absurd that the blame will be attributed to those who fire a missile and not to those who sent the hundreds of civilians to meet it," Steinitz said in an interview. How long will it take people to realise that the IDF massively deflate civilain casualty numbers? Posted by Dave @ 05/20/2004 12:52 PM CST
Here is some background on the weapons-smuggling in Rafah. General xBackground The Oslo Accords signed in 1994-1995 granted the Palestinian Authority control over most of the Gaza Strip. The agreements specify that the IDF will continue to control a narrow strip between the area under Palestinian control and the border with Egypt, called the "Philadelphi Route." On both sides of the route are the towns of Palestinian Rafah and Egyptian Rafah. During the ensuing years, the area has been used for smuggling, and rapidly became the main pipeline for transporting weapons and ammunition into the Gaza Strip. The smuggled weapons, which account for the majority of the weaponry in the Gaza Strip, are then used for carrying out terrorist attacks against Israeli civilians and IDF soldiers. Currently, the area is being used for smuggling weapons, *****, goods and lately, human beings.
Tunnel uncovered along the Philadelphia Route
Entrance to tunnel uncovered in home in Rafah Ý The City of Rafah The smuggling business began in Rafah during the 1980's, due to the city's economic condition and geographic location. The smuggling is carried out mainly through tunnels dug under the border Ä while in the past smuggling took place overland as well. Parallel to the smuggling industry in the area, the extremist Islamic infrastructure also developed, which increased the involvement of the residents in terrorist and smuggling activity. The economic element comprises an important factor in channeling local residents and families into the weapons and ammunition smuggling industry. During this period, a large-scale smuggling industry developed in Rafah. This industry comprises a primary source of income for entire families, and is the main source of income in the area. Due to the lucrative economic aspects of this industry, a power struggle has been raging between different clans and tribes over control of the smuggling. I: The Process of Constructing Tunnels The method of tunnel construction is complex and has evolved numerous times throughout the years. Currently, the construction of tunnels is overseen by Palestinian residents of Rafah who have specialized in this area over the years. The smugglers in Rafah are now experts in digging tunnels and smuggling weapons. They smugglers transport weapons for terrorist organizations, or for other elements that order firearms in exchange for money, and transfer money to Palestinians and Egyptians who own the house or land while the tunnel is dug. They are adept at how to avoid detection of the tunnels, thus they build them in residential areas and use small children to construct the tunnels and smuggle the weapons. How to build a weapon smuggling tunnelÝ 1) Locate a landowner who agrees to provide his house for the exit of a tunnel. 2) Search for a suitable opening for the tunnel on the Egyptian side. The tunnel opening should be located in a house or within private property, to allow the owner of the house to cross from one side to the other; to abide by agreements with Egyptian officials; for economic reasons, and to prevent discovery of the tunnel by Egyptian officials. 3) Choosing an engineer: An engineer specializing in the excavation of tunnels is chosen. The engineer mobilizes and recruits individuals to construct the tunnel, and provides electric and hand-held tools for the job. 4) Duration of the excavation: The duration of the excavation may last anywhere from two weeks to two months based on the following conditions: ×íǨ¢ÝThe number of workers digging. ×íǨ¢ÝExcavation equipment. ×íǨ¢ÝDepth and length of the tunnel. ×íǨ¢ÝWidth of the tunnel.ÝÝ Instructions for excavating the tunnel: 1) Secrecy: Ensure that the building area of the tunnel construction remains secret. Do not allow members of any other family or clan to discover the tunnel. 2) Work at night: To guarantee that the tunnel is not discovered, and to conceal excavation activity from the IDF. 3) Transporting tunnel material: Transport the sand from the excavation activity away from the site in a vehicle. Smuggling Methods: 1) Egyptian smugglers leave the merchandise at the entrance to the tunnel and depart. 2) Palestinian smugglers cross to the Egyptian side of the tunnel, and/or load the weapons on a trolley and tow it to the Palestinian side. 3) After the use of the tunnel, the underground passage is concealed to prevent discovery. II: Activity carried Out by terrorist Organizations and their relationship with the Palestinian Authority The Hamas The Hamas terrorist organization utilizes the Rafah area to arm its members throughout the Gaza Strip. This effort is aided by senior Hamas members and terrorist organizations in various countries ×íǨÄú which transport weapons throughout the Gaza Strip via the Rafah tunnels. It also carries out hostile terrorist activity against IDF forces in the area. The Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine During the current armed conflict, the PFLP has smuggled weapons and explosives to the Gaza Strip. This effort is aided by Iranian officials, as part of Iranian efforts to bolster the Palestinian terrorist infrastructure in the Gaza Strip. Iranian officials have smuggled weapons to the PFLP, and maintain close contact with supporters based in Egypt. The role of the Palestinian Authority since in the beginning of the current armed conflict The Palestinian Authority has aided the above-mentioned terrorist activity since the beginning of the current armed conflict. For example, the Palestinian Authority has encouraged residents to conceal tunnels in their homes, which results in the demolition of their houses. Today, the demolition of a house in which a tunnel has been uncovered, brings with it an ample windfall, as well as the construction of a new house ×íǨÄú built of concrete in the neighborhood of Tel-Sultan by the Palestinian Authority. As a result, residents have even begun to construct fictious tunnels, and spread rumors about tunnels located under their houses in order to receive compensation from the Palestinian Authority after their home is demolished. Thus, the Palestinian Authority encourages the smuggling of weapons into the Gaza Strip. During the entire cease-fire period, the Palestinian Authority failed to deal with the smuggling of weapons into the Gaza Strip, as it should have. This smuggling, during the cease-fire, served to arm the terrorist organizations in the Gaza Strip and strengthen the terrorist infrastructure in the area. Palestinian Authority efforts to re-arm During the current armed conflict, the Palestinian Authority itself, through the ×íǨÔørearmament network,×íǨÔø has been active in smuggling weapons into the Gaza Strip via tunnels. Weapons Smuggled into the Gaza Strip since January 2003 Since January 2003 large amounts of diverse weapons have been smuggled into the Gaza Strip, among them: ×íǨ¢ÝDozens of RPG rockets and launchers ×íǨ¢ÝHundreds of kilograms of explosives ×íǨ¢ÝHundreds of rifles (mainly AK-47 Kalashnikovs) ×íǨ¢ÝTens of thousands of bullets and other ammunition ×íǨ¢ÝThousands of cartridges ×íǨ¢ÝEfforts are made to smuggle in more advanced kinds of weapons. III: IDF Activity During the past year and a half, IDF forces have acted forcefully to prevent smuggling of weapons into the Gaza Strip. Construction of a physical blockade In order to create a continuous cover of observation and fire, and as well as a physical blockade, a wall was erected. As part of the wall, the Termit and Hardon outposts were established. Targeted activity to uncover and demolish tunnels Since September 2000, the IDF has uncovered and demolished approximately 90 tunnels. ×íǨ¢ÝDuring 2003, the IDF has uncovered and demolished over 40 tunnels as well as a large number of houses and buildings from where the tunnels emerged. ×íǨ¢ÝSince the beginning of 2004, the IDF has uncovered and demolished 11 tunnels as well as a number of houses and buildings from where the tunnels emerged.Ý Appendix A: Interview with Palestinian smuggler On August 10, 2002, the Islamic web portal, "Islam Online," published an interview with an individual named "Honey." Honey identified himself as an active "expert" in the excavation of clandestine subterranean passages in the Rafah area, and described how he and his friends dug tunnels in which Palestinian terrorist organizations smuggled arms. Ý Determining the most suitable location for a tunnel After determining the most suitable location to begin work, engineers survey the ground, which must be of a firm, and not overly sandy consistency. The further the point of origin is from the (Israeli) border, the less chance there is of being caught. How the tunnels are dug A pit is dug one meter wide and between twelve to fourteen meters deep. Supports are placed on the sides of the pit. The pit is dug to a depth of at least twelve meters so that Israeli detection devices cannot detect tunnels at this depth. The tunnel is dug horizontally so that it has a width of forty centimeters by forty centimeters. Every three meters wooden planks are placed alongside the four sides of the tunnels so it doesn't collapse. Various mechanical devices are used to overcome natural obstacles like rock, including a machine that removes sand via suction. An electrical cable is hung in the tunnel to provide lighting. Security precautions The work is conducted clandestinely. The sand is not removed all at one time, but is placed in flour bags and transported to a remote location. A lookout is posted at the entrance to the tunnel to ensure that the work continues unimpeded. The completion of one tunnel takes three months or more. The last tunnel we built took three months. The workers who build a tunnel receive a percentage of the profit generated from smuggling weapons. Between six to twelve meters are dug every day. The last tunnel we dug was two hundred and thirty meters long. At either end of the tunnel there is a "work manager;" the two work managers maintain contact by code, usually via phone. The workers on the Egyptian side direct where the tunnel exit will be. The exit from the Palestinian side is steep (a straight vertical shaft), while it is gradually inclined on the Egyptian side. Construction of a tunnel costs a minimum of $10,000. The minimal cost for smuggling weapons is $300 and the money is split between the five partners for building and maintaining the tunnels. Smuggling method If someone is interested in smuggling weapons, he makes a coded request and the workers schedule the date for the smuggling operation. The codes and passwords are transferred via [land-line] phones and cellular phones. The transfer from one side to the other takes between five to ten minutes and is carried out using an engine which pulls a rope. Smuggling prices The following prices vary according to location and item. ×íǨ¢ÝPerson: $1,000 ×íǨ¢ÝAK-47 assault rifle from Egypt to Gaza: 2,000 Egyptian liras ×íǨ¢ÝAK-47 assault rifle within Gaza: $1,000 ×íǨ¢ÝAK-47 bullet from Egypt to Gaza: 0.5 Egyptian Liras. ×íǨ¢ÝAK-47 bullet within Gaza: $3 Source of weapons: Egypt, Iraq, Sudan, and the Salom area in Libya. Ý Appendix B: Map of seized smuggling plan. Here is some background on the weapons-smuggling in Rafah. 17 May 2004 The area along the "Philadelphia Route," between the Palestinian and Egyptian towns of Rafah, has been used during recent years as the main pipeline for transporting weapons and ammunition into the Gaza Strip, which are used to carry out terrorist attacks against Israeli civilians and IDF soldiers. (Communicated by the IDF Spokesman) General xBackground The Oslo Accords signed in 1994-1995 granted the Palestinian Authority control over most of the Gaza Strip. The agreements specify that the IDF will continue to control a narrow strip between the area under Palestinian control and the border with Egypt, called the "Philadelphi Route." On both sides of the route are the towns of Palestinian Rafah and Egyptian Rafah. During the ensuing years, the area has been used for smuggling, and rapidly became the main pipeline for transporting weapons and ammunition into the Gaza Strip. The smuggled weapons, which account for the majority of the weaponry in the Gaza Strip, are then used for carrying out terrorist attacks against Israeli civilians and IDF soldiers. Currently, the area is being used for smuggling weapons, *****, goods and lately, human beings.
Tunnel uncovered along the Philadelphia Route
Entrance to tunnel uncovered in home in Rafah Ý The City of Rafah The smuggling business began in Rafah during the 1980's, due to the city's economic condition and geographic location. The smuggling is carried out mainly through tunnels dug under the border Ä while in the past smuggling took place overland as well. Parallel to the smuggling industry in the area, the extremist Islamic infrastructure also developed, which increased the involvement of the residents in terrorist and smuggling activity. The economic element comprises an important factor in channeling local residents and families into the weapons and ammunition smuggling industry. During this period, a large-scale smuggling industry developed in Rafah. This industry comprises a primary source of income for entire families, and is the main source of income in the area. Due to the lucrative economic aspects of this industry, a power struggle has been raging between different clans and tribes over control of the smuggling. I: The Process of Constructing Tunnels The method of tunnel construction is complex and has evolved numerous times throughout the years. Currently, the construction of tunnels is overseen by Palestinian residents of Rafah who have specialized in this area over the years. The smugglers in Rafah are now experts in digging tunnels and smuggling weapons. They smugglers transport weapons for terrorist organizations, or for other elements that order firearms in exchange for money, and transfer money to Palestinians and Egyptians who own the house or land while the tunnel is dug. They are adept at how to avoid detection of the tunnels, thus they build them in residential areas and use small children to construct the tunnels and smuggle the weapons. How to build a weapon smuggling tunnelÝ 1) Locate a landowner who agrees to provide his house for the exit of a tunnel. 2) Search for a suitable opening for the tunnel on the Egyptian side. The tunnel opening should be located in a house or within private property, to allow the owner of the house to cross from one side to the other; to abide by agreements with Egyptian officials; for economic reasons, and to prevent discovery of the tunnel by Egyptian officials. 3) Choosing an engineer: An engineer specializing in the excavation of tunnels is chosen. The engineer mobilizes and recruits individuals to construct the tunnel, and provides electric and hand-held tools for the job. 4) Duration of the excavation: The duration of the excavation may last anywhere from two weeks to two months based on the following conditions: ×íǨ¢ÝThe number of workers digging. ×íǨ¢ÝExcavation equipment. ×íǨ¢ÝDepth and length of the tunnel. ×íǨ¢ÝWidth of the tunnel.ÝÝ Instructions for excavating the tunnel: 1) Secrecy: Ensure that the building area of the tunnel construction remains secret. Do not allow members of any other family or clan to discover the tunnel. 2) Work at night: To guarantee that the tunnel is not discovered, and to conceal excavation activity from the IDF. 3) Transporting tunnel material: Transport the sand from the excavation activity away from the site in a vehicle. Smuggling Methods: 1) Egyptian smugglers leave the merchandise at the entrance to the tunnel and depart. 2) Palestinian smugglers cross to the Egyptian side of the tunnel, and/or load the weapons on a trolley and tow it to the Palestinian side. 3) After the use of the tunnel, the underground passage is concealed to prevent discovery. II: Activity carried Out by terrorist Organizations and their relationship with the Palestinian Authority The Hamas The Hamas terrorist organization utilizes the Rafah area to arm its members throughout the Gaza Strip. This effort is aided by senior Hamas members and terrorist organizations in various countries ×íǨÄú which transport weapons throughout the Gaza Strip via the Rafah tunnels. It also carries out hostile terrorist activity against IDF forces in the area. The Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine During the current armed conflict, the PFLP has smuggled weapons and explosives to the Gaza Strip. This effort is aided by Iranian officials, as part of Iranian efforts to bolster the Palestinian terrorist infrastructure in the Gaza Strip. Iranian officials have smuggled weapons to the PFLP, and maintain close contact with supporters based in Egypt. The role of the Palestinian Authority since in the beginning of the current armed conflict The Palestinian Authority has aided the above-mentioned terrorist activity since the beginning of the current armed conflict. For example, the Palestinian Authority has encouraged residents to conceal tunnels in their homes, which results in the demolition of their houses. Today, the demolition of a house in which a tunnel has been uncovered, brings with it an ample windfall, as well as the construction of a new house ×íǨÄú built of concrete in the neighborhood of Tel-Sultan by the Palestinian Authority. As a result, residents have even begun to construct fictious tunnels, and spread rumors about tunnels located under their houses in order to receive compensation from the Palestinian Authority after their home is demolished. Thus, the Palestinian Authority encourages the smuggling of weapons into the Gaza Strip. During the entire cease-fire period, the Palestinian Authority failed to deal with the smuggling of weapons into the Gaza Strip, as it should have. This smuggling, during the cease-fire, served to arm the terrorist organizations in the Gaza Strip and strengthen the terrorist infrastructure in the area. Palestinian Authority efforts to re-arm During the current armed conflict, the Palestinian Authority itself, through the ×íǨÔørearmament network,×íǨÔø has been active in smuggling weapons into the Gaza Strip via tunnels. Weapons Smuggled into the Gaza Strip since January 2003 Since January 2003 large amounts of diverse weapons have been smuggled into the Gaza Strip, among them: ×íǨ¢ÝDozens of RPG rockets and launchers ×íǨ¢ÝHundreds of kilograms of explosives ×íǨ¢ÝHundreds of rifles (mainly AK-47 Kalashnikovs) ×íǨ¢ÝTens of thousands of bullets and other ammunition ×íǨ¢ÝThousands of cartridges ×íǨ¢ÝEfforts are made to smuggle in more advanced kinds of weapons. III: IDF Activity During the past year and a half, IDF forces have acted forcefully to prevent smuggling of weapons into the Gaza Strip. Construction of a physical blockade In order to create a continuous cover of observation and fire, and as well as a physical blockade, a wall was erected. As part of the wall, the Termit and Hardon outposts were established. Targeted activity to uncover and demolish tunnels Since September 2000, the IDF has uncovered and demolished approximately 90 tunnels. ×íǨ¢ÝDuring 2003, the IDF has uncovered and demolished over 40 tunnels as well as a large number of houses and buildings from where the tunnels emerged. ×íǨ¢ÝSince the beginning of 2004, the IDF has uncovered and demolished 11 tunnels as well as a number of houses and buildings from where the tunnels emerged.Ý Appendix A: Interview with Palestinian smuggler On August 10, 2002, the Islamic web portal, "Islam Online," published an interview with an individual named "Honey." Honey identified himself as an active "expert" in the excavation of clandestine subterranean passages in the Rafah area, and described how he and his friends dug tunnels in which Palestinian terrorist organizations smuggled arms. Ý Determining the most suitable location for a tunnel After determining the most suitable location to begin work, engineers survey the ground, which must be of a firm, and not overly sandy consistency. The further the point of origin is from the (Israeli) border, the less chance there is of being caught. How the tunnels are dug A pit is dug one meter wide and between twelve to fourteen meters deep. Supports are placed on the sides of the pit. The pit is dug to a depth of at least twelve meters so that Israeli detection devices cannot detect tunnels at this depth. The tunnel is dug horizontally so that it has a width of forty centimeters by forty centimeters. Every three meters wooden planks are placed alongside the four sides of the tunnels so it doesn't collapse. Various mechanical devices are used to overcome natural obstacles like rock, including a machine that removes sand via suction. An electrical cable is hung in the tunnel to provide lighting. Security precautions The work is conducted clandestinely. The sand is not removed all at one time, but is placed in flour bags and transported to a remote location. A lookout is posted at the entrance to the tunnel to ensure that the work continues unimpeded. The completion of one tunnel takes three months or more. The last tunnel we built took three months. The workers who build a tunnel receive a percentage of the profit generated from smuggling weapons. Between six to twelve meters are dug every day. The last tunnel we dug was two hundred and thirty meters long. At either end of the tunnel there is a "work manager;" the two work managers maintain contact by code, usually via phone. The workers on the Egyptian side direct where the tunnel exit will be. The exit from the Palestinian side is steep (a straight vertical shaft), while it is gradually inclined on the Egyptian side. Construction of a tunnel costs a minimum of $10,000. The minimal cost for smuggling weapons is $300 and the money is split between the five partners for building and maintaining the tunnels. Smuggling method If someone is interested in smuggling weapons, he makes a coded request and the workers schedule the date for the smuggling operation. The codes and passwords are transferred via [land-line] phones and cellular phones. The transfer from one side to the other takes between five to ten minutes and is carried out using an engine which pulls a rope. Smuggling prices The following prices vary according to location and item. ×íǨ¢ÝPerson: $1,000 ×íǨ¢ÝAK-47 assault rifle from Egypt to Gaza: 2,000 Egyptian liras ×íǨ¢ÝAK-47 assault rifle within Gaza: $1,000 ×íǨ¢ÝAK-47 bullet from Egypt to Gaza: 0.5 Egyptian Liras. ×íǨ¢ÝAK-47 bullet within Gaza: $3 Source of weapons: Egypt, Iraq, Sudan, and the Salom area in Libya. Appendix B: Map of seized smuggling plan.
Posted by WRL Leib @ 05/20/2004 05:48 PM CST Unlike the PA, Israel is governed by the rule of law, and even the decision to demolish homes is subject to review by its judiciary. When terrorists fire at Israeli soldiers or civilians from residential buildings or activate roadside charges from orchards and fields, military necessity dictates the demolition of these locations and international law recognizes them as legitimate targets. Israel’s Supreme Court, the most independent judicial body in the Middle East, has ruled the army’s actions are legal. Innocent lives have been lost during Israeli operations. As the United States has discovered in fighting an urban war against anti-American insurgents in Iraq, it is virtually impossible to engage gunmen in populated areas and avoid civilian casualties. Like the U.S. army in Iraq, Israeli forces are defending themselves and seeking to minimize collateral damage. Reports about Palestinians being hurt describe them being in the midst of gun battles.72 If Palestinians are shooting at Israeli soldiers, then clearly the Israelis are not attacking innocent civilians. And the media never bothers to ask a more fundamental question; that is, why do any of the Palestinians in Gaza have guns to shoot at the Israelis in the first place? Again, according to agreements the Palestinians signed, the only people entitled to have weapons are the police, and the PA is obligated to confiscate all illegal weapons. In the course of Israel’s operations, it is tragic that civilians sometimes suffer. Rather than blame Israel, however, the Palestinians should demand the democratic election of new leaders who will dismantle the terrorist networks so that Israel has no need to take defensive measures. MYTH #142 “Israel is illegally, and without justification, destroying Palestinian homes in the Gaza Strip.” FACT The Palestinian Authority has repeatedly made commitments to stop terror against Israel. In the most recent agreement, the road map, the PA agreed to “declare an unequivocal end to violence and terrorism and undertake visible efforts on the ground to arrest, disrupt, and restrain individuals and groups conducting and planning violent attacks on Israelis anywhere.” To date, the PA has not fulfilled this commitment and, as recently as May 15, 2004, Yasser Arafat called on Palestinians to “find what strength you have to terrorize your enemy and the enemy of God.”71 In Gaza, terrorists have acted with impunity since the PA was created. They intentionally hide in refugee camps and elsewhere among the civilian population. They do so knowing that Israel will make every effort to avoid attacking them out of concern for innocent lives. The civilian population puts itself at risk, however, by allowing the terrorists to use them as shields. When it comes to homes that Israeli security forces have demolished, they are not chosen at random. These dwellings are used by terrorists as hideouts, bomb factories, and sniper and ambush sites. Buildings near the Egyptian border are used by terrorists to conceal tunnels that allow them to smuggle arms, explosives and other terrorists into Gaza for the express purpose of killing Israelis. The government of Egypt, which could stop the smuggling and provocation immediately, refuses to do so. As is the case in fighting terrorism generally, the question that must be asked about Israel's decision to demolish homes is: What alternatives are open to Israel? If the Palestinian authorities were doing their jobs, and fulfilling their promises, the terrorists would be in jail, the bomb factories, closed, and the tunnels filled in. Since they are not, Israel must find a way to protect its citizens, and security forces have concluded that demolitions are the most effective tool. Unlike the PA, Israel is governed by the rule of law, and even the decision to demolish homes is subject to review by its judiciary. When terrorists fire at Israeli soldiers or civilians from residential buildings or activate roadside charges from orchards and fields, military necessity dictates the demolition of these locations and international law recognizes them as legitimate targets. Israel’s Supreme Court, the most independent judicial body in the Middle East, has ruled the army’s actions are legal. Source: Myths & Facts Online -- A Guide to the Arab-Israeli Conflict by Mitchell G. Bard, Posted by Jim @ 05/20/2004 06:03 PM CST Questions to ask your self:
1)On the occasion that a heavily armed military force were to roll into your town, what care would you take for your children? --YOU BE THE JUDGE-- Posted by Jim @ 05/20/2004 06:17 PM CST Jim, Question for you, what the hell are Israeli's doing in Gaza? you could ask your question to the settlers. There's no doubting there are terrorists/gunmen operating from within the camps. You expect the pal citizens to somehow disassociate themselves from the gunmen. How exactly? ask "please mister gunmen don't stand next to me" Funny how Israel complains about the PA's lack of ability to stop terrorists after systematically weakening their authority, is the PA capable of containing terrorists, assuming it had the will to? doubtful, has Israel's actions being complicit in this? most probably. What exactly is the Israel strategy? Do they want in or out of Gaza? Israel obey's the rule of law? it's own and no one else's by the looks of it. Could find a lot of people who would disagree with your statement. "Israeli forces are defending themselves and seeking to minimize collateral damage." They are certainly defending themselves not to sure about minimising collateral damage, more like paying it lip service IMO. Posted by Dave @ 05/21/2004 03:57 PM CST
The previous commentator asked why is Israel in Gaza. The simple answer is that since 1967 there has been no effective civil administration available (willing to exchange land for peace)to whom the governance of Gaza could handed over to; since the 1970's there have been ill-advised Israeli settlements there; The Egyptian government wants the Israelis there to manage the border; as Ambassador Ross said 2 nights ago "there is a war going on"; if Israel is to withdraw then it must control the evacuation routes; and finally it is not in Israels or the Palestinians interests to allow Gaza to become an even more heaviliy armed camp. Posted by Rod Davies @ 05/21/2004 10:24 PM CST Rod, thanks for the reply, but you kind of side-stepped one of my main points, why build the settlements? they we’re never going to be a good idea. The PA Administration is woefully inadequate but it is very convenient for Israel to lambast the PA while they are partially responsible for the mess it’s in; the creation of Hamas, the recent concerted efforts to undermine Arafat. The problem they face is that they need to negotiate with someone even if they are less than desirable, to simply say there’s no one to negotiate with is a failure of the Israeli’s. Agreed about the point regarding the Egyptians, for all the aid that the Americans give them you’d think they’d exert some pressure on them to stop aiding the terrorists. Unfortunately they are too busy pissing everyone off in Iraq. For all the Arab’s complain about the Israeli treatment of the Palestinians none of them seem to get involved in any constructive way. Muslim Brotherhood is a much vaunted but rarely seen quality. The phrase you use “We also have to learn to accept that there will be civilian fatalities in engagements between the Palestinian factions and the IDF” is troubling. I get the impression that it is very easy for the IDF to accept this and the consequences of both sides accepting it can only be further brutality. Until they have respect for each other and themselves peace will be very difficult to achieve. Israel by definition is judged by different standards, it is a sovereign state with all the associated apparatus of a well-developed state. It has many tools at hand that it can employ. The PA authority by contrast has very little, therefore, from a pragmatic viewpoint alone, the greater burden of responsibility to sort the situation out is with the Israeli’s. It is not a case of somehow legitimising the atrocities perpetrated by the Palestinians it is more a case of reluctantly accepting that is their modus operandum. Here you can draw an analogy with the situation between the British Government and Sinn Fein/IRA. Your final statement is unfortunately wishfull thinking. The Palestinian’s response would be “ if you want us to act like a nation state then give us our nation state” and here we find the impasse. Progress will not be made while either side escalates the tension between the two, this only polarises opinions on both sides leaving no room for moderates, the solution will not come from the extremists. Posted by Dave @ 05/24/2004 06:03 PM CST
Dave: I think that what is often forgotten is that neither side recognised the 1949 cease-fire line as a permanent border. However between 1949 and 1967 the cease-fire line became regarded by the NATO & Warsaw Pact countries as the defacto international boundary. Immediately after the 1967 war, Israel naively hoped that it might trade land for peace and recognition. However as that did not come about and then Likud came into power the temptation to seek to establish Greater Israel evolved. I think there existed the hope that the Palestinians would come to accept Isreali hegemony. Especially as the Arab world seemed unwavering in its refusal to negotiate with Israel and that the Israeli & Palestinian economies became interwoven. Posted by Rod Davies @ 05/24/2004 10:27 PM CST
Hi Dave and Rick, WRL Leib, Jim, and others, There were many reasons for the settlements. The 1949 borders were not granted de jure recognition. The Arab countries certainly did not recognize them. In any case, they were armistice lines with demilitarized zones and an awkward configuration. Israel was not going to live with divided Jerusalem and other results of the 1949 cease fire if it could help it. From the Israeli point of view, the Arabs instigated the 6-day war and should pay the price. Originally, most of the land was to be returned in return for peace according to Israeli government resolutions. However, when Arab countries repeatedly said "no" to Israeli peace proposals (see especially the resolutions of the Khartoum conference) the right wing, capitalizing on the opportunity offered by the West Bank real estate, began pushing settlement plans. The settlements got support from right-wing Zionists who intended them to be permanent, and from those who felt that the settlement project gives Israel an important bargaining chip in future negotiations. The right leveraged on Arab opposition to peace, terror incidents and on the UN "Zionism is Racism" resolution to gather support for settlements as a means of revenge and assertion of national pride. Ami Isseroff Posted by Modeator @ 05/30/2004 04:47 PM CST
Sometimes I wish I were G_d. Maybe that's a sin? Posted by ruth @ 06/01/2004 11:49 AM CST
Sometimes I wish I were G_d. Maybe that's a sin? Posted by ruth @ 06/01/2004 11:49 AM CST
Sometimes I wish I were G_d. Maybe that's a sin? Posted by ruth @ 06/01/2004 11:52 AM CST I have read the writings of Palestinian children describing the invasion of their homes and being occupied for days. I have read their cries for peace. These children are depressed. Their homes are being razed and some have suggested this is justified. Some suggest that the Palestinian citizens rely on the police for help. Are there Palestinian police? Because, I think not. These people are powerless. Why are the Isreali soldiers in the Gaza strip? Aren't they going to great lengths to build a wall to remain separate from the Palestinians? How can we expect these people who are being oppressed much like the Jews were leading up to WWII to trust in this government? Don't they have an inherent right to defend themselves? Here, in Texas, I have the right to shoot someone invading my home. I have the right to defend my life and property. We need to bring humanity back to these people if there is any chance to end the violence. Bring them electricity and running water. Rebuild their homes. Peace. Posted by Polly @ 06/10/2004 09:43 AM CST Please do not leave notes for MidEastWeb editors here. Hyperlinks are not displayed. We may delete or abridge comments that are longer than 250 words, or consist entirely of material copied from other sources, and we shall delete comments with obscene or racist content or commercial advertisements. Comments should adhere to Mideastweb Guidelines . IPs of offenders will be banned. |
[Previous entry: "Gaza Demolitions - Is the IDF lying? Is there a better way?"] Main Index [Next entry: "Racist Retires to write Recipes, Racism still going strong"]
ALL PREVIOUS MidEastWeb Middle East LOG ENTRIES
Thank you for visiting MidEastWeb - Middle East.
If you like what you see here, tell others about the MidEastWeb Middle East Web Log - www.mideastweb.org/log/.
Copyright
Editors' contributions are copyright by the authors and MidEastWeb for Coexistence RA.
Please link to main article pages and tell your friends about MidEastWeb. Do not copy MidEastWeb materials to your Web Site. That is a violation of our copyright. Click for copyright policy.
MidEastWeb and the editors are not responsible for content of visitors' comments.
Please report any comments that are offensive or racist.
Editors can log in by clicking here
|
|
RSS feed
Add to Amphetadesk