Israeli Aggression Continues Against Palestinian Civilians and their Property

The Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) continues with its assassination and home demolition policy in the Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPT).
At approximately 3 am on Thursday, 18 September 2003, Israeli tanks and armored vehicles carried out an incursion under helicopters cover into the Al Sawarha area, south of the An Nusierat refugee camp in the middle of the Gaza Strip.
The IOF surrounded the house of Jihad Izat Abu Swereh, aged 33, and killed him by gunshot.
According to the affidavit made to Al Mezan by a relative of Abu Swereh, the IOF used explosives to demolish the house once they obtained confirmation of his death.
The house was completely destroyed and seven neighboring homes were severely damaged.
Shortly after, Israeli helicopters fired four missiles and destroyed Jihad’s father’s home.
The Israeli operation lasted until 4:30 am.
Three of Jihad’s relatives were wounded including a six-month infant.
During this incursion, the IOF also arrested his relative, Ramiz Nizar Abu Swereh, aged 26.
Moreover, the IOF resumed its daily incursions into Rafah, in the south of the Gaza Strip.
At around 8:30 pm Wednesday 17 September 2003, eight Israeli tanks entered the area near the borderline with Egypt and partially destroyed six homes.
Six people were wounded as a result of the intense firing.
It should be highlighted that the IOF is continuing the construction of a separation wall along the borderline in Rafah which began on 16 October 2002.
Al Mezan condemns the extra-judicial killings and home demolition perpetrated by the IOF in the OPT, which constitute war crimes according to the international law.
 Al Mezan calls upon the international community to intervene and protect civilians in the OPT and to ensure that the perpetrators of such crimes be pursued and brought to justice.
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