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| November 2, 2006 Palestine House Condemns Israeli War Crimes in Gaza Strip Palestine House views with the utmost al arm Israel 's invasion of the northern Gaza Strip that began on the morning of 1 November. Eyewitness reports indicate that Israeli troops and tanks have occupied the town of Beit Hanoun and surrounding areas under the cover of helicopter fire. According to media and human rights organizations, six Palestinians have been killed by Israeli sniper fire during the invasion: Fayiz Az Zwidy , aged 25; Ahmed Saadat, aged 23; Hus sa m Abu Harbid , aged 27; Tariq Nasser, aged 24; Muhammad Al Masri , aged 22; and Ahmed Udwan , aged 21. Tens of Palestinians have been wounded and ambulances and medic al personnel have been prevented from reaching the area to remove the wounded to hospital . Palestine House is extremely concerned that this recent invasion foreshadows a further acceleration of Israeli war crimes against the Palestinian civilian population. From 29 September 2000 to October 16 2006 , 4266 Palestinians have been killed by the Israeli military or settlers. This is equivalent to approximately two Palestinians killed every single day of the last six years. The deliberate targeting of the civilian population is a war crime and, over the last two years, the Gaza Strip has borne the brunt of these attacks. This assault on the civilian population is further indication that the ‘redeployment' of Israeli troops from the Gaza Strip in September 2005 did not mean an end to Israeli occupation. The Gaza Strip is only 45 km long and about 10-12 km wide, with over 1.4 million Palestinians crowded into shantytowns -- one of the most densely populated places on earth. Over 80% of the Gazan population are refugees denied the right to return to their homes and lands. A massive electric fence surrounds the Strip and is guarded by the Israeli military. Israel has continued to prevent movement in and out of the area while subjecting its residents to repeated military incursions, shelling, and house demolitions. The closure of the Gaza Strip has led humanitarian organizations to warn of food shortages and starvation. According to World Bank figures, unemployment levels in the Gaza Strip reached 40% in the first quarter of 2006 and over 80% of the population is living below the poverty line. In the last six years, over 1400 Gazan homes have been demolished by the Israeli military, leaving nearly 13,000 Palestinians homeless. The Canadian government, however, not only remains silent in the face of these attacks but openly aligns itself with Israeli policies. Prime Minister Stephen Harper's comment last month that support for Israel is "fundament al to what this nation has always stood for" indicates that the Conservative government only encourages and facilitates Israeli war crimes. We must not al low Israel to continue to act with impunity. Palestine House demands an immediate end to Canadian government support for Israel 's apartheid policies in the West Bank and Gaza Strip and urges the Canadian population to raise its collective voice against these crimes. For Further information, please contact Palestine House/Media/Adam/905 270 3622 Palestine House 3195 Erindale Station Rd Mississauga , Ont L5C 1Y5 |