WORLD / Middle East Conflict
Palestinian shields foil Israeli strikes
(AP)
Updated: 2006-11-20 10:41
BEIT LAHIYA, Gaza Strip - Hundreds of Palestinians serving as human
shields guarded the homes of two top militants Sunday, a new tactic that
forced Israel to call off missile strikes on the buildings and
re-evaluate a mainstay of its aerial campaign in Gaza.
Palestinians gather around the wreckage of a car after it was targeted by
an Israeli missile strike in the Zeitoun neighborhood in Gaza City Sunday
Nov. 19, 2006. An Israeli aircraft fired a missile at a car traveling in
Gaza City, wounding nine people, including two Hamas militants inside the
vehicle, hospital officials said. The Israeli army confirmed the
airstrike, but gave no details on the target. [AP]
In recent months, the Israeli air force has repeatedly struck the homes
of militants after warning residents by phone to clear out. Israeli
security officials said they did not know how to respond to the human
shield tactic, but pressed ahead with other airstrikes Sunday.
In Gaza City, an aircraft fired a missile at a car, killing one man and
wounding nine, including two Hamas militants. Four of the wounded were
children, ages 5 to 16, who suffered shrapnel injuries, hospital
officials said.
The military said the target of the strike was a vehicle carrying senior
members of the Hamas rocket launching operation.
The standoff over the homes of the militants began late Saturday when
Mohammed Baroud, local leader of the Popular Resistance Committees, was
informed by the army that his house would be hit. The three-story
building is home to 17 people from Baroud's family. Another militant from
Hamas also received a warning.
Instead of fleeing, though, the two decided to stay in their homes and
called in reinforcements. They were quickly joined by crowds of
supporters, including dozens of armed men, who gathered on balconies,
rooftops and in the streets outside.
"Death to Israel. Death to America," the crowds chanted. Local mosques
and Palestinian TV and radio stations also mobilized supporters.
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