[Peace-discuss] The thugs are at it again (with US permission)

[C. G. Estabrook]

Israeli warplanes pound east Gaza
Sun Jul 10, 2011 12:41AM


An Israeli F-16 warplane takes off from an air force base in southern Israel. 
(file photo)
Israeli warplanes have attacked the eastern Gaza Strip in yet another use of 
excessive force against the Palestinian residents of the besieged territory.


In the incident, which happened in the early hours of Sunday, Israeli F-16 jets 
flew over Gaza City and fired a missile at the area of Jabal al-Rayes, east of 
the city, Xinhua reported.

There were no immediate reports of injuries or damage to property.

The Israeli military frequently bombs the Gaza Strip, saying the actions are 
being conducted for defensive purposes. However, disproportionate force is 
always used, in violation of international law, and civilians are often killed 
or injured.

Gaza has been blockaded since 2007, which is a situation that has caused a 
decline in the standard of living, unprecedented levels of unemployment, and 
unrelenting poverty.

After Israel's assault on the Gaza Freedom Flotilla in international waters on 
May 31, 2010, in which nine civilians were killed, Tel Aviv slightly eased the 
land blockade of Gaza, allowing in more consumer goods.

However, the naval siege of the Gaza Strip remains in place, exports are banned, 
and imports of raw materials and construction materials are restricted.