On Friday 6 September 2002 night and Saturday early morning, the Israeli occupation forces invaded the towns of Deir al-Balah, Gaza Middle, and Beit Lahia, north of the Gaza Strip.
It was reported that these forces destroyed many civil establishments and enterprises.
In addition, they arrested numerous Palestinian civilians.
Eyewitnesses reported that at approximately 11:45 P.
M.
Friday 6 September, about 80 Israeli tanks and military vehicles moved towards Deir Al Balah under air cover and surrounded it.
Six tanks entered the town center under intensive fire.
They broke into the home of lawyer Mahir Khadir Shbair, searched it and arrested Mahir and three of his brothers, Muhammad, Nasir and Fayiz.
In addition, these forces broke into the town’s court and searched it before they broke into numerous homes.
They ordered the family of Abdul Aziz Rabie’s to leave their home, searched them outside and used the house as a watchtower.
Moreover, these forces destroyed the building of the Civil Defence, brigade, with explosives.
The building was completely destroyed, one brigade vehicle severely damaged.
the neighboring Fateh Office and the building of the Vocational Training School were also damaged.
Additionally, numerous houses and stores in the area were damaged.
moreover, the Israeli forces destroyed two metal shops located under an apartment building with explosives.
The metal shops are owned by Wahid Afana and Musa Abu Zarqa.
The building’s owner, Sabir Abu Rabie’ and Kamil Abu Msabih were arrested before the forces withdrew at about 2:45 A.
M.
it should be mentioned that there were no casualties in this attack.
In a separate attack, at around 1 A.
M.
Saturday 7 September 2002, Israeli tanks and bulldozers broke into the town of Beit Lahia under heavy fire cover.
They shelled a house under construction and demolished the of Al Waha Resthouse and fences of farms.
Farmers told Al Mezan that three cart wagons were destroyed and parts of their land damaged due to tanks movement.
The Israeli forces withdrew from the area at 6 A.
M.
and no casualties were reported.
Moreover, the Israeli forces are still blocking the Salah Ad-Din Street dividing the Gaza Strip into three parts and banning movement between towns and villages.
Al Mezan Center for Human Rights is gravely concerned for the continued Israeli collective punishment of Palestinian civilians, targeting civil premises and arresting civilians.
Al Mezan calls upon the international community, especially the High Contracting Parties of the Fourth Geneva Convention, to intervene and stop the Israeli violations of the Convention in the OPTs.
END