Israeli Occupation Forces Withdraw from Rafah Leaving Behind Devastation

Al Mezan Center for Human Rights, October 12, 2003
 
In the early morning hours of Monday 13 October 2003, the Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) withdrew from the refugee camp of Rafah after a three-day incursion. Initial reports from the camp revealed massive home demolitions and damage to the city’s infrastructure. Israeli soldiers killed eight people and wounded dozens. 
 
Al Mezan condemns all incursions into Rafah, and the silence they are met with on the part of the international community. Such silence reveals a moral indifference to Israel’s persistent violations of Palestinians human rights.
 
The Mezan Center calls upon the international community to fulfill its responsibilities towards Palestinian civilians in the Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPT) and provide effective protection to them. The Center also emphasizes the urgent need for relief aid and shelter in the camp and asks relief agencies and governments to provide assistance for the victims of home demolitions and curfews.