At least 16 Palestinians were killed Monday and some 70 others wounded in Israeli missile strikes that accompanied a massive raid of Khan Younis city, southern Gaza Strip.
Witnesses told WAFA that in few incidents throughout the day Israeli drones fired missiles at the city neighbourhood of al-Namsawy, killing 10 Palestinians, including two boys and wounding scores. In other incidents, at least 6 Palestinians were shot dead.
Palestinian medical sources confirmed the death of Ibrahim al-Qidra 18, Khader Abu Sultan, 15, Hisham Aashoor, 11, Mahmood al-Bashity 19, Ahmed al-Bayouk, 36, Amin al-Jboor, 23, Hussam al-Breim, 24, Mohammed Zo'rob, 25, Suleiman Zo'rob, 23, Abdel Rahman Abu al-Nimer, 24, Saeed Najjar, 17, Sami Zo'rob, 25, Haitham Nabris, 22, and Iyad Abu Lihya, 34. Most of the dead bodies were turned into burned pieces due to the attack.
The medics added that 70 Palestinians were wounded, including 25 children, some critically.
Israeli military sources said the missiles were fired at Palestinian fighters who were trying to fire mortar shells at Gaza Strip settlements, Israel's Army Radio reported.
Meanwhile, Israeli forces demolished a number of houses in the city area of Baten al-Sameen, locals said. They added that massive Israeli forces, backed by dozens of tanks and military bulldozers, broke into the area amid intensive fire shooting and demolished fifteen houses.
According to Arab TV channels, reporting from the area of fighting, at least three Israeli soldiers were killed. The Israeli army confirmed two troops were seriously wounded Monday morning when an anti-tank missile was fired at their tank in the town.
Also Monday, two Qassam rockets were fired at the Israeli town of Sderot, close to the border with Gaza Strip. The two rockets fell in an open area, causing no injuries. (albawaba.com)
© 2004 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
