Israeli attacks against the Gaza Strip last night (20/11/2000) have been described as “…the worst since the June 1967 War.” Israeli helicopters and military boats off the coast of Gaza launched a three-hour bombardment against military and civilian Palestinian targets, mostly in the heart of Gaza city. One Palestinian was killed in the attack, and scores of Palestinian civilians have been badly wounded, including children.

Israeli officials claim that the bombardment comes in response to Monday’s attack by a Palestinian against Israelis from Kfar Darom, an illegal Jewish settlement built on occupied Palestinian territory in the Gaza Strip.

During the past two months, Israeli forces have launched several helicopter and tank attacks against heavily populated Palestinian towns and cities in the West Bank, most notably in Beit Jala, Al-Khalil (Hebron), Ramallah and Tulkarem.

Palestinian President Yasser Arafat has urged the international community to provide international protection to the Palestinian people, and to take a stance against Israel’s aggression.

In a recent development, Egypt has recalled its ambassador in Tel Aviv as a response to Israel’s aggressive attacks against Gaza last night.