Israeli Apache helicopters have shelled Hamas offices in Jabalia in the Gaza Strip at around mid-day today, Tuesday February 19th, 2002, killing one Hamas member, and two civilians, including one child. 10 civilian injuries have also been reported, including school children and innocent bystanders.

Israeli forces are unleashing a horrendous campaign of terror against Palestinian civilians. In the past 24 hours, Israeli forces have shelled various targets in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, killing and wounding Palestinian civilians and inflicting a state of terror on various parts of the Palestinian territories.

The Palestinian Initiative for the Promotion of Global Dialogue and Democracy (MIFTAH) urges the international community to condemn these attack, and to take immediate steps to protect the Palestinian people from the horrors of Israel's militaristic measures and policies.

The international community is legally and morally bound to take a stance against such atrocities, particularly in accordance with the Fourth Geneva Convention of 1949.

MIFTAH urges all institutions of civil society, human rights groups, and governments of the international community to break the silence and take real steps to end Israel's aggression against a captive Palestinian population. Israel's state terrorism must be brought to end by the courage and will of HUMANITY.