Israeli Army Shells Palestinian Security Target in Nablus

In a latest wave of violence against the Palestinians, the Israeli army has fired twelve tank shells at a Palestinian security camp on the outskirts of Nablus in the West Bank, killing 2 people (including one policeman) and wounding more than 3 (the search is still ongoing).

Witnesses say remains of the dead were picked up at the scene. Official Israeli sources claim that the strike is in retaliation to the shooting of a Jewish settler in the neighboring illegal settlement of Har Bracha.

Following the strike, Israeli forces carried out an incursion into the outskirts of Nablus (under full Palestinian control) thereby violating the Tenet "ceasefire," the Mitchell recommendations, and essentially, the principles of international law and territoriality.

Israel has carried out various violations of the Tenet "ceasefire" agreement of June 13th, 2001, adding more volatility to an already explosive situation (please see attached document for a detailed account of Israel's ceasefire violations sine June 10th, 2001).

The Palestinian Initiative for the Promotion of Global Dialogue and Democracy (MIFTAH) calls for immediate international action to stop Israel's aggression against the Palestinians, and urges human rights organizations to take more assertive and tangible measures in upholding the Palestinian people's right to freedom, independence, and the right to life itself. The United States, on its part, must ensure the honoring of its role as "peace broker" and take immediate steps of action to end Israel's use of brute military force against the Palestinians.

International silence will only give more legitimacy to Israel's crimes against the Palestinian people.