Attack on protest rally kills at least 10 children, at least 5 others

From IMEMC
Massacre in Rafah; 23 Said Killed, Dozens Wounded
IMEMC Staff & Agencies, May 19, 2004

As the residents of Rafah heard that the Israeli army is doing a house-to-house search in Tel Al-Sultan neighborhood, at least 3000 Palestinians peacefully marched towards the area to protest the Israeli measures in solidarity with the residents there.

Palestinian medical sources said, at least 23 of the demonstrators were killed and dozens were injured as the Israeli apaches and tanks opened fire at the protesters committing a massacre and raising the death toll in the past 40 hours up to 47 and might grow bigger.

Local Palestinian sources said at least 50 others were injured including women and children.

Israeli army said, the demonstrates opened fire at its troops, and the troops responded.

Palestinian Ministry of Health called the people for donating blood in big amount that are needed for the big number of wounded.

Dr. Azmi Bishara, Arab Knesset Member said Prime Minister 'Sharon, his Minister of Defense Mofaz and the Chief of Staff Ya'alon must be tried for war crimes"

Bishara said, "they will withdraw from Gaza Strip, yet after committing crimes against humanity there"

On the other hand, the Palestinian Minister of Negotiation Affairs Dr. Saeb Ureikat said opening fire at peaceful demonstrators is a crime that requires an immediate International Intervention to stop the catastrophe taking place in Rafah.

Gush Shalom and other peace movement in Israel are organizing a protest at the Ministry of Defense in Tel Aviv this evening.

Palestinians have declared the day tomorrow Wednesday as a General Strike to mourn the dead in Gaza Strip.

Moreover, nonviolent marches have been called for in all the West Bank district in Solidarity with the people of Gaza Strip and Rafah in particular.