From the University Teachers’ Association
(Gaza Strip)

28th June: Last night the Israeli Occupation Forces began the
grotesquely named “Operation Summer Rain” on the Gaza Strip. Rafah,
scene of the May 2004 Rafah massacre by Israel, was re-occupied by
Israeli tanks.

Gaza City was bombed by Apache helicopters and F16 and V58 fighter
planes. Gaza’s only power plant was bombed as was the water
reticulation plant. Almost 750 000 of Gaza’s residents have no water
or electricity today. Three main bridges which connect different parts
of the Strip have been destroyed, slicing the Strip into two parts, and
separating its people from each other, their places of work, schools,
colleges and universities.

In addition, the Israeli military used powerful sonic bombs throughout
the night and during the day. These bombs damage eardrums, create
extreme feelings of fear and anxiety and prevent the whole Gaza Strip
population from sleeping at night. They also induce feelings of terror
in children and babies, who are already exhibiting anxious and clinging
behaviour.

These air-strikes and sonic bombs which damage essential infrastructure
and terrify and kill the civilian population are a form of collective
punishment against the Palestinian people and are war crimes which are
forbidden under international humanitarian law, especially the Fourth
Geneva Convention, which prescribes the manner in which armies must
treat civilians during times of conflict.

We call on the international community to exert pressure on the Israeli
military to conduct itself within the boundaries of international
humanitarian law and ensure the protection of all Palestinian
civilians.

We also demand the immediate halt of the Israeli Occupation Forces’
attacks on the Gaza Strip and an end to the closure and isolation of
the Strip, both of which are exacerbating an already desperate
humanitarian situation inside the Strip.

- MEDIA: Please contact your local media and request that they do not
act as a mouthpiece for Israel by asserting that the aim of the Gaza
invasion is to rescue the captured soldier. At the very least, they can
say that this is what Israel claims is the reason, or they should use
the word “allegedly”. It should also be made clear that the primary
victim of this assault is the Palestinian civilian population, and that
this constitutes collective punishment of a captive population, which
is a direct (and repeated) violation of the Geneva Convention.

- LOBBYING: Please contact your elected representatives and ask them
whether they support Israel’s barbaric crimes against innocent
Palestinian civilians. If they oppose these atrocities, ask them what
they’re doing about it. Make your voice heard.

- PROTEST: Protests are needed at Israeli embassies and consulates
throughout the world. Even a one-person protest with a simple sign such
as “Stop Israeli Terrorism” can be good at bringing attention to
the situation and letting Israel know that there is widespread
opposition to its continued and escalating crimes against the
Palestinian people. Believe it or not, Israel does care about its
image, and if the government receives reports of a number of protests,
they will feel pressured to limit the operation. Please take action on
this TODAY - for the sake of the innocent civilians in Gaza.

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