In a series of media interviews, Israeli army officials reiterated their contention that a total of 21 homes were demolished last week in Rafah, not more than 50, as Palestinian spokesmen have insisted. But other Israeli officers are telling a much different story in off-the-record talks. Speaking with Ha'aretz daily, these officers, disclosed that some of the houses that were destroyed were inhabited, and that the total number of demolished homes is greater than what the Israeli army has claimed.
One of these officers told the Tel Aviv-based daily that most of the homes were in fact abandoned three months ago because of the heavy fighting in the area. However, he explained, residents gradually returned and resumed living in some of the buildings. "Some of these people didn't have another place to take refuge," the IDF officer said. "There are families that left one member in their homes, so as to watch over their property. Others came to sleep only at night." He said that in recent weeks, violence had tapered off somewhat on the road that runs by the refugee camp, on the Israel-Egypt border, "and so people returned to their homes."
A senior military source affiliated with the General Staff said: "Based on my acquaintance of several years with Rafah, I find it difficult to believe that there could be such a large number of abandoned homes. The density of the population there is such that people quickly take residence in any home that becomes vacant."
Powell’s Remarks Condemned
Meanwhile, the Palestinian leadership condemned statements made by United States Secretary of State Colin Powell, in which he described the latest Israeli military operations in the Gaza Strip as "defensive”.
According to AP, "The Palestinian leadership rejects any justification of the destruction of refugee housing in Rafah ... and the demolition of the landing strip at the airport", a Palestinian spokesman made clear.
U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell defended Israel's operations, calling them a "defensive action" to counter weapons smuggling. "It's a response the Israelis have taken in response to this latest provocation," Powell stated.
"The Israelis are responding to this incident of smuggling of weapons into the region by going after other ways of smuggling weapons into the region". "So a lot of their military activity .... has been to destroy routes of bringing weapons in from the southern part of the Gaza Strip" he pointed out. "It's a defensive action on their part."
Denial
Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat has denied any involvement by the Palestine National Authority in the arms shipment intercepted about ten days ago by Israel. "He (Sharon) can't impose on us who I assign, I am the general commander, I am the elected President of the Palestinian National Authority'' Arafat said in his reaction to the Israeli doubts on the investigation committee.
Arafat’s remarks came after his meeting in Ramallah with the secretaries general of Japan's three ruling parties -- Taku Yamasaki of the Liberal Democratic Party, Tetsuzo Fuyushiba of the New Komeito party and Toshihiro Nikai of the New Conservative Party.
The three delivered a letter to Arafat from Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi which said “maintaining the Middle East peace process agreed to in the Oslo peace accords is an urgent task”.
Arafat expressed his hopes, that Japan would ask Israel to return to the negotiating table for peace talks.
According to Kyodo News, Arafat told the three visitors that he is prepared to resume negotiations and wants Tokyo to call on Israel to also reengage in talks. The Japanese group arrived in Tel Aviv on Friday for a 5-day trip to the region.
Arafat also requested that Japan make efforts to help realize a team of international observers to the Middle East, in order to monitor a cease-fire, which was prevented due to opposition from the United States. (Albawaba.com)
© 2002 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
