Wednesday, December 22, 2004 18:18 IST
JNW HEADLINE NEWSWorshippers, children targeted in Gaza
By Jerusalem Newswire Editorial StaffDecember 21st, 2004
JERUSALEM - Jewish worshippers and kindergarten children were the intentional targets of some of Tuesday’s numerous “Palestinian” rocket and mortar attacks on Israeli towns in and around the Gaza Strip.
A dawn anti-tank missile attack on the local synagogue in the central Gaza community of Netzarim caused heavy damage to the building. Eight of the people gathered there for morning prayers were treated for shock after two of the banned weapons slammed into the place of worship.
[ Ed. Note — Under the terms of the so-called “Oslo Accords,” the Palestinian Arabs are forbidden to possess anti-tank missiles or similar weaponry. The Palestinian Authority is obligated to ensure these weapons do not enter territories under its control. ]
Later in the day, two mortar shells struck a Jewish kindergarten in southern Gaza, also causing damage to the building. There were no injuries in that attack, but the IDF ordered the children to remain indoors during recess fearing they would be targeted again.
Eight more mortars and one Kassam rocket hit Jewish communities throughout Gaza during the day.
An additional three Kassams were fired at the western Negev town of Sderot. Two landed in a residential neighborhood, but caused no damage or injuries.
The residents of Netzarim sought an urgent meeting with regional IDF commanders following the attack on their synagogue to demand an immediate military response.
Some Gaza Jews have accused the government of Prime Minister Ariel Sharon of decreasing the active defense of their communities in an effort to increase popular support for his “disengagement” plan.