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November 4, 2006
"We risked our lives to save our sons."
Yesterday, the Israeli army's siege on Gaza continued through an attack on a mosque. The Israeli army was attempting to force Palestinian defense forces to leave the mosque. To respond to this attack, the Hamas government chose a new defense tactic: incorporating women. Palestinian organizers, using cell phones and radio announcements, encouraged women to provide a human shield for their sons, brothers, and husbands. Women arrived at the mosque and the Israeli army fired upon them. One woman died at the scene, another died at a hospital. The Israeli army claimed that they started shooting at the women because they saw men in the group. Video footage proves that claim as a lie. This incident has been broadcast throughout the Middle East. It is a breakthrough in terms of women's involvement because it is the first time women en masse have put their lives on the line in defense of Palestine. The Israeli army described the situation:
"This is a clear example of use of innocent population for terror," said Israeli army Maj. Avital Leibovich, denouncing the Palestinian use of civilian women as shields.Jamela Shanti, 45, one of two Gazan women in the parliamentary delegation of Hamas responded: ""We risked our lives to save our sons."
More information: "Hamas militants flee Gaza mosque aided by women: Israeli troops fire on marchers answering a radio call; 2 die." by Richard Boudreaux and Rushdi abu Alouf, in the LA Times.
Posted by cj at November 4, 2006 9:28 AM
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