Israeli Troops Accused Of 'Holocaust' After 54 Die

Mar 2 2008 By Bruce Walker

54 Die As Israeli Troops Accused Of Holocaust

A BABY was among 54 people slaughtered as Israeli troops turned heavy firepower on Palestinian militants yesterday.

At least 25 Hamas fighters died during the attack in retaliation against rocket squads bombarding Israel. The rest of the victims were civilians.

The onslaught was branded a "holocaust" and "genocide" by moderate Palestinian leaders.

Last night Israeli helicopters hit the HQ of Hamas Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh with three missiles.

The office was empty and there were thought to be no casualties.

The Middle East peace talks are now expected to collapse.

Yesterday's tragic toll made it the deadliest day in Gaza since hardliners Hamas seized control in June.

Another 200 people were wounded, 14 of them critically.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said: "The response to these rockets can't be that harsh and heinous. It is nowadays described as a holocaust."

The bloodshed began just before midnight on Friday in the northern town of Beit Hanoun, where a 13-month-old girl, Malak Karfaneh, was killed by shrapnel.

Hamas blamed Israel but residents said a militant rocket fell short and landed in the area of the baby's house.

Just before dawn yesterday in Jebaliya, northern Gaza, soldiers backed by tanks and aircraft clashed with militants.

Locals said Israeli tank shells struck two houses, killing two sisters in their early 20s - a claim denied by Israel.

Israeli military spokeswoman Major Avital Leibovich blamed the high civilian toll on Hamas using homes to store and produce projectiles.

She said: "We are not targeting homes and we have no intentions of targeting uninvolved civilians."

About 80 Palestinians, half of them civilians, have been killed since fighting flared on Wednesday.

The violence has jeopardised US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice's peacekeeping mission next week.

Chief Palestinian negotiator Ahmed Qureia said: "This is a massacre of civilians, women and children - genocide."

MAILFILE

January 2006 - Huge election victory in Gaza for Hamas.

June 2007 - Factional fighting puts Hamas fully in control in Gaza but Fatah rule West Bank.

July 4, 2007 - Hostage BBC man Alan Johnston released.

January 2008 - Israel cuts off power to 1.5 million in Gaza.

February 7, 2008 - Egypt closes Gaza border as residents flee.

February 28, 2008 - Israeli raids in response to rocket attacks.

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