CAIR SAYS TARGETING OF GAZA INFRASTRUCTURE A ‘WAR CRIME’

Bush administration urged to condemn attacks on bridges, electrical supply

(WASHINGTON, D.C., 6/28/06) - A prominent national Islamic civil rights and advocacy group today said Israel’s targeting of the Palestinian civilian infrastructure is a “war crime” that should be condemned by the Bush administration.

Following a Palestinian attack on a military post, Israeli warplanes fired missiles at the Gaza Strip’s only power station, cutting electricity to most of Gaza. Israel also targeted three Gaza Strip bridges. Palestinian officials say the cut in power will impact water supplies and health services.

SEE: Israelis Knock Out Power, Water in Gaza http://www.forbes.com/home/feeds/ap/2006/06/28/ap2846577.html

In reaction to the Israeli strikes, a White House spokesman said: “In any actions the government of Israel may undertake, the United States urges that it ensures that innocent civilians are not harmed, and also that it avoid the unnecessary destruction of property and infrastructure.”

The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) said in a statement released today: “Mild rebukes for the deliberate targeting of civilian infrastructure in Gaza will not stop Israeli missiles. The Bush administration should condemn these war crimes and demand that Israel stop using American taxpayer-funded weapons to carry out attacks that will only serve to intensify the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.”

CAIR recently called on President Bush to help end the Israeli and international “siege” imposed on the Palestinians because of the results of democratic elections.

The Washington-based group also condemned Israel’s killings of Palestinian civilians and has repeatedly condemned Palestinian attacks on Israeli civilians.

CAIR, America’s largest Muslim civil liberties group, has 32 offices and chapters nationwide and in Canada. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.