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Gaza mental health group sues Israel over sonic boom tactic

SPECIAL TO WORLD TRIBUNE.COM
Sunday, November 20, 2005

JERUSALEM — Israel's military has been forced into court to justify its sonic boom policy over the Gaza Strip.

Israeli military representatives have defended the use of fighter-jets to create sonic booms over the Gaza Strip. The representatives said the sonic booms — caused by an aircraft breaking the sound barrier — was meant to disorient Palestinian missile and mortar gunners who aim to attack Israel.

The military's policy — also used in Lebanon in the 1990s, has been challenged by the Mental Health Center in Gaza, Middle East Newsline reported. The center, supported by another group, Physicians for Human Rights, said the sonic booms harm civilians, particularly children.

A brief submitted by Gaza psychiatrist Iyad Saraj said sonic booms produces "fears, nightmares and physical harm" in children. Saraj also cited headaches and weakness among Gazans.

"The military activity to stop and interfere with the firing of Kassam rockets and mortar shells towards Israel is done via various means," the military said in a brief to the High Court said. "Among the options at the IDF's disposal is that of flying Israel Air Force planes in the air space over the launching areas. This is designed to disrupt the activities of the terrorists by causing the terrorists planning to fire rockets or bombs a fear that they will be identified and attacked in real-time while or immediately after they prepare the launch."

The military said sonic booms represented a non-lethal tactic against Palestinian insurgents. The brief said such activity has been used by other countries.

The sonic booms have also elicited complaints from Israeli communities near the Gaza Strip. But the Israelis didn't join the suit.


Copyright © 2005 East West Services, Inc.

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