September 08, 2009 - IMEMC

The Al Mezan Center for Human Rights reported that undercover forces of the Israeli army kidnapped on Sunday five Palestinian children in an invasion to Beit Lahia town, in the northern part of the Gaza Strip.

According to investigation by the Center, Israeli soldiers infiltrated into Beit Lahia after crossing through the former settlement of Nizanit. The soldiers then infiltrated into an area north of the Um Al Nasser Bedouin village and detonated an explosive device.

Later on, soldiers kidnapped five Palestinian children who were grazing sheep near the area. The kidnapping took place a few minutes before Ramadan Iftar (breaking of the fast) on Sunday evening.

The Al Mezan Center identified the kidnapped children as;

1. Mohammed Arafat Abu Khusa, 17.

2. Ibrahim Shehda Abu Jarad, 16.

3. Sameh Abdul Qader Abu Hashish, 15.

4. Freeh Qasem Abu Hashish, 13.

5. 'A'ed Hazaa' Abu Hashish, 16.

The Center stated that an Israeli helicopter provided cover for the withdrawal of the undercover forces by opening fire the northern and eastern borders of the Bedouin village. The kidnapped children were moved to an unknown destination.

The Al Mezan Center slammed the kidnapping of the children, and the ongoing Israeli aggression against Palestinian civilians in the Gaza Strip.

It also slammed the ongoing Israeli siege and the escalation of violations of human rights in the impoverished coastal region.

The Center added that the idleness and silence of the International Community is encouraging Israel to continue its violations of the International law.