Iraqi fighters urge attacks on Americans 'because of Gaza'

The Islamic Army in Iraq is calling its operatives to step up attacks against Americans, in response to Israel's policies in the Gaza Strip.

By RACHELLE KLIGER / THE MEDIA LINE NEWS AGENCY
Soldiers Iraq 88 (photo credit: )
Soldiers Iraq 88
(photo credit: )
The Islamic Army in Iraq is calling its operatives to step up attacks against Americans, in response to Israel's policies in the Gaza Strip. The group launched what labels the "Iraqi Resistance Campaign to Help Gaza." The campaign involves increasing "military activities" against the partners of the Zionists and American enemies of humanity. "We call on all states and nations to act and do away with this injustice towards innocent people in Gaza," it said. The group said that "war crimes" perpetrated by United States President George W. Bush and Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert were only meant to cover up their failures in other areas. The statement, received via the group's email distribution list, was signed by several Sunni Jihadi groups in Iraq. The move was in reaction to Israel's decision to reduce fuel supplies to the Gaza Strip and close crossings between Israel and Gaza. Israel's decision was in retaliation to the continual firing of rockets from the Gaza Strip onto Israeli communities and homes. Palestinians said the reduction of fuel is causing power cuts in the strip, which in turn affects other basic needs like sewage treatment, water supplies, and healthcare. Israel said the power cuts were not due to the reduction of fuel, but were deliberately orchestrated by Hamas to inflate the plight of the Palestinians and increase international pressure on Israel. "Gaza is controlled by a terror organization," Israeli Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni said on Tuesday. Israel does not have to apologize for its existence or for protecting its citizens, "even at the cost of criticism from the international community." As of Tuesday, Israel is allowing the entrance of fuel, gas, medicine, and medical equipment into the Gaza Strip. However, according to Israel Radio, Israel insists that if the rockets on Israel persist, it will continue to apply pressure on the Palestinians. The United Nations held an emergency discussion on the humanitarian situation in Gaza on Tuesday. The Security Council is discussing a draft statement submitted by Libya demanding that Israel comply with international obligations and stop "illegal measures and practices against the Palestinian civilian population in the Gaza Strip." Palestinian UN Observer Riyad Man'sour is accusing Israel of applying collective punishment to the people of Gaza. Western diplomats insist that the statement should include a condemnation of the rockets fired on Israel. The UN secretary general has expressed concern about the crisis in Gaza, but is also attuned to Israel's concerns regarding terrorism, Israeli Ambassador to the UN Dan Gillerman told The Media Line. When Israel left Gaza in 2005, the Palestinian had two choices, he said. They could make Gaza prosper or they could turn it into a haven for terrorists. "Sadly, they never miss an opportunity to miss an opportunity. They chose the latter and they're paying the price," Gillerman said.