October 24, 2003	Friday	Sha’aban 27, 1424

GAZA: Gazans woke up on Tuesday and looked to the heavens. Not to see if any clouds were forming which would signal autumn was finally coming, but to gaze at the Israeli warplanes and attack helicopters.

These have been hovering over Gaza since Monday evening, a regular harbinger of an Israeli airstrike on a Palestinian target.

Three years ago, with the start of the Palestinian uprising, the Israeli Army began targeting Palestinian militants, sending helicopters and aircraft to strike at them inside their offices, homes and cars.

The attacks have also claimed the lives of dozens of people who happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. Recent Palestinian reports reveal that 80 of the more than 190 Palestinians assassinated since September 2000 were innocent bystanders.

“No matter where you are, whether inside your home, driving your car or simply walking down the street, you can die at any time,” says Abu-Ahmad, a 52 year-old shop owner.

“Many Israeli airstrikes targeted Palestinians who were driving their cars down this crowded street; you can never know how or when and you can never feel safe. When it happens it’s as if hell comes down from the sky” he points out.

“Gaza has become a frightened and insecure place. All main roads and terminals are closed by the Israeli army and then they bring their Apache helicopters and F-16 fighters to bomb us,” says Nahla Suleiman.

“People take to the streets only to protest against the Israeli military aggression or for a funeral, we sit here and watch masses of people marching towards the cemetery to bury the victims of the attacks, then the streets are empty again,” says Jamal Saleh, 25, who works in a clothing shop.

“People are too afraid to go out and do some shopping or relax by the beach, they fear a strike will take place while they are in the streets. Now they only buy what they need, as quickly as possible, and then return to their homes. When night falls, the streets are completely bare,” he adds.—dpa