Report by Bill Dienst , M.D.

Rafah, Gaza Strip, Palestine 11/16/03

We arrive at a scene of destruction that defies words. Eight hours ago, Israeli tanks were here searching for a Hamas activist, according to local witnesses. Their accounts are being translated on site from Arabic into English by Mrs. Ola Nijim, who works for the Union of Health Workers Committee, a non governmental organization that provides various health services here in the Gaza Strip.

Photo: Destruction of Palestinian homes in Rafah, Gaza Strip, Palestine, November 16, 2003.

At about 3 am this morning, the tanks rolled into this neighborhood. The Hamas suspect was shot in the leg, apprehended, and taken into custody. Then the Israeli soldiers unleashed their wrath upon the neighborhood. The three story house where the suspect lives, along with about 40 members of his family, was evacuated and demolished. There was no time for the people to gather any of their personal belongings.

Everything . . . furniture, clothing, cherished memorabilia et cetera . . . everything was immediately crushed by the tanks. Three floors, 4 families, 4 brothers, their wives and their children's possessions are gone in an instant, and everyone is now homeless. These peoples' lives do not matter in Ariel Sharon's current war "against the terrorists".

Photo: Women and children who were evacuated from their homes November 16, 2003 before they were destroyed by Israeli tanks and bulldozers.

This morning, tents are going up to provide shelter, and everyone is in a complete state of anguish. A truck is driving up and down the dusty alley adjacent to the ruined home with a loud speaker. A voice that is blaring loudly in Arabic, sounds very angry. My translator explains that he is urging everyone to continue remaining steadfast, in spite of all this. I tell my translator to pass me off as Canadian, fearing that the people might take their current rage out on me if they find out that I am an American. We ask if we can take pictures, and after about 5 minutes of delicate negotiations, we are allowed.

Photo: Palestinian protestors march in protest to Israeli destruction of Rafah homes during November 16, 2003 attacks.

Photo: Tent being raised to house a Rafah family where once their home stood.

Photo: Palestinian families try to reoccupy the land where their homes

once stood in tents as children try to adjust to their new reality.

Photo: In desparation, a man tries to be hopeful of his family's future by planting orange trees where once his home stood.

Photo: Rafah women whose home was damaged during the night of October 9,2003 by Israel troops while her family slept.

Photo: Damage to Palestinian homes from Israel tanks firing during the night of October 9, 2003 in Rafah.

Photo: Damage in home from night raids of homes in Rafah by Israeli troops.

Photo: The bedroom in which a family was sleeping when Israelis attacked their home.

Photo: Rachel Corrie Children and Youth Cultural Center in Rafah.

Photo: After killing Rachel Corrie of Olympia Wa, below, Israeli bulldozers have buried the evidence of their murder and destruction of the hundreds of homes which used to stand here in Rafah.

Photo: Rachel Corrie standing in front of bulldozer driver who killed her as she attempted to prevent Israel destruction of Rafah homes in March 2003.

Photo: Rachel's support team cradle her as her life slips from their hands.

Photo: Israel bulldozers have tried to conceal that once this land held Palestinian homes, those very homes Rachel Corrie tried to protect.