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Source: http://www.csmonitor.com/2004/0519/p06s02-wome.html
Israel Looks to Secure Gaza Prior to Pullout
(Christian Science Monitor) Ilene R. Prusher - The Israeli army's massive military campaign in the southern end of the Gaza Strip is an attempt to create a buffer zone that would make it harder for Palestinian militant groups to get new weapons and ammunition via underground tunnels. The timing for the operation is bolstered by the argument that Israel can put itself in a more secure position now and prevent heavier attacks on its soil later. Israeli officials say that they are trying to minimize the number of Palestinian homes destroyed in order to clear the area, but insist they had no choice but to launch this operation. According to Israeli media reports, the weapons flowing in through the tunnels are now being used for attacks on Israeli soldiers and citizens, and also to arm a future Hamas force that may try to take over the Gaza Strip in case of an Israeli withdrawal.