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Gaza raid violates international law: UN

10/11/03: ( AFP) UN chief Kofi Annan is condemning the killing of Palestinian civilians in a massive Israeli army raid in southern Gaza, saying the disproportionate use of force in densely populated areas violates international law. 

"The secretary-general deplores the killing of Palestinian civilians during the Israeli incursion into Rafah in the Gaza Strip," a statement said.

"Not for the first time, the secretary-general reminds Israel that the disproportionate use of force in densely populated areas is not compatible with international humanitarian law.

"The secretary-general calls again on both sides to take every measure to avoid harming innocent civilians." 

Seven Palestinians, including two children, have been killed during the major Israeli army incursion into the southern border town.

The incursion began late Thursday night. 

The army says the operation is aimed at thwarting weapons smuggling through tunnels under the Israeli-controlled border between Egypt and Gaza. 

"This operation is continuing and will continue for as long as necessary," a military source said.

"So far our forces have uncovered and destroyed two arms-smuggling tunnels leading across the border from Egypt straight into Palestinian homes." 

The source says one Israeli soldier had been wounded in the operation so far.

By contrast, Palestinian sources say as well as the seven Palestinians dead, 56 have been wounded. -- AFP