Israel demolishes homes of 3 Palestinian attackers

Jerusalem, Apr 4: Israel's military says it has demolished the West Bank homes of three Palestinians who killed an Israeli security officer and seriously wounded another in Jerusalem in February.

Israel completed the demolition early today. The three Palestinian men in their early 20's drew rifles and knives and attacked two female officers during a security check, killing a 19-year-old officer.

They were killed by Israeli officers at the scene. Israel says home demolitions are an effective tool to deter attacks, but critics say the tactic amounts to collective punishment.

Palestinian attacks in the last six months have killed 28 Israelis and two Americans, and at least 188 Palestinians have died by Israeli fire. Israel says most were attackers, and the rest died in clashes with Israeli security forces.

AP