The Israeli High Court of Justice recently refused to issue a warrant filed by Gaza Community Mental Health Programme (GCMHP) and Physicians for Human Rights – Israel (PHR) requesting an immediate cessation of sonic booms over Gaza.

GCMHP and Physicians for Human Rights filed a petition to stop sonic booms before the court in October, 2005. The warrant was declined on the grounds that the matter was still awaiting the court's final decision about the sonic booms.

The attorney for GCMHP and PHR, Yonna Lerman, said that the court's refusal of the warrant was expected, because the Israeli army's security claims are usually accepted by Israeli high court.

The court, by its decision thereby further legitimizes the sonic booms over Gaza Strip despite the fact that such booms cause documented damage to humans and physical property.

Although the sonic booms have been analyzed and heavily criticized by the international community, health experts, and human rights organizations and activists, the Israeli court gives full legal coverage for these criminal activities.

It is mentioning that the lawsuit to stop the sonic booms over Gaza has been adjourned to February 26, 2006, as requested by the Israeli army.