28 july 2013
A Palestinian man was shot and wounded by Israeli occupation forces (IOF) east of Breij refugee camp in central Gaza Strip on Saturday evening. Dr. Ashraf Al-Qudra, a spokesman for the health ministry, told the PIC reporter that a 25-year-old man suffered multiple gunshot wounds.
He said that the victim was hit when IOF soldiers opened fire at the area in central Gaza shortly before Iftar, describing his condition as moderate.
He said that the victim was hit when IOF soldiers opened fire at the area in central Gaza shortly before Iftar, describing his condition as moderate.
27 july 2013
Syrian rebels, Lebanese news website report IAF activity in Baalbek area, over Quneitra, claim Hezbollah-bound weapons convoy bombed
Another Israeli strike in Syria? Arab media outlets reported Israeli Air Force activity in the Beqaa Valley in east Lebanon and in the Golan Heights on Saturday.
Meanwhile, the Military Revolutionary Council in Golan Quneitra, a rebel group, claimed that aircraft also bombed a missile convoy making its way to Lebanon from Syria. The reports could not be confirmed by any Western source.
According to the Quneitra rebels, the sound of aircraft could clearly be heard as they circled over the city. Earlier, the council said in its Facebook page that Israeli jets had bombed Syrian army posts. The IAF aircraft flew at low altitude over Baalbek, according to the Lebanese El-Nashra website.
The past several months have seen separate reports about alleged IDF attacks in Syria, the most recent of which referred to a base in the port city of Latakia where Yakhont missiles were apparently stored.
Two months earlier, in early May, it was claimed that Israel carried out strikes in a Damascus suburb and in the Lebanese border targeting missile caches and Hezbollah -bound weapons shipments.
Another Israeli strike in Syria? Arab media outlets reported Israeli Air Force activity in the Beqaa Valley in east Lebanon and in the Golan Heights on Saturday.
Meanwhile, the Military Revolutionary Council in Golan Quneitra, a rebel group, claimed that aircraft also bombed a missile convoy making its way to Lebanon from Syria. The reports could not be confirmed by any Western source.
According to the Quneitra rebels, the sound of aircraft could clearly be heard as they circled over the city. Earlier, the council said in its Facebook page that Israeli jets had bombed Syrian army posts. The IAF aircraft flew at low altitude over Baalbek, according to the Lebanese El-Nashra website.
The past several months have seen separate reports about alleged IDF attacks in Syria, the most recent of which referred to a base in the port city of Latakia where Yakhont missiles were apparently stored.
Two months earlier, in early May, it was claimed that Israel carried out strikes in a Damascus suburb and in the Lebanese border targeting missile caches and Hezbollah -bound weapons shipments.
Israeli soldiers arrested Saturday three farmers who stood up to them and to settlers who intruded on their land in Yatta, south of Hebron, according to an area farmer. Khaled Awad told WAFA that soldiers arrested his brother, Said, and two other relatives after they refused to allow them to reach their land and started, along with settlers from nearby Mizpe Yair, built illegally on Yatta land, to beat them.
He said the landowners and other activists, including internationals, tried to reach the land the army has declared a closed military area and which amounts to 266 dunums, attacking them as they reached their land.
An Israeli court had previously ordered the military government to return the land in question to its Palestinian landowners.
However, the military authority refused to enforce the ruling and has refused to allow the landowners to reach their land for over a year under the pretext it was a closed military zone.
He said the landowners and other activists, including internationals, tried to reach the land the army has declared a closed military area and which amounts to 266 dunums, attacking them as they reached their land.
An Israeli court had previously ordered the military government to return the land in question to its Palestinian landowners.
However, the military authority refused to enforce the ruling and has refused to allow the landowners to reach their land for over a year under the pretext it was a closed military zone.
Israeli soldiers have injured a Palestinian farmer at the borders between eastern Gaza Strip and the occupied Palestine.
Residents living in al-Bureij refugee camp in the besieged enclave told Xinhua on Saturday that they heard gunfire near the borders, adding that Israeli troops opened fire at a farmer who was approaching the border.
The Israeli military has not yet made any comments regarding the incident.
Earlier in the day, the Israeli forces removed tents belonging to Palestinian activists on a property that is supposed to be part of an Israeli settlement near the West Bank city of Bethlehem.
The presence and continued expansion of Israeli settlements in occupied Palestine has created a major obstacle for the efforts to establish peace in the Middle East.
More than half a million Israelis live in over 120 illegal settlements built since Israel’s occupation of the Palestinian territories of the West Bank and East al-Quds (Jerusalem) in 1967.
The UN and most countries regard the Israeli settlements as illegal because the territories were captured by Israel in a war in 1967 and are hence subject to the Geneva Conventions, which forbids construction on occupied lands.
Residents living in al-Bureij refugee camp in the besieged enclave told Xinhua on Saturday that they heard gunfire near the borders, adding that Israeli troops opened fire at a farmer who was approaching the border.
The Israeli military has not yet made any comments regarding the incident.
Earlier in the day, the Israeli forces removed tents belonging to Palestinian activists on a property that is supposed to be part of an Israeli settlement near the West Bank city of Bethlehem.
The presence and continued expansion of Israeli settlements in occupied Palestine has created a major obstacle for the efforts to establish peace in the Middle East.
More than half a million Israelis live in over 120 illegal settlements built since Israel’s occupation of the Palestinian territories of the West Bank and East al-Quds (Jerusalem) in 1967.
The UN and most countries regard the Israeli settlements as illegal because the territories were captured by Israel in a war in 1967 and are hence subject to the Geneva Conventions, which forbids construction on occupied lands.
Israeli paratroopers are seen during a parachuting drill.
Israeli regime’s army has held a nighttime parachuting exercise in Negev desert in the southern part of the occupied land.
Reports say about 1,000 paratroopers took part in the Wednesday military drill, but only two-third of them succeeded to jump out of Hercules transport planes.
At least 18 Israeli soldiers sustained injuries and 5 of them were taken to hospital for treatment.
Colonel Eliezer Toledano, the commander of Paratroop Brigade of the army, praised the parachuting exercise.
The Israeli army parachuted small tractors, drones and heavy machine guns as well as ammunitions during the drill.
Israeli regime’s army has held a nighttime parachuting exercise in Negev desert in the southern part of the occupied land.
Reports say about 1,000 paratroopers took part in the Wednesday military drill, but only two-third of them succeeded to jump out of Hercules transport planes.
At least 18 Israeli soldiers sustained injuries and 5 of them were taken to hospital for treatment.
Colonel Eliezer Toledano, the commander of Paratroop Brigade of the army, praised the parachuting exercise.
The Israeli army parachuted small tractors, drones and heavy machine guns as well as ammunitions during the drill.
Bullet shot at activists
A group of human rights workers engaged in the project 'Youth Against Settlements' in Hebron, in the southern West Bank, reported that late Friday night, a group of activists were sitting in front of the group's headquarters when a settler fired live rounds from an olive grove nearby.
According to the spokesperson for Youth Against Settlements (YAS) in Hebron, the bullet ricocheted off a window behind the human rights workers, but had clearly been targeted at the group. The spokesperson said that the workers heard at least two voices speaking from the olive grove, where the bullet originated.
“At first we thought it was a stone but instead we found a bullet”, said one of the activists.
At 22:15 pm, the group called the Israeli police, who arrived some 40 minutes later at approximately 11 pm, after the police arrived the military joined them and stayed for about 20 minutes. However, none of them searched the premises for the bullet canister.
The activists say that it is extremely likely that this was an attack from one of the neighbouring settlers, as the bullet was bigger than those used by the army. Even though this is the first incident of shooting against 'Youth Against Settlements', this was not the first time the house has been attacked by settlers. They have previously tried to burn the house, set the kitchen of the headquarters on fire and uprooted trees. In these incidents, the Israeli army or police have not taken any action against the settlers.
The group added that the Israeli army and police also participate in the harassment of 'Youth Against Settlements' and its human rights organizers. On Wednesday alone, the army invaded the house three times during the evening and night for what it is believed to be a training exercise for the army.
A group of human rights workers engaged in the project 'Youth Against Settlements' in Hebron, in the southern West Bank, reported that late Friday night, a group of activists were sitting in front of the group's headquarters when a settler fired live rounds from an olive grove nearby.
According to the spokesperson for Youth Against Settlements (YAS) in Hebron, the bullet ricocheted off a window behind the human rights workers, but had clearly been targeted at the group. The spokesperson said that the workers heard at least two voices speaking from the olive grove, where the bullet originated.
“At first we thought it was a stone but instead we found a bullet”, said one of the activists.
At 22:15 pm, the group called the Israeli police, who arrived some 40 minutes later at approximately 11 pm, after the police arrived the military joined them and stayed for about 20 minutes. However, none of them searched the premises for the bullet canister.
The activists say that it is extremely likely that this was an attack from one of the neighbouring settlers, as the bullet was bigger than those used by the army. Even though this is the first incident of shooting against 'Youth Against Settlements', this was not the first time the house has been attacked by settlers. They have previously tried to burn the house, set the kitchen of the headquarters on fire and uprooted trees. In these incidents, the Israeli army or police have not taken any action against the settlers.
The group added that the Israeli army and police also participate in the harassment of 'Youth Against Settlements' and its human rights organizers. On Wednesday alone, the army invaded the house three times during the evening and night for what it is believed to be a training exercise for the army.
26 july 2013
Palestinian medical sources reported Thursday [July 25, 2013] that a Palestinian teenager was shot and injured by Israeli military fire in Beit Hanoun town, in the northern part of the Gaza Strip. The sources stated that Israeli soldiers, stationed at a military tower across the border, fired rounds of live ammunition at a 19-year-old while in Palestinian lands close to the border, wounding him in his right foot.
The injured youth was moved to Beit Hanoun Hospital for treatment.
Israeli soldiers repeatedly open fire at Palestinian farmers and workers working in Palestinian lands close to the border, dozens of casualties have been reported.
Israeli Forces Injure Palestinian, Arrest Another in Jenin
Israeli forces shot on Friday, a Palestinian and arrested another in Jenin Refugee Camp, north of the West Bank.
Security sources said that the 21-year-old Yousef Ammar al-Amer was shot with a bullet in his foot during clashes erupted between the Palestinians and Israeli forces that raided the camp.
The sources added that Israeli forces arrested the Palestinian Daoud Mohammed Zubaidi, 35, and casued damages to a vehicle belonging to Tamer Dababneh.
IOF shoots Palestinian youth in northern Gaza
The Israeli occupation forces (IOF), stationed on the Gaza border, shot a Palestinian youth in the town of Beit Hanoun in the northern Gaza Strip. The spokesman for the Ministry of Health Ashraf al-Qidra told PIC's correspondent that the young man was shot in the foot and is in a moderate condition, noting that the medical staff transferred him to Beit Hanoun Hospital to receive treatment.
The IOF, stationed along the Gaza border, has been almost daily targeting the citizens and their agricultural lands in an ongoing violation of the truce signed under the auspices of Egypt.
The injured youth was moved to Beit Hanoun Hospital for treatment.
Israeli soldiers repeatedly open fire at Palestinian farmers and workers working in Palestinian lands close to the border, dozens of casualties have been reported.
Israeli Forces Injure Palestinian, Arrest Another in Jenin
Israeli forces shot on Friday, a Palestinian and arrested another in Jenin Refugee Camp, north of the West Bank.
Security sources said that the 21-year-old Yousef Ammar al-Amer was shot with a bullet in his foot during clashes erupted between the Palestinians and Israeli forces that raided the camp.
The sources added that Israeli forces arrested the Palestinian Daoud Mohammed Zubaidi, 35, and casued damages to a vehicle belonging to Tamer Dababneh.
IOF shoots Palestinian youth in northern Gaza
The Israeli occupation forces (IOF), stationed on the Gaza border, shot a Palestinian youth in the town of Beit Hanoun in the northern Gaza Strip. The spokesman for the Ministry of Health Ashraf al-Qidra told PIC's correspondent that the young man was shot in the foot and is in a moderate condition, noting that the medical staff transferred him to Beit Hanoun Hospital to receive treatment.
The IOF, stationed along the Gaza border, has been almost daily targeting the citizens and their agricultural lands in an ongoing violation of the truce signed under the auspices of Egypt.
25 july 2013
An Israeli soldier fired live bullets at Jihad Hamad, 14, injuring him in the neck and right shoulder, on Wednesday in the West Bank town of Silwad.
Defence for Children International Palestine is disturbed by the shooting of a Palestinian child with dual American citizenship by an Israeli soldier in the West Bank town of Silwad on Wednesday.
Around 7 pm, an Israeli soldier fired live bullets at a small group of boys walking home near the main road in the western part of town, according to DCI-Palestine sources. Two bullets struck Jihad Hamad, 14, in the neck and right shoulder. One of the bullets also caused damage to his vocal chords. He was first rushed to an emergency clinic in Silwad, and later transferred to the Ramallah Medical Complex for treatment. His condition was described as stable.
Hamad's father told DCI-Palestine that his son holds American citizenship.
"It is clear from incidents like this that some Israeli soldiers plainly view Palestinian kids as targets," said Ayed Abu Eqtaish, Accountability Program director. "Israeli soldiers are rarely held accountable for acts like this and the resulting impunity simply leads to increasing violence against Palestinian civilians, including children."
According to eyewitness reports, the situation was calm and the Israeli soldiers in the area were not in any danger that would allow the use of live ammunition.
The Israeli army’s open-fire regulations allow soldiers to use live ammunition “only under circumstances of real mortal danger,” according to a recent report by B’Tselem, [PDF] an Israeli human rights group.
Israeli forces are prohibited from firing rubber-coated metal bullets at women and children. Where firing rubber-coated metal bullets is allowed, police and military procedures state that they must only be fired from a distance of 50-60 meters (165 – 195 feet) and at the legs of people.
Despite these regulations, at least 21 children have been shot and injured by live ammunition, rubber-coated metal bullets or tear-gas canisters since January 2013, including two fatalities, according to evidence collected by DCI-Palestine.
In May, Atta Sabbah, 12, from Jalazoun refugee camp near Ramallah was shot by an Israeli soldier while trying to retrieve his school bag from another soldier nearby. The live bullet struck Atta in the stomach and exited through his back, severing his spinal cord and causing paralysis from the waist down. It also caused damage to his liver, lungs, pancreas and spleen.
DCI-Palestine documentation shows 32 percent of children were shot in the face or head, 18 percent in the arm or chest, and 14 percent in the stomach. One child was shot multiple times with live ammunition.
The majority of these children’s families have not filed any complaints to the Israeli authorities regarding injuries incurred through use of lethal or non-lethal weapons, as they do not believe there will be any criminal case brought against soldiers.
Since 2000, Yesh Din reports only five percent of complaints submitted to the Military Police Criminal Investigations Division lead to an indictment. Moreover, victims of soldier crime are reluctant to speak out “for fear they may come to harm, either for the soldiers who discover they filed a complaint or by the denial of various permits.”
Defence for Children International Palestine is disturbed by the shooting of a Palestinian child with dual American citizenship by an Israeli soldier in the West Bank town of Silwad on Wednesday.
Around 7 pm, an Israeli soldier fired live bullets at a small group of boys walking home near the main road in the western part of town, according to DCI-Palestine sources. Two bullets struck Jihad Hamad, 14, in the neck and right shoulder. One of the bullets also caused damage to his vocal chords. He was first rushed to an emergency clinic in Silwad, and later transferred to the Ramallah Medical Complex for treatment. His condition was described as stable.
Hamad's father told DCI-Palestine that his son holds American citizenship.
"It is clear from incidents like this that some Israeli soldiers plainly view Palestinian kids as targets," said Ayed Abu Eqtaish, Accountability Program director. "Israeli soldiers are rarely held accountable for acts like this and the resulting impunity simply leads to increasing violence against Palestinian civilians, including children."
According to eyewitness reports, the situation was calm and the Israeli soldiers in the area were not in any danger that would allow the use of live ammunition.
The Israeli army’s open-fire regulations allow soldiers to use live ammunition “only under circumstances of real mortal danger,” according to a recent report by B’Tselem, [PDF] an Israeli human rights group.
Israeli forces are prohibited from firing rubber-coated metal bullets at women and children. Where firing rubber-coated metal bullets is allowed, police and military procedures state that they must only be fired from a distance of 50-60 meters (165 – 195 feet) and at the legs of people.
Despite these regulations, at least 21 children have been shot and injured by live ammunition, rubber-coated metal bullets or tear-gas canisters since January 2013, including two fatalities, according to evidence collected by DCI-Palestine.
In May, Atta Sabbah, 12, from Jalazoun refugee camp near Ramallah was shot by an Israeli soldier while trying to retrieve his school bag from another soldier nearby. The live bullet struck Atta in the stomach and exited through his back, severing his spinal cord and causing paralysis from the waist down. It also caused damage to his liver, lungs, pancreas and spleen.
DCI-Palestine documentation shows 32 percent of children were shot in the face or head, 18 percent in the arm or chest, and 14 percent in the stomach. One child was shot multiple times with live ammunition.
The majority of these children’s families have not filed any complaints to the Israeli authorities regarding injuries incurred through use of lethal or non-lethal weapons, as they do not believe there will be any criminal case brought against soldiers.
Since 2000, Yesh Din reports only five percent of complaints submitted to the Military Police Criminal Investigations Division lead to an indictment. Moreover, victims of soldier crime are reluctant to speak out “for fear they may come to harm, either for the soldiers who discover they filed a complaint or by the denial of various permits.”
Jewish settlers attacked Palestinian cars in occupied Jerusalem at dawn Thursday smashing their windshields and puncturing their tires. Local sources said that around 20 Jewish settlers burst into Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood at dawn and started attacking Palestinian vehicles owned by the Salah family.
The attack fell in line with the series of settlers’ attacks on Palestinians and their property in occupied Jerusalem and the Palestinian territories in general.
Groups of fanatic Jewish settlers have escalated attacks in various Palestinian areas over the past few months as dozens of homes, plantations, and vehicles were set on fire while many mosques and churches were desecrated other than the assaults on citizens.
The attack fell in line with the series of settlers’ attacks on Palestinians and their property in occupied Jerusalem and the Palestinian territories in general.
Groups of fanatic Jewish settlers have escalated attacks in various Palestinian areas over the past few months as dozens of homes, plantations, and vehicles were set on fire while many mosques and churches were desecrated other than the assaults on citizens.
Israeli occupation forces (IOF) arrested the guard of a garbage dump in Yatta town, Al-Khalil province, and beat up two others in the same province. Ratib Al-Jabour, the coordinator of popular committees against the wall in Yatta, told Quds Press on Thursday that IOF soldiers in 30 armored vehicles stormed the garbage dump in Yatta on Wednesday night.
He said that the soldiers assaulted some of the workers in the dump and arrested its guard Fawaz Rubi, 29.
In another incident, IOF soldiers detained two Palestinian young men at the entrance to Arub refugee camp in Al-Khalil for a few hours and beat them up.
He said that the soldiers assaulted some of the workers in the dump and arrested its guard Fawaz Rubi, 29.
In another incident, IOF soldiers detained two Palestinian young men at the entrance to Arub refugee camp in Al-Khalil for a few hours and beat them up.
The Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) have escalated its arrest campaign against Palestinian workers living in West Bank and working in 1948-occupied territories since the start of the holy month of Ramadan. The Secretary General of the Palestinian Workers Union Haidar Ibrahim confirmed that hundreds of Palestinian workers were arrested. Nearly 20 workers were investigated during the first ten days of Ramadan under the pretext of security file.
These escalated arrests against Palestinian workers contrasts with the Israeli claims of granting permits and facilities during the holy month of Ramadan, Ibrahim said, pointing out to the arrest of female workers as well.
He noted that the Israeli claimed facilities during Ramadan were for those who came to perform prayers in al-Aqsa mosque and not for the Palestinian workers.
The Palestinian worker Majid Ma'ali stated that thousands of Palestinian workers used to cross through openings in the apartheid wall near the village of Azzun near Qalqilya from midnight till Suhur time.
While trying to cross the through the openings in the wall, an Israeli patrol suddenly appeared and started chasing the workers who fled the scene, he said.
Three workers were arrested and severely beaten and tortured for long hours, he added.
The workers also complained against the heavy fines imposed against them by the Israeli authorities, estimated at three thousand shekels.
Abdul Hakim Nasser, a researcher at the Palestinian Workers Union, pointed out that the Israeli occupation escalated the arrest campaign against workers at their work places inside the green line in total violation of international law.
He called on international union organizations to intervene to put an end to the Israeli prosecution and arrests to the Palestinian workers.
These escalated arrests against Palestinian workers contrasts with the Israeli claims of granting permits and facilities during the holy month of Ramadan, Ibrahim said, pointing out to the arrest of female workers as well.
He noted that the Israeli claimed facilities during Ramadan were for those who came to perform prayers in al-Aqsa mosque and not for the Palestinian workers.
The Palestinian worker Majid Ma'ali stated that thousands of Palestinian workers used to cross through openings in the apartheid wall near the village of Azzun near Qalqilya from midnight till Suhur time.
While trying to cross the through the openings in the wall, an Israeli patrol suddenly appeared and started chasing the workers who fled the scene, he said.
Three workers were arrested and severely beaten and tortured for long hours, he added.
The workers also complained against the heavy fines imposed against them by the Israeli authorities, estimated at three thousand shekels.
Abdul Hakim Nasser, a researcher at the Palestinian Workers Union, pointed out that the Israeli occupation escalated the arrest campaign against workers at their work places inside the green line in total violation of international law.
He called on international union organizations to intervene to put an end to the Israeli prosecution and arrests to the Palestinian workers.
Three Palestinians were injured early Thursday in clashes with Israeli forces in the Jenin refugee camp, locals said.
Israeli forces raided the camp and surrounded the Tawalba mosque and a kindergarten under construction, searching for a wanted Palestinian, locals told Ma'an.
Residents of the camp threw stones at the soldiers, who fired plastic-coated steel bullets and sound grenades, locals said.
Mohammad Matahin, Mohammad Soos and Muamin Soos were hit by plastic-coated bullets and dozens of Palestinians suffered from tear gas inhalation, they added.
The Israeli army said soldiers conducted a "routine overnight activity" in the camp and that Palestinians threw rocks at the forces.
Palestinians opened fire at soldiers and damaged two security vehicles, an Israeli military spokeswoman told Ma'an. Soldiers responded with "riot dispersal means," she added.
Meanwhile, Israeli forces detained four Palestinians in raids across the West Bank early Thursday, the spokeswoman said. Soldiers detained two Palestinians in Nablus, one in Huwwara near Nablus, and another in Hebron.
Israeli forces raided the camp and surrounded the Tawalba mosque and a kindergarten under construction, searching for a wanted Palestinian, locals told Ma'an.
Residents of the camp threw stones at the soldiers, who fired plastic-coated steel bullets and sound grenades, locals said.
Mohammad Matahin, Mohammad Soos and Muamin Soos were hit by plastic-coated bullets and dozens of Palestinians suffered from tear gas inhalation, they added.
The Israeli army said soldiers conducted a "routine overnight activity" in the camp and that Palestinians threw rocks at the forces.
Palestinians opened fire at soldiers and damaged two security vehicles, an Israeli military spokeswoman told Ma'an. Soldiers responded with "riot dispersal means," she added.
Meanwhile, Israeli forces detained four Palestinians in raids across the West Bank early Thursday, the spokeswoman said. Soldiers detained two Palestinians in Nablus, one in Huwwara near Nablus, and another in Hebron.
On Sunday 14 July 2013, Israeli forces patrolling the border fence northeast of Beit Hanoun fired in the direction of a group of workers who were collecting metal and plastic scraps from a landfill which is located around 400 metres away from the border fence. As a result, Khaled Shehada Hamad, an eighteen-year-old worker who was present at the site, was injured.
The other workers immediately brought Khaled by donkey-cart to the nearest hospital in Beit Hanoun, where he received first aid. He was then transferred to Kamal Odwan hospital in Beit Lahia, where he received medical treatment for an injury in his upper left leg. Khaled was discharged from hospital a week after the attack when his condition stabilised.
Lying on his bed, waiting to be discharged, Khaled describes the incident: "I was preoccupied with my daily work, collecting my tools to go back to Beit Hanoun. Along with a number of friends, I go to this landfill almost every day to collect metal, plastic, copper, or any other scrap materials that I might sell later. We were about to leave at around 2pm when I felt a sudden heat in my upper leg. Something had hit my leg. I started screaming after I fell to the ground. It was only then that I saw an Israeli jeep passing in the distance. I only saw the jeep after I was shot. I couldn't see the soldier though. He must have targeted me while in his military jeep."
"When I got shot, I could still feel shrapnel in my leg. The shrapnel from the bullet also caused damage to my right hand. It is an explosive bullet, I was told. The entrance is small but where the bullet goes out, it's larger, and it causes severe damage. The doctors said I still had some shrapnel in my leg and it would take a long time before they can be removed. It might take years," added Khaled, gazing at his hand which still bore the scars of the shrapnel.
"My friends gathered around me and they lifted me onto a donkey cart. We could not call the ambulance as it is hard to get a phone signal in that area." Khaled was transferred to the nearest hospital in Beit Hanoun, around 1.5 kilometres away from the border area where he was shot. However, the hospital was not equipped to deal with his injuries so he was then moved to Kamal Odwan Hospital.
Khaled was shot while working in a landfill around 400m away from the border fence. Israel has unilaterally imposed an illegal "buffer zone", an area prohibited to Palestinians along the land and sea borders of the Gaza Strip. The precise area designated by Israel as a "buffer zone" is unclear and this Israeli policy is often enforced with live fire. In accordance with the ceasefire agreement that ended Israel's last military offensive on the Gaza Strip in November 2012, the Israeli Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT) in an online statement on 25 February 2013 declared that farmers could access lands in the border area up to 100m from the border fence instead of the previously-imposed 300 meters. However, this reference, along with the reference to the increased fishing area at sea, was later removed from the statement. Then, on 11 March 2013, an Israeli army spokesperson, in a letter to GISHA, stated "the residents of Gaza are required not to approach within 300m of the security fence".
The arbitrary and changing parameters of the so-called "buffer zone" has led to huge confusion among the civilian population living around the border area, whose agricultural lands, their main source of livelihood, can only be accessed with high risk. In reality, attacks against civilians take place anywhere up to 1.5 kilometres inside the border fence. This means that 35% of the Gaza Strip's agricultural land can only be accessed under high personal risk, as Israeli attacks may result in injury or death of civilians.
Khaled seemed aware of the danger that his work entails; however, being one of the main breadwinners for a family of 12, he had no other choice. Khaled explains: "We heard that people would sometimes get shot at in the border areas, especially farmers, but I never thought this would happen to me. I convinced myself that this was a safe area so that I could go on with my work. I used to see many other people working in the area which comforted me. Some people came all the way from Gaza City to work here. I was not even the closest person to the border fence. There were people working in areas closer to the fence. It is up to the soldier's mood, apparently, where the limits of the border areas are. If we were breaking the rules by being in the "buffer zone", then why did they not shoot at those people? It is arbitrary, I tell you."
Khaled was forced to leave school when he was 14 years old. Along with two of his brothers, he has been wandering around landfills to collect scrap materials that he can trade for some money to support his family. "I usually go to work in these landfills at around sunrise and go back at 2pm. I then try to find anyone who will buy what I have spent the morning collecting. My father works in the municipality. His income is not sufficient. He cannot afford to raise 10 children with the very humble salary he is paid every couple of months. I have been working since I was 14. I go everywhere to collect the metal. Often, it is dangerous. But, there is no other way of sustaining our livelihood. Sometimes, I have to risk my life to survive; where else should I go?"
Khaled's difficult economic situation is not a special case. It rather speaks of the deterioration in the humanitarian situation due to the Israeli-imposed closure of the Gaza Strip, which violates the economic and social rights of the people on a daily basis. In 2012, the percentage of Palestinian families living under the poverty line reached 40%. This large segment of the population has no access to social protection and is denied their fundamental right to a life of dignity. The unemployment rate in the Gaza Strip rose to 33% in the third quarter of 2012, according to the Ministry of Labour. 45% of young men in Gaza and 78.1% of the female young population are unemployed and struggling to sustain the livelihood of their families.
Last month, PCHR presented a report to the UN Special Rapporteur on Extreme Poverty and Human Rights and the UN Special Rapporteur on the Right to Food, titled 'Israeli policies severely affecting sources of livelihood in the Gaza Strip'. The report provided the UN Special Rapporteurs with an overview of the situation facing farmers, fishermen, factory workers, and their dependents in the Gaza Strip by presenting individual cases. It also outlined how the different industries, which are the main sources of livelihood in Gaza, are affected by the unlawfully-imposed travel and import restrictions, the virtual ban on exports, and unwarranted military attacks carried out against civilians and their property.
Khaled still does not know when he will be able to walk again, and believes that he was directly targeted by the Israeli soldier. He explains, "I do not know why I was targeted by the Israeli soldier. If he had shot in the air, we would have had the chance to escape, but he did not. It must have been a sniper's shot. He must have known that he would cause me injury or even kill me."
Since the November ceasefire, PCHR has documented the killing of four Palestinian civilians by Israeli forces, and the injuring of 100 others, including 24 children, in the 'buffer zone'. Another 62 civilians were arrested by Israeli forces in the same area, including 34 children.
Israel's attacks against Palestinian farmers in the Gaza Strip constitute a violation of international humanitarian law as codified under Article 147 of the 1949 Fourth Geneva Convention. Moreover such attacks can constitute war crimes under Articles 8(2)(a)(i) and (iii) Article 8 (2)(b)(i) of the International Criminal Court's Rome Statute. The implementation of the 'buffer zone', maintained through attacks, constitutes a measure of collective punishment, which is prohibited under Article 33 of the 1949 Fourth Geneva Convention. The right to work, including in just and favourable conditions, is provided for under Article 6 and 7 of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR). Moreover, Article 11 of the ICESCR recognizes "the right of everyone to an adequate standard of living for himself and his family, including adequate food, clothing and housing, and to the continuous improvement of living conditions."
The other workers immediately brought Khaled by donkey-cart to the nearest hospital in Beit Hanoun, where he received first aid. He was then transferred to Kamal Odwan hospital in Beit Lahia, where he received medical treatment for an injury in his upper left leg. Khaled was discharged from hospital a week after the attack when his condition stabilised.
Lying on his bed, waiting to be discharged, Khaled describes the incident: "I was preoccupied with my daily work, collecting my tools to go back to Beit Hanoun. Along with a number of friends, I go to this landfill almost every day to collect metal, plastic, copper, or any other scrap materials that I might sell later. We were about to leave at around 2pm when I felt a sudden heat in my upper leg. Something had hit my leg. I started screaming after I fell to the ground. It was only then that I saw an Israeli jeep passing in the distance. I only saw the jeep after I was shot. I couldn't see the soldier though. He must have targeted me while in his military jeep."
"When I got shot, I could still feel shrapnel in my leg. The shrapnel from the bullet also caused damage to my right hand. It is an explosive bullet, I was told. The entrance is small but where the bullet goes out, it's larger, and it causes severe damage. The doctors said I still had some shrapnel in my leg and it would take a long time before they can be removed. It might take years," added Khaled, gazing at his hand which still bore the scars of the shrapnel.
"My friends gathered around me and they lifted me onto a donkey cart. We could not call the ambulance as it is hard to get a phone signal in that area." Khaled was transferred to the nearest hospital in Beit Hanoun, around 1.5 kilometres away from the border area where he was shot. However, the hospital was not equipped to deal with his injuries so he was then moved to Kamal Odwan Hospital.
Khaled was shot while working in a landfill around 400m away from the border fence. Israel has unilaterally imposed an illegal "buffer zone", an area prohibited to Palestinians along the land and sea borders of the Gaza Strip. The precise area designated by Israel as a "buffer zone" is unclear and this Israeli policy is often enforced with live fire. In accordance with the ceasefire agreement that ended Israel's last military offensive on the Gaza Strip in November 2012, the Israeli Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT) in an online statement on 25 February 2013 declared that farmers could access lands in the border area up to 100m from the border fence instead of the previously-imposed 300 meters. However, this reference, along with the reference to the increased fishing area at sea, was later removed from the statement. Then, on 11 March 2013, an Israeli army spokesperson, in a letter to GISHA, stated "the residents of Gaza are required not to approach within 300m of the security fence".
The arbitrary and changing parameters of the so-called "buffer zone" has led to huge confusion among the civilian population living around the border area, whose agricultural lands, their main source of livelihood, can only be accessed with high risk. In reality, attacks against civilians take place anywhere up to 1.5 kilometres inside the border fence. This means that 35% of the Gaza Strip's agricultural land can only be accessed under high personal risk, as Israeli attacks may result in injury or death of civilians.
Khaled seemed aware of the danger that his work entails; however, being one of the main breadwinners for a family of 12, he had no other choice. Khaled explains: "We heard that people would sometimes get shot at in the border areas, especially farmers, but I never thought this would happen to me. I convinced myself that this was a safe area so that I could go on with my work. I used to see many other people working in the area which comforted me. Some people came all the way from Gaza City to work here. I was not even the closest person to the border fence. There were people working in areas closer to the fence. It is up to the soldier's mood, apparently, where the limits of the border areas are. If we were breaking the rules by being in the "buffer zone", then why did they not shoot at those people? It is arbitrary, I tell you."
Khaled was forced to leave school when he was 14 years old. Along with two of his brothers, he has been wandering around landfills to collect scrap materials that he can trade for some money to support his family. "I usually go to work in these landfills at around sunrise and go back at 2pm. I then try to find anyone who will buy what I have spent the morning collecting. My father works in the municipality. His income is not sufficient. He cannot afford to raise 10 children with the very humble salary he is paid every couple of months. I have been working since I was 14. I go everywhere to collect the metal. Often, it is dangerous. But, there is no other way of sustaining our livelihood. Sometimes, I have to risk my life to survive; where else should I go?"
Khaled's difficult economic situation is not a special case. It rather speaks of the deterioration in the humanitarian situation due to the Israeli-imposed closure of the Gaza Strip, which violates the economic and social rights of the people on a daily basis. In 2012, the percentage of Palestinian families living under the poverty line reached 40%. This large segment of the population has no access to social protection and is denied their fundamental right to a life of dignity. The unemployment rate in the Gaza Strip rose to 33% in the third quarter of 2012, according to the Ministry of Labour. 45% of young men in Gaza and 78.1% of the female young population are unemployed and struggling to sustain the livelihood of their families.
Last month, PCHR presented a report to the UN Special Rapporteur on Extreme Poverty and Human Rights and the UN Special Rapporteur on the Right to Food, titled 'Israeli policies severely affecting sources of livelihood in the Gaza Strip'. The report provided the UN Special Rapporteurs with an overview of the situation facing farmers, fishermen, factory workers, and their dependents in the Gaza Strip by presenting individual cases. It also outlined how the different industries, which are the main sources of livelihood in Gaza, are affected by the unlawfully-imposed travel and import restrictions, the virtual ban on exports, and unwarranted military attacks carried out against civilians and their property.
Khaled still does not know when he will be able to walk again, and believes that he was directly targeted by the Israeli soldier. He explains, "I do not know why I was targeted by the Israeli soldier. If he had shot in the air, we would have had the chance to escape, but he did not. It must have been a sniper's shot. He must have known that he would cause me injury or even kill me."
Since the November ceasefire, PCHR has documented the killing of four Palestinian civilians by Israeli forces, and the injuring of 100 others, including 24 children, in the 'buffer zone'. Another 62 civilians were arrested by Israeli forces in the same area, including 34 children.
Israel's attacks against Palestinian farmers in the Gaza Strip constitute a violation of international humanitarian law as codified under Article 147 of the 1949 Fourth Geneva Convention. Moreover such attacks can constitute war crimes under Articles 8(2)(a)(i) and (iii) Article 8 (2)(b)(i) of the International Criminal Court's Rome Statute. The implementation of the 'buffer zone', maintained through attacks, constitutes a measure of collective punishment, which is prohibited under Article 33 of the 1949 Fourth Geneva Convention. The right to work, including in just and favourable conditions, is provided for under Article 6 and 7 of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR). Moreover, Article 11 of the ICESCR recognizes "the right of everyone to an adequate standard of living for himself and his family, including adequate food, clothing and housing, and to the continuous improvement of living conditions."
Soldiers from the Israeli Army raided the house of a Palestinian family from Tal Al. Rumeida neighborhood in Hebron, during an IOF military training.
Israeli Army Radio reported that Issa Ismael Amro said that around 20 soldiers stormed his house and stayed for short period of time.
He also said that he filed a complaint against the Israeli Army in the Palestinian Liaison Office.
IOF Spokesperson confirmed the incident and said an investigation will be launched into its circumstances.
Israeli Army Radio reported that Issa Ismael Amro said that around 20 soldiers stormed his house and stayed for short period of time.
He also said that he filed a complaint against the Israeli Army in the Palestinian Liaison Office.
IOF Spokesperson confirmed the incident and said an investigation will be launched into its circumstances.
Clashes erupted on Thursday evening, between Israeli forces and Palestinians in the city of Nablus, northern West Bank.
Local sources said that Israeli forces fired dozens of tear gas canisters and sound bombs, injuring several Palestinians, who were transferred to one of the Hospitals for treatment.
The confrontations has launched in Rafidia area and near the An-Najah National University. The forces raided a number of Palestinian houses in the area and in al-Makhfyeh nearby neighborhood.
The sources added, the Israeli forces arrested Mohammed al-Damouni and Jihad Dashoun.
Local sources said that Israeli forces fired dozens of tear gas canisters and sound bombs, injuring several Palestinians, who were transferred to one of the Hospitals for treatment.
The confrontations has launched in Rafidia area and near the An-Najah National University. The forces raided a number of Palestinian houses in the area and in al-Makhfyeh nearby neighborhood.
The sources added, the Israeli forces arrested Mohammed al-Damouni and Jihad Dashoun.
24 july 2013
Clashes erupted between the Palestinians and Israeli forces in several areas in al-Issawiyeh town, central occupied Jerusalem, following a raid on a number of neighborhoods in the same town.
An Israeli force, accompanied by military vehicles, a helicopter and dozens of soldiers, raided several neighborhoods in the town, under pretexts of searching for Palestinians who are "wanted" for the Israeli authorities.
Israeli forces fired tear gas canisters and sound bombs. No injuries or arrests were reported.
An Israeli force, accompanied by military vehicles, a helicopter and dozens of soldiers, raided several neighborhoods in the town, under pretexts of searching for Palestinians who are "wanted" for the Israeli authorities.
Israeli forces fired tear gas canisters and sound bombs. No injuries or arrests were reported.
23 july 2013
Israel has once again warned the government of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad of possible strikes.
“If provocations by the Syrian government continue, Israel will have no choice but to respond accordingly,” Israel's ambassador to the United Nations Ron Prosor said during a UN Security Council meeting about the Middle East on Tuesday.
Prosor repeated Western allegations that Syria possessed chemical weapons and that Israel could not tolerate it.
“I have said it before and I'll say it again, Assad has chemical weapons,” he said.
“The situation is made all the more dangerous by the fact that Assad has received advanced weapons systems that Israel simply cannot allow,” Prosor added.
The Tel Aviv regime has launched attacks on Syria several times since the beginning of 2013.
Israel has the biggest stockpile of weapons of mass destruction in the region and is the sole possessor of nuclear weapons in the Middle East.
Syria has been gripped by deadly unrest since 2011. According to the UN, more than 90,000 people have been killed and millions of others displaced in the violence.
Damascus says the chaos is being orchestrated from outside the country, and there are reports that a very large number of the militants are foreign nationals.
The Syrian government says the West and its regional allies -- especially Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey -- are supporting the militants.
The militants from a number of countries have been crossing into Syria to fight against the Syrian government, contributing to an international effort to destabilize the Arab country.
Several international human rights organizations say the foreign-sponsored militants have committed war crimes in Syria.
The Syrian troops have recently conducted successful clean-up operations across the country, inflicting heavy losses on the foreign-backed militants.
The Syrian Army’s push against the militants rattled their foreign sponsors.
“If provocations by the Syrian government continue, Israel will have no choice but to respond accordingly,” Israel's ambassador to the United Nations Ron Prosor said during a UN Security Council meeting about the Middle East on Tuesday.
Prosor repeated Western allegations that Syria possessed chemical weapons and that Israel could not tolerate it.
“I have said it before and I'll say it again, Assad has chemical weapons,” he said.
“The situation is made all the more dangerous by the fact that Assad has received advanced weapons systems that Israel simply cannot allow,” Prosor added.
The Tel Aviv regime has launched attacks on Syria several times since the beginning of 2013.
Israel has the biggest stockpile of weapons of mass destruction in the region and is the sole possessor of nuclear weapons in the Middle East.
Syria has been gripped by deadly unrest since 2011. According to the UN, more than 90,000 people have been killed and millions of others displaced in the violence.
Damascus says the chaos is being orchestrated from outside the country, and there are reports that a very large number of the militants are foreign nationals.
The Syrian government says the West and its regional allies -- especially Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey -- are supporting the militants.
The militants from a number of countries have been crossing into Syria to fight against the Syrian government, contributing to an international effort to destabilize the Arab country.
Several international human rights organizations say the foreign-sponsored militants have committed war crimes in Syria.
The Syrian troops have recently conducted successful clean-up operations across the country, inflicting heavy losses on the foreign-backed militants.
The Syrian Army’s push against the militants rattled their foreign sponsors.
An Israeli patrol arrested the Jerusalemite citizen Fathi Abu Dwih, aged 35 from the Jabal Mukaber south of Jerusalem, and attacked him. Abu Dwih told PIC's correspondent that he was hit by members of the border patrol. He was handcuffed and blindfolded without justification.
Abu Dwih said that elements of the patrol took him to the Mascobiya detention center where he has been detained for a week without standing before the judge so that he will not see the bruises caused by the soldiers' assault.
Abu Dwih said that elements of the patrol took him to the Mascobiya detention center where he has been detained for a week without standing before the judge so that he will not see the bruises caused by the soldiers' assault.
Israeli occupation forces (IOF) arrested a young man in Nablus city at dawn Tuesday after what locals described as an unprecedented search campaign. The sources said that big numbers of IOF soldiers raided the city’s northern and central suburbs and searched many homes looking for “wanted” Palestinians.
They said that the soldiers ransacked the home of Saba Al-Ayesh family looking for their son Ahmed and when they could not find him they took his brother Mohammed.
The sources said that the soldiers threatened to arrest the entire family if Ahmed did not give himself in.
However, the sources pointed out that the soldiers managed later on to arrest Ahmed.
Meanwhile, the soldiers interrogated a member of Qayem family after detaining him for hours.
Confrontations were reported between the raiding soldiers and young men in the city, locals said, adding that the soldiers fired live bullets, teargas, and stun grenades at the unarmed youngsters who threw stones and empty bottles at the soldiers.
Injuries and Arrests during an IOF Raid on Nablus
A number of Palestinians injured and two arrested during an IOF raid on several neighborhoods in Nablus city.
Security sources said that Israeli forces raided several neighborhoods in the city and stormed al-Dwar area where clashes erupted with the Palestinians.
Israeli forces shot rubber-coated bullets toward the Palestinians, injuring Mustafa Khalil Hamameh with a bullet in his foot and Walid Maqboul with a sound bomb fired toward him. Tamer Qandel, Wajdy Maqboul and Alaa Jamous suffered suffocation due to tear gas inhalation.
The sources added that an Israeli force raided al-Jabal al-Shamali area, broke into the house of Sabe' al-Eish family, arrested two of their sons: Ahmed, 19, and Mohammed, 18.
They said that the soldiers ransacked the home of Saba Al-Ayesh family looking for their son Ahmed and when they could not find him they took his brother Mohammed.
The sources said that the soldiers threatened to arrest the entire family if Ahmed did not give himself in.
However, the sources pointed out that the soldiers managed later on to arrest Ahmed.
Meanwhile, the soldiers interrogated a member of Qayem family after detaining him for hours.
Confrontations were reported between the raiding soldiers and young men in the city, locals said, adding that the soldiers fired live bullets, teargas, and stun grenades at the unarmed youngsters who threw stones and empty bottles at the soldiers.
Injuries and Arrests during an IOF Raid on Nablus
A number of Palestinians injured and two arrested during an IOF raid on several neighborhoods in Nablus city.
Security sources said that Israeli forces raided several neighborhoods in the city and stormed al-Dwar area where clashes erupted with the Palestinians.
Israeli forces shot rubber-coated bullets toward the Palestinians, injuring Mustafa Khalil Hamameh with a bullet in his foot and Walid Maqboul with a sound bomb fired toward him. Tamer Qandel, Wajdy Maqboul and Alaa Jamous suffered suffocation due to tear gas inhalation.
The sources added that an Israeli force raided al-Jabal al-Shamali area, broke into the house of Sabe' al-Eish family, arrested two of their sons: Ahmed, 19, and Mohammed, 18.
22 july 2013
IAF drill will see increased aerial activity in central Israel
Throughout Monday, the Israeli Air Force will conduct an exercise in central IAF base of Palmachim. The drill, which started Sunday, will continue until Wednesday.
The exercise will see increased aerial movement throughout all hours of the day. IDF Spokesperson's Unit emphasizes this is a routine exercise that was pre-set as part of the annual training program.
Throughout Monday, the Israeli Air Force will conduct an exercise in central IAF base of Palmachim. The drill, which started Sunday, will continue until Wednesday.
The exercise will see increased aerial movement throughout all hours of the day. IDF Spokesperson's Unit emphasizes this is a routine exercise that was pre-set as part of the annual training program.
Israeli occupation forces (IOF) raided the village of Ateel and Allar in Tulkarem at dawn Monday and rounded up two young men after violent clashes. Local sources said that young men threw stones at the invading troops, who responded by firing heavily.
They said that the soldiers arrested Yousef Shalabi, a graduate of the Arab American University in Jenin – journalism faculty.
Meanwhile, IOF units raided Allar, a nearby village, and nabbed Mohammed Shadid, 22, after searching his family home.
They said that the soldiers arrested Yousef Shalabi, a graduate of the Arab American University in Jenin – journalism faculty.
Meanwhile, IOF units raided Allar, a nearby village, and nabbed Mohammed Shadid, 22, after searching his family home.
The Israeli occupation forces (IOF) on Monday morning carried out, amid intensive gunfire, a small-scale incursion into the Gaza Strip, specifically east of Al-Bureij refugee camp.
Eyewitnesses told the Palestinian information center (PIC) that about six military bulldozers escorted by tanks crossed the borderline and embarked on leveling agricultural lands belonging to citizens.
They noted that several tanks were deployed near Gaza Valley while Israeli warplanes were seen overflying the area to provide aerial protection for the invading ground forces.
The IOF escalated its limited incursions lately into Gaza territory violating its Egyptian-sponsored truce agreement with the Hamas-affiliated government.
Israeli Military Infiltrate Gaza Borders
Israeli forces infiltrated Gaza borders and went nearly 300 meters into the eastern part of al-Bureij refugee camp, in the middle of the Gaza Strip, according to witnesses. They told WAFA that four Israeli tanks and three army bulldozers razed agricultural land while shooting in all directions towards farmers trying to reach their land near the borders.
No injuries were reported.
Israeli forces regularly raid and raze land in that area and prevent residents from reaching their land.
Eyewitnesses told the Palestinian information center (PIC) that about six military bulldozers escorted by tanks crossed the borderline and embarked on leveling agricultural lands belonging to citizens.
They noted that several tanks were deployed near Gaza Valley while Israeli warplanes were seen overflying the area to provide aerial protection for the invading ground forces.
The IOF escalated its limited incursions lately into Gaza territory violating its Egyptian-sponsored truce agreement with the Hamas-affiliated government.
Israeli Military Infiltrate Gaza Borders
Israeli forces infiltrated Gaza borders and went nearly 300 meters into the eastern part of al-Bureij refugee camp, in the middle of the Gaza Strip, according to witnesses. They told WAFA that four Israeli tanks and three army bulldozers razed agricultural land while shooting in all directions towards farmers trying to reach their land near the borders.
No injuries were reported.
Israeli forces regularly raid and raze land in that area and prevent residents from reaching their land.
21 july 2013
Israeli occupation forces (IOF) broke into the home of wanted Palestinian activist Munir Al-Haroub in Dura town in Al-Khalil for the third time in less than a week. Sources close to the family said that the soldiers forced their way into the house at dawn Saturday and searched it before threatening the wife Andalib Shadid with detention if she did not tell the whereabouts of her husband.
They said that the soldiers served a summons to the wife for an intelligence interrogation.
The IOF has been looking for Haroub since April 2001 when he went underground after accusing him of being a member of the Qassam Brigades, the armed wing of Hamas.
Haroub has five children, who did not see him for the past 12 years. He was previously arrested by the PA and is wanted by its security apparatuses.
IOF soldiers and PA security agents repeatedly storm his home and search it breaking and damaging furniture and belongings in the process.
They said that the soldiers served a summons to the wife for an intelligence interrogation.
The IOF has been looking for Haroub since April 2001 when he went underground after accusing him of being a member of the Qassam Brigades, the armed wing of Hamas.
Haroub has five children, who did not see him for the past 12 years. He was previously arrested by the PA and is wanted by its security apparatuses.
IOF soldiers and PA security agents repeatedly storm his home and search it breaking and damaging furniture and belongings in the process.
Israeli extremists attacked a Bedouin village in the Negev overnight Saturday, locals say.
Villagers from Umm al-Hiran, near Hura, say Israeli extremists launched coordinated attacks on residents, damaging properties and attacking livestock.
On Sunday, a group of 40 extremists broke into the Bedouin village of Rakhama, which is unrecognized by Israeli authorities. The extremists raided the village at 4.30 a.m. and assaulted livestock, before returning at 8 a.m. and verbally assaulting residents.
Villagers forced the group to leave the area.
Bedouin MK Taleb Abu Arar said he sent an emergency request to the Israeli Minister of Public Security, Yitzhak Aharonovich, urging him to fight against Israeli assaults on Palestinian villages in the Negev.
In May, residents from the Kibbutz of Retamim attacked the adjacent Bedouin village of Bir Hadaj and set fire to a tent belonging to Eid Abu Habbak, head of the local village council, Salman Ibin Hamid, told Ma'an.
Villagers from Umm al-Hiran, near Hura, say Israeli extremists launched coordinated attacks on residents, damaging properties and attacking livestock.
On Sunday, a group of 40 extremists broke into the Bedouin village of Rakhama, which is unrecognized by Israeli authorities. The extremists raided the village at 4.30 a.m. and assaulted livestock, before returning at 8 a.m. and verbally assaulting residents.
Villagers forced the group to leave the area.
Bedouin MK Taleb Abu Arar said he sent an emergency request to the Israeli Minister of Public Security, Yitzhak Aharonovich, urging him to fight against Israeli assaults on Palestinian villages in the Negev.
In May, residents from the Kibbutz of Retamim attacked the adjacent Bedouin village of Bir Hadaj and set fire to a tent belonging to Eid Abu Habbak, head of the local village council, Salman Ibin Hamid, told Ma'an.
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On Friday (19 July 2013) B’Tselem Spokesperson Sarit Michaeli was hit and injured by a rubber-coated metal bullet a Border Police officer fired at her while she was filming a demonstration at the village of a-Nabi Saleh.
The shooting contravenes military directives. The bullet was fired from a distance of fewer than 20 meters, considerably nearer than the stipulated 50-meter minimum. Moreover the person shot was a photographer who posed no threat to security personnel. The bullet penetrated Michaeli’s thigh and was surgically removed at Ichilov Hospital. B’Tselem will convey documentation of the incident to the police. |
For illegal use of rubber-coated metal bullets and other means of crowd control, see summary of B'Tselem's recent report from January 2013 (written by Micheli): "Crowd Control".
20 july 2013
Israeli settlers from the illegal settlement Mitzpe Yair south of Hebron Saturday attacked Palestinian shepherds and farmers while working in their land, said witnesses. Farmer Said Awad told WAFA that more than 20 settlers and dozens of Israeli soldiers accompanied by inspectors of the so-called “civil administration” assaulted farmers, shepherds, activists and children harvesting crops near Yatta.
Coordinator of the Popular Committee against the Wall and Settlements in Yatta, Ratib al-Jabour, told WAFA that an Israeli court has ruled to return the confiscated land to its original Palestinian owners.
However, Israeli soldiers and settlers did not implement the decision and instead declared the area a closed military zone to prevent landowners from accessing their land.
Coordinator of the Popular Committee against the Wall and Settlements in Yatta, Ratib al-Jabour, told WAFA that an Israeli court has ruled to return the confiscated land to its original Palestinian owners.
However, Israeli soldiers and settlers did not implement the decision and instead declared the area a closed military zone to prevent landowners from accessing their land.
Settlers in Hebron attacked Palestinian homes in the Jabir neighborhood near the illegal settlement of Kiryat Arba late Friday.
Clashes broke out following the attack, as Palestinians defended their homes from extremist settlers, locals said.
Israeli forces arrived at the scene and detained a Palestinian minor, witnesses added.
A 1997 agreement split Hebron into areas of Palestinian and Israeli control.
The Israeli military-controlled H2 zone includes the ancient Old City, home of the revered Ibrahimi Mosque -- also split into a synagogue referred to as the Tomb of the Patriarchs -- and the once thriving Shuhada street, now just shuttered shops fronts and closed homes.
Clashes broke out following the attack, as Palestinians defended their homes from extremist settlers, locals said.
Israeli forces arrived at the scene and detained a Palestinian minor, witnesses added.
A 1997 agreement split Hebron into areas of Palestinian and Israeli control.
The Israeli military-controlled H2 zone includes the ancient Old City, home of the revered Ibrahimi Mosque -- also split into a synagogue referred to as the Tomb of the Patriarchs -- and the once thriving Shuhada street, now just shuttered shops fronts and closed homes.
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Israeli occupation forces (IOF) kidnapped eight Palestinian citizens, including a child, in the occupied cities of Al-Khalil and Jerusalem. Local sources reported that the IOF stormed Halhoul town to the north of Al-Khalil city at dawn Saturday and kidnapped a 17-year-old young man named Mohamed Badawi from his home. Badawi was taken to Etzion detention center, south of Bethlehem.
The sources added that that another young man named Wadea Jaber was also taken prisoner during a raid on his house in Al-Khalil city. The IOF also kidnapped a child late Friday from his home in Jaber neighborhood in Al-Khalil immediately after a number of Jewish settlers from Kiryat Arba settlement |
attacked the house of Ziyad Al-Tamimi in the Old City.
Violent clashes also erupted between Israeli soldiers and Palestinian young men in Bab Al-Amoud area in east Jerusalem, during which plain-clothe soldiers detained two young men.
The events started after Israeli border soldiers in Bab Al-Amoud area kidnapped three Jerusalemite young men because they raised a Palestinian flag.
Violent clashes also erupted between Israeli soldiers and Palestinian young men in Bab Al-Amoud area in east Jerusalem, during which plain-clothe soldiers detained two young men.
The events started after Israeli border soldiers in Bab Al-Amoud area kidnapped three Jerusalemite young men because they raised a Palestinian flag.
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B’Tselem spokesperson and colleague Sarit Michaeli was shot in the leg from close range on Friday by Israeli forces while documenting the weekly protest in Nabi Saleh, as she has been doing for years. She issued a statement Saturday on her understanding of what happened, which I translated below.
Although this is not the first time an Israeli has been wounded by IDF fire at West Bank protests (there are a handful of other cases), it is quite uncommon. It is certainly not the first time a Palestinian or foreigner has been wounded (there are dozens of such cases). It is important to note that Sarit is a professional NGO worker and her presence at the protests in Nabi Saleh is part of the organization’s work documenting human rights violations in the occupied West Bank. As of Saturday evening, no Israeli mainstream media outlet reported on the incident. I contacted the IDF Spokesperson for comment and will update accordingly. (Response from a Border Police spokesperson has been added below) On Friday I was shot with a rubber-coated steel bullet while documenting the demonstration in Nabi Saleh. The demonstration was dispersed by Border Police officers when the protesters were still on the main road that leads out of the village. After the Border Police began to disperse the crowds, some kids threw a few stones in their direction. About 20 minutes after the protest had begun, and after the procession had already been largely dispersed, a group of about nine Border Policemen and IDF soldiers stormed the main road of the village next to the gas station in the direction of a group of demonstrators, who were running away from them up the road. |
I stood aside, close to the gas station. At a certain point one of the Border Policeman shot at me from what I estimate was a distance of no more than 15-20 meters. (The legal minimum range for a rubber-coated steel bullet is 50 meters).
I’m not really sure why I was shot at. I wasn’t in the path of the soldiers and I wasn’t doing anything that could be interpreted as a threat to them. They saw me beforehand with my camera filming, standing on the side, not in their way. In order to shoot at me, the Border Policeman had to knowingly point his weapon in my direction, or in the direction of a medic and two Palestinian female protesters who were close to me. No one standing in my vicinity threw any stones. The bullet penetrated my thigh and was removed at Ichilov Hospital in Tel Aviv.
UPDATE Sunday, 6:00p.m.: Sarit has uploaded the video she filmed as she was shot. As you can see below, the video backs her statement that she was clearly standing in the open, facing the soldiers, behind a first aid man. As can be seen, when she lies down from the injury, a stun grenade is also thrown at her by the soldiers.
You can see the same injury from the point of view of the soldiers in this video filmed by Bilal Tamimi (minute 2:30). The soldiers are not at risk, and there isn’t any visible reason for the shot.
Click here for a B’Tselem report from January 2013 on Israel’s crowd dispersal methods. The new report published in Hebrew is due out in English soon.
Update (3:30 p.m., July 22):
A Border Police spokesperson admitted that Michaeli was not throwing stones, but claimed she put herself at risk by positioning herself behind protesters and by not wearing clothing identifying her as press.
Claiming that the video was tendentiously edited, the spokesperson said the rubber bullet was fired from a range of at least 50 meters and was likely an errant bullet.
The details of the incident will be sent to the relevant authorities for further examination, he added.
Related:
Israeli forces shoot B’Tselem spokesperson in leg at West Bank protest
I’m not really sure why I was shot at. I wasn’t in the path of the soldiers and I wasn’t doing anything that could be interpreted as a threat to them. They saw me beforehand with my camera filming, standing on the side, not in their way. In order to shoot at me, the Border Policeman had to knowingly point his weapon in my direction, or in the direction of a medic and two Palestinian female protesters who were close to me. No one standing in my vicinity threw any stones. The bullet penetrated my thigh and was removed at Ichilov Hospital in Tel Aviv.
UPDATE Sunday, 6:00p.m.: Sarit has uploaded the video she filmed as she was shot. As you can see below, the video backs her statement that she was clearly standing in the open, facing the soldiers, behind a first aid man. As can be seen, when she lies down from the injury, a stun grenade is also thrown at her by the soldiers.
You can see the same injury from the point of view of the soldiers in this video filmed by Bilal Tamimi (minute 2:30). The soldiers are not at risk, and there isn’t any visible reason for the shot.
Click here for a B’Tselem report from January 2013 on Israel’s crowd dispersal methods. The new report published in Hebrew is due out in English soon.
Update (3:30 p.m., July 22):
A Border Police spokesperson admitted that Michaeli was not throwing stones, but claimed she put herself at risk by positioning herself behind protesters and by not wearing clothing identifying her as press.
Claiming that the video was tendentiously edited, the spokesperson said the rubber bullet was fired from a range of at least 50 meters and was likely an errant bullet.
The details of the incident will be sent to the relevant authorities for further examination, he added.
Related:
Israeli forces shoot B’Tselem spokesperson in leg at West Bank protest
19 july 2013
Protest in Nabi Saleh during last year
An Israeli human rights defender, identified as Sarit Michaeli was shot in the leg, by Israeli army fire, during the weekly nonviolent protest against the Wall and Settlements in Nabi Saleh village, near the central West Bank city of Ramallah.
Local sources have reported that the soldiers used tear gas and rubber bullets against protestors.
Sarit Michaeli was filming the protest for the Israeli organization B'Tselem when an Israeli soldier fired a rubber-coated metal bullet at her leg from short distance.
Sarit was moved to a hospital in Tel Aviv where she will receive surgery to remove the bullet which remained inside her leg.
Also on Friday, the army attacked the weekly nonviolent protests in Bil'in and Ni'lin villages near Ramallah, fired gas bombs and sprayed the protesters with water mixed with chemicals the produce very bad smell. Several protesters have been treated for the effects of teargas inhalation.
in Bil’in tear gas bombs caused fire that burnt some nearby olive trees owned by local farmers.
Army also attacked nonviolent protesters in the Al-Ma'sara village, near Bethlehem, and forced them back using rifle-buts and batons; no injuries were reported.
Photographer shot with rubber bullet at West Bank protest
By Sheren Nassir
Israeli soldiers shot and injured a photographer with a rubber bullet at a protest in Nabi Saleh on Friday.
Around 60 protesters marched through Nabi Saleh, near Ramallah, and burned tires to block the main road. Soldiers confronted the demonstrators on foot and fired tear gas and rubber-coated bullets.
A photographer working for the Israeli organization B'Tselem was shot in the leg with a rubber-coated steel bullet, a Ma'an reporter said. She was taken to hospital in Tel Aviv.
Two people were hit by tear gas canisters and an olive grove caught fire
An Israeli military spokeswoman said around 80 Palestinians hurled rocks at security forces. She told Ma'an that soldiers responded with "riot dispersal means" but said no rubber bullets were fired.
On Tuesday, Israeli forces shot 22-year-old Mahmoud Tamimi with live fire during a protest in the village.
He has undergone surgery and is in a stable condition in hospital, his relatives told Ma'an on Friday.
An Israeli military spokesman said soldiers sensed an "imminent danger to their lives" at the protest on Tuesday after demonstrators threw rocks and rolled burning tires toward them.
He said soldiers "fired towards a main instigator, registering a direct hit."
Since 2009, residents of Nabi Saleh and international activists have been protesting every Friday against the annexation of land by Israel.
Since 1977, half of the Nabi Saleh's farmland has been lost to encroaching Israeli settlements.
An Israeli human rights defender, identified as Sarit Michaeli was shot in the leg, by Israeli army fire, during the weekly nonviolent protest against the Wall and Settlements in Nabi Saleh village, near the central West Bank city of Ramallah.
Local sources have reported that the soldiers used tear gas and rubber bullets against protestors.
Sarit Michaeli was filming the protest for the Israeli organization B'Tselem when an Israeli soldier fired a rubber-coated metal bullet at her leg from short distance.
Sarit was moved to a hospital in Tel Aviv where she will receive surgery to remove the bullet which remained inside her leg.
Also on Friday, the army attacked the weekly nonviolent protests in Bil'in and Ni'lin villages near Ramallah, fired gas bombs and sprayed the protesters with water mixed with chemicals the produce very bad smell. Several protesters have been treated for the effects of teargas inhalation.
in Bil’in tear gas bombs caused fire that burnt some nearby olive trees owned by local farmers.
Army also attacked nonviolent protesters in the Al-Ma'sara village, near Bethlehem, and forced them back using rifle-buts and batons; no injuries were reported.
Photographer shot with rubber bullet at West Bank protest
By Sheren Nassir
Israeli soldiers shot and injured a photographer with a rubber bullet at a protest in Nabi Saleh on Friday.
Around 60 protesters marched through Nabi Saleh, near Ramallah, and burned tires to block the main road. Soldiers confronted the demonstrators on foot and fired tear gas and rubber-coated bullets.
A photographer working for the Israeli organization B'Tselem was shot in the leg with a rubber-coated steel bullet, a Ma'an reporter said. She was taken to hospital in Tel Aviv.
Two people were hit by tear gas canisters and an olive grove caught fire
An Israeli military spokeswoman said around 80 Palestinians hurled rocks at security forces. She told Ma'an that soldiers responded with "riot dispersal means" but said no rubber bullets were fired.
On Tuesday, Israeli forces shot 22-year-old Mahmoud Tamimi with live fire during a protest in the village.
He has undergone surgery and is in a stable condition in hospital, his relatives told Ma'an on Friday.
An Israeli military spokesman said soldiers sensed an "imminent danger to their lives" at the protest on Tuesday after demonstrators threw rocks and rolled burning tires toward them.
He said soldiers "fired towards a main instigator, registering a direct hit."
Since 2009, residents of Nabi Saleh and international activists have been protesting every Friday against the annexation of land by Israel.
Since 1977, half of the Nabi Saleh's farmland has been lost to encroaching Israeli settlements.
Israeli forces detained five Palestinians in raids across the West Bank early Friday, the army said.
Soldiers detained two people in Jenin, two in Nablus and another in Abu Dis in East Jerusalem, an Israeli military spokeswoman told Ma'an.
She said they were taken for security questioning.
In Nablus, witnesses said troops surrounded a building in Asira Street and detained Mohammad Abu Saleh and Orabi al-Shakhshir.
Palestinians threw stones at the Israeli troops, who fired sound grenades and tear gas.
Clashes also erupted after Israeli forces detained Aws al-Fayed and Anas Abu Batikh in raids on their parents' homes in Jenin, locals said.
Soldiers detained two people in Jenin, two in Nablus and another in Abu Dis in East Jerusalem, an Israeli military spokeswoman told Ma'an.
She said they were taken for security questioning.
In Nablus, witnesses said troops surrounded a building in Asira Street and detained Mohammad Abu Saleh and Orabi al-Shakhshir.
Palestinians threw stones at the Israeli troops, who fired sound grenades and tear gas.
Clashes also erupted after Israeli forces detained Aws al-Fayed and Anas Abu Batikh in raids on their parents' homes in Jenin, locals said.
Israeli police detained three Palestinians in Jerusalem's Old City early Friday, witnesses said.
Police assaulted and detained a Palestinian on Nablus Street at around 1 a.m., leading to clashes which spread to al-Sahira Street and Sultan Suliman Street, witnesses told Ma'an.
Palestinians protesting the arrest threw stones at Israeli police cars, and police detained two people, they added.
An Israeli police spokesman could not be reached for comment.
Police assaulted and detained a Palestinian on Nablus Street at around 1 a.m., leading to clashes which spread to al-Sahira Street and Sultan Suliman Street, witnesses told Ma'an.
Palestinians protesting the arrest threw stones at Israeli police cars, and police detained two people, they added.
An Israeli police spokesman could not be reached for comment.
Israeli forces arrested Thursday, two Palestinians after raiding a building in Asirah Street, west of Nablus in the West Bank.
Eyewitnesses said that confrontations erupted between Palestinians and Israeli forces who stormed the city overnight with more than 20 military vehicles.
Israeli forces fired tear gas canisters and sound bombs, while the young Palestinians threw stones in return.
The forces withdrew from the area after arresting Arabi al-Shakhsheer and Mohammed Abu Saleh, while several other Palestinians suffered suffocation in the confrontations.
Eyewitnesses said that confrontations erupted between Palestinians and Israeli forces who stormed the city overnight with more than 20 military vehicles.
Israeli forces fired tear gas canisters and sound bombs, while the young Palestinians threw stones in return.
The forces withdrew from the area after arresting Arabi al-Shakhsheer and Mohammed Abu Saleh, while several other Palestinians suffered suffocation in the confrontations.
18 july 2013
Israeli occupation forces (IOF) stormed two towns to the south east of occupied Jerusalem at dawn Thursday and rounded up dozens of Jerusalemites. Palestinian sources said that IOF soldiers in 20 army vehicles burst into Abu Dis and Alezariye and broke into a number of houses and searched them.
They said that the soldiers attacked both towns in groups and rounded up 50 citizens and ten youngsters and minors.
The sources said that the soldiers fired teargas, rubber bullets, and stun grenades at young men in Abu Dis.
In a related development, IOF soldiers nabbed two Palestinians in Bethlehem at dawn Thursday.
They said that the soldiers attacked both towns in groups and rounded up 50 citizens and ten youngsters and minors.
The sources said that the soldiers fired teargas, rubber bullets, and stun grenades at young men in Abu Dis.
In a related development, IOF soldiers nabbed two Palestinians in Bethlehem at dawn Thursday.
Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) have suppressed a rally organized by Palestinian journalists near Qalandiya checkpoint in Ramallah while trying to cross to occupied Jerusalem on the occasion of International Day of freedom of movement. The occupation forces have fired tear gas bombs at the Palestinian journalists who were trying to cross Qalandiya checkpoint. Several injuries among the journalists were reported.
The right to freedom of movement campaign was launched in Ramallah in coordination with the Federation of Arab Journalists and the International Federation of Journalists as part of the ongoing efforts to achieve freedom of movement and protection for the journalists in occupied territories.
The right to freedom of movement campaign was launched in Ramallah in coordination with the Federation of Arab Journalists and the International Federation of Journalists as part of the ongoing efforts to achieve freedom of movement and protection for the journalists in occupied territories.
Israeli Occupation Forces arrested Wednesday, eight Palestinian children in Abu Dis village near Ramallah, and accused them of throwing stones at Israeli vehicles and soldiers.
Witnesses said that Israeli forces raided the village overnight, and arrested Mohammed Adwan, Anas badr, Amin Rabe' until his son summons himself to the Israeli Intelligence. The forces also arrested Amer Ayad, Mohammed al-Muhtasib, 15, Mohammed Na'im al-Sinawi, Mufeed al-Rashq, 16, and Mahmoud Bassa.
The village residents said that Israeli forces fired tear gas canisters during the storming of the village, causing several suffocation cases to children from Emtair family and were transferred to hospital for treatment.
Forces also handed the Palestinian Musa Jabr and his son Ragheb, notices to meet with the Israeli Intelligence.
Witnesses said that Israeli forces raided the village overnight, and arrested Mohammed Adwan, Anas badr, Amin Rabe' until his son summons himself to the Israeli Intelligence. The forces also arrested Amer Ayad, Mohammed al-Muhtasib, 15, Mohammed Na'im al-Sinawi, Mufeed al-Rashq, 16, and Mahmoud Bassa.
The village residents said that Israeli forces fired tear gas canisters during the storming of the village, causing several suffocation cases to children from Emtair family and were transferred to hospital for treatment.
Forces also handed the Palestinian Musa Jabr and his son Ragheb, notices to meet with the Israeli Intelligence.
