21 jan 2012

Two children were injured Friday when an ordnance exploded near Yatta, south of Hebron.
Luay Rabai, 11, and Islam Rabai, 13, were taken to a hospital in Beersheba, Israel, by military helicopter, local popular committee coordinator Hafeth al-Harani told Ma'an.
An Italian peace organization Operation Dove, which sends volunteers to support villages in south Hebron, said the two children would need surgery to their legs.
It noted that the incident happened in an area used by the Israeli army for military training.
The children were grazing their flocks when the ordnance exploded, Operation Dove volunteers said.
Luay Rabai, 11, and Islam Rabai, 13, were taken to a hospital in Beersheba, Israel, by military helicopter, local popular committee coordinator Hafeth al-Harani told Ma'an.
An Italian peace organization Operation Dove, which sends volunteers to support villages in south Hebron, said the two children would need surgery to their legs.
It noted that the incident happened in an area used by the Israeli army for military training.
The children were grazing their flocks when the ordnance exploded, Operation Dove volunteers said.
Resistance fighters survive Israeli raid

A group of Palestinian resistance fighters survived an Israeli air raid on their position to the east of Rafah, south of the Gaza Strip, on Saturday, local sources said.
They told the PIC reporter that Israeli army choppers fired two missiles at the resistance fighters in Shuka area east of Rafah.
The sources said that the helicopter gunships continued to chase the fighters after they fled the scene and fired a number of missiles at them five minutes after the first raid but they also managed to escape unharmed.
Israel strikes south Gaza, no injuries
Israeli aircraft fired at a group of Palestinian militants in the southern Gaza Strip on Saturday morning, without causing injuries.
Residents told Ma'an that Apache helicopters hovered over the site, near the disused airport east of Rafah, before firing a missile at the fighters. No injuries were reported.
An Israeli army statement said they "targeted a terrorist squad in the southern Gaza Strip, the squad fired rockets seconds before being targeted. A hit was confirmed."
On Wednesday, Israeli forces opened fire on the northern Gaza Strip, killing two people and seriously injuring at least two others.
They told the PIC reporter that Israeli army choppers fired two missiles at the resistance fighters in Shuka area east of Rafah.
The sources said that the helicopter gunships continued to chase the fighters after they fled the scene and fired a number of missiles at them five minutes after the first raid but they also managed to escape unharmed.
Israel strikes south Gaza, no injuries
Israeli aircraft fired at a group of Palestinian militants in the southern Gaza Strip on Saturday morning, without causing injuries.
Residents told Ma'an that Apache helicopters hovered over the site, near the disused airport east of Rafah, before firing a missile at the fighters. No injuries were reported.
An Israeli army statement said they "targeted a terrorist squad in the southern Gaza Strip, the squad fired rockets seconds before being targeted. A hit was confirmed."
On Wednesday, Israeli forces opened fire on the northern Gaza Strip, killing two people and seriously injuring at least two others.
19 jan 2012

Israeli forces on Thursday opened fire on agricultural land near Beit Hanoun in the northern Gaza Strip, witnesses said.
Locals told Ma'an that tanks fired at land belonging to farmers. No injuries were reported.
Locals told Ma'an that tanks fired at land belonging to farmers. No injuries were reported.
18 jan 2012

Israeli forces struck the town of Beit Hanoun in northern Gaza Wednesday using warplanes and tanks, witnesses said.
There were no immediate reports of injury.
There were no immediate reports of injury.
Witnesses told Ma'an that planes and tanks fired at least four times toward the city.
Medics said ambulances were not initially able to reach the scene due to the continuous fire and heavy shooting. One of the ambulances sustained damage, according to health officials.
A statement from the Israeli army said it targeted "a terrorist squad that was planting an explosive device near the security fence in the northern Gaza Strip. Hits were confirmed."
The statement continued: "An explosion was identified, originating from the explosive device the terrorists attempted to plant near the security fence with the intention of harming IDF soldiers."
Israeli Shelling Kills Two Palestinians in Gaza
Israeli shelling on the Gaza Strip Wednesday left two Palestinians dead and a third injured, according to medical sources.
They said Mohammad Abu Odeh, 23, was killed when Israeli artillery targeted areas east of Beit Hanoun, north of the Gaza Strip.
Ahmad Za'aneen, 17, who was first reported clinically dead of wounds sustained from the shelling, was later pronounced dead, said the medical sources.
Witnesses said ambulances were not able to reach the scene on time to attend to the wounded due to the heavy Israeli shelling.
Medics said ambulances were not initially able to reach the scene due to the continuous fire and heavy shooting. One of the ambulances sustained damage, according to health officials.
A statement from the Israeli army said it targeted "a terrorist squad that was planting an explosive device near the security fence in the northern Gaza Strip. Hits were confirmed."
The statement continued: "An explosion was identified, originating from the explosive device the terrorists attempted to plant near the security fence with the intention of harming IDF soldiers."
Israeli Shelling Kills Two Palestinians in Gaza
Israeli shelling on the Gaza Strip Wednesday left two Palestinians dead and a third injured, according to medical sources.
They said Mohammad Abu Odeh, 23, was killed when Israeli artillery targeted areas east of Beit Hanoun, north of the Gaza Strip.
Ahmad Za'aneen, 17, who was first reported clinically dead of wounds sustained from the shelling, was later pronounced dead, said the medical sources.
Witnesses said ambulances were not able to reach the scene on time to attend to the wounded due to the heavy Israeli shelling.
17 jan 2012
Rather, it is the hidden psychological war that Israel has been waging since 2000. Upon the breakout of the Intifada in 2000, Israel started to use its heavy warfare machines. The people of Gaza, including those in the West Bank too, were exposed to these tough military tools. Exposure, sadly, resulted in the people becoming accustomed to the loud bombings, invasions and constant attacks. Even the children adapted. No one, however, has become used to the drones. The drones are unmanned aerial planes controlled by central computers in Israel. Israelis use them to monitor the Gaza Strip for “security reasons.”
One of the problem with drones lies in their loud buzzing sound. For almost 10 years, the buzzing sound became a constant part of Gaza life. They operate in the skies almost 24 hours a day. Many people find it hard to sleep quietly. The sound reaches every where, even should you close the window to sleep. As the streets quiet and night befalls, the sounds become even louder. Some readers could argue this is normal, but it is not.
It is not humane for a population to live with a such a constant terror that could drive a person mad. Granted there are so many other ills plaguing Gaza that the noise of the drone may seem “normal.” Nothing is normal in reality. Drones are just another flavor for the great many ills and trauma affecting Gaza's children that add to their suffering.
Jamila Zaqoot, 21, is an university student in Gaza. Like so many other university students, it is quite difficult for her to find quiet time to study. After returing from university, Jamila helps her mum with the household duties. It is afterward that she prepares herself for studying. It is usually after 8pm in the evening.
“I really find it hard to study and focus. The sounds of drones accompany me while studying. It is really annoying and buzzing. I read aloud to cover its sound. Imagine how upsetting it is, it keeps buzzing like 'zzzzzz zzzzzzzz zzzzz.' We even called it Zananana,” said Jamila.
The drone is an effective Israeli weapon. Besides monitoring the skies of Gaza 24/7, it is used militarily to carry out light missile strikes for “special” missions. It was used many times by Israel to carry out assassinations. Many leaders from the Palestinian freedom fighting factions were killed by drone attacks. Civilians were also killed. Two months ago, a doctor and his 4-year old son were killed by a drone. They were driving on his motorbike when the assassination machine struck, killing them both instantaneously. Of course, this incident was defined by Israel as a security measure and ignored by the international community.
In addition to noise irritation, the drones are a hindrance when families are attmepting to spend time together. They cannot watch family movies or even listen to the news. Drones hover overhead in the skies and digital satellite TV is jammed. Consequently, 90 percent of the TV channels are not clearly watched. Granted there are a few that are not affected.
Ahmad al-Safedi, 45, runs a shop for satellites in Gaza. I spoke with him regarding the effect of the drones. He doesn’t have a scientific interpretation for the jamming. According to him, the problem appeared almost 10 years ago. It coincides with the time when the Israeli army started to monitor the Gaza air space with these drones. Many people, he says, complain about this problem and its affect on the leisurely time with family.
Al Safedi added, “It is really awkward and upsetting that you are distracted while watching a film, a news or series on the TV. The drone keeps cutting the signal of the Satellites, especially the Nile Sat (an Egyptian Sat that has more than 500 channels). While watching something you like, the image will disappear. The broadcasting will return 2 minutes later and then disappear again. Many European T.V channels are not affected by drones. Yet they are not watched by many.”
The drones were originally American made, but over the years Israel developed their own models. They are now sold all over the world. Drones violate International law, which of course Israel constantly violated. The drones violate Palestinian sovereignty. While Israel pulled out from Gaza after removing over 8000 thousand settlers who were occupying over 50% of Gaza, it still maintains control over Gaza through the drones. They, therefore, maintain Israeli occupation over Gaza.
Motasim Dallol, 32, a recent Palestinian student who arrived to London lately feels the difference. He is enjoying the quite neighborhoods of London, where the drones are absent. He says that the drone-free sky of London is heaven-like. Will it take native westerners to be terrorized by the buzzing of drones before they wake up to the impact these inhumane weapons have on humanity?
One of the problem with drones lies in their loud buzzing sound. For almost 10 years, the buzzing sound became a constant part of Gaza life. They operate in the skies almost 24 hours a day. Many people find it hard to sleep quietly. The sound reaches every where, even should you close the window to sleep. As the streets quiet and night befalls, the sounds become even louder. Some readers could argue this is normal, but it is not.
It is not humane for a population to live with a such a constant terror that could drive a person mad. Granted there are so many other ills plaguing Gaza that the noise of the drone may seem “normal.” Nothing is normal in reality. Drones are just another flavor for the great many ills and trauma affecting Gaza's children that add to their suffering.
Jamila Zaqoot, 21, is an university student in Gaza. Like so many other university students, it is quite difficult for her to find quiet time to study. After returing from university, Jamila helps her mum with the household duties. It is afterward that she prepares herself for studying. It is usually after 8pm in the evening.
“I really find it hard to study and focus. The sounds of drones accompany me while studying. It is really annoying and buzzing. I read aloud to cover its sound. Imagine how upsetting it is, it keeps buzzing like 'zzzzzz zzzzzzzz zzzzz.' We even called it Zananana,” said Jamila.
The drone is an effective Israeli weapon. Besides monitoring the skies of Gaza 24/7, it is used militarily to carry out light missile strikes for “special” missions. It was used many times by Israel to carry out assassinations. Many leaders from the Palestinian freedom fighting factions were killed by drone attacks. Civilians were also killed. Two months ago, a doctor and his 4-year old son were killed by a drone. They were driving on his motorbike when the assassination machine struck, killing them both instantaneously. Of course, this incident was defined by Israel as a security measure and ignored by the international community.
In addition to noise irritation, the drones are a hindrance when families are attmepting to spend time together. They cannot watch family movies or even listen to the news. Drones hover overhead in the skies and digital satellite TV is jammed. Consequently, 90 percent of the TV channels are not clearly watched. Granted there are a few that are not affected.
Ahmad al-Safedi, 45, runs a shop for satellites in Gaza. I spoke with him regarding the effect of the drones. He doesn’t have a scientific interpretation for the jamming. According to him, the problem appeared almost 10 years ago. It coincides with the time when the Israeli army started to monitor the Gaza air space with these drones. Many people, he says, complain about this problem and its affect on the leisurely time with family.
Al Safedi added, “It is really awkward and upsetting that you are distracted while watching a film, a news or series on the TV. The drone keeps cutting the signal of the Satellites, especially the Nile Sat (an Egyptian Sat that has more than 500 channels). While watching something you like, the image will disappear. The broadcasting will return 2 minutes later and then disappear again. Many European T.V channels are not affected by drones. Yet they are not watched by many.”
The drones were originally American made, but over the years Israel developed their own models. They are now sold all over the world. Drones violate International law, which of course Israel constantly violated. The drones violate Palestinian sovereignty. While Israel pulled out from Gaza after removing over 8000 thousand settlers who were occupying over 50% of Gaza, it still maintains control over Gaza through the drones. They, therefore, maintain Israeli occupation over Gaza.
Motasim Dallol, 32, a recent Palestinian student who arrived to London lately feels the difference. He is enjoying the quite neighborhoods of London, where the drones are absent. He says that the drone-free sky of London is heaven-like. Will it take native westerners to be terrorized by the buzzing of drones before they wake up to the impact these inhumane weapons have on humanity?
13 jan 2012

Israeli forces fired on the central Gaza Strip early Friday injuring two people, medics said.
Medical services spokesman in Gaza Adham Abu Salmiya told Ma'an that two people were moderately injured after forces shelled east of al-Bureij refugee camp shortly after midnight.
The injured were transferred to Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital, he said.
An Israeli army spokeswoman said forces opened fire after they "saw a number of suspects approach the security fence and tamper with the ground suspiciously."
Later Friday morning, a projectile fired from Gaza landed in the southern Eshkol region, without causing damage or injuries, she said.
Haniyeh: Gaza 'will not break' under Israeli attack
Gaza Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh has warned that a new military operation on the coastal strip "will be no picnic" for Israel and vowed the territory could stand up to any aggression.
Recently returned from his first tour of the region since 2007, Haniyeh told reporters on Thursday that the positions of Arab countries towards Gaza and Israel have changed.
Haniyeh visited Egypt, Sudan, Turkey and Tunisia -- where he stressed that the Arab Spring had changed the strategic conditions in the region and would harm Israel's occupation.
The trip aimed to bolster support for Gaza, under a crippling Israeli blockade that was tightened in 2007 when Hamas seized power.
During his tour, Israeli fire on the coastal strip killed two Palestinians and injured dozens, including a 13-year-old boy. As Gaza marked the third anniversary of Operation Cast Lead, Israel's army chief called the three-week war an "excellent" operation and said any repeat attack must be "swift and painful."
Israeli plans for military action in Gaza "do not stop and this continuous talk indicates Israel's bad intentions towards the people of Gaza," Haniyeh told reporters.
Describing Gaza as "not far" from another Israeli military action, he vowed: "Gaza will not break, as the people are steadfast and able to face any aggression from Israel."
A reconciliation deal between his party and Fatah has shaken off a "cold spell," he said, after party leaders met in November.
The mission is now to implement the May 2011 deal on the ground, he added. Haniyeh will host Hamas and Fatah leaders at his home in Gaza City on Saturday for reconciliation talks, his foreign minister announced on Thursday.
Medical services spokesman in Gaza Adham Abu Salmiya told Ma'an that two people were moderately injured after forces shelled east of al-Bureij refugee camp shortly after midnight.
The injured were transferred to Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital, he said.
An Israeli army spokeswoman said forces opened fire after they "saw a number of suspects approach the security fence and tamper with the ground suspiciously."
Later Friday morning, a projectile fired from Gaza landed in the southern Eshkol region, without causing damage or injuries, she said.
Haniyeh: Gaza 'will not break' under Israeli attack
Gaza Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh has warned that a new military operation on the coastal strip "will be no picnic" for Israel and vowed the territory could stand up to any aggression.
Recently returned from his first tour of the region since 2007, Haniyeh told reporters on Thursday that the positions of Arab countries towards Gaza and Israel have changed.
Haniyeh visited Egypt, Sudan, Turkey and Tunisia -- where he stressed that the Arab Spring had changed the strategic conditions in the region and would harm Israel's occupation.
The trip aimed to bolster support for Gaza, under a crippling Israeli blockade that was tightened in 2007 when Hamas seized power.
During his tour, Israeli fire on the coastal strip killed two Palestinians and injured dozens, including a 13-year-old boy. As Gaza marked the third anniversary of Operation Cast Lead, Israel's army chief called the three-week war an "excellent" operation and said any repeat attack must be "swift and painful."
Israeli plans for military action in Gaza "do not stop and this continuous talk indicates Israel's bad intentions towards the people of Gaza," Haniyeh told reporters.
Describing Gaza as "not far" from another Israeli military action, he vowed: "Gaza will not break, as the people are steadfast and able to face any aggression from Israel."
A reconciliation deal between his party and Fatah has shaken off a "cold spell," he said, after party leaders met in November.
The mission is now to implement the May 2011 deal on the ground, he added. Haniyeh will host Hamas and Fatah leaders at his home in Gaza City on Saturday for reconciliation talks, his foreign minister announced on Thursday.

Israeli military forces fired shells at northern Gaza on Friday.
Witnesses told Ma'an that three loud explosions were heard in the al-Ghoul area of Beit Lahiya on Friday evening.
No injuries were reported.
An Israeli army spokesman said that there were no immediate reports of the incident.
Overnight Thursday, Israeli forces fired on the central Gaza Strip injuring two people, medics said.
Witnesses told Ma'an that three loud explosions were heard in the al-Ghoul area of Beit Lahiya on Friday evening.
No injuries were reported.
An Israeli army spokesman said that there were no immediate reports of the incident.
Overnight Thursday, Israeli forces fired on the central Gaza Strip injuring two people, medics said.
11 jan 2012
IOF Gaza incursion met with mortar fire

Israeli occupation forces (IOF) advanced into central Gaza Strip at a late night hour on Tuesday and was met with Palestinian resistance fire, local sources reported.
They said that the IOF unit in armored vehicles escorted bulldozers into east of Deir Al-Balah town and Maghazi refugee camp.
The soldiers leveled land in the area and fired indiscriminately at nearby residential quarters, the sources said.
Nasser Salahudin Brigades, the armed wing of the popular resistance committees, said its fighters fired two mortar shells at the invading unit east of Maghazi before midnight Tuesday.
It said in a communique that the mortar fire is a message to the IOF that its resistance fighters would not stay arms folded in face of Israeli crimes and would remain at the advanced position in defense of Palestinian land.
They said that the IOF unit in armored vehicles escorted bulldozers into east of Deir Al-Balah town and Maghazi refugee camp.
The soldiers leveled land in the area and fired indiscriminately at nearby residential quarters, the sources said.
Nasser Salahudin Brigades, the armed wing of the popular resistance committees, said its fighters fired two mortar shells at the invading unit east of Maghazi before midnight Tuesday.
It said in a communique that the mortar fire is a message to the IOF that its resistance fighters would not stay arms folded in face of Israeli crimes and would remain at the advanced position in defense of Palestinian land.
10 jan 2012

An 8-year-old boy was moderately injured when an abandoned explosive device detonated near his home in the southern Gaza Strip on Tuesday, medics said.
The child was evacuated to hospital after the ordnance exploded in al-Qarara, on the outskirts of Khan Younis, Gaza medical services spokesman Adham Abu Salmiya reported.
The child was evacuated to hospital after the ordnance exploded in al-Qarara, on the outskirts of Khan Younis, Gaza medical services spokesman Adham Abu Salmiya reported.

Israeli military vehicles entered the northern Gaza Strip on Tuesday morning, with witnesses reporting heavy gunfire in the area.
Forces accompanied bulldozers around 300 meters inside the border near Jabalia to raze lands in the area, witnesses told Ma'an. No casualties were reported.
An Israeli army spokesman said the incident was "routine activity."
Gunfire was also heard in the southern Gaza Strip early Tuesday, with locals saying Palestinian militants exchanged fire with an Israeli military post near the Kerem Shalom crossing.
The military spokesman said he was not familiar with the incident.
Forces accompanied bulldozers around 300 meters inside the border near Jabalia to raze lands in the area, witnesses told Ma'an. No casualties were reported.
An Israeli army spokesman said the incident was "routine activity."
Gunfire was also heard in the southern Gaza Strip early Tuesday, with locals saying Palestinian militants exchanged fire with an Israeli military post near the Kerem Shalom crossing.
The military spokesman said he was not familiar with the incident.
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