30 sept 2012
Palestinian Medical sources reported Friday that Israeli soldiers, stationed across the border, opened fire at several Palestinians hunting birds with slingshots in a land located north of Beit Lahia, in the northern part of the Gaza Strip.
One of the two wounded residents was shot in his arm while the second was shot in his leg, both were moved to a local hospital for treatment.
Israeli soldiers repeatedly target Palestinian residents and youths who work in areas close to the border fence separating between Gaza and Israel. Dozens of day laborers were injured in previous attacks carried out by the army; some were even killed by military fire.
Soldiers target any resident who approaches the border fence area despite the fact that dozens of families have lands in that area and need to access their lands to plant them.
Other attacks today: Arson attack on Al-Bustan protest tent
Occupation seizes 1,800 meters from Bab al-Rahma Cemetery in Jerusalem
One of the two wounded residents was shot in his arm while the second was shot in his leg, both were moved to a local hospital for treatment.
Israeli soldiers repeatedly target Palestinian residents and youths who work in areas close to the border fence separating between Gaza and Israel. Dozens of day laborers were injured in previous attacks carried out by the army; some were even killed by military fire.
Soldiers target any resident who approaches the border fence area despite the fact that dozens of families have lands in that area and need to access their lands to plant them.
Other attacks today: Arson attack on Al-Bustan protest tent
Occupation seizes 1,800 meters from Bab al-Rahma Cemetery in Jerusalem
29 sept 2012
A Palestinian fisherman has been proclaimed dead after he was admitted to hospital on Friday following an Israeli naval attack on his boat off the coast of Gaza.
The fisherman was along with his brother when the Israeli navy opened fire at them seriously wounding them, according to Palestinian medical sources and eyewitnesses.
Both sustained serious injuries during the deadly attack, but one of the brothers named Fahmi Abu Rayyash, 22, succumbed to his wounds and died later on the same days at night.
The Israeli navy prevents the Palestinian fishermen from fishing within an area more than three nautical miles, although the Oslo agreement stipulates 20 nautical miles for fishing.
Intensive IOF presence in Al-Khalil city for 12th anniversary of intifada
The Israeli occupation force (IOF) started on Friday to intensify their presence throughout Al-Khalil city and the roads leading to it on the 12th anniversary of the Aqsa intifada (uprising).
Eyewitnesses told the Palestinian information center (PIC) that dozens of military jeeps had been deployed along the main street east of Al-Khalil and near the mountainous areas overlooking the city.
The IOF also erected military barriers near Halhoul town to the north of Al-Khalil city, the towns of Ainun and Seir in the east, Fawwar refugee camp in the south and the towns of Beit Awwa and Deir Samet in the west.
The IOF also tightened its military measures against the Palestinian natives in the old city of Al-Khalil and in the vicinity of the Ibrahimi Mosque in an attempt to prevent any possible outbreak of clashes on the intifada anniversary.
IOF kidnap two Palestinians from village south of Al-Khalil
The Israeli occupation forces (IOF) kidnapped two Palestinians from Tabka village south of Al-Khalil city and clashed with young man from this village and the nearby village of Kharsa.
Eyewitnesses told the Palestinian information center (PIC) that Israeli soldiers stormed Tabka village after midnight and embarked on raiding homes which lead to the outbreak of different clashes in the targeted areas.
During their raids, the troops kidnapped citizens Mohamed Nassar and Sameh Abu Atwan.
They also fired tear gas grenades and rubber bullets at the angry villagers during the clashes and physically assaulted a young boy.
The fisherman was along with his brother when the Israeli navy opened fire at them seriously wounding them, according to Palestinian medical sources and eyewitnesses.
Both sustained serious injuries during the deadly attack, but one of the brothers named Fahmi Abu Rayyash, 22, succumbed to his wounds and died later on the same days at night.
The Israeli navy prevents the Palestinian fishermen from fishing within an area more than three nautical miles, although the Oslo agreement stipulates 20 nautical miles for fishing.
Intensive IOF presence in Al-Khalil city for 12th anniversary of intifada
The Israeli occupation force (IOF) started on Friday to intensify their presence throughout Al-Khalil city and the roads leading to it on the 12th anniversary of the Aqsa intifada (uprising).
Eyewitnesses told the Palestinian information center (PIC) that dozens of military jeeps had been deployed along the main street east of Al-Khalil and near the mountainous areas overlooking the city.
The IOF also erected military barriers near Halhoul town to the north of Al-Khalil city, the towns of Ainun and Seir in the east, Fawwar refugee camp in the south and the towns of Beit Awwa and Deir Samet in the west.
The IOF also tightened its military measures against the Palestinian natives in the old city of Al-Khalil and in the vicinity of the Ibrahimi Mosque in an attempt to prevent any possible outbreak of clashes on the intifada anniversary.
IOF kidnap two Palestinians from village south of Al-Khalil
The Israeli occupation forces (IOF) kidnapped two Palestinians from Tabka village south of Al-Khalil city and clashed with young man from this village and the nearby village of Kharsa.
Eyewitnesses told the Palestinian information center (PIC) that Israeli soldiers stormed Tabka village after midnight and embarked on raiding homes which lead to the outbreak of different clashes in the targeted areas.
During their raids, the troops kidnapped citizens Mohamed Nassar and Sameh Abu Atwan.
They also fired tear gas grenades and rubber bullets at the angry villagers during the clashes and physically assaulted a young boy.
28 sept 2012
Two Palestinian brothers have been injured in an attack by Israeli forces north of the besieged Gaza Strip.
Medical sources told Press TV that the Israeli soldiers opened fire on the Gazan brothers on Friday.
One of them was shot in the leg and the other got a bullet in the arm.
The Israeli regime carries out ground incursions and airstrikes against Gaza on an almost regular basis. Tel Aviv claims the attacks are conducted for defensive purposes.
However, disproportionate force is always used, in violation of international law, and civilians are often killed or injured.
Over a dozen Palestinians were killed in airstrikes carried out by the Israeli regime on the besieged Palestinian territory during the six-day period of June 18-23.
Gaza has been blockaded since 2007, which is a situation that has caused a decline in the standard of living, unprecedented levels of unemployment, and unrelenting poverty.
Medical sources told Press TV that the Israeli soldiers opened fire on the Gazan brothers on Friday.
One of them was shot in the leg and the other got a bullet in the arm.
The Israeli regime carries out ground incursions and airstrikes against Gaza on an almost regular basis. Tel Aviv claims the attacks are conducted for defensive purposes.
However, disproportionate force is always used, in violation of international law, and civilians are often killed or injured.
Over a dozen Palestinians were killed in airstrikes carried out by the Israeli regime on the besieged Palestinian territory during the six-day period of June 18-23.
Gaza has been blockaded since 2007, which is a situation that has caused a decline in the standard of living, unprecedented levels of unemployment, and unrelenting poverty.
27 sept 2012
The Israeli occupation forces (IOF) at dawn Thursday carried out amid intensive gunfire a limited incursion into the northern area of the Gaza Strip.
Local sources told a reporter for the Palestinian information center (PIC) that several Israeli tanks and bulldozers under aerial cover advanced into Abu Safiya area east of Jabaliya district and bulldozed agricultural lands.
As they usually do during their incursions, the IOF opened machinegun fire at Palestinian homes in the area and caused panic among the residents.
IOF intensify military measures in Al-Khalil city
The Israeli occupation forces (IOF) intensified on Wednesday their military measures in Al-Khalil city and near the Ibrahimi Mosque at the pretext of protecting the Jewish settlers on the occasion of their religious holidays.
Eyewitnesses told a reporter for the Palestinian information center (PIC) that the IOF established checkpoints near Halhoul entrance in the industrial zone of Al-Khalili and near the entrances to Nabi Younis and Sa'eir villages.
Military patrols were deployed in mountainous areas overlooking the roads which are used by the settlers, according to eyewitnesses.
The IOF also intensified its military presence near the Ibrahimi Mosque and allowed only the Jewish settlers to enter it.
Clashes and raids in Issawiya in Jerusalem
Clashes have erupted on Wednesday morning between the people of Issawiya town in Jerusalem and the Israeli occupation forces that stormed different neighborhoods in the town.
The clashes broke out at the western and eastern entrances between residents and the occupation forces, after closing those entrances under the pretext of the Jewish holidays, where soldiers fired tear gas canisters and metal bullets towards citizens, locals told PIC.
The sources added that a state of tension prevail in those areas of the town because of the strict Israeli measures and restrictions on Jerusalemites.
Local sources told a reporter for the Palestinian information center (PIC) that several Israeli tanks and bulldozers under aerial cover advanced into Abu Safiya area east of Jabaliya district and bulldozed agricultural lands.
As they usually do during their incursions, the IOF opened machinegun fire at Palestinian homes in the area and caused panic among the residents.
IOF intensify military measures in Al-Khalil city
The Israeli occupation forces (IOF) intensified on Wednesday their military measures in Al-Khalil city and near the Ibrahimi Mosque at the pretext of protecting the Jewish settlers on the occasion of their religious holidays.
Eyewitnesses told a reporter for the Palestinian information center (PIC) that the IOF established checkpoints near Halhoul entrance in the industrial zone of Al-Khalili and near the entrances to Nabi Younis and Sa'eir villages.
Military patrols were deployed in mountainous areas overlooking the roads which are used by the settlers, according to eyewitnesses.
The IOF also intensified its military presence near the Ibrahimi Mosque and allowed only the Jewish settlers to enter it.
Clashes and raids in Issawiya in Jerusalem
Clashes have erupted on Wednesday morning between the people of Issawiya town in Jerusalem and the Israeli occupation forces that stormed different neighborhoods in the town.
The clashes broke out at the western and eastern entrances between residents and the occupation forces, after closing those entrances under the pretext of the Jewish holidays, where soldiers fired tear gas canisters and metal bullets towards citizens, locals told PIC.
The sources added that a state of tension prevail in those areas of the town because of the strict Israeli measures and restrictions on Jerusalemites.
26 sept 2012
Three Palestinian farmers from Mikhmas village northeast of Ramallah in occupied West Bank were wounded during an attack by dozens of Jewish settlers, yesterday evening.
Eyewitnesses said that nearly 120 settlers attacked a group of farmers who tried to reach their lands in an area northern the village of Mikhmas after the settlers uprooted olive trees in the lands.
They said: the settlers attacked the farmers with sharp instruments, injuring the elderly Abdul Karim Abu Ali, 56, who was seriously injured in the head and immediately transferred to Palestinian Medical complex in Ramallah.
The two other farmers were moderately wounded, added the witnesses.
Other attacks today:
Occupied lives: Education under attack
Occupation delivers notifications to halt construction in al-Khalil
Full closure of West Bank for Jewish holiday
Eyewitnesses said that nearly 120 settlers attacked a group of farmers who tried to reach their lands in an area northern the village of Mikhmas after the settlers uprooted olive trees in the lands.
They said: the settlers attacked the farmers with sharp instruments, injuring the elderly Abdul Karim Abu Ali, 56, who was seriously injured in the head and immediately transferred to Palestinian Medical complex in Ramallah.
The two other farmers were moderately wounded, added the witnesses.
Other attacks today:
Occupied lives: Education under attack
Occupation delivers notifications to halt construction in al-Khalil
Full closure of West Bank for Jewish holiday
25 sept 2012
Other attacks:
Israeli forces ransack Old City home, arrest man
Occupation plans to demolish 3,700 houses in Silwan
Deliani: Occupation Completes Demolition Procedures of Silwan Houses
Other attacks:
Israeli forces ransack Old City home, arrest man
Occupation plans to demolish 3,700 houses in Silwan
Deliani: Occupation Completes Demolition Procedures of Silwan Houses
24 sept 2012
A Palestinian woman was injured by Israeli fire in the central Gaza Strip on Monday, medics said.
Turkiyya al-Hasanat, 50, was shot in the right hand as Israeli forces withdrew from a brief incursion near al-Bureij refugee camp, according to medics and witnesses. She was evacuated to a Gaza hospital.
Earlier, locals said that military tanks and bulldozers entered Gaza between the camp and the neighborhood of Juhor al-Dik. They reported gunshots and smoke bombs being released, while Israeli helicopters hovered over the area.
An Israeli army spokesman said that "soldiers were carrying out routine activity near the security fence in the central Gaza Strip and warning shots were fired towards an open area in the vicinity."
No injuries were reported, he added.
Also on Monday, Israeli warships patrolling the Gaza coast opened fire on Palestinian fishing boats, witnesses said. No injuries were reported.
An Israeli army spokeswoman said the boat had moved out of the permitted fishing zone and didn't respond to calls to return, so forces fired warning shots.
Israel imposes a 3-mile limit off the Gaza shore, which fishermen say has destroyed their livelihood as it is impossible to trawl a large catch within the designated area.
Other attacks today:
Israeli forces confiscate cattle in Northern Jordan Valley
Israel seals West Bank, Gaza for Jewish holiday
Turkiyya al-Hasanat, 50, was shot in the right hand as Israeli forces withdrew from a brief incursion near al-Bureij refugee camp, according to medics and witnesses. She was evacuated to a Gaza hospital.
Earlier, locals said that military tanks and bulldozers entered Gaza between the camp and the neighborhood of Juhor al-Dik. They reported gunshots and smoke bombs being released, while Israeli helicopters hovered over the area.
An Israeli army spokesman said that "soldiers were carrying out routine activity near the security fence in the central Gaza Strip and warning shots were fired towards an open area in the vicinity."
No injuries were reported, he added.
Also on Monday, Israeli warships patrolling the Gaza coast opened fire on Palestinian fishing boats, witnesses said. No injuries were reported.
An Israeli army spokeswoman said the boat had moved out of the permitted fishing zone and didn't respond to calls to return, so forces fired warning shots.
Israel imposes a 3-mile limit off the Gaza shore, which fishermen say has destroyed their livelihood as it is impossible to trawl a large catch within the designated area.
Other attacks today:
Israeli forces confiscate cattle in Northern Jordan Valley
Israel seals West Bank, Gaza for Jewish holiday
On Monday 24th September, Israeli military vehicles raided agricultural lands east of al-Maghazi refugee camp in the Gaza Strip, and opened fire toward Palestinians' houses.
Palestinian news agency WAFA, reported that two bulldozers, escorted by four tanks, raided around 300 meters of Palestinians lands, near the borders in Gaza.
The Israeli Navy forces opened fire toward Palestinian fishing boats off the coast of the As-Sudaniya area, north of Gaza. No casualties or injuries were reported.
It's worth mentioning that on the daily basis, forces from the Israeli military sites centered at the borders north and east of the Gaza Strip, open fire toward the agricultural lands of Palestinians and their houses, and also chase Palestinian fishermen in Gaza sea and ban them from practicing their only profession.
Israel must stop violating Palestinian human rights: UN
The United Nations has called on Israel to halt a series of serious violations of the Palestinian people's human rights cited by a 2009 fact-finding mission, a UN report says.
Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights Kyung-wha Kang presented a report to the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, Switzerland, detailing the violations of international rights, as well as humanitarian laws in Palestinian territories during the 22-day Gaza war in 2008 and 2009.
"It has been nearly three years since this council endorsed the fact-finding mission's recommendations. Yet, not one person has been indicted for any of the incidents documented," she said commenting on progress made according to the Goldstone report recommendations.
Speaking on behalf of UN rights chief Navi Pillay, Kang said that there was a “need to more earnestly pursue accountability for the serious violations of human rights and international humanitarian law that were documented by the fact-finding mission."
According to the report, Israel’s Operation Cast Lead offensive killed some 1,400 Palestinians, most of them civilians, in the Gaza Strip, and 13 Israelis.
It also questioned the detention of nearly 5,000 Palestinians in Israeli prisons, with many being held without trial.
"Respecting human rights and international humanitarian law obligations means that perpetrators of violations are brought to justice,” she added.
Kang further slammed Israeli settlers who attack Palestinians on their property, saying that they should also be brought to justice.
She also criticized the sentencing of an Israeli soldier for only 45 days in prison after he killed two unarmed Palestinian women waving a white flag during the Gaza conflict.
The UN report also highlighted a great economic crisis in Palestinian territories.
Back in March, Israel suspended all working ties with the UN Human Rights Council, announcing it would not cooperate with the council in an investigation of the contruction of Jewish settlements in Palestinian land.
The Israeli military frequently attacks the Gaza Strip, saying the actions are being conducted for defensive purposes. However, disproportionate force is always used, in violation of international law, and civilians are often killed or injured.
In addition to airstrikes and ground attacks, the Tel Aviv regime also denies about 1.7 million people in Gaza their basic rights, including the freedom of movement and the right to decent living, work, health and education.
Palestinian news agency WAFA, reported that two bulldozers, escorted by four tanks, raided around 300 meters of Palestinians lands, near the borders in Gaza.
The Israeli Navy forces opened fire toward Palestinian fishing boats off the coast of the As-Sudaniya area, north of Gaza. No casualties or injuries were reported.
It's worth mentioning that on the daily basis, forces from the Israeli military sites centered at the borders north and east of the Gaza Strip, open fire toward the agricultural lands of Palestinians and their houses, and also chase Palestinian fishermen in Gaza sea and ban them from practicing their only profession.
Israel must stop violating Palestinian human rights: UN
The United Nations has called on Israel to halt a series of serious violations of the Palestinian people's human rights cited by a 2009 fact-finding mission, a UN report says.
Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights Kyung-wha Kang presented a report to the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, Switzerland, detailing the violations of international rights, as well as humanitarian laws in Palestinian territories during the 22-day Gaza war in 2008 and 2009.
"It has been nearly three years since this council endorsed the fact-finding mission's recommendations. Yet, not one person has been indicted for any of the incidents documented," she said commenting on progress made according to the Goldstone report recommendations.
Speaking on behalf of UN rights chief Navi Pillay, Kang said that there was a “need to more earnestly pursue accountability for the serious violations of human rights and international humanitarian law that were documented by the fact-finding mission."
According to the report, Israel’s Operation Cast Lead offensive killed some 1,400 Palestinians, most of them civilians, in the Gaza Strip, and 13 Israelis.
It also questioned the detention of nearly 5,000 Palestinians in Israeli prisons, with many being held without trial.
"Respecting human rights and international humanitarian law obligations means that perpetrators of violations are brought to justice,” she added.
Kang further slammed Israeli settlers who attack Palestinians on their property, saying that they should also be brought to justice.
She also criticized the sentencing of an Israeli soldier for only 45 days in prison after he killed two unarmed Palestinian women waving a white flag during the Gaza conflict.
The UN report also highlighted a great economic crisis in Palestinian territories.
Back in March, Israel suspended all working ties with the UN Human Rights Council, announcing it would not cooperate with the council in an investigation of the contruction of Jewish settlements in Palestinian land.
The Israeli military frequently attacks the Gaza Strip, saying the actions are being conducted for defensive purposes. However, disproportionate force is always used, in violation of international law, and civilians are often killed or injured.
In addition to airstrikes and ground attacks, the Tel Aviv regime also denies about 1.7 million people in Gaza their basic rights, including the freedom of movement and the right to decent living, work, health and education.
23 sept 2012
The Israeli Occupation forces released dozens of wild boars into Palestinian agricultural fields in towns of Aannin,Tura and Barta'a, in Jenin district, in order to damage the crops and olive trees, the villagers reported.
The Agricultural Assembly in Annin confirmed, in a press statement on Saturday, that large trucks accompanied by Israeli military forces stopped yesterday evening near the wall areas and released wild boars towards the olive fields.
This new campaign was timed to coincide with the olive harvest, as the occupation forces closed the wall areas to control the farmers' movements into their fields. The Israeli forces released the boars aiming to destroy the olive harvesting season which represents the livelihoods for hundreds of Palestinian families, the Assembly added.
The Agricultural Assembly affirmed that the residents in the border areas near the wall were several times attacked by the wild boars, causing injuries to many of them.
IOF raid several towns in al-Khalil, erect checkpoints
Israeli occupation forces (IOF) raided four Palestinian towns in the district of al-Khalil southern West Bank, and erected checkpoints, harassing citizens.
Eyewitnesses told PIC's correspondent that IOF raided at night the towns of Edna, Dahriya, Tarqumiya, and Samu, roaming in their neighborhoods and streets, no arrests were reported.
Israeli forces erected several checkpoints at the entrances of al-Khalil city, especially at the entrance of Edna town, checking and the searching the vehicles.
The occupation forces detained on Friday evening Mohammed Zughayyar, an activist in Youth Against Settlements, for several hours, summoning him to the Israeli intelligence center.
The Agricultural Assembly in Annin confirmed, in a press statement on Saturday, that large trucks accompanied by Israeli military forces stopped yesterday evening near the wall areas and released wild boars towards the olive fields.
This new campaign was timed to coincide with the olive harvest, as the occupation forces closed the wall areas to control the farmers' movements into their fields. The Israeli forces released the boars aiming to destroy the olive harvesting season which represents the livelihoods for hundreds of Palestinian families, the Assembly added.
The Agricultural Assembly affirmed that the residents in the border areas near the wall were several times attacked by the wild boars, causing injuries to many of them.
IOF raid several towns in al-Khalil, erect checkpoints
Israeli occupation forces (IOF) raided four Palestinian towns in the district of al-Khalil southern West Bank, and erected checkpoints, harassing citizens.
Eyewitnesses told PIC's correspondent that IOF raided at night the towns of Edna, Dahriya, Tarqumiya, and Samu, roaming in their neighborhoods and streets, no arrests were reported.
Israeli forces erected several checkpoints at the entrances of al-Khalil city, especially at the entrance of Edna town, checking and the searching the vehicles.
The occupation forces detained on Friday evening Mohammed Zughayyar, an activist in Youth Against Settlements, for several hours, summoning him to the Israeli intelligence center.
21 sept 2012
On Friday 21st September, Israeli Channel 7 reported that two Palestinian carried out an explosion at Egypt-Israel borders.
The channel also reported that fire exchange launched between Israeli army soldiers and the Palestinians who put improvised explosive devices in an Israeli patrol.
The Israeli army said that the two Palestinians were killed.
Other attacks today: Israeli Army Confiscates Lands in Jerusalem for Military Purposes
Occupation confiscates lands west of Jerusalem
Settlers seize Palestinian lands south of Bethlehem
Report: occupation plans to expand over forty settlements in West Bank
The channel also reported that fire exchange launched between Israeli army soldiers and the Palestinians who put improvised explosive devices in an Israeli patrol.
The Israeli army said that the two Palestinians were killed.
Other attacks today: Israeli Army Confiscates Lands in Jerusalem for Military Purposes
Occupation confiscates lands west of Jerusalem
Settlers seize Palestinian lands south of Bethlehem
Report: occupation plans to expand over forty settlements in West Bank
One Palestinian was injured, on Thursday, at several others received treatment for the effects of tear gas inhalation after Israeli soldiers attacked a protest in solidarity with Palestinian detainees held at the Ofer Israeli prison, near the central West Bank city of Ramallah.
Local sources reported that the residents marched towards the Betunia military roadblock, near the Ofer prison, and that the soldiers fired several gas bombs and rubber-coated metal bullets at them.
The wounded residents received treatments by field medics.
In related news, several Palestinian youths hurled stones at a settlers’ bus near the Gush Ezion Israeli settlement, north of the southern West Bank city of Hebron. Damages were reported, no injuries.
The army arrived at the scene, invaded the nearby Al-Arroub refugee camp, broke into and searched several homes; no arrests were reported.
Local sources reported that the residents marched towards the Betunia military roadblock, near the Ofer prison, and that the soldiers fired several gas bombs and rubber-coated metal bullets at them.
The wounded residents received treatments by field medics.
In related news, several Palestinian youths hurled stones at a settlers’ bus near the Gush Ezion Israeli settlement, north of the southern West Bank city of Hebron. Damages were reported, no injuries.
The army arrived at the scene, invaded the nearby Al-Arroub refugee camp, broke into and searched several homes; no arrests were reported.
20 sept 2012
Two Palestinians were assassinated, on Wednesday at night, when an Israeli drone fired a missile at a Palestinian car driving near Abu Taha Fuel Station, in the center of Rafah city, in the southern part of the Gaza Strip. At least two residents were injured, one seriously.
Medical sources reported that the two slain residents were identified as Ashfar Saleh and Anus Abu Al-Einein.
One of the wounded residents is currently in a serious condition at the Gaza European Hospital, the sources added.
The Israeli missiles also led to extensive damages to nearby buildings.
Local sources reported that Israeli drones and war jets were heard and seen flying over the coastal region, an issue that raised concerns among the civilians of further attacks.
Several resistance groups in the coastal regions vowed retaliation for the assassination.
Other attacks today: IOA issues 3 demolition orders in Silwan
Settlers Steal Palestinian Lands Near Bethlehem
Israeli decision to close Ras Khamis barrier northeast Jerusalem
Medical sources reported that the two slain residents were identified as Ashfar Saleh and Anus Abu Al-Einein.
One of the wounded residents is currently in a serious condition at the Gaza European Hospital, the sources added.
The Israeli missiles also led to extensive damages to nearby buildings.
Local sources reported that Israeli drones and war jets were heard and seen flying over the coastal region, an issue that raised concerns among the civilians of further attacks.
Several resistance groups in the coastal regions vowed retaliation for the assassination.
Other attacks today: IOA issues 3 demolition orders in Silwan
Settlers Steal Palestinian Lands Near Bethlehem
Israeli decision to close Ras Khamis barrier northeast Jerusalem
Palestinian medical sources reported, Wednesday, that Israeli soldiers invaded the Al-Fawwar refugee camp, in Hebron, in the southern part of the West Bank, shot and injured one Palestinian youth and kidnapped another resident.
The sources said that Alaa’ Al-Balassy, 17, was wounded by a rubber-coated metal bullets fired by the soldiers, and was moved to the Hebron Governmental Hospital.
The soldiers also kidnapped another resident in the camp and took him to an unknown destination. The kidnapped resident was identified as Ahmad Atiyya Abu Warda.
On Tuesday evening, Israeli soldiers invaded Taffouh town, west of Hebron, broke into and searched several homes after forcing the residents out; damages were reported.
Settlers Invade Palestinian Home In Hebron, Attack Family Members
A group of armed extremist Israeli settlers of the Avraham Avino illegal Israeli settlement, invaded on Wednesday a Palestinian home in the southern West Bank city of Hebron, and attacked two family members including an eight years old child.
The settlers initially hurled stones and empty bottles at the home of Nidal Al-Oweiwy, and climbed on its rooftop before invading the home through it roof door, the Arabs48 news website reported.
The extremist settlers then proceeded to attack Sally, Nidal’s 8-year-old daughter, and his son Sa’id, leading to various cuts and bruises.
They also destroyed the homes’ furniture and shattered the glass of several doors and windows in addition to damaging the water tanks on its rooftop.
Local sources reported that, Israeli soldiers deployed in the area, did not attempt to stop the settlers.
This is not the first attack against the home, and a number of nearby homes, as the settlers are trying to occupy them.
It is worth mentioning that, several days ago, another son of Nidal, identified as Tha’er, 20, who was kidnapped by the army, was released and forced under house arrest after the army forced his father to pay a 4000 NIS fine.
The family of Al-Oweiwy said that despite all attacks and violations practiced against them by the army and the extremist settlers, they will never leave their home and will never sell it to the settlers.
Settler groups repeatedly tried to force the family into selling their home to them, and when the family refused, the settlers started attacking their home in an attempt to scare them away, local sources said.
The sources said that Alaa’ Al-Balassy, 17, was wounded by a rubber-coated metal bullets fired by the soldiers, and was moved to the Hebron Governmental Hospital.
The soldiers also kidnapped another resident in the camp and took him to an unknown destination. The kidnapped resident was identified as Ahmad Atiyya Abu Warda.
On Tuesday evening, Israeli soldiers invaded Taffouh town, west of Hebron, broke into and searched several homes after forcing the residents out; damages were reported.
Settlers Invade Palestinian Home In Hebron, Attack Family Members
A group of armed extremist Israeli settlers of the Avraham Avino illegal Israeli settlement, invaded on Wednesday a Palestinian home in the southern West Bank city of Hebron, and attacked two family members including an eight years old child.
The settlers initially hurled stones and empty bottles at the home of Nidal Al-Oweiwy, and climbed on its rooftop before invading the home through it roof door, the Arabs48 news website reported.
The extremist settlers then proceeded to attack Sally, Nidal’s 8-year-old daughter, and his son Sa’id, leading to various cuts and bruises.
They also destroyed the homes’ furniture and shattered the glass of several doors and windows in addition to damaging the water tanks on its rooftop.
Local sources reported that, Israeli soldiers deployed in the area, did not attempt to stop the settlers.
This is not the first attack against the home, and a number of nearby homes, as the settlers are trying to occupy them.
It is worth mentioning that, several days ago, another son of Nidal, identified as Tha’er, 20, who was kidnapped by the army, was released and forced under house arrest after the army forced his father to pay a 4000 NIS fine.
The family of Al-Oweiwy said that despite all attacks and violations practiced against them by the army and the extremist settlers, they will never leave their home and will never sell it to the settlers.
Settler groups repeatedly tried to force the family into selling their home to them, and when the family refused, the settlers started attacking their home in an attempt to scare them away, local sources said.
19 sept 2012
Palestinian medics wheel a body into a hospital following an Israeli airstrike on the town of Rafah in the Gaza Strip
At least three Palestinians have been killed and another injured in an Israeli assassination drone attack on the besieged Gaza Strip, Press TV reports.
The unmanned aircraft hit a car in the southern town of Rafah close to the Egyptian border late on Wednesday, a Press TV correspondent reported.
Two of the victims have been identified as Ashraf Saleh, 25, and Anis Abu al-Ainain, 26.
The Israeli military frequently bombs the Gaza Strip, saying the actions are being conducted for defensive purposes. However, disproportionate force is always used, in violation of international law, and civilians are often killed or injured.
Gaza has been blockaded since 2007, which is a situation that has caused a decline in the standard of living, unprecedented levels of unemployment, and unrelenting poverty.
At least three Palestinians have been killed and another injured in an Israeli assassination drone attack on the besieged Gaza Strip, Press TV reports.
The unmanned aircraft hit a car in the southern town of Rafah close to the Egyptian border late on Wednesday, a Press TV correspondent reported.
Two of the victims have been identified as Ashraf Saleh, 25, and Anis Abu al-Ainain, 26.
The Israeli military frequently bombs the Gaza Strip, saying the actions are being conducted for defensive purposes. However, disproportionate force is always used, in violation of international law, and civilians are often killed or injured.
Gaza has been blockaded since 2007, which is a situation that has caused a decline in the standard of living, unprecedented levels of unemployment, and unrelenting poverty.
Ashraf Salah, 38, and Anees Abu al-Aynaen, 22
Two Palestinian men were killed Wednesday when Israeli military forces shelled the al-Janeneh neighborhood in eastern Gaza, officials said Thursday.
Ashraf al-Qidra, spokesman of Gaza health ministry, told Ma’an that ambulances transferred the dead and injured to Abu Yousef al-Najjar hospital in Rafah.
Israeli military aircraft forces shelled a car and killed Ashraf Salah, 38, and Anees Abu al-Aynaen, 22, who worked in the security forces of the Hamas government, locals told Ma'an.
The two Palestinians were on official business to secure the southern border between Gaza and Egypt, the Gaza interior ministry said. The attack betrayed Israel's intentions toward Gaza and confirmed its plans to implement wide-scale operations, the ministry said.
The Israeli military said the attack targeted two "terror operatives" affiliated with a group called "Defenders of al-Aqsa" in the southern Gaza Strip.
It said one of the operatives, Anis Abu Mahmoud el-Anin, was in the final stages of preparing to carry out an attack against Israeli civilians.
It said Ashraf Mahmoud Salah was a member of the Popular Resistance Committees who had admitted in the past to transferring two people into Egypt to attack Israel.
"The IDF will not tolerate any attempt by terrorist groups to harm Israeli civilians and IDF soldiers, and will continue to operate with strength and determination against those who use terror against the State of Israel," the statement added.
Two people killed in Israeli airstrike on Rafah
Two Palestinians were killed and a third was seriously wounded on Wednesday evening in an airstrike, carried out by an Israeli occupation aircraft, on the southern Gaza Strip city of Rafah.
Local sources said that an Israeli drone fired a rocket at a Toyota 4-wheel drive travelling in the centre of Rafah near Abu Taha petrol station resulting in the death of the two people and the wounding of a third travelling on board.
Ambulances rushed to the scene and recovered two corpses and a seriously wounded person, who died on arrival at hospital.
The two men who were killed were identified as Ashraf Saleh and Anis Abu Al-Aineen. The third man is being treated at the European hospital in Gaza.
Two Palestinian men were killed Wednesday when Israeli military forces shelled the al-Janeneh neighborhood in eastern Gaza, officials said Thursday.
Ashraf al-Qidra, spokesman of Gaza health ministry, told Ma’an that ambulances transferred the dead and injured to Abu Yousef al-Najjar hospital in Rafah.
Israeli military aircraft forces shelled a car and killed Ashraf Salah, 38, and Anees Abu al-Aynaen, 22, who worked in the security forces of the Hamas government, locals told Ma'an.
The two Palestinians were on official business to secure the southern border between Gaza and Egypt, the Gaza interior ministry said. The attack betrayed Israel's intentions toward Gaza and confirmed its plans to implement wide-scale operations, the ministry said.
The Israeli military said the attack targeted two "terror operatives" affiliated with a group called "Defenders of al-Aqsa" in the southern Gaza Strip.
It said one of the operatives, Anis Abu Mahmoud el-Anin, was in the final stages of preparing to carry out an attack against Israeli civilians.
It said Ashraf Mahmoud Salah was a member of the Popular Resistance Committees who had admitted in the past to transferring two people into Egypt to attack Israel.
"The IDF will not tolerate any attempt by terrorist groups to harm Israeli civilians and IDF soldiers, and will continue to operate with strength and determination against those who use terror against the State of Israel," the statement added.
Two people killed in Israeli airstrike on Rafah
Two Palestinians were killed and a third was seriously wounded on Wednesday evening in an airstrike, carried out by an Israeli occupation aircraft, on the southern Gaza Strip city of Rafah.
Local sources said that an Israeli drone fired a rocket at a Toyota 4-wheel drive travelling in the centre of Rafah near Abu Taha petrol station resulting in the death of the two people and the wounding of a third travelling on board.
Ambulances rushed to the scene and recovered two corpses and a seriously wounded person, who died on arrival at hospital.
The two men who were killed were identified as Ashraf Saleh and Anis Abu Al-Aineen. The third man is being treated at the European hospital in Gaza.
A 17-year-old Palestinian Wednesday was severely injured by a gas bomb canister shot at him at close range by Israeli soldiers during confrontations in al-Fawwar refugee camp, south of Hebron, according to the injured Palestinian’s father.
The father of Alaa al-Balasi told WAFA that Israeli soldiers stormed the camp, leading to confrontations between them and the residents, during which soldiers fired a tear gas canister directly at al-Balasi from a distance of 5 meters, causing him severe burns.
He was transferred to hospital for treatment.
The father of Alaa al-Balasi told WAFA that Israeli soldiers stormed the camp, leading to confrontations between them and the residents, during which soldiers fired a tear gas canister directly at al-Balasi from a distance of 5 meters, causing him severe burns.
He was transferred to hospital for treatment.
The Israeli occupation forces (IOF) carried out at an early hour Wednesday a small-scale incursion into the southeast of Gaza city amid intensive gunfire.
Local sources told the Palestinian information center (PIC) that a number of Israeli tanks at dawn today advanced about 200 meters into Maleka area east of Azzeitoun neighborhood in Gaza city.
The invading troops opened fire sporadically at Palestinian homes in the area and bulldozed agricultural fields, the sources added.
Confrontations in Shuafat refugee camp
Violent clashes broke out on Tuesday evening between the people of the Shuafat refugee camp in Jerusalem and the Israeli occupation forces (IOF) which tried to disperse the protesters in support of the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him.
Local sources said that IOF stormed Shuafat camp, which led to the outbreak of the clashes between hundreds of citizens who organized a protest march against the film offending the Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him, as the Israeli soldiers fired tear gas canisters and metal bullets towards houses and citizens causing suffocation cases among the protesters.
The sources added that the Israeli occupation forces have brought additional reinforcements of troops and deployed special units in an attempt to carry out arrests.
Army Attacks Protesters In Jerusalem
Israeli soldiers attacked, on Tuesday evening, dozens of protesters in the Shu’fat refugee camp, in occupied East Jerusalem and fired gas bombs and rubber-coated metal bullets at them; the army also fired a number of gas bombs into nearby homes.
Local sources reported that the army invaded the camp as the residents were holding a protests against the latest racist video the mocks the Muslim Prophet.
The sources said that hundreds of residents took off to the streets and marched to express their anger and rejection to all acts that aim at mocking the prophet but the Israeli army invaded the camp and fired rubber-coated metal bullets and gas bombs at the protesters. Dozens of residents were treated for the effects of teargas inhalation.
Under-cover forces of the Israeli army were also deployed in the camp and attempted to kidnap some residents.
Local sources told the Palestinian information center (PIC) that a number of Israeli tanks at dawn today advanced about 200 meters into Maleka area east of Azzeitoun neighborhood in Gaza city.
The invading troops opened fire sporadically at Palestinian homes in the area and bulldozed agricultural fields, the sources added.
Confrontations in Shuafat refugee camp
Violent clashes broke out on Tuesday evening between the people of the Shuafat refugee camp in Jerusalem and the Israeli occupation forces (IOF) which tried to disperse the protesters in support of the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him.
Local sources said that IOF stormed Shuafat camp, which led to the outbreak of the clashes between hundreds of citizens who organized a protest march against the film offending the Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him, as the Israeli soldiers fired tear gas canisters and metal bullets towards houses and citizens causing suffocation cases among the protesters.
The sources added that the Israeli occupation forces have brought additional reinforcements of troops and deployed special units in an attempt to carry out arrests.
Army Attacks Protesters In Jerusalem
Israeli soldiers attacked, on Tuesday evening, dozens of protesters in the Shu’fat refugee camp, in occupied East Jerusalem and fired gas bombs and rubber-coated metal bullets at them; the army also fired a number of gas bombs into nearby homes.
Local sources reported that the army invaded the camp as the residents were holding a protests against the latest racist video the mocks the Muslim Prophet.
The sources said that hundreds of residents took off to the streets and marched to express their anger and rejection to all acts that aim at mocking the prophet but the Israeli army invaded the camp and fired rubber-coated metal bullets and gas bombs at the protesters. Dozens of residents were treated for the effects of teargas inhalation.
Under-cover forces of the Israeli army were also deployed in the camp and attempted to kidnap some residents.
Israeli media say the Tel Aviv regime has launched a surprise military exercise in the occupied Golan Heights.
The drill kicked off on Wednesday following an order by Israel’s Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Benny Gantz.
Different units from the Israeli military are taking part in the drill that “will end with a live fire exercise on Wednesday afternoon,” the Jerusalem Post reported on Wednesday.
“This drill is part of a routine program of checks and surprise exercises held throughout the year,” said an Israeli military spokesman.
Israel has recently carried out a number of war games and drills as Tel Aviv boosts its war rhetoric against Iran under the pretext of preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear arms.
Iran has refuted the allegations about its nuclear energy program and maintains that as a signatory to the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and a committed member of the International Atomic Energy Agency, it has every right to develop and acquire nuclear technology for peaceful purposes.
Iranian military officials have also promised a crushing response to any act of aggression against the Islamic Republic.
Israel army in snap exercise to simulate war scenario
By Jeffrey Heller
Israel's military launched a surprise large-scale exercise on Wednesday on the occupied Golan Heights, testing its battle readiness amid tensions over Iran's nuclear drive and civil war in Syria.
A military spokeswoman, appearing to play down any speculation the drill heralded imminent hostilities with Iran or Syria, said it was part of a routine training schedule. A similar snap exercise was held around this time a year ago.
Israel has urged world powers to set a red line for Tehran's nuclear program, saying time was running out to stop what it sees as its quest for atomic arms and raising international concern it could launch a go-it-alone strike against Iran.
In the early hours of the morning, reservists were summoned from their homes by telephone after the end of the two-day Jewish New Year's holiday and told to report for duty.
Along with units of conscript soldiers, the troops were to be flown by helicopter from central Israel to the Golan Heights bordering Syria for a live-fire exercise, due to end later in the day and overseen by the chief artillery officer.
Israel Radio said the drill simulated a sudden outbreak of hostilities on Golan Heights that would require swift troop deployment. The radio's military affairs correspondent, who is briefed regularly by senior officers, said the timing of the exercise was "not mere coincidence".
In a brief statement, the military said the exercise had been ordered by its chief of staff, Lieutenant-General Benny Gantz, "to examine the competence and preparedness of several units in the Israel Defense Forces".
The statement gave no troop figures, but Israel Radio said large contingents were involved. Military sources said an even bigger exercise, which was announced in advance, was held for several days along the border with Lebanon two weeks ago.
Iran denies it is seeking nuclear weapons. It has vowed to strike back against Israel, widely believed to be the only country in the Middle East with atomic arms, if it is attacked.
Israel fears such retaliation could include rocket salvoes from Iran's allies in Lebanon and Gaza. It is also concerned rogue elements in Syria could seize chemical weapons and launch attacks on the Golan.
Israel captured the Golan Heights in a 1967 Middle East war and annexed the area, in a move that was not recognized internationally, in 1981.
The drill kicked off on Wednesday following an order by Israel’s Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Benny Gantz.
Different units from the Israeli military are taking part in the drill that “will end with a live fire exercise on Wednesday afternoon,” the Jerusalem Post reported on Wednesday.
“This drill is part of a routine program of checks and surprise exercises held throughout the year,” said an Israeli military spokesman.
Israel has recently carried out a number of war games and drills as Tel Aviv boosts its war rhetoric against Iran under the pretext of preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear arms.
Iran has refuted the allegations about its nuclear energy program and maintains that as a signatory to the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and a committed member of the International Atomic Energy Agency, it has every right to develop and acquire nuclear technology for peaceful purposes.
Iranian military officials have also promised a crushing response to any act of aggression against the Islamic Republic.
Israel army in snap exercise to simulate war scenario
By Jeffrey Heller
Israel's military launched a surprise large-scale exercise on Wednesday on the occupied Golan Heights, testing its battle readiness amid tensions over Iran's nuclear drive and civil war in Syria.
A military spokeswoman, appearing to play down any speculation the drill heralded imminent hostilities with Iran or Syria, said it was part of a routine training schedule. A similar snap exercise was held around this time a year ago.
Israel has urged world powers to set a red line for Tehran's nuclear program, saying time was running out to stop what it sees as its quest for atomic arms and raising international concern it could launch a go-it-alone strike against Iran.
In the early hours of the morning, reservists were summoned from their homes by telephone after the end of the two-day Jewish New Year's holiday and told to report for duty.
Along with units of conscript soldiers, the troops were to be flown by helicopter from central Israel to the Golan Heights bordering Syria for a live-fire exercise, due to end later in the day and overseen by the chief artillery officer.
Israel Radio said the drill simulated a sudden outbreak of hostilities on Golan Heights that would require swift troop deployment. The radio's military affairs correspondent, who is briefed regularly by senior officers, said the timing of the exercise was "not mere coincidence".
In a brief statement, the military said the exercise had been ordered by its chief of staff, Lieutenant-General Benny Gantz, "to examine the competence and preparedness of several units in the Israel Defense Forces".
The statement gave no troop figures, but Israel Radio said large contingents were involved. Military sources said an even bigger exercise, which was announced in advance, was held for several days along the border with Lebanon two weeks ago.
Iran denies it is seeking nuclear weapons. It has vowed to strike back against Israel, widely believed to be the only country in the Middle East with atomic arms, if it is attacked.
Israel fears such retaliation could include rocket salvoes from Iran's allies in Lebanon and Gaza. It is also concerned rogue elements in Syria could seize chemical weapons and launch attacks on the Golan.
Israel captured the Golan Heights in a 1967 Middle East war and annexed the area, in a move that was not recognized internationally, in 1981.
Britain went out of its way earlier this month to condemn the 1972 killing of 11 Israeli athletes, but it has failed to even raise the horrific Sabra and Shatila massacre of more than 3,000 Palestinian and Lebanese civilians by Israeli-affiliated terrorists ten years later.
The Israeli regime unleashed Phalange terrorists on Muslim residents of Sabra and Shatila refugee camps in the Lebanese capital of Beirut between September 16 and 18, 1982.
The terrorists entered the refugee camps, supposedly guarded by Israeli regime’s forces, on September 16, while Israeli troops fired flares to help attackers in their butchery of innocent Muslims including scores of children, women and old men.
As many as 3,500 people were slaughtered with many women raped before being killed.
In December 1982, the United Nations General Assembly condemned the massacre in Resolution 37/123 with a massive 123 yes votes, without any opposition as an act of “genocide,” for which the Israeli regime was implicitly blamed.
However, Britain joined hands with its western allies the US, Germany, Canada and France to abstain on the resolution apparently because Tel Aviv was indirectly blamed, while later in February 1983 the Israeli regime found -- in what British journalist David Hirst called a flawed inquiry full of omissions of evidence to rid the regime of full responsibility for the massacre -- that its forces were “indirectly” responsible for the butchery.
British Foreign Secretary William Hague said on the 40th anniversary of the Munich attacks on Israeli team members on September 5 that he and his colleagues “reiterate our determination to confront terrorism and stand with the victims of terrorism wherever it may occur.”
Nonetheless, Britain seems not to include victims of Israeli state terrorism in its list of terror victims, nor consider Palestinian and Lebanese civilians massacred by the regime both in 1982 and later in the 2008 Gaza Massacre as worthy of a “sad” remembrance.
The Israeli regime unleashed Phalange terrorists on Muslim residents of Sabra and Shatila refugee camps in the Lebanese capital of Beirut between September 16 and 18, 1982.
The terrorists entered the refugee camps, supposedly guarded by Israeli regime’s forces, on September 16, while Israeli troops fired flares to help attackers in their butchery of innocent Muslims including scores of children, women and old men.
As many as 3,500 people were slaughtered with many women raped before being killed.
In December 1982, the United Nations General Assembly condemned the massacre in Resolution 37/123 with a massive 123 yes votes, without any opposition as an act of “genocide,” for which the Israeli regime was implicitly blamed.
However, Britain joined hands with its western allies the US, Germany, Canada and France to abstain on the resolution apparently because Tel Aviv was indirectly blamed, while later in February 1983 the Israeli regime found -- in what British journalist David Hirst called a flawed inquiry full of omissions of evidence to rid the regime of full responsibility for the massacre -- that its forces were “indirectly” responsible for the butchery.
British Foreign Secretary William Hague said on the 40th anniversary of the Munich attacks on Israeli team members on September 5 that he and his colleagues “reiterate our determination to confront terrorism and stand with the victims of terrorism wherever it may occur.”
Nonetheless, Britain seems not to include victims of Israeli state terrorism in its list of terror victims, nor consider Palestinian and Lebanese civilians massacred by the regime both in 1982 and later in the 2008 Gaza Massacre as worthy of a “sad” remembrance.
Thirty years ago, a massacre occurred in Beirut’s Sabra and Shatila refugee camps.
The following declassified documents reveal conversations between high-level American and Israeli officials before, during and after the event. These English-language documents were released by the Israel State Archives in Jerusalem earlier this year.
Sept. 16, 1982. This document contains the talking points and minutes of a conversation between the American under secretary of state, Lawrence Eagleburger, and the Israeli ambassador to the United States, Moshe Arens. There was a heated discussion about the Israeli occupation of West Beirut. The cover note (in Hebrew) was written by a young Benjamin Netanyahu, who was then Israel's deputy chief of mission in Washington and was present at the meeting. p. 1
Sept. 17, 1982. This document is a verbatim transcript of a meeting that took place while the massacre was in progress. Those in attendance included America's Middle East envoy, Morris Draper; Israel's defense minister, Ariel Sharon; Israel's foreign minister, Yitzhak Shamir; and several other important Israeli officials. Key passages can be found on pages 37-41 in this document viewer. p. 11
Sept. 18, 1982. This document chronicles a conversation between the American secretary of state, George P. Shultz, and the Israeli ambassador, Moshe Arens. This discussion took place on the day American officials discovered that a massacre had taken place. p. 45
A Preventable Massacre
ON the night of Sept. 16, 1982, the Israeli military allowed a right-wing Lebanese militia to enter two Palestinian refugee camps in Beirut. In the ensuing three-day rampage, the militia, linked to the Maronite Christian Phalange Party, raped, killed and dismembered at least 800 civilians, while Israeli flares illuminated the camps’ narrow and darkened alleyways. Nearly all of the dead were women, children and elderly men.
Thirty years later, the massacre at the Sabra and Shatila camps is remembered as a notorious chapter in modern Middle Eastern history, clouding the tortured relationships among Israel, the United States, Lebanon and the Palestinians. In 1983, an Israeli investigative commission concluded that Israeli leaders were “indirectly responsible” for the killings and that Ariel Sharon, then the defense minister and later prime minister, bore “personal responsibility” for failing to prevent them.
While Israel’s role in the massacre has been closely examined, America’s actions have never been fully understood. This summer, at the Israel State Archives, I found recently declassified documents that chronicle key conversations between American and Israeli officials before and during the 1982 massacre. The verbatim transcripts reveal that the Israelis misled American diplomats about events in Beirut and bullied them into accepting the spurious claim that thousands of “terrorists” were in the camps. Most troubling, when the United States was in a position to exert strong diplomatic pressure on Israel that could have ended the atrocities, it failed to do so. As a result, Phalange militiamen were able to murder Palestinian civilians, whom America had pledged to protect just weeks earlier.
Israel’s involvement in the Lebanese civil war began in June 1982, when it invaded its northern neighbor. Its goal was to root out the Palestine Liberation Organization, which had set up a state within a state, and to transform Lebanon into a Christian-ruled ally. The Israel Defense Forces soon besieged P.L.O.-controlled areas in the western part of Beirut. Intense Israeli bombardments led to heavy civilian casualties and tested even President Ronald Reagan, who initially backed Israel. In mid-August, as America was negotiating the P.L.O.’s withdrawal from Lebanon, Reagan told Prime Minister Menachem Begin that the bombings “had to stop or our entire future relationship was endangered,” Reagan wrote in his diaries.
The United States agreed to deploy Marines to Lebanon as part of a multinational force to supervise the P.L.O.’s departure, and by Sept. 1, thousands of its fighters — including Yasir Arafat — had left Beirut for various Arab countries. After America negotiated a cease-fire that included written guarantees to protect the Palestinian civilians remaining in the camps from vengeful Lebanese Christians, the Marines departed Beirut, on Sept. 10.
Israel hoped that Lebanon’s newly elected president, Bashir Gemayel, a Maronite, would support an Israeli-Christian alliance. But on Sept. 14, Gemayel was assassinated. Israel reacted by violating the cease-fire agreement. It quickly occupied West Beirut — ostensibly to prevent militia attacks against the Palestinian civilians. “The main order of the day is to keep the peace,” Begin told the American envoy to the Middle East, Morris Draper, on Sept. 15. “Otherwise, there could be pogroms.”
By Sept. 16, the I.D.F. was fully in control of West Beirut, including Sabra and Shatila. In Washington that same day, Under Secretary of State Lawrence S. Eagleburger told the Israeli ambassador, Moshe Arens, that “Israel’s credibility has been severely damaged” and that “we appear to some to be the victim of deliberate deception by Israel.” He demanded that Israel withdraw from West Beirut immediately.
In Tel Aviv, Mr. Draper and the American ambassador, Samuel W. Lewis, met with top Israeli officials. Contrary to Prime Minister Begin’s earlier assurances, Defense Minister Sharon said the occupation of West Beirut was justified because there were “2,000 to 3,000 terrorists who remained there.” Mr. Draper disputed this claim; having coordinated the August evacuation, he knew the number was minuscule. Mr. Draper said he was horrified to hear that Mr. Sharon was considering allowing the Phalange militia into West Beirut. Even the I.D.F. chief of staff, Rafael Eitan, acknowledged to the Americans that he feared “a relentless slaughter.”
On the evening of Sept. 16, the Israeli cabinet met and was informed that Phalange fighters were entering the Palestinian camps. Deputy Prime Minister David Levy worried aloud: “I know what the meaning of revenge is for them, what kind of slaughter. Then no one will believe we went in to create order there, and we will bear the blame.” That evening, word of civilian deaths began to filter out to Israeli military officials, politicians and journalists.
At 12:30 p.m. on Sept. 17, Foreign Minister Yitzhak Shamir hosted a meeting with Mr. Draper, Mr. Sharon and several Israeli intelligence chiefs. Mr. Shamir, having reportedly heard of a “slaughter” in the camps that morning, did not mention it.
The transcript of the Sept. 17 meeting reveals that the Americans were browbeaten by Mr. Sharon’s false insistence that “terrorists” needed “mopping up.” It also shows how Israel’s refusal to relinquish areas under its control, and its delays in coordinating with the Lebanese National Army, which the Americans wanted to step in, prolonged the slaughter.
Mr. Draper opened the meeting by demanding that the I.D.F. pull back right away. Mr. Sharon exploded, “I just don’t understand, what are you looking for? Do you want the terrorists to stay? Are you afraid that somebody will think that you were in collusion with us? Deny it. We denied it.” Mr. Draper, unmoved, kept pushing for definitive signs of a withdrawal. Mr. Sharon, who knew Phalange forces had already entered the camps, cynically told him, “Nothing will happen. Maybe some more terrorists will be killed. That will be to the benefit of all of us.” Mr. Shamir and Mr. Sharon finally agreed to gradually withdraw once the Lebanese Army started entering the city — but they insisted on waiting 48 hours (until the end of Rosh Hashana, which started that evening).
Continuing his plea for some sign of an Israeli withdrawal, Mr. Draper warned that critics would say, “Sure, the I.D.F. is going to stay in West Beirut and they will let the Lebanese go and kill the Palestinians in the camps.”
Mr. Sharon replied: “So, we’ll kill them. They will not be left there. You are not going to save them. You are not going to save these groups of the international terrorism.”
Mr. Draper responded: “We are not interested in saving any of these people.” Mr. Sharon declared: “If you don’t want the Lebanese to kill them, we will kill them.”
Mr. Draper then caught himself, and backtracked. He reminded the Israelis that the United States had painstakingly facilitated the P.L.O. exit from Beirut “so it wouldn’t be necessary for you to come in.” He added, “You should have stayed out.”
Mr. Sharon exploded again: “When it comes to our security, we have never asked. We will never ask. When it comes to existence and security, it is our own responsibility and we will never give it to anybody to decide for us.” The meeting ended with an agreement to coordinate withdrawal plans after Rosh Hashana.
By allowing the argument to proceed on Mr. Sharon’s terms, Mr. Draper effectively gave Israel cover to let the Phalange fighters remain in the camps. Fuller details of the massacre began to emerge on Sept. 18, when a young American diplomat, Ryan C. Crocker, visited the gruesome scene and reported back to Washington.
Years later, Mr. Draper called the massacre “obscene.” And in an oral history recorded a few years before his death in 2005, he remembered telling Mr. Sharon: “You should be ashamed. The situation is absolutely appalling. They’re killing children! You have the field completely under your control and are therefore responsible for that area.”
On Sept. 18, Reagan pronounced his “outrage and revulsion over the murders.” He said the United States had opposed Israel’s invasion of Beirut, both because “we believed it wrong in principle and for fear that it would provoke further fighting.” Secretary of State George P. Shultz later admitted that “we are partially responsible” because “we took the Israelis and the Lebanese at their word.” He summoned Ambassador Arens. “When you take military control over a city, you’re responsible for what happens,” he told him. “Now we have a massacre.”
But the belated expression of shock and dismay belies the Americans’ failed diplomatic effort during the massacre. The transcript of Mr. Draper’s meeting with the Israelis demonstrates how the United States was unwittingly complicit in the tragedy of Sabra and Shatila.
Ambassador Lewis, now retired, told me that the massacre would have been hard to prevent “unless Reagan had picked up the phone and called Begin and read him the riot act even more clearly than he already did in August — that might have stopped it temporarily.” But “Sharon would have found some other way” for the militiamen to take action, Mr. Lewis added.
Nicholas A. Veliotes, then the assistant secretary of state for Near Eastern affairs, agreed. “Vintage Sharon,” he said, after I read the transcript to him. “It is his way or the highway.”
The Sabra and Shatila massacre severely undercut America’s influence in the Middle East, and its moral authority plummeted. In the aftermath of the massacre, the United States felt compelled by “guilt” to redeploy the Marines, who ended up without a clear mission, in the midst of a brutal civil war.
On Oct. 23, 1983, the Marine barracks in Beirut were bombed and 241 Marines were killed. The attack led to open warfare with Syrian-backed forces and, soon after, the rapid withdrawal of the Marines to their ships. As Mr. Lewis told me, America left Lebanon “with our tail between our legs.”
The archival record reveals the magnitude of a deception that undermined American efforts to avoid bloodshed. Working with only partial knowledge of the reality on the ground, the United States feebly yielded to false arguments and stalling tactics that allowed a massacre in progress to proceed.
The lesson of the Sabra and Shatila tragedy is clear. Sometimes close allies act contrary to American interests and values. Failing to exert American power to uphold those interests and values can have disastrous consequences: for our allies, for our moral standing and most important, for the innocent people who pay the highest price of all.
Secret documents reveal US involvement in "Sabra and Shatila" massacres
Five secret documents dating back to 1982 revealed clear US involvement in the Sabra and Shatila massacres that took place in 1982 over a three-day period from September 16-18.
The documents include verbatim transcripts of meetings between US and Israeli officials before and during the three-day massacre led by the right-wing Lebanese Christian Phalange militia that left roughly 2,000 people dead, mostly children, women and elderly men, New York Times revealed on the 30th anniversary of the Sabra and Shatila massacres.
The documents revealed that the Israelis misled American diplomats about events in Beirut and bullied them into accepting the spurious claim that thousands of “terrorists” were in the camps,” Seth Onziska, a doctoral candidate in international history at Columbia University and who obtained the documents, reported.
“Most troubling, when the United States was in a position to exert strong diplomatic pressure on Israel that could have ended the atrocities, it failed to do so,” the newspaper added.
On 16 September 1982, the first day of the massacre, US envoy to the Middle East Morris Draper met with Israeli Defense Minister Ariel Sharon who justified Israel's occupation of west Beirut by claiming that “2,000 to 3,000 terrorists” remained in that part of the city.
When Draper demanded that the Israeli forces immediately pull out of the area, Sharon responded with outrage: “I just don’t understand, what are you looking for? Do you want the terrorists to stay? Are you afraid that somebody will think that you were in collusion with us? Deny it. We denied it.”
According to the transcripts, Draper continued to insist that the Israelis leave, but eventually backed off once they agreed to a “gradual withdrawal” to allow for the Lebanese Army to enter the city. The Israelis insisted, however, that they wait 48 hours before allowing the plan to take effect.
Continuing his plea for some sign of an Israeli withdrawal, Draper warned that critics would say, “Sure, the I.D.F. is going to stay in West Beirut and they will let the Lebanese go and kill the Palestinians in the camps.” Sharon replied: “So, we’ll kill them. They will not be left there. You are not going to save them. You are not going to save these groups of the international terrorism.”
Draper's response was surprising when he said: “We are not interested in saving any of these people.”
Sharon declared: “If you don’t want the Lebanese to kill them, we will kill them.”
Draper then caught himself, and backtracked. He reminded the Israelis that the United States had painstakingly facilitated the P.L.O. exit from Beirut “so it wouldn’t be necessary for you to come in.” He added, “You should have stayed out.”
The following declassified documents reveal conversations between high-level American and Israeli officials before, during and after the event. These English-language documents were released by the Israel State Archives in Jerusalem earlier this year.
Sept. 16, 1982. This document contains the talking points and minutes of a conversation between the American under secretary of state, Lawrence Eagleburger, and the Israeli ambassador to the United States, Moshe Arens. There was a heated discussion about the Israeli occupation of West Beirut. The cover note (in Hebrew) was written by a young Benjamin Netanyahu, who was then Israel's deputy chief of mission in Washington and was present at the meeting. p. 1
Sept. 17, 1982. This document is a verbatim transcript of a meeting that took place while the massacre was in progress. Those in attendance included America's Middle East envoy, Morris Draper; Israel's defense minister, Ariel Sharon; Israel's foreign minister, Yitzhak Shamir; and several other important Israeli officials. Key passages can be found on pages 37-41 in this document viewer. p. 11
Sept. 18, 1982. This document chronicles a conversation between the American secretary of state, George P. Shultz, and the Israeli ambassador, Moshe Arens. This discussion took place on the day American officials discovered that a massacre had taken place. p. 45
A Preventable Massacre
ON the night of Sept. 16, 1982, the Israeli military allowed a right-wing Lebanese militia to enter two Palestinian refugee camps in Beirut. In the ensuing three-day rampage, the militia, linked to the Maronite Christian Phalange Party, raped, killed and dismembered at least 800 civilians, while Israeli flares illuminated the camps’ narrow and darkened alleyways. Nearly all of the dead were women, children and elderly men.
Thirty years later, the massacre at the Sabra and Shatila camps is remembered as a notorious chapter in modern Middle Eastern history, clouding the tortured relationships among Israel, the United States, Lebanon and the Palestinians. In 1983, an Israeli investigative commission concluded that Israeli leaders were “indirectly responsible” for the killings and that Ariel Sharon, then the defense minister and later prime minister, bore “personal responsibility” for failing to prevent them.
While Israel’s role in the massacre has been closely examined, America’s actions have never been fully understood. This summer, at the Israel State Archives, I found recently declassified documents that chronicle key conversations between American and Israeli officials before and during the 1982 massacre. The verbatim transcripts reveal that the Israelis misled American diplomats about events in Beirut and bullied them into accepting the spurious claim that thousands of “terrorists” were in the camps. Most troubling, when the United States was in a position to exert strong diplomatic pressure on Israel that could have ended the atrocities, it failed to do so. As a result, Phalange militiamen were able to murder Palestinian civilians, whom America had pledged to protect just weeks earlier.
Israel’s involvement in the Lebanese civil war began in June 1982, when it invaded its northern neighbor. Its goal was to root out the Palestine Liberation Organization, which had set up a state within a state, and to transform Lebanon into a Christian-ruled ally. The Israel Defense Forces soon besieged P.L.O.-controlled areas in the western part of Beirut. Intense Israeli bombardments led to heavy civilian casualties and tested even President Ronald Reagan, who initially backed Israel. In mid-August, as America was negotiating the P.L.O.’s withdrawal from Lebanon, Reagan told Prime Minister Menachem Begin that the bombings “had to stop or our entire future relationship was endangered,” Reagan wrote in his diaries.
The United States agreed to deploy Marines to Lebanon as part of a multinational force to supervise the P.L.O.’s departure, and by Sept. 1, thousands of its fighters — including Yasir Arafat — had left Beirut for various Arab countries. After America negotiated a cease-fire that included written guarantees to protect the Palestinian civilians remaining in the camps from vengeful Lebanese Christians, the Marines departed Beirut, on Sept. 10.
Israel hoped that Lebanon’s newly elected president, Bashir Gemayel, a Maronite, would support an Israeli-Christian alliance. But on Sept. 14, Gemayel was assassinated. Israel reacted by violating the cease-fire agreement. It quickly occupied West Beirut — ostensibly to prevent militia attacks against the Palestinian civilians. “The main order of the day is to keep the peace,” Begin told the American envoy to the Middle East, Morris Draper, on Sept. 15. “Otherwise, there could be pogroms.”
By Sept. 16, the I.D.F. was fully in control of West Beirut, including Sabra and Shatila. In Washington that same day, Under Secretary of State Lawrence S. Eagleburger told the Israeli ambassador, Moshe Arens, that “Israel’s credibility has been severely damaged” and that “we appear to some to be the victim of deliberate deception by Israel.” He demanded that Israel withdraw from West Beirut immediately.
In Tel Aviv, Mr. Draper and the American ambassador, Samuel W. Lewis, met with top Israeli officials. Contrary to Prime Minister Begin’s earlier assurances, Defense Minister Sharon said the occupation of West Beirut was justified because there were “2,000 to 3,000 terrorists who remained there.” Mr. Draper disputed this claim; having coordinated the August evacuation, he knew the number was minuscule. Mr. Draper said he was horrified to hear that Mr. Sharon was considering allowing the Phalange militia into West Beirut. Even the I.D.F. chief of staff, Rafael Eitan, acknowledged to the Americans that he feared “a relentless slaughter.”
On the evening of Sept. 16, the Israeli cabinet met and was informed that Phalange fighters were entering the Palestinian camps. Deputy Prime Minister David Levy worried aloud: “I know what the meaning of revenge is for them, what kind of slaughter. Then no one will believe we went in to create order there, and we will bear the blame.” That evening, word of civilian deaths began to filter out to Israeli military officials, politicians and journalists.
At 12:30 p.m. on Sept. 17, Foreign Minister Yitzhak Shamir hosted a meeting with Mr. Draper, Mr. Sharon and several Israeli intelligence chiefs. Mr. Shamir, having reportedly heard of a “slaughter” in the camps that morning, did not mention it.
The transcript of the Sept. 17 meeting reveals that the Americans were browbeaten by Mr. Sharon’s false insistence that “terrorists” needed “mopping up.” It also shows how Israel’s refusal to relinquish areas under its control, and its delays in coordinating with the Lebanese National Army, which the Americans wanted to step in, prolonged the slaughter.
Mr. Draper opened the meeting by demanding that the I.D.F. pull back right away. Mr. Sharon exploded, “I just don’t understand, what are you looking for? Do you want the terrorists to stay? Are you afraid that somebody will think that you were in collusion with us? Deny it. We denied it.” Mr. Draper, unmoved, kept pushing for definitive signs of a withdrawal. Mr. Sharon, who knew Phalange forces had already entered the camps, cynically told him, “Nothing will happen. Maybe some more terrorists will be killed. That will be to the benefit of all of us.” Mr. Shamir and Mr. Sharon finally agreed to gradually withdraw once the Lebanese Army started entering the city — but they insisted on waiting 48 hours (until the end of Rosh Hashana, which started that evening).
Continuing his plea for some sign of an Israeli withdrawal, Mr. Draper warned that critics would say, “Sure, the I.D.F. is going to stay in West Beirut and they will let the Lebanese go and kill the Palestinians in the camps.”
Mr. Sharon replied: “So, we’ll kill them. They will not be left there. You are not going to save them. You are not going to save these groups of the international terrorism.”
Mr. Draper responded: “We are not interested in saving any of these people.” Mr. Sharon declared: “If you don’t want the Lebanese to kill them, we will kill them.”
Mr. Draper then caught himself, and backtracked. He reminded the Israelis that the United States had painstakingly facilitated the P.L.O. exit from Beirut “so it wouldn’t be necessary for you to come in.” He added, “You should have stayed out.”
Mr. Sharon exploded again: “When it comes to our security, we have never asked. We will never ask. When it comes to existence and security, it is our own responsibility and we will never give it to anybody to decide for us.” The meeting ended with an agreement to coordinate withdrawal plans after Rosh Hashana.
By allowing the argument to proceed on Mr. Sharon’s terms, Mr. Draper effectively gave Israel cover to let the Phalange fighters remain in the camps. Fuller details of the massacre began to emerge on Sept. 18, when a young American diplomat, Ryan C. Crocker, visited the gruesome scene and reported back to Washington.
Years later, Mr. Draper called the massacre “obscene.” And in an oral history recorded a few years before his death in 2005, he remembered telling Mr. Sharon: “You should be ashamed. The situation is absolutely appalling. They’re killing children! You have the field completely under your control and are therefore responsible for that area.”
On Sept. 18, Reagan pronounced his “outrage and revulsion over the murders.” He said the United States had opposed Israel’s invasion of Beirut, both because “we believed it wrong in principle and for fear that it would provoke further fighting.” Secretary of State George P. Shultz later admitted that “we are partially responsible” because “we took the Israelis and the Lebanese at their word.” He summoned Ambassador Arens. “When you take military control over a city, you’re responsible for what happens,” he told him. “Now we have a massacre.”
But the belated expression of shock and dismay belies the Americans’ failed diplomatic effort during the massacre. The transcript of Mr. Draper’s meeting with the Israelis demonstrates how the United States was unwittingly complicit in the tragedy of Sabra and Shatila.
Ambassador Lewis, now retired, told me that the massacre would have been hard to prevent “unless Reagan had picked up the phone and called Begin and read him the riot act even more clearly than he already did in August — that might have stopped it temporarily.” But “Sharon would have found some other way” for the militiamen to take action, Mr. Lewis added.
Nicholas A. Veliotes, then the assistant secretary of state for Near Eastern affairs, agreed. “Vintage Sharon,” he said, after I read the transcript to him. “It is his way or the highway.”
The Sabra and Shatila massacre severely undercut America’s influence in the Middle East, and its moral authority plummeted. In the aftermath of the massacre, the United States felt compelled by “guilt” to redeploy the Marines, who ended up without a clear mission, in the midst of a brutal civil war.
On Oct. 23, 1983, the Marine barracks in Beirut were bombed and 241 Marines were killed. The attack led to open warfare with Syrian-backed forces and, soon after, the rapid withdrawal of the Marines to their ships. As Mr. Lewis told me, America left Lebanon “with our tail between our legs.”
The archival record reveals the magnitude of a deception that undermined American efforts to avoid bloodshed. Working with only partial knowledge of the reality on the ground, the United States feebly yielded to false arguments and stalling tactics that allowed a massacre in progress to proceed.
The lesson of the Sabra and Shatila tragedy is clear. Sometimes close allies act contrary to American interests and values. Failing to exert American power to uphold those interests and values can have disastrous consequences: for our allies, for our moral standing and most important, for the innocent people who pay the highest price of all.
Secret documents reveal US involvement in "Sabra and Shatila" massacres
Five secret documents dating back to 1982 revealed clear US involvement in the Sabra and Shatila massacres that took place in 1982 over a three-day period from September 16-18.
The documents include verbatim transcripts of meetings between US and Israeli officials before and during the three-day massacre led by the right-wing Lebanese Christian Phalange militia that left roughly 2,000 people dead, mostly children, women and elderly men, New York Times revealed on the 30th anniversary of the Sabra and Shatila massacres.
The documents revealed that the Israelis misled American diplomats about events in Beirut and bullied them into accepting the spurious claim that thousands of “terrorists” were in the camps,” Seth Onziska, a doctoral candidate in international history at Columbia University and who obtained the documents, reported.
“Most troubling, when the United States was in a position to exert strong diplomatic pressure on Israel that could have ended the atrocities, it failed to do so,” the newspaper added.
On 16 September 1982, the first day of the massacre, US envoy to the Middle East Morris Draper met with Israeli Defense Minister Ariel Sharon who justified Israel's occupation of west Beirut by claiming that “2,000 to 3,000 terrorists” remained in that part of the city.
When Draper demanded that the Israeli forces immediately pull out of the area, Sharon responded with outrage: “I just don’t understand, what are you looking for? Do you want the terrorists to stay? Are you afraid that somebody will think that you were in collusion with us? Deny it. We denied it.”
According to the transcripts, Draper continued to insist that the Israelis leave, but eventually backed off once they agreed to a “gradual withdrawal” to allow for the Lebanese Army to enter the city. The Israelis insisted, however, that they wait 48 hours before allowing the plan to take effect.
Continuing his plea for some sign of an Israeli withdrawal, Draper warned that critics would say, “Sure, the I.D.F. is going to stay in West Beirut and they will let the Lebanese go and kill the Palestinians in the camps.” Sharon replied: “So, we’ll kill them. They will not be left there. You are not going to save them. You are not going to save these groups of the international terrorism.”
Draper's response was surprising when he said: “We are not interested in saving any of these people.”
Sharon declared: “If you don’t want the Lebanese to kill them, we will kill them.”
Draper then caught himself, and backtracked. He reminded the Israelis that the United States had painstakingly facilitated the P.L.O. exit from Beirut “so it wouldn’t be necessary for you to come in.” He added, “You should have stayed out.”
Rihab Kanaan lost 51 relatives in the Tel al-Zaatar massacre in 1976
Rihab Kanaan bursts into tears while talking to Ma'an's reporter in Gaza about the trauma she suffered after losing her son and dozens of family members in the notorious Tel al-Zaatar and Sabra and Shatila massacres during Lebanon's civil war.
The Gaza-based poet says the Palestinian leadership has forgotten about the Sabra and Shatila massacre in which an estimated 800-3,000 Palestinian civilians were killed by Lebanese Christian militias over a three day period on September 16, 1982.
"I will hold two candles and a poster on which I will write: We are the martyrs of Sabra and Shatila, don’t forget us. I will stand in the Unknown Soldier Square in commemoration of my son Mahir and all martyrs," she said.
Kanaan witnessed the Tel al-Zaatar refugee camp massacre during Lebanon's civil war in 1976 and later wrote a book about the events.
She lost 51 relatives when the Beirut camp was besieged by Lebanese armed forces.
Years later, the Palestinian poet lost her son Mahir and two cousins in events in Sabra and Shatila.
"He was going to buy bread when they killed him inside the camp’s mosque before the very eyes of his sister. Up until now, when I see a mosque, I remember how Mahir died."
Kanaan was living with her second husband near the Arab University of Beirut at the time of the attack and remembers the tensions in Lebanese society.
"We knew there were signs of unrest especially after the speeches of Bachir Gemayel. Then after Gemayel was assassinated, we were sure there would be a massacre, but we never imagined it would be as horrible and as big as that," she says.
"When I was there, I heard about the massacre. I tried to go to Shatila, but I couldn't. After some effort, I managed to reach the outskirts of the camp where I saw the dead bodies and the atrocious scenes. The stories I heard from witnesses were too horrible that I couldn’t continue to listen," she recounts.
Kanaan was certain her daughter had also been killed in the massacre and amid the confusion afterwards was unable to find out what happened to her. It was only some years later that she found out that her daughter Maymana had survived the attack and was taken care of by neighbors.
Palestinian resistance fighters had already left the camp before the massacre, leaving only unarmed men, women and children, Kanaan said.
Several years after the attack, Kanaan moved to the Gaza Strip. As another anniversary of the massacre passes, she is calling upon international human rights groups, together with Arab states, to hold the perpetrators accountable.
"Two years ago, I visited Lebanon to pray to God on behalf of the martyrs from my family, and it was painful to see that nothing has changed in Sabra and Shatila," she says.
"Life is still intolerable in all refugee camps, but people are still dreaming they can return to their homeland."
The massacre took place after the Israeli invasion of Lebanon, when Christian Phalangist militias entered the Beirut camp under Israeli military watch to wreak retribution for the alleged assassination of their leader Bachir Gemayel.
Over three days, Palestinian refugees were killed in droves. At the time, the number of dead was estimated at 700, but eyewitness British reporter Robert Fisk says the number is closer to 1,700.
The Palestinian Red Crescent estimates that around 3,000 civilians were killed.
Rihab Kanaan bursts into tears while talking to Ma'an's reporter in Gaza about the trauma she suffered after losing her son and dozens of family members in the notorious Tel al-Zaatar and Sabra and Shatila massacres during Lebanon's civil war.
The Gaza-based poet says the Palestinian leadership has forgotten about the Sabra and Shatila massacre in which an estimated 800-3,000 Palestinian civilians were killed by Lebanese Christian militias over a three day period on September 16, 1982.
"I will hold two candles and a poster on which I will write: We are the martyrs of Sabra and Shatila, don’t forget us. I will stand in the Unknown Soldier Square in commemoration of my son Mahir and all martyrs," she said.
Kanaan witnessed the Tel al-Zaatar refugee camp massacre during Lebanon's civil war in 1976 and later wrote a book about the events.
She lost 51 relatives when the Beirut camp was besieged by Lebanese armed forces.
Years later, the Palestinian poet lost her son Mahir and two cousins in events in Sabra and Shatila.
"He was going to buy bread when they killed him inside the camp’s mosque before the very eyes of his sister. Up until now, when I see a mosque, I remember how Mahir died."
Kanaan was living with her second husband near the Arab University of Beirut at the time of the attack and remembers the tensions in Lebanese society.
"We knew there were signs of unrest especially after the speeches of Bachir Gemayel. Then after Gemayel was assassinated, we were sure there would be a massacre, but we never imagined it would be as horrible and as big as that," she says.
"When I was there, I heard about the massacre. I tried to go to Shatila, but I couldn't. After some effort, I managed to reach the outskirts of the camp where I saw the dead bodies and the atrocious scenes. The stories I heard from witnesses were too horrible that I couldn’t continue to listen," she recounts.
Kanaan was certain her daughter had also been killed in the massacre and amid the confusion afterwards was unable to find out what happened to her. It was only some years later that she found out that her daughter Maymana had survived the attack and was taken care of by neighbors.
Palestinian resistance fighters had already left the camp before the massacre, leaving only unarmed men, women and children, Kanaan said.
Several years after the attack, Kanaan moved to the Gaza Strip. As another anniversary of the massacre passes, she is calling upon international human rights groups, together with Arab states, to hold the perpetrators accountable.
"Two years ago, I visited Lebanon to pray to God on behalf of the martyrs from my family, and it was painful to see that nothing has changed in Sabra and Shatila," she says.
"Life is still intolerable in all refugee camps, but people are still dreaming they can return to their homeland."
The massacre took place after the Israeli invasion of Lebanon, when Christian Phalangist militias entered the Beirut camp under Israeli military watch to wreak retribution for the alleged assassination of their leader Bachir Gemayel.
Over three days, Palestinian refugees were killed in droves. At the time, the number of dead was estimated at 700, but eyewitness British reporter Robert Fisk says the number is closer to 1,700.
The Palestinian Red Crescent estimates that around 3,000 civilians were killed.
18 sept 2012
Three Palestinian farmers were wounded on Monday evening when they were attacked by Jewish settlers during their presence in their agricultural fields in Aqraba village south of Nablus city.
Eyewitness told a reporter for the Palestinian information center (PIC) a group of Jewish settlers physically attacked the farmers as they were preparing their olive fields for the harvest season.
They explained that six settlers pointed their guns at the farmers and embarked on beating them before one of the victims managed to escape and get help from the village, but the attackers fled the scene when they saw a crowd of villagers approaching.
Eyewitness told a reporter for the Palestinian information center (PIC) a group of Jewish settlers physically attacked the farmers as they were preparing their olive fields for the harvest season.
They explained that six settlers pointed their guns at the farmers and embarked on beating them before one of the victims managed to escape and get help from the village, but the attackers fled the scene when they saw a crowd of villagers approaching.
Israeli police forces have clashed with hundreds of Palestinians protesting against a US-made anti-Islam film in the east of the holy city of al-Quds (Jerusalem).
Protesters hurled stones and firebombs at a military checkpoint as they marched from the Shuafat camp toward a crossing that connects east and west al-quds, where they confronted Israeli security forces.
At least 20 demonstrators were wounded by tear gas and rubber bullets fired by Israeli police, according to an AFP correspondent.
Meanwhile in Ramallah, hundreds of Palestinians took part in a peaceful sit-in against the US-produced movie.
Outrage and anti-US sentiment is growing across the Muslim world over the Sacrilegious
movie that insults Prophet Mohammad (PBUH).
Last week, US Ambassador to Libya Christopher Stevens, along with three other consulate staff members, was killed in Benghazi after clashes involving a group of angry demonstrators near the consulate building.
The anti-Islam film has drawn condemnation from many countries including Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Belgium, Britain, Egypt, France, Indonesia, Iran, Nigeria, Pakistan, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Sweden, Tunisia and Yemen as well as the Vatican in Rome.
Fresh demonstrations were held in several Pakistani cities, including Quetta, Lahore and Islamabad, with protesters demanding the government to expel the US diplomats.
Sam Bacile, a real estate developer, has assumed responsibility for the film released on the 11th anniversary of the September 11 attacks, which he said was made thanks to Jewish donations totaling $ 5 million.
Over a dozen people have already been killed in protests since the release of the film.
Protesters hurled stones and firebombs at a military checkpoint as they marched from the Shuafat camp toward a crossing that connects east and west al-quds, where they confronted Israeli security forces.
At least 20 demonstrators were wounded by tear gas and rubber bullets fired by Israeli police, according to an AFP correspondent.
Meanwhile in Ramallah, hundreds of Palestinians took part in a peaceful sit-in against the US-produced movie.
Outrage and anti-US sentiment is growing across the Muslim world over the Sacrilegious
movie that insults Prophet Mohammad (PBUH).
Last week, US Ambassador to Libya Christopher Stevens, along with three other consulate staff members, was killed in Benghazi after clashes involving a group of angry demonstrators near the consulate building.
The anti-Islam film has drawn condemnation from many countries including Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Belgium, Britain, Egypt, France, Indonesia, Iran, Nigeria, Pakistan, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Sweden, Tunisia and Yemen as well as the Vatican in Rome.
Fresh demonstrations were held in several Pakistani cities, including Quetta, Lahore and Islamabad, with protesters demanding the government to expel the US diplomats.
Sam Bacile, a real estate developer, has assumed responsibility for the film released on the 11th anniversary of the September 11 attacks, which he said was made thanks to Jewish donations totaling $ 5 million.
Over a dozen people have already been killed in protests since the release of the film.
17 sept 2012
On Monday 17th September, Israeli Occupation forces raided at dawn, Yatta village south of Hebron in the West Bank and set up military checkpoints in several neighborhoods in the village.
Media sources in the village reported that the Occupation soldiers assaulted Usama Edeis, 36, from the village of yatta, and was transferred to Hebron Governmental Hospital for treatment.
Occupation patrols also raided several areas such as Al-fawar refugee camp, Jourah Bahlas area near the northern entrance of Hebron and Namrah neighborhood.
At the early hours of the morning, Israeli soldiers set military checkpoints at the main entrances of Beit awa village, west of Hebron and the soldiers deliberately stopped the vehicles, harassed the Palestinians and checked their IDs.
Media sources in the village reported that the Occupation soldiers assaulted Usama Edeis, 36, from the village of yatta, and was transferred to Hebron Governmental Hospital for treatment.
Occupation patrols also raided several areas such as Al-fawar refugee camp, Jourah Bahlas area near the northern entrance of Hebron and Namrah neighborhood.
At the early hours of the morning, Israeli soldiers set military checkpoints at the main entrances of Beit awa village, west of Hebron and the soldiers deliberately stopped the vehicles, harassed the Palestinians and checked their IDs.
16 sept 2012
A man was assaulted by Israeli soldiers on Sunday in the south Hebron hills, a peace group said.
"On the morning of September 16, around 8:00 a.m. nearby the Palestinian village of Majaz, a 38 year old man was attacked and injured while he was traveling in his car," Operation Dove said in a statement.
"According to Palestinian witnesses, 4 soldiers stopped him on the road and started to beat him and to damage his vehicle. Then the soldiers detained him for one hour near their hummer," the group added.
The man suffered injuries to his legs, chest and face.
Israeli security sources said that a group of eight infiltrators had tried to enter Israel in the south Hebron hills area and was stopped by Israeli forces.
One of the men tried to escape and hurt himself after falling over, the sources said.
Operation Dove has maintained an international presence in At-Tuwani and south Hebron hills since 2004.
"On the morning of September 16, around 8:00 a.m. nearby the Palestinian village of Majaz, a 38 year old man was attacked and injured while he was traveling in his car," Operation Dove said in a statement.
"According to Palestinian witnesses, 4 soldiers stopped him on the road and started to beat him and to damage his vehicle. Then the soldiers detained him for one hour near their hummer," the group added.
The man suffered injuries to his legs, chest and face.
Israeli security sources said that a group of eight infiltrators had tried to enter Israel in the south Hebron hills area and was stopped by Israeli forces.
One of the men tried to escape and hurt himself after falling over, the sources said.
Operation Dove has maintained an international presence in At-Tuwani and south Hebron hills since 2004.
15 sept 2012
Three Palestinians, including a woman, were injured on Friday evening when they were attacked by extremist Jewish settlers near Za'tara roadblock, south of the northern West Bank city of Nablus.
Local sources reported that the settlers hurled rocks at a Palestinian car near the roadblock injuring the passengers who were traveling from Ramallah to Qalqilya. The settlers then proceeded to beat the two men and woman who were traveling in the car.
The three were taken to Rafidia hospital in Nablus.
Palestinian injured by Israeli settlers near Nablus
In the village of Qusra, near Nablus in the northern West Bank, a group of armed Israeli settlers stormed the village on Saturday, injuring one Palestinian and sending people running for cover.
The settlers came by foot from the Esh Kodesh outpost, which is considered to be illegal both under international law and Israeli law. They were fully armed and came into the village with a massive show of force.
One man, 35-year old Tayseer Quda, was wounded when he was attacked by the Israeli settlers. He was taken to the Al Rafidia Hospital in Nablus for treatment.
This is the same village that was attacked by settlers last week. On that occasion, the settlers uprooted dozens of olive trees, contaminated the drinking water and wounded 15 Palestinians. No investigation of that incident has been launched by Israeli authorities.
Last year, settlers invaded Qusra and destroyed an ancient mosque, defacing its walls with slogans like ‘Mohammed is a pig’. Instead of investigating the attack, Israeli forces invaded the village and fired on villagers, killing a man, who was a relative of the man wounded by settlers on Saturday.
Local sources reported that the settlers hurled rocks at a Palestinian car near the roadblock injuring the passengers who were traveling from Ramallah to Qalqilya. The settlers then proceeded to beat the two men and woman who were traveling in the car.
The three were taken to Rafidia hospital in Nablus.
Palestinian injured by Israeli settlers near Nablus
In the village of Qusra, near Nablus in the northern West Bank, a group of armed Israeli settlers stormed the village on Saturday, injuring one Palestinian and sending people running for cover.
The settlers came by foot from the Esh Kodesh outpost, which is considered to be illegal both under international law and Israeli law. They were fully armed and came into the village with a massive show of force.
One man, 35-year old Tayseer Quda, was wounded when he was attacked by the Israeli settlers. He was taken to the Al Rafidia Hospital in Nablus for treatment.
This is the same village that was attacked by settlers last week. On that occasion, the settlers uprooted dozens of olive trees, contaminated the drinking water and wounded 15 Palestinians. No investigation of that incident has been launched by Israeli authorities.
Last year, settlers invaded Qusra and destroyed an ancient mosque, defacing its walls with slogans like ‘Mohammed is a pig’. Instead of investigating the attack, Israeli forces invaded the village and fired on villagers, killing a man, who was a relative of the man wounded by settlers on Saturday.
14 sept 2012
Israeli police have attacked Palestinians protesting against an anti-Islam film insulting the Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) in the occupied al-Quds (Jerusalem).
At least five people were injured after Israeli soldiers fired tear gas and stun grenades on hundreds of Palestinians protesting against the movie at Al-Aqsa Mosque following the Friday Prayers.
Israeli soldiers blocked the demonstrators from marching towards the United States consulate. A number of people have also been arrested following the clashes that broke out between the police and protesters.
The demonstrations against the movie began in Palestine on Wednesday during which the protesters burned the US flag in front of the United Nations headquarters in Gaza City.
The sacrilegious movie, which is made by an Israeli-American, has sparked protests across the Muslim world.
Angry protesters across the world have poured into the streets to condemn the blasphemous movie and demand the US government apologize to the Muslim world.
Protests have also erupted in several other countries including Egypt, Libya, Tunisia, Sudan, Indonesia, Malaysia and Pakistan in response to the sacrilegious film.
At least five people were injured after Israeli soldiers fired tear gas and stun grenades on hundreds of Palestinians protesting against the movie at Al-Aqsa Mosque following the Friday Prayers.
Israeli soldiers blocked the demonstrators from marching towards the United States consulate. A number of people have also been arrested following the clashes that broke out between the police and protesters.
The demonstrations against the movie began in Palestine on Wednesday during which the protesters burned the US flag in front of the United Nations headquarters in Gaza City.
The sacrilegious movie, which is made by an Israeli-American, has sparked protests across the Muslim world.
Angry protesters across the world have poured into the streets to condemn the blasphemous movie and demand the US government apologize to the Muslim world.
Protests have also erupted in several other countries including Egypt, Libya, Tunisia, Sudan, Indonesia, Malaysia and Pakistan in response to the sacrilegious film.
13 sept 2012
Several Israeli Tanks and armored vehicles invaded, on Wednesday at night, an area east of the Al-Maghazi refugee camp, in central Gaza, and opened sporadic fire, local sources reported.
Eyewitnesses said that two armored military bulldozers and two tanks invaded Al-Maghazi and uprooting Palestinian lands. No injuries were reported.
Also, a number of Israeli drones were heard and seen flying over the area while the army bulldozed the agricultural lands.
On Sunday at night, Israeli soldiers bombarded several areas in northern and southern Gaza, leading to extensive damage and several injuries. Children were among the wounded.
Two missiles were also fired into a center that belongs to the al-Qassam Brigades, the armed wing of Hamas, in at-Tuffah neighborhood, east of Gaza City. Damage was reported, no injuries.
Later on, the Israeli Air Force fired missiles targeted a siege-busting tunnel in al-Jaradat area, east of the Rafah Border Terminal, in the southern part of the Gaza Strip.
Several missiles were also fired into a Qassam training center, west of Beit Lahia, in the northern part of the Gaza Strip.
Spokesperson of the Palestinian Minister of Health, Dr. Ashraf al-Qudra, said that a 10-year-old child was moderately wounded when the army bombarded an area east of Rafah. The child was moved to Abu Yousef an-Najjar Hospital in the city.
Eyewitnesses said that two armored military bulldozers and two tanks invaded Al-Maghazi and uprooting Palestinian lands. No injuries were reported.
Also, a number of Israeli drones were heard and seen flying over the area while the army bulldozed the agricultural lands.
On Sunday at night, Israeli soldiers bombarded several areas in northern and southern Gaza, leading to extensive damage and several injuries. Children were among the wounded.
Two missiles were also fired into a center that belongs to the al-Qassam Brigades, the armed wing of Hamas, in at-Tuffah neighborhood, east of Gaza City. Damage was reported, no injuries.
Later on, the Israeli Air Force fired missiles targeted a siege-busting tunnel in al-Jaradat area, east of the Rafah Border Terminal, in the southern part of the Gaza Strip.
Several missiles were also fired into a Qassam training center, west of Beit Lahia, in the northern part of the Gaza Strip.
Spokesperson of the Palestinian Minister of Health, Dr. Ashraf al-Qudra, said that a 10-year-old child was moderately wounded when the army bombarded an area east of Rafah. The child was moved to Abu Yousef an-Najjar Hospital in the city.
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