27 dec 2008
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Israeli airstrikes continue to bombard Gaza and Palestinian military factions launch homemade projectiles at Israeli targets.
The toll for Saturday's violence is 235 Palestinians dead and 700 injured. Medical sources say most victims are arriving to Gaza City hospitals in "pieces," while Israeli sources reported one dead, five injured. Two massive waves of airstrikes dropped 100 bombs on Gaza at 11:30 and a second at approximately 2pm. Smaller strikes hit northern Gaza at 5:30 and 8pm. Israeli strikes targeted de facto government buildings; one Hamas source told Ma'an "every de facto security building was targeted." Confirmed casualties include Commander of the de facto Government Police Tawfiq Jabir, Governor of the Al-Wusta (central) |
Districts Ahmad Abu Aashur and Commander of Security and Protection Services in the de facto government police Ismail Al-Ja'bari.
Islam Shahwan, a Hamas police spokesman, said that the attacks destroyed most of the police headquarters in the Gaza Strip and that a police graduation ceremony was being held during the assault.
Saturday afternoon Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak declared the 20 square kilometers of Gaza a "special military zone." The classification is one degree below a declaration of total war against an enemy state.
Palestinian projectiles
Following the first wave of airstrikes Gazan militants fired projectiles towards the western Negev town of Netivot. One projectile made a direct hit on a civilian home, killing one man and injuring five others, one seriously.
As fighting petered out Saturday evening Palestinian militants launched a Russian-made Grad missile at the Israeli city of Ashkelon. The projectile did not explode. Several Brigades responded Saturday after dark by launching projectiles at Israeli targets. No new injuries have been reported.
Hamas response
Following the first wave of airstrikes Hamas has ordered its militant wing the Al-Qassam Brigades to respond "by any means necessary."
Hamas spokesman Fawzi Barhoum called for a massive response to the airstrikes and a renewal of operations within Israel. He also asked Palestinians to "remain patient in light of these Israeli crimes."
Islamic Jihad leader Khaled Al-Batsh said that the Israeli attack amounts to "open war" against Palestinians, intended "to put down the resistance."
Al-Batsh condemned international and Arab States for their "silence on such massacres." He also swore that what had happened "would never make the resistance factions surrender."
Later Saturday evening the de facto government announced three days of mourning for the Gaza dead and warned Israel that there would be consequences for their actions.
Hospitals overrun with dead bodies
Palestinian medical sources described at least 80 of the wounded as arriving to hospital in "pieces," and Head of Emergency and Ambulance Services in the Ministry of Health Muawiya Hassanain confirmed that medical crews were still pulling dozens from underneath rubble.
Hassanain sent a plea to all Arab governments to send medications and operating supplies to Gaza, saying most of the injured were too badly injured to be moved outside the Strip. Hospital corridors are filled with bodies and gurneys, and local morgues have run out of space.
Anyone with mild or moderate wounds has been sent home and refused follow-up treatment.
Palestinian protests in West Bank, East Jerusalem
As the news of the massive Israeli attacks in Gaza spread across the West Bank, demonstrations erupted in all West Bank cities as well as several neighborhoods of East Jerusalem.
In Hebron and Jerusalem demonstrating youth clashed with Israeli soldiers resulting in dozens of arrests and injuries.
Islam Shahwan, a Hamas police spokesman, said that the attacks destroyed most of the police headquarters in the Gaza Strip and that a police graduation ceremony was being held during the assault.
Saturday afternoon Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak declared the 20 square kilometers of Gaza a "special military zone." The classification is one degree below a declaration of total war against an enemy state.
Palestinian projectiles
Following the first wave of airstrikes Gazan militants fired projectiles towards the western Negev town of Netivot. One projectile made a direct hit on a civilian home, killing one man and injuring five others, one seriously.
As fighting petered out Saturday evening Palestinian militants launched a Russian-made Grad missile at the Israeli city of Ashkelon. The projectile did not explode. Several Brigades responded Saturday after dark by launching projectiles at Israeli targets. No new injuries have been reported.
Hamas response
Following the first wave of airstrikes Hamas has ordered its militant wing the Al-Qassam Brigades to respond "by any means necessary."
Hamas spokesman Fawzi Barhoum called for a massive response to the airstrikes and a renewal of operations within Israel. He also asked Palestinians to "remain patient in light of these Israeli crimes."
Islamic Jihad leader Khaled Al-Batsh said that the Israeli attack amounts to "open war" against Palestinians, intended "to put down the resistance."
Al-Batsh condemned international and Arab States for their "silence on such massacres." He also swore that what had happened "would never make the resistance factions surrender."
Later Saturday evening the de facto government announced three days of mourning for the Gaza dead and warned Israel that there would be consequences for their actions.
Hospitals overrun with dead bodies
Palestinian medical sources described at least 80 of the wounded as arriving to hospital in "pieces," and Head of Emergency and Ambulance Services in the Ministry of Health Muawiya Hassanain confirmed that medical crews were still pulling dozens from underneath rubble.
Hassanain sent a plea to all Arab governments to send medications and operating supplies to Gaza, saying most of the injured were too badly injured to be moved outside the Strip. Hospital corridors are filled with bodies and gurneys, and local morgues have run out of space.
Anyone with mild or moderate wounds has been sent home and refused follow-up treatment.
Palestinian protests in West Bank, East Jerusalem
As the news of the massive Israeli attacks in Gaza spread across the West Bank, demonstrations erupted in all West Bank cities as well as several neighborhoods of East Jerusalem.
In Hebron and Jerusalem demonstrating youth clashed with Israeli soldiers resulting in dozens of arrests and injuries.
A Bloody Day in Gaza: Over 230 killed, hundreds injured
A Bloody Day in Gaza: Over 230 killed, hundreds injured
More than 230 killed, hundreds injured due to Israeli bombings against Gaza
Israel is phoning civilians requesting they evacuate houses or they will be bombed
More bombings taking place Now
Casualties up to 230
Israeli army targets Al Shifa' hospital and a mosque
Gaza Strip, 27 Dec, 2008- Saturday morning started as usual but dramatically changed by 11AM. Sixty Israeli F16s bombarded around 100 police stations, civil and governmental offices across Gaza Strip. The bombardment which simultaneously took place left (at the time of writing)160 people killed and around 3 hundred wounded. A number of wounded is expected to die while many corpses still lie under the rubble of buildings.
Palestinian victims were an amalgamation of policemen and civilians who were visiting some police stations for civic affairs. Al Jawazat police station witnessed the bloodiest Israeli attack in which around 70 were killed, mostlypolicemen. The victims of police of Al Jawzat were holding a graduation ceremony for new young police groups.
A family of 9 members, 15 young children, and some women were killed but not recognized. The Ministry of Health is not able to recognize the ID's of casualties. Tawfiq Jaber, Director of Gaza police was killed in the air raids along with Ismail El Jabari head of the security section in the police. Governor of central Gaza governorates and camps was killed as Israel hit his car.
Ma'waya Hasanian, head of Emergency and Ambulances said that around 230 people were killed and 200 injured. He added that a big number of victims were civilians from women, children and old people. Civilian cars referred wounded civilians to the hospitals due to lack of medical cars and vehicles.
Gaza hospitals announced inability of receiving the wounded due to lack of medical equipment and tools. Corpses of Palestinians were thrown on the corridors, rooms and units of hospitals. Meanwhile 2-3 wounded victims shared one bed due to lack of medical equipment, a result of the Israeli siege imposed 2 years ago. Basim Nai'm, Health Minster in Gaza said that Gaza medical sector needs tens of kinds of medical equipment and tools. A number of 70 wounded were referred to an Egyptian hospital.
According to Naser Al laham, Chief-Editor of Maan News Agency said that around 60 Israeli warplanes carried out the Massacre which surprisingly took place in Gaza.
The raids targeted all areas of Gaza Strip, cities, villages and towns. The hit cities are Gaza, Rafah, Khanyonis, Nusairat, Maghazi, Bait Lahia, Jabalia, Bait Hanoun. Refugee camps of Jabalia, Al Shati', Rafah an mid areas were targeted as well. Some of the destroyed compounds included Palestinian prisoners under penal detention for criminal issues.
The Israeli bombings flagrantly violate all laws which call for protecting civilians. This was so obvious from the number of civilian casualties. The brutal bombings happened in time of school children were going home, after a normal day of study. A considerable number of children were killed, but medical soruces didn't announce official numbers in this respect. Identities of killed people are still unknown but a very few ones.
On the other side, Israel officially announced the start of a full-scale military operation in Gaza. She has called on settlers to go down to bunkers bordering Gaza after 1 Israeli was killed and several injured in a homemade rocket fired from Gaza.
Israeli official Television broadcasted footage of the settlements hit by Gazan fighters and ironically ignored what's happening in Gaza. The television stated that today's military operations is the start of a long-term massive war action against Gaza. Israeli army named the operation in Gaza "Lead Pouring Out" which entirely means surprisingly decapitation of Palestinian factions in Gaza.
Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak declared the 20 square kilometers of Gaza a "special military zone." The classification is one degree below a declaration of total war against an enemy state. The announcement was made Saturday morning.
Israeli Channel 10 announced that the current situation does not amount to a declaration of war, but the operation against the Gaza Strip is intended to last throughout Saturday and perhaps into Sunday. It asserted that Israel prepared an operation that could take several weeks. Preparations have also been taken to contain any expected response in the West Bank.
Ehud Barak said that this operation would roll out in all Gaza's areas and it will last for a longer time. He vowed of a painful military strike of Hamas pointing out "there is a time for peace and time for War." According to Barak the operation aims at toppling down Hamas government and stopping the homemade rockets.
Maan Agency reports: Israeli sources also asserted that the operation would not topple Hamas, but rather will ensure that homemade projectiles from the Gaza Strip will stop. This was confirmed in a statement released by the Prime Minister's office as well.
Regional efforts are being exerted to put pressure on Israel to immediately stop the war crimes perpetrated in Gaza. Turkey expressed its deep anger towards the surprising actions done by Israel. Turkish government held a meeting to discuss the possibilities of reaching a truce. Premire of Turkey, Abdallah Gul, condemned the Israeli brutal actions in Gaza.
Meanwhile Syrian President, Bashar Al Asad, Yemeni Presdient Ali Abdallah Saleh called for an immediate meeting for Arab league to discuss Gaza's situation. Additionally Qatar and the Sudan called on that too. An expected session for the United Nations would be heled upon a request from Arab countries.
On the popular level, demonstrations took place in the West Bank cities, Lebanon, Egypt and Jordan. Lebanese people protest in front of the Egyptian embassy in Beirut considering it has part of the siege on Gaza.
Israel warcraft still hovers on low distance on Gaza vowing of a hot night!
More than 230 killed, hundreds injured due to Israeli bombings against Gaza
Israel is phoning civilians requesting they evacuate houses or they will be bombed
More bombings taking place Now
Casualties up to 230
Israeli army targets Al Shifa' hospital and a mosque
Gaza Strip, 27 Dec, 2008- Saturday morning started as usual but dramatically changed by 11AM. Sixty Israeli F16s bombarded around 100 police stations, civil and governmental offices across Gaza Strip. The bombardment which simultaneously took place left (at the time of writing)160 people killed and around 3 hundred wounded. A number of wounded is expected to die while many corpses still lie under the rubble of buildings.
Palestinian victims were an amalgamation of policemen and civilians who were visiting some police stations for civic affairs. Al Jawazat police station witnessed the bloodiest Israeli attack in which around 70 were killed, mostlypolicemen. The victims of police of Al Jawzat were holding a graduation ceremony for new young police groups.
A family of 9 members, 15 young children, and some women were killed but not recognized. The Ministry of Health is not able to recognize the ID's of casualties. Tawfiq Jaber, Director of Gaza police was killed in the air raids along with Ismail El Jabari head of the security section in the police. Governor of central Gaza governorates and camps was killed as Israel hit his car.
Ma'waya Hasanian, head of Emergency and Ambulances said that around 230 people were killed and 200 injured. He added that a big number of victims were civilians from women, children and old people. Civilian cars referred wounded civilians to the hospitals due to lack of medical cars and vehicles.
Gaza hospitals announced inability of receiving the wounded due to lack of medical equipment and tools. Corpses of Palestinians were thrown on the corridors, rooms and units of hospitals. Meanwhile 2-3 wounded victims shared one bed due to lack of medical equipment, a result of the Israeli siege imposed 2 years ago. Basim Nai'm, Health Minster in Gaza said that Gaza medical sector needs tens of kinds of medical equipment and tools. A number of 70 wounded were referred to an Egyptian hospital.
According to Naser Al laham, Chief-Editor of Maan News Agency said that around 60 Israeli warplanes carried out the Massacre which surprisingly took place in Gaza.
The raids targeted all areas of Gaza Strip, cities, villages and towns. The hit cities are Gaza, Rafah, Khanyonis, Nusairat, Maghazi, Bait Lahia, Jabalia, Bait Hanoun. Refugee camps of Jabalia, Al Shati', Rafah an mid areas were targeted as well. Some of the destroyed compounds included Palestinian prisoners under penal detention for criminal issues.
The Israeli bombings flagrantly violate all laws which call for protecting civilians. This was so obvious from the number of civilian casualties. The brutal bombings happened in time of school children were going home, after a normal day of study. A considerable number of children were killed, but medical soruces didn't announce official numbers in this respect. Identities of killed people are still unknown but a very few ones.
On the other side, Israel officially announced the start of a full-scale military operation in Gaza. She has called on settlers to go down to bunkers bordering Gaza after 1 Israeli was killed and several injured in a homemade rocket fired from Gaza.
Israeli official Television broadcasted footage of the settlements hit by Gazan fighters and ironically ignored what's happening in Gaza. The television stated that today's military operations is the start of a long-term massive war action against Gaza. Israeli army named the operation in Gaza "Lead Pouring Out" which entirely means surprisingly decapitation of Palestinian factions in Gaza.
Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak declared the 20 square kilometers of Gaza a "special military zone." The classification is one degree below a declaration of total war against an enemy state. The announcement was made Saturday morning.
Israeli Channel 10 announced that the current situation does not amount to a declaration of war, but the operation against the Gaza Strip is intended to last throughout Saturday and perhaps into Sunday. It asserted that Israel prepared an operation that could take several weeks. Preparations have also been taken to contain any expected response in the West Bank.
Ehud Barak said that this operation would roll out in all Gaza's areas and it will last for a longer time. He vowed of a painful military strike of Hamas pointing out "there is a time for peace and time for War." According to Barak the operation aims at toppling down Hamas government and stopping the homemade rockets.
Maan Agency reports: Israeli sources also asserted that the operation would not topple Hamas, but rather will ensure that homemade projectiles from the Gaza Strip will stop. This was confirmed in a statement released by the Prime Minister's office as well.
Regional efforts are being exerted to put pressure on Israel to immediately stop the war crimes perpetrated in Gaza. Turkey expressed its deep anger towards the surprising actions done by Israel. Turkish government held a meeting to discuss the possibilities of reaching a truce. Premire of Turkey, Abdallah Gul, condemned the Israeli brutal actions in Gaza.
Meanwhile Syrian President, Bashar Al Asad, Yemeni Presdient Ali Abdallah Saleh called for an immediate meeting for Arab league to discuss Gaza's situation. Additionally Qatar and the Sudan called on that too. An expected session for the United Nations would be heled upon a request from Arab countries.
On the popular level, demonstrations took place in the West Bank cities, Lebanon, Egypt and Jordan. Lebanese people protest in front of the Egyptian embassy in Beirut considering it has part of the siege on Gaza.
Israel warcraft still hovers on low distance on Gaza vowing of a hot night!
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Human Rights Defenders speak from Gaza as Israel kills over 200 peopleHuman Rights Defenders from various countries are present in Gaza and are witnessing and documenting the current Israeli attacks on Gaza. Due to Israel’s policy of denying access to international media, human rights defenders and aid agencies to the Occupied Gaza Strip, many of these Human Rights Defenders arrived in Gaza with the Free Gaza Movement’s boats that have repeatedly broken the Israeli blockade of Gaza.
“At the time of the attacks I was on Omar Mukhtar street and witnessed a last rocket hit the street 150 meters away where crowds had already gathered to try to extract the dead bodies. Ambulances, trucks, cars – anything that can move is bringing injured to the hospitals. Hospitals have had to evacuate sick patients to make room for the injured. |
I have been told that there is not enough room in the morgues for the bodies and that there is a great lack of blood in the blood-banks. I have just learned that among the civilians killed today was the mother of my good friends in Jabalya.” – Eva Bartlett (Canada) International Solidarity Movement
“The Shifa Hospital is already overwhelmed with injured people and does not have the medicine or the capacity to treat them.” – Ewa Jasiewicz (Polish and British) Free Gaza Movment
“The morgue at the Shifa hospital has no more room for dead bodies, so bodies and body parts are strewn all over the hospital.” – Dr. Haidar Eid, (Palestinian, South African) Professor of Social and Cultural Studies, Al Aqsa University Gaza
“The bombs began to fall just as the children were on the streets walking back from school. I went out onto the stairs and a terrified 5 year old girl ran sobbing into my arms.”- Sharon Lock (Australian) International Solidarity Movement
“This is incredibly sad. This massacre is not going to bring security for the State of Israel or allow it to be part of the Middle East. Now calls of revenge are everywhere.” Dr Eyad Sarraj – President of the Gaza Community Mental Health Centre
“As I speak they have just hit a building 200 metres away. There is smoke everywhere. This morning I went to the building close to where I live in Rafah that had been hit. Two bulldozers were immediately attempting to clear the rubble. They thought they had found all the bodies. As we arrived one more was found.” Jenny Linnel (British) International Solidarity Movement
“The home I am staying in is across from the preventive security building. All the glass shattered here. The home has been severely damaged. Due to the siege there is no glass or building materials to repair the damage. This is more than just collective punishment.” Natalie Abu Eid (Lebanon) International Solidarity Movement
Human Rights Defenders in Gaza:
“The Shifa Hospital is already overwhelmed with injured people and does not have the medicine or the capacity to treat them.” – Ewa Jasiewicz (Polish and British) Free Gaza Movment
“The morgue at the Shifa hospital has no more room for dead bodies, so bodies and body parts are strewn all over the hospital.” – Dr. Haidar Eid, (Palestinian, South African) Professor of Social and Cultural Studies, Al Aqsa University Gaza
“The bombs began to fall just as the children were on the streets walking back from school. I went out onto the stairs and a terrified 5 year old girl ran sobbing into my arms.”- Sharon Lock (Australian) International Solidarity Movement
“This is incredibly sad. This massacre is not going to bring security for the State of Israel or allow it to be part of the Middle East. Now calls of revenge are everywhere.” Dr Eyad Sarraj – President of the Gaza Community Mental Health Centre
“As I speak they have just hit a building 200 metres away. There is smoke everywhere. This morning I went to the building close to where I live in Rafah that had been hit. Two bulldozers were immediately attempting to clear the rubble. They thought they had found all the bodies. As we arrived one more was found.” Jenny Linnel (British) International Solidarity Movement
“The home I am staying in is across from the preventive security building. All the glass shattered here. The home has been severely damaged. Due to the siege there is no glass or building materials to repair the damage. This is more than just collective punishment.” Natalie Abu Eid (Lebanon) International Solidarity Movement
Human Rights Defenders in Gaza:
Dr. Eyad Sarraj: (Arabic and English)
Ewa Jasiewicz (Polish and English) Dr. Haider Eid (English and Arabic) Sharon Lock (English) |
Vittorio Arrigoni (Italian)
Fida Qishta (English and Arabic) Jenny Linnel (English) Natalie Abu Shakra (Arabic and English) Eva Bartlett (English) |
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Yhia’s body will, God willing, go to paradise as a martyr and nothing remains but the tearful eyes of those who loved him and the hearty moans of the final farewell.
His mother said,” I had that hunch that something must have befallen him when the Israeli fighters pounded the Preventive Security Headquarters nearby.” However, she had not lost hope of finding him alive in one of the hospitals. She went searching for him with his grandmother, his father and all his kin, but in vain. He was not among the martyrs sprawling on Earth.
Hours went by fast, Yehia’s mother wiped her tears, muffled the moans of her heart, returned home to wait. However, the grandmother continued with the family members to look for Yahia ; a search which lasted very long hours till the end of the day. She was overpowered by pain and exasperation for the absence of her grandson. Her own sons decided to take her home. Near the Palestinian Red Crescent building, at Tall Al Hawa, she got out of the car to go home. Meanwhile, her sons went on their way to resume the search. On her way home, she noticed there was a fallen wall with something black underneath. Her heart told her it was Yahia. She called to her husband and sons, but none heard her.
The grandmother asked a civil defense officer who was trying to find martyrs under the rubble. The officer told her no martyrs were there and the black thing might be a plastic bag. Yahia’s brother was accidentally passing by. The grandmother begged him to examine that black thing underneath the rubble. At first sight, they saw a black jacket. When the civil defense staff started to remove the wall rubble by the bulldozer she said to them, “ His family has lost him, please, don’t rip his body.” The grandmother begged them to join hands so as to remove the wall remains. There underneath lies her beloved grandson, Yahia. He eyes filled with tears and a cry of pain escaped her mouth.
Yahia was the third child of his mother, but to her he ranked first as he was obedient and benign. She till laments losing him and keeps saying, “ He had promised to adorn my with the crown of his memorizing the whole Noble Qur’an, but, alas!, he has gone without memorizing it all. He had learnt seven parts only and stopped at the last verses of the Ana’m Sura.
Yahia’s mother still hears his voice reverberating in her ears reminding her of his dreams of growing up to be a computer engineer as he had always been a very high achiever throughout his schooling years. He was dreaming of becoming one day an inventor of some electronic devices but his dreams were shattered by the fatal electronic air-to-land missile.
His mother said,” I had that hunch that something must have befallen him when the Israeli fighters pounded the Preventive Security Headquarters nearby.” However, she had not lost hope of finding him alive in one of the hospitals. She went searching for him with his grandmother, his father and all his kin, but in vain. He was not among the martyrs sprawling on Earth.
Hours went by fast, Yehia’s mother wiped her tears, muffled the moans of her heart, returned home to wait. However, the grandmother continued with the family members to look for Yahia ; a search which lasted very long hours till the end of the day. She was overpowered by pain and exasperation for the absence of her grandson. Her own sons decided to take her home. Near the Palestinian Red Crescent building, at Tall Al Hawa, she got out of the car to go home. Meanwhile, her sons went on their way to resume the search. On her way home, she noticed there was a fallen wall with something black underneath. Her heart told her it was Yahia. She called to her husband and sons, but none heard her.
The grandmother asked a civil defense officer who was trying to find martyrs under the rubble. The officer told her no martyrs were there and the black thing might be a plastic bag. Yahia’s brother was accidentally passing by. The grandmother begged him to examine that black thing underneath the rubble. At first sight, they saw a black jacket. When the civil defense staff started to remove the wall rubble by the bulldozer she said to them, “ His family has lost him, please, don’t rip his body.” The grandmother begged them to join hands so as to remove the wall remains. There underneath lies her beloved grandson, Yahia. He eyes filled with tears and a cry of pain escaped her mouth.
Yahia was the third child of his mother, but to her he ranked first as he was obedient and benign. She till laments losing him and keeps saying, “ He had promised to adorn my with the crown of his memorizing the whole Noble Qur’an, but, alas!, he has gone without memorizing it all. He had learnt seven parts only and stopped at the last verses of the Ana’m Sura.
Yahia’s mother still hears his voice reverberating in her ears reminding her of his dreams of growing up to be a computer engineer as he had always been a very high achiever throughout his schooling years. He was dreaming of becoming one day an inventor of some electronic devices but his dreams were shattered by the fatal electronic air-to-land missile.
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More Information:
On that very cold unforgettable day, the 27th of December 2008, the war on Gaza started. On that day, Haneen with her sister Yasmine, were going back home after finishing her Arabic exam at school. When they arrived nearby the protective security center, the F-16 aircrafts were shooting their first missiles ever in that horrible unfair war on Gaza. These missiles were targeting that security center area, where Haneen and her sister were hit by the fragments of these missiles, and died at once. Sympathetic is the meaning of ‘Haneen’ in English. She was like her name; very sympathetic and merciful. Her mother said "my two daugthers were completing each other. Yasmine taught Haneen how to be strong and brave, while Haneen showed Yasmine the way of tenderness and compassion.” Haneen was very generous; always ready to give any of her personal properties to anyone in need. She donated many of her possessions to her school. Her Dreams: Haneen was very talented in math; that is why her mother was counting on her in helping her young brothers in math homework. She had her own special dream to finish her school and then specialize in surgery medical treatment. Everybody was amazed by her choice that doesn’t fit or reflect her peaceful and mild personality at all. Furthermore, Haneen had loved the patriotic songs. The closest song to her heart was ‘Palestine, the Land of Belief’, whose singer was killed too at the same day of her death! Every time her mother is hearing this song, she is remembering Haneen and streams of tears are flowing from her eyes. Last time Haneen called her father, who worked outside Gaza seven months before her passing away, she told him how deep she was missing him. And this was the last call and last words from the beloved daughter to her father. But that other call, at which he knew about her death, had a terrible impact on him, an effect that cannot be described in words. Exactly fifteen months is the age difference between Yasmine and Haneen. Their mother said “They were like twins. They wore same clothes. I bought for them same models. Since they were born," They lived together, loved their homeland together, and died together for this sad struggling land. |
Details of the last hours:
In a hurry, Yasmine, 17 years old, accompanied by her school mates, was reviewing the answers of the Arabic language exam. Then she went to her sister Haneen to go home together to be prepared for the next exam. While they were on their way back from Balqees Al-Yaman School, the Israeli war on Gaza started by the first F16 aircrafts' raid. This first strike was targeting the area of the Security Center, where the fragments of missiles hit Jasmine and Haneen who died at once, just like a huge number of the armless civilians. With a broken heart, her mother 'Om Aziz', started to describe how dear is her departed daughter, as she said, "Yasmine wasn't just a daughter; she was like a friend to me. I considered her as a friend to whom I was complaining and seeking her advice in many issues. She was my right hand, I wasn’t doing anything at home unless she was with me; I was relying on her even in cooking. May God have mercy on her soul; she was helping me so much.” Yasmine was taking the responsibility of teaching the English language to her brothers and sisters. The sad mother, Om Aziz, is still hearing Yasmine’s and Haneen’s whispers while they were arranging their mutual return back to home in that last morning of their death. She still remembers how they asked her to pray for them at that day to pass their exams successfully; how Yasmine has washed some of her clothes before going to the exam. Her Dreams: Yasmine was a student in the second secondary class. She was known by her plenty activities in the school. She was a member in the press club at school; a young journalist whose dream was to make an interview with the famous Palestinian caricaturist, Omayya Joha. Yasmine was about to realize her dream, but she died right before doing the interview. Her big dream was to be a journalist or a lawyer. She had always the vision to have her own business, just like her father; especially that she had a strong personality. Yasmine wrote also patriotic poems in a blue notebook. Today, this notebook is the most precious memory that she left for her family. She was too young to write such nationalistic poetry for her homeland. She loved her country, Palestine, so much, wrote poems for it; and died for it. But her love will never die; will remain alive with her poems. |
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The Children of Faris Al Ashi 33 standing next to the picture of their martyred father
“For the upcoming anniversary of the war, me and other women who lost husbands in the attack plan to give gifts to orphans who lost their fathers during the war. The gifts will be inscribed with the words “On this day you are the beloved ones of your mother.” We want children to remember they still have their mothers and they will always love them" |
On the morning of 27 December 2008, at approximately 11:30, Israeli F-16’s targeted a Gaza police initiation ceremony being held in the forecourt of “Arafat City”, a government complex located in Gaza City. The attack resulted in over 60 deaths and 150 injuries. This incident formed part of the wave of attacks which marked the commencement of Israel’s 23 day offensive on the Gaza Strip codenamed “Operation Cast Lead." Amongst those killed was 33 year old Faris Al Ashi, a member of the Gaza police force who was on duty at the time of the attack.
Like many of the wives who lost husbands during the offensive, Amna Al Ashi was left with sole responsibility for bringing up her and her deceased husband’s young children, Khawla, 6, Osama, 5, Yomna, 3, and Faris, 2, whom she was five months pregnant with at the time of the attack. Amna’s reaction to her challenging circumstances has been defiant, “I am a woman and I have the right to live my own life, many men have proposed but I choose to dedicate myself entirely to the cause of my children.” Discussing the last three years of her life, Amna is keen to press upon the mini victories that have kept her going along the way.
It is clear that Amna has thought carefully about the solutions to the problems faced by her children following the loss of their father. “After he lost his father Osama was very traumatised," says Amna, “he didn’t want to interact with others and he developed speech problems as a result. Even though he was very young I enrolled him in a local martial arts course. At first he didn’t not want to go, but slowly he gained confidence and now he is an orange belt and has overcome a huge amount of his shyness." Likewise, Amna has found a novel means to allow her children to express their trauma. “I registered Osama and Khawla in a course for movie animation. Of course their movies are based around their lives and those of their siblings and reflect a lot of what they are thinking and feeling. The movies give me an insight into their problems and allow me to talk with them about it." She plans to enrol all the children in traditional Palestinian Dabka (Dance) classes to make sure they grow up strong and healthy.
Nevertheless, Faris’ killing has left an empty space in the family life of the children and Amna . “My children see their cousins with their fathers, they hear them calling him “Baba” and they are deeply aware of the absence of a relationship with their own father” says Amna, “sometimes I try to make up for this by getting them to call me Baba, but it’s not the same, they need the feeling only their father could give them." The loss of her husband has also led to feelings of loneliness and isolation for Amna. “During the day I am strong for the children but at night I become weak, I need the arms of Faris, I need everything he gave to me."
Amna describes the initial year after Faris’s death as being the most traumatic. “At first I had huge trouble sleeping. The problem thankfully improved but I still find it difficult at times to sleep at night," says Amna. One way Amna has looked to keeping her outlook positive is to keep busy on projects and hobbies. “I want to keep myself busy with good goals for my life. Currently I’m busy setting up a Kindergarten, which I have already received funding for.” “For the upcoming anniversary of the war, me and other women who lost husbands in the attack plan to give gifts to orphans who lost their fathers during the war. The gifts will be inscribed with the words “On this day you are the beloved ones of your mother". We want children to remember they still have their mothers and they will always love them.
During the offensive, Israel illegally classified members of the civilian police force as combatants: this classification constitutes a wilful violation of the principle of distinction, a key component of customary international law. Hamas is a multi-faceted organisation, exercising governmental control of the Gaza Strip. As an organisation, it cannot be considered an armed group. Rather, a distinction must be made between Hamas’ armed and political/civil components. The Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades are the military wing of the Hamas organisation, they are an armed group, and are considered combatants according to IHL. However, Hamas’ political and civil wings are comprised of civilians, who are legally entitled to the protections associated with this status, provided they do not take an active part in hostilities. Civil police, and governmental officials cannot be considered combatants. Attacks intentionally directed against these individuals constitute wilful killing, a grave breach of the Geneva Conventions, and a violation of customary international law.
PCHR submitted a criminal complaint on behalf of Fares Al Ashi on 5 May 2009. To-date, no response has been received.
Like many of the wives who lost husbands during the offensive, Amna Al Ashi was left with sole responsibility for bringing up her and her deceased husband’s young children, Khawla, 6, Osama, 5, Yomna, 3, and Faris, 2, whom she was five months pregnant with at the time of the attack. Amna’s reaction to her challenging circumstances has been defiant, “I am a woman and I have the right to live my own life, many men have proposed but I choose to dedicate myself entirely to the cause of my children.” Discussing the last three years of her life, Amna is keen to press upon the mini victories that have kept her going along the way.
It is clear that Amna has thought carefully about the solutions to the problems faced by her children following the loss of their father. “After he lost his father Osama was very traumatised," says Amna, “he didn’t want to interact with others and he developed speech problems as a result. Even though he was very young I enrolled him in a local martial arts course. At first he didn’t not want to go, but slowly he gained confidence and now he is an orange belt and has overcome a huge amount of his shyness." Likewise, Amna has found a novel means to allow her children to express their trauma. “I registered Osama and Khawla in a course for movie animation. Of course their movies are based around their lives and those of their siblings and reflect a lot of what they are thinking and feeling. The movies give me an insight into their problems and allow me to talk with them about it." She plans to enrol all the children in traditional Palestinian Dabka (Dance) classes to make sure they grow up strong and healthy.
Nevertheless, Faris’ killing has left an empty space in the family life of the children and Amna . “My children see their cousins with their fathers, they hear them calling him “Baba” and they are deeply aware of the absence of a relationship with their own father” says Amna, “sometimes I try to make up for this by getting them to call me Baba, but it’s not the same, they need the feeling only their father could give them." The loss of her husband has also led to feelings of loneliness and isolation for Amna. “During the day I am strong for the children but at night I become weak, I need the arms of Faris, I need everything he gave to me."
Amna describes the initial year after Faris’s death as being the most traumatic. “At first I had huge trouble sleeping. The problem thankfully improved but I still find it difficult at times to sleep at night," says Amna. One way Amna has looked to keeping her outlook positive is to keep busy on projects and hobbies. “I want to keep myself busy with good goals for my life. Currently I’m busy setting up a Kindergarten, which I have already received funding for.” “For the upcoming anniversary of the war, me and other women who lost husbands in the attack plan to give gifts to orphans who lost their fathers during the war. The gifts will be inscribed with the words “On this day you are the beloved ones of your mother". We want children to remember they still have their mothers and they will always love them.
During the offensive, Israel illegally classified members of the civilian police force as combatants: this classification constitutes a wilful violation of the principle of distinction, a key component of customary international law. Hamas is a multi-faceted organisation, exercising governmental control of the Gaza Strip. As an organisation, it cannot be considered an armed group. Rather, a distinction must be made between Hamas’ armed and political/civil components. The Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades are the military wing of the Hamas organisation, they are an armed group, and are considered combatants according to IHL. However, Hamas’ political and civil wings are comprised of civilians, who are legally entitled to the protections associated with this status, provided they do not take an active part in hostilities. Civil police, and governmental officials cannot be considered combatants. Attacks intentionally directed against these individuals constitute wilful killing, a grave breach of the Geneva Conventions, and a violation of customary international law.
PCHR submitted a criminal complaint on behalf of Fares Al Ashi on 5 May 2009. To-date, no response has been received.
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GAZA: 27 December I was coming home after visiting a friend at 1130 on Saturday, when I heard the horrific sound of three huge explosions. Then a series of explosions rocked Gaza City. I live in the centre near a number of police buildings which were targeted first.
As I rushed home, I saw the main Gaza police station had been destroyed. Suddenly, another missile hit it again and, along with dozens of people nearby, I ran away. When I got home I found almost all the glass from the windows and doors was shattered due to the explosions.
I ran to the Shifa hospital to check on casualties and was shocked by the number of cars and ambulances bringing in the injured. There was panic everywhere.
In less than half an hour, the hospital was full of casualties. There was no space for more, yet the casualties kept coming. At the hospital I saw something I have never seen before - dead bodies outside on the floor. Everyone in Gaza has a relative or a friend killed or injured after these attacks.
Islamic Relief is working hard to get medical aid to the hospitals, which desperately need disposable equipment. We spoke to the committee at the Shifa Hospital to find out what's needed. We are now supplying it with syringes, sponges, surgical gloves and other such equipment.
Hospitals are so overwhelmed that they are now using normal beds for intensive care patients. Everything is so desperate. Only 50% of the ambulances are working. If the attacks go on for another week the doctors are going to have to start using old and traditional ways of treating the injured - that means no anaesthetic. We have to get new supplies in!
For two years, Palestinians in the Gaza Strip have been witnessing daily crises over shortages of food, fuel, health services in addition to severe poverty and unemployment. We have seen the closure of crossings and the banning of patients from travelling for medical treatment.
All these restrictions have slowly sucked the life out of Gazans and it's no exaggeration when I say that trying to live daily life is a struggle. But Gaza has not witnessed anything like this onslaught since 1967.
I used to describe what was going on in Gaza as a catastrophe, now I have no words. I received news that the brother of one of my work colleagues has been killed in the attacks. They had been looking for him all day and discovered him under the ruins of a destroyed building.
As I rushed home, I saw the main Gaza police station had been destroyed. Suddenly, another missile hit it again and, along with dozens of people nearby, I ran away. When I got home I found almost all the glass from the windows and doors was shattered due to the explosions.
I ran to the Shifa hospital to check on casualties and was shocked by the number of cars and ambulances bringing in the injured. There was panic everywhere.
In less than half an hour, the hospital was full of casualties. There was no space for more, yet the casualties kept coming. At the hospital I saw something I have never seen before - dead bodies outside on the floor. Everyone in Gaza has a relative or a friend killed or injured after these attacks.
Islamic Relief is working hard to get medical aid to the hospitals, which desperately need disposable equipment. We spoke to the committee at the Shifa Hospital to find out what's needed. We are now supplying it with syringes, sponges, surgical gloves and other such equipment.
Hospitals are so overwhelmed that they are now using normal beds for intensive care patients. Everything is so desperate. Only 50% of the ambulances are working. If the attacks go on for another week the doctors are going to have to start using old and traditional ways of treating the injured - that means no anaesthetic. We have to get new supplies in!
For two years, Palestinians in the Gaza Strip have been witnessing daily crises over shortages of food, fuel, health services in addition to severe poverty and unemployment. We have seen the closure of crossings and the banning of patients from travelling for medical treatment.
All these restrictions have slowly sucked the life out of Gazans and it's no exaggeration when I say that trying to live daily life is a struggle. But Gaza has not witnessed anything like this onslaught since 1967.
I used to describe what was going on in Gaza as a catastrophe, now I have no words. I received news that the brother of one of my work colleagues has been killed in the attacks. They had been looking for him all day and discovered him under the ruins of a destroyed building.
Days: Jan 18 - 17 - 16 - 15 - 14 - 13 - 12 - 11 - 10 - 9 - 8 - 7 - 6 - 5 - 4 - 3 - 2 - 1 - Dec 31 - 30 - 29 - 28 - 27