17 july 2014
The Israeli air force shot down an unmanned aerial vehicle over the southern Israeli city of Ashkelon on Thursday evening, in what is possibly the second Palestinian drone to enter Israeli airspace since hostilities began 10 days ago.
The military said in a statement that the air force "located and successfully intercepted an unmanned aerial vehicle which was identified near Ashkelon," adding that they "engaged the vehicle mid-flight with a 'Patriot' surface to air missile."
Although Israel regularly flies drones over the Gaza Strip -- both during war and peace time -- Palestinian groups have rarely used drones against Israel.
On July 14, Israeli forces shot down a Hamas drone over Ashdod, about halfway between Gaza and southern Tel Aviv.
The group's military wing al-Qassam Brigades claimed responsibility for the drone, saying that it was not the first operation of its kind and that the drones had carried out "tasks" above the Israeli Ministry of Defense in Tel Aviv.
Since Israel launched its most recent assault on Gaza 10 days ago, 236 Palestinians have been killed and more 1,700 injured.
One Israeli has been killed, meanwhile, and around six have been injured.
The military said in a statement that the air force "located and successfully intercepted an unmanned aerial vehicle which was identified near Ashkelon," adding that they "engaged the vehicle mid-flight with a 'Patriot' surface to air missile."
Although Israel regularly flies drones over the Gaza Strip -- both during war and peace time -- Palestinian groups have rarely used drones against Israel.
On July 14, Israeli forces shot down a Hamas drone over Ashdod, about halfway between Gaza and southern Tel Aviv.
The group's military wing al-Qassam Brigades claimed responsibility for the drone, saying that it was not the first operation of its kind and that the drones had carried out "tasks" above the Israeli Ministry of Defense in Tel Aviv.
Since Israel launched its most recent assault on Gaza 10 days ago, 236 Palestinians have been killed and more 1,700 injured.
One Israeli has been killed, meanwhile, and around six have been injured.
The Israeli army said on Thursday afternoon that a soldier was injured by mortar fire from Gaza, as Israeli forces bombarded the Gaza Strip hours after the end of a temporary ceasefire.
The Israeli military said in a statement that the soldier was "lightly injured" in the attack.
Since 3 p.m., Palestinian militants have fired 105 rockets into Israel, mostly in the direction of Eshkol and Ashkelon, according to the military.
85 hit Israel and only 20 were intercepted by the Iron Dome missile defense system, the military said.
Three other Israelis were reported hurt after they fell while in the process of running to a safety shelter, including two in Petah Tikva and Tel Aviv, as well as one who was hurt from panic in Rosh Haayin, according to medical sources.
Two of the rockets were intercepted by the Iron Dome missile defense system over Tel Aviv.
Since the beginning of hostilities 10 days ago, Palestinian militants have fired more than 1,300 rockets into Israel, killing one and injuring around six.
In the same period, Israel has killed 236 Palestinians and injured more than 1,700.
The Israeli military said in a statement that the soldier was "lightly injured" in the attack.
Since 3 p.m., Palestinian militants have fired 105 rockets into Israel, mostly in the direction of Eshkol and Ashkelon, according to the military.
85 hit Israel and only 20 were intercepted by the Iron Dome missile defense system, the military said.
Three other Israelis were reported hurt after they fell while in the process of running to a safety shelter, including two in Petah Tikva and Tel Aviv, as well as one who was hurt from panic in Rosh Haayin, according to medical sources.
Two of the rockets were intercepted by the Iron Dome missile defense system over Tel Aviv.
Since the beginning of hostilities 10 days ago, Palestinian militants have fired more than 1,300 rockets into Israel, killing one and injuring around six.
In the same period, Israel has killed 236 Palestinians and injured more than 1,700.
Ten Palestinians including three children from the same family were killed and many others were injured in renewed Israeli airstrikes on the Gaza Strip on Thursday.
The deaths brought the total number of Palestinians killed in 10 days of hostilities to over 240 and at least 1,770 injured.
The airstrikes came immediately after a temporary five-hour humanitarian ceasefire between Hamas and Israel ended, and as Palestinian militants fired rockets across southern Israel.
In the latest attacks, three Palestinians were killed in Israeli tank shelling in the east of the Gaza Strip, medics said. Emergency services spokesman Ashraf al-Qudra said they were killed east of the Shajaiyya area.
A Ma'an correspondent identified them as Abed Ali Natheer, 26, Mohammad Shadi Nateez,15, and Mohammad Salim Natiz, 4.
The deaths brought the total number of Palestinians killed in 10 days of hostilities to over 240 and at least 1,770 injured.
The airstrikes came immediately after a temporary five-hour humanitarian ceasefire between Hamas and Israel ended, and as Palestinian militants fired rockets across southern Israel.
In the latest attacks, three Palestinians were killed in Israeli tank shelling in the east of the Gaza Strip, medics said. Emergency services spokesman Ashraf al-Qudra said they were killed east of the Shajaiyya area.
A Ma'an correspondent identified them as Abed Ali Natheer, 26, Mohammad Shadi Nateez,15, and Mohammad Salim Natiz, 4.
Also Thursday, three children were killed in a strike on the house of the Shuhaibar family in the Sabra neighborhood of Gaza City, in an attack that also injured three other members of the family.
The three dead children were identified as Fulla Tariq Shuhaibar, Jihad Issam Shuhaibar, and Wasim Issam Shuhaibar.
An Israeli army targets a house for al-Jbour family in Khan Younis, killing Rahaf Khalil al-Jbour, 4.
Yassin al-Humaidi, 4, also died of injuries sustained during a strike on Gaza City.
An Israeli airstrike also hit Beit Hanoun in the northern Gaza Strip at 4:35 p.m. Thursday, killing a man.
Spokesperson for the Palestinian Ministry of Health Ashraf al-Qidra said that the body of Ismail Youssef al-Kafarneh arrived at a hospital in Beit Hanoun after he was found dead in his home following an airstrike.
Hamza al-Ubadala was also killed in an airstrike on Beit Hanoun.
The Israeli military confirmed that they had launched approximately 30 air strikes since 3 p.m., targeting "terror sites" including "11 concealed rocket launchers, a weapon manufacturing facility, and 11 attacks against terror tunnels."
The three dead children were identified as Fulla Tariq Shuhaibar, Jihad Issam Shuhaibar, and Wasim Issam Shuhaibar.
An Israeli army targets a house for al-Jbour family in Khan Younis, killing Rahaf Khalil al-Jbour, 4.
Yassin al-Humaidi, 4, also died of injuries sustained during a strike on Gaza City.
An Israeli airstrike also hit Beit Hanoun in the northern Gaza Strip at 4:35 p.m. Thursday, killing a man.
Spokesperson for the Palestinian Ministry of Health Ashraf al-Qidra said that the body of Ismail Youssef al-Kafarneh arrived at a hospital in Beit Hanoun after he was found dead in his home following an airstrike.
Hamza al-Ubadala was also killed in an airstrike on Beit Hanoun.
The Israeli military confirmed that they had launched approximately 30 air strikes since 3 p.m., targeting "terror sites" including "11 concealed rocket launchers, a weapon manufacturing facility, and 11 attacks against terror tunnels."
Rahaf Khalil al-Jbour
Four Palestinians were also injured in an Israeli airstrike at eastern al-Bureij in central Gaza Strip.
Israeli warplanes also targeted a farm in al-Qarrara town in northern Khan Younis inthe southern Gaza Strip, open land in eastern al-Maghazi, land belonging to the Judeh family in Jabaliya and another strike near three houses in al-Zawaideh.
At 4:10 p.m., an hour and ten minutes after the end of "ceasefire" period, an airstrike targeted an open area in Beit Lahiya in northern Gaza Strip.
No injuries were reported in that strike.
Another airstrike at 4:20 p.m. hit a house in al-Shujaiyeh.
Israel declared earlier that two rockets hit Ashkelon at 3:02 p.m., just as the "ceasefire" period ended.
At 3:35 p.m. al-Qassam Brigades claimed responsibility of targeting "Kibbutz Nirim" with three mortar shells and targeting Kissufim with two 107 missiles.
Israel also said that a rocket hit an open area in Beersheba, with no injuries or damages reported.
Al-Nasser Salah al-Din Brigades said that they targeted Ashkelon city with two grad missiles at 3:05 p.m.
The military wing of Hamas, the al-Qassam Brigades, claimed responsibility for rockets that hit Sderot.
Abu Ali Mustafa Brigades claimed responsibility for the targeting of Nahil Oz with three rockets.
The National Resistance and the al-Nasser Salah al-Din Brigades said they targeted Sufa with two 107 rockets.
Al-Quds Brigades said that they targeted a military site and Sdirot with nine missiles, and the Beit Hanoun "Erez" crossing with two mortar shells.
Minutes After End of Five Hour ‘Humanitarian Pause’, Israel Bombs Homes, Kills 7 Children, 3 Adults
Four Palestinians were also injured in an Israeli airstrike at eastern al-Bureij in central Gaza Strip.
Israeli warplanes also targeted a farm in al-Qarrara town in northern Khan Younis inthe southern Gaza Strip, open land in eastern al-Maghazi, land belonging to the Judeh family in Jabaliya and another strike near three houses in al-Zawaideh.
At 4:10 p.m., an hour and ten minutes after the end of "ceasefire" period, an airstrike targeted an open area in Beit Lahiya in northern Gaza Strip.
No injuries were reported in that strike.
Another airstrike at 4:20 p.m. hit a house in al-Shujaiyeh.
Israel declared earlier that two rockets hit Ashkelon at 3:02 p.m., just as the "ceasefire" period ended.
At 3:35 p.m. al-Qassam Brigades claimed responsibility of targeting "Kibbutz Nirim" with three mortar shells and targeting Kissufim with two 107 missiles.
Israel also said that a rocket hit an open area in Beersheba, with no injuries or damages reported.
Al-Nasser Salah al-Din Brigades said that they targeted Ashkelon city with two grad missiles at 3:05 p.m.
The military wing of Hamas, the al-Qassam Brigades, claimed responsibility for rockets that hit Sderot.
Abu Ali Mustafa Brigades claimed responsibility for the targeting of Nahil Oz with three rockets.
The National Resistance and the al-Nasser Salah al-Din Brigades said they targeted Sufa with two 107 rockets.
Al-Quds Brigades said that they targeted a military site and Sdirot with nine missiles, and the Beit Hanoun "Erez" crossing with two mortar shells.
Minutes After End of Five Hour ‘Humanitarian Pause’, Israel Bombs Homes, Kills 7 Children, 3 Adults
Image By Gaza Ministry Of Health
Seven Palestinians were killed on Wednesday afternoon when Israeli airstrikes began again after a five hour pause to allow humanitarian supplies to enter Gaza. The first major airstrike hit a family’s home, killing three small children. A separate airstrike killed a 4-year old child in Khan Younis, and a 4-year old in Gaza City died of his injuries.
Just after 3 pm on Thursday, which had been set as the time that a five-hour ‘pause’ in bombing would end, Israeli bombs hit the family home of the Shuhaibar family, located in the Sabra neighborhood of Gaza City.
Seven Palestinians were killed on Wednesday afternoon when Israeli airstrikes began again after a five hour pause to allow humanitarian supplies to enter Gaza. The first major airstrike hit a family’s home, killing three small children. A separate airstrike killed a 4-year old child in Khan Younis, and a 4-year old in Gaza City died of his injuries.
Just after 3 pm on Thursday, which had been set as the time that a five-hour ‘pause’ in bombing would end, Israeli bombs hit the family home of the Shuhaibar family, located in the Sabra neighborhood of Gaza City.
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Three children, identified as:
1. Fulla Tariq Shuhaibar, 8 2. Jihad Issam Shuhaibar, 10, and 3. Wasim Issam Shuhaibar, 9 were killed. That bombing also wounded three other members of the Shuhaibar family. In Khan Younis, Israeli airstrikes targeted the home of the al-Jbour family, killing: 4. Rahaf Khalil al-Jbour, 4. Another child died of wounds sustained in an earlier airstrike on a home in |
Gaza City. He was identified as:
5. Yassin al-Humaidi, 4, also died of injuries sustained during a strike on Gaza City.
Israeli forces announced that they carried out more than thirty airstrikes in the hours following the end of the ‘humanitarian pause’. A spokesperson claimed that they targeted a weapon manufacturing facility, smuggling tunnels and rocket launchers. But Palestinian eyewitnesses noted that the airstrikes had targeted homes, killing children.
One of the Israeli airstrikes, in Beit Hanoun around 4:30 pm, killed:
6. Ismail Youssef al-Kafarneh
And a separate airstrike in Khan Younis resulted in the death of one Palestinian:
7. Hamza Hussein al-'Abadala, 29
An airstrike on Gaza City Wednesday afternoon killed three members of the same family, killing a teen and a child. The Ministry of Health identified those killed as:
8. Abed Ali Nteiz, 26
9. Mohammad Shadi Nteiz, 15
10. Mohammad Salem Nteiz, 4
The three were taken to the Shifa Hospital, where they were pronounced dead.
Israeli tanks targeted Wafa hospital in northern Gaza around 9 pm, wounding several patients. This is a rehabilitation hospital with 14 patients who have been unable to evacuate because they are paralyzed or in comas, according to Hospital Director Basman al-Ashi. Israeli troops have told the staff to evacuate the hospital, but the staff are unable to move the patients, and there is no space in any other hospital to bring them, even if they were able to move.
In an airstrike in al-Bureij, in central Gaza, four Palestinians were seriously injured. Airstrikes were reported in al-Qarrara town in northern Khan Younis, in eastern al-Maghazi, in Jabaliya targeting land belonging to the Judeh family, in al-Shujaiyeh and in al-Zawaideh. These airstrikes caused dozens of injuries – the injured were taken to Palestinian hospitals, which are already overwhelmed by the number of injured people they are having to treat. The newly-injured Palestinians have had to remain in the corridors of the hospital, since all the rooms are full.
5. Yassin al-Humaidi, 4, also died of injuries sustained during a strike on Gaza City.
Israeli forces announced that they carried out more than thirty airstrikes in the hours following the end of the ‘humanitarian pause’. A spokesperson claimed that they targeted a weapon manufacturing facility, smuggling tunnels and rocket launchers. But Palestinian eyewitnesses noted that the airstrikes had targeted homes, killing children.
One of the Israeli airstrikes, in Beit Hanoun around 4:30 pm, killed:
6. Ismail Youssef al-Kafarneh
And a separate airstrike in Khan Younis resulted in the death of one Palestinian:
7. Hamza Hussein al-'Abadala, 29
An airstrike on Gaza City Wednesday afternoon killed three members of the same family, killing a teen and a child. The Ministry of Health identified those killed as:
8. Abed Ali Nteiz, 26
9. Mohammad Shadi Nteiz, 15
10. Mohammad Salem Nteiz, 4
The three were taken to the Shifa Hospital, where they were pronounced dead.
Israeli tanks targeted Wafa hospital in northern Gaza around 9 pm, wounding several patients. This is a rehabilitation hospital with 14 patients who have been unable to evacuate because they are paralyzed or in comas, according to Hospital Director Basman al-Ashi. Israeli troops have told the staff to evacuate the hospital, but the staff are unable to move the patients, and there is no space in any other hospital to bring them, even if they were able to move.
In an airstrike in al-Bureij, in central Gaza, four Palestinians were seriously injured. Airstrikes were reported in al-Qarrara town in northern Khan Younis, in eastern al-Maghazi, in Jabaliya targeting land belonging to the Judeh family, in al-Shujaiyeh and in al-Zawaideh. These airstrikes caused dozens of injuries – the injured were taken to Palestinian hospitals, which are already overwhelmed by the number of injured people they are having to treat. The newly-injured Palestinians have had to remain in the corridors of the hospital, since all the rooms are full.
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Hamas' military wing said Thursday that a group of its fighters entered southern Israel and returned safely.
A group of fighters managed to "infiltrate behind the enemy lines in the Sufa area at 4 in the morning. The group came under enemy fire during withdrawal after they completed their mission." The al-Qassam Brigades said no casualties were reported. Thirteen Gaza fighters emerged from a tunnel under the southern Gaza border, and were headed towards Sufa kibbutz, a small community just over a kilometer away, when they were spotted, Israeli army spokesman |
Lieutenant Colonel Peter Lerner told journalists.
Israeli forces killed at least one of the militants in an air raid, he said, leaving the rest rushing back towards the tunnel.
Israeli forces killed at least one of the militants in an air raid, he said, leaving the rest rushing back towards the tunnel.
After days of empty streets and shuttered shops, Gaza City sprang back to life on Thursday during a fragile UN-negotiated humanitarian truce between Hamas and Israel to halt cross-border fire.
The Islamist movement and Israel began observing the five-hour ceasefire at 10 a.m., after 10 days of violence that has killed at least 230 Palestinians and one Israeli.
And hours later the ceasefire appeared to be holding despite reports that three mortar rounds fired from Gaza hit southern Israel.
The people of Gaza City immediately took advantage, taking to the streets in their cars and forcing police to try to negotiate the traffic jams that suddenly formed.
And outside banks in the city, crowds of hundreds of people massed on ATMs, eager to withdraw money to buy supplies before the five-hour truce ends at 1200 GMT.
"I've been borrowing money from people to get by, and now I'm going to be able to pay them back," said Abdul Qassam Ataneh, waiting outside a branch of the Bank of Palestine.
"The truce is a chance for people to get out of their homes and get money and supplies.
"Ramadan comes with a lot of expenses," he added, in reference to the ongoing Muslim month of fasting.
But two and a half hours into the truce, three mortar rounds were fired from Gaza into the southern Israeli region of Eshkol, the Israeli military said.
There was no immediate claim of responsibility from militants in Gaza.
Before the mortar attack, Mohamed Nasr said he was happy with the brief truce, but wished the hours were longer.
"It's not enough. People need to go out and get supplies and to get their belongings. It should have been from 7:00 am until dusk," he told AFP.
"We've been stuck in our houses during this war, because of the violence. It's like living under curfew."
The Islamist movement and Israel began observing the five-hour ceasefire at 10 a.m., after 10 days of violence that has killed at least 230 Palestinians and one Israeli.
And hours later the ceasefire appeared to be holding despite reports that three mortar rounds fired from Gaza hit southern Israel.
The people of Gaza City immediately took advantage, taking to the streets in their cars and forcing police to try to negotiate the traffic jams that suddenly formed.
And outside banks in the city, crowds of hundreds of people massed on ATMs, eager to withdraw money to buy supplies before the five-hour truce ends at 1200 GMT.
"I've been borrowing money from people to get by, and now I'm going to be able to pay them back," said Abdul Qassam Ataneh, waiting outside a branch of the Bank of Palestine.
"The truce is a chance for people to get out of their homes and get money and supplies.
"Ramadan comes with a lot of expenses," he added, in reference to the ongoing Muslim month of fasting.
But two and a half hours into the truce, three mortar rounds were fired from Gaza into the southern Israeli region of Eshkol, the Israeli military said.
There was no immediate claim of responsibility from militants in Gaza.
Before the mortar attack, Mohamed Nasr said he was happy with the brief truce, but wished the hours were longer.
"It's not enough. People need to go out and get supplies and to get their belongings. It should have been from 7:00 am until dusk," he told AFP.
"We've been stuck in our houses during this war, because of the violence. It's like living under curfew."
A rocket from Gaza struck the Israeli city of Ashkelon on Thursday, immediately after a temporary five-hour ceasefire between Israel and Hamas ended.
Two rockets were launched from the Gaza Strip toward southern Israel, but the Israeli military reported that only one hit the town of Ashkelon.
Another rocket fired toward Eshkol caused sirens to go off in that city, but the rocket landed short and fell in Gaza, according to the military.
In the last 10 days, more than 1,200 Palestinian rockets fired from Gaza into Israel have killed one and injured around five.
Israel has killed 230 Palestinians and injured more than 1,600 during the assault.
Two rockets were launched from the Gaza Strip toward southern Israel, but the Israeli military reported that only one hit the town of Ashkelon.
Another rocket fired toward Eshkol caused sirens to go off in that city, but the rocket landed short and fell in Gaza, according to the military.
In the last 10 days, more than 1,200 Palestinian rockets fired from Gaza into Israel have killed one and injured around five.
Israel has killed 230 Palestinians and injured more than 1,600 during the assault.
Israel launched a mortar into the Gaza Strip on Thursday after a soldier was lightly wounded by an explosion near the border, the Israeli military said.
The soldier was injured during "operational activity" in the southern Gaza Strip, the military said in a statement.
The incident comes in the final hours of a fragile six-hour humanitarian ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, which was proposed by a United Nations envoy the day before.
Since the beginning of hostilities in Gaza ten days ago, 230 Palestinians have been killed and more than 1,678 injured, while one Israeli has been killed and around five injured.
The soldier was injured during "operational activity" in the southern Gaza Strip, the military said in a statement.
The incident comes in the final hours of a fragile six-hour humanitarian ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, which was proposed by a United Nations envoy the day before.
Since the beginning of hostilities in Gaza ten days ago, 230 Palestinians have been killed and more than 1,678 injured, while one Israeli has been killed and around five injured.
A senior Israeli official says that a new, comprehensive cease-fire between Hamas and Israel has been agreed upon in Cairo talks, the BBC said, with hostilities to be halted at 6 a.m. Friday morning.
The agreement comes midway through a temporary five-hour truce that began at 10 a.m. Thursday morning.
Tweet: Hamas officials saying they don't know anything about supposed ceasefire deal
The agreement comes midway through a temporary five-hour truce that began at 10 a.m. Thursday morning.
Tweet: Hamas officials saying they don't know anything about supposed ceasefire deal
Haitham Sabbah @sabbah BREAKING : Israel's channel 10 quoting anonymous official disputing BBC report that 'comprehensive ceasefire' agreed upon
Israeli journalist: 'Egypt's ceasefire proposal grants Israel international legitimacy to bomb Gaza'
President Sisi
He also hailed the Egyptian regime for the ceasefire proposal, considering it 'a very calculated move, optimal for both Egypt and Israel'
The Sisi regime in Cairo is a crucial ally to Israel in its efforts to crush Palestinian resistance, Israeli commentator Ron Ben-Yishai said on Tuesday.
In his column for Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper, Ben-Yishai said that the Egyptian regime, led by President Abdel Fatah Al-Sisi, is working jointly with Israel to slowly undermine Gaza's military capabilities by its destruction of tunnels and its closure of the Rafah border crossing.
He also hailed the Egyptian regime for the ceasefire proposal, considering it "a very calculated move, optimal for both Egypt and Israel".
Ben-Yishai added that the Egyptian proposal "has granted Israel international legitimacy to continue to crush Hamas from the air. It has also received the Egyptians as a partner for the arduous negotiations with Hamas, and Al-Sisi's goodwill in preventing the strengthening of Hamas and Islamic Jihad in the future."
He went on to say that Egypt will remain an Israeli ally so long as Al-Sisi remains in power, because of his efforts to prevent the smuggling of weapons into Gaza.
"That Egypt remains the broker also works to Israel's advantage. The Egyptians are now committed to restoring the calm and preventing the smuggling of weapons into Gaza, and will probably remain so as long as Al-Sisi is in power," he said.
He also hailed the Egyptian regime for the ceasefire proposal, considering it 'a very calculated move, optimal for both Egypt and Israel'
The Sisi regime in Cairo is a crucial ally to Israel in its efforts to crush Palestinian resistance, Israeli commentator Ron Ben-Yishai said on Tuesday.
In his column for Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper, Ben-Yishai said that the Egyptian regime, led by President Abdel Fatah Al-Sisi, is working jointly with Israel to slowly undermine Gaza's military capabilities by its destruction of tunnels and its closure of the Rafah border crossing.
He also hailed the Egyptian regime for the ceasefire proposal, considering it "a very calculated move, optimal for both Egypt and Israel".
Ben-Yishai added that the Egyptian proposal "has granted Israel international legitimacy to continue to crush Hamas from the air. It has also received the Egyptians as a partner for the arduous negotiations with Hamas, and Al-Sisi's goodwill in preventing the strengthening of Hamas and Islamic Jihad in the future."
He went on to say that Egypt will remain an Israeli ally so long as Al-Sisi remains in power, because of his efforts to prevent the smuggling of weapons into Gaza.
"That Egypt remains the broker also works to Israel's advantage. The Egyptians are now committed to restoring the calm and preventing the smuggling of weapons into Gaza, and will probably remain so as long as Al-Sisi is in power," he said.
Palestinian medical sources reported that a Palestinian man died of serious injuries, suffered when the army bombarded Rafah, earlier Thursday. An elderly man was instantly killed in the attack.
The sources said the Mohammad Ahmad al-Hout, 41, was seriously injured by Israeli shells, in the al-Jneina neighborhood in Rafah.
During the attack, and elderly man, identified as Mohammad Hassouna, 67, was instantly killed, while al-Hout was seriously wounded.
They were among many Palestinians injured when an Israeli drone fired a missile at worshipers leaving a local mosque, following dawn prayers.
231 Palestinians, mainly children, women, and elderly, have been killed by Israeli missiles and shells since Tuesday July 8th.
The Ministry of Health in Gaza said that more than 1700 Palestinians have been injured; most of them are children, women, and elderly, while many reporters have also been injured.
On the political level, the official Egyptian TV stated Thursday that “mediated negotiations for a truce between Israel and the resistance in Gaza are advancing on a number of issues, while several issues remain a point of contention”.
It said that “a new truce could be declared on Friday morning, should all obstacles be removed”, adding that the one of the main issues is Israel’s rejection to release all Palestinians, who were released under the Shalit Prisoner swap agreement of October 2011, and were rearrested recently by Israel in the West Bank.
Israel TV, Channel 10, has reported that the Israeli offensive on Gaza “likely reached its final stages”, and that a ceasefire agreement could be reached on Thursday at night, or Friday morning, due to what has been described as “Egyptian pressure on Israel and the resistance in Gaza”.
Israel insists that any agreement should not include the release of the detainees, but should only be focused on other issues, mainly “security”.
The sources said the Mohammad Ahmad al-Hout, 41, was seriously injured by Israeli shells, in the al-Jneina neighborhood in Rafah.
During the attack, and elderly man, identified as Mohammad Hassouna, 67, was instantly killed, while al-Hout was seriously wounded.
They were among many Palestinians injured when an Israeli drone fired a missile at worshipers leaving a local mosque, following dawn prayers.
231 Palestinians, mainly children, women, and elderly, have been killed by Israeli missiles and shells since Tuesday July 8th.
The Ministry of Health in Gaza said that more than 1700 Palestinians have been injured; most of them are children, women, and elderly, while many reporters have also been injured.
On the political level, the official Egyptian TV stated Thursday that “mediated negotiations for a truce between Israel and the resistance in Gaza are advancing on a number of issues, while several issues remain a point of contention”.
It said that “a new truce could be declared on Friday morning, should all obstacles be removed”, adding that the one of the main issues is Israel’s rejection to release all Palestinians, who were released under the Shalit Prisoner swap agreement of October 2011, and were rearrested recently by Israel in the West Bank.
Israel TV, Channel 10, has reported that the Israeli offensive on Gaza “likely reached its final stages”, and that a ceasefire agreement could be reached on Thursday at night, or Friday morning, due to what has been described as “Egyptian pressure on Israel and the resistance in Gaza”.
Israel insists that any agreement should not include the release of the detainees, but should only be focused on other issues, mainly “security”.
Three rockets landed in Israel's Eshkol region, two hours into a temporary, five-hour cease-fire agreement between Hamas and Israel, according to Israeli newspaper Haaretz.
The newspaper reported that warning sirens were heard in Eshkol Regional Council and Ashkelon areas shortly after noon. It said there were no reported casualties or damage after the attack.
However, Agence France Presse reported that the Israeli army said Eshkol was hit by three mortar bombs fired from Gaza. The truce, requested by the U.N. to allow humanitarian aid to be distributed in the Gaza Strip, went into effect at 10 a.m.
The newspaper reported that warning sirens were heard in Eshkol Regional Council and Ashkelon areas shortly after noon. It said there were no reported casualties or damage after the attack.
However, Agence France Presse reported that the Israeli army said Eshkol was hit by three mortar bombs fired from Gaza. The truce, requested by the U.N. to allow humanitarian aid to be distributed in the Gaza Strip, went into effect at 10 a.m.
European Union leaders have called for Israel to guarantee the protection of civilians and act "proportionately" in its military operations in Gaza.
In a statement at the end of a summit in Brussels on Wednesday, the heads of government said the EU "deplores the loss of innocent lives and the high number of wounded civilians in the Gaza Strip as a result of Israeli military operations and is deeply concerned about the rapid and dramatic deterioration of the humanitarian situation."
While recognizing Israel's right to protect its population from rocket attacks from Gaza, "it must act proportionately and ensure the protection of civilians at all times. It deeply deplores the loss of innocent lives and the high number of wounded civilians."
The statement called for both sides to "de-escalate the situation, to end the violence, to end the suffering of the civilian populations… and return to calm."
Nine days of violence have claimed 227 Palestinian lives, mostly civilians. One Israeli has been killed by rockets fired from Gaza.
The statement was made before a five-hour ceasefire agreed between Israel and Palestinian militant group Hamas to allow humanitarian access to Gaza. The ceasefire is due to end at 3pm local time (12.00 GMT).
In a statement at the end of a summit in Brussels on Wednesday, the heads of government said the EU "deplores the loss of innocent lives and the high number of wounded civilians in the Gaza Strip as a result of Israeli military operations and is deeply concerned about the rapid and dramatic deterioration of the humanitarian situation."
While recognizing Israel's right to protect its population from rocket attacks from Gaza, "it must act proportionately and ensure the protection of civilians at all times. It deeply deplores the loss of innocent lives and the high number of wounded civilians."
The statement called for both sides to "de-escalate the situation, to end the violence, to end the suffering of the civilian populations… and return to calm."
Nine days of violence have claimed 227 Palestinian lives, mostly civilians. One Israeli has been killed by rockets fired from Gaza.
The statement was made before a five-hour ceasefire agreed between Israel and Palestinian militant group Hamas to allow humanitarian access to Gaza. The ceasefire is due to end at 3pm local time (12.00 GMT).
African Union Commission Chairperson Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma on Thursday regretted the outbreak of violence between Israel and Palestinian groups in the Gaza Strip and called for ending Israeli airstrikes against the Palestinian enclave. “Dlamini-Zuma has been following with concern developments in the Palestine [Palestinian territories] and Israel, in the context of Africa’s ongoing solidarity with the struggles of the Palestinian people for self-determination,” the pan-African body said in a statement.
“The civilians in Gaza continue to suffer from these attacks and intensified restriction of movement,” it said.
“These attacks have ruined Gaza's infrastructure and electricity cables, demolished houses, schools and hospitals in addition to seriously polluting the environment.”
Dlamini-Zuma also urged all Palestinian factions to stop attacks from Gaza against Israel, including rocket fire and cross-border attacks.
Dlamini-Zuma called on “all parties to end all forms of aggression, for the removal of all blockades against Gaza and on all to work towards creating an atmosphere conducive to peaceful negotiations.”
She also expressed the body's full support to the Palestinian people for “the restoration of their legitimate right to establish an independent State co-existing peacefully with the State of Israel.”
The A.U. chief also urged the UN Security Council “to do its utmost to stop the ongoing violence and work to achieve a just, comprehensive and lasting peace in the region based on the principle of a two-state solution, according to the 1967 borders."
Israeli warplanes have been pounding the Gaza Strip since July 7 with the stated aim of halting rocket fire from the besieged coastal enclave.
At least 230 Palestinians, mostly civilians, have been killed so far – and more than 1700 injured, many seriously – in the unrelenting Israeli strikes.
Gaza-based resistance factions, meanwhile, have continued to fire rockets at Israel – some of which have reached Tel Aviv – in response to the deadly air offensive.
One Israeli has been killed as a result of rocket fire from Gaza.
“The civilians in Gaza continue to suffer from these attacks and intensified restriction of movement,” it said.
“These attacks have ruined Gaza's infrastructure and electricity cables, demolished houses, schools and hospitals in addition to seriously polluting the environment.”
Dlamini-Zuma also urged all Palestinian factions to stop attacks from Gaza against Israel, including rocket fire and cross-border attacks.
Dlamini-Zuma called on “all parties to end all forms of aggression, for the removal of all blockades against Gaza and on all to work towards creating an atmosphere conducive to peaceful negotiations.”
She also expressed the body's full support to the Palestinian people for “the restoration of their legitimate right to establish an independent State co-existing peacefully with the State of Israel.”
The A.U. chief also urged the UN Security Council “to do its utmost to stop the ongoing violence and work to achieve a just, comprehensive and lasting peace in the region based on the principle of a two-state solution, according to the 1967 borders."
Israeli warplanes have been pounding the Gaza Strip since July 7 with the stated aim of halting rocket fire from the besieged coastal enclave.
At least 230 Palestinians, mostly civilians, have been killed so far – and more than 1700 injured, many seriously – in the unrelenting Israeli strikes.
Gaza-based resistance factions, meanwhile, have continued to fire rockets at Israel – some of which have reached Tel Aviv – in response to the deadly air offensive.
One Israeli has been killed as a result of rocket fire from Gaza.
A Wounded Palestinian Child July 16th
Palestinian medical sources have reported that the Israeli Air Force continued it attacks against various Palestinian neighborhoods in the Gaza Strip, killing three more Palestinians, in Rafah, on Thursday morning.
The Ministry of Health has reported that the three Palestinians have been identified as:
1. Abdullah Salem al-Akhras, 27, Rafah.
2. Bashir Mohammad Abdul-‘Al, 20, Rafah.
3. Mohammad Ziyad Ghanem, 25, Rafah.
Medical sources in Gaza said many Palestinians, including women and children, have been move to the Shifa Medical Center in Gaza City, after the army fired missiles into a number of homes, east and west of Gaza city.
The Ministry stated that 230 Palestinians have been killed, and 1,690 have been injured since the Israeli escalation on Gaza started, Tuesday, July 8. The majority of the victims are civilians, including infants, children, women and elderly.
Palestinian medical sources have reported that the Israeli Air Force continued it attacks against various Palestinian neighborhoods in the Gaza Strip, killing three more Palestinians, in Rafah, on Thursday morning.
The Ministry of Health has reported that the three Palestinians have been identified as:
1. Abdullah Salem al-Akhras, 27, Rafah.
2. Bashir Mohammad Abdul-‘Al, 20, Rafah.
3. Mohammad Ziyad Ghanem, 25, Rafah.
Medical sources in Gaza said many Palestinians, including women and children, have been move to the Shifa Medical Center in Gaza City, after the army fired missiles into a number of homes, east and west of Gaza city.
The Ministry stated that 230 Palestinians have been killed, and 1,690 have been injured since the Israeli escalation on Gaza started, Tuesday, July 8. The majority of the victims are civilians, including infants, children, women and elderly.
