26 july 2014
Despite being attacked by the army, medics and rescue teams managed to locate the remains of 85 Palestinians, mainly women and children, buried under rubble of homes and buildings previously bombarded and leveled to the ground by Israeli missiles and shells, in different parts of the Gaza Strip.
Medical sources said most of the located remains were found in Shuja’eyya neighborhood, east of Gaza City, and Zeitoun nearby neighborhood, in addition to Beit Hanoun and Beit Lahia, in the northern part of the Gaza Strip, Rafah and in Khan Younis, in the southern part. The remains are yet to be identified.
The Ministry of Health said that Israeli tanks and military vehicles, stationed near al-Mentar, in Gaza City, Shuja’eyya, Khuza’a in Khan Younis and many other areas, are obstructing the search and rescue operations, and are preventing the families from inspecting their homes or what is left of them.
Medical sources said most of the located remains were found in Shuja’eyya neighborhood, east of Gaza City, and Zeitoun nearby neighborhood, in addition to Beit Hanoun and Beit Lahia, in the northern part of the Gaza Strip, Rafah and in Khan Younis, in the southern part. The remains are yet to be identified.
The Ministry of Health said that Israeli tanks and military vehicles, stationed near al-Mentar, in Gaza City, Shuja’eyya, Khuza’a in Khan Younis and many other areas, are obstructing the search and rescue operations, and are preventing the families from inspecting their homes or what is left of them.
The Ministry of Health confirmed remains of 85 Palestinians have been found, and a further search could likely lead to the discovery of more civilian casualties, including children, women and elderly.
Although the temporary 12-hours “humanitarian ceasefire” started on Saturday at seven in the morning, the Israeli army continued to operate on a different level, digging tunnels, erecting sand hills and installing barricades, apparently preparing for a new, and possibly, a more violent round of escalation against the Palestinians.
The army is only allowing the Red Cross, Medics and Civil Defense teams, to move around in Gaza to perform the search and rescue operations.
“The situation is horrific, destruction everywhere, dozens of bodies lying on the ground, and under rubble, especially in Shuja’eyya and Zeitoun”, eyewitnesses said.
Although the temporary 12-hours “humanitarian ceasefire” started on Saturday at seven in the morning, the Israeli army continued to operate on a different level, digging tunnels, erecting sand hills and installing barricades, apparently preparing for a new, and possibly, a more violent round of escalation against the Palestinians.
The army is only allowing the Red Cross, Medics and Civil Defense teams, to move around in Gaza to perform the search and rescue operations.
“The situation is horrific, destruction everywhere, dozens of bodies lying on the ground, and under rubble, especially in Shuja’eyya and Zeitoun”, eyewitnesses said.
No sooner had the 12-hour ceasefire began on Saturday morning, than Gazans hurried to look for survivors and dead bodies buried under the rubble of thousands of homes destroyed by Israeli airstrikes and artillery shelling.
Ambulances, rescue teams, and families fanned out across the coastal enclave to search for the injured and for loved ones, particularly in the eastern outskirts that have been subject to intense Israeli fire in recent days.
Ministry of Health spokesman Ashraf al-Qidra said around 11 a.m. that 40 dead bodies had been pulled out of the rubble so far.
Only two of the bodies have been identified thus far, he said, naming them as Abdul-Rahman Audah al-Tilbani and Arafat Abu Aweily. The two came as six bodies were found early Saturday, one in the central Gaza Strip and one in the Shujaiyya neighborhood of Gaza City.
Al-Qidra told Ma'an that Israeli forces had refused to allow ambulances and rescue teams access to the village of Khuzaa and other border areas in order to look for survivors and dead bodies.
The Lebanese al-Mayadeen satellite TV reported that at least ten dead bodies were pulled from debris in Beit Hanoun in the northern Gaza Strip.
The channel quoted sources in the International Red Cross Committee as saying that rescue teams and ambulances were unable to access Khuzaa and that coordination with the Israeli forces was underway.
Khuzaa has been subject to heavy Israeli shelling in recent days, with dozens killed and many more thought to be buried under the rubble since medical teams have been unable to access the bodies.
Ambulances, rescue teams, and families fanned out across the coastal enclave to search for the injured and for loved ones, particularly in the eastern outskirts that have been subject to intense Israeli fire in recent days.
Ministry of Health spokesman Ashraf al-Qidra said around 11 a.m. that 40 dead bodies had been pulled out of the rubble so far.
Only two of the bodies have been identified thus far, he said, naming them as Abdul-Rahman Audah al-Tilbani and Arafat Abu Aweily. The two came as six bodies were found early Saturday, one in the central Gaza Strip and one in the Shujaiyya neighborhood of Gaza City.
Al-Qidra told Ma'an that Israeli forces had refused to allow ambulances and rescue teams access to the village of Khuzaa and other border areas in order to look for survivors and dead bodies.
The Lebanese al-Mayadeen satellite TV reported that at least ten dead bodies were pulled from debris in Beit Hanoun in the northern Gaza Strip.
The channel quoted sources in the International Red Cross Committee as saying that rescue teams and ambulances were unable to access Khuzaa and that coordination with the Israeli forces was underway.
Khuzaa has been subject to heavy Israeli shelling in recent days, with dozens killed and many more thought to be buried under the rubble since medical teams have been unable to access the bodies.
Minutes before a 12-hour humanitarian ceasefire went into effect in Gaza on Saturday morning, an Israeli airstrike left at least 20 members of a Palestinian family dead in Khan Younis refugee camp.
The al-Najjar family had fled their homes in Khuzaa, just east of Khan Younis, earlier in the day after Israeli artillery shelling there killed dozens, and they were hoping to find shelter somewhere further from the border.
Their refuge in Khan Younis, however, turned out to be anything but, as missiles fired from Israeli warplanes just before 8 a.m. completely leveled the four-story building they were sleeping in.
The airstrike killed eleven children, four women, and five men from the family, according to Palestinian medical sources.
Spokesman for the Palestinian Ministry of Health Ashraf al-Qidra named some of the children killed in the strike as Khalil al-Najjar, Jana al-Najjar, Samir al-Najjar, Ikhlas al-Najjar, Husam al-Najjar, Aminah al-Najjar and Eiman al-Ruqab.
The killing of the al-Najjar family brought the death toll in Gaza since the beginning of hostilities 18 days ago to 940, with 35 killed on Saturday morning alone, according to al-Qidra.
The toll includes at least 40 bodies recovered from the rubble since the ceasefire began on Saturday morning and medical authorities were able to access areas that had been off-limits due to shelling.
More than 5,700 Palestinians have been injured during the same period, while Israeli attacks on solidarity protests in the West Bank have left 11 dead in the last four days, including nine in a twenty-four period ending early Saturday.
The deaths have led to an international outcry and pressure on Israel to agree to a ceasefire, but late Friday the Israeli cabinet rejected the idea hoping to secure a truce that would allow it to continue operations inside Gaza.
Hamas, meanwhile, has insisted that any ceasefire include the lifting of the eight-year Israeli blockade of the Gaza Strip, which has crippled the economy and led to frequent shortages of basic goods.
Israeli bombardment continues up to 7:58
The al-Najjar family had fled their homes in Khuzaa, just east of Khan Younis, earlier in the day after Israeli artillery shelling there killed dozens, and they were hoping to find shelter somewhere further from the border.
Their refuge in Khan Younis, however, turned out to be anything but, as missiles fired from Israeli warplanes just before 8 a.m. completely leveled the four-story building they were sleeping in.
The airstrike killed eleven children, four women, and five men from the family, according to Palestinian medical sources.
Spokesman for the Palestinian Ministry of Health Ashraf al-Qidra named some of the children killed in the strike as Khalil al-Najjar, Jana al-Najjar, Samir al-Najjar, Ikhlas al-Najjar, Husam al-Najjar, Aminah al-Najjar and Eiman al-Ruqab.
The killing of the al-Najjar family brought the death toll in Gaza since the beginning of hostilities 18 days ago to 940, with 35 killed on Saturday morning alone, according to al-Qidra.
The toll includes at least 40 bodies recovered from the rubble since the ceasefire began on Saturday morning and medical authorities were able to access areas that had been off-limits due to shelling.
More than 5,700 Palestinians have been injured during the same period, while Israeli attacks on solidarity protests in the West Bank have left 11 dead in the last four days, including nine in a twenty-four period ending early Saturday.
The deaths have led to an international outcry and pressure on Israel to agree to a ceasefire, but late Friday the Israeli cabinet rejected the idea hoping to secure a truce that would allow it to continue operations inside Gaza.
Hamas, meanwhile, has insisted that any ceasefire include the lifting of the eight-year Israeli blockade of the Gaza Strip, which has crippled the economy and led to frequent shortages of basic goods.
Israeli bombardment continues up to 7:58
As the ceasefire came into effect at 8 a.m. Saturday, rescue teams said they pulled six dead bodies from rubble in Shujaiyya and a central Gaza City district.
Palestinian medical sources said that Israeli attacks on Gaza continued up until two minutes before the ceasefire went into effect. According to the sources, a 87-year-old Palestinian man Salim Abu Toum was killed at 7:58 a.m. by Israeli shelling east of Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip.
Earlier on Saturday morning, Ashraf al-Qidra announced the death of Abdullah Ayish Irmeilat in al-Zawayda neighborhood in the central Gaza Strip as well as 53-year-old Ismail Abdul-Qadir al-Kihk and grandson of Hamas founder Sheikh Ahmad Yasin 15-year-old Husam Abdul-Ghani Yasin in Gaza City.
The spokesman also confirmed that dead body of Fadil Atawnah was taken to Shifa Hospital completely burnt after Israeli warplanes targeted him while he was walking home in Shuhada Street in Gaza City.
Furthermore, Muhammad Hosni al-Saqqa, 26, and Islam Ibrahim al-Naji, 19 were killed by an Israeli airstrike on Sheikh Radwan neighborhood in Gaza City. Another man was seriously injured in the attack.
Shortly after midnight, a Palestinian paramedic Muhammad Matar al-Abadlah, 32, was killed while he was helping victims in eastern Khan Younis district.
Palestinian medical sources said that Israeli attacks on Gaza continued up until two minutes before the ceasefire went into effect. According to the sources, a 87-year-old Palestinian man Salim Abu Toum was killed at 7:58 a.m. by Israeli shelling east of Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip.
Earlier on Saturday morning, Ashraf al-Qidra announced the death of Abdullah Ayish Irmeilat in al-Zawayda neighborhood in the central Gaza Strip as well as 53-year-old Ismail Abdul-Qadir al-Kihk and grandson of Hamas founder Sheikh Ahmad Yasin 15-year-old Husam Abdul-Ghani Yasin in Gaza City.
The spokesman also confirmed that dead body of Fadil Atawnah was taken to Shifa Hospital completely burnt after Israeli warplanes targeted him while he was walking home in Shuhada Street in Gaza City.
Furthermore, Muhammad Hosni al-Saqqa, 26, and Islam Ibrahim al-Naji, 19 were killed by an Israeli airstrike on Sheikh Radwan neighborhood in Gaza City. Another man was seriously injured in the attack.
Shortly after midnight, a Palestinian paramedic Muhammad Matar al-Abadlah, 32, was killed while he was helping victims in eastern Khan Younis district.
As in the two previous ‘temporary truces’ since the Israeli assault on Gaza began July 8th, Israeli forces stepped up their attacks on Palestinian civilians in the hours leading up to the time of the scheduled ceasefire. On Saturday morning, as the 7 am ‘temporary ceasefire’ start time was approaching, an Israeli airstrike hit a three-story home housing a number of families who had fled from their homes destroyed in Khuza’a, on Thursday.
Those killed include 19 members of the al-Najjar family, according to the Ministry of Health.
Previously, the IMEMC had reported the deaths of six family members (see below), but as medics continue to pull bodies from the rubble, the death toll in the airstrike has increased to 19, mainy from the al-Najjar family.
If verified, this would made the al-Najjar family massacre the second-worst in this current Israeli aggression – the worst being the attack on the Abu Jame’ family in Khan Younis, on Sunday, July 20th, in which 25 members of the family were killed – 15 of whom were small children.
See related: People Fleeing Gaza by Whatever Means Available
Medics have identified the bodies of
Mutaz Hussein al-Najjar, 6.
Majed Sameer Al-Najjar, 19
Ghalia Mohammed al-Najjar, 56
Ahmad Khaled al-Najjar,14
Eman Salah al-Najjar, 20
Ulfat Hussein al-Najjar, 4
Sumayya Harb al-Najjar, 50
Kifah Samir al-Najjar 23
Rawan Khaled al-Najjar, 17
Husam Hussein al-Najjar, 7
Samir Hussein al-Najjar, 2
Eman Hasan ar-Raqeeb, Khan Younis.
Khalil al-Najjar, 59, Khan Younis.
Jona al-Najjar, Khan Younis.
Ekhlas al-Najjar, Khan Younis.
Amna al-Najjar, Khan Younis.
Ikhlas Sameer Abu Shahla, 30
Amira Hammoudeh Abu Shahla, 1
Islam Hammoudeh Abu Shahla, 4
Bara' Mahmoud al-Raqeeb, 11
Riham Fayez al-Breem, 19
An additional two bodies still await identification.
Those killed include 19 members of the al-Najjar family, according to the Ministry of Health.
Previously, the IMEMC had reported the deaths of six family members (see below), but as medics continue to pull bodies from the rubble, the death toll in the airstrike has increased to 19, mainy from the al-Najjar family.
If verified, this would made the al-Najjar family massacre the second-worst in this current Israeli aggression – the worst being the attack on the Abu Jame’ family in Khan Younis, on Sunday, July 20th, in which 25 members of the family were killed – 15 of whom were small children.
See related: People Fleeing Gaza by Whatever Means Available
Medics have identified the bodies of
Mutaz Hussein al-Najjar, 6.
Majed Sameer Al-Najjar, 19
Ghalia Mohammed al-Najjar, 56
Ahmad Khaled al-Najjar,14
Eman Salah al-Najjar, 20
Ulfat Hussein al-Najjar, 4
Sumayya Harb al-Najjar, 50
Kifah Samir al-Najjar 23
Rawan Khaled al-Najjar, 17
Husam Hussein al-Najjar, 7
Samir Hussein al-Najjar, 2
Eman Hasan ar-Raqeeb, Khan Younis.
Khalil al-Najjar, 59, Khan Younis.
Jona al-Najjar, Khan Younis.
Ekhlas al-Najjar, Khan Younis.
Amna al-Najjar, Khan Younis.
Ikhlas Sameer Abu Shahla, 30
Amira Hammoudeh Abu Shahla, 1
Islam Hammoudeh Abu Shahla, 4
Bara' Mahmoud al-Raqeeb, 11
Riham Fayez al-Breem, 19
An additional two bodies still await identification.
Child killed from al-Najjar family
The ages and names of the victims are still being verified, but pictures from the hospital show several small children who appear to be between the ages of five and ten, whose bodies were recovered from the rubble. The bodies were badly mutilated from the bomb. Some sources have reported that 11 of those killed are children under age 10.
The bomb was dropped from a US-made F16 aircraft, which targeted the crowded three story building with apparently no warning whatsoever.
In addition to this incident, another Palestinian killed in an Israeli airstrike Saturday morning has been identified as:
Fadel At-Tawaneh
He was targeted by an Israeli missile which hit his car while he was returning to his home al Al-Shuhada street in Gaza City. Medical sources report that his body was completely burnt when it arrived at Shifa hospital.
Also Saturday morning, as the time of the ‘temporary truce’ approached, Palestinian resistance fighters clashed with Israeli soldiers at the northern border of the Gaza Strip. 3 Palestinians were reported injured. The Israeli military spokesperson confirmed that two Israeli soldiers were injured in these clashes, including a sergeant in the engineering division. Three soldiers were reported to be critically wounded, and over 20 others moderately or lightly wounded. The Israeli military admitted the death of 36-year-old soldier Ya'er Ashkenazi.
updated from:
At Least Sixteen Palestinians Killed In Fresh Wave Of Israeli Strikes In Gaza
by Saed Bannoura, IMEMC
Sat, 26 Jul 2014 04:19:43
Palestinian medical sources have reported that at least sixteen Palestinians have been killed, and dozens have been injured, some seriously, after the Israeli army continued to deliberately target civilian homes and structures in the Gaza Strip in the early morning hours on Saturday.
The homes were hit in different parts of Gaza, mainly Sheikh Radwan area.
The slain Palestinians have been identified as:
1. Husam Abul-Ghani Yassin, 15, Gaza.
2. Ismael Abdul-Qader al-Kojok, 53, Gaza.
3. Mohammad Hosni as-Saqqa, 20, Gaza.
4. Islam Ibrahim an-Naji, 19. Gaza.
5. Mohammad Matar a-Abadla, 32, Gaza.
6. Yorsa Salem Hasan al-Breem, 65, Gaza.
7. Mohammad Ahmad Abu Wadia, 19, Gaza.
8. Hani Adel Abu Hassanen, 24, Gaza.
In addition, a Palestinian man was also killed, and several others were injured, when the army fired a missile into a home in Zawayda area, in Deir al-Balah, in central Gaza. His body was severely mutilated but was later on identified as:
9. Abdullah ‘Ayesh Salam Ermeilat, 39, Deir al-Balah.
Dozens of Palestinians, including children, infants and elderly have been injured in the ongoing Israeli bombardment, some suffering serious injuries.
Also, seven Palestinians have been killed when an Israeli missile struck a residential building of a Palestinian family that was also hosting around 50 Palestinians from families that fled the Israeli bombardment of their homes in Khuza’a, in Khan Younis in the southern part of the Gaza Strip.
Around twenty Palestinians, including four children and two elderly, have been injured in the attack.
The slain Palestinians have been identified as:
10. Eman Hasan ar-Raqeeb, Khan Younis.
11. Khalil Najjar, Khan Younis.
12. Jona Najjar, Khan Younis.
13. Samir Najjar, Khan Younis.
14. Ekhlas Najjar, Khan Younis.
15. Husam Najjar, Khan Younis.
16. Amna Najjar, Khan Younis.
The Ministry of Health in Gaza said that 883 Palestinians, including entire families, have been killed, and at least 5840 have been injured since July 8, until dawn hours of Saturday July 25.
Entire Gaza family killed prior to ceasefire, as death toll tops 985
The ages and names of the victims are still being verified, but pictures from the hospital show several small children who appear to be between the ages of five and ten, whose bodies were recovered from the rubble. The bodies were badly mutilated from the bomb. Some sources have reported that 11 of those killed are children under age 10.
The bomb was dropped from a US-made F16 aircraft, which targeted the crowded three story building with apparently no warning whatsoever.
In addition to this incident, another Palestinian killed in an Israeli airstrike Saturday morning has been identified as:
Fadel At-Tawaneh
He was targeted by an Israeli missile which hit his car while he was returning to his home al Al-Shuhada street in Gaza City. Medical sources report that his body was completely burnt when it arrived at Shifa hospital.
Also Saturday morning, as the time of the ‘temporary truce’ approached, Palestinian resistance fighters clashed with Israeli soldiers at the northern border of the Gaza Strip. 3 Palestinians were reported injured. The Israeli military spokesperson confirmed that two Israeli soldiers were injured in these clashes, including a sergeant in the engineering division. Three soldiers were reported to be critically wounded, and over 20 others moderately or lightly wounded. The Israeli military admitted the death of 36-year-old soldier Ya'er Ashkenazi.
updated from:
At Least Sixteen Palestinians Killed In Fresh Wave Of Israeli Strikes In Gaza
by Saed Bannoura, IMEMC
Sat, 26 Jul 2014 04:19:43
Palestinian medical sources have reported that at least sixteen Palestinians have been killed, and dozens have been injured, some seriously, after the Israeli army continued to deliberately target civilian homes and structures in the Gaza Strip in the early morning hours on Saturday.
The homes were hit in different parts of Gaza, mainly Sheikh Radwan area.
The slain Palestinians have been identified as:
1. Husam Abul-Ghani Yassin, 15, Gaza.
2. Ismael Abdul-Qader al-Kojok, 53, Gaza.
3. Mohammad Hosni as-Saqqa, 20, Gaza.
4. Islam Ibrahim an-Naji, 19. Gaza.
5. Mohammad Matar a-Abadla, 32, Gaza.
6. Yorsa Salem Hasan al-Breem, 65, Gaza.
7. Mohammad Ahmad Abu Wadia, 19, Gaza.
8. Hani Adel Abu Hassanen, 24, Gaza.
In addition, a Palestinian man was also killed, and several others were injured, when the army fired a missile into a home in Zawayda area, in Deir al-Balah, in central Gaza. His body was severely mutilated but was later on identified as:
9. Abdullah ‘Ayesh Salam Ermeilat, 39, Deir al-Balah.
Dozens of Palestinians, including children, infants and elderly have been injured in the ongoing Israeli bombardment, some suffering serious injuries.
Also, seven Palestinians have been killed when an Israeli missile struck a residential building of a Palestinian family that was also hosting around 50 Palestinians from families that fled the Israeli bombardment of their homes in Khuza’a, in Khan Younis in the southern part of the Gaza Strip.
Around twenty Palestinians, including four children and two elderly, have been injured in the attack.
The slain Palestinians have been identified as:
10. Eman Hasan ar-Raqeeb, Khan Younis.
11. Khalil Najjar, Khan Younis.
12. Jona Najjar, Khan Younis.
13. Samir Najjar, Khan Younis.
14. Ekhlas Najjar, Khan Younis.
15. Husam Najjar, Khan Younis.
16. Amna Najjar, Khan Younis.
The Ministry of Health in Gaza said that 883 Palestinians, including entire families, have been killed, and at least 5840 have been injured since July 8, until dawn hours of Saturday July 25.
Entire Gaza family killed prior to ceasefire, as death toll tops 985
Hamas and Israel have officially announced a 12-hour ceasefire to take begin at 7am, on Saturday morning, as today's toll of human life in the Gaza Strip topped 67. As the sun set over Gaza, at least 14 have been killed by Israeli forces, according to Ma'an.
The announcement came immediately after the Israeli cabinet rejected another proposal made by US Secretary of State John Kerry, which would have involved a total ceasefire followed by negotiations.
Hamas spokesman Sami Abu Zuhri said that all militant factions of Palestinian resistance in Gaza have agreed to what is reffered to as a "humanitarian" ceasefire.
The news comes amid continued chaos and devastation in Gaza, where the death toll reportedly surpasses well over 800, with at least 5,000 injured, as Israel's assault on the already besieged region now continues into its third week.
The announcement came immediately after the Israeli cabinet rejected another proposal made by US Secretary of State John Kerry, which would have involved a total ceasefire followed by negotiations.
Hamas spokesman Sami Abu Zuhri said that all militant factions of Palestinian resistance in Gaza have agreed to what is reffered to as a "humanitarian" ceasefire.
The news comes amid continued chaos and devastation in Gaza, where the death toll reportedly surpasses well over 800, with at least 5,000 injured, as Israel's assault on the already besieged region now continues into its third week.
Press Release Gaza Ministry of Health, Palestine
The Ministry of Health Gaza strongly condemns two Israeli attacks on Gazan medical facilities and personnel in the last 24 hours.
The first resulted in the destruction of Al Durrah Children’s Hospital in Gaza City last night. A two year-old child in the Intensive Care Unit was killed, and 30 others injured.
The second was an attack this afternoon on an ambulance with two paramedics inside in Beit Hanoun, North Gaza. One was killed, and the other critically injured.
These cold-blooded, pre-meditated and utterly immoral crimes against protected persons must be condemned by all who purport any commitment to the rule of law.
The Ministry demands the immediate cessation of Israeli occupation military attacks against medical facilities and personnel in Gaza, and demands that the international community soundly condemn these latest Israeli atrocities, and hold Israel accountable for these war crimes.
The Ministry of Health Gaza strongly condemns two Israeli attacks on Gazan medical facilities and personnel in the last 24 hours.
The first resulted in the destruction of Al Durrah Children’s Hospital in Gaza City last night. A two year-old child in the Intensive Care Unit was killed, and 30 others injured.
The second was an attack this afternoon on an ambulance with two paramedics inside in Beit Hanoun, North Gaza. One was killed, and the other critically injured.
These cold-blooded, pre-meditated and utterly immoral crimes against protected persons must be condemned by all who purport any commitment to the rule of law.
The Ministry demands the immediate cessation of Israeli occupation military attacks against medical facilities and personnel in Gaza, and demands that the international community soundly condemn these latest Israeli atrocities, and hold Israel accountable for these war crimes.
As Israel targets the wounded, international volunteers to stay at al-Shifa hospital
At 19:00 Beit Hanoun Hospital was hit by an Israeli tank shell. Inside the hospital are 61 medical staff, three patients, civilians, and ISM volunteers who are all trapped inside. Israeli soldiers are in the area, approximately 150 meters behind the hospital. Gunfire can be heard in the area.
This afternoon Israeli forces targeted an ambulance with two paramedics inside in Beit Hanoun, North Gaza. One paramedic was killed and another was critically injured.
This is the third Israeli attack on Gazan medical facilities and personnel in the last 24 hours. The first resulted in the destruction of Al Durrah Children’s Hospital in Gaza City last night. A two year-old child in the Intensive Care Unit was killed, and 30 others injured.
Since Israel began its attack on Gaza, 13 ambulances have been completely destroyed and two paramedics have been killed. Throughout the massacre, medical staff and facilities have been repeatedly targeted.
“Israel’s attacks on Gaza hospitals are ongoing, with those in areas by the separation barrier forced to evacuate their patients, paramedics and other rescue workers are doing what they can under conditions of great risk.” Stated Joe Catron, U.S. International Solidarity Movement activist.
According to the Gazan Ministry of Health, six out of Gaza’s 13 hospitals have already been severely damaged. One, el-Wafa rehabilitation hospital, has been completely destroyed. Two medical clinics have been completely destroyed, seven other clinics have been damaged, 13 medical staff members have been injured, and five have been killed.
The Ministry of Health in Gaza has demanded, “the immediate cessation of Israeli occupation military attacks against medical facilities and personnel in Gaza, and demands that the international community soundly condemn this latest Israeli atrocity, and hold Israel accountable for these war crimes.”
International volunteers from countries including Spain, Sweden, the United states, the United Kingdom, France, New Zealand, Australia, and Venezuela have begun a constant protective presence in various locations at the al-Shifa Hospital.
At 2:30 PM this afternoon, a press conference will be held at al-Shifa regarding the Israeli attacks on the health and emergency sector in Gaza.
According to the Gazan Ministry of Health, six out of Gaza’s 13 hospitals have already been severely damaged. One, el-Wafa rehabilitation hospital, has been completely destroyed. Two medical clinic and 12 ambulances have been completely destroyed, seven other clinics have been damaged, 12 medical staff members have been injured, and four have been killed.
Dr. Medhat Abass, Director General of the Ministry of Health told the International Solidarity Movement that, “People are terrified. No where is safe. The hospitals are not safe. The streets are not safe. Homes are not safe. The children and the wounded are not safe. Wounded people leave the bombed areas in ambulances and the ambulances are targeted and hospitals are targeted. There are no red lines.”
“Israel’s ruthless onslaught against Gaza’s hospitals, clinics, and ambulances has pushed its health care sector, already struggling under siege, to the breaking point. With deaths and injuries, including those from Israeli attacks on medical facilities, rapidly mounting, al-Shifa is a red line the world cannot allow Israel to cross.” Stated Joe Catron, a U.S. ISM activist now in al-Shifa.
“They [the Israeli military] are targeting medical facilities, the wounded, the sick, and our children, all over the Gaza Strip. They want us to know that no where is safe.” Stated Dr. Basman Alashi, the executive director of el-Wafa Rehabilitation Hospital. El-Wafa was repeatedly bombed and shelled by Israeli forces, forcing the evacuation of all patients and staff on the 17th then attacked by the military once again on the 23rd, completely destroying it.
“With so many hospitals already dysfunctional due to attacks by the Israeli Occupational Forces, we are deeply concerned with how to safeguard al-Shifa Hospital. It is already overwhelmed with wounded and dying people. If Israel continues bombing, patients are going to end up on the street, as there will be nowhere else for them to go. If anything happens, let it be known that the world was forewarned and did nothing to stop this.” Stated Rina Andolini, a UK volunteer now in al-Shifa.
At 19:00 Beit Hanoun Hospital was hit by an Israeli tank shell. Inside the hospital are 61 medical staff, three patients, civilians, and ISM volunteers who are all trapped inside. Israeli soldiers are in the area, approximately 150 meters behind the hospital. Gunfire can be heard in the area.
This afternoon Israeli forces targeted an ambulance with two paramedics inside in Beit Hanoun, North Gaza. One paramedic was killed and another was critically injured.
This is the third Israeli attack on Gazan medical facilities and personnel in the last 24 hours. The first resulted in the destruction of Al Durrah Children’s Hospital in Gaza City last night. A two year-old child in the Intensive Care Unit was killed, and 30 others injured.
Since Israel began its attack on Gaza, 13 ambulances have been completely destroyed and two paramedics have been killed. Throughout the massacre, medical staff and facilities have been repeatedly targeted.
“Israel’s attacks on Gaza hospitals are ongoing, with those in areas by the separation barrier forced to evacuate their patients, paramedics and other rescue workers are doing what they can under conditions of great risk.” Stated Joe Catron, U.S. International Solidarity Movement activist.
According to the Gazan Ministry of Health, six out of Gaza’s 13 hospitals have already been severely damaged. One, el-Wafa rehabilitation hospital, has been completely destroyed. Two medical clinics have been completely destroyed, seven other clinics have been damaged, 13 medical staff members have been injured, and five have been killed.
The Ministry of Health in Gaza has demanded, “the immediate cessation of Israeli occupation military attacks against medical facilities and personnel in Gaza, and demands that the international community soundly condemn this latest Israeli atrocity, and hold Israel accountable for these war crimes.”
International volunteers from countries including Spain, Sweden, the United states, the United Kingdom, France, New Zealand, Australia, and Venezuela have begun a constant protective presence in various locations at the al-Shifa Hospital.
At 2:30 PM this afternoon, a press conference will be held at al-Shifa regarding the Israeli attacks on the health and emergency sector in Gaza.
According to the Gazan Ministry of Health, six out of Gaza’s 13 hospitals have already been severely damaged. One, el-Wafa rehabilitation hospital, has been completely destroyed. Two medical clinic and 12 ambulances have been completely destroyed, seven other clinics have been damaged, 12 medical staff members have been injured, and four have been killed.
Dr. Medhat Abass, Director General of the Ministry of Health told the International Solidarity Movement that, “People are terrified. No where is safe. The hospitals are not safe. The streets are not safe. Homes are not safe. The children and the wounded are not safe. Wounded people leave the bombed areas in ambulances and the ambulances are targeted and hospitals are targeted. There are no red lines.”
“Israel’s ruthless onslaught against Gaza’s hospitals, clinics, and ambulances has pushed its health care sector, already struggling under siege, to the breaking point. With deaths and injuries, including those from Israeli attacks on medical facilities, rapidly mounting, al-Shifa is a red line the world cannot allow Israel to cross.” Stated Joe Catron, a U.S. ISM activist now in al-Shifa.
“They [the Israeli military] are targeting medical facilities, the wounded, the sick, and our children, all over the Gaza Strip. They want us to know that no where is safe.” Stated Dr. Basman Alashi, the executive director of el-Wafa Rehabilitation Hospital. El-Wafa was repeatedly bombed and shelled by Israeli forces, forcing the evacuation of all patients and staff on the 17th then attacked by the military once again on the 23rd, completely destroying it.
“With so many hospitals already dysfunctional due to attacks by the Israeli Occupational Forces, we are deeply concerned with how to safeguard al-Shifa Hospital. It is already overwhelmed with wounded and dying people. If Israel continues bombing, patients are going to end up on the street, as there will be nowhere else for them to go. If anything happens, let it be known that the world was forewarned and did nothing to stop this.” Stated Rina Andolini, a UK volunteer now in al-Shifa.
A 12-hour ceasefire entered into force between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip at 8 a.m. on Saturday, the 19th day of a conflict that has killed more than 800 Palestinians.
Israel and Hamas said they would observe the temporary ceasefire, after US Secretary of State John Kerry was unable to reach a lasting truce during talks Friday in Cairo.
In the hours leading up to the pause, however, the violence continued, with Israeli air strikes killing 23 people, among them four children and a paramedic, Gaza medical services said.
The conflict, which began on July 8 when Israel launched an operation to stamp out rocket fire from Gaza and destroy Hamas tunnels, has cost the lives of 888 Palestinians, most of them civilians, and 39 Israelis, all but two of them soldiers.
The respite came after pessimism prevailed, with the Israeli security cabinet rejecting a ceasefire proposed by Kerry, according to reports in the Israeli media.
The diplomatic push for a lasting truce is resume from 11 a.m. on Saturday, when the foreign ministers of key players in the conflict are to gather for talks in Paris, including Kerry.
On Friday, the top US diplomat said in Cairo that both Israel and Hamas "still have some terminology" to agree to on a ceasefire, but added they had "fundamental framework" on a truce.
Under the proposal, once a humanitarian lull takes hold, delegations from Israel and Hamas would arrive in Cairo -- which has mediated past conflicts between the two -- for indirect talks that could lead to a lasting deal.
Israel and Hamas said they would observe the temporary ceasefire, after US Secretary of State John Kerry was unable to reach a lasting truce during talks Friday in Cairo.
In the hours leading up to the pause, however, the violence continued, with Israeli air strikes killing 23 people, among them four children and a paramedic, Gaza medical services said.
The conflict, which began on July 8 when Israel launched an operation to stamp out rocket fire from Gaza and destroy Hamas tunnels, has cost the lives of 888 Palestinians, most of them civilians, and 39 Israelis, all but two of them soldiers.
The respite came after pessimism prevailed, with the Israeli security cabinet rejecting a ceasefire proposed by Kerry, according to reports in the Israeli media.
The diplomatic push for a lasting truce is resume from 11 a.m. on Saturday, when the foreign ministers of key players in the conflict are to gather for talks in Paris, including Kerry.
On Friday, the top US diplomat said in Cairo that both Israel and Hamas "still have some terminology" to agree to on a ceasefire, but added they had "fundamental framework" on a truce.
Under the proposal, once a humanitarian lull takes hold, delegations from Israel and Hamas would arrive in Cairo -- which has mediated past conflicts between the two -- for indirect talks that could lead to a lasting deal.
Activists in the Beit Hanoun Hospital said early Saturday that the facility was under heavy fire from Israeli forces, trapping more than 65 people inside only days after a shell made a direct hit.
International activists associated with the International Solidarity Movement told Ma'an on Saturday around 1 a.m. that Israeli shelling of the area of the hospital had not ceased since the afternoon.
The group said in a statement that 61 medical staff, three patients, and two ISM activists were trapped in the building, with a Swedish activist injured in the head and bleeding from an earlier shelling wound.
"The shelling is still going and it has gotten worse," an activist affiliated with the group told Ma'an via phone.
Six out of Gaza's 13 hospitals have been severely damaged since the Israeli assault began, according the health ministry.
Al-Wafa rehabilitation hospital has been completely destroyed, while at least five medical workers have died.
International activists associated with the International Solidarity Movement told Ma'an on Saturday around 1 a.m. that Israeli shelling of the area of the hospital had not ceased since the afternoon.
The group said in a statement that 61 medical staff, three patients, and two ISM activists were trapped in the building, with a Swedish activist injured in the head and bleeding from an earlier shelling wound.
"The shelling is still going and it has gotten worse," an activist affiliated with the group told Ma'an via phone.
Six out of Gaza's 13 hospitals have been severely damaged since the Israeli assault began, according the health ministry.
Al-Wafa rehabilitation hospital has been completely destroyed, while at least five medical workers have died.
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