27 july 2014
Rubble of what were houses in northern Gaza (image by PCHR)
The Palestinian Center for Human Rights (PCHR) has published a report detailing the search for bodies in the brief ceasefire that took place over the weekend, but also condemned Israeli targeting of medical crews that continued even while the ceasefire was in place.
At approximately 08:00 on Saturday, 26 July 2014, a 12-hour humanitarian truce was declared, and was then extended for an additional 4 hours. During the truce, Palestinian civilians rushed to buy foodstuffs and basic needs. Medical and civil defense crews were able to reach areas that had been invaded by Israeli forces.
However, the medical crews were presented from reaching certain areas in the east of Kahn Yunis. According to eyewitnesses, al-Shuja'iya neighborhood looked as if it was hit by an earthquake or Tsunami as it was extensively destroyed. Similar destruction was also seen in Beit Hanoun town. During the truce, medical crews were able to recover bodies of dozens of Palestinians, and evacuate some civilians who had been trapped in their houses in the areas that had been invaded. Following the end of the truce, Israeli tanks resumed shelling border areas in the east of Gaza Strip violently.
PCHR field workers have been unable to collect information from border areas in the Gaza Strip, because the situation is extremely dangerous in these areas. The following details are based on the information which the field workers have been able to collect.
From 10:00 on Saturday, 26 July 2014 to 10:00 on Sunday, 27 July 2014, according to what PCHR has been able to document, medical crews were able to recover the bodies of Palestinians, of whom 62 ones are civilians, including 5 children and 2 women. Seven Palestinians, of whom 5 civilians are civilians, including a child and a woman, died of previous wounds. Additionally, 43 Palestinians, mostly civilians, were wounded – this number includes 5 children and 7 women. A Palestinian civilian was also killed by Israeli forces during the humanitarian truce, and 2 members of a Palestinian armed group were killed a few hours following the end of the truce.
The latest developments since the press release issued by PCHR Friday at noon have been as follows:
The Northern Gaza Strip:
Bodies of 26 Palestinians, including 3 civilians one of whom is a child, who were killed by Israeli forces during the current offensive, were recovered. The civilian victims were identified as: Mohammed Salam Mohammed Abu Khousa, 75; Salman Mohammed Ahmed Sama'na, 62; and Do'a' Sani Ibrahim Sama'naa, 11. Three Palestinian civilians, including a child and a woman, died of previous wounds as follows:
- At approximately 13:30 on Saturday, 26 July 2014, medical sources declared that Mohammed Sa'id Sha'ban Baba, 40, died of wounds he had sustained in the early morning when Israeli forces shelled a house belonging to Jum'a Wirsh Aga.
- At approximately 19:00, medical sources declared that Youseg Jameel Subhi Hammouda, 16, died of wounds he sustained a few days ago when Israeli forces fired an artillery shell at a number of Palestinian civilians at Beit Lahia Square.
- At approximately 00:00 on Sunday, 27 July 2014, medical sources declared that Ikram Ahmed Tawfiq al-Shanbari, 23, from al-Amal neighborhood in Beit Hanoun, died of wounds she sustained when Israeli forces shelled an UNRWA shelter in Beit Hanoun on 24 July 2014.
Gaza City:
Bodies of 37 Palestinians, 32 of whom are civilians, including 4 children and 2 women, were recovered from al-Shuja'ya and al-Sha'af neighborhoods. The victims include 10 members of the al-Hilu family whose bodies were found under the debris of their home. Additionally, a member of a Palestinian armed group died of a pervious wound. The civilian victims who whose bodies were recovered are:
- The bodies of Sami Fathi Ahmed al-'Ar'ir, 50, Mohammed Rafiq Sa'id al-'Ar'ir, 30, Hassan Fathi Ahmed al-'Ar'ir, 30, 'Abdul Karim Fathi Ahmed al-'Ar'ir, 30; and Fathi Sami Fathi al-'Ar'ir,20, were found under the debris of their home that was destroyed by Israeli warplanes on 20 July 2014.
- The body of Khaled Yousef Mohammed Badwan, 48, was recovered from al-Sha'f neighborhood. He was killed by Israeli shelling on 23 July 2014.
- The body of 'Abdul Rahman Ziad Hassan Abu Hain, 28, was recovered from al-Shuja'iya neighborhood. He was killed when Israeli warplanes bombarded his house on 23 July 2014.
- The body of Mohammed 'Essam Dib Abu Balta, 28, was recovered from al-Sha'af neighborhood. He was killed by Israeli artillery shelling on 22 July 2014.
- The body of Mahmoud Ra'ed Mahmoud al-'Eish, 23, was recovered from al-Shuja'iya neighborhood. He was killed by Israeli artillery shelling when he attempt to leave his house as Israeli forces shelled houses.
- The body of Fadi 'Abdul Qader 'Abdul Malek Habib, 35, was recovered from al-Shuja'iya neighborhood. He was killed by Israeli artillery shelling.
- The body 'Omar 'Abdul Hakim Ibrahim al-Sheikh Khalil, 25, was recovered from al-Shuja'iya neighborhood. He was killed by Israeli artillery shelling.
- Bodies of 2 members of a Palestinian armed group who were killed on 20 July 2014 were recovered,
- The body of Adham Majed Yousef Dhaher, 18, was recovered from al-Shuja'iya neighborhood. He was killed when Israeli tanks shelled his family's house on 23 July 2014.
- The body of a member of an armed group, 30, was recovered from al-Shuja'iya neighborhood. He was killed on 23 July 2014.
- The body of Mohammed Riad Sha'ban Shabet, 25, was recovered from al-Tuffah neighborhood. He was killed when Israeli warplanes bombarded his family's house on 23 July 2014.
- The body of Mohammed Mahmoud Rajab Hajjaj, 34, was recovered from al-Shuja'iya neighborhood. He was killed when Israeli warplanes bombarded his house on 21 July 2014.
- The bodies of Mohammed Ahmed Kamel Abu al-'Atam 32, Mos'ab Salah Salman Abu al-'Ata, 21, and Mohammed Mahmoud Sa'id Abu al-'Ata, 28, were recovered from al-Shuja'iya neighborhood. They were killed when Israeli forces shelled their house on 20 July 2014.
- The bodies of Ismail 'Aayesh Yousef Abu Ghanima, 26, and his brother Ibrahim, 28, were recovered from al-Shuja'iya neighborhood. They were killed by Israeli shelling on 23 July 2014.
- The body of a member of a Palestinian armed group, 25, was recovered from al-Shuja'iya neighborhood. He was killed by Israeli forces on 21 July.
- The body of Fareed 'Abdul Qader 'Abdul Malek Habib, 30, was recovered from al-Sha'af neighborhood. He was killed while he was fleeing from his house that was shelled by Israeli forces.
- The body of Shaker Ahmed Shaker al-Jammal, 48, was recovered from al-Shuja'iya neighborhood. He was killed by Israeli shelling of his house on 20 July 2014.
- The body of Ahmed Mousa Ahmed Ahel, 76, was recovered from his house in al-Shuja'iya neighborhood. He was killed by Israeli shelling on 20 July 2014.
- The body of a member of a Palestinian armed group was recovered from al-Zaytoun neighborhood in the southeast of Gaza City.
- On 20 July 2014, Israeli forces shelled a house belonging to the al-Hilu family. As a result, 10 members of the family were killed: Jihad Mahmoud Hamed al-Hilu, 59; Siham 'Ata al-Hilu, 57; Mohammed Jihad Mahmoud al-Hilu, 29; Tahreer Jihad Mahmoud al-Hilu, 20; Najiya Jihad Mahmoud al-Hilu, 15; Ahmed Jihad Mahmoud al-Hilu, 27; Hidaya Talal al-Hilu, 25; Maram Ahmed Jihad al-Hilu, 2; and Karim and Karam Ahmed al-Hilu, 5 months.
- At approximately 13:00 on Saturday, 26 July 2014, medical sources declared that a member of a Palestinian armed group, 22, died of wounds he sustained on 24 July 2014 when Israeli forces fired at him al-Zaytoun neighborhood in the southeast of Gaza City.
The Central Gaza Strip:
Medical crews recovered the body of a member of a Palestinian armed group; a Palestinian civilian was killed during the humanitarian truce; another civilian dies of previous wounds; and 2 members of a Palestinian armed group were killed faollwing the end of the humanitarian truce, and a third one who was killed earlier was identified.
- At approximately 10:20 on Saturday, 26 July 2014, during the declared humanitarian truce, Na'im 'Abdul 'Aziz Ahmed Abu Zaher, 37, went to check his house in Wadi al-Salqa village. He was surprised by the presence of Israeli forces inside the house. They shot him dead.
- At approximately 12:50, a member of a Palestinian armed group who was killed a few days ago in the east of al-Boreij refugee camp was identified.
- At approximately 12:50, the body of a member of a Palestinian armed group was recovered from al-Mughraqa village.
- At approximately 17:00, medical sources declared that Ayman Anwar Salem Burai'em 39, died of wounds he sustained as a result of Israeli shelling 3 days ago.
- At approximately 09:50 on Sunday, 27 July 2014, Israeli drones fired 2 missiles at an olive field in al-Nussairat refugee camp. As a result, 2 members of a Palestinian armed group were killed and 2 civilians were seriously wounded.
Khan Yunis:
The bodies of 12 Palestinians who were killed by Israeli forces in the past day were recovered; a Palestinian civilian died of previous wounds; medical crews evacuated 10 civilians, including 5 wounded ones, from Khuza'a village; and Israeli forces released 20 Palestinian civilians who had been arrested in Khuza'a village, some of whom had been wounded.
- On Saturday morning, 26 July 2014, medical crews were able to recover boies of 12 Palestinians who were killed in the east of Khan Yunis: Suleiman Zaki 'Abdul Mawla al-Dardissi, 27; Ahmed Shawqi Abu Sa'ada, 24; Mohammed Ibrahim Hamdan Abu Tu'aima, 35; Ra'ed Khalil Hamdan Abu Tu'aima, 33; Mamdouh Mallahi Suleiman Abu Naja, 24; Ayman Akram Ismail al-Ghalban, 22; Jihad Naji Abu 'Aamer, 24; Rabah Rashed Fayad, 40; Fadi Mahmoud al-Masri, 23; Eyad Yousef al-Sadi, 25; Salem Mustafa al-Hadhidi, 26; and Wassim Nasser 'Abdu Shurrab, 22.
- PCHR's staff visited al-Qarara and al-Zanna areas which were invaded by Israeli forces a few days ago. They notice extensive destruction to houses, agricultural areas and the civilian infrastructure.
- At approximately 11:00, medical sources declared that 'Ali Mohammed 'Ali al-Astal, 32, died of wound he sustained when an Israeli drone attacked a number of civilians in al-Satar al-Gharbi area in the northwest of Khan Yunis.
- At approximately 19:00, the ICRC and medical crews were able to enter Khuza'a village. They evacuated 10 Palestinian civilians, including a number of wounded ones, who were trapped in the area. There are reports that there are a number of victims under the debris of homes that were destroyed by Israeli forces, but Israeli forces have not allowed rescue teams to enter the village.
Rafah:
Following the end of the humanitarian truce, Israeli tanks shelled agricultural lands and open areas in Rafah, but no casualties were reported.
PCHR reiterates condemnation, expresses utmost concern for these crimes, and:
1) Warns of deterioration of the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip in light of this continuous Israeli military escalation, threats to expand military operations, and the continued tightened closure of the Gaza Strip;
2) Calls upon the international community to act immediately to stop these crimes, and renews the call to the High Contracting Parties of the Fourth Geneva Convention to fulfill their obligation under Article 1 of the Convention to ensure that it is respected at all times, and their responsibilities under Article 146 to pursue perpetrators of serious violations of the Convention, which are determined in Article 147, which lists violations of the Convention amounting to war crimes; and
3) Calls for establishing a UN fact-finding mission to investigate suspected war crimes committed by Israeli forces against Palestinian civilians in the Gaza Strip, and take necessary steps to prosecute responsible for them.
The Palestinian Center for Human Rights (PCHR) has published a report detailing the search for bodies in the brief ceasefire that took place over the weekend, but also condemned Israeli targeting of medical crews that continued even while the ceasefire was in place.
At approximately 08:00 on Saturday, 26 July 2014, a 12-hour humanitarian truce was declared, and was then extended for an additional 4 hours. During the truce, Palestinian civilians rushed to buy foodstuffs and basic needs. Medical and civil defense crews were able to reach areas that had been invaded by Israeli forces.
However, the medical crews were presented from reaching certain areas in the east of Kahn Yunis. According to eyewitnesses, al-Shuja'iya neighborhood looked as if it was hit by an earthquake or Tsunami as it was extensively destroyed. Similar destruction was also seen in Beit Hanoun town. During the truce, medical crews were able to recover bodies of dozens of Palestinians, and evacuate some civilians who had been trapped in their houses in the areas that had been invaded. Following the end of the truce, Israeli tanks resumed shelling border areas in the east of Gaza Strip violently.
PCHR field workers have been unable to collect information from border areas in the Gaza Strip, because the situation is extremely dangerous in these areas. The following details are based on the information which the field workers have been able to collect.
From 10:00 on Saturday, 26 July 2014 to 10:00 on Sunday, 27 July 2014, according to what PCHR has been able to document, medical crews were able to recover the bodies of Palestinians, of whom 62 ones are civilians, including 5 children and 2 women. Seven Palestinians, of whom 5 civilians are civilians, including a child and a woman, died of previous wounds. Additionally, 43 Palestinians, mostly civilians, were wounded – this number includes 5 children and 7 women. A Palestinian civilian was also killed by Israeli forces during the humanitarian truce, and 2 members of a Palestinian armed group were killed a few hours following the end of the truce.
The latest developments since the press release issued by PCHR Friday at noon have been as follows:
The Northern Gaza Strip:
Bodies of 26 Palestinians, including 3 civilians one of whom is a child, who were killed by Israeli forces during the current offensive, were recovered. The civilian victims were identified as: Mohammed Salam Mohammed Abu Khousa, 75; Salman Mohammed Ahmed Sama'na, 62; and Do'a' Sani Ibrahim Sama'naa, 11. Three Palestinian civilians, including a child and a woman, died of previous wounds as follows:
- At approximately 13:30 on Saturday, 26 July 2014, medical sources declared that Mohammed Sa'id Sha'ban Baba, 40, died of wounds he had sustained in the early morning when Israeli forces shelled a house belonging to Jum'a Wirsh Aga.
- At approximately 19:00, medical sources declared that Youseg Jameel Subhi Hammouda, 16, died of wounds he sustained a few days ago when Israeli forces fired an artillery shell at a number of Palestinian civilians at Beit Lahia Square.
- At approximately 00:00 on Sunday, 27 July 2014, medical sources declared that Ikram Ahmed Tawfiq al-Shanbari, 23, from al-Amal neighborhood in Beit Hanoun, died of wounds she sustained when Israeli forces shelled an UNRWA shelter in Beit Hanoun on 24 July 2014.
Gaza City:
Bodies of 37 Palestinians, 32 of whom are civilians, including 4 children and 2 women, were recovered from al-Shuja'ya and al-Sha'af neighborhoods. The victims include 10 members of the al-Hilu family whose bodies were found under the debris of their home. Additionally, a member of a Palestinian armed group died of a pervious wound. The civilian victims who whose bodies were recovered are:
- The bodies of Sami Fathi Ahmed al-'Ar'ir, 50, Mohammed Rafiq Sa'id al-'Ar'ir, 30, Hassan Fathi Ahmed al-'Ar'ir, 30, 'Abdul Karim Fathi Ahmed al-'Ar'ir, 30; and Fathi Sami Fathi al-'Ar'ir,20, were found under the debris of their home that was destroyed by Israeli warplanes on 20 July 2014.
- The body of Khaled Yousef Mohammed Badwan, 48, was recovered from al-Sha'f neighborhood. He was killed by Israeli shelling on 23 July 2014.
- The body of 'Abdul Rahman Ziad Hassan Abu Hain, 28, was recovered from al-Shuja'iya neighborhood. He was killed when Israeli warplanes bombarded his house on 23 July 2014.
- The body of Mohammed 'Essam Dib Abu Balta, 28, was recovered from al-Sha'af neighborhood. He was killed by Israeli artillery shelling on 22 July 2014.
- The body of Mahmoud Ra'ed Mahmoud al-'Eish, 23, was recovered from al-Shuja'iya neighborhood. He was killed by Israeli artillery shelling when he attempt to leave his house as Israeli forces shelled houses.
- The body of Fadi 'Abdul Qader 'Abdul Malek Habib, 35, was recovered from al-Shuja'iya neighborhood. He was killed by Israeli artillery shelling.
- The body 'Omar 'Abdul Hakim Ibrahim al-Sheikh Khalil, 25, was recovered from al-Shuja'iya neighborhood. He was killed by Israeli artillery shelling.
- Bodies of 2 members of a Palestinian armed group who were killed on 20 July 2014 were recovered,
- The body of Adham Majed Yousef Dhaher, 18, was recovered from al-Shuja'iya neighborhood. He was killed when Israeli tanks shelled his family's house on 23 July 2014.
- The body of a member of an armed group, 30, was recovered from al-Shuja'iya neighborhood. He was killed on 23 July 2014.
- The body of Mohammed Riad Sha'ban Shabet, 25, was recovered from al-Tuffah neighborhood. He was killed when Israeli warplanes bombarded his family's house on 23 July 2014.
- The body of Mohammed Mahmoud Rajab Hajjaj, 34, was recovered from al-Shuja'iya neighborhood. He was killed when Israeli warplanes bombarded his house on 21 July 2014.
- The bodies of Mohammed Ahmed Kamel Abu al-'Atam 32, Mos'ab Salah Salman Abu al-'Ata, 21, and Mohammed Mahmoud Sa'id Abu al-'Ata, 28, were recovered from al-Shuja'iya neighborhood. They were killed when Israeli forces shelled their house on 20 July 2014.
- The bodies of Ismail 'Aayesh Yousef Abu Ghanima, 26, and his brother Ibrahim, 28, were recovered from al-Shuja'iya neighborhood. They were killed by Israeli shelling on 23 July 2014.
- The body of a member of a Palestinian armed group, 25, was recovered from al-Shuja'iya neighborhood. He was killed by Israeli forces on 21 July.
- The body of Fareed 'Abdul Qader 'Abdul Malek Habib, 30, was recovered from al-Sha'af neighborhood. He was killed while he was fleeing from his house that was shelled by Israeli forces.
- The body of Shaker Ahmed Shaker al-Jammal, 48, was recovered from al-Shuja'iya neighborhood. He was killed by Israeli shelling of his house on 20 July 2014.
- The body of Ahmed Mousa Ahmed Ahel, 76, was recovered from his house in al-Shuja'iya neighborhood. He was killed by Israeli shelling on 20 July 2014.
- The body of a member of a Palestinian armed group was recovered from al-Zaytoun neighborhood in the southeast of Gaza City.
- On 20 July 2014, Israeli forces shelled a house belonging to the al-Hilu family. As a result, 10 members of the family were killed: Jihad Mahmoud Hamed al-Hilu, 59; Siham 'Ata al-Hilu, 57; Mohammed Jihad Mahmoud al-Hilu, 29; Tahreer Jihad Mahmoud al-Hilu, 20; Najiya Jihad Mahmoud al-Hilu, 15; Ahmed Jihad Mahmoud al-Hilu, 27; Hidaya Talal al-Hilu, 25; Maram Ahmed Jihad al-Hilu, 2; and Karim and Karam Ahmed al-Hilu, 5 months.
- At approximately 13:00 on Saturday, 26 July 2014, medical sources declared that a member of a Palestinian armed group, 22, died of wounds he sustained on 24 July 2014 when Israeli forces fired at him al-Zaytoun neighborhood in the southeast of Gaza City.
The Central Gaza Strip:
Medical crews recovered the body of a member of a Palestinian armed group; a Palestinian civilian was killed during the humanitarian truce; another civilian dies of previous wounds; and 2 members of a Palestinian armed group were killed faollwing the end of the humanitarian truce, and a third one who was killed earlier was identified.
- At approximately 10:20 on Saturday, 26 July 2014, during the declared humanitarian truce, Na'im 'Abdul 'Aziz Ahmed Abu Zaher, 37, went to check his house in Wadi al-Salqa village. He was surprised by the presence of Israeli forces inside the house. They shot him dead.
- At approximately 12:50, a member of a Palestinian armed group who was killed a few days ago in the east of al-Boreij refugee camp was identified.
- At approximately 12:50, the body of a member of a Palestinian armed group was recovered from al-Mughraqa village.
- At approximately 17:00, medical sources declared that Ayman Anwar Salem Burai'em 39, died of wounds he sustained as a result of Israeli shelling 3 days ago.
- At approximately 09:50 on Sunday, 27 July 2014, Israeli drones fired 2 missiles at an olive field in al-Nussairat refugee camp. As a result, 2 members of a Palestinian armed group were killed and 2 civilians were seriously wounded.
Khan Yunis:
The bodies of 12 Palestinians who were killed by Israeli forces in the past day were recovered; a Palestinian civilian died of previous wounds; medical crews evacuated 10 civilians, including 5 wounded ones, from Khuza'a village; and Israeli forces released 20 Palestinian civilians who had been arrested in Khuza'a village, some of whom had been wounded.
- On Saturday morning, 26 July 2014, medical crews were able to recover boies of 12 Palestinians who were killed in the east of Khan Yunis: Suleiman Zaki 'Abdul Mawla al-Dardissi, 27; Ahmed Shawqi Abu Sa'ada, 24; Mohammed Ibrahim Hamdan Abu Tu'aima, 35; Ra'ed Khalil Hamdan Abu Tu'aima, 33; Mamdouh Mallahi Suleiman Abu Naja, 24; Ayman Akram Ismail al-Ghalban, 22; Jihad Naji Abu 'Aamer, 24; Rabah Rashed Fayad, 40; Fadi Mahmoud al-Masri, 23; Eyad Yousef al-Sadi, 25; Salem Mustafa al-Hadhidi, 26; and Wassim Nasser 'Abdu Shurrab, 22.
- PCHR's staff visited al-Qarara and al-Zanna areas which were invaded by Israeli forces a few days ago. They notice extensive destruction to houses, agricultural areas and the civilian infrastructure.
- At approximately 11:00, medical sources declared that 'Ali Mohammed 'Ali al-Astal, 32, died of wound he sustained when an Israeli drone attacked a number of civilians in al-Satar al-Gharbi area in the northwest of Khan Yunis.
- At approximately 19:00, the ICRC and medical crews were able to enter Khuza'a village. They evacuated 10 Palestinian civilians, including a number of wounded ones, who were trapped in the area. There are reports that there are a number of victims under the debris of homes that were destroyed by Israeli forces, but Israeli forces have not allowed rescue teams to enter the village.
Rafah:
Following the end of the humanitarian truce, Israeli tanks shelled agricultural lands and open areas in Rafah, but no casualties were reported.
PCHR reiterates condemnation, expresses utmost concern for these crimes, and:
1) Warns of deterioration of the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip in light of this continuous Israeli military escalation, threats to expand military operations, and the continued tightened closure of the Gaza Strip;
2) Calls upon the international community to act immediately to stop these crimes, and renews the call to the High Contracting Parties of the Fourth Geneva Convention to fulfill their obligation under Article 1 of the Convention to ensure that it is respected at all times, and their responsibilities under Article 146 to pursue perpetrators of serious violations of the Convention, which are determined in Article 147, which lists violations of the Convention amounting to war crimes; and
3) Calls for establishing a UN fact-finding mission to investigate suspected war crimes committed by Israeli forces against Palestinian civilians in the Gaza Strip, and take necessary steps to prosecute responsible for them.
Egypt's army said Sunday it has destroyed 13 more tunnels connecting the Sinai Peninsula to the Gaza Strip, taking to 1,639 the overall number it has laid waste to.
The destruction will potentially aggravate the economic and humanitarian situation in the besieged Gaza Strip, which has witnessed a major drop in living standards since Egypt's Abdel Fattah al-Sisi launched a campaign to destroy the tunnels last summer.
Over the eight years since Israel imposed an economic blockade on the Strip due to the victory of Hamas in elections, the tunnels have provided a major lifeline to the outside world for Gaza's 1.7 million people.
Since last summer, however, Cairo has poured troops into the peninsula to counter a rising insurgency since the ouster of democratically-elected president Mohamed Morsi last year, and its security operation involves the destruction of these tunnels.
The Palestinian militant group Hamas, which is the main power in Gaza, reportedly uses the tunnels to smuggle arms, food and money into the blockaded coastal enclave.
Israel has been waging a military offensive on Gaza since July 8, and it launched a ground assault on July 17 aimed at destroying a network of tunnels inside the Gaza Strip.
The assault has killed more than 1,000 Palestinians, the vast majority of whom have been civilians.
Ties between Hamas and Cairo have deteriorated since the Egyptian army deposed Morsi on July 3, 2013. Hamas is an affiliate of Morsi's Muslim Brotherhood.
Cairo also accuses of Hamas of being involved in militant attacks inside Egypt, which have multiplied since Morsi was toppled. Both Hamas and the Muslim Brotherhood have denied any connection to the attacks, which have been claimed by Wahhabi militant groups.
Militant groups say their attacks are in retaliation for a police crackdown on Morsi's supporters. The crackdown has seen more than 1,400 people killed in attacks on demonstrators and street clashes.
The destruction will potentially aggravate the economic and humanitarian situation in the besieged Gaza Strip, which has witnessed a major drop in living standards since Egypt's Abdel Fattah al-Sisi launched a campaign to destroy the tunnels last summer.
Over the eight years since Israel imposed an economic blockade on the Strip due to the victory of Hamas in elections, the tunnels have provided a major lifeline to the outside world for Gaza's 1.7 million people.
Since last summer, however, Cairo has poured troops into the peninsula to counter a rising insurgency since the ouster of democratically-elected president Mohamed Morsi last year, and its security operation involves the destruction of these tunnels.
The Palestinian militant group Hamas, which is the main power in Gaza, reportedly uses the tunnels to smuggle arms, food and money into the blockaded coastal enclave.
Israel has been waging a military offensive on Gaza since July 8, and it launched a ground assault on July 17 aimed at destroying a network of tunnels inside the Gaza Strip.
The assault has killed more than 1,000 Palestinians, the vast majority of whom have been civilians.
Ties between Hamas and Cairo have deteriorated since the Egyptian army deposed Morsi on July 3, 2013. Hamas is an affiliate of Morsi's Muslim Brotherhood.
Cairo also accuses of Hamas of being involved in militant attacks inside Egypt, which have multiplied since Morsi was toppled. Both Hamas and the Muslim Brotherhood have denied any connection to the attacks, which have been claimed by Wahhabi militant groups.
Militant groups say their attacks are in retaliation for a police crackdown on Morsi's supporters. The crackdown has seen more than 1,400 people killed in attacks on demonstrators and street clashes.
Gaza electricity repair crews on Sunday narrowly survived an Israeli artillery shelling that nearly struck two vehicles carrying crews, a company official said.
Gaza Electricity Distribution Company public relations director Jamal Dardasawi told Ma'an that Israeli artillery targeted the vehicles despite the fact that both vehicles are clearly marked as belonging to the electricity company.
Gaza Electricity Distribution Company public relations director Jamal Dardasawi told Ma'an that Israeli artillery targeted the vehicles despite the fact that both vehicles are clearly marked as belonging to the electricity company.
An Israeli was injured after a rocket from Gaza hit a home in Shaar HaNegev on Sunday.
The military wing of the Popular Resistance Committees al-Nasser Salah al-Din Brigades on Sunday claimed responsibility for firing missiles at Israeli towns near the Gaza Strip on Saturday night, claiming one Israeli had died and two were injured.
The group added in a statement received by Ma'an, that at 11:15 p.m, fighters fired seven Katyusha missiles and an "advanced Nasser missile" at the Sdot Hanegev cities of Yad Mordechai, Kermiaho and Ashkelon.
The statement said that one Israeli was killed and two others were injured by a missile which hit a house in Sdot Hanegev regional council.
Israeli media reports, however, did not suggest any deaths, but said that two were injured, one seriously in a missile strike that hit a house.
The statement added that fighters fired two Grad missiles at Beersheba, which is about 40 kilometers (25 miles) away from the Gaza border.
In a separate statement, the group said two missiles were fired at Kerem Shalom military base on Saturday night as well.
The group added in a statement received by Ma'an, that at 11:15 p.m, fighters fired seven Katyusha missiles and an "advanced Nasser missile" at the Sdot Hanegev cities of Yad Mordechai, Kermiaho and Ashkelon.
The statement said that one Israeli was killed and two others were injured by a missile which hit a house in Sdot Hanegev regional council.
Israeli media reports, however, did not suggest any deaths, but said that two were injured, one seriously in a missile strike that hit a house.
The statement added that fighters fired two Grad missiles at Beersheba, which is about 40 kilometers (25 miles) away from the Gaza border.
In a separate statement, the group said two missiles were fired at Kerem Shalom military base on Saturday night as well.
Israel rejected a proposed 24-hour humanitarian truce on Sunday, hours after Hamas said that all Palestinian factions in the Gaza Strip had agreed to observe it.
"They are violating their own ceasefire," Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told the news network CNN, rejecting the proposal. "Under these circumstances, Israel will do what it must do to defend its people."
Additionally, Netanyahu told American media the only long-term ceasefire Israel was willing to consider was the one proposed by Egypt last week, which Hamas rejected because it has insisted that any long-standing ceasefire should involve the end of the eight-year old Israeli blockade.
The Hamas truce proposal came only hours after Israel announced a resumption of hostilities in Gaza following a day-long pause in the nineteen-day long assault.
"In response to the UN's intervention request to monitor the situation ... it has been agreed between the resistance factions that a 24-hour humanitarian truce will start from 2:00 pm," Hamas spokesman Sami Abu Zuhri said in a statement.
Zuhri said the ceasefire would take place ahead of the three-day Muslim holiday of Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of the fasting month of Ramadan and is expected to fall on Monday.
Israel did not immediately respond to the proposal, and both sides continued attacks well past 2:00.
Earlier, Hamas had rejected an Israeli proposal to extend the 12-hour ceasefire that ended at 8:00 p.m Saturday, on the basis that the ceasefire allowed Israel to continue its tunnel operation.
Israel first extended the ceasefire until midnight, and then another 24 hours until midnight on Sunday.
Militant groups in Gaza held fire during the agreed-upon humanitarian window, but began firing rockets minutes after it officially expired at 8:00 p.m on Saturday.
Israeli forces responded by shelling areas in the southern and central Gaza Strip, in addition to killing a man in Deir al-Balah, a Ma'an reporter in Gaza said.
Early Sunday, Israel announced that it had decided not to resume attacks on Gaza given factions' rejection of the ceasefire extension.
In renewed attacks on the Strip, Israeli forces killed at least nine Palestinians, bringing the death toll up to 1,062, a Palestinian health ministry spokesman said.
More than 6,000 Palestinians have been injured.
Some 80 percent of those killed by Israeli attacks in Gaza are civilians, according to rights groups.
The UN agency for children says that 192 Palestinian children have been killed during the latest conflict so far.
"They are violating their own ceasefire," Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told the news network CNN, rejecting the proposal. "Under these circumstances, Israel will do what it must do to defend its people."
Additionally, Netanyahu told American media the only long-term ceasefire Israel was willing to consider was the one proposed by Egypt last week, which Hamas rejected because it has insisted that any long-standing ceasefire should involve the end of the eight-year old Israeli blockade.
The Hamas truce proposal came only hours after Israel announced a resumption of hostilities in Gaza following a day-long pause in the nineteen-day long assault.
"In response to the UN's intervention request to monitor the situation ... it has been agreed between the resistance factions that a 24-hour humanitarian truce will start from 2:00 pm," Hamas spokesman Sami Abu Zuhri said in a statement.
Zuhri said the ceasefire would take place ahead of the three-day Muslim holiday of Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of the fasting month of Ramadan and is expected to fall on Monday.
Israel did not immediately respond to the proposal, and both sides continued attacks well past 2:00.
Earlier, Hamas had rejected an Israeli proposal to extend the 12-hour ceasefire that ended at 8:00 p.m Saturday, on the basis that the ceasefire allowed Israel to continue its tunnel operation.
Israel first extended the ceasefire until midnight, and then another 24 hours until midnight on Sunday.
Militant groups in Gaza held fire during the agreed-upon humanitarian window, but began firing rockets minutes after it officially expired at 8:00 p.m on Saturday.
Israeli forces responded by shelling areas in the southern and central Gaza Strip, in addition to killing a man in Deir al-Balah, a Ma'an reporter in Gaza said.
Early Sunday, Israel announced that it had decided not to resume attacks on Gaza given factions' rejection of the ceasefire extension.
In renewed attacks on the Strip, Israeli forces killed at least nine Palestinians, bringing the death toll up to 1,062, a Palestinian health ministry spokesman said.
More than 6,000 Palestinians have been injured.
Some 80 percent of those killed by Israeli attacks in Gaza are civilians, according to rights groups.
The UN agency for children says that 192 Palestinian children have been killed during the latest conflict so far.
Hamas on Sunday belatedly said Palestinian factions had agreed to a 24-hour humanitarian truce, shortly after Israel announced a resumption of hostilities in Gaza following a day-long pause.
"In response to the UN's intervention request to monitor the situation ... it has been agreed between the resistance factions that a 24-hour humanitarian truce will start from 2:00 pm," Hamas spokesman Sami Abu Zuhri said in a statement.
Israel has yet to respond to the proposal.
Earlier, Hamas had rejected an Israeli proposal to extend the 12-hour ceasefire that ended at 8:00 p.m Saturday, on the basis that the ceasefire allowed Israel to continue its tunnel operation.
Israel first extended the ceasefire until midnight, and then another 24 hours until midnight on Sunday.
Militant groups in Gaza held fire during the agreed-upon humanitarian window, but began firing rockets minutes after it officially expired at 8:00 p.m on Saturday.
Israeli forces responded by shelling areas in the southern and central Gaza Strip, in addition to killing a man in Deir al-Balah, a Ma'an reporter in Gaza said.
Early Sunday, Israel announced that it had decided not to resume attacks on Gaza given factions' rejection of the ceasefire extension.
In renewed attacks on the Strip, Israeli forces killed at least six Palestinians, bringing the death toll up to 1,058.
Some 80 percent of those killed by Israeli attacks in Gaza are civilians, according to rights groups.
The UN agency for children says that 192 Palestinian children have been killed during the latest conflict so far.
"In response to the UN's intervention request to monitor the situation ... it has been agreed between the resistance factions that a 24-hour humanitarian truce will start from 2:00 pm," Hamas spokesman Sami Abu Zuhri said in a statement.
Israel has yet to respond to the proposal.
Earlier, Hamas had rejected an Israeli proposal to extend the 12-hour ceasefire that ended at 8:00 p.m Saturday, on the basis that the ceasefire allowed Israel to continue its tunnel operation.
Israel first extended the ceasefire until midnight, and then another 24 hours until midnight on Sunday.
Militant groups in Gaza held fire during the agreed-upon humanitarian window, but began firing rockets minutes after it officially expired at 8:00 p.m on Saturday.
Israeli forces responded by shelling areas in the southern and central Gaza Strip, in addition to killing a man in Deir al-Balah, a Ma'an reporter in Gaza said.
Early Sunday, Israel announced that it had decided not to resume attacks on Gaza given factions' rejection of the ceasefire extension.
In renewed attacks on the Strip, Israeli forces killed at least six Palestinians, bringing the death toll up to 1,058.
Some 80 percent of those killed by Israeli attacks in Gaza are civilians, according to rights groups.
The UN agency for children says that 192 Palestinian children have been killed during the latest conflict so far.
A draft of US Secretary of State John Kerry's ceasefire proposal that was shown to Israeli officials on Friday called for the opening of Gaza-Israel border crossings and ensuring "the economic livelihood" of Palestinians in the Strip, an Israeli newspaper reported Sunday.
The document, titled "Framework for Humanitarian Ceasefire in Gaza," also said a lasting truce would make possible the "transfer of funds to Gaza for the payment of salaries for public employees," Haaretz reported.
According to the report, the proposed ceasefire would also "address all security concerns."
Israel would not be allowed to continue its operation to destroy tunnels during the initial ceasefire, the draft reportedly stipulated.
It made no explicit mention of the demilitarization of Palestinian factions in Gaza.
Israeli officials were "in shock" upon reading the draft, saying it ignored Israel's security concerns.
"We succeeded in foiling that document and now we are discussing other options," Haaretz quoted officials as saying.
An associate of Kerry reportedly responded: "There is no paper and no proposal. The draft was based on the Egyptian proposal that Israel wholeheartedly supported. So if they are opposed, they are opposed their own plan."
Israel voted down a ceasefire proposal Friday, instead agreeing to a 12-hour humanitarian truce starting Saturday at 8 a.m.
On July 15, Israel imposed a ceasefire agreed upon by Egypt and the US. Hamas and other Palestinian factions continued firing rockets, saying they had not been involved in negotiating the ceasefire and heard about it "through the media."
Israel began its ground operation operation in Gaza two days later, and the death toll among Palestinians, mostly civilians, soared.
Palestinian groups in Gaza say they will not accept any ceasefire that does not involve the lifting of the eight-year blockade on the Strip, which has severely limited imports and exports and has led to frequent humanitarian crises.
The document, titled "Framework for Humanitarian Ceasefire in Gaza," also said a lasting truce would make possible the "transfer of funds to Gaza for the payment of salaries for public employees," Haaretz reported.
According to the report, the proposed ceasefire would also "address all security concerns."
Israel would not be allowed to continue its operation to destroy tunnels during the initial ceasefire, the draft reportedly stipulated.
It made no explicit mention of the demilitarization of Palestinian factions in Gaza.
Israeli officials were "in shock" upon reading the draft, saying it ignored Israel's security concerns.
"We succeeded in foiling that document and now we are discussing other options," Haaretz quoted officials as saying.
An associate of Kerry reportedly responded: "There is no paper and no proposal. The draft was based on the Egyptian proposal that Israel wholeheartedly supported. So if they are opposed, they are opposed their own plan."
Israel voted down a ceasefire proposal Friday, instead agreeing to a 12-hour humanitarian truce starting Saturday at 8 a.m.
On July 15, Israel imposed a ceasefire agreed upon by Egypt and the US. Hamas and other Palestinian factions continued firing rockets, saying they had not been involved in negotiating the ceasefire and heard about it "through the media."
Israel began its ground operation operation in Gaza two days later, and the death toll among Palestinians, mostly civilians, soared.
Palestinian groups in Gaza say they will not accept any ceasefire that does not involve the lifting of the eight-year blockade on the Strip, which has severely limited imports and exports and has led to frequent humanitarian crises.
Palestinian medical sources have reported that Israeli missiles have killed at least eight Palestinians in noontime strikes on Sunday, while two more Palestinians died of wounds suffered several days ago.
14:49 Palestinian factions agree to a new 24-hour ceasefire, starting Sunday at noon. Dr. Sami Abu Zuhri of Hamas stated that the humanitarian truce could be extended, depending on the situation.
The Israeli TV, Channel 2, said Israel is likely to agree to this UN-mediated truce.
Israel killed ten Palestinians Sunday, and wounded dozens, after the army fired missiles into Palestinian homes in different parts of the Gaza.
14:34 Medical sources said a woman was killed, and her son was seriously injured, after the army fired a missile into their home, east of Gaza City.
She has been identified as;
1. Jalila Faraj Ayyad, Gaza.
03:58 - One Palestinian, killed after the army fired a missile at him as he was driving his motorcycle in Khan Younis, in southern Gaza, has been identified as:
2. Khaled Abdul-Sattar Samhoud, Khan Younis.
Update: 13:44
Another Palestinian was killed when the army bombarded the Shuja'eyya neighborhood in Gaza, medical sources said.
He has been identified as:
3. Yousef Abed Shehada al-Masri, 24
The Palestinian Ministry of Health in Gaza has reported two Palestinians have been killed after the army fired missiles into the Nusseirat area of Central Gaza. They have been identified as:
4. Ahmad Abu Sweirej, 23, Nusseirat, Central Gaza.
5. Mohammad Abu Haroun, 29, Nusseirat, Central Gaza.
A separate airstrike that also targeted the Nusseirat refugee camp, in Central Gaza, killed two and wounded several residents.
The slain Palestinians have been identified as;
6. Ibrahim Khalil ad-Derawi, 27, Central District.
7. Ala’ Nahedh Matar, 24, Central District.
Also, a Palestinian has been killed by an Israeli missile, near the al-Hareth Mosque, in the Zanna area of Bani Soheila, in Khan Younis, in the southern part of the Gaza Strip. He has been identified as:
8. Issam Abdul-Karim Abu Sa’ada, 24, Khan Younis.
Another Palestinian was killed, and three others were wounded, by Israeli sells in Khan Younis. The Al-Quds Brigades said the slain Palestinian is one of its fighters. He has been identified as:
9. Hazem Fayez Abu Shammala, 33, Khan Younis.
Earlier Sunday, the Ministry of Health in Gaza said two Palestinians died at the Shifa Medical Center, of wounds suffered two days ago. They have been identified as:
10. Yousef Jamil Sobhi Hammouda, 16, Gaza.
11. Ikram ash-Shinbari, 23, Gaza City.
Furthermore, a Palestinian child also died at an Egyptian hospital, of injuries suffered after the army bombarded his home several days ago.
12. Fadi Baraka, Gaza.
Another Palestinian died of wounds suffered after an Israeli missile struck his home in the al-Maghazi camp several days ago. He has been identified as:
12. Baha’ ed-Deen Ahmad Sa’id, al-Maghazi.
Palestinian armed groups in Gaza fired several missiles into Israel after the initial twelve-hour truce ended, as the groups rejected any truce that does not include a full Israeli withdrawal from cities, towns and areas the army recently invaded as part of Israel’s war on Gaza.
The Israeli Ministerial Cabinet earlier approved extending the temporary truce for 24 hours, but rejected any withdrawal of the army from Gaza.
Hamas said it cannot approve a truce that allows for the continuation of Israeli strikes and military presence in Gaza, and Hamas reiterated its demand that Israel stop attacking medics and rescue teams trying to locate survivors under the rubble of their homes.
In the airstrikes, which began shortly after noon, the Israeli army fired missiles into several homes in the Sa’ayda area, east of the al-Maghazi, and al-Masdar area, east of the Central District.
The army also fired missiles into the Nusseirat refugee camp, Bani Solheila in Khan Younis, and even fired missiles into a school, where families are taking shelter in Gaza City, wounding two Palestinians.
The army fired shells into a civilian car in the Zeitoun neighborhood of Gaza City, causing damage but no injuries.
Israeli missiles struck several areas in Rafah, in southern Gaza, al-Maghazi and Gaza City, and Beit Hanoun in the northern part of the Gaza Strip.
The Israeli Economy Minister, head of the Jewish Home party, Naftali Bennett, posted on his Facebook page, “Israel is in the midst of an historic operation to destroy Hamas and completely disarm it. Now, especially now, we should not remove our foot from the gas pedal. No ceasefire, no truce, no rest, no peace, no dialogue. Hamas leaders know our phone numbers – if they want to disarm, call us. Otherwise, there will be no end to this operation.”
14:49 Palestinian factions agree to a new 24-hour ceasefire, starting Sunday at noon. Dr. Sami Abu Zuhri of Hamas stated that the humanitarian truce could be extended, depending on the situation.
The Israeli TV, Channel 2, said Israel is likely to agree to this UN-mediated truce.
Israel killed ten Palestinians Sunday, and wounded dozens, after the army fired missiles into Palestinian homes in different parts of the Gaza.
14:34 Medical sources said a woman was killed, and her son was seriously injured, after the army fired a missile into their home, east of Gaza City.
She has been identified as;
1. Jalila Faraj Ayyad, Gaza.
03:58 - One Palestinian, killed after the army fired a missile at him as he was driving his motorcycle in Khan Younis, in southern Gaza, has been identified as:
2. Khaled Abdul-Sattar Samhoud, Khan Younis.
Update: 13:44
Another Palestinian was killed when the army bombarded the Shuja'eyya neighborhood in Gaza, medical sources said.
He has been identified as:
3. Yousef Abed Shehada al-Masri, 24
The Palestinian Ministry of Health in Gaza has reported two Palestinians have been killed after the army fired missiles into the Nusseirat area of Central Gaza. They have been identified as:
4. Ahmad Abu Sweirej, 23, Nusseirat, Central Gaza.
5. Mohammad Abu Haroun, 29, Nusseirat, Central Gaza.
A separate airstrike that also targeted the Nusseirat refugee camp, in Central Gaza, killed two and wounded several residents.
The slain Palestinians have been identified as;
6. Ibrahim Khalil ad-Derawi, 27, Central District.
7. Ala’ Nahedh Matar, 24, Central District.
Also, a Palestinian has been killed by an Israeli missile, near the al-Hareth Mosque, in the Zanna area of Bani Soheila, in Khan Younis, in the southern part of the Gaza Strip. He has been identified as:
8. Issam Abdul-Karim Abu Sa’ada, 24, Khan Younis.
Another Palestinian was killed, and three others were wounded, by Israeli sells in Khan Younis. The Al-Quds Brigades said the slain Palestinian is one of its fighters. He has been identified as:
9. Hazem Fayez Abu Shammala, 33, Khan Younis.
Earlier Sunday, the Ministry of Health in Gaza said two Palestinians died at the Shifa Medical Center, of wounds suffered two days ago. They have been identified as:
10. Yousef Jamil Sobhi Hammouda, 16, Gaza.
11. Ikram ash-Shinbari, 23, Gaza City.
Furthermore, a Palestinian child also died at an Egyptian hospital, of injuries suffered after the army bombarded his home several days ago.
12. Fadi Baraka, Gaza.
Another Palestinian died of wounds suffered after an Israeli missile struck his home in the al-Maghazi camp several days ago. He has been identified as:
12. Baha’ ed-Deen Ahmad Sa’id, al-Maghazi.
Palestinian armed groups in Gaza fired several missiles into Israel after the initial twelve-hour truce ended, as the groups rejected any truce that does not include a full Israeli withdrawal from cities, towns and areas the army recently invaded as part of Israel’s war on Gaza.
The Israeli Ministerial Cabinet earlier approved extending the temporary truce for 24 hours, but rejected any withdrawal of the army from Gaza.
Hamas said it cannot approve a truce that allows for the continuation of Israeli strikes and military presence in Gaza, and Hamas reiterated its demand that Israel stop attacking medics and rescue teams trying to locate survivors under the rubble of their homes.
In the airstrikes, which began shortly after noon, the Israeli army fired missiles into several homes in the Sa’ayda area, east of the al-Maghazi, and al-Masdar area, east of the Central District.
The army also fired missiles into the Nusseirat refugee camp, Bani Solheila in Khan Younis, and even fired missiles into a school, where families are taking shelter in Gaza City, wounding two Palestinians.
The army fired shells into a civilian car in the Zeitoun neighborhood of Gaza City, causing damage but no injuries.
Israeli missiles struck several areas in Rafah, in southern Gaza, al-Maghazi and Gaza City, and Beit Hanoun in the northern part of the Gaza Strip.
The Israeli Economy Minister, head of the Jewish Home party, Naftali Bennett, posted on his Facebook page, “Israel is in the midst of an historic operation to destroy Hamas and completely disarm it. Now, especially now, we should not remove our foot from the gas pedal. No ceasefire, no truce, no rest, no peace, no dialogue. Hamas leaders know our phone numbers – if they want to disarm, call us. Otherwise, there will be no end to this operation.”
Three Palestinians were killed and several others were injured Sunday in Gaza after Israeli forces resumed attacks, an official said.
Ashraf al-Qidra told reporters that two Palestinian men were killed in al-Nuseirat refugee camp in the central Gaza Strip.
One of the victims was identified as 33-year-old Hazim Abu Shamalah.
Additionally, an Israeli attack on Khan Younis killed Issam Abu Saadah in the al-Zanna area.
A Ma'an reporter in Gaza said that shelling could be heard across the Strip, and that Israeli warplanes were hovering overhead.
Israeli forces shelled the central Gaza Strip, targeting al-Bureij refugee camp, where many residents who returned to their homes Saturday remained, thinking the ceasefire would still be in effect as originally announced by Israeli officials.
Separately, Palestinian medical sources announced that a Palestinian child, Fadi Baraka, had succumbed to his wounds in a hospital in Egypt, bringing Gaza total death toll to 1,053.
The Israeli army said in a statement early Sunday that it would resume attacks on Gaza by air, land, and sea in response to rocket fire from Gaza militants.
Officials had earlier said Israel would extend Saturday's brief humanitarian ceasefire until midnight Sunday, but that its soldiers would continue searching for and destroying tunnels in the Strip throughout that time.
Hamas and other factions rejected the truce extension, with the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine saying it was an attempt to ignore Palestinian demands.
Hamas said in a statement that "no humanitarian ceasefire is valid without Israeli tanks withdrawing from the Gaza Strip and without residents being able to return to their homes and ambulances carrying bodies being able to freely move around in Gaza."
Recovery of bodies Saturday
During Saturday's 12-hour ceasefire, medics digging through the remains of hundreds of Gaza homes uncovered at least 147 bodies.
On the ground, Palestinian ambulances sped into Gaza neighborhoods that have been too dangerous to enter for days.
Palestinians ventured onto Gaza's streets after the truce began, some eager to check homes they had fled, others to stock up on supplies.
In many places they found devastation: buildings leveled, and entire blocks of homes wiped out by Israeli bombardment.
In northern Beit Hanoun, the hospital was badly damaged by shelling, and AFP correspondents saw the charred body of a paramedic.
There were similar scenes in Shujaiyya, where stiff bodies lay on the floor of a room in one building, one caked in dried blood, all of them covered in dust.
East of southern Khan Younis, residents were denied access most of the day to the heavily-hit Khuzaa neighborhood, with Israeli forces remaining inside the border area.
And in nearby Bani Suheila, where 20 people were killed in a single Israeli air strike shortly before the truce began, women and children wept as they discovered their homes destroyed.
Some 80 percent of those killed by Israeli attacks in Gaza are civilians, according to rights groups.
The UN agency for children says that 192 Palestinian children have been killed during the latest conflict so far.
Ashraf al-Qidra told reporters that two Palestinian men were killed in al-Nuseirat refugee camp in the central Gaza Strip.
One of the victims was identified as 33-year-old Hazim Abu Shamalah.
Additionally, an Israeli attack on Khan Younis killed Issam Abu Saadah in the al-Zanna area.
A Ma'an reporter in Gaza said that shelling could be heard across the Strip, and that Israeli warplanes were hovering overhead.
Israeli forces shelled the central Gaza Strip, targeting al-Bureij refugee camp, where many residents who returned to their homes Saturday remained, thinking the ceasefire would still be in effect as originally announced by Israeli officials.
Separately, Palestinian medical sources announced that a Palestinian child, Fadi Baraka, had succumbed to his wounds in a hospital in Egypt, bringing Gaza total death toll to 1,053.
The Israeli army said in a statement early Sunday that it would resume attacks on Gaza by air, land, and sea in response to rocket fire from Gaza militants.
Officials had earlier said Israel would extend Saturday's brief humanitarian ceasefire until midnight Sunday, but that its soldiers would continue searching for and destroying tunnels in the Strip throughout that time.
Hamas and other factions rejected the truce extension, with the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine saying it was an attempt to ignore Palestinian demands.
Hamas said in a statement that "no humanitarian ceasefire is valid without Israeli tanks withdrawing from the Gaza Strip and without residents being able to return to their homes and ambulances carrying bodies being able to freely move around in Gaza."
Recovery of bodies Saturday
During Saturday's 12-hour ceasefire, medics digging through the remains of hundreds of Gaza homes uncovered at least 147 bodies.
On the ground, Palestinian ambulances sped into Gaza neighborhoods that have been too dangerous to enter for days.
Palestinians ventured onto Gaza's streets after the truce began, some eager to check homes they had fled, others to stock up on supplies.
In many places they found devastation: buildings leveled, and entire blocks of homes wiped out by Israeli bombardment.
In northern Beit Hanoun, the hospital was badly damaged by shelling, and AFP correspondents saw the charred body of a paramedic.
There were similar scenes in Shujaiyya, where stiff bodies lay on the floor of a room in one building, one caked in dried blood, all of them covered in dust.
East of southern Khan Younis, residents were denied access most of the day to the heavily-hit Khuzaa neighborhood, with Israeli forces remaining inside the border area.
And in nearby Bani Suheila, where 20 people were killed in a single Israeli air strike shortly before the truce began, women and children wept as they discovered their homes destroyed.
Some 80 percent of those killed by Israeli attacks in Gaza are civilians, according to rights groups.
The UN agency for children says that 192 Palestinian children have been killed during the latest conflict so far.
You find the photo's/video's disturbing? Remember, this is what Palestinian children see almost every day
|
|
|
