3 aug 2014
The Palestinian Ministry of Health has reported that six members of two families have been killed, and several Palestinians have been injured, as the Israeli army continued to fire missiles and shells into homes in the Gaza Strip.
Update - Sunday 11:14 A Palestinian identified as ‘Ahed Badran was killed in an Israeli bombardment, in northern Gaza, while at least ten Palestinians have been injured.
It said that three members of the Sharafi family, including a child, have been killed, and many injured, in Jabalia, in the northern part of the Gaza Strip.
They slain family members have been identified as:
1. Rajab Abdul-Rahman Sharafi, 10, Jabalia.
2. Mahmoud Abdullah Sharafi, 26, Jabalia.
3. Najah Rajab Sharafi, 48, Jabalia.
Four Palestinians of the ‘Okal family have been killed, and several others injured, when an Israeli missile struck their home in Rafah, in the southern part of the Gaza Strip.
The slain Palestinians have been identified as:
1. Turkiyya Mahmoud ‘Okal, 60, Rafah
2. Elham Mohammad Mahmoud ‘Okal, 34, Rafah
3. Mahmoud As’ad Mohammad ‘Okal, 18, Rafah
4. Mahmoud Mohammad Naim ‘Okal, 10, Rafah
The soldiers continued to target civilian homes and structure, medical centers and clinics, ambulances, journalists and even medics and rescue teams trying to move wounded and slain Palestinians to local hospital and medical center.
Palestinians Killed On Sunday, August 3
1. Fares Abu Jazar, 2, Rafah.
2. Maria Abu Jazar, 2, (Twins) Rafah.
3. Amani Abu Jazar, 23, Rafah.
4. Issa Sha’er, Rafah.
5. Saed Mahmoud al-Lahwani, Rafah.
6. Hatem Abdul-Rahman Wahdan, 50, Jabalia.
7. Seniora Wahdan, 27, Jabalia.
8. Jamila Jamal Wahdan, Jabalia.
9. Mohammad al-Hour, 30, Rafah.
10. Nasrallah al-Masry, Rafah.
11. Mohammad Ismael al-Ghoul, Rafah.
12. Wael Ismael al-Ghoul, Rafah.
13. Ismael Mohammad al-Ghoul, Rafah.
14. Ismael Wael al-Ghoul, Rafah.
15. Khadra Khaled al-Ghoul, Rafah.
16. Asma’ Ismael al-Ghoul, Rafah.
17. Malak Wael al-Ghoul, Rafah.
18. Mustafa Wael al-Ghoul, Rafah.
19. Hanadi Ismael al-Ghoul, Rafah.
20. ‘Atwa Suleiman Khattab, 64, Rafah.
21. Remas ‘Atwa al-'Attar (Khattab), Rafah.
22. Mohammad ‘Atwa Khattab, Rafah.
23. Suleiman ‘Atwa Khattab, Rafah
24. Nevin Suleiman Khattab, Rafah
25. Amira Ahmad Khattab
26. Rajab Abdul-Rahman Sharafi, 10, Jabalia
27. Mahmoud Abdullah Sharafi, 26, Jabalia
28. Najah Rajab Sharafi, 48, Jabalia
29. Turkiyya Mahmoud ‘Okal, 60, Rafah
30. Elham Mohammad Mahmoud ‘Okal, 34, Rafah
31. Mahmoud As’ad Mohammad ‘Okal, 18, Rafah
32. Mahmoud Mohammad Na’im ‘Okal, 10, Rafah
33. ‘Ahed Badran, Northern Gaza
Update - Sunday 11:14 A Palestinian identified as ‘Ahed Badran was killed in an Israeli bombardment, in northern Gaza, while at least ten Palestinians have been injured.
It said that three members of the Sharafi family, including a child, have been killed, and many injured, in Jabalia, in the northern part of the Gaza Strip.
They slain family members have been identified as:
1. Rajab Abdul-Rahman Sharafi, 10, Jabalia.
2. Mahmoud Abdullah Sharafi, 26, Jabalia.
3. Najah Rajab Sharafi, 48, Jabalia.
Four Palestinians of the ‘Okal family have been killed, and several others injured, when an Israeli missile struck their home in Rafah, in the southern part of the Gaza Strip.
The slain Palestinians have been identified as:
1. Turkiyya Mahmoud ‘Okal, 60, Rafah
2. Elham Mohammad Mahmoud ‘Okal, 34, Rafah
3. Mahmoud As’ad Mohammad ‘Okal, 18, Rafah
4. Mahmoud Mohammad Naim ‘Okal, 10, Rafah
The soldiers continued to target civilian homes and structure, medical centers and clinics, ambulances, journalists and even medics and rescue teams trying to move wounded and slain Palestinians to local hospital and medical center.
Palestinians Killed On Sunday, August 3
1. Fares Abu Jazar, 2, Rafah.
2. Maria Abu Jazar, 2, (Twins) Rafah.
3. Amani Abu Jazar, 23, Rafah.
4. Issa Sha’er, Rafah.
5. Saed Mahmoud al-Lahwani, Rafah.
6. Hatem Abdul-Rahman Wahdan, 50, Jabalia.
7. Seniora Wahdan, 27, Jabalia.
8. Jamila Jamal Wahdan, Jabalia.
9. Mohammad al-Hour, 30, Rafah.
10. Nasrallah al-Masry, Rafah.
11. Mohammad Ismael al-Ghoul, Rafah.
12. Wael Ismael al-Ghoul, Rafah.
13. Ismael Mohammad al-Ghoul, Rafah.
14. Ismael Wael al-Ghoul, Rafah.
15. Khadra Khaled al-Ghoul, Rafah.
16. Asma’ Ismael al-Ghoul, Rafah.
17. Malak Wael al-Ghoul, Rafah.
18. Mustafa Wael al-Ghoul, Rafah.
19. Hanadi Ismael al-Ghoul, Rafah.
20. ‘Atwa Suleiman Khattab, 64, Rafah.
21. Remas ‘Atwa al-'Attar (Khattab), Rafah.
22. Mohammad ‘Atwa Khattab, Rafah.
23. Suleiman ‘Atwa Khattab, Rafah
24. Nevin Suleiman Khattab, Rafah
25. Amira Ahmad Khattab
26. Rajab Abdul-Rahman Sharafi, 10, Jabalia
27. Mahmoud Abdullah Sharafi, 26, Jabalia
28. Najah Rajab Sharafi, 48, Jabalia
29. Turkiyya Mahmoud ‘Okal, 60, Rafah
30. Elham Mohammad Mahmoud ‘Okal, 34, Rafah
31. Mahmoud As’ad Mohammad ‘Okal, 18, Rafah
32. Mahmoud Mohammad Na’im ‘Okal, 10, Rafah
33. ‘Ahed Badran, Northern Gaza
Slain Palestinian Family - Ministry Of Health
The Israeli military continued its bombardment and shelling of densely populated civilian area, and homes, in the Gaza Strip, killing nine members of one family, and six members of another family bringing the death toll, just from dawn to early morning Sunday to at least 25 Palestinians.
Update: 09:59 The Ministry of Health in Gaza said three more members of Khattab family have died of serious injuries after the army bombarded their home. At least 40 family members were injured. The Khattab family members who died of their wounds have been identified as:
1. Suleiman ‘Atwa Khattab, Rafah.
2. Nevin Suleiman Khattab, Rafah.
3. Amira Ahmad Khattab.
Medical sources in Rafah, in the southern part of the Gaza Strip, have reported that the army fired a missile into a home belonging to al-Ghoul family in Rafah, killing nine, including children.
They have been identified as:
4. Mohammad Ismael al-Ghoul, Rafah.
5. Wael Ismael al-Ghoul, Rafah.
6. Ismael Mohammad al-Ghoul, Rafah.
7. Ismael Wael al-Ghoul, Rafah.
8. Khadra Khaled al-Ghoul, Rafah.
9. Asma’ Ismael al-Ghoul, Rafah.
10. Malak Wael al-Ghoul, Rafah.
11. Mustafa Wael al-Ghoul, Rafah.
12. Hanadi Ismael al-Ghoul, Rafah.
The army also fired a missile into a home belonging to al-Khattab family members, killing at least four Palestinians, and wounding more 20, while rescue operations are ongoing, as more Palestinians are believed to have been buried under the rubble. Three of the slain Palestinians have been identified as:
13. ‘Atwa Suleiman Khattab, 64, Rafah.
14. Remas ‘Atwa Khattab, Rafah.
15. Mohammad ‘Atwa Khattab, Rafah.
Palestinian killed in different Israeli strikes targeting Palestinian homes, earlier Sunday:
1. Fares Abu Jazar, 2, Rafah.
2. Maria Abu Jazar, 2, Rafah.
3. Amani Abu Jazar, 23, Rafah.
4. Issa Sha’er, Rafah.
5. Saed Mahmoud al-Lahwani, Rafah.
6. Hatem Abdul-Rahman Wahdan, 50, Jabalia.
7. Seniora Wahdan, 27, Jabalia.
8. Jamila Jamal Wahdan, Jabalia.
9. Mohammad al-Hour, 30, Rafah.
10. Nasrallah al-Masry, Rafah.
The Israeli military continued its bombardment and shelling of densely populated civilian area, and homes, in the Gaza Strip, killing nine members of one family, and six members of another family bringing the death toll, just from dawn to early morning Sunday to at least 25 Palestinians.
Update: 09:59 The Ministry of Health in Gaza said three more members of Khattab family have died of serious injuries after the army bombarded their home. At least 40 family members were injured. The Khattab family members who died of their wounds have been identified as:
1. Suleiman ‘Atwa Khattab, Rafah.
2. Nevin Suleiman Khattab, Rafah.
3. Amira Ahmad Khattab.
Medical sources in Rafah, in the southern part of the Gaza Strip, have reported that the army fired a missile into a home belonging to al-Ghoul family in Rafah, killing nine, including children.
They have been identified as:
4. Mohammad Ismael al-Ghoul, Rafah.
5. Wael Ismael al-Ghoul, Rafah.
6. Ismael Mohammad al-Ghoul, Rafah.
7. Ismael Wael al-Ghoul, Rafah.
8. Khadra Khaled al-Ghoul, Rafah.
9. Asma’ Ismael al-Ghoul, Rafah.
10. Malak Wael al-Ghoul, Rafah.
11. Mustafa Wael al-Ghoul, Rafah.
12. Hanadi Ismael al-Ghoul, Rafah.
The army also fired a missile into a home belonging to al-Khattab family members, killing at least four Palestinians, and wounding more 20, while rescue operations are ongoing, as more Palestinians are believed to have been buried under the rubble. Three of the slain Palestinians have been identified as:
13. ‘Atwa Suleiman Khattab, 64, Rafah.
14. Remas ‘Atwa Khattab, Rafah.
15. Mohammad ‘Atwa Khattab, Rafah.
Palestinian killed in different Israeli strikes targeting Palestinian homes, earlier Sunday:
1. Fares Abu Jazar, 2, Rafah.
2. Maria Abu Jazar, 2, Rafah.
3. Amani Abu Jazar, 23, Rafah.
4. Issa Sha’er, Rafah.
5. Saed Mahmoud al-Lahwani, Rafah.
6. Hatem Abdul-Rahman Wahdan, 50, Jabalia.
7. Seniora Wahdan, 27, Jabalia.
8. Jamila Jamal Wahdan, Jabalia.
9. Mohammad al-Hour, 30, Rafah.
10. Nasrallah al-Masry, Rafah.
Palestinians Killed In Rafah - MOH
As the Israeli offensive on the Gaza Strip and its civilian population continues for the 28th consecutive day, Israeli missiles and shells have killed several Palestinians, Sunday, while dozens have been injured.
Eyewitnesses said the army continued to bombard homes and civilian facilities, including hospitals, clinics, and even ambulances, medics and reporters in different parts of the besieged Gaza Strip.
Medical sources said one Palestinian haas been killed in Rafah, in the southern part of the Gaza Strip, just before dawn Sunday, and at least four others have been injured, after the army fired a missile into their home.
The slain Palestinian has been identified as:
1. Mohammad al-Hour, 30, Rafah.
Another Palestinian died of serious injuries suffered earlier after the army bombarded his home, in Rafah. He has been identified as:
2. Nasrallah al-Masry, Rafah.
The Ministry of Health has reported that six Palestinians have been injured, one seriously, in an Israeli air strike targeting a home in Deir al-Balah, in Central Gaza.
The wounded have been moved to the al-Aqsa Hospital in the city.
It added that eleven Palestinians, all members of the same family, have been injured, and moved to the Kuwaiti Hospital in Rafah, after the army fired a missile into their home.
At least eight Palestinians have been killed, and dozens injured, during the first hours of Sunday, after the army bombarded several homes in Rafah, and other parts of the Gaza Strip.
Three more Palestinians have been killed, and many have been injured, after the army fired a missile into their home in Central Gaza.
Names of slain Palestinians, not mentioned in this report, to be announced after they are released to the public, by the Ministry Of Health.
Meanwhile, the Maan News Agency has reported that the Israeli Army has officially informed the family of Israeli soldier, Hadar Golon, that he has been killed in Gaza. Golon went missing during clashes with Palestinian resistance fighters in Gaza, Friday.
A report, published by the Ministry of Health, by the end of Saturday, revealed that 112 Palestinians have been killed, Saturday, and more than 330 have been injured.
It added that, since Israel’s current aggression on Gaza started on July 8, the Israeli army killed 1712 Palestinians, including 398 children and infants, 207 women and 74 elderly.
The Ministry further said 44 out of the 55 Urgent Care centers in Gaza have been bombarded by Israel, and had to be shut down due to excessive damage and the enormous difficulties the Palestinians face while trying to reach those medical facilities, due to being targeted by the Israeli military.
As the Israeli offensive on the Gaza Strip and its civilian population continues for the 28th consecutive day, Israeli missiles and shells have killed several Palestinians, Sunday, while dozens have been injured.
Eyewitnesses said the army continued to bombard homes and civilian facilities, including hospitals, clinics, and even ambulances, medics and reporters in different parts of the besieged Gaza Strip.
Medical sources said one Palestinian haas been killed in Rafah, in the southern part of the Gaza Strip, just before dawn Sunday, and at least four others have been injured, after the army fired a missile into their home.
The slain Palestinian has been identified as:
1. Mohammad al-Hour, 30, Rafah.
Another Palestinian died of serious injuries suffered earlier after the army bombarded his home, in Rafah. He has been identified as:
2. Nasrallah al-Masry, Rafah.
The Ministry of Health has reported that six Palestinians have been injured, one seriously, in an Israeli air strike targeting a home in Deir al-Balah, in Central Gaza.
The wounded have been moved to the al-Aqsa Hospital in the city.
It added that eleven Palestinians, all members of the same family, have been injured, and moved to the Kuwaiti Hospital in Rafah, after the army fired a missile into their home.
At least eight Palestinians have been killed, and dozens injured, during the first hours of Sunday, after the army bombarded several homes in Rafah, and other parts of the Gaza Strip.
Three more Palestinians have been killed, and many have been injured, after the army fired a missile into their home in Central Gaza.
Names of slain Palestinians, not mentioned in this report, to be announced after they are released to the public, by the Ministry Of Health.
Meanwhile, the Maan News Agency has reported that the Israeli Army has officially informed the family of Israeli soldier, Hadar Golon, that he has been killed in Gaza. Golon went missing during clashes with Palestinian resistance fighters in Gaza, Friday.
A report, published by the Ministry of Health, by the end of Saturday, revealed that 112 Palestinians have been killed, Saturday, and more than 330 have been injured.
It added that, since Israel’s current aggression on Gaza started on July 8, the Israeli army killed 1712 Palestinians, including 398 children and infants, 207 women and 74 elderly.
The Ministry further said 44 out of the 55 Urgent Care centers in Gaza have been bombarded by Israel, and had to be shut down due to excessive damage and the enormous difficulties the Palestinians face while trying to reach those medical facilities, due to being targeted by the Israeli military.
Thousands of multi-ethnic people, including Jews, have organized in New York City to protest Israeli aggression on Gaza and against the bias towards Israel, in reporting of events.
The demonstrators rallied in front of CNN and FOX NEWS headquarters in New York city, according to WAFA Palestinian News Agency, in protest against their biased coverage of the ongoing civilian slaughter in Gaza.
Protesters chanted several slogans in solidarity, such as: ' Gaza we are here, tell your children not to be afraid', 'We are all Palestine', and 'Don’t cry Gaza we will not allow your death', as well as 'Free Palestine and long live Gaza.'
Reports of other protests worldwide are beginning to surface.
See: Opinion/Analysis: "Obama Further Expatriates Americans' Role in Official Gaza Script during Friday Press Conference"
The demonstrators rallied in front of CNN and FOX NEWS headquarters in New York city, according to WAFA Palestinian News Agency, in protest against their biased coverage of the ongoing civilian slaughter in Gaza.
Protesters chanted several slogans in solidarity, such as: ' Gaza we are here, tell your children not to be afraid', 'We are all Palestine', and 'Don’t cry Gaza we will not allow your death', as well as 'Free Palestine and long live Gaza.'
Reports of other protests worldwide are beginning to surface.
See: Opinion/Analysis: "Obama Further Expatriates Americans' Role in Official Gaza Script during Friday Press Conference"
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A video was uploaded to YouTube on 31 July, entitled in Hebrew: “Israeli army forces detonate a mosque with 11 tons of explosives.”
The Israeli soldiers apparently from the Givati brigade dedicate the mosque destruction to their fallen comrades and cheer as a massive explosion obliterates it. “Long live the State of Israel!” a voice exclaims. According to the narration by the videographer, the detonation took place on 30 July in Khuzaa, which is east of Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip. |
Human rights groups have already condemned Israel’s targeting of civilian homes, hospitals, mosques and other civilian objects as illegal.
This video, which suggests soldiers may have intended to destroy the mosque as a reprisal, could be evidence of a specific war crime that the soldiers documented themselves.
This video, which suggests soldiers may have intended to destroy the mosque as a reprisal, could be evidence of a specific war crime that the soldiers documented themselves.
Children Injured In Gaza
The Palestinian Ministry of Health in Gaza has reported that at least eight Palestinians have been killed, on Sunday at dawn, while many have been injured, some seriously, in ongoing Israeli bombardment of Palestinian homes in the Gaza Strip.
It said at least five Palestinians, including two toddlers and their mother, have been killed, and around 25 have been injured, after the army fired missiles into homes belonging to members of Abu Jazar and Sha’er, in Rafah, in the southern part of the Gaza Strip.
They have been identified as:
1. Fares Abu Jazar, 2, Rafah.
2. Maria Abu Jazar, 2, Rafah.
3. Amani Abu Jazar, 23, Rafah.
4. Issa Sha’er, Rafah.
5. Saed Mahmoud al-Lahwani, Rafah.
Two more Palestinians have been killed after the army bombarded home in Jabalia, in northern Gaza, while many have been wounded, there were all moved to the Kamal Adwan and the Kuwaiti hospitals.
The slain Palestinians have been identified as:
6. Hater Abdul-Rahman Wahdan, 50, Jabalia.
7. Seniora Wahdan, 27, Jabalia.
Later on, one of the women who were injured during the bombardment of Jabalia died of her wounds.
She has been identified as:
8. Jamila Jamal Wahdan, Jabalia.
In addition, several Palestinians were injured, and moved to the Al-Aqsa Hospital, after the army bombarded their homes in the Gaza’s Central District.
Several Palestinians were also injured after the army fired a missile into a mosque in Zeitoun area, in Gaza.
A report, published by the Ministry of Health, by the end of Saturday, revealed that 112 Palestinians have been killed, Saturday, and more than 330 have been injured.
It added that, since Israel’s current aggression on Gaza started on July 8, the Israeli army killed 1712 Palestinians, including 398 children and infants, 207 women and 74 elderly.
The Ministry further said 44 out of the 55 Urgent Care centers in Gaza have been bombarded by Israel, and had to be shut down due to excessive damage and the enormous difficulties the Palestinians face while trying to reach those medical facilities, due to being targeted by the Israeli military.
The Ministry said:
• 17 Hospitals, government-run and private, have been bombarded by Israel, and 10 of them had to shut down.
• 102 Medical and rescue teams have been targeted by Israeli fire and shells, while 19 medics have been killed.
• 250 wounded Palestinians have been moved to hospitals in Egypt, Jordan and the al-Maqassed Hospital in Jerusalem, amidst enormous difficulties and obstacles that delayed their transfer.
The Palestinian Ministry of Health in Gaza has reported that at least eight Palestinians have been killed, on Sunday at dawn, while many have been injured, some seriously, in ongoing Israeli bombardment of Palestinian homes in the Gaza Strip.
It said at least five Palestinians, including two toddlers and their mother, have been killed, and around 25 have been injured, after the army fired missiles into homes belonging to members of Abu Jazar and Sha’er, in Rafah, in the southern part of the Gaza Strip.
They have been identified as:
1. Fares Abu Jazar, 2, Rafah.
2. Maria Abu Jazar, 2, Rafah.
3. Amani Abu Jazar, 23, Rafah.
4. Issa Sha’er, Rafah.
5. Saed Mahmoud al-Lahwani, Rafah.
Two more Palestinians have been killed after the army bombarded home in Jabalia, in northern Gaza, while many have been wounded, there were all moved to the Kamal Adwan and the Kuwaiti hospitals.
The slain Palestinians have been identified as:
6. Hater Abdul-Rahman Wahdan, 50, Jabalia.
7. Seniora Wahdan, 27, Jabalia.
Later on, one of the women who were injured during the bombardment of Jabalia died of her wounds.
She has been identified as:
8. Jamila Jamal Wahdan, Jabalia.
In addition, several Palestinians were injured, and moved to the Al-Aqsa Hospital, after the army bombarded their homes in the Gaza’s Central District.
Several Palestinians were also injured after the army fired a missile into a mosque in Zeitoun area, in Gaza.
A report, published by the Ministry of Health, by the end of Saturday, revealed that 112 Palestinians have been killed, Saturday, and more than 330 have been injured.
It added that, since Israel’s current aggression on Gaza started on July 8, the Israeli army killed 1712 Palestinians, including 398 children and infants, 207 women and 74 elderly.
The Ministry further said 44 out of the 55 Urgent Care centers in Gaza have been bombarded by Israel, and had to be shut down due to excessive damage and the enormous difficulties the Palestinians face while trying to reach those medical facilities, due to being targeted by the Israeli military.
The Ministry said:
• 17 Hospitals, government-run and private, have been bombarded by Israel, and 10 of them had to shut down.
• 102 Medical and rescue teams have been targeted by Israeli fire and shells, while 19 medics have been killed.
• 250 wounded Palestinians have been moved to hospitals in Egypt, Jordan and the al-Maqassed Hospital in Jerusalem, amidst enormous difficulties and obstacles that delayed their transfer.
Israeli bombardment on Gaza July 24th 2014
The crisis in Gaza is fast spiralling out of control with water supplies critically low and a public health crisis imminent, Oxfam warned today. The collapse of the latest brief ceasefire announcement means many more lives will be at risk.
Conditions are increasingly desperate in overcrowded schools and buildings where up to 450,000 people are sheltering. Many people are getting as little as three litres of safe water a day, far below international emergency standards. Massive destruction of water and sewage systems and electricity supplies has reduced water supply to Gaza's entire population of 1.8 million people. Spills of raw sewage threaten to contaminate water sources and the threat of disease is rising. There are already reports of 30 cases of meningitis, as well as skin diseases among children and cases of gastroenteritis.
Oxfam teams and local partners are working around the clock to supply water to 70,000 people, but the massive destruction of infrastructure and the ongoing Israeli bombardment means aid workers are increasingly overwhelmed and struggling to meet even basic needs.
The destruction of Gaza's only power plant earlier this week has plunged much of Gaza into darkness and left vital water pumps struggling to keep going. Three of Gaza's four main power supplies have now been completely destroyed or extensively damaged by the violence of the past few weeks, cutting off more than 80 percent of Gaza's power. Most municipal water supplies have now stopped running.
"The outrageous level of destruction is much worse than anything we have seen in previous military operations and the situation is getting worse by the hour. Tens of thousands of families have fled but are trapped with nowhere safe to escape, sheltering in horrific conditions and terrified to move. The international community's response to such suffering has so far been shamefully weak. Every day that this goes on is putting many more civilian lives at risk," said Nishant Pandey, head of Oxfam in the Occupied Palestinian Territory and Israel.
Hospitals that Oxfam works with are struggling to cope. Six of the nine busiest hospitals in Gaza have been directly hit or badly damaged, with three of them now closed. Another four Oxfam-supported health clinics and many others have been damaged or shut. Many health facilities are running short of fuel to keep life-saving operations going.
"Oxfam condemns the rockets that continue to be fired from Gaza towards Israel, but this does not justify Israel's outrageously disproportionate use of force which has killed so many civilians and destroyed so much of Gaza. All civilians, whether Palestinian or Israeli, have the right to live in security, but military operations that bring such levels of death and destruction will not make anyone safer in the long term," said Pandey.
Oxfam said the international community must do much more to ensure an urgent and permanent ceasefire, but that lasting peace will only be possible with an end to the ongoing blockade of Gaza. For the past seven years people in Gaza have been living under an Israeli blockade which prevents the free flow of goods and people in and out of Gaza, devastating the economy and severely restricting people's livelihoods.
The crisis in Gaza is fast spiralling out of control with water supplies critically low and a public health crisis imminent, Oxfam warned today. The collapse of the latest brief ceasefire announcement means many more lives will be at risk.
Conditions are increasingly desperate in overcrowded schools and buildings where up to 450,000 people are sheltering. Many people are getting as little as three litres of safe water a day, far below international emergency standards. Massive destruction of water and sewage systems and electricity supplies has reduced water supply to Gaza's entire population of 1.8 million people. Spills of raw sewage threaten to contaminate water sources and the threat of disease is rising. There are already reports of 30 cases of meningitis, as well as skin diseases among children and cases of gastroenteritis.
Oxfam teams and local partners are working around the clock to supply water to 70,000 people, but the massive destruction of infrastructure and the ongoing Israeli bombardment means aid workers are increasingly overwhelmed and struggling to meet even basic needs.
The destruction of Gaza's only power plant earlier this week has plunged much of Gaza into darkness and left vital water pumps struggling to keep going. Three of Gaza's four main power supplies have now been completely destroyed or extensively damaged by the violence of the past few weeks, cutting off more than 80 percent of Gaza's power. Most municipal water supplies have now stopped running.
"The outrageous level of destruction is much worse than anything we have seen in previous military operations and the situation is getting worse by the hour. Tens of thousands of families have fled but are trapped with nowhere safe to escape, sheltering in horrific conditions and terrified to move. The international community's response to such suffering has so far been shamefully weak. Every day that this goes on is putting many more civilian lives at risk," said Nishant Pandey, head of Oxfam in the Occupied Palestinian Territory and Israel.
Hospitals that Oxfam works with are struggling to cope. Six of the nine busiest hospitals in Gaza have been directly hit or badly damaged, with three of them now closed. Another four Oxfam-supported health clinics and many others have been damaged or shut. Many health facilities are running short of fuel to keep life-saving operations going.
"Oxfam condemns the rockets that continue to be fired from Gaza towards Israel, but this does not justify Israel's outrageously disproportionate use of force which has killed so many civilians and destroyed so much of Gaza. All civilians, whether Palestinian or Israeli, have the right to live in security, but military operations that bring such levels of death and destruction will not make anyone safer in the long term," said Pandey.
Oxfam said the international community must do much more to ensure an urgent and permanent ceasefire, but that lasting peace will only be possible with an end to the ongoing blockade of Gaza. For the past seven years people in Gaza have been living under an Israeli blockade which prevents the free flow of goods and people in and out of Gaza, devastating the economy and severely restricting people's livelihoods.
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Please note that the video contains harsh images.
On Saturday, Palestinian and international news agencies managed to accompany residents and aid workers into the town of Khuza'a, in the southern Gaza Strip. Among those people were Tamer al-Mis-hal, a Palestinian journalist working for AL Jazeera news. In his report he showed how people are trying to find their relative under the destroyed homes. Khuza'a was occupied by the Israeli military tanks and troops from ten days. Towards the end of the report Tamer is called by residents into one of the homes were they found around 10 bodies of Palestinian youth. |
Apparently, the youth were gathered in a small room of the house and were shot dead, firing squad style, by Israeli troops.
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