21 aug 2016
As tensions mount in wake of rocket fired from Gaza into Israel, IDF continued a combined artillery and air assault on Hamas targets into the night; IDF: 'Hamas is the sovereign power in the Gaza Strip and it is therefore responsible.'
The IDF is reported to have continued a combined air and artillery assualt on Hamas targets in Gaza Sunday night in retaliation for rockets fired from the Strip into Sderot earlier on Sunday afternoon.
According to the Palestinian report, the strikes were carried out by the Israel Air Force and Israeli artillery units on a Hamas military wing position in Beit Hanoun in the north Gaza Strip, from which the rocket was launched earlier on Sunday afternoon. The report indicates that one of the targets was a military outpost belonging to Hamas’s security apparatus.
Moreover, the report claimed that a 17-year-old Palestinian boy was lightly wounded during the retaliatory attacks, along with three other children suffering from shock.
The response of the IDF signals a departure from the norm as it usually retaliates once during the hours immediately following the rocket fire or the night after. While the reports were not originally officially verified by the IDF late Sunday night, explosions were heard by residents of Israeli towns bordering the Gaza Strip. Guy, a resident of Sderot said, "There is a feeling of pressure and fear. We hope everything is going to be ok."
Later, the IDF released a statement accounting for the continued attacks: "The IDF attacks are in response to the rocket fire into Israeli territory. The rocket fire constitutes a threat to the security of Israel and a strike against the State of Israel's sovereignty," the statemen read. "The Hamas terror organization is the sovereign power in the Gaza Strip and it is therefore responsible for all terror activities emanating from it."
Tensions mounted after a Code Red rocket alert was sounded in Sderot and Sha'ar Hanegev just before 2:30pm on Sunday.
Shortly afterwards, an explosion was heard, and a rocket was found between two residential houses in Sderot. There were no injuries or damage, though forces were immediately dispatched to the area.
The IDF is reported to have continued a combined air and artillery assualt on Hamas targets in Gaza Sunday night in retaliation for rockets fired from the Strip into Sderot earlier on Sunday afternoon.
According to the Palestinian report, the strikes were carried out by the Israel Air Force and Israeli artillery units on a Hamas military wing position in Beit Hanoun in the north Gaza Strip, from which the rocket was launched earlier on Sunday afternoon. The report indicates that one of the targets was a military outpost belonging to Hamas’s security apparatus.
Moreover, the report claimed that a 17-year-old Palestinian boy was lightly wounded during the retaliatory attacks, along with three other children suffering from shock.
The response of the IDF signals a departure from the norm as it usually retaliates once during the hours immediately following the rocket fire or the night after. While the reports were not originally officially verified by the IDF late Sunday night, explosions were heard by residents of Israeli towns bordering the Gaza Strip. Guy, a resident of Sderot said, "There is a feeling of pressure and fear. We hope everything is going to be ok."
Later, the IDF released a statement accounting for the continued attacks: "The IDF attacks are in response to the rocket fire into Israeli territory. The rocket fire constitutes a threat to the security of Israel and a strike against the State of Israel's sovereignty," the statemen read. "The Hamas terror organization is the sovereign power in the Gaza Strip and it is therefore responsible for all terror activities emanating from it."
Tensions mounted after a Code Red rocket alert was sounded in Sderot and Sha'ar Hanegev just before 2:30pm on Sunday.
Shortly afterwards, an explosion was heard, and a rocket was found between two residential houses in Sderot. There were no injuries or damage, though forces were immediately dispatched to the area.
The Israeli navy on Sunday evening kidnapped two Palestinian fishermen from northern Gaza shores and seized their fishing boat.
A local committee said the Israeli navy kidnapped the two Palestinian fishermen Sherif Muhammad al-Sultan and Ibrahim Ghaleb al-Sultan before they seized their vessel.
The Israeli gunboats opened heavy machinegun fire on Palestinian fishermen and chased them down before they abducted two fishermen onboard their fishing vessel.
A local committee said the Israeli navy kidnapped the two Palestinian fishermen Sherif Muhammad al-Sultan and Ibrahim Ghaleb al-Sultan before they seized their vessel.
The Israeli gunboats opened heavy machinegun fire on Palestinian fishermen and chased them down before they abducted two fishermen onboard their fishing vessel.
Head of Hamas's political bureau Khaled Mishaal has said that the Israeli occupation army is unable to defeat the Gaza Strip despite its military superiority and huge arsenal of weapons.
Mishaal's remarks came in a recorded speech delivered during a ceremony held on Saturday in Gaza City to honor memorizers of the holy Qur'an.
The Hamas leader said the people's adherence to the great Islamic values and the option of preparation and resistance helped Gaza to become high in stature, and described Gaza as a "strong wall against all plots."
He expressed his belief that the victory against the occupation can be achieved through a "combination of Qur'an and resistance."
He also applauded what he described as the "heroes of Jerusalem and the Aqsa Mosque" for the sacrifices they have made to defend their holy places.
Mishaal's remarks came in a recorded speech delivered during a ceremony held on Saturday in Gaza City to honor memorizers of the holy Qur'an.
The Hamas leader said the people's adherence to the great Islamic values and the option of preparation and resistance helped Gaza to become high in stature, and described Gaza as a "strong wall against all plots."
He expressed his belief that the victory against the occupation can be achieved through a "combination of Qur'an and resistance."
He also applauded what he described as the "heroes of Jerusalem and the Aqsa Mosque" for the sacrifices they have made to defend their holy places.
Three Palestinians were injured, Sunday, after the Israeli army fired shells targeting a Hamas center, and an empty land, in Beit Hanoun, in the northern part of the Gaza Strip. The army stated it was retaliating to a rocket fired from Gaza.
Dr. Ashraf al-Qedra, the spokesperson of the Ministry of Health in Gaza, said three Palestinians were moderately wounded, and were moved to Kamal Adwan Hospital, suffering moderate injuries.
The two suffered various cuts and bruises, especially the faces and upper body.
The army also fired a missile targeting a water tank and an empty land, in Beit Hanoun, causing damage.
The Israeli army said a shell was fired from Gaza into Sderot town, in the Negev, causing property damage.
The Israeli Air Force fired missiles into a center run by the al-Qassam Brigades, the armed wing of Hamas, while the army fired a missile into another target.
Rocket fired at Sderot, IDF retaliates
Sunday afternoon, a rocket was fired from the Gaza Strip and landed in Sderot, landing without causing injury between residents' houses; IDF responds in kind.
A Code Red rocket alert was sounded in Sderot and Sha'ar Hanegev just before 2:30pm on Sunday. Shortly afterwards, an explosion was heard, and a rocket was found between two residential houses in Sderot. There were no injuries or damage, though forces were immediately dispatched to the area.
In response, the Israeli Air Force attacked a Hamas military wing position in Beit Hanoun in the north Gaza Strip, and IDF tanks attacked further terrorist infrastructure. According to Palestinian sources, a 20-year-old man was lightly injured by shrapnel.
Palestinians also claimed that IDF tanks fired at a water tower in Beit Hanoun. However, the IDF has yet to confirm these reports.
Yaron, the owner of the home next to that that which was struck by the rocket recalled the incident as it unfolded: “A red alert was sounded. Obviously we all entered the bomb shelter. A big boom could be heard which was close by, “ he said. “We came out and saw smoke and dust in the air. That is when we understood that it was close.”
Yaron also said that one year ago, a rocket exploded on his home: “It is extremely concerning at the moment. It is getting closer again.”
Hamas is evacuating all its outposts and security facilities in the Strip out of fear of further reprisals from Israeli forces. This is standard practice after rockets are fired from Gaza to Israel.
The rocket, which was fired from the north of the Gaza Strip, is the third to have been launched since the end of Operation Protective Edge and is the second to have landed in Israel in two months.
Injuries in Israeli shelling on blockaded Gaza
The Israeli occupation army fired missiles into the northern Gaza Strip town of Beit Hanoun on Sunday afternoon and evening, injuring a Palestinian youth.
Reports of an air raid over Beit Hanoun emerged at around 10 p.m, without immediate details on possible casualties or material damage. Israeli F16 warplaneualties.
Earlier in the day, spokesman for the Ministry of Health in the blockaded Gaza Strip, Ashraf al-Qudra, announced that a young Palestinian man in his twenties was injured as a result of an Israeli artillery shelling targeting a resistance training site in Beit Hanoun.
Local sources said three artillery shells fired by the Israeli occupation army targeted an agricultural land in al-Misriyine neighborhood in Beit Hanoun.
Furthermore, Israeli artillery shells landed in the Filistin training ground which Hamas fighters use for resistance drills.
The shells were fired minutes after the Israeli army alleged that a rocket was launched from the Gaza Strip and hit the city of Sderot, with no injuries or damage reported by the Israeli army.
The Israeli occupation forces have often launched airstrikes at several sites allegedly used by Palestinian resistance groups in the besieged coastal territory in response to rockets fired from the enclave.
Palestinian injured by Israeli shelling north of Gaza
A Palestinian young man was injured in his face due to Israeli shelling and targeting of different locations in Beit Hanoun town in northern Gaza Strip at noon Sunday.
Local sources revealed that the IOF artillery targeted an agricultural land by three shells and Israeli airplanes targeted “Filistin” training site for al-Qassam Brigades in Beit Hanoun.
On the other hand, the Israeli 0404 website reported that a rocket fired from Gaza exploded between two houses in Sderot settlement in the northern Gaza Strip. No casualties or damages have been reported.
Dr. Ashraf al-Qedra, the spokesperson of the Ministry of Health in Gaza, said three Palestinians were moderately wounded, and were moved to Kamal Adwan Hospital, suffering moderate injuries.
The two suffered various cuts and bruises, especially the faces and upper body.
The army also fired a missile targeting a water tank and an empty land, in Beit Hanoun, causing damage.
The Israeli army said a shell was fired from Gaza into Sderot town, in the Negev, causing property damage.
The Israeli Air Force fired missiles into a center run by the al-Qassam Brigades, the armed wing of Hamas, while the army fired a missile into another target.
Rocket fired at Sderot, IDF retaliates
Sunday afternoon, a rocket was fired from the Gaza Strip and landed in Sderot, landing without causing injury between residents' houses; IDF responds in kind.
A Code Red rocket alert was sounded in Sderot and Sha'ar Hanegev just before 2:30pm on Sunday. Shortly afterwards, an explosion was heard, and a rocket was found between two residential houses in Sderot. There were no injuries or damage, though forces were immediately dispatched to the area.
In response, the Israeli Air Force attacked a Hamas military wing position in Beit Hanoun in the north Gaza Strip, and IDF tanks attacked further terrorist infrastructure. According to Palestinian sources, a 20-year-old man was lightly injured by shrapnel.
Palestinians also claimed that IDF tanks fired at a water tower in Beit Hanoun. However, the IDF has yet to confirm these reports.
Yaron, the owner of the home next to that that which was struck by the rocket recalled the incident as it unfolded: “A red alert was sounded. Obviously we all entered the bomb shelter. A big boom could be heard which was close by, “ he said. “We came out and saw smoke and dust in the air. That is when we understood that it was close.”
Yaron also said that one year ago, a rocket exploded on his home: “It is extremely concerning at the moment. It is getting closer again.”
Hamas is evacuating all its outposts and security facilities in the Strip out of fear of further reprisals from Israeli forces. This is standard practice after rockets are fired from Gaza to Israel.
The rocket, which was fired from the north of the Gaza Strip, is the third to have been launched since the end of Operation Protective Edge and is the second to have landed in Israel in two months.
Injuries in Israeli shelling on blockaded Gaza
The Israeli occupation army fired missiles into the northern Gaza Strip town of Beit Hanoun on Sunday afternoon and evening, injuring a Palestinian youth.
Reports of an air raid over Beit Hanoun emerged at around 10 p.m, without immediate details on possible casualties or material damage. Israeli F16 warplaneualties.
Earlier in the day, spokesman for the Ministry of Health in the blockaded Gaza Strip, Ashraf al-Qudra, announced that a young Palestinian man in his twenties was injured as a result of an Israeli artillery shelling targeting a resistance training site in Beit Hanoun.
Local sources said three artillery shells fired by the Israeli occupation army targeted an agricultural land in al-Misriyine neighborhood in Beit Hanoun.
Furthermore, Israeli artillery shells landed in the Filistin training ground which Hamas fighters use for resistance drills.
The shells were fired minutes after the Israeli army alleged that a rocket was launched from the Gaza Strip and hit the city of Sderot, with no injuries or damage reported by the Israeli army.
The Israeli occupation forces have often launched airstrikes at several sites allegedly used by Palestinian resistance groups in the besieged coastal territory in response to rockets fired from the enclave.
Palestinian injured by Israeli shelling north of Gaza
A Palestinian young man was injured in his face due to Israeli shelling and targeting of different locations in Beit Hanoun town in northern Gaza Strip at noon Sunday.
Local sources revealed that the IOF artillery targeted an agricultural land by three shells and Israeli airplanes targeted “Filistin” training site for al-Qassam Brigades in Beit Hanoun.
On the other hand, the Israeli 0404 website reported that a rocket fired from Gaza exploded between two houses in Sderot settlement in the northern Gaza Strip. No casualties or damages have been reported.
The Israeli occupation gunboats on Sunday morning opened heavy machinegun fire on Palestinian fishermen setting sail off Beit Lahia shores, to the north of the blockaded Gaza Strip.
The Israeli occupation navy confiscated a Palestinian fishing boat and interrogated the fishermen.
The attack is another chain in the series of Israeli violations of the Cairo-brokered ceasefire deal struck in the wake of the 2014 summer offensive on the besieged coastal territory of Gaza.
The Israeli occupation navy confiscated a Palestinian fishing boat and interrogated the fishermen.
The attack is another chain in the series of Israeli violations of the Cairo-brokered ceasefire deal struck in the wake of the 2014 summer offensive on the besieged coastal territory of Gaza.
20 aug 2016
Four Palestinian young men suffered bullet injuries on Friday afternoon when Israeli border soldiers opened fire at peaceful protesters east of the Gaza Strip.
According to a spokesman for the health ministry, three young men suffered bullet injuries in their legs east of Gaza City.
A 16-year-old kid identified as Eid Taha also suffered a similar injury during his participation in the weekly protest east of al-Bureij refugee camp in central Gaza.
The protesters were also showered with tear gas grenades during the protest. Local sources told the Palestinian Information Center (PIC) dozens of Gazan young men rallied east of Gaza when soldiers suddenly opened fire at them.
Since the start of al-Quds intifada (uprising) in October last year, many young men have been participating in peaceful marches to border areas east of Gaza to condemn Israel's ongoing violations against Jerusalem and the Aqsa Mosque.
According to a spokesman for the health ministry, three young men suffered bullet injuries in their legs east of Gaza City.
A 16-year-old kid identified as Eid Taha also suffered a similar injury during his participation in the weekly protest east of al-Bureij refugee camp in central Gaza.
The protesters were also showered with tear gas grenades during the protest. Local sources told the Palestinian Information Center (PIC) dozens of Gazan young men rallied east of Gaza when soldiers suddenly opened fire at them.
Since the start of al-Quds intifada (uprising) in October last year, many young men have been participating in peaceful marches to border areas east of Gaza to condemn Israel's ongoing violations against Jerusalem and the Aqsa Mosque.
17 aug 2016
Four Israeli military bulldozers escorted by four tanks carried out a limited incursion Wednesday morning into the eastern areas of Khan Younis to the south of Gaza Strip.
The PIC reporter revealed that Israeli military bulldozers advanced into Abu Rida district to the east of Khuzaa town east of Khan Younis while the tanks were stationed at sand hills within the border line during the incursion amid flying of drones at low altitudes.
He also reported that Israeli soldiers unleashed their gunfire towards Palestinian farmers in al-Farahein area in Abasan town east of Khan Younis.
The PIC reporter revealed that Israeli military bulldozers advanced into Abu Rida district to the east of Khuzaa town east of Khan Younis while the tanks were stationed at sand hills within the border line during the incursion amid flying of drones at low altitudes.
He also reported that Israeli soldiers unleashed their gunfire towards Palestinian farmers in al-Farahein area in Abasan town east of Khan Younis.
16 aug 2016
(PCHR), Press Release: Following disengagement from the Gaza Strip in September 2005, Israel unilaterally and illegally established a so-called “buffer zone”, an area prohibited to Palestinians along the land and sea borders of the Gaza Strip.
The precise area designated by Israel as a “buffer zone” is not clear and this Israeli policy is typically enforced with live fire. The establishment of the ‘buffer zone’ is illegal under both Israeli and international law.
Preventing Palestinians from accessing their lands and fishing areas violates numerous provisions of international human rights law, including the right to work, the right to an adequate standard of living, and the right to the highest attainable standard of health. Enforcing the “buffer zone” through the use of live fire often results in, inter alia, the direct targeting of civilians and/or indiscriminate attacks, both of which constitute war crimes.
Following the Israeli offensive on the Gaza Strip in November 2012, a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Palestinian armed groups was brokered by the Egyptian government, which included terms related to access to land and sea.
In an online statement on 25 February 2013, the Israeli Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT) declared that fishermen could now access the sea up to six nautical miles offshore, and that farmers could now access lands in the border area up to 100m from the border fence. However, both references have since been removed from the statement.
Then, on 21 March 2013, the Israeli forces’ spokesperson announced re-reducing the fishing area allowed for Palestinian fishermen from 6 nautical miles to 3 nautical miles. However, on 21 May 2013, Israeli authorities decided to allow fishermen to sail up to 6 nautical miles.
Following the latest Israeli offensive on the Gaza Strip (08 July – 26 August 2014), a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Palestinian armed groups was brokered by the Egyptian government, which allowed fishermen to sail up to 6 nautical miles. However, the Israeli naval forces have not allowed fishermen to sail up to this limit as all Israeli attacks have taken place within the 6-nautical- mile fishing area.
On 07 March 2015, the Israeli naval forces declared via loud speakers that the allowed fishing area reduced to 4 nautical miles and warned Palestinian fishermen from approaching this area along the Gaza Sea.
On 01 April 2016, Israeli authorities expanded the fishing area from 6 to 9 nautical miles between the areas from Gaza valley to the southern Gaza Strip.
Preventing Palestinians from accessing their lands and fishing areas violates numerous provisions of international human rights law, including the right to work, the right to an adequate standard of living, and the right to the highest attainable standard of health. Enforcing the “buffer zone” through the use of live fire often results in, inter alia, the direct targeting of civilians and/or indiscriminate attacks, both of which constitute war crimes.
Dimensions
The precise area designated by Israel as a “buffer zone” is not clear and this Israeli policy is typically enforced with live fire. The establishment of the ‘buffer zone’ is illegal under both Israeli and international law.
Preventing Palestinians from accessing their lands and fishing areas violates numerous provisions of international human rights law, including the right to work, the right to an adequate standard of living, and the right to the highest attainable standard of health. Enforcing the “buffer zone” through the use of live fire often results in, inter alia, the direct targeting of civilians and/or indiscriminate attacks, both of which constitute war crimes.
Following the Israeli offensive on the Gaza Strip in November 2012, a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Palestinian armed groups was brokered by the Egyptian government, which included terms related to access to land and sea.
In an online statement on 25 February 2013, the Israeli Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT) declared that fishermen could now access the sea up to six nautical miles offshore, and that farmers could now access lands in the border area up to 100m from the border fence. However, both references have since been removed from the statement.
Then, on 21 March 2013, the Israeli forces’ spokesperson announced re-reducing the fishing area allowed for Palestinian fishermen from 6 nautical miles to 3 nautical miles. However, on 21 May 2013, Israeli authorities decided to allow fishermen to sail up to 6 nautical miles.
Following the latest Israeli offensive on the Gaza Strip (08 July – 26 August 2014), a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Palestinian armed groups was brokered by the Egyptian government, which allowed fishermen to sail up to 6 nautical miles. However, the Israeli naval forces have not allowed fishermen to sail up to this limit as all Israeli attacks have taken place within the 6-nautical- mile fishing area.
On 07 March 2015, the Israeli naval forces declared via loud speakers that the allowed fishing area reduced to 4 nautical miles and warned Palestinian fishermen from approaching this area along the Gaza Sea.
On 01 April 2016, Israeli authorities expanded the fishing area from 6 to 9 nautical miles between the areas from Gaza valley to the southern Gaza Strip.
Preventing Palestinians from accessing their lands and fishing areas violates numerous provisions of international human rights law, including the right to work, the right to an adequate standard of living, and the right to the highest attainable standard of health. Enforcing the “buffer zone” through the use of live fire often results in, inter alia, the direct targeting of civilians and/or indiscriminate attacks, both of which constitute war crimes.
Dimensions
· On land, inside Palestinian territory · Distance from the border fence, up to which access is permitted: · Second Intifada (2000): 150 metres · According to Israel (2010) :300 metres · 22 November 2012: unclear parameters · 21 March 2013: 300 metres · In reality, attacks against civilians take place anywhere up to approximately 1.5 kilometres inside the border fence. This constitutes approximately 17% of the total territory of the Gaza Strip. · |
At sea, off the coast of the Gaza Strip
Distance from the shore, up to which access is permitted: · Oslo Accords (1994): 20 nautical miles (nm) · Bertini Commitment (2002): 12 nm · October 2006: 6 nm · End of 2007 : 3 nm · 22 November 2012: 6 nm · 25 February 2013: unknown · 12 March 2013: 3 nm · 21 May 2013: 6 nm In addition, access is consistently denied in the following areas: · 1.5 nm in the north along the maritime boundary with Israel · 1 nm in the south along the maritime boundary with Egypt · On 01 April 2016, Israeli authorities expanded the fishing area from 6 to 9 nautical miles between the area from Gaza valley to the southern Gaza Strip. |
Impact
On land
· Approximately 27,000 dunums, 35% of the Gaza Strip’s agricultural land, can only be accessed under high personal risk, as Israeli attacks may result in injury or death of civilians. · 95% of the restricted area is arable land. · After the evacuation of settlements (2005) and ‘Operation Cast Lead’ (2008-2009), the majority of Palestinian families living in the border areas abandoned their land and homes. |
At sea
· Palestinians are completely prevented from accessing 85% of the Palestinian maritime areas recognised in the 1994 Gaza Jericho Agreement. · Approximately 3,700 fishermen work under high personal risk every day at sea. · Approximately 8,200 persons work in the fishing industry. · Approximately 65,000 persons, including individuals who work in the fishing industry and their dependents, are affected by the “buffer zone” restrictions at sea. · The area near the coast is markedly over-fished. |
Attacks
July 2016
July 2016
Attacks
Shelling Shooting Incursions Land levelling Detention incidents Total incidents |
Total
3 12 3 0 6 24 |
“Buffer zone” on land
3 8 3 0 3 17 |
“Buffer zone” at sea
0 4 0 0 3 7 |
Consequences of attacks
- Deaths and injuries
Consequences
Death of persons Minors Women Injury of persons Minors Women |
Total
1 0 0 6 0 1 |
“Buffer zone” on land
1 0 0 6 0 1 |
“Buffer zone” at sea
0 0 0 0 0 0 |
- Property related violations
Consequences
Property damaged Property confiscated Dunums razed |
Total
1 3 0 |
“Buffer zone” on land
1 3 0 |
“Buffer zone” at sea
0 0 0 |
- Detention
Consequences
Detention incidents Total persons detained Minors detained Women detained |
Total
6 15 0 0 |
“Buffer zone” on land
3 3 0 0 |
“Buffer zone” at sea
3 12 1 0 |
Note:
Among the detained persons were 2 businessmen and an employee of an international organization, who were arrested at Beit Hanoun “Erez” crossing.
Among the detained persons were 2 businessmen and an employee of an international organization, who were arrested at Beit Hanoun “Erez” crossing.
Truce violations List of names Pictures of martyrs
Days: Aug: 26 - 25 - 24 - 23 - 22 - 21 - 20 - 19 - 18 - 17 - 16 - 15 - 14 - 13 - 12 - 11 - 10 - 9 - 8 - 7 - 6 - 5 - 4 - 3 - 2 - 1
July: 31 - 30 - 29 - 28 - 27 - 26 - 25 - 24 - 23 - 22 - 21 - 20 - 19 - 18 - 17 - 16 - 15 - 14 - 13 - 12 - 11 - 10 - 9 - 8