19 may 2018
A Palestinian burning kite, flown from Gaza, landed in a border field near Kibbutz Mefalsim in Shaar Hanegev settlement east of Jabalya town north of Gaza Strip and caused fire on Saturday.
According to Hebrew media sources, this was the fifth time in which fire sparked in Mefalsim fields by Palestinian burning kites over the last month.
According to Hebrew media sources, this was the fifth time in which fire sparked in Mefalsim fields by Palestinian burning kites over the last month.
Many Italian cities witnessed on Saturday demonstrations in solidarity with the Palestinian people and in protest at Israeli occupation crimes against Palestinians.
The Palestinian community in Palermo city held the demonstration in defense for peace and freedom in the Middle East.
The cities of Milan, Brescia, Florence and others also witnessed demonstrations in solidarity with the Palestinian people called by the Palestinian community and Power to the People Italian party. Many representatives of the Italian parties and associations participated in the pro-Palestine rallies.
The Italian regional union of the Democratic Party and the Youth Democrats announced on Saturday the participation in a pro-Palestine demonstration in La Spezia city.
The Democratic Party slammed the Israeli government for the violence taking place in Gaza and condemned the Israeli killing of Palestinians.
Pakistani Muslim scholars condemn Israeli crimes
Pakistani Muslim scholars and preachers of different Islamic groups condemned Israeli occupation forces' brutality towards the Palestinian people. This came during their Friday sermons and in their speeches in the demonstrations that kicked off after Friday prayers in many Pakistani cities.
The President of the Council of Pakistani Scholars Sheikh Al-Hafiz Mohammad Ashrafi along with other scholars denounced the Israeli aggression and relocating the US embassy from Tel Aviv to Occupied Jerusalem.
Massive demonstration in Amsterdam in support for Jerusalem
The Palestinian community along with pro-Palestine societies as well as a number of left parties and representatives of Arab and Muslim communities partook in a massive march that roamed the streets of Amsterdam.
The rally headed to the US embassy in protest at the US decisions and the Israeli terrorism practiced against the Palestinian people.
The protesters condemned the Israeli repeated crimes against Palestinians especially the killing of Palestinians in the March of Return protests. They called for holding Israeli leaders accountable for these crimes.
The Palestinian community in Palermo city held the demonstration in defense for peace and freedom in the Middle East.
The cities of Milan, Brescia, Florence and others also witnessed demonstrations in solidarity with the Palestinian people called by the Palestinian community and Power to the People Italian party. Many representatives of the Italian parties and associations participated in the pro-Palestine rallies.
The Italian regional union of the Democratic Party and the Youth Democrats announced on Saturday the participation in a pro-Palestine demonstration in La Spezia city.
The Democratic Party slammed the Israeli government for the violence taking place in Gaza and condemned the Israeli killing of Palestinians.
Pakistani Muslim scholars condemn Israeli crimes
Pakistani Muslim scholars and preachers of different Islamic groups condemned Israeli occupation forces' brutality towards the Palestinian people. This came during their Friday sermons and in their speeches in the demonstrations that kicked off after Friday prayers in many Pakistani cities.
The President of the Council of Pakistani Scholars Sheikh Al-Hafiz Mohammad Ashrafi along with other scholars denounced the Israeli aggression and relocating the US embassy from Tel Aviv to Occupied Jerusalem.
Massive demonstration in Amsterdam in support for Jerusalem
The Palestinian community along with pro-Palestine societies as well as a number of left parties and representatives of Arab and Muslim communities partook in a massive march that roamed the streets of Amsterdam.
The rally headed to the US embassy in protest at the US decisions and the Israeli terrorism practiced against the Palestinian people.
The protesters condemned the Israeli repeated crimes against Palestinians especially the killing of Palestinians in the March of Return protests. They called for holding Israeli leaders accountable for these crimes.
Ahmad al-‘Abed Abu Samra, 21
The Palestinian Health Ministry has reported that a third Palestinian died, on Saturday evening, from serious wounds he suffered last Monday, when Israeli soldiers shot him with live fire in northern Gaza.
The Ministry said the Palestinian, Ahmad al-‘Abed Abu Samra, 21, was shot by Israeli soldiers, on Monday May 14, and remained in a critical condition until he succumbed to his wounds, on Saturday evening, at the Shifa Medical Center.
The Palestinian, from Jabalia an-Nazla, in northern Gaza, was shot by the soldiers during the Great Return March, near the border fence, east of Jabalia.
Earlier on Saturday, the Health Ministry in the Gaza Strip has reported that Mohammad Mazen Oleyyan, 20, died from serious wounds he suffered on Monday, May 14.
On Saturday at dawn, another Palestinian identified as Mo’in ِِAbdul-Hamid Sa’ey, 58 years of age, died from his serious wounds at the Shifa Medical Center in Gaza city, where he was rushed to surgery and then to the Intensive Care Unit until he succumbed to his wounds.
On the same day of his serious injury, Israeli soldiers killed 60 Palestinians, including an eight-month-old baby, six children and four officers of the Ministry of Interior and National Security, in the Gaza Strip, and injured more than 2700, among them 122 children, and 44 women.
27 of the wounded Palestinians suffered very critical wounds, 59 serious injuries, 735 moderate wounds, and 882 suffered light wounds.
772 of the wounded Palestinians were shot with live rounds, three with rubber-coated steel bullets, 91 with shrapnel, 100 cuts and bruises and 737 suffered the effects of teargas inhalation.
65 of the wounded were shot in the head and neck, 116 in their arms, 48 in the chest and back, 651 in the lower extremities, 52 in several parts of their bodies and 737 suffered the effects of teargas inhalation.
Their deaths bring the number of Palestinians who were killed since the processions started on Palestinian Land Day, March 30, to 120, while approximately 12000 were injured.
The Palestinian Health Ministry has reported that a third Palestinian died, on Saturday evening, from serious wounds he suffered last Monday, when Israeli soldiers shot him with live fire in northern Gaza.
The Ministry said the Palestinian, Ahmad al-‘Abed Abu Samra, 21, was shot by Israeli soldiers, on Monday May 14, and remained in a critical condition until he succumbed to his wounds, on Saturday evening, at the Shifa Medical Center.
The Palestinian, from Jabalia an-Nazla, in northern Gaza, was shot by the soldiers during the Great Return March, near the border fence, east of Jabalia.
Earlier on Saturday, the Health Ministry in the Gaza Strip has reported that Mohammad Mazen Oleyyan, 20, died from serious wounds he suffered on Monday, May 14.
On Saturday at dawn, another Palestinian identified as Mo’in ِِAbdul-Hamid Sa’ey, 58 years of age, died from his serious wounds at the Shifa Medical Center in Gaza city, where he was rushed to surgery and then to the Intensive Care Unit until he succumbed to his wounds.
On the same day of his serious injury, Israeli soldiers killed 60 Palestinians, including an eight-month-old baby, six children and four officers of the Ministry of Interior and National Security, in the Gaza Strip, and injured more than 2700, among them 122 children, and 44 women.
27 of the wounded Palestinians suffered very critical wounds, 59 serious injuries, 735 moderate wounds, and 882 suffered light wounds.
772 of the wounded Palestinians were shot with live rounds, three with rubber-coated steel bullets, 91 with shrapnel, 100 cuts and bruises and 737 suffered the effects of teargas inhalation.
65 of the wounded were shot in the head and neck, 116 in their arms, 48 in the chest and back, 651 in the lower extremities, 52 in several parts of their bodies and 737 suffered the effects of teargas inhalation.
Their deaths bring the number of Palestinians who were killed since the processions started on Palestinian Land Day, March 30, to 120, while approximately 12000 were injured.
by Ramona Wadi
Predictably, Israel has attempted to play the humanitarian card after inflicting severe injuries upon thousands of Palestinians, many of whom will remain scarred for life; at least 111 men, women and children have also been killed by Israeli troops over the past few weeks. On Wednesday, during a lull in their murderous shooting spree, the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) sent two truckloads of medical supplies into Gaza. The aid was rejected by Hamas, which only accepted supplies sent by the Palestinian Authority and the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF).
Israel sought to frame the refusal within its perverted colonial narrative. “The Hamas terrorist group [sic] on Wednesday refused to accept two shipments of medical supplies for Gaza hospitals, which are struggling with shortages, after seeing they were sent by Israel,” said the Times of Israel.
Also on Wednesday, Haaretz reported Defence Minister Avigdor Lieberman declaring Hamas leaders to be “a bunch of cannibals who also treat their own children as ammunition.” The far-right extremist claimed that the IDF “acted in accordance with ethical norms that we have not seen anywhere else in the world.” Both statements are blatant lies which will not gain any truck with most of the international community.
However, Lieberman’s lies serve to promote the false image of a benevolent Israel ready to send humanitarian aid to a vulnerable Palestinian population; such a view would, of course, be for its own propaganda purposes.
Lieberman and those like him fail to mention that the medical crisis in Gaza is just one result of Israel’s 12-year blockade. The health sector in Gaza has been on the verge of collapse for months, if not years, so why only send aid now? The two trucks of medical supplies can only be viewed as an attempt to divert attention from the IDF’s massacre of Palestinians and the suffocating siege against which they were protesting when they were shot and tear-gassed. Bullets first and aid later is simply another perverse Israeli tactic.
Unbelievably, Lieberman’s repugnant rhetoric was actually overshadowed by comments made by Israeli government spokeswoman Michal Maayan to an Irish journalist. When asked why Israel is shooting at Palestinians participating in the Great Return March, she responded, “Well, we can’t put all these people in jail.”
The despicable motive behind the IDF sending aid to Gaza is clear; it is the cheapest way for Israel to restrain the Palestinians’ anti-colonial struggle. Killing them is preferable, proof — if any is needed — that the colonial penchant for exterminating Palestinians has not altered since the Nakba started in 1948. The remote involvement of the Israeli troops – snipers killing and maiming at a range of hundreds of metres – allows Israel to include itself amongst the plethora of observers, thus shifting the focus upon the Palestinians and their protests. However, as in other previous massacres, Israel is trying to occupy a high ground that is neither moral nor supported by international acquiescence to its violence.
Hamas’s refusal to accept IDF aid is a principled stance which is tethered by limitations. There is no denial from Hamas regarding the shortages of medical supplies and it has allowed truckloads to enter Gaza from other organisations which also operate within their own restrictions or, in the PA’s case, collaboration with the occupation. However, accepting IDF aid would have been tantamount to giving a green light to Israeli snipers.
Endless attempts to strip Gaza of its dignity have been in vain. While impoverished, brought to the brink of becoming uninhabitable and treated grotesquely as objects of study to determine the heightened levels of implosion, Palestinians in the enclave are admirably consistent, to the point that Israel’s humanitarian propaganda has been exposed by a simple refusal to allow IDF aid trucks into the enclave. Without denying that the refusal comes at a cost in terms of medical necessities and survival, it is Israel that has forced Palestinians to choose between death and a slow death. They will undoubtedly choose dignity over anything else.
- Ramona Wadi is an independent researcher, freelance journalist, book reviewer and blogger. Her writing covers a range of themes in relation to Palestine, Chile and Latin America. Her article appeared in MEMO.
Predictably, Israel has attempted to play the humanitarian card after inflicting severe injuries upon thousands of Palestinians, many of whom will remain scarred for life; at least 111 men, women and children have also been killed by Israeli troops over the past few weeks. On Wednesday, during a lull in their murderous shooting spree, the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) sent two truckloads of medical supplies into Gaza. The aid was rejected by Hamas, which only accepted supplies sent by the Palestinian Authority and the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF).
Israel sought to frame the refusal within its perverted colonial narrative. “The Hamas terrorist group [sic] on Wednesday refused to accept two shipments of medical supplies for Gaza hospitals, which are struggling with shortages, after seeing they were sent by Israel,” said the Times of Israel.
Also on Wednesday, Haaretz reported Defence Minister Avigdor Lieberman declaring Hamas leaders to be “a bunch of cannibals who also treat their own children as ammunition.” The far-right extremist claimed that the IDF “acted in accordance with ethical norms that we have not seen anywhere else in the world.” Both statements are blatant lies which will not gain any truck with most of the international community.
However, Lieberman’s lies serve to promote the false image of a benevolent Israel ready to send humanitarian aid to a vulnerable Palestinian population; such a view would, of course, be for its own propaganda purposes.
Lieberman and those like him fail to mention that the medical crisis in Gaza is just one result of Israel’s 12-year blockade. The health sector in Gaza has been on the verge of collapse for months, if not years, so why only send aid now? The two trucks of medical supplies can only be viewed as an attempt to divert attention from the IDF’s massacre of Palestinians and the suffocating siege against which they were protesting when they were shot and tear-gassed. Bullets first and aid later is simply another perverse Israeli tactic.
Unbelievably, Lieberman’s repugnant rhetoric was actually overshadowed by comments made by Israeli government spokeswoman Michal Maayan to an Irish journalist. When asked why Israel is shooting at Palestinians participating in the Great Return March, she responded, “Well, we can’t put all these people in jail.”
The despicable motive behind the IDF sending aid to Gaza is clear; it is the cheapest way for Israel to restrain the Palestinians’ anti-colonial struggle. Killing them is preferable, proof — if any is needed — that the colonial penchant for exterminating Palestinians has not altered since the Nakba started in 1948. The remote involvement of the Israeli troops – snipers killing and maiming at a range of hundreds of metres – allows Israel to include itself amongst the plethora of observers, thus shifting the focus upon the Palestinians and their protests. However, as in other previous massacres, Israel is trying to occupy a high ground that is neither moral nor supported by international acquiescence to its violence.
Hamas’s refusal to accept IDF aid is a principled stance which is tethered by limitations. There is no denial from Hamas regarding the shortages of medical supplies and it has allowed truckloads to enter Gaza from other organisations which also operate within their own restrictions or, in the PA’s case, collaboration with the occupation. However, accepting IDF aid would have been tantamount to giving a green light to Israeli snipers.
Endless attempts to strip Gaza of its dignity have been in vain. While impoverished, brought to the brink of becoming uninhabitable and treated grotesquely as objects of study to determine the heightened levels of implosion, Palestinians in the enclave are admirably consistent, to the point that Israel’s humanitarian propaganda has been exposed by a simple refusal to allow IDF aid trucks into the enclave. Without denying that the refusal comes at a cost in terms of medical necessities and survival, it is Israel that has forced Palestinians to choose between death and a slow death. They will undoubtedly choose dignity over anything else.
- Ramona Wadi is an independent researcher, freelance journalist, book reviewer and blogger. Her writing covers a range of themes in relation to Palestine, Chile and Latin America. Her article appeared in MEMO.
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The UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) on Friday voted to establish an investigation into Israel's killing of peaceful protesters in Gaza and accused Israel of excessive use of force.
The resolution was supported by 29 countries. Two countries voted against while 14 abstained. The UNHRC called on Israel, as an occupying power, to lift the blockade on Gaza, which it described as a collective punishment of Palestinian civilians, and immediately and unconditionally open all crossings and allow the entry of people, goods and humanitarian aid. The UNHRC resolution provides for an immediate dispatch of an independent commission of inquiry to investigate all violations committed against the civilian protests in Gaza that started on 30th March. Addressing a special session of the Council, UNHRC High Commissioner Zeid bin Ra'ad al-Hussein said that what happened in Gaza Monday was a tragedy and a grave breach of the Geneva Conventions. Al-Hussein strongly slammed Israel, saying that the Israeli forces killed 60 Palestinians on Monday alone. "Nobody has been made safer by the horrific events of the past week," he added. For its part, Hamas movement in a statement on Friday evening said that the UNHRC resolution is an important step on the way to expose "Israel's real face". |
The Movement called on the international community and the International Criminal Court to hold Israel accountable for its crimes and support the oppressed Palestinian people.
The Israeli occupation forces on Monday killed 63 peaceful protesters near Gaza's eastern border and injured about 3,000 bringing the number of those killed since the Great Return March started in Gaza on 30th March to 118.
The Israeli occupation forces on Monday killed 63 peaceful protesters near Gaza's eastern border and injured about 3,000 bringing the number of those killed since the Great Return March started in Gaza on 30th March to 118.
Mohammad Mazen Oleyyan, 20
The Palestinian Health Ministry in the Gaza Strip has reported that a young Palestinian man died, Saturday, from serious wounds he suffered on Monday, May 14.
It said the young man, identified as Mohammad Mazen Oleyyan, 20, was shot with live Israeli army fire, and died from his serious wounds at the Al-Quds Hospital, in Gaza.
The Palestinian was with a live round in the head, during the Great Return March, east of the al-Boreij refugee camp, in central Gaza.
He remained in a critical condition, before was pronounced brain dead, and passed away Saturday.
On Saturday at dawn, another Palestinian identified as Mo’in ِِAbdul-Hamid Sa’ey, 58 years of age, died from his serious wounds at the Shifa Medical Center in Gaza city, where he was rushed to surgery and then to the Intensive Care Unit until he succumbed to his wounds.
On the same day of his serious injury, Israeli soldiers killed 60 Palestinians, including an eight-month-old baby, 6 children and four officers of the Ministry of Interior and National Security, in the Gaza Strip, and injured more than 2700, among them 122 children, and 44 women.
27 of the injured Palestinians suffered very critical wounds, 59 serious injuries, 735 moderate wounds, and 882 suffered light wounds.
772 of the wounded Palestinians were shot with live rounds, three with rubber-coated steel bullets, 91 with shrapnel, 100 cuts and bruises and 737 suffered the effects of teargas inhalation.
65 of the wounded were shot in the head and neck, 116 in their arms, 48 in the chest and back, 651 in the lower extremities, 52 in several parts of their bodies and 737 suffered the effects of teargas inhalation.
On Friday, May 18th, the soldiers injured 56 Palestinians, including two journalists and one medic, in several parts of the Gaza Strip. Twenty-three of the wounded Palestinians were shot with live rounds.
Their deaths bring the number of Palestinians who were killed since the processions started on Palestinian Land Day, March 30, to 119 while more than 12000 have been injured.
The Palestinian Health Ministry in the Gaza Strip has reported that a young Palestinian man died, Saturday, from serious wounds he suffered on Monday, May 14.
It said the young man, identified as Mohammad Mazen Oleyyan, 20, was shot with live Israeli army fire, and died from his serious wounds at the Al-Quds Hospital, in Gaza.
The Palestinian was with a live round in the head, during the Great Return March, east of the al-Boreij refugee camp, in central Gaza.
He remained in a critical condition, before was pronounced brain dead, and passed away Saturday.
On Saturday at dawn, another Palestinian identified as Mo’in ِِAbdul-Hamid Sa’ey, 58 years of age, died from his serious wounds at the Shifa Medical Center in Gaza city, where he was rushed to surgery and then to the Intensive Care Unit until he succumbed to his wounds.
On the same day of his serious injury, Israeli soldiers killed 60 Palestinians, including an eight-month-old baby, 6 children and four officers of the Ministry of Interior and National Security, in the Gaza Strip, and injured more than 2700, among them 122 children, and 44 women.
27 of the injured Palestinians suffered very critical wounds, 59 serious injuries, 735 moderate wounds, and 882 suffered light wounds.
772 of the wounded Palestinians were shot with live rounds, three with rubber-coated steel bullets, 91 with shrapnel, 100 cuts and bruises and 737 suffered the effects of teargas inhalation.
65 of the wounded were shot in the head and neck, 116 in their arms, 48 in the chest and back, 651 in the lower extremities, 52 in several parts of their bodies and 737 suffered the effects of teargas inhalation.
On Friday, May 18th, the soldiers injured 56 Palestinians, including two journalists and one medic, in several parts of the Gaza Strip. Twenty-three of the wounded Palestinians were shot with live rounds.
Their deaths bring the number of Palestinians who were killed since the processions started on Palestinian Land Day, March 30, to 119 while more than 12000 have been injured.
Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani said at the extraordinary summit of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) on Friday that there must be an Arab consensus on the centralization of the Palestinian issue.
No peace in Middle East without resolving Palestinian issue and without East Jerusalem as capital to Palestine, he said.
Speaking at the conference, the Qatari Emir said the Palestinian cause had "become a symbol for oppressed peoples everywhere" and condemned Israel for "brutal massacre" of peaceful demonstrators.
"Who among us does not know the declared siege forced on Gaza Strip and collective punishment against its population?" the Emir said.
"The Gaza Strip has been transformed into a large concentration camp for millions of people who are deprived of their most basic rights to travel, education, work and medical treatment.
"When their sons take arms they are called terrorists, and when they stage peaceful demonstrations they are called extremists, and are shot dead with live ammunition."
Late on Friday, the OIC issued a final communique calling on the United Nations to form an international investigation into the killings in Gaza; the creation of an international protection force for Palestinians, and for the OIC to place economic restrictions on any countries, companies or individuals who recognise Israel's annexation of Jerusalem.
No peace in Middle East without resolving Palestinian issue and without East Jerusalem as capital to Palestine, he said.
Speaking at the conference, the Qatari Emir said the Palestinian cause had "become a symbol for oppressed peoples everywhere" and condemned Israel for "brutal massacre" of peaceful demonstrators.
"Who among us does not know the declared siege forced on Gaza Strip and collective punishment against its population?" the Emir said.
"The Gaza Strip has been transformed into a large concentration camp for millions of people who are deprived of their most basic rights to travel, education, work and medical treatment.
"When their sons take arms they are called terrorists, and when they stage peaceful demonstrations they are called extremists, and are shot dead with live ammunition."
Late on Friday, the OIC issued a final communique calling on the United Nations to form an international investigation into the killings in Gaza; the creation of an international protection force for Palestinians, and for the OIC to place economic restrictions on any countries, companies or individuals who recognise Israel's annexation of Jerusalem.
Mo’in ِِAbdul-Hamid Sa’ey, 58
The Palestinian Health Ministry has reported that a Palestinian man died, on Saturday at dawn, from serious wounds he suffered on Monday April 14, after Israeli soldiers shot him with live fire during the nonviolent protest against the U.S. moving its Embassy to occupied Jerusalem, and commemorating the 70th anniversary of the Nakba (Catastrophe).
The Ministry said that Mo’in ِِAbdul-Hamid Sa’ey, 58 years of age, died from his serious wounds at the Shifa Medical Center in Gaza city, where he was rushed to surgery and then to the Intensive Care Unit until he succumbed to his wounds.
The slain Palestinian man was from the Shati’ refugee camp, west of Gaza City.
On the same day of his serious injury, Israeli soldiers killed 60 Palestinians, including an eight-month-old baby, 6 children and four officers of the Ministry of Interior and National Security, in the Gaza Strip, and injured more than 2700, among them 122 children, and 44 women.
27 of the injured Palestinians suffered very serious wounds, 59 serious injuries, 735 moderate wounds, and 882 suffered light wounds.
772 of the wounded Palestinians were shot with live rounds, three with rubber-coated steel bullets, 91 with shrapnel, 100 cuts and bruises and 737 suffered the effects of teargas inhalation.
65 of the wounded were shot in the head and neck, 116 in their arms, 48 in the chest and back, 651 in the lower extremities, 52 in several parts of their bodies and 737 suffered the effects of teargas inhalation.
The Palestinian Health Ministry has reported that a Palestinian man died, on Saturday at dawn, from serious wounds he suffered on Monday April 14, after Israeli soldiers shot him with live fire during the nonviolent protest against the U.S. moving its Embassy to occupied Jerusalem, and commemorating the 70th anniversary of the Nakba (Catastrophe).
The Ministry said that Mo’in ِِAbdul-Hamid Sa’ey, 58 years of age, died from his serious wounds at the Shifa Medical Center in Gaza city, where he was rushed to surgery and then to the Intensive Care Unit until he succumbed to his wounds.
The slain Palestinian man was from the Shati’ refugee camp, west of Gaza City.
On the same day of his serious injury, Israeli soldiers killed 60 Palestinians, including an eight-month-old baby, 6 children and four officers of the Ministry of Interior and National Security, in the Gaza Strip, and injured more than 2700, among them 122 children, and 44 women.
27 of the injured Palestinians suffered very serious wounds, 59 serious injuries, 735 moderate wounds, and 882 suffered light wounds.
772 of the wounded Palestinians were shot with live rounds, three with rubber-coated steel bullets, 91 with shrapnel, 100 cuts and bruises and 737 suffered the effects of teargas inhalation.
65 of the wounded were shot in the head and neck, 116 in their arms, 48 in the chest and back, 651 in the lower extremities, 52 in several parts of their bodies and 737 suffered the effects of teargas inhalation.
Today, as of 20:00, Israeli forces injured 56 Palestinians in Gaza, according to the Palestinian Ministry of Health (MoH), during demonstrations near the perimeter fence as part of the “Great March of Return.”
Although 15 May, the 70th anniversary of what Palestinians refer to as the 1948 “Nakba”, was initially intended to be the culmination of the protests, the demonstrations are now expected to continue at least until 5 June, which commemorates the “Naksa”, when Israel captured the West Bank and Gaza Strip in 1967.
Some 3,000-5,000 people participated today in protests at the five tent camps located some 600 metres from the perimeter fence, the lowest number since the protests began on 30 March.
Hundreds of demonstrators marched towards the perimeter fence and threw rocks, flammable materials and other objects at Israeli forces. It was also reported that some protesters removed some of the barbed wired fences set up by Israeli forces approximately 20 meters on the Gaza side of the fence.
Israeli forces responded with tear-gas, rubber-coated bullets, and with live ammunition. At least three of those injured were stuck by live ammunition.
Demonstrators dispersed in the early evening before the “iftar” meal which breaks the daily fast in Ramadan: it is expected that some protestors may return after Ramadan evening prayers.
Since the first protest on 30 March, according to the MoH in Gaza, Israeli forces have killed 104 Palestinians, including 14 children, during the course of the “Great March of Return” demonstrations. In addition, 12 Palestinians have been killed during the same period in other circumstances, including five reportedly shot at the fence or after crossing into Israel, whose bodies are reportedly being withheld by the Israeli authorities.
The cumulative number of injuries by Israeli forces is approximately 12,600, of whom 55 per cent have been hospitalized. One Israeli soldier has been injured. The violence reached a peak on 14 May, coinciding with the official transfer of the U.S. Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, when Israeli forces killed approximately 60 Palestinians and injured over 2,700 in Gaza, the highest casualty toll in the Gaza Strip in a single day since the 2014 hostilities.
The large number of casualties among demonstrators, in particular the high percentage injured by live ammunition, has raised repeated concerns about excessive use of force, alongside calls for independent and transparent investigations of these incidents, including by the UN Secretary-General. Israel has stated that a large number of fatalities were Hamas members and that an investigation will review the use of force, including incidents of fatal shooting.
In the wake of this week’s events, today, the UN Human Rights Council convened a special session on the deteriorating human rights situation in the occupied Palestinian territory (oPt). By 29 to two votes, with 14 abstentions, the Council condemned “the disproportionate and indiscriminate use of force by the Israeli occupying forces against Palestinian civilians” and called for the urgent establishment of an “independent, international commission of inquiry” to investigate the killing of Palestinians during the protests.
Severe shortages of medicines and supplies, alongside difficulties in accessing medical care outside of Gaza and a serious funding gap, continue to undermine humanitarian operations. Yesterday, 17 May, the Humanitarian Coordinator, Mr. Jamie McGoldrick, called for urgent support to meet the humanitarian needs of victims of violence in Gaza. “
The situation in Gaza is devastating and the crisis is far from over. For every person killed and injured this week and those before, there is a family and a network of friends affected.”
In the context of the massive rise in Palestinian casualties since 30 March, the humanitarian response in Gaza has been focusing on providing immediate life-saving healthcare, mental health and psycho-social support for affected people, especially children, and monitoring, verifying and documenting possible protection violations.
These new needs occur in the context of a pre-existing humanitarian and human rights crisis caused by nearly 11 years of Israeli blockade, alongside the internal Palestinian political divide and a chronic energy crisis that leaves Gaza’s two million inhabitants with power cuts of up to 22 hours per day, on average, and severely disrupts the provision of essential services.
Crossings
The Erez crossing is closed with the exception of urgent cases: according to the MoH in Gaza, four Jordanian trucks entered through the Erez Crossing to transfer medical supplies to the Jordanian Hospital in Gaza. In addition, seven injured people exited through Erez to receive treatment in Jordan.
Kerem Shalom, Gaza’s main crossing for the entry and exit of goods, was also closed today. The crossing has partially reopened despite the extensive damage caused by Palestinians on three occasions during the protests. The UN Emergency Fuel Programme has partially resumed after four days of complete halt, with over 150,000 litres of fuel for health and WASH facilities entering Gaza on 16 -17 May through Kerem Shalom.
Following the exceptional opening of Rafah Crossing this week for six days, the longest such opening since 2014, the Egyptian authorities announced on 17 May that the crossing will remain open for the whole month of Ramadan.
The Egyptian authorities have also allowed the entry of 57 truckloads of goods via Rafah, including three truckloads of medical supplies reportedly donated by the Egyptian Red Crescent.
Disclaimer: Data and analysis provided in this Flash Update is based on preliminary information available. Further assessments are pending.
— This statement was released by the United Nations Office for the Coordination Of Humanitarian Affairs in the Occupied Palestinian Territory
MOH: “Israeli Soldiers Injure 56 Palestinians In Gaza”
The Palestinian Health Ministry has confirmed that Israeli soldiers injured, Friday, 56 Palestinians during the Great Return March which was held in several parts of the Gaza Strip, and adding that twenty-three of the wounded Palestinians were shot with live rounds.
The protests were held near border areas in several parts of the border fence, in the eastern part of the besieged and impoverished coastal region.
Three of the wounded are two journalists, and one medic.
The Health Ministry said Israeli army sharpshooters shot at least twenty-three Palestinians, when the soldiers attacked the nonviolent protesters, and also fired dozens of gas bombs.
Ten of the Palestinians who were shot with live fire were injured east of the Zeitoun neighborhood, in the eastern part of the Gaza Strip, and were rushed to the Shifa Medical Center, suffering moderate-but-stable wounds.
Five Palestinians were shot, also with live fire, east of Rafah city, in the southern part of the Gaza Strip, and were moved to Abu Yousef Najjar Hospital.
Five Palestinians were shot with live fire east of Khuza’a town, east of Khan Younis, in the southern part of the Gaza Strip, and were moved to the European Hospital. One of them is a journalist who was shot in his leg.
Three Palestinians were shot with live fire, east of Jabalia, in northern Gaza, and were moved to the Indonesian Hospital in nearby Beit Lahia.
The soldiers also caused many Palestinians to suffer the effects of teargas inhalation, in several parts of the coastal region, including near the al-Boreij refugee camp, in central Gaza.
2 journalists among dozens injured by Israel army on Gaza border
Two Palestinian journalists were injured with Israeli gunfire on Friday as the Israeli military attacked unarmed protesters in the ongoing Great March of Return staged on Gaza’s eastern border.
A PIC news correspondent identified the journalists as Majdi Fathi, injured with a teargas canister in his feet east of Gaza city, and Bassam Mas’oud, injured in his head east of Khan Younis.
Dozens of Palestinians have been shot dead and thousands injured by Israeli forces since the launch of the ongoing Great March of Return protests on the Gaza-Israel border on March 30. On Monday, May 14, 63 Palestinians were pronounced dead and 3,000 others injured.
Although 15 May, the 70th anniversary of what Palestinians refer to as the 1948 “Nakba”, was initially intended to be the culmination of the protests, the demonstrations are now expected to continue at least until 5 June, which commemorates the “Naksa”, when Israel captured the West Bank and Gaza Strip in 1967.
Some 3,000-5,000 people participated today in protests at the five tent camps located some 600 metres from the perimeter fence, the lowest number since the protests began on 30 March.
Hundreds of demonstrators marched towards the perimeter fence and threw rocks, flammable materials and other objects at Israeli forces. It was also reported that some protesters removed some of the barbed wired fences set up by Israeli forces approximately 20 meters on the Gaza side of the fence.
Israeli forces responded with tear-gas, rubber-coated bullets, and with live ammunition. At least three of those injured were stuck by live ammunition.
Demonstrators dispersed in the early evening before the “iftar” meal which breaks the daily fast in Ramadan: it is expected that some protestors may return after Ramadan evening prayers.
Since the first protest on 30 March, according to the MoH in Gaza, Israeli forces have killed 104 Palestinians, including 14 children, during the course of the “Great March of Return” demonstrations. In addition, 12 Palestinians have been killed during the same period in other circumstances, including five reportedly shot at the fence or after crossing into Israel, whose bodies are reportedly being withheld by the Israeli authorities.
The cumulative number of injuries by Israeli forces is approximately 12,600, of whom 55 per cent have been hospitalized. One Israeli soldier has been injured. The violence reached a peak on 14 May, coinciding with the official transfer of the U.S. Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, when Israeli forces killed approximately 60 Palestinians and injured over 2,700 in Gaza, the highest casualty toll in the Gaza Strip in a single day since the 2014 hostilities.
The large number of casualties among demonstrators, in particular the high percentage injured by live ammunition, has raised repeated concerns about excessive use of force, alongside calls for independent and transparent investigations of these incidents, including by the UN Secretary-General. Israel has stated that a large number of fatalities were Hamas members and that an investigation will review the use of force, including incidents of fatal shooting.
In the wake of this week’s events, today, the UN Human Rights Council convened a special session on the deteriorating human rights situation in the occupied Palestinian territory (oPt). By 29 to two votes, with 14 abstentions, the Council condemned “the disproportionate and indiscriminate use of force by the Israeli occupying forces against Palestinian civilians” and called for the urgent establishment of an “independent, international commission of inquiry” to investigate the killing of Palestinians during the protests.
Severe shortages of medicines and supplies, alongside difficulties in accessing medical care outside of Gaza and a serious funding gap, continue to undermine humanitarian operations. Yesterday, 17 May, the Humanitarian Coordinator, Mr. Jamie McGoldrick, called for urgent support to meet the humanitarian needs of victims of violence in Gaza. “
The situation in Gaza is devastating and the crisis is far from over. For every person killed and injured this week and those before, there is a family and a network of friends affected.”
In the context of the massive rise in Palestinian casualties since 30 March, the humanitarian response in Gaza has been focusing on providing immediate life-saving healthcare, mental health and psycho-social support for affected people, especially children, and monitoring, verifying and documenting possible protection violations.
These new needs occur in the context of a pre-existing humanitarian and human rights crisis caused by nearly 11 years of Israeli blockade, alongside the internal Palestinian political divide and a chronic energy crisis that leaves Gaza’s two million inhabitants with power cuts of up to 22 hours per day, on average, and severely disrupts the provision of essential services.
Crossings
The Erez crossing is closed with the exception of urgent cases: according to the MoH in Gaza, four Jordanian trucks entered through the Erez Crossing to transfer medical supplies to the Jordanian Hospital in Gaza. In addition, seven injured people exited through Erez to receive treatment in Jordan.
Kerem Shalom, Gaza’s main crossing for the entry and exit of goods, was also closed today. The crossing has partially reopened despite the extensive damage caused by Palestinians on three occasions during the protests. The UN Emergency Fuel Programme has partially resumed after four days of complete halt, with over 150,000 litres of fuel for health and WASH facilities entering Gaza on 16 -17 May through Kerem Shalom.
Following the exceptional opening of Rafah Crossing this week for six days, the longest such opening since 2014, the Egyptian authorities announced on 17 May that the crossing will remain open for the whole month of Ramadan.
The Egyptian authorities have also allowed the entry of 57 truckloads of goods via Rafah, including three truckloads of medical supplies reportedly donated by the Egyptian Red Crescent.
Disclaimer: Data and analysis provided in this Flash Update is based on preliminary information available. Further assessments are pending.
— This statement was released by the United Nations Office for the Coordination Of Humanitarian Affairs in the Occupied Palestinian Territory
MOH: “Israeli Soldiers Injure 56 Palestinians In Gaza”
The Palestinian Health Ministry has confirmed that Israeli soldiers injured, Friday, 56 Palestinians during the Great Return March which was held in several parts of the Gaza Strip, and adding that twenty-three of the wounded Palestinians were shot with live rounds.
The protests were held near border areas in several parts of the border fence, in the eastern part of the besieged and impoverished coastal region.
Three of the wounded are two journalists, and one medic.
The Health Ministry said Israeli army sharpshooters shot at least twenty-three Palestinians, when the soldiers attacked the nonviolent protesters, and also fired dozens of gas bombs.
Ten of the Palestinians who were shot with live fire were injured east of the Zeitoun neighborhood, in the eastern part of the Gaza Strip, and were rushed to the Shifa Medical Center, suffering moderate-but-stable wounds.
Five Palestinians were shot, also with live fire, east of Rafah city, in the southern part of the Gaza Strip, and were moved to Abu Yousef Najjar Hospital.
Five Palestinians were shot with live fire east of Khuza’a town, east of Khan Younis, in the southern part of the Gaza Strip, and were moved to the European Hospital. One of them is a journalist who was shot in his leg.
Three Palestinians were shot with live fire, east of Jabalia, in northern Gaza, and were moved to the Indonesian Hospital in nearby Beit Lahia.
The soldiers also caused many Palestinians to suffer the effects of teargas inhalation, in several parts of the coastal region, including near the al-Boreij refugee camp, in central Gaza.
2 journalists among dozens injured by Israel army on Gaza border
Two Palestinian journalists were injured with Israeli gunfire on Friday as the Israeli military attacked unarmed protesters in the ongoing Great March of Return staged on Gaza’s eastern border.
A PIC news correspondent identified the journalists as Majdi Fathi, injured with a teargas canister in his feet east of Gaza city, and Bassam Mas’oud, injured in his head east of Khan Younis.
Dozens of Palestinians have been shot dead and thousands injured by Israeli forces since the launch of the ongoing Great March of Return protests on the Gaza-Israel border on March 30. On Monday, May 14, 63 Palestinians were pronounced dead and 3,000 others injured.
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