6 apr 2018
Haaretz newspaper on Thursday called on the Israeli army not to target peaceful protesters on Gaza border and avoid repeating what had happened last Friday.
“Tomorrow, once again, Gaza demonstrators and Israel Defense Forces (IDF) soldiers will face each other at the border fence. What happened last Friday must not be allowed to repeat itself tomorrow.
A week ago the IDF opened fire on hundreds of unarmed demonstrators, who weren’t endangering anyone’s life, killing 18 and wounded hundreds,” Haaretz said in an editorial yesterday.
The newspaper criticized Israeli officials for threatening to kill Gazan protesters who get near the border fence, describing their positions as “inhuman, immoral and illegal.”
“Video footage showed demonstrators being shot in the back, one being shot after raising his hands and another being shot as he rose from prayer. Almost the entire political system backed the army and even encouraged it. Defense minister Avigdor Lieberman said this week, once again, that anyone who approaches the border fence puts their life in danger. This attitude is inhuman, immoral and illegal.’
It underlined that the Israeli army “has neither authority nor permission to fire at unarmed demonstrators, who are not crossing the border fence.” ‘
Even the affiliation of some of the demonstrators to Hamas or other organizations does not grant the IDF permission to kill them, as long as they’re not armed and are not a threat.”
“The army has sufficient non-lethal means to stop the demonstrators from crossing the fence, without killing or wounding them through gunfire. Last Friday, for some reason, the army refrained from using those non-lethal means and instead resorted to sniper fire to wage war on the protesters.”
“The IDF is expected to learn the lessons from last Friday’s failure – 18 demonstrators killed and hundreds more wounded is definitely a failure – and take a different approach,” the Haaretz editorial affirmed further.
“Most of those standing across from the army on the other side of the fence are neither soldiers nor terrorists. They are civilians who decided to wage an essentially non-violent struggle for their freedom. It’s their right. The IDF must do its duty, but suppressing this protest is not part of it,” the editorial added.
“The army’s test tomorrow will be in the number of casualties, which must be kept to the very minimum. Even under a nationalist, rightist government, which doesn’t see the Palestinians as equal human beings, the IDF must act with humanity and adhere to international law. Another mass killing of demonstrators tomorrow would not only be immoral, it could also spark a violent, bloody confrontation in Gaza and the rest of the occupied territories. Such a conflict would contribute nothing to anyone. The army must do everything to prevent it.”
“Tomorrow, once again, Gaza demonstrators and Israel Defense Forces (IDF) soldiers will face each other at the border fence. What happened last Friday must not be allowed to repeat itself tomorrow.
A week ago the IDF opened fire on hundreds of unarmed demonstrators, who weren’t endangering anyone’s life, killing 18 and wounded hundreds,” Haaretz said in an editorial yesterday.
The newspaper criticized Israeli officials for threatening to kill Gazan protesters who get near the border fence, describing their positions as “inhuman, immoral and illegal.”
“Video footage showed demonstrators being shot in the back, one being shot after raising his hands and another being shot as he rose from prayer. Almost the entire political system backed the army and even encouraged it. Defense minister Avigdor Lieberman said this week, once again, that anyone who approaches the border fence puts their life in danger. This attitude is inhuman, immoral and illegal.’
It underlined that the Israeli army “has neither authority nor permission to fire at unarmed demonstrators, who are not crossing the border fence.” ‘
Even the affiliation of some of the demonstrators to Hamas or other organizations does not grant the IDF permission to kill them, as long as they’re not armed and are not a threat.”
“The army has sufficient non-lethal means to stop the demonstrators from crossing the fence, without killing or wounding them through gunfire. Last Friday, for some reason, the army refrained from using those non-lethal means and instead resorted to sniper fire to wage war on the protesters.”
“The IDF is expected to learn the lessons from last Friday’s failure – 18 demonstrators killed and hundreds more wounded is definitely a failure – and take a different approach,” the Haaretz editorial affirmed further.
“Most of those standing across from the army on the other side of the fence are neither soldiers nor terrorists. They are civilians who decided to wage an essentially non-violent struggle for their freedom. It’s their right. The IDF must do its duty, but suppressing this protest is not part of it,” the editorial added.
“The army’s test tomorrow will be in the number of casualties, which must be kept to the very minimum. Even under a nationalist, rightist government, which doesn’t see the Palestinians as equal human beings, the IDF must act with humanity and adhere to international law. Another mass killing of demonstrators tomorrow would not only be immoral, it could also spark a violent, bloody confrontation in Gaza and the rest of the occupied territories. Such a conflict would contribute nothing to anyone. The army must do everything to prevent it.”
by Gideon Levy
The death counter ticked away wildly. One death every 30 minutes. Again. Another one. One more. Israel was busy preparing for the seder night. TV stations continued broadcasting their nonsense.
It’s not hard to imagine what would have happened if a settler had been stabbed – on-site broadcasts, throw open the studios.
But in Gaza the Israel Defense Forces continued to massacre mercilessly, with a horrific rhythm, as Israel celebrated Passover.
If there was any concern, it was because soldiers couldn’t celebrate the seder. By nightfall the body count had reached at least 15, all of them by live fire, with more than 750 wounded. Tanks and sharpshooters against unarmed civilians. That’s called a massacre. There’s no other word for it.
Comic relief was provided by the army spokesman, who announced in the evening: “A shooting attack was foiled. Two terrorists approached the fence and fired at our soldiers.” This came after the 12th Palestinian fatality and who knows how many wounded.
Sharpshooters fired at hundreds of civilians but two Palestinians who dared return fire at the soldiers who were massacring them are “terrorists,” their actions labeled “terror attacks” and their sentence – death. The lack of self-awareness has never sunk to such depths in the IDF.
As usual, the media lent its appalling support. After 15 deaths Or Heller on Channel 10 News declared that the most serious incident of the day had been the firing by the two Palestinians. Dan Margalit “saluted” the army.
Israel was brainwashed again and sat down to a festive meal in a spirit of self-satisfaction. And then people recited “Pour out Thy wrath upon the nations that know Thee not,” impressed by the spread of plagues and enthusing at the mass murder of babies (the killing of the first-born Egyptians, the 10th plague).
Christian Good Friday and the Jewish seder night became a day of blood for the Palestinians in Gaza. You can’t even call it a war crime because there was no war there.
The test by which the IDF and the pathological indifference of public opinion should be judged is the following: What would happen if Jewish Israeli demonstrators, ultra-Orthodox or others, threatened to invade the Knesset? Would such insane live fire by tanks or sharpshooters be understood by the public? Would the murder of 15 Jewish demonstrators pass with silence? And if several dozen Palestinians managed to enter Israel, would that justify a massacre?
The killing of Palestinians is accepted in Israel more lightly than the killing of mosquitoes. There’s nothing cheaper in Israel than Palestinian blood. If there were a hundred or even a thousand deaths Israel would still “salute” the IDF. This is the army whose commander, the good and moderate Gadi Eisenkot, is received with such pride by Israelis. Of course, in the holiday media interviews, no one asked him about the anticipated massacre and no one will ask him now either.
But an army that prides itself on shooting a farmer on his land, showing the video on its website in order to intimidate Gazans; an army that pits tanks against civilians and boasts of one hundred snipers waiting for the demonstrators is an army that has lost all restraint. As if there weren’t other measures.
As if the IDF had the authority or right to prevent demonstrations in Gaza, threatening bus drivers not to transport protesters in territory where the occupation has long ended, as everyone knows.
Despairing young men sneak in from Gaza, armed with ridiculous weapons, marching dozens of kilometres without hurting anyone, only waiting to be caught so as to escape Gaza’s poverty in an Israeli jail. This doesn’t touch anyone’s conscience either. The main thing is that the IDF proudly presents its catch. Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas is responsible for the situation in Gaza. And Hamas, of course. And Egypt. And the Arab world and the whole world. Just not Israel. It left Gaza and Israeli soldiers never commit massacres.
The names were published in the evening. One man was rising from his prayers, another was shot while fleeing. The names won’t move anyone. Mohammed al-Najar, Omar Abu Samur, Ahmed Odeh, Sari Odeh, Bader al-Sabag. This space is too small, to our horror, to list all their names. [See them here.]
The death counter ticked away wildly. One death every 30 minutes. Again. Another one. One more. Israel was busy preparing for the seder night. TV stations continued broadcasting their nonsense.
It’s not hard to imagine what would have happened if a settler had been stabbed – on-site broadcasts, throw open the studios.
But in Gaza the Israel Defense Forces continued to massacre mercilessly, with a horrific rhythm, as Israel celebrated Passover.
If there was any concern, it was because soldiers couldn’t celebrate the seder. By nightfall the body count had reached at least 15, all of them by live fire, with more than 750 wounded. Tanks and sharpshooters against unarmed civilians. That’s called a massacre. There’s no other word for it.
Comic relief was provided by the army spokesman, who announced in the evening: “A shooting attack was foiled. Two terrorists approached the fence and fired at our soldiers.” This came after the 12th Palestinian fatality and who knows how many wounded.
Sharpshooters fired at hundreds of civilians but two Palestinians who dared return fire at the soldiers who were massacring them are “terrorists,” their actions labeled “terror attacks” and their sentence – death. The lack of self-awareness has never sunk to such depths in the IDF.
As usual, the media lent its appalling support. After 15 deaths Or Heller on Channel 10 News declared that the most serious incident of the day had been the firing by the two Palestinians. Dan Margalit “saluted” the army.
Israel was brainwashed again and sat down to a festive meal in a spirit of self-satisfaction. And then people recited “Pour out Thy wrath upon the nations that know Thee not,” impressed by the spread of plagues and enthusing at the mass murder of babies (the killing of the first-born Egyptians, the 10th plague).
Christian Good Friday and the Jewish seder night became a day of blood for the Palestinians in Gaza. You can’t even call it a war crime because there was no war there.
The test by which the IDF and the pathological indifference of public opinion should be judged is the following: What would happen if Jewish Israeli demonstrators, ultra-Orthodox or others, threatened to invade the Knesset? Would such insane live fire by tanks or sharpshooters be understood by the public? Would the murder of 15 Jewish demonstrators pass with silence? And if several dozen Palestinians managed to enter Israel, would that justify a massacre?
The killing of Palestinians is accepted in Israel more lightly than the killing of mosquitoes. There’s nothing cheaper in Israel than Palestinian blood. If there were a hundred or even a thousand deaths Israel would still “salute” the IDF. This is the army whose commander, the good and moderate Gadi Eisenkot, is received with such pride by Israelis. Of course, in the holiday media interviews, no one asked him about the anticipated massacre and no one will ask him now either.
But an army that prides itself on shooting a farmer on his land, showing the video on its website in order to intimidate Gazans; an army that pits tanks against civilians and boasts of one hundred snipers waiting for the demonstrators is an army that has lost all restraint. As if there weren’t other measures.
As if the IDF had the authority or right to prevent demonstrations in Gaza, threatening bus drivers not to transport protesters in territory where the occupation has long ended, as everyone knows.
Despairing young men sneak in from Gaza, armed with ridiculous weapons, marching dozens of kilometres without hurting anyone, only waiting to be caught so as to escape Gaza’s poverty in an Israeli jail. This doesn’t touch anyone’s conscience either. The main thing is that the IDF proudly presents its catch. Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas is responsible for the situation in Gaza. And Hamas, of course. And Egypt. And the Arab world and the whole world. Just not Israel. It left Gaza and Israeli soldiers never commit massacres.
The names were published in the evening. One man was rising from his prayers, another was shot while fleeing. The names won’t move anyone. Mohammed al-Najar, Omar Abu Samur, Ahmed Odeh, Sari Odeh, Bader al-Sabag. This space is too small, to our horror, to list all their names. [See them here.]
Violent clashes broke out on the 2nd Friday of the Great March of Return between Palestinian youths and the Israeli occupation forces (IOF) in the West Bank.
The Palestinian Red Crescent Society said in a brief statement that 37 Palestinians were injured by live ammunition, rubber bullets and tear gas canisters in the West Bank clashes.
A number of Palestinians were injured in the confrontations that erupted at the northern entrance to Ramallah and al-Bireh. Dozens of Palestinian youths set tires on fire and threw stones at the IOF soldiers.
Other clashes broke out in Budrus, Ni'lin and al-Mazra'a al-Gharbiya towns in Ramallah during which the IOF heavily fired rubber bullets and teargas canisters at the Palestinian protesters.
Two Palestinian minors were arrested during clashes at the northern entrance to Bethlehem city. Similar clashes were witnessed in Tuqu' town where the Palestinian youths set tires on fire.
A popular demonstration was launched in the Old City of al-Khalil in solidarity with Gaza following Friday prayer. Dozens of Palestinian demonstrators were injured after being attacked by the IOF with sound bombs and teargas canisters.
Several suffocation cases were reported in the IOF quelling of popular demonstrations in Azzun and Kafr Qaddum towns in Qalqilya.
Friday's demonstrations in the West Bank were launched in solidarity with the Gazan people and in protest at the Israeli practices against the Palestinians in general.
The Palestinian Red Crescent Society said in a brief statement that 37 Palestinians were injured by live ammunition, rubber bullets and tear gas canisters in the West Bank clashes.
A number of Palestinians were injured in the confrontations that erupted at the northern entrance to Ramallah and al-Bireh. Dozens of Palestinian youths set tires on fire and threw stones at the IOF soldiers.
Other clashes broke out in Budrus, Ni'lin and al-Mazra'a al-Gharbiya towns in Ramallah during which the IOF heavily fired rubber bullets and teargas canisters at the Palestinian protesters.
Two Palestinian minors were arrested during clashes at the northern entrance to Bethlehem city. Similar clashes were witnessed in Tuqu' town where the Palestinian youths set tires on fire.
A popular demonstration was launched in the Old City of al-Khalil in solidarity with Gaza following Friday prayer. Dozens of Palestinian demonstrators were injured after being attacked by the IOF with sound bombs and teargas canisters.
Several suffocation cases were reported in the IOF quelling of popular demonstrations in Azzun and Kafr Qaddum towns in Qalqilya.
Friday's demonstrations in the West Bank were launched in solidarity with the Gazan people and in protest at the Israeli practices against the Palestinians in general.
The Israeli army has stepped up military measures on the border with the Gaza Strip after demonstrators gathered there for the Great March of Return, today.
According to a military reporter for the Israeli news site Wallah, the Israeli army is preparing for another protest planned for the weekend, and has issued directives to its soldiers to open fire on any armed Palestinian up to 300 meters from the border fence.
The military reporter also said that the directives included an order to open fire at any Palestinian protester if he comes within 100 meters of the border fence.
The Israeli army is building a sand barricade and installing more barbed wire fences and is planning to detain any Palestinian who crosses the border, PNN further reports.
Sources also said that the Israeli army has been observing Hamas bases along the borders, claiming that Hamas is carrying out additional activities beside the protester camps, to hinder the work of the Israeli soldiers.
Palestinian protesters in Gaza have been collecting thousands of tires and placing them along the borders in order to burn them during the Friday demonstration, in order to obscure the vision of Israeli soldiers.
They have been also collecting pieces of glass and reflective mirrors to undermine snipers’ ability to target the protesters.
On Monday, despite drawing criticism internationally and across the region, the Israeli army stressed it would not stop its harsh treatment of unarmed Palestinian protesters.
According to a military reporter for the Israeli news site Wallah, the Israeli army is preparing for another protest planned for the weekend, and has issued directives to its soldiers to open fire on any armed Palestinian up to 300 meters from the border fence.
The military reporter also said that the directives included an order to open fire at any Palestinian protester if he comes within 100 meters of the border fence.
The Israeli army is building a sand barricade and installing more barbed wire fences and is planning to detain any Palestinian who crosses the border, PNN further reports.
Sources also said that the Israeli army has been observing Hamas bases along the borders, claiming that Hamas is carrying out additional activities beside the protester camps, to hinder the work of the Israeli soldiers.
Palestinian protesters in Gaza have been collecting thousands of tires and placing them along the borders in order to burn them during the Friday demonstration, in order to obscure the vision of Israeli soldiers.
They have been also collecting pieces of glass and reflective mirrors to undermine snipers’ ability to target the protesters.
On Monday, despite drawing criticism internationally and across the region, the Israeli army stressed it would not stop its harsh treatment of unarmed Palestinian protesters.
journalist Yasser Murtaja 31
At least eight Palestinians were killed and over 1070 injured by Israeli gunfire on the 2nd Friday of Gaza's Great March of Return, according to the Palestinian Ministry of Health in Gaza.
The Ministry said that one of the martyrs died on Friday morning after he succumbed to wounds he sustained while taking part in the Great March of Return last Friday.
The PIC reporters said that thousands of Palestinians since the early morning hours marched along Gaza's eastern border to participate in the "Friday of Tires" protests.
They added that dozens of tires were set on fire by Palestinian youths to create a smokescreen that would block the view of Israeli snipers stationed behind the border fence to shoot the unarmed protesters.
The Israeli occupation forces in the past few days have sent dozens of threats to the Gazan people, in an attempt to terrorize them and dissuade them from participating in Friday's mass demonstrations, warning to kill more protesters.
Hamas's spokesman Hazem Qasem said in Facebook statements that the Israeli threats will not succeed in intimidating the Palestinian people who are exercising their right to struggle against occupation, blockade and schemes aimed it liquidating their just cause.
At least eight Palestinians were killed and over 1070 injured by Israeli gunfire on the 2nd Friday of Gaza's Great March of Return, according to the Palestinian Ministry of Health in Gaza.
The Ministry said that one of the martyrs died on Friday morning after he succumbed to wounds he sustained while taking part in the Great March of Return last Friday.
The PIC reporters said that thousands of Palestinians since the early morning hours marched along Gaza's eastern border to participate in the "Friday of Tires" protests.
They added that dozens of tires were set on fire by Palestinian youths to create a smokescreen that would block the view of Israeli snipers stationed behind the border fence to shoot the unarmed protesters.
The Israeli occupation forces in the past few days have sent dozens of threats to the Gazan people, in an attempt to terrorize them and dissuade them from participating in Friday's mass demonstrations, warning to kill more protesters.
Hamas's spokesman Hazem Qasem said in Facebook statements that the Israeli threats will not succeed in intimidating the Palestinian people who are exercising their right to struggle against occupation, blockade and schemes aimed it liquidating their just cause.
Hussein Mohammad Madhi, 16
Updated: The Palestinian Health Ministry in the Gaza Strip has confirmed that Israeli soldiers killed, Friday, seven Palestinians, including one child, and injured 992 others, in several parts of the coastal region. An eighth Palestinian died from serious wounds suffered last Friday.
Update: The soldiers killed Ala’ Yahya az-Zamily, 17, after shooting him with a live round in his neck, east of Rafah. Ala’ was from Shaboura refugee camp, in Rafah.
It said that Mohammad Sa’id Mousa al-Hajj Saleh, 33, from Rafah, in southern Gaza Strip, was shot with live Israeli army fire in the abdomen and chest, east of the city, during evening hours.
The Ministry stated that the child, identified as Hussein Mohammad Madhi, 16, was killed by Israeli army fire, on Friday evening, east of Gaza city.
Another Palestinian, identified as Sidqi Faraj Abu ‘Oteiwi, 45, from Nusseirat refugee camp, in central Gaza, was also killed by Israeli army fire.
Updated: The Palestinian Health Ministry in the Gaza Strip has confirmed that Israeli soldiers killed, Friday, seven Palestinians, including one child, and injured 992 others, in several parts of the coastal region. An eighth Palestinian died from serious wounds suffered last Friday.
Update: The soldiers killed Ala’ Yahya az-Zamily, 17, after shooting him with a live round in his neck, east of Rafah. Ala’ was from Shaboura refugee camp, in Rafah.
It said that Mohammad Sa’id Mousa al-Hajj Saleh, 33, from Rafah, in southern Gaza Strip, was shot with live Israeli army fire in the abdomen and chest, east of the city, during evening hours.
The Ministry stated that the child, identified as Hussein Mohammad Madhi, 16, was killed by Israeli army fire, on Friday evening, east of Gaza city.
Another Palestinian, identified as Sidqi Faraj Abu ‘Oteiwi, 45, from Nusseirat refugee camp, in central Gaza, was also killed by Israeli army fire.
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Ala’ Yahya az-Zamily, 17
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Ibrahim al-‘Orr, 20
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Mohammad Sa’id Mousa al-Hajj Saleh, 33
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Sidqi Faraj Abu ‘Oteiwi, 45
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Also, the soldiers killed Ibrahim al-‘Orr, 20, in central Gaza.Dr. Ashraf al-Qedra, spokesperson of the Health Ministry in Gaza, said the soldiers shot 1070 Palestinians, 551 of them were rushed to the make-shift clinics on Palestinian lands hundreds of meters away from the border fence.
He added that 442 wounded Palestinians were rushed to governmental hospitals, and 77 to private hospitals. Among the injured are 48 children, and 12 women.
25 Palestinians suffered life-threatening injuries, and 239 suffered moderate wounds, in several parts of the Gaza Strip.
The soldiers also continued to deliberately target the Palestinian medic, and their ambulance, especially east of Rafah, with Gaza bombs, wounding seven of them.
He added that 442 wounded Palestinians were rushed to governmental hospitals, and 77 to private hospitals. Among the injured are 48 children, and 12 women.
25 Palestinians suffered life-threatening injuries, and 239 suffered moderate wounds, in several parts of the Gaza Strip.
The soldiers also continued to deliberately target the Palestinian medic, and their ambulance, especially east of Rafah, with Gaza bombs, wounding seven of them.
Osama Khamis Qdeih, 38
Israeli soldiers killed, Friday, two Palestinians and injured at least 252 others, including may who suffered life-threatening wounds, and moderate injuries, in several parts of the Gaza Strip, after the army resorted to the excessive use of force against nonviolent protesters.
The Health Ministry and the Red Crescent in Gaza has confirmed that the soldiers killed Majdi Ramadan Shbat, 38, east of Gaza city.
In addition that 252 Palestinians were injured by army fire, including many who suffered life-threatening wounds, and serious injuries, in addition to dozens who suffered the severe effects of teargas inhalation.
Dr. Ashraf al-Qedra, the spokesperson of the Health Ministry in Gaza has confirmed that the soldiers killed Osama Khamis Qdeih, 38, from Abasan al-Kabeera town, east of Khan Younis.
Israeli soldiers killed, Friday, two Palestinians and injured at least 252 others, including may who suffered life-threatening wounds, and moderate injuries, in several parts of the Gaza Strip, after the army resorted to the excessive use of force against nonviolent protesters.
The Health Ministry and the Red Crescent in Gaza has confirmed that the soldiers killed Majdi Ramadan Shbat, 38, east of Gaza city.
In addition that 252 Palestinians were injured by army fire, including many who suffered life-threatening wounds, and serious injuries, in addition to dozens who suffered the severe effects of teargas inhalation.
Dr. Ashraf al-Qedra, the spokesperson of the Health Ministry in Gaza has confirmed that the soldiers killed Osama Khamis Qdeih, 38, from Abasan al-Kabeera town, east of Khan Younis.
Majdi Ramadan Shbat, 38
He added that Qdeih died from serious wounds he suffered after the soldiers shot him with live fire, east of Khan Younis.
The Palestinian Red Crescent in Khan Younis, in the southern part of the Gaza Strip, said its field hospital provided treatment to more than 50 Palestinians, including many who were shot with live rounds in the head and chest, and dozens who were shot with rubber-coated steel bullets and gas bombs, in addition to scores who suffered the effects of teargas inhalation.
4:50 PMIsraeli soldiers killed, Friday, two Palestinians and injured at least 252 others, including may who suffered life-threatening wounds, and moderate injuries, in several parts of the Gaza Strip, after the army resorted to the excessive use of force against nonviolent protesters.
The Health Ministry and the Red Crescent in Gaza has confirmed that the soldiers killed Majdi Ramadan Shbat, 38, east of Gaza city.
In addition that 252 Palestinians were injured by army fire, including many who suffered life-threatening wounds, and serious injuries, in addition to dozens who suffered the severe effects of teargas inhalation.
Dr. Ashraf al-Qedra, the spokesperson of the Health Ministry in Gaza has confirmed that the soldiers killed Osama Khamis Qdeih, 38, from Abasan al-Kabeera town, east of Khan Younis.
He added that Qdeih died from serious wounds he suffered after the soldiers shot him with live fire, east of Khan Younis.
The Palestinian Red Crescent in Khan Younis, in the southern part of the Gaza Strip, said its field hospital provided treatment to more than 50 Palestinians, including many who were shot with live rounds in the head and chest, and dozens who were shot with rubber-coated steel bullets and gas bombs, in addition to scores who suffered the effects of teargas inhalation.
It added that one of the wounded Palestinians is a journalist, identified as Yasser Mortaja, who was shot with a life round in his chest, while a female journalist, identified as Islam Za’noun, suffered the effects of teargas inhalation, despite wearing clearly marked press vests; both were injured east of Khan Younis.
The soldiers deliberately fired a barrage of gas bombs, including high velocity, long range bombs, at crowds of protesters, in addition to firing many live rounds at them.
The soldiers also targeted many journalists with live fire and gas bombs, including during live coverage by the al-Mayadeen TV. Video
Furthermore, the army used planes and drones in firing a barrage of gas bombs at the Palestinians even in areas not close to the border fence.
Dozens of Palestinians suffered the severe effects of teargas inhalation and received the needed treatment in make-shift hospitals near the border fence, across the eastern part of the Gaza Strip.
The soldiers also targeted dozens of medics with gas bombs, east of the al-Boreij refugee camp, in central Gaza, wounding many of them.
The Palestinians burnt dozens of tires near the border fence, in order to distrust the vision of the soldiers, especially the sharpshooters, who barricaded themselves behind huge sand hills across the border fence.
The army also used planes to extinguish the burnt tires, in addition to using water hoses and even fans to send the smoke back to the Palestinian side.
His death brings the number of Palestinians who were killed by Israeli army fire since Friday, March 30th, to twenty-two, including the farmer, Wahid Nasrallah Abu Sammour, who was killed on his land early Friday morning before the Land Day protests began.
On Friday morning, the Palestinian Health Ministry has reported that a young man, identified as Tha’er Mohammad Rabe’a, 30, died from serious wounds he suffered when Israeli soldiers shot him with live fire, last Friday March 30th, in northern Gaza.
In related news, the soldiers shot three Palestinians, including one who suffered a head injury, in Ramallah, in central West Bank.
The soldiers also injured many Palestinians in Hebron, in the southern part of the occupied West Bank.
He added that Qdeih died from serious wounds he suffered after the soldiers shot him with live fire, east of Khan Younis.
The Palestinian Red Crescent in Khan Younis, in the southern part of the Gaza Strip, said its field hospital provided treatment to more than 50 Palestinians, including many who were shot with live rounds in the head and chest, and dozens who were shot with rubber-coated steel bullets and gas bombs, in addition to scores who suffered the effects of teargas inhalation.
4:50 PMIsraeli soldiers killed, Friday, two Palestinians and injured at least 252 others, including may who suffered life-threatening wounds, and moderate injuries, in several parts of the Gaza Strip, after the army resorted to the excessive use of force against nonviolent protesters.
The Health Ministry and the Red Crescent in Gaza has confirmed that the soldiers killed Majdi Ramadan Shbat, 38, east of Gaza city.
In addition that 252 Palestinians were injured by army fire, including many who suffered life-threatening wounds, and serious injuries, in addition to dozens who suffered the severe effects of teargas inhalation.
Dr. Ashraf al-Qedra, the spokesperson of the Health Ministry in Gaza has confirmed that the soldiers killed Osama Khamis Qdeih, 38, from Abasan al-Kabeera town, east of Khan Younis.
He added that Qdeih died from serious wounds he suffered after the soldiers shot him with live fire, east of Khan Younis.
The Palestinian Red Crescent in Khan Younis, in the southern part of the Gaza Strip, said its field hospital provided treatment to more than 50 Palestinians, including many who were shot with live rounds in the head and chest, and dozens who were shot with rubber-coated steel bullets and gas bombs, in addition to scores who suffered the effects of teargas inhalation.
It added that one of the wounded Palestinians is a journalist, identified as Yasser Mortaja, who was shot with a life round in his chest, while a female journalist, identified as Islam Za’noun, suffered the effects of teargas inhalation, despite wearing clearly marked press vests; both were injured east of Khan Younis.
The soldiers deliberately fired a barrage of gas bombs, including high velocity, long range bombs, at crowds of protesters, in addition to firing many live rounds at them.
The soldiers also targeted many journalists with live fire and gas bombs, including during live coverage by the al-Mayadeen TV. Video
Furthermore, the army used planes and drones in firing a barrage of gas bombs at the Palestinians even in areas not close to the border fence.
Dozens of Palestinians suffered the severe effects of teargas inhalation and received the needed treatment in make-shift hospitals near the border fence, across the eastern part of the Gaza Strip.
The soldiers also targeted dozens of medics with gas bombs, east of the al-Boreij refugee camp, in central Gaza, wounding many of them.
The Palestinians burnt dozens of tires near the border fence, in order to distrust the vision of the soldiers, especially the sharpshooters, who barricaded themselves behind huge sand hills across the border fence.
The army also used planes to extinguish the burnt tires, in addition to using water hoses and even fans to send the smoke back to the Palestinian side.
His death brings the number of Palestinians who were killed by Israeli army fire since Friday, March 30th, to twenty-two, including the farmer, Wahid Nasrallah Abu Sammour, who was killed on his land early Friday morning before the Land Day protests began.
On Friday morning, the Palestinian Health Ministry has reported that a young man, identified as Tha’er Mohammad Rabe’a, 30, died from serious wounds he suffered when Israeli soldiers shot him with live fire, last Friday March 30th, in northern Gaza.
In related news, the soldiers shot three Palestinians, including one who suffered a head injury, in Ramallah, in central West Bank.
The soldiers also injured many Palestinians in Hebron, in the southern part of the occupied West Bank.
Dozens of Israeli soldiers, including sharpshooters, heavily deployed across the border fence in the Gaza Strip, started taking positions and shooting posts in several parts of the besieged Gaza Strip, ahead of mass nonviolent protests in the coastal region.
Update: The Palestinian Health Ministry said the soldiers shot three Palestinians with live fire; two in Abu Safiyya area, in northern Gaza, and one east of Gaza city.
—–
Hundreds of Palestinians started heading towards the “Return Camp,” on their lands near the border fence, while dozens brought car tires to burn, and mirrors meant to deflect the soldiers’ aim.
The Israeli army said its “shoot to kill orders” have not changed, and that the soldiers will fire at any Palestinian “who approaches the border fence.”
Meanwhile, the Palestinians started gathering on their lands, raising Palestinian flags, and chanting for liberation, independence and their legitimate Right of Return to all villages and towns which were destroyed and depopulated by the Israeli occupation forces in 1948.
The Higher Health Emergency Committee in the Gaza Strip said it raised the alert levels in all hospitals and medical centers, in addition to its make-shift hospitals near border areas, especially since Israel is threatening to meet the protesters with “harsher measures.”
On its part, the Internal Security of the Palestinian Interior Ministry in Gaza issued various instructions to the Palestinians to remain committed to nonviolent protests despite Israel’s excessive use of force.
It also advised the protesters to try to keep their faces hidden from Israeli surveillance, and to avoid the usage of smart phones, especially since the army infiltrated cellular networks last week to provide false information to the protesters.
Update: The Palestinian Health Ministry said the soldiers shot three Palestinians with live fire; two in Abu Safiyya area, in northern Gaza, and one east of Gaza city.
—–
Hundreds of Palestinians started heading towards the “Return Camp,” on their lands near the border fence, while dozens brought car tires to burn, and mirrors meant to deflect the soldiers’ aim.
The Israeli army said its “shoot to kill orders” have not changed, and that the soldiers will fire at any Palestinian “who approaches the border fence.”
Meanwhile, the Palestinians started gathering on their lands, raising Palestinian flags, and chanting for liberation, independence and their legitimate Right of Return to all villages and towns which were destroyed and depopulated by the Israeli occupation forces in 1948.
The Higher Health Emergency Committee in the Gaza Strip said it raised the alert levels in all hospitals and medical centers, in addition to its make-shift hospitals near border areas, especially since Israel is threatening to meet the protesters with “harsher measures.”
On its part, the Internal Security of the Palestinian Interior Ministry in Gaza issued various instructions to the Palestinians to remain committed to nonviolent protests despite Israel’s excessive use of force.
It also advised the protesters to try to keep their faces hidden from Israeli surveillance, and to avoid the usage of smart phones, especially since the army infiltrated cellular networks last week to provide false information to the protesters.
Tha’er Mohammad Rabe’a, 30
The Palestinian Health Ministry has reported that a young man died on Friday morning from serious wounds he suffered when Israeli soldiers shot him with live fire, last Friday March 30th, in northern Gaza.
The Palestinian, Tha’er Mohammad Rabe’a, 30, suffered serious wounds after being shot with live army fire, and remained in critical condition until his death.
Rabe’a is from Jabalia city, in the northern part of the Gaza Strip; his death brings the number of Palestinians who were killed by Israeli army fire since Friday, March 30th, to twenty-one, including the farmer, Wahid Nasrallah Abu Sammour, who was killed on his land early Friday morning before the Land Day protests began.
More than a thousand Palestinians were injured by Israeli forces, many of them with serious or critical wounds from live gunfire.
The Palestinian Health Ministry has reported that a young man died on Friday morning from serious wounds he suffered when Israeli soldiers shot him with live fire, last Friday March 30th, in northern Gaza.
The Palestinian, Tha’er Mohammad Rabe’a, 30, suffered serious wounds after being shot with live army fire, and remained in critical condition until his death.
Rabe’a is from Jabalia city, in the northern part of the Gaza Strip; his death brings the number of Palestinians who were killed by Israeli army fire since Friday, March 30th, to twenty-one, including the farmer, Wahid Nasrallah Abu Sammour, who was killed on his land early Friday morning before the Land Day protests began.
More than a thousand Palestinians were injured by Israeli forces, many of them with serious or critical wounds from live gunfire.
A consortium of major British pro-Palestine organizations has decided to hold a series of events and popular activities to support the Palestinian right of return and protest Israel’s killing of protesters last Friday in the Gaza Strip.
This came during a recent meeting held by the Palestinian Forum in Britain and the International Coordination Committee for the Great March of Return with officials from those organizations.
According to the organizers, these coming events aim to support the March of Return and the Palestinian people’s right of return.
In this regard, Zaher al-Birawi, head of the Coordination Committee, said that a massive demonstration would be staged next Saturday outside the headquarters of the British government as part of a series of events to be held until the 70th anniversary of the Palestinian Nakba (catastrophe) in mid-May.
In addition to protests, the supportive events will include symposiums, conferences and exhibitions about the Nakba and the right of return, according to Birawi.
This came during a recent meeting held by the Palestinian Forum in Britain and the International Coordination Committee for the Great March of Return with officials from those organizations.
According to the organizers, these coming events aim to support the March of Return and the Palestinian people’s right of return.
In this regard, Zaher al-Birawi, head of the Coordination Committee, said that a massive demonstration would be staged next Saturday outside the headquarters of the British government as part of a series of events to be held until the 70th anniversary of the Palestinian Nakba (catastrophe) in mid-May.
In addition to protests, the supportive events will include symposiums, conferences and exhibitions about the Nakba and the right of return, according to Birawi.
The European Union (EU) has criticized Israel’s use of lethal force for crowd control against protesting Palestinians and called for showing restraint and investigating every fatality.
In a recent statement, the Office of the European Union Representative to the West Bank and Gaza Strip noted that several Palestinian minors have been killed in recent months by Israeli forces.
“The EU continues to be deeply alarmed about the use of live ammunition by Israeli security forces as a means of crowd control,” the statement said.
“The EU reiterates its calls on Israeli authorities to employ proportionate force in their response to demonstrations, to exercise the utmost restraint in its use of force for law enforcement, to open adequate investigations following each fatality and to initiate prosecution where appropriate.”
The EU also raised its concerns over the arrest and detention of Palestinian minors, including Ahed Tamimi, now 17, whose defense last month agreed to an eight-month plea deal after a video went viral in December showing her slapping an Israeli soldier on her family’s property in the West Bank.
“Israel has obligations under international law to respect the rights of the child, which inter alia confirm that the arrest, detention or imprisonment of a child shall be used only as a measure of last resort and for the shortest appropriate time,” the statement said.
Speaking of Tamimi, the EU expressed “deep concern regarding the circumstances of her arrest, the duration and the conditions of the detention and how the proceedings were conducted in her specific case as well as in other similar cases processed in the military court system.”
In a recent statement, the Office of the European Union Representative to the West Bank and Gaza Strip noted that several Palestinian minors have been killed in recent months by Israeli forces.
“The EU continues to be deeply alarmed about the use of live ammunition by Israeli security forces as a means of crowd control,” the statement said.
“The EU reiterates its calls on Israeli authorities to employ proportionate force in their response to demonstrations, to exercise the utmost restraint in its use of force for law enforcement, to open adequate investigations following each fatality and to initiate prosecution where appropriate.”
The EU also raised its concerns over the arrest and detention of Palestinian minors, including Ahed Tamimi, now 17, whose defense last month agreed to an eight-month plea deal after a video went viral in December showing her slapping an Israeli soldier on her family’s property in the West Bank.
“Israel has obligations under international law to respect the rights of the child, which inter alia confirm that the arrest, detention or imprisonment of a child shall be used only as a measure of last resort and for the shortest appropriate time,” the statement said.
Speaking of Tamimi, the EU expressed “deep concern regarding the circumstances of her arrest, the duration and the conditions of the detention and how the proceedings were conducted in her specific case as well as in other similar cases processed in the military court system.”
Scores of Palestinian citizens on Thursday evening started to flock to the March of Return camps in Gaza border areas as a prelude to participating in Friday’s protests and the memorial day for the martyrs, who were killed in the Great March of Return last Friday.
The Palestinian Information Center (PIC) in Gaza said that several vehicles carried hundreds of citizens to the March of Return camps east of Gaza, adding that the participants would spend their night in those camps.
For its part, the National Authority for Organizing the March of Return and Breaking the Siege urged the Palestinian citizens in Gaza to strongly and actively participate in Friday’s protests and the memorial day for the March of Return martyrs.
The Palestinian Information Center (PIC) in Gaza said that several vehicles carried hundreds of citizens to the March of Return camps east of Gaza, adding that the participants would spend their night in those camps.
For its part, the National Authority for Organizing the March of Return and Breaking the Siege urged the Palestinian citizens in Gaza to strongly and actively participate in Friday’s protests and the memorial day for the March of Return martyrs.
