12 apr 2018
by Ramona Wadi
The International Criminal Court (ICC) is back on the scene, with more evidence that it gives Israel the benefit of the doubt. ICC Chief Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda’s statement last Sunday indicated that her office has monitored the demonstrations in Gaza which have resulted in Israel killing 29 Palestinians and wounding more than 1,600 others.
However, Bensouda’s cautious tone was obvious: “Violence against civilians – in a situation such as the one prevailing in Gaza – could constitute crimes under the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court.” Giving Israel the benefit of the doubt, she added that the preliminary examination being conducted by her office “is not an investigation” and emphasised that the ICC will “continue to closely watch the situation and will record any instance of incitement or resort to unlawful force.”
There is little doubt that the ICC, like other international institutions, is competent in recording human rights violations. This is, after all, their lifeline. What happens with the evidence is another story, though, and one that has been repeated to the point of perfection. Besides Israel’s refusal to allow proper investigations to take place, there is also the context of the organisations themselves and their dependence upon the violation of human rights, which has created a vile cycle of abuse to the point of rendering humanity subjugated to the organisations’ bestowal of impunity upon the perpetrators.
On Monday, Likud Spokesman Eli Hazan declared on a television programme that all 30,000 Palestinians demonstrating are legitimate targets for Israeli snipers on the borders. The statement is evidence of premeditated intent to murder and injure Palestinians who are within their right to reclaim their return to historic Palestine. According to the Jerusalem Post, Israeli Defence Minister Avigdor Lieberman has also called for human rights group B’Tselem to be investigated for calling upon soldiers to disobey illegal government orders to fire on Palestinian protestors.
Like other shows of violence which put Israel under the spotlight and trigger a wave of support for Palestinians — that usually dwindles until the next planned aggression — the Great Return March’s intent has been obscured by Israel’s appropriation of terminology to legitimise its theft of Palestinian territory. Hence, the emphasis upon “borders”, which in turn elicits rhetoric such as “both sides” in official comments; both examples are used as foundations for mainstream media misinformation about purported clashes in which Palestinians simply die, rather than “have been killed by Israeli snipers”.
Taking such wilfully inaccurate simplifications further, there is another discrepancy which provides Israel with the impunity it needs to sustain its colonial existence and violence. The reliance upon “context” is becoming a dangerous precedent for Palestinians as the larger framework of colonialism is eliminated from the context of the violence meted out by Israel. All the ICC referred to, for example, was the “violence and deteriorating situation in the Gaza Strip.”
The Great Return March is a direct result of the context in which Palestinians find themselves, which started with the colonisation of Palestine back in 1948 and even earlier. For convenience, as well as the perpetual perpetration of human rights violations, international institutions have enshrined their preference for ignoring and obliterating the core of the context — the creation of Israel on Palestinian territory — and influenced the world to think in the same terms. This has gone as far as a rethinking of support for Palestine, which at times fragments the struggle, with a corresponding negative effect on the ultimate aim of fulfilling the legitimate right of return. The current Israeli violence is but a part of a long colonial process which has created its own shameful history of such atrocities. That is the real context of the “violence and deteriorating situation in the Gaza Strip.” We need to challenge the ICC on this.
- 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.
The International Criminal Court (ICC) is back on the scene, with more evidence that it gives Israel the benefit of the doubt. ICC Chief Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda’s statement last Sunday indicated that her office has monitored the demonstrations in Gaza which have resulted in Israel killing 29 Palestinians and wounding more than 1,600 others.
However, Bensouda’s cautious tone was obvious: “Violence against civilians – in a situation such as the one prevailing in Gaza – could constitute crimes under the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court.” Giving Israel the benefit of the doubt, she added that the preliminary examination being conducted by her office “is not an investigation” and emphasised that the ICC will “continue to closely watch the situation and will record any instance of incitement or resort to unlawful force.”
There is little doubt that the ICC, like other international institutions, is competent in recording human rights violations. This is, after all, their lifeline. What happens with the evidence is another story, though, and one that has been repeated to the point of perfection. Besides Israel’s refusal to allow proper investigations to take place, there is also the context of the organisations themselves and their dependence upon the violation of human rights, which has created a vile cycle of abuse to the point of rendering humanity subjugated to the organisations’ bestowal of impunity upon the perpetrators.
On Monday, Likud Spokesman Eli Hazan declared on a television programme that all 30,000 Palestinians demonstrating are legitimate targets for Israeli snipers on the borders. The statement is evidence of premeditated intent to murder and injure Palestinians who are within their right to reclaim their return to historic Palestine. According to the Jerusalem Post, Israeli Defence Minister Avigdor Lieberman has also called for human rights group B’Tselem to be investigated for calling upon soldiers to disobey illegal government orders to fire on Palestinian protestors.
Like other shows of violence which put Israel under the spotlight and trigger a wave of support for Palestinians — that usually dwindles until the next planned aggression — the Great Return March’s intent has been obscured by Israel’s appropriation of terminology to legitimise its theft of Palestinian territory. Hence, the emphasis upon “borders”, which in turn elicits rhetoric such as “both sides” in official comments; both examples are used as foundations for mainstream media misinformation about purported clashes in which Palestinians simply die, rather than “have been killed by Israeli snipers”.
Taking such wilfully inaccurate simplifications further, there is another discrepancy which provides Israel with the impunity it needs to sustain its colonial existence and violence. The reliance upon “context” is becoming a dangerous precedent for Palestinians as the larger framework of colonialism is eliminated from the context of the violence meted out by Israel. All the ICC referred to, for example, was the “violence and deteriorating situation in the Gaza Strip.”
The Great Return March is a direct result of the context in which Palestinians find themselves, which started with the colonisation of Palestine back in 1948 and even earlier. For convenience, as well as the perpetual perpetration of human rights violations, international institutions have enshrined their preference for ignoring and obliterating the core of the context — the creation of Israel on Palestinian territory — and influenced the world to think in the same terms. This has gone as far as a rethinking of support for Palestine, which at times fragments the struggle, with a corresponding negative effect on the ultimate aim of fulfilling the legitimate right of return. The current Israeli violence is but a part of a long colonial process which has created its own shameful history of such atrocities. That is the real context of the “violence and deteriorating situation in the Gaza Strip.” We need to challenge the ICC on this.
- 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.
Abdullah Shahri, 30
A Palestinian young man identified as Abdullah Shahri, 30, died of his wounds on Thursday evening after he was shot and critically injured by Israeli forces near Gaza’s border fence, to the east of Khan Younes in southern Gaza Strip.
Shahri was shot and critically injured by the Israeli military as he was partaking in a non-violent protest, as part of the ongoing Great March of Return at the border of the Gaza Strip. He was evacuated from the scene by paramedics and was pronounced dead shortly after.
His death brings the number of Palestinians killed since the outbreak of “The Great March of Return” protests, on March 30, to 34, including three children. 3,079 others have been left wounded, 106 among them in critical conditions.
Israeli Soldiers Kill Another Palestinian In Gaza
Palestinian medical sources have reported that Israeli soldiers killed, on Thursday evening, a young man east of Khuza’a town, east of Khan Younis, in the southern part of the Gaza Strip. He is the second to be killed on Thursday.
The soldiers also targeted Palestinian ambulances, wounding one medic.
Dr. Ashraf al-Qedra, spokesperson of the Health Ministry in Gaza, said the soldiers shot Abdullah Mohammad Shahri, 28, with a live round in the chest, east of Khuza’a town, east of Khan Younis, in the southern part of the Gaza Strip.
At least one Palestinian was also injured by Israeli army fire in the area and was rushed to a local hospital.
The soldiers also fired many live rounds directly targeting a Palestinian ambulance, and medics trying to provide aid to a wounded Palestinian, and injured one medic, identified as Emad al-Buheisi.
The wounded medic said he was providing treatment to an injured Palestinian inside the ambulance, when the soldiers fired may live round at it.
He was rushed to a hospital and was rushed to surgery after suffering serious bone fractures, and ruptured blood vessels, especially since the rounds fired by the soldiers at his ambulance were expanding bullets.
The medics were in an area 200 meters away from the border fence, when the soldiers targeted them and their ambulance with live fire.
A Palestinian young man identified as Abdullah Shahri, 30, died of his wounds on Thursday evening after he was shot and critically injured by Israeli forces near Gaza’s border fence, to the east of Khan Younes in southern Gaza Strip.
Shahri was shot and critically injured by the Israeli military as he was partaking in a non-violent protest, as part of the ongoing Great March of Return at the border of the Gaza Strip. He was evacuated from the scene by paramedics and was pronounced dead shortly after.
His death brings the number of Palestinians killed since the outbreak of “The Great March of Return” protests, on March 30, to 34, including three children. 3,079 others have been left wounded, 106 among them in critical conditions.
Israeli Soldiers Kill Another Palestinian In Gaza
Palestinian medical sources have reported that Israeli soldiers killed, on Thursday evening, a young man east of Khuza’a town, east of Khan Younis, in the southern part of the Gaza Strip. He is the second to be killed on Thursday.
The soldiers also targeted Palestinian ambulances, wounding one medic.
Dr. Ashraf al-Qedra, spokesperson of the Health Ministry in Gaza, said the soldiers shot Abdullah Mohammad Shahri, 28, with a live round in the chest, east of Khuza’a town, east of Khan Younis, in the southern part of the Gaza Strip.
At least one Palestinian was also injured by Israeli army fire in the area and was rushed to a local hospital.
The soldiers also fired many live rounds directly targeting a Palestinian ambulance, and medics trying to provide aid to a wounded Palestinian, and injured one medic, identified as Emad al-Buheisi.
The wounded medic said he was providing treatment to an injured Palestinian inside the ambulance, when the soldiers fired may live round at it.
He was rushed to a hospital and was rushed to surgery after suffering serious bone fractures, and ruptured blood vessels, especially since the rounds fired by the soldiers at his ambulance were expanding bullets.
The medics were in an area 200 meters away from the border fence, when the soldiers targeted them and their ambulance with live fire.
Mohamed Hajila 31
One Palestinian citizen was killed and another was wounded during an Israeli air raid at dawn Thursday on a resistance post east of the Gaza Strip.
An Israeli drone fired two missiles at a resistance post to the east of al-Shuja’iyya neighborhood, leading to the killing of 31-year-old Mohamed Hajila and the injury of another citizen, the PIC reporter said, adding that the casualties were transferred to al-Shifa Hospital
This airstrike was preceded by similar aerial attacks on Abu Jarad military site, which belongs to al-Qassam Brigades of Hamas, in Gaza City.
Spokesman for the Israeli occupation army Avichay Adraee claimed the airstrikes were in response to the detonation of an explosive device near a military vehicle during an incursion into eastern Gaza on Wednesday morning.
The Israeli army already bombed a resistance observation post and agricultural plots of land east of Gaza City with about 20 artillery projectiles in response to the same alleged explosion of an explosive device.
Israeli forces bomb Gaza, killing one Palestinian
After Israeli tanks spent the day on Wednesday firing artillery shells at numerous sites in northern and eastern Gaza, the Israeli military stepped up its assault on the coastal enclave Wednesday night with bombs dropped by the Israeli airforce which killed one Palestinian and injured another.
The Palestinian who was killed was identified as Mohammad Hjeila, 31.
He was hit by a bomb dropped by an Israeli fighter jet Wednesday night east of al-Shejaiyya neighborhood, in the eastern part of Gaza City.
Hjeila was with the al-Qassam Brigades, the armed wing of the Hamas party. His brother, Adham Hjeila, had been killed by Israeli forces in 2004.
The airstrikes on Gaza followed a day of shelling by the Israeli military. On Wednesday morning, a number of Israeli military vehicles and bulldozers invaded Gaza near the al-Mintar (Karni) crossing, an invasion that the Israeli military spokesperson described as ‘routine’.
The Israeli military claimed that during this invasion, an explosive device exploded near one of the militarized bulldozers.
Israeli forces stationed at the border then fired at least five shells east of Gaza City in al-Shejaiyya and al-Zaytoun neighborhoods. A Palestinian was moderately wounded by the shelling and taken to Shifa Hospital in Gaza City.
Later in the evening, the Israeli military sent in fighter jets to drop bombs in the same areas, which they claimed were being used as training sites for resistance fighters. According to Israeli media sources, Palestinian resistance fighters tried to shoot at the jets with guns. One bullet allegedly hit the roof of an Israeli house in a town adjacent to the border with Gaza, causing very slight damage.
In Gaza, dozens of houses near the site of the bombing had their windows blown out due to the ‘sonic boom’ from the bomb.
The Israeli military released a statement, saying, “A number of targets belonging to the Hamas terror organization were attacked. The [Israeli military] sees Hamas as responsible for any incident taking place in and from the strip and won’t allow the terror organization to turn the fence area into a conflict zone.”
This escalation by the Israeli military follows two weeks of non-violent protests by Palestinians in Gaza along the border fence with Israel. The Palestinians protesting at the fence are asking for an end to the decade-long siege of the tiny coastal strip, and the right of return for Palestinian refugees.
Through the siege, Israeli forces, who control the land, sea and air of Gaza, have prevented essential goods like fuel, medicine, building materials, maintenance equipment for electric and sewage plants, vehicles, books, medical equipment and many food items from entering Gaza. Palestinians have also been unable to leave Gaza for the past ten years, apart from very rare exceptions in which Palestinians who apply for a permit from Israel and wait for months or even years are sometimes allowed to leave.
* 8 apr 2018: Haaretz: Israel may strike Hamas targets to stop border protests
One Palestinian citizen was killed and another was wounded during an Israeli air raid at dawn Thursday on a resistance post east of the Gaza Strip.
An Israeli drone fired two missiles at a resistance post to the east of al-Shuja’iyya neighborhood, leading to the killing of 31-year-old Mohamed Hajila and the injury of another citizen, the PIC reporter said, adding that the casualties were transferred to al-Shifa Hospital
This airstrike was preceded by similar aerial attacks on Abu Jarad military site, which belongs to al-Qassam Brigades of Hamas, in Gaza City.
Spokesman for the Israeli occupation army Avichay Adraee claimed the airstrikes were in response to the detonation of an explosive device near a military vehicle during an incursion into eastern Gaza on Wednesday morning.
The Israeli army already bombed a resistance observation post and agricultural plots of land east of Gaza City with about 20 artillery projectiles in response to the same alleged explosion of an explosive device.
Israeli forces bomb Gaza, killing one Palestinian
After Israeli tanks spent the day on Wednesday firing artillery shells at numerous sites in northern and eastern Gaza, the Israeli military stepped up its assault on the coastal enclave Wednesday night with bombs dropped by the Israeli airforce which killed one Palestinian and injured another.
The Palestinian who was killed was identified as Mohammad Hjeila, 31.
He was hit by a bomb dropped by an Israeli fighter jet Wednesday night east of al-Shejaiyya neighborhood, in the eastern part of Gaza City.
Hjeila was with the al-Qassam Brigades, the armed wing of the Hamas party. His brother, Adham Hjeila, had been killed by Israeli forces in 2004.
The airstrikes on Gaza followed a day of shelling by the Israeli military. On Wednesday morning, a number of Israeli military vehicles and bulldozers invaded Gaza near the al-Mintar (Karni) crossing, an invasion that the Israeli military spokesperson described as ‘routine’.
The Israeli military claimed that during this invasion, an explosive device exploded near one of the militarized bulldozers.
Israeli forces stationed at the border then fired at least five shells east of Gaza City in al-Shejaiyya and al-Zaytoun neighborhoods. A Palestinian was moderately wounded by the shelling and taken to Shifa Hospital in Gaza City.
Later in the evening, the Israeli military sent in fighter jets to drop bombs in the same areas, which they claimed were being used as training sites for resistance fighters. According to Israeli media sources, Palestinian resistance fighters tried to shoot at the jets with guns. One bullet allegedly hit the roof of an Israeli house in a town adjacent to the border with Gaza, causing very slight damage.
In Gaza, dozens of houses near the site of the bombing had their windows blown out due to the ‘sonic boom’ from the bomb.
The Israeli military released a statement, saying, “A number of targets belonging to the Hamas terror organization were attacked. The [Israeli military] sees Hamas as responsible for any incident taking place in and from the strip and won’t allow the terror organization to turn the fence area into a conflict zone.”
This escalation by the Israeli military follows two weeks of non-violent protests by Palestinians in Gaza along the border fence with Israel. The Palestinians protesting at the fence are asking for an end to the decade-long siege of the tiny coastal strip, and the right of return for Palestinian refugees.
Through the siege, Israeli forces, who control the land, sea and air of Gaza, have prevented essential goods like fuel, medicine, building materials, maintenance equipment for electric and sewage plants, vehicles, books, medical equipment and many food items from entering Gaza. Palestinians have also been unable to leave Gaza for the past ten years, apart from very rare exceptions in which Palestinians who apply for a permit from Israel and wait for months or even years are sometimes allowed to leave.
* 8 apr 2018: Haaretz: Israel may strike Hamas targets to stop border protests
Gaza's Ministry of Health on Tuesday said that there is an unprecedented shortage in medical supplies in Gaza hospitals and health centers in view of the continuing influx of Palestinians injured or killed in ongoing protests.
Spokesman for the Ministry Ashraf al-Qedra said in a press conference on Tuesday that medical crews in Gaza are facing difficult challenges in light of the increasing number of casualties.
Al-Qedra pointed out that 30 Palestinians have been killed since the launch of the Great March of Return, two of whom are being detained by the Israeli occupation forces, while 3078 injured, 105 of whom seriously.
He added that the deficit in the hospitals' needs of medicines has reached 45% while the deficit in the provision of basic health services has amounted to 27%.
The Palestinian official called for pressuring Israel to lift the siege, the main reason for the deterioration in Gaza's health situation, affirming that the Ministry of Health is making strenuous efforts to maintain the delivery of at least the basic health services.
He also called for opening Gaza crossings and allow the entry of medical delegations and supplies to help save the health sector.
Al-Qedra noted that the Israeli occupation forces deliberately target medical and ambulance crews and obstruct their evacuation of injured civilians in a blatant violation of international humanitarian law and Fourth Geneva Convention.
For his part, director general of drug control in the Ministry of Health Munir al-Borsh said during the conference that the increasing number of casualties in the Great March of Return is a difficult challenge to medical staff that is draining huge quantities of drugs and medical supplies in various sections.
Al-Borsh pointed out that the Ministry's stores have run out of 232 types of much-needed drugs and about 229 items of basic medical supplies.
He appealed to international relief organizations to support the health sector in Gaza to ensure the continuation of the provision of services to patients and those injured in the protests.
Major demonstrations called the Great March of Return have been launched on a daily basis since 30th March along Gaza border with the 1948 occupied Palestinian territories in demand of the Palestinian refugees' right of return.
Spokesman for the Ministry Ashraf al-Qedra said in a press conference on Tuesday that medical crews in Gaza are facing difficult challenges in light of the increasing number of casualties.
Al-Qedra pointed out that 30 Palestinians have been killed since the launch of the Great March of Return, two of whom are being detained by the Israeli occupation forces, while 3078 injured, 105 of whom seriously.
He added that the deficit in the hospitals' needs of medicines has reached 45% while the deficit in the provision of basic health services has amounted to 27%.
The Palestinian official called for pressuring Israel to lift the siege, the main reason for the deterioration in Gaza's health situation, affirming that the Ministry of Health is making strenuous efforts to maintain the delivery of at least the basic health services.
He also called for opening Gaza crossings and allow the entry of medical delegations and supplies to help save the health sector.
Al-Qedra noted that the Israeli occupation forces deliberately target medical and ambulance crews and obstruct their evacuation of injured civilians in a blatant violation of international humanitarian law and Fourth Geneva Convention.
For his part, director general of drug control in the Ministry of Health Munir al-Borsh said during the conference that the increasing number of casualties in the Great March of Return is a difficult challenge to medical staff that is draining huge quantities of drugs and medical supplies in various sections.
Al-Borsh pointed out that the Ministry's stores have run out of 232 types of much-needed drugs and about 229 items of basic medical supplies.
He appealed to international relief organizations to support the health sector in Gaza to ensure the continuation of the provision of services to patients and those injured in the protests.
Major demonstrations called the Great March of Return have been launched on a daily basis since 30th March along Gaza border with the 1948 occupied Palestinian territories in demand of the Palestinian refugees' right of return.
Tamer Abu-Daka of Khan Yunis alleges in interview he was Palestinian shown being shot during December protest near Gaza fence, with IDF soldiers cheering on; 'I saw the video maybe 50 times, and fume every time. They're animals,' he accuses.
Tamer Abu-Daka, the Palestinian claiming to be the one appearing in a video showing an IDF sniper shooting a protester, while other soldiers whooped and cheered, said, "I don't care they shot me in the leg. All I care about is the soldier mocking me and cursing my mother. It's shameful."
Abu-Daka, 28, of Khan Yunis, provided Ynet with his own account of the incident, which appeared in a controversial video published earlier this week.
The Palestinian claimed the shooting took place December, 22, 2017. "It was a non-violent march against (President Donald) Trump's decision to recognize Jerusalem as Israel's capital," he recounted, adding that he arrived to the border fence's area with his friends.
"Protesters were throwing rocks and soldiers returned fire. Some young people stood 20 meters ahead of me. I got near them and began shouting at them to turn back. I stood my ground, and was then shot in the leg," he claimed.
None of the protesters present were armed, Abu-Daka alleged, and he himself was not throwing rocks as he was shot. After falling down, he was taken to hospital and hospitalized. Today he uses crutches to walk, and his right leg is in a cast.
"I saw the video maybe 50 times, and fume every time I hear them laughing as I go down. They're shooting at us—but that's not a solution. They say we're the terrorists, but in fact they are. They behave like animals. They're the terrorists," he accused.
Concluding his remarks, Abu-Daka said he has made it a point to attend to "March of Return" protests on Fridays, but claimed strongly he has kept his distance from the fence out of fear of being shot again.
IDF: 'Palestinian was warned before being shot'
Tamer Abu-Daka, the Palestinian claiming to be the one appearing in a video showing an IDF sniper shooting a protester, while other soldiers whooped and cheered, said, "I don't care they shot me in the leg. All I care about is the soldier mocking me and cursing my mother. It's shameful."
Abu-Daka, 28, of Khan Yunis, provided Ynet with his own account of the incident, which appeared in a controversial video published earlier this week.
The Palestinian claimed the shooting took place December, 22, 2017. "It was a non-violent march against (President Donald) Trump's decision to recognize Jerusalem as Israel's capital," he recounted, adding that he arrived to the border fence's area with his friends.
"Protesters were throwing rocks and soldiers returned fire. Some young people stood 20 meters ahead of me. I got near them and began shouting at them to turn back. I stood my ground, and was then shot in the leg," he claimed.
None of the protesters present were armed, Abu-Daka alleged, and he himself was not throwing rocks as he was shot. After falling down, he was taken to hospital and hospitalized. Today he uses crutches to walk, and his right leg is in a cast.
"I saw the video maybe 50 times, and fume every time I hear them laughing as I go down. They're shooting at us—but that's not a solution. They say we're the terrorists, but in fact they are. They behave like animals. They're the terrorists," he accused.
Concluding his remarks, Abu-Daka said he has made it a point to attend to "March of Return" protests on Fridays, but claimed strongly he has kept his distance from the fence out of fear of being shot again.
IDF: 'Palestinian was warned before being shot'
The IDF's probe into the incident showed that, "The video showed only a small portion of (the forces') handling of a protracted violent riot, which included stone throwing and attempts to sabotage the fence, and which lasted some two hours."
The army's statement continued, "Multiple measures were taken to disperse rioters throughout, including using public address to order them to stop, deploying crowd control measures and firing into the air.
"Once these steps proved inefficient, a single bullet was fired at one of the suspects of organizing and spearheading the protest while he was meters away from the fence. As a result, he was struck in the leg and subsequently wounded.
"The video was not filmed from the exact position from which the fire emanated, and was shot by a soldier who is not an organic part of the force that fired. After completion of the full operational inquiry by the relevant chain of command, its findings will be submitted, as is the norm, for inspection by the Military Advocate General.
Lieberman: 'Sniper deserves promotion, cameraman deserves demotion'
Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman said regarding the matter Tuesday that, "The sniper deserves promotion, whereas the cameraman deserves demotion. There has to be a clear equation. IDF is the world's most moral army, but when you're on the frontlines and under considerable stress, sometimes aggressions are let loose. That's understandable. At the end of the day, the army, snipers and soldiers—they're the best of us, and the IDF is the most moral army."
Bayit Yehudi chief Naftali Bennett, meanwhile, said that same day in a Ynet studio interview that, "First of all, I'm throwing my support behind the IDF's soldiers. I will not be dragged into a festival of denunciations when people don't know what went on, when it happened and what the circumstances were."
"Since when do we judge soldiers by the elegance of their speech? I prefer a whooping soldier to a grieving father," he stated.
The minister continued, "You can hear jubilant calls of 'Yes' in the air force's headquarters after a successful mission, even if enemy soldiers were killed. Because they succeeded in their mission.
"We send IDF soldiers to defend our borders from the thousands of terrorists who want to come in and slaughter us, and we mustn't get lost in the bigger picture. Right now, I'm placing my trust with commanders. They will carry out an inquiry, and I won't have that soldier judged in the media's court."
The army's statement continued, "Multiple measures were taken to disperse rioters throughout, including using public address to order them to stop, deploying crowd control measures and firing into the air.
"Once these steps proved inefficient, a single bullet was fired at one of the suspects of organizing and spearheading the protest while he was meters away from the fence. As a result, he was struck in the leg and subsequently wounded.
"The video was not filmed from the exact position from which the fire emanated, and was shot by a soldier who is not an organic part of the force that fired. After completion of the full operational inquiry by the relevant chain of command, its findings will be submitted, as is the norm, for inspection by the Military Advocate General.
Lieberman: 'Sniper deserves promotion, cameraman deserves demotion'
Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman said regarding the matter Tuesday that, "The sniper deserves promotion, whereas the cameraman deserves demotion. There has to be a clear equation. IDF is the world's most moral army, but when you're on the frontlines and under considerable stress, sometimes aggressions are let loose. That's understandable. At the end of the day, the army, snipers and soldiers—they're the best of us, and the IDF is the most moral army."
Bayit Yehudi chief Naftali Bennett, meanwhile, said that same day in a Ynet studio interview that, "First of all, I'm throwing my support behind the IDF's soldiers. I will not be dragged into a festival of denunciations when people don't know what went on, when it happened and what the circumstances were."
"Since when do we judge soldiers by the elegance of their speech? I prefer a whooping soldier to a grieving father," he stated.
The minister continued, "You can hear jubilant calls of 'Yes' in the air force's headquarters after a successful mission, even if enemy soldiers were killed. Because they succeeded in their mission.
"We send IDF soldiers to defend our borders from the thousands of terrorists who want to come in and slaughter us, and we mustn't get lost in the bigger picture. Right now, I'm placing my trust with commanders. They will carry out an inquiry, and I won't have that soldier judged in the media's court."
11 apr 2018
Head of British Labour Jeremy Corbyn has said that Britain should consider halting the sale of arms to Israel, after nine more Palestinians lost their lives on the Gaza border.
In a message read at a demonstration outside Downing Street yesterday, Corbyn condemned the violence as an “outrage”, and attacked Western silence over the deaths.
“The killing and wounding of yet more unarmed Palestinian protesters yesterday by Israeli forces in Gaza is an outrage,” the statement read. “They have a right to protest against their appalling conditions and the continuing blockade and occupation of Palestinian land, and in support of their right to return to their homes and their right to self-determination.”
A journalist was reported among the dead, on Friday, as Israeli troops opened fire during the second round of mass protests in eight days. Hundreds more were injured.
Protesters in Gaza have taken to the streets twice for the “March of Return” demonstrations, over Palestinians’ demand for a right of return to land lost to Israeli occupation in 1948.
31 Palestinians were killed and about 3,000 were wounded as Israeli occupation forces opened live fire against protesters.
In a message read at a demonstration outside Downing Street yesterday, Corbyn condemned the violence as an “outrage”, and attacked Western silence over the deaths.
“The killing and wounding of yet more unarmed Palestinian protesters yesterday by Israeli forces in Gaza is an outrage,” the statement read. “They have a right to protest against their appalling conditions and the continuing blockade and occupation of Palestinian land, and in support of their right to return to their homes and their right to self-determination.”
A journalist was reported among the dead, on Friday, as Israeli troops opened fire during the second round of mass protests in eight days. Hundreds more were injured.
Protesters in Gaza have taken to the streets twice for the “March of Return” demonstrations, over Palestinians’ demand for a right of return to land lost to Israeli occupation in 1948.
31 Palestinians were killed and about 3,000 were wounded as Israeli occupation forces opened live fire against protesters.
Eight American Jews from the “If Not Now Movement” were arrested in front of US Senator Chuck Schumer’s office in Manhattan, on Monday.
The activists were chanting, “How many more Chuck?” referring to the number of Palestinian protesters killed at the Gaza Border.
The New York senator has not bothered to shake his head at the Israeli government’s reaction to protesters, let alone speak out against the violence. Though not surprising to Palestinian-Americans, American Jews are appalled at the senator’s silence.
After If Not Now, activists requested the senator’s office to release a statement condemning Israel’s use of live fire during the Gaza border protests, which have left more than 30 Palestinians dead and thousands wounded. Senator Schumer’s staff rebuked the protester’s request, sparking a blockade to his office on Monday.
The members of If Not Now gathered in front of Schumer’s office protesting his silence, standing in solidarity with Palestinian protesters and reciting the Qaddish, a Jewish prayer for the souls of the dead, the families that mourn, and the call for universal peace.
Last week, U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont was quick to criticize the Israeli government, stating that he believed they “overreacted”. Sanders’ counterpart in Vermont, Senator Patrick Leahy, has also voiced his skepticism of the Israeli government’s motives.
An aid from his office stated that Israel’s actions in Gaza should be considered as a violation of the “Leahy Law,” a US law that prohibits aid to foreign military units that engage in human rights violations.
After statements made by Senator Sanders and Senator Leahy’s office, representatives Betty McCollum of Minnesota and Barbara Lee of California also tweeted their concern and called on the international community to do more to end the violence and resolve the conflict.
Even so, Senator Schumer has remained silent to what the US would consider a blatant violation of the first amendment which gives ensures the, “right of the people peaceably to assemble.”
In related news, the Israeli government recently barred Dublin Lord Mayor Mícheál Mac Donncha from entering Israel because of his support for the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement.
According to Haaretz newspaper, the Israeli Strategic Affairs Ministry, the organization in charge of fighting delegitimization of Israel, said that the reason for the decision was was Donncha’s ties with the Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign, which promotes boycotts of Israeli companies and international companies who work in Israel.
According to the ministry, the mayor promoted the IPSC’s ideas through the city council and publicly expressed support for them.
Strategic Affairs Minister Gilad Erdan said , “The policy I set is clear: He who works consistently to boycott Israel will not enter here.”
In January, Israel summoned the Irish ambassador in Israel for clarification and to express dissatisfaction in light of a proposed bill in Ireland’s national parliament calling for a boycott of Israeli settlements.
The activists were chanting, “How many more Chuck?” referring to the number of Palestinian protesters killed at the Gaza Border.
The New York senator has not bothered to shake his head at the Israeli government’s reaction to protesters, let alone speak out against the violence. Though not surprising to Palestinian-Americans, American Jews are appalled at the senator’s silence.
After If Not Now, activists requested the senator’s office to release a statement condemning Israel’s use of live fire during the Gaza border protests, which have left more than 30 Palestinians dead and thousands wounded. Senator Schumer’s staff rebuked the protester’s request, sparking a blockade to his office on Monday.
The members of If Not Now gathered in front of Schumer’s office protesting his silence, standing in solidarity with Palestinian protesters and reciting the Qaddish, a Jewish prayer for the souls of the dead, the families that mourn, and the call for universal peace.
Last week, U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont was quick to criticize the Israeli government, stating that he believed they “overreacted”. Sanders’ counterpart in Vermont, Senator Patrick Leahy, has also voiced his skepticism of the Israeli government’s motives.
An aid from his office stated that Israel’s actions in Gaza should be considered as a violation of the “Leahy Law,” a US law that prohibits aid to foreign military units that engage in human rights violations.
After statements made by Senator Sanders and Senator Leahy’s office, representatives Betty McCollum of Minnesota and Barbara Lee of California also tweeted their concern and called on the international community to do more to end the violence and resolve the conflict.
Even so, Senator Schumer has remained silent to what the US would consider a blatant violation of the first amendment which gives ensures the, “right of the people peaceably to assemble.”
In related news, the Israeli government recently barred Dublin Lord Mayor Mícheál Mac Donncha from entering Israel because of his support for the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement.
According to Haaretz newspaper, the Israeli Strategic Affairs Ministry, the organization in charge of fighting delegitimization of Israel, said that the reason for the decision was was Donncha’s ties with the Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign, which promotes boycotts of Israeli companies and international companies who work in Israel.
According to the ministry, the mayor promoted the IPSC’s ideas through the city council and publicly expressed support for them.
Strategic Affairs Minister Gilad Erdan said , “The policy I set is clear: He who works consistently to boycott Israel will not enter here.”
In January, Israel summoned the Irish ambassador in Israel for clarification and to express dissatisfaction in light of a proposed bill in Ireland’s national parliament calling for a boycott of Israeli settlements.
Popular Conference of Palestinians Abroad on Tuesday denounced the International Criminal Court (ICC) chief prosecutor Fatou Bensouda's statement that civilians in Gaza are being used for military purposes in the March of Return.
Head of the Conference's legal committee Mu'taz al-Masloukhi said in a statement that Bensouda's remarks adopt Israel's false narrative that Gazan civilians are being used as human shields for military purposes.
Al-Masloukhi added, "We were hoping that the statement includes a warning directed to the real criminals and the Israeli political and military leaders to stop their crimes against unarmed civilians participating in the peaceful Return protests which pose no threat to anyone."
Popular Conference of Palestinians Abroad asked Bensouda to immediately open a preliminary investigation into the crimes committed against unarmed protesters under Article 15 of the ICC Rome Statute.
Bensouda called for an end to violence in Gaza, noting that her office will continue to closely watch the situation and will record any instance of incitement or resort to unlawful force.
In a statement issued by the ICC in the Hague Saturday, she warned that any person who incites or engages in acts of violence including by ordering, requesting, encouraging or contributing in any other manner to the commission of crimes within the ICC jurisdiction is liable to prosecution before the Court.
Head of the Conference's legal committee Mu'taz al-Masloukhi said in a statement that Bensouda's remarks adopt Israel's false narrative that Gazan civilians are being used as human shields for military purposes.
Al-Masloukhi added, "We were hoping that the statement includes a warning directed to the real criminals and the Israeli political and military leaders to stop their crimes against unarmed civilians participating in the peaceful Return protests which pose no threat to anyone."
Popular Conference of Palestinians Abroad asked Bensouda to immediately open a preliminary investigation into the crimes committed against unarmed protesters under Article 15 of the ICC Rome Statute.
Bensouda called for an end to violence in Gaza, noting that her office will continue to closely watch the situation and will record any instance of incitement or resort to unlawful force.
In a statement issued by the ICC in the Hague Saturday, she warned that any person who incites or engages in acts of violence including by ordering, requesting, encouraging or contributing in any other manner to the commission of crimes within the ICC jurisdiction is liable to prosecution before the Court.
United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) on Tuesday condemned the Israeli army's killing of Palestinian photojournalist Yaser Murtaja while he was covering the Great March of Return in Gaza on Friday.
UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay said in a statement, "I condemn the killing of Yaser Murtaja and welcome the decision of the Israeli authorities to investigate this killing."
An Israeli sniper deliberately shot Murtaja in the abdomen while he was covering peaceful protests near the border fence east of Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip on 6th April.
The government's information office in Gaza said in a statement that Murtaja was wearing a clearly-identifiable flak jacket with visible press markings when he was shot.
The statement added that Murtaja was also a filmmaker and a founder of Ain Media, a local TV production company, who participated in the production of a series of documentaries that were broadcast via Arab and foreign platforms on the situation in Gaza.
UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay said in a statement, "I condemn the killing of Yaser Murtaja and welcome the decision of the Israeli authorities to investigate this killing."
An Israeli sniper deliberately shot Murtaja in the abdomen while he was covering peaceful protests near the border fence east of Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip on 6th April.
The government's information office in Gaza said in a statement that Murtaja was wearing a clearly-identifiable flak jacket with visible press markings when he was shot.
The statement added that Murtaja was also a filmmaker and a founder of Ain Media, a local TV production company, who participated in the production of a series of documentaries that were broadcast via Arab and foreign platforms on the situation in Gaza.
Israeli artilleries on Wednesday morning targeted Palestinian resistance sites to the east of al-Zaytoun neighborhood, in Gaza City, with 15 shells.
The Israeli occupation claimed the offensive comes in response to an explosive device fired at Israeli military bulldozers that launched a limited incursion into Gaza’s borderland. The occupation army held Hamas responsible for the alleged explosion.
A PIC news correspondent said that Israeli bulldozers moved into the Gaza Strip at the early morning hours in an attempt to level more Palestinian land.
Such infiltrations are considered by the Palestinian people and resistance flagrant violations of the ceasefire accord struck in the wake of the 2014 Israeli offensive on the blockaded coastal enclave.
* 8 apr 2018: Haaretz: Israel may strike Hamas targets to stop border protests
The Israeli occupation claimed the offensive comes in response to an explosive device fired at Israeli military bulldozers that launched a limited incursion into Gaza’s borderland. The occupation army held Hamas responsible for the alleged explosion.
A PIC news correspondent said that Israeli bulldozers moved into the Gaza Strip at the early morning hours in an attempt to level more Palestinian land.
Such infiltrations are considered by the Palestinian people and resistance flagrant violations of the ceasefire accord struck in the wake of the 2014 Israeli offensive on the blockaded coastal enclave.
* 8 apr 2018: Haaretz: Israel may strike Hamas targets to stop border protests
Palestinian medical sources have reported that an Israeli army sharpshooter shot and seriously injured, Tuesday, a young man with a live round in his neck, after the army attacked protesters near the border fence, east of Khan Younis, in the southern part of the Gaza Strip.
The Palestinian was rushed to Nasser Hospital, in Khan Younis, where he was instantly admitted to surgery, and is currently in a serious condition at the Intensive Care Unit.
Eyewitnesses said the soldier who shot the Palestinian was stationed, along with other army sharpshooters, behind the huge sand hills the army created along the border fence.
The protests, which started on the Palestinian Land Day on March 30th, are still ongoing despite the Israeli army’s excessive use of force, and the “Shoot To Kill” orders from both the military and political leadership in Tel Aviv.
The soldiers have killed 30 Palestinians in the ongoing protests in the Gaza Strip, and injured more than 3000 others, including dozens who suffered serious wounds.
The Palestinian was rushed to Nasser Hospital, in Khan Younis, where he was instantly admitted to surgery, and is currently in a serious condition at the Intensive Care Unit.
Eyewitnesses said the soldier who shot the Palestinian was stationed, along with other army sharpshooters, behind the huge sand hills the army created along the border fence.
The protests, which started on the Palestinian Land Day on March 30th, are still ongoing despite the Israeli army’s excessive use of force, and the “Shoot To Kill” orders from both the military and political leadership in Tel Aviv.
The soldiers have killed 30 Palestinians in the ongoing protests in the Gaza Strip, and injured more than 3000 others, including dozens who suffered serious wounds.
