Israeli Aircraft Open Fire on Open Agricultural Area east of Jabalia

25-6-2010

Al Mezan

At app. 2:15am on Friday 25 June 2010, Israeli aircraft attacked an open agricultural area east of Jabalia, in North Gaza District. No causalities or injuries were reported. The sound of the explosion was terrifying. Children and women were panicked.

PCHR weekly report 17/6 - 23/6/2010: 4 Palestinian workers injured by IOF fire

extracts from PCHR weekly report 17/6 - 23/6/2010

Israeli forces continued to fire at Palestinian farmers and workers in border areas of the Gaza Strip. - Four workers, including two children, were wounded. 

In the Gaza Strip, Israeli forces fired at Palestinian workers who were collecting construction materials. As a result, four workers, including two children, were wounded in four separate incidents.  

On 17 June 2010, an activist of the Palestinian resistance was wounded by Israeli forces in 'Abassan village, east of Khan Yunis.

In the Gaza Strip, Israeli forces conducted three limited incursions into Palestinian areas, during which they conducted searches.  

Thursday, 17 June 2010  

 

 At approximately 06:40, Israeli troops stationed at the border between the Gaza Strip and Israel to the north of Beit Lahia area fired at Palestinian workers who were collecting bricks and construction aggregate from a site where the evacuated Israeli settlements of "Elli Sinai" and "Nissanit" used to stand, nearly 500 meters away from the border. No casualties were reported. 


At approximately 07:30, Israeli troops stationed at the border between the Gaza Strip and Israel to the east of the southern Gaza Strip area of Khan Yunis opened fire at agricultural land in Um al-Mahed area in the east of 'Abassan village. As a result, an activist of the Palestinian resistance was wounded by a bullet to the leg.

Also at approximately 07:30, Israeli troops stationed on observation towers at the border between the Gaza Strip and Israel opened fire at Palestinian workers who were collecting bricks and construction aggregate from the industrial zone. No casualties were reported.  

  At approximately 08:20, Israeli forces moved nearly 150 meters into Bourat Abu Samra areas in the north of Beit Lahia area in the northern Gaza Strip, in an attempt to prevent Palestinian workers from entering the area to collect raw construction materials. Israeli forces pulled back towards the border between the Gaza Strip and Israel at approximately 17:30.

Friday, 18 June 2010 


 At approximately 07:00, Israeli troops stationed at the border between the Gaza Strip and Israel to the north of Beit Lahia area fired at Palestinian workers who were collecting bricks and construction aggregate from a site where the evacuated Israeli settlements of "Elli Sinai" and "Nissanit" used to stand, nearly 500 meters away from the border. No casualties were reported. 

 Saturday, 19 June 2010

At approximately 07:30, Israeli troops stationed at the border between the Gaza Strip and Israel to the north of Beit Lahia area fired at Palestinian workers who were collecting bricks and construction aggregate from a site where the evacuated Israeli settlements of "Elli Sinai" and "Nissanit" used to stand, nearly 400 meters away from the border. No casualties were reported.

At approximately 07:45, Israeli troops stationed on observation towers at the border between the Gaza Strip and Israel opened fire at Palestinian workers who were collecting bricks and construction aggregate from the industrial zone. As a result, Khaled 'Abdul Nasser Abu Harbeed, 21, from Beit Hanoun, was wounded by shrapnel to the back. Other workers attempted to evacuate him on a donkey cart, but Israeli troop moved into the area and opened fire, killing the donkey. The Palestinian workers managed to transported him on a motorcycle. Israeli troops continued to fire at the workers, wounding 'Abdul Hadi Faraj al-Kafarna, 18, with a bullet to the right foot. 



Monday, 21 June 2010

At approximately 00:30, Israeli forces moved nearly 350 meters into the northwest of Beit Lahia area in the northern Gaza Strip after a heavy explosion had been heard in the area. Israeli forces searched the area and pulled back towards the border between the Gaza Strip and Israel at approximately 04:40. 

 Tuesday, 22 June 2010

At approximately 06:45, Israeli troops stationed at the border between the Gaza Strip and Israel to the northwest of Beit Lahia area fired at Palestinian workers who were collecting bricks and construction aggregate from a site where the evacuated Israeli settlements of "Elli Sinai" and "Nissanit" used to stand, nearly 500 meters away from the border. As a result, fifteen-year-old 'Abdullah Mohammed Sofian was wounded by a bullet to the right foot.

 Wednesday, 23 June 2010

At approximately 06:40, Israeli troops stationed on observation towers at the border between the Gaza Strip and Israel opened fire at Palestinian workers who were collecting bricks and construction aggregate from the industrial zone. As a result, Mohammed Mohammed Maqat, 16, from Gaza City, was wounded by a bullet to the abdomen.

IOF Continues to Attack Palestinian Civilians Collecting Rubble in Beit Lahyia; One Person Injured

23-6-2010

Al Mezan

At app. 6:30am on Wednesday 23 June 2010,  the Israeli occupation forces (IOF), positioned in the vicinity of Erez crossing at the northern border between Gaza and Israel, continued their sporadic fire on Palestinian civilians who were 400 meters away from the border fence near the industrial area.

As a result, Mohammed Mohammed 'Abdu Mqat, 16, was shot in the right side of the thigh. According to medical sources at Kamal Odwan Hospital, his injuries are described as moderate.

On the same day, the IOF opened fire several times on Palestinian civilians who collect rubble to sell to brick factories, which recycles it into bricks. This is the only source of bricks for construction that is available in the Gaza Strip, which suffers from an acute shortage of construction materials due the Israeli siege.

IOF Continues to Attack Palestinian Civilians Collecting Rubble; One Person Injured

22-6-2010

Al Mezan

At app. 7:30am on Thursday 22 June 2010, the Israeli occupation forces (IOF), positioned at the northern separation fence border between Gaza and Israel, continued their sporadic fire on Palestinian civilians who were 150 meters away from the border fence near the Eli Sinai evacuated settlement northwest of Beit Lahyia, in North Gaza District.

As a result, Abdullah Mohammed Ma'riuf, 15, was shot in the right leg.  The IOF has opened almost daily fire on Palestinian civilians who collect rubble to sell to brick factories, which recycles it into bricks. This is the only source of bricks for construction that is available in the Gaza Strip, which suffers from an acute shortage of construction materials due the Israeli siege

Israeli violence continues in Gaza ‘buffer zone’: wheat harvest prevented; three injured by shelling

Posted on: June 19, 2010 

International Solidarity Movement

20 June 2010

Israeli snipers arriving in jeeps

Five female farm-workers returned to the Gaza ‘buffer zone’ early Saturday morning, with the intention of continuing the wheat harvest near Khoza’a village, Khan Yunis. The harvesters were forced to abandon their work after just thirty minutes as snipers attacked the unarmed workers with a barrage of live ammunition. Earlier in the month, the same women harvested for three partial days, but increasingly extreme attacks by Israeli snipers ultimately ended the harvest for fear someone would be intentionally targeted. On Saturday, the unarmed workers began harvesting at 7am, accompanied by four international activists and several media agencies. The women worked roughly 150-200 meters from the Israeli border. After only thirty minutes, Israeli snipers began shooting around the plainly non-threatening group. Over fifty rounds were fired as international activists communicated the nonviolent nature of the harvest over a megaphone. The attack was more threatening than the opening barrages of previous mornings, putting the workers on edge
After the shooting ended, the group waited in the field until 8:15am, then moved further back to wait for the snipers and jeeps to retreat, like they usually do. At 9:00am, the jeeps were still stationed at the border. The severity of the attack, combined with earlier perilous situations, left the impression that someone would soon be intentionally shot, as is often the case. Consequently, the women were forced to leave the wheat unharvested. A sizeable amount remains in the ‘buffer zone’, highlighting the effect that this particular Israeli policy has on poverty and malnutrition in Gaza.

Women hand-harvesting wheat in the Gaza 'buffer zone'

A primary factor in the decision to abandon the harvest was an attack which occurred Wednesday, June tenth. On that occasion, snipers fired over 50 rounds extremely close to the group, with many bullets landing within a meter of the women’s heads. At such a short distance, any minor deviation would have hit someone. Concern is expressed among farmers that if land in the ‘buffer zone’ (more than 30% of arable land) is allowed to lie fallow, Israel will seize the wide swath, claiming it is unused. This technique is commonly used in the West Bank, where settlements and the illegal annexation wall prevent farmers from accessing their land or expose them to violence. The land is then claimed because it has not been farmed.
Rubble collectors attacked, injured by artillery shelling near Beit Hanoun
Three rubble collectors were injured Saturday by artillery shelling near the northern city of Beit Hanoun as they collected concrete in the Gaza ‘buffer zone’. This is the second artillery attack in recent weeks. The previous, 27 May, left six farmers seriously injured.
Those venturing to the border regions to gather rubble and steel risk being shot with live ammunition and other weaponry as well as abduction. The Israeli military routinely raids the homes of rubble collectors to make arrests. Persons choosing to assume these risks do so as a result of the siege on Gaza which, along with Israel’s 23 day winter war, has decimated Gaza’s economy. Prior to the brutal assault, 98% of industrial operations were stagnant due to the blockade. The offensive then destroyed or severely damaged some 700 private businesses in just three weeks.¹
The recycled construction materials are vital in Gaza where the Israeli-led, internationally-complicit siege bans all but roughly 35 categories of items from entering. The list of banned construction materials includes cement, steel, glass, and plastic and metal pipes. Over 6,400 houses were destroyed or severely damaged in the Israeli war on Gaza, and nearly 53,000 sustained lesser damages. Hospitals and medical centres, schools, kindergartens and mosques are among the other buildings destroyed and damaged. Since the war, a monthly average of four trucks now reach Gaza with construction materials, less than .05% of the pre-siege levels. ¹
Gaza ‘buffer zone’ background
While unemployment levels hover near 42% in Gaza and 60% of its 1.5 million residents lack food security, ² Israel’s illegal buffer zone greatly exacerbates the humanitarian crisis. 30% of Gaza’s arable farmland, and some of its most fertile, lies within the buffer zone. ³ Farmers who attempt to work in the zone face live fire and crop destruction. The number of crops grown in the zone has consequently been reduced from a diverse range to wheat and other less labor-intensive harvests, which further negatively impacts the nutrition and economic condition of Gazans. An additional 17% of farmland was destroyed in Israel’s war of aggression,¹ making 47% (nearly half) of Gaza’s farmland now marginally usable.
The buffer zone has also reduced Gaza’s fishing zones to 1-3 miles offshore. In the first four months of 2010, 19 naval attacks led to two shootings and three arrests, as well as numerous confiscations of fishing equipment. The narrow fishing zone, in which over 3,600 fishermen work daily, is gravely over-fished. ³
Israel’s decision to instate a 300-meter buffer zone is in violation of Oslo Accords, and people are routinely shot as far as two kilometers from the border. Israeli attacks in the buffer zone injured 50 persons and killed 14 between January and April 2010. In the past twelve months, at least 220 Israeli attacks have been carried out, with 116 coming since the beginning of 2010 (as of April 30th). ³

¹ Oxfam: Failing Gaza: No rebuilding, no recovery, no more excuses
² PCHR Fact Sheet: The Illegal Closure of the Gaza Strip
³ PCHR Fact Sheet: The Buffer Zone in the Gaza Strip

Updated on June 19, 2010

Stop the bullets! A call to end the use of live ammunition against unarmed civilians in the Gaza ‘buffer zone’

Posted on: June 19, 2010 

International Solidarity Movement

19 June 2010

Snipers fired barrages of live ammunition within meters of these women as the hand-harvested wheat two weeks ago

The catastrophic Israeli attack on the Gaza Freedom Flotilla, which left 9 dead, has rightly horrified the international community. However, lethal force by the Israeli military is nothing new to Palestinians. In the Gaza ‘buffer zone’, live ammunition is routinely used against unarmed demonstrators and farmers. * The ‘buffer zone’ is illegal
The Israeli military violently enforces a zone of 300 meters to 2 kilometers along Gaza’s lengthy border with Israel, in direct violation of the Oslo Accords of the 1990’s. This zone claims 30% of Gaza’s farmland, and some of its most fertile.
* The Israeli military shoots unarmed farmers
Farmers attempting to cultivate land in the ‘buffer zone’ are routinely met with barrages of live ammunition and occasional artillery shells. Exacerbating widespread poverty and malnutrition, farmers cannot access one third of their land without facing extreme danger.
* Farmers have launched a campaign of popular non-violent resistance
Unarmed demonstrations are held in the ‘buffer zone’, internationally recognized as Gazan land, to protest the illegal confiscation of farmland which has such grave consequences for Gaza’s struggling population.
* Live ammunition is used as a form of ‘crowd dispersal’ against unarmed demonstrators, with deadly consequences
Unarmed demonstrators in the ‘buffer zone’ are intentionally shot with live fire. In April 2010 alone, at least six demonstrators were injured by bullets. This includes Maltese activist Bianca Zammit who was shot in the thigh while filming the demonstration in clear view of soldiers. The following week, 19-year-old Ahmad Dib was shot at a demonstration and bled to death two hours later.
* The international community cannot remain silent
Human rights activists are prevented from entering Gaza; prevented from documenting and reporting on the humanitarian crisis. Israel uses live ammunition against unarmed demonstrators and farmers because it is shielded from international scrutiny. Tell Israel to stop shooting unarmed civilians on Gazan land.

Israeli sniper watching wheat harvest

TAKE ACTION:
1. Contact your representatives to demand that Israel be held accountable for violence against unarmed activists and end the siege on Gaza
Call or email your representative to Israel, http://www.embassiesabroad.com/embassies-in/Israel
Write your own or use the provided letter at the end of the article
2. Support the call from Palestinian Civil Society for Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions against Israel
After the recent attack on International activists aboard boats of the Gaza Freedom Flotilla, the Boycott National Committees have called for an intensification of BDS campaigns and actions around the world (http://www.bdsmovement.net/?q=node/710). While the raid is no longer in the news, Israeli armed forces are still targeting Gazan non-violent activists. Every week near the ‘buffer zone’, demonstrators and farmers are shot at with live ammunition. The violence against these activists, just as the violence against the Freedom Flotilla, cannot be ignored.
3. Target local shops that sell Israeli products, http://www.bdsmovement.net/?q=node/4
Supermarkets, clothing stores and consumer goods from Israel can be the focus of a BDS campaign. Find a campaign in your area or launch one today!
Ongoing campaigns: http://bdsmovement.net/?q=node/54
Activist resources: http://bdsmovement.net/?q=node/49
Sample Letter to your representative:
Dear Ambassador,
If unarmed farmers and protesters were being shot with live ammunition in the United States, Europe or any country which claimed democratic credentials, the international community would be justifiably outraged. Yet Gazans attempting to farm or demonstrate in the illegal ‘buffer zone’ are routinely shot with live ammunition. In the past twelve months, at least 220 Israeli attacks have been carried out in the ‘buffer zone’, with 116 coming since the beginning of 2010 (as of April 30th).* In the first four months of 2010, over 50 Gazans were injured, and 16 were killed in these attacks.
30% of Gaza’s arable farmland, and some of it’s most fertile, lies within the ‘buffer zone’.* Farmers who attempt to work in the zone face routine live fire and crop destruction, in addition to occasional artillery shells. Israel shoots farmers trying to grow crops on Gazan land for an impoverished and malnourished society.
Unarmed demonstrations in the zone, internationally-recognized Gazan territory, are organized by Gazan farmers. In April alone, at least six demonstrators were shot and injured by live ammunition fired by Israeli snipers. Among the injured was Maltese activist Bianca Zammit, who was shot in the thigh while standing in clear view, filming the demonstration. The following week, 19-year-old Ahmad Dib was shot in the leg and died two hours later from blood loss.
For the Palestinians who escape only with gunshot injuries, the impact extends far beyond initial pain. Daily cleaning of the wound is required, metal plates replace shattered bones, and permanent disabilities are frequent. Such injuries are devastating, as the wounded are frequently the only wage-earner in a large extended family.
The attack on the Freedom Flotilla brought international criticism of Israel’s ongoing human rights violations, but criticism alone is not enough. It is clear that the international community cannot remain silent as the humanitarian crisis in Gaza is perpetuated through policies such as this. The use of live ammunition in the ‘buffer zone’ must end.
Sincerely,
(Your Name)
For more information, see:
BDS Movement, http://www.bdsmovement.net/
International Solidarity Movement, http://palsolidarity.org/
Fishing Under Fire, http://www.fishingunderfire.blogspot.com/
Farming Under Fire, http://farmingunderfire.blogspot.com/

Updated on June 24, 2010

Wheat harvest met with live ammunition in Gaza “buffer zone”

Posted on: June 13, 2010

International Solidarity Movement

13 June 2010
Israeli forces attacked women farmworkers and international human rights activists with heavy gunfire during three days’ wheat harvest in the southern Gaza Strip. The Israel-imposed “buffer zone” illegally claims over 30% of Gaza’s arable farmland. In Khoza’a village, east of Khan Yunis, substantial wheat remains unharvested despite severe poverty and food shortages, as a result of the attacks.
Tuesday, the first day of harvest, did not take place inside the 300m “buffer zone”. However, snipers approached the harvest in Israeli military Jeeps on two occasions, shooting live ammunition around five
women who were crouching to hand-collect the wheat with four International Solidarity Movement (ISM) activists. The women laid down in the wheat during the attack but did not leave, and harvest continued after the Jeeps had left. Activists communicated the non-threatening nature of the work to soldiers with a megaphone.
A more severe attack was levied Wednesday, as the harvest continued within 300 meters of the fence. 5 ISM activists and 2 journalists were present as Israeli military Jeeps approached at 7 a.m. and fired
several rounds, similar to the previous day. At 8:30, the Jeeps parked on a small hill near the fence. Snipers stood atop the Jeep closest to the workers, with a clear view of the obviously non-threatening hand-
harvest. Israeli snipers then rained over 50 rounds on the women, activists and journalists, causing the women to crawl along the ground and shriek with fear. Rounds of live bullets hit within a meter of
people’s heads, meaning any deviation would almost certainly hit someone. The harvest finished at 10 a.m.
Thursday, the final day of harvest, was cut short by two gunfire attacks at 8:00 and 8:30 a.m. Roughly 20 rounds were fired very close to the farmers and 3 ISM activists present. The women were evidently
more fearful of attack, and those present agreed that a third attack was imminent and would target them. This proved a correct assumption as, soon after finishing at 8:45, 4 jeeps arrived and remained at the
fence. The wheat will likely remain unharvested.
“We were shot at repeatedly with live ammunition; the deafening fizz and crack of the bullets flying past our ears”, states ISM activist Adie Mormech. “The women courageously returned after each attack. On
the last day, after snipers had already come twice and fired many rounds quite close, it was clear that someone would be intentionally hit if we stayed. Consequently, the wheat will not be harvested. It is
infuriating that this violence continues against what is clearly a peaceful endeavor to farm the third of Gaza’s arable land which is patrolled by the Israeli military.”
While unemployment levels hover near 42% in Gaza and 60% of its 1.5 million residents lack food security,¹ Israel’s illegal buffer zone greatly exacerbates the humanitarian crisis. 30% of Gaza’s arable farmland, and some of its most fertile, lies within the buffer zone.² Farmers who attempt to work in the zone face live fire and crop destruction. The number of crops grown in the zone has consequently been reduced from a diverse range to wheat and other less labor-intensive harvests, which further negatively impacts the nutrition and economic condition of Gazans. An additional 17% of farmland was destroyed in Israel’s war of aggression,³ making 47% (nearly half) of Gaza’s farmland now marginally usable.
The buffer zone has also reduced Gaza’s fishing zones to 1-3 miles offshore. In the first four months of 2010, 19 naval attacks led to two shootings and three arrests, as well as numerous confiscations of fishing equipment. The narrow fishing zone, in which over 3,600 fishermen work daily, is gravely over-fished.²
Israel’s decision to instate a 300-meter buffer zone is in violation of Oslo Accords, and people are routinely shot as far as two kilometers from the border. Israeli attacks in the buffer zone injured 50 persons and killed 14 between January and April 2010. In the past twelve months, at least 220 Israeli attacks have been carried out, with 116 coming since the beginning of 2010 (as of April 30th).²
¹ PCHR Fact Sheet: The Illegal Closure of the Gaza Strip
² PCHR Fact Sheet: The Buffer Zone in the Gaza Strip
³ Oxfam: Failing Gaza: No rebuilding, no recovery, no more excuses

Updated on June 19, 2010

IOF Opens Fire on Palestinian Civilians Collecting Rubble in the Vicinity of Erez Crossing; Two Persons Injured

19-6-2010

Al Mezan

At app. 8:40am on Saturday 19 June 2010, the Israeli occupation forces (IOF), positioned in the vicinity of Erez crossing at the northern border between Gaza and Israel, opened fire on Palestinian civilians who were 100 meters away from the border fence near the industrial area. As a result, Khalid Abdel Nasir Abu Harbid, 29, sustained shrapnel in different parts of the body, and Abdel Hadi Faraj Al Kafarna, 18, was shot in the left leg. Medical sources at Kamal Odwan Hospital described the injuries of Abu Harbid as critical and the injuries of Al Kafarna as moderate.

These civilians were collecting rubble from destroyed buildings in the area to sell it to brick factories, which recycle it into bricks, or to people who need to use it for construction. This is the only source of materials  for making bricks and concrete for construction that is available in the Gaza Strip, which suffers from an acute shortage of construction materials due the Israeli siege.

IOF Continues to Fire on Palestinian Civilians Collecting Rubble in northwest of Beit Lahyia

19-6-2010

Al Mezan

At app. 10am on Saturday 19 June 2010, the Israeli occupation forces (IOF), positioned at the northern separation fence between Gaza and Israel, continued its sporadic fire on Palestinian civilians who were 150 meters away from the border fence north of the As-Saifa area, northwest of Beit Lahyia, in North Gaza District.No causalities or injuries were reported.
The IOF has opened almost daily fire on Palestinian civilians who collect rubble to sell to brick factories, which recycles it into bricks. This is the only source of bricks for construction that is available in the Gaza Strip, which suffers from an acute shortage of construction materials due the Israeli siege.

PCHR weekly report 10/6 - 16/6/2010: 4 workers including 1 child injured by israeli fire

extracts from PCHR weekly report 10/6 - 16/6/2010:

IOF continued to fire at Palestinian farmers and workers in border areas of the Gaza Strip.

 - 4 workers were wounded while working in the border area. 

Saturday, 12 June 2010


At approximately 07:45, Israeli troops stationed at the border between the Gaza Strip and Israel to the northwest of Beit Lahia fired at Palestinian workers who were collecting bricks and construction aggregate from a site, where the evacuated Israeli settlements of "Dogit" and "Elli Sinai" used to stand in the northern Gaza Strip. As a result, Rajab Mohammed Ma'rouf, 19, was wounded by a bullet to the right foot. 

Sunday, 13 June 2010  


At approximately 10:30, Israeli troops stationed on observation towers at the border between the Gaza Strip and Israel opened fire at Palestinian workers who were collecting bricks and construction aggregate from the industrial zone. As a result, one of the workers, Mohammed 'Aziz Halawa, 24, from Jabalya, was wounded by a bullet to the right foot.

Monday, 14 June 2010

At approximately 08:00, IOF moved nearly 450 meters into al-Qarara and 'Abassan villages, east of Khan Yunis. They leveled areas of Palestinian previously razed land. At approximately 13:15, IOF fired 5 artillery shells at agricultural areas, but no casualties were reported. 

 At approximately 09:45, Israeli troops stationed on observation towers at the border between the Gaza Strip and Israel to the north of the Bedouin village fired at Palestinian workers who were collecting bricks and construction aggregate from Erez industrial zone. As a result, 'Awadh Jom'a Abu Warda, 18, from Jabalya, was wounded by a bullet to the left leg. 

Tuesday, 15 June 2010  

At approximately 10:00, IOF moved nearly 400 meters into Khuza'a village, east of Khan Yunis. They leveled areas of previously razed Palestinian land.

At approximately 11:40, Israeli troops stationed at the border between the Gaza Strip and Israel to the north of Beit Lahia town fired at Palestinian civilians and international solidarity activists who were protesting the establishment of thr buffer zone along the border. As a result, Zakaria Ibrahim Abu Watfa, 62, Secretary of the Palestinian Arab Front, fell down and sustained a fracture to the right foot. 

Wednesday, 16 June 2010 

At approximately 10:00, Israeli troops stationed on observation towers at the border between the Gaza Strip and Israel to the north of the Bedouin village fired at Palestinian workers who were collecting bricks and construction aggregate from Erez industrial zone. As a result, Ibrahim Wa'el al-Kafarna, 17, from Beit Hanoun, was wounded by a bullet to the left leg

Limited IOF Incursion north the As-Saiafa area in Beit Lahyia

17-6-2010

Al Mezan

At app. 8am on Thursday 17 June 2010, ten Israeli tanks and bulldozers moved amid sporadic heavy fire about 150 meters north of the As-Saifa area, which is located northwest of Beit Lahyia, in North Gaza District. The Israeli bulldozers leveled the lands in the area. These lands are filled with  coarse gravel that the IOF had left during Operation Cast Lead as they erected a military site in that area. The IOF then carried the coarse gravel  inside the separation fence to prevent the Palestinian civilians from reaching the area and collecting theses sheets. In the evening hours on the same day, the IOF withdrew from the area. In the last days, the IOF opened fire more than once on everyone who enters that area.

IOF Continues to Attack Palestinian Civilians Collecting Rubble in the Vicinity of Erez Crossing; One Person Injured

16-6-2010

Al Mezan

At app. 10am on Wednesday 16 June 2010, the Israeli occupation forces (IOF), positioned in the vicinity of Erez crossing at the northern border between Gaza and Israel, continued their sporadic fire on Palestinian civilians who were 150 meters away from the border fence near the industrial area.

As a result, Ibrahim Waeel Al Kafarna, 17, who lives in Beit Hanoun, was injured in the right leg. According to medical sources at Kamal Odwan Hospital, his injuries are described as moderate.

The IOF has opened almost daily fire on Palestinian civilians who collect rubble to sell to brick factories, which recycles it into bricks. This is the only source of bricks for construction that is available in the Gaza Strip, which suffers from an acute shortage of construction materials due the Israeli siege. 

IOF Open Fire on Weekly Peaceful Assembly in North Beit Lahyia

15-6-2010

Al Mezan

At app.  midday on Tuesday 15 June 2010, the Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF), which are positioned at the northern separation fence between Gaza and Israel, opened fire on a peaceful assembly of the ‘Popular Campaign against the Buffer Zone’. As a result, Zakaria Ibrahim Abu Watfa, 62, was injured and his leg was broken. Abu Watfa was delivering a speech against the buffer zone when the IOF opened fire on the  people gathered. Hundreds of Palestinians moved towards the northern border and stopped a few meters away from the northern separation fence to protest against the 'buffer zone'. The demonstrators left the area immediately.  

The 'Popular Campaign against the Buffer Zone' consists of the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO) and several groups of non-governmental organizations. This demonstration is organized weekly on Tuesdays in places near the separation fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel. It is organized to express solidarity with Palestinian farmers who work near the borders and can't reach their lands to work. It is also organized to protest against Israel's attempts to enforce the security 'buffer zone' inside the Gaza Strip. 

IOF Limited Incursion east of Khan Younis

14-6-2010

Al Mezan

At app. 7:30am on Monday 14 June 2010, Israeli tanks moved amid random fire about 500 meters east of the Al Qarrara and Abbasan villages, east of Khan Younis City.Israeli bulldozers leveled agricultural lands. Several hours later, the IOF withdrew from the area.

At app. 1:30pm on the same day, the Israeli tanks launched five artillery shells on agricultural lands. No casualties or injuries were reported.

IOF Continues to Fire on Palestinian Civilians Collecting Rubble west of As-Siafa Area; One Person Injured

12-6-2010

Al Mezan

At app. 8:30am on Saturday 12 June 2010, the Israeli occupation forces (IOF), positioned at the northern separation fence between Gaza and Israel, opened sporadic fire on  Palestinian civilians who were 200 meters away from the separation fence east of As-Siafa area, north west of Beit Lahyia, in North Gaza District. As a result, Rajab Mohammed Ma'rouf, 19, who lives in Beit Lahyia, was shot in the right leg. According to medical sources at Kamal Odwan Hospital, his injuries are described as moderate.

The IOF has opened almost daily fire on Palestinian civilians who collect rubble to sell to brick factories, which recycles it into bricks. This is the only source of bricks for construction that is available in the Gaza Strip, which suffers from an acute shortage of construction materials due the Israeli siege. 

IOF Continues to Fire on Palestinian Civilians Collecting Rubble in the Vicinity of Erez Crossing; One Person Injured

12-6-2010

Al Mezan

At app. 3:20pm on Saturday 12 June 2010, the Israeli occupation forces (IOF), positioned in the vicinity of Erez crossing at the northern border between Gaza and Israel, continued its sporadic fire on Palestinian civilians who were 150 meters away from the border fence near the industrial area.

As a result, Mohammed Msa'aid Al Kafarna, 20, who lives in Beit Hanoun, was injured in the right thigh. According to medical sources at Kamal Odwan Hospital, his injuries are described as moderate.

The IOF has opened almost daily fire on Palestinian civilians who collect rubble to sell to brick factories, which recycles it into bricks. This is the only source of bricks for construction that is available in the Gaza Strip, which suffers from an acute shortage of construction materials due the Israeli siege. 

PCHR weekly report 3/6 - 9/6/2010: 2 Palestinian workers injured by IOF fire

extracts from PCHR weekly report 3/6 - 9/6/2010

 IOF continued to fire at Palestinian farmers and workers in border areas of the Gaza Strip.

 Monday, 07 June 2010

At approximately 08:00, Israeli troops stationed on observation towers at the border between the Gaza Strip and Israel opened fire at Palestinian workers who were collecting bricks and construction aggregate from the industrial zone. As a result, 1 worker, Adham Hussein al-Kafarna, 45, was wounded by a gunshot to the right foot.

Tuesday, 08 June 2010 

At approximately 13:00, Israeli troops stationed at the border between the Gaza Strip and Israel to the east of Gaza City fired at Palestinian workers who were collecting construction aggregate near the eastern cemetery, nearly 300 meters away from the border. As a result, Mohammed Salah Abu Khader, 35, was wounded by a gunshot to the right foot.

Wednesday, 09 June 2010  

At approximately 06:30, Israeli troops stationed on observation towers at the border between the Gaza Strip and Israel opened fire at Palestinian workers who were collecting bricks and construction aggregate from the industrial zone. No casualties were reported. 

At approximately 08:00, IOF moved nearly 400 meters into al-Qarara and 'Abassn villages, east of Khan Yunis. There they leveled previously-razed areas of Palestinian land, after which IOF moved back to the border between the Gaza Strip and Israel at approximately 18:00.  

IOF Continues to Fire on Palestinian Civilians Collecting Rubble in the Vicinity of Erez Crossing; One Person Injured

7-6-2010

Al Mezan

At app. 8am on Monday 7 June 2010, the Israeli occupation forces (IOF), positioned in the vicinity of Erez crossing at the northern border between Gaza and Israel, continued its sporadic fire on Palestinian civilians who were 200 meters away from the border fence near the industrial area.

As a result, Adham Hussein Al Kafarna, 45, who lives in Beit Hanoun, was injured in the right leg. According to medical sources at Kamal Odwan Hospital, his injuries are described as moderate.

The IOF has opened almost daily fire on Palestinian civilians who collect rubble to sell to brick factories, which recycles it into bricks. This is the only source of bricks for construction that is available in the Gaza Strip, which suffers from an acute shortage of construction materials due the Israeli siege. 

PCHR weekly report 27/5 - 2/6/2010: 2 farmers, 1 old woman, 1 worker injured, incursion, airstrikes

extracts from PCHR weekly report 27/5 - 2/6/2010

Thursday, 27 May 2010 

At approximately 18:00, Israeli aircrafts and tanks fired a number of shells at the area to the south of al-Mentar (Karni) crossing, east of al-Shoja'iya neighborhood in the east of Gaza City, in response to mortar fire from the area. As a result, two Palestinian civilians were lightly wounded:

1. Baraka Mohammed al-Mughrabi, 55; and

2. Mousa Badawi, 28

Saturday, 29 May 2010

· At approximately 01:20, Israeli fighter jets dropped 5 missiles at Gaza International Airport, southeast of Rafah. The missiles damaged the runway as well as what remains of previously destroyed buildings there. No casualties were reported.

· At approximately 02:00, an Israeli fighter jet dropped a bomb at a 200-square-meter workshop of smith works belonging to the al-Masri family in al-Zaytoun neighborhood in the east of Gaza City. The workshop was totally destroyed, but no casualties were reported. 

Sunday, 30 May 2010

· At approximately 04:20, Israeli fighter jets dropped 5 missiles at Gaza International Airport, southeast of Rafah. The missiles damaged the runway as well as what remains of previously destroyed buildings there. No casualties were reported.

 Monday, 31 May 2010 

At approximately 11:30, Israeli troops stationed on observation towers near Beit Hanoun (Erez) crossing in the northern Gaza Strip fired at Palestinian workers who were collecting bricks and iron bars from the debris of destroyed buildings in the industrial zone to the south of the crossing. No casualties were reported.

Tuesday, 01 June 2010

· At approximately 07:10, an exchange of fire erupted between IOF and two Palestinian militants near the border between the Gaza Strip and Israel to the east of 'Abassan village, east of Khan Yunis. Soon after, Israeli tanks fired 7 shells and warplanes fired 2 missiles at agricultural lands in the area. Later, IOF claimed that they had foiled an attempt by 2 Palestinian militants to infiltrate through the border into "Ashkul" community and that those militants were killed. At approximately 16:00, IOF moved nearly 400 meters into the area and leveled areas of Palestinian agricultural land. At approximately 00:10 on Wednesday, 02 June 2010, IOF delivered the bodies of the 2 militants to an ambulance of Palestine Red Crescent Society, following coordination with the ICRC. The militants were identified as:

1. 'Abdul Rahman 'Omar 'Abdul Hamid al-Astal, 18; and

2. Mohammed Ameen Shahwan, 18.

· At approximately 10:00, Israeli troops stationed at the border between the Gaza Strip and Israel, to the east of the southern Gaza Strip town of Rafah, opened fire at al-Shouka neighborhood, in the southeast of the town. As a result, Salma Jom'a Shallouf, 71, was wounded by a gunshot to the thighs when she was at home, nearly 3,000 meters away from the border.

· At approximately 11:00, Israeli troops stationed on observation towers near Beit Hanoun (Erez) crossing in the northern Gaza Strip fired at Palestinian workers who were collecting bricks and iron bars from the debris of destroyed buildings in the industrial zone to the south of the crossing. No casualties were reported.

Wednesday, 02 June 2010 

· At approximately 08:10, Israeli troops stationed on observation towers near Beit Hanoun (Erez) crossing in the northern Gaza Strip fired at Palestinian workers who were collecting bricks and iron bars from the debris of destroyed buildings in the industrial zone to the south of the crossing. No casualties were reported. 

At approximately 16:30, Israeli troops stationed on observation towers near Beit Hanoun (Erez) crossing in the northern Gaza Strip fired at Palestinian workers who were collecting bricks and iron bars from the debris of destroyed buildings in the industrial zone to the south of the crossing. As a result, Mohammed Zaki Abu Hamada, 34, from Jabalya refugee camp, was wounded by a gunshot to the right hand.  

 

IOF Continues to Fire on Palestinian Civilians who were Collecting Rubble; One Person Injured

2-6-2010

Al Mezan

At app. 8:15am on Wednesday 2 June 2010, the Israeli occupation forces (IOF), positioned in the vicinity of Erez crossing at the northern border between Gaza and Israel, continued its sporadic fire on Palestinian civilians who were 100 meters away from the border fence near the industrial area.

At app. 4:30pm on the same day, the IOF opened fire again on  Palestinian civilians in that area. As a result, Mohammed Zaki Abu Hamada, 34, who lives in Jabalia refugee camp, was shot in the right shoulder. According to medical sources at Kamal Odwan Hospital, his injuries are described as moderate.  

The IOF has opened almost daily sporadic fire on Palestinian civilians who collect rubble to sell to brick factories, which recycles it into bricks. This is the only source of bricks for construction that is available in the Gaza Strip, which suffers from an acute shortage of construction materials due the Israeli siege. 

IOF Opens Fire on Palestinian Civilians who were Collecting Rubble in the Vicinity of Erez Crossing

1-6-2010

Al Mezan

At app. 11am on Tuesday 1 June 2010, the Israeli occupation forces (IOF), positioned in the vicinity of Erez crossing at the northern border between Gaza and Israel, continued its sporadic fire on Palestinian civilians who were 100 meters away from the border fence near the industrial area. These civilians were collecting rubble from destroyed buildings in the area to sell it to brick factories, which recycle it into bricks, or to people who need to use it for construction. This is the only source of materials  for making bricks and concrete for construction that is available in the Gaza Strip, which suffers from an acute shortage of construction materials due the Israeli siege.

At app. 12:30pm on the same day, the IOF opened fire again on the Palestinian civilians. No casualties or injuries were reported in the two incidents.