Thursday, October 21, 2010

Israeli fire injures 2 workers in northern Gaza

GAZA (Ma'an) -- Israeli forces fired live ammunition injuring two Gaza residents near the Strip's northern border on Thursday morning, medics reported.

Medical services spokesman Adham Abu Salmieh said the injured men were collecting rubble near Beit Lahiya, and were taken to Kamal Adwan hospital for treatment.

An Israeli military spokeswoman said she would look into the report.

Palestinian workers collect rubble and gravel in the area along the border fence to make cement.

In a recent report, Defence for Children International said "Due to a severe lack of job opportunities and a shortage of construction material entering Gaza from Israel, hundreds of men and boys scavenge for building gravel amongst the destroyed buildings close to the border fence."

DCI documented 12 incidents in which children were shot by Israeli forces in northern Gaza over the summer. The organization said reports indicated that soldiers also shot and killed the donkeys used by workers, as well as targeting the workers themselves.

Israel places severe restriction on the import of gravel into the Strip. At the current rate that Israel is allowing cement aggregates into Gaza, it would take 75 years for the UN to implement its reconstruction plan for Gaza, the report said.

Two Palestinians wounded in IOF shooting
[ 21/10/2010 - 09:01 AM ]


GAZA, (PIC)-- Two Palestinian citizens were wounded when Israeli occupation forces (IOF) fired at them in northern Gaza Strip on Thursday while collecting gravel, medical sources reported.
Medical services spokesman Adham Abu Salmiya said that a 32-year-old citizen was hit in his left foot in northern Beit Lahia, describing his condition as light.
He added that another 24-year-old Palestinian was hit in his right foot in the vicinity of Beit Hanun (Erez) crossing and was also hospitalized.