Witnesses: Israeli tanks breach south Gaza border

GAZA CITY (Ma'an) -- Israeli tanks and bulldozers entered around 100 meters inside the southern Gaza Strip to level land on Monday, witnesses told Ma'an.

They said several vehicles entered via the Sufa area of the border and dug up land in the al-Nahda area east of Rafah city.

An Israeli military spokeswoman said she was not aware of the incident.

Two minors survive Israeli gunfire east of Gaza valley

[ 24/12/2012 - 10:13 AM ]

GAZA, (PIC)-- Two Palestinian kids miraculously survived after their exposure to Israeli military gunfire in the east of Gaza valley, the health ministry in Gaza said. Spokesman for the ministry Ashraf Al-Qudra told the Palestinian information center (PIC) the two kids were in a state of extreme shock and almost fainted because of the severity of the firing they were exposed to. Qudra said that paramedics saved the two 17-year old boys and took them to Shuda'a Al-Aqsa hospital. In a separate incident, the Israeli occupation forces (IOF) arrested on Sunday evening two Palestinian citizens south of Gaza. An eyewitness told Quds Press that the IOF arrested the two Gazans after they crossed Kissufim military site to the east of Khan Younis. He added that Israeli warplanes overflew the area following their arrest, noting that they were unarmed. It is still unknown why these two men infiltrated into an Israeli military site, despite their knowledge that they could have been shot dead or arrested.

Official: 5 injured by Israeli fire in Gaza

 

 

GAZA CITY (Ma’an) -- Israeli forces shot and injured five Palestinians on Friday in the northern Gaza Strip, a health ministry spokesman said.

Ashraf al-Qidra said five Palestinians were hospitalized with moderate wounds after being shot near the border with Israel.

Medics told Ma'an a number of injured Palestinians were brought to the Kamal Udwan and al-Awdah hospitals.

An Israeli military spokesman said several Palestinians "approached the security fence in the northern Gaza Strip.

Soldiers acted "according to the rules of engagement," the spokesman told Ma'an, declining to comment on whether or not live fire was used.

Israeli troops have shot at Gazans near the border at least 10 times since the end of an eight-day offensive last month. Some 30 people have been wounded in the incidents, Gaza officials said.

Over 170 Palestinians, mostly civilians, were killed in last month's offensive. Six Israelis, including two soldiers, were also killed during the war that Israel launched with the declared aim of curbing cross-border rocket fire.

IOF Opens Fire East of Jabaliya, Two Persons Injured

Al Mezan

21-12-2012

At approximately 4:00 pm on Friday 21 December 2012, Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) opened fire at a group of young Palestinian men and farmers who were in the agricultural area north of the Cemetery east of Jabaliya, in North Gaza district. As a result, Mazen Kamal Mesleh, 17, sustained a bullet wound in the right leg and Mohammed Ahmed Obied, 21, sustained a bullet wound in the left leg. Medical sources at Kamal Odwan Hospital described their injuries as moderate.  

IOF Opens Fire North of Beit Lahiya, Child and Two Young Men Injured

Al Mezan

21-12-2012

At approximately 3:30 pm on Friday 21 December 2012, Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) opened fire at Palestinian farmers and a number of young Palestinian men who were in Hamdoush agricultural area north of Beit Lahiya, in North Gaza district. As a result, three persons including a child were injured. Al Mezan has identified them as follows:

• Mohammed Ibrahim Salman, 15, sustained a bullet wound in the left leg;
• Mohammed Mustafa ‘Ashour, 31, sustained bullet wound in the leg; and
• Basel Mohammed Abu Al Qoumasan, 23, sustained a fracture in the left elbow while he was trying to help one of the injured persons. .

Medical sources at Al Awda Hospital described their injuries as moderate. The farmers left their lands afraid of fire.

IOF Uses Live Fire and Tear Gas Canisters against Farmers and Young Palestinian Men East of Jabaliya

Al Mezan

19-12-2012

At approximately 1:30 pm on Wednesday 19 December 2012, Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) opened fire with live ammunition and launched a number of tear gas canisters at Palestinian farmers and a group of young Palestinian men who were in Abu Safiya area near the eastern separation fence between Gaza Strip and Israel east of Jabliya. No casualties or injuries were reported but the farmers were frightened and left the area.

Limited IOF Incursion East of Beit Hanoun

Al Mezan

19-12-2012

At approximately 7:00 am on Wednesday 19 December 2012, four Israeli tanks accompanied by two armored bulldozers moved under sporadic covering fire about 200 meters into the Al Qatbaniya area east of Beit Hanoun. The bulldozers started to build a road that extends from 100 meters to 200 meters in As-Sa’adat and Al Ahmar areas. At approximately 1:40 pm on the same day, the IOF opened fire at a number of volunteers from the Local Initiative who were documenting the Israeli incursion. In the evening hours on the same day, the IOF withdrew from the area. No casualties or injuries were reported.  

Palestinian Dies from Wounds He Sustained During Pillars of Clouds

Al Mezan

19-12-2012

In the morning hours on Wednesday 19 December 2012, medical sources at an Egyptian hospital announced the death of Abdullah Mahmoud ‘Asqoul, 24, from wounds he had sustained during Israeli aggression against the Gaza Strip “Pillars of Clouds”.

At approximately 9:45 am on Saturday 17 December 2012, an Israeli drone fired a missile at a group of young Palestinian men who were in an agricultural field in Az-Zana area, east of Khan Younis. As a result, Abdullah Mahmoud ‘Asqoul and another person were injured. ‘Asqoul sustained critical injury and was referred to an Egyptian hospital to receive medical treatment. 

Limited IOF Incursion in Khuza’a Village East of Khan Younis

Al Mezan

18-12-2012

At approximately 7:00 am on Tuesday 18 December 2012, Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) moved under sporadic covering fire about 100 meters into Khuza’a village east of Khan Younis. At approximately 11:00 am on the same day, the IOF withdrew from the area.

Witnesses: Palestinian shot by forces near Gaza border

 

 

GAZA CITY (Ma'an) -- A Palestinian man was shot in the chest by Israeli forces near the Gaza border on Sunday, witnesses said.

An Israeli army spokeswoman said she was not aware of the incident, which took place near al-Qarara town in south Gaza.

Locals told Ma'an a man in his 20s suffered a bullet wound after Israeli forces opened fire near the al-Sureij gate on the border.

Israeli troops have fired several times across the border since a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas went into effect in November.

The latest incident was Friday, when Israeli soldiers shot and injured a 19-year-old man east of Jabaliya in the northern Gaza Strip, medical officials said.

Israel has imposed a no-go zone on the borders, but agreed to stop targeting Palestinians in the area as part of the ceasefire, Gaza's government has said.

IOF Opens Fire at Group of Young Palestinian Men East of Al Qarara Village

Al Mezan

16-12-2012

At approximately 1:20 pm on Sunday 16 December 2012, Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) opened fire at a group of young Palestinian men who were near the separation fence between Gaza Strip and Israel east of Al Qarara village. As a result, Khalid Suliman Abdel Kareem Mhana, 25, sustained bullet wound in the abdomen.  Medical sources at Naser Hospital described his injury as critical where the bullet entered his abdomen and existed from his back.

IOF Opens Fire at Group of Young Palestinian Men East of Khan Younis, One Person Injured

Al Mezan

14-12-2012

At approximately 2:55 pm on Friday 14 December 2012, Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) opened fire at a group of young Palestinian men near the separation fence between Gaza Strip and Israel east of Abasan village. As a result, Mohammed Salah Qdeeh, 22, sustained bullet wound in the hand. Medical sources at Naser Hospital described his injury as moderate.

IOF Uses Live Fire and Tear Gas Canisters against Farmers and Young Palestinian Men East of Jabaliya

Al Mezan

14-12-2012

At approximately 4:00 pm on Friday 14 December 2012, Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) opened fire with live ammunition and launched a number of tear gas canisters at Palestinian farmers and a group of young Palestinian men who were in Abu Safiya area near the eastern separation fence between Gaza Strip and Israel east of Jabliya. As a result two persons were injured. Al Mezan has identified them as follows:

• Mu’men Mohammed Al ‘Abed Nowara, 19, sustained bullet wound in the right leg; and
• Rami Mohammed Abu ‘Ameera, 19, was suffocated by inhaling tear gas.

Medical sources at Al Awda Hospital described the injury of Nowara as moderate and referred him to Shifa Hospital in Gaza.

Israeli soldiers shoot, injure young Gaza man

An Israeli soldier points his gun at Palestinians who reached the fence
in the southern Gaza Strip (Reuters/Ibraheem Abu Mustafa, File)

GAZA CITY (Ma’an) – A young Palestinian man was shot and injured Friday evening by Israeli soldiers east of Jabaliya in the northern Gaza Strip, medical officials said.

Gaza paramedics told Ma'an they evacuated a 19-year-old to Al-Awda Hospital in the northern Gaza Strip after he was hit by two live bullets in his feet near Abu Safiyya Hill east of Jabaliya.

They added that Israeli troops fired live bullets and tear gas canisters at Palestinians near the border area. One man suffered from tear-gas inhalation, they said.

An Israeli army spokeswoman told Ma'an that "IDF forces acted within the rules of engagement" but said she was unable to elaborate about why the soldiers opened fire.

Israeli troops have fired several times across the border since a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas went into effect in November.

The latest incident was Monday, when military vehicles crossed several hundred meters past the border near Khan Younis, but there were no reports of injury.

Israel has imposed a no-go zone on the borders, but agreed to stop targeting Palestinians in the area as part of the ceasefire, Gaza's government has said.

When a Palestinian was killed in the zone by Israeli forces a few days after the ceasefire, Hamas security forces deployed in the area to make sure Palestinians didn't approach the border fence.

Israeli forces fire on Gaza farmers and internationals in Khuza’a [Update: Video Added]

12th December 2012 | International Solidarity Movement, Khuza’a, Besieged Gaza.

Gaza- Israeli forces fired live ammunition and tear gas at unarmed farmers andinternational solidarity activists working in Khuza’a, a small village outside of Khan Younis located near the Israeli border.  At 10:30 AM, the farmers arrived and began to plough approximately 100 meters from the separation fence while internationals lined up in between the border and the farmers. They were quickly met by an Israeli military jeep and transport vehicle. An Israeli soldier issued a warning in Arabic to leave the area and then fired two rounds into the air. The farmers and internationals remained calm and continued their work and the Israeli soldiers left the area.
At around 11 AM, approximately 20 Palestinians and farmers gathered around 300meters back from the fence. Two military jeeps returned to the area.  One soldier exited his vehicle and fired four shots in the direction of the farmers and activists.  The fourth shot crossed the line of the activists and landed in the field being ploughed.  Again, the Palestinians and internationals were not deterred. The Israeli jeeps left and the farmers finished working on this section of land and moved on to an adjacent plot.
Fifteen minutes later, two Israeli jeeps returned, one equipped with an automatic machine gun.  A soldier fired three canisters of tear gas directly in front of the activists.  He proceeded to shoot at the tractor, damaging its engine and bringing the work to a halt.  An international was accompanying the driver aboard the tractor. The accompaniment team included participants from Spain, Italy, France, England, Scotland, Germany and the United States
Gazan farmers successfully ploughed and sowed wheat in adjacent plots, with the presence of internationals, during the two days prior to the incident.  Though they were issued warnings by Israeli forces to stay 100 meters from the fence, they were not fired upon in a similar fashion. “This incident is a prime example of the military harassment and unpredictability of the Israeli occupation forces that farmers routinely face while working their land in Gaza,” said a solidarity activist from Spain.  For a report from the previous days farming, see http://palsolidarity.org/2012/12/gazan-farmers-at-work-in-kuzaa/.
Residents from Khuza’a said they have not planted in this area, declared a closed military zone by Israel, for the past thirteen years.  Formerly an orchard, Israeli forces bulldozed the field multiple times during military incursions and regularly shoots at farmers who attempt to work there.  Farmers were under the impression that this area was now accessible after the November 21st ceasefire’s stipulations that Israeli forces would “refrain from targeting residents in the border areas” and to “stop all hostilities in the Gaza Strip land, sea and air including incursions and targeting of individuals.”  This is the optimum season for planting wheat and the Gazan farmers only have a small window of time in which to work before the land will be rendered unusable.


 

Updated on December 13, 2012

Gazan Farmers at Work in Khuza'a

by Joshua Brollier
10 December 2012 | International Solidarity Movement, Besieged Gaza


Today, Gazan farmers from Kuzaa, a small village near Khan Younis, worked on their land in defiance of Israeli military harassment. Farmers ploughed approximately seven dunams and then sowed wheat in a plot that they had previously been denied access to before the November 21st, 2012 ceasefire.  The farmers successfully worked up to 100 meters from the separation fence.  The Israeli military arbitrarily designates this area as a restricted military buffer zone, otherwise known as the “kill zone.” According to the workers, they have not been able to farm on this specific plot of land for the past ten years.  Formerly an orchard, Israeli forces bulldozed the field multiple times during military incursions and regularly shoots at farmers who attempt to work there.
At approximately 8:00 AM, the Palestinian farmers began their morning‘s activities when two Israeli tanks, one military jeep and five bulldozers lined up across from the farmers on the Israeli side of the fence, threatening to fire. Around 9:30 AM, the farmers were joined by a group of 14 solidarity activists from Gaza, Catalonia, Italy, France, England, Ireland, Scotland, Germany and the United States.  The Israeli forces left after half an hour and were quickly replaced by two more military jeeps.The Palestinians and internationals stood their ground approximately 100 meters from the fence despite multiple Israeli warnings to leave the area. One of the international activists accompanied a Gazan driver aboard his tractor to act as a deterrent to Israeli fire.  Other farmers sowed wheat by hand. The work concluded around 12:30 PM without any fire from Israeli forces.
This was a small,yet very important victory for the farmers, especially as Israel has frequently and unapologetically breached the ceasefire’s stipulations to “refrain from targeting residents in the border areas” and to “stop all hostilities in the Gaza Strip land, sea and air including incursions and targeting of individuals.”

Updated on December 14, 2012

IOF Opens Fire at Palestinians Collecting Scrap Northeast of Wadi Gaza, One Person Injured

Al Mezan

13-12-2012

At approximately 12:30 pm on Thursday 13 December 2012, Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) opened fire at the northeast of Wadi Gaza village. As a result, ‘Asef Rasmi Ibrahim Al Khaldi, 19, sustained a bullet wound in the right hand. He was admitted to Al Aqsa Hospital in Deir Al Balah and then he was referred to Shifa Hospital in Gaza. Al Khaldi was collecting scrap from the solid waste dump when the IOF opened fire at him.

Witnesses: Israeli army vehicles breach Gaza border

GAZA CITY (Ma’an) -- Witnesses said Israeli military vehicles crossed the border into the Gaza Strip near Khan Younis on Monday morning.

An Israeli army spokeswoman said forces were carrying out "routine activity" in the area.

Eyewitnesses told Ma'an the vehicles came several hundred meters into Gaza territory and were scanning the area.

Israel's recent 8-day war on Gaza ended with a ceasefire on Nov. 21, which included a pledge to end incursions into Gaza's territory.

Israel has imposed a 500-meter no-go zone on the borders, but as part of the ceasefire agreed to stop targeting Palestinians in the area, Gaza's government said.

When a Palestinian was killed in the zone by Israeli forces a few days after the ceasefire, Hamas security forces deployed in the area to make sure Palestinians don't approach the border fence.

Medics: Israeli soldiers shoot teenager in central Gaza

GAZA CITY (Ma'an) -- Israeli soldiers shot and injured a Palestinian teenager on Monday near a border fence area of central Gaza, medics said.

Jihad Sawarka, 16, sustained minor injuries in the incident, which took place east of al-Bureij refugee camp. The boy was taken to al-Aqsa Martyrs hospital for treatment.

An Israeli army spokeswoman said that "IDF soldiers acted in accordance with IDF rules of engagement," without providing further details.

Two Palestinians were injured on Saturday by Israeli gunfire near the border fence in eastern Gaza, medics said, with Hamas accusing Israel of violating the Egyptian mediated ceasefire.

Earlier Saturday, Palestinian medics confirmed that a 21-year-old man died after being hit by Israeli gunfire on Friday evening near Rafah.

The Gaza Strip's Hamas government described the death of the man, as well as the Israeli navy's seizure of Palestinian fisherman, as violations of a ceasefire mediated by Cairo to end a surge of cross-border fighting this month.

"We have discussed this with Egyptian officials, so they guarantee a cessation to those violations," Hamas spokesman Sami Abu Zuhri said.

Since a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip was brokered by Egypt, two Palestinians have been shot dead and at least 40 have been injured. Gaza officials say over 30 fishermen have been detained since the agreement.

=====

Palestinian farmer wounded in IOF shooting

[ 03/12/2012 - 09:28 PM ]

GAZA, (PIC)-- A Palestinian farmer was wounded on Monday after Israeli occupation forces (IOF) fired at him while working in his land to the east of Breij refugee camp in central Gaza Strip. Medical sources described the condition of the farmer as moderate after he was taken to a hospital in nearby Deir Al-Balah city. Two Palestinians were killed and dozens wounded in the IOF shooting at Palestinian civilians after the calm agreement went into effect almost two weeks ago. ---  Al Mezan 3-12-2012 IOF Opens Fire Northeast of Al Bureij Refugee Camp, One Person Injured At approximately 11:15 am on Monday 3 December 2012, Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) positioned at the separation fence between Gaza Strip and Israel northeast of Al Bureij refugee camp. As a result, Jihad Mesbah As-Sawarka, 16, sustained a bullet wound in the left leg while he was 400 meters away from the fence. Medical sources at Al Aqsa Hospital described his injury as moderate.

Israel Is Dangerously Breaking the Ceasefire

Free Gaza

The report below is from Maria del mar Ferndandez, one of the board members of Free Gaza. She will remain in Gaza until the end of the year and will make periodic reports to us. Contact her at 00 972 (0) 595 157 194
Gaza City, December 3, 2012: In the last 4 days, Israelis have arrested 31 fishermen, destroyed a boat, kept another one they say for three years, distroyed 4 motors of the boats. They say also that Israelis are not shooting any more water cannons but real fire, and when they arrest Palestinians, one of their main interests in interrogations is to get information about internationals.

Most of the fishermen in the fishermen's union and another fishing association decided the day before yesterday not to go out to the sea, because they cannot bear that more fishermen are arrested and the boats badly damaged. There is still one fisherman kept in prison. The decision was also to wait for the next ten days so that conversations in Cairo about the ceasefire are completed in order to be sure of the 6 miles nautical miles. Most of the information is published by PCHR in Gaza.

On Wednesday, December 5,  fishermen and internationals will demonstrate at the harbour, and we have been asked to bring the flags of our own countries to make visible our support and to spread the news as much as possible.

Yesterday, some fishermen dared to go out fishing, because they said they preferred to be dead rather than stop bringing food for their families.

As for the farmers, they have been shot at in Beit Lahya where we wisited one of the families, and also yesterday Israelis were shooting at farmers and internationals in the buffer zone of Khan Younis. That's why Rosa, the Italian international here, asked most of us today to go to support them. But in the early morning they phoned that there was heavy shooting (real fire of course) and they could not go to their lands in these conditions, even accompanied by internationals. So, some of them have gone just to interview the farmers.

The statement for the European parliamentaries and to the world should be that Israel is breaking dangerously the ceasefire as people cannot bear this situation of being denied their most elemental rights to life, and security.

Two people have been dead since the "ceasefire", one in the South, and one in the North with an unexploded bomb of the last attack.

IOF Opens Fire Northeast of Wadi As-Salqa Village, Three Persons Injured

Al Mezan

1-12-2012

At approximately 11:00 pm on Saturday 1 December 2012, Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) opened fire at a group of Palestinian civilians as they were in the vicinity of their homes about one kilometer away from the separation fence  between Gaza Strip and Israel northeast of Wadi As-Salqa village. As a result, three persons were injured. Al Mezan has identified them as follows:

• Rabah Ahmed Khammash, 27;
• His brother Jihad, 23; and
• Ahmed Naief Al Louh, 25.

They were admitted to Al Aqsa Hospital in Deir Al Balah. Jihad Al Khamash was referred to An-Naser Hospital in Gaza City and his brother was referred to Shifa Hospital in Gaza City.

Medics: Israeli gunfire injures 2 in Gaza

 

 

GAZA CITY (Ma'an) -- Two Palestinians were injured on Saturday by Israeli gunfire near the border fence in eastern Gaza, medics said, as Hamas accused Israel of violating the Egyptian mediated ceasefire.

Both men were taken to hospital in northern Gaza after the incident, the sixth of its kind since a truce was agreed to end eight days of violence between Israel and Hamas.

An Israeli army spokeswoman said "a few Palestinian rioters approached the security fence and in order to distance them soldiers acted in accordance with IDF rules of engagement."

Hamas accused Israel on Saturday of violating the shaky, Egyptian-brokered Gaza truce of Nov. 21 after a young Palestinian man died late Friday of wounds he sustained hours earlier by Israeli gunfire east of Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip.

Palestinian medics confirmed Saturday that 21-year-old Mahmoud Jaroun was hit by a gunshot to the pelvis Friday evening, and was evacuated to Abu Yousif An-Najjar Hospital in Rafah before medics announced his death around midnight.

On Friday, 11 Palestinians sustained wounds by Israeli fire along the borders between the Gaza Strip and Israel.

The Gaza Strip's Hamas government described the death of Jaroun, as well as the Israeli navy's seizure of Palestinian fisherman, as violations of a ceasefire mediated by Cairo to end a surge of cross-border fighting this month.

"We have discussed this with Egyptian officials, so they guarantee a cessation to those violations," Hamas spokesman Sami Abu Zuhri said.

Since a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip was brokered by Egypt, two Palestinians have been shot dead and at least 40 have been injured. Gaza officials say over 30 fishermen have been detained since the agreement.

Abu Zuhri's remarks did not indicate that the government wants to abandon the ceasefire. The eight days of fighting this month killed at least 170 Palestinians, injuring over 1,000.

Six Israeli were also killed in the violence.

Islamic Jihad also condemned the violations, with its military wing releasing a statement saying that "continued and so flagrant (Israeli) violations would put the calm at risk and push resistance factions to respond in a way they deem suitable."

Increased Palestinian access to the Gaza fence and to fishing waters heavily patrolled by Israel were among conditions lodged by Hamas and other armed factions in the Cairo talks.

Gaza man dies after being shot by Israeli troops in Rafah

GAZA CITY (Ma’an) – A young Palestinian man died late Friday of wounds he sustained hours earlier by Israeli gunfire east of Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip.

Palestinian medics confirmed Saturday that 21-year-old Mahmoud Jaroun was hit by a gunshot to the pelvis Friday evening, and was evacuated to Abu Yousif An-Najjar Hospital in Rafah before medics announced his death around midnight.

On Friday, 11 Palestinians sustained wounds by Israeli fire along the borders between the Gaza Strip and Israel.

Asked about Friday's shootings, an Israeli military spokeswoman said Palestinians had come up to the fence to vandalize it. Soldiers warned them away, and when that did not deter them, shot at their legs, she said.

Palestinians described the incident as a demonstration, saying that six people were wounded by the Israeli gunfire.

Since a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip was brokered by Egypt, Israeli forces have breached it several times firing at farmers near the border.

Two Palestinians have been shot dead so far and about 40 have been injured.

The Israeli navy has also detained dozens of Gaza fishermen, although Israel agreed to allow Gaza fishermen to go six nautical miles off the coast instead of three.