What a 'period of calm' looks like in the Occupied Territories

Since the end of the last Israeli incursion into Gaza, its navy has attacked Gaza fisherman multiple times [Reuters]

Three months have passed since the ceasefire that brought an end to Israel's eight-day attack on the Gaza Strip known as Operation "Pillar of Defence". This infographic depicts the number of attacks on the Gaza Strip by the Israeli military during this three-month period, as well as the number of Palestinian attacks emanating from Gaza. Since late November, Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip have averaged over one a day, everyday. These include shootings by troops positioned along the border fence, attacks on fishermen working off the Gaza coast, and incursions by the Israeli army.
This data is important for three reasons. First, it is a response to the Western media's failure to cover the vast majority of Israeli attacks. This fits with a familiar and disturbing pattern, where a regional "period of calm" is exclusively defined in terms of attacks on Israelis. "Calm" from this perspective means security for Israelis - but more dead and injured Palestinians.
Second, data of this nature lay bare the daily reality for Palestinians and the power imbalance between the occupier and an occupied, colonised people fighting for their basic rights. It is instructive that the Israeli army refers to the entry of its forces into the Gaza Strip as "routine activity". Meanwhile, Israeli soldiers continue to snatch Palestinians from their homes in the West Bank, enforce segregation, and protect settler land theft. We have included numbers for Palestinians killed and wounded in the West Bank over this same period because developments there and in Gaza ought not to be viewed as isolated from one another.
Third, if or when there is another assault by Israel on the Gaza Strip, the Israeli government and many in the West will seek to emphasise the "rockets" narrative once again. So remember this data, and note what the Israeli army has been doing when - in the words of Israel's own consul general in Los Angeles - "for the last three months, there hasn't been a rocket fired from Gaza".

[Illustration and design: Rachele Richards]

 

 

Ben White is a freelance journalist, writer and activist, specialising in Palestine/Israel. He is a graduate of Cambridge University.

The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect Al Jazeera's editorial policy.

Source:

Al Jazeera

IOF Opens Fire at Palestinian Civilians East of Jabaliya and Injures Three

Al Mezan

22-2-2013

At approximately 3:00 pm on Friday 22 February 2013, Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) opened sporadic fire at a number of Palestinian men who were east of the Islamic Cemetery, Abu Al Hassein, Abu Safiya, and Talet Abu Al Kas areas near the separation fence between Gaza Strip and Israel east of Jabaliya. They were between 50 and 400 meters away from the separation fence when the IOF opened fire at them. As a result, three persons were injured. Al Mezan has identified them as follows:

• Ali Hasan Khalil, 19, sustained bullet wound in the left leg;
• Ayman Rabah Ali Hussein, 20, sustained bullet wound in the left leg; and
• Muntaser Samir Mas’oud, 20, sustained bullet wound in the right leg.

Medical sources at Kamal Odwan Hospital described their injuries as moderate. The firing lasted for about two hours during which the IOF fired tear gas canisters.

Israeli soldiers shoot, injure Palestinian in Jabalia

GAZA CITY (Ma’an) – Israeli forces shot a Palestinian man Friday afternoon east of Jabalia refugee camp in the northern Gaza Strip injuring him in the foot.

Palestinian paramedics told a Ma’an reporter that the man was hit near a cemetery in the eastern part of the refugee camp. He was evacuated to Kamal Udwan Hospital in the northern Gaza Strip.

An Israeli military spokeswoman said soldiers were responding to a dozens of "rioters" who approached the fence on the border and they fired warning shots in the air.

When one of the Palestinians refused to turn back forces fired at his lower body, she said.

Limited IOF Incursion East of Jabaliya

Al Mezan

19-2-2013

At approximately 5:00 am on Tuesday 19 February 2013, eight Israeli tanks moved under sporadic covering fire about 300 meters into the east parts of the Islamic cemetery east of Jabaliya in North Gaza district. Farmers did not go to their lands fearing for their lives. The Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) were still in the area when this news was being published at 1:00 pm on the same day.

Between a Rock and Hard Place

Finding work in Gaza isn't easy, unemployment is overwhelming. For some labourers carving out a basic living, their attempts to feed their families can be life threatening if their work takes them into the proximity of the Israeli army - even when the Israeli authorities have granted authorisation.

On the 14th of February 2013, Kamil Adham Al-Kafarn (20) was scavenging construction materials near Erez crossing in the north of Gaza Strip. He and his cousin, Hosam, were working in the area with permission from the Israeli authorities when they were shot by an Israeli sniper. A bullet entered through the right side of Kamil's torso, causing tears in his stomach, diaphragm and liver. The doctors believe that due to the damage inflicted upon his internal organs, he will never fully recover.

Hosam Al-Kafarn (21) was wounded along with Kamil when they were scavenging construction materials near Erez. He was hit by two bullets. The first hit his right hand and the second one went through his left arm and then hit Kamil. Hosam will need to undergo surgery due to bone damage in his arm.

Photos courtesy of Desde Palestina

 

Stories from Gaza

IOF Opens Fire at Rubble and Scrap Collectors East of Beit Hanoun, Two Persons Injured

Al Mezan

14-2-2013

At approximately 2:40 pm on Thursday 14 February 2013, Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) opened fire at a number of Palestinian who were collecting rubble and scrap from Al Omma land east of Beit Hanoun. They were 200 meters away from the separation fence when the IOF opened fire at them. As a result, Kamal Adham Al Kafarna, 20, sustained bullet wound in the abdomen and Husam Sameh Al Kafarna, 20, sustained bullet wound in the left hand that caused a fracture. Medical sources at Beit Hanoun Hospital described the injury of Husam as critical and referred him to Shifa Hospital in Gaza City while Kamal’s injury was described as moderate and he was referred to Kamal Odwan Hospital.  

2 injured by Israeli fire in north Gaza

 

 

GAZA CITY (Ma’an) -- Two young Palestinian men were injured by Israeli fire in the northern Gaza Strip on Thursday, medics said.

A 20-year-old man was hit in the chest by gunfire east of Beit Hanoun, and is a moderate to serious condition, Gaza health ministry spokesman Ashraf al-Qidra said.

Another man, aged 22, was shot in the hand in the same incident and has moderate injuries, al-Qidra said. The pair are being treated in Beit Hanoun hospital.

An Israeli army spokesman said several Palestinians approached the border fence and tried to damage the barrier. He said one person was wounded by soldiers attempts to distance the group.

Earlier Thursday, Israeli military vehicles crossed into northern Gaza near Beit Lahiya to level lands, witnesses told Ma'an.

Israeli forces opened fire in the direction of Palestinian farmers, to force them leave their lands during the operation, they said.

Israel had barred Palestinians from coming within hundreds of meters of the Gaza border area, but in a ceasefire deal last November agreed to ease curbs on Gaza.

Limited IOF Incursion North of Beit Lahiya

Al Mezan

14-2-2013

At approximately 8:30 am on Thursday 14 February 2013, six Israeli tanks moved under heavy covering fire about 300 meters into Buret Abu Samra area north of Beit Lahiya. No casualties or injuries were reported, but farmers were terrified and abandoned their farms. The IOF withdrew from the area at approximately 2:30 pm on the same day.

IOF Opens Fire at Palestinians Collecting Rubble and Scrap in the Vicinity of Erez Crossing

Al Mezan

10-2-2013

At approximately 2:20 pm on Sunday 10 February 2013, Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) opened fire at a number of Palestinians who were collecting rubble and scrap west of the Erez crossing. They were about 200 meters away from the separation fence when the IOF opened fire at them. No casualties or injuries were reported.

Olive tree planting in the "Buffer Zone" near Zeutoun, Gaza.

 

On Saturday 9th of February in the Zaytoun district on the outskirts of Gaza City, hundreds of local farmers and fishermen were joined by the Union of Agricultural Work Committees and activists from International Action for Palestine as they participated in the International Day of Action for the Boycott of Israeli Agricultural Products. They marched to Palestinian farmland in the 'buffer zone' near the eastern border of the Gaza Strip and planted olive trees on razed farmland which had previously contained vast numbers of olive and citrus trees until they were bulldozed by the Israeli army in recent years. 

Today's demonstration affirmed the call by Palestinian agricultural organisations and the Palestinian BDS National Committee for worldwide campaigns to boycott Israeli agricultural products and Israeli agricultural export corporations. These companies are deeply complicit in Israel’s ongoing violations of international law and Palestinian human rights. Whilst they profit from stolen Palestinian land, Palestinian farmers are unable to export their own produce, thereby crippling the Palestinian agricultural sector.

Gaza farmers call for boycott of Israeli firms

BETHLEHEM (Ma'an) -- Hundreds of farmers marched towards Gaza's border with Israel on Saturday to demand a boycott of Israeli agricultural firms, a local union said.

The Union for Agricultural Work Committees in Gaza said in a statement that protestors also gathered in dozens of European cities to protest against Israeli company Mehadrin, which operates in illegal settlements and exports citrus fruits, dates and other produce.

"The boycotts of Israeli agriculture companies are so important as the Israeli occupation has destroyed our farming production and denied us the possibility of exporting our own products," farmer Mustapha Arafat said.

"International pressure on Israel is the only way our own economy will be allowed to develop and for us to live normal lives," he added.

Protests took place in cities across France, Italy, Belgium, Luxembourg, Sweden, Germany, Switzerland and the Netherlands, the Gaza union said.

"Agriculture is a vital part of our economy and national heritage but it is being systematically destroyed and these companies are the primary beneficiaries," Dr. Taha Rifae, director of the grassroots department at the Union of Agricultural Work Committees, said.

"By trading with companies such as Mehadrin, European supermarkets are financing the dispossession of Palestinian farmers."

IOF Opens Fire at Palestinian Civilians North of Beit Lahiya

Al Mezan

8-2-2013

At approximately 3:15 pm on Friday 8 February 2013, Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) opened heavy live ammunition and gas canisters at a number of Palestinians who were in Buret Abu Samra area near the separation fence between Gaza Strip and Israel north of Beit Lahiya. They were about 350 meters away from the fence when the IOF opened fire at them. No casualties or injuries were reported.

IOF Opens Fire at Palestinian Civilians East of Jabaliya

Al Mezan

8-2-2013

At approximately 3:45 pm on Friday 8 February 2013, Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) opened heavy sporadic fire at a group of Palestinians who were in Talet Abu Al Kas area near the separation fence between Gaza Strip and Israel east of Jabaliya. They were on picnic about 200 meters away from the separation fence when the IOF opened fire at them. The IOF also fired tear gas canisters to force people to leave the area. No casualties or injuries were reported.

Press Conference in Gaza Port

 

Today´s press conference in support of Palestinian farmers and fishermen held in the port of Gaza City launched several days of activities leading up to the International Day of Action for the Boycott of Israeli Agricultural Products on Saturday 9th February. Speakers were from the Boycott National Committee, the student boycott movement in Gaza, the Union of Agricultural Work Committees, PNGO and International Action for Palestine.

"The boycott of Israeli agricultural exports will remain an essential strategy
as long as Palestinian farmers cannot export their produce due to closure
and blockade. It must continue as long as Palestinian farmers cannot
access their own land and work on it in safety, whilst Israeli corporations
profit from stolen Palestinian land." - International Action for Palestine

 

 

Stories from Gaza 

Witnesses: Israeli tanks breach south Gaza border

GAZA CITY (Ma'an) -- Israeli tanks and bulldozers entered the southern Gaza Strip on Tuesday, witnesses said.

Seven military vehicles and two bulldozers breached the Sufa area east of Rafah, opening fire at Palestinian farmers, witnesses told Ma'an.

No injuries were reported.

International Day of Action for the Boycott of Israeli Agricultural Products

PRESENTING THE INTERNATIONAL DAY OF ACTION FOR THE BOYCOTT OF ISRAELI AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS

A Day of Solidarity with Palestinian Farmers and Fishermen

 http://www.facebook.com/events/402542059838944/

On Wednesday 6^th of February at 10 a.m. in the Gaza port, the Union of Agricultural Work Committees and International Action for Palestine, invite you to a press conference announcing the International Day of Action in solidarity with Palestinian farmers and fishermen on Saturday 9th February. The Day of Action, called by Palestinian agricultural organisations and the Palestinian BDS National Committee, will launch worldwide boycott campaigns of Israeli agricultural products and corporations, in light of their deep complicity in Israel’s ongoing violations of international law and Palestinian human rights. Thousands of people around the world in dozens of countries will participate on the 9th February and Gaza will host events to support the campaigns throughout the week. 

At the press conference several organisations, fishermen and farmers will speak first-hand on the impact of the incessant aggression and blockade on the livelihoods of Gazan farmers and fishermen, and ask people of conscience in Gaza and beyond to boycott, divest and sanction from Israeli agricultural products. We´ll also present the events that will be organized in the following days, prior to the International Day of Action on Saturday.

The conference will also include the public presentation of International Action for Palestine, a group formed by international volunteers that works closely with Palestinian organizations and individuals to support the rights of farmers, fishermen and ordinary citizens in the face of Israeli occupation.

After the press conference fishermen and activists will participate in an action in the port. Fishermen and farmers will be also available for interviews after the event is finished.

Events of the Week

Wednesday 6^th February: Press conference in Gaza´s Port. Presentation of International Action for Palestine group to the public, and action with fishermen.
Thursday 7^th February: Rally/march through Gaza City.
Friday 8^th February: Interviews with local media (radio, TV). Any media interested should contact us through the numbers given below.
Saturday 9^th February: March with farmers near the buffer zone, planting of olive trees.

IOF Opens Fire at Palestinian Farmers East of Jabaliya

Al Mezan

4-2-2013

At approximately 11:45 am on Monday 4 February 2013, Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) opened fire at a number of Palestinian farmers, rubble collectors, and bird hunters who were east of the Islamic cemetery east of Jabaliya. No causalities or injuries were reported.

IOF Opens Fire at Palestinian Collecting Rubbles and Scrap North of Beit Lahiya

Al Mezan

4-2-2013

At approximately 12:30 pm on Monday 4 February 2013, Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) opened sporadic fire at a number of Palestinians who were collecting rubbles and scrap from Buret Abu Samra area north of Beit Lahiya. No casualties or injuries were reported.

List of Palestinians shot by IOF in Gaza Strip after the November 21, ceasefire - UPDATE 30-1-2013

The funeral of martyr Mahmoud Jarghoun 

Since November 22, 2012, 4 Palestinians have been killed and 83 Palestinians, including 18 children have been wounded by IOF fire in Gaza Strip. One of the wounded is fisherman shot in the sea, while the others are protesters, workers and farmers shot in the areas close to the fence of the Green Line. Also, 2 Palestinians have been injured by tear gas canister shot with weapon.

The data are from PCHR weekly reports, unless otherwise mentioned. In almost all the cases, the victims are mentioned expressly as civilians.

This is not a complete list of Israeli violations of the ceasefire, as it contains only the incidents which resulted in injuries or deaths. 

Martyrs

• Anwar Abdul Hadi Msallam Qdeih, 20, was wounded in the head and died directly, in the east of Abassan and Khuza'a, east of Khan Yunis, on Friday 23 November.

• Mahmoud Ali Jarghoun, 20, was wounded by a bullet to the pelvis, in al-Shouka village, east of Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip, on Friday, 30 November 2012.Medical efforts to save his life failed and he was pronounced dead in the early morning on Saturday, 01 December 2012.
• Anwar Al Malouk, 19, wounded by gunshot to the abdomen, east of Jabalya, on Friday 11 January 2013, while 40 meters from the fence. Died while evacuated to the hospital. 
• Mustafa Abu Jarad, 20, shot in the forehead by sniper's fire, nearly 1,200 meters away from the border, north of Beit Lahia, in the northern Gaza Strip, on Monday 14 January 2013, while farming. Died in hospital. 

Wounded

• 9 Palestinians wounded in the east of al-Faraheen area in Abassan, east of Khan Yunis, on Thursday 22 November 2012.

• 2 Palestinian wounded in the east of al-Shouka village in the east of Rafah, on Thursday 22 November 2012.

• 18 Palestinians wounded, including 3 children, in the east of Abassan and Khuza'a, east of Khan Yunis, on Friday 23 November

• 2 Palestinians wounded, including 1 child, Mohammed Nabil Ahmed Abu Eyadah, 14, lightly wounded in the head, east of ‘Abassan al-Kabira, east of Khan Yunis in the southern Gaza Strip, on Sunday 25 November.

• 2 Palestinians wounded, east of Jablya in the northern Gaza Strip, on Monday 26 November 2012. The first sustained a bullet wound in the right thigh and shrapnel wounds in the right shoulder. The other one sustained a bullet to the left knee.

• 1 Palestinian, an 18-year-old boy sustained a bullet wound in his right knee, east of Jabalia in the northern Gaza Strip, on Tuesday 27 November 2012

• 1 Palestinian, Abdul Fattah Ashraf Zaqout, 20, was wounded by 3 bullets to the abdomen and right arm, in the east of al-Shouka village, east of Rafah, on Tuesday 27 November 2012.

• 1 Palestinian, Hassan Ahmed Naseer, 26, was wounded by a bullet to the right knee, in the east of Beit Hanoun, on Wednesday, 28 November 2012.

• 8 Palestinians, including 3 children, were wounded, in the east of al-Bureij and al-Maghazi refugee camps in the central camps, on Wednesday, 28 November 2012.

• 1 Palestinian, Mahmoud Sami Na'im, 24, was wounded by shrapnel from a bullet in the chest, in the east of Beit Hanoun, on Wednesday, 28 November 2012.

• 1 Palestinian, Suleiman Saleh al-Najadi, 42, was wounded by a bullet to the back, in the east of al-Shouka village, east of Rafah, on Wednesday, 28 November 2012.

• 1 Palestinian child, Waheed Majed Adel al-Fseifis, 17, was wounded by a bullet to the left leg, on Thursday, 29 November 2012.

• 4 Palestinians, including 1 child wounded the east of Jabalya town in the north of the Gaza Strip, on Friday, 30 November 2012:

- Lo'ai Ahmed Kamel Abed Rabbu, 14; wounded by a bullet to the right leg;

- Ahmed Anwar al-Zaza, 18; wounded by a bullet to the right knee;

- Salman Osama Salman Abu Ajwa, 24, wounded by a bullet to the right leg;

- Ahmed Mesleh Salah, 26, wounded by a bullet to the right leg.

• 1 Palestinian, Bassam Mohammed Abu Rjaila, 22, was wounded by a bullet to the leg, in the east of Khan Yunis, on Friday, 30 November 2012.

• 4 Palestinians protesters wounded, in the northeast of al-Bureij refugee camp in the central Gaza Strip, on Friday, 30 November 2012:

- Hassan Hammad Ibrahim al-Tebri, 39, wounded by a bullet to the left leg;

- Ahmed Abdul Qader Omar Abu Jalal, 22, wounded by a bullet to the right leg;

- Mohammed Ahmed Sulaiman al-Awawda, 27, wounded by a bullet to the left leg;

- Mohammed As'ad Mohammed al-Bardini, 23, wounded by a bullet to the right thigh.

• 1 Palestinian child, Jihad Iyad Mohammed Abu Ouda, 16, was wounded by a bullet to the right leg, east of Beit Hanoun, on Friday, 30 November 2012.

• 1 Palestinian, Nedal Mohammed Abdallah, 21, was moderately wounded by a bullet to his right foot, east of Jabalya town in the northern Gaza Strip, on Saturday, 01 December 2012.

• 1 Palestinian, Mahmoud Mohammed al-Adgham, 23, was wounded by a bullet to his right foot, east of Jabalya in the northern Gaza Strip, on Saturday, 01 December 2012.

• 1 Palestinian, Sami Saeed Rabi’a Hamdiya, 28, was wounded by a bullet to his right knee, in the east of Beit Hanoun town in the northern Gaza Strip, on Saturday, 01 December 2012.

• 1 Palestinian child shepherd, Jihad Mesbah Salim al-Sawarka, 16, wounded him in the left knee, while grazing sheep 300 meters away from the border fence, in the east of al-Bureij camp in the central Gaza Strip, on Monday, 03 December 2012.

• 1 Palestinian worker, Abdullah Salim Abu Jari, 23, sustained injuries in his left leg, while he was 300 meters away from the border fence, in northwestern Beit Hanoun, in northern Gaza Strip, on Sunday, 09 December 2012.

• 1 Palestinian worker, Hamza Mohammed Rajab Ma’arouf, 19, wounded during IOF incursion, northwest of “Elissenai” settlement, northwest of Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip, on Wednesday, 12 December 2012. He was 500 meters away from the border fence when they started firing.

• 1 Palestinian, Asef Rasmi Ibrahim al-Khaldi, 19, wounded by a bullet to the right arm, while  collecting aluminum and metal pieces from the landfill, which is 150 meters away from the border fence, in Wadi Gaza (Juhor al-Deek), on Thursday, 13 December 2012.

• 1 Palestinian, Mohammed Salah Qdeih, 22, was wounded by a bullet to the right hand, in the east of Khan Yunis, east of al-Faraheen area, 200 meters to the west of the border fence, on Friday, 14 December 2012.

• 1 Palestinian, Mo'men Mohammed al-Abed Nawwarah, 19, was seriously wounded by a bullet to the right leg, in the east of Jabalya, 150 meters away from the fence, on Friday, 14 December 2012.

• 1 Palestinian farmer, Khaled Sulaiman Abdul Karim Mhanna, 25, was seriously wounded by a bullet to abdomen that exited the back, while working at his farm, located 500 meters away from the border fence, east of Khan Yunis, on Sunday, 16 December 2012.

• 1 Palestinian fisherman, Mos'ad Abdul Razeq Baker, 38, wounded by a bullet to the left thigh, while sailing 7 nautical miles of Wadi Gaza shore, on Monday, 17 December 2012.

• 2 Palestinians protesters, including a child, were wounded, east of Jabalya in the northern Gaza Strip, 30 meters away from the fence, on Friday, 21 December 2012:

-Mohammed Ahmed Mahmoud ‘Ebeid, 21 was wounded by a bullet that penetrated his 2 legs.

-Mazen Jamal Mohammed Mesleh, 17 was seriously wounded by a bullet to the right and left knees.

• 2 Palestinians protesters, including a child, were wounded, north of Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip, 50 meters away from the fence, on Friday, 21 December 2012:

-Mohammed Mostafa Mohammed ‘Ashour, 31, was wounded by a bullet to the right leg; and

-Mohammed Ibrahim Mohammed Salman, 15, was wounded by a bullet to the left leg (entered and exited).

• 1 Palestinian child worker, Ramzi Mohammed Rajab Ma'rouf, 17, was wounded by a bullet to the right leg, in the northern Gaza Strip, 500 meters away from the border fence, on Monday, 31 December 2012.

• 1 Palestinian worker, Abdullah al-Zaneen, 32, wounded, in the east of Beit Lahia, on Saturday 5 January 2013. (PIC , Ma'an)  
•  1 Palestinian, Omar Wadi, 21, wounded by shrapnel in both legs, east of Jabalya, on Friday 11 January 2013, while trying to save Anwar Al Malouk, who was 40 meters from the fence. 
• 1 Palestinian child, Mohammed Samir Ahmed Sorour, 17 wounded in the foot, by gunfire, north of Beit Lahiya, on Friday 18 January 2013.  
• 1 Palestinian child, Nahed Ahmed al-'Edini, 2, was wounded by a bullet to the left leg, east of Wadi al-Salqa village in the central Gaza Strip, on Saturday 19 January 2013. 
• 1 Palestinian worker, Abdullah Mohammed Sofian Mahmoud Ma’arouf, 18, was injured in the right leg that led to damaging it, north of al-Ghoul land, north of the former location of “Eli Sinai” settlement, northwest of Beit Lahiah in the northern Gaza Strip, on Monday 21 January 2013. 
• 4 Palestinians, including 2 children, injured by Israeli gunfire, while a few meters away to the west of the border fence, northeast of Islamic Martyrs cemetery, east of Jabalya in the northern Gaza Strip, on Friday 25 January 2013: 

1- Baker Hashem al-Fayoumi, 20, from al-Sheja’aya neighborhood, sustained shrapnel injuries in the left side of his neck in the right thigh;

2- Mohammed Hatem Mohammed Eidal-Summery, 16, from al-Sheja’aya neighborhood, sustained a seven centimeter long and 2 centimeter deep cut in the left cheek;

3- Faisal Naser Yousif al-Summery, 18, from al-Sheja’aya neighborhood, injured with a gunshot in his right thigh; 

4- Nidal Hussein Ahmed Nofal, 12, from Block 9 in Jabalya, injured with a gunshot in the left hand.

• 1 Palestinian, Mamdouh Muhanna Mansour al-Kafarnah, 19, was wounded by a bullet in the left thigh, north of Dimrah area, northeast of Beit Hanoun in the northern Gaza Strip, on Tuesday 29 January 2013

Injured by tear gas canister

•  1 Palestinian, Yousif Soliman Hamdan Abu Odah, 21, from Jabalya, was injured with a tear gas canister in the head,  north of the Islamic Martyrs cemetery, east of Jabalya in the northern Gaza Strip, while 100 meters from the fence, on Friday 18 January 2013.
• 1 Palestinian, Adham Abdullah Salim al-Dabji, 18, sustained injuries in his lips as he was hit by a tear gas canister at the mouth,  a few meters away from the border fence, north of Bouret Abu Samrah, north of Beit Lahia, in the northern Gaza Strip, on Friday 25 January 2013.

PCHR weekly report 23/1 - 30/1/2013: 6 injured, 1 incursion and 2 additional attacks - violations of the ceasefire

extracts from PCHR weekly report 23/1 - 30/1/2013

6 Palestinian civilians, including 2 children, were wounded by the Israeli forces in border areas in the northern Gaza Strip.

In the Gaza Strip, the Israeli forces conducted a limited incursion into Beit Hanoaun, during which they leveled areas of Palestinian land.

Wednesday, 23 January 2013

At approximately 08:40, the Israeli forces moved nearly 200 meters into al-Qobtania area, southeast of Beit Hanoun, in the northern Gaza Strip.  They leveled lands adjacent to the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel, amidst sporadic shooting.  As a result, the farmers and bird hunters, who were in the vicinity of the aforementioned area, were frightened and fled for fear of being wounded.  At approximately 14:30, the Israeli forces withdrew from the area and neither casualties nor damages were reported.

 Friday, 25 January 2013 

At approximately 08:20, the Israeli forces positioned on watchtowers, east of Islamic Martyrs cemetery, east of Jabalya in the northern Gaza Strip, opened fire for 10 minutes at farmers, bird hunters and workers who were collecting stones, who were in the vicinity of the cemetery.  As a result, they were frightened and forced to flee for fear of being wounded.  No casualties were reported.

At approximately 15:30, the Israeli forces positioned at the border fence, northeast of Islamic Martyrs cemetery, east of Jabalya in the northern Gaza Strip, opened fire and also fired tear gas canisters at a group of civilians, who were a few meters away to the west of the border fence.  As a result, 4 civilians were wounded, including 2 children:

1- Baker Hashem al-Fayoumi, (20), from al-Sheja’aya neighborhood, sustained shrapnel injuries in the left side of his neck in the right thigh;

2- Mohammed Hatem Mohammed Eid al-Summery, (16), from al-Sheja’aya neighborhood, sustained a seven centimeter long and 2 centimeter deep cut in the left cheek;

3- Faisal Naser Yousif al-Summery, (18), from al-Sheja’aya neighborhood, injured with a gunshot in his right thigh;

4- Nidal Hussein Ahmed Nofal, (12), from Block 9 in Jabalya, injured with a gunshot in the left hand.

It should be mentioned that Palestinian farmers and civilians, following the truce signed between the armed groups and Israel after the latest offensive on the Gaza Strip, went back to the buffer zone, which is 300 meters along the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel, imposed by the Israeli forces, in order to break the decision made by the Israeli forces and to help farmers have access to their lands after being denied the use of them.

At approximately 15:40, the Israeli forces positioned on watchtowers at the border fence, in addition to soldiers who got out of their vehicles, opened fire and fired dozens of tear gas canisters at a group of civilians, who were a few meters away from the border fence, north of Bouret Abu Samrah, north of Beit Lahia, in the northern Gaza Strip.  As a result, Adham Abdullah Salim al-Dabji, (18), from Beit Lahia housing project in the northern Gaza Strip, sustained injuries in his lips as he was hit by a tear gas canister at the mouth.  

Tuesday, 29 January 2013  

At approximately 11:05, the Israeli forces, who got out of their jeep east of al-Sha’afah area, east of Beit Hanoun, north of the Gaza Strip, opened fire at a group of farmers and Palestinian and foreign activists, who were in al-Ba’a land which is 400 meters west of the eastern border fence between Israel and the Gaza Strip.  Neither Injuries nor property damages were reported.

Saber al-Zaa’anin, Coordinator of the local initiative in Beit Hanoun and who supervises on such solidarity activities with the Palestinian farmers who are subjected to shooting by Israeli forces.  At approximately 10:20, al-Zaa’anin, accompanied with 8 foreigner solidarity activists and 14 Palestinian solidarity activist from the local initiative in Beit Hanoun, went to al-Ba’a farmland to help farmers harvesting their crops.  Only moments before finishing their job, a number of Israeli soldiers got out of their jeep to position at the eastern border fence and started directly shooting at them.  As a result, they were all frightened and forced to flee for fear of being injured.  No injuries were reported.

At approximately 11:30, the Israeli forces positioned 230 meters from the border fence with Israel, north of Dimrah area, northeast of Beit Hanoun in the northern Gaza Strip, opened fire at a group of gravel and iron collectors, who were in Qarmout area in the same area.  As a result, Mamdouh Muhanna Mansour al-Kafarnah, (19), from Dimra, was wounded by a bullet in the left thigh, and was transported by a group of workers on a horse cart.  When they arrived near the agriculture school, north of Beit Hanoun, he was taken by a Palestinian Red Crescent ambulance to Beit Hanoun Public Hospital where his injury was x-Rayed.  Due to bleeding in the foot, he was transferred to receive treatment at Kamal Odwan hospital where his injuries were described moderate.

IOF Opens Fire at Palestinian Collecting Rubbles and Scrap North of Beit Lahiya

Al Mezan

3-2-2013

At approximately 11:20 am on Sunday 3 February 2013, Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) opened sporadic fire at a number of Palestinians who were collecting rubbles and scrap from Buret Abu Samra area north of Beit Lahiya. No casualties or injuries were reported.

A Day in the Life of a Gazan Farmer

Beit Hanoun, Gaza Strip
29th January, 2013

In the far north of the Gaza Strip, in the rural border area to the east of Beit Hanoun, farmers continued their daily struggle to work on their land. International volunteers from Spain, Germany, France and the UK accompanied farmers and Palestinian activists from the Beit Hanoun Local Initiative as they harvested cabbages in the light drizzle, whilst singing Palestinian folk songs. It would have been an idyllic pastoral scene if it weren't for the military jeeps and watchtowers on the border 400 metres away.

Photo courtesy of Desde Palestina

At about 11.00 a.m. we heard shots fired from the border. Unknown to us at the time, a small group of farm labourers had been tending olive and lemon trees about 300 metres away from the cabbage patch. 21 year-old Mamdouh Al-Kafarna had been shot and wounded by Israeli soldiers.

The farm labourers said they saw two Israeli military jeeps stop at the border fence so they left their work fearing that the soldiers in the jeeps may begin shooting. After the jeeps drove away the labourers thought it would be safe to return and continue their work.

However, on their return they realised that the jeeps had left two soldiers on the ground between the trees near the border fence. Apparently they were wearing foliage as camouflage. The soldiers began shooting towards the labourers and Mamdouh was injured in both legs by the same bullet. It brushed his right leg then entered and exited his left leg.

As he fell, Mamdouh saw the soldiers cross to the Palestinian side of the fence and enter the Gaza Strip a short distance. At the sight of them running towards him, Mamdouh was afraid they might abduct or even kill him. He desperately tried to get away even though moving must have been incredibly difficult due to his injuries and by this stage he had become separated from his fellow workers.

Amazingly, he managed to escape to safety and was evacuated from the area by donkey cart. He was eventually transferred to Beit Hanoun Hospital. Mamdouh is the eldest son in his family and only he and his father have work, supporting 20 people at home.

 Photo courtesy of Desde Palestina

The farmers explained that last year it had been too dangerous for them to access this land but they had attempted it now believing it to be safe due to the ceasefire. Unfortunately this is not the case. According to staff at Beit Hanoun Hospital, nearly 30 civilians have been injured in the northern border areas since last November. 

 

Stories from Gaza

Gaza Strip: Attacks in the border areas and their consequences

PCHR

Saturday, 02 February 2013 00:00

 PCHR Fact Sheet  January 2013

Following disengagement from the Gaza Strip in September 2005, Israel unilaterally and illegally established a so-called “buffer zone”, an area prohibited to Palestinians along the land and sea borders of the Gaza Strip. The precise area designated by Israel as a “buffer zone” is not clear and this Israeli policy is typically enforced with live fire. The establishment of the ‘buffer zone’ is illegal under both Israeli and international law.

Preventing Palestinians from accessing their lands and fishing areas violates numerous provisions of international human rights law, including the right to work, the right to an adequate standard of living, and the right to the highest attainable standard of health. Enforcing the “buffer zone” through the use of live fire often results in, inter alia, the direct targeting of civilians and/or indiscriminate attacks, both of which constitute war crimes.

Following the Israeli offensive on the Gaza Strip in November 2012, a ceasefire agreement was brokered by the Egyptian government. Following this agreement the Israeli-imposed fishing limit was expanded from 3 to 6 nautical miles. There have been conflicting messages about the parameters of the “buffer zone” on land, which has resulted in an increase of risk for the safety of civilians and their property in the border areas.

                                                                                                                                

Dimensions

On land, inside Palestinian territory Distance from the border fence, up to which access is permitted: · Second Intifada (2000): 150 metres · According to Israel (2010) : 300 metres · 22 November 2012: unclear parameters · 25 February 2013: 100 metres · 11 March 2013: 300 metres In reality, attacks against civilians take place anywhere up to approximately 1.5 kilometres inside the border fence. This constitutes approximately 17% of the total territory of the Gaza Strip.

At sea, off the coast of the Gaza Strip Distance from the shore, up to which access is permitted: · Oslo Accords (1994): 20 nautical miles (nm) · Bertini Commitment (2002): 12 nm · October 2006: 6 nm · End of 2007 : 3 nm · 22 November 2012: 6 nm In addition, access is consistently denied in the following areas: · 1.5 nm in the north along the maritime boundary with Israel · 1 nm in the south along the maritime boundary with Egypt

Impact

On land · Approximately 27,000 dunums, 35% of the Gaza Strip's agricultural land, can only be accessed under high personal risk, as Israeli attacks may result in injury or death of civilians. · 95% of the restricted area is arable land. · After the evacuation of settlements (2005) and ‘Operation Cast Lead’ (2008-2009), the majority of Palestinian families living in the border areas abandoned their land and homes.

At sea · Palestinians are completely prevented from accessing 85% of the Palestinian maritime areas recognised in the 1994 Gaza Jericho Agreement. · Approximately 3,700 fishermen work under high personal risk every day at sea. · Approximately 8,200 persons work in the fishing industry. · Approximately 65,000 persons, including individuals who work in the fishing industry and their dependents, are affected by the “buffer zone” restrictions at sea. · The area near the coast is markedly over-fished.

Attacks

January 2013

Attacks	Total	“Buffer zone” on land	“Buffer zone” at sea
Shelling	1	1	0
Shooting	37	24	13
Incursions	3	3	0*
Land levelling	0	0	0
Total incidents	41	28	13

* These numbers do not represent all the incursions into Palestinian waters by Israeli naval forces, only the reported incidents. More often, the reported incidents involve shooting, injury and/or killing.

Consequences of attacks

a. Deaths and injuries

January 2013

Consequences	Total	“Buffer zone” on land	“Buffer zone” at sea
Death of persons	2	2	0
Minors	0	0	0
Women	0	0	0
Injury of persons	11	11	0
Minors	4	4	0
Women	0	0	0

b. Property related violations

January 2013

Consequences	Total	“Buffer zone” on land	“Buffer zone” at sea
Property damaged	1	0	1
Property confiscated	1	0	1
Dunums razed	0	0	0

c. Detention

January 2013

Consequences	Total	“Buffer zone” on land	“Buffer zone” at sea
Detention incidents	6	5	1
Total persons detained	12	9	3
Minors detained	5	5	0
Women detained	0	0	0