Gaza: Another Bloody Day

Ref: 92/2014
Date: 21 July 2014
Time: 07:00 GMT

Another Bloody Day

On the 14th Day of the Israeli Offensive:

• Complete Families Attack While inside Their Homes;

• Rescue Crews to Search for Victims in al-Shuja’iya Neighborhood;

• More Palestinians Forcibly Displaced in Border Areas

Since the Beginning of the Israeli Offensive on Gaza:

• 492 Palestinians Killed, of Whom 406 Are Civilians, Including 129 Children and 69 Women, and 2,803 Others Wounded, Mostly Civilians, Including 822 Children and 572 Women;

• 425 Houses Targeted and Destroyed and Hundreds of Others Extensively Damaged

• Thousands of Palestinian Civilians Forcibly Displaced

Israeli occupation forces have continued their brutal and immoral offensive on the Gaza Strip for the 14th consecutive day, and have continued the policy of collective punishment in disregard for the international law and humanitarian law, which ensure protection for civilians in times of war, and in violation of the principles of necessity, proportionality and distinction. Israeli forces have continued their aerial, ground and sea attacks throughout the Gaza Strip, causing more civilian casualties and damaging civilian facilities, including houses and mosques. Following the bloodiest day in al-Shuja’iya neighborhood in the east of Gaza City, on which 65 Palestinians were killed, Israeli forces destroyed houses without prior warnings while the families were inside, reminding of scenes of the al-Sammouni and al-Dayah families during “Operation Cast Lead” (2008-2009). For instance 23 members of the Abu Jam’e family, including 18 children, were killed in Kahn Yunis. Israeli forces have continued the ground operation in the Gaza Strip. They moved hundreds of meters into Palestinian areas located along the border between the Gaza Strip and Israel, amidst intensive shelling. Israeli warplanes supported these incursions. Israeli forces ordered Palestinian to leave these areas. At least 170,000 Palestinian civilians have been forcibly displaced from these areas, and UNRWA opened dozens of shelters for them at schools. PCHR field workers reported that several families are still missing in al-Shujai’ya neighborhood following Sunday’s mass killings.

From 10:00 on Sunday, 20 July 2014 to 10:00 on Monday, 21 July 2014, 124 Palestinians, 107 of whom are civilians, including 45 children and 26 women, were killed. Additionally, 463 Palestinians, mostly civilians, were wounded – this number includes 143 children and 49 women. Israeli warplanes also targeted and destroyed 36 houses.

The latest developments since the press release issued by PCHR yesterday noon have been as follows:

The Northern Gaza Strip:

Israeli warplanes launched 45 airstrikes and Israeli tanks and gunboats fired dozens of shells targeting houses, agricultural plots, open areas and civilians. As a result of these attacks, 11 Palestinians, including 7 civilians, were killed – the civilian victims include 2 children and 3 women. Additionally, 113 Palestinians, including 33 children and 33 women, were wounded. Israeli warplanes targeted and destroyed 13 houses.

The most significant attacks were as follows:

- At approximately 11:20 on Sunday, 20 July 2014, an Israeli drone fired a missile at a member of Palestinian armed group in Jabalya, killing him. He was identified as Wissam Majdi Mohammed Hammouda, 29.

- At approximately 12:35, an Israeli drone fired a missile at a member of a Palestinian armed group when he was traveling on a motorbike in Beit Lahia, wounding him lightly. Additionally, 4 children and a woman were wounded. The wound of one of the children, 5-year-old Dina ‘Omar ‘Abdullah ‘Aziz, was described as serious.

- At approximately 14:15, the body of Turkiya al-‘Abed Mohammed al-Bis, 77, from Um al-Nasser village, as medical crews found her body in inside her house. He was hit by shrapnel to the face.

- At approximately 15:20, an Israeli drone fired a missile at members of a Palestinian armed group in al-Twam neighborhood in the west of Jabalya. One of them, Ashraf Ahmed Mousa al-Silawi, 36, was killed, and another one was seriously wounded.

- At approximately 16:20, medical crews found the bodies of 2 members of a Palestinian armed group, Mustafa Khamis Mustafa ‘Elwan, 22, and ‘Abdul Rahman Mustafa Diab al-Faqih, 27, both from Jabalya, under the debris of a house that was bombarded by Israeli warplanes.

- At approximately 17:00, an Israeli drone fired a missile at ‘Abed Rabbu Ahmed Mohammed Zayed, 58, and his wife, ‘Aa’esha Ali Mohammed Zayed, 54, when they were in the garden of their house. They were instantly killed.

- At approximately 18:00, an Israeli drone fired a missile at a house belonging to Bahjat Hassan Mohammed Abu Sultan, Officer in Charge of Mobilization and Organization in the Ministry of Interior, in Beit Lahia. The house was destroyed, and Sultan’s child, 17-year-old Aya, was killed. Four members of the family, including 2 children and a woman, were also wounded.

- At approximately 00:30, on Monday, 21 July 2014, an Israeli shell landed near an ambulance of Palestine Red Crescent Society in the east of Beit Hanoun. The medical crew survived the attack.

- At approximately 01:30, medical sources at Shifa Hospital in Gaza City declared that Manwa ‘Abdul Basset Ahmed al-Bo’, 30, died of a wound she had sustained on Saturday morning, 19 July 2014. She was hit by a bullet to the chest fired by Israeli soldiers as she was attempting to go back home near the Agricultural School in Beit Hanoun.

- At approximately 06:00, an Israeli drone fired a missile at a house belonging to Talal Hassan al-Masri in the east of Beit Hanoun. As a result, al-Masri’s son, 23-year-old Kamal, was killed, as the missile hit his bedroom.

- Israeli warplanes and tanks targeted 13 houses in various areas in the northern gaza Strip, destroying 6 of them. Israeli tanks also shelled the building of Beit Hanoun Municipality damaging it.

Gaza City:

Israeli warplanes launched dozens of airstrikes and Israeli gunboats and tanks fired shells targeting houses, civilians, agricultural lands and open areas. As a result of these attacks, 17 Palestinian civilians, including 5 children and 4 women, were killed. The number of Palestinian civilians killed in al-Shuja’iya neighborhood during the reporting period is 36, including 8 women, 8 children and a paramedic. Thus, the number of Palestinian civilians killed in the neighborhood has amounted to 65. Additionally, 200 civilians, including 40 children and 65 women, were wounded. Four houses were also destroyed.

PCHR was able to document the following deaths in al-Shuja’iya neighborhood, additional to our report issued on Sunday, 20 July 2014:

- Israa’ Yasser ‘Atiya Hamdida, 20, was killed when an Israeli artillery shell hit her house.

- Khadija ‘Ali Shihada, 50, was killed when an Israeli artillery shell hit her house in al-Zaytoun neighborhood.

- Ramadan Mahmoud Siam, 75, was killed when an Israeli artillery shell hit his house in al-Sha’af neighborhood.

- Saleh Ayman Mohammed Samara, 19, was killed as he was hit by an Israeli artillery shell him when he was running away from his house.

- Ahmed Suleiman Akram al-‘Atawai, 65, and his grandchild, Tala Akram al-‘Atawi, 10, were killed as they were hit by Israeli artillery shells when they were running away from the area.

- Ibrahim Salem al-Sahabani, 22, a paramedic of the Palestinian Civil Defense, was killed by an Israeli artillery shell when he was attempting to rescue the wounded.

- Israeli warplanes launched a missile at a house belonging to Eskafi family in al-Nazzaz Street in al-Shuja’iya neighborhood. The house was destroyed and 7 members of the family, including a child, were killed: ‘Essam ‘Atiya Eskafi, 25; Mohammed ‘Ali Eskafi, 49; Ali Mohammed Eskafi, 29; ‘Abdul Rahman Akram Eskafi, 12; Mos’ab Salah Eskafi, 28; Akram Mohammed Eskafi, 30; and Mos’ab Saladin Eskafi, 28.

- Maraj Shaker al-Jammal, 10, and his cousin Ahmed Sofian al-Jammal, 9, were killed by an Israeli artillery shell that hit their house.

- Yousef Mohammed Widad, 46, was killed by an Israeli artillery shell that hit his house.

- ‘Ali Mahmoud Jundiya, 26, was killed by an Israeli artillery shell that hit house.

- An Israeli warplane launched a missile belonging to the al-Sheikh Khalil family in al-Mansour Street. As a result, 4 members of the family were killed: ‘Aaida Mohammed al-Sheikh Khalil, 45; ‘Abdul Rahman Mohammed al-Sheikh Khalil, 50; Mona Salman al-Sheikh Khalil, 45; and Hiba Hamed al-Sheikh Khalil, 14. Yousef Salem Hamattu Habib, 60, was killed as he was passing near the house.

- An Israeli warplane launched a missile at al-Mansour Street. As a result 10 members of the ‘Ayad family, including 5 women and 3 children, were killed, while they were attempting to flee from the area: Fathi ‘Ayad, 18; Mohammed Rami ‘Ayad, 3; Ahmed Sami ‘Ayad, 27; Ussama Rebhi ‘Ayad, 34; Mona ‘Abdul Rahman ‘Ayad, 42; Hala Subhi ‘Ayad, 25, pregnant; Ghada Subhi ‘Ayad, 13; Mohammed Ashraf ‘Ayad, 3; Nermin Rafiq ‘Ayad, 20; and Fidaa’ Rafiq ‘Ayad, 24.

- Mohammed Tawfiq al-Mubayed, 23, was killed by an Israeli artillery shell in al-Sha’af neighborhood.

- Saleem Sha’ban Mohammed Abu al-Khair, 50, was killed by an Israeli artillery shell that hit his house.

- Shadi and Fadi Diab Hassan Esleem, 16 and 10, were killed by an Israeli artillery shell that hit al-Mansour Street.

- ‘Alaa’ Jamal Barda’, 35, was killed by an Israeli artillery shell that hit his house.

- ‘Abdullah Mansour ‘Amara, 23, a member of a Palestinian armed group, was killed.

- Marwan Moneer Salah Khalaf, 23, was killed by an Israeli artillery shell that hit al-Mansoura Street.

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The most significant attacks in other areas in Gaza City were as follows:

- At approximately 19:20 on Sunday, 21 July 2014, Israeli warplanes launched 2 missiles at Cordoba building in al-Remal neighborhood. One of the missiles hit a house belonging to the al-Hajj family and the entrance of the building, killing 11 members of the al-Hallaq and ‘Ammar families: Hani Mohammed Ahmed al-Hallaq, 49; Mohammed Hani al-Hallaq, 2; Samar Ussama Khalil al-Hallaq, 29, pregnant in the 9th month; Saji Hassan al-Hallaq, 4; Kinan Hassan al-Hallaq, 6; Hala Akram al-Hallaq, 27; Su’ad Mohammed al-Hallaq, 62; ‘Aassem Khalil ‘Ammar, 4; Iman Khalil ‘Ammar, 9; Ibrahim Khalil ‘Ammar, 13; asd Rahaf Akram Abu Jum’a, 4.

- At approximately 22:00, Fatema ‘Abdul Rahim ‘Abdul Qader Abu Ammouna, 55, was killed when Israeli warplanes bombarded a nearby house in Tal al-Hawa neighborhood.

- At approximately 04:30 on Monday, 21 July 2014, Zkaria Mas’oud al-Ashqar, 24, was killed when Israeli warplanes bombarded a house belonging to the Tafesh family in al-Zaytoun neighborhood.

- At approximately 06:00, Ahmed Mohammed Hassan ‘Azzam, 22, was killed when an Israeli artillery shell hit his house in al-Zaytoun neighborhood.

- At approximately 09:00, Ahmed Fayeq Jum’a Yassin, 22, was killed by Israeli selling in al-Zaytoun neighborhood.

The Central Gaza Strip:

Israeli warplanes launched 22 airstrikes and tanks fired dozens of shells targeting houses, agricultural lands and open areas. As a result of these attacks, 11 Palestinians, including 6 civilians, were killed – the civilian victims include 2 women and 2 children. Additionally, 46 Palestinians, including 6 women and 16 children, were wounded. Seven houses were destroyed.

The most significant attacks were as follows:

- At approximately 10:00 on Sunday, 20 July 2014, an Israeli drone fired a missile at a 2-storey house belonging to Ibrahim Hussein al-Deirawi, in which 37 people live, in Deir al-Balah. Soon after, an Israeli warplane launched a missile at the house and extensively damaged it.

- At approximately 14:00, an Israeli warplane launched a missile at a 3-storey house belonging to Jameel Sha’ban Ziada, in which 20 people live, in al-Boreij refugee camp. The house was destroyed and 6 members of the family, including 2 women and a child, and a guest were killed: Jameel Sha’ban Ziada, 53; Yousef Sh’aban Ziada, 43; ‘Omar Sha’ban Ziada, 32; Sha’ban Jameel Ziada, 12; Muftiya Mohammed Ziada, 70; Bayan ‘Abdul Latif Ziada, 39; and Mohammed Mahmoud al-Maqadma, 30.

- At approximately 16:00, an Israeli drone fired a missile at a flat on the third floor of a house belonging to ‘Abdul ‘Azizi ‘Abdul Hamid al-Kurd in al-Boreij refugee camp. As a result, the owner’s son, Ismail, 21, who is a member of a Palestinian armed group, but was in a civilian state, was killed.

- At approximately 16:10, an Israeli drone fired a missile at a 2-storey house belonging to ‘Abdullah ‘Edwan, in which 9 people live, in al-Nussairat refugee camp. The house was destroyed.

- At approximately 19:45, an Israeli drone fired a missile at a 4-storey house belonging to the sons of Salah Mohammed Kaffina, in which 45 people live, in al-Nussairat refugee camp. A few minutes later, an Israeli warplane fired a missile at the house and destroyed it.

- At approximately 22:10, an Israeli drone fired a missile at a 2-storey house belonging to Mohammed ‘Eid Abu Taleb, in which 9 people live, in al-Nussairat refugee camp. A few minutes later, an Israeli warplane fired a missile at the house and destroyed it.

- At approximately 03:50 on Monday, 21 July 2014, an Israeli drone fired a missile at 2 members of a Palestinian armed group in al-Mughraqa village killing them: Bilal Jaber Mohammed al-Ashab, 22; and ‘Abdul Rahman Faraj al-Toum, 22.

- At approximately 07:10, an Israeli drone fired a missile at an under-construction house belonging to the Abu ‘Oraiban family in al-Nussairat refugee camp. A few minutes later, an Israeli warplane fired a missile at the house and destroyed it.

- At approximately 07:30, an Israeli drone fired a missile at a child who was riding a motorbike at the entrance of al-Nussairat refugee camp. The child who was killed was identified as ‘Abdullah Trad Abu Hujayer, 16

Khan Yunis:

Israeli warplanes launched 31 airstrikes targeting houses, agricultural plots and open areas in the southern Gaza Strip town of Khan Yunis. Israeli tanks also fired dozens of shells at agricultural and open areas. As a result, 35 Palestinians, including 30 civilians were killed - the civilian victims include 21 children and 5 women. Additionally, 54 Palestinians, including 8 women and 12 children, were wounded. Israeli warplanes also targeted and destroyed 6 houses and a shop. In the meantime, Israeli forces maintained their incursion into the east of al-Qarara, ‘Abassan and al-Fukhari villages. They shelled houses and leveled areas of land.

The most significant attacks were as follows:

- At approximately 10:30 on Sunday, 20 July 2014, an Israeli drone fired a missile at a number of Palestinians in Bani Suhaila village, east of Khan Yunis. As a result, Suleiman Mohammed Abu Fsaifes, 33, a member of a Palestinian armed group, was killed.

- Israeli forces continued their incursion in the east of al-Qarara village, al-Zanna area and ‘Abassan village. They also moved nearly 400 meters into al-Fukhari village, southeast of Khan Yunis. They destroyed civilian property. It should be noted that Israeli forces order residents of Khuza’a village, east of Khan Yunis, to leave their homes, so thousands of civilians left their homes and headed to the center of the town.

- At approximately 12:00, an Israeli warplane launched a missile at a 2-storey house belonging to Salah Saleh al-Sha’er, 55, in Gizan al-Najjar areas in the south of Khan Yunis, and destroyed it. As a result, al-Sha’er was killed together with 3 members of the family: Leila Hassan al-Sha’er, 30; Mohammed Ayman al-Sha’er, 5, Leila’s child; and Hiba Akram Saleh al-Sha’er, 15. Nine members of the family were also wounded.

- Between 13:00 and 14:00, Israeli drones fired 2 missiles at some Palestinian civilians in ‘Abassan and Bani Suhaila villages, east of Khan Yunis. As a result 2 civilians, including a child, were killed: Suleiman Ahmed Abu Jame’, 14; and Mohammed Buhdar al-Daghma, 25. Another 4 civilians were also wounded.

- At approximately 14:05, Israeli drones fired 3 missiles at a 3-storey house belonging to Hassan Ibrahim Abu ‘Ayada, in which 40 people live, in Bani Suhaila village east of Khan Yunis. As few minutes later, an Israeli warplane launched a missile at the house and destroyed it.

- At approximately 15:30, Israeli warplanes launched 4 airstrikes on ‘Abassan village and al-Zanna area, east of Khan Yunis. As a result, 2 members of a Palestinian armed group were killed: Bassem Mohammed al-Buraim, 24; and Ahmed ‘Abdul Rahman Abu Tayem, 27. Another 4 Palestinians were wounded.

- At approximately 16:00, an Israeli warplane launched a missile at an agricultural plot in al-‘Abadla area in al-Qarara village. No casualties were reported.

- At approximately 19:50, an Israeli warplane launched a missile at a 3-storey house belonging to Tawfiq Ahmed Mohammed Abu Jame’, in which 5 families live. The house was destroyed over the family. Searching for victims under the debris continued until Monday morning. Rescue crews were able to recover 25 corpses of victims, including 18 children and 5 women. The victims were identified as: Fatema Ahmed Abu Jame’, 60, the owner’s mother; Sabah Tawfiq Abu Jame’, 35, the owner’s wife; Razan, 14, Jawdat, 13, Aya, 12, Haifaa, 9, Tawfiq, 4, Misaa, 7 and Ahmed, 8, the owner’s children; Shahinaz Waleed Mohammed Abu Jame’, 29; Ayoub Tayseer Abu Jame’, 10; Fatema Tayseer Abu Jame’, 12; Rayan Tayseer Abu Jame’, 5; Rinat Tayseer Abu Jame’, 2; Nojoud Tayseer Abu Jame’, 4 months; Yasmeen Ahmed Salama Abu Jame’, 25, pregnant; Batould Bassam Abu Jame’, 4; Suhaila Bassam Abu Jame’, 3; Bissan Bassam Abu Jame’, 6 months; Yasser Ahmed Abu Jame’, 27; Fatema Riad Abu Jame’, 26, pregnant; Sajed Yasser Abu Jame’, 7; Siraj Yasser Abu Jame’, 4; Nour Yasser Abu Jame’, 2; and Hussam Hussam Abu Qainas, 7, the owner’s nephew whose father was killed by Israeli forces a few year ago; and Ahmed Suleiman Mahmoud Sahmoud, 34. Another 3 members of the family were wounded.

- In the evening, Rajaa’ Hammad Mohammed al-Daghma, 38, from ‘Abassan village, was pronounced dead at an Egyptian hospital. Al-Daghma was wounded by an Israeli airstrike on ‘Abassan village on 18 July 2014.

- At approximately 02:00 on Monday, 21 July 2014, an Israeli warplane launched a missile at a house belonging to Jameel Mohammed Khalifa, in which 9 people live, in Khan Yunis refugee camp. The house was destroyed and a nearby one was damaged.

- Also at approximately 02:00, an Israeli warplane launched a missile at a shop belonging to Ahmed Jameel Khalifa in Khan Yunis refugee camp. The shop was destroyed.

- At approximately 03:50, Israeli warplanes launched 2 missiles at al-Qassas Street in Khan Yunis.

- Also at approximately 03:50, Israeli warplanes launched 2 missiles at Saladin Street near Ma’an area in the east of Khan Yunis.

- In the morning, Israeli warplanes launched 6 airstrikes at agricultural lands in al-Qarara village, al-Satar al-Gharbi area, ‘Abassan village and Ma’an area.

- At approximately 05:55, an Israeli drone fired a missile at a house belonging to Major General Saladin Fu’ad Abu Sharekh, chief of security forces in Gaza, in the south of Khan Yunis. A few minutes later, an Israeli warplane launched a missile at the house and destroyed it.

- At approximately 06:55, Israeli drones fired 2 missiles at a 3-storey house belonging to Hussein Ibrahim al-Hajj, in which 18 people live, in al-Satar al-Gharbi area. A few minutes later, an Israeli warplane launched a missile at the house and destroyed it. ‘Alaa’ Hussein al-Hajj, 27, was wounded.

Rafah:

Israeli warplanes launched 17 airstrikes and Israeli tanks fired dozens of shells targeting houses, agricultural lands and open areas in the southern Gaza Strip town of Rafah. As a result, 14 Palestinians, including 12 civilians, were killed – the civilian victims include 7 children and 3 women. Additionally, 50 Palestinians, including 17 children and 7 women, were wounded. Five houses and flat were also destroyed.

The most significant attacks were as follows:

- At approximately 12:30 on Sunday, 20 July 2014, Israeli tanks positioned at the border between the Gaza Strip and Israel, east of Rafah, fired 2 shells at a flat rented by Fusion Internet Company on the 6th floor of al-Tahreer building near al-‘Awda Square in the center of Rafah, about 5,000 meters away from the border. The flat was partially destroyed.

- At approximately 12:50, Israeli warplanes launched 2 missiles without a prior warning at a house belonging to ‘Abdul Jabbar Khalil Darraji in al-Junaina neighborhood in Rafah. As a result, Najah Sa’duddin Darraji, 49, the owner;s wife, and ‘Abdullah Yousef Darraji, 2, were killed. Eleven members of the family, including 3 children, were also wounded.

- At approximately 15:00, Israeli tanks fired a number of shells at houses in al-Nasser village, northeast of Rafah. As a result, fire broke out in house belonging to Jawad Abu al-Hussain.

- Also at approximately 15:00, Israeli tanks fired a number of shells at houses in al-Salam neighborhood in the south of Rafah. As a result, Mohammed Raja’ Mohammed Handam, 15, was killed, and his father, 43, was seriously wounded.

- At approximately 17:00, Israeli tanks fired a number of shells at house in al-Nasser village, northeast of Rafah. As a result, fire broke in a house belonging to Ismail Shata.

- At approximately 03:20 on Monday, 21 July 2014, Israeli drones fired 3 missiles at members of a Palestinian armed group neat the old fishing harbor at Rafah beach. One of the, Ra’ed Ismail al-Bardawil, 26, was killed, and another 2 ones were seriously wounded.

- Also at approximately 03:20, an Israeli warplane launched a missile at a restaurant at Rafah beach and destroyed it.

- At approximately 06:30, Israeli drones fired 5 missiles at al-Siamat neighborhood in the north of Rafah. One missile hit a park, the second one hit the face of a house belonging to the Zo’rob family, and the third and fourth ones hit a house belonging to Ahmed Salman Abu Snaima, wounding him. The fifth missile exploded near a house belonging to Mahrous Salam Siam, as members of the family were getting out of the house. As a result, 9 members of the family were killed: Shireen Mohammed Siam, 31; Dalal Siam, 9 months; Bader Siam, 4; Ghaida Siam, 7; Mustafa Siam, 9; Mohammed Mahrous Siam, 27; Somoud Siam, 26; Kamal Mahrous Siam, 31; and Ahmed Ayman Siam, 15. Another 9 members of the family, including 7 children and a wounded, were wounded, and most of them are in serious conditions.

- At approximately 07:00, an Israeli drone fired a missile at a member of a Palestinian armed group, Yousef Ahmed al-Zamli, 24, near his house in al-Shouka village, southeast of Rafah. He was instantly killed.

- At approximately 08:00, Israeli tanks fired a number of shells at houses in al-Salam neighborhood in the south of Rafah. As a result, fire broke out in 2 houses belonging to the al-‘Arja and Hammad families.

PCHR reiterates condemnation, expresses utmost concern for these crimes, and:

1) Warns of deterioration of the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip in light of this continuous Israeli military escalation, threats to expand military operations, and the continued tightened closure of the Gaza Strip;

2) Calls upon the international community to act immediately to stop these crimes, and renews the call to the High Contracting Parties of the Fourth Geneva Convention to fulfill their obligation under Article 1 of the Convention to ensure that it is respected at all times, and their responsibilities under Article 146 to pursue perpetrators of serious violations of the Convention, which are determined in Article 147, which lists violations of the Convention amounting to war crimes; and

3) Calls for establishing a UN fact-finding mission to investigate suspected war crimes committed by Israeli forces against Palestinian civilians in the Gaza Strip, and take necessary steps to prosecute responsible for them.

ENDS

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