On the 18th Day of the Israeli Offensive on Gaza

On the 18th Day of the Israeli Offensive on Gaza:

• Israeli Warplane Attack Shelter of Displaced Civilians Killing 11 and Wounding Dozens;

• Israeli Forces Attack Medical Crews and Ambulances;

• Israeli Forces Attack Gaza from the Air, the Sea and the Ground;

• More Palestinians Forcibly Displaced from Border Areas

Since the Beginning of the Israeli Offensive on Gaza:

• 808 Palestinians Killed, of Whom 666 Are Civilians, Including 194 Children and 107 Women, and 4,417 Others Wounded, Mostly Civilians, Including 1,280 Children and 892 Women;

• 552 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 18th 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. Israeli forces escalated their attacks throughout the Gaza Strip. They attacked civilians, houses and other civilian facilities. In a new serious crime, Israeli forces attacked a shelter for displaced civilians at an UNRWA school in the northern Gaza Strip, killing 11 civilians, including 7 children and 2 women, and wounding dozens of others. Israeli forces also attacked hospitals, medical crews and houses. Israeli warplanes bombarded a number of houses without prior warnings. Israeli forces continued their incursions in several areas in the Gaza Strip, and more Palestinian civilians were forced to leave their homes in border areas. The ICRC and medical crews have not been allowed in some areas that were subject to Israeli attacks in order to recover dead and wounded Palestinian civilians. These areas, especially al-Shuja’iya neighborhood in the east of Gaza City, and Khuza’a village east of Khan Yunis, have been subjected to continuous Israeli attacks.

PCHR field worker have been unable to collect information from border areas in the Gaza Strip, because the situation is extremely dangerous in these areas. The following details are based on the information which the field workers have been able to collect.

From 10:00 on Thursday, 24 July 2014 to 10:00 on Friday, 25 July 2014, according to the information PCHR has been able to obtain, 65 Palestinians, 61 of whom are civilians, including 18 children and 11 women, were killed. Additionally, 471 Palestinians, mostly civilians, were wounded – this number includes 150 children and 88 women. Israeli warplanes also targeted and destroyed 28 houses.

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

The Northern Gaza Strip:

Israeli warplanes launched 13 airstrikes and Israeli tanks and gunboats fired dozens of shells targeting houses, an UNRWA shelter, agricultural plots and open areas. As a result of these attacks, 18 Palestinian civilians, including 10 children and 3 women, were killed, and 170 others, including 77 children and 43 women, were wounded. Israeli warplanes bombarded 8 houses and destroyed one of them.

The most significant attacks were as follows:

- At approximately 13:25 on Thursday, 24 July 2014, an Israeli drone fired a missile at Khader Khalil Khader al-Louh, 52, when he was walking near al-‘Atatra square in Beit Lahia. He was instantly killed.

- At approximately 13:30, an Israeli drone fired a missile at a number of children who were bring some of their belongings from their houses, which they had evacuated, in al-Qaraman Street in Beit Hanoun Street. As a result, 3 children were killed: Mohammed Jihad Saleem Matar, 12; Amena Jihad Saleem Matar, 10; and Do’aa Ra’ed Yousef Abu ‘Ouda, 17.

- Also at approximately 13:30, an Israeli drone fired a missile at Tamam Mohammed ‘Abdul Rahman Hamad, 66, when she was on the roof of her house in al-Qaraman Street in Beit Hanoun. She was instantly killed.

- At approximately 14:50, Israeli tanks that had moved into Beit Hanoun fired 5 shells at Beit Hanoun UNRWA Elementary School in Beit Hanoun which has been used by UNRWA as a shelter for dozens of Palestinian civilians who have been forcibly displaced from the border areas in Beit Hanoun. As a result of the attack, 11 Palestinian civilians, including 7 children and 2 women, were killed: ‘Awadh ‘Abdul Majid Hassan Abu ‘Ouda, 39; Bilal Ahmed Tawfiq al-Shanbari, 21; ‘Abed Rabbu Jamal Ayoub al-Shanbari, 17; Suha ‘Abed Rabbu Mohammed Mosleh, 2; Mohammed Akram ‘Abdul ‘Aziz al-Kafarna, 15; Fatema Mohammed Ayoub al-Shanbari, 47; ‘Abed Rabbu Shaiboub Ahmed al-Shanbari, 16; Palestine Hussein Hassan al-Shanbari, 40; Miriam Shaiboub Ahmed al-Shanbari, 11; ‘Ali Shaiboub Ahmed al-Shanbari, 9; and Hassan ‘Abdullah Mustafa al-‘Athamna, 59. Additionally, 110 civilians, including 55 children and 31 women, were wounded. According to UNRWA sources, the number of civilians who had shelters at the school was 800. Since Wednesday, 23 July 2014, UNRWA has not been able to provide food and services to those civilians because of Israeli attacks. So, UNRWA sent a message to those civilians via the ICRC that who wished to leave the school could do that under the ICRC’s escort. The ICRC evacuated 40 civilians from the school. On Thursday morning, 24 July 2014, UNRWA declared that it would close the shelter because the area was dangerous. During the course of coordination for safe evacuation of those civilians, Israeli tanks attacked the school.

- At approximately 21:30, medical sources at Shifa Hospital in Gaza City declared that Mahmoud As’ad Mohammed Ghaben, 23, died of wounds he had sustained on Saturday, 19 July 2014, when Israeli forces attacked Palestinian civilians in Beit Lahia.

- At approximately 08:00 on Friday, 25 July 2014, an Israeli tank fired a shell at a cow farm in al-Karama Street in the east of Jabalya. As a result, Ibrahim ‘Abdul Rahman ‘Abdullah al-Sama’na, 17, a worker in the farm, was killed. The farm was also damaged.

- Israeli warplanes also bombarded 8 houses, destroying one of them completely and the other 7 ones partially. Israeli tanks fired dozens of shells at Palestinian houses in various areas in the northern Gaza Strip.

Gaza City:

Israeli warplanes launched several airstrikes and Israeli gunboats and tanks fired shells targeting houses, agricultural plots and open areas. As a result of these attacks, 3 Palestinian civilians were killed, and the bodies of 2 civilians were recovered from al-Shuja’iya neighborhood. Additionally, 26 Palestinians, including 3 children and 3 women, were wounded. Six houses and a flat were also bombarded and destroyed.

The most significant attacks in Gaza City were as follows:

- At approximately 14:00 on Thursday, 24 July 2014, medical crews were able to recover the bodies of twins who were killed in al-Shuja’ya neighborhood on 20 July 2014: Anas and As’ad Akram Eskafi, 18.

- At approximately 15:30, ‘Abdul ‘Aziz Nour al-Din Ibrahim Nour, 21, and Tha’er ‘Aahed ‘Ouda Shamali, 18, were killed by Israel shelling in al-Shuja’iya neighborhood.

- At approximately 16:00, an Israeli warplane launched a missile at a 5-storey house belonging to Mahmoud Ahmed Noufal, in which 40 people live, in al-Shifa area. The house was extensively damaged.

- Also at approximately 16:00, an Israeli warplane launched a missile at a house belonging to Hammad Abu Khousa, in which 8 people live, in al-Shifa area. The house was extensively damaged.

- At approximately 19:30, the vicinity of al-Dura Pediatric Hospital in al-Tuffah neighborhood in the east of Gaza City was subject to intense Israeli shelling. According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Health, as a result of the selling Ibrahim al-Sheikh ‘Omar, 2, who was receiving medical treatment in the hospital was killed. The building was also extensively damaged. Additionally, 30 civilians were wounded.

- At approximately 20:00, an Israeli drone fired a missile at house near the Latin Church in Gaza. As a result, Ibrahim Jihad Ja’far Abu Laban, 27, was killed.

- At approximately 22:00, an Israeli drone fired a missile at a 6-storey house belonging to Munther Hassouna Fattouh in al-Nasser Street. A few minutes later, an Israeli warplane bombarded and destroyed the house.

- At approximately 01:30 on Friday, 25 July 2014, an Israeli drone fired a missile at a flat on the 4th floor of Palestine building opposite to Palestine Stadium. The flat was destroyed.

- At approximately 06:00, Israeli drones fired 2 missiles at 4-storey house belonging to Younis ‘Omar Siam, in which 5 people live, in Sheikh Radwan neighborhood. A few minutes later, an Israeli warplane bombarded and destroyed the house.

- Also at approximately 06:00, Israeli warplanes launched a missile at a 2-storey house belonging to Mohammed Mahmoud Abu Jaber al-Madhoun, in which 12 people live, in Sheikh Radwan neighborhood. The house was destroyed.

The Central Gaza Strip:

Israeli warplanes launched 15 airstrikes and tanks fired dozens of shells targeting houses, a mosque, agricultural lands and open areas. As a result of these attacks, 5 Palestinians, including 4 civilians, were killed – the civilian victims include 3 women. Additionally, 60 Palestinians, including 8 women and 8 children, were wounded. Eights houses were also destroyed.

The most significant attacks were as follows:

- At approximately 10:30 on Thursday, 24 July 2014, an Israeli drone fired a missile at a house belonging to al-Burdaini family, in which Salam Farid Abu ‘Abda and his family live, in al-Zahra’ town, south of Gaza City. Soon after, an Israeli warplane launched a missile at the house and destroyed it. As a result, Abu ‘Abda’s wife, ‘Ola Khalil Hassan Abu ‘Aabda, 20, was killed, and her 3 children were wounded.

- At approximately 16:30, medical crews recovered the body of a member of a Palestinian armed from the east of Wadi al-Salqa village, east of Deir al-Balah.

- At approximately 00:00 on Friday, 25 July 2014, an Israeli drone fired a missile at a 4-storey house belonging to the sons of ‘Abdul Malek Salman Mo’alla, in which 40 people live, in the west of al-Nussairat refugee camp. Soon after, an Israeli warplane launched a missile at the house and destroyed it. Rescue crews are still searching under the debris as a member of the family is believed to be under the debris.

- At approximately 00:30, Israeli drones fired 2 missiles at a house belonging to Mohammed Ma’ali Abu Samra in Deir al-Balah. The house was extensively damaged.

- Also at approximately 00:30, an Israeli drone fired a missile at 3-storey house belonging to Ahmed Hussein al-‘Attar, in which 15 people live, in Deir al-Balah. Soon after, an Israeli warplane launched a missile at the house and destroyed it.

- At approximately 02:10, an Israeli drone fired a missile at 2-storey house belonging to Ibrahim Mahmoud al-Sheikh ‘Ali, in which 5 people live, in Deir al-Balah refugee camp. Soon after, an Israeli warplane launched a missile at the house. As a result, the owner’s wife, Shaima’ Hussein al-Sheikh ‘Ali, 23, pregnant in the 9thmonth, was killed, but the life of her baby was saved. Seven civilians were also wounded.

- At approximately 02:15, a 5-storey house belonging to the Shaltout family in al-Zawaida village was hit by a number of Israeli artillery shells. A flat on the third floor was extensively damaged, but no casualties were reported.

- At approximately 03:00, an Israeli drone fired a missile at a house belonging to Rajeh ‘Abdul Rahman Fayad in Deir al-Balah. As a result, Fayad’s daughter, Maram, 26, was killed, and his mother and his wife were wounded.

- At approximately 07:10, an Israeli drone fired a missile in the vicinity of a house belonging to the Eqtaifan family in Deir al-Balah. As a result, ‘Eid Mohammed Eqtaifan, 23, was killed and 4 members of the family were wounded.

Khan Yunis:

Israeli warplanes launched 38 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, 25 Palestinians, including 5 children and a woman, were killed. A woman died of previous wounds. Medical crews were able to recover the bodies of 4 Palestinians, including a chil, who were killed in Khuza’a village, east of Khan Yunis. Additionally, 180 Palestinians, including 30 women and 45 children, were wounded. Four houses were also attacked and damaged.

The most significant attacks were as follows:

- At approximately 10:00 on Thursday, 24 July 2014, 2 ambulances of Palestine Red Crescent Society, which transported 10 paramedics, escorted by an ICRC vehicle, headed to Khuza’a village to evacuate casualties, following coordination between the ICRC and Israeli forces. Israeli forces obstructed the passage of the ambulances for 2 hours, during which time they searched the ambulances using sniffer dogs. When they entered the village, the medical crews were able to recover the bodies of 4 Palestinians, and 4 wounded persons who were in the streets and inside houses. When they were leaving the village, Israeli forces stopped the ambulances and arrested 4 persons who accompanied the wounded persons. The victims whose bodies were recovered were identified as: Rasmi Saleem Abu Raida, 55; Ahmed Mohammed Qudaih, 19; Rami Ra’ed Talab Qudaih, 18; and Bader Hatem ‘Amish, 9. Additionally, the body of Anas Qudaih, 7, who was killed by Israeli shelling in Khuza’a village, was brought to the European Gaza Hospital in Khan Yunis.

- In the morning, an Israeli warplane launched a missile at a house belonging to Rezeq Abu Daqqa in al-Fukhari area in the southeast of Khan Yunis.

- At approximately 11:00, an Israeli drone fired a missile at a number of Palestinian civilians in ‘Abassan village, killing one of them, Hanafi Mahmoud Kamel Abu Yousef, 42.

- Also at approximately 11:00, medical crews declared that Mohammed ‘Abdul Hamid Sha’athj, 29, died of wounds he had sustained when Israeli warplanes bombarded al-Manara neighborhood in the south of Khan Yunis a few day ago.

- At approximately 12:10, an Israeli drone fired a missile at a number of Palestinian civilians in al-Satar al-Gharbi area, killing 3 of them, including a child: Ahmed ‘Abdul Karim Hassan, 51; Mohammed Isma’il Khader, 54; and Mahmoud Suleiman al-Astal, 17.

- At approximately 17:50, an Israeli drone fired a missile at a Palestinian who was walking near al-Sa’ad Wedding Hall to Khan Yunis – Rafah road, wounding him. When a number of civilian bystanders rushed to offer him help, the Israeli drone fired another missile at them. As a result, 5 civilians were wounded: Mohammed ‘Abdullah Mohammed al-Najjar, 50; Ahmed Mohammed ‘Abdullah al-Najjar, 17; Ahmed Talal al-Najjar, 29; Ashraf Ibrahim Hassan al-Najjar, 22; and Mahmoud Jihad ‘Awadh ‘Aabdin, 12.

- Also at approximately 17:50, a shell fired by an Israeli tank landed near a house belonging to the al-Astal family in al-Satar al-Gharbi area in the north of Khan Yunis. As a result, Sanaa’ Hassan ‘Ali al-Aastal, 45, was killed together with her 2 sons: Nabeel and Ashraf Mahmoud Mohammed al-Astal, 13 and 28 respectively.

- At approximately 18:50, an Israeli warplane fired a missile at a house belonging to Ahmed ‘Ata ‘Asfour in ‘Abassan village, east of Khan Yunis. The house was destroyed and Hani Jalal Ibrahim ‘Asfour, 34, and Mohammed Yousef Mohammed al-Qarra, 39, were killed.

- Also at approximately 18:50, an Israeli warplane launched a missile at a number of Palestinian civilians in al-Jiya Street in al-Qarara village, northwest of Khan Yunis. As a result, Ahmed Mousa Mohammed ‘Awadh, 27, was killed, and another one was wounded.

- At approximately 20:45, Israeli drones fired 3 missiles at a number of Palestinian civilians in Ma’an area in the south of Khan Yunis. As a result, 4 civilians were wounded: Mohammed Rateb Abu Jazar, 26; Hisham Mohammed Abu Jazar, 23; Mohammed Farhan Abu Jazar, 19; and Shadi Suleiman Kaware’, 31.

- In the evening, Israeli warplanes launched 4 strikes at open area in the west of Khan Yunis. Israeli tanks positioned to the east of Khan Yunis also fired a number of artillery shells at the town.

- At approximately 22:40, Israeli warplanes launched 5 airstrikes at agricultural plots and open areas in various areas in Khan Yunis.

- At approximately 23:30, Israeli warplanes launched 4 missiles at an ambulance of the Palestinian Ministry of Health at Saladin Street that has evacuated wounded persons to the European Gaza Hospital. The driver, Mohammed Mustafa Abu Jummaiza, 47, lost control and the ambulance hit cement blocks. The driver and the medical crew stepped out of the ambulance and fled to a nearby house. While they were running, an Israeli drone fired a missile at a number of Palestinian civilians who attempted to help them. As a result, 3 civilian were wounded. Half an hour later, an ambulance of Palestine Red Crescent Society arrived at the area and evacuated the three civilians and one of the paramedics. While the ambulance was traveling towards the European Gaza Hospital, Israeli drones fired 2 missiles near it. The ambulance was damaged and the driver, Salem Abu al-Khair, was wounded. All those who were in the ambulance got out of it and ran towards a nearby house. They were eventually able to leave the area through coordination between the ICRC and Israeli forces. Since the beginning of the current Israeli offensive on Gaza, Israeli forces have attacked 5 ambulances.

- At approximately 00:00 on Friday, 25 July 2014, an Israeli warplane launched a missile at a house belonging to Nasser ‘Abdu Shurrab in al-Manara neighborhood in the south of Khan Yunis. The house was destroyed.

- At approximately 01:00, an Israeli warplane launched a missile at a water well in the center of Bani Suhaila. The well was destroyed and a nearby mosque was damaged.

- At approximately 01:55, Israeli warplanes launched 3 airstrikes at agricultural lands in al-Satar al-Gharbi area.

- At night, an Israeli warplane launched a missile at a house in ‘Asfour area in ‘Abassan village. As a result, ‘Ali Mohammed ‘Asfour, 58, was killed inside his neighboring house.

- At approximately 03:55, an Israeli drone fired a missile at a house belonging to Salah al-Bardawil, Member of the Palestinian Legislative Council representing Hamas, in al-Qarara village. Three minutes later, Israeli warplanes launched 2 missiles at the house and destroyed it.

- At approximately 04:10, medical crews recovered the body of Suleiman Ibrahim al-Shawaf, 22, and 2 wounded persons from ‘Abassan village. The victims were attacked earlier by an Israeli drone.

- At approximately 04:30, an Israeli drone fired a missile at Mohammed Sameer ‘Abdul ‘Aal al-Najjar, 25, when he was on his way to the mosque for the Dawn Prayer in the west of Khan Yunis.

- At approximately 09:00, medical sources at the European Gaza Hospital declared that Mohammed Ibrahim al-Khatib, 27, was killed by Israeli shelling in the east of Khan Yunis, without providing more details.

Rafah:

Israeli warplanes launched 18 airstrikes and Israeli tanks fired dozens of shells targeting houses, agricultural lands, open area and a vegetable refrigerator in the southern Gaza Strip town of Rafah. As a result, 11 Palestinians, including 8 civilians, were killed – the civilian victims include 3 children and 3 women. Additionally, 35 Palestinians, including 17 children and 4 women, were wounded. Two houses were also destroyed.

The most significant attacks were as follows:

- At approximately 11:40 on Thursday, 24 July 2014, an Israeli warplane launched a missile at an agricultural plot in al-Nasser village, northeast of Rafah.

- At approximately 11:50, an Israeli warplane launched a missile at an agricultural plot near Rafah International Crossing Point.

- At approximately 12:00, medical sources at an Egyptian hospital declared that a member of a Palestinian armed ground died of wounds he had sustained when an Israeli drone attacked him on 18 July 2014.

- At approximately 12:25, an Israeli drone fired a missile at a member of a Palestinian armed group in Musabbeh neighborhood in the north of Rafah. No casualties were reported.

- At approximately 13:00, medical sources at an Egyptian hospital declared that Yasmeen Ahmed Abu Mour, 27, died of wounds she had sustained by Israeli artillery shelling on 22 July 2014.

- At approximately 15:00, an Israeli drone fired a missile at a number of Palestinian civilians in al-Siamat neighborhood in the north of Rafah. As a result, Ameer ‘Aadel Siam, 12, and ‘Essam Faisal Siam, 26, were killed. Four children and an old man were also wounded.

- At approximately 15:05, an Israeli warplane launched a missile at an agricultural plot in al-Nasser village, northeast of Rafah.

- At approximately 15:10, an Israeli drone fired a missile at a member of a Palestinian armed group near al-Farouq Mosque in al-Shaboura refugee camp. He and 2 civilian bystanders were wounded. One of these civilians, Mahmoud Selmi Abu Rwaished, 49, died of his wounds.

- At approximately 15:15, Israeli drones fired 2 missiles at a member of a Palestinian armed group in the Hijazi are in the north of Rafah, killing him instantly.

- At approximately 20:00, an Israeli warplane launched a missile at an agricultural plot in Musabbeh neighborhood in the north of Rafah.

- At approximately 20:10, an Israeli warplane launched a missile at an agricultural plot in al-Nasser village, north of Rafah.

- At approximately 20:45, an Israeli warplane launched a missile at an open area in the northwest of Rafah.

- At approximately 21:00, Israeli drones fired 2 missiles at a member of a Palestinian armed group who was riding a motorbike in Tal al-Sultan neighborhood in the west of Rafah. As a result, he and 4 civilian bystanders were wounded.

- At approximately 23:00, medical sources at the European Gaza Hospital in Khan Yunis declared that Leila Ibrahim Zo’rob, 40, died of wounds she had sustained when Israeli warplanes bombarded her house.

- At approximately 02:55 on Friday, 25 July 2014, Israeli warplanes launched 2 missiles at a vegetable refrigerator belonging to Anwar Madhi in Musabbeh neighborhood in the north of Rafah.

- At approximately 03:00, medical sources at the European Gaza Hospital declared that Rasha ‘Abed Rabbu ‘Afana, 28, died of wounds she had sustained by Israeli artillery shelling on 21 July 2014.

- At approximately 07:00, Israeli warplanes launched 2 missiles without a prior warning at a house belonging Saladin Ahmed Abu Hassanain, 47, a leader of the al-Quds Brigades (the armed wing of Islamic Jihad) in al-Shaboura refugee camp. Abu Hassanain and 2 of his children, Hadi, 12, and ‘Abdul Aziz, 14, were killed. His son Ahmed, 18, and a neighbor were also wounded. The house and 2 neighboring houses were destroyed.

- At approximately 09:25, an Israeli drone fired a missile at a house belonging to Eyad Hassan Ramadan in al-Shaboura refugee camp. As a result, Ramadan’s grandchild, 6-year-old Mira Zaid Eyad Ramadan, was seriously wounded.

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

© Scoop Media