On the 12th Day of the Israeli Offensive

On the 12th Day of the Israeli Offensive:

• Israeli Forces Continue Ground Operation in the Gaza Strip Covered by Unprecedented Shelling; Israeli Forces Use Flechette Shells;

• Approximately 50,000 Palestinians Forcibly Displaced in Border Areas

• Since the Beginning of the Israeli Offensive on Gaza:

• 303 Palestinians Killed, of Whom 249 Are Civilians, Including 71 Children and 35 Women, and 2,058 Others Wounded, Mostly Civilians, Including 615 Children and 406 Women; 359 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 12th 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. Israeli drones targeted any civilian gathering without any prior warning. Israeli forces have also flechette shells, against Palestinian civilians. 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. They moved nearly 1,200 meters into the southeast of Rafah, 2,000 meters into the northwest of Beit Lahia, 1,200 meters in the Bedouin Village, 1,200 meters into the northeast of Beit Hanoun, 700 meters into the east of Gaza City and 1,500 meters into al-Qarara village east of Khan Yunis. This morning, they also med nearly 500 meters into al-Maghazi refugee camp. Israeli warplanes supported these incursions. Israeli forces threatened Palestinian civilians of destroying their homes over their head if they stay in these areas. At least 50,000 Palestinian civilians were forcibly displaced from these areas, and UNRWA opened dozens of shelters for them at schools.

Due to the indiscriminate and intense Israeli shelling, several public and service institutions, including municipalities, have suspended their activities, as 3 municipalities workers were killed in Rafah al-Boreij. This decision will lead to a real crisis in regards to providing drinking water, cleaning and sanitation. Additionally, more than one third of the Gaza Strip's population lack electricity supplies as Israeli forces damaged major electricity lines and obstructed their repair.

From 10:00 on Friday, 18 July 2014 to 10:00 on Saturday, 19 July 2014, 53 Palestinians, 43 of whom are civilians, including 17 children and a woman, were killed. Additionally, 332 Palestinians, mostly civilians, were wounded – this number includes 89 children and 57 women. Israeli warplanes also targeted and destroyed 26 houses.

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

The Northern Gaza Strip:

Israeli warplanes launched 61 airstrikes and Israeli tanks and gunboats fired dozens of shells targeting houses, a hospital, agricultural plots, open areas and a mosque. As a result of these attacks, 14 Palestinians, including 13 civilians, were killed – the civilian victims include 8 children and a woman. Additionally, 180 Palestinians were wounded. Israeli warplanes targeted and destroyed 9 houses.

The most significant attacks were as follows:

- At approximately 10:10 on Friday, 18 July 2014, an Israeli warplane launched a 2-storey house belonging to Jihad Khaled al-Kahlout in Tal al-Za’tar neighborhood in Jabalya, destroying it.

- Also at approximately 11:00, Israeli tanks positioned at the northern border of the Gaza Strip fired a number of shells at Beit Hanoun. A shell hit a flat belonging to Na’im Mohammed Abu Musallam. As a result, 3 of Abu Musallam’s children were killed: Mohammed, 15; Ahmed, 11; and Walaa’, 14.

- At approximately 12:30, an Israeli drone fired a missile at the second floor of the administration building of Beit Hanoun Hospital, damaging it. No casualties were reported.

- Also at approximately 12:30, an Israeli drone fired a missile at members of a Palestinian armed group in Um al-Nasser village, killing one of them, Ahmed ‘Abdullah al-Bahnasawi, 23.

- At approximately 16:25, an Israeli drone fired a missile at a number of Palestinian civilians who were in Beit Lahia cemetery. As a result, Mohammed ‘Awadh Matar Matar, 38, who is mentally disabled, was killed.

- At approximately 17:30, an Israeli warplane launched a missile at a 5-storey house belonging to Fathi Hammad, former Minister of Interior, in Beit Lahia. The house was further damaged, as this attack on the house was the second its kind.

- At approximately 20:25, an Israeli warplane launched a missile at a house belonging to Bassel Radwan in Jabalya. The house was completely destroyed.

- At approximately 20:30, an Israeli warplane launched a missile at a house belonging to Mansour ‘Eisha in Beit Lahia. The house was completely destroyed.

- At approximately 20:50, an Israeli warplane launched a missile at a house belonging to Ghazi Slman in Beit Lahia. The house was completely destroyed.

- At approximately 21:00, an Israeli warplane launched a missile at a house belonging to Jalal Sarsour in Beit Lahia. The house was completely destroyed.

- At approximately 21:25, Israeli tanks positioned at the northern border of the Gaza Strip fired a number of shells at Beit Hanoun. Two shells hit a house belonging to the sons of Khalil ‘Ali Abu Jarad. As a result, 8 members of the family, including 5 children, were killed: ‘Abdul Rahman Mousa Khalil Abu Jarad, 32; his wife Rajaa’ ‘Olayan Khalil Abu Jarad, 28; their children Mousa, 8 months, and Haniya, 2; Na’im Mousa Khalil Abu Jarad, 23; his child Sameeh, 18 months; Ahlam Mousa Abu Jarad, 16; and Samar Mousa Abu Jarad.

- At approximately 02:30 on Saturday, 19 July 2014, an artillery shell hit a flat in al-Nada buildings belonging to Ahmed Mahmoud Hussein ‘Aziz, 34. ‘Aziz was killed.

- At approximately 02:45, an Israeli drone fired a missile at a house belonging to Ayamn Zawaidi in Beit Hanoun. The house was extensively damaged.

- At approximately 04:00, an Israeli warplane launched a missile at a house belonging to Mohammed ‘Abdul Rahman Hammad in Jabalya. The house was completely destroyed.

- At approximately 07:00, an Israeli warplane launched a missile at a house belonging to Talal al-Zain in Jabalya. The house was destroyed.

Gaza City:

Israeli warplanes launched 25 airstrikes and Israeli gunboats and tanks fired shells targeting houses, civilians, agricultural lands and open areas. As a result of these attacks, 3 Palestinian children were killed, and 69 civilians, 20 children and 12 women, were wounded. Additionally, 9 houses and a flat were destroyed.

The most significant attacks were as follows:

- At approximately 11:00 on Friday, 18 July 2014, an Israeli drone fired a missile at a 3-storey house belonging to ‘Abdul Karim Mohammed al-Khudari, in which 20 people live, in al-Remal neighborhood. A few minutes later, an Israeli warplane launched a missile at the house and destroyed it.

- At approximately 14:10, an Israeli drone fired a missile at a 2-storey house belonging to ‘Abdul Qader Mohammed Abu Touha, in which 21 people live, in Sheikh Radwan neighborhood. A few minutes later, an Israeli warplane launched a missile at the house and destroyed it.

- Also at approximately 14:10, an Israeli drone fired a missile at a house belonging to ‘Ali ‘Awadh Murad, in which 15 people live, in Sheikh Radwan neighborhood. A few minutes later, an Israeli warplane launched a missile at the house and destroyed it.

- At approximately 17:00, an Israeli drone fired a missile at a 5-storey house belonging to As’ad Mousa Hashem, in which 17 people live, in al-Sabra neighborhood. A few minutes later, an Israeli warplane launched a missile at the house and destroyed it.

- Also at approximately 17:00, an Israeli drone fired a missile at a 5-storey house belonging to ‘Aabed Ibrahim Rayan, in which 26 people live, in al-Sabra neighborhood. A few minutes later, an Israeli warplane launched a missile at the house and destroyed it.

- At approximately 18:30, an Israeli drone fired a missile at a 4-storey house belonging to the heirs of ‘Ayesh al-‘Abed Abu Ghuniam, in which 20people live, in al-Shuja’iya neighborhood. A few minutes later, an Israeli warplane launched a missile at the house and destroyed it.

- At approximately 19:00, an Israeli drone fired a missile at a 2-storey house belonging to Yahia Mohammed Abu al-‘Ata, in which 10 people live, in al-Shuja’iya neighborhood. A few minutes later, an Israeli warplane launched a missile at the house and destroyed it.

- At approximately 20:15, Israeli tanks positioned at the border between the Gaza Strip and Israel, east of Gaza City, fired a number of shells at Palestinian communities in the east of the city. Two shells hit a house belonging to Ahmed ‘Adnan al-Hayek in al-Tuffah neighborhood in the east of Gaza City. As a result, one of al-Hayek’s children, 4 year-old Rezeq, was killed, and another one, 14-year-old Malak, was wounded.

- At approximately 20:30, 2 Israeli artillery shells hit a house belonging to Hamed Fa’eq ‘Olwan in al-Tuffah neighborhood in the east of Gaza City. As a result, 2 of ‘Olwan’s children were killed: Qassem 4; and ‘Emad, 7. A third child, ‘Abullah, 14, was wounded.

- Also at approximately 20:30, an Israeli drone fired a missile at a 3-storey house belonging to the heirs of Ibrahim Mustafa al-Lilli, in which 20 people live, in al-Sabra neighborhood. A few minutes later, an Israeli warplane launched a missile at the house and destroyed it.

- At approximately 22:00, an Israeli warplane launched a missile at a flat belonging to ‘Adila Hashem Yassin on the first floor of Jouda Zwayed building al-Zaytoun neighborhood. The flat was completely destroyed.

The Central Gaza Strip:

Israeli warplanes launched 12 airstrikes and tanks fired dozens of shells targeting houses, agricultural lands and open areas. As a result of these attacks, 2 Palestinians, including a civilian, were killed, and 15 others, including 3 women and 2 children, were wounded. Three houses were destroyed.

The most significant attacks were as follows:

- At approximately 14:00 on Friday, 18 July 2014, an Israeli drone fired a missile at a 2-storey house belonging to ‘Abdul Nasser ‘Ali al-Mana’ma, in which 8 people live, in al-Maghazi refugee camp. A few minutes later, an Israeli warplane launched a missile at the house and destroyed it.

- At approximately 15:30, an Israeli warplane launched a missile at a house belonging to the al-Batrawi family in the west of al-Nussairat refugee camp. As a result, Mahmoud ‘Ali Darwish, 40, a member of a Palestinian armed group, was killed, and 3 civilians were wounded.

- At approximately 20:00, Israeli tanks positioned at the border between the Gaza Strip and Israel fired a number of at Wadi al-Salqa village, east of Deir al-Balah. As a result, Sa’ad ‘Ali Ahmed Abu ‘Eissa, 32, was killed and 2 others were wounded.

- In the evening, medical sources declared that 4-year-old Yamen Riad Hussein al-Humaidi died of wounds he had sustained on 13 July 2014, when Israeli warplanes bombarded al-Zawaida village.

- At approximately 22:30, an Israeli drone fired a missile at a 2-storey house belonging to Rawhi ‘Ezzat Abu Swaireh, in which 12 people live, in al-Zawaida village. A few minutes later, an Israeli warplane launched a missile at the house and destroyed it.

- At approximately 09:30 on Saturday, 19 July 2014, Israeli forces moved nearly 500 meters into the east of al-Maghazi refugee camp. They leveled areas of Palestinian lands amidst intensive shelling. Consequently, at least 4,000 Palestinian civilians were forced to leave their homes and resort to 3 shelters recently opened in the central Gaza Strip.

Khan Yunis:

Israeli warplanes launched 24 airstrikes targeting houses, agricultural plots and open areas in the southern Gaza Strip town of Khan Yunis. Israeli tanks and gunboats also fired dozens of shells at agricultural and open areas. As a result, 24 Palestinians, including 17 children were killed - the civilian victims include 5 children. Additionally, 45 Palestinians, including 8 women and 12 children, were wounded. Israeli warplanes also targeted and destroyed 3 houses, there are concerns that bodies of civilians may be under the debris of this house.

The most significant attacks were as follows:

- At approximately 14:25 on Friday, 18 July 2014, medical crews were able to evacuate the body of ‘Abdullah Jum’a al-Sumairi, 17, from his house in al-Qarara village. They also evacuated his father and 4 brothers who had been wounded.

- At approximately 15:40, an Israeli drone fired a missile at a 2-storey house belonging to Ahmed Suleiman al-Farrah, Mayor of al-Fkhari village southeast of Khan Yunis, after Israeli forces had phoned the family to evacuate the house. A few minutes later, an Israeli warplane launched a missile at the house and destroyed it.

- At approximately 16:15, an Israeli drone fired a missile at members of a Palestinian armed group in al-Fukhari village, southeast of Khan Yunis, killing 2 of them: Hamada ‘Abdullah Mohammed al-Bashiti, 21; and Ahmed Hassan Saleh al-Ghalban, 22.

- At approximately 16:50, an Israeli drone fired a missile at members of a Palestinian armed group in the east of Khan Yunis, killing one of them, Walaa’ Jihad Mohammed al-Qarra, 26.

- At approximately 19:00, an Israeli drone fired a missile at Mohammed Sa’ad Abu Sa’ada, 23, a member of Palestinian armed group, in al-Zanna area, east of Khan Yunis, wounding him seriously. Medical crews were able to reach him an hour later. He died shortly after having been evacuated to the hospital.

- At approximately 19:30, Israeli warplanes launched 2 airstrikes on open areas in the west of Khan Yunis. No casualties were reported.

- At approximately 19:50, as a result of the Israeli artillery shelling, 5 Palestinian civilians were wounded in al-Fukhari village, southeast of Khan Yunis.

- At approximately 20:00, medical sources declared that Yousef Ibrahim Hassan al-Astal, 23, a member of a Palestinian armed group, died of wounds he had sustained by an Israeli airstrike on al-Mawasi area in the west of Khan Yunis on 14 July 2014.

- At approximately 21:15, an Israeli drone fired a missile at 2 Palestinian brothers who were near their house in al-Manara neighborhood in the south of Khan Yunis. One of them, Ghassan Mousa Abu ‘Azab, 28, was killed, and the other one was seriously wounded.

- At approximately 21:20, an Israeli drones fired a missile at al-Zanna area in Bani Suhaila village. As a result, a Palestinian was wounded.

- At approximately 21:45, an Israeli warplane launched a missile at a 3-storey house belonging to ‘Abdul Hakim ‘Asfour in ‘Abassan village, east of Kahn Yunis. There are concerns that a number of people were inside the house when it was attacked. Medical crews were not able to reach the house at night, but they were able to evacuate the body of Bilal Ismail Abu Daqqa, 32, from the vicinity of the house.

- At approximately 22:30, an Israeli drone fired 2 missiles at a number of Palestinian civilians near al-Huda Mosque in al-Manara neighborhood in the south of Khan Yunis. As a result, 3 brothers, including a child, were killed: Ahmed, Mohammed and Amjad Salem Khamis Sha’ath, 22, 20 and 15 respectively. Four civilians were also wounded.

- At approximately 01:00 on Saturday, 19 July 2014, an Israeli drone fired a missile at a number of Palestinians in al-Reqeb area in Bani Suhila village, killing one of them, Eyad Ismail Suleiman al-Raeqb, 26, a member of an armed group.

- At approximately 01:10, Israeli warplanes launched 2 missiles at Khan Yunis fishing harbor, causing extensive damages. A Palestinian civilian was also wounded.

- At approximately 01:55, Israeli drones fired 2 missiles at a number of Palestinian civilians who were sitting near their houses in Khan Yunis refugee camp. As a result, 9 civilians, including 3 children, were killed: Yahia and Mohammed Bassam al-Sir, 20 and 17 respectively; Mohammed Mustafa Darwish Slahiya, 32; Mohammed, Mustafa and Wassim Rida Mustafa Salhiya, 22, 21 and 15 respectively; Ibrahim Jamal Kamal Nasser, 13; Mohammed ‘Awadh Fares Nasser, 25; and Rushdi Khaled Fares Nasser, 25.

- At approximately 03:35, an Israeli drone fired a missile at a 4-storey house belonging to Hussein Mansi al-Tartouri, in which 17 people live, in al-Amal neighborhood in the west of Khan Yunis, after Israeli forces had phoned the family to evacuate the house. Twenty minutes later, an Israeli warplane launched a missile at the house and destroyed it. As a result, Ra’ed Waleed ‘Ali Laqqn, 32, who lives in a nearby house, was killed, and a physically disabled woman was wounded. A number of nearby houses were also damaged.

- At approximately 06:50, medical sources declared that Mohammed Jihad al-Qarra, 29, died of wounds he sustained a few hours earlier when an Israeli drone fired a missile at him in ‘Abassan village. It is worth noting that al-Qarra’s brother was killed by an Israeli attack on Friday.

- Last night and this morning, Israeli warplanes launched at least 7 airstrikes at al-Zanna area and al-Qarara village, east of Khan Yunis, while tanks intensively shelled the area.

- At approximately 08:30, an Israeli drone fired a missile at al-Zanna area. As a result, Mohammed Ismail Sammour, 21, was killed, and another person was wounded.

Rafah:

Israeli warplanes launched 6 airstrikes and Israeli tanks and gunboats fired dozens of shells targeting houses, agricultural lands and open areas in the southern Gaza Strip town of Rafah. As a result, 9 Palestinians, including 8 civilians, were killed, and 23 others, including 7 children and 2 women, were wounded. A house was also destroyed.

The most significant attacks were as follows:

- At approximately 14:20 on Friday, 18 July 2014, an Israeli drone fired a missile at a house belonging to ‘Essam al-‘Attar in al-Nasser village, northeast of Rafah. The house was damaged, but no casualties were reported.

- At approximately 14:40, medical crews found the bodies of Saleh Suleim al-Zughaibi, 22, and ‘Alaa’ Mohammed Abu Shabab, 23, near a mosque in al-Shouka village, southeast of Rafah. The two victims were killed by Israeli tank shells in the morning.

- At approximately 16:00, an Israeli drone fired a missile at members of a Palestinian armed group in al-Shouka village, southeast of Rafah, wounding five of them. One of the wounded, Ra’fat ‘Ali Bahloul, 27, died of his wound an hour later.

- At approximately 19:40, Israeli tanks positioned at the border between the Gaza Strip and Israel, east of Rafah, fired a number of shells at houses in al-Nasser village, northeast of Rafah. As a result, Hamza Mohammed Abu al-Hussain, 27, was killed when he was inside his house.

- At approximately 21:55, an Israeli drone fired a missile at a family council of the al-Loulahi family in al-Nasser village, northeast of Rafah. As a result, 4 Palestinian civilians were killed: Ismail Ramadan al-Loulahi, 21; Nizar Fayez Abu Snaima, 39; Emad Faisal Abu Snaima, 20; and Mustafa ‘Ouda Abu Snaima, 32. Another 2 civilians were also wounded: Faisal ‘Ouda Abu Snaima, 42, and his son Riad, 23.

- At approximately 23:00, medical crews found the body of Mohammed Talal al-Sane’, 21, in al-Shouka village, southeast of Rafah. He was killed by Israeli tanks shelling on Friday morning.

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