6 oct 2018
The Israeli occupation forces (IOF) on Saturday evening arrested Laith Ali, 17, after raiding his family house in Kafr Qaddum village, east of Qalqilya.
Popular resistance coordinator Murad Shtewi said that clashes erupted between the IOF and Palestinian youths during the raid.
Shtewi said that the IOF heavily fired rubber-coated metal bullets, sound bombs, and teargas canisters, causing dozens of suffocation cases that were treated in the field.
Popular resistance coordinator Murad Shtewi said that clashes erupted between the IOF and Palestinian youths during the raid.
Shtewi said that the IOF heavily fired rubber-coated metal bullets, sound bombs, and teargas canisters, causing dozens of suffocation cases that were treated in the field.
Israel's War Minister Avigdor Lieberman on Saturday ordered the reduction of the Gaza Strip's fishing zone.
Hebrew media sources reported that Lieberman ordered the Israeli army to curtail the fishing zone from 9 to 6 nautical miles following security consultations with Israeli officials.
Lieberman, in the wake of Gaza border protests on Friday, threatened Hamas to escalate the punitive measures against the Gaza Strip after the end of Jewish holidays.
Palestinians in the Gaza Strip have been suffering from a crippling sea blockade for over a decade now.
Hebrew media sources reported that Lieberman ordered the Israeli army to curtail the fishing zone from 9 to 6 nautical miles following security consultations with Israeli officials.
Lieberman, in the wake of Gaza border protests on Friday, threatened Hamas to escalate the punitive measures against the Gaza Strip after the end of Jewish holidays.
Palestinians in the Gaza Strip have been suffering from a crippling sea blockade for over a decade now.
Israeli naval forces on Saturday morning kidnapped two Palestinian fishermen off the northern shores of the Gaza Strip after opening fire at them.
A local committee documenting Israeli violations against fishermen said that Israeli gunboats opened fire at and intercepted a rowboat within two nautical miles from the northern coast of Gaza and rounded up two fishermen aboard it.
The detained fishermen are two brothers identified as Safwat and Rif’at Zayed.
Israeli gunboats are around Gaza fishermen almost every day, harassing them, shooting at them, damaging their boats, and making arrests. Sometimes fishermen are injured or killed during gunfire attacks.
Under the 1993 Oslo accords, Palestinian fishermen are permitted to fish up to 20 nautical miles off the coast of Gaza, but since then Israel has kept reducing the fishing area gradually to a limit of three nautical miles as part of its blockade on Gaza.
Fishermen and human rights groups also say that, since the 2008-09 war in Gaza, the Israeli army has been regularly enforcing a limit even closer to the shore.
A local committee documenting Israeli violations against fishermen said that Israeli gunboats opened fire at and intercepted a rowboat within two nautical miles from the northern coast of Gaza and rounded up two fishermen aboard it.
The detained fishermen are two brothers identified as Safwat and Rif’at Zayed.
Israeli gunboats are around Gaza fishermen almost every day, harassing them, shooting at them, damaging their boats, and making arrests. Sometimes fishermen are injured or killed during gunfire attacks.
Under the 1993 Oslo accords, Palestinian fishermen are permitted to fish up to 20 nautical miles off the coast of Gaza, but since then Israel has kept reducing the fishing area gradually to a limit of three nautical miles as part of its blockade on Gaza.
Fishermen and human rights groups also say that, since the 2008-09 war in Gaza, the Israeli army has been regularly enforcing a limit even closer to the shore.
5 oct 2018
'We got through the High Holy Days just as we had planned, without a war erupting and while exacting a heavy price from the rioters on the Gaza border,' says defense minister, hinting at Israeli response now that holidays are over.
Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman sent a warning to Hamas on Friday morning, writing on his Twitter page that "the holidays are behind us, take that into account."
"We got through the High Holy Days just as we had planned, without a war erupting and while exacting a heavy price from the rioters on the Gaza border," Lieberman wrote. "But the holidays are now behind us, and I tell the heads of Hamas: 'Take that into account.'"
The defense minister held security consultations on Thursday with the IDF chief of staff, the head of the Military Intelligence Directorate, the coordinator of government activities in the territories (COGAT) and other senior defense officials to discuss the situation in Gaza.
"The defense minister examined the readiness of the forces around the Gaza Strip and instructed the IDF to maintain maximum alertness and be prepared for any scenario," Lieberman's office said.
IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eisenkot decided Thursday to send reinforcements to the Gaza border in the coming days.
The IDF said in a statement that the decision was made "to continue the determined policy to thwart terror attacks and prevent infiltrations into Israel in the border fence area of the Gaza Strip. The IDF is prepared and ready for a variety of scenarios and considers the Hamas terror organization responsible for everything that happens in and from the Gaza Strip."
Ahead of the expected rioting on the Gaza border on Friday, the Popular Resistance Committees in the strip threatened Thursday that "blood will be met with blood" and that "We will no longer tolerate the killing of protesters."
The Al-Quds Brigades, the Palestinian Islamic Jihad's military wing, held a military parade in the Gaza Strip Thursday, displaying what was either real or dummy rockets.
A 15-year-old Palestinian teen was shot dead Wednesday evening during clashes between Palestinian rioters and IDF forces near the Erez border crossing in the northern Gaza Strip.
Over a 1,000 Palestinians protested in several different spots along the border fence, throwing stones at IDF forces and setting fire to tires.
The Israeli troops responded with crowd dispersal measures, with the IDF saying the soldiers "are acting in accordance with the rules of engagement."
Meanwhile, a Hamas delegation headed by the terror group's deputy leader Saleh al-Arouri returned Wednesday after four days of discussions in Cairo with top Egyptian intelligence officials.
The discussions revolved around both the reconciliation with Fatah—a rival Palestinian faction led by Mahmoud Abbas—and an arrangement in Gaza, which would include a ceasefire agreement with Israel. It is unclear what the outcome of these discussions was.
In recent weeks, there has been a spike in Palestinian rioting in Gaza, as well as in the launch of incendiary balloons and kites.
On Monday, some 4,000 Palestinians rioted in northern Gaza, throwing stones and Molotov cocktails and launching fireworks at Israeli forces, who responded with crowd dispersal measures.
Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman sent a warning to Hamas on Friday morning, writing on his Twitter page that "the holidays are behind us, take that into account."
"We got through the High Holy Days just as we had planned, without a war erupting and while exacting a heavy price from the rioters on the Gaza border," Lieberman wrote. "But the holidays are now behind us, and I tell the heads of Hamas: 'Take that into account.'"
The defense minister held security consultations on Thursday with the IDF chief of staff, the head of the Military Intelligence Directorate, the coordinator of government activities in the territories (COGAT) and other senior defense officials to discuss the situation in Gaza.
"The defense minister examined the readiness of the forces around the Gaza Strip and instructed the IDF to maintain maximum alertness and be prepared for any scenario," Lieberman's office said.
IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eisenkot decided Thursday to send reinforcements to the Gaza border in the coming days.
The IDF said in a statement that the decision was made "to continue the determined policy to thwart terror attacks and prevent infiltrations into Israel in the border fence area of the Gaza Strip. The IDF is prepared and ready for a variety of scenarios and considers the Hamas terror organization responsible for everything that happens in and from the Gaza Strip."
Ahead of the expected rioting on the Gaza border on Friday, the Popular Resistance Committees in the strip threatened Thursday that "blood will be met with blood" and that "We will no longer tolerate the killing of protesters."
The Al-Quds Brigades, the Palestinian Islamic Jihad's military wing, held a military parade in the Gaza Strip Thursday, displaying what was either real or dummy rockets.
A 15-year-old Palestinian teen was shot dead Wednesday evening during clashes between Palestinian rioters and IDF forces near the Erez border crossing in the northern Gaza Strip.
Over a 1,000 Palestinians protested in several different spots along the border fence, throwing stones at IDF forces and setting fire to tires.
The Israeli troops responded with crowd dispersal measures, with the IDF saying the soldiers "are acting in accordance with the rules of engagement."
Meanwhile, a Hamas delegation headed by the terror group's deputy leader Saleh al-Arouri returned Wednesday after four days of discussions in Cairo with top Egyptian intelligence officials.
The discussions revolved around both the reconciliation with Fatah—a rival Palestinian faction led by Mahmoud Abbas—and an arrangement in Gaza, which would include a ceasefire agreement with Israel. It is unclear what the outcome of these discussions was.
In recent weeks, there has been a spike in Palestinian rioting in Gaza, as well as in the launch of incendiary balloons and kites.
On Monday, some 4,000 Palestinians rioted in northern Gaza, throwing stones and Molotov cocktails and launching fireworks at Israeli forces, who responded with crowd dispersal measures.
Israeli soldiers injured, Friday, five Palestinians, and caused several others to suffer the effects of teargas inhalation, after the army invaded al-Biereh city, in central West Bank, and attacked many protesters.
Media sources said the soldiers invaded Jabal at-Taweel area, east of al-Biereh, and shot a young man with live fire in his leg.
They added that the soldiers also assaulted a child, while standing in front of his home, causing many cuts and bruises.
The soldiers also fired a barrage of gas bombs and concussion grenades at the Palestinians in the al-Baloa’ area, and shot three young men with rubber-coated steel bullets.
Many Palestinians suffered the effects of teargas inhalation, and received the needed treatment.
Furthermore, the soldiers chased and attempted to abduct several young Palestinian men in the city.
Media sources said the soldiers invaded Jabal at-Taweel area, east of al-Biereh, and shot a young man with live fire in his leg.
They added that the soldiers also assaulted a child, while standing in front of his home, causing many cuts and bruises.
The soldiers also fired a barrage of gas bombs and concussion grenades at the Palestinians in the al-Baloa’ area, and shot three young men with rubber-coated steel bullets.
Many Palestinians suffered the effects of teargas inhalation, and received the needed treatment.
Furthermore, the soldiers chased and attempted to abduct several young Palestinian men in the city.
Israeli soldiers resorted, Friday, to the excessive use of force against the weekly nonviolent procession against the Annexation Wall and Colonies in Bil’in village, west of the central West Bank city of Ramallah, wounding many protesters, and burning olive trees.
The Popular Committee against the Wall and Colonies in Bil’in said many Palestinians, accompanied by Israeli and international peace activists, marched from the center of the village, heading towards the olive orchards in Abu Lemon area, near the illegal wall, before the soldiers fired a barrage of gas bombs and concussion grenades at them.
Many protesters suffered the effects of teargas inhalation, and received the needed treatment.
The Israeli gas bombs and concussion grenades also caused fires in Palestinian orchards in the area, burning many olive trees.
The soldiers, stationed on military towers on the Annexation Wall, photographed the protesters, and prevented many Palestinians and international peace activists from entering the orchards to pick the olive trees, isolated behind the Wall.
Dr. Rateb Abu Rahma, the coordinator of the Popular Committee in Bil’in, said the protesters marched carrying Palestinian flags, and chanting for national unity, the release of all detainees and the Right of Return of the refugees.
He also called on constant solidarity with the al-Khan al-Ahmar Bedouin community, facing demolition and displacement by Israel for the illegal construction and expansion of colonies.
The Popular Committee against the Wall and Colonies in Bil’in said many Palestinians, accompanied by Israeli and international peace activists, marched from the center of the village, heading towards the olive orchards in Abu Lemon area, near the illegal wall, before the soldiers fired a barrage of gas bombs and concussion grenades at them.
Many protesters suffered the effects of teargas inhalation, and received the needed treatment.
The Israeli gas bombs and concussion grenades also caused fires in Palestinian orchards in the area, burning many olive trees.
The soldiers, stationed on military towers on the Annexation Wall, photographed the protesters, and prevented many Palestinians and international peace activists from entering the orchards to pick the olive trees, isolated behind the Wall.
Dr. Rateb Abu Rahma, the coordinator of the Popular Committee in Bil’in, said the protesters marched carrying Palestinian flags, and chanting for national unity, the release of all detainees and the Right of Return of the refugees.
He also called on constant solidarity with the al-Khan al-Ahmar Bedouin community, facing demolition and displacement by Israel for the illegal construction and expansion of colonies.
Israeli soldiers shot, Friday, five Palestinians in the al-Lubban ash-Sharqiya village, south of Nablus, in the northern part of the occupied West Bank.
Media sources said several army jeeps invaded the village, and attacked protesters with gas bombs, concussion grenades and rubber-coated steel bullets.
They added that the soldiers shot three Palestinians with rubber-coated steel bullets, and three who were directly hit with gas bombs, while many others suffered the effects of teargas inhalation.
In addition, the soldiers closed the main entrance of the village, invaded and searched many homes before occupying their rooftops, and attempted to abduct local protesters after ambushing them.
Media sources said several army jeeps invaded the village, and attacked protesters with gas bombs, concussion grenades and rubber-coated steel bullets.
They added that the soldiers shot three Palestinians with rubber-coated steel bullets, and three who were directly hit with gas bombs, while many others suffered the effects of teargas inhalation.
In addition, the soldiers closed the main entrance of the village, invaded and searched many homes before occupying their rooftops, and attempted to abduct local protesters after ambushing them.
Mahmoud Abu Samaan 24
Fares al-Sersawi, 12
Abu Sama'an, 24, were fatally shot during “The Great March of Return” protests east of Gaza City.
Hussein Fathi al-Raqab, 28, succumbed also to his Israeli-inflicted gunshot wounds at the Nasser Medical Complex. He had been shot and injured during a demonstrators east of the city of Khan Yunis, located about 25 kilometers south of Gaza City.
The statement added that another 376 protesters were also injured. A total of 192 demonstrators were admitted to hospitals and medical centers across Gaza Strip to receive medical treatment.
It further noted that 126 people were struck with live bullets. Seven wounded protesters are said to be in a critical condition in hospital.
Qidra went on to say that Israeli military forces directly targeted a Palestinian ambulance with a gas grenade east of Gaza, without causing any casualties.
Journalist Mohammed Hazem al-Masri suffered injuries when a tear gas canister hit him in the head east of Jabalia refugee camp.
Nearly 200 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces ever since anti-occupation protest rallies began in the Gaza Strip on March 30. Over 21,600 Palestinians have also sustained injuries.
The Gaza clashes reached their peak on May 14, on the eve of the 70th anniversary of Nakba Day (Day of Catastrophe), which coincided this year with the US embassy relocation from Tel Aviv to occupied East Jerusalem al-Quds.
On June 13, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution, sponsored by Turkey and Algeria, condemning Israel for Palestinian civilian deaths in the Gaza Strip.
The resolution, which had been put forward on behalf of Arab and Muslim countries, garnered a strong majority of 120 votes in the 193-member assembly, with 8 votes against and 45 abstentions.
The resolution called on UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres to make proposals within 60 days “on ways and means for ensuring the safety, protection, and well-being of the Palestinian civilian population under Israeli occupation,” including “recommendations regarding an international protection mechanism.”
It also called for “immediate steps towards ending the closure and the restrictions imposed by Israel on movement and access into and out of the Gaza Strip.” video video
Fares al-Sersawi, 12
Abu Sama'an, 24, were fatally shot during “The Great March of Return” protests east of Gaza City.
Hussein Fathi al-Raqab, 28, succumbed also to his Israeli-inflicted gunshot wounds at the Nasser Medical Complex. He had been shot and injured during a demonstrators east of the city of Khan Yunis, located about 25 kilometers south of Gaza City.
The statement added that another 376 protesters were also injured. A total of 192 demonstrators were admitted to hospitals and medical centers across Gaza Strip to receive medical treatment.
It further noted that 126 people were struck with live bullets. Seven wounded protesters are said to be in a critical condition in hospital.
Qidra went on to say that Israeli military forces directly targeted a Palestinian ambulance with a gas grenade east of Gaza, without causing any casualties.
Journalist Mohammed Hazem al-Masri suffered injuries when a tear gas canister hit him in the head east of Jabalia refugee camp.
Nearly 200 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces ever since anti-occupation protest rallies began in the Gaza Strip on March 30. Over 21,600 Palestinians have also sustained injuries.
The Gaza clashes reached their peak on May 14, on the eve of the 70th anniversary of Nakba Day (Day of Catastrophe), which coincided this year with the US embassy relocation from Tel Aviv to occupied East Jerusalem al-Quds.
On June 13, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution, sponsored by Turkey and Algeria, condemning Israel for Palestinian civilian deaths in the Gaza Strip.
The resolution, which had been put forward on behalf of Arab and Muslim countries, garnered a strong majority of 120 votes in the 193-member assembly, with 8 votes against and 45 abstentions.
The resolution called on UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres to make proposals within 60 days “on ways and means for ensuring the safety, protection, and well-being of the Palestinian civilian population under Israeli occupation,” including “recommendations regarding an international protection mechanism.”
It also called for “immediate steps towards ending the closure and the restrictions imposed by Israel on movement and access into and out of the Gaza Strip.” video video
During the weekly non-violent protest in Kufur Qaddoum village, in the northern part of the West Bank, 13 year old Khalid Murad Ishteiwi was hit by a rubber coated steel bullet, which lodged in his thigh. He was rushed to the Rafidiya Hospital, where he is in stable condition.
The attack on the weekly protests follows a similar attack last week in which Israeli forces wounded a three-month old baby.
The baby was reportedly among several Palestinians injured by Israeli forces suppressing the weekly peaceful anti-settlement procession, on Friday September 28th, 2018. video
And the previous month, an international supporter from Norway was shot while at a protest in Kufur Qaddoum.
Morad Eshteiwi, the Coordinator of the Popular Committee Against the Wall and Settlements in Kufur Qaddoum, told reporters from the Ma’an News Agency that Israeli forces raided the village before Friday prayers, to suppress the weekly march that takes place every Friday after noon prayers, for the past ten years.
In addition to the wounding of 13-year old Khalid, another youth was wounded in the hand by a rubber-coated steel bullet.
During the attack, Israeli forces invaded Palestinian homes in Kufur Qaddoum and occupied rooftops. There, they fired tear gas grenades and rubber-coated steel bullets into the village. Tear gas entered homes and yards, causing many residents to suffer from tear gas inhalation.
According to the Ma’an News Agency, the speaker for the Omar Bin al-Khattab Mosque in Kufur Qaddoum, Sheikh Abed al-Razzaq Amer, was abducted by Israeli forces along with his son Usayd.
The two were on their way to Friday prayers when their vehicle was seized and they were abducted.
The Israeli soldiers then used their vehicle to hide behind when Palestinian youth threw stones at them. This caused some dents to the vehicle.
Residents of Kafr Qaddoum began staging weekly protests in 2011, against Israeli land confiscations, as well as the closure of the village’s southern road by Israeli forces. The road, which has been closed for 14 years, is the main route to the nearby city of Nablus, the nearest economic center.
The army blocked off the road after expanding the illegal Israeli settlement of Kedumim, in 2003, forcing village residents to take a bypass road in order to travel to Nablus, which has extended the travel time to Nablus from 15 minutes to 40 minutes, according to Israeli rights group B’Tselem.
Addameer, a Prisoner Support and Human Rights Association, said that “Before 2003, the residents of Kafr Qaddoum would use a shorter road to the east in order to come and go to nearby cities and villages.”
Addameer added, “The only alternative road is roughly six times longer than the previous route, disrupting the villagers’ ability to attend university, jobs, and other vital aspects of their economic and social well-being.”
The attack on the weekly protests follows a similar attack last week in which Israeli forces wounded a three-month old baby.
The baby was reportedly among several Palestinians injured by Israeli forces suppressing the weekly peaceful anti-settlement procession, on Friday September 28th, 2018. video
And the previous month, an international supporter from Norway was shot while at a protest in Kufur Qaddoum.
Morad Eshteiwi, the Coordinator of the Popular Committee Against the Wall and Settlements in Kufur Qaddoum, told reporters from the Ma’an News Agency that Israeli forces raided the village before Friday prayers, to suppress the weekly march that takes place every Friday after noon prayers, for the past ten years.
In addition to the wounding of 13-year old Khalid, another youth was wounded in the hand by a rubber-coated steel bullet.
During the attack, Israeli forces invaded Palestinian homes in Kufur Qaddoum and occupied rooftops. There, they fired tear gas grenades and rubber-coated steel bullets into the village. Tear gas entered homes and yards, causing many residents to suffer from tear gas inhalation.
According to the Ma’an News Agency, the speaker for the Omar Bin al-Khattab Mosque in Kufur Qaddoum, Sheikh Abed al-Razzaq Amer, was abducted by Israeli forces along with his son Usayd.
The two were on their way to Friday prayers when their vehicle was seized and they were abducted.
The Israeli soldiers then used their vehicle to hide behind when Palestinian youth threw stones at them. This caused some dents to the vehicle.
Residents of Kafr Qaddoum began staging weekly protests in 2011, against Israeli land confiscations, as well as the closure of the village’s southern road by Israeli forces. The road, which has been closed for 14 years, is the main route to the nearby city of Nablus, the nearest economic center.
The army blocked off the road after expanding the illegal Israeli settlement of Kedumim, in 2003, forcing village residents to take a bypass road in order to travel to Nablus, which has extended the travel time to Nablus from 15 minutes to 40 minutes, according to Israeli rights group B’Tselem.
Addameer, a Prisoner Support and Human Rights Association, said that “Before 2003, the residents of Kafr Qaddoum would use a shorter road to the east in order to come and go to nearby cities and villages.”
Addameer added, “The only alternative road is roughly six times longer than the previous route, disrupting the villagers’ ability to attend university, jobs, and other vital aspects of their economic and social well-being.”
Clashes broke out at dawn Friday between Palestinian young men and Israeli soldiers after the latter stormed al-Lubban ash-Sharqiya town, south of Nablus in the occupied West Bank.
Local sources said that foot soldiers spread through the town at dawn after they withdrew at night, adding their presence provoked clashes with local youths.
Similar skirmishes occurred in recent weeks, sometimes with settlers, in the same town.
In a separate incident, a group of youths hurled stones at Israeli cars in the central area of Huwara town, south of Nablus, causing damage to their windows.
Local sources said that foot soldiers spread through the town at dawn after they withdrew at night, adding their presence provoked clashes with local youths.
Similar skirmishes occurred in recent weeks, sometimes with settlers, in the same town.
In a separate incident, a group of youths hurled stones at Israeli cars in the central area of Huwara town, south of Nablus, causing damage to their windows.
The Israeli army at nightfall Thursday hit a mobile clinic near Gaza’s border fence with a shell, the Palestinian Health Ministry has reported.
Spokesman for the Gaza-based Palestinian Health Ministry said the Israeli occupation forces dropped a mortar into a makeshift clinic in Khuza’a town, east of Khan Younis province, south of Gaza.
Heavy material damage was reportedly inflicted by the strike.
Since the start of the Great March of Return protests, on March 30, Makeshift clinics have been set up by Palestinians along the Gaza border to tend to civilians, medical staff members, and journalists injured by Israeli soldiers.
The protests have been staged to speak up for Palestinians’ right to return to their motherland—Palestine—from which they have been forcibly deported by the Israeli occupation.
Spokesman for the Gaza-based Palestinian Health Ministry said the Israeli occupation forces dropped a mortar into a makeshift clinic in Khuza’a town, east of Khan Younis province, south of Gaza.
Heavy material damage was reportedly inflicted by the strike.
Since the start of the Great March of Return protests, on March 30, Makeshift clinics have been set up by Palestinians along the Gaza border to tend to civilians, medical staff members, and journalists injured by Israeli soldiers.
The protests have been staged to speak up for Palestinians’ right to return to their motherland—Palestine—from which they have been forcibly deported by the Israeli occupation.