Over the past four years, Israeli occupying forces have perpetrated grave breaches of international humanitarian law against Palestinian civilians in a manner unprecedented since 1967. International silence has served to encourage the Israeli government and its occupying troops to escalate the number of attacks against Palestinian civilians, while acting with impunity. Over the past twelve months, Israeli forces have stepped up illegal operations in the occupied Palestinian territories, employing highly developed heavy weaponry such as F16s, Apache helicopters, tanks and armored personnel carriers against civilians. Read more about Four Years of Intifada: Palestinians paying the price
Israeli forces invaded northern Gaza, one of the most populated areas of the Gaza Strip. Israeli spokespersons announced that they carried out the invasion to stop Palestinian militants firing Qassam rockets on Israeli towns. The invasion is ongoing and open-ended. Israeli forces have killed at least 27 Palestinians. Israeli forces are in control of the main streets in northern Gaza and are inside Jabalia refugee camp, Beit Hanoun and Beit Lahia. Israel shelled civilians in Jabalia, killing 9 Palestinians and wounding dozens more. Only one of the dead could be identified because the bodies were completely disfigured. Read more about Gaza Daily Update, 9.30 PM
Israeli occupying troops have continued their attacks on Palestinian civilians in the northern Gaza Strip for the 5th consecutive day in disregard for the lives of Palestinian civilians. They have caused dozens of casualties among Palestinian civilians and have largely destroyed civilian facilities. On Saturday morning, 2 October 2004, Israeli occupying troops expanded their military operations in the Gaza Strip, especially in Beit Hanoun. Since the beginning of this latest offensive on the northern Gaza Strip, 45 Palestinians, including 21 civilians, 15 of whom are children, have been killed by Israeli troops. In addition, at least 250 Palestinians have been injured. Israeli troops have demolished dozens of homes and large areas of agricultural land. Read more about Israel pushes on with assault on Gaza
Israeli forces killed more Palestinians in northern Gaza. Residents of Jabalia refugee camp took to the street protesting Israel’s killings and destruction during the past few days. Israeli forces continued shelling residential areas. Israeli forces demolished dozens of homes in Beit Lahia. Israeli forces confiscated a number of homes and turned them into military posts. Israeli tanks fire shells at homes and various places are cut off from food, water and medicines. Israeli forces prevent ambulances from access the sick and wounded. Israeli forces continue their assault on Gaza’s largest refugee camp. Read more about Gaza Daily Update, 10.00 PM
Israeli forces carry out a wide-scaled invasion of northern Gaza. Forty-four Palestinians have been killed so far. Israeli forces destroyed numerous homes and private property. Ambulances are not allowed access. Residents in all besieged communities suffer from lack of food, water and medicines. The humanitarian situation deteriorates. Israeli forces destroyed homes in Jabalia, Beit Lahia and Beit Hanoun. An Israeli airplane fired a missile at a crowd in Tel Az Zatar, killing three civilians. Israeli tanks invaded Salah ad Din Street, isolating the Izba neighborhood in Beit Hanoun. Israeli forces fired at an ambulance in Jabalia. Read more about Gaza Daily Update, 10.00 PM
The number of Palestinians killed by Israeli troops since the beginning of this latest offensive on the northern Gaza Strip has increased to 39, including 19 civilians, 14 of whom are children. In addition, at least 210 Palestinians have been injured. This high number of casualties is attributed to the excessive and disproportionate use of force by Israeli troops against the Palestinian civilian population in the northern Gaza Strip. On the other hand, Israeli troops have destroyed at least 25 Palestinian houses and fences of a number of UNRWA schools. Dozens of houses have been also severely damaged by Israeli troops. In addition, large areas in the northern Gaza Strip have been isolated, while Israeli troops have seized a number of buildings, transforming their roofs into military sites. Read more about Israel escalates offensive on Gaza as death toll reaches 39
Amnesty International is concerned for the safety of the Palestinian population in the Jabaliya refugee camp and elsewhere in the northern Gaza Strip, where the Israeli army is carrying out a large-scale offensive. In the past two days the Israeli army has killed more than 35 Palestinians, including several children and other unarmed residents who were not participating in armed confrontations with Israeli soldiers. Most of those killed and injured were hit by Israeli army tank fire and at least two were killed by a missile fired by a helicopter gunship. Amnesty International is concerned that the Israeli army’s use of excessive force in this latest incursion in the Gaza Strip will result in further loss of lives and wanton destruction of Palestinian homes and property. Read more about Amnesty: "Israeli army must respect human rights"
Israeli occupying troops have continued their wide scale offensive on the northern Gaza Strip for the 3rd consecutive day. At the time of going to print, 15 Palestinians, including 3 children, have been killed and at least 120 others were injured, some of them are in a serious condition. Israeli troops have also destroyed a number of houses and civilian facilities. Israeli troops have used excessive force against unarmed Palestinian civilians. According to Palestinian medical sources, most of the injured were hit in the upper part of the body. PCHR expresses deep concern for this intense presence of Israeli troops in the area, especially in Jabalya refugee camp which is one of the most populated areas in the Gaza Strip. Read more about Widescale Israeli military offensive on the Northern Gaza Strip
Monday, September 27, 2004 — Dr Mustafa Barghouthi began today’s press conference with a summary of recent trends and statistics. The Second Intifada, now entering its 5th year, has seen the world distracted by events in Iraq, enabling Israel to continue violating Palestinians’ Human Rights with complete immunity. The international media remains more accessible to the Israeli side and thus allows Israel to push forward their preferred narrative. Furthermore, these past years have witnessed a significant deterioration in international support and involvement with the peace process, many becoming disheartened and reluctant having supported the now dead Oslo Peace Process. Read more about Four Years of Intifada: Statistical Overview
Defense for Children International released a report on violations of children’s rights in the occupied Palestinian territories over the period of the first six months of 2004. The report shows that since the beginning of the Palestinian uprising against occupation in September 2000, the frequency and severity of violations of Palestinian children’s rights has progressively increased. This trend has continued in 2004, with a steady decline in the economic and social conditions in the occupied PAlestinian territories. Israeli forces have killed 81 Palestinian children during the first six months of 2004, bringing the death toll to 595 since 29 September 2000. Over 10,000 additional children have been wounded since the beginning of the Intifada. Read more about Child rights group notes sharp increase violations of children's rights
