Ref: 111/2014
Date:01 August 2014
Time: 07:00 GMT

Dozens of Palestinian Civilians Killed and Hundreds Wounded by Israeli Shelling in Rafah;
Before Collapse of Truce, Bodies of Dozens of Palestinian Civilians and Militants Recovered from Border Areas, and There Are Concerns That Some of Them Were Executed

Since the Beginning of the Israeli Offensive on Gaza:
1,492 Palestinians Killed, of Whom 1,277 Are Civilians, Including 360 Children and 193 Women, and 6,686 Others Wounded, Mostly Civilians, Including 1,846Children and 1,275 Women;
702 Houses Targeted and Destroyedand Hundreds of Others Extensively Damaged
400,000 Palestinians Forcibly Displaced

Israeli occupation forces have continued their brutal and immoral offensive on the Gaza Strip for the 24thconsecutive 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.Electricity supplies have been off in the Gaza Strip for the 4thconsecutive day. Municipalities face extreme difficulties in their work due to the lack of fuel supplies and because if Israeli attacks. These developments raise concerns regarding public health in Gaza Strip, which is one of the most densely populated areas in the world. The crisis has further aggravated as at least 400,000 civilians were forcibly displaced from their homes, and were forced to resort to shelters in the centers of towns and refugee camps.

PCHR field workers have been unable to collect information from border areas in the Gaza Strip, because the situation is extremely dangerous in these areas. Details of the crime that took place in Rafah, which left dozens of deaths, while this update was being written will be published in tomorrow’s update. The following details are based on the information which the field workers have been able to collect.

From 10:00 on Thursday, 31July 2014 to 10:00 on Friday, 01 August 2014, according to what PCHR has been able to document, 52 Palestinians, 50 of whom are civilians, including 15 children and 7 women, were killed, and 175 others, including 60 children and 36 women, were wounded. Medical crews were able to recover the bodies of 4 Palestinians, Four civilians, died of previous wounds. Additionally, Israeli warplanes and tanks destroyed 22 houses and damaged dozens of flats and public facilities.

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

The Northern Gaza Strip:

Israeli forces launched several airstrikes while Israeli tanks and gunboats fired dozens of artillery shells targeting houses, agricultural plots and open areas. As a result of these attacks, 39 Palestinian civilians, including 15children and 7 women, were wounded. Medical crews recovered the body of a Palestinian civilian. Israeli forces also targeted and destroyed 2 houses, a chalet, a sheep farm, a dairy products factory and a store of construction materials.

The most significant attacks were as follows:

• On Thursday evening, 31 July 2014, Israeli warplanes launched a number of airstrikes that targeted and destroyed Shuhaiber sheep farm, a house belonging to the guard of al-Fishawi farm, a chalet belonging to the Abu Sahammala family, and a dairy products factory in ‘Aamer Project in the west of Jabalya. They also targeted and destroyed a house belonging to the Kutkut family in Jabalya.
• At approximately 09:00 on Friday, 01 August 2014, medical crews recovered the body of Zaid Ahmed al-Basyouni, 37, from Beit Hanoun.

Gaza City:

Israeli warplanes launched a number of airstrikes that targeted houses, cars and open areas, while Israeli tanks and gunboats fired dozens of shells at the city. As a result of these attacks, 7Palestinian civilians, including a child, were killed, and 11 others, including 2 children and a woman, were wounded. Medical crews also recovered bodies of 2 young men who were killed a few days ago in al-Shuja’iya neighborhood.

The most significant attacks were as follows:

• At approximately 14:30 on Thursday, 31 July 2014, an Israeli warplane launched a missile at a civilian car in Saladin Street in al-Sha’af neighborhood in the east of Gaza City. As a result, 2 young men who were traveling in it were killed: Ibrahim Sa’ad Ahmed al-Haddad, 21; and Hamza Fayeq Ahmed al-Haddad, 21.
• At approximately 15:00, Israeli warplanes launched 3 missiles at a 3-storey house belonging to Basheer Ismail al-Ramlawi, in which 20 people live, in al-Jalaa’ Street in the north of Gaza City. The house was destroyed. Before the attack, Israeli forces phoned the owner of the house and ordered its evacuation.
• At approximately 15:15, Mousa Hussein Hashem, 80, died of a heart attack, when Israeli warplanes bombarded an open area near his house in al-Sabra neighborhood in the south of Gaza City.
• At approximately 17:30, an Israeli warplane attacked a minibus in Palestinian Square in the center of Gaza City. As a result, Mohammed and HussamRa’fatNa’im, 21 and 16 respectively, were killed.
• At approximately 22:00, Israeli forces positioned in the east of Gaza City opened fire at Maher Ja’far Khalil Hajjaj, 54, when he was on his way back home in al-Tuffah neighborhood in the east of Gaza City. He was instantly killed by a bullet to the head. Medical crews were not able to evacuate his body from the area until approximately 08:00 on Friday, 01 August 2014.
• At approximately 08:15 on Friday, 01 August 2014, Israeli forces positioned in the east of Gaza City opened fired at Palestinian civilians who were coming back homes in al-Sha’af neighborhood in the east of Gaza City. As a result, Amjad Mohammed Hassnain, 21, was killed by a bullet to the head.
• At approximately 09:00, medical crews were able to recover bodies of 2civilians who were killed by Israeli forces in al-Shuja’iya neighborhood in the east of Gaza City: Ismail ZuhairMohammadain, 26; and Mo’ammarFadelShamali, 35.

The Central Gaza Strip:

Israeli warplanes launched 35 airstrikes and tanks fired dozens of shells at civilians, houses, a school a number of civilian facilities. As a result of these attacks, 20 Palestinians, including 7 children and 6 women, were killed, and 51 others, including 23 children and 9 women, were wounded. Additionally, Israeli warplanes targeted 5 houses and destroyed 3 of them. Israeli forces also attacked a school.

The most significant attacks were as follows:

• At approximately 10:30 on Thursday, 31 July 2014, Israeli warplanes launched 2 missiles at a 3-storey house belonging to Mohammed SalamaBaroud, 42, in which 20 people live, in al-Nussairat refugee camp. The house was destroyed.
• At approximately 11:30, a number of Israeli artillery shells hit al-Maghazi Preparatory School damaging it. No casualties were reported.
• At approximately 13:30, medical sources declared that Yasser Yousef Abu Dabbagh, 20, died of previous wounds he had sustained on 25 July 2014 by Israeli shelling.
• At approximately 16:30, an Israeli drone fired a missile at the vicinity of a house belonging Hatem ‘Abdul Karim al-Louh in Deir al-Balah. As a result, the owner’s son, Kamal, 32, was killed.
• At approximately 17:25, while members of the al-Louh family were on their way to al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital, an Israeli drone fired a missile at their car. As a result, 4 members of the family, including a woman, were killed: Amal ‘Abdul Karim al-Masri, 45; IlhamYahia al-Louh, 27; Ibrahim ‘Abdul Karim al-Louh, 33; and Khaled Jamal al-Louh, 41.
• At approximately 17:30, an Israeli drone fired a missile at Mohammed ‘AmmarShalat, 10, when he was near his family’s house in al-Zawaida village. The child was instantly killed.
• At approximately 19:30, an Israeli drone fired a missile at a 2-storey house belonging to Sameer Furaaih al-Jammal, in which 24 people live. The house was destroyed.
• At approximately 20:00, an Israeli warplane launched a missile without a prior warning at a 3-storey house belonging to the heirs of ‘Abdul Hamid Yousef al-Bayoumi, in which 30 people live, in al-Nussairat refugee camp. The house was destroyed over the family and their neighbors. As a result, 12 Palestinian civilians were killed: Ne’maDarwish Abu Shouqa, 43; Labiba Ibrahim Abu Shouqa, 22; Ilham Ibrahim Abu Shouqa, 18; Malak Shaker Abu Shouqa, 2; Hassan Nasser Zaqqout, 21; ‘Abeer ‘Aamer al-Bayoumi, 27; Aseel ‘Aamer al-Bayoumi, 16; Hadeel ‘Aamer al-Bayoumi, 15; Hassan Mohammed al-Bayoumi, 12; ‘AabeerNahidh al-‘Assar, 27, pregnant; Rinad Ashraf al-‘Assar, 1; and Lama Ra’fat al-‘Assar, 6. Additionally, 30 civilians, including 15 children and 4 women, were wounded.
• At approximately 21:30, an Israeli warplane launched a missile at a 3-storey house belonging to Mahmoud ‘Othman al-‘Othmani, in which 12 people live, in al-Maghazi refugee camp. The house was destroyed and 7 Palestinian civilians, including a child and a woman, were wounded.
• Also at approximately 21:30, an Israeli drone fired a missile at a number of Palestinian civilians in al-Boreij refugee camp. As a result, 2 civilians were killed:Mahmoud ‘Aadel ‘Aashour, 19; and ZaherTawfiq Abu Maktouma, 31.
• At approximately 00:00 on Friday, 01 August 2014, medical sources declared that Mohammed Ahmed Hamad, 26, died of wounds he had sustained on 25 July 2014 when Israeli forces shelled al-Nussairat refugee camp.
• In the morning, medical crews were able to recover bodies of 2 members of Palestinian armed groups from Juhor al-Dik village.

Khan Yunis:

Israeli warplanes launched a number of airstrikes and tanks and gunboats fired dozens of shells at Palestinian civilians and property in Khan Yunis. As a result of these attacks, 19 Palestinians, including 6children and 2 women, were killed, and 65 others, including 18 children and 16 women, were wounded. Medical crews recovered the body of a Palestinian civilian. Twelve houses were also destroyed, and other ones were damaged.

The most significant attacks were as follows:

• On Thursday morning, 31 July 2014, an Israeli drone fired a missile at a 2-storey house belonging to ‘Azmi Salem Qudaih, in which 8 people live, in ‘Abassan village, east of Khan Yunis. A few minutes later, an Israeli warplane fired a missile at the house and destroyed it.
• At approximately 10:30, an Israeli warplane launched a missile at a store, in which humanitarian aids were destroyed, under a house in BaniSuhaila village. The store was completely destroyed.
• At approximately 23:50, an Israeli warplane launched a missile at a house belonging to the al-Reqeb family. The house was largely destroyed.
• At approximately 12:30, an Israeli warplane launched a missile at a house belonging to Saber Fusaifes in BaniSuhaila village. The house was largely destroyed.
• At approximately 12:20, an Israeli warplane launched a missile at a 4-storey house belonging to Marzouq Abu Shihada in BaniSuhaila village. 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 4-storey house belonging to the heirs of Qassem ‘Abdullah Safi, in which 50 people live in al-Farra Street in the center of Khan Yunis. A few minutes later, an Israeli warplane launched a missile at the house and destroyed it. A child was wounded.
• At approximately 14:10, an Israeli warplane launched a missile at a 3-storey house belonging to KamelSaleem al-Saqqa in al-Qarara village. The house was destroyed. It should be noted that an Israeli drone fired a missile at the house on 16 July 2014.
• At approximately 17:30, an Israeli drone fired a missile at a house belonging to Taqfiq Abu Shammala in Khan Yunis refugee camp. A few minutes later, an Israeli warplane launched a missile at the house and destroyed it.
• Also at approximately 17:30, an Israeli drone fired a missile at a 2-storey house belonging to ShadiBaroud in Khan Yunis refugee camp. A few minutes later, an Israeli warplane launched a missile at the house and destroyed it. A number of neighboring houses were damaged.
• At approximately 19:10, an Israeli warplane launched a missile at a house belonging to Fadel Abu Shahla in BaniSuhaila village. The house was destroyed and a number of Palestinian civilians were wounded.
• In the evening, medical crews recovered the body of Tha’erNaji al-‘Omour from al-Fukhari area in the southeast of Khan Yunis. He was killed by Israeli shelling.
• At approximately 20:00, an Israeli warplane launched a missile at a house belonging to JuhadMiqbelSha’at, in which 4 people live, in Gizan al-Najjar area in the south of Khan Yunis. The house was destroyed and Sha’at’s wife, SihabBasheerSha’at (al-Lahham), 24, was killed, and their child, Mo’tassem, 45 days, was wounded. Two neighboring houses were also damaged.
• At approximately 20:10, an Israeli warplane launched a missiles at the vicinity of BaniSuhaila Municipality. The building was damaged.
• At approximately 20:30, an Israeli warplane launched a missile at al-Sahaba Mosque in al-Qarara village, destroying it.
• At approximately 21:00, an Israeli drone fired a missile at a number of Palestinian civilians in al-Qarara village. As a result, Mohammed Yousef al-‘Abadla, 21.
• Also at approximately 21:00, an Israeli drone fired a missile at a 2-storey house belonging to Mohammed Shareef Abu Daqqa in BaniSuhaila village. A few minutes later, an Israeli warplane launched a missile at the house and destroyed it.
• In the evening, medical sources in the European Gaza Hospital declared that Ahmed Saleem ‘Aabdin, 21, and Mohammed Ahmed Hamad, died of previous wounds they had sustained by Israeli shelling.
• At approximately 22:45, an Israeli drone fired a missile at a motorbike in Jourat al-‘Aaqqad area in Khan Yunis refugee camp. As a result, Mahmoud Dahlanwas killed.
• At approximately 23:00, an Israeli drone fired a missile at the vicinity of ‘Abdul Hadi gas station in Khan Yunis refugee camp. As a result, Sameeh Kamal Abu al-Khair, 50, was killed, and 7 others were wounded.
• At approximately 03:10 on Friday, 03:10, Israeli drones fired 3 missiles at a 3-storey house belonging to ‘Abdul Malek ‘Abdul Salam al-Farra, 60, in which 50 people live, in Ma’an area. The missiles penetrated the second and third floors and caused extensive damage. A number of members of the family were also wounded. While the family were trying to leave the house, an Israeli warplane launched a missile at the house when members of the family were less than 50 meters away from the house. As a result, 9 members of the family, including 4 children and 2 women, were killed: ‘Abdul Malek ‘Abdul Salam al-Farra, 60; Ussama ‘Abdul Malek al-Farra, 34; ‘Awatef ‘Aziz al-Din al-Farra, 31, pregnant in the 8th month; ‘Abdul Rahman and LujainBassem al-Farra, 8 and 4, respectively; Nadine, Mohammed and Yara Mahmoud al-Farra, 16, 12 and 8 respectively; and ‘EmadNasrallah al-Farra, 28.
• At approximately 04:30, Israeli tanks that had moved into al-Zanna area fired a number of shells at houses in al-Saqia Street in BaniSuhaila village. As a result, 6 Palestinian civilians were killed: Mohammed Salman al-Buraim, 25; Ra’fat Salman al-Buraim, 7; ‘Abdullah ‘Awadh al-Buraim, 23; Hussam and Sami Salman al-Madani, 18 and 20 respectively; and Ra’ed ‘Abdul Latif al-Qarra, 39.

Rafah:

Israeli warplanes launched 35 airstrikes and Israeli tanks and gunboats fired dozens of shells targeting houses, training site, agricultural plots and open areas. As a result of these attacks, 6 Palestinians, 4 of whom are civilians, including a child and an old man, were killed, and 8 others, including 2 children and 3 women, were wounded. A house and a flat were destroyed.

The most significant attacks were as follows:

• At approximately 11:35 on Thursday, 31 July 2014, an Israeli warplane fired a missile at a motorbike near the eastern cemetery in al-Salam neighborhood in the south of Rafah. As a result, a member of a Palestinian armed group who was riding the motorbike was killed.
• At approximately 14:20, an Israeli warplane launched a missile at an open area in the east of Rafah.
• At approximately 14:55, an Israeli drone fired a missile at an uninhabited flat in Zo’rob beguiling in the center of Rafah. The flat was partially destroyed and a number of nearby houses were damaged.
• At approximately 18:20, an Israeli drone fired a missile at ‘AtiyaSalama al-Hashash, 68, when he was on his land in al-Hashash neighborhood in the north of Rafah. He was instantly killed.
• At approximately 19:05, an Israeli warplane launched a missile at the destroyed Gaza International Airport in the southeast of Rafah.
• At approximately 19:10, an Israeli warplane launched a missile near Abu Mo’ammar pool in al-Shouka village, east of Rafah.
• At approximately 19:25, an Israeli warplane launched a missile at an agricultural plot belonging to the Abu Halawa family in al-Shouka village, east of Rafah.
• At approximately 19:35, an Israeli warplane launched a missile at an open area in al-Tannour neighborhood in the east of Rafah.
• Also at approximately 19:35. An Israeli warplane launched a missile at a site of the ‘Izziddin al-Qassam Brigades (the armed wing of Hamas) in TabbatZare’ area in the east of Rafah.
• At approximately 19:45, Israeli warplanes launched 2 missiles at an agricultural plot belonging to the Abu Halawa family in al-Shouka village, east of Rafah.
• At approximately 19:55, an Israeli warplane launched a missile at an open area in al-Shouka village, east of Rafah.
• At approximately 20:00, an Israeli warplane launched a missile at an agricultural plot behind Bahloul gas station in al-Shouka village, east of Rafah.

– At approximately 20:05, an Israeli drone fired a missile at a member of a Palestinian armed group in al-Nasser village, northeast of Rafah, wounding him. When a number of civilians attempted to offer him help, the Israeli drone fired another missile at them. As a result, ‘Othman Fawzi ‘Abadin, 17, was killed and 3 others were wounded. The armed group member died of his wounds 2 hours later.

• At approximately 21:35, Israeli warplanes launched 2 missile at an agricultural plot belonging to the Abu Halawa family in al-Shouka village, east of Rafah.
• At approximately 00:25 on Friday, 01 August 2014, Israeli warplanes launched 2 missiles at a site of the ‘Izziddin al-Qassam Brigades (the armed wing of Hamas) in TabbatZare’ area in the east of Rafah.
• At approximately 01:20, Israeli warplanes launched 2 missiles at an agricultural plot in al-Salam neighborhood in the south of Rafah.
• At approximately 04:05, an Israeli warplane launched a missile at an open area in the east of Rafah.
• At approximately 04:10, Israeli forces fired dozens of shells at house and agricultural areas in the east of Rafah.
• At approximately 06:55, Israeli warplanes launched 10 missiles at the tunnels area along the Egyptian border, south of Rafah.
• At approximately 07:00, an Israeli warplane launched a missile without a prior warning at a house belonging to Suleiman Zayed Abu ‘Omran, in which 13 people live, in TabbatZare’ area in the east of Rafah. The house was destroyed, and 2 of the owner’s relatives were killed: Hilal ‘Eid Abu ‘Omran, 23’ and Mousa Hamad Abu ‘Omran, 45. Two women were also old wounded. Other members of the family are still missing under the debris.
• A humanitarian truce entered into force at 08:00, and thousands of Palestinian civilians returned to their homes from which they were displaced in al-Shouka village, east of Rafah. At approximately 09:15, Israeli tanks and helicopter gunships opened fire indiscriminately at these civilians and at Abu Youef al-Najjar Hospital in al-Junaina neighborhood. As a result, dozens of Palestinian civilians were killed and hundreds of others were wounded. (PCHR field workers are currently documenting this crime, and details will be published in the daily update that will be published on Saturday, 02 August 2014).

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.