Current Final

Tag: Hamas

  • Remember their names: Al Jazeera breaks down casualty report from Gaza

    Remember their names: Al Jazeera breaks down casualty report from Gaza

    Last week, Gaza’s Health Ministry released a list of Palestinians killed by the on-going Israeli attacks on the besieged strip.

    The list was released a day after US President Joe Biden questioned the accuracy of the death toll of the Palestinian health ministry in Gaza.

    “I have no notion that the Palestinians are telling the truth about how many people are killed,” he said.

    This was followed by a release of a comprehensive report on October 26, detailing the names, ages, gender and ID numbers of 6,747 of the victims.

    From October 7 to October 25 alone, a span of 19 days, at least 7,028 people were killed in Israeli attacks which included 2,913 children.

    Al Jazeera has now broken down the data, revealing that 7,028 deaths in 19 days means 370 average daily deaths. While 16,297 injuries indicated 858 average daily injuries.

    Moreover, 73 per cent of those killed in the attacks were women, children and the elderly.

    Among the victims are:
    133 babies below the age of one
    482 toddlers (1-3 years old)
    344 preschoolers (4-5 years old)
    1,042 primary school children (6-12 years old)
    664 high school children (13-17 years old)
    966 young adults (18-25 years old)
    2,506 adults (26-55 years old)
    521 Nakba survivors (56-74 years old)
    89 Nakba survivors (75+ years old)

    Read more: Know their names

  • Wounded Gazans to cross Rafah border for treatment: What we know about day 26

    Wounded Gazans to cross Rafah border for treatment: What we know about day 26

    Jabalia refugee camp attack

    On Tuesday, Israeli air strikes targeted the Jabalia refugee camp in northern Gaza — the largest refugee camp in Gaza sheltering children, women, and men.

    An IDF spokesman confirmed to Wolf Blitzer on CNN that an Israeli strike hit the Jabalia refugee camp, killing hundreds of civilians.

    “There was a very senior Hamas commander in that area,” Israeli army spokesperson Richard Hecht told CNN. “We’re looking into it and we’ll be coming out with more data as we learn what happened there.”

    As per reports, at least 50 have been killed so far while 400 have been injured.

    Wounded Gazans to cross Rafah border

    Rafah border will reportedly open today to allow wounded Palestinians into Egypt for treatment in hospitals.

    On Tuesday, AFP news reported that a large number of ambulances had gathered at Rafah and that according to Egyptian medical officials, “Medical teams will be present at the crossing to examine the cases … and determine the hospitals they will be sent to.”

    Additionally, a field hospital will be built to treat wounded Palestinians in Sheikh Zuweid — about 15 kilometres from Rafah.

    Telecommunication cut again

    Palestinian telecoms company has said that, “All communications and Internet services” with Gaza has been cut off.
    Paltel said there is a “complete interruption” of the services with the Gaza Strip.

    It said the interruption was caused by “International routes that were previously reconnected being cut off again”.

    Houthi attack on Israel

    Yemen’s Houthi militants have claimed to have launched a “large number” of ballistic missiles and drones targeting Israel, and warning of more attacks.

    Previously, on Tuesday morning, Israel military claimed to have destroyed an unidentified “aerial target” over the Red Sea.

    “There was no threat or risk to civilians,” they said.

  • Gaza women taking period-delaying pills amidst lack of privacy, water: Al Jazeera exclusive

    Gaza women taking period-delaying pills amidst lack of privacy, water: Al Jazeera exclusive

    Linah Alsaafin and Ruwaida Amer from Al Jazeera have reported from Gaza on Palestinian women who have been struggling to cope with menses at a time when medical supplies have been cut and the region is under heavy military attacks by Israel.

    Since Hamas’s attack on Israel on October 7, Gazans have been internally displaced, living in poor conditions among a large number of people with no privacy, and no access to water or menstrual hygiene products like sanitary napkins and/or tampons. To counter this major problem, women are resorting to norethisterone tablets that are usually prescribed in times of severe menstrual bleeding, endometriosis, and painful periods.

    While these pills have side effects like irregular vaginal bleeding, nausea, changes to the menstrual cycle, dizziness and mood swings, Palestinian women do not have any choice for now.

    Al Jazeera spoke to 41-year-old Salma who fled her hometown, Tel al-Hawa, and is now at a relative’s place in Deir el-Balah refugee camp. She is in a “constant state of fear, discomfort and depression, which has taken a toll on her menstrual cycle”.

    “I am experiencing the most difficult days of my life during this war,” Salma says. “I got my period twice this month so far – which is very irregular for me – and suffered heavy bleeding.”

    Nevin Adnan, a psychologist and social worker based in Gaza City, explained to Al Jazeera that while normally, women may experience psychological and physical symptoms before and during periods (changes in mood and lower abdominal, back pain); these symptoms, however, can worsen under stress.

    “Displacement causes extreme stress and that affects the woman’s body and her hormones,” she said.

    “There can also be an increase of the physical symptoms associated with menstruation, such as abdominal and back pain, constipation and bloating,” she said, adding that they may also experience insomnia, constant nervousness and extreme tension.

    This is why, Adnan asserts, more women are taking period-delaying pills “to avoid embarrassment and shame due to the lack of hygiene, privacy, and available health products”.

    “In war, we are forced to do everything we can,” says Salma.

    “There is never a choice.”

    Read full story: No privacy, no water: Gaza women use period-delaying pills amid war

  • Bolivia cuts ties with Israel

    Bolivia cuts ties with Israel

    In the light of the latest developments in the Gaza strip where Israel is proceeding with its military operations, killing more than 8,000 people, Bolivia’s government has announced on Tuesday that its breaking diplomatic ties with Israel.

    Bolivia “has decided to break diplomatic relations with the Israeli state in repudiation and condemnation of the aggressive and disproportionate Israeli military offensive taking place in the Gaza Strip,” Deputy Foreign Minister Freddy Mamani announced at a press conference.

    Bolivia also called for a cease-fire and an end to “the blockade that prevents the entry of food, water and other essential elements for life.”

    Interim Foreign Minister Maria Nela Prada asserted that the press conference had been held “in reference to the crimes against humanity being committed in the Gaza Strip against the Palestinian people.”

    Last time Bolivia had cut diplomatic ties with Israel was in 2009 under the leftist President Evo Morales, also in protest of atrocities committed by Israel in Gaza. But in 2020, the right-wing government of interim President Jeanine Anez reestablished ties.

    Morales, on social media, urged the current President Luis Arce to condemn Israel and to deem it a terrorist state.

    Previously, on Monday, Arce had a meeting with the Palestinian ambassador to Bolivia after which he had posted, “We reject the war crimes being committed in Gaza. We support international initiatives to guarantee humanitarian aid, in compliance with international law,”.

  • Al-Quds hospital under threat, thousands of people in danger: What we know about day 25

    Continuous attacks near Al-Quds Hospital

    The Palestine Red Crescent Society has been updating about the incessant artillery and air strikes in the Tal al-Hawa area in northern Gaza in the area where Al-Quds Hospital is situated.

    “The building is trembling and the displaced civilians and the working crews are experiencing fear and panic,” they reported on social media.

    Hundreds of patients and more than 12,000 displaced Gazans are being sheltered in Al-Quds.

    Israel has called for the evacuation of the hospital as they are likely to attack it — which human rights experts deem as a blatant war crime.

    Israel using white phosphorus in attacks in South Lebanon: Amnesty

    Rights group, Amnesty International has confirmed that “the Israeli army indiscriminately, and therefore unlawfully, used white phosphorous in an attack on Dhayra, in south Lebanon, on October 16.”

    “The attack must be investigated as a war crime,” Amnesty International posted on X.

    Countries in conversation

    Saudi defence minister Khalid bin Salman Al Saud stressed the need for “an immediate ceasefire in Gaza” as he met with US National Security adviser Jake Sullivan in Washington on Monday.

    The White House, on the other hand, reportedly said Sullivan “confirmed President [Joe] Biden’s commitment to support the defence of US partners against threats from state and non-state actors, including those backed by Iran”.

    US Secretary of State Antony Blinken also spoke with Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani about increasing humanitarian aid to Gaza on an emergency basis.

    So far, at least four captives have been released from Gaza through Qatari mediation.

    According to the Axios news, the head of Israel’s foreign intelligence agency, Mossad, visited Doha, to discuss the possible release of more hostages.

    31 journalists killed

    The Committee to Protect Journalists reports that 31 journalists have been killed in Israel-Palestine escalation.

    Among the killed are 26 Palestinians, four Israelis and one Lebanese.

    Eight journalists have been said to be injured, nine journalists are reported missing or detained.

    As per the report, more journalists have died in the current escalation than in any other conflict since 1992.

    300 targets attacked in Gaza

    About 300 targets have been attacked overnight in Gaza, Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have reportedly claimed.

    60 Palestinians arrested in occupied West Bank

    At least 60 Palestinians have been arrested across the occupied West Bank, according to the Commission of Detainees’ Affairs and the Palestinian Society Prisoner’s Club.

    Al Jazeera quotes that they have claimed “Arrests are accompanied with torture and abusive attacks against detainees and their families, as well as the policy of collective punishment, destroying property,”

    Since October 7, 1,740 arrest cases have been documented in the occupied West Bank.

  • 3,324 children killed in Gaza since October 7: What we know about day 24

    3,324 children killed in Gaza since October 7: What we know about day 24

    Children in Gaza

    Save the Children has reported that more children have died in Gaza in the past three weeks than the annual total killed in conflicts across the globe every year since 2019.

    Their report, issued on Sunday, revealed that at least 3,324 children have been killed in Gaza since October 7 and 36 in the occupied West Bank.

    Reports from the UN Secretary-General on children and armed conflict have stated that a total of 2,985 children were killed in 24 countries in 2022; 2,515 in 2021, and 2,674 in 2020 across 22 countries.

    3,195 children killed in #Gaza in just three weeks has surpassed the annual number of children killed across the world’s conflict zones since 2019. We are calling for an immediate ceasefire. pic.twitter.com/vrEQ846tPB— Save the Children International (@save_children) October 29, 2023

    Israel’s ground operation in Gaza

    Al Jazeera has highlighted the news briefing of an Israeli army spokesperson which reveals that their army has proceeded with ground operation with additional forces and tanks, while infantry goes further into the Gaza Strip. Additionally, ground forces are supported by air raids.

    Dozens of alleged Hamas fighters have reportedly been killed overnight.

    This ground offensive is said to escalate with time.

    Large number of arrests in occupied West Bank:

    Israeli air raid targeted “several” alleged Hamas fighters in refugee camp in Jenin, arresting dozens belonging to armed groups.

    700 people, who are said to be Hamas fighters, have reportedly been arrested in the occupied territories since October 7.

    As of yet, a total of at least 1,070 suspects have been taken into custody.

    Al-Quds hospital in danger

    Al-Quds hospital in Gaza is currently under threat of an Israeli attack.

    According to Al Jazeera Arabic, medical staff and patients at al-Quds Hospital.

    While everyone is expected to evacuate the premises, the staff does not have a place to go to. They add that there are no available hospitals to transfer patients to, especially amid continuous Israeli attacks.

    Al-Quds hospital is sheltering 12,000 displaced Gazans and catering to hundreds of patients.

  • Hilary Clinton gets slammed online for saying ceasefire ‘not an option’

    Hilary Clinton gets slammed online for saying ceasefire ‘not an option’

    After Barack Obama, former United States Secretary of State Hilary Clinton has come out in support of Israel in her latest address.

    “People who are calling for a ceasefire now do not understand Hamas, that is not possible,” Clinton remarked at a public talk.

    “It would be such a gift to Hamas because they would spend whatever time there was a ceasefire in effect rebuilding armaments, creating stronger positions to be able to fend off an eventual assault by the Israelis,” she added.

    Clinton also asserted that “We are in a very different world. I don’t think it had to be the world we’re in, but that’s where we are, and we have to figure out our way forward through it.”

    People react:

  • Complete communication blackout in Gaza: What we know about day 22

    Complete communication blackout in Gaza: What we know about day 22

    Israel vs Hezbollah

    Lebanon’s state-run National News Agency reported that three missiles were fired on HezbollahAs a result of Israel-Hezbollah exchange of fire, nearly 29,000 people have been forced to flee their homes, the UN reports.

    International Organization for Migration states that so far, 28,965 people have been displaced, mainly in the south, an increase by 37 per cent since October 23.

    Israel hits 150 underground targets in Gaza

    The Israeli army claims to have attacked 150 underground targets in the north of the Gaza Strip, including tunnels used by “terrorists”, resultantly killing a number of Hamas members in overnight air raids.

    Gaza communications blackout

    The Gaza strip is now experiencing a blackout of communications as Israel destroyed feeder lines and towers, cutting off phone networks and the internet, the Palestine Telecommunications Company says.

  • New York police arrest hundreds at Jewish protest urging Gaza ceasefire

    New York police arrest hundreds at Jewish protest urging Gaza ceasefire

    Hundreds of people were arrested Friday when police broke up a large demonstration of mostly Jewish New Yorkers who had taken over the main hall of Grand Central station in protest of Israel’s bombardment of Gaza, police and organizers said.

    The New York Police Department said at least 200 people had been arrested, while protest organizers put the number at more than 300.

    Photos from the scene showed long lines of young people standing in handcuffs and wearing black sweatshirts with the words “Not In Our Name” and “Cease Fire Now” printed in white.

    The massive sit-in was called by the group Jewish Voice for Peace-New York City, which said thousands of its members had attended the protest, blocking the main concourse of the city’s central rail station.

    Pictures showed the terminal packed with protesters who held up banners reading “Palestinians should be free” and “Mourn the dead, fight like hell for the living.”

    Organizers called the peaceful sit-in “the largest civil disobedience New York City has seen in 20 years.”

    Rabbis launched the event by lighting Shabbat candles and reciting the Jewish prayer for the dead, known as the kaddish.

    “While Shabbat is typically a day of rest, we cannot afford to rest while genocide is unfolding in our names,” said Rabbi May Ye, in a statement released by organizers.

    “The lives of Palestinians and Israelis are intertwined, and safety can only come from justice, equality, and freedom for all,” the rabbi said.

    Israel launched its bombardment of Gaza after Hamas gunmen stormed across the border on 7 October, killing 1,400 people, mostly civilians, and kidnapping over 220 others, according to Israeli officials.

    The Hamas-run health ministry said Friday that Israeli strikes on Gaza had now killed 7,326 people, more than 3,000 of them children.

  • Palestinian Health Ministry provides credible casualty figures: UN

    Palestinian Health Ministry provides credible casualty figures: UN

    While US President Joe Biden has questioned the reliability of the death toll coming from Gaza, the United Nations has verified that the figures provided by the Palestinian Ministry of Health have a history of being credible.

    “In the past, the five, six cycles of conflict in the Gaza Strip, these figures were considered as credible and no one ever really challenged these figures,” the UN agency for Palestine refugees (UNRWA) chief, Philippe Lazzarini, said while speaking to the media on Friday.

    On Thursday, the Health Ministry released a 212-page document with names and identity numbers of those killed in Israeli air raid since October 7, having collected the data from morgues and hospitals.

    The list consists of 6,747 people killed in the Israeli attacks, including 2,665 children whereas 529 bodies are yet to be identified.

    Anadolu Agency has said that 8,400 people have been killed including at least 7,028 Palestinians and 1,400 Israelis.