Al Mezan Collected Documents on Israeli Human Rights Violations starting from 27/6/2006

Operation "Summer Rain"
Gaza Strip

Documents, Letters and Appeals

PressReleases, Joint Press Releases

Operation Summer Rain Photos

Introduction

During June and July 2006, the occupied Palestinian territory witnessed a severe escalation in the IOF aggression against Palestinian civilians and their property, particularly in the Gaza Strip. During the reporting period, according to Al Mezan's field documentation, the IOF committed a number of war crimes and crimes against humanity; notably on 27 June 2006 many vital establishments were targeted by the aggression and the IOF committed a series of systematic violations against Palestinian civilians.

In addition, even prior to the Israeli military operation "Summer Rains", the IOF committed severe violations of Palestinians' human rights. On 21 May 2006 the IOF assassinated Mohammed Al Dahdouh, killed 3 members of the Amen family, and injured 4 civilians, including 2 members of Al Dahdouh's family who consequently became quadriplegics. Further, on 9 June 2006, IOF scouting jets fired rockets at Beit Lahia beach and killed 7 members of the same family and injured 31 others including 14 children. In this ongoing series of aggressive actions, on 13 June 2006, IOF scouting jets fired a rocket at a civilian car in Gaza City, killing 3 Palestinians; 3 minutes later the IOF resumed their targeting of the same vehicle, after tens of civilians and medical personnel had already rushed to the scene. 7 persons were subsequently killed, including 2 medics, which are strictly protected persons under international law. In yet another attack on 20 June 2006, the IOF killed 3 children and injured 15 other civilians. On 21 June 2006 a house in Khan Younis was shelled by the IOF; the attack killed a woman, her daughter, and her brother.

This report is centred around the aggressive "Summer Rains" IOF military operation, whereby the IOF have conducted an ongoing flagrant offensive against Palestinian civilians and their property in the Gaza Strip.

Whereas rain is known to be a representative symbol of wellbeing and blessing, the Palestinians have had to experience the rains of the Occupation, which have targeted their souls as well as their property, imposed severe restrictions on food, medicine, and fuel supplies, and destroyed the only electricity network in the Gaza Strip; all this comes in addition to the financial boycott of the PNA and the continuing closure of the Rafah Terminal, exposing a serious disregard on behalf of Israel for people stranded on the Egyptian side of the crossing, in particular children, patients and the elderly.

This report therefore provides a collection of all documents issued by the center during the reporting period which were aimed at stopping IOF aggression, providing assistance to victims and exposing IOF war crimes in the OPT.