19:55 Gaza time The Israeli occupation forces (IOF) continued its escalationagainst the Gaza Strip.
The IOF carried out dozens of airstrikes against the strip, while artillery batteries and warships shelled various parts of Gaza.
The number of Palestinians who have been killed has reached 13; including two children, a woman and an elderly man.
Another 126 people have been injured; all of whom were civilians, and among them 33 children and 22 women.
There are reports about initial lack in medical supplies and increasing power cuts.
Al Mezan Centre for Human Rights condemns the Israeli escalation and calls for strict respect of the rules of international law.
According to Al Mezan’s monitoring, the IOF has launched 119 airstrikes and dozens of artillery attacks were launched on Gaza since the start of this escalation yesterday, 14 November 2012, following an airstrike in which Ahmed Al-Jaa’bari, leader of Hamas military wing, was killed.
Artillery shelling has, for the second day, targeted houses.
Today, an attack targeted the house of Rasheed Abu Shbak, injuring 20 people and damaging another 33 houses.
Overall, at least 120 houses have been damaged; seven of which were destroyed.
Hundreds of other houses sustained light damages.
Al Mezan’s field workers reported that at least 13 Palestinians have been killed since the start of IOF attacks on Gaza yesterday.
Initial news reported that another two have been killed.
Among the 126 civilians injured in IOF attacks, 33 were children and 22 women.
Al Mezan condemns the IOF aggression on the Gaza Strip and calls on international community to make urgent intervention to bring it to an immediate halt.
International community must condemn the violations of human rights and international law; including the extra-judicial assassinations and targeting of civilians and civilian property.
As the IOF attacks continue, international efforts should be directed to ensuring that the health sector in Gaza functions well and has the resources to provide for the needs of the population.
This sector has been seriously undermined due to the years of Israeli closure.
It is facing increasing difficulties as the number of casualties and injuries continue on the rise.
International community should also ensure that the IOF, who announced a full closure of Gaza’s sole crossing through which trade and humanitarian aid can be supplied, abides by its obligation not to obstruct the entry of basic materials into the Gaza Strip; including food, fuel, and other materials needed for the water and sanitation systems.
International law and human rights must be respected at all times; especially during such times of heated hostilities, when they are most needed.
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