Murdering Babies is “Permissible” When They’re Palestinian
What the Media Missed on Itamar
By ALISON WEIR | CounterPunch | March 17, 2011
US media have been widely and repeatedly reporting on the awful March 11 murder of three small Israeli children and their parents. While no one yet knows who committed this act, reports presume that the murderers were Palestinian, and for this reason the incident is receiving major attention. Various heads of state, including President Obama, have condemned it.
If it turns out that the murderer or murderers were Israeli, as some previously presumed “terrorists” have turned out to be, or a foreign worker who had previously threatened the family over unpaid wages, as some reports from the area suggest, it is likely that coverage of the incident will quickly vanish from U.S. headlines.
For now, however, American news reports continue to provide excruciating details about the atrocity. Given the amount of reportage, it is surprising how much significant information is omitted.
For example, none of these reports mention that the location of the murders, Itamar (near Nablus), is an illegal Jewish-only settlement on stolen Palestinian land in the midst of refugees whom Israel pushed off their ancestral land through massacres and ruthless military actions.
Nor do reports mention the frequency with which Israeli settlers beat, occasionally torture, and sometimes murder Palestinians of all ages, burn their crops, and hack down their groves of olive trees, the livelihood of many Palestinian villagers; hundreds, at least, of these trees, have been destroyed by rampaging Israeli settlers.
Religious extremism
Even lengthy articles on the tragic incident fail to mention the extremely relevant and chillingly ironic fact that Itamar was founded and is largely populated by fanatic Jewish extremists, many of whom believe that the killing of non-Jewish infants is religiously permitted, and sometimes mandated, as discussed in a best-selling book “The King’s Torah,” which was written by authors from the area and endorsed by numerous rabbis and religious schools (but opposed by most Israelis).
In their elaborate descriptions of the murder scene, U.S. articles neglect to mention that the building next door is the house of Chabad Lubavitch emissaries, a Hassidic movement in Orthodox Judaism, and features a photo of the late Lubavitcher Rebbe Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, known for his astoundingly supremacist teachings.
Schneerson is widely revered by such settlers (and his followers in the U.S.); many believed him to have been the messiah. In their book “Jewish Fundamentalism in Israel,” professors Israel Shahak and Norton Mezvinsky quote Schneerson’s teachings about the differences between Jews and non-Jews:
“… we do not have a case of profound change in which a person is merely on a superior level. Rather, we have a case of ‘let us differentiate’ between totally different species. This is what needs to be said about the body: the body of a Jewish person is of a totally different quality from the body of [members] of all nations of the world…A non-Jew’s entire reality is only vanity…The entire creation [of a non-Jew] exists only for the sake of the Jews…”
Which children matter?
Finally, news reports on the abhorrent Itamar murders fail to mention the frequent, tragic, and equally abhorrent killing of massive numbers of Palestinian children by Israelis.
For example, the Los Angeles Times reported that the Itamar incident was “the deadliest such attack against Jewish settlers in the area since 2002,” but didn’t bother to report that there have been numerous deadly attacks on Palestinians in the area in the intervening years, that dozens of Palestinian minors have been killed, many more injured and maimed, and even more Palestinian mothers, fathers, and grandparents killed.
This viewpoint is typical of U.S. media. Statistical studies show that primetime network news shows report on Israeli children’s deaths at rates up to 14 times greater than they report on Palestinian children’s deaths; regional newspapers report Israeli deaths at even more disproportionate rates.
Palestinian deaths are therefore often virtually invisible to American news consumers, even though they occurred first and are far greater in number.
In the round of violence that began in fall 2000, over 90 Palestinian children were killed before a single Israeli child; in total, approximately 1,500 Palestinian children have been killed by Israelis, and approximately 130 Israeli children have been killed by Palestinians during this period.
Since American media, in stark contrast to coverage of the Itamar victims, so rarely report on Palestinian victims and their weeping families, or provide details of their grisly deaths, at the end of this article is a partial list of these young, largely disappeared victims.
While this very incomplete list does little to balance the moving, detailed reporting on Israeli children’s deaths found in U.S. news media, and completely ignores the even greater number of children grieving for parents killed by Israeli forces, publishing it here at least provides the names of Palestinian victims, a rarity in American media coverage.
A few years ago an Israeli army officer emptied, at close range, the entire magazine of his automatic rifle into a 13-year-old Palestinian girl. Afterward he said he would have done the same even if she had been three years old. Because so many of his underlings reported this particular incident, he was eventually tried in an Israeli military court – but on minor offenses, not murder. He was acquitted of all charges.
It is hard to imagine the feelings of Americans if these were our children and if we were suffering this degree of unbearable loss. The population in the Palestinian Territories is less than 1/90th the population of the U.S.; there is hardly a Palestinian family that has not experienced tragedy.
Because Israel partisans consistently screen out the mass of significant information on this issue, and other editors, perhaps through ignorance, negligence, and/or timidity, go along, Americans receive the kind of highly filtered, lying-through-omission “journalism” that is so effectively creating fear, hatred, and ignorance of Palestinians, Arabs, and Muslims – and that perpetuates the uniquely massive flow of American money to Israel, currently over $8 million per day. Israel, with a population of seven million, is reportedly about to ask for an additional $20 billion.
Regarding the as-yet unsolved murder of three children in Itamar, President Obama pronounced: “There is no justification and there can be neither excuse nor forgiveness for the murder of children. I expect a similar condemnation, and I demand a similar condemnation, from the Palestinian Authority.”
Perhaps someday President Obama will have the integrity – and the courage – to make the same pronouncement about the murders of Palestinian children, and address it to the Israeli government.
A partial list of Palestinian Children Killed by Israelis
The following information is taken from “Remember These Children,” [ which works to document all Israeli and Palestinian children who have been killed, in the belief, sadly not shared by the U.S. media, that all of these children matter.
In the list below, “IDF” stands for Israeli Defense Forces, an offensive, occupying force; “Incursion” refers to an invasion of Palestinian land by Israeli military forces. To reiterate: this is a partial list of children mostly 13 and under of the approximately 1,500 Palestinian minors killed by Israeli forces in the past 11 years; during the same period Palestinians killed about 130 Israeli minors.
2000
Muhammad Saleh Muhammad al-Arja, 12, of Rafah, Gaza, killed by Israeli sniper fire to his head near the Rafah boder crossing.
Math Ahmad Muhammad abu-Hadwan, 11, of Hebron, killed by IDF gunfire to his head in Tel Rumeida.
Abdul-Rahman Khaled Hammouda Khbeish, 4, of Balata refugee camp, killed by IDF gunfire to his head.
2001
Obeisi infant girl, of Nablus, died at an IDF checkpoint when her mother was prevented from crossing to reach the hospital.
Muhammad Ismael Hashem Nasr, 10, of Dahyet al-Bareed, near Jerusalem, killed by Israeli settlers.
Isra Ahmad, 11, of Nablus, died at an IDF checkpoint when she was prevented from reaching a hospital.
Mahmoud Ismael al-Darwish, 11, of Dura, near Hebron, killed by IDF shelling to his chest.
Yehya Fathi Muhammad al-Sheikh Eid, 12, of Rafah, Gaza, killed by IDF shelling to his face, neck and abdomen.
Iman Muhammad al-Haju, 4 months, of Khan Younis, Gaza, killed by IDF shelling while in her mother’s arms.
Suleiman Sami al-Masri, 12, of Rafah, Gaza, killed by IDF gunfire to his back.
Khalil Ibrahim Muhammad al-Moghrabi, 11, of Rafah, Gaza, killed by IDF tank fire to his head while playing with a friend near the border with Egypt.
Diya Marwan Hilmi al-Tmeizi, 3 months, of Ithna, near Hebron, killed, with her older brother, by Israeli settler gunfire to her head and back.
Ashraf Khalil Abdul-Minem, 8, of al-Judeidah, near Jenin, killed, with his brother, in an IDF helicopter missile strike during a targeted assassination.
Bilal Khalil Abdul-Minem, 10, of al-Judeidah, near Jenin, killed, with his brother, in an IDF helicopter missile strike during a targeted assassination.
Azhar Said Shalafa, 2, of Rafah, Gaza, died at an IDF checkpoint when her mother was prevented from taking her to the hospital.
Muhammad Subhi abu-Arrar, 14, of Rafah refugee camp, Gaza, killed by IDF sniper fire to his chest while playing in front of his home.
Inas Samir abu-Zeid, 5, of Rafah, Gaza, killed, with her brother, by IDF shelling.
Suleiman Samir abu-Zeid, 7, of Rafah, Gaza, killed, with his sister, by IDF shelling.
Abdallah Atatrah, 3, of al-Tarm, near Jenin, died at an IDF checkpoint when the car carrying him was prevented from getting to the Yabad medical center after he fell into a swamp.
Khaled Arafat al-Batash, 2, of Hebron, killed by the IDF and Israeli settlers during a gas attack.
Riham Nabil Younis Abul-Ward, 10, of Jenin, killed by IDF gunfire to her head while in her classroom.
Abed-Rabo infant, newborn, of Bethlehem, died at an IDF checkpoint after its mother was denied access to medical care.
Akram Naim Abdul-Karim al-Astal, 6, of Khan Younis refugee camp, Gaza, killed, with his brother and three cousins, by an IDF missile while on their way to school.
Anis Idris Muhammad al-Astal, 11, of Khan Younis refugee camp, Gaza, killed, with his brother and three cousins, by an IDF missile while on their way to school.
Muhammad Rateb abu-Shahla, 12, of Jenin, killed by IDF shelling to his head.
Shadi Ahmad Abdul-Moti Arafeh, 13, of Hebron, killed in an IDF helicopter missile strike during a targeted assassination.
Burhan Muhammad Ibrahim al-Himuni, 3, of Hebron, killed in an IDF helicopter missile strike during a targeted assassination.
Muhammad Zakin, 8 hours, of Yamoun, near Jenin, died at an IDF checkpoint after his mother was denied access to medical care.
Rami Salahaldeen Muhammad Zurob, 13, of Rafah, Gaza, killed by IDF helicopter fire to his head while playing in front of his house.
2002
Muna Sami Ataya al-Bajasa, 13, of Khan Younis, Gaza, killed, with her mother, by IDF tank fire to her head during an incursion.
Mahmoud Hasan Ahmad al-Talalka, 7, of Beit Hanoun, Gaza, killed by IDF gunfire to his abdomen near the Nisanit settlement.
Maria Izaldeen abu-Sarieh, 9, of Jenin refugee camp, killed by IDF shelling to her head while in her home during an incursion.
Inas Ibrahim Eisa Saleh, 9, of Jabalya refugee camp, Gaza, died of wounds sustained Feb. 19 from IDF shelling during a targeted assassination.
Muhammad Hussein abu-Kweik, 8, of Amari refugee camp, killed, with his two sisters, by IDF helicopter fire during a targeted assassination.
Shaima Izaldeen Ibrahim al-Masri, 7, of Ramallah, killed by IDF helicopter fire during a targeted assassination.
Said Ali Ibrahim Subeih, 12, of Ramallah, died of head wounds sustained Feb. 28 from IDF gunfire.
Muhammad Mamoun Fayez abu-Ali, 10, of Tulkarm refugee camp, died of chest wounds sustained March 7 from IDF gunfire during an incursion.
Amani Odeh Muhammad al-Awawdah, 12, of Bureij refugee camp, Gaza, killed, with her mother, brother, sister and cousin, by an IDF land mine while riding on an animal drawn cart.
Salim Odeh Muhammad al-Awawdah, 10, of Bureij refugee camp, Gaza, killed, with his mother, 2 sisters and cousin, by an IDF land mine while riding on an animal drawn cart.
Tariq Muhammad Salman al-Awawdah, 10, of Bureij refugee camp, Gaza, killed, with his aunt and three cousins, by an IDF land mine while riding on an animal drawn cart.
Mujahed Arafat abu-Shabab, 2, of Rafah, Gaza, killed by IDF shelling.
Shaima Said Abdul-Rahim Hamad, 12, of Rafah, Gaza, died of head wounds sustained March 15 from IDF gunfire.
Iyad Imad Muhammad al-Mughrabi, 11, of Askar refugee camp, died of head wounds sustained March 17 from IDF gunfire.
Riham Hussam Mustafa abu-Taha, 4, of Rafah refugee camp, Gaza, died of head wounds sustained March 21 from IDF shelling.
Mahmoud Muhammad Musa abu-Yasin, 13, of Jabalya refugee camp, Gaza, died of abdominal wounds sustained March 12 during a funeral.
Abdullah Samir Omar al-Shubi, 10, of Nablus, killed, with his family of seven, by an IDF missile during an incursion.
Anas Samir Omar al-Shubi, 4, of Nablus, killed, with his family of seven, by an IDF missile during an incursion.
Azzam Samir Omar al-Shubi, 7, of Nablus, killed, with his family of seven, by an IDF missile during an incursion
Salwa Khaled Dahaliz, 10, of Rafah refugee camp, Gaza, killed by IDF gunfire to her head near the Rafah Yam settlement.
Sumaya Najeh Abdul-Hadi al-Hasan, 6, of Rafah refugee camp, Gaza, killed by IDF shelling to her head.
Isra Ghaleb Othman, 10, of Beitunia, near Ramallah, killed by IDF gunfire to her side.
Ahed Rasmi Ali Hamad, 5, of Hebron, killed by IDF gunfire during an incursion.
Qusay Farah abu-Aisha, 12, of Askar refugee camp, killed by IDF gunfire while playing in his yard during an incursion.
Fadel Mahmoud abu-Zuheirah, 9, of Beitunia, near Ramallah, killed by IDF tank fire to his abdomen while in his home during an incursion.
Rifat Bassam Shehada Awad, 12, of Awarta, near Nablus, killed, with his two brothers, by an IDF armored personnel carrier.
Khayri Bassam Shehada Awad, 11, of Awarta, near Nablus, killed, with his two brothers, by an IDF armored personnel carrier.
Faraj Hekmat Udwan, 4, of Awarta, near Nablus, killed by an IDF armored personnel carrier.
Othman Fadel Khaled Masharqah, 7, of Jenin, killed by IDF shelling to his head and limbs during an incursion.
Asad Faysal Ersan Qarini, 10, of Jenin, killed by IDF gunfire to his head and foot during an incursion.
Huda Muhammad Said abu-Shaluf, 12, of Rafah, Gaza, killed by IDF shelling to her head while at home during an incursion.
Fadi Ghassan al-Ajlouni, 8, of Hebron, killed by IDF gunfire.
Abed Khaled Muhammad Ismael, 11, of Artas, near Bethlehem, killed by IDF gunfire.
Abeer Muhammad Yousef Zakarna, 3, of Qabatiya, near Jenin, killed, with her brother and mother, by IDF shelling to her limbs.
Basel Muhammad Yousef Zakarna, 4, of Qabatiya, near Jenin, killed, with his sister and mother, by IDF shelling to his back.
Tamer Khaled Mahmoud abu-Siriyye, 10, of Tulkarm, killed by IDF tank fire to his chest while throwing stones.
Salem Sami Salem al-Shaer, 15, of Rafah, Gaza, died of back wounds sustained May 7, with his brother, from IDF gunfire during an incursion.
Anwar Elian Saleh abu-Said, 12, of Juhor al-Deek, near Khan Younis, Gaza, killed by IDF shelling.
Hussein Eid Hassan al-Matwi, 8, of al-Maghraqa, near Khan Younis, Gaza, killed by IDF shelling to his heart near his home.
Abdul-Samad Hashem Shamlakh, 10, of Gaza City, killed by IDF gunfire to his head while in his home during an incursion.
Ahmad Yousef Abdul-Aziz al-Ghazawi, 9, of Jenin, killed by IDF tank fire.
Fares Hussam Fares al-Sadi, 13, of Jenin, killed by the IDF when his neighbor’s house was blown up.
Sjoud Ahmad Turki Fahmawi, 6, of Jenin, killed by IDF tank fire to her chest and left arm during an incursion.
Jamil Yousef Abdul-Aziz al-Ghazzawi, 12, of Jenin, died of leg and thigh wounds sustained June 21, with his brother, from IDF tank fire.
Bassam Ghassan Ragheb al-Sadi, 6, of Jenin refugee camp, killed by IDF gunfire to his chest.
Muhammad Shteiwi, 12, of Fara refugee camp, killed by IDF gunfire to his chest.
Anwar Muhammad Kamal al-Hindi, 2, of Khan Younis, Gaza, killed, with her mother, by IDF gunfire to her head.
Shukri Fayq Abdel-Haj Daoud, 10, of Qalqilya, died of head wounds sustained June 27 from IDF gunfire during curfew.
Ahmad Said Abdul-Jawad abu-Radaha, 7, of Amari refugee camp, killed by an IDF bomb.
Muhammad Mahmoud al-Huwaiti, 3, of Gaza City, killed, with his brother, in an IDF airstrike while at home during the targeted assassination of Salah Shehada.
Subhi Mahmoud al-Huwaiti, 5, of Gaza City, killed, with his brother, in an IDF airstrike while at home during the targeted assassination of Salah Shehada.
Ayman Raed Matar, 18, of Gaza City, killed, with his brother, sister and cousins, in an IDF airstrike while at home during the targeted assassination of Salah Shehada.
Dina Raed Matar, 2, of Gaza City, killed, with her brothers and cousins, in an IDF airstrike while at home during the targeted assassination of Salah Shehada.
Muhammad Raed Matar, 4, of Gaza City, killed, with his siblings and cousins, in an IDF airstrike while at home during the targeted assassination of Salah Shehada.
Dunia Rami Matar, 5, of Gaza City, killed, with her cousins, in an IDF airstrike while at home during the targeted assassination of Salah Shehada.
Ala Muhammad Matar, 11, of Gaza City, killed, with his cousins, in an IDF airstike while at home during the targeted assassination of Salah Shehada.
Ahmad Muhammad al-Shawa, 5, of Gaza City, killed, with his father, in an IDF airstike while at home during the targeted assassination of Salah Shehada.
Asma Tahseen Ahmad Ahmad, 9, of Khan Younis, Gaza, killed by IDF shelling to her back while playing in her front yard.
Hamzeh Muhammad Badawi Dweikat, 13, of Balata, killed by IDF gunfire to his chest and neck while in his home during curfew.
Ayman Atiya abu-Mugheiseb, 12, of Deir al-Balah, Gaza, died of head wounds sustained Aug. 7 from IDF gunfire while in his backyard.
Ayman Bassam Nadid Fares, 6, of Khan Younis, Gaza, killed by IDF gunfire to his head while in his field near the Ganei Tal settlement.
Jihad Musa Muhammad al-Athra, 6, of Yatta, Hebron, killed by an Israeli settler vehicle.
Bahira Borhan Mefleh Daraghma, 7, of Tubas, killed, with her cousin, by an IDF missile strike during an assassination attempt.
Abdul-Salam Fawzi Abdul-Rahman Samreen, 11, of al-Bireh, killed by IDF gunfire to his abdomen during curfew.
Rawan Murad Eisa Hrezian, 3 days, of Hebron, died at an IDF checkpoint.
Rami Kahlil Ibrahim al-Barbari, 12, of Nablus, killed by IDF tank fire to his head during curfew.
Mahmoud Hamza Ahmad Zaghloul, 11, of Nablus, killed by IDF shelling to his heart.
Thaer Salah al-Hout, 12, of Rafah refugee camp, killed by IDF tank fire to his head during an incursion.
Shaima Kamal Yousef abu-Shamaleh, 8, of Rafah, Gaza, killed by IDF tank fire to her head while in her home during an incursion.
Nafez Khaled Mashal, 2, of Rafah refugee camp, Gaza, killed by IDF gunfire to his abdomen.
Muhammad Rifat abu-Naja, 9, of Rafah, Gaza, died of wounds sustained Oct. 17 from IDF gunfire.
Hamed Asad Hasan al-Masri, 2, of Rafah refugee camp, Gaza, killed by IDF shelling to his chest.
Jihad Tahseen Darweesh al-Faqih, 8, of Nablus, killed by IDF gunfire to his heart during an incursion.
Fawaregh infant, newborn, of Masarah, near Bethlehem, died at an IDF checkpoint after his mother was delayed on her way to the Bethlehem hospital.
Infant, Newborn, of Tel, near Nablus, killed by IDF gunfire.
Nada Kamal Muhammad Mahdi, 11, of Rafah, Gaza, killed by IDF gunfire to her chest while at home.
Hanin Saud abu-Sita, 12, of Rafah, Gaza, killed by IDF shelling to her pelvis.
Hanin Abdul-Kader Saleh abu-Suleiman, 8, of Khan Younis, Gaza, killed by IDF shelling to her head.
2003
Abdul-Rahman Samer abu-Bakr, 10, of Nablus, died at an IDF checkpoint after he was prevented from reaching medical care.
Iyad Salim Othman abu-Shaer, 12, of Deir al-Balah, Gaza, died of neck wounds sustained Dec. 24 from IDF gunfire.
Ali Taleb Ghreiz, 8, of Rafah refugee camp, Gaza, killed by IDF shelling to his head.
Mustafa Ibrahim abu-Adwan, 10, of Khan Younis, Gaza, died of head wounds sustained Feb. 7 from IDF shelling.
Aref Omar Afif Bisharat, 13, of Tammun, near Tubas, died of head wounds sustained Feb. 5 from IDF gunfire while throwing stones.
Husni Majdi al-Ghul, 8, of Qalqilya, killed by Israeli border police gunfire to his chest during an incursion.
Abdul-Rahman Mustafa Ali Jadallah, 9, of Khan Younis, Gaza, killed by IDF gunfire to his head during a funeral.
Ilham Ziad Hassan al-Assar, 4, of Nuseirat refugee camp, Gaza, killed by IDF gunfire to her abdomen and left foot during an incursion.
Christine George Antoine Sada, 10, of Aida refugee camp, killed by undercover IDF gunfire to her head and chest while riding in a car with her family during a targeted assassination.
Anas Jihad al-Kahlout, 12, of Jabalya refugee camp, Gaza, killed by IDF gunfire to his head.
Amir Ahmad Muhammad Ayyad, 2, of Gaza City, killed by IDF gunfire to his chest and abdomen during an incursion.
Elian Saad Elian al-Bashiti, 18 months, of Khan Younis, Gaza, killed by IDF shelling to his head.
Tamer Nizar Fathi Arar, 11, of Salfit, killed by IDF sniper fire to his head during a demonstration.
Afnan Yasser Muhammad Taha, 1, of Bureij refugee camp, Gaza, killed, with her mother, in an IDF helicopter missile strike during the targeted assassination of her father.
Amal Nimer Salem al-Jarusha, 8, of Gaza City, died of wounds sustained June 10 in an IDF helicopter missile strike while playing in her yard during a targeted assassination.
Muhammad Sharif Jawdat Kabaha, 3, of Barta al-Sharkiya, near Jenin, killed by IDF tank fire to his head while waiting in a car with his family at a checkpoint.
Aya Mahmoud Noman Fayyad, 9, of Khan Younis, Gaza, killed by IDF tank fire to her chest while in her home.
Sana Jamil al-Daour, 9, of Jabalya refugee camp, Gaza, died of head and neck wounds sustained Aug. 26 from IDF helicopter fire during a targeted assassination.
Thaer Monsur Noman al-Sayouri, 9, of Hebron, killed by IDF tank fire to his head while in his home during an incursion.
Muhammad Ayman Yousef Ibrahim, 7, of Tulkarm refugee camp, killed by IDF gunfire to his chest during a targeted assassination.
Ibrahim Ahmad Frej al-Qreinawi, 10, of Rafah, Gaza, killed by IDF gunfire to his abdomen while with his family in their yard during an incursion.
Atwa Yousef abu-Muhsen, 8, of Rafah, Gaza, killed by IDF gunfire to his head during an incursion.
Muhammad Ziad Muhammad Baroud, 12, of Nuseirat refugee camp, Gaza, killed by IDF helicopter fire during a targeted assassination.
Muhammad Ismael Elian al-Hamayda, 10, of Deir al-Balah, killed by IDF gunfire to his abdomen while on his way to the mosque during an incursion.
Ahmad Muhanad Nafeh Meri, 11, of Jenin refugee camp, died of head wounds sustained Nov. 8 from IDF gunfire to his head while throwing stones at soldiers demolishing a home in Jenin.
Hani Salem Rabayah, 9, of Rafah refugee camp, Gaza, killed by IDF gunfire to his head and neck.
Muayad Mazen Abdul-Rahman Hamdan, 9, of al-Bireh, killed by IDF gunfire to his head during an incursion.
Latifa, premature, of Deir Balut, near Ramallah, died, with her twin sister, at an IDF checkpoint after her mother was delayed access to medical care.
Moufida, premature, of Deir Balut, near Ramallah, died, with her twin sister, at an IDF checkpoint after her mother was delayed access to medical care.
2004
Iman Samir Darwish al-Hams, 13, of Rafah, Gaza, killed by IDF gunfire to her head, chest, limbs and abdomen on her way to school near the Tal Zarub army post.
[An Israeli officer who emptied his entire magazine into her, shooting her 17 times at close range, was acquitted of all charges by an Israeli court. He said that he would have done the same even if she had been three years old. He had been charged with minor offences.]
Tariq Majdi Abdul-Muati al-Sousi, 11, of Gaza City, killed by IDF helicopter fire while being driven home from school during a targeted assassination.
Motaz Nafez Hussein al-Sharafi, 11, of Gaza City, died of neck and head wounds sustained Feb. 28 from IDF helicopter fire during a targeted assassination.
Mahmoud Abdullah Hasan Younis, 10, of Nuseirat refugee camp, Gaza, killed by IDF sniper fire.
Fatma Muhammad Sharifi al-Jaled, 7, of Khan Younis, Gaza, died of head wounds sustained March 19 from IDF gunfire to her head while playing in her yard with friends.
Khaled Maher Zaki Walwil, 6, of Balata refugee camp, killed by IDF gunfire to his neck while looking out of a window in his home during an incursion.
Iman Muhammad Khalil Talbiyeh, 12, of Khan Younis, Gaza, killed by IDF gunfire to her head while in her kitchen.
Muna Hamdi Shehada abu-Tabak, 10, of Beit Hanoun, Gaza, killed by IDF gunfire to her abdomen and left arm while on her way home.
Asma Ali abu-Qaliq, 4, of Jabalya, Gaza, killed by IDF tear gas.
Ahmad Muhammad Ali al-Mughayer, 10, of Rafah, Gaza, killed, with his sister, by IDF sniper fire to his head while feeding birds on the roof of his home.
Mahmoud Tariq Mahmoud Monsur, 12, of Rafah, Gaza, killed by an IDF missile during a peaceful demonstration near the Tal Zorub military post.
Mubarak Salim Mubarak al-Hashash, 11, of Rafah, Gaza, killed by an IDF missile during a peaceful demonstration near the Tal Zorub military post.
Walid Naji Said abu-Qamr, 12, of Rafah refugee camp, Gaza, killed by an IDF missile during a peaceful demonstration near the Tal Zorub military post.
Iyad Muhammad Afana, 13, of Gaza City, died of head wounds sustained May 11 from IDF gunfire during an incursion.
Tamer Younis al-Arja, 3, of Rafah, Gaza, died of a heart attack from IDF shelling.
Hamed Yasin Hamed Bahlul, 16, of Rafah, Gaza, killed by IDF helicopter fire near the zoo.
Islam Muhammad Mahmoud Husniya, 13, of Fawwar refugee camp, killed by IDF gunfire to his head while throwing stones during a demonstration against the Israeli incursion in Rafah.
Rawan Muhammad Said abu-Zid, 4, of Rafah, Gaza, killed by IDF gunfire to her head and neck while going to the store with her big sister to buy candy.
Hani Mahmoud Khaled Kandil, 13, of Nablus, killed by IDF gunfire to his head at close range during an incursion.
Omar Muhammad Awad abu-Zaran, 12, of Rafah, Gaza, killed by IDF gunfire near his home.
Ihab Abdul-Karim Ahmad Shatat, 9, of Jabalya refugee camp, Gaza, killed by IDF tank fire to his chest while walking to the grocery store.
Safah al-Shaer, 4, of Rafah, Gaza, died of wounds sustained July 1 from IDF gunfire.
Samr Omar Hasan Fawju, 3, of Rafah, Gaza, died of head wounds sustained July 8 from IDF gunfire while standing near her home.
Ali Abdul-Rahim Ashraf abu-Alba, 12, of Jabalya refugee camp, Gaza, killed by IDF helicopter fire to his abdomen during an incursion.
Khaled Jamal Salim al-Asta, 8, of Hosh al-Jitan, near Nablus, killed by IDF gunfire to his chest while in his home.
Munir Anwar Muhammad al-Daqs, 10, of Jabalya refugee camp, Gaza, killed by Israeli tank fire to his chest near his home during an incursion.
Maram Moufid Abdul-Aziz al-Nahleh, 11, of Nablus, killed by IDF gunfire to her face while at home during an incursion.
Raghdah Adnan Abdul-Muati al-Asar, 9, of Khan Younis refugee camp, Gaza, died of head wounds sustained Sept. 7 from IDF sniper fire while sitting at a desk in her United Nations-administered school near the Neve Dekalim settlement.
Saber Ibrahim Iyad Asaliya, 12, of Jabalya refugee camp, Gaza, killed by IDF gunfire to his back while trying to escape during an incursion.
Luay Ayman Muhammad al-Najjar, 4, of Khuza, near Khan Younis, Gaza, killed by IDF tank fire to his head while playing near his home during an incursion.
Iman Samir Darwish al-Hams, 13, of Rafah, Gaza, killed by IDF gunfire to her head, chest, limbs and abdomen on her way to school near the Tal Zarub army post.
Samah Samir Omar Nasr Musleh, 10, of Beit Hanoun, Gaza, killed by IDF tank fire to her abdomen at the entrance to her home.
Ghadir Jaber Hussein Mukhemar, 9, of Khan Younis refugee camp, Gaza, died of chest wounds sustained Oct. 12 from IDF gunfire while in her classroom at a United Nations-administered school.
Hisham Hassan Husni Ashour, 10, of Khan Younis, Gaza, killed by IDF gunfire to his chest at a neighborhood gathering.
Rania Iyad Ahmad Aram, 7, of Khan Younis, Gaza, killed by IDF gunfire to her neck while preparing to leave for school from her home near the Nouria army post.
Rana Omar Abdul-Hadi Siyam, 8, of Khan Younis, Gaza, killed by IDF gunfire while eating lunch in her home near the Neve Dekalim settlement.
2005
Mahmoud Kamel Muhammad Ghaben, 12, of Beit Lahya, Gaza, killed, with two brothers and three cousins, by IDF shelling while tending their family’s land.
Rajeh Ghassan Kamal Ghaben, 10, of Beit Lahya, Gaza, killed, with five cousins, by IDF shelling while tending their family’s land.
Omar Ramadan Muhammad al-Qrenawi, 6, of Bureij refugee camp, Gaza, died of head wounds sustained Jan. 13 by IDF tank fire during an incursion.
Rahma Ibrahim Musa abu-Shams, 3, of Deir al-Balah, Gaza, killed by IDF shelling to her head while eating breakfast in her home near the Tal Katif settlement.
Ahmad Ismael Muhammad al-Khatib, 12, of Jenin refugee camp, died in an Israeli hospital of head and abdominal wounds sustained Nov. 3 from IDF gunfire while carrying a toy gun. Ahmed’s organs, donated by his father, saved the lives of three Israeli children and a 54-year-old Israeli woman.
2006
Aya Muhammad Suleiman al-Astal, 9, of Khan Younis, Gaza, killed by IDF gunfire near the Kissufim crossing.
Raed Ahmad Adel al-Batash, 11, of Gaza City, killed, with his brother, by an IDF missile during a targeted assassination.
Akaber Abdul-Rahman Izzat Zayd, 9, of Yamoun, near Jenin, killed by IDF gunfire to her head while riding in her uncle’s car to get medical stitches removed during an incursion.
Bilal Iyad Muhammad abul-Einein, 5, of Rafah, Gaza, killed by an IDF missile during the targeted assassination of his father.
Hadeel Muhammad Rabih Abdullah Ghaben, 8, of Beit Lahya, Gaza, killed by IDF shelling to her head while doing homework in her home.
Muhanad Hamdi Farouq Aman, 6, of Gaza City, killed, with his mother and aunt, by an IDF missile during a targeted assassination.
Haithem Ali Eisa Ghalya, 5 months, of Beit Lahya, Gaza, killed, with his mother, father and four sisters, by IDF shelling from an offshore warship while having a family picnic at Waha beach.
Hanadi Ali Eisa Ghalya, 18 months, of Beit Lahya, Gaza, killed, with her mother, father, brother and three sisters, by IDF shelling from an offshore warship while having a family picnic at Waha beach.
Sabrin Ali Eisa Ghalya, 4, of Beit Lahya, Gaza, killed, with her mother, father, brother and three sisters, by IDF shelling from an offshore warship while having a family picnic at Waha beach.
Maher Ashraf Farouq al-Mughrabi, 8, of Gaza City, killed, with his brother and father, by an IDF missile while gathered at the site of a targeted assassination.
Samia Mahmoud Ziad al-Sharif, 5, of Gaza City, killed by an IDF missile while going to her local grocery store during a targeted assassination attempt.
Muhammad Jamal Shukri Ruqa, 6, of Gaza City, killed by an IDF missile while going to his local grocery store during a targeted assassination attempt.
Majzarah Shaban Abdul-Qader Ahmad, 12 hours, of Khan Younis, Gaza, killed, with her mother and uncle, by an IDF missile during a targeted assassination attempt.
Anwar Ismael Abdul-Ghani Atallah, 12, of Beit Hanoun, Gaza, died of head wounds sustained July 5 from IDF gunfire.
Rawan Farid Shaban Hajaj, 6, of Gaza City, killed, with her older brother, while in their home when the IDF bombed their neighborhood gas station.
Walid Mahmoud Ahmad El-Zeinati, 12, of Gaza City, died of wounds sustained July 6 in an IDF missile strike.
Huda Nabil Abdul-Latif abu-Salmeya, 13, of Gaza City, killed, with her parents, two brothers and four sisters, in IDF airstrikes on their family home.
Iman Nabil Abdul-Latif abu-Salmeya, 12, of Gaza City, killed, with her parents, two brothers and four sisters, in IDF airstrikes on their family home.
Yehya Nabil Abdel-Latif abu-Salmeya, 10, of Gaza City, killed, with his parents, brother and five sisters, in IDF airstrikes on their family home.
Aya Nabil Abdel-Latif abu-Salmeya, 9, of Gaza City, killed, with her parents, two brothers and four sisters, in IDF airstrikes on their family home.
Nasrallah Nabil Abdul-Latif abu-Salmeya, 7, of Gaza City, killed, with his parents, brother and five sisters, in IDF airstrikes on their family home.
Nadi Habib Abdullah al-Attar, 10, of Atatra, near Beit Lahya, Gaza, killed, with his grandmother, by IDF shelling while riding on an animal-drawn cart.
Khitam Muhammad Rebhi Tayeh, 11, of Beit Hanoun, Gaza, killed by IDF shelling while on her way to the grocery store.
Bara Ahmad Hussein Habib, 2, of Gaza City, killed by an IDF missile fired from a drone to his head and abdomen during a targeted assassination.
Shahid Samir Ata Oukal, 8 months, of Jabalya, Gaza, killed, with her sister and mother, by IDF shelling.
Maria Samir Ata Oukal, 5, of Jabalya, Gaza, killed, with her sister and mother, by IDF shelling.
Anis Salem Jadua abu-Awad, 11, of Rafah, Gaza, killed in an IDF airstrike.
Shahed Saleh Omar al-Sheikh Eid, 3 days, of Rafah, Gaza, killed by IDF shelling.
Raja Salam abu-Shaban, 3, of Gaza City, killed by an IDF missile.
Nidal Abdul Aziz al-Dahdouh, 14, of Gaza City, killed by IDF sniper fire.
Hussam Ahmad Muhammad al-Sarsawi, 12, of Gaza City, died of wounds sustained Aug. 27 from IDF tank fire.
Iman Usama Fadel al-Harazin, 2, of Gaza City, killed in an IDF airstrike while walking with her father.
Suhaib Adel Zerei Mahmoud Qudaih, 13, of Abasan al-Kabira, near Khan Younis, Gaza, killed by an IDF missile while in his home.
Bara Riyad Muhammad Fayyad, 4, of Beit Hanoun, Gaza, died of wounds sustained Nov. 1 from IDF shelling of his home.
Saad Majdi Said al-Athamna, 8, of Beit Hanoun, Gaza, killed, with 16 family members, by IDF shelling while asleep at home.
Mahmoud Amjad al-Athamna, 12, of Beit Hanoun, Gaza, killed, with 16 family members, by IDF shelling while asleep at home.
Maram Ramez Masoud al-Athamna, 2, of Beit Hanoun, Gaza, killed, with 16 family members, by IDF shelling while asleep at home.
Maisa Ramez Masoud al-Athamna, 6 months, of Beit Hanoun, Gaza, killed, with 16 family members, by IDF shelling while asleep at home.
Abdul-Aziz Salman Muhammad Salman, 10, of Beit Lahya, Gaza, killed by IDF tank fire to his abdomen while playing by al-Zawia mosque.
Ayman Abdul Qader abu-Mahdi, 10, of Jabalya refugee camp, Gaza, died of head wounds sustained Nov. 25 from IDF gunfire while playing near his home.
Jamil Abdul-Karim Jamil Jabji, 5, of Askar refugee camp, killed by IDF gunfire from a jeep to his head while throwing stones.
2007
Abir Bassam Abed-Rabo al-Aramin, 10, of Anata, near Jerusalem, died of head wounds sustained Jan. 17 from an IDF percussion grenade while in her schoolyard during a demonstration against the annexation wall.
Saifadeen Said Khalil Jundiyah, 9, of al-Shejaya, near Gaza City, Gaza, killed by IDF shelling from a tank while sitting in front of his home during an incursion.
Ahmad Iyad Hiles, 16, of al-Shejaya, near Gaza City, Gaza, killed by an IDF shell during an incursion.
Ibrahim Ali abu-Nahl, 16 months, died of heart disease at the Erez checkpoint, after Israel denied him entry for treatment at Ichilov Hospital in Tel Aviv.
Sana Muhammad Yusuf al-Hajj, 6 months,died of kidney disease at al-Nasr Pediatric Hospital in Gaza City, which lacked a necessary pediatric dialysis unit, after Israel denied her entry for medical treatment.
Amir Shahir Abdullah al-Yazji, 9, of Gaza City, Gaza, died of meningitis at al-Nasr Pediatric Hospital in Gaza City, which lacked necessary vaccines, after Israel denied him entry for treatment at Ichilov Hospital in Tel Aviv. An urgent transfer request, submitted five days earlier, went unanswered.
Hala Rohi Muhammad Zanoun, 3 months, of Rafah refugee camp, Gaza, died of a heart defect and severe skin infections at the European Hospital in Khan Younis, which lacked necessary medical equipment, after Israel denied her entry for treatment at Sheba Medical Center at Tel Hashomer.
Razan Muhammad Kamel Atallah, 6, of Rafah, Gaza, died of cerebral atrophy, after Israel denied her permission to leave the Gaza Strip for medical treatment.
Yusuf Iyad abu-Maryam, 5, of Beit Lahya, Gaza, died of cancer after Israel denied him entry to receive medical treatment. Because hospitals in Gaza lacked necessary equipment to administer chemotherapy, the Palestine Ministry of Health had requested transfer to an Israeli hospital on Oct. 11.
2008
Ibrahim abu-Jazar, 2, of Rafah, Gaza, died of an unspecified illness after Israel denied him permission to leave the Gaza Strip for medical treatment.
Ibrahim abu-Jazar, 2, of Rafah, Gaza, died of an unspecified illness after Israel denied him permission to leave the Gaza Strip for medical treatment.
Shirin Ismail Abdullah abu-Shawareb, 11, of Nuseirat refugee camp, Gaza, died of heart problems at al-Nasr Pediatric Hospital in Gaza City, which lacked necessary equipment, after Israel denied her entry for medical treatment. Doctors had requested transfer to an Israeli hospital on Dec. 27. On Jan. 10, believing permission for a transfer had been granted, Shirin’s father took her to the Erez checkpoint, where Israel again denied her entry.
Amir Muhammad Hashem Muhammad al-Yazji, 5, of Gaza City, Gaza, killed, along with his older brother and uncle, by an IDF missile which struck their car on al-Nafaq Street in the al-Daraj neighborhood of Gaza City.
Hamid Maher abu-Hamda, 90 days, of Gaza City, Gaza, died of an unspecified illness that required medicine not available in the Gaza Strip after Israel denied him permission to leave the Gaza Strip for medical treatment.
Faten Majdi al-Hafnawi, 10, of Gaza City, Gaza, died of an unspecified illness after Israel denied her permission to leave the Gaza Strip for medical treatment.
Tamer Muhammad Abdul-Riziq abu-Shar, 9, of Wadi al-Salqa, near Khan Younis, Gaza, killed by IDF gunfire to his head while he and his family attempted to flee their home during an incursion.
Said Muhammad Said al-Aidi, 2, of Rafah, Gaza, died of a congenital liver defect after he was denied permission by Israel to return to Abul-Rish Hospital for Children in Cairo for medical treatment. Treatment at the hospital had begun in December 2006 and required Said to return again in six months.
Shihab Muhammad Khleif, 20 days, of Beit Lahya, Gaza, died of a heart defect after Israel denied him permission to leave the Gaza Strip for medical treatment.
Muhammad Amin abu-Watfa, 12, of Gaza City, Gaza, died of a brain hemorrhage after Israel denied him permission to leave the Gaza Strip for medical treatment.
Muhammad Nasr Abdul-Aziz al-Boray, 7 months, of Gaza City, Gaza, killed by shrapnel from IDF missiles to his head and chest while in his home when IDF aircraft destroyed the neighboring Ministry of Interior building. Muhammad was the only child of parents who struggled with infertility for five years before he was born.
Ali Munir Muhammad Dardunah, 6, of Jabalya refugee camp, Gaza, killed, with his first cousin and a distant cousin, by IDF missile fire from a helicopter while playing soccer near his home with friends.
Dardunah Deeb Khalil Dardunah, 10, of Jabalya refugee camp, Gaza, killed by IDF missile fire from a helicopter while playing soccer near his home with friends.
Salah Zaki Mansour, 10, of al-Shouka, near Rafah, Gaza, killed, with his brother, by an unexploded IDF ordinance while attempting to salvage it for scrap metal.
Muhammad Zaki Mansour, 12, of al-Shouka, near Rafah, Gaza, killed, with his brother, by an unexploded IDF ordinance while attempting to salvage it for scrap metal.
Adel Khalil Barbakh, 11, of al-Shouka, near Rafah, Gaza, killed by an unexploded IDF ordinance while attempting to salvage it for scrap metal.
Saifadeen Said Khalil Jundiyah, 9, of al-Shejaya, near Gaza City, Gaza, killed by IDF shelling from a tank while sitting in front of his home during an incursion.
Ibrahim Ali abu-Nahl, 16 months, died of heart disease at the Erez checkpoint, after Israel denied him entry for treatment at Ichilov Hospital in Tel Aviv.
Sana Muhammad Yusuf al-Hajj, 6 months,died of kidney disease at al-Nasr Pediatric Hospital in Gaza City, which lacked a necessary pediatric dialysis unit, after Israel denied her entry for medical treatment.
Amir Shahir Abdullah al-Yazji, 9, of Gaza City, Gaza, died of meningitis at al-Nasr Pediatric Hospital in Gaza City, which lacked necessary vaccines, after Israel denied him entry for treatment at Ichilov Hospital in Tel Aviv. An urgent transfer request, submitted five days earlier, went unanswered.
Rawan Samih Diab, 13 months, of Nuseirat refugee camp, Gaza, died of kidney inflammation at al-Nasr Pediatric Hospital in Gaza City, which lacked necessary equiptment, after she was denied treatment at an Israeli hospital.
Hala Rohi Muhammad Zanoun, 3 months, of Rafah refugee camp, Gaza, died of a heart defect and severe skin infections at the European Hospital in Khan Younis, which lacked necessary medical equipment, after Israel denied her entry for treatment at Sheba Medical Center at Tel Hashomer.
Razan Muhammad Kamel Atallah, 6, of Rafah, Gaza, died of cerebral atrophy, after Israel denied her permission to leave the Gaza Strip for medical treatment.
Yusuf Iyad abu-Maryam, 5, of Beit Lahya, Gaza, died of cancer after Israel denied him entry to receive medical treatment. Because hospitals in Gaza lacked necessary equipment to administer chemotherapy, the Palestine Ministry of Health had requested transfer to an Israeli hospital on Oct. 11.
Dua Hani Habib, 6 months, of Gaza City, Gaza, died of a bone marrow disorder after Israel denied him permission to leave the Gaza Strip for medical treatment.
Ibrahim abu-Jazar, 2, of Rafah, Gaza, died of an unspecified illness after Israel denied him permission to leave the Gaza Strip for medical treatment.
Shirin Ismail Abdullah abu-Shawareb, 11, of Nuseirat refugee camp, Gaza, died of heart problems at al-Nasr Pediatric Hospital in Gaza City, which lacked necessary equipment, after Israel denied her entry for medical treatment. Doctors had requested transfer to an Israeli hospital on Dec. 27. On Jan. 10, believing permission for a transfer had been granted, Shirin’s father took her to the Erez checkpoint, where Israel again denied her entry.
Amir Muhammad Hashem Muhammad al-Yazji, 5, of Gaza City, Gaza, killed, along with his older brother and uncle, by an IDF missile which struck their car on al-Nafaq Street in the al-Daraj neighborhood of Gaza City.
Hamid Maher abu-Hamda, 90 days, of Gaza City, Gaza, died of an unspecified illness that required medicine not available in the Gaza Strip after Israel denied him permission to leave the Gaza Strip for medical treatment.
Faten Majdi al-Hafnawi, 10, of Gaza City, Gaza, died of an unspecified illness after Israel denied her permission to leave the Gaza Strip for medical treatment.
Sana Muhammad Yusuf al-Hajj, 6 months,died of kidney disease at al-Nasr Pediatric Hospital in Gaza City, which lacked a necessary pediatric dialysis unit, after Israel denied her entry for medical treatment.
Amir Shahir Abdullah al-Yazji, 9, of Gaza City, Gaza, died of meningitis at al-Nasr Pediatric Hospital in Gaza City, which lacked necessary vaccines, after Israel denied him entry for treatment at Ichilov Hospital in Tel Aviv. An urgent transfer request, submitted five days earlier, went unanswered.
Rawan Samih Diab, 13 months, of Nuseirat refugee camp, Gaza, died of kidney inflammation at al-Nasr Pediatric Hospital in Gaza City, which lacked necessary equiptment, after she was denied treatment at an Israeli hospital.
Hala Rohi Muhammad Zanoun, 3 months, of Rafah refugee camp, Gaza, died of a heart defect and severe skin infections at the European Hospital in Khan Younis, which lacked necessary medical equipment, after Israel denied her entry for treatment at Sheba Medical Center at Tel Hashomer.
Razan Muhammad Kamel Atallah, 6, of Rafah, Gaza, died of cerebral atrophy, after Israel denied her permission to leave the Gaza Strip for medical treatment.
Nada Iyad al-Agha, 13, of Khan Younis, Gaza, died of liver disease after Israel denied her permission to leave the Gaza Strip for medical treatment.
Yusuf Iyad abu-Maryam, 5, of Beit Lahya, Gaza, died of cancer after Israel denied him entry to receive medical treatment. Because hospitals in Gaza lacked necessary equipment to administer chemotherapy, the Palestine Ministry of Health had requested transfer to an Israeli hospital on Oct. 11.
Dua Hani Habib, 6 months, of Gaza City, Gaza, died of a bone marrow disorder after Israel denied him permission to leave the Gaza Strip for medical treatment.
2008
Ibrahim abu-Jazar, 2, of Rafah, Gaza, died of an unspecified illness after Israel denied him permission to leave the Gaza Strip for medical treatment.
Shirin Ismail Abdullah abu-Shawareb, 11, of Nuseirat refugee camp, Gaza, died of heart problems at al-Nasr Pediatric Hospital in Gaza City, which lacked necessary equipment, after Israel denied her entry for medical treatment. Doctors had requested transfer to an Israeli hospital on Dec. 27. On Jan. 10, believing permission for a transfer had been granted, Shirin’s father took her to the Erez checkpoint, where Israel again denied her entry.
Amir Muhammad Hashem Muhammad al-Yazji, 5, of Gaza City, Gaza, killed, along with his older brother and uncle, by an IDF missile which struck their car on al-Nafaq Street in the al-Daraj neighborhood of Gaza City.
Hamid Maher abu-Hamda, 90 days, of Gaza City, Gaza, died of an unspecified illness that required medicine not available in the Gaza Strip after Israel denied him permission to leave the Gaza Strip for medical treatment.
Faten Majdi al-Hafnawi, 10, of Gaza City, Gaza, died of an unspecified illness after Israel denied her permission to leave the Gaza Strip for medical treatment.
Tamer Muhammad Abdul-Riziq abu-Shar, 9, of Wadi al-Salqa, near Khan Younis, Gaza, killed by IDF gunfire to his head while he and his family attempted to flee their home during an incursion.
Said Muhammad Said al-Aidi, 2, of Rafah, Gaza, died of a congenital liver defect after he was denied permission by Israel to return to Abul-Rish Hospital for Children in Cairo for medical treatment. Treatment at the hospital had begun in December 2006 and required Said to return again in six months.
Shihab Muhammad Khleif, 20 days, of Beit Lahya, Gaza, died of a heart defect after Israel denied him permission to leave the Gaza Strip for medical treatment.
Muhammad Amin abu-Watfa, 12, of Gaza City, Gaza, died of a brain hemorrhage after Israel denied him permission to leave the Gaza Strip for medical treatment.
Ali Munir Muhammad Dardunah, 6, of Jabalya refugee camp, Gaza, killed, with his first cousin and a distant cousin, by IDF missile fire from a helicopter while playing soccer near his home with friends.
Dardunah Deeb Khalil Dardunah, 10, of Jabalya refugee camp, Gaza, killed by IDF missile fire from a helicopter while playing soccer near his home with friends.
Salwa Zaidan Muhammad Ghali Assaliya, 13, of Jabalya refugee camp, Gaza, killed, with her older sister, by an IDF missile while in her home.
Salsabeel Majid Muhammad abu-Jalhoum, 2, of Jabalya refugee camp, Gaza, killed by an IDF missile while in the garden of her home.
Nael Zuhair Shukri abu-Oun, 12, of Jabalya, Gaza, killed by an IDF missile while standing in the street with friends.
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Safah Raed Ali Said abu-Saif, 12, of Jabalya refugee camp, Gaza, died of wounds sustained from IDF gunfire to her abdomen while in her home. Bled to death when IDF soldiers prevented ambulances from reaching her.
Amira Khaled Faraj abu-Aser, 20 days, of Gaza City, Gaza, killed by IDF gunfire to her head while in the home of family friends in Deir al-Balah during an incursion.
Iman Amin al-Safi, 4, of Khan Younis, Gaza, died of heart disease after Israel denied her permission to leave the Gaza Strip for medical treatment.
Salsabeel Ibrahim Tabasi, 9 months, of Gaza City, Gaza, died of acute pneumonia after Israel denied her permission to leave the Gaza Strip for medical treatment.
Yusuf Wasim Mushtaha, 2 months, of Gaza City, Gaza, died of kidney disease after Israel denied him permission to leave the Gaza Strip for medical treatment.
Muhammad Ihab Haniya, 14 months, of Gaza City, Gaza, died of a heart defect after Israel denied him permission four times to leave the Gaza Strip for medical treatment for “security reasons” and threatened to destroy his medical file if additional requests were made.
Nuralhuda Khamis al-Kilani, 7 months, of Nuseirat refugee camp, Gaza, died of an unspecified illness after Israel denied him permission to leave the Gaza Strip for medical treatment.
Muhammad Ziad al-Ajala, 63 days, of Gaza City, Gaza, died of an atrioventricular septal heart defect at al-Nasr Pediatric Hospital in Gaza City after he was twice denied entry to Israel to receive medical treatment.
Masad Ahmad Eid Hassan abu-Metiq, 1, of Beit Hanoun, Gaza, killed, with his mother, brother and two sisters, by shrapnel from an IDF missile while eating breakfast in his home during a targeted killing.
Hana Ahmad Eid Hassan abu-Metiq, 3, of Beit Hanoun, Gaza, killed, with her mother, sister and two brothers, by shrapnel from an IDF missile while eating breakfast in her home during a targeted killing.
Rudeina Ahmad Eid Hassan abu-Metiq, 4, of Beit Hanoun, Gaza, killed, with her mother, sister and two brothers, by shrapnel from an IDF missile while eating breakfast in her home during a targeted killing.
Saleh Ahmad Eid Hassan abu-Metiq, 5, of Beit Hanoun, Gaza, killed, with his mother, brother and two sisters, by shrapnel from an IDF missile while eating breakfast in his home during a targeted killing.
Nasim al-Biouk, 4 months, of Rafah, Gaza, died of heart disease after Israel denied him permission to leave the Gaza Strip for medical treatment.
Yusuf Muhammad Zakut, 2 days, died of an unspecified illness at al-Nasr Pediatric Hospital in Gaza City, which lacked necessary equipment, after Israel denied him permission to leave the Gaza Strip for medical treatment.
Salwa Nahed abu-Tawahin, 8 months, of Deir al-Balah, Gaza, died of blood cancer at Shuhada al-Aqsa Hospital in Deir al-Balah, which lacked necessary equipment, after Israel denied her permission to leave the Gaza Strip for medical treatment. The permit request was submitted twenty days prior to her death.
Ward Hashim Sabiha, 10 days, died of kidney disease at al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City, which lacked necessary medicine, after Israel denied him permission to leave the Gaza Strip for medical treatment.
Sujud Khalil al-Farra, 1 week, died, with her sister, of an unspecified illness at al-Naser Hospital in Khan Younis, Gaza, which lacked the necessary drug “Alservictant,” due to Israel’s blockade of the Gaza Strip. A third triplet sister died two days later.
Faiza Khalil al-Farra, 1 week, died, with her sister, of an unspecified illness at al-Naser Hospital in Khan Younis, Gaza, which lacked the necessary drug “Alservictant,” due to Israel’s blockade of the Gaza Strip. A third triplet sister died two days later.
Aya Hamdan Hamdan al-Najjar, 8, of Khuza, near Khan Younis, Gaza, killed by an IDF missile while playing near her home.
Hamada Saleh Hamada, 4 months, of Beit Lahya, Gaza, died of heart disease after Israel denied her permission to leave the Gaza Strip for medical treatment.
Hasan abu-Mamar, 17, of Khan Younis, Gaza, died of cancer after Israel denied her permission to leave the Gaza Strip for medical treatment.
Ayat Anwar Daheik, 8 months, of Nuseirat refugee camp, Gaza, died of heart disease after Israel denied her permission to leave the Gaza Strip for medical treatment.
Imad Ismail al-Oweini, 6, of Bureij refugee camp, Gaza, died of kidney disease after Israel denied him permission to leave the Gaza Strip for medical treatment.
Wasim Iyad Hamdan, 10 months, of Beit Hanoun, Gaza, died of an unspecified illness after Israel denied him permission to leave the Gaza Strip for medical treatment.
Ahmad Husam Yusuf Musa, 11, of Nileen, near Ramallah, killed by IDF gunfire to his head during a demonstration against the annexation wall.
Ahmad Eid abu-Amra, 3 months, of Deir al-Balah, Gaza, died of heart disease after Israel denied him entry to receive medical treatment.
Ali al-Dahdouh, 27 days, of Gaza City, Gaza, died of heart disease after Israel denied him permission to leave the Gaza Strip for medical treatment.
al-Mutasim Bila Muhammad Jundiya, 2, of Gaza City, Gaza, died of cerebral palsy after Israel denied him permission to leave the Gaza Strip for medical treatment.
Muhammad Ala al-Sarhi, 5 months, of Gaza City, Gaza, died of heart disease after Israel denied him permission to leave the Gaza Strip for medical treatment.
Abu-Rideh infant boy, of Nablus, died at an IDF checkpoint while his mother was prevented from reaching the hospital for more than forty minutes.
Hadi al-Hassainah, 3, of Gaza City, Gaza, died of protein deficiency in his brain after Israel denied him permission to leave the Gaza Strip for medical treatment.
Muhammad Ramzi al-Imawi, 18 months, of Jabalya, Gaza, died of cerebral atrophy after Israel denied him permission to leave the Gaza Strip for medical treatment.
Odeh Saleh Abdul-Al, 7, of Rafah, Gaza, died of a heart and lung disorder after he was denied permission by Israel to return to Ichilov Hospital in Tel Aviv for medical treatment.
Abdul-Rahman Hani Akram Khuziq, 10 months, of Gaza City, Gaza, died of cerebral atrophy after Israel denied him permission to leave the Gaza Strip for medical treatment.
Tamer Hassan Ali al-Akhras, 5, of Gaza City, Gaza, killed by the IDF in Gaza City’s al-Zaytoun neighborhood.
Ahmad Riyad Muhammad al-Sinwar, 3, of al-Zahra City, near Deir al-Balah, Gaza, killed by the IDF in al-Zahra City, near Deir al-Balah.
Uday Abdul-Hakim Rajab Mansi, 6, of Deir al-Balah, Gaza, killed by the IDF in Deir al-Balah.
Samar Anwar Khalil Balousha, 6, of Jabalya refugee camp, Gaza, killed, with four sisters, by an IDF missile while sleeping in her home.
Dina Anwar Khalil Balousha, 7, of Jabalya refugee camp, Gaza, killed, with four sisters, by an IDF missile while sleeping in her home.
Jawaher Anwar Khalil Balousha, 8, of Jabalya refugee camp, Gaza, killed, with four sisters, by an IDF missile while sleeping in her home.
Muath Yasir al-Abed abu-Teir, 6, of Abasan al-Kabira, near Khan Younis, Gaza, killed by the IDF in Abasan al-Kabira.
Sidqi Ziad Mahmoud al-Absi, 4, of Rafah refugee camp, Gaza, killed, with two brothers, by an IDF missile while in his home.
Ahmad Ziad Mahmoud al-Absi, 12, of Rafah refugee camp, Gaza, killed, with two brothers, by an IDF missile while in his home.
Wisam Akram Rabi Eid, 12, of Beit Hanoun, Gaza, killed by the IDF near the Zemu roundabout in the northern Gaza Strip.
30 December 2008
Lama Talal Shehada Hamdan, 4, of Beit Hanoun, Gaza, killed, with her sister, by an IDF missile strike while standing near her home in the al-Rayes area of Beit Hanoun. Her brother died the next day from injuries sustained during the attack.
Haya Talal Shehada Hamdan, 12, of Beit Hanoun, Gaza, killed, with her sister, by an IDF missile strike while standing near her home in the al-Rayes area of Beit Hanoun. Her brother died the next day from injuries sustained during the attack.
Ismail Talal Shehada Hamdan, 9, of Beit Hanoun, Gaza, died of wounds sustained Dec. 30 in an IDF missile strike which also killed two of his sisters.
Al-Muez Ledinallah Jihad al-Nasla, 3, of Beit Hanoun, Gaza, killed, with his sister, by IDF bombs while on his way to the market in the al-Nada apartment buildings near a water reservoir in Izbat Beit Hanoun.
2009
Muhammad Iyad Abed-Rabo al-Astal, 12, of al-Qarara, near Khan Younis, Gaza, killed, with his brother and distant cousin, by an IDF missile fired from a drone, on their return home from picking sugar cane at a nearby field. Two of the boys died at the scene, while the third died on his way to the hospital.
Abed-Rabo Iyad Abed-Rabo al-Astal, 8, of al-Qarara, near Khan Younis, Gaza, killed, with his brother and distant cousin, by an IDF missile fired from a drone, on their return home from picking sugar cane at a nearby field. Two of the boys died at the scene, while the third died on his way to the hospital.
Abdul-Satar Walid Abdul-Rahim al-Astal, 10, of al-Qarara, near Khan Younis, Gaza, killed, with two distant cousins, by an IDF missile fired from a drone, on their return home from picking sugar cane at a nearby field. Two of the boys died at the scene, while the third died on his way to the hospital.
Muhammad Musa Ismail al-Silawi, 10, of Jabalya refugee camp, Gaza, killed, with 14 others, by an IDF missile fired from a drone at a mosque in Jabalya refugee camp during sunset prayers.
Hani Muhammad Musa al-Silawi, 6, of Jabalya refugee camp, Gaza, killed, with 14 others, by an IDF missile fired from a drone at a mosque in Jabalya refugee camp during sunset prayers.
Ziad Muhammad Selmi abu-Snaima, 10, of Rafah, Gaza, killed by an IDF missile while in the streets of al-Nasr, near Rafah.
Baha Muayad Kamal abu-Wadi, 8, of Gaza City, Gaza, killed by the IDF in Gaza City’s al-Zaytoun neighborhood.
Asma Ibrahim Husain Afana, 12, of Gaza City, Gaza, killed by IDF shelling in Gaza City’s al-Zaytoun neighborhood.
Shatha al-Abed Muhammad al-Habbash, 10, of Gaza City, Gaza, killed, with her cousin, by an IDF missile while at home in Gaza City’s al-Tufah neighborhood.
Farah Amar Fuad al-Helu, 1, of Gaza City, Gaza, killed, with her grandfather, by IDF gunfire while at home in Gaza City’s al-Zaytoun neighborhood.
Suheir Ziad Ramadan al-Nimr, 11, of Gaza City, Gaza, killed, with her brother, by IDF shelling while at home in Gaza City’s al-Zaytoun neighborhood.
Mahmoud Sami Yahya Asaliya, 3, of Jabalya, Gaza, killed by an IDF shell while in his home.
Ibrahim Kamal Subhi Awaja, 9, of Beit Lahya, Gaza, killed by the IDF in Beit Lahya.
Jihad Samir Fayez Erhayem, 9, of Gaza City, Gaza, killed by the IDF in Gaza City’s al-Zaytoun neighborhood.
Wadi Amin Omar Omar, 3, of Beit Lahya, Gaza, killed by the IDF in Beit Lahya.
Hamza Zuhair Riziq Tantish, 12, of Beit Lahya, Gaza, killed, with his older brother, by an IDF shell while on the roof of his grandfather’s house in Beit Lahya.
Wiam Jamal Mahmoud al-Kafarneh, 2, of Beit Hanoun, Gaza, died of wounds sustained Jan. 4 in an IDF attack on Beit Hanoun.
Arafat Muhammad Arafat Abdul-Dayem, 12, of Beit Hanoun, Gaza, killed by the IDF in an attack on the funeral of his cousin, a paramedic who was killed in the line of duty by the IDF on Jan. 4.
Sayed Amr Riziq Saber abu-Eisha, 12, of Shati refugee camp, Gaza, killed, with his father, sister and brother, by an IDF missile while in his home.
Ghaida Amr abu-Eisha, 8, of Shati refugee camp, Gaza, killed, with her father and two brothers, by an IDF missile while in her home.
Muhammad Amr abu-Eisha, 10, of Shati refugee camp, Gaza, killed, with his father, sister and brother, by an IDF missile while in his home.
Fatheia Ayman Salim al-Dabbari, 4 months, of Rafah, Gaza, killed by IDF shelling in al-Shouka, near Rafah.
Muamen Mahmoud Talal Allaw, 12, of Gaza City, Gaza, killed by IDF shelling while in his home.
Nasr Ibrahim Helmi al-Samouni, 5, of Gaza City Gaza, killed with two brothers, an older brother, an uncle, a first cousin, seven distant cousins, and nine other relatives, by IDF bombs while at home in Gaza City’s al-Zaytoun neighborhood.
Muhammad Helmi Talal al-Samouni, 6 months, of Gaza City, Gaza, killed, with his first cousin, nine distant cousins, and eleven other relatives, by IDF bombs while at home in Gaza City’s al-Zaytoun neighborhood.
Azza Salah Talal al-Samouni, 6, of Gaza City, Gaza, killed, with her first cousin, nine distant cousins, and eleven other relatives, by IDF bombs while at home in Gaza City’s al-Zaytoun neighborhood.
Huda Nael Faris al-Samouni, 7, of Gaza City, Gaza, killed, with two first cousins, eight distant cousins, and eleven other relatives, by IDF bombs while at home in Gaza City’s al-Zaytoun neighborhood.
Ahmad Helmi Atiyah al-Samouni, 4, of Gaza City, Gaza, killed, with ten distant cousins and eleven other relatives, by IDF bombs while at home in Gaza City’s al-Zaytoun neighborhood.
Al-Mutasem Bilah Muhammad Ibrahim al-Samouni, 1 month, of Gaza City, Gaza, killed, with ten distant cousins and eleven other relatives, by IDF bombs while at home in Gaza City’s al-Zaytoun neighborhood.
Aya Usama Nayif al-Sersawi, 6, of al-Shejaya, near Gaza City, Gaza, killed by IDF shelling while in her home in al-Shejaya, near Gaza City.
Muhammad Salam Awad al-Tarfawi, 4, of Jabalya, Gaza, killed by the IDF near the al-Je’el gas station on al-Karama street in Jabalya.
Ismail Haider Eleiwa, 7, of al-Shejaya, near Gaza City, Gaza, killed, with two brothers and a sister, by IDF shelling while at home in al-Shejaya, near Gaza City.
Lana Haidar Eleiwa, 10, of al-Shejaya, near Gaza City, Gaza, killed, with three brothers, by IDF shelling while at home in al-Shejaya.
Muamen Haidar Eleiwa, 12, of al-Shejaya, near Gaza City, Gaza, killed, with two brothers and a sister, by IDF shelling while at home in al-Shejaya.
Shahid Muhammad Amin Hiji, 3, of Gaza City, Gaza, killed by the IDF in Gaza City’s al-Zaytoun neighborhood.
Nada Radwan Naim Mardi, 6, of Beit Lahya, Gaza, killed by the IDF in Beit Lahya’s al-Seyafa neighborhood.
Ahmad Jabr Jabr Hweij, 6, of Gaza City, Gaza, died of wounds sustained Dec. 27 during an IDF attack on Gaza City’s al-Tufah neighborhood.
Ahmad Shaher Fayq Khudair, 10, of Beit Lahya, Gaza, died of wounds sustained Jan 3 in an IDF attack on Beit Lahya’s al-Seyafa neighborhood.
Islam Odeh Khalil abu-Amsha, 12, of al-Shejaya, near Gaza City, Gaza, killed by an IDF tank shell in Gaza City’s al-Tufah neighborhood.
Muhammad Iyad Fayez Misbah Hashim al-Daia, 7 months, of Gaza City, Gaza, killed, with two brothers, three sisters, his parents, paternal grandparents, six first cousins, two aunts, and an uncle, by IDF bombs at his grandfather’s home in Gaza City’s al-Zaytoun neighborhood.
Ala Iyad Fayez Misbah Hashim al-Daia, 7, of Gaza City, Gaza, killed, with three brothers, two sisters, her parents, paternal grandparents, six first cousins, two aunts, and an uncle, by IDF bombs at her grandfather’s home in Gaza City’s al-Zaytoun neighborhood.
Ali Iyad Fayez Misbah Hashim al-Daia, 10, of Gaza City, Gaza, killed, with two brothers, three sisters, his parents, paternal grandparents, six first cousins, two aunts, and an uncle, by IDF bombs at his grandfather’s home in Gaza City’s al-Zaytoun neighborhood.
Sharafeddin Iyad Fayez Misbah Hashim al-Daia, 5, of Gaza City, Gaza, killed, with two brothers, three sisters, his parents, paternal grandparents, six first cousins, two aunts, and an uncle, by IDF bombs at his grandfather’s home in Gaza City’s al-Zaytoun neighborhood.
Raba Iyad Fayez Misbah Hashim al-Daia, 6, of Gaza City, Gaza, killed, with three brothers, two sisters, her parents, paternal grandparents, six first cousins, two aunts, and an uncle, by IDF bombs at her grandfather’s home in Gaza City’s al-Zaytoun neighborhood.
Khitam Iyad Fayez Misbah Hashim al-Daia, 5 months, of Gaza City, Gaza, killed, with three brothers, two sisters, her parents, paternal grandparents, six first cousins, two aunts, and an uncle, by IDF bombs at her grandfather’s home in Gaza City’s al-Zaytoun neighborhood.
Bara Ramez Fayez Misbah Hashim al-Daia, 2, of Gaza City, Gaza, killed, with a sister, her parents, paternal grandparents, ten first cousins, two aunts, and an uncle, by IDF bombs at her grandfather’s home in Gaza City’s al-Zaytoun neighborhood.
Salsabil Ramez Fayez Misbah Hashim al-Daia, 5 months, of Gaza City, Gaza, killed, with a sister, her parents, paternal grandparents, ten first cousins two aunts, and an uncle, by IDF bombs at her grandfather’s home in Gaza City’s al-Zaytoun neighborhood.
Yusif Muhammad Fayez Misbah Hashim al-Daia, 2, of Gaza City, Gaza, killed, with three sisters, his mother, paternal grandparents, two aunts, and two uncles, by IDF bombs at his grandfather’s home in Gaza City’s al-Zaytoun neighborhood.
Amani Muhammad Fayez Misbah Hashim al-Daia, 6, of Gaza City, Gaza, killed, with two sisters, a brother, her mother, paternal grandparents, two aunts, and two uncles, by IDF bombs at her grandfather’s home in Gaza City’s al-Zaytoun neighborhood.
Qamr Muhammad Fayez Misbah Hashim al-Daia, 5, of Gaza City, Gaza, killed, with two sisters, a brother, her mother, paternal grandparents, two aunts, and two uncles, by IDF bombs at her grandfather’s home in Gaza City’s al-Zaytoun neighborhood.
Arij Muhammad Fayez Misbah Hashim al-Daia, 3, of Gaza City, Gaza, killed, with two sisters, a brother, her mother, paternal grandparents, two aunts, and two uncles, by IDF bombs at her grandfather’s home in Gaza City’s al-Zaytoun neighborhood.
Abdul-Jalil Hasan Abdul-Jalil al-Hels, 8, of Shati refugee camp, Gaza, killed by an IDF missile that struck a police vehicle parked nearby in Shati refugee camp.
Adam Mamoun Saqr Ramadan al-Kurdi, 3, of Jabalya refugee camp, Gaza, killed by the IDF in Jabalya refugee camp.
Zakaria Yahya Ibrahim al-Tawil, 5, of Nuseirat refugee camp, Gaza, killed by IDF shelling at a house in Block 2 of Nuseirat refugee camp.
Hassan Ata Hassan Azzam, 20 months, of al-Mughraqa, near Gaza City, Gaza, killed, with his brother and father, by the IDF in al-Mughraqa.
Ibrahim Suleiman Muhammad Baraka, 12, of Bani Sheila, near Khan Younis, Gaza, killed by the IDF in Bani Sheila.
Nur Muin Shafiq Deeb, 3, of Jabalya refugee camp, Gaza, killed, with two brothers, a sister, and a first cousin, by IDF shelling while at home near al-Fakhoura school in Jabalya refugee camp.
Aseel Muin Shafiq Deeb, 10, of Jabalya refugee camp, Gaza, killed, with three brothers and a first cousin, by IDF shelling while at home near al-Fakhoura school in Jabalya refugee camp.
Lina Abdul-Monim Nafez Hasan, 10, of Jabalya refugee camp, Gaza, killed by IDF shelling while at home near al-Fakhoura school in Jabalya refugee camp.
Muhammad Basem Ahmad Shaqoura, 9, of Jabalya refugee camp, Gaza, killed by IDF shelling while at home near al-Fakhoura school in Jabalya refugee camp.
Marwan Hasan Abdul-Muamin Qdeih, 5, of Abasan al-Kabira, near Khan Younis, Gaza, killed by an IDF shell near his home in Abasan al-Kabira.
Ranin Abdullah Ahmad Saleh, 12, of Jabalya refugee camp, Gaza, killed by the IDF in Jabalya refugee camp.
Shahid Husein Nazmi Sultan, 8, of Jabalya refugee camp, Gaza, killed by the IDF in Jabalya refugee camp.
Anas Aref Baraka, 8, of Wadi al-Salqa, near Deir al-Balah, Gaza, died in an Egyptian hospital of head wounds sustained Jan 4. from IDF gunfire in Deir al-Balah.
Abdullah Muhammad Shafiq Abdullah, 11, of Beit Lahya, Gaza, died of wounds sustained Jan 6. from IDF shelling near al-Fakhoura school in Jabalya refugee camp, Gaza.
Suad Khaled Muhammad Abed-Rabo, 7, of Beit Hanoun, Gaza, killed, with her sister, by IDF tankfire to her chest after her family, waving white flags, left their home in Izbat Beit Hanoun to search for water.
Amal Khaled Muhammad Abed-Rabo, 2, of Beit Hanoun, Gaza, killed, with her sister, by IDF tankfire to her chest after her family, waving white flags, left their home in Izbat Beit Hanoun to search for water.
Tawfiq Khaled Ismail al-Kahlout, 12, of Jabalya refugee camp, Gaza, killed, with a brother, an older brother, father and distant cousin, by an IDF missile while riding in a car through the Beit Lahya Housing Project.
Radwan Muhammad Radwan Ashour, 12, of Gaza City, Gaza, killed, with his brother, by an IDF missile in Gaza City’s al-Zaytoun neighborhood.
Abdul-Rahman Muhammad Radwan Ashour, 11, of Gaza City, Gaza, killed, with his brother, by an IDF missile in Gaza City’s al-Zaytoun neighborhood.
Hussam Raed Rizq Subuh, 12, of Beit Lahya, Gaza, killed by IDF shelling while standing among a crowd of people in Beit Lahya’s al-Salateen neighborhood.
Basma Yasser Abed-Rabo al-Jilawi, 5, Beit Lahya, Gaza, killed by IDF bomb shrapnel in Jabalya refugee camp, Gaza.
Yousef Awni Abdul-Rahim al-Jaru, 2, Gaza City, Gaza, killed, with his mother, a Ukranian national, by an IDF tank shell in Gaza City’s al-Tufah neighborhood.
Amr Ibrahim Khalil Balousha, 10, of al-Zahra, near Gaza City, Gaza, killed in al-Zahra City.
Bara Iyad Samih Shalha, 7, of Beit Lahya, Gaza, killed by the IDF in the Beit Lahya Housing Project.
Shahid Saadallah Matar abu-Halima, 18 months, of Beit Lahya, Gaza, killed by the IDF in the Beit Lahya Housing Project.
Ghainma Sultan Fawzi Halawa, 11, of Jabalya, Gaza, killed by the IDF in Jabalya.
Ala Ahmad Fathi Jabr, 13, of Jabalya, Gaza, killed by IDF tankfire in Jabalya.
Fatima Raed Zaki Jadallah, 11, of Jabalya refugee camp, Gaza, killed by IDF shelling while at home in the camp’s Tal al-Zatar area.
Rana Fayez Muhammad Salha, 12, of Beit Lahya, Gaza, killed, with his mother, two brothers and a sister, by an IDF missile while at home in Beit Lahya.
Baha Fayez Muhammad Salha, 5, of Beit Lahya, Gaza, killed, with his mother, brother and two sisters, by an IDF missile while at home in Beit Lahya.
Rula Fayez Muhammad Salha, 2, of Beit Lahya, Gaza, killed, with her mother, two brothers and a sister, by an IDF missile while at home in Beit Lahya.
Ali Kamal Ali al-Nethur, 11, of Jabalya, Gaza, killed, with his brother, by an IDF missile while fleeing an apartment building in Jabalya under IDF attack.
Abdul-Rahman Ahmad Haboush, 4, of Gaza City, Gaza, killed by the IDF in Gaza City’s al-Tufah neighborhood.
Zakaria Hamid Khamis al-Samouni, 8, of Gaza City, Gaza, died of wounds sustained Jan. 4 during an IDF attack on Gaza City’s al-Zaytoun neighborhood.
Amal Najib Muhammad Aloush, 12, of Jabalya, Gaza, killed by IDF shelling in Jabalya.
Tasnim Yasir Jabr al-Rafati, 3, of Jabalya, Gaza, killed by an IDF missile strike targeting her father while at home in Jabalya.
Faris Talat Asad Hamouda, 2, of Gaza City, Gaza, killed by the IDF in Gaza City’s Tal al-Hawa neighborhood.
Haitham Yasir Yousef Marouf, 11, of Beit Lahya, Gaza, killed by an IDF missile in Beit Lahya.
Ayat Kamal Mahmoud al-Bana, 12, of Jabalya, Gaza, killed by IDF tankfire in Jabalya.
Fadallah Imad Hasan al-Najjar, 2, of Jablya refugee camp, Gaza, killed by an IDF missile strike on Jabalya refugee camp.
Nashat Raed al-Firi, 12, of Jabalya, Gaza, killed by an IDF missile strike on Jabalya.
Abdul-Rahman Muhammad Atiya Ghaben, 15, of Beit Lahya, Gaza, killed by IDF bombs in Beit Lahya.
Basim Talat Jamil Abdul-Nabi, 12, of Jabalya refugee camp, Gaza, killed, with his brother, by an IDF missile while playing on the site of a demolished house in Jabalya refugee camp.
Qasim Talat Jamil Abdul-Nabi, 7, of Jabalya refugee camp, Gaza, killed, with his brother, by an IDF missile while playing on the site of a demolished house in Jabalya refugee camp.
Hamza Saadallah Matar Masoud abu-Halima, 8, of Atatra, near Beit Lahya, Gaza, killed, with two brothers and his father, by IDF bombs in Beit Lahya.
Ziad Saadallah Matar Masoud abu-Halima, 10, of Atatra, near Beit Lahya, Gaza, killed, with two brothers and his father, by IDF bombs in Beit Lahya.
Aisha Ibrahim al-Said al-Najjar, 4, of Jabalya, Gaza, killed by the IDF in Jabalya.
Hadeel Jabr Diab al-Rafati, 9, of Beit Lahya, Gaza, killed by the IDF in Jabalya, Gaza.
Khalil Muhammad Musa Bahar, 12, of Gaza City, Gaza, killed by IDF shelling in Gaza City’s al-Shaf neighborhood.
Hala Isam Ahmad al-Mnei, 1 month, of Beit Lahya, Gaza, died of wounds sustained Jan 13 in an IDF attack on Beit Lahya.
Haneen Fadel Muhammad al-Batran, 10, of Gaza City, Gaza, killed by the IDF in Gaza City’s Tal al-Hawa neighborhood.
Shaima Adel Ibrahim al-Jadba, 9, of Gaza City, Gaza, killed by IDF shelling while at home in Gaza City’s al-Tufah neighborhood.
Bara Ata Hasan al-Ermaliat, 1, of Beit Lahya, Gaza, killed, with two sisters and her mother, by IDF shelling in Beit Lahya.
Arij Ata Hasan al-Ermaliat, 2 months, of Beit Lahya, Gaza, killed, with two sisters and her mother, by IDF shelling in Beit Lahya.
Husam Muhammad Shaban Eslim, 7, of Gaza City, Gaza, killed, with his brother and first cousin, by an IDF missile strike during a targeted assassination.
Ahmad Usama Muhammad Kurtom, 7, of Gaza City, Gaza, killed by the IDF in Gaza City’s Rimal neighborhood.
Anwar Salman Rushdi Abdul-Hai abu-Eita, 7, of Beit Lahya, Gaza, killed, with two cousins and an older relative, by an IDF missile in Beit Lahya.
Malak Salama Abdul-Hai abu-Eita, 3, of Beit Lahya, Gaza, killed, with her brother, cousin, and an older relative, by an IDF missile in Beit Lahya.
Ahmad Salama Abdul-Hai abu-Eita, 10, of Beit Lahya, Gaza, killed, with his sister, cousin, and an older relative, by an IDF missile in Beit Lahya.
Muhammad Atef Muhammad abul-Husni, 12, of Jabalya, Gaza, killed by the IDF in Jabalya.
Iman Isa Abdul-Hadi al-Batran, 11, of Bureij refugee camp, Gaza, killed, with her mother, sister, and three brothers, by an IDF missile fired from an Apache helicopter while at home in Bureij refugee camp’s Block 4.
Bilal Isa Abdul-Hadi al-Batran, 6, of Bureij refugee camp, Gaza, killed, with his mother, two sisters, and two brothers, by an IDF missile fired from an Apache helicopter while at home in Bureij refugee camp’s Block 4.
Izaldeen Isa Abdul-Hadi al-Batran, 3, of Bureij refugee camp, Gaza, killed, with his mother, two sisters, and two brothers, by an IDF missile fired from an Apache helicopter while at home in Bureij refugee camp’s Block 4.
Muhanad Amr Khalil al-Jdeili, 8, of Bureij refugee camp, Gaza, killed by an IDF missile while at home in Bureij refugee camp’s Block 7.
Rawan Ismail Muhammad al-Najjar, 7, of Jabalya, Gaza, killed by IDF shelling in Jabalya.
Bilal Muhammad Shehada al-Ashkar, 6, of Beit Lahya, Gaza, killed, with his brother, by IDF shelling near a U.N.-administered school in Beit Lahya.
Muhammad Muhammad Shehada al-Ashkar, 4, of Beit Lahya, Gaza, killed, with his brother, by IDF shelling near a U.N.-administered school in Beit Lahya.
Aseel Munir Matar al-Kafarna, 1, of Beit Hanoun, Gaza, killed by the IDF in Beit Hanoun.
Fawzia Fawaz Ahmad Saleh, 5, of Jabalya, Gaza, killed, with her brother, by IDF shelling in Jabalya.
Ahmad Fawaz Ahmad Saleh, 10, of Jabalya, Gaza, killed, with his sister, by IDF shelling in Jabalya.
Rakan Muhammad Musa al-Ir, 5, of Izbat Abed-Rabo, near Jabalya, Gaza, killed, with his brother and older sister, by an IDF missile in Izbat Abed-Rabo.
Ibrahim Muhammad Musa al-Ir, 12, of Izbat Abed-Rabo, near Jabalya, Gaza, killed, with his brother and older sister, by an IDF missile in Izbat Abed-Rabo.
Angham Rafat Atallah al-Masri, 10, of Beit Hanoun, Gaza, killed by an IDF missile in Beit Hanoun.
Isa Muhammad Iyada Rimeliat, 12, of Rafah refugee camp, Gaza, killed by the IDF in Rafah refugee camp’s al-Shaboura section.
Abdullah Nasr Abdullah al-Sdoudi, 7, of Nuseirat, Gaza, died of wounds sustained Jan. 18 in an IDF attack on Nuseirat.
Nancy Said Muhammad Waked, 6 months, of Gaza City, Gaza, died of wounds sustained Jan. 18 in an IDF attack on Gaza City’s al-Zaytoun neighborhood.
Muhammad Yahya Said Baba, 11, of Beit Lahya, Gaza, died of wounds sustained Jan. 10 in an IDF attack on Beit Lahya.
Sundus Said Hasan abu-Sultan, 4, of Jabalya refugee camp, Gaza, died of wounds sustained on Jan. 17 in an IDF attack on Jabalya refugee camp.
Dima Said Ahmad al-Zahal, 5, of Beit Lahya, Gaza, died of wounds sustained Jan. 7 in an IDF attack on Beit Lahya.
Zaynaldeen Muhammad Zurub, 7 months, died of a lung infection in the Gaza Strip’s European Hospital after Israel denied him permission to leave the Gaza Strip for medical treatment. His parents tried for several weeks prior to his death to obtain a permit from Israel to take him to Jerusalem for treatment.
Muhammad Taysir Muhammad Zumlot, 11, of Jabalya refugee camp, Gaza, died in al-Amal Hospital in Gaza City, Gaza, of head wounds sustained Jan. 6 from IDF bombing while at home in Block 2 of Jabalya refugee camp. His grandmother and father were also killed in the attack.
2010
Hamza Samar Muhanna abu-Maria, 7 months, of Beit Omar, Near Hebron, died of IDF tear gas inhalation May 7 while in her home during a demonstration.
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Alison Weir is President of the Council for the National Interest and Executive Director of If Americans Knew, a nonprofit organization that provides information on Israel-Palestine. She splits her time between Sacramento and Washington DC. She can be reached at contact@ifamericansknew.org.
Murders in Itamar Settlement: Murder, Pogrom and Self Righteousness
The Israeli army, security forces, settlers and politicians believe that the 11 March murders of the Fogel family in the Itamar settlement were done by Palestinians. Outside of Israel’s military courts, there is no evidential foundation for such a belief.
It is possible that there will never be evidence demonstrating who murdered the Fogel family; immediately upon learning of the murders, settlers and soldiers entered the home to check for terrorists. Only afterwards did officers from the police forensic science department enter the home to collect evidence from a now contaminated crime scene.
From the outset the working assumption of all Israeli authorities was that the murders were conducted by Palestinians; in the Israeli public arena, there exists no other possible scenario for murders in a settlement. Now, we just need to find the Palestinian on which it is possible to pin this case.
Israeli security forces and the settlers did not wait until the Palestinian or group of Palestinians was found on whom it is possible to pin the Fogel murders. The guilt is collective guilt and punishment is collective punishment: while settlers were conducting pogroms on the roads of the West Bank and in Palestinian villages, the Israeli military decided on its own pogrom in the village of Awarta, near the Itamar settlement.
According to three activists from the International Solidarity Movement who succeeded in entering Awarta before Israel’s Saturday imposition of a curfew on the village, Israeli soldiers are exhibiting violent behavior there.
Soldiers were seen conducting searches in which they entered homes more than once and gave the impression of random, confused actions. The three activists testified that they observed soldiers detaining and beating residents who left their homes and that during patrols through the village, soldiers shoot in the air and throw stun grenades in order to terrify the residents.
The international activists add that during some of the searches, the soldiers lost control and caused extensive damage. Amongst other things pictures were shattered, furniture upturned, electric cables cut and oil and mud were poured into water tanks on the roofs. The activists further noted that telephone cards and cash were confiscated from residents in one home.
Qais Awad, a member of the village’s legislative council, also reports acts of vandalism by Israeli soldiers in Awarta. Whilst searching the village’s municipal building, soldiers took some NIS 1,800 from an office drawer, together with an unknown amount from the municipality’s safe.
The wave of pogroms being committed by settlers, who enjoy complete immunity, is dubbed “price tag”. The settlers attack Palestinian cars on the roads, damage Palestinian property in villages and in case the Palestinians defend themselves, the army then intervenes and shoots tear gas and rubber coated bullets at them.
This occurred, for example, in the village of Beit Ommar, which was attacked by settlers from the Gush Etzion settlements of Bat Ain and Karmi Tsur.
Without a doubt Palestinians will be found and tried in an Israeli military court for the murders of the Fogel family. There is no need for the prosecution to present evidence which it doesn’t and couldn’t have in order to attain a conviction in this court.
The path to conviction will begin with collaborators, who will mention this or that person as the one who committed the murder. This and that person will be detained and interrogated in the General Security Services (GSS) interrogation facilities, where they will undergo physical and mental torture by GSS officers and even by collaborators in their cell. Sooner or later they will confess and go to military court, which will convict them solely on the basis of their confessions, with no need for the prosecution to present additional evidence. When attorneys of the accused will request clarifications concerning the physical evidence found at the murder scene, the manner in which the confessions were obtained and the way in which these Palestinians were implicated, the military prosecution will have one response: “the material is confidential for reasons of state security”. Finally the military court with its three judges will convict the suspects and send them to serve five consecutive life sentences.
It is possible that in light of the circumstances and the financial costs involved in conducting the trial, the security forces will prefer simply to eliminate the suspects. A band of soldiers will be sent to the field to execute them and if nothing goes wrong, the soldiers will receive commendations for avenging the murders of the Fogel family.
During the coming five years, involvement in the murders of the Fogel family will be attributed to every Palestinian “eliminated” by Israeli death squads.
In parallel, the official state of Israel and settlers are waving the murders of the Fogel family in order to launder illegal construction in the West Bank while the Israeli prime minister and government officials are using the murders to again situate Israel as the victim in the international arena.
At the opening of the Likud party meeting on Monday 14 March, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu related how he demanded from the international community to condemn the killings and clarified that “from some of the countries came condemnation while others either didn’t condemn or their condemnations were cold, technical, even ‘balanced’.”
However, what is of the utmost importance in public relations is timing. As the Fogel family was murdered immediately after the earthquake and tsunami in Japan, which then began developing into a potential nuclear disaster, this ‘waving’ failed. The spokespersons of Israel found themselves preaching to the choir and making due with a sense of self-righteousness that knows no limits.
Translated to English by the Alternative Information Center (AIC).
Jailed CIA agent let go by Pakistan
Press TV – March 16, 2011

CIA contractor Raymond Davis surrounded by Pakistani policemen in Lahore
Reports say a court in Pakistan has freed a CIA contractor Raymond Davis, who was charged with killing two Pakistani men in the eastern city of Lahore.
Davis has now left Lahore for the US with six other American officials on a special flight.
His release comes after he paid the blood money or compensation in line with Sharia law. Officials say family members of the slain men appeared in court and confirmed that they had pardoned Davis.
However, there are reports that they were pressured by police into signing the agreement, a Press TV correspondent says.
A lawyer representing the family of one of those killed says the “blood money” deal was made without his knowledge.
“I was not allowed to participate in the proceedings of the case… and could not see or approach my clients,” state-run BBC quoted Lawyer Asad Manzoor Butt as saying.
“I and my associate were kept under forced detention for four hours,” he said.
“If my clients have indeed signed a blood money deal, then this has been done behind my back and I don’t know anything about it.”
The court had indicted Davis on two counts of murder.
In January, Davis shot dead two Pakistani men. Davis claims it was an act of self-defense, but he has failed to convince the court.
Investigators charge that the killings were deliberate.
A third Pakistani was killed when a US diplomatic vehicle ran him over while rushing to Davis’ aid.
The case has soured relations between Islamabad and Washington since January.
The death of the three Pakistanis has intensified anti-US sentiments in Pakistan.
Red Alert in Japan: An Unfolding Nuclear Catastrophe
By Stephen Lendman | March 16, 2011
Since March 12, a potentially unprecedented catastrophe has been unfolding in Japan, despite official denials and corroborating media reports – managed, not real news. Believe none of them. Nonetheless, on March 15, Reuters suggested what’s ongoing, headlining: “Japan braces for potential radiation catastrophe,” saying:
“Japan faced potential catastrophe on Tuesday” after a fourth Fukushima reactor explosion, fire, and high-level radiation release, posing grave human health risks to an expanding area, including Toyko’s 20 million population 170 miles south.
France’s Nuclear Safety Authority rated the disaster a six on the international seven-point nuclear accident scale. Clearly, it’s the worst ever. Europe’s energy commissioner, Guenther Oettinger called it an “apocalypse,” telling the European Parliament that Toyko lost control of events.
Independent experts agree. It’s an unprecedented disaster spreading globally. All six Fukushima reactors are crippled, four of them spewing unknown amounts of radiation.
On March 15, city officials said levels were 20 times above normal, later stating they’d dropped, downplaying the risk. Government authorities also claimed Fukushima levels were falling. For residents throughout the country, believing them is hazardous to their health, given the gravity of the situation, likely deteriorating, not improving.
In Maebashi, 60 miles north of Tokyo and Chiba prefecture further south, Kyodo News reported radiation levels 10 times normal, perhaps downplaying much higher ones. Even Prime Minister Naoto Kan was alarmed, saying “(t)he possibility of further radioactive leakage is heightening,” meaning very likely it reached extremely hazardous levels. Earlier official reports downplayed the danger.
According to Hokkaido University Professor Koji Yamazaki, “Radioactive material will reach Tokyo but it is not harmful to human bodies because it will be dissipated by the time it gets” there.
False! Any amount of radiation is harmful. Moreover, it’s cumulative, causing cancer if one human gene is affected. Depending on the type and amount, it damages chromosomes and DNA. In her landmark book, “Nuclear Madness,” Helen Caldicott said:
“Lower doses of radiation can cause abnormalities of the immune system and can also cause leukemia five to ten years after exposure; (other) cancer(s), twelve to sixty years later; and genetic diseases and congenital anomalies in future generations.”
Moreover, “nuclear radiation is forever,” says Caldicott. It doesn’t dissipate or disappear. Downplaying its danger is hypocritical and outrageous. For a scientist like Yamazaki, it’s scandalous.
In 1953, Nobel laureate George Wald told students (including this writer) that “no amount of radiation is safe,” explaining that “Every dose is an overdose.”
Radiation is unforgiving. Exposure to elevated levels for short periods is harmful. If longer, cancer and other potentially fatal illnesses may develop. It’s why using nuclear reactors to generate power is irresponsible, in fact, crazy.
On March 15, New York Times writers Hiroko Tabuchi, David Sanger and Keith Bradsher headlined, “Fire and Damage at Japanese Plant Raise Risk of Nuclear Disaster,” saying:
Fukushima’s operator Toyko Electric Power (TEPCO), a notorious industry scofflaw, “expressed extreme concern that (they) were close to losing control over the fuel melting that has been ongoing in three (Daiichi) reactors….” After Unit 2 exploded, “pressure had dropped in the ‘suppression pool” – a section at the bottom of the reactor that converts steam to water and is part of the critical function of keeping the nuclear fuel protected.”
Afterward, radiation levels soared. According to Hiroaki Koide, senior reactor engineering specialist at Kyoto University’s Research Reactor Institute:
“We are on the brink. We are now facing the worst-case scenario. We can assume that the containment vessel at Reactor No. 2 is already breached. If there is heavy melting inside the reactor, large amounts of radiation will most definitely be released.”
Moreover, a plant official said breaching would make it hard to impossible to maintain emergency seawater cooling for an extended period, and if workers are evacuated, “nuclear fuel in all three reactors (will likely) melt down,” causing “wholesale releases of radioactive material….”
Further, already over 200 magnitude five or greater aftershocks have occurred, and authorities warned of a 70% chance of a magnitude seven or greater one in days, perhaps making a bad situation much worse. In addition, chief cabinet secretary Yukido Edano said previous radioactivity levels were misreported in microsieverts instead of millisieverts – 1,000 times stronger. Earlier he said the situation isn’t similar to Chernobyl. In fact, potentially it’s far graver, unprecedented.
Nuclear experts also explained that even without a full meltdown (perhaps ongoing), today’s emergency will last a year or longer because of problems cooling the affected cores. As a result, long-term evacuations will be necessary. Already, nearly 500,000 people are affected, a total likely to grow, besides vast destruction, spreading contamination, growing threat to human health, and tens of thousands still missing, by now presumed dead, though not reported.
“Red Alert: Radiation Rising and Heading South in Japan”
On March 15, Stratfor Global Intelligence headlined that danger, saying:
After more explosions and risk of one or more full meltdowns (perhaps ongoing though unreported), “(t)he nuclear reactor situation in Japan had deteriorated significantly.” Even Japan’s Nuclear Industrial Safety Agency (NISA) said Fukushima’s No. 2 reactor radiation level rose 163-fold in three hours. At No. 3, it was 400-fold.
Muted Japanese media report rising radiation levels south and southwest, already reaching Tokyo and numerous prefectures. “The government says radiation levels have reached levels hazardous to human health,” omitting that any level causes harm.
Reports “suggest a dramatic worsening as well as a wider spread than at any time since the emergency began.” All Japan and the Pacific rim are threatened. “The situation at the (affected) facility is uncertain, but clearly deteriorating.” How gravely, the fullness of time will determine.
A Final Comment
On March 12, nuclear expert Mark Grossman headlined, “Hydrogen, Zirconium, Flashbulbs – and Nuclear Craziness,” saying:
Coolant loss causes hydrogen gas eruptions “because of a highly volatile substance called zirconium,” chosen “in the 1940’s and 50’s” to build nuclear plants, “as the material (for) rods into which radioactive fuel would be loaded.”
Each plant has “30,000 to 40,000 rods – composed of twenty tones of zirconium.” It alone works well, allowing “neutrons from the fuel pellets in the rods to pass freely between the rods and thus a nuclear chain reaction to be sustained.”
But not without “a huge problem….” Zirconium “is highly volatile and when hot will explode spontaneously upon contact with air, water or steam.” With tons used in nuclear plants, in “a compound called ‘zircaloy,’ it “clads tens of thousands of fuel rods.”
Any interruption of coolant builds quickly. However, because of zirconium’s explosive power, the equivalent of nitroglycerine, it catches fire and explodes “at a temperature of 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit, well below the 5,000 degree temperature of a meltdown.”
Before it happens, it can cause hydrogen explosions “by drawing oxygen from water and steam letting it off,” what happened at Fukushima. They, in turn, create more heat, “bringing the zirconium itself closer and closer to its explosive level,” what may, in fact, have happened, perhaps bad enough to cause a full meltdown.
Using tons of explosive material like zirconium is “absolutely crazy.” Doing it makes every nuclear plant a ticking time bomb, vulnerable to explode, spewing lethal poisons into the atmosphere.
~
Stephen Lendman lives in Chicago and can be reached at lendmanstephen@sbcglobal.net. Also visit his blog site at sjlendman.blogspot.com
Japan’s Nuclear Armageddon and the Experts
By Mina Hamilton / Dissident Voice / March 16th, 2011
Tuesday, March 15. At 4:45 PM more grim news from Japan. Yet another fire breaks out at a Fukushima reactor. Searing flames shoot to the sky. Radiation levels are too high for workers to get close enough to put out the inferno. Even so, maybe, this fire will be doused. What’s next?
Coming hard on the heels of a monster earthquake and devastating tsunami, the nuclear disaster unfolding in Japan is more than heart-breaking. The magnitude of the tragedy is truly unfathomable.
Who has not groaned seeing pictures of the tsunami-claimed bodies? Who has not wept seeing thousands and thousands of Japanese mourning the loss of family, loved ones and homes? Who does not wince at the desperate refugees without water or food packed into freezing shelters?
Now add to the untold miseries multiple reactor core meltdowns? And a fuel pool meltdown? Plus, a radioactive plume heading out over the Pacific to deposit its toxic load in the ocean and its rich fisheries? Not to mention the threat of the wind shifting and carrying the radioactivity towards Tokyo? Korea?
It is understandable for those of us watching from a distance to feel hopeless. What can I do? Who doesn’t want to turn off the TV, climb under the covers – and leave the unfolding disaster in the hands of the experts?
If there’s one lesson this catastrophe should convey: don’t leave it to the experts.
These experts got us here in the first place. One example: what the industry and most media commentators refer to as “spent fuel.”
“Spent” fuel? What’s that?
“Spent” is an industry-euphemism. It implies something harmless, wasted or used up. Quite the opposite.
Spent fuel is irradiated fuel: fuel that has been irradiated inside a nuclear reactor’s core. After removal from the reactor, this fuel is massively contaminated with radioactive elements and must be stored in giant pools.
On March 15 the New York Times said these fuel pools “could pose an even greater danger” than the reactors melting down.
An even greater danger? Isn’t a core meltdown as bad as it gets?
Alas, a fuel pool meltdown could be worse than a reactor core meltdown. Much worse. This is because fuel pools contain far more radioactivity than that which is inside a reactor core. Unfortunately, at Fukushima we may get both types of meltdowns.
Robert Alvarez, formerly of the US Department of Energy and now at the Institute of Policy Studies, provided insight into this potential nuclear Armageddon. In a recent blog Alvarez states the fuel in each of the pools at the Fukushima complex has 5 to 10 times the radioactivity of the fuel inside one reactor core. And much of this radioactive material is the highly toxic and long-lived radionuclide, cesium-137. See.)
Another problem: Unlike the reactor cores, which have a hefty, six-inch thick steel containment vessel, the fuel pools at Fukushima are in unhardened and therefore highly vulnerable concrete structures. The roof of one of these structures has been completely demolished in at least one of the stricken reactors, Unit 4.
Why is irradiated fuel sitting in pools? (They’re sort of like swimming pools, though considerably deeper. About 40 feet long, 40 feet wide and 45 feet deep.)
After removal from the reactor core, the irradiated fuel is fiendishly hot. The fuel is so hot it will cause the water it is immersed in to boil – if the water is not cooled. What if fuel pool’s cooling systems fail? Disaster. If the water is not cooled for a certain number of days or weeks, the water will boil off. Next, the fuel can catch fire, releasing its toxic load to the environment.
Given the repeated explosions at the Fukushima reactors and the latest fire at Unit 4, this count-down to an irradiated fuel pool meltdown appears to be underway.
Pools of water hanging up in the air? With no back-up water circulation, no back-up generators? Pools not in hardened or sealed containments? Pools stuffed to the gills with extraordinarily toxic materials that are now threatening the health and safety of thousands of already suffering Japanese citizens?
Citizens have, over the last 30 years, repeatedly challenged the safety of irradiated fuel pools and repeatedly the nuclear industry and its experts have said, no problem.
Yes, right now, we all need to do whatever we can to assist the Japanese people.
For the longer term, however, let’s remember the nuclear industry and its “experts” got us to this extremely dangerous moment. An informed, organized and determined citizenry is the only way to free us of our dependency upon this exceedingly dangerous and unforgiving energy source.
~
Mina Hamilton is a writer based in New York City. Formerly she was the Co-founder and Director of the Radioactive Waste Campaign. She frequently writes about nuclear issues.
Hate to Say It, but We Told You So!
Dave Lindorff | This Can’t Be Happening | 03 – 16 – 2011
It seems rather silly now, doesn’t it, all the US concern about terrorism?
The nuclear crisis in Japan, which continues to worsen, threatens to become a total multiple meltdown, combined with the perhaps even more disastrous explosion and fire in one or several spent fuel rod ponds. If any of these things happen, not to mention many of them, several hundred square miles of Japan would be rendered indefinitely uninhabitable, costing hundreds of billions of dollars. And it could be worse. If the winds are blowing south during such a disaster, all of Tokyo, which has a metropolitan population of over 30 million, could have to be evacuated.
A study by the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission back in 1997, found that one spent fuel disaster could devastate almost 200 square miles of the US, and cause half a trillion dollars in damage!
And we’re spending hundreds of billions of dollars a year chasing after a few thousand ragtag Taliban fighters and supposedly pursuing a few hundred Arab terrorists, most of whom are fighting back with their shoes and their underwear?
So where is the real risk to America’s security?
Well, for starters, we could consider the 23 nuclear plants currently operating in the US that were built by General Electric using the same basic flawed design as those that are blowing up in Fukushima, Japan right now. Those plants, which are located in my state of Pennsylvania, as well as everywhere from Alabama to Nebraska and Vermont, are as much as 40 years old. They are only still in operation today because the NRC is such an industry-captive regulator that it has granted them long license extensions running way past their sell-by date. It has even given many of them the okay to run at capacities exceeding 100% of design standards!
There are other plants, also creaky with age, such as the ones in San Onofre and Diablo Canyon, California, which were knowingly built within a few miles of major earthquake faults–faults which could produce earthquakes on a scale of the one that just hit Japan. Both those facilities were designed to allegedly be able to survive (when new) a 7.5 quake. That was an untestable assertion of faith, but in any case, with an 8, an 8.5 or a 9, all bets would be off.
San Onofre, by the way, is closer to Los Angeles than Fukushima is to Tokyo, so if there is a threat now that Tokyo might have to be evacuated, a similar blowup of the San Onofre nuke reactor would have the millions of people in Los Angeles evacuating their city–maybe back to Oklahoma where their forebears fled from the Dust Bowl (maybe we could call them LAkies, though hopefully they’d get a friendlier reception than L.A. gave to the okies of yore).
So much for America’s only remaining export: the film industry.
It would make far more sense for the US to forget about those alleged terrorists who are supposedly out to get us (and to stop mucking around in the Middle East countries and provoking all that anger!) and instead to spend some of that Pentagon and Homeland Security swill to shut down these old nuke plants, and even many newer ones that are built in vulnerable locations, so we don’t have to suffer a disaster of our own making like the people of Japan are facing today.
Don’t expect much from our two nuke-besotted political parties, though.
Senate Minority leader Mitch McConnell, a man of stunningly limited intellectual ability who gives the impression when he talks of having just sucked on a lemon, weighed in with a defense of current government plans to subsidize and build more nuclear power plants in the US, saying that “right after a major environmental catastrophe” would “not be a very good time to be making American domestic policy.”
President Obama, is also backing a so-called “nuclear renaissance” in the US. A senior White House source has reportedly said that the president remains in favor of nuclear power and that U.S. nuclear plants were made to survive strong storms and earthquakes. And on Tuesday, as Japan pulled workers out of the Fukushima plant, essentially giving up the fight to prevent disaster because of the level of radioactivity there, the president told local Pittsburgh TV station KDKA that he had been assured that US reactors were safe (sic), closely monitored (sic), and designed to withstand earthquakes and other natural disasters (sic).
Of course, as Mother Jones magazine has noted, this same president, back in 2009, was touting the safety of Japanese nuclear plants as a model for the US. Back then, at a “town meeting” event, he said, “There’s no reason why, technologically, we can’t employ nuclear energy in a safe and effective way. Japan does it and France does it, and it doesn’t have greenhouse gas emissions, so it would be stupid for us not to do that in a much more effective way.”
Now, I admit it’s like shooting fish in a barrel to respond to these two shills for the nuclear industry, but what the hell, I’m going to fire anyhow.
Mr. McConnell, if now, when the folly of nuclear power is on full display in Japan, is not the time to discuss a plan to expand the use of nuclear power in the US, when exactly would be the right time?
And Mr. Obama, would you care to rephrase that 2009 line of yours in light of recent events? Perhaps it might be better to say, “Japan has shown what can happen with nuclear power when something goes wrong, so it would be stupid for us to continue to do here what they have done” and build nuclear plants all over the country on fault lines, near oceans and rivers, and near populations centers.
Watching all this go down is terribly frustrating. As my wife Joyce said yesterday morning, when we awoke to read of the looming threat of a full meltdown of perhaps as many as three or four reactors and the burning of one or more spent fuel piles in Japan, “We were right all along when we opposed nuclear power back in the 1970s.”
Yes we were. Shouldn’t all us anti-nukers now get some street cred, some media respect, and some respect from the political class for our prescience?
Nah. Don’t expect it. Money talks, and the nuclear establishment [and military industrial complex] has the power–even if it is blowing up on them.
Awarta man mauled by police dogs resulting in injury
Palestine Information Center – 16/03/2011
NABLUS — A Palestinian man was injured on Tuesday in the flashpoint village of Awarta near Nablus after he was mauled by a dog let loose by Israeli police, sources told the Palestinian Information Center.
An elderly man was beaten by Israeli armed forces in the same town after refusing to comply with a recently enforced curfew.
The northern West Bank town of Awarta has been under fire since the killing of a family of Jewish settlers in nearby Itamar five days ago.
The Israeli Occupation Forces have partially withdrawn from some neighborhoods there by noon Tuesday, and have gathered at the village’s main entrances and closed off roads and key junctions with sand barriers. But it is still carrying out intense house-to-house searches with some houses having been searched three times so far. They turned back ambulances that arrived to transport kidney patients and elderly to the hospital.
There has also been a sharp food shortage because of the curfew.
Meanwhile, Jewish settlers have been throwing stones in the village amid threats and anti-Arab slogans as police stand and watch.
Bulldozers have entered the village and torn down the walls of one home there.
Sources said that the army has begun digging up vast areas of farmland in the northeastern part of the village paving the way for two new pre-fabricated homes, which are commonly used by settlers in outposts.
The curfew has caused Awarta’s schools to close, stopping studies for 1,642 students taught by 102 teachers. Their access to the school has been cut off. Other schools in Nablus province have been partially closed due to settler violence.
Saudi forces raid main Manama hospital
Press TV – March 16, 2011
Saudi forces have stormed a Manama hospital where hundreds of people were receiving treatment for injuries suffered in clashes with government forces a day earlier.
Saudi troops forced their way into Salmaniya hospital on Wednesday and did not allow doctors, nurses and relatives of the victims either to leave or to enter the building.
The report comes as Bahraini police killed at least five protesters and wounded dozens more on Wednesday as they assaulted a peaceful protest camp in the capital’s Pearl Square.
The attack occurred two days after Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Oman and Qatar dispatched their armed forces to crisis-hit Bahrain to quash anti-government protests in the tiny Persian Gulf state.
Foreign military intervention in Bahrain has concerned UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, who has called for a meaningful and broad-based national dialogue.
The UN chief also urged Bahrain’s regional neighbors and the international community to support a dialogue process and an environment conducive for credible reform in Bahrain.
Bahraini opposition groups, including the main bloc al-Wefaq National Islamic Society, denounced the move as an invasion of the kingdom.
The United States, which has its Fifth Fleet based there, has declined to term the troops’ move into Bahrain as invasion. […]
On Tuesday, six people died and more than 1,000 others were wounded in clashes between anti-regime protesters and Bahrain’s security forces.
Thousands of Bahraini anti-government protesters are still camping out in Manama’s Pearl Square, which has become the symbol of the popular drive for change.
Demonstrators maintain that they will hold their ground until their demands for freedom, constitutional monarchy in the Persian Gulf sheikdom and a say in the government are met.

