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*** Hamas Mourn Martyrdom of its Political Leaders, 183 Palestinian Political Prisoners Exchanged for 3 Israeli Captives, Arab Stages Reject Any Attempt of Forcing Palestinians Out of their Homeland February 1, 2025 ***
Editor's Notes:
Here are
some initial
(not final) statistics, which show the Israeli war
crimes against humanity, during the current Israeli genocidal war on the
Gaza Strip, based on the
By
February 1, 2025, the
initial death toll of Palestinians who have been killed by the Israeli
genocidal war on Gaza
Strip is 58,487+. This includes the accounted for deaths (47,487), those who are still missing under the rubble (an estimate of at least 11,000+).
***
***
ÈöÓúãö Çááåö ÇáÑøóÍúãóÜٰäö ÇáÑøóÍöíãö "ãöäú ÃóÌúáö Ðóٰáößó ßóÊóÈúäóÇ Úóáóìٰ Èóäöí ÅöÓúÑóÇÆöíáó Ãóäøóåõ ãóäú ÞóÊóáó äóÝúÓðÇ ÈöÛóíúÑö äóÝúÓò Ãóæú ÝóÓóÇÏò Ýöí ÇáúÃóÑúÖö ÝóßóÃóäøóãóÇ ÞóÊóáó ÇáäøóÇÓó ÌóãöíÚðÇ" (ÇáúãóÇÆöÏóÉõ ¡ 5: 32). "æóãóäú íóÞúÊõáú ãõÄúãöäðÇ ãøõÊóÚóãøöÏðÇ ÝóÌóÒóÇÄõåõ Ìóåóäøóãõ ÎóÇáöÏðÇ ÝöíåóÇ æóÛóÖöÈó Çááøóåõ Úóáóíúåö æóáóÚóäóåõ æóÃóÚóÏøó áóåõ ÚóÐóÇÈðÇ ÚóÙöíãðÇ" (ÇáäøöÓóÇÁõ ¡ 4: 93). "Åöäú ÃóÍúÓóäÊõãú ÃóÍúÓóäÊõãú áöÃóäÝõÓößõãú ۖ æóÅöäú ÃóÓóÃúÊõãú ÝóáóåóÇ ۚ " (ÇáÅÓúÑóÇÁõ ¡ 17: 7). In the Name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful "Because of that, We decreed upon the Children of Israel that whoever kills a soul, unless for a soul, or for corruption in the land, it is as if he had killed humankind entirely" (The Holy Quran, Al-Ma-ida, 5: 32). "And whoever kills a believer intentionally, his recompense is Hell, wherein he will abide eternally, and Allah has become angry with him, and has cursed him, and has prepared for him a great torment" (Al-Nisa, 4: 93). "If you do good, you do good for yourselves; and if you do evil, (you do it) to yourselves" (Al-Isra, 17: 7). *** While brutal force has been used to create Zionist Israel and sustain it thus far, Zionist claims to Palestine are false. Actually, from the five thousand years of known written human history, there has been a continuous Palestinian-Canaanite presence in the Holy Land. Despite the Zionist false claims, the ancient Israelites ruled part of the land for only 85 years (during the reign of Prophets David and Solomon , peace be upon them, and Solomon's son). After that, the Egyptians conquered Palestine-Canaan in 925 BC, followed by Assyrians, Babylonians, Persians, Greeks, and Romans, before the Arab Muslim rule, starting from 636 AD. By the Time Jesus, peace be upon him, started his mission, the three population groups of Canaanites, Palestinians, and Israelites were melted together in religion and language. Most of them became Christians when Constantine converted in 313 AD. Then, most of them became Muslims in the 7th and 8th centuries AD. So, Palestinian Muslims, Christians, and Jews are the ones who have the right to claim descent from ancient Israelites, Palestinians, and Canaanites, not Zionists from other continents. No matter what the Zionists and their supporters do, they cannot change the will of God, Who promised the Holy Land to Abraham and his descendants, basically the Palestinian Muslims and Christians. No matter how much persecution and aggression the Zionists and their supporters inflict upon the Palestinian people, they will never be able to force them out of the Holy Land, which Allah, praise to Him, promised for them, and kept His promise ever since. This is a necessary brief background to understand the US-Backed Zionist Israeli continuous wars against the Arab nation generally, and the Palestinian people in particular, which included the wars of 1948, 1956, 1967, 1978, 1982, the brutal crushing of the two Uprisings (1987-1993 and 2000-2004), 2009, 2012, 2014, 2021, and the current genocidal war on Gaza (Since October 7, 2023), which has culminated a blockade of Gaza since 2007. In addition, the Israeli occupation and apartheid regime launched so many covert operations, raids, and air strikes on many Arab states since 1948. The following news stories are just examples, not a systematic record, of the Israeli occupation government abuse, mistreatment, and violations of Palestinian human rights, on daily basis.
More detailed news stories can be found at
the following sources:
Killing and Injuring of Palestinians in
Ghazza
(Gaza)
by Israeli Occupation Regime Forceshttp://english.wafa.ps/, https://english.palinfo.com/, https://imemc.org/, https://paltoday.ps/ar/ *** Khaleel Al-'Hayya: The Al-Aqsa Flood achieved its goals Saturday 1-February-2025 GAZA, (PIC) Dr. Khaleel Al-'Hayya, the head of 'Hamas in the Gaza Strip, said that the Palestinian people and their valiant resistance achieved their goals, with help from Allah, in the glorious Al-Aqsa Flood battle. Among these goals was to humiliate this occupying entity, to topple its image as an invincible entity, and to break the aura of its army as an unbeatable force. He asserted that the defeat of Israel is now possible, and the liberation of all of Palestine is achievable. In a statement on Friday evening, al-Hayya said, “After the battles ceased and the dust settled, the resistance decided to officially announce the retirement of a number of senior leaders who shed their pure blood on this blessed land, allowing the tree of dignity and honor to grow and bloom with heroism and victory. They fulfilled their duty and passed the banner to a new generation of steadfast leaders to continue the journey toward Jerusalem and Al-Aqsa, paving the way for the great return.” He added, “Our blessed Movement, as it has always done, remains at the forefront of martyrs, joining our people in the same trench and sharing their sacrifices. The blood and remains of our leaders mixed with those of our people.” He emphasized that the leaders willingly give their lives for Allah’s sake alongside the soldiers, unafraid of death, confronting the enemy on the frontlines in the path of resistance for a free and dignified Palestine. Al-'Hayya expressed sorrow upon hearing the successive news of the martyrdom of the leaders he had known and worked closely with for many years, who were loyal to their cause and the higher interests of their people. He pointed out that the martyr leaders engaged in heroic battles and legendary sacrifices alongside thousands of fighters and soldiers from the Al-Qassam Brigades and their brothers from other resistance factions, striving for the elevation of their religion and homeland. He said, “This blessed group of martyr leaders, who sacrificed their blood without hesitation after inflicting severe losses on the enemy for many years, inscribed pages of glory that history will immortalize with letters of light and fire.” Khaleel Al-'Hayya continued, “History will remember that the heroes of the Al-Qassam Brigades and the resistance brought the enemy to its knees, fulfilling their promise to our people and upholding their oath.” He noted, “We see the heroic prisoners being freed one after another, while the occupiers leave our territory humiliated and defeated, pursued by the blows of the resistance fighters and the judgments of those who support Palestine and its people.” He said, “Today we bid farewell to this group of great leaders, with whom we lived and worked for many years. While we mourn their loss, we take pride in them and their martyrdom. Our consolation is that they left as martyrs, having neither faltered nor weakened, but rather stood at the forefront of the faithful and struggling, facing this battle with dignity and strength.” He specifically mentioned the leader of jihad and resistance, the man loved by millions, who was cheered for without anyone knowing his image. His name shook the hearts of the enemies, and his shadow terrified and pursued them—the inspiring martyr leader, Mu'hammed Al-Dhaif “Abu Khalid”, the “fierce lion who spent his life being pursued by his enemies and overcame all his pursuers for over thirty years.” He pointed out that martyr Mu'hammed Al-Dhaif began his struggle in an era when they had neither rifles nor bullets, with only a sound vision and strong will. He highlighted that martyr leader Mu'hammed Al-Dhaif with the help of Allah and his living and martyred brothers: Yasir Al-Namrouti, 'Imad Aql, and Sala'h Shi'hada, built an army that many armies around the world cannot achieve. He added, “An army that strikes the enemy without hesitation, breaking through borders and engaging in battles and heroics, an army based on the steadfast fighters, before weapons and equipment… fighters with clear vision and sound belief… an army embraced by a society of resistance ready for any sacrifice for its freedom and independence.” He continued, “On the same path is the wise martyr leader, with keen insight, sound mind, and burning ambition, ‘Abu Al-Baraa’ Marwan 'Eisa, who always worked in silence but was loud in his actions.” He went on, “The remarkable martyrs who crafted the Flood include the martyr leader Ayman Noafal, martyr leader Ghazi Abu Tu'aimah, martyr leader Ra-id Thabit, martyr leader Rafeeq Salama, and martyr leader A'hmed Al-Ghandour.” He noted that each had their unique imprint and significant role in this great construction until it was completed and strengthened, becoming resilient against defeat, by Allah’s help and success. The great battle of the Al-Aqsa Flood began, marking the crucial difference between the possible and the impossible, proving that there is no impossibility before a people fighting for their freedom and a resistance that possesses its decision, will, and weapons. Al-'Hayya said, “Today we stand with our companions on the path with whom we have worked for many long years, leading this blessed Movement and directing its course under the precise calculations imposed by the circumstances of different stages.” He added, “With Allah’s help and the wisdom and courage of our martyr leaders, as well as the blessings of Shoura and the blood of martyrs, we were able to navigate through harsh stages and difficult challenges, fulfilling our responsibilities with high ambition and diligent movement to turn plans and visions into realities on the ground, especially starting the liberation project.” He recalled the martyr leader Isma'eel Haniyya, the nation’s great loss and a great national symbol, this quiet, wise hero who concealed behind his calmness and smile the volcano of a revolutionary fighter. He also remembered the brave fighter leader, the master of the Flood, the leader whose mark is significant in the history of Hamas and our Palestinian people, which will remain engraved from generation to generation, the martyr leader “Abu Ibrahim” Ye'hya Al-Sinwar, who became an icon for every free and honorable person around the world who rejects oppression and aggression, the revolutionary leader in combat. And the martyr leader Sali'h Al-'Aarouri, head of Hamas in the West Bank, who participated in founding the Al-Qassam Brigades in the West Bank, a fighter in and out of prison, who revived the resistance project in the West Bank with spirit and life, unafraid of death. He also remembered the other martyr leaders, each of whom had their unique imprint and blessed effort in the journey of this Movement. Al-'Hayya said, “We have lost these leaders, we have lost this experience and expertise, but we are content that they rose as martyrs, moving forward and not retreating, confidently toward a generous Lord.” He emphasized that all these heroes left behind a generation raised on the tables of the Quran and in the arenas of jihad and resistance, a generation equipped with the awareness, understanding, and will necessary to complete the journey and fulfill what the founding leaders began, led by the founding Al-Shaikh A'hmed Yaseen. He concluded by saying, “We pledge to Allah and to our people that we will remain on the same path and that we will fulfill what the founding leaders died for, whose bodies may have departed from us, but their spirits, ideas, and legacy are present among us, illuminating the way toward Al-Quds (occupied Jerusalem), Al-Aqsa, liberation, and return, by Allah’s permission.” *** Arab ministerial meeting rejects Gaza division, calls for Palestinian Authority empowerment in Gaza CAIRO, February 1, 2025 (WAFA) – The six-party Arab ministerial meeting, held today in Cairo, reaffirmed its strong opposition to any attempts to divide the Gaza Strip and emphasized the necessity of enabling the Palestinian Authority to assume its responsibilities in the territory. The meeting underscored Gaza as an integral part of the occupied Palestinian territories, alongside the West Bank and Al-Quds (occupied Jerusalem), calling for a full Israeli withdrawal to facilitate humanitarian relief efforts. Held in Cairo on Saturday at the invitation of Egypt, the meeting brought together the foreign ministers of Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Egypt, alongside Husain Al-Shaikh, Secretary-General of the Executive Committee of the Palestine Liberation Organization, representing Palestine. The Secretary-General of the Arab League also participated. The ministers reiterated their unwavering support for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), rejecting any efforts to bypass or diminish its role. They stressed that UNRWA remains essential in providing humanitarian aid and services to Palestinian refugees. The meeting welcomed the recently brokered ceasefire in Gaza and the exchange of hostages and detainees, acknowledging the crucial mediation efforts of Egypt and Qatar. The ministers also recognized the role of the United States in achieving the agreement and expressed their commitment to working with the U.S. administration to promote a just and comprehensive peace in the Middle East based on a two-state solution. The final communique of the meeting underscored the importance of sustaining the ceasefire and ensuring the safe and unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza. The ministers called for the removal of all obstacles preventing the entry of humanitarian, shelter, and reconstruction materials to address the severe humanitarian crisis caused by the Israeli aggression. The meeting stressed the urgent need for an international reconstruction plan for Gaza, ensuring that Palestinians remain on their homeland. The ministers urged global efforts to rebuild infrastructure and improve living conditions in the enclave. Further, the Arab ministers reaffirmed their rejection of any form of forced displacement, transfer, or expulsion of Palestinians from their homeland. They strongly condemned settlement expansion, house demolitions, and land annexations, warning that such actions threaten regional stability and undermine peace prospects. The participants welcomed Egypt's intention to host an international conference, in coordination with the United Nations, to support Gaza's reconstruction. They also called on the international community and donor nations to contribute to this initiative. The statement urged the international community, including major global and regional powers and the UN Security Council, to take concrete steps toward implementing a two-state solution. The ministers emphasized that resolving the Middle East conflict requires the establishment of a sovereign Palestinian state on its entire national territory, including Gaza, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem, in line with international resolutions and the pre-June 4, 1967 borders. The meeting expressed support for the upcoming international conference on the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, co-hosted by Saudi Arabia and France, set for June 2025. The ministers stressed the need for global cooperation in advancing a comprehensive and lasting peace based on the two-state solution. M.N. *** ****** Death toll in Gaza rises to over 47,487 amid Israeli genocide GAZA, February 1, 2025 (WAFA) – The death toll in Gaza has risen to 47,487, with the majority being women and children, since the start of the Israeli genocide in October 2023, according to medical sources. The sources further reported that the number of injuries has reached 111,588, and many victims remain still trapped under the rubble. Thousands of victims are still buried, awaiting rescue. In the past 24 hours, 27 new fatalities were reported, including 24 bodies recovered from the debris and two individuals succumbing to their injuries. Additionally, eight more injuries were reported in local hospitals due to the ongoing Israeli attacks. The sources also highlighted the ongoing difficulty faced by emergency teams and civil defense personnel in reaching several affected areas, as many victims remain trapped in debris or along the streets. M.N. *** 'Hamas mourns political leaders martyred during "Al-Aqsa Flood" battle Saturday 1-February-2025 GAZA, (PIC) The 'Hamas Movement has mourned a galaxy of its martyred political leaders, affirming that it will remain loyal to their blood until the liberation of Palestine. In a statement on Friday, Hamas said it mourns, with pride and honor, all the Palestinian people’s martyrs, including resistance fighters and leaders, who died during Al-Aqsa Flood battle. According to the 'Hamas statement, its martyred political leaders are:
Isma'eel Haniyya, head of the 'Hamas political bureau *** QB releases three Israeli captives in exchange for 183 Palestinian detainees Saturday 1-February-2025 GAZA, (PIC) Al-Qassam Brigades, the armed wing of 'Hamas, released on Saturday morning three Israeli male captives in two separate handovers in exchange for 183 Palestinian prisoners today. French-Israeli national Ofer Kalderon and Israeli citizen Yarden Bibas were handed over to the Red Cross in the southern Gaza Strip city of Khan Younus, Al Jazeera TV showed on Saturday. American-Israeli national Keith Siegel was handed over an hour later to Red Cross employees in Gaza City in the northern part of the enclave. Hundreds of al-Qassam Brigades fighters were seen lining up and managing the crowds in both Khan Younus and Gaza City, as Kalderon, Bibas and Siegel waved to crowds of Palestinian citizens at the handover sites. All the three captives reportedly arrived in Israel (1948 occupied Palestine) after being transported by Red Cross vehicles to Israeli reception points. Now, the 'Hamas Movement expects the release of 183 Palestinian prisoners from Israeli jailers later today, including 18 people with life sentences and 111 who were kidnaped from Gaza during the Israeli genocidal war. Under the terms of the Gaza ceasefire agreement, 33 captives held by the Palestinian resistance in Gaza are to be freed in the first six weeks of the truce in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners, including women, children and people serving life sentences. So far, 15 captives held in Gaza, including five Thai workers, have been exchanged. Meanwhile, the Rafa'h border crossing between Gaza and Egypt is also expected to open today. *** The Israeli occupation apartheid regime releases fourth batch of Palestinian political prisoners, under the Gaza ceasefire agreement RAMALLAH, February 1, 2024 (WAFA) – The Israeli occupation apartheid regime released the fourth batch of the Palestinian political prisoners today, as part of the prisoner exchange deal under the ceasefire agreement in Gaza. According to the Palestinian Commission for Detainees and Ex-Detainees Affairs and the Palestinian Prisoner's Society, 183 detainees were released including 111 from the Gaza Strip, who were detained after October 7, 2023. Ahead of the release, Israeli forces declared the area near Ofer Prison a closed military zone, preventing families from gathering to welcome their loved ones. The soldiers further fired sound bombs towards them. Hundreds of local residents and detainees' families gathered since the early morning hours in the Ma'hmoud Darweesh Museum Square in the city of Ramallah to receive the released detainees, raising the Palestinian flags. The release marks a significant development in the implementation of the ceasefire agreement, with emotions running high among families and supporters celebrating the return of their loved ones. Y.S. *** 50 sick and wounded Palestinian citizens leave Gaza through the Rafa'h crossing Saturday 1-February-2025 GAZA, (PIC) In keeping with the terms of the ceasefire agreement, the Gaza Strip’s Rafa'h border crossing with Egypt was reopened on Saturday to allow sick and wounded Palestinians to leave for medical treatment abroad. According to the Palestinian health ministry in Gaza, 50 sick and wounded citizens, mostly children with cancer and heart issues, left the Strip, accompanied by a delegation from the World Health Organization (WHO). The children arrived with their families from different areas of the Gaza Strip at the Nasser Hospital in the southern Gaza Strip before they were transported aboard two large buses and ambulances to the Rafa'h crossing. According to WHO, there are still 12,000 to 14,000 people who require urgent specialized medical care outside Gaza. Meanwhile, the European Union (EU) has announced that it deployed its civilian mission to monitor the Rafa'h crossing between Gaza and Egypt, a key entry and exit point for the Palestinian territory. Kaja Kallas, the EU’s foreign policy chief, said on social media that the European border monitoring mission had been deployed at the Rafa'h crossing on Friday to “support Palestinian border personnel.” *** ý*** Killing, Injuring, and Abduction of Palestinians in the West Bank by Israeli Occupation Regime Forces ***ý Palestinian man critically injured by Israeli forces' gunfire in Toulkarm refugee camp Toulkarm, February, 1 2024 (WAFA) – A Palestinian man was critically injured today by Israeli occupation forces' bullets in the Qaqoun neighborhood in Toulkarm refugee camp. According to the Palestinian Red Crescent Society (PRCS), its crews in Toulkarm transferred a 50-year-old man from Toulkarm refugee camp who was critically injured by live bullets in the chest. He is currently undergoing heart and lung resuscitation. Meantime, the Israeli occupation forces sent reinforcements of heavy military vehicles and bulldozers to Toulkarm refugee camp, where they proceeded to level and destroy additional infrastructure, homes, and shops, Additionally, during the ongoing onslaught on the city and its refugee camp, Israeli soldiers further blew up several shops, houses, and other local proprieties. The occupation forces continue to seize dozens of homes inside the camp and its outskirts and turn them into military outposts. The Israeli army also deployed several snipers on the rooftops of buildings and houses. Y.S *** Israeli forces continue large-scale military offensive on Jineen and its refugee camp, causing widespread destruction to its infrastructure Jineen, February 1, 2024 (WAFA) – The Israeli occupation army continues its aggression on the city of Jineen and its camp for the 12th consecutive day, resulting so far in the killing of 19 Palestinians. WAFA correspondent reported that the occupation forces detained four people after storming the town of Qabatya, south of Jenin, where they set fire to a vehicle before withdrawing, They also detained a young man after assaulting him during their storming of the town of 'Arraba, south of Jenin. The occupation forces continued to demolish citizens' homes in Jenin refugee camp as they persisted in their raids. Explosions were heard within the camp, resulting from the bombing of homes, particularly in the neighborhoods of Al-Damaj, Abdullah 'Azzam, and Al-Bishr. The occupation bulldozers caused massive destruction in Al-Damaj neighborhood and the eastern entrance to the camp and continue to destroy the street of Jineen Governmental Hospital and its infrastructure. The occupation forces are obstructing the entry and exit of ambulances to and from the hospital. Y.S. *** Palestinian child injured by IOFs gunfire in Ramallah Saturday 1-February-2025 RAMALLAH, (PIC) A Palestinian child suffered a bullet injury on Saturday afternoon when the Israeli occupation forces (IOFs) opened fire at citizens near Ofer jail in Ramallah in the central West Bank. The Red Crescent said that its paramedics provided first aid for a 15-year-old child after he was injured in his thigh by IOFs gunfire near Ofer jail before transferring him to a hospital. According to local sources, the IOFs fired live ammunition and a hail of tear gas canisters and stun grenades at a gathering of citizens as they were waiting for the release of Palestinian prisoners today outside Ofer jail. In a separate incident, a horde of extremist settlers wreaked havoc on crops belonging to Palestinian citizens after they let their sheep graze on swaths of agricultural land in Wadi al-Faw area in the northern Jordan Valley. *** IOFs operation in Toulkarm enters its sixth day, amid ongoing destruction of homes Saturday 1-February-2025 Toulkarm, (PIC) The Israeli occupation forces (IOFs) have continued, for the sixth consecutive day, their military operation in Toulkarm City and its refugee camp on Saturday, amid ongoing destruction of public and private property. According to local sources, Israeli troops patrolled last night and Saturday morning several streets of Toulkarm City, raided multiple homes, and used residential and commercial buildings as military posts and watchtowers. During their presence in buildings in the city’s vegetable market, Israeli soldiers flew camera drones overnight to monitor the area, while other soldiers stormed and searched the western cemetery of the city and combed the area around it. Eyewitnesses also reported that the IOFs set up ambushes in alleys and near trees and homes and embarked on chasing citizens and vehicles and forcing them to return home. The IOFs also raided stores in the eastern neighborhood of Toulkarm after smashing their locks. Meanwhile, Israeli forces continue to besiege the hospitals of Thabit Thabit and Al-Israa in the city and obstruct the movement of ambulances and medical personnel through searching, interrogating and detaining them. The IOF also continues to impose a tight siege on Tulkarem refugee camp, amid intensive presence of snipers, on tall buildings, and troops in all its streets. Israeli forces reportedly forced yesterday and today more families to leave their homes, while continuing to ransack and destroy a number of them. In a separate incident, Israeli soldiers opened fire at a Palestinian car on the 'Hal'houl bridge in northern al-Khalil before detaining its passengers. There was no information about what happened to them after they were detained. On Friday, Israeli occupation soldiers caused a house to catch fire after they showered homes with tear gas canisters in the southern areas of Al-Khaleel (Hebron) City. Later, Palestinian firefighters managed to control the blaze. A number of citizens reportedly suffered from their exposure to tear gas during the IOFs attack in the city. The IOFs also stormed Idhna town in western al-Khalil and ransacked the house of ex-detainee Shi'hada Al-Jiyawi while firing tear gas in the area around it. *** For the sixth day in a row, Israeli forces continue large-scale military onslaught on Toulkarm and its camp Toulkarm, February , 1 2024 (WAFA) – For the sixth consecutive day, the Israeli occupation forces continue their aggression on the city of Toulkarm and its camp for the sixth consecutive day, causing great destruction to citizens' properties, homes, and infrastructure, which led to the forced displacement of dozens of families. In the city of Toulkarm, foot patrols of the occupation army roamed the streets of the city, especially in the western, southern, and eastern neighborhoods, raided citizens' homes, searched them, checked their IDs, and turned several residential and commercial buildings into military points and deployed snipers on their rooftops. Eyewitnesses reported that the occupation forces stationed in the commercial buildings launched intensive drones throughout the night in the vegetable market area, while infantry soldiers stormed the western cemetery and carried out combing operations inside and around it. The WAFA correspondent said that the occupation forces are carrying out search operations in the city's neighborhoods, setting up ambushes between trees, houses and in alleys, chasing citizens and vehicles and forcing them to return to their homes. The occupation forces continue to besiege the Shahid Thabit Thabit Governmental Hospital and the Israa Specialized Hospital, obstructing the work of ambulances and medical crews, subjecting them to searches, interrogating paramedics and detaining them. In Toulkarm refugee camp, the occupation forces continue to impose a tight siege on the camp, deploying their foot patrols in all its neighborhoods, and their snipers are on top of the tall buildings inside and around it. Eyewitnesses told WAFA that the occupation forces continue to force citizens in the camp to leave their homes in the neighborhoods of Al-Nadi, Al-Shuhada, Al-Ghanim, Al-Matar and Abu Al-Foul. They added that these operations included destroying the contents of homes, blowing up a number of them, demolishing them and burning them, as a means of intimidating and pressuring citizens, under the pretext of searching for wanted persons. This escalation, which has been ongoing for six days, comes amid extremely difficult humanitarian conditions that have been exacerbated by the destruction of basic facilities and infrastructure in the camp by the occupation bulldozers, accompanied by power outages, water, communications and internet outages, and a shortage of food, medical supplies, drinking water and baby milk. In addition, the efforts and initiatives of the Dignity and Relief Committee formed by Toulkarm Governor 'Abdullah Kameel continue to stand by the people of Toulkarm refugee camp and support the families who were forced to leave their homes by the occupation. Associations, centers and mosques in the city and its suburbs have received dozens of displaced people from the camp and those who were stranded and unable to reach their countries and villages. Y.S. *** *** Aggression and Attacks by Illegal Israeli Settlers and Soldiers *** Note: Despite the Trump administration support for the Israeli occupation apartheid regime, the U.S. official policy is still considering the Israeli settlement activities in the Palestinian territories as illegal. *** Israeli occupation forces raid homes of freed prisoners in Al-Khaleel (Hebron), assault journalist Al-Khaleel (Hebron), February 1, 2025 (WAFA) – Israeli occupation forces on Saturday raided the homes of several recently released Palestinian prisoners as part of a wider crackdown following the fourth prisoner exchange under the Gaza ceasefire agreement. During the raids, a journalist was also assaulted. According to local sources, Israeli forces stormed the home of freed prisoner 'Imad Abu Ramouz in the Al-Haras neighborhood of Al-Khaleel (Hebron), coinciding with his release. The soldiers also raided the home of freed prisoner Sidqi Al-Zaro and issued threats to their families, warning them against celebrating their release or displaying national flags and banners. Meanwhile, Israeli troops assaulted journalist Mus'ab Shawar while he was covering the raid on Abu Ramouz’s home. Shawar sustained bruises and was transferred to Alia Governmental Hospital for treatment. M.N. *** Israeli occupation forces prevent delivery of Palestinian curriculum books in Al-Quds (occupied Jerusalem), kidnap a teacher Al-Quds (occupied Jerusalem), February 1, 2025 (WAFA) – Israeli occupation forces prevented the delivery of Palestinian curriculum books to students of schools in the Old City of Al-Quds (occupied Jerusalem) today and kidnapped a teacher. According to a brief press statement issued by the Palestinian Authority's Al-Quds (occupied Jerusalem) Governorate, Israeli occupation forces blocked the distribution of Palestinian textbooks to students at Al-Aqsa schools near Bab Hutta neighborhood in the Old City of Al-Quds (occupied Jerusalem). The forces also detained teacher Mu'hammed Abu Lafi, accusing him of distributing the Palestinian curriculum books. M.N. *** Illegal Israeli settlers attack shepherds in Na'haleen, one injured and two kidnapped Bait La'hm (Bethlehem), February 1, 2025 (WAFA) – A Palestinian shepherd was injured and two others were detained during an attack by a group of the illegal Israeli settlers, protected by Israeli occupation forces, on the town of Nahalin, west of Bait La'hm (Bethlehem), on Saturday evening, according to local sources. Jamal Najajra, head of the Na'haleen municipal council, informed our correspondent that a group of colonists, escorted by Israeli occupation forces, attacked several shepherds while they were grazing their flocks in the Ein Faris area, located to the west of the town. The colonists beat the shepherds with sticks and rifle butts, resulting in injuries to a local Palestinian resident, who sustained bruises and wounds across his body. He was transported to a hospital in Bethlehem for medical treatment. Najajra added that confrontations erupted between local residents and occupation forces following the attack. The Israeli forces fired live ammunition, as well as tear gas and sound bombs, though no injuries were reported. Two Palestinians were detained during the confrontations. The 'Ain Faris area has been facing an escalating campaign by colonists and Israeli occupation forces for weeks, aimed at establishing a new colonial settlement outpost for pastoral purposes. The area is also under threat of the uprooting of hundreds of trees in preparation for this settlement expansion. M.N. *** Report: Israeli authorities escalate demolition of Palestinian homes in Al-Quds (occupied Jerusalem) and the West Bank NABLUS, February 1, 2025 (WAFA) – A report by the National Bureau for Defending Land and Resisting Settlement has highlighted a sharp increase in Israel’s demolition of Palestinian homes in Al-Quds (occupied Jerusalem) and other areas of the West Bank. The report attributes the escalation to pressure from ruling coalition parties, particularly the far-right Religious Zionism party led by Bezalel Smotrich and the Jewish Power party led by Itamar Ben-Gvir, along with key figures from the Likud party and the "Land of Israel Lobby" in the Israeli Knesset. According to the weekly settlement report released today, Israeli authorities issued demolition orders last Sunday for all homes in Khirbet Al-Nu’man, a village near Bethlehem. The orders, affecting 45 homes, were issued under the pretext of lacking permits, even though the village predates the Israeli occupation of 1967. The move is seen as part of a broader effort to annex the area into the municipal boundaries of Jerusalem. Jamal al-Dar'awi, head of the local council, stated that the village has been systematically denied essential services such as water, sewage, and waste collection by the Jerusalem municipality. Residents, who were registered as West Bank inhabitants after 1967, are treated as “illegal residents” in their own homes. Following the construction of the Israeli separation wall, the village was further isolated from nearby Palestinian communities, worsening living conditions and increasing pressure on residents to leave. In addition to Khirbet al-Nu'man, the Palestinian neighborhood of Silwan, occupied Jerusalem, faces ongoing demolition threats. On Sunday, hundreds of Silwan residents staged a protest outside Jerusalem’s municipal offices against home demolitions and eviction orders. Israeli left-wing activists joined the demonstration, holding banners condemning Israel’s policies and calling for an immediate halt to demolitions. Silwan, home to approximately 59,000 Palestinians, has around 7,500 residents currently at risk of forced displacement. Israeli authorities claim their homes lack permits or are targeted for seizure by settler organizations. Between October 2023 and November 2024, Israeli forces demolished 320 Palestinian homes in East Jerusalem, including 87 in Silwan alone. According to Jerusalem’s governorate, more than 30,000 structures in East Jerusalem are currently under demolition threat. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported that Israeli authorities demolished 215 Palestinian structures in East Jerusalem in 2024, displacing over 40,000 residents. Silwan saw the highest number of demolitions (41), followed by Jabal Al-Mukabbir (34), Al-Wallaja (27), and Al-'Aisawiya (24). When including wider Al-Quds (occupied Jerusalem) governorate areas, the total number of demolished structures reaches 402, with villages such as 'Anata (47 demolitions), 'Hizma (23), and southern 'Anata (18) among the most affected. Beyond Jerusalem, Israel's demolition policies extend to the broader West Bank. In 2024, Israeli occupied forces destroyed 1,058 Palestinian structures in Area C, including 192 homes, displacing 860 people and affecting 38,000 others. These demolitions serve Israel’s ongoing expansion of illegal settlements, pushing thousands of Palestinian families toward forced displacement. M.N. *** Israeli occupation forces tighten movement restrictions around Ramallah RAMALLAH, February 1, 2025 (WAFA) – Israeli occupation forces intensified their restrictions on movement on Saturday in several areas of the Ramallah Governorate, in the central West Bank, by setting up military checkpoints and closing gates, causing significant disruptions for Palestinian commuters. According to Palestinian security sources, Israeli forces erected a military checkpoint at the entrance to the city of Rawabi, northwest of Ramallah. Additionally, strict measures were enforced at the 'Ain Siniya checkpoint to the north, leading to heavy congestion as vehicles were thoroughly inspected upon entry and exit. The sources also confirmed that a military checkpoint was set up at the entrance to the town of 'Abboud, northwest of Ramallah, resulting in severe traffic delays. Meanwhile, Israeli forces closed the gate to the village of Al-Nabi Sali'h, forcing residents to take long detours to reach alternative routes. Furthermore, soldiers set up another checkpoint at the entrance of Nabi Saleh, obstructing the movement of Palestinian citizens, searching vehicles, and inspecting passengers' identification cards. These intensified military measures have caused significant disruptions for residents, restricting their movement and complicating daily life in the affected areas. M.N. *** *** News Related to the Israeli Genocidal War on the Palestinian People *** *** British-Palestinian surgeon, Ghassan Abu Sittah: Israeli destruction of Gaza healthcare system paved the way for genocide Saturday 1-February-2025 LONDON, (PIC) British-Palestinian doctor Ghassan Abu Sittah said that the Israeli occupying authorities view the destruction of the healthcare system in the Gaza Strip as preliminary preparation for a plan of genocide. In a statement to Anadolu Agency, Abu Sittah indicated that Israel “has placed the destruction of the healthcare system in Palestine at the core of its military doctrine from the beginning, in order to make the Gaza Strip uninhabitable.” Abu Sittah, who serves as the President of the University of Glasgow in Scotland, confirmed that the occupation has launched its attacks on the Gaza Strip with a plan to destroy the entire healthcare system and its various components. He added that “Israel did not only target buildings but also destroyed 33 out of 36 hospitals that were providing services throughout the region.” The British-Palestinian doctor continued that “Israel killed a thousand healthcare workers, doctors, nurses, and lab technicians to eliminate an entire generation of healthcare professionals.” He explained that it destroyed the healthcare system by demolishing water treatment and sewage facilities. Additionally, it destroyed the homes of residents, leaving people more susceptible to infectious diseases. Abu Sittah emphasized that Israel considers the destruction of the healthcare system in Gaza as a precursor to the genocide project, stating: “I do not know of any war in modern history where the systematic destruction of the healthcare system was central to the doctrine of the warring armies, but the destruction of the healthcare system played a pivotal role in disrupting life in Gaza from Israel’s perspective.” The British-Palestinian doctor saw the importance of prosecuting Israeli officials, soldiers, and politicians in The Hague for their destruction of the healthcare system in Gaza, saying, “Otherwise, every future war will follow the model of Gaza, as the destruction of the healthcare system played a central role in the management of the war.” Abu Sittah went to Gaza immediately after Israel launched its war against it and joined its hospitals, particularly the Shifa Medical Complex and the Baptist Hospital (Al-Ahli Arab) located in Gaza City (North), where he performed his humanitarian and medical duties for 43 days. On November 16, 2023, he was forced to leave after it became impossible to continue his tasks. Abu Sittah pointed out that Interpol should issue arrest warrants against Israeli soldiers, leaders, and politicians, stressing that the International Criminal Court should adopt the same measure. He saw the necessity for “countries, especially in the West, to begin arresting Israeli soldiers and politicians when they travel there.” On October 7, 2023, the Israeli occupation launched a genocidal war on the Gaza Strip, with a ceasefire agreement coming into effect on January 19, 2025, more than 15 months after its devastating aggression, which resulted in approximately 159,000 Palestinian martyrs and injured, around 70% of whom were children and women, in addition to more than 14,000 missing persons. *** Gaza's healthcare system will take 12 years to rebuild, experts warn GENEVA, February 1, 2025 (WAFA) – Health experts have warned that rebuilding Gaza’s healthcare system, which has completely collapsed due to the Israeli offensive, will take at least 12 years. This alarming estimate was shared during a solidarity event titled “The Great Protest in the White Tent”, held today in front of the United Nations office in Geneva, Switzerland. Organized by a group of healthcare professionals, the event aimed to highlight the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Hussein Durmaz, a Turkish activist and member of the International Health Initiative, announced the formation of a “global health alliance for Gaza”, with more than 100 health organizations from over 12 countries actively involved in the protest. He added that organizations from 50+ countries have signed statements or held simultaneous solidarity protests. According to activists at the event, even if unrestricted humanitarian aid and reconstruction efforts were allowed, restoring Gaza’s healthcare system would take at least 12 years due to the massive destruction. "As healthcare workers, we are particularly affected by what is happening to our colleagues in Palestine," said Nouria Belhaj, a French-Algerian health worker participating in the event. "We consider it our sacred duty to stand in full solidarity with them." Dutch health worker Sarah Ghali called on the United Nations to protect healthcare workers in Gaza and the West Bank, emphasizing that “they are under attack on an unprecedented scale.” Ghali also highlighted the catastrophic state of Gaza’s healthcare system, reporting that over 1,400 attacks on medical facilities have occurred since October 7, 2023, resulting in the deaths of more than 1,000 healthcare workers. The Geneva protest is part of a larger global movement demanding urgent international action to address the severe healthcare crisis in Gaza and support its long-term reconstruction. M.N. *** =============================================================================================================================== Editorial
Notes about terms
& names of
people and places: *** Names of some of the Palestinian cities, as pronounced in standard Arabic, and their foreign names in parentheses: Al-Khaleel (Hebron) Al-Nusayrat Al-Quds (occupied Jerusalem) Aree'ha (Jericho) Al-Zaytoun (al-Zeitoun) Bait (Beit) Bait La'hm (Bethlehem) Dair El-Bala'h Jineen (Jenin) Khan Younus (Khan Younis) *** Person's names as pronounced in standard Arabic: A'hmed, 'Hasan, Mu'hammed, Younus, Yousuf, 'Hasan Mulai'hat, *** Conflict terminology The Israeli occupation apartheid regime (the Israeli government) Illegal Israeli settlers (instead of settlers, colonists) A group of the illegal Israeli settlers *** Fair Use Notice This site contains copyrighted material the
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