Documentation of the Israeli abuse of power, mistreatment of humanity, and perpetration of the genocidal war on the Palestinian people in the  Gaza Strip.

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Israeli Regime Refuses to Withdraw from the Gaza Border with Egypt, in Violation of the Ceasefire Agreement, Israeli Eviction of Palestinian Refugees After the Destruction of their Homes in the West Bank 

February 28, 2025

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Released Palestinian Political Prisoners Show Shocking Traces of Israeli Torture, Systematic Crimes, and Inhumane Mistreatment, the Death Toll of the Israeli Genocidal War on Gaza Rises to 48,365 and the Injuries to 111,780, February 27, 2025

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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 reliable data reported by the Palestinian Ministry of Health in Gaza:

By February 27, 2025, the initial death toll of Palestinians who have been killed by the Israeli genocidal war on Gaza Strip is 62,091+.   

This includes the accounted for deaths (48,365), those who are still missing under the rubble (an estimate of at least 13,726+). 

By February 27, 2025, the documented injuries exceeded 111,780.

By February 28, 2025, 925 Palestinians who were killed, 6,861 who were injured, and 11,314*, who were abducted by Israeli occupation forces in the West Bank, since October 7, 2023, including 310 women and 640 children.

(The Palestine Information Center reported that there were 925 deaths and 14,500 kidnappings but without mentioning how many were released, by February 27, 2025).  

Note About the Missing Palestinians in the Gaza Strip:

On February 26, 2025, the Palestinian Center for Political and Development Studies announced that the number of the missing in the Gaza Strip has exceeded 14,000 people, including 2,000-3,000 held in Israeli occupation prisons, without releasing any information on their fate.

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18-year-old Palestinian young man, Ra’d Al-'Amwasi, was killed in an Israeli drone raid on Rafa'h City, in southern Gaza Strip, in a new violation of the ceasefire agreement, February 28, 2025.	Palestinian women and children who were kidnapped and imprisoned from the Gaza Strip by the Israeli occupation forces, for the purpose of prisoner exchange, arrived in Khan Younus, and told stories of torture and mistreatment they received in the Israeli prisons, February 27, 2025.

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بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمَـٰنِ الرَّحِيمِ

"مِنْ أَجْلِ ذَٰلِكَ كَتَبْنَا عَلَىٰ بَنِي إِسْرَائِيلَ أَنَّهُ مَنْ قَتَلَ نَفْسًا بِغَيْرِ نَفْسٍ أَوْ فَسَادٍ فِي الْأَرْضِ فَكَأَنَّمَا قَتَلَ النَّاسَ جَمِيعًا"  (الْمَائِدَةُ ، 5: 32).

"وَمَنْ يَقْتُلْ مُؤْمِنًا مُّتَعَمِّدًا فَجَزَاؤُهُ جَهَنَّمُ خَالِدًا فِيهَا وَغَضِبَ اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَلَعَنَهُ وَأَعَدَّ لَهُ عَذَابًا عَظِيمًا" (النِّسَاءُ ، 4: 93).

"إِنْ أَحْسَنتُمْ أَحْسَنتُمْ لِأَنفُسِكُمْ ۖ وَإِنْ أَسَأْتُمْ فَلَهَا ۚ " (الإسْرَاءُ ، 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.

Killing and Injuring of Palestinians in Ghazza (Gaza) by Israeli Occupation Regime Forces

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Palestinian teen killed in Israeli bombing in Rafa'h

Friday 28-February-2025

RAFAH, (PIC)

An 18-year-old Palestinian youth was killed in an Israeli drone raid on Rafa'h City, in southern Gaza Strip, on Friday morning.

Local sources said that Ra’d Al-'Amwasi was killed by an Israeli drone bombing of central Rafa'h City, in a new violation of the ceasefire agreement.

Israeli occupation forces fire at citizens checking on their destroyed homes in Rafa'h and eastern and northern areas of the Gaza Strip on daily basis.

More than 100 Palestinians were martyred since the ceasefire went into effect on January 19, 2025 while hundreds others were wounded.

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Injuries reported among fishermen in Gaza due to IOFs gunfire

Friday 28-February-2025

GAZA, (PIC)

Two Palestinian fishermen were injured off the Gaza coast on Friday after Israeli warships opened fire at their boats while trying to fish in Gaza waters, local sources reported.

The Israeli occupation forces (IOFs) continue to target fishermen and their boats, despite sailing for limited distances in the sea off the Gaza Strip.

Since the start of the Israeli genocidal war on Gaza in October 2023, the IOFs has destroyed fishing ports and the majority of fishing boats and continued to target fishermen while trying to work.

Meanwhile, three Palestinians were wounded on Thursday evening in an explosion of an Israeli army ordnance, east of the city of Rafa'h, in the southern Gaza Strip.

Eyewitnesses reported that an explosion was heard in the vicinity of the Sa'd Mosque in the Al-Junaina neighborhood, east of Rafah, before ambulances rushed to the place.

The United Nations had warned of the threat of the remnants of the Israeli occupation army and their impact on the lives of civilians and the delivery of humanitarian aid, even after the ceasefire agreement between the Palestinian resistance and Israel had come into force.

A UN report pointed out that the explosion of IOF ordnance caused the martyrdom and injury of civilians, and obstructed humanitarian operations, noting that 92 martyrs have been killed in such explosions, according to preliminary reports, since October 2023 up to January 2025.

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Killing, Injuring, and Abduction of Palestinians in the West Bank by Israeli Occupation Regime Forces 

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Palestinian injured by live fire, others suffocate during Israeli military incursion into Hebron-area town

Al-Khaleel (Hebron), February 28, 2025 (WAFA) –

 A young Palestinian man Friday was injured by live ammunition, and several others suffered from tear gas during an Israeli military incursion into the town of Doura, south of Al-Khaleel (Hebron), according to WAFA correspondent.

WAFA correspondent reported that Israeli forces raided the said town, firing live bullets, stun grenades and tear gas canisters at residents. As a result, a young man sustained a gunshot wound to the leg, while several others suffocated due to tear gas inhalation.

Additionally, Israeli occupation forces physically assaulted several residents and deliberately rammed their vehicles as they roamed through the town, causing damage to multiple cars.

T.R. 

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IOFs launch raid, kidnapping campaign south of Nablus

Friday 28-February-2025

NABLUS, (PIC)

Israeli occupation forces (IOFs) launched at dawn Friday a raid and kidnapping campaign in Nablus in the West Bank, amid tightened security measures including inspecting vehicles and checking citizens’ IDs.

The IOFs kidnapped two young men from the village of Yetma, south of Nablus, stormed and raided a number of houses, and searched them and tampered with their contents.

This comes in light of the ongoing tightened security measures at military checkpoints in the vicinity of Nablus city, amid an inspection campaign for vehicles and citizens’ identities.

The IOFs closed this morning the Serra checkpoint, west of the city, and blocked traffic at the barrier.

Earlier, the IOFs installed other checkpoints on the Al-Bathan-Nablus Road, and on Road 17, north of Nablus, just days ago.

The IOFs have so far installed ten military barriers in the vicinity of Nablus city, in addition to erecting more than 38 iron gates, and closing about 47 areas with dirt berms.

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Israeli occupation forces kidnap three Palestinians from West Bank

TOUBAS, February 28, 2025 (WAFA) –

Israeli occupation forces Friday kidnapped three Palestinians from various parts of the occupied West Bank, according to the Palestine Prisoner’s Society (PPS) and local sources.

Director of PPS Office in Toubas, Kamal Bani-'Oada, said that the occupying forces rounded up a resident of the city of Tubas while the latter was in Khirbet Yirza locality, east of the city.

He added that the heavily armed soldiers briefly held several Palestinians at the locality before releasing them, and confiscated a Palestinian-licensed vehicle.

In the Salfit governorate, the occupation forces ransacked several houses in Qarawat Bani 'Hasan town and detained a young man.

Meanwhile, the Israeli occupation soldiers showed up at a house in the city of Nablus, muscled inside, conducted a thorough search, and eventually rounded up an occupant.

Earlier today, the Israeli occupation forces kidnapped six others from the southern West Bank governorate of Al-Khaleel (Hebron).

The Israeli occupation forces frequently raid Palestinian houses almost daily across the West Bank on the pretext of searching for “wanted” Palestinians, triggering clashes with residents.

These raids are conducted without the need for a search warrant, whenever and wherever the military chooses in keeping with its sweeping arbitrary powers.

Under Israeli military law army commanders have full executive, legislative, and judicial authority over 3 million Palestinians living in the West Bank. Palestinians have no say in how this authority is exercised.

According to the latest figures from Al-Dhameer, the Palestinian Prisoner Support and Human Rights Association, there are currently 10,000 Palestinian political prisoners in Israeli prisons and detention centers, including 365 child prisoners and 15 female prisoners.

This number includes approximately 3,369 Palestinians placed under “administrative detention”, which allows the detention of Palestinians without charge or trial for renewable intervals ranging between three and six months based on undisclosed evidence that even a detainee’s lawyer is barred from viewing.

The mass arrest of Palestinians is nothing new. According to a 2017 report by Al-Dhameer, over the past 50 years, more than 800,000 Palestinians have been imprisoned or detained by Israel, this figure is now believed to be closer to 1 million. This means that about 40% of Palestinian men and boys living under military occupation have been deprived of their freedom. Almost every Palestinian family has suffered the imprisonment of a loved one.

K.F. 

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For the 39th day, IOFs continue its aggression on Jineen

Friday 28-February-2025

Jineen, (PIC)

Israeli occupation forces (IOFs) have been continuing aggression on the city of Jineen in the north of the West Bank and its refugee camp for the 39th consecutive day Friday, leaving 27 martyrs and dozens of injuries in addition to widespread destruction in infrastructure and property.

A Palestinian doctor and a woman were wounded on Thursday by Israeli gunfire in Jineen. The doctor was shot in the foot in the Al -Zahra neighborhood, and the woman sustained injury by live bullets in Jenin camp, while she was trying to reach her home to take out some of her belongings.

The IOFs fired directly towards the ambulance crew who tried to reach and transfer the injured woman.

The IOFs, escorted by military tanks, advanced into the outskirts of Jineen refugee camp and stormed a number of its neighborhoods, closed several roads in the Al-Hadaf neighborhood, and arrested a citizen at the Al-Jalbouni roundabout in the city of Jineen.

Israeli troops also destroyed the main water line in Beer Al-Sa'ada in Jenin, after municipal crews and the Jineen Governorate had restored it, which led to water cutoff in several neighborhoods in the city.

According to estimates, the daily losses of the city of Jineen amount to 20 million shekels due to the ongoing aggression and the closure of the barriers surrounding the city, in addition to banning the people of the 1948 occupied Palestine from visiting the city.

The IOFs has been burning homes in the Jenin camp, bulldozing, and expanding roads, preventing citizens from reaching their homes to take basic needs such as clothes and covers, especially in light of the extreme cold wave and the approaching of the holy month of Ramadan.

Local and international press crews have also been prohibited from entering the camp to monitor the destruction and report on the IOF’s aggression and violations. 

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Several suffocate in Israeli occupation army raid near Ramallah

RAMALLAH, February 28, 2025 (WAFA) –

Several Palestinians Friday suffocated in an Israeli army raid in the Doura al-Qar' town, north of the occupied West Bank city of Ramallah, according to a WAFA correspondent.

He said that Israeli occupation forces stormed the town, triggering confrontations.

He added that the heavily armed soldiers intensively fired barrages of tear gas canisters, some of which landed in the vicinity of civilians’ houses, causing several Palestinians to suffocate from excessive tear gas inhalation.

The occupation forces frequently raid Palestinian houses almost daily across the West Bank on the pretext of searching for “wanted” Palestinians, triggering clashes with residents.

These raids are conducted without a search warrant whenever and wherever the military chooses, in keeping with its sweeping arbitrary powers.

Under Israeli military law army commanders have full executive, legislative, and judicial authority over 3 million Palestinians living in the West Bank. Palestinians have no say in how this authority is exercised.

K.F.

***

Israeli occupation forces order families to leave their homes northwest of Ramallah

RAMALLAH, February 28, 2025 (WAFA) –

Israeli occupation soldiers have verbally ordered five Palestinian families living near the village of Rantees, northwest of Ramallah, to leave their homes and farmland to make way for colonial expansion in the area.

The head of the Rantees village council, Majid Khalaf, told WAFA that these families have been facing continuous threats from the Israeli occupation and illegal settlers to leave their homes and land. He noted that those families have been residing in the area for years and remain steadfast despite the threats.

The Israeli newspaper Haaretz reported on Friday that several Israeli soldiers stormed the area on Thursday in an attempt to forcibly displace the Palestinian families. Meanwhile, the Israeli army claimed that this was an unauthorized "pirate operation" and that the soldiers involved were not authorized to expel Palestinian families.

“At Own Initiative, Israeli Soldiers Illegally Expel Palestinian Families in West Bank,” said Haaretz.

The newspaper added that last week, Israeli soldiers raided the area and gave the families a one-week deadline to leave. Since then, soldiers have repeatedly returned, demanding that the families evict their homes and land. On Thursday morning, the soldiers returned once again, giving the families only four hours to leave. Some families have already left their homes.

Local Palestinian resident, Bilal Ma'hareeq, said, "We don’t know where to go. We want to stay, but we fear that Israeli occupation soldiers will attack us."

He added that residents believe the attempt to forcibly expel them is linked to the illegal unauthorized colonial outpost of Havat Avihai, which was established in the area about two years ago.

During 2024, the Israeli occupation measures forcibly displaced seven Palestinian communities consisting of 34 families, totaling 215 individuals. They join 22 other Palestinian Bedouin communities, made up of 277 families with 1,707 members, who were forcibly displaced after October 7, 2023, according to a report by the Colonization and Wall Resistance Commission.

T.R. 

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Governor of Toulkarm describes Israeli military aggression as crushing calamity

TOULKARM, February 28, 2025 (WAFA) –

The Governor of Toulkarm, 'Abdullah Kameel Thursday described the ongoing Israeli military aggression on the city and its refugee camps as a crushing calamity.

Speaking during a press briefing with the correspondents and representatives of The Washington Post, Bloomberg, the Spanish news agency, Frankfurter German news agency, and The National News agency at his office in the city, Governor Kameel stated that what is going on in the city and nearby refugee camps of Nour Shams and Toulkarm was a crushing calamity or a major catastrophe that has befallen them.

He added that the unprecedented Israeli military invasion, which has entered the second consecutive month, was driven by a political decision that is inextricably linked to Israeli officials’ statements on the annexation of the West Bank.

Annexation of an occupied territory is illegal under international law. The occupation government prefers to term it as "applying sovereignty", though that makes little difference legally.  Since the 1967 Middle East war, Israel has annexed occupied East Jerusalem and the Syrian Golan Heights in moves never recognized by the international community.

He noted that this ongoing invasion differs from previous ones, as Toulkarm and its camps have been subjected to 62 incursions since 2023.

"What is taking place is a continuation of the crime committed by the occupation in the Gaza Strip. There has been massive displacement of the inhabitants of the Tulkarm and Nour Shams refugee camps, as approximately 85% of them have already been forcibly displaced due to this aggression,” Kameel said.

He added that there has been systematic destruction of vital basic private and public infrastructure, including roads, water pipes, electricity lines, sewage systems, houses and stores in the course of the Israeli military aggression.

He further explained that the number of houses completely or partially destroyed in previous incursions reached 1,100 in both camps. Meanwhile, technical teams from official institutions and partner organizations cannot assess the extent of the current damage in the camps due to movement restrictions and security risks.

Kamil pointed out that when Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and ‘Defense’ Minister, Yisrael Katz, stormed Toulkarm and its refugee camp, they sought to recreate images reminiscent of Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria, giving the illusion that a state of war had been underway.

He warned that giving the illusion that there has been a state of war waged in the city and its refugee camp was extremely dangerous and had significant political implications, holding the Israeli occupation fully responsible for the bloodshed, noting that the death toll in the course of this aggression reached 13, including a pregnant woman and her unborn child, and the total death toll from in Toulkarm since 2023 has risen to 223.

Kameel stressed that the crimes committed by the Israeli occupation against the refugee camps violate international humanitarian law, human rights laws, and the Fourth Geneva Convention.

He added that Toulkarm has taken a severe toll due to the military siege, and destruction of vital infrastructure, along with ensuing economic, health, and educational implications, while commending the local Dignity and Relief Committee, whose members comprise representatives of official institutions, civil society organizations (CSOs), the private sector and volunteers, for its efforts to support displaced families by providing them with essential shelter and aid.

K.F.

***

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Aggression and Attacks by Illegal Israeli Settlers and Soldiers

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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.

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Illegal Israeli settlers bulldoze remains of seized tents in northern Jordan Valley

JORDAN VALLEY, February 28, 2025 (WAFA) –

Israeli colonists leveled on Wednesday the last remnants of tents they had previously seized in Khallet Khadir, in the northern Jordan Valley, clearing the area entirely, according to local sources.

Sources reported that Israeli colonists brought in a bulldozer and demolished the remains of uninhabited tents in the said area, leveling them to the ground.

Months ago, colonists stole tents belonging to Palestinian residents and gradually dismantled them. Today, they used a bulldozer to clear away what remained.

Since last summer, the colonists have stolen the tents, built a shelter nearby and planted dozens of olive trees in the area.

Colonists are present in the area on a daily basis and frequently roam among the citizens’ tents in the nearby Al-Fasayil village.

Last month, colonists carried out a total of 375 attacks. Ramallah and Al-Bireh governorate saw the highest number at 105, followed by Nablus at 76, Al-Khaleel (Hebron) at 55 and Qalqilya at 31.

Violence by the illlegal Israeli settlers against Palestinians and their properties has escalated significantly since October 7, 2023, drawing widespread condemnation. In response, several countries have imposed sanctions on colonists accused of committing violent acts in the West Bank.

T.R.

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Israeli occupation forces close entrances to several towns near Salfeet

SALFEET, February 28, 2025 (WAFA) –

Israeli occupation forces closed on Friday night the northern entrance to the city of Salfeet, according to local sources.

Sources told WAFA that the occupation forces also shut down the iron gate near the entrance of Qarawat Bani 'Hasan and blocked the entrance to the town of Dair Ballout, west of Salfeet.

Israeli forces further intensified their presence in areas west of Salfit tonight, deploying heavily along the road connecting Dair Ballout, Kafr Al-Deek and Bruqeen, while firing stun grenades and flying surveillance drones. They also blocked the road between Kafr Al-Deek and Dair Ghassana village north of Ramallah.

Since the ceasefire in Gaza went into effect on January 19, the Israeli occupation has intensified its military measures in the West Bank, erecting checkpoints and installing iron gates at the entrances of Palestinian towns and cities.

According to the Colonization and Wall Resistance Commission, the number of military checkpoints and iron gates set up by the occupation across the West Bank has reached 898. This includes 18 gates installed since the beginning of 2025 and 146 gates erected after October 7, 2023.

T.R.

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Israeli occupation forces forcibly evict residents of Nour Shams refugee camp at gunpoint

TULKAREM, February 28, 2025 (WAFA) –

 Israeli occupation forces Friday night forcibly expelled Palestinian residents from their homes in the Nour Shams refugee camp, east of Toulkarm, as the camp remains under a tightened military siege for the 20th consecutive day.

Eyewitnesses told WAFA that Israeli occupation forces escalated their campaign of forced displacement, particularly in the Jabal Al-Nasr neighborhood, compelling dozens of residents to leave their homes immediately at gunpoint. Troops fired live ammunition extensively as residents exited the area, instilling fear and panic.

The Isaeli occupation forces raided homes across several neighborhoods, ransacking their contents before converting some into military outposts, using them as sniper positions and observation points.

In the Al-Manshiyya neighborhood, Israeli forces set fire to several homes, causing widespread destruction to infrastructure, roads and public and private property.

Since the beginning of the Israeli onslaught on the camp, large-scale displacement has been reported, particularly among women, children, the elderly and the sick. More than 5,500 residents have fled their homes in several neighborhoods in the camp, seeking refuge in shelters or with relatives in Tulkarem and its surrounding areas.

A few days ago, Israeli forces issued demolition notices against 11 homes in Nour Shams refugee camp, under the pretext of constructing a new road extending from the camp’s central square toward the Al-Manshiyya neighborhood.

This latest escalation is part of an ongoing military offensive against the city of Toulkarm and its two refugee camps, Toulkarm and Nour Shams, now in its 33rd consecutive day.

Heavily reinforced Israeli troops, supported by military vehicles, bulldozers and infantry units, continue to enforce a total blockade on the refugee camps. The Israeli occupation soldiers have also seized several residential buildings, turning them into military outposts, while establishing a significant presence along Nablus Street.

T.R. 

***

Israel set to approve bill enabling annexation of the West Bank settlements near Al-Quds (occupied Jerusalem)

'TEL AVIV, February 29, 2025 (WAFA) -

Israel's Ministerial Committee for Legislation is expected to approve on Sunday a bill that will enable the annexation of the West Bank settlements around Al-Quds (occupied Jerusalem), according to the Israeli newspaper, Haaretz.

The bill proposes the creation of 'metropolitan Jerusalem,' which would incorporate nearby West Bank settlements, fully annexing them to Israel. According to the bill's explanatory notes, the law will restore it as the heart of the Jewish people, said Haaretz.

If passed through the Knesset’s three legal readings, the proposed bill could create a "metropolitan Jerusalem," incorporating settlements in Al-Quds (occupied Jerusalem), including Ma'ale Adumim, Givat Ze'ev, Efrat, and Ma'ale Mikhmas, according to Haaretz.

The settlements outlined in the proposed legislation are situated to the north, east, and south of Al-Quds (occupied Jerusalem), within territories classified as part of the West Bank.

If enacted, the proposed bill could pave the way for further annexation in the West Bank, amid growing calls for expansion from Israel’s far-right.

The planned annexation "seeks to promote an illegal annexation under international law," the daily quoted a statement by the Israeli leftist Ir Amim rights group.

According to a statement from the Israeli leftist rights group Ir Amim, the proposed annexation aims to advance an annexation that is illegal under international law, as reported by Haaretz.

The group further stated that annexing West Bank settlements under the proposed bill would fragment the West Bank and deepen the isolation of Al-Quds (occupied Jerusalem) and its residents from the rest of the Palestinian territories.

T.R. 

***

***

News Related to the Israeli Genocidal War on the Palestinian People

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Qatar submits memorandum to ICJ emphasizing Israel’s obligation to allow UNRWA to operate in Israel and occupied territories

THE HAGUE, February 28 (QNA) -

The State of Qatar has submitted a written memorandum to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) regarding its request for an advisory opinion on United Nations (UN) General Assembly resolution 79/232 on December 19, 2024, entitled "Request for an advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice on the obligations of Israel in relation to the presence and activities of the United Nations, other international organizations and third States," according to the Qatar News Agency (QNA).

The memo was submitted by the Ambassador of the State of Qatar to the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Mutlaq bin Majid Al-Qa'htani.

In its memorandum, the State of Qatar stressed that Israel must commit to allowing the UN and other international organizations, particularly the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) and other humanitarian organizations, to operate in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories, and to adhere to respecting and protecting the property of the UN and other international organizations, especially schools, medical facilities, transportation and water facilities, as well as their personnel, especially those working in humanitarian and medical fields, said QNA.

The State of Qatar reiterated the need for commitment to allowing and facilitating relief programs and the distribution of life-saving aid in the occupied Palestinian territories, especially food, clothing and medical supplies, including the non-obstruction of the work of the UN and other international humanitarian organizations.

It also asserted the need to repeal and halt the enforcement of the legislation passed by the Israeli Knesset on October 28, 2024 that bans UNRWA activities in Israel and East Jerusalem and prevents all forms of contact between the Israeli authorities and UNRWA, expressing confidence that the Court's opinion will clarify these crucial legal issues in securing the livelihoods of the Palestinian people and their inalienable right to self-determination.

In a statement to Qatar News Agency (QNA), Minister of State for International Cooperation, Maryam bint 'Ali bin Nasir Al-Misnad, reiterated the State of Qatar's firm position in support of UNRWA, based on its international commitments and multilateral action, and its firm position towards supporting the brotherly Palestinian people.

Since its establishment, UNRWA has consistently provided essential services and vital needs to millions of Palestinian refugees in Gaza, the West Bank, Jordan, Lebanon and Syria, the Minister of State for International Cooperation said, warning that banning the agency's activities would lead to serious humanitarian and political consequences.

T.R.

***

Palestine submits written plea to ICJ on Israel’s obligations

RAMALLAH, February 28, 2025 (WAFA) –

The State of Palestine Friday submitted a written plea to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) regarding the request for an advisory opinion on the obligations of Israel, as the occupying power, in relation to the presence and activities of the UN, other international organizations, and third states in and in relation to the occupied Palestinian territories.

The State of Palestine submitted the written plea to the ICJ for issuance of an advisory opinion by the Court in realization of UN General Assembly Resolution A/RES/79/232 of 19 December 2024.

The State of Palestine affirmed the responsibility of Israel, as the illegitimate occupying power, to respect the fundamental inalienable rights of the Palestinian people, including their right to self-determination, right to return, and basic human rights as guaranteed by international treaties and conventions, including the UN Charter, the Geneva Conventions, and their Additional Protocols.

It stressed that Israel, as the illegitimate occupying power, has the obligation to not obstruct the work of the UN, international organizations, and third states in the occupied territories, so that they would provide essential services, humanitarian aid, and development assistance to the Palestinian people and enable them to exercise their right to self-determination.

In its plea, Palestine highlighted that Israel’s systematic and widespread violations of the Palestinian people’s rights as well as its obstruction of the efforts of UN agencies and specialized bodies in the occupied territories violate the obligations of Israel under international humanitarian law and human rights law.

Palestine added that such violations also violate the terms of Israel’s UN membership, which include adherence to UN Resolutions 181 and 194.

The written plea also underscored the critical role of the United Nations Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) to Palestinians and highlighted Israel’s ongoing assaults on the agency and its staff. The latest of such assaults was the illegal Israeli law banning the agency from operating in the occupied territories and preventing it from delivering essential services to Palestinian refugees.

The State of Palestine called for bringing an end to the illegitimate occupation of Palestinian territories, and obliging the occupying power to comply without delay with all of its legal obligations toward the Palestinian people. It also demanded that the UN, international organizations, and third states be enabled to carry out their relief and development activities in the occupied territories.

The State of Palestine pledged to continue defending the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people, including their rights to self-determination, right to return, and independence. It also pledged to proceed with its quest to hold Israel accountable for its crimes against the Palestinian people.

The State of Palestine also emphasized the vital role of the ICJ and other international institutions in maintaining the international legal order, particularly during this time of unprecedented onslaught on multilateral international institutions. It pledged to continue working with like-minded states to protect and reinforce the role of international legal bodies during this time characterized by unprecedented global threats against rule of law-based international order.

Many states, including Arab and Islamic states, as well as international groups, such as the League of Arab States, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, and the African Union, have submitted their written pleas to the ICJ within the designated timeframe. The ICJ is scheduled to begin oral proceedings on April 28, 2025.

K.F.

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UN Guterres: Palestinians deserve lasting stability and a just, principled peace

NEW YORK, February 29, 2025 (WAFA) -

UN Secretary-General António Guterres on Friday stressed that the fragile ceasefire in Gaza must hold, urging all parties to honor their commitments and prevent a breakdown of the agreement.

Addressing journalists at UN Headquarters in New York, he announced that he will be travelling to the Egyptian capital, Cairo, next week, for the Extraordinary Summit of the League of Arab States.

The emergency Summit is set to discuss the reconstruction of Gaza, which had been at the centre of an intense Israeli military operation.

The UN chief said that Tuesday’s Summit provides an opportunity for leaders from across the Arab world “to come together and discuss the elements required to deliver peace and stability” in the enclave.

“Their unified position will help guide the way forward,” he stressed.

While ending the immediate crisis is essential, Guterres also underscored that a long-term political framework was needed for Gaza’s recovery, reconstruction and lasting stability.

“This framework must be based on clear principles.”

He insisted the need to prevent any form of ethnic cleansing, ensuring no long-term Israeli military presence in Gaza,

“And it means Gaza remaining an integral part of an independent, democratic and sovereign Palestinian State, with no reductions in its territory or forced transfer of its population,” he added.

Any transitional arrangements, he stated, should have a clear and limited timeframe leading to a unified Palestinian administration.

Guterres also voiced concern over rising violence in the West Bank, where Israeli military operations and colonists’ attacks have led to killings, displacement and destruction.

“Unilateral actions, including settlement expansion and threats of annexation, must stop,” he said, calling for an end to attacks on civilians and their property.

The only path to lasting peace is a Two-State solution, said Guterres, where Israel and Palestine live side by side, in peace and security and in line with international law and UN resolutions, with Jerusalem as the capital of both states.

“The Palestinian people must have the right to govern themselves, to chart their own future, and to live on their land in freedom and security,” he said.

At next week’s Summit in Cairo, Guterres said he would call for sustainable reconstruction and a “unified, clear and principled” political solution.

“Palestinians deserve lasting stability and a just and principled peace. And the people of Israel deserve to live in peace and security,” he said.

“At this fragile moment, we must avoid a resumption of hostilities that would deepen the suffering and further destabilize a region that is already perched on a knife’s edge.”

T.R. 

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Malta’s Foreign Minister: Gaza is Palestinian land and belongs to the Palestinians

VALLETTA, February 28, 2025 (WAFA) –

Malta's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism, Ian Borg, reaffirmed that Gaza is Palestinian land and that Palestinians must have the right to determine its future.

His remarks came in response to an AI-generated video of Gaza shared by US President, Donald Trump, depicting Gaza as a luxury tourist destination featuring skyscrapers, Luxurious beachfront resorts and a golden statue of Trump himself.

Borg emphasized that Gaza belongs to the Palestinians and that foreign policy matters should be discussed through official diplomatic channels rather than public statements.

He stressed that any proposed projects for Gaza must be decided by the Palestinians themselves and underscored the importance of a two-state solution as the path to achieving peace.

It is worth noting that Malta maintains a clear stance on the Middle East, supporting a two-state solution and advocating for peace and security in the region.

T.R.

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Germany slams Israeli occupation army’s plan to stay in Jenin as unacceptable

BERLIN, February 28, 2025 (WAFA) –

Germany Friday slammed the Israeli occupation army’s plan to stay in the northern occupied West Bank city and refugee camp of Jineen as unacceptable.

“The Israeli Government’s plans to maintain a long-term military presence in Jenin are therefore unacceptable,” the German Federal Foreign Office said in a press statement.

Commenting on the ongoing Israeli military aggression in the northern West Bank cities, the German Federal Foreign Office said: “It has already forced 40,000 people to leave their homes in the Jineen, Toulkarm and Tubas refugee camps, 50 people have been killed and many wounded, including civilians.”

Referring to the 1993 Oslo Accords, touted as the only way to reach a permanent peace between Palestinians and Israelis based on the “principles” of mutual recognition and “land for peace”, the German Federal Foreign Office said: “Under the Oslo Accords, Jenin is in Area A, and the Palestinian Authority (PA) thus has exclusive responsibility for security there.”

It cautioned that “If Israeli security forces remain in Palestinian-administered Palestinian territory, this will undermine the PA’s efforts to act as the legitimate representative of Palestinian interests.”

It stressed that “Israel’s actions are consolidating the occupation, which, according to the ICJ Advisory Opinion of 19 July 2024 must be brought to an end, and are destabilising what is in any case already an extremely fragile security environment.”

The Israeli occupation has been waging military aggression on the city and refugee camp of Jenin for 39 consecutive days, killing 27 Palestinians and injuring dozens and causing large-scale destruction of vital infrastructure and properties.

The aggression on Jenin comes in parallel with similar aggression on the Nur Shams refugee camp near Toulkarm for 20 consecutive days as well as with tightened restrictions on Palestinians’ freedom of movement within the occupied West Bank through a complex combination of approximately 898 fixed and flying checkpoints and gates, including 18 gates that have been installed since the start of 2025 and 146 others installed in the aftermath of October 7, 2023, settler-only roads, over 200 military bases, and various other physical obstructions.

Military aggressions, and closures besides other measures, taken under the guise of security, are intended to entrench Israel’s 58-year-old military occupation of the West Bank and its settler colonial project which it enforces with routine and frequently deadly violence against Palestinians.

K.F.

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Editorial Notes about terms & names of people and places:

1. Names of people and places have been standardized to match standard Arabic grammatical rules.

2. Underlined letters and letters preceded by an apostrophe are references to Arabic letter sounds, which does not exist in the English alphabet.

3. The English letter i is equivalent to the Arabic short vowel known as kasra, as in Ibraheem and Qasim as well as in the English words sit and bit. So, it is incorrect to use it as a long vowel for such Arabic names as Jameel and Jibreel.

4. The English letter e is equivalent to the Arabi short vowel known as fat'ha, as in A'hmed and Mu'hammed.

5. It is more accurate to refer to the land-grabbing Israelis, who establish illegal settlements in the Palestinian territory of the West Bank, as illegal Israeli settlers, than referring to them as colonists.

The term colony is a reference to a large entity or a country, such as American states before independence. It was also a reference to Egypt, and India, when they were British colonies.

In addition, the term "colony" represents a positive nostalgic theme, in the minds of native speakers of English, particularly in America and Britain.

6. It is more accurate to use the verbs "abduct" and "kidnap" than the verbs "detain" and "arrest," in reference to taking Palestinian citizens by force to prisons and interrogation centers, by Israeli occupation regime soldiers. This is because the presence of the Israeli occupation regime forces is illegal in the Palestinian territories, and they have no jurisdiction over the Palestinian people.

Click here for more about using the apostrophe and the underlining of letters in the transliteration of Arabic names. 

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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)

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Person's names as pronounced in standard Arabic:

A'hmed, 'Hasan, Mu'hammed, Younus, Yousuf,  

'Hasan Mulai'hat,

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Conflict terminology

The Israeli occupation apartheid regime (the Israeli government)

Illegal Israeli settlers (instead of settlers, colonists)

A group of the illegal Israeli settlers

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