JERUSALEM: Throughout its grinding seven-month war against Hamas, Israel has pledged to investigate a series of deadly events in which its military forces are suspected of wrongdoing. The commitment comes in the face of mounting claims — from human rights groups and the International Criminal Court ‘s chief prosecutor — that the country’s leaders are committing war crimes in Hamas-ruled Gaza.
In one of the highest-profile cases, an attack on a World Central Kitchen convoy that killed five foreign aid workers, the Israeli army promptly published its findings, acknowledged misconduct by its forces and dismissed two soldiers. But other investigations remain open, and admissions of guilt are rare.
Israel’s Military Advocate General, Maj. Gen. Yifat Tomer-Yerushalmi, said this week that the military is investigating about 70 cases of alleged wrongdoing. She gave few details. The military refused to disclose the full list of investigations and told the AP it could only respond to queries about specific probes.
A look at some of the investigations that have been publicly announced:
A DEADLY STRIKE ON A TENT CAMP KILLS DISPLACED FAMILIES
On Tuesday, Israel revealed the preliminary results of an investigation into a deadly strike on a tent camp sheltering displaced families in the southern Gaza city of Rafah.
Sunday’s strike killed at least 45 people and caused widespread destruction. Most of the victims were women and children, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry, which doesn’t distinguish between the deaths of civilians and Hamas militants.
The military’s chief spokesman, Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, said a preliminary investigation found that the Israeli munitions used that day in efforts to eliminate two Hamas militants were too small to be the source of a fire that broke out.
Hagari said the destruction may have been caused by secondary explosions, possibly from Palestinian militants’ weapons in the area. Hamas did not respond to that explanation, but a member of the militants’ political bureau remarked Tuesday that Israel “believes that it is deceiving the world, with its false claim that it did not intend to kill and burn children and women, and its claim to investigate its crimes.”
The Israeli military said in a statement that the investigation had been turned over to a fact-finding group that operates independently outside the army’s chain of command. Those findings are then handed to the military advocate general, who decides if there should be disciplinary measures. It’s not clear how long the probe will last.
SCORES OF CIVILIANS ARE SHOT DEAD AROUND A FLOUR CONVOY
In March, witnesses said Israeli troops fired on a crowd of Palestinians waiting for aid in Gaza City. At least 104 people were killed and 760 were wounded, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry, which described it as a massacre.
Israel’s military swiftly released preliminary investigation results, saying huge crowds tried to grab supplies off of a pre-dawn convoy of 30 army trucks carrying flour toward hard-hit northern Gaza. The army said dozens of Palestinians were killed in a stampede, with some run over by the trucks as the drivers tried to get away. It said its troops only fired when they felt endangered by the crowd.
The military said the case is also being investigated by the fact-finding group.
AL-AHLI HOSPITAL EXPLOSION SETS OFF DEADLY INFERNO
An explosion in October in the courtyard of the Al-Ahli hospital, where thousands of Palestinians had sought shelter or medical treatment, set off an inferno that burned men, women and children alive.
There are still conflicting claims over what happened.
Officials in Gaza quickly said an Israeli airstrike had hit the hospital, killing at least 500 people. Images of the aftermath ignited protests across the region.
Within hours, Israeli officials said they had conducted an investigation and determined that they had not been involved. They released live video, audio and other evidence that it said showed the blast was caused by a rocket misfired by Islamic Jihad, another Palestinian militant group.
Islamic Jihad denied responsibility.
An AP investigation, along with US and French intelligence assessments, concluded a misfired rocket likely caused the explosion.
A PALESTINIAN MAN IS SHOT WHILE WALKING WITH OTHERS
In January, the Israeli government announced it was investigating the death of a Palestinian man who was fatally shot while walking with four others.
Video footage shows one of the men holding a white flag — the international symbol of surrender — and the others behind him holding their hands in the air. They then scramble backward as several shots ring out.
In a second clip, one of the men is lying on the ground. The shooter is not visible in the video but before the shots are fired, the camera pans, showing what looks to be an Israeli tank positioned nearby. Ahmed Hijazi, a citizen journalist who filmed the episode, told The Associated Press that an Israeli tank fired on the group.
The army said it conducted an in-depth investigation and found the tank did not fire at the men. It also said it was “not possible to determine with certainty” whether the man was killed by Israeli fire.
FOUR PALESTINIANS ARE SHOT ON A DIRT ROAD
On March 22, Israel’s military launched an investigation after footage emerged appearing to show the bombing of five Palestinians near the southern Gaza city of Khan Younis.
Aerial footage circulating on social media shows four men walking along a dirt road before a strike hits them, killing all four instantly. Another man farther along the road tries to run away before he is hit and killed. The origin of the footage remains unclear.
The military said the investigation had been turned over to the independent fact-finding group.
A GAZA SURGEON DIES IN AN ISRAELI PRISON
Famed Gaza surgeon Adnan Al-Bursh died in an Israeli prison after he was rounded up in an arrest raid on Al Awda hospital in mid-April, according to the United Nations.
Bursh led the orthopedic department at Al-Shifa Hospital. At the time of his arrest in December, he was reportedly in good health and operating on patients, the UN said.
But those who saw Bursh in detention reported that he looked depleted and bore signs of violence, according to Physicians for Human Rights-Israel. Israel’s military and police did not respond to requests for comment.
Palestinian detainees who have returned from Israeli detention have reported beatings, harsh interrogations and neglect while in Israeli custody. Israel has denied the reports. Bursh was transferred to Israel’s Ofer military prison in the West Bank, where he died.
Israeli police will conduct an autopsy of Bursh’s body with a doctor from Physicians for Human Rights-Israel present, the group said, noting it had filed a petition on behalf of Bursh’s family. It’s unclear when the autopsy will be conducted and authorities have released no information on the cause of death.
The Israeli army says it investigates itself. Where do those investigations stand?
https://arab.news/mdf32
The Israeli army says it investigates itself. Where do those investigations stand?
Kuwait’s eighth aid plane to Syria arrives at Damascus Airport
- Al-Salam charity’s support in line with instructions of the Kuwaiti political leadership to help Syrians
LONDON: Kuwait sent its eighth aid plane to Syria on Monday with 10 tonnes of food and essential supplies to help Syrians cope with the harsh winter.
It was part of the Kuwait Is By Your Side campaign launched by the Al-Salam Association charity, in coordination with the ministries of Social Affairs, Foreign Affairs, and Defense.
The aircraft landed at Damascus International Airport carrying food aid and winter supplies, including blankets and heavy clothing.
The volume of Kuwaiti aid sent to Syria since last December has reached 200 tonnes of various relief materials, including food and medicine, in cooperation with the Syrian Arab Red Crescent organization.
Hamad Al-Oun, the general manager of Al-Salam, told Kuwait News Agency that another aid plane was set to depart for Syria next Thursday as part of the association’s initiative.
Al-Salam’s support was in line with the instructions of the Kuwaiti political leadership to help those in need in Syria, he added.
Xi emphasizes China’s unwavering support for Lebanon sovereignty
- Xi Jinping said that China will provide assistance to the Lebanese in terms of economic development
- Israeli forces intensify activity in the south five days before withdrawal deadline
BEIRUT: Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun received a written message from Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping on Monday, who affirmed his “readiness to work with Lebanon to develop the friendly relations between the two countries and to support cooperation in a way that better serves both peoples.”
The Chinese premier emphasized in the message, delivered by the Chinese Ambassador to Lebanon Qian Minjian, “the unwavering support of his country for Lebanon in maintaining its sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as providing assistance to the Lebanese side in economic development and improving the living conditions of its people.”
Forming the first government under Aoun remains a subject of consultations between the designated Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, and the relevant parties.
Aoun has said “the swift formation of the government sends a positive signal to the outside world that Lebanon is on the right track.”
Israel, meanwhile, continued demolishing homes and infrastructure in several border areas of Lebanon.
Israeli tanks and bulldozers blocked the Wadi Saluki road on Mondah, which connects the border towns of Bani Hayyan and Qabrikha.
An Israeli tank stationed itself in the town of Tallousa, prompting the Lebanese Armed Forces to postpone redeployment in the town.
The Israeli activity has escalated five days before the expiration of the 60-day deadline for a complete withdrawal from the southern border area under the ceasefire agreement.
Israeli forces also bulldozed a cemetery in the town of Dhayra and uprooted trees in its vicinity.
Troops also advanced to Mays Al-Jabal, demolishing industrial and sports facilities, farms, and roads with bulldozers.
The Israeli military conducted an extensive sweep operation in the town of Khiam, setting properties on fire, with smoke rising in the area.
Three Lebanese farmers were arrested between Ain Arab and Wazzani, while artillery shelling targeted the Sadana area in the Shebaa Farms and the outskirts of Kafr Shuba.
Meanwhile, the Lebanese military reinforced its units in the city of Bint Jbeil, repositioning in Al-Dora area in the direction of the border town of Yaroun.
It established a presence at 10 sites along the main and secondary roads from Bint Jbeil to Yaroun, Maroun Al-Ras, and Aitaroun, areas where Israeli forces are still present.
Lebanese Army Command announced that “some units are continuing to reinforce their deployment in the towns of Ain Ebel, Dibel and Rmeish, the Bint Jbeil area in the western sector, and the towns of Bint Jbeil and Ainatha in the central sector, following the withdrawal of the Israeli forces.”
The operation was being conducted in coordination with UNIFIL and the Quintet Committee, which is supervising the implementation of the ceasefire agreement.
The Army Command said specialized units were conducting engineering surveys, clearing roads, removing debris, and addressing unexploded ordnance and suspicious objects left behind by Israel.
The Lebanese Army prohibited citizens from approaching the area, urging them to “adhere to the instructions of military units until the deployment is completed.”
The municipality of Bint Jbeil has urged residents to delay their return to the city and the town of Ainata.
Civil defense teams are still working to retrieve the bodies and remains of Hezbollah fighters killed during clashes with the Israeli army in advanced positions in the south.
Remains were retrieved in Khiam, and a body was recovered in the town of Maroun Al-Ras.
The General Directorate of General Security, meanwhile, warned citizens in a statement on Monday of “the dangers of interacting with the SAWA page on Facebook, as it is likely linked to Mossad and aims to recruit Lebanese citizens to work for it.”
Last Friday, the Lebanese Army announced “the arrest of a Lebanese citizen from the southern town of Beit Lif on suspicion of being recruited by Israeli Mossad through Facebook.”
Security information indicated that the suspected agent “headed to Israel with the help of an Israeli drone that hovered above him and guided him to the path leading to crossing the Lebanese border. His mission involved photographing Hezbollah sites in exchange for monetary payments.”
A Lebanese person from the town of At-Tiri, who is a former combat medic for Hezbollah and served as a nurse at the party’s Al-Rasoul Al-Azam Hospital, was previously arrested after being recruited by Mossad through Facebook.
Sweden eyes charges against suspect over 2014 killing of Jordan pilot in Syria
- The suspect has previously been convicted for involvement in attacks in Paris in 2015 and in Brussels in 2016
- No individuals have so far stood trial for the killing of the Jordanian pilot Mouath Al-Kasaesbeh
STOCKHOLM: Swedish prosecutors have requested the detention of a Swedish man on suspicion of war and terrorism crimes over the killing of a Jordanian air force pilot in Syria a decade ago, they said on Monday.
The man, named in Swedish court documents as Osama Krayem, has previously been convicted for involvement in attacks in Paris in 2015 and in Brussels in 2016.
The Daesh militant group, which once imposed a reign of terror over millions of people in Syria and Iraq, captured Jordanian pilot Mouath Al-Kasaesbeh in December 2014 and later published a video of him being burned alive in a cage.
“The man now requested for detention is suspected of having executed the pilot, together with other perpetrators belonging to IS,” the Swedish Prosecution Authority said in a statement.
The prosecutors said Krayem, 32, alongside others, forced the pilot into the cage. The killing of the pilot violates the laws of war, and the killing and video constitute terrorist activities, they said.
No individuals have so far stood trial for the killing of the Jordanian pilot, the prosecutors said.
Krayem’s Swedish lawyer did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Sweden will request that Krayem, who is currently held in France, be transferred to Sweden in the case of a trial in the Nordic country, the prosecutors said.
Daesh group controlled swathes of Iraq and Syria between 2014 and 2017, and was defeated in its last bastions in Syria in 2019.
Under Swedish legislation, courts can try people for crimes against international law committed abroad.
Gazans begin searching for people under rubble on day two of ceasefire
- “We are searching for 10,000 martyrs whose bodies remain under the rubble,” said Mahmoud Basal, spokesperson of the Palestinian Civil Emergency Services
GAZA/CAIRO: Palestinians began searching on Monday for thousands of Gazans believed still buried under rubble, as residents expressed shock at the devastation wrought by 15 months of war on the enclave on the second day of a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.
The truce in the 15-month-old conflict, which has laid waste to the Gaza Strip and inflamed the Middle East, took effect on Sunday with the release of the first three hostages held by Hamas and 90 Palestinians freed from Israeli jails.
Now attention is starting to shift to the rebuilding of the coastal enclave which the Israeli military has demolished in retaliation for a Hamas attack on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023.
That assault killed 1,200 people with around 250 hostages taken into Gaza, according to Israeli tallies. In the subsequent conflict, more than 47,000 Palestinians have been killed, Gaza’s health ministry says.
“We are searching for 10,000 martyrs whose bodies remain under the rubble,” said Mahmoud Basal, spokesperson of the Palestinian Civil Emergency Services.
At least 2,840 bodies were melted and there were no traces of them, he said.
Displaced Gazan Mohamed Gomaa lost his brother and nephew in the war.
“It was a big shock, and the amount (of people) feeling shocked is countless because of what happened to their homes — it’s destruction, total destruction. It’s not like an earthquake or a flood, no no, what happened is a war of extermination,” he said.
With a growing flow of aid into the Palestinian enclave, residents flocked into markets, with some expressing happiness at the lower prices and the presence of new food items like imported chocolates.
“The prices have gone down, the war is over and the crossing is open to more goods,” said Aya Mohammad-Zaki, a displaced woman from Gaza City, who has been sheltering in Deir Al-Balah in central Gaza Strip.
The deal requires 600 truckloads of aid to be allowed into Gaza every day of the initial six-week ceasefire, including 50 carrying fuel. Half of the aid trucks would be delivered to the north, where experts have warned famine is imminent.
Warning shots
Residents and medics in Gaza said that for the most part the ceasefire appeared to be holding, although there were isolated incidents. Medics said eight people had been hit by Israeli fire since Monday morning in the southern city of Rafah, without giving details of their condition.
The Israeli military said it fired warning shots against suspects who approached troops deployed according to the ceasefire agreement.
One of the Israeli women hostages released on Sunday, Emily Damari, posted a message on Instagram on Monday.
“I have returned to life, my loved ones,” she wrote, “I am the happiest in the world, to just be,” said Damari, a British-Israeli citizen.
In the Israeli-occupied West Bank, where most of the freed Palestinian detainees returned, Nidaa Zaghebi was finally able to embrace her three children who she had left behind after her arrest by Israeli forces.
Zaghebi’s daughters Sadan and Cilla were in tears as they hugged their mother when she arrived at their home, wearing a crown of flowers and wrapped in a traditional Palestinian scarf.
“I used to dream of them every night, and imagine what they were doing. I know the family here were very supportive and took good care of them, but motherhood overcomes all other feelings,” she told Reuters.
Billions of dollars will be needed to rebuild Gaza after the war. A UN damage assessment released this month showed that clearing over 50 million tons of rubble left in the aftermath of Israel’s bombardment could take 21 years and cost up to $1.2 billion.
A UN report from last year, said rebuilding Gaza’s shattered homes could take at least until 2040, but could drag on for many decades. The debris is believed to be contaminated with asbestos, with some refugee camps struck during the war known to have been built with the material.
A UN Development Programme official said on Sunday that development in Gaza has been set back by 69 years as a result of the conflict.
Israel said its goal in the war was to eradicate Hamas and destroy the tunnel network it built underground.
Yemen’s Houthis say to limit attacks in the Red Sea corridor
- Houthis have targeted about 100 merchant vessels with missiles and drones since the Gaza conflict erupted in October 2023
DUBAI: Yemen’s Houthi militia have signaled they will limit their attacks in the Red Sea corridor to only Israeli-affiliated ships as a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip took hold.
The Houthis made the announcement in an email sent to shippers and others on Sunday. The Houthis separately planned a military statement on Monday, likely about the decision.
The Houthis, through their Humanitarian Operations Coordination Center, made the announcement by saying it was “stopping sanctions” on the other vessels it has previously targeted since it started attacks in November 2023.
The Houthis have targeted about 100 merchant vessels with missiles and drones since the Israel-Hamas war in the Gaza Strip started in October 2023, after Hamas’ surprise attack on Israel that killed 1,200 people and saw 250 others taken hostage.
The Houthis have seized one vessel and sunk two in a campaign that has also killed four sailors. Other missiles and drones have either been intercepted by separate US- and European-led coalitions in the Red Sea or failed to reach their targets, which have also included Western military vessels.
