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{{Short description|Military offensive in the Gaza strip}}
'''Operation Days of Penitence''' was an ] operation in the northern ] that was conducted between ], ] and ], ]. The operation, focused on the town of ] and ] and ] refugee camp, used as launching sites of ]s on ]s in the Gaza Strip, and in particular on the ]i town of ], killing between 104 and 133 ].
{{pp-extended|small=yes}}
{{Infobox military conflict
| conflict = Operation "Days of Penitence"
| partof = the ]
| image =
| caption =
| date = 29 September – 16 October 2004
| place = ]
| casus = Death of two children by a Qassam rocket
| result = Israeli victory
| combatant1 = {{flagcountry|Israel}} (])
| combatant2 = ] ]
| cobatant2 = ]
| commander1 =
| commander2 =
| strength1 =
| strength2 =
| casualties1 = 1 soldier
| casualties2 = {{nowrap|{{circa}} 130 Palestinians<br/>including 50–87 militants}}
}}
{{Campaignbox Second Intifada}}


The '''2004 Israeli operation in the northern Gaza Strip''' took place when the ] launched '''Operation "Days of Penitence"''' ({{Langx|he|מבצע ימי תשובה}}), otherwise known as '''Operation "Days of Repentance"'''<ref name=jp-060509/><ref name=BTselem/> in the northern ]. The operation lasted between 29 September and 16 October 2004. About 130 ], and 1 Israeli were killed.<ref>. Haaretz, 19 October 2004</ref>
== Events ==


The operation, focused on the town of ] and ] and ] refugee camps, which were said to have been used as launching sites of ]s on the ]i town of ] and ]s in the Gaza Strip, and in particular in response to the death of two children in Sderot.
Following the death of two Israeli children from a ] launched by ], ] launched a major military attack onto the northern ], focusing on the towns of ] and ] and the ] ]. The stated goal of the operation, code-named "Days of Penitence" (&#1497;&#1502;&#1497; &#1514;&#1513;&#1493;&#1489;&#1492;) by the ], was to prevent Palestinians from launching rockets and ] into ] in ] and the town of ] in ].
The operation's name corresponds to the Hebrew name for the ] season during which the operation was carried out.


{{TOC limit|2}}
During this attack the Israeli military killed between 104 and 133 Palestinians, including 62-87 militants and 18-31 children. During the fighting, the Israeli military demolished 77 houses and damaged hundreds more; damaged public facilities, including schools, kindergartens and mosques, and destroyed farmland. According to Israeli soldiers, many of the building that were demolished used by Palestinian militants as a cover for launching ]s and shooting ]s.


== Overview ==
During the ]] deliberations over censuring Israel for this military attack, Israel accused the ] (]) of complicity in Palestinian attacks by allowing its vehicles to transport rockets. The Israeli government released a video claiming that it showed rockets being loaded into the UNRWA ]. UNRWA denied the accusation and demanded an apology stating that the object was a ], not a rocket (the person in the video was carrying the lightweight object with just one hand). On October 6th, Israel retracted the accusation.
''See further discussion ].


Following the death of two Israeli children from a ] launched by ], ] launched a major military invasion of the northern ], focusing on the towns of ] and ] and the ] ]. The stated goal of the operation, code-named "Days of Penitence" (ימי תשובה) by the ], was to prevent Palestinians from launching rockets and ] into ] in ] and the town of ] in ].
The attack resulted in a proposed resolution of the U.N. Security Council condemning the Israeli action, calling for Israeli withdrawal and respect for human rights of Palestinians. The resolution was vetoed by the ] on ] who criticized it from ignoring ].


During this 17 day attack the Israeli military killed some 130 Palestinians; demolished at least 85 houses and damaged hundreds more;<ref name=mezan_14-10-2004/><ref name=Haaretz_15-10-2004>. Haaretz, 15 October 2004</ref> damaged public facilities, including schools, kindergartens and mosques, and destroyed farmland. According to Israeli soldiers, many of the buildings that were demolished were used by Palestinian militants as a cover for launching Qassam rockets and for shooting ]s.
Over the weekend of October 17, the Israeli military announced that its troops withdrew from the Jabalia refugee camp and other populated areas and redeployed to positions nearby and proclaimed the attack a success, with a warning that the troops would return if the rocket attacks resume, which analysts from both sides say is likely.

During the ] deliberations over censuring Israel for this military attack, Israel accused the ] (UNRWA) of complicity in Palestinian attacks by allowing its vehicles to transport rockets. The Israeli government released a video claiming that it showed rockets being loaded into the UNRWA ]. UNRWA denied the accusation and demanded an apology stating that the object was a ], not a rocket (the person in the video was carrying the lightweight object with just one hand). On October 6, Israel retracted the accusation.
''See further discussion ]''.

The attack resulted in a proposed ] condemning the Israeli action, calling for Israeli withdrawal and respect for human rights of Palestinians. The resolution was vetoed by the ] on October 5 who criticized it for ignoring terrorism against Israelis.

Over the weekend of October 17, the Israeli military announced that its troops withdrew from the Jabalia refugee camp and other populated areas and redeployed to positions nearby and proclaimed the attack a success, with a warning that the troops would return if the rocket attacks resume, which analysts from both sides say is likely.


Both sides claimed victory in the operation. Both sides claimed victory in the operation.


Capt. Jacob Dallal, an ] spokesman, acclaimed the operation's success: "We really impaired the ability to shoot Qassams from Jabalya. We engaged many cells and now there are fewer Hamas members to shoot rockets," he says. "We dealt a hard blow to the whole Hamas infrastructure in Jabalia." Capt. Jacob Dallal, an Israeli Defence Forces spokesman, acclaimed the operation's success: "We really impaired the ability to shoot Qassams from Jabalya. We engaged many cells and now there are fewer Hamas members to shoot rockets," he says. "We dealt a hard blow to the whole Hamas infrastructure in Jabalia."


The published a statement by Hamas spokesman Ismail Hanneya who asserted that the problem was not in resistance or in Qassam missiles but rather in what Hamas views as the Israeli occupation of Palestinian land: "] achieved a victory over the Zionist enemy ... the blows of the resistance and the steadfastness of the people caused the occupying forces to withdraw without achieving any of their goals." The published a statement by Hamas spokesman Ismail Hanneya who asserted that the problem was not in resistance or in Qassam missiles but rather in what Hamas views as the Israeli occupation of Palestinian land: "] achieved a victory over the Zionist enemy ... the blows of the resistance and the steadfastness of the people caused the occupying forces to withdraw without achieving any of their goals."


== Timeline == == Timeline ==


===September 29===
Notable events in the timeline are as follows:
* Five ], including ] member Tawfik Ali Charafi, were killed during ]i raids in the Jabalia refugee camp in the ] and Nablus in the ]. The Israeli government claims the troops entered in response to continued shelling of the Israeli town of ] from the Jabalia area, including ]s launched on September 28.
* Two Israeli children, aged 3 and 5, are killed after a Qassam rocket attack by Hamas on the town of Sderot. Hamas claimed the attack was launched in retaliation for the Israeli raid of the Jabalia refugee camp, which left four Palestinians dead.
** Two Palestinian teenagers are killed and power supplies are knocked out after an Israeli raid on the Jabalia refugee camp. The raid was launched in response to the rocket attacks on the town of Sderot which left two children dead.


=== ] === ===September 30===
* Five ]s, including ] member ], are killed during ]i raids in the Jabalia refugee camp in the ] and Nablus in the ]. The Israeli government claims the troops entered in response to continued shelling of the Israeli town of ] from the Jabalia area, including ]s launched on ]. * ] launched a major offensive into the Jabalia refugee camp killing at least 23 gunmen and civilians. Earlier this morning, a column of Israeli ]s moved into the center of the camp, followed by ]s. At least three Palestinian civilians have been killed thus far. Homes are being demolished, forcing people to flee. 72 Palestinians are known to have been wounded. {{dead link|date=July 2024|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}
* Two ] are killed by Israeli troops returning fire after an Israeli soldier was killed at an observation post in the northern ]. The troops have been engaged in that part of the northern Gaza Strip since yesterday, September 29.
* Two ]i children, aged 3 and 5, are killed after a ] attack by ] on the town of ]. Hamas claimed the attack was launched in retaliation for the Israeli raid of the Jabalia refugee camp, which left four Palestinians dead.
** Two ] ]s are killed and power supplies are knocked out after an ]i raid on the Jabalia refugee camp. The raid was launched in response to the rocket attacks on the town of ] which left two children dead. ** Two Israelis, including a ], are killed in an ambush close to Gaza. The Palestinian gunman was also killed.


=== ] === ===October 1===
* ] launches a major offensive into the Jabalia refugee camp killing at least 23 gunmen and civilians. Earlier this morning, a column of Israeli ]s moved into the center of the camp, followed by ]s. At least three Palestinian civilians have been killed thus far. Homes are being demolished, forcing people to flee. 72 Palestinians are known to have been wounded, some losing limbs. * ]i troops, backed by tanks and other military vehicles, entered the northern ] city of Jabalia, and the nearby towns of ] and ]. At least five Palestinians are killed by Israeli rocket strikes on Jabalia.
* The ]i ] releases ] of the Gaza Strip showing what Israel says are Palestinian militants loading rockets into a van marked "UN." The UN dismisses the claim, saying that the footage actually shows a stretcher being loaded into a van. (Haaretz: , )
* Two ]s are killed by ] troops returning fire after an Israeli ] was killed at an observation post in the northern ]. The troops have been engaged in that part of the northern Gaza Strip since yesterday, ].
** Two ]is, including a ], are killed in an ambush close to ]. The ] gunman was also killed.


=== ] === ===October 2===
* ]i troops, backed by ]s and other military vehicles, enter the northern ] city of Jabalia, and the nearby towns of ] and ]. At least five Palestinians are killed by Israeli rocket strikes on Jabalia. *] declared a ] in the ] and called for international aid following ]'s raid into Jabalia.
* Israeli forces shoot dead four members of ] and ], who had tried to infiltrate the Israeli ] of ], about 200 meters outside of that Kibbutz.
* The ]i ] releases ] of the ] showing what Israel says are Palestinian militants loading rockets into a van marked "]." The UN dismisses the claim, saying that the footage actually shows a stretcher being loaded into a van. (Haaretz: , )
* The ] ] issues a statement urging Israel not to use excessive force during its current offensive into the Gaza Strip.
* The ] group ] says that it will continue using rockets to attack Israeli communities that border on the Gaza Strip, or ]s within it, regardless of Israeli military operations.
* The Israeli military begins an operation to create a {{convert|9|km|mi|abbr=on}} "]" within the northern Gaza Strip. Israel says that the purpose of the zone is to protect Israel from attacks using ]s (which have a {{convert|9|km|mi|abbr=on}} range).


=== ] === ===October 3===
* On interview to CBC, UNRWA's commissioner-general, ] said that he was sure that members of ] are also members of UNRWA. The ], who designate Hamas as a ] said it "will immediately seek clarification from Mr. Hansen directly and from UN authorities."
*] declares a ] in the ] and calls for international aid following ]'s raid into Jabalia.
* The UNRWA demanded an apology from ] over claims that ] militants used a UN vehicle to transport a homemade ]. The UN body showed what it said was the ] seen in footage released by the Israel Defense Forces and presented its driver and rescue workers to reporters. {{Dead link|date=May 2020 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} He later said it would "have been outright dishonest to say that among a population with about 30% support for Hamas that none of them worked for us"
* ]i forces shoot dead four members of ] and ], who had tried to infiltrate the Israeli ] of ], about 200 meters outside of that Kibbutz.
* ] ] requested that Israel halt its current military operations in the ], saying that they have led to "the deaths of scores of Palestinians, among them many civilians, including children." He also urges the ] to convince Hamas to halt the firing of rockets into Israel .
* The ] ] issues a statement urging ] not to use excessive force during its current offensive into the ].
* At least four civilians—a deaf man and 3 children—are killed during Israeli raids in the Gaza Strip town of Jabalia. More than 60 ], including civilians, have been killed during Israel's current offensive into Gaza. Israeli ] ] says the Gaza operation will continue until Qassam rocket attacks end. {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110927000750/http://www.thestar.com/NASApp/cs/ContentServer?pagename=thestar%2FLayout%2FArticle_Type1&c=Article&cid=1096841409666&call_pageid=968332188854&col=968350060724&tacodalogin=no |date=2011-09-27 }}
* The ] militant group ] says that it will continue using rockets to attack ]i communities that border on the ], or ]s within it, regardless of Israeli military operations.
* Two Palestinians are killed by an Israeli helicopter-launched missile moments after they launch a Qassam rocket into Israel.
* The ]i military begins an operation to create a 9 km (5.5 mile) "]" within the northern ]. Israel says that the purpose of the zone is protect Israel from attacks using ]s (which have a 9 km (5.5 mile) range).


=== ] === ===October 4===
*The siege on and within Gaza was severely tightened. According to ], electricity and water facilities were targeted. Sick people were not allowed access to medical treatment in main hospitals in Gaza City or Egypt.<ref>Al Mezan Center for Human Rights, 4 October 2004. {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121203123653/http://www.mezan.org/en/details.php?id=2096&ddname=Incursion&id_dept=9&id2=9&p=center |date=2012-12-03 }}</ref>
* On interview to CBC, ]'s commissioner, ] says that he is sure that members of ] are also members of ]. The ] Department of Foreign Affairs, who designate ] as a ] said it "will immediately seek clarification from Mr. Hansen directly and from UN authorities."
* ] killed six more Palestinians in their attack on Jabalia including five Palestinians who were killed in an air strike just before dawn. IDF said it targets bomb-planters and Qassam launchers.
* The ] (]) demands an apology from ] over claims that ] militants used a ] vehicle to transport a homemade ]. The UN body showed what it said was the ] seen in footage released by the Israel Defense Forces and presented its driver and rescue workers to reporters.
**Two senior ] activists were also seriously injured in a separate Israeli ] attack in Gaza City overnight. Two rockets were fired at Mohammad al Simri and Hassan al Jabari. A Palestinian woman was also injured in the attack.
* ] ] ] requests that ] halt its current military operations in the ], saying that they have led to "the deaths of scores of ]s, among them many ]s, including children." He also urges the ] ] to convince ] to halt the firing of rockets into Israel.
**], 21, was fatally hit by a bullet in the eye in Jabalia.
* At least four ]s &mdash; a ] man and 3 children &mdash; were killed today during ]i raids in the ] town of Jabalia. More than 60 ]s, including civilians, have been killed during Israel's current offensive into Gaza. Israeli ] ] says the Gaza operation will continue until ] attacks end.
**Israeli army chief ] warned that the raid could last weeks. {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050310191115/http://www.heraldsun.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5478,10975858%255E1702,00.html |date=2005-03-10 }}
* Two ]s are killed by an ]i ]-launched missile moments after they launch a ] into ].


=== ] === ===October 5===
* The United States vetoed a Security Council resolution demanding an immediate end to military operations in the northern Gaza Strip and the withdrawal of Israeli forces. The vote in the 15-member Security Council was 11 in favor and one against, with Britain, Germany and ] abstaining.
* ] killed six more Palestinians in their attack on Jabalia including five Palestinians who were killed in an air strike just before dawn. IDF said it targets bomb-planters and Qassam launchers.
* A 13-year-old girl, ], was shot by soldiers from an Israeli military post near ], while she was on her way to school. According to Israeli forces, the area was restricted and they suspected that Iman's schoolbag contained a bomb. IDF chief of staff ] said she was sent there as a decoy by Palestinian militants. Platoon soldiers accused their commander of shooting 20 rounds at close range to "confirm the kill". The Israeli army chief prosecutor ordered an investigation of the allegations.<ref>. Christian Science Monitor, 26 November 2004</ref><ref>. Haaretz, 11 October 2004</ref>
**Two senior ] activists were also seriously injured in a separate Israeli ] attack in Gaza City overnight. Two rockets were fired at ] and ]. A Palestinian woman was also injured in the attack.
* Palestinians claim an Israeli ] fired a missile towards the Al Ajramy street in Jabalia camp. Two brothers were killed, Hasan Abdul Hai Darweesh, 30, and Mousa Abdul Hai Darweesh, 24, both from the neighboring Mashrou' neighborhood. Six others were injured, two of whom critically.
**], 21, was fatally hit by a bullet in the eye in Jabalia.
* In Gaza City, ], a leader in the Palestinian militant group ], is killed by a missile fired from an Israeli aircraft.
**Israeli army chief ] warned that the raid could last weeks.
* Three ] militants are killed after infiltrating the Israeli settlement of ]. One of the militants blew up when hit by Israeli gunfire, killing a ] worker in addition to himself. The other two militants were killed by IDF forces. Gaza Strip.


=== ] === ===October 6===
* An Israeli tank fired artillery at homes in the Al Maslakh neighborhood of Jabalia camp killing Abdullah Qahman, 15, Hamdan Faraj Ubaid, 50, and his 22-year-old son Hammudeh Ubaid. IDF said it shot back after being attacked by anti-tank weapon, hitting the house from which the rocket was fired. ,
* The ] vetoed a ] resolution demanding an immediate end to military operations in the northern Gaza Strip and the withdrawal of Israeli forces. The vote in the 15-member Security Council was 11 in favor and one against, with ], ] and ] abstaining.
* Ahmad Imad Abu Samak, 8, and Amneh An Najjar, 60, were critically injured by bullet wounds to the head in al Maslakh and Nuzha neighborhoods, respectively, of Jabalia town.
* A 13-year-old girl, ], was shot by soldiers from an Israeli military post near ], while she was on her way to school. According to Israeli forces, the area was restricted and they suspected that Iman’s schoolbag contained a bomb. IDF chief of staff ] said she was sent there as a decoy by Palestinian militants. Platoon soldiers accused their commander of shooting 20 rounds at close range to "confirm the kill". The Israeli army chief prosecutor ordered an investigation of the allegations. The Gaza attacks have left 68 Palestinians dead.
* Palestinians claim an Israeli ] fired a missile towards the Al Ajramy street in Jabalia camp. Two brothers were killed, ], 30, and ], 24, both from the neighboring Mashrou' neighborhood. Six others were injured, two of whom critically. * A 10-year-old boy, Muhammad Mansour Abed Rabu was wounded in his left leg by Israeli gunfire in al Mahkama street in Jabalia.
* In Gaza City, ], a leader in the Palestinian militant group ], is killed by a missile fired from an Israeli aircraft.
* Three ] militants are killed after infiltrating the Israeli settlement of ]. One of the militants blew up when hit by Israeli gunfire, killing a ] worker in addition to himself. The other two militants were killed by IDF forces. Gaza Strip.


=== ] === ===October 7===
* An Israeli tank fired artillery at homes in the Al Maslakh neighborhood of Jabalia camp killing ], 15, ], 50, and his 22-year-old son ]. IDF said it shot back after being attacked by anti-tank weapon, hitting the house from which the rocket was fired. , * Suleyman abu Foul, 15, and his 14-year-old nephew Raed abu Zaid, were killed by Israeli fire in Jabalia. Israeli military sources said Suleyman and his nephew were killed by a missile fired from a helicopter after an airborne drone spotted two suspicious figures who appeared to be launching a Qassam rocket. A 16-year-old from Jabalia, Muhammad Abu Saif, died from wounds received by Israeli bullets in the neck and the chest on October 1.
* Their deaths—plus the death of a 13-year-old Palestinian boy who had been injured earlier—pushed the toll from the latest fighting to more than 80. Late in the day, Israeli forces shot a 12-year-old girl, Samah Mu'een Udeh, in the head in the Beit Hanoun community.
* ], 8, and ], 60, were critically injured by bullet wounds to the head in al Maslakh and Nuzha neighborhoods, respectively, of Jabalia town.
* A 10-year-old boy, ] was wounded in his left leg by Israeli gunfire in al Mahkama street in Jabalia.

=== ] ===
* ], 15, and his 14-year-old nephew ], were killed by Israeli fire in Jabalia. Israeli military sources said Suleyman and his nephew were killed by a missile fired from a helicopter after an airborne drone spotted two suspicious figures who appeared to be launching a Qassam rocket. A 16-year-old from Jabalia, ], died from wounds received by Israeli bullets in the neck and the chest on October 1.
* Their deaths &mdash; plus the death of a 13-year-old Palestinian boy who had been injured earlier &mdash; pushed the toll from the latest fighting to more than 80. Late in the day, Israeli forces shot a 12-year-old girl, ], in the head in the Beit Hanoun community.
* Witnesses say that two Palestinian children were killed when the Israeli military shelled a crowd near the Jabaliya refugee camp. Israel says that an Israeli ] fired at two people attempting to launch a ]. * Witnesses say that two Palestinian children were killed when the Israeli military shelled a crowd near the Jabaliya refugee camp. Israel says that an Israeli ] fired at two people attempting to launch a ].


=== ] === ===October 8===
* A nine-year-old girl, ], was killed and several homes were damaged. * A nine-year-old girl, Samah Samir Nassar, was killed and several homes were damaged.
* Israeli tanks fired shell towards Abu Hasira neighborhood, near Jabalia Youth Club and killed two Palestinians: ] and ], both 19, from Jabalia camp. Three other people were injured, one of whom critically. * Israeli tanks fired shell towards Abu Hasira neighborhood, near Jabalia Youth Club and killed two Palestinians: Muhammad Nabil Subeh and Yasir Al Khateeb, both 19, from Jabalia camp. Three other people were injured, one of whom critically.
* A Palestinian worker is shot and killed by Palestinian militants. , * A worker at Rafiah Yam is shot and killed by Palestinian militants. {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041013061323/http://israelnn.com/news.php3?id=70058 |date=2004-10-13 }}, {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041013061452/http://israelnn.com/news.php3?id=70066 |date=2004-10-13 }}
* ], 35, a man suffering from ], was killed by Israeli forces east of Wadi As Salqa village in the middle of the ]. . * Salih Abu Al Ghseen, 35, a man suffering from ], was killed by Israeli forces east of ] village in the middle of the ]. .


=== ] === ===October 9===
* ]i troops shot and killed a local leader of the ]’ military wing in Jabalia, ], as he was preparing to fire an anti-tank missile at ] tanks invading the Jabalia refugee camp. The Israeli military claimed that Nabhan was responsible for the launching of the rocket that killed two young children in ] on ] eve, triggering the army offensive in northern Gaza. Abed Nabhan, 25, was one of five Palestinians killed Saturday. * ]i troops shot and killed a local leader of the ]' military wing in Jabalia, Abed Rauf Nabhan, as he was preparing to fire an anti-tank missile at ] tanks invading the Jabalia refugee camp. The Israeli military claimed that Nabhan was responsible for the launching of the rocket that killed two young children in ] on ] eve, triggering the army offensive in northern Gaza. Abed Nabhan, 25, was one of five Palestinians killed Saturday.
* Israeli tanks fired shells towards a 6-story residential building, owned by the Salim family, in the town of Beit Lahia. It hit the sixth floor and killed ], 36 ], 28. Three of the family members were injured in the attack: Dawoud Salim, Ahmad Salim and Muhammad Salim. * Israeli tanks fired shells towards a 6-story residential building, owned by the Salim family, in the town of Beit Lahia. It hit the sixth floor and killed Ameen Mahmud Salim, 36 Sufiyan Mousa Salim, 28. Three of the family members were injured in the attack: Dawoud Salim, Ahmad Salim and Muhammad Salim.
* Palestinian anti-tank missile hit a house in Beit Hanoun, causing to collpase on the people inside. * Palestinian anti-tank missile hit a house in Beit Hanoun, causing to collapse on the people inside.


=== ] === ===October 10===
* At approximately 3am today, Sunday 10 October 2004, explosion is heard at the Center of the town of Beit Hanoun. Palestinian say a missile hit close to the ] Womens Center and injured two Palestinians critically. * At approximately 3{{nbsp}}am today, Sunday 10 October 2004, explosion is heard at the Center of the town of Beit Hanoun. Palestinian say a missile hit close to the UNRWA Women's Center and injured two Palestinians critically.
* ], 22, from Jabalia camp died from wounds sustained on ] ]. * Raid Muhammad Al Mabhouh, 22, from Jabalia camp died from wounds sustained on October 1, 2004.
* Israeli forces fired a missile at a house owned by Adnan Al Ajrami and a crafts factory in a densely populated neighborhood in Jabalia camp. The house and factory were destroyed and nine neighboring homes were severely damaged. A schoolteacher, ], 39, was killed on his way to school and nine people were injured, including 4 children. The IDF said it targetted bomb-planters. * Israeli forces fired a missile at a house owned by Adnan Al Ajrami and a crafts factory in a densely populated neighborhood in Jabalia camp. The house and factory were destroyed and nine neighboring homes were severely damaged. A schoolteacher, Mahir Muhammad Zaqout, 39, was killed on his way to school and nine people were injured, including 4 children. The IDF said it targeted bomb-planters.
* An Israeli drone launched a missile towards Al Ajrami Street in Jabalia refugee camp. Four Palestinians were injured, one of whom, 21-ear-old ], died at hospital a few hours later. * An Israeli drone launched a missile towards Al Ajrami Street in Jabalia refugee camp. Four Palestinians were injured, one of whom, 21-year-old Sameh Zamil Al Wheedy, died at hospital a few hours later.


=== ] === ===October 11===
* At 3:15am, an Israeli ] launched a missile towards Al Harthani Secondary School in Beit Lahia. Three people were injured, one critically. * At 3:15{{nbsp}}am, an Israeli ] launched a missile towards Al Harthani Secondary School in Beit Lahia. Three people were injured, one critically.
* In the middle-Gaza town of Deir Al Balah, Israeli tanks and armored bulldozers entered the Al Mahata neighborhood of Jabalia camp. ], 29, was killed by a bullet to the head. Five other people were injured, including three children. ], 7, was injured while inside his house. * In the middle-Gaza town of Deir Al Balah, Israeli tanks and armored bulldozers entered the Al Mahata neighborhood of Jabalia camp. Samir Muhammad Khammash, 29, was killed by a bullet to the head. Five other people were injured, including three children. Ibrahim Fayiz Abdul Hadi, 7, was injured while inside his house.
* At 10:30am, artillery from the Israeli settlement of ] was launched on the Palestinian refugee camp at ]. The maternity ward of ] was hit. Hospital workers and patients were treated for trauma. * At 10:30{{nbsp}}am, artillery from the Israeli settlement of ] was launched on the Palestinian refugee camp at ]. The maternity ward of ] was hit. Hospital workers and patients were treated for trauma.
* At 3:15am today, 22-year-old ], from the town of Beit Hanoun, and 21-year-old ] of Jabalia were pronounced dead from injuries suffered in two separate missile attacks on ]. * At 3:15{{nbsp}}am today, 22-year-old Ahmad Zaki Hamad, from the town of Beit Hanoun, and 21-year-old Yousif Abu Saif of Jabalia were pronounced dead from injuries suffered in two separate missile attacks on October 10.
* About 3:56pm, two ]s were launched at Kibbutz Saad in the ]. * About 3:56{{nbsp}}pm, two ]s were launched at Kibbutz Saad in the ]. No injuries were reported. {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041022232537/http://www.israelnn.com/news.php3?id=70215 |date=2004-10-22 }}
* About 5:50pm, security fence workers were fired upon south of Kissufim. * About 5:50{{nbsp}}pm, security fence workers were fired upon south of Kissufim. No injuries were reported. {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041023004735/http://www.israelnn.com/news.php3?id=70210 |date=2004-10-23 }}
* About 6:16pm, three Israeli soldiers were wounded in Jabaliya. * About 6:16{{nbsp}}pm, three Israeli soldiers were wounded in Jabaliya. {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041023010401/http://www.israelnn.com/news.php3?id=70213 |date=2004-10-23 }}
* About 8:38pm, two 25 ] ]s were disarmed by Israeli demolition experts * About 8:38{{nbsp}}pm, two 25 kilogram bombs were disarmed by Israeli demolition experts
* About 7:52pm, a ] was launched against Kibbutz Nir Yitzhak in the ]. * About 7:52{{nbsp}}pm, a Qassam rocket was launched against Kibbutz Nir Yitzhak in the ]. No injuries were reported. {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041023003628/http://www.israelnn.com/news.php3?id=70229 |date=2004-10-23 }}


=== ] === ===October 12===
* About 8:15am, several ] shells were fired at the community of Ganei Tal. * About 8:15{{nbsp}}am, several ] shells were fired at the community of Ganei Tal.
* At approximately 11:00 am, Palestinian security and hospital sources claim that Israeli soldiers at the ] settlement shot at ] Al Khalidyeh Primary School in Khan Younis refugee camp critically injuring 10-year-old ] in the chest while she was inside her classroom. Israeli military sources claim that the soldiers where shooting at a ] emplacement either next to or within the school grounds. * At approximately 11:00{{nbsp}}am, Palestinian security and hospital sources claimed that Israeli soldiers at the ] settlement shot at ] Al Khalidyeh Primary School in Khan Younis refugee camp critically injuring 10-year-old Ghadeer Jaber Mkheemar in the chest while she was inside her classroom.<ref>Al Mezan Center for Human Rights, 12 October 2004. {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121203123623/http://www.mezan.org/en/details.php?id=2094&ddname=&id_dept=9&id2=9&p=center |date=2012-12-03 }}</ref><ref>UNRWA, 13 October 2004. </ref> Israeli military sources claim that the soldiers where shooting at a mortar emplacement either next to or within the school grounds.
* About 12:30pm, an ] was fired at Israeli soldiers near Rafah. * About 12:30{{nbsp}}pm, an ] was fired at Israeli soldiers near Rafah. {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050122160639/http://www.israelnn.com/news.php3?id=70268 |date=2005-01-22 }}
* About 1:15pm, a bomb was detonated against Israeli soldiers operating in Jabaliah. * About 1:15{{nbsp}}pm, a bomb was detonated against Israeli soldiers operating in Jabaliah. {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041023005303/http://www.israelnn.com/news.php3?id=70264 |date=2004-10-23 }}
* About 4:22pm, Israeli soldiers fire at fighters attempting to launch a missile from within the area of a ] in Khan Yunis. The missile launch is prevented. * About 4:22{{nbsp}}pm, Israeli soldiers fired at fighters attempting to launch a missile from within the area of a ] in Khan Yunis. The missile launch was prevented. {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041023001739/http://www.israelnn.com/news.php3?id=70275 |date=2004-10-23 }}
* ] attack in southern Gaza. * Mortar attack in southern Gaza. {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041023092941/http://www.israelnn.com/news.php3?id=70306 |date=2004-10-23 }}


=== ] === ===October 13===
* About 4:48am, Arab medics reports that an Israeli helicopter missile strike upon a house in Beit Lahia killed ], 22,a ] militant and wounded three others. * About 4:48{{nbsp}}am, Arab medics reported that an Israeli helicopter missile strike upon a house in Beit Lahia killed Mohammed Marous, 22, a ] militant and wounded three others.
* Israeli Defence Forces kill two ] militants in ]. * Israeli Defence Forces killed two ] militants in ].
* At 10am today, medical sources reported that 10-year-old ], from Khan Younis, passed away. The school girl died from an injury in the chest she sustained yesterday when she was shot while sitting at her desk in an UNRWA school in Khan Younis refugee camp after Israeli forces opened fire towards the school. *At 12:20{{nbsp}}pm today Israeli forces fired a missile towards a crowd of people in the western part of Beit Lahia killing two Palestinians, Riziq Hasan Az Zeety, 38, and Muhammad Said Al Masri, 25.
* Two ]s landed in open field near ]. An early warning system to alert the residents of Sderot, which was installed by the IDF, worked flawlessly, according to security officer. Due to the closeness of Gaza launch sites to Sderot only 15–20 seconds of warning was possible. {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041023095844/http://www.israelnn.com/news.php3?id=70327 |date=2004-10-23 }}
*At 12:20pm today Israeli forces fired a missile towards a crowd of people in the western part of Beit Lahia killing two Palestinians, ], 38, and ], 25.
*In Rafah at 6:40{{nbsp}}pm, Israeli forces killed Jihad Housam Barhoum, 16, and critically wounded Abdul Rahman Barhoum, 8, when a tank fired shells at the refugee camp.
* Two ]s landed in open field near ]. An early warning system to alert the residents of ], which was installed by the IDF, worked flawlessly, according to security officer. Due to the closeness of Gaza launch sites to Sderot only 15-20 seconds of warning is possible.
*In ], IDF forces arrested ], ] senior who was responsible for the double ] which killed 16 people in ] on August 31, 2004. According to witnesses, Imad surrendered immediately after a ] ] started to demolish his house. {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041023084625/http://www.israelnn.com/news.php3?id=70330 |date=2004-10-23 }}
*In Rafah at 6:40pm, Israeli forces killed ], 16, and critically wounded ], 8, when a tank fired shells at the refugee camp.
* About 7:20{{nbsp}}pm, a Qassam rocket landed near Kibbutz Miflasim in the ]. {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041023092714/http://www.israelnn.com/news.php3?id=70354 |date=2004-10-23 }}
*In ], IDF forces arrested ], ] senior who was responsible to the double ] which killed 16 people in ] on ], ]. According to witnesses, Imad surrendered immediatly after an armored ] bulldozer started to demolish his house.
* About 7:20pm, a ] landed near Kibbutz Miflasim in the ]. * About 9:21{{nbsp}}pm, ] shells landed within the Israeli community of Netzarim. {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041023100925/http://www.israelnn.com/news.php3?id=70359 |date=2004-10-23 }}
* Four militants were killed in two actions by Israeli soldiers.
* About 9:21pm, ] shells land within the Israeli community of Netzarim.
* Four militants are killed in two actions by Israeli soldiers.


=== ] === ===October 14===
* The Israeli army attacked the refugee camp of ], in the southern Gaza Strip. Israeli forces stormed into Block (J) of the refugee camp at 9:45{{nbsp}}pm. Tanks fired shells towards the densely populated block killing Ismail Muhammad As Sawalha, 70, Ahmad Salih Al Tahrawi, 21, and Ali Abdul Kareem Shaath, 23. In addition, Khadra Shoman, 75, was wounded by shrapnel wound to the head.<ref name=mezan_14-10-2004>Al Mezan Center for Human Rights, 14 October 2004. {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121203123542/http://www.mezan.org/en/details.php?id=2092&ddname=Incursion&id_dept=9&id2=9&p=center |date=2012-12-03 }}</ref> Israeli press, however, reported that the Tahrawi and Shaath were armed militants.{{citation needed|date=December 2012}}
* At 9:35pm Israeli forces launched a missile towards As Salatin neighborhood west of Beit Lahia killing ], 24.


===October 15===
* In the southern Gaza Strip town of ], Israeli forces stormed into Block (J) of the refugee camp at 9:45pm. Tanks fired shells towards the densely populated block killing ], 70, ], 21, and ], 23. In addition, ], 75, was wounded by shrapnel wound to the head. Israeli press, however, reported that the Tahrawi and Shaath were armed militants.
* ] prevented a launch of ] from ] refugee camp. According to soldiers from the ], militants were accompanied by children, who helped carry the rockets to the launch site. The army refrained from using a ] because of the presence of children allegedly being used as ]s. Israeli forces report that infantry units engaged the militants with warning shots causing them to flee, abandoning the launcher and other equipment.
* At 12:05{{nbsp}}am today, Israeli forces launched a missile towards Block (7) in Jabalia camp. Two Palestinians, Muhyi Ad Din Al Madhoun, 19, and Nidal Harb Masoud, 20, were killed. Several homes were also damaged in the attack.
* Three armed militants, two of ] and one of ] were killed in Jabalia by ] strike.
* IDF begins to redeploy in northern Gaza area. Troops, armored forces and ] pull-back from Jabalia, ] and ]. The forces remain on alert to reenter the area if a Qassam rocket should be launched.
* An IDF investigation regarding the death of ] in ] on October 5 cleared the Givati Brigade platoon commander on the scene of charges by fellow soldiers that he emptied his rifle magazine into the girl's body as she lay wounded. The IDF accepted the commander's claim that he fired into the ground near the girl after coming under fire in a dangerous area. The officer was suspended from duty pending the outcome of a police investigation.
* In Rafah, two soldiers are lightly injured from an ].
* The Israeli army in the evening began withdrawing from Jabalia, Beit Lahiya and Beit Hanoun in northern Gaza<ref name=Guardian_16-10-2004>. The Guardian, 16 October 2004</ref><ref name=Reuters_16-10-2004>. Reuters, 16 October 2004</ref> as "a gesture to the Palestinians ahead of the Muslim holy month of ]", which began that Friday and entered Rafah in southern Gaza, to continue their military operations.<ref name=Haaretz_15-10-2004/>


=== ] === ===October 16===
* One ] militant, hit on Friday, died from his wounds.
* The ] welcomed the Israeli withdrawal and stressed the U.S. government position that Palestinians were responsible "for ending violence and terror, and particularly for ensuring that this area - that no area is used for attacks on Israel with rockets."<ref name=Haaretz_15-10-2004/>


== Allegations of Israeli war crimes ==
* ] prevented a launch of ] from ] refugee camp. According to soldiers from the ], militants were accompanied by ], who helped carry the rockets to the launch site. The army refrained from using a ] because of the presence of children allegedly being used as ]s. Israeli forces report that infantry units engaged the militants with warning shots causing them to flee, abandoning the launcher and other equipment.
* At 12:05am today, Israeli forces launche a missile towards Block (7) in Jabalia camp. Two Palestinians, ], 19, and ], 20, were killed. Several homes were also damaged in the attack.
* Three armed militants, two of ] and one of ] were killed in ] by ] strike.
* IDF begins to redeploy in northern Gaza area. Troops, armored forces and ] pull-back from ], ] and ]. The forces remain on alert to reenter the area if a ] should be launched.
* An IDF investigation regarding the death of ] in ] on ] cleared the Givati Brigade platoon commander on the scene of charges by fellow soldiers that he emptied his rifle magazine into the girl's body as she lay wounded. The IDF accepted the commander's claim that he fired into the ground near the girl after coming under fire in a dangerous area. The officer was suspended from duty pending the final outcome of a police investigation.
* In ], two soldiers are lightly injured from an ].


In 2005 and 2006 ] requested the Military Advocate General (MAG) to initiate a criminal investigation into events that took place during ''Operation Rainbow''. In 2007 also for ''Operation Days of Penitence''. All requests had been denied. On 15 April 2007, Adalah, ] and ] filed a petition, in which they asked the ] to order a criminal investigation, referring to many local and international organizations who had accused Israel of committing war crimes.<ref>. Yuval Yoaz, Haaretz, 15 April 2007</ref> Not earlier than two years later, on 6 May 2009, the Court held a hearing.<ref name=jp-060509>. Dan Izenberg, Jerusalem Post, 6 May 2009</ref> Another 1.5 years later, on 8 December 2011, the Court rejected the petition because, according to the Israeli judges, the request was too late and too unspecific, the aim of the operations was justified, and a criminal investigation was not the most appropriate tool.<ref>, Terrorism and Democracy | Issue No. 36. Ido Rosenzweig, Yuval Shany, Israel Democracy Institute (IDI). Retrieved 21 November 2013</ref>
=== ] ===

* One ] militant, hit on Friday, dies from his wounds.
* ] pulled out of ] and ] and redeployed on surrounding ridges. Deputy Defence Minister Zeev Boim told Israeli Radio that the pullback was a gesture to the Palestinians before the Muslim holy month of ] but Israeli officials warned that they would return should Qassam rocket attacks continue.
* The ] welcomed the Israeli withdrawal and stressed the U.S. government position that Palestinians were responsible "for ending violence and terror, and particularly for ensuring that this area - that no area is used for attacks on Israel with rockets."


== Casualties == == Casualties ==


The casualties from 28 September to 16 October 2004 are as follows:<ref>Note: No ] for figures, <u>gathered some time after the conflict</u>. No reliable sources for the number of killed fighters.</ref>
Number of casualties during ], ] - ], ].


=== Israelis === ===Israelis===
{{see also|Israeli casualties of war}}
* One ]<ref name=Guardian_16-10-2004 />
* One woman
* Two children


===Palestinians===
* Two children killed by a ] in ].
* According to ], from 28 September to 14 October: 129 people killed, including 31 children<ref name=mezan_14-10-2004 />
* One Israeli woman, civilian resident of the Eley Sinai
* According to ]: 129 Palestinians: 68 members of the military wing of Hamas and the Islamic Jihad; 42 civilians<ref name=Haaretz_15-10-2004/>
* Two ] soldiers.
* According to ]: 133 Palestinians, including at least 50 civilians<ref name=BTselem>. B'Tselem, 18 October 2004</ref>
* Total: '''5'''.
* According to ]: circa 130 people, most of them armed militants; 9 or 10 civilians<ref name=Haaretz_15-10-2004/>
* According to Reuters: some 50 Hamas fighters; at least 62 militants and 43 other Palestinians believed to be civilians<ref name=Reuters_16-10-2004/>


=== Palestinians === == References ==
{{reflist|2}}


== External links ==
Sources estimate that between 104 and 133 Palestinians were killed by IDF forces in the Gaza Strip during the days of the operation, approximately 1/3 civilians.
*
Here is a list of the different reports by different news agencies and organizations:
* {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041210041611/http://www.mezan.org/site_en/resource_center/index.php?type=Monitoring%20Reports |date=2004-12-10 }}
* (Electronic Intifada)
* (October 10, 2004)
*
* {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041023200601/http://www.isracast.com/Transcripts/061004a_trans.htm |date=2004-10-23 }}
* . Al Mezan Center for Human Rights, undated list


{{Israeli-Palestinian conflict |Timeline |state=expanded}}
* According to the ], at least '''109''' Palestinians were killed (including 18 minors): "Since Israel launched the offensive Sept. 29, after a deadly rocket attack on the southern Israeli border town Sderot, at least 109 Palestinians have been killed and hundreds wounded. Dozens of civilians, including 18 minors, died in the offensive. Five Israelis, including two preschoolers killed in the Sderot attack, also died."
* According to ], Palestinian medics states that at least '''104''' Palestinians were killed "Palestinian medics said Israeli forces killed at least 62 militants and 42 other Palestinians believed to be civilians. Gunmen killed three Israelis in north Gaza and a Thai farm worker in a retaliation raid."
* According to ], '''133''' Palestinians (including 31 children) were killed. The Al-Mezan Center reports that 550 Palestinians, including 169 children, have been killed or injured during the Israeli offensive. Names, ages, and addresses of each Palestinian fatality, militants and civilians, are available on the website, though not combat status (militant or civilian). .
* Property damage: About 77 homes have been completely destroyed, hundreds more have been damaged, and an area of 610 ]s of farmland have been cleared. In addition, numerous public facilities, including police and security posts, schools, mosques and kindergartens have been damaged or destroyed.
* The ] reported killing '''130''' Palestinians, the vast majority of them combatants.
* According to ], '''129''' Palestinians were killed in the operation, 42 of whom were civilians and 87 were combatants: 68 from ] and ] and 19 from the ] associated ] and ].
<!-- Haaretz article my replace its URL in the near future, so here is the relevant segement: "Since the beginning of Israel?s operation in northern Gaza 17 days ago, 129 Palestinians have been killed by Israel Defense Forces fire across the Gaza Strip, according to a check conducted by Haaretz. Of these, 42 were civilians, including women and children, mostly killed by IDF tank fire.According to the check, 68 of the dead were members of the military wing of the radical Islamic movements Hamas and the Islamic Jihad." -->


<!-- Operation officially ended October 15 -->
<!-- Total number is bolded -->

==See Also==

Related topics
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* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]

Places
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]

Israeli-Palestinian conflict
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]

==External links==

'''Critical''':
*
*
* (Electronic Intifada)

'''Supportive''':
* (October 10, 2004)
*
*


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Latest revision as of 22:45, 30 December 2024

Military offensive in the Gaza strip

Operation "Days of Penitence"
Part of the Second Intifada
Date29 September – 16 October 2004
LocationGaza Strip
Result Israeli victory
Belligerents
 Israel (IDF) Hamas
Casualties and losses
1 soldier c. 130 Palestinians
including 50–87 militants
Second Intifada

Lists

The 2004 Israeli operation in the northern Gaza Strip took place when the Israel Defense Forces launched Operation "Days of Penitence" (Hebrew: מבצע ימי תשובה), otherwise known as Operation "Days of Repentance" in the northern Gaza Strip. The operation lasted between 29 September and 16 October 2004. About 130 Palestinians, and 1 Israeli were killed.

The operation, focused on the town of Beit Hanoun and Beit Lahia and Jabalia refugee camps, which were said to have been used as launching sites of Qassam rockets on the Israeli town of Sderot and Israeli settlements in the Gaza Strip, and in particular in response to the death of two children in Sderot. The operation's name corresponds to the Hebrew name for the High Holiday season during which the operation was carried out.

Overview

Following the death of two Israeli children from a Qassam rocket launched by Palestinian militants, Israel launched a major military invasion of the northern Gaza Strip, focusing on the towns of Beit Hanoun and Beit Lahia and the Jabaliya refugee camp. The stated goal of the operation, code-named "Days of Penitence" (ימי תשובה) by the Israeli Defence Force, was to prevent Palestinians from launching rockets and mortar shells into Israeli settlements in Gaza and the town of Sderot in Israel.

During this 17 day attack the Israeli military killed some 130 Palestinians; demolished at least 85 houses and damaged hundreds more; damaged public facilities, including schools, kindergartens and mosques, and destroyed farmland. According to Israeli soldiers, many of the buildings that were demolished were used by Palestinian militants as a cover for launching Qassam rockets and for shooting anti-tank missiles.

During the UN Security Council deliberations over censuring Israel for this military attack, Israel accused the United Nations Relief and Welfare Agency (UNRWA) of complicity in Palestinian attacks by allowing its vehicles to transport rockets. The Israeli government released a video claiming that it showed rockets being loaded into the UNRWA ambulance. UNRWA denied the accusation and demanded an apology stating that the object was a stretcher, not a rocket (the person in the video was carrying the lightweight object with just one hand). On October 6, Israel retracted the accusation.(Reuters) See further discussion here.

The attack resulted in a proposed Security Council resolution condemning the Israeli action, calling for Israeli withdrawal and respect for human rights of Palestinians. The resolution was vetoed by the United States on October 5 who criticized it for ignoring terrorism against Israelis.

Over the weekend of October 17, the Israeli military announced that its troops withdrew from the Jabalia refugee camp and other populated areas and redeployed to positions nearby and proclaimed the attack a success, with a warning that the troops would return if the rocket attacks resume, which analysts from both sides say is likely. Israel 'redeploys' in Gaza, but who won?

Both sides claimed victory in the operation.

Capt. Jacob Dallal, an Israeli Defence Forces spokesman, acclaimed the operation's success: "We really impaired the ability to shoot Qassams from Jabalya. We engaged many cells and now there are fewer Hamas members to shoot rockets," he says. "We dealt a hard blow to the whole Hamas infrastructure in Jabalia." Israel 'redeploys' in Gaza, but who won?

The Palestine Information Center published a statement by Hamas spokesman Ismail Hanneya who asserted that the problem was not in resistance or in Qassam missiles but rather in what Hamas views as the Israeli occupation of Palestinian land: "Hamas achieved a victory over the Zionist enemy ... the blows of the resistance and the steadfastness of the people caused the occupying forces to withdraw without achieving any of their goals." Hamas: Resistance forced occupation to retreat

Timeline

September 29

  • Five Palestinians, including Hamas member Tawfik Ali Charafi, were killed during Israeli raids in the Jabalia refugee camp in the Gaza Strip and Nablus in the West Bank. The Israeli government claims the troops entered in response to continued shelling of the Israeli town of Sderot from the Jabalia area, including Qassam rockets launched on September 28. (BBC) (Reuters) (Al Jazeera) (Haaretz)
  • Two Israeli children, aged 3 and 5, are killed after a Qassam rocket attack by Hamas on the town of Sderot. Hamas claimed the attack was launched in retaliation for the Israeli raid of the Jabalia refugee camp, which left four Palestinians dead. (BBC) (Haaretz)
    • Two Palestinian teenagers are killed and power supplies are knocked out after an Israeli raid on the Jabalia refugee camp. The raid was launched in response to the rocket attacks on the town of Sderot which left two children dead. (BBC)

September 30

  • Israel launched a major offensive into the Jabalia refugee camp killing at least 23 gunmen and civilians. Earlier this morning, a column of Israeli tanks moved into the center of the camp, followed by bulldozers. At least three Palestinian civilians have been killed thus far. Homes are being demolished, forcing people to flee. 72 Palestinians are known to have been wounded. (BBC) (Reuters)
  • Two Palestinians are killed by Israeli troops returning fire after an Israeli soldier was killed at an observation post in the northern Gaza Strip. The troops have been engaged in that part of the northern Gaza Strip since yesterday, September 29. (AP)
    • Two Israelis, including a civilian, are killed in an ambush close to Gaza. The Palestinian gunman was also killed. (BBC)

October 1

October 2

October 3

  • On interview to CBC, UNRWA's commissioner-general, Peter Hansen said that he was sure that members of Hamas are also members of UNRWA. The Canadian Department of Foreign Affairs, who designate Hamas as a terrorist organization said it "will immediately seek clarification from Mr. Hansen directly and from UN authorities." (CBC)
  • The UNRWA demanded an apology from Israel over claims that Gaza militants used a UN vehicle to transport a homemade Qassam rocket. The UN body showed what it said was the ambulance seen in footage released by the Israel Defense Forces and presented its driver and rescue workers to reporters. (Haaretz) (Jerusalem Post) He later said it would "have been outright dishonest to say that among a population with about 30% support for Hamas that none of them worked for us" (The Guardian)
  • Secretary-General Kofi Annan requested that Israel halt its current military operations in the Gaza Strip, saying that they have led to "the deaths of scores of Palestinians, among them many civilians, including children." He also urges the Palestinian Authority to convince Hamas to halt the firing of rockets into Israel .
  • At least four civilians—a deaf man and 3 children—are killed during Israeli raids in the Gaza Strip town of Jabalia. More than 60 Palestinians, including civilians, have been killed during Israel's current offensive into Gaza. Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon says the Gaza operation will continue until Qassam rocket attacks end. (BBC) (Toronto Star) Archived 2011-09-27 at the Wayback Machine
  • Two Palestinians are killed by an Israeli helicopter-launched missile moments after they launch a Qassam rocket into Israel. (Al-Mezan Center for Human Rights)

October 4

  • The siege on and within Gaza was severely tightened. According to Al Mezan Center for Human Rights, electricity and water facilities were targeted. Sick people were not allowed access to medical treatment in main hospitals in Gaza City or Egypt.
  • Israel Defense Forces killed six more Palestinians in their attack on Jabalia including five Palestinians who were killed in an air strike just before dawn. IDF said it targets bomb-planters and Qassam launchers. (UN Monitor)

October 5

  • The United States vetoed a Security Council resolution demanding an immediate end to military operations in the northern Gaza Strip and the withdrawal of Israeli forces. The vote in the 15-member Security Council was 11 in favor and one against, with Britain, Germany and Romania abstaining. (ABC News)
  • A 13-year-old girl, Iman Darweesh Al Hams, was shot by soldiers from an Israeli military post near Rafah, while she was on her way to school. According to Israeli forces, the area was restricted and they suspected that Iman's schoolbag contained a bomb. IDF chief of staff Moshe Yaalon said she was sent there as a decoy by Palestinian militants. Platoon soldiers accused their commander of shooting 20 rounds at close range to "confirm the kill". The Israeli army chief prosecutor ordered an investigation of the allegations.
  • Palestinians claim an Israeli unmanned drone aircraft fired a missile towards the Al Ajramy street in Jabalia camp. Two brothers were killed, Hasan Abdul Hai Darweesh, 30, and Mousa Abdul Hai Darweesh, 24, both from the neighboring Mashrou' neighborhood. Six others were injured, two of whom critically. (Al-Mezan Center for Human Rights)
  • In Gaza City, Bashir al-Dabbash, a leader in the Palestinian militant group Islamic Jihad, is killed by a missile fired from an Israeli aircraft. (INN) (BBC)
  • Three Hamas militants are killed after infiltrating the Israeli settlement of Kfar Darom. One of the militants blew up when hit by Israeli gunfire, killing a Thai worker in addition to himself. The other two militants were killed by IDF forces. Gaza Strip. (Haaretz) (INN) (IMRA)

October 6

  • An Israeli tank fired artillery at homes in the Al Maslakh neighborhood of Jabalia camp killing Abdullah Qahman, 15, Hamdan Faraj Ubaid, 50, and his 22-year-old son Hammudeh Ubaid. IDF said it shot back after being attacked by anti-tank weapon, hitting the house from which the rocket was fired. Al-Mezan Center for Human Rights, (Guardian)
  • Ahmad Imad Abu Samak, 8, and Amneh An Najjar, 60, were critically injured by bullet wounds to the head in al Maslakh and Nuzha neighborhoods, respectively, of Jabalia town.
  • A 10-year-old boy, Muhammad Mansour Abed Rabu was wounded in his left leg by Israeli gunfire in al Mahkama street in Jabalia. (Al-Mezan Center for Human Rights)

October 7

  • Suleyman abu Foul, 15, and his 14-year-old nephew Raed abu Zaid, were killed by Israeli fire in Jabalia. Israeli military sources said Suleyman and his nephew were killed by a missile fired from a helicopter after an airborne drone spotted two suspicious figures who appeared to be launching a Qassam rocket. A 16-year-old from Jabalia, Muhammad Abu Saif, died from wounds received by Israeli bullets in the neck and the chest on October 1. (Al-Mezan Center for Human Rights)
  • Their deaths—plus the death of a 13-year-old Palestinian boy who had been injured earlier—pushed the toll from the latest fighting to more than 80. Late in the day, Israeli forces shot a 12-year-old girl, Samah Mu'een Udeh, in the head in the Beit Hanoun community. (Al-Mezan Center for Human Rights)(Boston Globe)
  • Witnesses say that two Palestinian children were killed when the Israeli military shelled a crowd near the Jabaliya refugee camp. Israel says that an Israeli helicopter gunship fired at two people attempting to launch a Qassam rocket. (BBC)

October 8

October 9

  • Israeli troops shot and killed a local leader of the Hamas' military wing in Jabalia, Abed Rauf Nabhan, as he was preparing to fire an anti-tank missile at Israel Defense Forces tanks invading the Jabalia refugee camp. The Israeli military claimed that Nabhan was responsible for the launching of the rocket that killed two young children in Sderot on Sukkot eve, triggering the army offensive in northern Gaza. Abed Nabhan, 25, was one of five Palestinians killed Saturday. (ABC News) (Maariv)
  • Israeli tanks fired shells towards a 6-story residential building, owned by the Salim family, in the town of Beit Lahia. It hit the sixth floor and killed Ameen Mahmud Salim, 36 Sufiyan Mousa Salim, 28. Three of the family members were injured in the attack: Dawoud Salim, Ahmad Salim and Muhammad Salim. (Al-Mezan Center for Human Rights)
  • Palestinian anti-tank missile hit a house in Beit Hanoun, causing to collapse on the people inside. (Maariv)

October 10

  • At approximately 3 am today, Sunday 10 October 2004, explosion is heard at the Center of the town of Beit Hanoun. Palestinian say a missile hit close to the UNRWA Women's Center and injured two Palestinians critically.(Al-Mezan Center for Human Rights)
  • Raid Muhammad Al Mabhouh, 22, from Jabalia camp died from wounds sustained on October 1, 2004. (Al-Mezan Center for Human Rights)
  • Israeli forces fired a missile at a house owned by Adnan Al Ajrami and a crafts factory in a densely populated neighborhood in Jabalia camp. The house and factory were destroyed and nine neighboring homes were severely damaged. A schoolteacher, Mahir Muhammad Zaqout, 39, was killed on his way to school and nine people were injured, including 4 children. The IDF said it targeted bomb-planters.(Al-Mezan Center for Human Rights)
  • An Israeli drone launched a missile towards Al Ajrami Street in Jabalia refugee camp. Four Palestinians were injured, one of whom, 21-year-old Sameh Zamil Al Wheedy, died at hospital a few hours later. (Al-Mezan Center for Human Rights)

October 11

  • At 3:15 am, an Israeli unmanned aerial vehicle launched a missile towards Al Harthani Secondary School in Beit Lahia. Three people were injured, one critically. (Al Mezan Center for Human Rights)
  • In the middle-Gaza town of Deir Al Balah, Israeli tanks and armored bulldozers entered the Al Mahata neighborhood of Jabalia camp. Samir Muhammad Khammash, 29, was killed by a bullet to the head. Five other people were injured, including three children. Ibrahim Fayiz Abdul Hadi, 7, was injured while inside his house. (Al Mezan Center for Human Rights)
  • At 10:30 am, artillery from the Israeli settlement of Neve Dekalim was launched on the Palestinian refugee camp at Khan Younis. The maternity ward of Nasser Hospital was hit. Hospital workers and patients were treated for trauma. (Al Mezan Center for Human Rights)
  • At 3:15 am today, 22-year-old Ahmad Zaki Hamad, from the town of Beit Hanoun, and 21-year-old Yousif Abu Saif of Jabalia were pronounced dead from injuries suffered in two separate missile attacks on October 10. (Al Mezan Center for Human Rights)
  • About 3:56 pm, two Qassam rockets were launched at Kibbutz Saad in the Negev. No injuries were reported. (INN) Archived 2004-10-22 at the Wayback Machine
  • About 5:50 pm, security fence workers were fired upon south of Kissufim. No injuries were reported.(INN) Archived 2004-10-23 at the Wayback Machine
  • About 6:16 pm, three Israeli soldiers were wounded in Jabaliya. (INN) Archived 2004-10-23 at the Wayback Machine
  • About 8:38 pm, two 25 kilogram bombs were disarmed by Israeli demolition experts (INN)
  • About 7:52 pm, a Qassam rocket was launched against Kibbutz Nir Yitzhak in the Negev. No injuries were reported. (INN) Archived 2004-10-23 at the Wayback Machine

October 12

  • About 8:15 am, several mortar shells were fired at the community of Ganei Tal. (INN)
  • At approximately 11:00 am, Palestinian security and hospital sources claimed that Israeli soldiers at the Neve Dekalim settlement shot at UNRWA Al Khalidyeh Primary School in Khan Younis refugee camp critically injuring 10-year-old Ghadeer Jaber Mkheemar in the chest while she was inside her classroom. Israeli military sources claim that the soldiers where shooting at a mortar emplacement either next to or within the school grounds. (CNN)
  • About 12:30 pm, an anti-tank missile was fired at Israeli soldiers near Rafah. (INN) Archived 2005-01-22 at the Wayback Machine
  • About 1:15 pm, a bomb was detonated against Israeli soldiers operating in Jabaliah. (INN) Archived 2004-10-23 at the Wayback Machine
  • About 4:22 pm, Israeli soldiers fired at fighters attempting to launch a missile from within the area of a mosque in Khan Yunis. The missile launch was prevented. (INN) Archived 2004-10-23 at the Wayback Machine
  • Mortar attack in southern Gaza. (INN) Archived 2004-10-23 at the Wayback Machine

October 13

October 14

  • The Israeli army attacked the refugee camp of Rafah, in the southern Gaza Strip. Israeli forces stormed into Block (J) of the refugee camp at 9:45 pm. Tanks fired shells towards the densely populated block killing Ismail Muhammad As Sawalha, 70, Ahmad Salih Al Tahrawi, 21, and Ali Abdul Kareem Shaath, 23. In addition, Khadra Shoman, 75, was wounded by shrapnel wound to the head. Israeli press, however, reported that the Tahrawi and Shaath were armed militants.

October 15

  • Israeli Defence Forces prevented a launch of Qassam rocket from Jabalia refugee camp. According to soldiers from the Golani Brigade, militants were accompanied by children, who helped carry the rockets to the launch site. The army refrained from using a helicopter gunship because of the presence of children allegedly being used as human shields. Israeli forces report that infantry units engaged the militants with warning shots causing them to flee, abandoning the launcher and other equipment. (Haaretz)
  • At 12:05 am today, Israeli forces launched a missile towards Block (7) in Jabalia camp. Two Palestinians, Muhyi Ad Din Al Madhoun, 19, and Nidal Harb Masoud, 20, were killed. Several homes were also damaged in the attack.
  • Three armed militants, two of al Aqsa Martyrs' Brigades and one of Hamas were killed in Jabalia by Israeli Air Force strike. (Haaretz)
  • IDF begins to redeploy in northern Gaza area. Troops, armored forces and engineers pull-back from Jabalia, Beit Lahia and Beit Hanoun. The forces remain on alert to reenter the area if a Qassam rocket should be launched. (Haaretz)
  • An IDF investigation regarding the death of Iman Darweesh Al Hams in Rafah on October 5 cleared the Givati Brigade platoon commander on the scene of charges by fellow soldiers that he emptied his rifle magazine into the girl's body as she lay wounded. The IDF accepted the commander's claim that he fired into the ground near the girl after coming under fire in a dangerous area. The officer was suspended from duty pending the outcome of a police investigation. (BBC)(Maariv)
  • In Rafah, two soldiers are lightly injured from an anti-tank missile. (Haaretz)
  • The Israeli army in the evening began withdrawing from Jabalia, Beit Lahiya and Beit Hanoun in northern Gaza as "a gesture to the Palestinians ahead of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan", which began that Friday and entered Rafah in southern Gaza, to continue their military operations.

October 16

  • One al-Aqsa Martyrs' Brigades militant, hit on Friday, died from his wounds.(Haaretz)
  • The US State Department welcomed the Israeli withdrawal and stressed the U.S. government position that Palestinians were responsible "for ending violence and terror, and particularly for ensuring that this area - that no area is used for attacks on Israel with rockets."

Allegations of Israeli war crimes

In 2005 and 2006 Adalah requested the Military Advocate General (MAG) to initiate a criminal investigation into events that took place during Operation Rainbow. In 2007 also for Operation Days of Penitence. All requests had been denied. On 15 April 2007, Adalah, PCHR and Al-Haq filed a petition, in which they asked the Israeli High Court of Justice to order a criminal investigation, referring to many local and international organizations who had accused Israel of committing war crimes. Not earlier than two years later, on 6 May 2009, the Court held a hearing. Another 1.5 years later, on 8 December 2011, the Court rejected the petition because, according to the Israeli judges, the request was too late and too unspecific, the aim of the operations was justified, and a criminal investigation was not the most appropriate tool.

Casualties

The casualties from 28 September to 16 October 2004 are as follows:

Israelis

See also: Israeli casualties of war

Palestinians

  • According to Al Mezan Center for Human Rights, from 28 September to 14 October: 129 people killed, including 31 children
  • According to Haaretz: 129 Palestinians: 68 members of the military wing of Hamas and the Islamic Jihad; 42 civilians
  • According to B'Tselem: 133 Palestinians, including at least 50 civilians
  • According to IDF: circa 130 people, most of them armed militants; 9 or 10 civilians
  • According to Reuters: some 50 Hamas fighters; at least 62 militants and 43 other Palestinians believed to be civilians

References

  1. ^ Court unmoved by demand for probe into 2004 IDF Gaza op. Dan Izenberg, Jerusalem Post, 6 May 2009
  2. ^ Disproportionate Force Suspected in Northern Gaza Strip. B'Tselem, 18 October 2004
  3. IAF Role Grew in Days of Penitence Operation. Haaretz, 19 October 2004
  4. ^ Al Mezan Center for Human Rights, 14 October 2004. IOF expand their Operations in North Gaza and Rafah: 550 Palestinians killed and injured Archived 2012-12-03 at the Wayback Machine
  5. ^ 129 Palestinians killed during IDF's Gaza raid. Haaretz, 15 October 2004
  6. Al Mezan Center for Human Rights, 4 October 2004. 320 Palestinians Killed and Injured in IOF Incursion of North Gaza; Many of whom are Children Archived 2012-12-03 at the Wayback Machine
  7. Israeli army under fire after killing girl. Christian Science Monitor, 26 November 2004
  8. IDF probing if officer fired at already-wounded Gaza girl. Haaretz, 11 October 2004
  9. Al Mezan Center for Human Rights, 12 October 2004. The slaughter of children in the Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPT) must stop now Archived 2012-12-03 at the Wayback Machine
  10. UNRWA, 13 October 2004. Child Shot in UNRWA School Dies
  11. ^ Army pulls back from Gaza leaving 100 Palestinians dead. The Guardian, 16 October 2004
  12. ^ Palestinians sift rubble after Israel's Gaza assault. Reuters, 16 October 2004
  13. High Court to start hearing Adalah petition on possible IDF war crimes in Gaza. Yuval Yoaz, Haaretz, 15 April 2007
  14. Supreme Court Approves MAG's Decision Not to Initiate Criminal Investigations into Operations "Rainbow" and "Days of Penitence", Terrorism and Democracy | Issue No. 36. Ido Rosenzweig, Yuval Shany, Israel Democracy Institute (IDI). Retrieved 21 November 2013
  15. Note: No reliable sources for figures, gathered some time after the conflict. No reliable sources for the number of killed fighters.

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