Palestine Weekly | September 16–22, 2024 (Days 345–351)

This week, the genocidal campaign against Gaza and the West Bank intensified. Israeli airstrikes and military operations continued to devastate the Palestinian population, targeting homes, schools, and shelters, leaving a trail of destruction and death. Below is a detailed account of the key atrocities from Days 345 to 351 of Israel’s ongoing campaign of ethnic cleansing, which began on October 7, 2023.

Day 345 (September 16, 2024): Massacre in Nuseirat

Israeli airstrikes bombarded tents in the Nuseirat refugee camp, central Gaza, killing 10+ civilians and injuring at least 15 others. These tents housed displaced families, many of whom had already fled earlier bombings. Among the dead and injured were women and children. In total, 24 Palestinians were killed and 57 injured across Gaza due to Israel’s aerial assault.

Israeli forces also targeted al-Azhar University in Gaza City, killing two civilians and causing significant damage to the university's infrastructure. In Khan Younis, dozens of tents were destroyed by heavy rains and rising sea levels, causing additional displacement among Palestinians who had already lost their homes in previous bombings.

Day 346 (September 17, 2024): Bombing of Civilians and Yemeni Retaliation

Israeli airstrikes on residential homes in Nuseirat claimed the lives of 13+ civilians, including several children. In al-Mawasi, Israeli forces bombed a bakery, killing five civilians who had been lining up for bread—a basic necessity that has become scarce under siege. By the end of the day, 38 Palestinians were killed as Israeli bombardments persisted across Gaza.

In retaliation, Ansar Allah (Houthi) forces from Yemen launched missile strikes toward Tel Aviv, injuring nine people. Over 2.3 million Israelis rushed to shelters, marking one of the few times the Israeli defense systems failed to intercept a missile. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu vowed revenge, stating that Yemen would "pay a big price" for daring to strike.

Day 347 (September 18, 2024): Starvation and Continued Carnage in Gaza

Israeli airstrikes targeted residential buildings in Bureij, killing eight people, including seven members of a single family. Rescue efforts were impeded by Israeli drones, which fired upon those attempting to save lives from the rubble. 22 Palestinians were killed by the end of the day.

Humanitarian organizations reported that 83% of food aid to Gaza is blocked by Israel, leaving families with only one meal every two days. Starvation is being used as a weapon to break the Palestinian population. Meanwhile, Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon killed 11 civilians, including an 8-year-old girl, as Israel continues to expand its genocidal violence beyond Gaza.

Day 348 (September 19, 2024): UN Condemnation and Ongoing Massacres

The UN General Assembly passed a non-binding resolution demanding that Israel end its occupation of the West Bank and Gaza within a year. While international bodies debate, Israel’s genocidal acts continue without interruption.

In Gaza, 48 Palestinians were killed in Israeli airstrikes. Eight people were killed at a school in Shujayea sheltering displaced families. Additional airstrikes in Sabra killed five civilians, while five more Palestinians were killed in Jabalia. The bombardments left dozens of others injured, as Gaza's health facilities, already overwhelmed, continue to struggle to treat the growing number of casualties.

Day 349 (September 20, 2024): Israeli Raids and Torture Allegations

In the West Bank, Israeli forces raided Qabatiya near Jenin, killing five Palestinians and injuring 10 others. Israeli bulldozers, drones, and fighter jets were used in the raid. Israeli soldiers surrounded the home of three young men, executed them, and threw their bodies off the roof before taking their remains into custody.

In Gaza, 28 Palestinians were killed, including six family members in Khan Younis. Meanwhile, international human rights organizations condemned Israel's use of torture camps, reporting severe abuses, including rape and torture of Palestinian detainees in Sde Teiman.

Day 350 (September 21, 2024): Massacre at a School Shelter

In yet another massacre, Israeli airstrikes targeted a school shelter in Zeitoun, killing 22 displaced Palestinians, including 13 children and a 3-month-old baby. These families, seeking safety from the constant bombardments, were deliberately targeted by Israeli forces.

Further airstrikes in Rafah killed 13 more civilians, including three siblings. The violence in Gaza shows no sign of slowing, with Israeli forces continuing their genocidal campaign across the Strip. In Lebanon, the Israeli military launched 400 attacks on Hezbollah, escalating the violence on the northern front as well.

Day 351 (September 22, 2024): Genocide Continues

The week ended with Israeli airstrikes killing 30+ Palestinians across Gaza, as homes and schools were bombed indiscriminately. In Zeitoun, five children were killed by an airstrike, while a separate attack in Beit Lahiya injured 15 civilians.

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers, with the support of the military, continued their violent raids on Palestinian communities. In Jericho, settlers stormed an elementary school, physically attacking students and teachers. Violence against Palestinians in the West Bank is escalating, with daily raids and killings becoming the norm.

Key Notes

• Ansar Allah (Houthi) missile strike on Tel Aviv injured nine people and marked a rare moment where Israeli defense systems failed.
• Evidence of torture, rape, and abuse at Israeli detention camps like Sde Teiman continues to surface, drawing international condemnation.
• Blocking of 83% of food aid to Gaza has turned starvation into another weapon in Israel’s genocidal campaign, with families surviving on one meal every two days.
• The UN General Assembly passed a resolution demanding Israel end its occupation, though it is non-binding and does little to halt the ongoing violence.
• Escalating Israeli bombardments on southern Lebanon, with over 400 attacks launched, further widens the genocidal violence beyond Gaza.

As we reach Day 351 of Israel’s ongoing genocide against Palestinians, the scale of devastation is growing. Civilian casualties in Gaza and the West Bank mount with every passing day, as Israel continues its systematic targeting of homes, schools, and shelters. International efforts remain ineffective, and the Palestinian people endure unimaginable suffering under a campaign of ethnic cleansing and violence.