Palestine Weekly | September 9–15, 2024 (Days 338–344)

Weekly Newsletter: September 9–15, 2024 (Days 338–344)

This week, Gaza and the West Bank have once again witnessed devastating violence as Israel’s military continues its relentless assaults. The situation grows more dire by the day, with large-scale bombings, airstrikes, and targeted killings pushing the Palestinian population further into despair. Below is a summary of the key events from Days 338 to 344 of the conflict, which began on October 7, 2023.

Day 338 (September 9, 2024): Massacre in al-Mawasi

One of the most horrifying events of the week occurred in al-Mawasi (southern Gaza), where Israeli forces bombed over 20 tents housing displaced Palestinians. At least 45 civilians were killed while they slept, and 60 others were injured. The bombs used were so powerful they left 29-foot craters, and as rescue teams continue to dig through the sand, the number of casualties is expected to rise.

In the same 48-hour period, 53 Palestinians were killed across Gaza, while Israeli airstrikes targeted Jabalia, Gaza City, Khan Younis, and Nuseirat, leading to further deaths and injuries.

Day 339 (September 10, 2024): Rising Casualties and Humanitarian Concerns

As the attacks continued, 70+ Palestinians were killed and 160 others injured in Gaza in the span of just 24 hours. Reports confirmed that U.S.-made bombs were used in the al-Mawasi massacre, completely melting and evaporating the remains of 22 bodies.

International condemnation of these actions has escalated, with the UN Special Rapporteur warning that Israel’s assault on Gaza could potentially lead to the extermination of much of the population if it continues unchecked.

Meanwhile, in the West Bank, Israeli forces continued their raids in Tulkarem, killing two civilians, including a woman. Israeli forces also surrounded a home in Ramallah, turning it into a military outpost.

Day 340–341 (September 11–12, 2024): Attacks on Displacement Shelters

On Day 340, Israeli airstrikes hit two shelters for displaced Palestinians in Gaza, killing at least 58 civilians over two days. One of the shelters, the Jaouni school in Nuseirat, which housed over 5,000 displaced Palestinians, was bombed, killing 18 people, including six UN workers. This marked the 47th massacre in Nuseirat alone since the start of the war.

Doctors Without Borders condemned the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, citing the catastrophic state of healthcare and the politicization of humanitarian aid.

Day 342 (September 13, 2024): Ongoing Airstrikes and Mounting Casualties

Israeli airstrikes continued to devastate central and southern Gaza, targeting tents for displaced families in Khan Younis, killing and injuring several civilians. The UN Secretary-General condemned the Israeli attacks on shelters, stressing that the targeting of civilians and UN personnel violates international humanitarian law.

In the West Bank, Israeli forces and settlers continued their violent raids, killing 50 Palestinians in 15 days. In Tulkarem, Israeli forces disguised as women stormed a hospital, detaining two injured children and killing three others during a raid.

Day 343 (September 14, 2024): Civilian Casualties Continue

The death toll in Gaza continues to rise, with 33 Palestinians killed and 145 injured in 24 hours. Israeli airstrikes targeted more displacement tents in Khan Younis and homes across Gaza, leading to widespread destruction and civilian deaths.

International condemnation mounted as Chile announced plans to join the International Court of Justice (ICJ) genocide case against Israel. Additionally, Matt Nelson, a U.S. citizen, set himself on fire in front of the Israeli consulate in Boston, protesting against the genocide in Gaza and U.S. complicity in the violence.

Day 344 (September 15, 2024): Genocide and Human Rights Violations

As airstrikes intensified, 64 Palestinians were killed and 155 injured across Gaza in 48 hours. The Israeli military continued bombing civilian areas in Gaza City, including homes and schools, killing 11 civilians, including children.

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers, escorted by the military, stormed Palestinian villages, forcing families to flee. Human rights organizations, including UNRWA, have condemned the ongoing violence, with UNRWA confirming that an Israeli sniper killed one of their workers in the West Bank—the first such killing in over a decade.

The humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the West Bank continues to escalate as Israeli forces persist in targeting civilians, including women, children, and humanitarian workers. As the conflict approaches a full year, the international community must confront the atrocities being committed and push for accountability.