Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) have escalated their offensive against Palestinians in the occupied Palestinian territories (OPT). 14 Palestinians were killed and 12 injured, 5 of whom are in serious condition, as a result of the air strike launched by the IOF in the night of 6 to 7 September on a Palestinian camp for youths in Gaza City.

Based on preliminary information, approximately 40 youths were gathered in a playground in military gear, presumably undergoing training in Al Shijaia neighborhood in Gaza. According to Hamas Spokesperson, a summer camp for youths was located in the playground. At approximately 12pm on 6 September, an IOF helicopter fired 4 missiles on the playground killing 14 persons:

Ihab Muhammad An-Neirab, age 23

Osama Awni Hjila, age 26

Said Yaser Udeh, age 25

Aref Qasim Jundiya, age 20

Muhammad Omar Jondiya, age 21

Adham Karim Qreiq'a, age 22

Belal Faiyz Qreiq'a, age 20

Muhammad Abdullah Qanu', age 18

Ahmed Khairy Iskafi, age 25

Ghassan Ubeid, age 23

Mutasem Fou'ad Al-Zirbatly, age 23

Faris Sa'di As-Sirsawi, age 22

Ayman Khazza'a Farahat, age 18

Izzat Ahmed Al-Wadiya, age 19

According to the Mezan fieldworker, the dead bodies were torn into pieces and human parts were found scattered everywhere around the playground.

It should be mentioned that the targeted area was in a densely populated neighborhood of Gaza City, thus not only attaining the targeted persons but also numerous civilians in neighboring locations.

Al Mezan gravely condemns this new example of disproportionate use of force by IOF and highlights its great concern regarding the recent declarations made by the Government of Israel that they plan to continue their assassination operations in the OPT. Once again, Al Mezan wishes to remind that such executions highlight the worthlessness of Palestinian civilian lives to the IOF but also constitute war crimes according to international law, particularly to the 1949 Fourth Geneva Convention Relative to the protection of civilians in time of war.

Al Mezan Center once again calls upon the international community to intervene immediately to protect Palestinian civilians. The Center also emphasizes that the international community has a moral and legal obligation to ensure respect of international law in the OPT.