The massacre of the market 'stalls' in the Shejaiya neighborhood

On the afternoon of Wednesday, 30 July 2014, during a four-hour “humanitarian pause” declared by the Israeli occupation, occupation shells fell on the crowded al-Basta market in Shujaiya, east of Gaza, and then on those who rushed to help the wounded. Seventeen Palestinians were killed, among them seven children, journalists and two paramedics, and about 200 were wounded. [1] [2] [3]

The massacre came ten days after the great Shujaiya massacre of 19–20 July, in the same neighbourhood. It is one of the Zionist massacres against the Palestinian people.

The Shujaiya market massacre at a glance

A four-hour “pause”

On the 23rd day of the assault on Gaza, the occupation unilaterally declared a four-hour “humanitarian pause,” beginning at midday GMT (3 p.m. Gaza time). But it said the pause would not apply where its troops were “currently operating.” [1] [4]

Trusting the pause, many Shujaiya residents went out to the market for supplies, and a press crew was covering the shoppers during the truce. [3]

The massacre: shoppers hit, then rescuers

At least three air strikes or artillery rounds hit an area of warehouses, a market, shops and homes. The first explosion was about 100 metres from the market, and when residents rushed to help the wounded, the following shells hit them. [1]

Abu Maysarah told AFP: “They saw them evacuating the wounded, and they struck them again.” A witness at al-Shifa hospital said people were trying to put out fires when the shelling hit the rescuers. [1] An AFP correspondent saw thick smoke and bodies on the ground. [4]

The victims

Seventeen civilians were killed, among them seven children, two paramedics and a civil defence worker, and about 200 were wounded, according to witnesses who said the shelling targeted those rushing to help the wounded. [2] [1]

Among the dead were journalist Rami Rayan, correspondent for the Palestine Network for Press and Media, Al-Aqsa TV cameraman Sameh al-Aryan, and camera assistant Mohammed Nour al-Din al-Deiri, who appears in video footage in civilian clothes with no equipment. [3]

The occupation’s account

An Israeli military spokeswoman said the army was “checking” the reports and claimed Shujaiya was not among the areas covered by the pause. [1] An internal Israeli military committee later attributed the civilian deaths to “a number of coincidences and series of events.” [3]

But the UN Commission of Inquiry questioned whether the occupation army took all necessary precautions and found the attack may have violated the prohibition on indiscriminate attacks. [3]

Conclusion

The occupation declared a “humanitarian pause,” and the people of Shujaiya went out to their market; the shells fell on them, and then on those who rushed to save them. Seventeen were killed, children, journalists and paramedics among them, in a neighbourhood still bleeding from a massacre ten days earlier.

Frequently asked questions about the Shujaiya market massacre

When did the Shujaiya market massacre take place?

On the afternoon of Wednesday, 30 July 2014, during a “humanitarian pause” declared by the occupation, not on 1 August as is often stated.

How many people were killed in the Shujaiya market massacre?

Seventeen, including seven children, journalists and two paramedics, with about 200 wounded.

Why was the market crowded?

Because the occupation had declared a four-hour “humanitarian pause,” and residents went out for supplies.

Which journalists were killed at the Shujaiya market?

Rami Rayan, Sameh al-Aryan and camera assistant Mohammed Nour al-Din al-Deiri.

How did the occupation justify the shelling?

It claimed Shujaiya was outside the pause and later blamed “coincidences,” while the UN Commission of Inquiry found the attack may have been indiscriminate.

Sources and references

Arabic-language sources are listed with translated titles.

1. “Mass Casualties as Gaza Market Area Bombed,” Al Jazeera English, 30 July 2014.
2. Noon Post, on the Shujaiya massacres of the 2014 war.
3. “Mohammed Nour al-Din al-Deiri,” Committee to Protect Journalists.
4. “Bloody Mayhem at Gaza Market as Israel Observes ‘Lull’,” Ahram Online via AFP, 30 July 2014.