Weekly Report on Israeli Human Rights Violations in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (22-28 July 2010) Thursday, 29 July 2010 00:00

29/07/2010 Weekly Report On Israeli Human Rig…

Weekly Report On Israeli Human Rights Violations in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (22-28 July 2010) Thursday, 29 July 2010 00:00

An Israeli soldier detains a Palestinian boy during clashes with Israeli settlers, not seen, on the outskirts of Borin village near Nablus.

Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) Continue Systematic Attacks against Palestinian Civilians and Property in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT)

• IOF shot and killed a Palestinian worker in the northern West Bank.

• IOF continued to use force against peaceful protests in the West Bank. - Four international human rights defenders and one Palestinian photojournalist were injured. - IOF arrested twenty-one civilians, including twelve international human rights defenders, one of whom is Luisa Morgantini.

• IOF continued to fire at Palestinian farmers and workers in border areas of the Gaza Strip. - One Palestinian civilian was seriously wounded in the northern Gaza Strip.

• IOF bombarded tunnels and civilian property in the Gaza Strip. - IOF destroyed a plastic and iron pipe store in the central Gaza Strip.

• IOF conducted twenty-five incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank and five limited incursions into the Gaza Strip. - IOF arrested thirteen Palestinian civilians.

• Israel has continued to impose a total siege on the OPT and has isolated the Gaza Strip from the outside world. - Israeli troops stationed at military checkpoints and border crossings in the West Bank arrested nine Palestinian civilians, including six children and one woman.

• Israel has continued to take measures aimed at creating a Jewish demographic majority in Jerusalem. - The Israeli Municipality of Jerusalem has continued to chase and confiscate goods of Palestinian street vendors.

• IOF have continued settlement activities in the West Bank and Israeli settlers have continued to attack Palestinian civilians and property. - IOF ordered the halt of construction works n six houses in Ethna village near Hebron. - Israeli settlers continued to attack Palestinian civilians.

Summary

Israeli violations of international law and humanitarian law in the OPT continued during the reporting period (22 – 28 July 2010):

Shooting: During the reporting period, IOF killed a Palestinian worker and wounded three international human rights defenders, including one from Israel, and a Palestinian photojournalist in the West Bank. They also seriously wounded a Palestinian civilian in the Gaza Strip.

In the West Bank, on 22 July 2010, IOF killed a Palestinian worker from Qalqilya, near "Burkan" settlement, west of Salfit. Israeli military sources claimed that "a military unit observed two Palestinians, one of whom was armed, when they attempted to cross the settlement's fence. When the two Palestinians did not obey orders to stop, the soldiers fired at them, killing the unarmed one and wounding the armed one, who was able to escape." Investigations conducted by PCHR refute this claim and confirm that none of the targeted persons were armed pchrgaza.org/portal/en/index.php?vie… 1/10 29/07/2010 Weekly Report On Israeli Human Rig… and that the two men were looking for jobs.

During the reporting period, IOF used excessive force to disperse peaceful demonstrations organized by Palestinian civilians in protest to the construction of the Annexation Wall and settlement activities. As a result, three international human rights defenders, including one from Israel, and a Palestinian photojournalist were injured. IOF also violently beat a number of demonstrators. IOF also arrested twelve Israeli and international human rights defenders, including Luisa Morgantini, Former Deputy Speaker of the European Parliament, four photojournalists and five Palestinian civilians, including a woman.

In the Gaza Strip, a Palestinian civilian was shot and seriously wounded by IOF while on a tract of land belonging to his grandfather.

On Monday morning, 26 July 2010, Israeli warplanes bombarded tunnels along the Egyptian border, south of Rafah. They also bombarded and destroyed a plastic and iron pipe store in the central Gaza Strip. No casualties were reported.

Incursions: During the reporting period, IOF conducted at least twenty-five military incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank, during which they arrested thirteen Palestinian civilians.

Restrictions on Movement: Israel has continued to impose a tightened siege on the OPT and imposed severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including occupied East Jerusalem.

Ga za Str ip

Israel has continuously closed all border crossings to the Gaza Strip for approximately three years. The illegal Israeli-imposed siege of Gaza, which has steadily tightened since June 2007, has had a disastrous impact on the humanitarian and economic situation in the Gaza Strip.

• On Friday, 01 January 2010, Israeli forces decided to close Nahal Ouz crossing permanently and to divert the entry of fuels through Karm Abu Salem (Kerem Shalom) crossing, southeast of Rafah, citing security reasons. • 1.5 million people are being denied their basic rights, including freedom of movement and the right to appropriate living conditions, work, health and education.

• The principle concern of the population of the Gaza Strip is to obtain basic necessities: food, medicine, water and electricity supplies.

• Israel has continued to prevent the entry of raw construction materials into the Gaza Strip for more than two and a half years.

• Israel has not allowed fuel supplies into the Gaza Strip since 10 December 2008, excluding limited amounts of cooking gas and energy fuel for Gaza Power Plant.

• The Rafah International Crossing Point has been opened on only a few days for a number of patients who received medical treatment abroad and needed to return home to the Gaza Strip.

• Israel had continued to close Beit Hanoun (Erez) crossing to Palestinian civilians wishing to travel to the West Bank and Israeli for medical treatment, trade or social visits.

• Israel has imposed additional restrictions on access of international diplomats, journalists and humanitarian workers to the Gaza Strip. Is rael has prevented representatives of several international humanitarian organizations from entering the Gaza Strip.

• Living conditions of the Palestinian civilian population have seriously deteriorated as levels of poverty and unemployment have mounted sharply.

• At least 800 Palestinian prisoners from Gaza in Israeli jails have been deprived of family visitation for more than two and a half years.

• Israeli forces have continued to attack Palestinian fishermen along the coast of the Gaza Strip.

West Bank

Israel has continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians throughout the West Bank, including occupied East Jerusalem. Thousands of Palestinian civilians from the West Bank and the Gaza Strip continue to be denied access to Jerusalem.

• Israeli forces have established checkpoints in and around Jerusalem, severely restricting Palestinian access to the city. Civilians are frequently prevented from praying at al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem.

• There are approximately 630 permanent roadblocks, manned and unmanned checkpoints across the West Bank. In addition, there are some 60 - 80 ‘flying’ or temporary checkpoints erected across the West Bank by Israeli forces every week.

• When complete, the illegal Annexation Wall will stretch for 724 kilometers around the West Bank, further isolating the entire population. 350 kilometers of the Wall have already been constructed. Approximately 99% of the Wall has been constructed inside the West Bank itself, further confiscating Palestinian land.

• At least 65% of the main roads that lead to eighteen Palestinian communities in the West Bank are closed or fully controlled by Israeli forces (47 out of 72 roads).

• There are around 500 kilometers of restricted roads across the West Bank. In addition, approximately one third of the West Bank, including occupied East Jerusalem, is inaccessible to Palestinians without a permit issued by Israeli forces; these permits are extremely difficult to obtain.

• Israeli forces continue to harass and assault demonstrators who hold peaceful protests against the construction of the Annexation Wall. pchrgaza.org/portal/en/index.php?vie… 2/10 29/07/2010 Weekly Report On Israeli Human Rig…

• Palestinian civilians continue to be harassed by Israeli forces in Jerusalem and across the West Bank, including being regularly stopped and searched in the streets by Israeli forces.

Measures Aimed at Creating a Jewish Demographic Majority in Jerusalem: IOF have continued to take measures at creating a Jewish majority in Jerusalem. During the reporting period, officials of the Israeli Municipality of Jerusalem, accompanied by officials of the Property Tax Department, waged a wide-scale campaign against Palestinian stores in Shu'fat village, northeast of Jerusalem. They searched stores and verified their licenses and documents, creating significant tension in the area. Also during the reporting period, officials of the Israeli Municipality of Jerusalem waged a campaign against Palestinian street vendors. Dozens of officials, accompanied by the Israeli police, were deployed in the streets and they attacked streets vendors and confiscated their goods. It is worth noting that the Israeli Municipality of Jerusalem wages repeated campaigns against streets vendors in an attempt to exert economic pressure on Palestinian civilians in the city.

Settlement Activities: Israel has continued its settlement activities in the OPT in violation of international humanitarian law, and Israeli settlers have continued to attack Palestinian civilians and property.

On 26 July 2010, IOF moved into Ethna village, northwest of Hebron. They handed written notices issued by the Higher Organization Council of the Israeli Civil Administration to Palestinian civilians ordering a halt on construction works for six houses and an agricultural barrack.

On the same day, dozens of Israeli settlers, escorted by IOF, moved into the east of Nablus. They conducted Jewish rituals in Joseph Tomb. They left the area at approximately 05:00.

Also on 26 July 2010, dozens of Israeli settlers from "Brakha" settlement, south of Nablus, attacked Palestinian houses in the northwest of Bourin village, south of the city. They threw stones at houses and set fire to the area surrounding the homes. A group of olive trees were burnt and windows of a number of houses were broken.

Also on the same day, dozens of Israeli settlers from "Yits'har" settlement, south of Nablus, attacked Palestinian houses in the west of Hawara village, south of Nablus and threw stones at the houses. No injuries were reported.

Israeli Violations Documented during the Reporting Period (22 – 28 July 2010)

1. Incursions into Palestinian Areas and Attacks on Palestinian Civilians and Property in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip

Thursday, 22 July 2010

• At approximately 01:30, IOF moved into al-Mazra'a al-Gharbiya village, northwest of Ramallah. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. No arrests were reported.

• In the early morning, IOF killed Bilal Ibrahim Abu Libda, 27, from Qalqilya, near "Burkan" settlement, west of Salfit. Israeli military sources claimed that "a military unit observed two Palestinians, one of whom was armed, when they attempted to cross the settlement's fence. When the two Palestinians did not obey orders to stop, the soldiers fired at them, killing the unarmed one, and wounding the armed one, who was able to escape."

According to investigations conducted by PCHR, at approximately 04:00, Abu Libda, his cousin, Mohammed 'Izziddin Abu Libda, 27, and Ameen Anwar 'Enaya, 27, attempted to enter the industrial zone of "Burkan" settlement, west of Salfit, without work permits. Israeli troops guarding the settlement noticed them and opened fire at them. As a result, Bilal Abu Libda was killed when he was struck by two bullets, while the other two persons fled. The victim was married two months ago and was killed while looking for a job. IOF refused to deliver his body to his family before identifying him, as he did not possess an identity card. They transferred the body to a forensic medical institute and requested the Palestinian liaison department to send one of his relatives to identify him. The other two persons who accompanied Abu Libad testified before the Palestinian Preventive Security Service. They were then summoned by the Palestinian police and were detained for 24 hours for interrogation. When they were released, they refused to provide a PCHR field worker with any information. IOF delivered the victim's body to the Palestinian side at 12:00 on Friday, 23 July 2010. According to Palestinian medical sources, the victim was hit by an explosive bullet to the head and a bullet to the chest. They estimated the range of shooting at the victim at 30 meters. They attributed his death to the explosive bullet that struck his head.

• At approximately 20:00, IOF moved into 'Anata village, northeast of Jerusalem. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. No arrests were reported.

Saturday, 24 July 2010

• At approximately 00:00, IOF moved into Jayous village, northeast of Qaqlilya. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. No arrests were reported.

• At approximately 01:00, IOF moved into al-Fawar refugee camp, south of Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Mamdouh Ibrahim Abu Rabee', 20, and arrested him.

• At approximately 15:10, IOF moved into 'Allar and Baqa al-Sharqiya villages, north of Tulkarm. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. No arrests were reported. • In the evening, IOF moved into the town of Salfit. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. No arrests were reported.

Sunday, 25 July 2010

• At approximately 00:00, IOF moved into Dura village, southwest of Hebron. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. No arrests were reported. pchrgaza.org/portal/en/index.php?vie… 3/10 29/07/2010 Weekly Report On Israeli Human Rig… • At approximately 00:30, IOF moved into Ethna village, south of Hebron. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. No arrests were reported.

• At approximately 01:00, IOF moved into Bani Na'im village, northeast of Hebron. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. No arrests were reported.

• Also at approximately 01:00, IOF moved into Sa'ir village, northeast of Hebron. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. No arrests were reported.

• At approximately 01:30, IOF moved into Nouba village, northwest of Hebron. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. No arrests were reported.

• At approximately 02:00, IOF moved into Beit Oula village, northwest of Hebron. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. No arrests were reported.

• In the evening, IOF moved into the town of Salfit. They raided and searched a number of houses. No arrests were reported.

Monday, 26 July 2010

• At approximately 01:00, IOF moved into al-Shawawra village, east of Bethlehem. They raided and searched a house belonging to Ahmed 'Eissa Hamdan, 30, and summonsed him for interrogation.

• At approximately 01:30, IOF moved into al-Zawia village, west of Salfit. They raided and searched a house belonging to Sa'id Mohammed Fares, 48, and arrested him.

• At approximately 03:40, Israeli warplanes dropped a bomb on tunnels along the Egyptian border near al-Salam neighborhood in the south of Rafah. Five minutes later, they dropped another bomb on the area. No casualties were reported.

• At approximately 04:20, Israeli warplanes dropped a bomb on tunnels along the Egyptian border near al-Sho'ut area in the south of Rafah. No casualties were reported. An Israeli military spokesman claimed that the Israeli Air Force targeted two tunnels along the Egyptian border in response to a projectile fired at an Israeli community near Gaza during the weekend.

• At approximately 05:00, Israeli warplanes dropped a bomb on a 200-square-meter plastic and iron pipe store belonging to 'Othman Ibrahim al-Hattab, to the northeast of Nussairat refugee camp in the central Gaza Strip. The store was completely destroyed and electricity was cut off in al-Zahraa' town and al-Zayoun neighborhood in the south of Gaza City. No casualties were reported.

• At approximately 09:45, IOF moved into 'Anabta village, east of Tulkarm. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. No arrests were reported. They then moved into the nearby Kufor al-Labad village and patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. No arrests were reported.

Tuesday, 27 July 2010

• At approximately 01:00, IOF moved into Tulkarm. They raided a four-storey building belonging to the al-Tanib family. They searched the first floor of the building, which serves as an office for al-Tanib Bus Company. They then went upstairs to the third floor and arrested Ussama Fakhri al-Tanib, 49.

• At approximately 02:00, IOF moved into Qalqilya. They raided and searched a two-storey house belonging to Ma'rouf Mohammed Zahran, Undersecretary of the Palestinian Ministry of Civil Affairs, when he and his wife were on a vacation in Turkey. After searching and damaging the contents of the first floor, they held Zahran's sister and his daughter, 19-year-old Hadeel, in a room on the first floor. They then accompanied Zahran's son, 18-year-old Adam, to the second floor, where they searched and damaged its contents. Two female Israeli soldiers conducted personal searches of Zahran's sister and his daughter. Israeli troops then searched the house again and finally arrested Adam.

• At approximately 02:30, IOF moved into Shwaika suburb, north of Tulkarm. They raided an apartment building belonging to the Na'alwa family and arrested Ra'ed and Fadi Raslan Na'alwa, 34 and 26, respectively.

Wednesday, 28 July 2010

• At approximately 00:40, IOF moved into Tulkarm. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. No arrests were reported..

• At approximately 01:00, IOF moved into Yatta village, south of Hebron. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested seven Palestinian civilians:

1. Eyad Jameel Houshiya, 40; 2. Khalil Jameel Houshiya, 25; 3. Mohammed 'Eissa al-Jundi, 20; 4. Wasfi Nasser Nassar, 20; 5. Ahmed Saleem Esrai', 20; 6. Murad Ahmed al-Jbour, 27; and 7. Lu'ai Ahmed 'Awad, 21.

• At approximately 01:30, IOF moved into Jalboun village, northeast of Jenin. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. No arrests were reported.

• At approximately 02:00, IOF moved into Deir Abu Da'if village, northeast of Jenin. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew pchrgaza.org/portal/en/index.php?vie… 4/10 29/07/2010 Weekly Report On Israeli Human Rig… later. No arrests were reported.

• At approximately 06:30, Israeli troops stationed at Beit Hanoun (Erez) crossing in the northern Gaza Strip fired at Akram Tayseer Sa'ada, 19, from Beit Hanoun, when he was on a tract of land belonging to his grandfather, nearly 150 meters away from the crossing. He was seriously wounded by a bullet to the chest.

2. Use of Excessive Force against Peaceful Demonstrations Protesting Settlement Activities and the Construction of the Annexation Wall

During the reporting period, IOF used excessive force against peaceful demonstrations organized by Palestinian civilians and international and Israeli human rights defenders in protest to the construction of the Annexation Wall and settlement activities. As a result, three international human rights defenders, including one from Israel, and one Palestinian journalist were injured. A number of demonstrators also suffered from tear gas inhalation and others sustained bruises. IOF also arrested twelve Israeli and international human rights defenders, four Palestinian photojournalists and five Palestinian civilians, including a woman.

• Following the Friday Prayer on 23 July 2010, dozens of Palestinian civilians and international and Israeli human rights defenders, including Ms. Luisa Morgantini, Former Deputy Speaker of the European Parliament, organized a peaceful demonstration in protest against the construction of the Annexation Wall in Bil'ein village, west of Ramallah. They moved towards the Annexation Wall. Israeli troops stationed in the area fired rubber-coated metal bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters at the demonstrators. As a result, Enat Gotman, 30, and Israeli human rights defender, was hit by a tear gas canister to the head. Additionally, IOF arrested Ms. Morgantinti and Copi Zants, 34, an Israeli human rights defender, but released them later. Dozens of demonstrators also suffered from tear gas inhalation and others sustained bruises as they were beaten by Israeli troops.

• Also following the Friday Prayer on 23 July 2010, dozens of Palestinian civilians and international and human rights defenders organized a peaceful demonstration in Ne'lin village, west of Ramallah, in protest against the construction of the Annexation Wall. They clashed with IOF troops positioned near the Wall. IOF troops fired rubber-coated metal bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters at demonstrators. As a result, dozens of demonstrators suffered from tear gas inhalation, and others sustained bruises. Israeli troops also prevented two photojournalists, Mousa al-Sha'er and Lu'ai Sababa, from photographing the demonstration.

• On Friday afternoon, 23 July 2010, after Israeli settlers set up a tent on a hill in al-Bwaira area in the east of Hebron, dozens of Palestinian civilians and international human rights defenders demonstrated in the area in protest to this action. Israeli troops attacked the demonstrators, injuring two of them. Israeli troops arrested four demonstrators, including a woman, but released them later:

1. Um Jameel Shukri Sultan, 50; 2. Said Shukri Sultan, 25; 3. 'Abdul Ra'ouf Sultan, 32; and 4. Younis Sultan, 25.

They also detained two photojournalists and prevented them from carrying out their work: Yusri Mahmoud al-Jamal, 32, working for Reuters; and Hazem Jameel Bader, 42, working for France Press Agency.

• On Saturday afternoon, 24 July 2010, dozens of Palestinian civilians and international and Israeli human rights defenders demonstrated in the center of Beit Ummar village, north of Hebron. They moved towards Zaher al-Brahish area, where IOF plan to confiscate areas of Palestinian land to the north of the Israeli settlement of "Karmi Tsur." Israeli troops attacked the demonstrators and fired tear gas canisters and sound bombs at them. As a result, four civilians (an old man, two international human rights defenders and a photojournalist) were injured:

1. Khader Zaidan Sabarna, 65, suffered from tear gas inhalation when a tear gas canister landed on his house; 2. Harry, 21, a British human rights defender, injured by shrapnel from a sound bomb and a tear gas canister to the head and the back; 3. Sherrill Larwald, 39, a French human rights defender, sustained burns to the left foot; and 4. Najeh Diab al-Hashlamoun, 40, a cameraman of Reuters, fainted as a tear gas canister hit him on the back.

• At approximately 16:20 on the same day, the Youth Commission against Settlement in Hebron organized a peaceful demonstration in protest to continued closure of al-Shuhada Street in the center of the town. A number of international solidarity activists participated in the demonstration, which stopped near the entrances of "Beit Rumano" settlement outpost in the north of the old city. Israeli troops attacked the demonstrators and arrested ten international solidarity activists, releasing them later. A number of demonstrators sustained bruises during the arrests. At approximately 18:00, Israeli troops arrested 'Eissa Isma'il 'Amru, 30, a member of the Youth Commission against Settlement, when he was on his way back home in the old city of Hebron after the demonstration.

3. Continued Siege on the OPT

Israel has continued to impose a tightened siege on the OPT and imposed severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including occupied East Jerusalem.

Ga za Str ip

• 1.5 million people are being denied their basic rights, including freedom of movement and the right to appropriate living conditions, work, health and education.

• The principle concern of the population of the Gaza Strip is to obtain basic necessities: food, medicine, water and electricity supplies. pchrgaza.org/portal/en/index.php?vie… 5/10 29/07/2010 Weekly Report On Israeli Human Rig…

• Israel has continued to prevent the entry of raw construction materials into the Gaza Strip for more than two and a half years.

• Israel has not allowed fuel supplies into the Gaza Strip since 10 December 2008, excluding limited amounts of cooking gas and energy fuel for Gaza Power Plant.

• The Rafah International Crossing Point has been opened on only a few days for a number of patients who received medical treatment abroad and needed to return home to the Gaza Strip.

• Israel had continued to close Beit Hanoun (Erez) crossing to Palestinian civilians wishing to travel to the West Bank and Israeli for medical treatment, trade or social visits.

• Israel has imposed additional restrictions on access of international diplomats, journalists and humanitarian workers to the Gaza Strip. Israel has prevented representatives of several international humanitarian organizations from entering the Gaza Strip.

• Living conditions of the Palestinian civilian population have seriously deteriorated as levels of poverty and unemployment have mounted sharply.

• At least 800 Palestinian prisoners from Gaza in Israeli jails have been deprived of family visitation for more than two and a half years.

• Israeli forces have continued to attack Palestinian fishermen along the coast of the Gaza Strip.

Movement at Border Crossings during the Reporting Period:

At approximately 13:00 on Tuesday, 01 June 2010, the Egyptian authorities announced that Rafah International Crossing Point on the Egyptian border would be open indefinitely for travelers from both directions. The Egyptian announcement came following the deadly Israeli attack on the Gaza-aid flotilla in international water. On the following morning, the crossing point was effectively opened and Palestinian civilians were allowed to travel through the crossing.

Movement at Rafah International Crossing Point 21 – 27 July 2010

Date Details 408 Palestinians were allowed to travel to Egypt and 557 Palestinians were allowed into the 21 July 2010 Gaza Strip. 430 Palestinians were allowed to travel to Egypt and 720 Palestinians were allowed into the 22 July 2010 Gaza Strip. 228 Palestinians were allowed to travel to Egypt and 446 Palestinians were allowed into the 23 July 2010 Gaza Strip. 597 Palestinians were allowed to travel to Egypt and 472 Palestinians were allowed into the 24 July 2010 Gaza Strip. 390 Palestinians were allowed to travel to Egypt and 516 Palestinians were allowed into the 25 July 2010 Gaza Strip. 532 Palestinians were allowed to travel to Egypt and 526 Palestinians were allowed into the 26 July 2010 Gaza Strip. 503 Palestinians were allowed to travel to Egypt and 628 Palestinians were allowed into the 27 July 2010 Gaza Strip.

Movement at Karm Abu Salem (Kerem Shalom) Crossing 21 – 27 July 2010

Imports Date Amount Category Tons Liters Foodstuffs 1,279 Agricultural materials 156 Various goods 1,015 21 July 2010 Humanitarian aids 272 Cooking gas 196.490 Industrial fuel 183,015 Foodstuffs 1,294 Agricultural materials 202 Various goods 1,295 22 July 2010 Humanitarian aids 603 Cooking gas 197 pchrgaza.org/portal/en/index.php?vie… 6/10 29/07/2010 Weekly Report On Israeli Human Rig… Industrial fuel 158,015 Diesel 95,000 Foodstuffs 1,062 Agricultural materials 142 Various goods 1,236 25 July 2010 Humanitarian aids 302 Cooking gas 189.490 Industrial fuel 138,019 Foodstuffs 1,302 Agricultural materials 101 26 July 2010 Various goods 19,089 Cooking gas 162.610 Industrial fuel 178,422 Foodstuffs 892 Agricultural materials 165 27 July 2010 Various goods 1,011 Cooking gas 158.330 Industrial fuel 178,372

Al-Mentar (Karni) Crossing: IOF partially opened Karni crossing on Wednesday, 21 July 2010, and allowed the entry of 1,482 of wheat and 2,301 tons of fodders. They also opened it on Tuesday, 27 July 2010, and allowed the entry of 897 tons of wheat and 2,769 tons of fodders.

Beit Hanoun (Erez) Crossing: Israel has continued to close Beit Hanoun (Erez) crossing for the movement of Palestinian civilians. IOF have allowed only diplomats, a number of international journalists, employees of international agencies and a limited number of patients who suffer from serious illnesses to pass through the crossing. They have continued to prevent Palestinian civilians from visiting their relatives who are detained in Israeli jails. The small number of patients permitted to pass through the crossing are only able to do so under severe restrictions that include prolonged security checks. Movement at Beit Hanoun (Erez) Crossing 21 – 27 July 2010

Arabs Business- Date Patients Companions from Diplomats International International Travelers people Israel Journalists Workers abroad 21 July 2010 19 23 3 3 4 40 Nil 12 22 July 2010 26 24 13 9 2 76 5 17 23 July 2010 33 3Nil9 242Nil 24 July 2010 Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil 25 July 2010 26 30 15 Nil 3 8 2 3 26 July 2010 53 48 27 1 Nil 22 Nil 8 27 July 2010 34 33 29 5 3 34 1 17

The West Bank

Israel has imposed a tightened siege on the West Bank. During the reporting period, IOF imposed additional restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians.

• Jerusalem: IOF have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians to and from Jerusalem. Thousands of Palestinian civilians from the West Bank and the Gaza Strip have been denied access to the city. IOF have established many checkpoints in and around the city. Restrictions of the movement of Palestinian civilians often escalate on Fridays, preventing Muslim Palestinians from praying at al-Aqsa Mosque.

• Nablus: IOF have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians in Nablus. On Sunday morning, 25 July 2010, Israeli troops stationed at Hawara checkpoint, south of Nablus, imposed additional restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. At approximately 07:00 on Monday, 26 July 2010, IOF closed Hawara checkpoint, south of Nablus, as dozens of Israeli settlers from "Yits'har" settlement gathered near the checkpoint and threw stones at Palestinian civilian vehicles. The checkpoint was reopened at 10:00.

• Ramallah: IOF have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of the Palestinian civilians in Ramallah. IOF troops positioned at the Jaba' and Qalandiya checkpoints, southeast of Ramallah, have imposed additional restrictions on movement and conducted prolonged security checks of Palestinian civilians. During the reporting period, IOF erected a number of temporary pchrgaza.org/portal/en/index.php?vie… 7/10 29/07/2010 Weekly Report On Israeli Human Rig… checkpoints, using them to stop and search Palestinian civilian vehicles. At approximately 21:00 on Thursday, 22 July 2010, IOF re- established their presence at 'Attara checkpoint the northern entrance of Bir Zeit village, north of Ramallah. At approximately 08:00 on Friday, 23 July 2010, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance of Beit Liqya village, west of Ramallah. At approximately 18:00 on the same day, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance of al-Janya village, north of Ramallah. At approximately 07:00 on Saturday, 24 July 2010, IOF established a checkpoint in 'Ein Ayoub area near Deir 'Ammar village, northwest of Ramallah. IOF dismantled the checkpoints later and no arrests were reported. .

• Tulkarm: IOF have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians in Tulkarm. At approximately 09:00 on Friday, 23 July 2010, IOF established a checkpoint at Beit Leed intersection on Tulkarm-Nablus road, where they stopped and search Palestinian civilians. At approximately 16:00 on the same day, IOF established a checkpoint at Far'oun intersection, south of Tulkarm. At approximately 20:30 on Saturday, 24 July 2010, IOF established a checkpoint at Beit Leed intersection on Tulkarm-Nablus road. At approximately 14:30, IOF established a checkpoint on al-Kafriyat road, south of Tulkarm.

• Qalqilya: IOF have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians in Qalqilya. On Friday evening, 23 July 2010, IOF established a checkpoint on Nablus-Qalqilya road, where they stopped and searched Palestinian civilian vehicles. At approximately 09:30 on Saturday, 24 July 2010, IOF established a checkpoint on Nablus-Qalqilya road near 'Izbat al-Tbib village, east of Qalqilya. At approximately 09:45 on the same day, IOF established a checkpoint at Jeet intersection on Qalqilya-Nablus road. At approximately 10:30 on Sunday, 25 July 2010, IOF established a checkpoint on Nablus-Qalqilya road near Nabi Elias village, east of Qalqilya. At the same time, IOF established a checkpoint on the road linking between 'Izbat al-Tabib and 'Asala village, east of Qalqilya. At approximately 16:30 on the same day, IOF erected a checkpoint at the entrance of Jeet village, east of Qalqilya. At approximately 18:45, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance of 'Azzoun village, east of Qalqilya. At approximately 21:20 on the same day, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance of 'Izbat al-Tabib village, east of Qalqilya.

• Jericho: IOF have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. At approximately 14:30 on Thursday, 15 July 2010, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance of 'Ein al-Dyouk village, north of Jericho, where they stopped and searched Palestinian civilian vehicles.

Arrests at Military Checkpoints

• On Friday evening, 23 July 2010, Israeli troops stationed at a checkpoint in al-Fraidis area, southwest of Bethlehem, arrested Kazem 'Abed al-Wahsh, 16, from the town of Halhoul north of Hebron.

• On Saturday noon, 24 July 2010, Israeli troops stationed at al-Karama International Crossing Point arrested Mohammed Ahmed 'Eissa, 50, from Tulkarm refugee camp, as he was on his way back to the West Bank.

• At approximately 20:00 on Sunday, 25 July 2010, Israeli troops arrested five Palestinian children who were in Najmat Salem area near a bypass road leading to "Allon Moreh" settlement, northeast of Nablus:

1. Jihad Hamdi Khatatba, 17; 2. Hamdi 'Ali Khatatba, 17; 3. 'Omar Mohammed 'Arrab, 15; 4. Mohammed Najeh Seinawi, 15; and 5. Yamin Husni Khatatba, 17.

According to Hamdi 'Abdul Jalil Khatatba, IOF released the last three children at approximately 23:00 on the same day and handed them over to the Palestinian Preventive Security Service (PSS), which kept Yamin in custody.

• On Monday evening, Israeli troops arrested Fat'hiya 'Eissa al-Razem, 28. According to investigations conducted by PCHR, at approximately 20:00, al-Razem and three of her children, whose ages are between four and ten, were on her way back home from her brother's house near "Kiryat Arab" settlement, southeast of Hebron. Six Israeli settlers intercepted and provoked her. She swore at them and cried. An Israeli military vehicle arrived at the area and the settlers complained to the officer about the woman. Immediately, Israeli troops arrested her and ordered the children to leave the area. They was interrogated and detained until 10:00 on the following day.

• On Wednesday morning, 28 July 2010, Israeli troops stationed at Tayaseer checkpoint, east of Tubas, arrested Zakaria Khaled Bani 'Ouda, from Tammoun village.

5. Measures Aimed at Creating a Jewish Demographic Majority in Jerusalem

Israel has recently escalated arbitrary measures against Palestinian civilians in East Jerusalem in order to force them to leave the city. PCHR has devoted this section in the Weekly Report to highlighting violations of human rights perpetrated by IOF against Palestinian civilians in East Jerusalem.

• At approximately 12:00 on Sunday, 25 July 2010, officials of the Israeli Municipality of Jerusalem, accompanied by officials of the Property Tax Department, waged a wide-scale campaign against Palestinian stores in Shu'fat village, northeast of Jerusalem. They searched Palestinian stores and verified their licenses and documents, creating significant tension in the area.

• At approximately 08:30 on Tuesday, 27 July 2010, officials of the Israeli Municipality of Jerusalem waged a campaign against Palestinian street vendors. Dozens of officials, accompanied by the Israeli police, were deployed in the streets and they attacked streets vendors and confiscated their goods. It should be noted that the Israeli Municipality of Jerusalem wages repeated campaigns against streets vendors and traders in an attempt to exert economic pressure on Palestinian civilians in the city. Similary, at approximately 12:30 on Tuesday, the Israeli police imposed a fine of 1,000 NIS (approximately US$270) on a Palestinian civilian from the Abu Gharbiya family, claiming that he placed his goods on the street without permission.

5. Settlement Activities and Attacks by Settlers against Palestinian Civilians and Property

Israel has continued its settlement activities in the OPT in violation of international humanitarian law, and Israeli settlers have continued to pchrgaza.org/portal/en/index.php?vie… 8/10 29/07/2010 Weekly Report On Israeli Human Rig… attack Palestinian civilians and property.

• At approximately 01:00 on Monday, 26 July 2010, dozens of Israeli settlers, escorted by IOF, moved into the east of Nablus. They conducted Jewish rituals in Joseph Tomb and left the area at approximately 05:00.

• At approximately 06:00 on Monday. 26 July 2010, dozens of Israeli settlers from "Brakha" settlement, south of Nablus, attacked Palestinian homes in the northwest of Bourin village, south of the Nablus. They threw stones at houses and set fire to the area around them. A number of olive trees were burnt and windows of a number of homes were broken. A number of Palestinian civilians confronted the settlers by throwing stones at them. A Palestinian civilian, Ibrahim 'Aadel 'Abed, was injured in the head when his house was attacked by stones.

• Also at approximately 06:00 on Monday, 26 July 2010, dozens of Israeli settlers from "Yits'har" settlement, south of Nablus, attacked and threw stones at Palestinian houses in the west of Hawara village, south of Nablus. No injuries were reported. • At approximately 11:30 on Monday, 26 July 2010, IOF moved into Ethna village, northwest of Hebron. They handed written notices issued by the Higher Organization Council of the Israeli Civil Administration to Palestinian civilians ordering a halt on construction works for six houses and an agricultural barrack. These buildings include:

1. A 185-square-meter, two-storey house belonging to Nayef Mohammed al-Tumaizi, in which three families, including nineteen individuals, live; 2. A 125-square-meter house belonging to Daoud Nayef al-Tumaizi, in which five individuals live; 3. A 130-square-meter, house currently under construction belonging to 'Abbas Nayef al-Tumaizi; 4. A 150-square-meter, two-storey house currently under construction belonging to 'Arafat Nayef al-Tumaizi; 5. A 110-square-meter house belonging to Sabri Mohammed al-Tumaizi, in which five individuals live; 6. A 130-square-meter, house currently under construction belonging to Mohammed Sami al-Tumaizi; and 7. A 300-square-meter barrack belonging to Nayef Mohammed al-Tumaizi.

It should be noted that IOF have continued their campaign against Palestinian construction in Area "C' (under full Israeli control according to the Oslo Accords). According to Jamal 'Ali Tumaizi, Mayor of Ethna, the targeted houses are located near the Annexation Wall.

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Recommendations to the International Community

1. PCHR calls upon the High Contracting Parties to the Fourth Geneva Convention to fulfill their legal and moral obligations under Article 1 of the Convention to ensure Israel's respect for the Convention in the Occupied Palestinian Territory. PCHR believes that the conspiracy of silence practiced by the international community has encouraged Israel to act as if it is above the law and encourages Israel continue to violate international human rights and humanitarian law.

2. PCHR calls upon the High Contracting Parties to the Fourth Geneva Convention to convene a conference to take effective steps to ensure Israel's respect of the Convention in the OPT and to provide immediate protection for Palestinian civilians.

3. PCHR calls upon the High Contracting Parties to the Fourth Geneva Convention to comply with its legal obligations detailed in Article 146 of the Convention to search for and prosecute those responsible for grave breaches, namely war crimes.

4. PCHR calls for the immediate implementation of the Advisory Opinion issued by the International Court of Justice, which considers the construction of the Annexation Wall inside the West Bank illegal.

5. PCHR recommends international civil society organizations, including human rights organizations, bar associations and NGOs to participate in the process of exposing those accused of grave breaches of international law and to urge their governments to bring these people to justice.

6. PCHR calls upon the European Union to activate Article 2 of the Euro-Israel Association Agreement, which provides that Israel must respect human rights as a precondition for economic cooperation between the EU states and Israel. PCHR further calls upon the EU states to prohibit import of goods produced in illegal Israeli settlements in the OPT.

7. PCHR calls on the international community to recognize the Gaza disengagement plan, which was implemented in September 2005, for what it is—not an end to occupation but a compounding of the occupation and the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip.

8. In recognition of ICRC as the guardian of the Fourth Geneva Convention, PCHR calls upon the ICRC to increase its staff and activities in the OPT, including the facilitation of family visitations to Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails.

9. PCHR appreciates the efforts of international civil society, including human rights organizations, bar associations, unions and NGOs, and urges them to continue their role in pressuring their governments to secure Israel's respect for human rights in the OPT and to end its attacks on Palestinian civilians.

10. PCHR calls upon the international community to pressure Israel to lift the severe restrictions imposed by the Israeli government and its occupation forces on access for international organizations to the OPT.

11. PCHR reiterates that any political settlement not based on international human rights law and humanitarian law cannot lead to a peaceful and just solution of the Palestinian question. Rather, such an arrangement can only lead to further suffering and instability in the region. Any peace agreement or process must be based on respect for international law, including international human rights and humanitarian law.

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Public Document For further information please visit our website (www.pchrgaza.org) or contact PCHR’s office in Gaza City, Gaza Strip by email ( [email protected] ) or telephone (+972 (0)8 282 4776 – 282 5893).

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