Christian Peacemaker T eams - Palestine

Incident Report April - September 2017

• CHILDREN UNDER OCCUPATION • ADULTS UNDER OCCUPATION • USE OF FORCE • SETTLER VIOLENCE •

Christian Peacemaker Teams Palestine is a faith-based organization that supports Palestinian-led, non-violent, grassroots resistance to the Israeli occupation and the unjust structures that uphold it. By working with local Palestinian and Israeli peacemakers and educating people in our home communities we strive to help create a space for justice and peace.

MARCH 2015 REPORT: USE OF FORCE Christian Peacemaker Teams APR. – SEP. 2017 INCIDENT REPORT christian peacemaker teams

DEFINITIONS &

CONSIDERATIONS

This incident report contains data put a premium on making it difficult to This is home to approximately 37,000 collected over six months in al- tabulate accurate information. It’s and 750 Israeli settlers. Khalil/ from April through important to review how these dynamics These areas were decided upon within September 2017. The report is broken shape our work and how we report. the 1997 Hebron Protocol. down into five main sections: Children Israeli laws and definitions are Under Occupation, Adults Under manipulated, changed and created by In addition to the basic restriction of Occupation, Checkpoint Activity, Settler the state of Israel to maintain a moral movement imposed by the Israeli military Violence, and Human Rights Observers. façade, to perpetuate claims such as the installations, Israeli forces violate the “only democracy in the Middle East,” and rights of Palestinians on a daily basis. These data sets are not interpretative or as having “the most moral army in the These violations include unwarranted analytical, as each instance represents a world.” bag and body searches, detention, arrest, violation of human rights. Nor do we use of force, and injuries. necessarily find it helpful to demonstrate For instance, while Israeli military law mathematical linkages between variables regards ‘children’ as only those under the The data substantiates extensive to demonstrate trends: all of these age of 12, CPT defines a ‘child’ as a person anecdotal testimony from Palestinians of figures are the product of a system of under the age of 18, in accordance with all ages and walks of life, which asserts violence and oppression that shapes the international legal frameworks. that Palestinians face daily systemic and contours of life in al-Khalil. Linking spikes structural oppression in everyday life. and drops in oppression to holidays and CPT rejects the judicial frameworks of the the political environment is useful in Israeli state, which consistently ID checks are instances in which Israeli providing context, but it does not provide disregards international law. Please note military force Palestinians to submit their a comprehensive analysis of data. It is the that the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) is a identification cards and inspect their simple documentation of routine human name not used by CPT due to the misuse records within a twenty-minute time rights abuse and the real stories of of the word ‘defense.’ CPT refers to them frame. Many Palestinians are verbally families’ suffering that will ultimately as the Israeli military or occupation and physically harassed during these force people to demand change and take forces. checks. Body searches are incidents in action. which Israeli soldiers arbitrarily force The information provided is the Palestinians to expose their bodies In composing these reports, the reader documentation of each instance of a without their consent. This often includes must be aware of CPT’s limitations in human rights violation by the Israeli lifting up their shirt, turning around in a developing and maintaining military and Israeli settlers, witnessed by circle, lifting up their pant legs to expose comprehensive data. Several dynamics CPT or through direct testimonies. These their ankles, and other times it includes come into play: (1) CPT has limited staff violations took place in two different being pushed up against a wall as an and resources to document all the areas within al-Khalil: Israeli soldier kicks their legs apart and human rights infractions; (2) not all the pats down their whole body. Detentions institutions that compile data use H1: Under the control of the Palestinian are understood as moments in which the international law as the basis for Authority and home to approximately Israeli military stops Palestinians and documentation; CPT uses international 120,000 Palestinians. delays their movement for longer than law as well as knowledge of current H2: Under Israeli military control due to twenty minutes. CPT considers a child conditions to develop definitions that can the proximity of illegal Israeli settlements detained if their movement is stopped most clearly represent the reality on the to Palestinian neighbourhoods. for more than 5 minutes. CPT defines ground; and (3) CPT is also operating in arrest as occurring when a person is the context of a military regime that has seized and taken into custody.

APR. – SEP. REPORT: DEFINTIONS AND CONSIDERATIONS Christian Peacemaker Teams

This systematic and structural oppression is marked by Israel’s consistent violation of at least five of the basic rights outlined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights:

❖ Article 3: Everyone has the right to life, liberty and security of person. ❖ Article 5: No one shall be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment. ❖ Article 9: No one shall be subjected to arbitrary arrest, detention or exile. ❖ Article 13: Everyone has the right to freedom of movement and residence within the borders of each State. ❖ Article 17: Everyone has the right to own property alone as well as in association with others. No one shall be arbitrarily deprived of his property.

The following information highlights the breaches of these articles and the systematic oppression of the Palestinian people.

Christian Peacemaker Teams APR. – SEP. 2017 INCIDENT REPORT

CHILDREN UNDER

OCCUPATION

Children under occupation in al-Khalil Article 2 (b) No child shall be deprived of his or her face the daily threat of detainment and 1. States Parties shall respect and ensure liberty unlawfully or arbitrarily. The arrest, which remains a tactic of the rights set forth in the present arrest, detention or imprisonment of a collective punishment and restriction of Convention to each child within their child shall be in conformity with the law movement by the Israeli forces. In this jurisdiction without discrimination of any and shall be used only as a measure of reporting period, CPT witnessed children kind, irrespective of the child's or his or last resort and for the shortest from 11 to 17 years old taken from their her parent's or legal guardian's race, appropriate period of time; (c) Every homes, from the streets, as well as from colour, sex, language, religion, political or child deprived of liberty shall be treated incidents such as clashes, where Israeli other opinion, national, ethnic or social with humanity and respect for the forces advance into Palestinian origin, property, disability, birth or other inherent dignity of the human person, controlled areas and ambush and arrest status. and in a manner which takes into account several children at once. The physical and 2. States Parties shall take all appropriate the needs of persons of his or her age. In psychological violence that children measures to ensure that the child is particular, every child deprived of liberty experience under the circumstances of protected against all forms of shall be separated from adults unless it is detainment and arrest, as well as their discrimination or punishment on the considered in the child's best interest not treatment within the Israeli military basis of the status, activities, expressed to do so and shall have the right to court system result in violations of many opinions, or beliefs of the child's parents, maintain contact with his or her family protections provided in the Convention legal guardians, or family members. through correspondence and visits, save on the Rights of the Child. This Article 37 in exceptional circumstances; (d) Every Convention was ratified by the United States Parties shall ensure that: (a) No child deprived of his or her liberty shall Nations General Assembly in November child shall be subjected to torture or have the right to prompt access to legal 1989, and by Israel itself in 1991. Israeli other cruel, inhuman or degrading and other appropriate assistance, as well forces’ treatment of children violates treatment or punishment. Neither as the right to challenge the legality of basic human rights as well as specific capital punishment nor life the deprivation of his or her liberty protections in relation to inhuman imprisonment without possibility of before a court or other competent, treatment and torture, as found in the release shall be imposed for offences independent and impartial authority, following articles: committed by persons below eighteen and to a prompt decision on any such years of age; action.

APR. – SEP. REPORT: CHILDREN UNDER OCCUPATION Christian Peacemaker Teams

and frustration When reasons are given for detainment through abuse of children, the most common and control. For accusations are stone throwing and example, on 23 possession of weapons, although these April 2017 at claims are often false, based on 11:45am, Israeli generalized evidence, and consistently soldiers detained criminalize young boys for their three young resistance to daily harassment. Some males for at least 45 minutes. They such incidents documented by CPT were brought include the following: On Monday, 1 into the military May, a 16 year old boy was detained and base at Bab al- questioned by Israeli soldiers from the Baladyeh and Golani brigade while the soldiers were on surrounded by patrol in H2. The boy was found sitting While a significant number of incidents soldiers. On 17 May, two boys, 12 and 13 outside talking with friends when involving children occur at checkpoints years old, were brought by Israeli soldiers soldiers grabbed his arm and forced him during their travel to school, these from the Old City into the military base to walk with them into the military base incidents are recorded in a separate and held inside for one hour and 38 report and thus not included in the data at Bab al-Baladyeh. He was shown a minutes. The soldiers would not reveal a here. photo of himself at a clash from the reason for the detainment. On 19 May, at As always, violations were frequent and previous week and questioned about 6:45pm a 17 year old boy was detained the presence of the Israeli military was throwing stones, though he was not inside the military base for two hours. nearly constant in the Old City. Both the The same day, at 9:30pm, a 13 year old holding any stones in the photo. The boy changing of Israeli military brigades and boy was stopped by Golani soldiers out was released after 20 minutes. Similarly, the overall political environment in al- on patrol; the soldiers forced him to on 21 June at 10:00pm, Israeli soldiers Khalil are worth noting as context to the stand against a wall, asking him, “Where detained a 12 year old boy, claiming they abuses documented. The Golani brigade is the knife?” However, no knife was had a video of the boy throwing stones is known for its particularly aggressive found and the boy was eventually let go. and tomatoes at soldiers. He was put and violent treatment of Palestinians, On 10 June at 1:20pm a 12 year old boy into a dark room and shown a video targeting and abusing children and other was taken into the military base and held members of the community. Israeli similar to this description, but he for several hours before being released forces often created heightened tension informed the soldiers it was not him and to his family. throughout the city due to their was released at 5:00am the next He was accused of throwing stones, objections to the Palestinian political morning. though no evidence was provided. prisoners Hunger Strike in May, the increased traffic of Palestinians through the Old City during Ramadan, and demonstrations related to restrictions at Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem in July.

CHILD DETAINMENT CPT has documented a total of 15 child detainments within the reporting period; four in April of 2017, six in May, seven in June, and zero in July, August, and September. Children are regularly stopped, questioned, and detained for minutes or hours. Israeli forces justify many of their actions by claiming it is for the sake of security, though this arbitrary detainment remains a method of punishing and controlling Palestinian communities, an attempt at inciting fear APR. – SEP. REPORT: CHILDREN UNDER OCCUPATION Christian Peacemaker Teams

In addition to arbitrary detainment and Palestinian controlled H1. Though CPT stones. He was blindfolded and taken restriction of movement, CPT has cannot document every incident of child into the base at Bab al-Baladyeh. witnessed and taken testimonies of arrest in al-Khalil, the conditions of both incidents of physical and psychological detainment and arrest documented here 2 June 2017 – Israeli soldiers arrested a violence against children during the consistently mirror data from the 17 year old Palestinian boy. Witnesses times that they are held. This includes broader context of occupied Palestine. say the boy was hit during the arrest, children being handcuffed, blindfolded, after which he was taken into the military and forced to squat on the ground, as According to Defense for Children base. well as the use of intimidation tactics International - Palestine, 500 – 700 during interrogations, such as shouting, Palestinian children are detained and 4 June 2017 – A 15 year old boy was placing children in dark rooms, threats prosecuted in the Israeli military court walking through the street with another against the child’s physical safety, threats system each year (DCI-P), while a recent older man when they were stopped by toward family members, and other report from the Israeli Human Rights Israeli soldiers from the Golani brigade. verbal abuse. For example, at 8:30pm on group B’Tselem states that 331 The soldiers claimed that one of them 9 May an 11 year old boy was held Palestinian minors were held in Israeli had a knife; they were both blindfolded without a parent or guardian present prisons at the end of August 2017 and brought into the military base at Bab inside the military base at Bab al- (B’TSELEM). Further, a study published in al-Baladyeh. Baladyeh. When CPT arrived the boy was October 2017 by Military Court Watch being forced to squat on the ground with states that, in 60 cases of child 29 June 2017 – Israeli soldiers arrested a at least four soldiers surrounding him. He detainment and arrest in 2017, 92% had 14 year old Palestinian boy at was released after 20 minutes; soldiers their hands tied, 77% were blindfolded, approximately 7:00pm. The events of the claimed they had confiscated a weapon. and 62% experienced physical abuse arrest are unknown, though the boy was At 10:40am on 13 June, a 16 year old boy (MCW). Palestinian children are tried in charged with having a knife and received was ID checked and searched alongside the Israeli military court system and are a sentence of several months in an Israeli an 18 year old young adult. Both boys considered adults at age 16, while Israeli military prison. were taken into the Avrahim Avinu children who are, in accordance with settlement through the door at Bab al- international law, considered adults at 23 July 2017 – At 2:01pm, Israeli soldiers Khan; the 16 year old had his hands tied 18, are only subject to courts within the stopped, body searched, and questioned behind his back and was forced to squat Israeli Civil Administration. a 16 year old boy outside of his home. down. A soldier shouted at him and The soldiers then grabbed him, one on threatened to beat him. The soldier The following are some incidents of child each side, squeezing both of his arms as taunted the boy and further threatened arrest documented by CPT which show they walked him to the military base in him by reminding him that he was both the systematic nature of such Bab al-Baladyeh. During this time the involved in the arrest of the boy’s older arrests as well as the violence that is soldiers purposefully caused him pain by brother. The 16 year old was released committed against children during their twisting his arm around his back, visibly after an hour and a half of questioning; seizure and interrogation. tightening their hold if the boy tried to the 18 year old was arrested with the move. charge of having a knife. 21 May 2017 – A 13 year old boy was arrested in the street near his house and 23 August 2017 – Three young boys, CHILD ARREST taken by soldiers into the military base at aged 13, 13, and 14 were taken from Children who are arrested in al-Khalil Bab al-Baladyeh. He was later moved to their family home in handcuffs to the face the same violence as those who are Jaabara Police Station and interrogated military base at Bab al-Baladyeh and detained; they are often handcuffed, there, shown a photo of himself throwing were later taken to a police station. The blindfolded, and physically harmed when stones at a clash. Even after his family boys were accused of stone throwing. they are taken, and are then subject to paid his bail, the boy was held in an Israeli These particular arrests resulted in the the discriminatory and violent processes military prison for more than 35 days. closure of the entire street for two hours. of the Israeli military court system. CPT 40 soldiers occupied the streets and no documented a total of 29 child arrests 1 June 2017 – Israeli soldiers arrested a one was allowed to pass through during from April to September 2017, 16 of 14 year old boy near Bab iZaweyeh, that time. which were recorded during clashes in claiming to have a photo of him throwing APR. – SEP. REPORT: CHILDREN UNDER OCCUPATION Christian Peacemaker Teams

12 September 2017 – A young appears that the Israeli military Palestinian man was detained at frequently used these incidents to Abed’s checkpoint in the Old City. The arrest large groups of boys at once, young man was handcuffed and drawing the boys close to their eventually taken from the checkpoint armored jeeps and then violently to a military vehicle and transported taking several at a time, often to the police station in . injuring the boys in the process. CPT documented at least 16 arrests of 20 September 2017 – At least seven this kind. A related tactic used is to Israeli soldiers surrounded a young photograph Palestinians at the boy to arrest him, grabbing him front of a clash and then later around the neck in a strangle hold. attempt to use these photos as Members of the community evidence in accusations of stone attempted to intervene and de-arrest throwing, as can be seen in the the boy, but soldiers ran after the examples from interrogations child, grabbed him again, and forced above. Children suffer further him into a nearby military vehicle. violence in these circumstances such as inhalation of tear gas and VIOLENCE AND EXCESSIVE FORCE injuries from rubber bullets and live Clashes between Israeli occupying ammunition. During almost seven forces and the Palestinian community hours of clashes on 27 April 2017, a erupted several times throughout the tear gas canister was shot directly reporting period. During these at a boy standing on a nearby clashes, Israeli forces advanced into rooftop; the boy almost fell off the roof due to the disorientation caused by the tear gas, Palestinian controlled areas using tear which landed right at his feet. In another clash on 28 April 2017, a mother and infant gas, sound grenades, rubber bullets, along with many bystanders suffered from excessive inhalation of tear gas as they were and live ammunition. In this period, it caught in the midst of the gas being fired. For more information on the clashes themselves and the excessive force used, please see the Use of Force section of this report.

Additional Resources: Military Court Watch is guided by the basic principle that children detained by the Israeli military authorities are entitled to all the rights and protections guaranteed under international law.

Defense for Children International – Palestine DCIP promotes and protects the human rights of Palestinian children. They defend children’s rights by offering free legal aid, documenting violations of international law, and advocating for greater protections.

B’Tselem has championed human rights in the West Bank and Gaza Strip for over two decades, promoting a future where all Israelis and Palestinians will live in freedom and dignity.

Christian Peacemaker Teams APR. – SEP. 2017 INCIDENT REPORT

ADULTS UNDER

OCCUPATION

Under the state of Israel’s military oppression. CPT Palestine documented searched through the vehicle and occupation, Palestinian adults are such an incident on 11 August, when released them after six minutes of subjected to constant threats to their Israeli border police stopped and violent obstruction. livelihood. Every day is a struggle for searched the IDs of four women. Two Arbitrary detentions are also frequently Palestinians as they are pulled aside, were forced to give their bags to border conducted by Israeli forces as they assert searched, beaten, and interrogated by police who searched through their their presence throughout al-Khalil. the Israeli military as they go to work, belongings, another was forced to wait in During detainment, Palestinians are home, and school. This oppression is the heat with her family, including an physically and verbally assaulted, and arbitrarily conducted and often done infant, for at least five minutes. sometimes arrested. without justification as Israeli soldiers Israeli military will often conduct From April to September, CPT Palestine assert their presence in al-Khalil. Such searches and ID checks as Palestinians has documented 27 adult detentions. presence is particularly asserted during travel in their vehicles, thereby On 11 August, an incident of adult daily patrols, when they conduct ID restricting freedom of movement. CPT detention occurred after a 26-year-old checks and body searches. documented such an incident of assault male drove a motorcycle toward a From April to September 2017, CPT on 29 July, when Palestinians drove past checkpoint near Al Haj Ziad Jaber school, Palestine has documented 491 ID checks Israeli soldiers hiding in an alleyway. The where he and his motorcycle were and 390 body searches. On 14 July, such commander of these soldiers stopped searched by Israeli border police. After oppression occurred as Israeli soldiers the vehicle and forced the four approximately 10 minutes, he was arbitrarily checked the IDs of 10 passengers to vacate the car. allowed to cross through the checkpoint, Palestinian men, nine of whom were Once outside the vehicle, Israeli soldiers but he was then detained further on the body searched by the soldiers as they searched the bodies of all the men. other side, where approximately 40 went on a two-hour patrol through Soldiers then lashed out and kicked all of soldiers and border police were Shalala Street in the Old City of al-Khalil. the men in their legs in an effort to force stationed to guard settlers walking on As one man was held for ten minutes, them to widen their legs. The soldiers prayer road. Israeli soldiers prevented two men and several children from walking to their homes. Two days later, Israeli soldiers went on a similar patrol, where they body searched 17 Palestinian men, five of whom had their IDs checked, and three had their bags searched. On another patrol (19 July), Israeli soldiers from the Golani Brigade ID checked 13 Palestinian males, body searched 18 (several of whom were younger than sixteen-years-old), searched through four vehicles, and even searched through one man’s phone, all in the span of forty-five minutes. While Palestinian adult males from the age of 16 to 40 are targeted by the Israeli military for arbitrary searches, adult females are also subjected to this APR. – SEP. REPORT: ADULTS UNDER OCCUPATION Christian Peacemaker Teams

The border police dragged the No justification is needed for Israeli arrested. The soldiers responded, Palestinian man by the neck back to the soldiers and border police to arrest “Because he did everything.” checkpoint and then back to the other Palestinians, and justifications are rarely Military forces also targeted specific side. The man was forced to sit on the given, for Israeli military can arbitrarily individuals who resisted the state of ground, where he was kept for 45 arrest Palestinian adults without due Israel’s military occupation. Such an minutes before Israeli police appeared process or sentencing that international incident of targeted oppression occurred and interrogated him for a further 25 law requires. on 15 July. On this day, a Palestinian tour minutes. After more than an hour of Such an instance of arbitrary arrest guide called CPT, claiming that he was detainment, the police ordered the man occurred on 17 May, when Israeli soldiers being held by Israeli border police while to sign a statement. All of this was arrested an 18-year-old Palestinian. Two he was guiding a tour group through al- conducted because the police found soldiers came at him, stood over him, Ibrahimi Mosque. He reported that he scissors inside of the man’s motorcycle. beat him with their guns, and then was punched by border police and forced Ultimately, the Israeli police confiscated released him. Immediately after release, to return home or face arrest. The border his motorcycle and drove off with it after another soldier pushed him against a police denied him entry because he had he was released. wall, where two soldiers began to choke supposedly made remarks against the him. Soldiers choked him for three state of Israel on Facebook. In addition to detainment, checks, and minutes, preventing him from breathing. searches, the threat of arrest is a He gasped for breath saying, “slow constant reality for Palestinian adults down.” Soldiers dragged him by the neck living in occupied al-Khalil. to the military base in Bab al-Baladyeh, From April to September, CPT Palestine where he was then blindfolded. CPT has documented 19 adult arrests. asked Israeli soldiers why he was Christian Peacemaker Teams APR. – SEP. REPORT: USE OF FORCE Christian Peacemaker Teams APR. – SEP. 2017 INCIDENT REPORT

USE OF FORCE

into H1, stopping cars and continuing to use tear gas and sound grenades. The Palestinian Authority asked them to leave, but the soldiers continued to remain in the area for another 4 hours, eventually using rubber coated steel bullets and firing at least three rounds of live ammunition. Shops were forced to close early and a number of military vehicles positioned themselves near to the al-Manara roundabout. As the military vehicles departed from the area, Israeli soldiers threw sound grenades at passersby, who were merely observing what was going on. Approximately 50 soldiers fired at least 137 sound grenades, 101 tear gas canisters, 3 rounds of live ammunition, and injured 2 Tear gas, sound bombs, rubber bullets provocative act and after people with rubber coated steel bullets. and live ammunition have been demonstrations have taken place. Below commonly used by Israeli forces during is a breakdown of the main incidents 22 September 2017: Approximately 15 this reporting period, presenting a (please note not all incidents are listed soldiers entered H1, proceeding up to al- continuous threat to the health and below) recorded by month and in order Manara Square, firing at least 12 tear gas safety of Palestinians living in both H1 & of the highest amount of force used: canisters and 17 sound grenades. Live H2 of al-Khalil. Between April and ammunition and rubber coated steel September 2017, CPT recorded 25 September saw the highest use of force, bullets were also used. incidents where such force was used by with 320 incidents recorded. CPT found a the Israeli military against Palestinian direct correlation between Israeli 29 September 2017: A group of 20 Israeli civilians. military patrols into H1 and the amount soldiers exited out of Checkpoint 56 into Over 50% of these incidents occurred in of force used. After the announcement the Bab iZaweyeh area and threw 4 H1 during clashes, with a high number of of the creation of a Settler Municipality, sound grenades at a group of young children present. On some occasions the patrols into H1 became a daily practice boys. Palestinian press was present, but deployment of force is used in response by the Israeli military, whereas in the soldiers threatened them at gun to children or youth throwing stones at previous months these patrols took place point, forcing them to leave. The group the reinforced Checkpoint 56. Palestinian once a week on average. then proceeded further into H1, children are subjected to the violence of throwing a further 22 sound grenades the occupation every day of their lives, 20 September 2017: A group of Israeli and firing 4 tear gas canisters and rubber and years of frustration, violation, and soldiers entered H1 at the top of the coated steel bullets, which injured 3 the absence of safe places to play lead vegetable market in Bab iZaweyeh. As it people. some to pick up a stone and throw it at was a working day, shops were open, and the towering checkpoints. However, the streets were busy. The soldiers 3 September 2017: Six soldiers patrolled during this reporting period, the majority arbitrarily threw sound grenades and into H1 up to Bab iZaweyeh, remaining in of clashes have occurred after groups of fired tear gas at groups of people going the area for 20 minutes. After this, 2 soldiers patrolled into H1 as a about their day. They proceeded further stones were thrown by children. The APR. – SEP. REPORT: USE OF FORCE Christian Peacemaker Teams soldiers threw 4 sound grenades into a canister as he stood on a roof, almost Square and Ibn Rushd. Many Palestinians residential area by the Ali Bakka Mosque falling off due to disorientation. suffered from excessive tear gas before departing toward Bab al- Paramedics recorded 10 people being inhalation. One person was reportedly Baladyeh. shot by rubber coated steel bullets and 2 shot by live ammunition and a mother people were shot with live ammunition; and her baby were caught amongst the 15 September 2017: Following a all were admitted to Alia Hospital. CPT firing of tear gas and were taken by car to peaceful demonstration by “Dismantle recorded at least 44 tear gas canisters the hospital. CPT recorded at least 45 the Ghetto,” approximately 30 Israeli and 51 sound grenades used by Israeli tear gas canisters and 56 sound grenades soldiers pushed demonstrators back forces. used by the Israeli military. from Bab al-Baladyeh up to Bab iZaweyeh. A skunk truck proceeded up 27 April 2017: Israeli soldiers threw a 19 May 2017: Soldiers and border police the street behind soldiers but was not sound grenade at the emergency unit of advanced past Ibn Rushd in H1, firing at used. 4 sound grenades were fired. the Hebron Governmental Hospital, least 18 tear gas canisters, 69 sound shattering its windows. Undercover grenades, and shooting at least one boy April and May saw a high use of force, Israeli soldiers entered the premises and with a rubber coated steel bullet. Skunk with 158 incidents recorded in April and abducted five young men, beating them water was also sprayed several times in 288 in May. On 17 April 2017, before taking them to an unknown different areas of H1. approximately 1500 Palestinian location. prisoners in Israeli prisons and detention 22 May 2017: A general strike was called centers declared a hunger strike to call 28 April 2017: A Friday prayer was across the West Bank in support of the for family visits, proper medical care and conducted in Ibn Rushd Square, where hunger strike and in opposition to U.S. an end to detaining Palestinians without people gathered to support the relatives President Donald Trump’s visit to Israel. charge or trial. of those on hunger strike. Afterward, Clashes broke out in Bab iZaweyeh for over 100 Israeli soldiers and riot police four hours after young boys threw stones A ‘Day of Rage' was called by Fatah and entered Bab iZaweyeh, H1, shooting tear at Checkpoint 56. Border police and the national committee to take place on gas, sound grenades, rubber coated steel Israeli military advanced into H1 and 28 April, as well as a strike on 27 April. bullets, live ammunition, and skunk fired 50 sounds bombs, 12 tear gas The hunger strike continued for 41 days water at a crowd of Palestinians. The canisters, 9 rubber bullets, and at least 2 and was suspended on 27 May. In soldiers proceeded up to al-Manara rounds of live ammunition. 17 year old response to the hunger strike, demonstrations took place in al-Khalil and clashes erupted between Palestinian youth and the Israeli military, where the majority of force was used.

27 April 2017: Israeli soldiers entered H1, Bab iZaweyeh, immediately firing tear gas, sound grenades, rubber coated steel bullets and live ammunition toward predominantly Palestinian youths. There were many who suffered from excessive tear gas inhalation and one boy was hit by a tear gas APR. – SEP. REPORT: USE OF FORCE Christian Peacemaker TeamsTeams

Amjad Natsheh was shot in the 21 July 2017: Clashes erupted in Bab USE OF FORCE head with a rubber bullet and iZaweyeh up to Ibn Rushd from about The numbers presented here are the result of taken to the hospital. A 20 year old 1:30pm to 6:30pm after demonstrations direct monitoring by CPT field workers on the ground. Only instances where CPTers were man was shot in the leg with live took place in protest of Israel’s tightening present and could visually confirm instances of ammunition. of access restrictions to Jerusalem’s al- the use of force were recorded. These numbers only represent a portion of the overall use of Aqsa Mosque. Israeli soldiers shot many force by Israeli military and border police in al- May 2017: A march took place rounds of tear gas, sound bombs, live Khalil. from Ibn Rushd down to Bab ammunition, and rubber bullets. The APRIL iZaweyeh after Friday Prayers in skunk truck sprayed skunk water several Tear Gas • 68 canisters solidarity with hunger strikers, times and far into H1. Sound Bombs • 77 grenades during which time the Israeli At least 10 Palestinians were wounded Skunk Water • 1 incident military entered H1, Bab with live ammunition; one young man Rubber Bullets • 10 incidents iZaweyeh, with three army jeeps shot in stomach, another near the heart Live Ammunition • 2 incidents and a skunk water truck. Soldiers and others in the leg and feet. Many other Palestinians were injured by MAY spread out on rooftops and in alleyways firing sound grenades, rubber coated steel bullets and suffered Tear Gas • 44 canisters excessive tear gas inhalation. Red tear gas and rubber coated steel Sound Bombs • 225 grenades Crescent ambulances were ready at the bullets, with many suffering from Skunk Water • 8 incidents back of the clashes and were constantly Rubber Bullets • 2 incidents excessive tear gas inhalation. driving in to retrieve those who were Live Ammunition • 2 incidents Clashes continued all afternoon injured and bring them to the hospital. until around 8:00pm. CPT Israeli forces stormed the Alia Hospital JUNE recorded at least 14 tear gas and occupied the entrance there; it is Tear Gas • 0 canisters canisters and 35 sound grenades unknown if anyone was arrested or Sound Bombs • 3 grenades used by Israeli forces. Skunk water injured in this hospital raid. All the roads Skunk Water • 0 incidents was also sprayed several times, were blocked off from Bab iZaweyeh to Rubber Bullets • 0 incidents including over produce in a Ibn Rushd. CPT recorded at least 41 tear Live Ammunition • 0 incidents vegetable market. gas canisters and 80 sound grenades JULY used by Israeli forces.

Tear Gas • 88 canisters July was another month that The main incidents listed above indicate Sound Bombs • 125 grenades witnessed a high use of force by that the force used by the Israeli forces Skunk Water • 7 incidents Israeli forces, with 241 incidents Rubber Bullets • 5 incidents during this reporting period constitutes a recorded. On 14 July 2017, two Live Ammunition • 6 incidents disproportionate response. Children and Israeli border policemen were youth throw stones at fortified AUGUST shot by Arab-Israelis near the checkpoints, therefore posing no threat Tear Gas • 3 canisters Temple Mount complex in to Israeli soldiers or border police who Sound Bombs • 4 grenades Jerusalem. In response, Israeli remain on the inside of the checkpoint. Skunk Water • 0 incidents authorities closed the Temple Rubber Bullets • 0 incidents Furthermore, the use of sound bombs Mount complex, which includes Live Ammunition • 0 incidents and tear gas affects all persons nearby, the al-Aqsa Mosque, cancelling and therefore functions as a form of SEPTEMBER Friday Prayers there and raiding collective punishment. For instance, a Tear Gas • 141 canisters the Mosque. Israeli forces sound bomb deafens everyone in its Sound Bombs • 171 grenades implemented metal detectors and range, including young children, and Skunk Water • 0 incidents further restrictions around the Rubber Bullets • 5 incidents skunk water is sprayed around entire Mosque area and demonstrations Live Ammunition • 3 incidents neighbourhoods, which affects all took place in al-Khalil to protest residents and ruins merchandise, further Israel’s tightening of access causing shopkeepers to lose income. restrictions. A ‘Day of Rage’ was called by Fatah to take place on 21 July 2017.

APR. – SEP. REPORT: USE OF FORCE Christian Peacemaker Teams

Acts of Collective Punishment violate Article 33 of the Fourth Geneva Convention, which states that

“Individual responsibility, collective penalties, pillage, reprisals. No protected person may be punished for an offense he or she has not personally committed. Collective penalties and likewise all measures of intimidation or of terrorism are prohibited.”

It must also be restated here that many of the incidents occurred when Israeli forces patrolled into H1 and would use force as a form of crowd control, rather than in retaliation to stone throwing; this indicates that the use of force is more a show of power rather than a necessary protective act.

Christian Peacemaker Teams APR. – SEP. 2017 INCIDENT REPORT

CHECKPOINT

ACTIVITIES

Permanent checkpoints, temporary around. The fence and checkpoints, road blocks, and other gate are in close physical obstructions are all used by the proximately to State of Israel to restrict Palestinians’ Checkpoint 29/Salaymeh, freedom of movement and to ensure making this an additional that it maintains control over the West barrier for residents Bank. These restrictions are in direct trying to get to work or violation of Article 13 of the Universal school. Declaration of Human Rights: “Everyone has the right to freedom of movement 2. In the and residence within the borders of each neighborhood, 2 new state.” Israel justifies it’s use of fortified checkpoints have checkpoints by claiming that these are been constructed, adding “security measures” protecting settlers even further restrictions living in Palestinian neighborhoods from in the area. Tel Rumeida Palestinian violence. However, these was declared a closed “security measures” have created a military zone in system of apartheid, where Palestinians November 2015, meaning suffer restrictions based on their race. that only Palestinian residents registered impacts that these obstructions have on with the Israeli army can pass through everyday life: As of 30 September 2017, there are over the checkpoints to access their homes. 100 physical obstacles, including 22 These Palestinian residents are assigned ECONOMIC permanently staffed checkpoints and 14 numbers, which Israeli soldiers check Closures, ID checks, and body searches partial checkpoints within H2. During this against pieces of paper to grant or deny regularly impede Palestinians as they reporting period, the Israeli military have access. travel to and from work. Not only are heightened restrictions for Palestinians people denied or delayed, but to even further limit their movement and 3. A newly constructed checkpoint in the checkpoints make it difficult or access: Wadi al-Hussein area was opened on 1st impossible to transport tools and work September, also the first day of Islamic materials throughout different areas of 1. In May 2017, a 50-meter fence with a holiday Eid al-Adha. The checkpoint occupied al-Khalil. This also slows or prevents repairs and the building of gate was installed by Israeli authorities stands roughly 200 meters from the infrastructure, and limits access to around the Gaith/Salaymeh entrance to the Kiryat Arba settlement materials and resources needed. In this neighborhood, separating around 1,800 and looms adjacent to Palestinian homes way, checkpoints restrict daily Palestinians from the rest of H2. Israeli and land. movement and tasks associated with the border police at the adjacent Bakery labor force, but also serve as a part of Checkpoint are alerted to Palestinian Checkpoints are a main gateway for Israel’s strategy to limit Palestinians’ residents going into and out of the gate many Palestinians to obtain direct access ability to build an economy. In H2 of al- by a high-pitched beeping sensor, to their homes, workplace, places of Khalil, checkpoints have the additional resulting in those passing through being worship and basic needs. At these impact of deterring people from called over for an arbitrary ID check, checkpoints, Palestinians face traveling to the Old City, thus slowing the body search or questioning. Further, the humiliating treatment by Israeli border sale of goods, limiting the need for border police can close the gate at any police and soldiers, including delays, services, and causing continual economic time, leaving residents uncertain of body searches, bag searches, ID checks, decline. whether they will be able to have access detainments, and arrests. Below are the or will need to take a longer route APR. – SEP. REPORT: CHECKPOINT ACTIVITIES Christian Peacemaker Teams

This violates a number of provisions of week. During this time and many others, stated in Article 26 of the Universal international law found in the people are delayed by ID checks, bag Declaration of Human Rights. On a International Covenant on Economic, searches, and body searches, and number of occasions, the principal of a Social, and Cultural Rights to which Israel frequently denied entry to pray. These boy’s school in the Old City of al-Khalil is party to. In particular, Article 1.1, “All restrictions, along with the daily abuse has reported that checkpoints inhibit the peoples have the right of self- and intimidation that accompany them, school’s ability to make necessary repairs determination. By virtue of that right are in violation of Article 18 of the to classrooms and play areas, also they freely determine their political Universal Declaration of Human rights, prohibiting the transport of food and status and freely pursue their economic, which states, “Everyone has the right to other resources necessary for social and cultural development,” and freedom of thought, conscience and educational and recreational activities. Article 6.1, “The States Parties to the religion; this right includes freedom to The restriction of movement and grave present Covenant recognize the right to change his religion or belief, and violations of the rights of children work, which includes the right of freedom, either alone or in community through delays, bag searches, and body everyone to the opportunity to gain his with others and in public or private, to searches remain a constant concern for living by work which he freely chooses or manifest his religion or belief in teaching, children who travel to and from school accepts, and will take appropriate steps practice, worship and observance.” For through checkpoints. to safeguard this right.” example, in this reporting period more than 217 people had their IDs checked by For more information FREEDOM OF RELIGION Israeli border police as they entered the about Israeli checkpoints Palestinians living in al-Khalil must pass mosque to pray. and closure obstacles, visit through at least two and as many as the United Nations Office three checkpoints in order to enter al- EDUCATION for the Coordination of Ibrahimi Mosque for prayers. CPT Checkpoints further limit access to Humanitarian Affairs monitors these checkpoints during travel education for Palestinian children, in (OCHA). to and from Friday Zhur prayers each violation of the right to education as

Christian Peacemaker Teams APR. – SEP. 2017 INCIDENT REPORT

SETTLER VIOLENCE

Al-Khalil is the only area in the West Bank 5. Avraham Avinu: Located in H2 al-Khalil neighbourhoods means settler attacks that contains illegal Israeli settlements (Old City), this settlement was are common. Harassment, verbal and adjacent to and within Palestinian established in the early 1980’s and has a physical violence are a frequent neighbourhoods. According to population of approximately 200 occurrence. Settlements in al-Khalil are international law, Israeli settlements are settlers. home to radical fundamentalists who in direct violation of Article 49 of the 6. Beit HaShalom/Beit Al-Rajabi: Located promote anti-Palestinian ideologies – Fourth Geneva Convention, which states between Kiryat Arba and the Old City; this contributes the most to the high that it is illegal for an occupying power to settlers moved into this Palestinian level of violence in the city. The settler “deport or transfer parts of its own building in 2014. violence is aimed at creating enough civilian population into the territory it 7. Abu Rajab House: this house was discomfort for Palestinian families to occupies” and also breaches Article 55 of stolen in August 2017 after settlers leave the neighbouring areas they The Hague Regulations, which states that entered and moved into the building. 15 inhabit. the occupying power should safeguard settler families now live in this building - occupied properties and maintain the please see below for more information. ABU RAJAB HOUSE status quo. The Abu Rajab house is located near al- There are six illegal Israeli settlements in The close proximity of illegal Israeli Ibrahimi mosque. The Abu Rajab family the al-Khalil area, as well as the Abu settlements to Palestinian has resided in this building for 50 years. Rajab house, which has been disputed since 2012:

1. Kiryat Arba: Situated on the outskirts of al-Khalil, this illegal settlement was founded in 1968 and has 7,200 Israeli settlers residing there. 2. Beit Hadassah: Located in H2 al-Khalil (Old City), and established as a settlement in 1979. There are approximately 20 families living within this complex. 3. Beit Romano: Located in H2 al-Khalil (Old City), this became a settlement in 1983 and contains a Yeshiva school, which was built on-top of what was once a Palestinian boys school and an Israeli military camp, which was a Palestinian bus station. There are approximately 200 settlers living within this settlement. 4. Tel Rumeida: Located in H2 on an archeological site next to a Palestinian neighbourhood, it overlooks the Old City. It was established in 1984 and has a population of approximately 200 settlers. APR.APR. – SEP. REPORT: Settler Violence Christian Peacemaker Teams

Hebrew and dancing. Settlers roamed at will throughout the house including going up on the roof top. CPT and other international monitoring teams were unable to get close enough to the house to ask questions or offer assistance to the Palestinian family as only settlers and Israeli forces were allowed on the road near the house. Scores of Israeli settlers, including women and children, occupied the Abu Rajab house with the protection of more than 100 Israeli border police, soldiers, and police officers. They occupied the whole house including the rooftop. Multiple Israeli flags were hung from the Palestinian home. In addition, more than 60 males carrying Israeli flags danced and sang in Hebrew outside the house. The parking lot across the street from the Abu Rajab house was full of coaches and Israeli military and police vehicles.

9 August 2017: A group of approximately one hundred settlers and tourists marched from Shuhada street with Israeli flags to demonstrate around the Palestinian home of the Jaber family. Israeli soldiers guarded the settlers and tourists during the approximately thirty minutes long demonstration. Settlers Their home has been under dispute since likely impose further restrictions on and tourists shouted and cursed at a 2012 when Israeli settlers forcibly tried movement in the area. In July of 2017, couple of Palestinians observing the to take over the building, claiming they settlers once again occupied part of the demonstration. One demonstrator had purchased it from the Rajab family. building, as is documented in the shouted at a Palestinian, "You will be In January 2013 the Israeli civil incident below. 15 settler families defeated." After this demonstration, the administration found that the settlers did currently remain on the second and third settlers and tourists went to the not have the required permit to purchase floors of the Abu Rajab house, though synagogue garden, and then to a concert. the building. The settlers were evicted at they were ordered to evacuate by Israeli this time, but have been trying to gain authorities toward the end of August GENERAL VIOLENCE ownership of the property since then. 2017. The Rajab family remains living on 29 May 2017: A group of settler children The location of the house is particularly the first floor. yelled insults at Palestinians in their important to freedom of movement for shops, by the bottom of al-Ibrahimi Palestinians, as it is situated near 25 July 2017: Early in the evening a group Mosque. The settler children pushed Checkpoint 209 and between two of settlers came to the Abu Rajab house. over a shop keeper’s table, destroying Palestinian schools. Hundreds of children With the protection of Israeli soldiers, 200 shekels worth of items. The soldiers must walk by the house in order to travel border police, and police, multiple nearby did not intervene. to school; if the house continues to be settlers including children entered the occupied by settlers, this puts the Abu Rajab house. Scores more gathered 31 May 2017: Six soldiers went to a children in danger of attacks and would outside the house chanting songs in Palestinian home located next to the APR. – SEP. REPORT: Settler Violence Christian Peacemaker Teams settlement of Beit Hadassah at 10:30pm. of the settlers still standing on the roof. settler community in al-Khalil, claiming Four soldiers stood at the bottom of the The children left the area and did not ethno-nationalist ownership. Israeli stairs talking with the father of the return to play. soldiers will invade Palestinian homes to house, while two others stood at the end use their rooftops to watch over the of the street blocking CPT from SETTLER INCURSION settler incursion, and often Palestinians monitoring. At this time, settlers from The settler incursion takes place every are prevented by Israeli soldiers from Beit Hadassah dropped a ball into the Saturday afternoon, where a group of moving freely throughout the Old City. In Palestinian front yard; the family settlers, prospective settlers, and general, the settler incursion creates a returned it to the settlers. Settlers tourists “tour” the Old City of al-Khalil tense atmosphere in the Old City, with proceeded to throw glass bottles and accompanied by Israeli forces. The group many Palestinian shops closing early to stones down toward the Palestinian size varies each week, with an average avoid any physical or verbal abuse from street below. count of 35 people. The number of Israeli settlers and soldiers. CPT monitors soldiers are often double the amount of the weekly settler incursion that takes 8 June 2017: Three settlers and one people within the tour. On Jewish place. soldier, were on the military base watch holidays, extra tours are often organized, tower opposite CPT’s apartment. 10 including tours in the H1 area of al-Khalil. 12 April 2017: A settler tour into H1. The Palestinian boys were playing in the The weekly tour lasts approximately one Palestinian road is completely closed off street leading to the CPT apartment. The hour as the group moves through the OId to foot and vehicle traffic. Palestinians three settlers threw stones at the City, stopping at various points where a are made to wait until the settlers move children. CPTers arrived when the guide from one of the illegal settlements on before they can move about the area. children were running away and saw one in al-Khalil gives the narrative of the APR. – SEP. REPORT: Settler Violence Christian Peacemaker Teams

conducted setters. The village is currently under eight ID threat of imminent demolition, with a checks. The demolition order for all but one of the settlers took structures in the community. photos of the CPTers Once a week CPT stays overnight in the monitoring village. Since the end of August 2017, the the settler people of Um al-Khair have documented tour. stones being thrown from settlers at the community. The community has been UM AL-KHAIR awoken in the middle of the night to the The village of sounds of rocks falling on the rooftops of Um al-Khair is their homes. Since CPT are only present situated right in Um al-Khair one night a week, this next to the hasn’t been documented by CPT. On 14 May between 8:00 and 9:00pm, a illegal of Karmel. Um However, on 29 September when CPT settler incursion was held in the old city al-Khair has a population of 130 people. stayed the night, three stones were with 20-30 settlers accompanied by Falling under , under full Israeli thrown from the settlement, onto the soldiers and border police. Many people military control, the village of Um al- tent homes at 2:40am in the morning. were stopped and forced to wait until the Khair lives under constant fear and settlers passed through. The soldiers harassment from the Israeli forces and Christian Peacemaker Teams APR. – SEP. 2017 INCIDENT REPORT

HUMAN RIGHTS

OBSERVERS

Old City: 15 May 2017 – Two CPTers were denied entry into the Old City tunnels and photographed, while trying to document a patrol of soldiers who had taken an 18- year-old male around a corner to search him.

DOCUMENTATION CPTers and other foreign monitors are routinely told to stop taking photographs at checkpoints or during incidents. Often times, Israeli soldiers or border police threaten arrest or physically move CPTers away from an area in order to prevent documentation from occurring.

6 September 2017 - CPT had followed soldiers into the tunnels as they were Human rights observers have also been that their presence is illegal or that they banging on the door of a Palestinian targets of the Israeli military and settlers. are not allowed through because they home. CPT took a photo from at least This section will explore common are working. On almost a daily basis four meters away of the incident. The difficulties that CPTers and other foreign CPTers have to show their passports and commanding officer sent two soldiers monitors face with access through tell the border police where they are away to block the view of CPTers, in checkpoints and to incidents, and going. When monitoring the Mosque order to prevent CPT from documenting difficulties in properly documenting checkpoints CPTers are regularly told to incidents due to military interference move away and stand in positions which the incident. The other soldiers and threats to safety. Recorded below limit their ability to see. attempted to forcefully enter the home. are the main incidents that occurred over At this point soldiers demanded that CPT these six months: 21 June 2017- Two foreign monitors move back. When CPT did not move the were threatened with arrest and had commanding officer forcefully grabbed ACCESS their passports held for 10 minutes at their arms pushing them away from the CPTers have trouble accessing incidents. this checkpoint because they had been incident. Then the soldiers started This is due to various reasons, such as documenting border police conducting demanding CPT move even further back difficulty passing through a checkpoint, ID checks as people were on their way to to prevent their ability to see or hear soldiers or border police pushing CPTers Mosque for prayers. what was happening. The commander away from an incident or threats of rushed back directly at a female CPTer arrest or confiscation of cameras. 13 August 2017 – Five border police and and pushed her away with his whole one Israeli police officer came out of the body. When the CPTer began filming the Mosque Checkpoint: checkpoint building and demanded to Throughout the reporting period (April see two CPTers’ passports. When CPT commander’s actions, the soldiers through September) CPT faced various asked why they needed to show their moved away. issues at the checkpoint outside the passports, CPT was told that they had to Ibrahimi Mosque. CPTers were denied do what the border police asked. CPT was HARASSMENT entry through the Mosque Checkpoint on then forced to move farther down the Israeli soldiers and border police have several occasions. CPTers are often told street away from the Mosque. harassed CPTers and monitors from APR. – SEP. REPORT: HUMAN RIGHTS OBSERVERS Christian Peacemaker Teams other organizations on several occasions June 2017 – On six occasions in the members first by a security guard and in this reporting period. Some of this month of June, soldiers from Golani then by the soldiers. harassment has included being brigade entered the apartment building The security guard filmed the faces of all photographed, verbally abused, and where CPT lives. Of these six times, the four monitors. Israeli police also arrived intimidated. Crude gestures towards soldiers occupied the CPT roof on four to the scene. Passports were taken by female CPTers have also occurred on two occasions. On one occasion they invaded the police, photographed, and then held the neighbour’s house and destroyed her for about 10 minutes. Passports were reported occasions. During clashes, kindergarten door. The soldiers did not then returned to team members. The there have been occasions when soldiers enter the office or apartments. It incident lasted for about 30 minutes. have targeted CPTers, throwing stun appeared to CPT that they were entering grenades directly at them. For a full CPT premises in order to intimidate and 20 September 2017 - 18 soldiers were report of violence documented during harass CPTers. firing tear gas and sound grenades at clashes, please see the Use of Force Palestinians in Bab iZaweyeh. As the section of this report. 7 July 2017 - Two CPT members and two soldiers were leaving, they specifically other foreign monitors were stopped by targeted two CPTers by throwing two Israeli soldiers while on Prayer Road. sound bombs at them. The soldiers Passports were demanded of team walked away laughing.