Weekly Report On Israeli Human Rights Violations in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (04 – 11 May 2016)

Rafah: Israeli Airstrikes in Rafah City.

Israeli forces continue systematic crimes in the occupied Palestinian territory (oPt)

(04 – 11 May 2016)

Israeli forces continued to open fire at the Gaza Strip border area. A Palestinian woman was killed and 2 others, including a child, were wounded.

Israeli warplanes carried out 10 airstrikes on the Gaza Strip. A civilian and 2 members of Palestinian armed groups were wounded.

Israeli forces continued to use excessive force in the oPt 6 Palestinian civilians, including 2 journalists, were wounded in the West Bank.

Israeli forces conducted 74 incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank and a limited one in the Gaza Strip. 68 civilians, including 13 children and 2 women, were arrested. 20 of them, including 5 children and a woman, were arrested in occupied Jerusalem.

Israeli forces continued to target Palestinian fishermen in the Gaza Strip Sea. 2 Palestinian fishermen were arrested and their fishing boat was confiscated.

Israeli forces continued their efforts to create Jewish majority in occupied East Jerusalem. Settlement organizations seized a plot of land in Shaikh Jarrah and a property in Jerusalem’s Old City.

Settlement activities continued in the West Bank. An underconstruction house in al­Walaja village, northwest of Bethlehem, was demolished.

Israeli forces turned the West Bank into cantons and continued to impose the illegal closure on the Gaza Strip for the 9th Dozens of temporary checkpoints were established in the West Bank and others were re­ established to obstruct the movement of Palestinian civilians. 8 Palestinian civilians, including a woman, were arrested at military checkpoints in the West Bank.

Summary

Israeli violations of international law and international humanitarian law in the oPt continued during the reporting period (04 – 11 May 2016).

Shooting:

Israeli forces have continued to commit crimes, inflicting civilian casualties. They have also continued to use excessive force against Palestinian civilians participating in peaceful protests in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, the majority of whom were youngsters. During the reporting period, Israeli forces carried out 10 airstrikes and at least 8 shelling incidents against Palestinian armed groups’ sites and agricultural areas in the Gaza Strip’s border area. As a result, a Palestinian woman was killed and 5 others, including a child, were wounded. Six of them, including 2 journalists and a mentally disordered person, were wounded in the West Bank.

In the Gaza Strip, in new killing crime resulting from random shelling and excessive use of force, on 05 May 2016, Israeli forces killed Zana Atiya Mohammed al­Emour (59) and wounded one of her relatives namely Amir al­Emour (16) due to a shelling attack that targeted the land in which they were working in the east of al­Fokhari village, east of Khan Yunis, south of the Gaza Strip.

On the same day, Khzaima al­Farra (21) sustained shrapnel wounds to the legs while harvesting wheat near a landfill, east of Khan Yunis, south of the Gaza Strip, when Israeli forces opened fire at agricultural lands in al­Fokhari area.

Concerning airstrikes, on 04 May 2016, Israeli warplanes carried out 2 airstrikes in Rafah.

On 05 May 2016, Israeli warplanes carried out 5 airstrikes on Palestinian armed groups’ sites in the northern and southern Gaza Strip. As a result, a civilian and 2 members of armed groups sustained minor wounds.

On 06 May 2016, Israeli warplanes fired a missile at an agricultural land about 800 meters away from the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel, east of Khuza’a village, east of Khan Yunis, south of the Gaza Strip. No casualties were reported. On 07 May 2016, Israeli warplanes carried out 2 airstrikes; only 10 minutes between them, in agricultural lands in Abassan village, east of Khan Yunis, south of the Gaza Strip.

In the context of targeting the border area, on 04 May 2016, Israeli forces stationed at the border fence, east of Khan Yunis, fired a number of shells that landed around a field control site in al­ Fokhari area, southeast of the city. Moreover, they fired shells at Palestinian armed groups’ outposts in al­Shouka village, east of Rafah, south of the Gaza Strip. No casualties were reported.

On 05 May 2016, Israeli forces stationed at the border fence carried out 5 shelling attacks against Palestinian armed groups outposts and agricultural lands in al­Shouka village, east of Rafah; Palestinian armed groups’ watchtowers, east of Khan Yunis, south of the Gaza Strip; and agricultural lands, north of Beit Hanoun, north of the Gaza Strip.

On 06 May 2016, Israeli forces fired a number of shells at the eastern part of Khuza’a village, east of Khan Yunis, south of the Gaza Strip. No casualties were reported also.

In the context of targeting Palestinian fishermen in the Gaza Strip Sea, Israeli gunboats stationed in the sea off Beit Lahia shore, north of the Gaza Strip, opened fire at Palestinian fishing boats. A gunboat approached a fishing boat and then arrested Uranus al­Sultan (19) and Mohammed al­ Sultan (23), both from al­Atatrah neighbourhood in Beit Lahia. Israeli forces confiscated the fishing boat and released the 2 fishermen at 00:30, the following day.

In the West Bank, on 05 May 2016, Israeli forces wounded Arif Jaradat (22), a mentally disordered person, with a bullet to the left side of the belly while moving into the southwest of Sa’ir village, east of Hebron. The bullet was fired from a distance less than 10 meters while the aforementioned person was shouting at the Israeli soldiers without posing any threat to them. Moreover, there were no confrontations in the area.

Concerning the use of force against peaceful protests, 3 Palestinian civilians were wounded during Kufor Qaddoum weekly protest, northeast of Qalqilya. Among the wounded were 2 journalists.

On 07 May 2016, Israeli forces opened fire at a Palestinian civilian from Beit Ommer village, north of Hebron, while attempting to enter East Jerusalem via the annexation wall in Hummos valley area in Sour Baher village to get to his work. As a result, he sustained a bullet wound to the leg and was then transported to al­Hussein Hospital in Beit Jala for medical treatment.

Incursions:

During the reporting period, Israeli forces conducted at least 74 military incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank and 11 ones in occupied East Jerusalem and its suburbs. During these incursions, Israeli forces arrested at least 68 Palestinian civilians, including 13 children and 2 women. Twenty of them, including 5 children, were arrested in occupied Jerusalem. Moreover, Israeli forces deported the wife of the Palestinian prisoner Aladdin al­Abasi, who is sentenced to 66­year in prison, to the West Bank because she does not hold a Jerusalemite ID card.

In the Gaza Strip, on 05 May 2016, Israeli forces moved about 100 meters to the east of Beit Hanoun village, north of the Gaza Strip. On 06 May 2016, they Israeli forces redeployed behind the border fence after a number of Israeli vehicles moved towards the vicinity of Sofa military site in al­Shouka village, east of Rafah, south of the Gaza Strip. The incursion started on Monday morning, 02 May 2016. Israeli forces claimed that they found a tunnel for the Palestinian armed groups leading to Israel.

Restrictions on movement:

Israel continued to impose a tight closure of the oPt, imposing severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including occupied East Jerusalem.

The illegal closure of the Gaza Strip, which has been steadily tightened since June 2007 has had a disastrous impact on the humanitarian and economic situation in the Gaza Strip. The Israeli authorities impose measures to undermine the freedom of trade, including the basic needs for the Gaza Strip population and the agricultural and industrial products to be exported. For 9 consecutive years, Israel has tightened the land and naval closure to isolate the Gaza Strip from the West Bank, including occupied Jerusalem, and other countries around the world. This resulted in grave violations of the economic, social and cultural rights and a deterioration of living conditions for 1.8 million people. The Israeli authorities have established Karm Abu Salem (Kerem Shaloum) as the sole crossing for imports and exports in order to exercise its control over the Gaza Strip’s economy. They also aim at imposing a complete ban on the Gaza Strip’s exports. The Israeli closure raised the rate of poverty to 38.8%, 21.1% of which suffer from extreme poverty. Moreover, the rate of unemployment increased up to 44%, which reflects the unprecedented economic deterioration in the Gaza Strip.

Jewish Majority:

In the context of seizure of Palestinian lands and property by settlement organizations, on 09 May 2016, Israeli settlers seized a building in al­Sa’diya neighbourhood in the Old City of East Jerusalem. The 3­storey building is located 200 meters to the north of al­Aqsa mosque. It used to be occupied by Ozbashi family that suddenly left.

On the same day, Israeli forces moved into a 3­dunum plot of land in Shaikh Jarrah area, north of East Jerusalem. They confiscated the land that belongs to Mohammed Abu Ta’ah and handed it over to a settlement organization without a court order although the court has been considering the case. It should be noted that Israeli forces and settlers have been attempting to seize this plot of land for about 30 years. Besides, there has been a case filed before the court for 27 years and no court ruling was issued in this regard. However, the settlers used to move into the land now and them. A month ago, the settlers moved into the land and started construction works over there.

Settlement activities:

On 09 May 2016, Israeli forces demolished an underconstruction house in al­Walaja village, northwest of Bethlehem. They already sent the owner of the house a notification to halt construction works a week ago.

In the same context, on 04 May 2016, 3 settlers, who present in the vicinity of the Ibrahimi mosque in the centre of Hebron, attacked Ra’ed Abu Rmaila (44) when he was going home along with 2 neighbours. As a result, he sustained bruises to the neck and a minor wound to the head. He was then transported to Hebron Governmental Hospital.

On the same day, hundreds of settlers escorted by Israeli forces moved into Kafel Hares village, north of Salfit. They visited religious tombs in the village and performed their rituals on the occasion of the Jewish Passover. The settlers withdrew in the early morning.

On 07 May 2016, a settler from “Ramat Yishai” settlement outpost in Hebron attacked Emad Abu Shamsiya (45), from Tal al­Rumaida neighbourhood. Abu Shamsiya was attacked while filming some settlers attacking Palestinians in the neighbourhood. As a result, his camera was broken.

On 09 May 2016, a group of settlers moved into “Tarsala” settlement, south of Jenin, which was evacuated in 2005. A local source said to PCHR’s fieldworker that the settlers were escorted by Israeli forces. They stayed for a while performing Talmudic rituals and withdrew later.

Details

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

Wednesday, 04 May 2016

At approximately 01:00, Israeli forces moved into Kafer Qadoum village, northeast of Ramallah. They raided and searched 2 houses from which they arrested Esalm Jehad Modi (22) and Shawkat Ahmed Amrah (23).

Around the same time, Israel forces moved into Beit Fajjar village, south of Bethlehem. They raided and searched a house belonging to Mohammed Taqatqah and arrested his son Tha’er (14).

At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into al­Mazra’ah al­Sharqiyah village, northeast of Ramallah. They raided and searched 2 houses from which they arrested Omer Abdul Qader Hejaz (21), his brother Hesham (24) and Khaled Tawfiq Ibrahim (32).

At approximately 03:00, Israeli forces moved into Deir Abu Da’if, southeast of Jenin. They raided and searched a house belonging to Bilal Ahmed Yassen (25) and arrested him. They then raided and searched a house belonging to Mojahed Omer Ya’qoub (26) and then arrested him.

Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Faqou’ah village, northeast of Jenin. They raided and searched a house belonging to Mosher Fouad Massad (20) and arrested him. They then raided and searched a house belonging to Mohammed Nazeh Fouad Massad (21) and arrested him.

At approximately 09:45, Israeli forces stationed along the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel, east of Khan Yonis, south of the Gaza Strip, fired artillery shells in the vicinity of a Palestinian field control site in al­Fukhari area, southeast of the city. No casualties were reported.

At approximately 09:50, Israeli forces stationed along the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel near Sofa military site, launched several artillery shells at a border outpost for Palestinian armed groups in al­Shawkah village, east of Rafah, south of the Gaza Strip, but no casualties were reported.

At approximately 19:30, Israeli warplanes launched 3 missiles at a vacant land in al­ Shawkah village, east of Rafah, south of the Gaza Strip. As a result, Rahaf Riyad Ahmed Abu Telakh (4) panicked.

At approximately 19:40, an Israeli warplane launched a missile at an agricultural land in al­ Shawkah village, east of Rafah, south of the Gaza Strip, but no casualties were reported.

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (4) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: Ethan, Beit Awa Tarqoumiya and Dora villages in Hebron.

Thursday, 05 May 2016

At approximately 01:00, Israeli forces moved into al­‘Aroub refugee camp, north of Hebron and stationed at the western entrance to the camp. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Naseem Tayseer al­Titi (15) and arrested him. The Palestinian Prisoner’s Club (PPS) lawyer, Jacqueline Fararjeh, who visited “Etzion” detention centre, south of Bethlehem, said that Naseem, who was there children, said that Israeli soldiers heavily beat him and took him by force to the abovementioned detention centre.

At approximately 01:30, Israeli forces moved into Hebron and stationed in the western area. They raided and searched a house belonging to Mohammed Mahmoud Nairoukh (22) and then arrested him. Mohammed said to his lawyer, who visited “Etzion” detention centre, south of Bethlehem, that Israeli soldiers took him away from his house, severely hit him with their hands and legs while he was handcuffed and blindfolded.

Around the same time, Israeli forces move into Dura village, southwest of Hebron and stationed in Haninah area. They raided and searched a house belonging to Tayseer Ahmed Khalalif (24) while they detained his family outdoors.

From approximately 14:20 to 16:50, Israeli forces stationed along the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel near Sofa military site fired several artillery shells at border outpost for Palestinian armed groups and agricultural lands in al­Shawkah village, east of Rafah, south of the Gaza Strip. Yet, no casualties were reported.

At approximately 14:30, Israeli forces stationed inside the watchtowers along the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel, north of al­Zera’ah area, north of Beit Hanoun, north of the Gaza Strip, opened fire at the border area along the abovementioned border fence. Farmers were forced to flee the area for fear of being shot. Yet, no casualties were reported.

At approximately 03:00, Israeli forces moved into Beit Fajjar village, south of Bethlehem. They raided and searched several houses. They then arrested Ahmed Saleh Thawabtah (21), Mohammed Jehad Taqatqah (21), Omer Ayed Taqatqa (20) and Fayez Mohammed Taqatqah (19).

Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Beit Fajjar village, south of Bethlehem. They raided and searched several houses after which they arrested Ahmed Saleh Thawabtah (21), Mohammed Jehad Taqatqah (21), Omer Ayed Taqatqah (20) and Fayez Mohammed Taqatqah (19).

At approximately 03:00, Israeli warplanes launched a missile towards a Palestine training site belonging to al­Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Hamas, northeast of Um al­Naser village, north of the Gaza Strip. The bombardment rocked the northern areas in the north of the Gaza Strip, causing fear among women and children. Moreover, the site sustained damages, but no casualties were reported.

At approximately 03:30, Israeli warplanes launched two missiles towards Hasanain steel workshop belonging to Ahmed Husain Hasanain (63), behind Abu Jebah Petrol station in al­ Zaitoun neighbourhood, east of Gaza city,. As a result, Hasanain was hit with shrapnel to his right back and shoulder while the machines sustained damages. The workshop is built on an area of 1300 square meters. According to Ahmed’s statement to PCHR’s fieldworker, when he was on his way to perform the dawn prayer, he heard an explosion and saw fire coming from his workshop, so he ran towards it. Meanwhile, another missile was launched at the workshop, forced him to flee. He fell to the ground and was bleeding from his back and shoulder. One of the neighbours who ran into the street, called an ambulance to take Hasanain to al­Shifa Hospital in Gaza for medical treatment.

From approximately 14:20 to 16:50, Israeli forces stationed along the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israeli near Sofa military site, fired artillery shells at border outposts for Palestinian armed groups and agricultural lands in al­Shawkah village, east of Rafah, south of the Gaza Strip. Yet, no casualties were reported.

At approximately 14:30, Israeli forces stationed in the watchtowers along the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel, north of Beit Hanoun village, north of the Gaza Strip, opened fire towards the border area along the abovementioned border fence. Farmers were forced to flee the area for fear of being shot. However, neither casualties nor damages were reported.

At approximately 15:00, Israeli forces accompanied with six military jeeps and a digger moved about 100 meters into the east of al­Ahmer area, north of the Gaza Strip. They levelled the lands and sporadically opened, but no casualties were reported.

At approximately 16:30, Israeli forces stationed along the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel, east of Khan Yonis, south of the Gaza Strip, fired live bullets and artillery shells at agricultural lands in al­Fukhari area, southeast of the city. As a result, Khuzaimah Mahmoud Sulaiman al­Farra (21) sustained shrapnel wounds to his leg when he was harvesting a land near a landfill that is 800 meters away from the abovementioned border fence. Khuzaimah said to a PCHR’s fieldworker that he was transported by a Toktok 10 minutes after the bombing to Gaza European Hospital in Khan Yonis where he received medical treatment. His medical condition was classified as moderate.

Around an hour, Israeli forces fired several artillery shells at two border outposts for Palestinian armed groups, east of KhanYunis. The two outposts are located about 450 to 600 meters away from the abovementioned border fence.

From 17:00 to 17:20, Israeli warplanes launched five missiles towards agricultural lands in al­Shawkah village, east of Rafah, south of the Gaza Strip. Yet, no casualties were reported.

Ata approximately 17:40, an Israeli warplane launched a missile towards a training site for al­Qassam Brigades, north of Rafah, south of the Gaza Strip. As a result, two members of the armed groups sustained minor injuries.

At approximately 17:50, Israeli forces stationed along the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel near Sofa military site launched several artillery shells towards agricultural lands in al­Shawkah village, east of Rafah, south of the Gaza Strip. However, no casualties were reported.

At approximately 18:00, Israeli forces moved into Sha’ab Abu Tabikh area, southwest of Sa’ir village, east of Hebron and shot ‘Arif Sharif Abdul Ghafar Jaradat (22), a person with special needs (mental disability). As a result, he was hit with a live bullet that penetrated his left side of the abdomen and exited the lower back. One of the Israeli soldiers fired the live bullet from a distance of less than 10 meters at Arif when the later was shouting at the soldier although he was not posing any threat and there were no clashes in the area. Arif was transported to al­Ahli Hospital in Hebron. Medial sources said that the live bullet entered the abdomen from the left side of the navel and exited from the lower back. Moreover, Arif underwent a surgery for hours, during which, only a small part was removed from the lever and large intestine.

An eyewitness said to PCHR’s fieldworker that:

“At approximately 17:00 on Thursday, 05 May 2016, seven Israeli soldiers deployed in Sha’ib Abu Tabikh area in the south­western area in Sa’ir village, opposite to Bypass Road(60). They detained a number of vehicles, denied civilians access to their lands and fired two tear gas canisters at the vehicles. I was standing near a window in my house overlooking the place where the Israeli soldiers were stationed. I heard young men whistling from a far distance to the north of my house, but there were no clashes. The soldiers returned to the abovementioned road. I then saw Arif Jaradat, who was about 200 meters away from my house and is mentally disordered, moving towards the soldiers and shouting at them, but he was not holding anything in his hands. Israeli soldiers shouted at him to stay away. The Israeli soldiers continued walking while Arif stood in his place. After few seconds, one of the soldiers returned and stopped about 10 meters away from Arif and fired a live bullet at him. As a result, Arif fell on the ground.”

In a new crime of excessive use of force, Israeli forces killed Zanah Attiyah Mohammed al­ Amour (59) and wounded her relative Amir Naji Amerah al­Amour (16) with shrapnel to his leg due to shelling the land, where both of them were working, east of al­Fukhari village, east of Khan Yonis, south of the Gaza Strip.

According to PCHR’s investigations and eyewitnesses, at approximately 18:30, Israeli forces stationed along the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel, east of Khan Yonis, south of the Gaza Strip, fired several live bullets and artillery shells at agricultural lands to the west of the abovementioned border fence in al­Fukhari area. One of the artillery shells hit an agricultural land belonging to Zanah Atiyah Mohammed al­Amour which is about 450 meters away from the above mentioned border fence. As a result, Zanah sustained shrapnel wounds to her face and shoulders when she was filling bags with wheat. Moreover, Amir sustained shrapnel wounds to his right leg when he was helping Zanah. When the shell fell, the child was helping Zanah and distanced to get a rope to fasten the fodder bags. After that, Zanah was transported to the Gaza European Hospital via a motorcycle and then a Toktok. When she arrivd a dead body at the hospital. She sustained a cut low under the left jaw and a laceration in the shoulder and right humours.

At approximately 18:50, Israeli forces stationed along the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel, near Sofa military site, fired several artillery shells and heavily opened fired towards agricultural lands in al­Shawkah village, east of Rafah, south of the Gaza Strip. Yet, no casualties were reported.

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (5) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: al­Fawar refugee camp, Bani Naim, Nuba Emresh and Halhoul villages in Hebron.

Friday, 06 May 2016

At approximately 00:30, Israeli forces moved into al­Taibah village, west of Jenin. They raided and searched a house belonging to Alaa’ Ahmed Mahmoud Jabarin (24) and then arrested him.

At approximately 01:00, Israeli forces moved into al­Aroub refugee camp, north of Hebron and stationed near the UNRWA disturbing centre. They raided and searched a house belonging to Wadi’ Abdul Rahman al­Qasas (17) and detained his family members in one of the houserooms. They then arrested Wadi’. At the same time, other forces raided a house belonging to Omer Amjad al­Hadoush (17). Clashes broke out between the family members and the Israeli soldiers who forced them to stand on the walls. The Israeli soldiers also arrested Omer and alter withdrew taking him to an unknown destination. In the meantime, other Israeli forces raided and searched a house belonging to Abdul Naser Hassan al­ Badawi (59), who was deported outside the country upon a decision by the Israeli authorities in 1991. The searching included all rooms using police dogs. Around half an hour later, Israeli forces withdrew without reporting any arrests.

At approximately 03:00, Israeli forces moved into Surrah village, southwest of Nablus. They raided and searched several houses and after which they arrested Ammar Shuhadah Turabi (30) and Zakariya Yusuf Saleh Turabi (29).

At approximately 09:10, Israeli warplanes launched a missile at an agricultural land belonging to Walid Jaber Qudaih (53) which is about 800 meters away from the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel, east of Khuza’ah, east of Khan Yonis, south of the Gaza Strip. The shelling caused a large hole in the land, but no casualties were reported. Moreover, Israeli forces fired several artillery shells along the eastern outskirts of the abovementioned land.

At approximately 12:25, Israeli forces accompanied with bulldozers and diggers redeployed along the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel after they moved ten meters near Sofa military site in al­Shawkah village, east of Rafah, south of the Gaza Strip. Israeli forces started the incursion operation on Monday morning, 02 May 2016, as they claimed finding a tunnel for Palestinian armed groups extending in Israel. The incursion was accompanied with artillery shelling and airstrikes targeting many sites in Rafah, while the armed groups launched a number of mortar shells at the military jeeps in al­Shawkah village on Wednesday and Thursday.

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (7) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: Saida, Ektaba villages, northeast of Tulkarm; Deir al­ Ghasoun village, north of the city; Yatta, Tafouh, Beit Ommar villages and al­Aroub refugee camp in Hebron.

Saturday, 07 May 2016

At approximately 01:00, Israeli forces moved into Ya’bud, village, southwest of Jenin. The raided and searched a house belonging to Nassem Mostafa Saleh Bilal (20) and arrested him. Following this, they raided and searched a house belonging to Ahmed Herzallah (20) and arrested him

At approximately 01:30, Israeli forces moved into Ethna village, west of Hebron and stationed in the centre of the village. They raided and searched a house belonging to Motaz Mashhour Batran (25) and then arrested him.

At approximately 03:15, Israeli warplanes carried two air strikes; 10 minutes between them. They launched two missiles at agricultural lands in Abu Ta’eimah neighbourhood, in Abasan village and Arafat land in Abasan. The targeted areas are about 2.5 kilometres away from the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel. The two explosions caused two holes in the lands, but no casualties were reported.

At approximately 18:30 on Saturday, 07 May 2016, Israeli gunboats stationed off al­Waha shore, northwest of Beit Lahiya, north of the Gaza Strip, opened fire at Palestinian fishing boats. An Israeli gunboat surrounded a Palestinian fishing boat belonging to Sharif Mohammed al­Sultan and Ramadan Ghaleb al­Sultan. The boat was manned by two fishermen namely Uranus Sharif Mohamed al­Sultan (19) and Mohammed Ghaleb Ramadan al­Sultan (23), both from al­Atatrah neighbourhood in Beit Lahia. They were sailing about 300 meters off the seashore. Israeli soldiers forced Uranus and Mohammed to take their clothes off, jump into the water and swim towards the gunboat. They then arrested the two fishermen, confiscated their boat and took them to Ashdod seaport where Israeli forces detained and interrogated them. At approximately 00:30 on Sunday, 08 May April 2016, Uranus and Mohammed were released.

At approximately 23:00, Israeli forces moved into Taqou’ village, southeast of Bethlehem. They raided and searched a house belonging to Omer Taleb al­Badan (28) and handed him a summons to refer to “Gosh Etzion” settlement complex, south of the city.

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (5) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: Tulkarm and Faroun village, south of the city; Yatta village and al­Fawar refugee camp in Hebron.

Sunday, 08 May 2016

At approximately 01:30, Israeli forces moved into the southern area of Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to Mostafa al­Qawasmah (45) and arrested his sons Saqer (20) and Montaser (19)

At approximately 02:30, Israeli forces moved into ‘Atil village, north of Tulkarm. They raided and searched a house belonging to Mahmoud Rateb Abdullah Abu Salem (37) and arrested him

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (8) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: Kharbatha Bani Hareth village, northwest of Ramallah ; Betin village, northeast of the city; Tafouh and Beit Kahel villages in Hebron; Derasetya, Kafel Hares, and Qirah villages, north of Salfit and Baqet al­Sharqiyah village, north of Tulkarem.

Monday, 09 May 2016

At approximately 01:30, Israeli forces moved into Birzeit village, north of Ramallah. They raided and searched a house belonging to Alaa’ Sa’id Kamel Mahmoud Assaf (24). They confiscated two laptops and cell phones and then arrested Alaa’. It should be mentioned that Alaa’ is an engineering student in Birzeit University.

At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into al­Khader village, south of Bethlehem. They raided and searched several houses after which they arrested Zaineddin Saiel Essa (18), Qasem Yasen Essa (18), Husain Amin Essa (18), Ahemd Mohammed Essa (18)Rabee’ Essa (18) and Ali Essa (18).

Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into al­Shyoukh al­Arab village, northeast of Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to Ashraf Samir Halayqah (34), but no arrests were reported. In the meantime, Israeli forces raided and searched a house belonging to Bahaa’ Ali Warasnah (33), but no arrests were reported.

At approximately 02:30, Israeli forces moved into Madma village, south of Nablus. They raided and searched several houses after which they arrested Thabet Nassar Ezzat Nassar (37), a nurse at Rafedia Hospital.

Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Beit Furik village, east of Nablus. They raided and searched several houses after which they arrested Abdul Qader Mar’ie Hanani (24) from his house in al­Sahel neighbourhood area, west of the city.

At approximately 03:00, Israeli forces moved into Beit Fajjar village, south of Bethelehem. They raided and searched a house belonging to Ahmed Taqatqah (20) and then arrested his son Eyad (20).

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (5) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported:, Halhoul, Dora, Sa’ir, Bani Naim and al­Majd villages in Hebron.

Tuesday, 10 May 2016

At approximately 01:00, Israeli forces moved into Beit Ommar village, north of Hebron and stationed in Eriq al­Tout area in the northern area of the city. They raided and searched a house belonging to Ezzat Abdul Mu’ti Abu Mariya (70) and houses of his sons Zeyad and Eyad. They detained the three families outdoors for three hours while they conducted a thoroughly searching claiming to search for a weapon. Moreover, one of the Israeli soldiers poured a paint bowl on one of the house walls. Israeli forces then withdrew, but no arrests were reported.

At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into Kafel Qalil village, southeast of Nablus. They raided and searched several houses after which they arrested Baraa’ Nawaf Ibrahim al­Amer (20), who is a law student in Annajah National University. They also confiscated a laptop, cell phone and NIS 1000. It should be mentioned that Baraa’ was arrested one day before the final exams in his University.

Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into al­Shayoukh village, north of Hebron and stationed in the western area. They raided and searched a house belonging to Mustafa Khalil Ayaiyda (45), but no arrests were reported.

At approximately 02:00 on Tuesday, 10 May 2016, Israeli force moved into Azzoun village, east of Qalqiliya. They raided and searched nine houses and damaged and ruined their belongings. Those houses belong to Basem Mohammed Salem, Ismail Ibrahim Radi, Mohammed Asaad Suwaidan, Wael Mohammed Suwaidan , Raed Mohammed Suwaidan, Asaad Mohammed Asaad Suwaidan, Mohammed Taher Abdul Rahem Asairah, Mohammed Khlil Salamah and Aref Abdul Aziz Shabetah. They also beat Ahmed Ismail Ibrahim Rabi’a (19), an officer at the national security services, and broke a rib. Ahmed was then transported to Dr. Darwish Nazzal Hospital to receive medical treatment. After that, Israeli forces arrested Mohammed Taher Abdul Rahim Asaiyarah (47) and Mahammed Raed Mohammed Suwaidan (19).

Elham Khairi Shabetah, Ahmed’s mother, said to a PCHR’s fieldworker that:

“At approximately 01:30 on Tuesday, 10 May 2016, Israeli forces raided our house and entered the room where my son was sleeping. Rather than waking him with their hands or voice, they suddenly beat him with a gun butt. As a result, Ahmed lost consciousness. When he woke up, he was trembling. Israeli soldiers did not allow the ambulance to reach us or even transport our son to receive treatment. Moreover, they deliberately ruined and destroyed our house.”

Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Deir Abu Meshal village, northwest of Ramallah. They raided and searched three houses after which they arrested Christiano Sam Zahra (16), Saif Rasem Husain (17) and Hasan Ahmed Anqoush (16).”

At approximately 02:30, Israeli forces moved into Nour refugee camp, east of Tulkarm and stationed in al­Naser neighbourhood, west of the camp. They raided and searched a house belonging to Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC) member, Fathi Mohammed Ali Qarawi (58). They arrested his son Hamzah (30) and confiscated his laptop.

At approximately 03:00, Israeli forces moved into Marah Rabah village, east of Bethlehem. They raided and searched a house belonging to Yusuf al­Shaikh and arrested his son Emad (16).

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (7) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: al­Mawreq, Deir al­Balah, Ethna villages in Hebron; al­ Jaftalak and al­Ouja villages, north of Jericho; Betellu and Beit Sira villages, southwest of Rmallah.

Wednesday, 11 May 2016

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (3) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: Kharas, Beit Oula and Ethna villages in Hebron.

2. Use of excessive force against peaceful demonstrations protesting settlement activities and the construction of the annexation wall

West Bank:

Following the Friday prayer, on 06 May 2016, dozens of Palestinian civilians organized protests against the Israeli policies in the oPt at the western entrance to Silwad village, northeast of Ramallah, in the vicinity of “Ofer” prison, southwest of the city and at the entrance to al­Jalzoun refugee camp, north of the city. Israeli forces used force to disperse the protestors by firing live bullets, rubber­coated metal bullets, tear gas canisters and sound bombs. As a result, many civilians suffered tear gas inhalation and others sustained bruises as Israeli soldiers beat them up.

At approximately 18:00, on the same day, dozens of Palestinian young men gathered in al­ Naqar neighbourhood, west of Qalqiliya, and threw stones at Israeli forces stationed at the annexation wall. Israeli forces fired sound bombs, tear gas canisters and rubber­coated metal bullets at the protesters in response. As a result, a 20­year­old male was hit with a rubber­coated metal bullet to the left eye and was then taken to Dr. Darwish Nasal Hospital to receive medical treatment. Moreover, Israeli forces arrested Mohammed Abdul Latif Ji’ady (18) and took him to an unknown destination.

Demonstrations against the annexation wall and settlement activities

At approximately 13:00, on Friday, 06 May 2016, Palestinian civilians and Israeli and international human rights defenders organized a protest in the center of Kufor Qaddoum village, northeast of Qalqiliya, and then made their way to the eastern entrance of the village in protest against closing that entrance since the beginning of al­Aqsa Intifada with an iron gate. When the protesters approached the entrance, Israeli forces fired live bullets, rubber­ coated metal bullets, tear gas canisters and sound bombs at them. As a result, many civilians suffered tear gas inhalation, while 3 others, including 2 journalists, were wounded. The civilian (50) was hit with a sponge­tipped bullet to the right hand. The two journalists were identified as:

1. Ahmed Abdul Malek Othman Shawor (29), a reporter at Palestine T.V, was hit with 2 rubber­ coated metal bullets to the left hand and leg. 2. Almuthana Samir Abdullah Deek (27), a cameraman at Trans Media Company, was hit with 4 rubber­coated metal bullets. Two of them hit the right leg while the two others hit the left hand.

Following the Friday prayer also, dozens of Palestinians and Israeli and international human rights defenders organised protests against the annexation wall and settlement activities in Bil’in and Nil’in villages, west of Ramallah and al­Nabi Saleh village, northwest of city. Israeli forces used force to disperse the protesters by firing live bullets, metal bullets, tear gas canisters and sound bombs and chased the protesters into the olive fields and between houses. As a result, many civilians suffered tear gas inhalation and others sustained bruises as Israeli soldiers beat them up.

Note: PCHR keeps the names of the injured persons in the aforementioned demonstrations.

Rubber­coated metal bullets are lethal if they hit the head of victim from a close range.

3. Continued closure of the oPt

Israel continued to impose a tight closure on the oPt, imposing severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including occupied East Jerusalem.

Gaza Strip

Israeli forces continuously tighten the closure of the Gaza Strip and close all commercial crossings, making the Karm Abu Salem crossing the sole commercial crossing of the Gaza Strip, although it is not suitable for commercial purposes in terms of its operational capacity and distance from markets.

Israeli forces have continued to apply the policy, which is aimed to tighten the closure on all commercial crossings, by imposing total control over the flow of imports and exports.

Israeli forces have continued to impose a total ban on the delivery of raw materials to the Gaza Strip, except for very limited items and quantities. The limited quantities of raw materials allowed into Gaza do not meet the minimal needs of the civilian population of the Gaza Strip.

Israeli forces also continued to impose an almost total ban on the Gaza Strip exports, including agricultural and industrial products, except for light­weighted products such as flowers, strawberries, and spices. However, they lately allowed the exportation of some vegetables such as cucumber and tomatoes, furniture and fish.

Israel has continued to close the Beit Hanoun (Erez) crossing for the majority of Palestinian citizens from the Gaza Strip. Israel only allows the movement of a limited number of groups, with many hours of waiting in the majority of cases. Israel has continued to adopt a policy aimed at reducing the number of Palestinian patients allowed to move via the Beit Hanoun crossing to receive medical treatment in hospitals in Israel or in the West Bank and East Jerusalem. Israel also continued applying the policy of making certain civilian traveling via the crossing interviewed by the Israeli intelligence service to be questioned, blackmailed or arrested.

Movement at Karm Abu Salem (Kerem Shalom) crossing, southeast of Rafah, is designated for the movement of goods

Imports Date Amount Category Tons Number Liters Various goods 4466.24 Humanitarian aid 11,870 Cooking gas 252,760 Benzene 185,976 Diesel 221,993 03 May Diesel for UNRWA 38,000

Industrial fuel 266,001 Construction aggregates 10,120 Cement 680 Construction steel 870 Various goods 4,473 Humanitarian aid 14,448 Cooking gas 260,250 Benzene 184,001 04 May Diesel 553,014

Diesel for UNRWA 76,000

Industrial fuel 303,971 Construction aggregates 13,160 Cement 400 Construction steel 360 Various goods 2910 Humanitarian aid 12,040 Cooking gas 154,986 Benzene 38,000 Diesel 410,027 05 May Diesel for UNRWA 38,000

Industrial fuel 227,996 Construction aggregates 10,760 Cement 1040 Construction steel 150 Various goods 3900.9 Humanitarian aid 13,412 Cooking gas 239,120 Benzene 372,953 08 May Diesel 919,298

Diesel for UNRWA 38,000 Industrial fuel 76,000

Construction aggregate 11,600 Cement 1160 Construction steel 60 Various goods 4104.6 Humanitarian aid 13,228 Cooking gas 282,880 Benzene 372,987 09 May Diesel 664,007

Diesel for UNRWA 38,000

Industrial fuel 531,993 Construction aggregates 11,880 Cement 11,880 Construction steel 760

Exports:

On Tuesday, 03 May 2016, Israeli forces allowed the exportation of 90.72 tons of tomatoes; 3.85 tons of eggplants; .96 tons of peppers; 2.10 tons of sweet peppers; 31.30 tons of lemons and 16.92 tons of oranges. On Wednesday, 04 May 2016, Israeli forces allowed the exportation of 22.96 tons of lemons; 9 tons of oranges; 35 tons of aluminum scrap and 105 tons of steel scrap. On Thursday, 05 May 2016, Israeli forces allowed the exportation of 41.42 tons of tomatoes; 11.52 tons of cucumbers; 1.26 tons of peppers; 6.40 tons of sweet peppers; 5.76 tons of oranges; 15.36 tons of lemons; 0.30 tons of mint; 0.40 tons of garlic and 7 tons of clothes. On Sunday, 08 May 2016, Israeli forces allowed the exportation of 54.98 tons of tomatoes; 1.28 tons of eggplants; 15.36 truckloads of lemons; 20 tons of stationary; 20.70 tons of cucumbers and 4.80 ton of sweet peppers. On Monday, 09 May 2016, Israeli forces allowed the exportation of 42 tons of lemons; 35 tons of scrap and a ton of spices.

BeitHanoun (“Erez”) crossing, in the north of the Gaza Strip, is designated for the movement of individuals, and links the Gaza Strip with the West Bank.

Movement at Beit Hanoun (“Erez”) crossing

03­10 May 2016

Category 03 May 04 May 05 May 06 May 07 May 08 May 09 May 10 May Patients 74 42 66 2 – 71 73 76 Companions 67 39 51 2 – 65 58 65 Personal 46 51 86 43 – 61 109 74 needs Families – – – – – – 78 – of prisoners

Arabs from 4 1 1 2 – 6 2 – Israel

Diplomats 1 – 3 – – – 5 1 International – – – – – – – – journalists International 39 37 55 10 – 26 16 81 workers Travelers – 5 – – – 2 23 5 abroad

Business 308 329 337 4 2 509 480 352 people Business – – – – – – – – meetings Security 8 18 5 – – – 6 10 interviews VIPs 2 1 1 – – 2 – 3 Ambulances 4 1 2 – – 4 22 5 to Israel

Patients’ 4 1 2 – – 4 22 5 Companions

Notes:

On 06 May 2015, Israeli authorities allowed 241 Palestinians from the Gaza Strip to perform prayers in al­Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem. On Tuesday,10 May 2016, Israeli authorities allowed 241 Palestinians to perform prayers in al­Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem. Israeli authorities allowed one person on Thursday, 05 May 2016, to renew his permit while 4 others were allowed to attend a meeting for the Civil Affairs Department at Erez. Israeli authorities allowed 43 Christians on Tuesday, 03 May 2016; 20 Christians on Wednesday, 04 May 2016 and 54 Christians on Monday, 02 May 2016 to travel to Bethlehem for holidays. On Wednesday, 04 May 2016, Israeli authorities allowed 4 persons to testify before the Israeli courts. On Thursday, 05 May 2016, Israeli authorities partially opened the crossing and limited to leave the crossing before 13:00 and returning before 17:00 under the pretext of the Jewish Holidays.

Israeli forces arrest a patient at Beit Hanoun “Erez” crossing

At approximately 13:00 on Wednesday, 04 May 2016, Israeli soldiers stationed at Beit Hanoun “Erez” crossing in the northern Gaza Strip arrested Mohammed ‘Awadallah ‘Omer al­Buheisi (23) from Deir al­Balah in the central Gaza Strip when he was with his mother on his way back from his first medical revision in “Birzilay” Hospital in Israel. Al­Buhaisi sustains a cut­nerve in his right leg due to being shot by Israeli forces while participating in demonstrations in solidarity with Jerusalem in the eastern side of al­Bureij on 06 November 2015. His wounds were classified as serious, and he was transferred to the aforementioned hospital after three days from his injury. According to his brother, ‘Amr (24), he talked with his brother, Mohammed, after the Israeli Intelligence officer allowed him. He told ‘Amr that he was under arrest at the crossing and his phone and mother’s phone were confiscated. Mohammed added that Israeli forces were questioning him about taking photos of natural views on his way to the hospital while his mother was waiting for him in the hall.

West Bank

Israel has imposed a tightened closure on the West Bank. During the reporting period, Israeli forces imposed additional restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians:

Hebron: Israeli forces established (19) checkpoints all over the city.

On Wednesday, 04 May 2016, Israeli forces established three checkpoints at the entrances to Beit Kahel and Tarama villages and at the southern entrance to Halhoul village.

On Thursday, 05 May 2016, Israeli forces established three checkpoints at the entrance to Sa’ir village, the northern entrance to Hebron and the northern entrance to Yatta village.

On Friday, 06 May 2016, Israeli forces established two checkpoints at the entrance to Sa’ir village and at the northern entrance to Halhoul village.

On Saturday, 07 May 2016, Israeli forces established similar checkpoints at the entrances to Sa’ir and Samou’a villages.

On Monday, 09 May 2016, Israeli forces established three checkpoints at the entrances to Sa’ir village, al­‘Aroub refugee camp and at the northern entrance to Halhoul village.

On Tuesday, 10 May 2016, Israeli forces established two checkpoints at the entrance to al­Fawar refugee camp and at the southern entrance to Hebron (al­Fahs).

On Wednesday, 11 May 2016, Israeli forces established four checkpoints at the entrances to Bani Na’im, Jalajil, Qilqis villages and al­‘Aroub refugee camp.

Ramallah and al­Bireh: Israeli forces established (19) checkpoints all over the city.

At approximately 17:30, on Wednesday, 04 May 2016, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the entrance to Khirbetha al­Mosbah village, southwest of Ramallah.

At approximately 19:00, Israeli forces established similar checkpoint at the entrance to Senjil village, north of the city. On Thursday, 05 May 2016, Israeli forces established two checkpoints under the bridge of Kherbitha al­Mosbah, southwest of Ramallah, and at the northern entrance to Berzeit, north of the city.

On Friday, 06 May 2016, Israeli forces established three checkpoints at the entrance to al­Nabi Saleh village; northwest of Ramallah; under the bridge of Yabroud village, northeast of the city; and at the intersection of Beit ‘Ur al­Foqa village, southwest of the city.

At approximately 10:30, on Sunday, 08 May 2016, Israeli forces established a checkpoint under the bridge of Kherbitha al­Mosbah village, southwest of Ramallah.

Qalqiliya: Israeli forces established (7) checkpoints all over the city.

On Saturday, 07 May 2016, Israeli forces established three checkpoints at the eastern entrance to Qalqilyia, between ‘Azoun and Qalqiliya and at the entrance to ‘Azoun village, east of the city.

On Sunday, 08 May 2016, Israeli forces established four checkpoints at the eastern entrance to Qaqiliya; under the bridge of ‘Azoun village, east of Qalqiliya; between ‘Azoun and ‘Azbit al­Tabib villages, east of the city; and at the entrance to ‘Azoun village, east of the city.

Salfit: Israeli forces established (5) checkpoints all over the city.

At approximately 20:30, on Saturday, 07 May 2016, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the entrance to al­Zawyia village, west of Salfit.

On Sunday, 08 May 2016, Israeli forces established four checkpoints at the entrance to al­Zawyia village, west of Salfit, (This was established twice); at the entrance to Deir Balout village; and at the western entrance to Kafur al­Deek village, west of the city.

Tulkarm: At approximately 08:00, on Wednesday, 04 May 2016, Israeli forces stationed at ‘Inab checkpoint, which was established on the main road between Tulkarm and Nablus, east of Nablus, tightened their arbitrary measures against Palestinian civilians and obstructed their movement. At approximately 09:30, on Thursday, 05 May 2016; at approximately 09:30, on Monday, 09 May 2016; and at approximately 12:30, on Tuesday, 10 May 2016; Israeli forces repeated their arbitrary measures against civilians.

At approximately 11:00, on Wednesday, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the southern entrance to Tulkarm that is known as (Natanyia Street).

Jenin: Israeli forces established (4) checkpoints all over the city.

At approximately 15:30, on Wednesday, 04 May 2016, Israeli forces established a checkpoint on the main road between Jenin and Nablus, near the intersection of ‘Araba village. At approximately 19:00, Israeli forces established similar checkpoint at the entrance to Kafreet village, southwest of the city.

At approximately 20:00, on Thursday, 05 May 2016, Israeli forces established two checkpoints at the intersection of Beit Qad village, and at the entrance to Faqo’a village, northeast of Jenin.

Arrests at military checkpoints

At approximately 16:00 on Wednesday, 04 May 2016, Israeli special forces arrested ‘Atif Rohi al­Salehi (43) after ambushing him in ‘Aqbit Yabroud area, west of Yabroud village, northeast of Ramallah. It should be mentioned that ‘Atif is from Silwad village and was arrested while he was heading to his house after being released from a Palestinian security service prison. ‘Atif served 6 years in the prisons of the Palestinian security services on charges of participating in a shooting incident in September 2010 and wounding Israeli settlers.

At approximately 13:00 on Thursday, 05 May 2016, Israeli forces stationed at Za’tara checkpoint, south of Nablus, arrested Ahmed Yousef Omar Ahmed (23), from ‘Araba village, southwest of Jenin, while he was crossing the checkpoint. Israeli soldiers stopped a taxi carrying Ahmed and ordered him to step out of the taxi. After that, they handcuffed and took him to a military jeep.

At approximately 14:00, on the same day, Israeli forces established a checkpoint on the main road between Nablus and Jenin, near the intersection of ‘Araba village, south of Jenin. They stopped the vehicles traveling in both directions and checked the passengers’ IDs. When Shadi Nasir Ahmed Salah (30), from Kafur Dan village, northwest of Jenin, crossed the checkpoint, Israeli soldiers arrested him and took him to an unknown destination.

At approximately 16:30 on Saturday, 07 May 2016, Israeli forces arrested Sojoud Mohammed Suliman Rifa’y (21), while she was on her way with her family to their house in Kafur ‘Ain village, northwest of Ramallah. Israeli soldiers stopped Sojoud at ‘Atara checkpoint, north of Ramallah, and took her to an unknown destination. It should be mentioned that Sojoud is a student at al­Quds Open University.

At approximately 18:00, on the same day, Israeli forces stationed at military checkpoint (300), which is established at the northern entrance to Bethlehem, arrested Murad Mostafa Hammad (24), from ‘Aida refugee camp, north of the city, while he was returning from occupied East Jerusalem.

On Sunday, 08 May 2016, Israeli forces stationed at the annexation wall gate at the entrance to East Barta’ah village, west of Jenin, arrested Ra’ed Mahmoud As’ad Mar’y (27) and Mohammed Ghasan Khalid al­Zayoud (29). Both of them are from Silet al­Harithiya village, northwest of the city. The abovementioned civilians were arrested while crossing the gate.

At approximately 08:00 on Monday, 09 May 2016, Israeli forces stationed at Za’tara checkpoint, south of Nablus, arrested Amjad Mahmoud Hussain, from ‘Azoun village, east of Qalqiliya, while he was returning from Ramallah.

4. Efforts to Create Jewish majority

Israeli forces escalated their attacks on Palestinian civilians and their property. They have also continued their raids on al­Aqsa Mosque and denied the Palestinians access to it:

Shooting Incidents

At approximately 18:30 on Saturday, 07 May 2016, Israeli forces opened fire at a Palestinian civilian (PCHR keeps his name) from Beit Ummar, north of Hebron, while attempting to enter East Jerusalem via the annexation wall in Humus Valley area in Sour Baher village to reach his workplace. As a result, he sustained a bullet wound to the foot and transferred to al­Hussein Hospital in Beit Jala for medical treatment.

Mohammed ‘Ayyad, Coordinator of the “National Committee against Settlements”, said that the aforementioned civilian was wounded when Israeli forces opened fire and fired tear gas canisters to prevent other civilians from treating him. However, civilians managed to approach him and took him to a medical clinic in the nearby Dar Salah village. He was then taken to al­Hussein Hospital in Beit Jala.

Arrests and Incursions

At approximately 03:00 on Wednesday, 04 May 2016, Israeli forces moved into al­Tour neighbourhood, east of occupied Jerusalem’s Old City. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Mahmoud Abu al­Hawa. They arrested his son, Bahaa’ (21), and later withdrew taking him to an unknown destination.

At approximately 19:30 on the same day, Israeli forces arrested Aya Mohammed al­Hendi (17), a volunteer from al­Issawiyah village in the Medical Relief Society while walking on al­ Wad Street in East Jerusalem’s Old City, claiming she had sharp tools to stab Israeli soldiers. An eyewitness said to a PCHR fieldworker that Israeli forces severely beat the aforementioned child and then took her to “al­Maskoubiyah”.

At approximately 06:00 on Thursday, 05 May 2016, Israeli forces moved into al­Tour neighbourhood, east of East Jerusalem’s Old City. They raided and searched a house belonging to Ya’qoub Abu al­Hawa. They arrested his child, Asil (17) and later withdrew taking her to an unknown destination. Her family that the Israeli forces arrested Asil accusing her of incitement on social media.

At approximately 09:00, Israeli forces moved into a number of neighbourhoods in East Jerusalem’s Old City. They raided and searched several houses. They arrested Mohammed Ayman Jaber (17); Yaser al­Natsheh (19); Mohammed Moa’nes (21) amd Wisam Hamoudah (20) and later withdrew taking them to an unknown destination.

At approximately 11:00, Israeli forces arrested Ahmed Jaber Qomboz (24) when he was in al­Aqsa Mosque Yards in the East Jerusalem’s Old City. They took him to al­Qashala police station for interrogation.

At approximately 00:00 on Friday, 06 May 2016, Israeli forces moved into Ras al­‘Amoud, east of Jerusalem’s Old City. They raided and searched a house belonging to prisoner ‘Alaa’ al­Deen al­‘Abbasi. They arrested his wife, Raniah al­‘Abbasi (36) and later withdrew taking her to “Salah al­Deen Street” police station for interrogation. Lawyer Mohammed Mahmoud said that the Israeli police decided to deport Raniah al­‘Abbasi to the West Bank under the pretext of staying illegally in Jerusalem because she holds a West Bank ID card and does not have a residency permit. The Israeli police said that Mrs. Raniah was detained for a few hours in “Salah al­Deen Street” police station and then the police car took her to “al­ Zaytoun” checkpoint, east of the city. It should be mentioned that al­‘Abbasi is the wife of Jerusalemite prisoner, ‘Alaa’ al­Deen al­‘Abbasi, who has been arrested since 2002 and sentenced to 66 years in prison. Raniah is also a mother of 3 children; Safaa’ (19), Sarah (17) and ‘Omer (14).

At approximately 16:00 on Saturday, 07 May 2016, Israeli forces moved into al­Bustan neighbourhood in Silwan village, south of East Jerusalem’s Old City. They stationed at the neighbourhood entrance and started provoking the residents and passers­by. Altercations then occured between both parties and developed into Israel forces firing sound bombs randombly to disperse the residents. They then arrested ‘Amer Ziad Zidani (19); Mohammed al­Zeer (18) and Samer al­Shalodi (20).

At approximately 19:00 on Sunday, 08 May 2016, Israel forces arrested Mohammed ‘Abdullah al­Tamimi (19) when he was in Hatah Gate neighbourhood in the East Jerusalem’s Old City. They severely beat Mohammed and took him to an unknown destination.

At approximately 01:00 on Monday, 09 May 2016, Israeli forces moved into al­Sheikh Sa’ed area in al­Mukaber Mount neighbourhood, southeast of Jerusalem. They raided and searched a house belonging to Mas’oud Mashahrah. They arrested his sin, Mohammed (23) and left the house taking him to an unknown destination.

At approximately 03:30 on the same Monday, Israeli forces moved into Qalendia refugee camp, north of East Jerusalem. They raided and searched a house belonging to Rami Mohammed Rashid ‘Awdah (28)

At approximately 04:00 on the same Monday, Israeli forces moved into al­‘Issawiyah village, northeast of East Jerusalem. They raided and searched a number of houses. They arrested Mahmoud ‘Atiyah (17) and Feras Mahmoud (22) and later withdrew taking them to an unknown destination.

At approximately 01:00 on Tuesday, 10 May 2015, Israeli forces moved into al­‘Izzariyah village, east of Jerusalem. They raided and searched a house belonging to ‘Omer Abu Roumi. They arrested his son, Mohammed (17), and took him to an unknown destination.

At approximately 02:00 on Tuesday, 10 May 2016, Israeli forces moved into Qatanah village, northwest of Jerusalem. They raided and searched a house belonging to former prisoner Mohammed Yousif shamasnah (47). They arrested the aforementioned civilian and took him to an unknown destination.

At approximately 04:00 on Wednesday, 10 May 2016, Israeli forces raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Akram Abu Ta’aah in East Jerusalem’s Old City. They arrested his son, Seif (18), and took him to an unknown destination.

Seizure of lands and property:

On Monday dawn, 09 May 2016, Settlers took­over a residential building belonging to “Yozbishi” family in al­Sa’diyeh neighborhood in Jerusalem’s Old City. The 3­storey building is 200 meters away from al­Aqsa Mosque to its northern side. The building has a 60­meter­ square yard, where there are a number of rooms overlooking al­Aqsa Yard and surrounded by settlement outposts established in the neighborhood. One of the outposts was built on a huge building belonging to the Qersh family as settlers took over it years ago, taking advantage that the family did not live there anymore. One of the families living near the building said that the seized building is one of the huge buildings in the Old City as it is comprised of 23 rooms in addition to a big courtyard. Yozbishi family used to live in the house before surprisingly leaving it. Therefore, dozens of settlers raided the building without any restrictions.

On the aforementioned Monday, Israeli forces moved into a 3­dunum land in al­Sheikh Jarrah, north of East Jerusalem. They confiscated this land belonging to Mohammed Abu Ta’ah and handed it to “Amana House” settlement association without a judicial order for the interest of building a synagogue and main offices for the association.

Mohammed Abu Ta’ah, who owns documents proving he is the land’s owner, said that he inherited a land from his father. He added, “Settlers took over the land under the Israeli police protect without a judicial order. Although the case is a pendente lite, settlers are trying to impose a fait accompli on the court, which is controlled by settlers.” He also said that the Israeli forces and settlers have tried for 30 years to seize the land as the case has been for 27 years in the courts and pending the litigation. However, settlers raided the land from time to time and around month ago settlers raided the land and started building on it.

The aforementioned settlement association claimed that the land is a government land although it is located in al­Sheikh Jarrah neighbourhood near the French Hospital. The association added that it bought the land from the Israeli government for NIS 900,000, but Abu Ta’ah denied this. He stressed, “The land is my grandfather’s and father’s and there are documents proving this.” It should be mentioned that Israeli forces arrested Mohammed Abu Ta’ah four times when he confronted settlers, who attempted to seize the land. He added that the association is planning to seize the nearby lands as well to build more facilities as part of a project to make Jewish majority in Jerusalem and expel Palestinians.

It should be mentioned that Amana association was established in 1979 by “Ghosh Eminom” movement operating toward establishing and expanding settlements.

5. Settlement activities and attacks by settlers against Palestinian civilians and property

Settlers’ attacks:

At approximately 00:30 on Wednesday, 04 May 2016, hundreds of Israeli settlers moved into Kaful Hares village, north of Salfit, under the Israeli forces’ protection. On the Jewish Passover holiday, Israeli settlers visited religious tombs in the village, performed their religious rituals and withdrew on the next day morning. It should be mentioned that Israeli settlers intentionally raided the mosques and religious tombs in the abovementioned village to perform their religious rituals, provoke the Palestinian civilians and raise riot. This came upon an attempt to justify imposing a full control over these areas. In addition, Israeli settlers repeatedly raided Kaful Hares village under the pretext of the existence of Jewish tombs, but in fact, they are Islamic Sufi tombs. During settlers’ raids on the village, they perform religious rituals under the Israeli forces’ protection. Kaful Hares village is popular for the big number of religious sites available in it.

At approximately 16:30, on the same day, 3 Israeli settlers attacked Ra’ed Jihad Abu Rmaila (44) in the vicinity of al­Ibrahimi Mosque in the centre of Hebron’s Old City, while he was returning to his house along with 2 of his neighbours. As a result, Ra’ed sustained bruises to the neck and a minor wound to the head. He was then taken by a PRCS’ ambulance to Hebron Hospital.

Ra’ed Abu Rmaila said to PCHR’s fieldworker, “At approximately 16:30 on Wednesday, 04 May 2016, I was returning to my house in the company of two of my neighbours, Abdul Razeq al­ Salima (48) and Hani Jaber (20). When we approached the Sharia’ court, I saw 4 Israeli settlers, one of whom was holding a dog and pushing it to attack a child on the street. A number of civilians gathered and kept the dog away from the child. The settlers then approached, while the dog attacked my 2 neighbors. I tried to film the attack, so one of the settlers hit my camera with his hand, while another settler punched me in the back of the head. I tried to get away, but the settler came again and hit me with a can to the right side of my head, so I felt so much pain. An Israeli soldier then pointed his gun at me and I fell to the ground because I had so much pain. A number of Israeli soldiers gathered, coming from “Abu al­Rish” checkpoint, and cocked their guns. I shouted saying that the settlers attacked me, so two soldiers took me near a military checkpoint and brought me cold water and ice. Few minutes later, a PRCS ambulance arrived and took me to Hebron Hospital, where I was x­rayed and examined. I stayed at the hospital until the next day afternoon, and then I headed to an Israeli police station, east of the city, to file a complaint against the settlers.”

At approximately 16:30 on Saturday, 07 May 2016, an Israeli settler from “Ramat Yishai” settlement established in Tal al­Rumaida neighborhood in Hebron, attacked ‘Imad ‘Awni Kamel Abu Shamsiya (45), from the abovementioned neighbourhood. Israeli settlers attacked Abu Shamsiya while he was filming a number of settlers attacking Palestinian civilians. As a result, Imad’s camera was broken without the intervention of the Israeli soldiers, who were few meters away from him.

‘Imad Abu Shamsiya said to PCHR’s fieldworker, “I was with my neighbor Yasser Abu Markhiya (42) in my house in Tal al­Rumaida neighborhood. I heard youngsters shouting that Israeli settlers were trying to attack them. I immediately headed to my house entrance and saw 3 settlers aging around 13 with another bearded settler aging around 25 and wearing the outfit of Orthodox settlers. The settlers were holding sticks, so I turned on my camera to film them. However, they threw my camera on the ground while two Israeli soldier stationed near “Gilbert” checkpoint were watching. After that, the settlers continued walking and when they approached me, they started cursing and swearing. Two of the young settlers shouted at me several times ordering me to turn off my camera. In the meantime, the older settler ran and pushed Yasser strongly towards me, held my camera and broke the screen. Eventually he fled without the intervention of the Israeli soldiers who were in the area. ”

On Monday, 09 May 2016, a group of Israeli settlers moved into “Tarsala” area, south of Jenin, on which a settlement was established but evacuated in 2005. A local source said to a PCHR fieldworker that Israeli settlers came under the protection of Israeli forces to perform their Talmudic rituals and then withdrew later. It should be noted that Israeli forces seized the abovementioned settlement after the 1967. It used to be a camp for the Jordanian Army in 1952, in which the Jordanian Army built a mosque in 1965. The abovementioned mosque was then turned into a Jewish synagogue after the Israeli had seized the camp and turned it into a settlement. Under the Israeli forces’ protection, the settlers sneak into the area now and then heading to the remnant of their settlement that was unilaterally evacuated in 2005 to perform their religious rituals.

Israeli forces’ attacks:

At approximately 10:00 on Wednesday, 04 May 2016, Israeli forces accompanied with three military vehicles; one of them belongs to the Civil Administration, moved into al­Jawayia area, east of Yatta village, south of Hebron. They stationed in the vicinity of an underconstruction house belonging to ‘Ayid ‘Obadah al­Shawaheen (44). Israeli soldiers raided the house, prevented workers from completing the construction works and handed him a notice to halt construction works under the pretext of non­licensing. Moreover, Israeli forces confiscated some construction wood and steel. It should be mentioned that ‘Ayid supports 13­member family, including 9 children, and currently stays with them in a tent set up near their house.

At approximately 07:00 on Monday, 09 May 2016, Israeli forces accompanied with military vehicles, one of them belongs to the Civil Administration, and a bulldozer, moved into al­ Waljah village, northwest of Bethlehem. They surrounded an underconstruction house belonging to Hasan Naser Abu Tein and demolished it under the pretext of non­licensing. Majdi Abu Tein, al­Waljah council’s secretary, stated that large forces of Israeli soldiers moved into ‘Ein Jowaizah area, north of the village, and closed it preventing civilians from entering and exiting, after which they demolished the abovementioned 250­square­meter house. A week ago, Israeli forces handed Abu al­Teen, along with other civilians, notices to stop building their houses.

At approximately 09:00 on Tuesday, 10 May 2016, Israeli forces accompanied with military vehicles, one of them belongs to the Civil Administration, moved into Sosyia village, south of Yatta, south of Hebron. A number of Israeli soldiers deployed between civilians’ tents, while a Civil Administration Officer handed the village residents 4 notices for the following structures:

1. Underconstruction water well belonging to Khalil Jebril Nawaj’a (40). 2. Underconstruction water well belonging to Ahmed Naser ‘Arbed (33). 3. Two residential tents (30­square­meters each) belonging to Abed al­Mohsin Mahmoud al­ Nawaj’a (41).

Recommendations to the International Community

PCHR emphasizes the international community’s position that the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, are still under Israeli occupation, in spite of Israeli military redeployment outside the Gaza Strip in 2005. PCHR further confirms that Israeli forces continued to impose collective punishment measures on the Gaza Strip, which have escalated since the 2006 Palestinian parliamentary elections, in which Hamas won the majority of seats of the Palestinian Legislative Council. PCHR stresses that there is international recognition of Israel’s obligation to respect international human rights instruments and the international humanitarian law, especially the Hague Regulations concerning the Laws and Customs of War on Land and the Geneva Conventions. Israel is bound to apply the international human rights law and the law of war sometime reciprocally and other times in parallel in a way that achieves the best protection for civilians and remedy for victims.

In light of continued arbitrary measures, land confiscation and settlement activities in the West Bank, and the latest 51­day offensive against civilians in the Gaza Strip, PCHR calls upon the international community, especially the United Nations, the High Contracting Parties to the Geneva Convention and the European Union – in the context of their natural obligation to respect and enforce the international law – to cooperate and act according to the following recommendations:

1. PCHR calls upon the international community and the United Nations to use all available means to allow the Palestinian people to enjoy their right to self­determination, through the establishment of the Palestinian State, which was recognized by the UN General Assembly with a vast majority, using all international legal mechanisms, including sanctions to end the occupation of the State of Palestine; 2. PCHR calls upon the United Nations to provide international protection to Palestinians in the oPt, and to ensure the non­recurrence of aggression against the oPt, especially the Gaza Strip; 3. PCHR calls upon the High Contracting Parties to the Geneva Conventions to compel Israel, as a High Contracting Party to the Conventions, to apply the Conventions in the oPt; 4. PCHR calls upon the Parties to international human rights instruments, especially the Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, to pressurize Israel to comply with their provisions in the oPt, and to compel it to incorporate the human rights situation in the oPt in its reports submitted to the concerned committees; 5. PCHR calls upon the High Contracting Parties to the Geneva Conventions to fulfil their obligation to ensure the application of the Conventions, including extending the scope of their jurisdiction in order to prosecute suspected war criminals, regardless of the nationality of the perpetrator and the place of a crime, to pave the way for prosecuting suspected Israeli war criminals and end the longstanding impunity they have enjoyed; 6. PCHR calls on States that apply the principle of universal jurisdiction not to surrender to Israeli pressure to limit universal jurisdiction to perpetuate the impunity enjoyed by suspected Israeli war criminals; 7. PCHR calls upon the international community to act in order to stop all Israeli settlement expansion activities in the oPt through imposing sanctions on Israeli settlements and criminalizing trading with them; 8. PCHR calls upon the UN General Assembly to transfer the Goldstone Report to the UN Security Council in order to refer it to the International Criminal Court in accordance with Article 13(b) of the Rome Statute; 9. PCHR calls upon the United Nations to confirm that holding war criminals in the Palestinian­ Israeli conflict is a precondition to achieve stability and peace in the regions, and that peace cannot be built on the expense of human rights; 10. PCHR calls upon the UN General Assembly and Human Rights Council to explicitly declare that the Israeli closure policy in Gaza and the annexation wall in the West Bank are illegal, and accordingly refer the two issues to the UN Security Council to impose sanctions on Israel to compel it to remove them; 11. PCHR calls upon the international community, in light of its failure to the stop the aggression on the Palestinian people, to at least fulfil its obligation to reconstruct the Gaza Strip after the series of hostilities launched by Israel which directly targeted the civilian infrastructure; 12. PCHR calls upon the United Nations and the European Union to express a clear position towards the annexation wall following the international recognition of the State of Palestine on the 1967 borders, as the annexation wall seizes large parts of the State of Palestine; 13. PCHR calls upon the European Union to activate Article 2 of the EU­Israel Association Agreement, which provides that both sides must respect human rights as a precondition for economic cooperation between the EU states and Israel, and the EU must not ignore Israeli violations and crimes against Palestinian civilians;

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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 08 282 4776 – 282 5893.