Weekly Report On Israeli Human Rights Violations in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (18 24 February 2016)
Israeli forces continue systematic crimes in the occupied Palestinian territory (oPt)
(18 – 24 February 2016)
Hebron: Masalmah Family in Front of their House Demolished by Israeli Forces in Tarousa Village
Israeli forces continued to use excessive force in the oPt 4 Palestinian civilians, including a child, were killed in the West Bank. One of them was killed in occupied Jerusalem. 21 Palestinian civilians, including 6 children and a photojournalist, were wounded in the West Bank and Gaza Strip.
Israeli forces continued to target the border areas along the Gaza Strip, but no casualties were reported.
House demolitions continued on grounds of collective punishment. 2 houses in Tarousa and Deir Samet villages in Hebron were demolished.
Israeli forces conducted 75 incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank and a limited one in the southern Gaza Strip. 86 Palestinian civilians, including 19 children, were arrested. 19 of them, including 12 children, were arrested in occupied Jerusalem; while 13 others, including a child, were arrested during their participation in peaceful protests.
Settlement activities continued in the West Bank. Israeli forces issued more house demolition notices in the southern West Bank.
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. 7 Palestinian civilians, including 2 children and a young woman, were arrested at military checkpoints. Israeli forces banned journalist Mohammed Fayadh from traveling via Beit Hanoun “Erez” crossing to the West Bank.
Summary
Israeli violations of international law and international humanitarian law in the oPt continued during the reporting period (18 – 24 February 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 killed 4 Palestinian civilians, including a child, in the West Bank; one of whom was killed in occupied Jerusalem. Moreover, they wounded 21 civilians, including a child and a photojournalist. Eighteen of them, including 5 children, were wounded in the West Bank, while 3 others, including a child, were wounded in the Gaza Strip. Concerning the nature of injuries, 18 civilians were hit with live bullets, 2 others were hit with rubbercoated metal bullets and a photojournalist was hit with a sound bomb.
In the West Bank, Israeli forces killed 4 Palestinian civilians, including a child, and wounded 18 others, including 5 children and a photojournalist. Sixteen of them were hit with live bullets, one was hit with a rubbercoated metal bullet and the photojournalist was hit with a sound bomb.
Killings committed by Israeli forces in the West Bank were as follows:
On 19 February 2016, in employment of lethal force, Israeli forces killed Mohammed Abu Khalaf (20), from Kufor Aqeb village, north of occupied Jerusalem. The aforementioned person was killed at alAmoud Gate, the northern entrance to the Old City, when Israeli Border Guard officers fired over 50 bullets at him. Even according to the Israeli story, Israeli forces could have used less force and arrested him. The Israeli police stated that a Palestinian young man hurried towards a police officer and stabbed him in the head, but to the wound was minor. While the young man was fighting with another police officer, Israeli soldiers shot him dead.
On the same day, Israeli forces killed Khaled Taqatqah (21) while participating in a protest in solidarity with journalist Mohammed alQeeq, who is on a hunger strike. The protest was organized at the western entrance to Beit Fajjar village, south of Bethlehem. Taqatqah was hit with 2 live bullets to the chest, after which Israeli forces beat him up, dragged and handcuffed him. In addition, they prevented the Palestinian medical crews from offering him first aid. The aforementioned person was left like that for half an hour until a Magen David Adom’s (MDA) ambulance arrived and took him to HadassaEin Karem Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 17:30.
Also on the same day, Israeli forces killed Abed Hamed (19), from Silwad village, northeast of Ramallah. They opened fire at him after he ran over a number of Israeli soldiers, who were opening fire at Palestinian protestors at the western entrance to the village. An eyewitness said to PCHR’s fieldworker that Israeli MDA crew arrived at the scene and offered medical assistance to the soldiers, but left the Palestinian wounded person bleeding for about an hour, after which he passed away. On 21 February 2016, in employment of lethal force, Israeli forces stationed in their military site at the intersection of Beita village, south of Nablus, killed Qusai Abu alRub (16), from Qabatya village, southeast of Jenin. They claimed that he was holding a knife and heading towards Israeli soldiers that shot him dead even before he approached them. PCHR’s investigations highlights that Israeli forces could have used less force and arrested him, especially as the military site is fortified with cement cubes.
In the Gaza Strip, Israeli forces wounded 3 Palestinian civilians, including a child, during their participation in protests organized adjacent to the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel, northwest of Beit Hanoun, north of the Gaza Strip.
In the context of targeting border areas along the Gaza Strip, on 20 February 2016, Israeli forces stationed at the said fence, east of alMaghazi refugee camp, in the central Gaza Strip, opened fire at Palestinian farmers on their lands. Similar attack recurred on 23 February 2016, but no casualties were reported among farmers.
Incursions:
During the reporting period, Israeli forces conducted at least 75 military incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank and 9 ones in occupied East Jerusalem and its suburbs. During these incursions, Israeli forces arrested at least 86 Palestinian civilians, including 19 children. Nineteen of them, including 12 children, were arrested in East Jerusalem and its suburbs, while 13 others, including a child, were arrested in peaceful prtests.
During the reporting period, Israeli forces cordoned Qabatya village, southeast of Jenin, following the killing of Qusai Abu alRub (16), near Beit village, south of Nablus, whom was accused of carrying out a stabbing attack against Israeli soldiers. Nablus and its suburbs and refugee camps witnessed a widescale military operation that is the largest in Nablus in years. In the operation, large numbers of infantry soldiers and Intelligence officers were involved.
In the Gaza Strip, on 18 February 2016, Israeli forces conducted a limited incursion in the east of alQararah village, east of Khan Yunis, south of the Gaza Strip. They levelled lands and dug some area, after which, they were redeployed behind the border fence.
House demolitions on grounds of collective punishment
In the context of house demolitions on grounds of collective punishment, on 23 February 2016, Israeli forces demolished a house belonging to prisoner Ra’ed Mahmoud Khalil (36), in Tarousa village, west of Doura, southwest of Hebron. It should be noted that Khalil is accused of carrying out a stabbing in Tel Aviv in Israel on 19 November 2015, which resulted in the killing of 2 Israelis.
Around the same time, Israeli forces demolished an apartment belonging to the family of prisoner Mohammed alHroub (21), from Deir Samet village, southwest of Doura. It should be mentioned that Israeli forces accused the aforementioned person of opened fire at “Gosh Etzion” settlement’ intersection on 19 November 2015, which resulted in the killing of 2 Israelis.
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.
Details
1. Incursions into Palestinian Areas, and Attacks on Palestinian Civilians and Property in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip
Thursday, 18 February 2016
At approximately 01:30, Israeli forces moved into Halhoul village, north of Hebron, and stationed in Ras Khamees neighbourhood, north of Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to Bahiya alHashlamoun (33), the wife of prisoner Maher Hindi al Hashlamoun. They confiscated NIS 15,000 and withdrew later. No arrests were reported.
At approximately 02:30, Israeli forces moved into Dura, southwest of Hebron, and stationed in alNamous neighbourhood, west of Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to Loay Basel Shadeed (19), and arrested him.
At approximately 03:00, Israeli forces moved into Deir alGhasoun village, north of Tulkarm. They raided and searched a house belonging to Mohammed Falah Tawfiq Abu Zaytoun (20), an officer at the National Security Service. They arrested him and withdrew later.
Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Tulkarm. They raided and searched a house belonging to ‘Alaa Mazen Abed alRahman Zidan (19), and arrested him.
Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Nahaleen village, west of Bethlehem. They raided and searched a house belonging to Mohammed Ali Najajrah (20) and arrested him.
At approximately 04:30, Israeli forces moved into Qabatia village, southeast of Jenin. They raided and searched many houses from which they arrested Mostafa Ahmed Saba’na (20), and his brother Ma’moun (17) and Abdullah Abu Wa’er (20).
At approximately 07:00, Israeli forces moved into alQararah village, east of Khan Yunis, south of the Gaza Strip. They levelled lands along the border fence and then redeployed in the same area.
At approximately 16:50, an Israeli soldier opened fire at two Palestinians, who carried out stabbing attack in “Rami Levi” shopping centre, established in Mikhmas village, north of Jerusalem. The two persons carried out the stabbing attack were identified as Omar Sameer Mahmoud Taha (14) and his friend Ayham Basem Ibrahim Sabaah (14), both from Beitunia village, west of Ramallah. Few minutes later, a Magen David Adom’s (MDA) ambulance arrived at the place, during which its medical crew offered first aid to the abovementioned persons and took them to Shaare Zedek and HadassahEin Kerem Hospitals in occupied Jerusalem. On Monday, 22 February 2016, a lawyer from the Palestinian Prisoner Club declared that he visited Omar, who was hit with 2 live bullets to the back and the right side of his chest, and Ayham Sabaah, who was hit with a live bullet to the right shoulder.
Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces carried out 13 incursions in the following areas without reporting any arrests: al‘Arqa village, west of Jenin; Tourah and Marka villages, southwest of Jenin; Yatta village; Beit Khahel village; Samou’a village; Sa’eir village; Sakaa village; alRayhiya village in Hebron; Jaljilia village; Beteen village; Kherbitha Bain Harith village; ‘Ain Ayoub area, west of Ras Karkar village in Ramallah and alBireh.
Friday, 19 February 2016
At approximately 02:30, Israeli forces moved into ‘Ateel village, north of Tulkarm. They raided and searched a house belonging to Ma’an Ibrahim Abed alFatah Yaseen (24), and arrested him.
At approximately 05:00, Israeli forces moved into Beitunia village, west of Ramallah, and stationed in alMajd residential building near the Modern Community College. They raided an apartment belonging to the family of Omar Sameer Mahmoud Taha (14), who was seriously wounded along with his friend Ayham Basen Ibrahim Sabaah (14) by an Israeli security guard in “Rami Levi” shopping centre, north of Jerusalem, after carrying out a stabbing attack. An explosive engineering team inspected the house and took its measures. No arrests were reported.
Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces carried out 9 incursions in the following areas without reporting any arrests: Amateen village, northeast of Qalqilyia; Yasouf village, east of Salfit; Ya’bood and ‘Araba villages, southwest of Jenin; Tulkarm and Showikah village, north of Tulkarm; Dura; al‘Aroub refugee camp; Beit ‘Omrah village in Hebron.
Saturday, 20 February 2016
At approximately 02:00, an Israeli infantry unit raided and searched a house belonging to ‘Ezaat Ishaq Jaber (20), in Jaber neighbourhood, south of Hebron. They arrested him and withdrew later.
At approximately 08:40, Israeli forces stationed along the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel, east of alMaghazi refugee camp, in the centre of the Gaza Strip, opened fire at Palestinian farmers, who were present in their lands. As a result, the Palestinian farmers left their lands fearing for their lives. No causalities were reported.
Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces carried out 3 incursions in the following areas without reporting any arrests: alFawar refugee camp; alMoureq village, south of Hebron; and Fahma village, southwest of Jenin.
Sunday, 21 February 2016
At approximately 01:00, Israeli forces moved into Samou’a village, south of Hebron, and stationed in the western area. They raided and searched a house belonging to Osama Ali alDaghameen (55), and arrested him. At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into alSalam neighbourhood in Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to Mohammed Tareq Shawar alTamimi (29), and arrested him. After that, Israeli forces moved into alNemrah village. They raided and searched a house belonging to Shareef Zuhair alJab’ah (26), after which, they arrested him and withdrew later. Moreover, they handed Majed Mohammed alHaymoni (22), a summons to refer to the Israeli Intelligence service in “Gosh ‘Etzion” settlement complex, south of Bethlehem.
Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Beit Fajjar, south of Bethlehem. They raided and searched a house belonging to Ibrahim Thawabtah, from which they arrested two of his sons Mohammed (20) and Nour (17).
Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into alJalzoun refugee camp, north of Ramallah. They raided and searched a house belonging to Diyaa Yaser alShany (19), and arrested him.
Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Jenin refugee camp. They raided and searched a house belonging to Ra’fat Naser Sa’eed alSa’di (20), and arrested him.
At approximately 08:00, Israeli forces moved into Kufor alDeek village, west of Salfit. They raided and searched a house belonging to Raed Abed alHakeem ‘Amir under the pretext of looking for weapons. At approximately 12:00, they confiscated a hunting rifle and withdrew later. No arrests were reported.
In another crime of excessive use of force, Israeli forces stationed at the intersection of Bitaa village, south of Nablus, killed a Palestinian child. Israeli forces claimed that the child was holding a knife and heading towards the soldiers, who immediately opened fire and killed him on the spot. PCHR’ investigations confirmed that Israeli forces could have used less lethal force against the victim or arrested him. According to PCHR’s investigations, at approximately 11:45, Israeli forces stationed at the intersection of Bitaa village, opened fire at Qusai Diaa’ Abu alRub (16), from Qabatia village, southeast of Jenin. As a result, Qusai was hit with several live bullets and was killed immediately. It should be mentioned that Israeli forces established a military site at the intersection of Bitaa village. The site consists of a fortified concrete room, which prevents anyone from approaching the site.
Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces carried out 9 incursions in the following areas without reporting any arrests: Deir Astyia village, northwest of Salfit; Kufor alDeek village, west of Salfit; Ras alJoura area in Hebron; Beit Ummer village; Sureef village; Tafouh village; Dura in Hebron; Showaika village, north of Tulkarm and al‘Arqa village, west of Jenin.
Monday, 22 February 2016
In the midnight, Israeli forces moved into Qabatia village, southeast of Jenin, after the killing of Qusai Abu alRub (16), near Bitaa village intersection, south of Nablus. Israeli forces claimed that the child attempted to carry out a stabbing attack against the soldiers. At approximately 04:00 and after the closure of all the village entrances with sand barriers, Israeli forces moved into Qabatia village. They raided and searched a house belonging to the abovementioned child and interrogated its residents. They then photographed the house and took its measures. After that, they raided and searched 2 houses belonging to Fisal Mahmoud Kmail (53) and Mofeed ‘Adel Khalil Nazal (57). They handed Mofeed a summons to refer to the Israeli Intelligence service in Salem Camp, northwest of Jenin.
In the morning, dozens of young men gathered in alMaghazeen area, Muthalath al Shuhada area, alHesbah area, alHaron Mount and alDamouny Mount, and threw stones at the Israeli soldiers. The soldiers fired live bullets and rubbercoated metal bullets at the protesters in response. As a result, two children were wounded, the first (17), was hit with a live bullet to the right leg, while the second (17), was hit with a rubbercoated metal bullet to the right leg. Both of them were taken by a PRCS ambulance to Dr. Khalil Suliman Hospital in Jenin. Moreover, Israeli forces raided and searched a house belonging to Abed al Hameed Mahmoud Abed alHameed Samadiy (30), and arrested him.
At approximately 01:00, Israeli forces moved into Kufor Ra’i village, southwest of Jenin. They raided and searched a house belonging to Ahmed Mostafa Ahmed alAtrash (31), and arrested him. They also confiscated a laptop and 2 cell phones.
Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Jabi’ village, south of Jenin. They raided and searched a house belonging to ‘Amaar Ibrahim Shalash Hamour (28), who is still under the Israeli custody from 16 February 2016. After that, they raided and searched a house belonging to Nimer Mohammed Ahmed ‘Alawna (34), who was not home then. They withdrew later and no other incidents were reported.
Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Salfit. They raided and searched a house belonging to Ihab Ahmed Mohammed Hassan (23), and arrested him.
Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into many neighbourhoods in Hebron. They raided and searched 4 residential houses from which they arrested 4 civilians. The arrested persons were identified as Nour Abed alHafiz alTamimi (21); Ma’moun Hamidan al Shurbati (21); Abed alRahman Ramadan (24) and Khairy Mostafa Abu Hadeed (20). They also raided a house belonging to Naser Badran Jaber (22) and handed him a summons to refer to the Israeli Intelligence service in Manouh area, south of Hebron.
At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into Beitunia village, west of Ramallah, and stationed in front of al‘Atari and ‘Elian residential buildings near alHindi square. They raided an apartment belonging to the family of Omar Sameer Mahmoud Taha (14), who was seriously wounded along with his friend Ayham Basem Ibrahim Sabaah (14) by an Israeli security guard in “Rami Levi” shopping centre, north of Jerusalem, after carrying out a stabbing attack. An explosive engineering team inspected the house and took its measures. No arrests were reported. Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Jeftlik village, north of Ramallah. They raided and searched many houses from which they arrested 5 civilians. The arrested persons were identified as :
1. Khalid Abed al‘Aziz Lubad al‘Atawnah (22), 2. Omar Sulaiman Abu Reziq (26), 3. Yasir Isma’il Shehada Abu Hatab (22),and 4. Mostafa Mohammed Khalil Abu Saleem (30), and his brother Hamza (21).
At approximately 03:00, Israeli forces moved into Beit Ummer village, north of Hebron, and stationed in Safa area, west of Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to Mohammed Ahmed Isma’il ‘Adi (57), and arrested him. They also handed his son Aseed (25) a summons to refer to the Israeli Intelligence service in “Gosh ‘Etzion” complex settlement, south of Bethlehem.
At approximately 06:00, Israeli forces moved into Beit Fajjar village, south of Bethlehem. They raided and searched a house belonging to Sameer Abed alLatid Dariah, and arrested his son Mohammed (17).
In the morning, Israeli Intelligence Service informed, via a phone call, Abu Qowadir family, who live in alDuha village, west of Bethlehem, that his son Raslan Majdi Abu Qowadir (14), was arrested. It should be mentioned that the abovementioned child was missing on the previous day and no one knew where he was.
Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces carried out 3 incursions in the following areas without reporting any arrests: al‘Aroub refugee camp; Sa’ier village and Beit Oula village in Hebron.
Tuesday, 23 February 2016
At approximately 01:00, Israeli forces moved into Nablus. They launched a widescale military operation that is the largest in Nablus in years. The operation was carried out in the Old City, Ras ‘Ain area, Karoum area, ‘Ashour area, ‘Asira street , alDahiyia neighbourhood, Balata refugee camp, ‘Ain Beit Maa’ area, and ‘Askar area, east of Nablus. A large number of Israeli Infantry soldiers and Intelligence officers were involved in the operation. In the meantime, dozens of Israeli soldiers topped many houses, fired sound bombs and turned the houses into military sites, especially in alQaryoun neighbourhood, al Naser street, the area between Ras al‘Ain and alTour Mount adjacent to Karoum ‘Ashour and Khelat al‘Amoud village in the Old City. Moreover, they deployed in the vicinity of al Etihad Hospital, ‘Aseera square and al‘Ain refugee camp, and arrested Mohammed Subhi Nimer Marqa (25) and Shaher Ali Motleq alNijmi (35). Balata refugee camp witnessed bombings and sabotage against shops at the northern entrance of the city’s market. Six shops sustained damage as follows:
1. A bookshop belongs to Jamal Hasan Shtawi, 2. A supermarket belongs to Mohammed Abed alNour Met’ib alTerawi, 3. A Telecommunication and cell phones shop belongs to Basam Hasan Shtawi, 4. A bookshop belongs to Mohammed Salem Marshoud, 5. A metal workshop belongs to Basaam Sharay’a, and 6. A clothes shop belongs to Subhi Mohammed Abdullah Abu Hamada.
Moreover, Israeli forces arrested Mohammed Abed alNour Met’ib alTerawi (32), and Ward Jihad Abed alSalam Rizeq (22), from their houses, taking them to an unknown destination.
In the old and new ‘Askar refugee camps, Israeli forces raided and searched many houses, including a 4storey house belonging to Ahmed Ali alSalaj (30) and arrested him. During the raid, which have continued until 06:45, violent clashes erupted in Nablus, between the Palestinian young men and the Israeli soldiers. A number of protesters gathered and threw stones and empty bottles at the soldiers, who fired live and rubbercoated metal bullets in response. As a result, 7 civilians sustained live bullets and shrapnel wounds. Additionally, a 17yearold male was run over by a military jeep in alQuds Street, east of Nablus. The heath condition of the aforementioned male was classified as moderate. PCHR keeps the name of the wounded persons.
Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into alDahiya neighbourhood, southeast of the city. They raided and searched many houses and arrested Maher Khatab Hasan Mostafa (34).
Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into alDuha village, west of Bethlehem. They raided and searched a house belonging to Munjed Khalab, and arrested his son Mohammed (26).
At approximately 01:30, Israeli forces moved into Um alSharayet neighbourhood in al Bireh. They raided and searched a house belonging to Faraj Abed alRahaman Mousa Rummanah (42), and arrested him. It should be mentioned that Rummanah is a prominent leader of Hamas movement in the West Bank.
At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into alJalzoun refugee camp, north of Ramallah. They raided and searched a house belonging to Ramzi Nayef ‘Elian (39), and arrested him.
At approximately 03:00, Israeli forces moved into Beitunia village, west of Ramallah. They raided and searched 2 houses belonging to Ibrahim Mahmoud Abed alJawad (33) and Saied alQasrawi (29), and arrested both of them.
At approximately 03:15, Israeli forces raided a house belonging to Sami Yousef Ibrahim Hussain (50), near Salah alDeen Mosque. They arrested him and withdrew taking him to an unknown destination. It should be mentioned that Sami is an employee at the legal unit in the Palestinian Prisoners Club.
At approximately 04:00, Israeli forces moved into Maithaloun village, south of Jenin. They raided and searched 2 houses belonging to Kifah Ali Hasan Rabai’a (28), and Mohammed Saleh Abed alLatif Rabay’a (29), and arrested both of them. Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Sanour village, south of Jenin. They raided and searched a house belonging to Fathi Rasmi Fakhri Jarar (28). They withdrew later and no more incidents were reported.
At approximately 04:30, Israeli forces moved into Ya’bood village, southwest of Jenin. They raided and searched 2 houses belonging to Ihab Mohammed Ali Abu Baker “alFahmawi” (22), and Majd ‘Izz alDin Ahmed Mahoumd ‘Amarnah (44), and arrested both of them. Israeli forces then stationed in alKaroum neighbourhood, north of the village, and confiscated a private car belonging to Mohand ‘Amarna, who was arrested by the Israeli forces.
At approximately 04:50, Israeli forces moved into Birzait, north of Ramallah. They raided and searched a house belonging to Ayman Khalil Mahmoud Abu ‘Aram (29), and arrested him. It should be mentioned that the abovementioned person is a former prisoner, who was released just 4 days earlier.
At approximately 10:00, Israeli forces stationed along the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel, east of alMaghazi refugee camp, in the centre of the Gaza Strip, opened fire at Palestinian farmers, who were present in their lands. As a result, the Palestinian farmers left their lands fearing for their lives. No causalities were reported.
Wednesday, 24 February 2016
At approximately 01:00, Israeli forces moved into Kufor Qalil village, south of Nablus. They raided and searched many houses and arrested Lwai Yaser ‘Amir (19).
At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into Termas’iya village, north of Ramallah. They raided and searched a house belonging to Majd Mohammed Ali Rizeq (19), and arrested him.
At approximately 02:30, Israeli forces moved into Kufor Ni’mah village, west of Ramallah. They raided and searched many houses from which they arrested 3 civilians, including 2 children. The arrested persons were identified as Jaber Mamdouh Jaber ‘Abdoh (25), Ward Mohammed Hussain ‘Abdoh (17) and Abdullah Mohammed ‘Abdoh (17).
At approximately 11:00, Israeli forces deployed in “Gosh ‘Etzion” square, south of Bethlehem, opened fire at Mamdouh Yousef Mohammed ‘Amr (26), from alMajd village, west of Dura, south of Hebron. As a result, Mamdouh was hit with several live bullets and was then taken by an MDA ambulance to Shaare Zedek Hospital in occupied Jerusalem. Israeli forces claimed that the abovementioned person attacked an Israeli soldier with a knife and wounded him.
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 19 February 2016, dozens of Palestinian young men gathered at the western entrance to Beit Fajjar, south of Bethlehem, to organize a peaceful demonstration in solidarity with Mohammed alQeeq. The protesters threw stones and Molotov cocktail at the soldiers, who fired live bullets, tear gas canisters and rubbercoated metal bullets at the protesters and chased them into the village. The clashes between the protesters and Israeli forces continued until the afternoon, during which, Israeli soldiers set an ambush for many protesters and fired live bullets at them. As a result, Khalid Tareq Yousef Taqatqah (21) was beaten up and hit with 2 live bullets to the chest. Israeli forces handcuffed him and prevented medical crews from offering first aid to him. Khalid was left bleeding for half an hour without help until the arrival of an MDA ambulance, which took him to Hadassah Hospital. At approximately 17:30, he was pronounced dead. Moreover, an 18 yearold male was hit with a live bullet to the leg and was then taken by an MDA ambulance to the Arab Society for Rehabilitation Hospital (ASR) in Beit Jala to receive medical treatment. It should be mentioned that Taqatqah is a former prisoner who served around 36 months in the Israeli jails. Furthermore, Israeli forces severely beat Ali Abdullah Ali Taqatqah (17) and arrested him.
Following the Friday prayer, Israeli forces that established a fortified military watchtower at the western entrance of Selwad village, northeast of Ramallah, killed a Palestinian civilian from the same village. Israeli forces claimed that the abovementioned civilian carried out a runover attack on a number of soldiers, who were opening fire at the protesters. According to PCHR’s investigations, following the Friday prayer, dozens of Palestinian young men gathered at the western entrance of Selwad village, to organize a demonstration in protest at the Israeli policies. The protesters set fire to rubber tires and threw stones and Molotov cocktail at the soldiers, who fired live bullets, rubbercoated metal bullets, tear gas canisters and sound bombs at them in response. At approximately 15:50, Israeli forces opened fire at a private car claiming that a driver ranover a number of soldiers stationed at the village entrance. As a result, the driver ‘Abed Raed Abdullah Hamed (19), was immediately killed. Israeli forces closed the area and prevented a Palestinian ambulance from approaching the wounded, in addition, Israeli forces fired tear gas canisters towards the ambulance. As a result, the ambulance medical crew suffered tear gas inhalation. An eyewitness said to a PCHR fieldworker that MDA medical crews offered medical treatment to the soldiers, while they left the Palestinian wounded bleeding on the ground for around an hour without offering medical treatment. As a result, the Palestinian wounded was pronounced dead and was then taken by an Israeli ambulance to an unknown destination. At approximately 18:00, the Israeli Intelligence service in “Beit Eil” settlement, north of Ramallah, delivered the corpse to the Palestinian Liaison Office.
In the afternoon, dozens of Palestinian young men gathered at the southern entrance to al Jalazoun refugee camp, north of Ramallah, near an UNRWA school for boys, 300 meters away from the fence of “Beit Eil” settlement, to organize a peaceful demonstration in protest against the Israeli attacks in the oPt. The demonstrators threw stones at the settlement fence, due to which, Israeli forces stationed in the area fired live ammunition, rubbercoated metal bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters at the protesters and then chased them into the camp. As a result, a 32yearold male was hit with a live bullet to the left leg and was then taken to Palestine Medical Complex in Ramallah to receive medical treatment.
On Friday afternoon, dozens of Palestinian civilians gathered in the vicinity of Ofer prison, west of Ramallah, to organize a demonstration against the Israeli policies. After that, the protesters made their way to the prison gate, so the Israeli forces closed the gate and deployed in the area. The protesters set fire to rubber tires and threw stones and empty bottles at the Israeli soldiers, who immediately fired live ammunition, rubbercoated metal bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters at the protesters. As a result, 3 civilians, including a child, were wounded with live bullets to the lower limbs. All of the wounded persons were then taken to Palestine Medical Complex to receive medical treatment.
At approximately 11:00 on Saturday, 20 February 2016, a defense committee in Hebron, organized a peaceful demonstration to call for opening the closed alShuhada Street, in central Hebron. The protesters raised Palestinian flags and held posters on which “Dismantle the Ghetto” was written, commemorating the 22nd anniversary of the massacre perpetrated by Baruch Goldstein in 1994 against Muslim worshippers in the Ibrahimi Mosque. The protesters gathered in front of Ali alBakaa’ Mosque, in the center of the Old City, before they headed through alShalalda and alZahida streets to the iron gate, which closed the road leading to Osama Bin Munqith School. Israeli forces turned the abovementioned school into a settlement outpost known as “Beit Romano”. When the protesters approached, dozens of Israeli infantry units deployed in the area and heavily fired sound bombs at the protesters. Moreover, 12 protesters were arrested and then taken to a police station near “ Kiryat Arba” settlement, while 4 other protesters, including professor Ghadi alGhazi, are still under the Israeli custody claiming that they attacked the Israeli soldiers. Moreover, photojournalist Ma’moun Wazouz, who works at the Chinese Agency, was hit with a sound bomb, so he sustained minor wounds to the left knee.
Gaza Strip:
At approximately 14:30 on Friday, 19 February 2016, Israeli forces stationed at Beit Hanoun (Erez) crossing, northwest of Beit Hanoun, north of the Gaza Strip, fired live bullets, rubber coated metal bullets and tear gas canisters at dozens of young men, who were on the road between the Palestinian and Israeli sides of the crossing. The protesters threw stones at the soldiers in protest at the Israeli attacks against the Palestinian civilians in Jerusalem and the West Bank. As a result of the clashes which lasted until 17:00, 3 civilians, including a child, were wounded. Two of them were hit with live bullets, while the third was hit with a rubber coated metal bullet to the head. The wounded persons were then taken by a PRCS ambulance to the Indonesian Hospital and their injuries ranged between minor and moderate.
Demonstrations against the annexation wall and settlement activities
Following the Friday prayer, dozens of Palestinian civilians and Israeli and international human rights defenders organized a protest in Nil’in village, west of Ramallah and Kufor Qaddoum village, northeast of Qalqiliya. Israeli forces used force to disperse the protesters by firing live bullets, rubbercoated metal bullets, tear gas canisters and sound bombs at them. As a result, many civilians suffered teas 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 lethally if they hit the head of victim from a close range.
House Demolitions on grounds of Collective Punishment
At approximately 01:00 on Tuesday, 23 February 2016, Israeli forces accompanied with a digger moved into Tarousah village, west of Dura, southwest of Hebron. They stationed in the center of the village and heavily deployed between houses. The digger then leveled a house belonging to the family of prisoner Ra’ed Mahmoud Jubarah Khalil (36), who was accused by Israeli authorities of carrying out a stabbing attack in Tel Aviv in Israel on 19 November 2015 resulting the killing of two Israelis. The house is comprised of a 100 squaremeter ground floor, 170squaremeter first floor and an 80cubicmeter well. The house also shelters Jubarah’s wife and 5 children. It should be mentioned that the Israeli authorities handed the family a demolition decision on 13 December 2015 and gave them until 24 January 2016 to challenge it before the Israeli competent authorities. However, the court refused the appeal filed by “Homked” Centre and issued a definitive demolition decision on 14 February 2016.
Around the same time, other Israeli forces moved into Deir Samit village, southwest of Dura. They surrounded a house belonging to the family of prisoner Mohammed ‘Abdel Baset al Haroub (21), who was accused by Israeli forces of carrying out a shooting attack at the intersection of “Gush ‘Etzion” settlement compound, south of Bethlehem, resulting the killing of two Israelis on 19 November 2015. An Israeli digger then arrived and leveled the outside walls of the 250squaremeter apartment. It should be mentioned that the Israeli authorities handed the family a demolition decision and gave them until 24 January 2016 to challenge it before the Israeli competent authorities. However, the court refused the appeal filed by “Homked” Centre and issued a definitive demolition decision on 14 February 2016.
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 2,287 Humanitarian aid 19,739 Cooking gas 242,570 Benzene 181,000 Diesel 766,982 16 February Diesel for UNRWA 76, 000
Industrial fuel 268, 000 Construction aggregates 14,560 Cement 3,360 Construction steel 810 Various goods 3,188.3 Humanitarian aid 20,466 Cooking gas 340,500 Benzene 108,985 17 February Diesel 617,990
Diesel for UNRWA 38,000
Industrial fuel 306,000 Construction aggregates 15,360 Cement 4,720 Construction steel 90 Various goods 4,252.3 Humanitarian aid 19,208 Cooking gas 244,550 Benzene 194,000 Diesel 583,981
18 February Diesel for UNRWA 67,000 Industrial fuel 180,000 White diesel 38,000 Construction aggregates 14,880 Cement 2,720 Construction steel 540 Various goods 4,031 Humanitarian aid 18,609 Cooking gas 240,990 Benzene 147,850 Diesel 440,002 21 February
Diesel for UNRWA 38,000
Industrial fuel 344,000 White diesel 38,000 Construction aggregate 15,360 Cement 2,120 Construction steel 390 Various goods 3,559.6 Humanitarian aid 19,672 Cooking gas 222,250 Benzene 183,998 22 February Diesel 669,996
Diesel for UNRWA 76,000
Industrial fuel 344,000 Construction aggregates 15,400 Cement 2,880 Construction steel 750
Exports:
On Tuesday, 16 February 2016, Israeli forces allowed the exportation of 69 tons of tomatoes; 41 tons of cucumbers; 15 tons of eggplants; a tons of cabbages; 6 tons of zucchinis; a tons of fish; 33 tons of peppers; 5 tons of sweet potatoes; 3 tons of cherry tomatoes and 17 tons of furniture. On Thursday, 18 February 2016, Israeli forces allowed the exportation of 5.24 tons of strawberries; 24.1 tons of tomatoes; 6.160 tons of cucumbers; 7.8 tons of eggplants; 0.5 ton of zucchinis; 0.5 ton of garlic; 0.35 ton of mints; 3 tons of sweet potatoes; 34.6 tons of sweet peppers; 9 tons of clothes and 0.08 tons of junipers. On Sunday, 21 February 2016, Israeli forces allowed the exportation of 2 truckloads of tomatoes and 9 truckloads of vegetables. On Monday, 22 February 2016, Israeli forces allowed the exportation of a truckload of strawberries and a truckload of lemon.
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
17 – 23 February 2016
17 18 19 20 21 22 23 Category February February February February February February February Patients 44 38 2 – 82 74 69 Companions 43 30 3 – 77 69 62 Personal 100 84 34 – 122 61 80 needs Families – – – – – 86 – of prisoners
Arabs from 7 3 2 – 4 2 1 Israel
Diplomats 3 1 – – – – 1 International – – – – – – – journalists International 51 62 7 – 12 12 58 workers Travelers 7 34 – – 4 17 1 abroad
Business 338 400 4 – 472 255 353 people Business – – – – – – – meetings Security 13 18 – – 17 12 8 interviews VIPs 2 – – – – – – Ambulances 4 6 – – 5 5 3 to Israel
Patients’ 2 4 – – 5 4 4 Companions
Notes:
On Friday, 19 February 2016, Israeli authorities allowed 192 Palestinians to travel via Beit Hanoun crossing to perform prayers in alAqsa Mosque. They also allowed one person on Sunday, 21 February 2016, and another on Tuesday, 23 February 2016, to renew their permits.
Israeli forces prevented journalist Mohammed Fayadh from traveling to the West Bank
On Monday, 22 February 2016, Israeli forces prevented Mohammed Khalil Salamah Abu Fayadh (42), a reporter at the Palestinian News Agency “Wafa”, from Khan Yunis, in the southern Gaza Strip, from traveling via Beit Hanoun crossing although had a permit.
Abu Fayadh said to PCHR’s fieldworker that he headed to Beit Hanoun crossing at approximately 08:30, on the abovementioned day, after he obtained a permit through the Palestinian Civil Liaison to travel to the West Bank for business issues. Once he reached there, he was surprised to see his bag opened and his belongings scattered around. He then submitted his permit and ID to the Israeli security officer, who asked him to wait. He waited until 15:00, when he was called for an interview with the Israeli intelligence service. He was thoroughly searched and questioned for an hour. After that, he was asked to wait in the waiting room, where he waited for another hour. The security officer then called him again and informed him 15 minutes later that he was denied access to the West Bank and should return to Gaza after his permit was taken away.
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 15 checkpoints all over the city. On Thursday, 18 February 2016, Israeli forces established 4 checkpoints at the southern entrance to Halhoul; entrance to Ethna village; entrance to alKoum village and entrance to Beit Kahel village. On Friday, 19 February 2016, Israeli forces established 4 checkpoints at the entrances to Yata, Sa’ir and Raboud villages and on Abu Rishah Valley Road, west of Ethna village.
On Sunday, 21 February 2016, Israeli forces established 4 checkpoints at the entrance to al‘Aroub refugee camp and entrances to Beit Ummar, alReihiyah and Beit Kahel villages.
On Monday, 21 February 2016, Israeli forces established 3 checkpoints at the eastern entrance to Dura and the entrances to Taramah and alJalajel villages.
Ramallah and alBireh: Israeli forces established checkpoints all over the city. On Thursday, 18 February 2016, Israeli forces established a checkpoint near the intersection of Beit ‘Ur alFoqa, southwest of Ramallah.
On Friday, 19 February 2016, Israeli forces established 4 checkpoints at the entrances to alNabi Saleh and Deir Abu Mesh’al villages, northwest of Ramallah; the bridge of ‘Atarah at the northern entrance to Birzeit, north of the city; and under the bridge of Yabrud village, northeast of the city.
On Saturday, 20 February 2016, 3 checkpoints were established at the entrance to N’ilin village, west of Ramallah; the intersection of Beit ‘Ur alFoqa, southwest of the city; and entrance to Senjel village, north of the city.
Jericho: At approximately 10:30 on Friday, 19 February 2016, Israeli forces established a checkpoint near the entrance to Fasayel village, north of Jericho. They detained a number of civilians for some time. The checkpoint was later removed and no arrests were reported.
Salfit: At approximately 10:45 on Saturday, 20 February 2016, Israeli forces established a checkpoint between Salfit and Burqin, west of the city, while at approximately 11:45, another checkpoint was established at Qarawet Bani Hassan village, south of the city.
At approximately 21:25 on Sunday, 21 February 2016, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the entrance to alZawiyah village, northwest of Salfit.
At approximately 11:30 on Monday, 22 February 2016, another checkpoint was established at the eastern entrance to Yasouf village, east of the city.
Tulkarm: On Thursday, 18 February 2016, Israeli forces established a checkpoint on the main road between Tulkarm and Qalqilya near the intersection of alRas village, south of Tulkarm. At approximately 18:30 on Saturday, 20 February 2016, another checkpoint was established near the eastern entrance of Baqah, north of Tulkarm.
At approximately 10:00 on Sunday, 21 February 2016, Israeli forces stationed at ‘Inab Checkpoint on the main road between Tulkarm and Nablus, east of Tulkarm, tightened their restrictions against Palestinian civilians and obstructed their movement at the checkpoint. The tightening recurred at the aforementioned checkpoint at approximately 09:00 on Monday, 22 February 2016.
Arrests at military checkpoints
At approximately 11:00 on Thursday, 18 February 2016, Israeli forces deployed in the vicinity of alIbrahimi Mosque, west of Hebron’s Old City, arrested Enas Elias alJa’abri (19) from the southern area of the city under the claims of having a knife. She was then taken to alIbrahimi police station and afterwards to an unknown destination. At approximately 10:00 on Saturday, 20 February 2016, Israeli forces deployed in the vicinity of alIbrahimi Mosque in the centre of Hebron’s Old City arrested Karam ‘Atef Yousif Qazzaz (13) from Dura, southwest of Hebron, under the pretext of having a knife. He was then taken to alIbrahimi police station.
At approximately 07:30 on Sunday, 21 February 2016, Israeli forces stationed at Za’atarah checkpoint, south of Nablus, arrested Sajedah Nizam Mahmoud Hasan (16) from Qasrah village, southeast of Nablus. Eyewitnesses in the area said that the soldiers stationed at the checkpoint stopped Sajedah and searched her. They arrested the girl after surrounding her and closed the checkpoint later. Israeli forces claimed that the aforementioned child had a knife and intended to carry out a stabbing attack against the soldiers, so they arrested her and took her to an unknown destination.
At approximately 22:30, on Sunday, Israeli forces stationed at Za’atarah checkpoint, south of Nablus, arrested Saber Mohammed Jarbou’a (22) from Jenin refugee camp, west of Jenin, and took him to an unknown destination.
On Monday, 22 February 2016, Israeli forces stationed at alNashash checkpoint at the southern entrance to alKahder village, southwest of Bethlehem, arrested Saber Yousif al Sous (24) from Dura, southwest of Hebron, and took them to an unknown destination.
At approximately 18:50 on the same Monday, Israeli forces stationed at Za’atarah checkpoint, south of Nablus, arrested Sami Yaser Mahmoud Saleh and Samer Taysir Mohammed Saleh, both from alSawiyah village, south of the city, and took them to an unknown destination.
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
In new excessive use of force, Israeli forces killed a Palestinian civilian in the area alAmoud “Damascus” Gate at the northern entrance to East Jerusalem’s Old City. Even according to Israeli police’s narrative, Israeli officers could have used less lethal force against the aforementioned Palestinian and arrested him.
According to PCHR’s investigations, at approximately 09:10 on Friday, 19 February 2016, Israeli Border Guard officers stationed in the area of ”Damascus” Gate at the northern entrance to the East Jerusalem’s Old City opened fire at Mohammed Ziad Abu Khalaf (20) from Kufor ‘Aqeb village, north of the city. As a result, he was hit with more than 10 bullets throughout his body and died immediately. Following this crime, AlJazeera Satellite Channel broadcast a video picking up the moment Abu Khalaf was shot and killed. According to journalist Elias Karram’s testimony on this crime, the Israeli soldiers fired over 50 bullets at the young man aiming to kill him. Karram was at the Damascus Gate to record a report for the channel. Israeli Police spokesperson Luba Samri said in a statement that a Palestinian young man in his twenties arrived at the Damascus Gate heading to the Old City and then turned back to the Damascus Gate yard with a knife. He ran towards some police officers there and stabbed one of the Israeli Border Guard officers. As a result, the later sustained a minor wound to the head. Abu Khalaf then fought with another police officer, so the police officers opened fire at Abu Khalaf and killed him immediately.
Incursions and arrests
At approximately 17:00 on Thursday, 18 February 2016, Israeli forces arrested Samer Ahmed Hamdan (17) from a bus in alZa’im area, east of Jerusalem, and took him to an unknown destination. Hamdan is a former prisoner and was arrested many times by Israeli forces despite his young age.
At approximately 16:00 on Friday, 19 February 2016, Israeli forces moved into alJeser area in Silwan village, south of the Old City in Jerusalem. They established iron barriers in the area to stop vehicles and provocatively search bypassers. During that, Israeli forces severely beat Tariq Shweiki (15) when he was in the area, so he sustained bruises and wounds in his hand and fingers. Israeli forces withdrew from the area after arresting Mohammed Nidal Shweiki (19) and took him to an unknown destination.
At approximately 17:00 on Friday, Israeli forces raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Monther Abu Ghannam in alTour neighbourhood, east of Jerusalem’s Old City. They arrested his son Wissam (19) and took him to an unknown destination.
At approximately 01:00 on Saturday, 20 February 2016, Israeli forces raided and searched a house belonging to the family of ‘Abdel Razeq Siyam in alThawri neighbourhood, south of the Old City in Jerusalem. They arrested his son Ra’ed (15) and took him to an unknown destination.
At approximately 12:00 on the same Saturday, Israeli forces raided Burj alLoqloq Club in Bab Hatah neighbourhood in the Old City of Jerusalem to stop a cultural night to celebrate the book of “Royal Prestige” by Dr. Musallam Mahamid. The Israeli forces handed the Club Director, Monatser Edkeik, a decision signed by the Interior Security Minister Gilad Ardan, who banned the event under the pretext of being sponsored by the Palestinian Authority, and summoned him for interrogation.
At approximately 16:30 on the same Saturday, Israeli forces arrested Mahmoud Majed Shamasnah (21) from Qatannah village, northwest of Jerusalem. The aforementioned person was arrested in the “Damascus Gate” area at the northern entrance to Jerusalem’s Old City under the claims of attempting to carry out a stabbing attack against Israeli soldiers in the area. He was severely beaten by the Israeli soldiers and then taken to “alQashlah” police station for interrogation.
At approximately 22:00, Israeli forces arrested Akram Mahmoud Hassounah (14) in the vicinity of the “Damascus Gate” area as well under the pretext of having a knife and took him to an unknown destination. At approximately 03:00 on Sunday, 21 February 2016, Israeli forces moved into alThawri neighbourhood, south of Jerusalem’s Old City. They raided and searched a number of houses. They then arrested Thaer Mahmoud Sahlab (21) and Ahmed Ibrahim Ghorab (20).
At approximately 04:00 on the same Sunday, Israeli forces arrested Silwan village, south of Jerusalem. They raided and searched a number of houses and then arrested 3 civilians, including a child, from the village. The arrested persons were identified as Tawfiq Mohammed ‘Othman (17); Mohammed alJo’bah (28) and Mohammed Hussein al‘Abbasi (24).
At approximately 07:00, Israeli forces arrested ‘Abir alMasri (16) when she was on her way to school via the “Damascus Gate” area under the claims of having a knife. They took the girl to an unknown destination after beating her.
At approximately 01:00 on Monday, 22 February 2016, Israeli forces moved into al‘Issawiyah village, northeast of East Jerusalem. They raided and searched a number of houses, from which Mohammed ‘Abdel Ra’ouf (16) and ‘Issa Mohammed Abu Riyalah (14) were arrested. They were then taken to the Salah alDeen Street Police Station for interrogation.
At approximately 02:00 on the same Monday, Israeli forces moved into a number of neighbourhoods in Jerusalem’s Old City. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested Mohammed alRazem (17); ‘Omer Wazour (15) and ‘Omer Khalil Za’anin (17). They were then taken to an unknown destination.
At approximately 18:00 on Tuesday, 23 February 2016, Israeli forces moved into al‘Issawiyah village from many entrances. They deployed in the neighbourhoods and raided and searched many houses. They then arrested Mousa Ra’ed ‘Ali Khader (15) and ‘Aziz Ghassan ‘Aziz ‘Alian (16) and later withdrew taking them to the Salah alDeen Police Station for interrogation.
5. Settlement activities and attacks by settlers against Palestinian civilians and property
Israel has continued its settlement activities in the oPt, a direct violation of international humanitarian law, and Israeli settlers have continued to attack Palestinian civilians and property.
Settlement activities
At approximately 08:30 on Thursday, 18 February 2016, Israeli forces accompanied with a vehicle belonging to the Construction and Organization Department in the Israeli Civil Administration moved into Kherbet alMarkaz, southeast of Yata, within alMasafer area, south of Hebron. An officer from the aforementioned Department took photos of a number of tents and residential room and handed the owners notices to stop construction works under the pretext of building without a permit. The notices included the following:
1. A 20squaremeter residential room built of bricks and tin plates belonging to the family of ‘Omer Jebril Hoshiyah (38); 2. A 20squaremeter residential room built of bricks and tin plates belonging to the family of Fadel Jebril Hoshiyah (21); 3. A 20squaremeter residential room built of bricks and tin plates and a 30squaremeter residential tent belonging to the family of Emad Mohammed Ragheb (33); 4. A 20squaremeter residential room built of bricks and tin plates belonging to the family of Mo’az Ahmed Ragheb (28); 5. A 20squaremeter residential room built of bricks and tin plates belonging to the family of Faris Khalil Isma’il (25); and 6. A 60squaremeter residential tent and 80squaremeter livestock pen comprised of a shade cloth and pillars belonging to the family of Jebril Ahmed Hoshiyah (28).
Israeli forces then patrolled in Kherbet Halawah, north of Kherbet alMarkaz, and the Organization and Administration officer handed Isma’il Ahmed Abu ‘Aram a demolition notice for his 35square meter residential room under the pretext of building without a permit.
At approximately 11:00 on Sunday, 21 February 2016, Israeli forces accompanied with a vehicle belonging to the Construction and Organization Department in the Israeli Civil Administration and 2 bulldozers moved into Kherbet alFakhit, southeast of Yata, south of Hebron. The Construction and Organization officer handed civilians notices to stop construction works under the pretext of building without a permit. The notices included the following:
The affected person Age Facility Area 32 square A residential room built of tin plates and meters bricks 32 square A residential room built of tin plates and meters Yasser ‘Ali ‘Abdel 40 bricks Men’em Abu Sabhah 72 square A residential tent meters
A residential tent 30 square meters
Fatmah Khalil Abu A residential room built of tin plates and 36 square 75 Sabhah bricks meters Wadhah Ayoub Abu A residential room built of tin plates and 35 square 56 Sabhah bricks meters Jamilah Ayoub Abu A residential room built of tin plates and 42 square 46 Sabhah bricks meters 42 square meters A residential room built of tin plates and bricks 20 square meters Mohammed Ayoub A tent 39 Abu Sabhah 100 square A tinmade barrack meters A residential tent 40 square meters
40 square A residential tent meters
Yehia Ibrahim ‘Ali A residential tent 42 square 50 Abu Sabhah meters A residential tent 30 square meters
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
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