Weekly Report On Israeli Human Rights Violations in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (16- 22 January 2014) Thursday, 23 January 2014 00:00
On Wednesday, 22 January 2013, an Israeli drone targeted a civilian car killing a member of an armed group and his cousin.
Israeli forces continue systematic attacks against Palestinian civilians and property in the occupied Palestinian territory (oPt)
Israeli forces continued to open fire at border areas in the Gaza Strip. Two Palestinian civilians were wounded
Israeli forces launched 8 airstrikes on the Gaza Strip. 2 members of an armed group were killed. A member of an armed group and a child were wounded.
Israeli forces continued to use excessive force against peaceful protesters in the West Bank.
6 Palestinian civilians, including a journalist, were wounded in Bi’lin and Kufor Qadoum weekly protests. 2 Palestinian civilians, including a child, were wounded in a protest organized in Selwad village, northeast of Ramallah.
Israeli forces conducted 73 incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank and a limited one in the Gaza Strip.
At least 44 Palestinians, including 10 children and 3 women, were arrested. Of those arrested is Issa Khairy al-Ja'abary (50), Former Ministry of Local Government in the tenth Palestinian government[K1] .
Israel has continued to impose a total closure on the oPt and has isolated the Gaza Strip from the outside world. Israeli forces established dozens of checkpoints in the West Bank. At least 11 Palestinian civilians, including 5 children, were arrested at checkpoints in the West Bank. A Palestinian civilian was arrested at the Beit Hanoun “Erez” crossing in the northern Gaza Strip.
Israeli navy forces continued targeting Palestinian fishermen in the sea. Israeli naval forces opened fire 3 times at Palestinian fishing boats in the northern Gaza Strip, but no casualties were reported. 2 Palestinian fishermen, including a child, were arrested and then released after interrogating them.
Israeli forces continued to support settlement activities in the West Bank and Israeli settlers continued to attack Palestinian civilians and property. A barrack for collecting scrap, a workshop for furniture and a house were bulldozed in Hebron. 15 tents, 10 barracks, 3 kitchens, 4 mobile health units and a room were uprooted in the northern Jordan Valley.
Summary
Israeli violations of international law and international humanitarian law in the oPt continued during the reporting period (16 – 22 January 2014).
Shooting:
During the reporting period, two extra-judicial executions occurred, one Israeli drone killed two men, one being a member of an armed group in the Gaza Strip while another drone wounded another member of an armed group and injured a child who was passing by. Israeli forces also wounded 2 Palestinian civilians in shooting incidents. Israeli forces wounded 9 Palestinian civilians, including a child and a journalist. Six of whom were wounded during weekly protests throughout the West Bank, two were wounded in a protest organized in Selwad village, northeast of Ramallah, and 1 was wounded in Beit Foriq village, east of Nablus. In the Gaza Strip, Israeli forces carried out 8 airstrikes, 7 shooting and bombing incidents along the border fence and 3 shooting incidents at Palestinian fishing boats took place.
In the Gaza Strip, in an extra-judicial execution attempt, at approximately 09:15 on Monday, 22 January 2014, two members of an armed group were killed by Israeli warplanes. According to investigations conducted by PCHR, an Israeli drone fired a missile at a civilian Citroen car. Ahmed Mohammed Jom'aah Khalil al-Za'anin (21), member of an armed group, and his cousin Mohammed Yousif Ahmed al-Za'anin (22), both from al-Sekah area in Beit Hanoun were inside the car which was parked in front of the house of Ahmed's father. As a result, the car was completely destroyed, and the bodies were maimed completely.
According to investigations conducted by the Palestinian Center for Human Rights (PCHR), at approximately 09:15 on Sunday, 19 January 2014, an Israeli drone fired a missile at a motorbike that was traveling opposite to al-Malash tower building in the center of al-Saftawi Street in the northern Gaza Strip town of Jabalya. As a result, Ahmed Sa’ad, 22, a member of the al-Quds Brigades (the armed wing of Islamic Jihad), who was riding the motorbike, was seriously wounded by shrapnel throughout his body. Additionally, a passing child, 11-year- old Salah Fareed al-Ghuf, was injured by shrapnel to the right foot.
On 17 January 2014, Israeli forces stationed along the border fence, east of the Gaza Strip, opened fire at a demonstration organized by Youth for Intifada Coalition in solidarity with farmers, who do not have access to the agricultural lands near the eastern borders. As a result, two civilians were wounded.
On 16 January 2014, Israeli forces carried out 4 airstrikes in the Gaza Strip. The first airstrike targeted a vacant land near Ra’ad training site in al-Mahatah Street, northeast of Gaza City. The second one targeted Bader training site while the third one targeted al-Khayalah site. Both sites are to the west of al-Maqousi buildings. The fourth airstrike targeted a vacant land near abu Jarad training site near al-Shuhadaa’ intersection, southeast of the city. Neither of these strikes resulted in casualties or damages. The targeted sites belong to al-Qassam Brigades (the military wing of Hamas).
On 19 January 2014, the Israeli warplanes carried out 2 airstrikes at two training sites of the armed Palestinian groups. The first one was carried out in the northeast of Nusseirat in the central Gaza Strip. The second one was carried out in Ermeidah area in Bani Sheila, east of Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip. As a result, damages were caused to both sites, no causalities were reported.
On 16 January 2014, Israeli vehicles stationed along the border fence, east of the Gaza Strip fired 2 shells at a vacant land, east of al-Zaytoun neighbourhood, east of Gaza City. Neither causalities nor damages were reported.
On 17 January 2014, Israeli forces stationed along the border fence, east of al-Shuhadaa’ cemetery, east of Jabalia in the northern Gaza Strip, opened fire and fired dozens of tear gas canisters at a group of young men, who were trying to throw stones at the Israeli soldiers near the aforementioned fence.
On the same day, Israeli soldiers stationed along the border fence, north of Abu Samrah farmland, north of Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip opened fire and fired tear gas canisters at a group of young men, who were trying to throw stones at the Israeli soldiers near the aforementioned fence. Neither damages nor injuries were reported.
On 19 January 2014, Israeli forces stationed in watchtowers, east of al-Qobtaniyah area, east of Beit Hanoun in the northern Gaza Strip, opened fire at farmers, shepherds, and bird hunters in the farmlands adjacent to the border fence, civilians were forced to leave the area for fear of being injured. Neither causalities nor damages were reported.
On 22 January 2014, Israeli forces stationed along the border fence, east of al-Salqa valley village, east of Deir al-Balah, opened fire in the vicinity of the landfill at the farmlands. Neither causalities nor damages were reported.
On the same day, Israeli soldiers stationed along the border fence, east of Khan Younis, opened fire at the agricultural lands, west of the aforementioned border fence from the east of al-Qararah to the east of al-Farahin neighbourhood. The shooting continued for around 1 hour sporadically, and no injuries were reported.
On 18 January 2014, Israeli gunboats stationed off al-Wahah Resort shore, northwest of Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip sporadically opened fire for 20 minutes in the vicinity of the fishing boats, which were sailing 2 miles into the waters.
On 19 January 2014, Israeli forces gunboats stationed off al-Wahah Resort shore, northwest of Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip sporadically opened fire in the vicinity of the fishing boats, which were sailing 2 miles into the waters.
On 20 January 2014, Israeli gunboats opened fire at Palestinian fishing boats while sailing just 2 nautical miles off Beit Lahia shore, in the northern Gaza Strip. An Israeli gunboat surrounded a fishing boat boarded by 2 fishermen, including one child: Yusef Amin Abu Warda (18) and Ahmed Kamal Abu Warda (17), both from Jabalia in the northern Gaza Strip. Israeli officers ordered the fishermen to take their clothes off, jump in the water and sail towards the Israeli gunboat. The fishermen did so and were taken by the gunboat to Ashdod seaport. They were later released.
In the West Bank, Israeli soldiers used excessive force against peaceful demonstrations organised by Palestinian civilians, international and Israeli human rights defenders in protest at the construction of the annexation wall and settlement activities in the West Bank. As a result, 6 protestors, including a journalist, were wounded. Five of whom were wounded in Bil'in weekly protest, 2 were wounded in al-Nabi Saleh weekly protest, 1 was wounded in Ni'lin weekly protest, the journalist was wounded in Qofur Qaddoum weekly protest and 2 were wounded in a protest organized in Selwad village, northeast of Ramallah.
On 17 January 2014, dozens of Palestinian boys and civilians gathered at the western entrance of Selwad village, northeast of Ramallah, on the road between Selwad and Yabrod villages near Street 60. They threw stones at the aforementioned street.
On 22 January 2014, Israeli forces accompanied by settlers wounded a Palestinian civilian in Beit Foriq, east of Nablus as they fired tear gas canisters and metal rubber-coated bullets at the Palestinian civilians who were trying to distance settlers from their houses.
Incursions:
During the reporting period, Israeli forces conducted at least 73 military incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank. During these incursions, Israeli forces arrested at least 44 Palestinians, including 10 children and 3 women.
In the Gaza Strip, Israeli forces conducted 1 limited incursion into the north and south of the Gaza Strip on 18 January 2014.
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 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 7 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 1.7 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.
Israeli forces have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians throughout the West Bank, including occupied East Jerusalem. Thousands of Palestinian civilians from the West Bank and the Gaza Strip continue to be denied access to Jerusalem.
As part of using military checkpoints and border crossings as traps to arrest Palestinian civilians under the pretext they are wanted, Israeli forces arrested at least 2 civilians in the West Bank.
Settlement activities
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.
Attacks carried out by Israeli forces
On 20 January 2014, Israeli forces bulldozed a 900-square-meter workshop in Deir Samit village, southwest of Dura, west of Hebron and a 60-square-meter rooms belonging to Salamah ‘Atallah Ahmed Abu Zneid (56) are used as offices and bedrooms.
On the aforementioned day, Israeli forces bulldozed a 750-square-meter barrack of tin used as a furniture workshop and a 100-square-meter house divided into offices in Beit ‘Awwa village, southwest of Dura, southwest of Hebron.
On 22 January 2014, Israeli forces accompanied by the Civil Administration and two bulldozers, uprooted 15 residential tents and levelled 10 barracks, 3 kitchens, 3 mobile health units, and a room in Ebziq area and Kherbet Yarzah in the northern Jordan Valley, east of Tubas.
Attacks carried out by settlers
On 16 January 2014, dozens of settlers from “Karyat Arba’” settlement established on Palestinians lands, east of Hebron, deployed in the farmlands in al-Kassarah area, Jales Mountain and Khelet ‘Abdah, and chanted racist slogans and insults against the residents of the area. This happened under intensive guard of Israeli soldiers, who did not prevent settlers from moving into these lands.
On 17 January 2014, a group of settlers from “Karmeil” settlement and established on Palestinian lands, east of Yatta, south of Hebron, moved into the agricultural lands confiscated from al-Hathalin family in Kherbet Um al- Kheir under intensive guard of the Israeli soldiers. Settlers planted various seedlings of trees in the agricultural lands of 150 dunums confiscated by Israeli authorities. Israeli soldiers deployed in the area, detained the shepherds and prevented them from entering the land.
On 19 January 2014, a number of settlers from “Negohot” outpost established on Palestinian lands, south of Dura, southwest of Hebron, closed the road between Dura and its western villages in Beit ‘Awwa area. The settlers prevented civilian cars from moving under an intensive guard of the Israeli soldiers, who did not stop them.
Israeli Violations Documented during the Reporting Period (16-22 January 2014)
1. Incursions into Palestinian Areas, and Attacks on Palestinian Civilians and Property in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip
Thursday, 16 January 2014
At approximately 01:00, Israeli forces moved into Nemrah neighbourhood, east of Hebron. They patrolled the streets and then stationed in the centre. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Issa Khairy al-Ja'abary (50), a Hamas leader and Former Minister of Local Government in the tenth Palestinian government. They arrested the aforementioned person and took him to where the Israeli vehicles were stationed. Around the same time, another Israeli force raided a house belonging to the family of Nedal 'Omran al-Qawasmi. They arrested the aforementioned person and took him to an unknown destination.
Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into al-Rahmah, south of Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Hasan 'Abdel 'Aziz Abu al-Hadid. They arrested the aforementioned person and took him to an unknown destination.
At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into Beit Ummar village, north of Bethlehem. They patrolled the streets and then stationed in 'Asida area, east of the village. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Mershed Mohammed Mershed 'Awad (37). They arrested the aforementioned civilian, and took him to where the military vehicles were stationed. They also tried to arrest his son Mohammed (9), but the family members prevented the Israeli soldiers from doing so. Around the same time, another Israeli force raided a house belonging to the family of Yousif Shehdah 'Aadi (19). They arrested the aforementioned civilian and took him to an unknown destination.
Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Jenin. They patrolled the streets and then moved into Jenin refugee camp adjacent to the city. Israeli forces later withdrew from the city and the camp, and neither further incidents nor arrests were reported.
At approximately 02:30, Israeli forces moved into al-Samou'a village, south of Hebron. They patrolled the streets and raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Diaa' Khalil al-Za'arir (30). They arrested the aforementioned person and took him to an unknown destination.
Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into several neighbourhoods in Yatta, south of Hebron. They patrolled the streets and later withdrew. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into al-Tibah village, west of Jenin. They patrolled the streets and raided and searched a house belonging to the family of ‘Ammar Mohammed Jamal ‘Ali Jabarin (34), a military at the Palestinian National Security. They arrested the aforementioned civilian and his brother Aa military at the Presidential Guard. They later withdrew taking both of them to an unknown destination.
At approximately 03:00, Israeli forces moved into Deir Samit village, west of Dura, southwest of Hebron. They patrolled the streets and raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Mahdi 'Abdel Hadi al- Masalmah. They arrested the aforementioned person and took him to an unknown destination.
Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Beit Kahel village, northwest of Hebron. They patrolled the streets and later withdrew. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
At approximately 04:30, an Israeli warplane launched a missile at a vacant land near Ra'ad training site of al- Qassam Brigades (the armed wing of Hamas). This site is located in al-Mahatah Street in al-Tofah neighbourhood, northeast of Gaza City. Neither injuries nor damages were reported.
At approximately 04:35, an Israeli warplane launched a missile at Bader training site of al-Qassam Brigades. This site is located to the west of al-Maqousi buildings, northwest of Gaza City. Neither casualties nor damages were reported.
Around the same time, an Israeli warplane launched a missile at al-Khayyalah training site of al-Qassam Brigades. This site is located to the west of al-Maqousi buildings, northwest of Gaza City. Neither injuries nor damages were reported.
At approximately 04:40, Israeli forces launched a missile at a vacant land near Abu Jarad military site of al- Qassam Brigades (the armed wing of Hamas). The site is located near al-Shuhadaa' intersection, southeast of Gaza City. Neither causalities nor damages were reported.
At approximately 04:50, Israeli military vehicles stationed along the borders between Israel and the Gaza Strip launched 2 shells at a vacant land, east of al-Zaytoun neighbourhood, east of Gaza City. Neither causalities nor damages were reported.
At approximately 09:30, Israeli forces moved into the west of Tulkarm. They patrolled to Nour Shams refugee camp, east of the city, and then stationed in the camp. They later withdrew, and neither further incidents nor arrests were reported.
At approximately 13:00, Israeli forces surrounded dozens of Palestinians in Beit Ummar village, north of Hebron, while they were in a funeral at the cemetery adjacent to the Bypass Road (60), Jerusalem-Hebron Street. Israeli soldiers deployed in the vicinity of the cemetery while a number of them ascended a roof of a nearby house. They fired sound bombs at the civilians after they finished the burial. A number of young men, who participated in the funeral, gathered to throw stones at the Israeli soldiers, who fired in response metal rubber-coated bullets, sound bombs, and tear gas canisters at the young men and civilians. As a result, some of them suffer tear gas inhalation. At approximately 14:30, Israeli soldiers closed the entrance of the village as this entrance is connected by an iron gate with Bypass Road (60) and prevented the movement of civilians. Meanwhile, Israeli bulldozers closed the sub-road leading to the village in al-Toaq area with sand barriers.
Friday, 17 January 2014
At approximately 00:55, Israeli forces moved into Hablah village, south of Qalqilya. They patrolled the streets for some time and later withdrew. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
At approximately 01:00, Israeli forces moved into al-Mowareq village, southwest of Dura, southwest of Hebron. They patrolled the streets for some time and later withdrew. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
At approximately 01:30, Israeli forces moved into Kharas village, west of Hebron. They patrolled the streets for some time and later withdrew. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
At approximately 13:00, Israeli forces stationed along the border fence, east of al-Suhadaa' cemetery, east of Jabalia in the northern Gaza Strip opened its fire and fired dozens of tear gas canisters at a group of young men, who were near the aforementioned fence, in an attempt to throw stones at the Israeli soldiers. The shooting continued sporadically till 16:30. As a result, two of them suffered tear gas inhalation, and they were identified as: Diaa' Ahmed As'ad al-Natour (17) and Diaa' Saleh al-Kahlout (25) from Jabalia. They were taken to Martyr Kamal 'Adwan Hospital in Beit Lahia, where their wounds were described as minor.
Around the same time, Israeli forces surrounded the residents of Beit Ummar village, north of Hebron while they were in a funeral of a dead person to the cemetery adjacent to the Bypass Road (60). Meanwhile, a number of cars belonging to settlers arrived and stopped near the entrance of the village. A number of settlers deployed near the entrance of the cemetery when the civilians finished the burials. The armed settlers, who were holding the Israeli flags, performed religious rituals near the entrance of the village, under an intensive guard of the Israeli soldiers. When they finished their rituals, they attacked some civilians in the street. Meanwhile, a group of settlers attacked a restaurant at the entrance of the village and forced its owner to close it while they were insulting them. A skirmish by hands erupted between the residents and settlers, and a number of Israeli soldiers fired sound bombs and tear gas canisters at the civilians to protect settlers. A number of young men gathered to throw stones and empty bottles. Israeli soldiers chased the young men in Abu al-Toaq area and 'Asidah area and deployed between the houses. They then fired sound bombs, tear gas canisters and metal rubber-coated bullets at the young men and houses. As a result, some of them suffered tear gas inhalation. Israeli forces then closed the entrance of the village and prevent the movement of civilians while Israeli forces deployed at the main entrance of the village.
At approximately 13:30, Israeli forces stationed along the border fence, east of the Gaza Strip, opened fire at a demonstration organized by Youth for Intifada Coalition in solidarity with farmers, who do not have access to the agricultural lands near the eastern borders. Around 1000 demonstrators, including a number of solidarity activists and journalists, holding Palestinian flags and banners bearing solidarity words headed from al- Shija'iyah neighbourhood to Nahal Oz crossing, east of Gaza City. When a number of them approached the border fence, Israeli forces fired tear gas canisters and live ammunition at them. As a result, two demonstrators were injured:
Ahmed Fawzi Khalil 'Ashour (21), sustained a bullet injury to the right leg and Maged Ismail Khalil Abu Salamah (25), sustained a bullet injury to the right leg.
At approximately 15:15, Israeli forces moved Jayous village, northeast of Qalqilya. They patrolled the streets for some time and later withdrew. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
At approximately 15:45, Israeli forces stationed along the border fence, north Abu Samrah land, north of Beit Lahiah in the northern Gaza Strip, opened fire and fired tear gas canisters at dozens of young men, who approached the aforementioned fence to throw stones at the Israeli soldiers. No casualties were reported. It should be mentioned that dozens of young men and families go the border areas for promenade, and sometimes young men threw stones at the Israeli forces stationed along the border fence.
At approximately 16:00, Israeli forces moved into Bab al-Zawyah area and al-Shalalah Street in central Hebron. They patrolled the streets. A number of young men gathered to throw stones and empty at the Israeli soldiers, who in response chased them. Israeli forces then started firing sound bombs and tear gas canisters at those young men and the houses. As a result, some of them suffered tear gas inhalation. Israeli forces later withdrew, and neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
At approximately 16:25, Israeli forces moved into ‘Azoun village, east of Qalqilya. They patrolled the streets for some time and later withdrew. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
At approximately 18:25, Israeli forces moved into Jeet village, northeast of Qalqilya. They patrolled the streets and raided and searched the office of the village council and a house belonging to the family of Faleh ‘Abdel Rahman Yamin. They confiscated the recordings of the house’s surveillance cameras. They later withdrew, and no further incidents were reported.
At approximately 21:00, Israeli forces moved into al-‘Arroub refugee camp, north of Hebron. They patrolled the streets, and a number of young men then gathered to throw stones at the Israeli vehicles. Israeli forces in response fired sound bombs and tear gas canisters randomly at the young men and houses, and no clashes were reported between the soldiers and young men. Neither injuries nor house damages were reported.
Saturday, 18 January 2014
At approximately 01:00, Israeli forces moved into several villages in central Hebron. They patrolled the streets and then stationed in Ra’s al-Jorah neighbourhood in the northern area of it. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Zaid Shaker ‘Abdel Rahman al-Jneidi (30). They then arrested the aforementioned civilian, and took him to an unknown destination.
At approximately 01:15, Israeli forces moved into Bethlehem and stationed in Wad Ma’ali neighborhood. They raided a house belonging to the family of Malek Ibrahim Hassan (23) and handed him a summons to refer to the Israeli intelligence in “Ghosh ‘etzion” complex, south of the city. They withdrew later and no arrests were reported.
At approximately 01:30, Israeli forces moved into Halhoul, north of Hebron. They patrolled the streets and stationed near al-Hesbah Street. They raided a house belonging to the family of Hakam Mohammed al-Jenzarah (35) and handed him a summons to refer to the Israeli intelligence in “Ghosh ‘Etzion” complex, south of Bethlehem. Meanwhile, another Israeli force raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Ma’amoun ‘Azmi Abu Zalatah (22). Israeli forces later withdrew, and no arrests were reported.
At approximately 02:30, Israeli forces moved into al-Shyoukh village, north of Hebron. They raided a house belonging to the family of Basel Na’im Ahmed al-Halayqa (25) and handed him a summons to refer to the Israeli intelligence in “Ghosh ‘Etzion” complex, south of Bethlehem. Israeli forces later withdrew, and no arrests were reported.
Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Sa’ir village, northeast of Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Ghassan Mohammed al-Tarwah (30). They later withdrew, and no arrests were reported.
At approximately 06:30, Israeli forces moved 200 meters into the east of al-Shihadaa’ cemetery, east of Jabalia in the northern Gaza Strip. They levelled lands adjacent to the border fence amidst Israeli sporadic shooting. As a result, farmers, who were in their farmlands in the vicinity of the invaded area, left for fear of being injured. At approximately 14:00, Israeli forces withdrew, and neither causalities nor damages were reported.
At approximately 10:50, Israeli forces gunboats stationed off al-Wahah Resort shore, northwest of Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip sporadically opened fire for 20 minutes in the vicinity of the fishing boats, which were sailing 2 miles into the waters. As a result, fishermen fled for fear of being injured or arrested. Neither injuries nor damages in the boats were reported.
At approximately 16:50, Israeli forces moved into Qalqilya. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Mohammed Saber Mahmoud Shreim (27). They arrested the aforementioned civilian and took him to an unknown destination.
At approximately 22:00, Israeli forces moved into Beit ‘Aor al-Tahta village, southwest of Ramallah. They patrolled the streets, and then a number of young men gathered to throw stones, empty bottles and Molotov cocktails at them. Israeli forces in response fired sound bombs and tear gas canisters. As a result, some of the civilians suffered tear gas inhalation. Israeli forces then arrested Ahmed Wajih ‘Othman Jadallah (18), who was in the area, under the pretext of throwing stones and Molotov cocktails at the Israeli soldiers and took him to an unknown destination.
Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Bani N’eim village, east of Hebron. They patrolled the streets for some time and later withdrew. No arrests were reported.
At approximately 23:00, Israeli forces moved into al-Mashrou’a area, west of al-Thaheriyah village, south of Hebron. They patrolled the streets for some time and later withdrew. No arrests were reported.
Sunday, 19 January 2014
In the early morning, Israeli forces moved into ‘Arrabah village, southwest of Hebron. They patrolled the streets for some time and later withdrew. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
At approximately 01:00, Israeli forces moved into al-Fawar refugee camp, south of Hebron. They patrolled the streets for some time and stationed near the UNRWA schools. They later withdrew, and neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
At approximately 01:30, Israeli forces moved into Bani N’eim village, east of Hebron. They patrolled the streets for some time and later withdrew. No arrests were reported.
At approximately 02:30, Israeli forces moved into Ezna village, west of Hebron. They patrolled the streets for some time and later withdrew. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Nablus. They patrolled the streets and raided and searched several houses, from which they arrested 3 civilians and took them to an unknown destination. The arrested were identified as:
Malek Soboh (22) from Ras al-‘Ein neighbourhood; Hatem ‘Anbtawi (24) from Street 10 in Ras al-Ein neighbourhood; and ‘Abdel Jabbar al-Shakhshit (23) from al-Ta’awon Street in Ras al-Ein neighbourhood.
Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into al-‘Ebeidiyah village, east of Bethlehem. They raided and searched several houses from which 7 civilians were arrested and taken to an unknown destination. The arrested were identified as: Sa’ad Mohammed al-‘Asa (35); Eyad Yousif Hasasnah (26); Falah ‘Issa Abu Sarhan (25); Younis Mohammed Saif (18); Majed ‘Aqeil Rabay’ah (38); Walid Yousif Hasasnah (18); and Hisham Dawoud Radaydah (33).
Around the same time, Israeli forces launched 2 missiles at a training site of the armed groups, northeast of al- Nussairat in Central Gaza Strip. As a result, damages were caused to the site, but no causalities were reported. It should be mentioned that the aforementioned training site was targeted last week by Israeli warplanes.
At approximately 02:46, Israeli warplanes launched a missile at a training site of al-Qassam Brigades in Ermeidah area in Bani Sheilah, east of Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip. As a result, damages were reported to the site causing a huge hole and to the nearby farmlands. No causalities were reported.
At approximately 07:30, Israeli gunboats stationed off al-Wahah shore, northwest of Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip sporadically opened fire for 90 minutes in the vicinity of the fishing boats, which were sailing 2 miles into the waters. As a result, fishermen fled for fear of being injured or arrested. Neither injuries nor damages to the boats were reported.
At approximately 08:20, Israeli forces stationed in watchtowers, east of al-Qobtaniyah area, east of Beit Hanoun in the northern Gaza Strip, opened fire at farmers, shepherds, and bird hunters in the farmlands adjacent to the border fence, civilians were forced to leave the area for fear of being injured. Neither causalities nor damages were reported.
At approximately 10:00, Israeli forces moved into al-Zababdah village, south of Jenin. They patrolled the streets for some time and later withdrew. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into ‘Anza village, south of Jenin. They patrolled the streets for some time when a number of young men gathered to throw stones and empty bottles at them. Israeli soldiers in response fired tear gas canisters. As a result, some of them suffered tear gas inhalation.
At approximately 11:00, Israeli forces moved into ‘Anin village, northwest of Jenin. They patrolled the street for some time and later withdrew. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
At approximately 20:00, Israeli forces moved into the closed al-Shuhadaa’ Street inthe centre of the old city in central Hebron. They patrolled the streets and raided and searched with police dogs a number of stores. They later withdrew, and neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
At approximately 22:00, Israeli forces moved into Shweikah suburb, north of Tulkarm. They patrolled the street for some time and later withdrew. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
At approximately 23:00, Israeli forces moved into Marah al-Baqar village, southwest of Dura, southwest of Hebron. They patrolled the streets for some time and then stationed in the centre of the village. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Hasan Ibrahim ‘Amro (39). Israeli forces arrested the aforementioned civilian and took him to an unknown destination.
Monday, 20 January 2014
At approximately 00:30, Israeli forces moved into Beitin village, northeast of Ramallah. They raided and searched two houses, from which two civilians were arrested and taken to an unknown destination. The arrested were identified as: Basel ‘Abdullah ‘Abdel Jalil Hamed (20); and Tariq Ahmed ‘Abdel Jalil Hamed (23).
At approximately 01:00, Israeli forces moved into al-‘Arroub refugee camp, north of Hebron. They patrolled the streets and then stationed near the UNRWA distribution offices. They deployed between the houses resulting in fear among the residents. They later withdrew, and neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
At approximately 01:30, Israeli forces moved into Rantis village, west of Ramallah. They raided and searched 3 houses, from which they arrested 3 civilians and took them to “Ofer” Prison, southwest of the city. The arrested were identified as: Suhaib Mohammed Ibrahim al-Shabah (25); Mohammed Ahmed Abu Salim (28); and Sa’ad Sari Wahdan (24).
Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Jenin. They patrolled the streets and raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Khaled Sa’id Yehia (56), Member of the Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC) representing Hamas movement. The leader of the Israeli soldiers questioned the PLC member on the spot claiming that he is a new officer in the area and wants to meet the Hamas leaders. Israeli forces later raided and searched a house belonging to the family of deceased Fadel Baker (Bushnaq), a Hamas leader. They arrested his widow Woroud ‘Adel Ibrahim Baker (Bushnaq) (48). They later withdrew taking her to an unknown destination.
At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into Nablus. They patrolled the streets and raided and searched a number of houses. They arrested Jehad Ahmed al-Shakhshir (21) from his family house in al-Ta’awon Street and took him to an unknown destination.
Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Halhoul, north of Hebron. They patrolled the streets and then stationed in al-Tharwah area. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Mohammed Yousif al- Zama’arah (24). They arrested the aforementioned civilian and took him to where the military vehicles were stationed. Israeli forces then raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Mahmoud Sobhi al-Baba (25) after detaining his family outside. They arrested the aformentioned civilian and took him to where the Israeli vehicles were stationed. At approximately 03:30, they patrolled the streets towards al-Nabi Younis area, east of the city, and raided and searched a house belonging to the family of ‘Ali Mahmoud al-Baba (14). They arrested the aforementioned civilian and took the three of them to an unknown destination.
Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Beit ‘Aynoun village, east of Hebron. They patrolled the streets for some time, and later withdrew. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
At approximately 02:30, Israeli forces moved into Qabatia village, south of Jenin. They patrolled the streets for some time, and later withdrew. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
At approximately 04:30, Israeli forces moved into Jab’a village, south of Jenin. They patrolled the streets and raided and searched a house belonging to Islam Nazih Sa’id Abu ‘On (24). They arrested the aforementioned civilian and took him to an unknown destination.
At approximately 09:00, Israeli forces moved into the farmlands adjacent to Kherbet Um al-Kheir, east of Yatta, south of Hebron. They patrolled the streets and detained a number of shepherds from the family of al-Hazalin. They denied them access to the water wells and declared the area a closed military zone. Skirmishes erupted between civilians and Israeli soldiers.. Israeli forces then arrested Hussam Soliman al-Hazalin (16); Mohammed Soliman al-Hazalin (17); Maliha al-Hazalin (58); Bakhita Ahmed al-Hazalin (38); and Tariq Salem al-Hethalin (19). They were then taken to “Karyat Arbaa’” settlement, east of Hebron. It should be noted that the Israeli authorities tighten the noose on the family of al-Hazalin to force them to leave their lands for the interest of the settlement expansion projects in “Kermayel” settlement established on the lands of al-Hazalin family.
At approximately 10:00, Israeli gunboats opened fire at Palestinian fishing boats while sailing just 2 nautical miles off Beit Lahia shore, in the northern Gaza Strip. An Israeli gunboat surrounded a fishing boat boarded by 2 fishermen, including one child: Yusef Amin Abu Warda (18) and Ahmed Kamal Abu Warda (17), both from Jabalia in the northern Gaza Strip. Israeli officers ordered the fishermen to take their clothes off, jump in the water and sail towards the Israeli gunboat. The fishermen did so and were taken by the gunboat to Ashdod seaport. They were detained till the evening and then taken to the detention rooms in Beit Hanoun “Erez” Crossing, where they were subjected to interrogation about exceeding the allowed limit and about their relation with Hamas and if they know any of their activists. At approximately 23:00 on the same day, the 2 fishermen were released via the same crossing, but their boat and nets remained in Israeli custody.
At approximately 21:00, Israeli forces moved into Bir al-Basha village, south of Jenin. They raided and searched a number of houses, from which they arrested 4 civilians and took them to an unknown destination. The arrested were identified as:
Tawfiq Sharif Ghawadrah (18); Rashed Zaki Ghawadrah (28); Basel Zuhdi Ghawadrah (36); and Ahmed Aqhash (18).
Tuesday, 21 January 2014
At approximately 00:00, an Israeli undercover unit dressed in civilian clothes sneaked into Tulkarm using a white Volkswagen car with a Palestinian registration plate, which Israeli forces had earlier confiscated from its owner. They raided a grocery in Jenin “Safe Side Supermarket” and arrested ‘Emad Jamal ‘Abdel Salam Abu al-Hayjaa’ (25) from Jenin Refugee camp adjacent to the city while he was shopping in the supermarket. They also confiscated the recording devices of the surveillance cameras, and then withdrew taking the arrested to an unknown destination. It should be mentioned that the arrested is the son of the prisoner Jaamal Abu al-Hayjaa’, a Hamas leader.
Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into ‘Anabta village, east of Tulkarm. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Yehia Hani Ibrahim Jawabrah (20). They arrested the aforementioned person and took him to an unknown destination.
At approximately 01:00, Israeli forces moved into Beit ‘Awwa village, southwest of Dura, southwest of Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Mo’ataz Naser Masalmah (25). They arrested the aforementioned civilian and took him to an unknown destination.
At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into al-Samou’a village, south of Hebron. They patrolled the streets and later withdrew. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Rantis village, west of Ramallah. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Jehad Sary Sa’id Wahdan (30). They arrested the aforementioned civilian and took him to an unknown destination.
At approximately 02:30, Israeli forces moved into Hebron. They stationed in Abu Raman Mountain in the south of the city. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Nizar Jamal Ramdan (55). They arrested his son Hothayfah (24) and took him to an unknown destination.
At approximately 02:45, Israeli forces moved into Tulkarm. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Ahmed Jalal ‘Abdel Karim Bsharat (17). They arrested the aforementioned civilian and took him to an unknown destination.
At approximately 02:59, Israeli forces moved into Romanah village, northwest of Jenin. They raided and searched several houses, from which 3 civilians were arrested and taken to an unknown destination. The arrested were identified as: Nael ‘Ali Ibrahim ‘Amour (50; No’aman Nayef Jarban (49); and Mohammed Younis ‘Abdel Razaq Sbeihat (35).
At approximately 03:00, Israeli forces moved into al-Fawar refugee camp, south of Hebron. They patrolled the streets for some time and later withdrew. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
At approximately 03:30, Israeli forces moved into al-Jalazone refugee camp, north of Ramallah. They raided and searched two houses, from which 2 civilians were arrested and taken to an unknown destination. They were identified as: Mohammed Hani ‘Abdel Jalil Dalayshah (19); and Fadi Hasan Sa’adat Safi (20).
At approximately 10:30, an Israeli undercover unit sneaked into N’ilin village, west of Ramallah, using a Mercedes bus with a Palestinian registration plate. The bus stopped in front of the house of Murad Reda Surour (30), and then they got out of the bus with their weapons directed at the aforementioned civilian. When he tried to escape, many Israeli soldiers accompanied by dogs, attacked the aforementioned civilian, and heavily fired live bullets in the air. They arrested him after severely beating him and took him to an unknown destination.
At approximately 16:00, Israeli forces moved into Beit ‘Aor al-Tahta village, southwest of Ramallah. They patrolled the streets and arrested 4 children, who were in al-Nawader area in the centre of the village. They were then taken to “Ofer “prison, southwest of Ramallah. The arrested were identified as: Anas al-‘Ori Soliman (16); Mahmoud Fayez Mahmoud Soliman (15); Mahmoud Jamil Mahmoud Soliman (16); and Mohammed Khaled Joudah Soliman (16).
Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into ‘Asida area, east of Beit Ummar, north of Hebron. They stationed in the area and then deployed between the houses. They fired tear gas canisters and sound bombs at the houses. As a result, some of them suffered tear gas inhalation. No clashes were reported between the civilians and the Israeli soldiers. They later withdrew, and neither houses raids nor arrests were reported.
In the evening, Israeli forces arrested Mahmoud Jamal Nayef Mahamid (25) from Romanah village, northwest of Jenin while being in their office in Salem Camp, northwest of Jenin, upon a summons earlier sent to him to refer to the Israeli Intelligence.
Wednesday, 22 January 2014
At approximately 01:00, Israeli forces moved into Beit Ummar village, north of Hebron. They patrolled the streets for some time and later withdrew. Neither houses raids nor arrests were reported.
At approximately 01:30, Israeli forces moved into al-‘Arroub refugee camp, north of Hebron. They patrolled the streets for some time and later withdrew. Neither houses raids nor arrests were reported.
At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into Beit ‘Omrah village, southwest of Yatta, south of Hebron. They patrolled the streets for some time and later withdrew. Neither houses raids nor arrests were reported.
Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Beit ‘Awwa village, south of Dura, southwest of Hebron. They raided and searched 3 houses, from which they arrested 3 civilians, including 2 children, and took them to an unknown destination. The arrested were identified as: Usamah Mohammed Hussein Masalmah (18); Mohammed Khader ‘Abdullah Masalmah (16); and Qosai Ibrahim ‘Abullah Maslamah (15).
Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Nablus and ‘Ein al-Maa’ refugee camp, west of the city. They raided and searched a number of houses, from which they arrested Anwar Reda Khaled (19) from the camp and took him to an unknown destination.
At approximately 02:15, Israeli forces moved into Burin village, south of Nablus. They raided and searched a number of houses, from which they arrested ‘Essam Maa’moun al-Najjar (21) and took him to an unknown destination.
At approximately 02:30, Israeli forces moved into Bita village, southeast of Nablus. They raided and searched a number of houses, from which they arrested Majed Hamayel (22) and took him to an unknown destination.
At approximately 08:00, Israeli forces stationed along the border fence, east of al-Salqa valley village, east of Deir al-Balah, opened fire in the vicinity of the landfill at the farmlands. Neither causalities nor damages were reported.
At approximately 14:30, Israeli forces stationed along the border fence, east of Khan Younis, opened fire at the agricultural lands, west of the aforementioned border fence from the east of al-Qararah to the east of al-Farahin neighbourhood. The shooting continued for around 1 hour sporadically, and no injuries were reported.
At approximately 23:00, Israeli forces moved into Amrish villag, south of Dura, southwest of Hebron. They patrolled the streets for some time, and later withdrew. Neither houses raids nor arrests were reported.
2. Use of excessive force against peaceful demonstrations protesting settlement activities and the construction of the annexation wall
During the reporting period, Israeli soldiers used excessive force against peaceful demonstrations organised by Palestinian civilians, international and Israeli human rights defenders in protest at the construction of the annexation wall and settlement activities in the West Bank. As a result, 6 protestors, including a journalist, were wounded. Five of whom were wounded in Bil'in weekly protest, 2 were wounded in al-Nabi Saleh weekly protest, 1 was wounded in Ni'lin weekly protest, the journalist was wounded in Qofur Qaddoum weekly protest and 2 were wounded in a protest organized in Selwad village, northeast of Ramallah.
(PCHR keeps the names of the wounded).
Demonstrations against the construction of the annexation wall and settlement activity
Following the Friday Prayer, 17 January 2014, dozens of Palestinian civilians and international and Israeli human rights defenders organised a peaceful demonstration in Bil’in, west of Ramallah, in protest at the construction of the annexation wall and settlement activities. Demonstrators took the streets raising the Palestinian flags and headed to the liberated territories near the annexation wall. Israeli forces had closed all the entrances of the village since the morning in order to prevent Palestinian and international activists and journalists from participating in the demonstration. Demonstrators marched adjacent to the cement wall and tried to cross the fence before Israeli forces that are stationed behind the wall, in the western area, and a large number of soldiers deployed along it, fired live bullets, tear gas canisters, rubber-coated steel bullets, sound bombs and skunk water at them and chased them into the olive fields. As a result, 5 protestors, including a woman and an international activist, were wounded. Moreover, dozens of demonstrators suffered tear gas inhalation, and others sustained bruises as they were beaten up by Israeli soldiers. A 32-year-old civilian sustained a bullet wound to the right leg; a 20-year-old civilian sustained a bullet wound to the right foot; a 21-year-old civilian sustained a bullet wound to the left foot; a 20-year-old international activist sustained a bullet wound to the back; and a 43-year-old civilian sustained a bullet wound to the back.
On the same day, dozens of Palestinian civilians organised a peaceful demonstration in the centre of Ni’lin village, west of Ramallah, in protest at the construction of the annexation wall and settlement activities. Demonstrators took the streets and headed to the annexation wall. Israeli forces closed the gates of the wall with barbwires and prevented the demonstrators from passing to the land behind it before they responded by throwing stones. As a result, many civilians suffered tear gas inhalation and bruises as they were beaten up by Israeli soldiers.
Around the same time, dozens of Palestinian civilians and Israeli and international human rights defenders organised a peaceful demonstration, in protest at the construction of the annexation wall and settlement activities, in Nabi Saleh village, southwest of Ramallah. Demonstrators took to the streets raising the Palestinian flags and chanting slogans against the occupation and in support of the Palestinian unity resistance, and then they headed to the lands that the settlers are trying to rob by force near “Halamish” settlement. Israeli forces closed all the entrances of the village since the morning to prevent Palestinian and international activists and journalists from participating in the demonstration. When they arrived at the land, demonstrators were met by live bullets, tear gas canisters, rubber-coated steel bullets, sound bombs and skunk water and were chased into the village. As a result, a 14-year-old girl sustained a bullet wound to the right shoulder and an 18-year-old civilian sustained a bullet wound to the back. Many civilians suffered tear gas inhalation and bruises due to being beaten up by Israeli soldiers.
Following the Friday prayer, dozens of Palestinian civilians and international and Israeli human rights defenders organised a peaceful demonstration in Ma’assara village, in protest at the construction of the annexation wall and settlement activities. The demonstration started in front of the Candles Cultural Centre in the centre of the village. Demonstrators moved in the streets raising the Palestinian flag. When they arrived at the area where the annexation wall is established, Israeli forces started firing tear gas canisters in attempt to disperse them and prevented them reaching the annexation wall.
At approximately 12:30 on the same day, Palestinian civilians and international activists organised a peaceful demonstration in the centre of Kufor Qaddoum village, northwest of Qalqilia, and headed towards the eastern entrance of the village, in protest at the continued closure of the entrance with an iron gate, since the beginning of the Aqsa Intifada (2000). Clashes erupted between the demonstrators and Israeli forces that fired sound bombs and tear gas canisters to prevent them from reaching the aforementioned gate. As a result, Ayman Amin Nobani (28), a journalist at Wafa News Agency from Nablus, was hit by a tear gas canister to the left foot while he was documenting the events of the demonstration.
At approximately 12:30 on Sunday, 18 January 2014, Palestinian civilians and international activists organised a peaceful demonstration in the centre of Kufor Qaddoum village, northwest of Qalqilia, and headed towards the eastern entrance of the village, in protest at the continued closure of the entrance with an iron gate, since the beginning of the Aqsa Intifada. Clashes erupted between the demonstrators and Israeli forces that fired sound bombs and tear gas canisters to prevent them from reaching the aforementioned gate. As a result, Ra’eisa Moraweh ‘Ali (60) suffered tear gas inhalation.
At approximately 15:00 on Wednesday, 15 January 2014, dozens of Palestinian boys and civilians gathered at the western entrance of Selwad village, northeast of Ramallah, on the road between Selwad and Yabrod villages near Street 60. They threw stones at the aforementioned street. The Israeli soldiers fired gas canisters and rubber-coated metal bullets in response. As a result, a 13-year-old child, Mohammed Bseiso, sustained a bullet wound to the right foot and was arrested. An hour later, he was released. A 21-year-old civilian sustained a bullet wound to the left leg. Mohammed Murad (17) was also arrested and taken to “Ofer” prison, southwest of Ramallah. In addition, a number of protestors suffered tear gas inhalation.
3. Extra-judicial executions
During the reporting period, Israeli forces committed two crimes of extra-judicial executions.
In an extra-judicial execution attempt, at approximately 09:15 on 19 January 2014, an Israeli drone fired a missile at a motorbike that was travelling opposite to al-Malash tower building in the centre of al-Saftawi Street in the northern Gaza Strip town of Jabalya. As a result, Ahmed Sa’ad, 22, a member of the al-Quds Brigades (the armed wing of Islamic Jihad), who was riding the motorbike, was seriously wounded by shrapnel throughout his body. Additionally, a passing child, 11-year-old Salah Fareed al-Ghuf, was injured by shrapnel to the right foot. A nearby house belonging to Majed Mohammed Abu ‘Olba (49), was damaged as its windows were smashed. In addition, two buses belonging to al-Itihad Buses Company owned by Abu ‘Olba were damaged. As a result, the two windows of the bus bearing number 3-0504-28 were smashed and shrapnel penetrated into its left side. The window of the second bus bearing number 3-0183-28 was smashed. Moreover, a hole of 25- 30 centimetres was caused in al-Saftawi Street. The bombing also terrorized the residents of al-Saftawi Street as there are dozens of buildings, where families live. There is also an UNRWA clinic, only 100 meters away from the targeted place.
According to investigations conducted by the Palestinian Center for Human Rights (PCHR), at approximately 12:05 on January 22, 2014, an Israeli drone fired a missile at a civilian Citroen car. Ahmed Mohammed Jom'aah Khalil al-Za'anin (21), member of an armed group, and his cousin Mohammed Yousif Ahmed al-Za'anin (22), both from al-Sekah area in Beit Hanoun were inside the car which was parked in front of the house of Ahmed's father. As a result, the car was completely destroyed, and the bodies were maimed completely. The house of Mohammed Jom'aah al-Za'anin, the victim's late father, was severely damaged with windows being smashed, a number of doors being broken and the walls being cracked. An Israeli military spokesman confirmed that Ahmed al-Za'anin was targeted and killed. He added that Al-Za'anin had been responsible for launching rockets over the past few days at the Israeli towns adjacent to the Gaza Strip and was also responsible for planning to carry out military operations against military and civilian Israeli targets.
4. Continued closure of the oPt
Israel has 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.
The total closure of al-Mentar ("Karni") crossing since 02 March 2011 has seriously affected the economy of the Gaza Strip. Following this closure, all economic and commercial establishments in the Gaza Commercial Zone were shut off. It should be noted that al-Mentar crossing is the biggest crossing in the Gaza Strip, in terms of its capacity to absorb the flow of imports and exports. The decision to close al-Mentar crossing was the culmination of a series of decisions resulting in the complete closure of the Sofa crossing, east of the Gaza Strip in the beginning of 2009, and the Nahal Oz crossing, east of Gaza City, which was dedicated for the delivery of fuel and cooking gas to the Gaza Strip, in the beginning of 2010.
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.
The cooking gas crisis has fluctuated for 9 months due to the closure of Karm Abu Salem for security claims. According to PCHR’s follow-up, Israeli authorities only allow an average of 98 tonnes of cooking gas into Gaza per day. This limited quantity is less than half of the daily needs, which is 200 tonnes per day, of the civilian population in the Gaza Strip during winter. The crisis has unprecedentedly aggravated for around six weeks due to cold weather and overconsumption in addition to the power outage and using gas as an alternative in many instances of electricity. The lack of diesel and benzine led to the aggravation of the crisis as a result of using the gas cylinder for cars or as an alternative for benzine to run generators. As a result, the demand for gas further increased.
For almost 6 consecutive years, Israeli forces have continued to prevent the delivery of construction materials to the Gaza Strip. Two years ago, Israeli forces approved the delivery of limited quantities of construction materials for a number of international organizations in the Gaza Strip. On 17 September 2013, they allowed the entry of limited quantities of construction materials for the private sector. However, on 13 October 2013, they re-banned it claiming that these materials are used for constructing tunnels. Last week, Israeli forces allowed the entry of construction materials only for UNRWA and UNDP projects. As a result, construction works have completely stopped impacting all sectors related to construction and an increase in unemployment levels. Israeli forces also continued to impose an almost total ban on the Gaza Strip exports, including agricultural and industrial products, except for light-weighted products such as flowers, strawberries, and spices.
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 denied permission to access hospitals via the crossing for new categories of patients from the Gaza Strip.
The Egyptian authorities allow the population of the Gaza Strip to travel via Rafah International crossing, which connects the Gaza Strip with the outside world. Only limited and specified categories are allowed, including patients, students, persons that hold residencies in Egypt or abroad, men over 40 years, females in all ages, children under 18, persons who hold Arab and foreign nationalities, and members of Arab and international humanitarian delegations. It should be mentioned that the crossing opens seven days a week. Nowadays, the crossing is overcrowded due to the prolonged procedures from the Egyptian side, particularly after closing it for several days over the past weeks due to Egypt’s security conditions, which has affected the travellers’ movement in both directions.
Movement at Karm Abu Salem (Kerem Shalom) crossing 14 - 21 January 2014
Imports Date Amount Category Tons Number Litres Foodstuffs 851 Agricultural materials 1,331 Various goods 992 Cartons of clothes 330 Refrigerators 20 Washing machines 204 Cartons of shoes 1190 Gas cylinders 189 Marble boards 623 14 January 2014 Cartons of chair parts 1200 Glass boards 520 Tires 206 TVs 250 Cars 29
Humanitarian aid 2008 Cooking gas 174,520 Benzine 220,023 Diesel 430,937 Industrial fuel 388,879 Foodstuffs 583 Agricultural materials 1279 Various goods 1,144 Cartons of soup 1280 Cartons of shoes 1402 Cartons of sweeps 1560 Washing machines 344 Gas cylinders 217 Refrigerators 96 15 January 2014 Solar tanks 256 Glass boards 1280 Cages 648 Marble boards 648 TVs 100
Humanitarian aid 1703 Cooking gas 219,700 Benzine 219,000 Diesel 390,180 Industrial fuel 436,997 Foodstuffs 1,157 Agricultural materials 1,783 Various goods 943 Gypsum boards 1430 Cartons of clothes 300 Glass boards 750 Marble boards 810 Cows 549 16 January 2014 Solar tanks 405 Refrigerators 116 Cartons of shoes 825 TVs 1532 Cartons of computer supplies 1100 Washing machines 218 Humanitarian aid 329 Cooking gas 198,090 Benzine 145,998 Diesel 254,102 Industrial fuel 639,045 Foodstuffs 1,316 Agricultural materials 1,156 Various goods 828 Cartons of clothes 474 Refrigerators 54 Gas cylinders 180 Cartons of picture frames 624 Washing machines 119 Glass boards 1040 Gypsum boards 1320 19 January 2014 Empty gas tanks 2 Cartons of accessories 174 Solar tanks 136 Marble boards 886 Cartons of shoes 400 TVs 654 Humanitarian aid 1817 Cooking gas 222,230 Benzine 214,994 Diesel 397,102 Industrial fuel 396,775 Foodstuffs 1122 Agricultural materials 1,701 Various goods 643 Cartons of clothes 643 Cartons of noodles 1800 Birds 120 Meters of marble boards 880 Cartons of shoes 837 20 January 2014 Gas cylinders 200 Marble boards 126 Tires 2440 Refrigerators 107 Washing machines 6260 Humanitarian aid 166 Cooking gas 176,480 Benzine 216,997 Diesel 439,002 Industrial fuel 396,542 Foodstuffs 853 Agricultural materials 1,666 Various goods 1476 Cartons of shoes 586 Refrigerators 26 TVs 536 Glass boards 520 Marble boards 486 21 January 2014 Cartons of shoes 704
Humanitarian aid 116 Cooking gas 217,950 Benzine 212,001 Diesel 179,019 Diesel for UNRWA 211,169 Industrial fuel 569,929
Exports:
On Tuesday, 14 January 2014, Israeli forces allowed the exportation of 11.8 tonnes of strawberries and 53,000 flowers. On Thursday, 16 January 2014, Israeli forces allowed the exportation of 220 kilograms of chives, 210 kilograms of mint, 850 kilograms of strawberries and 71,000 flowers. On Monday, 20 January 2014, Israeli forces allowed the exportation of 1755 tonnes of cherry tomatoes, 640 kilograms of chives, 390 kilograms of mint, 1.25 kilograms of mint, 10 kilograms of paprika, and 0.54 kilograms of hot pepper.
Other Imports:
On Tuesday, 14 January 2014, Israeli forces allowed the entry of 220 tonnes of cement, 530 tonnes of construction aggregates for UNRWA. It also allowed the entry of 741 tonnes of fodders and 195 tonnes of wheat. On Wednesday, 15 January 2014, Israeli forces allowed the entry of 300 tonnes of cement, 34 tonnes of construction steel and 1120 tonnes of construction aggregate for the UNRWA. They also allowed the entry of 585 tonnes of fodders and 429 tonnes of wheat. On Thursday, 16 January 2014, Israeli forces allowed the entry of 780 tonnes of fodders and 548 tonnes of wheat. On Sunday, 19 January 2014, Israeli forces allowed the entry of 352 tonnes of cement and 1260 tonnes of construction aggregate for UNRWA. It also allowed the entry of 624 tonnes of fodders and 312 tonnes of wheat. On Monday, 20 January 2014, Israeli forces allowed the entry of 1053 tonnes of fodders and 390 tonnes of wheat. On Tuesday, 21 January 2014, Israeli forces allowed the entry of 819 tonnes of fodders and 468 tonnes of wheat.
Empty Plastic Containers Returned to Israel via Karm Abu Salem
On Tuesday, 14 January 2014, Israeli forces allowed 3 truckloads of empty plastic containers to be returned via Karm Abu Salem. On Wednesday, 15 January 2014, Israeli forces allowed 3 truckloads of empty plastic containers to be returned via Karm Abu Salem. On Thursday, 16 January 2014, Israeli forces allowed 2 truckloads of empty plastic containers to be returned via Karm Abu Salem. On Sunday, 19 January 2014, Israeli forces allowed 8 truckloads of empty plastic containers to be returned via Karm Abu Salem. On Monday, 20 January 2014, Israeli forces allowed 5 truckloads of empty plastic containers to be returned via Karm Abu Salem. On Tuesday, 21 January 2014, Isralei forces allowed 10 truckloads of empty plastic containers to be returned via Karm Abu Salem, and one truckload of wooden cartons.
Beit Hanoun ("Erez") crossing, in the north of the Gaza Strip, is dedicated for the movement of individuals, and links the Gaza Strip with the West Bank.
Movement at Beit Hanoun (“Erez”) crossing 14 - 21 January 2013
Category 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 January January January January January January January January Patients 57 45 34 10 - 77 54 60 Companions 55 41 33 12 - 72 54 54 Personal needs 43 98 45 31 - 66 50 42 Families of ------15 - prisoners Arabs from 8 5 18 13 - 16 1 7 Israel Diplomats ------International - - 3 - - - - - journalists International 1 31 56 5 - 5 10 25 workers Deceased ------Travelers - 1 3 - - 2 2 - abroad Business 113 105 121 - - 131 132 118 people Business 2 7 ------meetings Security 2 - 1 - - 2 - 4 interviews VIPs 5 - - - - 1 2 - Ambulances to 1 1 6 3 - 3 2 2 Israel Ambulances ------from Israel
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:
Ramallah: Israeli forces have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. At approximately 18:00 on Thursday, 16 January 2014, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the eastern entrance of al-Tibah village, northeast of Ramallah. The checkpoint was later removed, and no arrests were reported.
At approximately 09:30 on Friday, 17 January 2014, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the entrance of al-Nabi Saleh village, southwest of Ramallah. The checkpoint was later removed, and no arrests were reported. At approximately 15:30, they established another checkpoint at the entrance of Beit ‘Or al-Foqa village, southwest of Ramallah. The two checkpoints were later removed, and no arrests were reported.
At approximately 09:00 on Saturday, 18 January 2014, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the entrance of Senjal village, north of Ramallah. At approximately 19:30, they established another checkpoint under the bridge of ‘Ein Yabrod village, northeast of the city. The two checkpoints were later removed, and no arrests were reported.
At approximately 17:00 on Sunday, 19 January 2014, Israeli forces established a checkpoint by the entrance of Beit Our al-Foqqa, southwest of Ramallah, and another one was established by the entrance of Nabi Saleh village at approximately 17:30.
At approximately 09:30 on Monday, 20 January 2014, Israeli forces established a checkpoint by the northern entrance of Ni’lin village, west of Ramallah; at approximately 16:00, another was established at the eastern entrance of al-Teiba village, northeast of the city. At approximately 19:30, a checkpoint was established near the bridge of Kherbtha al-Musbah village, to the southwest of Ramallah.
Hebron: Israeli forces have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. At approximately 07:30 on Thursday, 16 January 2014, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the entrance of ‘Ezna village, west of Hebron. The checkpoint was later removed, and no arrests were reported.
At approximately 08:00 on Friday, 17 January 2014, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the northern entrance of Hebron. At approximately 15:00, another checkpoint was established at the entrance of Kharsa village, south of Dura, southwest of Hebron. Around the same time, another checkpoint was established at the northern entrance of Yatta, south of Hebron. All checkpoints were later removed, and no arrests were reported.
At approximately 08:00 on Sunday, 18 January 2014, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the entrance of al-Samou’a village, south of Hebron. At approximately 16:00, they established another checkpoint at the entrance of Karaza village, south of Dura, southwest of Hebron. The two checkpoints were later removed, and no arrests were reported.
At approximately 07:00 on Sunday, 19 January 2014, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the entrance of Beit Ummar, north of Hebron. At approximately 08:00, they established another checkpoint at the entrance of al-‘Arroub refugee camp, north of the city. Around the same time, they established a similar checkpoint at the entrance of Beit ‘Awwa village, southwest of Dura, southwest of Hebron. All checkpoints were later removed, and no arrests were reported.
At approximately 08:00 on Monday, 20 January 2014, Israeli forces established a checkpoint by the entrance of Ethna village, west of Hebron. At approximately 16:00, two similar checkpoints were established, one near the northern entrance of Yatta and the other by the entrance of Sa’ir village.
All checkpoints were later removed; no arrests were reported.
Jenin: Israeli forces have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. At approximately 11:00 on Sunday, 19 January 2014, Israeli forces established a checkpoint by the intersection of ‘Attra village, to the southwest of Jenin. The checkpoint was removed later and no arrests were reported.
Qalqilya: Israeli forces have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. At approximately 08:30 on Thursday, 16 January 2014, Israeli forces established a checkpoint between Beit Amin village and ‘Ezbetet Salman village, southeast of Qalqilya. At approximately 18:00, they established a similar checkpoint at the entrance of ‘Azoun village, east of the city. The two checkpoints were later removed, and no arrests were reported.
At approximately 13:00 on Sunday, 19 January 2014, Israeli forces detained Walid Hussein Lebdah (12) from ‘Azoun village, east of Qalqilya when he was on his way to an agricultural land near the village next to the main Street between Qalqilya and Nablus. The family of the child said that Israeli soldiers saw their son while they were patrolling and detained him till approximately 18:00, when they released him.
Tulkarm: Israeli forces have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. At approximately 17:00 on Friday, 17 January 2014, Israeli forces stationed at 'Inab Checkpoint, which is established on the main road between Tulkarm and Nablus, east of Tulkarm, tightened its restrictions against Palestinian civilians and obstructed their movement to the checkpoint. The tightening later ended, and no arrests were reported. This was repeated on Sunday, 19 January 2014 at approximately 16:30 as well.
Salfit: Israeli forces have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. At approximately 18:40 on Sunday, 19 January 2014, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the entrance of al- Zawiyah village, west of Salfit. At approximately 22:30, another checkpoint was established at the entrance of Kafr al-Deek village, west of the city. The two checkpoints were later removed, and no arrests were reported.
Jericho: Israeli forces have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. At approximately 15:30 on Sunday, 19 January 2014, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the entrance of Fasayel village, north of Jericho. The checkpoint was later removed, and no arrests were reported.
Arrests and Maltreatment at military checkpoints
• At approximately 08:00 on Thursday, 16 January 2014, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the northern entrance of Halhoul, north of Hebron. They arrested Sufian Hashim Jamjoum (45) and took him to an unknown destination. They later removed the checkpoint. • At approximately 16:30 on the same day, Israeli forces established a checkpoint between ‘Azoun village and Kafr Tholth, east of Qaqliya. They arrested Hamed Zaki Zidan, a military officer at the Palestinian security services and took him to an unknown destination. • Also on Thursday, Israeli forces stationed at 'Inab Checkpoint tightened restrictions and arbitrary actions against Palestinian civilians while passing through the checkpoint. As a result, Eslam Abdel-Salam Naji al-Belbeysy (19) from ‘Enabta, east of Tulkarm, was arrested while passing through the checkpoint. Al-Belbeysy was taken to an unknown destination.
• At approximately 17:50 on the aforementioned day, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the intersection of Jeet village, northeast of Qalqilya. They arrested Yousif Mer’ea Shehadah from Nour Shams refugee camp, east of Tulakrm and took him to an unknown destination.
• At approximately 17:00 on Sunday, 19 January 2014, Israeli forces arrested four children from ‘Azoun village, east of Qalqilya while they were walking inside the village near the main street known as Street (55) at the eastern entrance of the aforementioned village. Israeli forces claimed that the four children intended to throw stones at the Israeli vehicles passing in the street after Israeli soldiers noticed that they approached the main street through the Surveillance Cameras surrounding “Ma’aleih Shamrone” settlement. The arrested were identified as:
Yazan Belal ‘Abed Hanoun (15); Mahmoud Majdi Sweidan (16); Yehia Mohammed Abu Haniyah (15); and Salah Ya’qoub Sweidan (15). Israeli forces later released the latter child, while they took the other three to an unknown destination.
·At approximately 09:00 on Monday, 20 January 2014, Israeli forces, stationed at the electronic gates leading to the Ibrahimi mosque, in the centre of the old city of Hebron, arrested Ahmed Adel al-Salayma (20) after refusing to obey soldiers’ orders. He was taken to an unknown destination. ·At approximately 11:00, an infantry Israeli unit arrested Eslam Sufian Abu-Hmayda (8) while he was playing with a number of children in al-Ras area, south of Hebron. Abu-Hmayda was taken to “Ja’bara” police station near the Ibrahimi mosque, in the centre of the old city of Hebron. ·On Monday evening, Israeli forces, stationed at al-Karama crossing point (Alenbi) with Jordan, arrested Ahmed Mohammed Daraghmeh (35), a professor at al-Najah National University, while he was en route back to Nablus from Malaysia. Daragmeh is a lecturer at the civil engineering department at the aforementioned university and was taken to an unknown destination.
Israeli Forces Arrest a Patient at Beit Hanoun “Erez” Crossing
On 16 January 2014, Israeli forces, stationed at Beit Hanoun “Erez” crossing arrested Mahmoud Salem Abu-Shamas (33), from Deir al-Balah, while en route to Israel after receiving a permit to enter. The arrested was on his way to Assuta Hospital in Tel Aviv, where his father was accompanying Abu-Shamas’ nephew who needed an urgent internal surgery. Abu-Shamas was asked to go in order to sign on the hospital papers. It should be mentioned that Abu-Shamas’ father died the following day.
• 4. Settlement activities and attacks by settlers against Palestinian civilians and property
Attacks carried out by Israeli forces
At approximately 06:30 on Monday, 20 January 2014, Israeli forces backed by military vehicles, moved into Um Sararah area and were accompanied by a vehicle from the organization department in the Civil Administration and 4 bulldozers, moved into Deir Samit village, southwest of Dura, southwest of Hebron. They stationed in Mothalath al- Qaryah village, deployed in the area, and the surrounded workshop for collecting and recycling the scrap. Israeli bulldozers started bulldozing the 900-square-meter workshop comprised of tin and two rooms comprised of reinforced concrete and roofed with tin. These 60-square-meter rooms belonging to Salamah ‘Atallah Ahmed Abu Zneid (56) are used as offices and bedrooms. It was bulldozed under the pretext of no permit and building on an area classified as ‘C’ according to the 1993 Oslo agreement. Abu Zneid stated to PCHR that: “The Civil Administration delivered us a notice to stop construction work in the workshop on 20 October 2013. Thus, I collected the papers related to the permit and the ownership to present them before the court. When they destroyed the workshop, we did not receive any notice that includes an order to destroy. It should be mentioned that we had been building for years and the workshop is a source of income for 7 families.”
At approximately 07:00 the aforementioned day, 12 January 2014, Israeli forces patrolled towards Beit ‘Awwa village, west of Dura, southwest of Hebron. They stationed in Mothalath al-Boq’ah area and deployed in the area. They prevented civilians from moving. The Civil Administration officers partially evacuated from the facility, and then the Israeli bulldozers bulldozed a 750-square-meter barrack of tin used as a furniture workshop and a 100-square-meter house of reinforced concrete divided into offices belonging to Sufian Tawfiq ‘Omer al-Masalmah (42). They bulldozed them for lacking a construction permit in area classified as C. A number of young men threw stones and empty bottles at the Israeli soldiers and burnt tires on the main road in front of the military vehicles. Sofian al-Maslamah stated to PCHR that: “I received a notice to stop construction work in the facility two years ago and then headed to the Municipality in the area to do the needed permits. I then headed to the commission of objections in Beit Eil settlement, west of Ramallah, and delivered the needed papers. The Civil Administration gave me a receipt that allows me to work in the facility. However, on 20 January 2013, I was surprised that the Civil Administration arrived at the area to destroy the facility. I told the officer in charge about what happened with me and gave him the papers, but he did not care and ordered to destroy it.” At approximately 14:00 on Tuesday 21 January 2014, Israeli forces backed with military vehicles and a vehicle from the Civil Administration moved into ‘Arab al-Ramadeen village, south of Hebron. They stationed in the west of the village, and the Civil Administration officer handed notices to a number of civilians to destroy their houses and civil facilities. The notice were as follows:
1- A 120-square-meter house, a 200-cubic-meter water well, and a 100-square-meter barrack belonging to ‘Omer Jafal al-Zagharnah; 2- A 100-cubic-meter water well belonging to ‘Amer Jafal al-Zagharnah; 3- A 100-square-meter barrack of tin belonging to Salim Salman al-Zagharnah; and 4- A 100-cubic-meter water well belonging to Khaled Mousa al-Zagharnah.
In the early morning on Wednesday, 22 January 2013, Israeli forces accompanied by the Civil Administration and two bulldozers, uprooted a number of residential tents and levelled barns for sheep and stores in Ebziq area and Kherbet Yarxah in the northern Jordan Valley, east of Tubas. They levelled the following:
1- Uprooting a residential tent of 60 square meters and levelling a barrack for sheep of 80 square meters, a tin barrack for fodders of 50 square meters, a barn for sheep of 200 square meters, and kitchen of 25 square meters belonging to Methqal Fayez Hamed Daraghmah; 2- Uprooting a residential tent of 60 square meters, a 60-square-meter tent for sheep, a 40-square-meter tent for fodders, a 30-square-meter kitchen, and a mobile health unit belonging to Fayez Hamed ‘Abe Daraghmah; 3- Uprooting a 60-square-meter tent for sheep and destroying a 100-square-meter barn for sheep belonging to Fawzim Mohammed Mafdi ‘Aynabousi; 4- Levelling a 60-square-meter barrack for sheep, a mobile health unit, and 3 troughs belonging to Khaled Mohammed Mahmoud Daraghmah; 5- Levelling a tin barrack for sheep of 60 square meters belonging to Na’im Hafez Ahmed Masa’id; 6- Uprooting a 60-square-meter tent for sheep and levelling an 80-square-meter barn for sheep belonging to Hafez Na’im Hafez Masa’id; 7- Uprooting two 60-square-meter tents for sheep and tent used as a store of 50 square meters and levelling a tin barrack of 50 square meters and a mobile health unit belonging to Samy Khaled Mahmoud Daraghmah; 8- Uprooting two 60-square-meter tents for sheep and a residential tent of 60 square meters and destroying a store of 50 square meters belonging to ‘Issa Mahmoud Yousif Jabarin; 9- Uprooting a residential tent of 60 square meters, and two tents of 60 square meters and levelling a barn of 150 square meters for sheep, a kitchen of 20 square meters, and a mobile health unit belonging to Mahmoud Yousif Hasan Jabarin; and 10- Levelling a 30-square-meter room constructed of bricks and clay belonging to ‘Ali Saleh Yousif Sawaftah.
Attacks carried out by settlers
AAt approximately 15:00 on Thursday, 16 January 2014, dozens of settlers from “Karyat Arba’” settlement established on Palestinians lands, east of Hebron, deployed in the farmlands in al-Kassarah area, Jales Mountain and Khelet ‘Abdah, and chanted racist slogans and insults against the residents of the area. This happened under intensive guard of Israeli soldiers, who did not prevent settlers from moving into these lands. It should be mentioned that the eastern area of Hebron has always been subjected to settlers’ attacks in an attempt to control the agricultural lands for the interest of the settlement expansion projects in “Havat Jal” outpost.
· At approximately 11:00 on Friday, 17 January 2014, a group of settlers from “Karmeil” settlement established on Palestinian lands, east of Yatta, south of Hebron, moved into the agricultural lands confiscated from al- Hathalin family in Kherbet Um al-Kheir under intensive guard of the Israeli soldiers. Settlers planted various seedlings of trees in the agricultural lands of 150 dunums confiscated by Israeli authorities. Israeli soldiers deployed in the area, detained the shepherds and prevented them from entering the land.
· At approximately 09:00 on Sunday, 19 January 2014, a number of settlers from “Negohot” outpost established on Palestinian lands, south of Dura, southwest of Hebron, closed the road between Dura and its western villages in Beit ‘Awwa area. The settlers prevented civilian cars from moving under an intensive guard of the Israeli soldiers, who did not stop them.
· At approximately 09:00 on Sunday, 19 January 2013, a number of settlers from “Jav’aat Harayel” established on the lands of Sanejl village, north of Ramallah, uprooted 750 olive seedlings and almond trees belonging to more than 100 families in al-Rafid area, which is 5 kilometres to the northeast of the village.
It should be mentioned that the Palestinian farmers planted recently on a 120-dunum tract of land within a project funded by the Red Cross to support farmers. Moreover, the farmers obtained prior coordination from the Israeli and Palestinian Military Liaisons to work on these lands. At approximately 14:30 on Wednesday, 22 January 2014, a group of settlers from “Etmar” settlement established on the lands of Beit Foriq, east of Nablus under intensive Israeli guard, attacked the houses at the eastern entrance of the aforementioned village and threw stones. A number of residents gathered in an attempt to distance settlers from their houses. Israeli soldiers fired tear gas canisters and metal rubber-coated bullets at the Palestinian civilians. As a result, dozens suffered tear gas inhalation and Mahmoud Shokri Mahmoud al-Tawil (23) sustained bullet injuries to the left leg and the back. He was taken to Rafidia Hospital in Nablus to receive medical treatment.
Recommendations to the International Community
PCHR emphasizes the international community’s position that the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, which is 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 an 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 continued aggression 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 self-determination, 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 non-recurrence 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;[K2] 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 EU-Israel 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; 14. PCHR calls upon the Palestinian leadership to sign and accede to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court and the Geneva Conventions, and calls upon the international community, especially the United Nations, to encourage the State of Palestine to accede to international human rights law and humanitarian law instruments.
………………………………………………………… 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.
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