Weekly Report On Israeli Human Rights Violations in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (13 - 19 June 2013) Thursday, 20 June 2013 00:00

An Israeli soldiers checks a Palestinian civilian at a checkpoint near Beit Ummar village, north of Hebron

Israeli forces continue systematic attacks against Palestinian civilians and property in the occupied Palestinian territory (oPt)

Israeli forces have continued to open fire at the Palestinian civilians in the Gaza Strip border area. A Palestinian farmer was wounded in the east of the central Gaza Strip.

Israeli forces have continued to use excessive force against peaceful protesters in the .

2 protesters were wounded during a peaceful protest in Bil'in village, west of Ramallah. A civilian was wounded and 3 vehicles were burnt during the protest of “returning to the destroyed villages” in Ramallah.

Israeli forces conducted 82 incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank.

32 Palestinian civilians, including 3 children, were arrested. 4 civilians were arrested in the Gaza Strip while attempting to cross the border into Israel. Israeli forces harassed a family from al-Aroub refugee camp, north of Hebron, and severely attacked a mentally disabled young man.

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. 6 Palestinian civilians, including 4 children, were arrested at checkpoints in the West Bank. Israeli forces tortured a young man from al-Aroub refugee camp and dumped him at Kfar Etzion intersection, south of Bethlehem.

Israeli navy forces have continued to target Palestinian fishermen in the Gaza Strip sea. Israeli navy forces opened fire at the Palestinian fishing boats off Deir al-Balah shore in the central Gaza Strip.

Israeli forces have continued to support settlement activities in the West Bank and Israeli settlers have continued to attack Palestinian civilians and property.

About 300 olive trees were burnt in Fara'ta and Imatin villages, east of Qalqilia. The settlers continued their systematic attacks against the Palestinian civilians and their property.

Summary

Israeli violations of international law and international humanitarian law in the oPt continued during the reporting period 13 – 19 June 2013.

Shooting:

During the reporting period, Israeli forces wounded 4 Palestinian civilians. 3 civilians were wounded in the West Bank while the fourth one was wounded in the Gaza Strip.

In the West Bank, Israeli forces continued the systematic use of excessive force against peaceful protests organised by Palestinian, Israeli and international activists against the construction of the annexation wall and settlement activities in the West Bank. As a result, 2 civilians were wounded during a peaceful protest in Bil'in village, west of Ramallah.

On 15 June 2013, hundreds of Palestinians and international activists organized peaceful protests titled "Bridge of Return," heading to al-Latroun evacuated villages (Amwas, Beit Nouba and Yalou) that were destroyed by the Israeli forces in 1967. Israeli forces used force to deny the protestors access to these villages. As a result, a 20-year-old civilian was wounded by a bullet to the chest and a bus and 2 other civilian vehicles were burnt.

In the Gaza Strip, on 14 June 2013, Israeli forces stationed on watchtowers along the border fence, southeast of Deir al-Balah in the central Gaza Strip, opened fire at a farmer and wounded him in the thigh.

In the same context, on 13 June 2013, Israeli forces stationed on watchtowers along the border fence, east of Abassan village, east of Khan Yunis in the southern Gaza Strip, opened fire at al-Sanati area, northeast of the village. As a result, partial damage was caused to a house belonging to Mohammed Hussein Abu Salah.

As part of the Israeli navy forces' attacks on Palestinian fishermen, on 18 June 2013, Israeli gunboats stationed off Deir al-Balah, in the central Gaza Strip, opened fire at the Palestinian fishing boats that were sailing within the 6 nautical mile limit. As a result, fishermen were forced to sail backwards fearing of arrest or injury.

Incursions:

During the reporting period, Israeli forces conducted at least 82 military incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank. During these incursions, Israeli forces arrested at least 32 Palestinians, including 3 children.

On 19 June 2013, Israeli forces harassed a family in al-Aroub refugee camp, north of Hebron. They raided their house and attacked them, especially a mentally disabled member of the family.

In the Gaza Strip, on 16 June 2013, Israeli forces stationed along the border fence in "Kissufim", east of al-Salqa valley in the central Gaza Strip, arrested 4 civilians who attempted to cross the border into Israel.

Restrictions on movement:

Israel continued to impose a tightened 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 a grave violation of the economic, social and cultural rights and a deterioration of living conditions for 1.7 million people. The Israeli authorities has 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 that has been aggravating for years due to the shortage of imports. 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.

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.

On Saturday, 15 June 2013, a group of settlers, coming from "Havat Gilad" settlement, which is established on Palestinians' lands in Fara'ta and Imatin villages, northeast of Qalqilia, set fire to 50 dunums of olive trees. As a result, 300 olive trees were damaged.

On Sunday, 16 June 2013, a group of settlers from "Carmiel" settlement, which is established on Palestinian civilians' lands east of Yatta, South of Hebron, moved into lands in the area surrounding Kherbat Um al-Khair area and patrolled them. A number of the settlers started planting olive trees in the lands of the Hathaleen family as a prelude to seize it.

On Tuesday, 18 June 2013, a group of settlers from "Susya" settlement, established on Palestinians' lands in the east of Yatta, south of Hebron, let huge dogs attack farmers and shepherds from Ghaith family while they were working on their lands in between Yatta and al-Samou' villages.

Israeli Violations Documented during the Reporting Period 13– 19 June 2013

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

Thursday, 13 June 2013

At approximately 01:00, Israeli forces moved into Awarta village, southeast of Nablus. They patrolled the streets and raided a number of houses, from which they arrested 4 civilians, including 2 brothers:

1. Mohammed Fawwaz Awwad (22); 2. Omar Yusef Awwad (21); 3. His brother Lo'ay (23); and 4. Mohammed Walid Qawariq (21).

Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Doura, southwest of Hebron. They raided a house belonging to the family of Hussein Mostafa Amr (60) and arrested him.

Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Beit Ummar village, north of Hebron. They raided a house belonging to the family of Ra'ed Ahmed Adi (40) and arrested him.

At approximately 01:30, Israeli forces moved into al-Daheriya village, south of Hebron. They patrolled the streets and deployed between the houses. They also damaged the doors of 2 stores belonging to Khalil Reba' anf Yusef al-Battat. At approximately 03:00, Israeli forces deployed between the houses and raided 2 houses belonging to the families of Saif Hashem Qaisiya and Mohammed Ayed Abu Sharekh.

At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into Kharsa village to the south of Doura, west of Hebron. They patrolled the streets and raided 2 houses from which they arrested Omar Yassir Atbeish (21) and Suhaib Ibrahim al-Sabbar (23). A number of boys gathered and threw stones at the Israeli soldiers, who in response fired sound bombs, and tear gas canisters. As a result, a barbershop belonging to Wesam Hantash was burnt as a bomb fell inside. Moreover, a number of boys suffered tear gas inhalation.

Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into . They patrolled the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

At approximately 02:30, Israeli forces moved into Budrus village, west of Ramallah. They patrolled the streets and raided a number of houses, from which they arrested Mos'ab Sami Awad (21) and Yusef Mohammed Shaheen (20). In addition, 7 civilians were summoned by the Israeli intelligence service at Ofer detention facility, southwest of the city. The summoned were:

1. Mohammed Ahmed Morrar (53); 2. Asem Mohammed Morrar (24); 3. Sami Mostafa Awad (52); 4. Mostafa Sami Awad (28); 5. Belal Sami Awad (52); 6. Hatem Rashid Rashid (18); and 7. Mohammed Rashid Rashid (21).

At approximately 03:00, Israeli forces moved into Zaif area, to the east of Yatta, south of Hebron. They patrolled the streets and raided 3 houses from which they arrested 3 civilians:

1. Jebril Mousa 'Amer; 2. Alaa Mohammed Ghaith; and 3. Mohanned Fawzi Morr.

At approximately 04:00, Israeli forces moved into Ruq'a area, to the west of Yatta, south of Hebron. They raided a house belonging to the family of Gabriel Mousa al-'Emour (32) and arrested him.

Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Kofur Qoud village, west of Jenin. They patrolled the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

At approximately 06:00, Israeli forces stationed along the border fence, east of Abassan village, east of Khan Yunis, in the southern Gaza Strip, opened fire at al-Sanati area, northeast of the said village. As a result, partial damage was caused to a house belonging to the family of Mohammed Hussein Abu Salah (33), while his wife, who is pregnant, and children were frightened.

At approximately 10:00, Israeli forces moved into Arraba village, southwest of Jenin. They patrolled the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

At approximately 10:30, Israeli forces moved into Karbatha al-Musbah village, southwest of Ramallah. They patrolled the streets for some time and withdrew later. No arrests were reported.

At approximately 11:00, Israeli forces moved into al-Tabaqa village to the south of Doura, southwest of Hebron. They arrested Anas Nasser Abu Atwan (22) and took him to an unknown destination.

At approximately 20:00, Israeli forces moved into Imraihiya village, southwest of Jenin. They patrolled the streets for some time and withdrew later. No arrests were reported.

At approximately 22:45, Israeli forces moved into Azzoun village, east of Qalqilia. They patrolled the streets, detained a number of civilians on the street and questioned them on the spot and released them later.

Friday, 14 June 2013

At approximately 01:00, Israeli forces moved into Taramah village to the southeast of Doura, west of Hebron. They raided a house belonging to the family of Ghannam and withdrew later. No arrests were reported.

At approximately 01:30, Israeli forces moved into Jericho. They patrolled the streets for some time and withdrew later. No arrests were reported.

At approximately 01:55, Israeli forces moved into Kofur Qaddoum village, northeast of Qalqilia. They patrolled the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into al-Majour neighbourhood, southwest of Hebron. They patrolled the streets and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

At approximately 04:00, Israeli forces moved into village, south of Jenin. They patrolled the streets, raided a house belonging to the family of Belal Mostafa Kmail (24) and arrested him.

At approximately 05:30, Israeli forces moved into Deir al-Sudan village, north of Ramallah. They patrolled the streets for some time and withdrew later. No arrests were reported.

At approximately 09:30, Israeli forces moved into Fasayel village, north of Jericho. They patrolled the streets for some time and withdrew later. No arrests were reported.

At approximately 11:30, Israeli forces moved into Beit 'Our al-Tahta, southwest of Ramallah. They patrolled the streets for some time and withdrew later. No arrests were reported.

Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Ein Ayoub area, to the west of Ras Karkar village, northwest of Ramallah. They patrolled the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

At approximately 12:10, Israeli forces moved into Kofur Qaddoum village, northeast of Qalqilia, for the second time within few hours. They patrolled the streets and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

At approximately 17:00, Israeli forces moved into Doura, southwest of Hebron. They patrolled the streets, where a number of boys gathered and threw stones at the Israeli soldiers, who in response fired sound bombs and tear gas canisters. As a result, dozens of civilians suffered tear gas inhalation.

At approximately 17:30, Israeli forces moved into Kharsa and al-Tabaqa villages, southwest of Hebron. They positioned themselves at the entrances of the villages until the next day, when they moved into al-Tabaqa village again. They raided a house belonging to the family of Wasef Abdul Jalil al-Raj'i (37) and climbed on top of it. They also kept its occupants inside a room and withdrew later. No arrests were reported.

At approximately 18:00, Israeli forces moved into al-Fawwar refugee camp, south of Hebron. They patrolled the streets for some time and withdrew later. No arrests were reported.

Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Marj Na'jah village, north of Jericho. They patrolled the streets for some time and withdrew later. No arrests were reported.

At approximately 19:00, Israeli forces positioned along the border fence, east of al-Salqa valley, southeast of Deir al-Balah, in the central Gaza Strip, opened fire at farmlands. As a result, Omar Gayad Abu Mohareb (47), a farmer, was wounded by a bullet to the right thigh while he was irrigating his land that is about 400 meters away from the border fence. He was taken by a civil vehicle to the village and then by an ambulance to al-Aqsa Martyrs' hospital in Deir al-Balah. He was admitted to the operation room. His wound was described as moderate. In his testimony to PCHR's fieldworker, Abu Mohareb said:

"At approximately 19:00 on Friday, 14 June 2013, I was irrigating my squash crop on my land in Wadi al-Salqa, 400 meters away from the fence. I heard gunshots coming from Israeli site of "Kissufim" that is 400 meters away from my land. I suddenly felt something hitting me in the right thigh and it was painful. I hurried 50 meters westwards and then fell onto the ground. I realized I was wounded. I shouted asking my sons to help me. My brother Jamal (42) and my cousin Hammad Abu Muhareb (22) came for help. When they saw me bleeding, they carried me to a vehicle and drove away. An ambulance met us on the way to the hospital and took me to al-Aqsa Martyrs hospital in Deir al-Balah. I was admitted to operation room. My wound was described as moderate. I still have shrapnel in my thigh. I was discharged on Sunday, 16 June 2013.”

Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into many villages, west of Doura, southwest of Hebron. They patrolled the streets and intimidated the residents. Israeli forces fired sound bombs and tear gas canisters in Deir Samet village. As a result, a number of civilians suffered tear gas inhalation. The Israeli forces withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Kreisah neighbourhood in the north of Doura, southwest of Hebron. They patrolled the streets, where some boys gathered and threw stones at the soldiers, who in response fired sound bombs and tear gas canisters. As a result, dozens of civilians suffered tear gas inhalation.

At approximately 20:30, Israeli forces moved into Beitin village, northeast of Ramallah. They patrolled the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

Saturday, 15 June 2013

At approximately 00:30, Israeli forces moved into Na'lin village, west of Ramallah. They patrolled the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

At approximately 01:00, Israeli forces moved into Azzoun village, east of Qalqilia. They patrolled the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

At approximately 20:45, Israeli forces moved into Azzoun village, east of Qalqilia, for the second time. They patrolled the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

Sunday, 16 June 2013

At approximately 00:45, Israeli forces moved into Kofur al-Deek village, west of Salfit. They patrolled the streets and submitted Mohammed Rateb al-Deek (28) a notice to refer to the Israeli intelligence service.

At approximately 01:00, Israeli forces moved into al-Zawiya village, west of Salfit. They patrolled the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Hebron. They patrolled the streets and positioned themselves in the southern neighbourhood. They also raided a house belonging to the family of Rami Mostafa al-Haimouni (30). Besides, they raided a store for PC spare parts belonging to al-Haimouni. The Israeli soldiers smashed some devices and confiscated others. Meantime, the Israeli forces arrested the aforementioned person and withdrew later. It should be noted that al-Haimouni's house furniture was completely damaged.

Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Hajjah village, east of Qalqilia. They patrolled the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

At approximately 03:00, Israeli forces moved into Shweika suburb, north of Tulkarm. They patrolled the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

At approximately 07:00, Israeli forces moved into Tulkarm. They patrolled the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

At approximately 09:30, Israeli forces moved into al-Yamoun village, northwest of Jenin. They patrolled the streets for some time and withdrew later. No arrests were reported.

At approximately 10:00, Israeli forces moved into Ertah village, south of Tulkarm. They patrolled the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Hajjah village, east of Qalqilia. They patrolled the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

At approximately 11:00, Israeli forces moved into Karbatha Bani Hareth village, west of Ramallah. They patrolled the streets for some time and withdrew later. No arrests were reported.

At approximately 11:05, Israeli forces moved into Azzoun Etmah village, southeast of Qalqilia. They patrolled the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

At approximately 17:00, Israeli forces moved into Barqa village, northeast of Ramallah. They patrolled the streets for some time and withdrew later. No arrests were reported.

At approximately 18:00, Israeli forces moved into Bruqin village, west of Jenin. They patrolled the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

At approximately 22:00, Israeli forces moved into the eastern Baqa village, north of Tulkarm. They patrolled the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

Around the same time, Israeli forces stationed along the border fence in "Kisuvim" area, east of al-Salqa valley, east of Deir al- Balah, in the Central Gaza Strip, arrested 4 civilians, who attempted to cross the border into Israel:

1. Khaled Nasser Abu Muhareb (21); 2. Walid Khaled Abu Muhareb (18); 3. Hamzah Salamah Abu Swaiween (20); and 4. Salman Msallam Abu Swaiween (18). They are all from al-Salqa valley.

Nasser Gayyad Abu Muhareb (45), father of Khaled, said that at approximately 22:00, he heard gunshots and saw flash bombs in the sky near "Kissufim" area that is over 1,000 meters away from his house. Meanwhile, he asked about his son Khaled. Residents of the eastern area near the border fence said that they saw him with 3 others approaching the fence. Relatives of the other arrested persons were looking for their sons as well. They were told that their sons headed towards the fence and Israeli forces opened fire while arresting them.

Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into al-'Arqa village, west of Jenin. They patrolled the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into al-Jalamah village, north of Jenin. They patrolled the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

At approximately 23:00, Israeli forces moved into Zaita village, north of Tulkarm. They patrolled the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into village, east of Jenin. They patrolled the streets and stopped some by passers, who were questioned on the spot on the political situation in the West Bank. Israeli forces withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Maythaloun village, south of Jenin. They patrolled the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Faqou'a village, northeast of Jenin. They patrolled the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

At approximately 23:30, Israeli forces moved into the southern Mazra'ah village, northwest of Ramallah. They patrolled the streets for some time and withdrew later. No arrests were reported.

At approximately 23:45, Israeli forces moved into al-Jdaidah village, south of Jenin. They patrolled the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

Monday, 17 June 2013

At approximately 00:15, Israeli forces moved 'Azzoun village, east of Qalqilia. They patrolled the streets for some time and fired flare bombs. At approximately 00:45, they withdrew. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

At approximately 00:30, Israeli forces moved into Tulkarm. They patrolled the streets, where some boys gathered and threw stones at the Israeli soldiers, who in return fired sound bombs. Israeli withdrew later and neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Siris village, south of Jenin. They patrolled the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Deir Abu Da'if village, southeast of Jenin. They patrolled the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

At approximately 23:00, Israeli forces moved into Rafat village, west of Salfit. They patrolled the streets for some time and withdrew later. No arrests were reported.

At approximately 23:30, Israeli forces moved into al-Jabriyat suburb near Jenin refugee camp, south of Jenin. They patrolled the streets for some time and withdrew later. No arrests were reported.

Tuesday, 18 June 2013

At approximately 00:35, Israeli forces moved into Qalqilia. They patrolled the streets for some time and withdrew at 04:00. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into Beit Ummar village, north of Hebron. They patrolled the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

At approximately 02:45, Israeli forces moved into Azzoun village, east of Qalqilia. They patrolled the streets, raided a house belonging to the family of Abdul Salam Basem Hussein (20) and arrested him.

At approximately 03:00, Israeli forces moved into Beit al-Roush village, to the west of Doura, southwest of Hebron. They patrolled the streets and raided a house belonging to the family of Amr. They arrested Ahmed Amr (25) and Saher Amr (15).

At approximately 03:25, Israeli forces moved into al-Mudawar village, south of Qalqilia. They patrolled the streets and raided a house belonging to the family of Anas Hosam Ghuraba (19). They arrested the aforementioned person and took him to an unknown destination.

At approximately 03:30, Israeli forces moved into al-Khader village, south of Bethlehem. They raided a house belonging to the family of Mohammed Abdul Karim Salah (24) and arrested him.

At approximately 04:20, Israeli forces moved into Marah Rabah village, south of Bethlehem. They patrolled the streets, raided a house belonging to the family of Ali Mahmoud al-Sheikh (29) and arrested him.

At approximately 20:30, Israeli forces moved into Jaba' village, south of Jenin. They patrolled the streets for some time and withdrew later. No arrests were reported.

At approximately 21:20, Israeli forces moved into the eastern Baqa village, north of Tulkarm. They patrolled the streets and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into 'Allar village, northeast of Tulkarm. They patrolled the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

At approximately 11:30, Israeli forces moved into Deir Abu Da'if village, southeast of Jenin. They patrolled the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

At approximately 12:30, Israeli forces moved into Jenin. They patrolled the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

At approximately 18:30, Israeli gunboats opened fire at fishing boats that were sailing less than 4 nautical miles off Deir al-Balah, in the central Gaza Strip. As a result, the fishermen were forced to sail backwards fearing of arrest or injury.

At approximately 23:00, Israeli forces moved into al-Aroub refugee camp, north of Hebron. They patrolled the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into al-Daheriya village, south of Hebron. They patrolled the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

Wednesday, 19 June 2013

In the early morning, Israeli forces moved into Arraba village, southwest of Jenin. They patrolled the streets, raided a house belonging to the family of Kamal Mazen Bustah (33) and questioned its occupants. Israeli forces raided another house belonging to the family of Baker Mohammed Abu Ebeid (25) and questioned its occupants as well. However, no arrests were reported.

At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into Jenin. They raided a house belonging to the family of Mo'taz Awni Abu Alya (20) and arrested him. They also raided another house belonging to the family of Mohammed Akram al-Sabe' (21) and arrested him. Moreover, Israeli forces raided and searched dozens of commercial stores in the industrial zone and withdrew later.

At approximately 02:30, Israeli forces moved into al-Aroub refugee camp, north of Hebron. They raided a house belonging to Helmi Mohammed Abu Ghazi, detained its occupants in a room and attacked them. The main door of a house belonging to his son Mohammed (34) was broken by the Israeli soldiers. Meantime, they attacked Abu Ghazi's son, Adam (20), who suffers from a mental disability, with clubs before the eyes of his family. They also took him to the Israeli military vehicle. In addition, they arrested 4 civilians, including 2 children:

1. Ezz al-Din Abu Sham'ah (16); 2. Ashraf Jawabrah (16); 3. Ammar al-Jundi (20); and 4. Mohammed al-Daghaghma (20).

Adam's father said to a PCHR fieldworker: "At approximately 03:00 on Wednesday, 19 June 2013, about 8 Israeli soldiers raided our 3-storey house in al-Aroub refugee camp, north of Hebron. They first raided the apartment of my son Mohammed. They entered into his bedroom where they kept him, his wife and 8-year-old daughter Ro'a and questioned them. The soldiers then moved to the second floor and kept all my family members in a single room. The soldiers kept yelling and pointing guns at us. A soldier ordered one of my sons to bring ID cards of the family. He kept Adam's ID card (20) with him and told us that he wanted to arrest him although he is mentally disabled. Meanwhile, Adam held his mother and screamed 'I do not want to go with you.' An Israeli soldier punched him in the face and pushed his mother (54) to the ground. When his brother Ibrahim tried to help him and tell the soldier that he suffers from a mental problem. The soldier hit Ibrahim and took Adam out of the house. Four soldiers severely attacked him with clubs. They pulled him for about 10 meters away from the house, where he screamed "Mom, Mom". The soldiers attacked him again with clubs and carried him then to an Israeli vehicle."

At approximately 03:00, Israeli forces moved into Anin village, northwest of Jenin. They patrolled the streets and raided a house belonging to the family of Ali Mohammed Yassin (20). They arrested the aforementioned person and took him to an unknown destination.

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, two demonstrators sustained wounds in the Bil’in weekly demonstrations, west of Ramallah. The first one, a 33-year-old male, was hit by a tear gas canister in his abdomen and the other one, an 18-year-old male sustained a bullet wound to the right leg.

In the same context and during the reporting period, Palestinian civilians organized demonstrations in protest at the Israeli violations and policies committed in the oPt. On 15 June 2013, a demonstration was organized under the title of “Bridge of Return.” Hundreds of Palestinians and international activists headed to al-Latroun depopulated villages (‘Amwas; Beit Nuba; and Yalo villages) which were destroyed in 1967. Israeli forces used force in order to deny demonstrators access to the destroyed villages. As a result, a 20-year-old civilian was shot by a bullet in the chest, and a large public bus and two civilian cars were completely burnt.

Demonstrations against the construction of the annexation wall and settlement activity

Following the Friday Prayer, 14 June 2013, dozens of Palestinian civilians and international and Israeli human rights defenders organised a peaceful demonstration in Bil'in village, west of Ramallah, in protest at the construction of the annexation wall and settlement activity. The demonstrators marched through the streets of the village, chanting slogans calling for national unity, raised Palestinian flags and made their way towards the lands adjacent to the annexation wall. Israeli forces had closed all entrances to the village since early morning to prevent Palestinians, journalists, and international activists from joining the protest. The demonstrators walked along the wall and attempted to breach it. Israeli forces stationed behind the western side of the wall, and dozens of soldiers who were deployed along the route of the wall, fired live ammunition, rubber-coated metal bullets, sound bombs, tear gas canisters, and waste water at the demonstrators, and chased them across olive fields. As a result, two demonstrators sustained injuries in the Bil’in weekly demonstrations, west of Ramallah. The first one, a 33-year-old male was hit by a tear gas canister in his abdomen and the other one (18) sustained a bullet wound to the right leg. Furthermore, dozens of demonstrators suffered from tear gas inhalation, and others sustained bruises. (PCHR keeps the names of the wounded persons)

Also, following the Friday Prayer, dozens of Palestinian civilians and international and Israeli human rights defenders organised a peaceful demonstration in Ni’lin village, west of Ramallah, in protest at the construction of the annexation wall and settlement activities. The demonstrators made their way towards the annexation wall. Israeli forces closed the wall gate with barbed wire and, when the demonstrators attempted to access the lands behind the barbed wire, they were stopped by Israeli soldiers. The demonstrators threw stones at the Israeli soldiers who responded with live ammunition, rubber-coated metal bullets, sound bombs, and tear gas canisters, and chased them across fields of olive trees as far as the outskirts of the village. As a result, dozens of demonstrators suffered tear gas inhalation and others sustained bruises.

Around the same time on Friday, dozens of Palestinian civilians, Israeli and international human rights activists gathered at the Martyrs Square in Nabi Saleh village, northwest of Ramallah, to hold a weekly peaceful protest against the construction of the annexation wall and settlement activities. The protesters walked towards Palestinian lands that Israeli settlers from the nearby "Halmish" settlement are trying to seize. From the morning, Israeli forces had closed all entrances to the village to prevent Palestinians, international activists, and journalists from joining the demonstration. Upon their arrival in the area, Israeli soldiers fired live ammunition, rubber-coated bullets, sound bombs, and tear gas canisters, chased the demonstrators into the village and sprayed them and civilian houses with waste water. As a result, dozens of Palestinians suffered from tear gas inhalation and others sustained bruises. The firing of the tear gas canisters caused a fire in a tract of land which is planted with olive trees.

Following Friday Prayer, dozens of inhabitants of al-Ma’sara village, south of Bethlehem, international and Israeli human rights activists, and activists of the Popular Resistance Committees gathered for the weekly peaceful demonstration against the construction of the annexation wall and settlement activities. The demonstration was also organized in protest to the construction of a school for settlers in the south of Bethlehem. It started outside Shomou' Cultural Centre in the centre of the village. The participants carried Palestinian flags, roamed the streets of the village. Upon their arrival at the village's entrance, Israeli forces, backed-up by Israeli police and border guards, fired tear gas canisters at them in order to disperse them. Many demonstrators suffered due to tear gas inhalation. Later that day, Palestinians organized a car rally from the centre of the village to “Daniel” settlement, which is established on al-Khader village's lands, south of Bethlehem, and then to the southern entrance of the village “al-Nashash checkpoint,” where they organized a sit-in.

At approximately 13:25 on Friday, dozens of Palestinian civilians and international human rights defenders organised a peaceful demonstration in the centre of Kufor Kadoum village, northeast of Qalqilya, in protest at the continuous closure of the eastern entrance of the village which has been ongoing since the outbreak of al-Aqsa Intifada. Israeli soldiers denied them access to the gate and fired sound bombs and tear gas canisters; as a result, many demonstrators suffered from tear gas inhalation. Israeli forces detained 10-year-old Mohammed ‘Abdullah ‘Ali after chasing demonstrators; he was released later on after the intervention of Palestinian Military Liaison.

At approximately 14:30 on Saturday, 15 June 2013, dozens of Palestinian civilians, international and Israeli human rights defenders gathered in the centre of Beit Nuba Complex, which is established on the lands of Beit Loqya village, southwest of Ramallah to organize a demonstration under the title of “Bridge of Return” for al-Latroun depopulated villages (‘Amwas; Beit Nuba; and Yalo), which were destroyed in 1967. The demonstrators made their way towards the annexation wall where Israeli forces were stationed behind cement blocks in the area. Israeli forces closed the wall gate with barbwires, and when the demonstrators attempted to access the destroyed villages, Israeli soldiers fired live ammunition, rubber-coated metal bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters at them. As a result, a 20-year-old man was wounded by a bullet in the chest and was then transferred to Medical Complex in Ramallah. Furthermore, dozens of demonstrations suffered due tear gas inhalation and others sustained bruises; they received medical treatment on the spot. Farmlands that are adjacent to the wall caught fire, also, a public bus and 2 civilian cars were burnt due to the firing of tear gas canisters. Palestinian Civil Defence crews arrived at the scene and extinguished the fire after it had completely damaged the vehicles.

The burnt vehicles are as follows: 1. A 1999 MAN public bus, which is the property of al-Waha Company for private transportation; 2. A 2000 Peugeot civilian car, which is the property of Mohammed Jarallah ‘Asi (22); and 3. A 1995 Toyota civilian car, which is the property of Attya Abu Safia (55).

3. Continued closure of the oPt

Israel has continued to impose a tightened 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 tightens the closure of the Gaza Strip and closes 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, which erupted last November, has continued to affect the Gaza Strip due to the closure of Karm Abu Salem for long periods per month and also due to limited quantities recently allowed by the Israeli authorities. According to PCHR’s follow- up, Israeli authorities only allow around 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 the winter.

For almost 6 consecutive years, Israeli forces have continued to prevent the delivery of construction materials to the Gaza Strip. During the reporting period, Israeli forces approved the delivery of limited quantities of construction materials for a number of international organisations in the Gaza Strip. Israeli forces also continued to impose 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.

For around a year, Israeli forces have allowed Palestinian detainees’ families to visit their sons in the Israeli jails according to special and unfair conditions after more than 5 years of deprivation in violation of international humanitarian law.

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.

Movement at Erez (Beit Hanoun crossing) 05 – 11 June 2013

Category 05 June 06 June 07 June 08 June 09 June 10 June 11 June Patients 33 34 1 Nil 48 34 45 Companions 36 48 1 Nil 45 34 43 Personal needs 53 33 1 Nil 47 43 72 Families of Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil 37 Nil prisoners Arabs from Israel 18 16 2 Nil 19 5 6 Diplomats Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil 10 Nil International Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil journalists International 20 49 3 Nil 7 19 16 workers Deceased Nil 1 1 Nil Nil Nil Nil Travellers abroad Nil 1 Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Businesspeople 69 96 Nil Nil 97 99 90 Business meetings 5 Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Security interviews 2 1 Nil Nil 1 1 Nil VIPs 1 1 1 Nil 2 4 Nil Ambulances to 5 2 Nil Nil Nil Nil 3 Israel Ambulances from 1 3 1 Nil Nil 4 Nil Israel

Movement at Erez (Beit Hanoun crossing) 12 – 18 June 2013

Category 12 June 13 June 14 June 15 June 16 June 17 June 18 June Patients 28 30 1 Nil 58 42 46 Companions 26 31 Nil Nil 55 44 44 Personal needs 37 31 7 Nil 22 83 49 Families of Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil 95 Nil prisoners Arabs from Israel 1 13 6 Nil 27 2 Nil Diplomats Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil International Nil 4 Nil Nil 1 4 Nil journalists International 37 28 15 Nil 18 9 29 workers Deceased Nil 1 1 Nil Nil Nil Nil Travellers abroad 1 Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Businesspeople 78 93 Nil Nil 108 99 94 Business meetings Nil 1 Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Security interviews Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil 2 1 VIPs Nil 3 1 Nil Nil 1 Nil Ambulances to 3 2 2 Nil 1 4 3 Israel Ambulances from 2 3 Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Israel

Movement at Rafah International Crossing Point 12 - 18 May 2013

Day Date Travelling abroad Coming into Gaza Returning to Gaza Wednesday 12 June 2013 807 881 3 Thursday 13 June 2013 839 1518 54 Friday 14 June 2013 863 1001 3 Saturday 15 June 2013 1226 914 80 Sunday 16 June 2013 1309 1004 78 Monday 17 June 2013 1332 812 50 Tuesday 18 June 2013 1283 937 171

Movement at Karm Abu Salem (“Kerem Shalom”) crossing 12 – 18 June 2013 Imports:

Imports Date Amount Category Tons Number Litres Foodstuffs 536 Agricultural materials 867 Various goods 1227 Cartons of clothes 1215 Refrigerators 218 Cartons of shoes 824 12 June 2013 Washing machines 90 Cars 35 Water tanks 112 Glass boards 530 TVs 144 Humanitarian aid 7325 Cooking gas 187.890 Foodstuffs 563 Agricultural materials 1633 Various goods 1130 Cartons of cloths 1359 Refrigerators 182 Cartons of shoes 1531 Bricks 985 Washing machines 104 13 June 2013 Biscuit machinery 23 Ovens 128 Cattle 518 Glass boards 520 Humanitarian aid 4870 Cooking gas 169.470 Benzene 33,000 (for UNRWA) Diesel 129,800 (for UNRWA) Foodstuffs 416 Agricultural materials 1012 Various goods Cartons of clothes 788 Refrigerators 199 16 June 2013 Birds 136 Water tanks 206 Fans 1500 Cartons of shoes 1903 Glass boards 1298 988 Humanitarian aid 3069 Cooking gas 174.970 Foodstuffs 334 Agricultural materials 1130 Various goods 1494 Cartons of clothes 643 Refrigerators 377 Cartons of shoes 1727 17 June 2013 Glass boards 10040

Cars 35 Humanitarian aid 2833 Cooking gas 172.020 Benzene 19,700 (for UNRWA) Diesel 20,300 (for UNRWA) Foodstuffs 444 Agricultural materials 1452 Various goods 948 Cartons of clothes 444 Refrigerators 208 Glass boards 570 Fans 1056 18 June 2013 Ovens 400 Air conditioners 218 Gypsum boards 1050 Car wheels 430 Car tires 1392 Humanitarian aid 4308 Cooking gas 172.830 Diesel 72,000 Benzene 11,000

Exports:

On Tuesday, 18 June 2013, Israeli forces allowed the export of 180 kilograms of mint and 450 kilograms of chives.

Other Imports:

On Wednesday, 12 June 2013, Israeli forces allowed the entry of 980 tonnes of construction aggregates for the private sector; 4,410 tonnes of construction aggregated for UNDP; and 1,820 tonnes of construction aggregates for the Water Authority. They also allowed the entry of 429 tonnes of fodders and 312 tonnes of wheat. On Thursday, 13 June 2013, Israeli forces allowed the entry of 980 tonnes of construction aggregates for the private sector; 3,640 tonnes of construction aggregates, 120 tonnes of white cement, and 36 tonnes of construction steel for UNRWA; and 19 tonnes of construction steel for the German Development Bank (GDB). They also allowed the entry of 390 tonnes of fodders and 546 tonnes of wheat. On Sunday, 16 June 2013, Israeli forces allowed the entry of 220 tonnes of cement, 28 tonnes of construction steel and 1820 tonnes of construction aggregates for UNRWA; and 980 tonnes of wheat for the private sector. They also allowed the entry of 468 tonnes of fodders and 429 tonnes of wheat. On Monday, 17 June 2013, Israeli forces allowed the entry of 278 tonnes of cement, 31 tonnes of construction steel and 1190 tonnes of construction aggregates for UNRWA; 770 tonnes of construction aggregated for the private sector; and 420 tonnes of construction aggregates and 72 tonnes of cement for UNDP. They also allowed the entry of 546 of fodders and 429 tonnes of wheat. On Tuesday, 18 June 2013, Israeli forces allowed the entry of 510 tonnes of cement, 40 tonnes of construction steel and 2520 tonnes of construction aggregates for UNRWA; and 1050 tonnes of construction aggregates for the private sector. They also allowed the entry of 702 tonnes of fodders and 546 tonnes of wheat.

Empty Plastic Containers Returned to Israel via Karm Abu Salem

On Wednesday, 12 June 2013, Israeli forces allowed 2 truckloads of empty plastic containers to be returned via Karm Abu Salem. On Thursday, 13 June 2013, Israeli forces allowed 2 truckloads of empty plastic containers to be returned via Karm Abu Salem. On Sunday, 16 June 2013, Israeli forces allowed 2 truckloads of empty plastic containers to be returned via Karm Abu Salem. On Monday, 17 June 2013, Israeli forces allowed 2 truckloads of empty plastic containers to be returned via Karm Abu Salem. On Tuesday, 18 June 2013, Israeli forces allowed 1 truckload of empty plastic containers to be returned via Karm Abu Salem.

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 18:30 on Thursday, 13 June 2013, Israeli forces re-established at the entrance of Beit ‘Aor al-Tahta village, southwest of Ramallah. The checkpoint was later removed, and no arrests were reported.

At approximately 10:30 on Friday, 14 June 2013, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the entrance of al-Nabi Saleh village, northwest of Ramallah. At approximately 19:30, they established another checkpoint at the entrance of Beit Loqaya village, southwest of Ramallah. The two checkpoints were later removed, and no arrests were reported.

At approximately 08:00 on Sunday, 16 June 2013, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the northern entrance of Beit Loqaya village, southwest of Ramallah. The checkpoint was later removed, and no arrests were reported.

At approximately 22:30 on Monday, 17 June 2013, Israeli forces established a checkpoint under the bridge of ‘Ein Yabroud, northeast of Ramallah. The checkpoint was later removed, and no arrests were reported.

Hebron: Israeli forces have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. At approximately 18:00 on Friday, 14 June 2013, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the entrance of Ezna village, west of Hebron. At approximately 18:30, Israeli forces established another checkpoint at the entrance of al-Fawwar refugee camp, south of the city, and closed the camp entrance, which is connected with bypass road (60) by an iron gate. As a result, they prevented people from passing. At approximately 23:30, the checkpoint was removed, and no arrests were reported. At approximately 19:30, Israeli forces established checkpoints at the entrances of the Dura western villages, including al-Koum, Deir Samet, Beit ‘Awwa, al-Majd and Tarousa. In the early morning on Saturday, 16 June 2013, all checkpoints were removed, and no arrests were reported. At approximately 20:00, Israeli forces established another checkpoint on Senjar Road between Dura and Hebron. They deployed along the main road, placed steel screws on the road, and prevented people from moving. At approximately 11:00 on Saturday, 16 June 2013, the checkpoint was removed, and people were forced to take bumpy bypass roads in order to reach their houses. Around the same time, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the entrance of Kharsa village, south of Dura, southwest of the city. They detained a number of civilians, who were passing by, near al-Hejaz for a couple of hours before they were later released. At approximately 05:00, the checkpoint was removed, and no arrests were reported.

At approximately 07:30 on Saturday, 15 June 2013, Israeli forces established a checkpoint in al-Hawawer area at the entrance of Halhoul, as this entrance is connected with Bypass Road (60), north of Hebron. At approximately 08:00, they established another checkpoint on the road between Hebron and Joret Buhlos. At approximately 10:00, they established a similar checkpoint on Sanjar Road between Hebron. All checkpoints were later removed, and no arrests were reported.

Qalqilya: Israeli forces have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. At approximately 08:00 on Sunday, 16 June 2013, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the entrance of ‘Azoun village, east of Qalqilya. At approximately 08:25, another checkpoint was established at the intersection Jeet village, northeast of the city. At approximately 16:25, they re-established the aforementioned checkpoint. All checkpoints were later removed, and no arrests were reported.

Tulkarm: Israeli forces have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. At approximately 09:00 on Thursday, 13 June 2013, Israeli forces stationed at 'Inab checkpoint on the main road between Tulkarm and Nablus, east of Tulkarm, tightened the restrictions on movement of the Palestinian civilian through it. The tightening later ended and no arrests were reported. At approximately 11:00, they established another checkpoint on the road between ‘Ezbet Shofah and Shofah villages, southeast of Tulkarm. The checkpoint was later removed, and no arrests were reported.

At approximately 20:30 on Monday, 17 June 2013, Israeli forces established a checkpoint on the main road between Tulkarm and Nablus near the intersection of Bal’aa village, east of Tulkarm. The checkpoint was later removed, and no arrests were reported.

At approximately 07:30 on Tuesday, 18 June 2013, Israeli forces established a checkpoint on the main road between Tulkarm and Qalqilya near the eastern entrance of Jubarah. At approximately 11:30, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the entrance of Qofein village, north of the city. The two checkpoints were later removed, and no arrests were reported.

Jenin: Israeli forces have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. At approximately 17:00 on Thursday, 13 June 2013, Israeli forces established a checkpoint on the main road between Jenin and Tulakrm and Nablus near the intersection of ‘Arrabah village, south of Jenin. The checkpoint was later removed, and no arrests were reported.

At approximately 09:30 on Monday, 17 June 2013, Israeli forces established a checkpoint on the main road that connects Jenin with Tulkarm and Nablus near the entrance of Qabatia village, south of Jenin. The checkpoint was later removed, and no arrests were reported.

At approximately 11:30 on Tuesday, 18 June 2013, Israeli forces established a checkpoint on the main road that connects Jenin with Tulkarm and Nablus near the intersection of Jab’a village, south of Jenin. The checkpoint was later removed, and no arrests were reported.

Jericho: Israeli forces have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. At approximately 11:00 on Thursday, 13 June 2013, Israeli forces established a checkpoint on al-Mo’arajat Road between Jericho and Ramallah. The checkpoint was later removed, and no arrests were reported.

At approximately 09:00 on Friday, 14 June 2013, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the entrance of al-Zbeidat village, north of Jericho. At approximately 17:00, they established another checkpoint near the southern entrance of Jericho. at approximately 19:30, another checkpoint was established at the entrance of Marj Na’ajah village, north of Jericho. All checkpoints were later removed, and no arrests were reported.

At approximately 09:30 on Sunday, 16 June 2013, Israeli forces established a checkpoint on al-Fasayel village, north of Jericho. The checkpoint was later removed and no arrests were reported.

Arrests at military checkpoints

At approximately 21:10 on Sunday, 16 June 2013, Israeli forces dtationed in the area between ‘Aydah refugee camp, north of Bethlehem, and “Har Jilo” established northwest of the city, arrested 4 children from ‘Aydah Refugee camp as they were in the area. Israeli forces claimed that the four children attempted to attack an Israeli policeman in the area. The arrested were identified as: Muhanned Ibrahim Abu Sorour (17); Sorour Mohammed Abu Sorour (16); ‘Ali Mahmoud Abu Sorour (16); and Ihab Faris Hamdan (16).

On Monday evening, 17 June 2013, Israeli forces stationed at al-Karamah international crossing between the West Bank and arrested Ibrahim Hamzah Fayez Saba’anah (22), a student at al-Quds Open University, transferring him to an unknown destination. They arrested the aforementioned civilian when he was on his way back from Jordan.

At approximately 10:30 on Tuesday, 18 June 2013, Israeli forces stationed near Salem Military Court, northwest of Jenin, arrested Ahmed Mahmoud Soboh (20) from Borqin village, west of the city when he was in the court in order to attend a hearing for one of his friends. He was then taken to an unknown destination.

At approximately 22:30 on Saturday, 15 June 2013, Israeli forces stationed on a watchtower established near the entrance of al-‘Arroub refugee camp, as this entrance leads to bypass road (60), north of Hebron, stopped a number of Palestinian civilians. Israeli forces arrested Salamah Khaled al-Jondi (20) and took him to the detention centre in “Ghosh ‘Atsyon” settlement, south of Bethlehem. After several hours of being arrested and severely beaten, al-Jondi was released and handed a notice to refer to the Israeli intelligence services in the aforementioned centre.

In his testimony to a PCHR fieldworker, the aforementioned civilian said:

“On 15 June 2013, I was heading with my Friend, Ibrahim, to a cab stop on the main road to accompany some friends to our friend’s wedding as they do not know the place. When we arrived at the entrance of the camp near the watchtower, an Israeli soldier called us and asked for the IDs. He then came to tell me that I will go with him for a couple of hours. He handcuffed my hands behind the back as well as my feet with plastic ties and blindfolded him taking him to the watchtower. I was outraged about my arrest and started asking about the reason. An Israeli soldier strongly hit my chest with the rifle butt and then took me to their military jeep. He threw me violently on the jeep floor and another soldier then hit my forehead with the floor. They drove me to a former military camp near the south- western entrance of al-‘Arroub camp and then started kicking my legs with their feet and gun butts. I passed out after a strong hit on my head. I then woke up finding the soldiers pouring water and coke on my head. I felt nauseous and severe pains in my left shoulder and started throwing up. They then put me in the jeep, continued kicking and insulting me. They threw me out with my ID and a notice to refer to the Israeli intelligence after undoing the ties and the blindfold. I felt pain all over my body and not completely conscious. At that time, I received a call from my mother and told her that the Israeli soldiers threw him at the intersection of “Kfar ‘Atsyon” and I cannot stand on my feet to go home. Relatives and friends then arrived and took me to Hebron Governmental hospital, where doctors did medical tests and X-rays that showed bruises all over my body and a rupture in the left shoulder. At approximately 03:00, I left the hospital, but I still feel pain all over my body and take painkillers to relieve pain. I did not respond to the notice that orders me to refer to the Israeli Intelligence on 16 June 2013 due to my poor health status."

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

Attacks carried out by settlers

At approximately 15:30 on Saturday, 15 June 2013, a group of settlers, coming from "Havat Gilad" settlement, which is established on Palestinians' lands in Fara'ta and Imatin villages, northeast of Qalqilia, set fire to 50 dunums of olive trees. As a result, 300 olive trees, belonging to Ahmed Abdul Aziz Taweel from Fara'ta and to heirs of Abdul Hafiz Sawwan from Imatin, were damaged. The above-mentioned settlement is about 500 meters away from the assaulted trees and the Palestinian civilians are denied access to these lands unless by an Israeli permit.

Haytham Sawwan, head of Imatin village council, said to PCHR's fieldworker:

"At approximately 15:30 on Saturday, 15 June 2013, I received a phone call from persons, who saw smoke rising from the nearby mountain. We hurried up there, as we saw how big the fire was along the mountain. We also brought fire fighters. However, the settlers did not allow us to extinguish fire, due to which, all trees had been burning before us and we could do nothing to stop it. We were only 5 persons while the settlers were over 30. Residents of both villages arrived later after the whole mountain had been burnt. While trying to put out fire, clashes erupted between the Palestinians and settlers, who threw stones at the Palestinians. As a result, Sedqi Abdul Hafiz Sawwan (54) was hit by a stone to his hand. He was taken later to the hospital to receive medical treatment. The settlers continued throwing stones until Israeli forces arrived and dispersed them."

At approximately 07:00 on Sunday, 16 June 2013, a group of settlers from "Carmiel" settlement, which is established on Palestinian civilians' lands east of Yatta, in the South of Hebron, moved into moved into lands in the area surrounding Kherbat Um al-Khair area and patrolled them. A number of the settlers started planting olive trees in the lands of the Hathaleen family as a prelude to seize it. A group of Palestinian farmers of the Hathaleen family gathered to stop the settlers from working in their lands, a skirmish started between some of the Palestinian farmers and Israeli settlers, who started throwing stones at the farmers. In the meantime, Israeli forces and police moved into the farmlands, declared the area a closed military zone and banned Palestinians from being present at it. Before their withdrawal, Israeli soldiers arrested 72-year-old Suliman Eid Yamin al-Hathaleen, after the settlers accused him of attempting to assault them. He was taken to the Israeli police station in "Kiryat Arba" settlement, in the east of Hebron, for investigation. In his testimony to a PCHR fieldworker, Khalil al-Hathaleen said that a number of settlers attacked the houses of the Hathaleens, those that are near the security fence of "Carmiel" settlement with stones and insulted them, under the protection of Israeli forces and police who did not attempt to stop them. It should be mentioned that Israeli forces have attacked farmers and shepherds of the Hathaleen family and banned them from entering their lands in Kherbart Um al-Khair area, under the pretext that these lands are confiscated, as the area witnesses an expansion of the afore-mentioned settlement at the cost of Palestinian lands.

At approximately 08:00 on Tuesday, 18 June 2013, a group of settlers from "Susya" settlement, established on Palestinians' lands in the east of Yatta, south of Hebron let huge dogs attack farmers and shepherds from Ghaith family while they were working in their lands in between Yatta and al-Samou' villages. In his testimony to a PCHR fieldworker, Izz Ghaith said that the area of their land, which is located in Harybat al-Nabi area, is estimated at 1000 dunums, and is used as natural pastures. He added that the family has title deeds by the Land Department in the Palestinian National Authority. The settlers carry out continued attacks against farmers and shepherds while present in the area, and he pointed out that one of the settlers brings his sheep to the farmlands in order to ruin the crops. It should be mentioned that Israeli authorities have orally notified Ghaith family to remove the sheep barns they have established on their farmlands.

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 the Israeli occupation, in spite of the Israeli military redeployment outside the Gaza Strip in 2005. PCHR further confirms that Israeli force have 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, especially the latest offensive that lasted for 8 days in November, 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 ; 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; 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 and victims; 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 directed 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 violation 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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