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Thursday, 20 December 2012 HOME ABOUT US PUBLICATIONS Press Releases NEWS IN FOCUS NARRATIVES Home PUBLICATIONS Reports Weekly Reports Weekly Report On Israeli Human Rights Violations in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (13- 19 Dec 2012) LINKS

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Weekly Report On Israeli Human Rights Violations in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (13- 19 Dec 2012) Thursday, 20 December 2012 00:00

Clashes between Palestinian demonstrators and Israeli soldiers near Oufar Prison in Ramallah

Israeli Forces Continue Systematic Attacks against Palestinian Civilians and Property in the occupied Palestinian territory (oPt)

A Palestinian civilian died of wounds he had sustained in the latest Israeli offensive on the Gaza Strip.

5 Palestinian civilians were wounded in the Gaza Strip. 4 of whom were wounded at the border area, while the fifth was wounded in the sea.

Three Palestinian civilians, including two children, were wounded in the .

The Israeli Forces conducted 35 incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank and a limited incursion into the Gaza Strip. At least 33 Palestinian civilians were arrested in the West Bank. 4 children from the Gaza Strip were arrested while attempting to cross the border into Israel.

The Israeli Forces continued to target Palestinian fishermen in the sea.

The Israeli Forces continued to use excessive force against peaceful protests in the West Bank. 2 Palestinian civilians, including a child, were wounded in Bil'ein weekly protest, west of Ramallah.

Israel has continued to impose a total closure on the oPt and has isolated the Gaza Strip from the outside world. The Israeli Forces established dozens of checkpoints in the West Bank. At least 4 Palestinian children were arrested at checkpoints in the West Bank.

The Israeli Forces have continued settlement activities in the West Bank, and Israeli settlers have continued to attack Palestinian civilians and property. The Israeli Forces issued more notices of house demolitions. The Israeli settlers continued to attack the Palestinian civilians.

Summary

Israeli violations of international law and international humanitarian law in the oPt continued during the reporting period (13 – 19 December 2012):

Shooting: Shooting:

During the reporting period, a Palestinian civilian receiving medical treatment at an Egyptian hospital died of wounds he had sustained in the latest Israeli offensive on the Gaza Strip. The Israeli Forces also wounded 10 Palestinian civilians, including 3 children, in the West Bank and Gaza Strip.

In the West Bank, on 13 December 2012, a Palestinian boy was wounded when the Israeli Forces moved into a number of neighborhoods in Hebron. They opened fire some boys protesting against them. The boy was seriously wounded while he was going back home from his work.

On 16 December 2012, a Palestinian boy was wounded when the Israeli Forces opened fire at a number of boys who gathered at the eastern entrance of Aida refugee camp, north of , and threw stones at the Israeli soldiers.

On 17 December 2012, a Palestinian boy from Madama village, south of Nablus, was wounded in the left leg when the Israeli Forces fired at him, when he hurried to rescue his brother, who was grazing the sheep and was attacked by the settlers and in the presence of the Israeli soldiers.

In the same context, the Israeli Forces continued to systematically use excessive force against peaceful protests organized by Palestinians and Israeli and international activists protesting against the annexation wall and settlement activities in the West Bank. As a result, 2 Palestinian civilians were wounded: a 16-year- old boy who was wounded in the right hand and an 18-year-old boy who was wounded in the back. In addition, dozens of Palestinians suffered from tear gas inhalation or sustained bruises. They were all treated on the spot.

In the Gaza Strip, on 18 December 2012, medical sources in the Arab National Bank Hospital in Cairo – Egypt pronounced Salem Ahmed Salem Bin Sa'id, 19, from al-Mussaddar village in the central Gaza Strip, dead because of wounds he sustained on 17 November 2012 during the latest Israeli offensive on the Gaza Strip. The aforementioned person was wounded when an Israeli warplane targeted a group of persons in a small room on a piece of land near his father's house. His father and another person were killed and 6 others sustained wounds; 2 of whom sustained serious wounds, including the abovementioned person who was pronounced dead. It should be noted that Bin Sa'id was a civilian.

On 13 December 2012, 5 Palestinian civilians were wounded in the Gaza Strip. A boy was seriously wounded when the Israeli Forces stationed along the border fence, east of Deir al-Balah, opened fire at him. The boy was collecting pieces of aluminum and iron from the landfill in the east of Juhor al-Deek village.

On 14 December 2012, 2 Palestinian civilians were wounded in two separate shooting incidents. The first one was wounded when the Israeli Forces stationed along the border fence in the southern Gaza Strip opened fire at a group of persons, who were about 200 meters to the west of the border fence. The second person was wounded when the Israeli Forces stationed along the border fence in the east of Abu Safiya gate in the northern Gaza Strip opened fire at a group of persons and farmers, who were 150 meters far from the fence.

On 16 December 2012, a Palestinian farmer was seriously wounded when the Israeli Forces stationed along the border fence in the southern Gaza Strip opened fire at a group of Palestinians, who were working on their lands in al-Qarara village, northeast of Khan Yunis, near the border fence.

On 17 December 2012, a Palestinian fisherman was wounded when the Israeli gunboats stationed in the Gazan waters opened fire at a fishing boat belonging to Mos'ad Baker, 38. Baker and his nephew Mohammed Tareq Abdul Razeq Baker, 20, were on board the boat 7 nautical miles off Wadi Gaza shore. As a result, Mos'ad was wounded by a bullet to the left thigh and transported to Barzilai Medical Center in Ashkelon inside Israel. Moreover, his nephew Mohammed was arrested and questioned and their boat no. 12935 was confiscated.

In the context of targeting Palestinian fishermen in the sea, on 15 December 2012, Israeli gunboats positioned off al-Waha resort in the northern Gaza Strip opened fire at Palestinian fishermen who were sailing 6 nautical miles off the shore.

On 16 and 17 December 2012, the Israeli gunboats opened fire at Palestinian fishermen in the same area., but neither casualties nor material damage were reported.

Incursions:

During the reporting period, the IOF conducted at least 35 military incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank. During these incursions, the IOF arrested at least 33 Palestinians.

During the reporting period, on 18 December 2012, the Israeli Forces moved nearly 100 meters into the southern Gaza Strip. They leveled areas of land along the border fence. At approximately 11:00, the Israeli Forces moved back to the border.

On 17 December 2012, the Israeli Forces positioned along the border fence in the central Gaza Strip arrested 4 Palestinian children, who attempted to cross the borders between Israel and the Gaza Strip.

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 .

The illegal Israeli-imposed 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 illegal closure has caused not only a humanitarian crisis, but a crisis of human rights and human dignity for the population of the Gaza Strip. Recently-declared measures to ease the closure are vague, purely cosmetic and fail to deal with the root causes of the crisis; the root causes can only be addressed by an immediate and complete lifting of the closure, including lifting the travel ban into and out of the Gaza Strip and the ban on exports. Palestinians be addressed by an immediate and complete lifting of the closure, including lifting the travel ban into and out of the Gaza Strip and the ban on exports. Palestinians in Gaza may no longer suffer from the same shortage of goods but, as long as the closure is allowed to continue, they will remain economically dependent, unable to care for themselves, and socially, culturally and academically isolated from the rest of the world.

The IOF 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, in violation of international humanitarian law, and Israeli settlers have continued to attack Palestinian civilians and property.

On 14 December 2012, the Israeli Forces handed a notice to Mahmoud Shehada Makhamra, 63, from Ma'in area, south of Hebron, ordering the demolition his 2- storey house. The house is built on 170-square-meter area of land and resided by 10 individuals.

On 17 December 2012, the Israeli Forces denied the Palestinian farmers from Hribet al-Nabi village access to their lands and dismissed them from the lands under the pretext that they are under the Israeli control, so the farmers have to obtain the Israeli approval from the concerned authorities in advance.

On 18 December 2012, the Israeli Forces submitted notices to 3 Palestinians from Tarousa village, southwest of Hebron, ordering demolitions of 4 houses under the pretext that the houses are located in areas under the Israeli security control.

On 14 December 2012, a group of settlers from "Beitar Elite" and "Navi Daniel" settlements, south of Bethlehem, uprooted 200 olive trees belonging to Ahmed Hussein Salah, 70, from al-Khader village.

On 17 December 2012, a group of settlers from "Beit Hagai" settlement, south of Hebron, attacked Palestinian lands in al-Raihiya village, south of Hebron, in an attempt to seize these lands and cut the trees.

On the same day, a security officer from an outpost at Emmanuel settlement arrested Mahmoud Farid Mohammed Bashir, 34, while he was on his land. Bashir was grazing sheep when he was arrested. The security officer held him for an hour on the land near the settlement outpost. He was handcuffed under the pretext that he approached the barbwire fence around the said settlement. Bashir was released at approximately 11:30.

On the same day, a group of settlers from "Kiryat Arab" settlement attacked lands in Jales area, south of Hebron. They attempted to uproot and cut off olive trees in the area near the security fence of the said settlement.

Israeli Violations Documented during the Reporting Period (13 – 19 December 2012)

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

Thursday, 13 December 2012

At approximately 02:00, the Israeli Forces moved into several villages in Hebron. They patrolled in the streets and raided and searched some houses. Israeli soldiers kept the residents of the houses out in the cold weather for hours. They arrested six Palestinians: 1. Anas Sedqi al-Ju'ba, 23; 2. Ahmed Yusri al-'Ewiwi, 22; 3. Mo'the Abdu Mohammed al-Haimouni, 21; 4. Majd Yunis al-Atrash, 22; 5. Sedqi Yunis al-Atrash, 20; and 6. Mo'taz Salim al-Herbawi, 28.

At approximately 03:00, the Israeli Forces moved into Jenin refugee camp to the west and south of Jenin town. They patrolled in the streets and raided and searched a number of houses. The Israeli Forces arrested three Palestinian officers and transported them to an unknown destination:

1. Wa'el Ahmed Theeb Ghazawi, 43, is an officer in the Preventive Security Service (PSS); 2. Mohammed Ibrahim Eid Naghnaghiya, 30; is an officer in the General Intelligence Service (GIS); and 3. Ashraf Ahmed Sadeq Jaradat, 30, is an officer in the Civil Police.

At the same time, the Israeli Forces moved into She'aba area, east of Hebron. They patrolled in the streets and raided and searched a house belonging to journalist Lama Khater. They also obliged the children to go out of the house for two hours.

In her testimony to a PCHR fieldworker, Lama Khater said that a large Israeli force raided the house of her family and detained her with her husband in a room. They also obliged the children to stay outdoors. An Israeli intelligence officer questioned the couple on the spot concerning a protest organized by in Hebron. Before withdrawal, the Israeli soldiers confiscated three PC appliances, two laptops, her mobile phone, her husband's mobile phone, and some papers and posters.

At approximately 04:00, the Israeli Forces moved into al-Yamoun village, west of Jenin. They patrolled in the streets and raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Ahmed Yusef Salim Abu al-Haija, 29, and arrested him.

At approximately 12:30, the Israeli Forces along the border fence, east of Wadi Gaza (Juhor al-Deek), opened fire at 'Asef Rasmi Ibrahim al-Khaldi, 19, from al-Bureij refugee camp. Al- Khaldi was collecting aluminum and metal pieces from the landfill, which is 150 meters away from the border fence. As a result of firing at him, al-Khaldi was seriously wounded by a bullet to the right arm.

At approximately 14:20, the Israeli Forces moved into al-'Araqa village, west of Jenin. They patrolled in the streets for a while and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were At approximately 14:20, the Israeli Forces moved into al-'Araqa village, west of Jenin. They patrolled in the streets for a while and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

At approximately 14:30, dozens of angry boys and young men gathered at Bab al-Zawiya area in the center of Hebron after the funeral of Mohammed al-Salayma, 17, who was killed by the Israeli Forces the day before. The Israeli Forces in response raided a number of houses and commercial stores in a provocative way, topped them and stationed there. The Palestinian protesters threw stones and empty bottles at the Israeli soldiers, and the Israeli soldiers fired rubber-coated metal bullets, tear gas canisters and sound bombs. As a result, Nasser Wasfi Mohammed Jamal al-Sharbati, 16, was seriously wounded by three bullets to the two hands and the back, while he was going home back from work.

In his testimony to a PCHR fieldworker, al-Sharbati said:

"I work in a carton factory. While I was going home at approximately 19:00, I took the new Wadi al-Tuffah road and did not know what was happening there. I heard some persons talking about clashes in Bab al-Zawiya area. I stopped in front of Zaheda meat shop and was surprised to see three Israeli soldiers; one of whom who was from the Border Guard topped a house in Bab al-Zawiya area. I was frightened and ran trying to cross the street to flee. I heard the sound of firing and felt my two hands had become spastic. In addition, I felt that something had entered into my body from the back. I ran for about four minutes until I reached some persons in front of Hassouna gas station across the street and asked them to help me as I was wounded. They carried me to Hebron Public Hospital and as you see here I am; I cannot move."

In the same context, Dr. Sharaf al-Tarda said to a PCHR fieldworker that al-Sharbati was transferred from Hebron Public Hospital to al-Mezan Hospital for the seriousness of his injury, as he was wounded by three bullets. The first bullet in the back entered the chest tissue and caused wounds and severe hemorrhage in the left lung. The second and third bullets hit the upper part of his right arm and the tendons of the left arm.

At approximately 17:30, the Israeli Forces moved into the area between al-Yamoun and Kofur Dan villages, west of Jenin. They stationed in the area and detained Ayman Rajeh Abed, 12, and his brother Ihsan, 10, while they were playing around. The Israeli soldiers released the two children later and withdrew.

At approximately 18:30, the Israeli Forces moved into Ya'bad village, southwest of Jenin. They patrolled in the streets for a while and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

Friday, 14 December 2012

At approximately 01:00, the Israeli Forces moved into al-'Arroub refugee camp, north of Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to Rasmi Abdul Rahman Jawabra, 29. The Israeli Forces submitted a notice to him to refer to the Israeli Intelligence Service (Shabak) and withdrew later.

At proximately 11:30, the Israeli Forces moved into Beit Leed, village, east of Tulkarm. They patrolled in the streets for a while and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

At approximately 14:55, the Israeli Forces along the border fence in the east of Khan Yunis opened fire at a group of Palestinians, who were east of al-Faraheen area, 200 meters to the west of the border fence. As a result, Mohammed Salah Qdeih, 22, was wounded by a bullet to the right hand.

At approximately 16:00, the Israeli Forces stationed along the border fence, east of Abu Safiya gate in the east of Jabalya, opened fire at a group of Palestinians and farmers, who were 150 meters away from the fence. As a result, Mo'men Mohammed al-Abed Nawwarah, 19, from Jabalya refugee camp, was seriously wounded by a bullet to the right leg. In addition, Rami Mohammed Abu Amira, 19 suffered from tear gas inhalation, but his health condition is stable.

Saturday, 15 December 2012

At approximately 03:00, the Israeli Forces moved into Tulkarm. They patrolled in the streets and positioned in the northern neighborhood near Belal Bin Rabah near to Tulkarm refugee camp. They raided three neighboring houses at once. The Israeli soldiers obliged the residents of the three houses to gather in a yard of a house and started searching the houses with sniffer dogs. They arrested Mas'oud Mostafa Mohammed Abu Zant, 20.

The Israeli Forces moved then to the western neighborhood of the town. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Mahmoud Ezzat Abu Dayya, 20, and arrested him. The Israeli Forces also raided a house belonging to Daniel Jaber under the pretext that he is wanted. As the Israeli soldiers did not find the wanted person, they arrested his son Nasser. Nasser was transported to his grandfather's house in the hospital street in the center of the town. The Israeli soldiers raided the grandfather's house, but did not find the wanted person either. In the meanwhile, the Israeli soldiers noticed that a taxi office (Hamam taxi office) had surveillance cameras that could show the raided house. As a result, the Israeli soldiers raided the taxi office and confiscated the PC appliance connected to the surveillance cameras. The Israeli Forces withdrew after releasing Nasser, but transported the other two arrested persons to an unknown destination.

At approximately 06:00, the Israeli gunboats stationed off al-Waha resort in the northern Gaza Strip opened fire heavily at the Palestinian fishermen, who were sailing 6 nautical miles off the shore, for 10 minutes. As a result, the fishermen were frightened and fled for fear of being arrested or wounded. Neither casualties nor material damage were reported.

At approximately 08:00, the Israeli Forces moved into Qabatya village, south of Jenin. They patrolled in the streets for a while and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

At approximately 08:30, the Israeli Forces moved into Beir al-Basha village, south of Jenin. They patrolled in the streets and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

At approximately 10:00, the Israeli Forces moved into Um al-Tout village, southeast of Jenin. They patrolled in the streets for a while and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

At the same time, the Israeli Forces moved into Jelqamous village, southeast of Jenin. They patrolled in the streets for a while and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

Sunday, 16 December 2012

At approximately 06:30, Israeli gunboats stationed off al-Waha resort in the northern Gaza Strip opened fire heavily at the Palestinian fishermen, who were sailing 6 nautical miles off the shore, for about 15 minutes. As a result, the fishermen were frightened and fled for fear of being arrested or wounded. Neither casualties nor material damage were reported.

At approximately 10:00, Israeli Forces moved into al-Sousa area, east of in the south of Bethlehem. Ali Thawabta, Director of Beit Fajjar Municipality said that an Israeli military jeep unnoticeably stationed near the health center. At the same time, other five military vehicles moved into al-Tarabee' area near "Migdal Oz" settlement in the northwest of Beit Fajjar. They raided and searched a house belonging to Diab Nayef Thawabta, 48, but no more incidents were reported.

At approximately 13:30, the Israeli Forces stationed along the border fence to the east of Khan Yunis opened fire at a group of Palestinians who were on their lands near the border fence. As a result, Khaled Sulaiman Abdul Karim Mhanna, 25, was seriously wounded by a bullet to abdomen that exited the back. Mhanna was working on his land that is located 500 meters away from the border fence.

At the same time, the Israeli Forces and a group of settlers stationed at the entrance of Aida refugee camp, north of Bethlehem. Some boys gathered and threw stones at them. Immediately, the Israeli soldiers fired tear gas canisters at the boys. As a result, Ya'qoub Hammad Hammad, 14, was by a tear gas canister to the right leg.

At approximately 19:00, the Israeli Forces moved into Ya'bad village, southwest of Jenin. They patrolled in the streets and then positioned in front of a café in the center of the village. The Israeli soldiers stepped out of their vehicles and raided the café. They prevented anyone from getting in or out of the café. An Israeli intelligence officer started questioning the Palestinians in the café on the spot. The Israeli Forces withdrew later and neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

At approximately 22:45, the Israeli Forces moved into al-'Arqa village, west of Jenin. They patrolled in the streets for a while and withdrew later.

Monday, 17 December 2012

At approximately 01:30, the Israeli Forces moved into Jenin. They patrolled in the streets for a while and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

At approximately 02:00, the Israeli Forces moved into Nablus and Balata refugee camp, south of the city. They raided and searched a number of houses. They arrested 3 Palestinians:

1. Farid Mohammed al-Masimi, 47, headmaster of Balata High School for Boys and member of Balata Services' Committee. He was arrested from his house in Balata refugee camp; 2. His son-in-law, Mahdi Abdil Halim al-Shaf'I, 24, was arrested from his house in al-Makhfiya neighborhood, west of Nablus; and 3. Baha' Jamil Mahamid, 22, a member of the Palestinian National Security Service. He was arrested from his house in Balata refugee camp. The Israeli Forces withdrew at approximately 04:30.

At approximately 02:30, the Israeli Forces moved into Beit Fajjar village, south of Bethlehem. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Adnan Mahmoud Taqatqa. They arrested his son Mohammed Adnan Mahmoud Taqatqa, 20, and withdrew later.

At approximately 03:30, the Israeli Forces moved into Qaryout village, southeast of Nablus. They patrolled in the streets and raided and searched a number of houses. The Israeli Forces arrested:

1. Ghanem Mahmoud Abdullah Mo'ammer, 20; and 2. Mohammed Salah Eddin Mohammed Badawi, 18.

At approximately 04:30, the Israeli Forces moved into Tulkarm. They patrolled in the streets for a while and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

At approximately 06:30, the Israeli gunboats stationed off al-Waha resort in the northern Gaza Strip opened fire heavily at the Palestinian fishermen, who were sailing 6 nautical miles off the shore, for 10 minutes. As a result, the fishermen were frightened and fled for fear of being arrested or wounded. Neither casualties nor material damage were reported.

At approximately 09:30, the Israeli gunboats stationed in the Gaza waters opened fire at a fishing boat belonging to Mos'ad Abdul Razeq Baker, 38, while he and his nephew Mohammed Tareq Abdul Razeq Baker, 20, were on board. They were sailing 7 nautical miles of Wadi Gaza shore. As a result, Mos'ad was wounded by a bullet to the left thigh and transported to Barzilai Medical Center in Ashkelon, while his nephew was arrested and questioned. Moreover, the Israeli Forces confiscated their boat no. 12935.

At approximately 10:30, the Israeli Forces moved into Safarin village, east of Tulkarm. They patrolled in the streets for a while and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

During midday, the Israeli Forces opened fire at Amir Amin Fayez Nassar, 26, from Madma village, south of Nablus, and wounded him by a bullet to the left leg.

According to investigation conducted by PCHR, at approximately 12:00, Amir Nassar received a phone call from his brother Mohammed, 36, who was plowing their land in Khelet al-Njasa area, south of Madma village in the south of Nablus, 500 meters away from their house. His brother told him that the Israeli settlers from " Yitzhar" settlement, which is 1 kilometer away from the said area, caught their brother Ma'moun, 39, who grazing the sheep in that area, and attacked him. Amir, his sisters and mother hurried immediately to the area and told a number of Palestinian villagers about that. When Amir reached the area, he saw a settler sitting on Ma'moun's abdomen. The settler was hitting Ma'moun with a gun butt while three soldiers were watching. Amir held a stone and threw it at the settler. The soldiers hurried towards Amir and hit him with the gun butts on his head, right arm and shoulder to drive him away. The Palestinian villagers started to gather and in response a large number of settlers and soldiers arrived. Amir, his sisters and mother were screaming and trying to take Ma'moun back from the Israeli soldiers and settlers, but could not. Amir quarreled with the soldiers. A soldier talked to the officer in charge in Hebrew and then fired at Amir from a range of 20 meters. Amir was directly wounded in the right leg. Some persons carried him and ran to a civilian vehicle from the neighboring Asira village. On their way, they found an ambulance that transported the wounded person to Rafidiya Governmental Hospital in Nablus. Soon after, violent clashes erupted in the village. As a result, Hani Nasser Ziyada, 24, was hit a sound bomb that caused him burns in the left leg. Moreover, Amir's brother, Mohammed Amin Nassar, 36, sustained bruises in the head and his brother Ma'moun, 39, was arrested in spite of his injury and transported to an unknown destination.

At approximately 12:30, the Israeli Forces moved into Jaba' village, south of Jenin. They patrolled in the streets and then positioned in the vicinity of a house belonging to Rami Ahmed Zaid Fashafsha. A number of boys gathered and started throwing stones at the Israeli soldiers. In response, the Israeli forces fired tear gas canisters and sound bombs at the boys. They withdrew later and no more incidents were reported.

At approximately 15:30, the Israeli Forces moved into 'Azzoun village, east of Qalqilia. They patrolled in the streets and arrested Hamid Salim Hamid Badwan, 33, a member of the National Security Service. Eyewitnesses said that the Israeli Forces moved into the village when Badwan was going to a supermarket on the main street. Badwan left the supermarket with his brother by their vehicle through a dirt road. The Israeli soldiers surrounded the village and then chased Badwan while he was heading to Ezbet alTabeeb village. He noticed that he was being chased by the Israeli soldiers, so he jumped out of the vehicle driven by his brother and hurried to an area near Ezbet al-Tabbeb village. The Israeli soldiers surrounded him and an Israeli undercover unit arrested him after chasing him between olive trees. Badwan was transported to an unknown destination. It should be noted that he had been summoned by the Israeli Intelligence Service and was told in the meeting that he could go home. was told in the meeting that he could go home.

At the same time, the Israeli Forces positioned along the border fence, east of al-Bureij refugee camp in the central Gaza Strip, arrested 4 Palestinian children while they attempted to cross the borders between Israel and the Gaza Strip:

1. Yusef Ali Ibrahim al-Nabahin, 17; 2. Feras Khalil Ibrahim Weshah, 17;

3. A'ed Nasser Abdullah Abu Zaid, 15; and 4. Sa'eb Tahseen Hassan Faraj, 17.

They are all from al-Bureij refugee camp.

At approximately 16:30, the Israeli Forces moved into Far'oun village, south of Tulkarm. They patrolled in the streets and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

At the same time, the Israeli Forces moved into Tulkarm. They patrolled in the streets in Ezbet al-Tayyah area, where some boys gathered and threw stones and empty bottles at the Israeli soldiers. The Israeli soldiers in response fired tear gas canisters and sound bombs at the boys. As a result, some of them suffered from tear gas inhalation. The Israeli Forces withdrew, but neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

Tuesday, 18 December 2012

At approximately 02:00, the Israeli Forces moved into Halhoul town, north of Hebron. They patrolled in the streets and raided and searched a house belonging to Ala' 'Aref Hussein Abu 'Asba, 23, and arrested him.

At the same time, the Israeli Forces moved into Beit Kahel village, northwest of Hebron, they raided and searched a house belonging to Hassan Salman 'Atawnah, 24, and arrested him.

At the same time, the Israeli Forces moved into Wadi al-Heriya, the university neighborhood and Abu Qteila area in the center of Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to Ayman al-Hashlamoun, 25, and arrested him.

At approximately 02:15, the Israeli Forces moved into Salfit. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested 4 civilians:

1. Mos'ab Hassan Balasma, 23; 2. Haytham Shawkat Khafash, 27; 3. Ma'rouf Mahmoud al-Remal, 25; and 4. Mohammed Fat'h Allah Dahdoul, 20.

They were transported to an unknown destination. The Israeli Forces attacked Othman Hassan Othman Balasma, 16, and then withdrew at 05:20.

In his testimony to PCHR's fieldworker, Mo'athe Hassan Balasma, 21, said:

"At approximately 02:30 on Tuesday, 18 December 2012, while we were sleeping, we were surprised that the Israeli soldiers were at home. They opened the door with a tool, but we did not hear them. They immediately took us outdoor in the cold weather and did not allow us to get dressed well. They were pushing us out in a savage way. Even my mother was pushed out. We were all subjected to Shabah and obliged to raise our hands up and turn our faces against the wall. It was too cold. My brother Othman, 16, a school student, told them that his leg was hurting him and could not lift it up. As a result, the Israeli soldiers cursed him in Hebrew. They also beat him by gun butts on his side. An hour and a half later, the Israeli Forces arrested my brother Mos'ab, 23, and transported him to an unknown destination. We transported my brother Othman in the morning to the health center to receive the necessary medical treatment, where he was examined. It was found that he sustained bruises in the side."

At approximately 03:30, the Israeli Forces moved into al-Koum, southwest of Hebron. They raided a house belonging to Mo'athe Awad al-Rjoub, 22, and submitted a notice to him refer to the Israeli Intelligence Service (Shabak). The Israeli Forces withdrew and no arrests were reported.

At approximately 07:00, the Israeli Forces moved 100 meters into Khuza'a village from Abu Rida gate in the east of Khan Yunis, south of the Gaza Strip. They started leveling lands along the border fence amidst sporadic fire reaching al-Faraheen area in Abassan. At approximately 11:00, the Israeli Forces moved back to the border.

At approximately 18:00, medical sources in the Arab National Bank Hospital in Cairo – Egypt pronounced Salem Ahmed Salem Bin Sa'id, 19, from al-Mussaddar village in the central Gaza Strip, dead because of wounds he sustained on 17 November 2012 during the latest Israeli offensive on the Gaza Strip. The aforementioned person was wounded when an Israeli warplane targeted a group of persons in a small room on a piece of land near his father's house. His father, Ahmed Salem Salama Bin Sa'id and another person, Hani Abdul Majid Salem Brei'im, 31, were killed and 6 others sustained wounds; 2 of whom sustained serious wounds, including the abovementioned person who was pronounced dead. It should be noted that Salem was a civilian.

Wednesday, 19 December 2012

At approximately 01:30, the Israeli Forces moved into Beit Ummar village, north of Hebron. They patrolled in the streets and raided and searched a number of houses. They raided a house belonging to the family of Safi Mohammed Ali al-Salibi, 34, an officer in the Palestinian police. The Israeli Forces also raided a house belonging to the family of Isa Mohammed Isa Awad, 24, and searched it. They arrested Awad, who was released in the latest prisoners' swap deal. Moreover, they raided a house belonging to Wasim Jamal Abdul Majid Wahadin, 19, and arrested him. The Israeli Forces withdrew transporting the two arrested persons to an unknown destination.

In his testimony to PCHR's fieldworker, Mohammed Awad, a member of the Popular Committee against Settlement Activities, said that the Israeli Forces moved into the village and raided and searched a number of houses. They violently raided the house of Safi al-Salibi and broke the house gate although al-Salibi's wife threw the keys to the Israeli soldiers from the window to avoid breaking the gate. In addition, the Israeli Forces questioned the wife at home. Children were threw the keys to the Israeli soldiers from the window to avoid breaking the gate. In addition, the Israeli Forces questioned the wife at home. Children were terrorized due to violence practiced by the Israeli soldiers at the said home.

At approximately 04:00, the Israeli Forces moved into Bethlehem. They patrolled in the streets and headed to al-Mawaleh Mountain area in the center of the city. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Mosa Awwad Awwad, 20, and arrested him.

2. Use of Excessive Force against Peaceful Demonstrations Protesting Settlement Activities and the Construction of the Annexation Wall

During the reporting period, Israeli forces used force against peaceful demonstrations organized by Palestinian civilians and international and Israeli human rights defenders in protest at the construction of the wall and settlement activities in the West Bank. As a result, 4 Palestinian civilians, a 16 year-old boy sustained a gunshot to the right hand and an 18 year-old boy sustained a gunshot to his back in Bil'ein village; and Hamza Ahmed Abu-Hashem, 14, sustained bruises after being pushed by an Israeli soldier off a high wall; and Ahmed Abu-Hashem, 46 in Beit Ummar. A number of demonstrators also suffered from tear gas inhalation and others sustained bruises.

Following the Friday Prayer on 14 December 2012, dozens of Palestinian civilians and international and Israeli human rights defenders organized a peaceful demonstration in Bil'ein village, west of Ramallah, in protest to the construction of the annexation wall, titled: "Against the Israeli willful killing policy; and Israeli leaders' orders to fire live bullets at demonstrators." Administrative Detention and In Solidarity with Prisoners on Hunger Strike." The demonstrators gathered in the streets of the village, chanting slogans calling for national unity. The protesters aimed to stress the need to adhere to national principles and the right of return, to resist the occupation and to call for the release of all Palestinian prisoners. The protesters raised Palestinian flags and made their way towards the wall. They called through megaphones for Israeli settlers in “Mitityahu” settlement to leave Palestinian land. Israeli soldiers stationed in the area fired rubber-coated metal bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters at the demonstrators. As a result, two civilians sustained gunshot wounds, a 16-year-old boy sustained a gunshot to the right hand and an 18-year-old boy sustained a gunshot to his back. Also dozens of demonstrators suffered from tear gas inhalation and others sustained bruises.

Also following the Friday Prayer on 14 December 2012, dozens of Palestinian civilians and international and Israeli human rights defenders organized a peaceful demonstration in Ne’lin village, west of Ramallah, in protest at the construction of the annexation wall and settlement activities. The demonstrators moved towards areas of the annexation wall. Immediately, Israeli soldiers stationed in the area fired rubber-coated metal bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters at the demonstrators. As a result, some demonstrators suffered from tear gas inhalation and others sustained bruises.

Around the same time on Friday, 14 December 2012, dozens of Palestinian civilians and Israeli and international human rights defenders gathered in 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, titled: "Commemoration of Our Martyrs and the Commencement of Popular Resistance in Nabi Saleh." The protesters walked towards the gate erected by Israeli forces near the entrance of the village, which leads to Palestinian lands that Israeli settlers from the nearby "Halmish" settlement are trying to seize. Israeli soldiers fired live and rubber-coated bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters at the protesters. As a result, dozens of demonstrators suffered from tear gas inhalation and others sustained bruises.

Also following the Friday Prayer, dozens of Palestinian civilians and international human rights defenders organized a peaceful demonstration in the center of al- Ma’sara village, south of Bethlehem, in protest at the ongoing construction of the annexation wall, titled: "In Solidarity with the Prisoners on Hunger Strike." As the protestors moved towards the gate of the village, the Israeli forces closed it to prevent the demonstration from gaining access to the confiscated land and attacked the participants; as a result, Mahmoud Zawahra (25), coordinator of the Popular Resistance against the Wall and the Settlement Activity, sustained bruises.

At approximately 10:00 on Saturday, 15 December 2012, dozens of Palestinian civilians, farmers and international activists gathered in Sho'ab al-Batama area, east of Yatta, in protest to the Israeli forces' policy of confiscating farmlands, denying civilians' access to their lands and the destruction policy. The Israeli soldiers raided the area, and declared it a closed military zone to keep the demonstrators away.

At approximately 11:00 Saturday, 15 December 2012, dozens of Palestinian civilians, international and Israeli human rights defenders, gathered in the Center of Bait Ummar village, north of Hebron, for the weekly peaceful demonstration organized against the settlement expansion policy, the wall and the arrest of children. The demonstrators headed towards Thaher Jalis area near "Kermi Tsour" settlement north of the village. A group of Israeli soldiers surrounded the demonstrators and started a hand fight with them, bruising a number of them. They were identified as: Hamza Ahmed Abu-Hashem, 14, who sustained bruises after being pushed by an Israeli soldier off a high wall; and Ahmed Abu-Hashem, 46.

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

Israel has continuously closed all border crossings to the Gaza Strip for nearly 5 years. The illegal Israeli-imposed 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 IOF have tightened the closure of the Gaza Strip, making Karm Abu Salem crossing the sole commercial crossing of the Gaza Strip, although it is not suitable for commercial purposes, in terms of its distance and operational capacity.

The IOF have continued to apply their policy aimed at tightening the strangulation of the commercial movement in the Gaza Strip, including imposing total control over the flow of imports and exports.

The total closure of al-Mentar "Karni" crossing on 02 March 2011 has created a terrible situation that has seriously affected the Gaza Strip. Following this closure, all economic and commercial establishments in 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 operational capacity to commercial establishments in 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 operational 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.

The IOF 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 in the Gaza Strip.

The cooking gas crisis, which erupted last November, has continued to affect the Gaza Strip. This crisis was created on 04 January 2010, when Israeli occupation authorities totally closed the Nahal Oz crossing, which used to be dedicated to the delivery of fuel and cooking gas supplies to Gaza. They shifted fuel and cooking gas supplies to the Karm Abu Salem crossing, which is not equipped to receive Gaza's fuel needs. The Karm Abu Salem crossing, with its maximum absorptive capacity, can receive only 200 tons of cooking gas per day.

Approximately 80% of Gaza civilians continue to depend on humanitarian aid provided by UNRWA and other relief agencies, the number of families who are living below the poverty line has continued to increase, and approximately 40% of Gaza's manpower continues to suffer from permanent unemployment as a result of shutting down the majority of Gaza's economic establishments.

The IOF have continued to impose a total ban on the export of products from Gaza, especially industrial products, undermining any real chance of reopening economic establishments. The situation has been aggravated since the Karm Abu Salem crossing was designated as Gaza’s sole commercial crossing; the repeated closure of this crossing negatively affects the quantity of Gaza products which are allowed to be exported.

For approximately 6 consecutive years, the IOF have continued to ban the delivery of construction materials to Gaza. During the reporting period, the IOF approved the delivery of limited quantities of construction materials for a number of international organizations.

Israel has continued to close the Beit Hanoun (Erez) crossing for Palestinian civilians from the Gaza Strip. The IOF only allow the movement of limited groups amidst severe restrictions, including long hours of waiting in the majority of cases. The IOF have also 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 Jerusalem. The IOF denied new categories of Gazan patients permission to access hospitals via the crossing.

Israel has imposed additional access restrictions on traders, international diplomats, journalists and humanitarian workers seeking to enter the Gaza Strip.

Movement at Border Crossings during the Reporting Period:

Movement at Rafah International Crossing Point 12 to 18 December 2012 Day Date Traveling abroad Coming into Gaza Returned into Gaza 12 December Wednesday 2012 627 480 37 13 December Movement at Karm Abu Salem (Kerem Thursday 2012 797 461 33 Shalom) Crossing 14 December 11 to 17 December 2012 Friday 2012 409 483 15 Imports: 15 December Saturday 2012 190 297 25 16 December Sunday 2012 552 579 36 17 December Monday 2012 470 458 40 18 December Tuesday 2012 506 483 36 Imports Date Amount Category Tons Number Liters Foodstuffs 475 Agricultural materials 1275 Various goods 1356 Cartons of clothes 2600 11 December 2012 Refrigerators 280 Humanitarian aid 8777 Cooking gas 44.320 Industrial fuel 181,820 Foodstuffs 853 Agricultural materials 1087 Various goods 1187 Cartons of clothes 1660 Refrigerators 152 Refrigerators 152 Washing machines 97 Caws 486 Electric generators 1161 12 December 2012 Cars 29 Solar heating tanks 202 Humanitarian aid 8681 Industrial fuel 91,610 Benzene 30,400 for UNRWA Diesel 117,890 for UNRWA Foodstuffs 871 Agricultural materials 1208 Various goods 1302 Cartons of Cloths 640 Refrigerators 96 Cartons of shoes 1142 Caws 470 13 December 2012 Car tires 4064 Glass 1040 Air Conditioners 295 Water tanks 136 Elevator parts 62 Humanitarian aid 8248 Cooking gas 147.420 Industrial fuel 103,080 Foodstuffs 559 Agricultural materials 1339 Various goods 1024 Cartons of clothes 288 Bicycles 1280 Cartons of shoes 1669 16 December 2012 Cars 35 Wood 197 Birds 515 Water tank 228 Machinery parts 3 Humanitarian aid 8727 Cooking gas 172.790 Foodstuffs 635 Agricultural materials 1358 Various goods 1260 Cartons of clothes 1152 Refrigerators 83 17 December 2012 Washing machines 400 Cartons of shoes 530 Gas stoves 899 Cars 35 Humanitarian aid 8327 Cooking gas 152.000

Exports:

On Tuesday, 11 December 2012, Israeli forces allowed the exportation of 47 truckloads of plastic and a truckload of oxygen cylinders. On Wednesday, 12 December 2012, Israeli forces allowed the exportation of 7.3 tons of strawberry and 5 truckloads of plastic. They also allowed the exportation of 300 kilograms of garlic leaves and 200 kilograms of basil. On Thursday, 13 December 2012, Israeli forces allowed the exportation of 7.9 tons of strawberry, a truckload of 100,000 carnation flowers and 3 truckloads of plastic. On Sunday, 16 December 2012, Israeli forces allowed the exportation of 10.5 tons of cherry tomato, 1 truckload carrying 470 kilograms of garlic leaves and 120 kilograms of basil. They also allowed the exportation of 3 truckloads of plastic, 140,000 carnation flowers and 13 tons of strawberry. On Monday, 17 December 2012, Israeli forces allowed the exportation of 4 truckloads of plastic and 6.8 tons of strawberry.

Other Imports:

On Tuesday, 11 December 2012, Israeli forces allowed the entry of 80 tons of cement, 186 tons of construction steel and 2,380 tons of construction aggregate for UNRWA; 1,680 tons of construction aggregate for the Palestinian Water Authority; and 1,400 tons of construction aggregate and 40 tons of construction steel for UNRWA; 1,680 tons of construction aggregate for the Palestinian Water Authority; and 1,400 tons of construction aggregate and 40 tons of construction steel for the German Development Bank (GDB); 980 tons of construction aggregate and 40 tons of cement for UNDP. They also allowed the entry of 546 tons of fodders and 546 tons of wheat.

On Wednesday, 12 December 2012, the Israeli forces allowed the entry of 80 tons of cement, 34 tons of construction steel and 3,430 tons of construction aggregate for UNRWA; 2,940 tons of construction aggregate and 18 tons of construction steel for the Palestinian Water Authority; and 1,540 tons of construction aggregate and 60 tons cement for GDB. They also allowed the entry of 390 tons of fodders and 507 tons of wheat.

On Thursday, 13 December 2012, the Israeli forces allowed the entry of 80 tons of cement, 100 tons of construction steel, 3,710 tons of construction aggregate for UNRWA; 1,400 tons of construction aggregate for the Palestinian Water Authority; and 2,170 tons of construction aggregate and 77 tons of construction steel for GDB. They also allowed the entry of 546 tons of fodders and 360 tons of wheat.

On Sunday, 16 December 2012, the Israeli forces allowed the entry of 280 tons of cement, 70 tons of construction steel, 6,720 tons of construction aggregate for UNRWA; and 1,470 tons of construction aggregate for the Palestinian Water Authority. They also allowed the entry of 507 tons of fodders and 468 tons of wheat.

On Monday, 17 December 2012, Israeli forces allowed the entry of 160 tons of cement, 70 tons of construction steel and 5,320 tons of construction aggregate for UNRWA; 2,520 tons of construction aggregates for the Palestinian Water Authority. They also allowed the entry of 702 tons of fodders and 468 tons of wheat.

Movement at the Beit Hanoun (Erez) Crossing 12 - 18 December 2012

Category 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 December December December December December December December Patients 27 29 7 Nil 27 35 50 Companions 25 28 7 Nil 30 27 48 Personal 23 28 8 Nil 21 70 26 needs Arabs from 2 9 8 Nil 26 4 Nil Israel Diplomats 2 13 Nil Nil 3 9 16

International 2 3 1 Nil 1 2 Nil Journalists International 28 80 10 Nil 20 41 33 Workers UN Workers 10 4 Nil Nil Nil 2 7 Travelers 1 Nil Nil Nil 3 Nil 1 abroad Business 90 93 Nil Nil 100 88 90 People Economic Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Meetings Security 1 Nil Nil Nil 1 1 6 Interviews VIPs Nil Nil 1 Nil Nil 2 Nil Ambulances 2 5 2 Nil 4 1 2 to Israel Ambulances Nil 1 Nil Nil 3 Nil 1 from Israel

Note: The Israeli forces allowed 55 relatives of prisoners to visit 34 prisoners in Israeli jails.

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

Qalqilya: Israeli forces have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. On Thursday, 13 December 2012, Israeli forces established 5 checkpoints throughout the city. The first checkpoint was established at approximately 11:40 by the entrance of Jinasafout village; the second was established at approximately 14:00 by the entrance of Kuffor Kadoum village; and the third checkpoint was established at approximately 17:00 at the intersection of Amatyn village; the checkpoint was re-established at approximately 19:30 on the same day. All mentioned checkpoints were established on the Nablus - Qalqilya road, and they were removed later. No arrests were reported. at approximately 19:20, Israeli forces established another checkpoint between Jaious and Kuffor Jamal villages, northeast of Qalqilya. At approximately 18:30 on Saturday, 15 December 2012, Israeli forces established a checkpoint between 'Azzoun and Izzbat al-Tabib villages, east of the city. The same checkpoint was re-established on Sunday, 16 December 2012, at approximately 18:00. On Monday, 17 December 2012, Israeli forces established 3 checkpoints throughout Qalqilya. The first checkpoint was established at approximately 14:30 between 'Azzoun and Izzbat al- Tabib villages; the second one was established at approximately 14:35 at the northern entrance of 'Azzoun village; while the third checkpoint was established at approximately 15:20 at the northern entrance of Qalqilya. These checkpoints were established on Nablus – Qalqilya road. All checkpoints were removed later; no arrests were reported.

Jenin: Israeli forces have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. At approximately 21:00 on Friday, 14 December 2012, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the entrance of Deir Abu-Da'if village, southeast of Jenin. The checkpoint was removed later; no arrests were reported. At approximately 08:00 on Sunday, 16 December 2012, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the entrance of Faqou'a village, northeast of Jenin. At approximately 10:30 on Monday, 17 December, Israeli forces established a checkpoint by the entrance of Kaffrit village, southwest of the city. At 14:00, another checkpoint was established at the southern entrance of Jenin, on Jenin – Tulkarm road. All checkpoints were removed later; no arrests were reported.

Tulkarm: Israeli forces have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. At approximately 19:00 on Thursday, 13 December 2012, Israeli forces established a checkpoint on the western street (Natania), which leads to the Israeli industrial area, established on Palestinian lands, west of Tulkarm. It should be mentioned that the checkpoint was established in Section (A) which falls under Palestinian jurisdiction according to the . At approximately 21:00 on Friday, 14 December 2012, Israeli forces established a checkpoint in the location checkpoint that used to stand on Tulkarm-Qalqilya road, near the entrance of Jabbara village. The village is isolated from its surroundings due to the construction of the annexation wall, south of Tulkarm. At approximately 16:30 on Monday, 17 December 2012, Israeli forces established a checkpoint on Tulkarm – Nablus road, near the intersection Beit Leid village. All checkpoints were removed later; no arrests were reported.

Hebron: Israeli forces have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. At approximately 08:00 on Friday, 14 December 2012, Israeli foreces established a checkpoint at Abu Reisha Valley, west of Ethna village, west of Hebron. At approximately 18:00, another checkpoint was established at the entrance of the central market of Beit Ummar village, north of Hebron, which leads to the western villages of the city. At approximately 18:00 on Tuesday, 18 December 2012, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the entrance of al-Jalajel village, northeast of Hebron. At approximately 06:30 on Wednesday, 19 December 2012, Israeli forces established a checkpoint by the entrance of al-Fawwar Refugee Camp, south of Hebron. At approximately 07:00, a similar checkpoint was established by the eastern entrance of Sa'ir village. All checkpoints were later removed; no arrests were reported.

Salfit: Israeli forces have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. At approximately 08:50 on Thursday, 13 December 2012, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the entrance of Kuffor al-Deik village, west of Salfit. And at approximately 21:00, anther checkpoint was established by the entrance of Deir Balout village, west of the town. At approximately 16:35 on Friday, 14 December 2012, Israeli forces established a checkpoint between Bourqin and Kuffor al-Deik villages, west of Salfit. All checkpoints were later removed; no arrests were reported.

Bethlehem: Israeli forces have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. At approximately 16:10 on Saturday, 15 December 2012, Israeli forces established a checkpoint by the entrance of Beit Fajjar village, south of Bethlehem. The same checkpoint was established at approximately 18:00 on Tuesday, 18 December 2012.

Detention at Military Checkpoints

At approximately 18:30 on Thursday, 13 December 2012, Israeli forces, stationed at the northern entrance of Bethlehem, near Bilal Bin Rabah Mosque (Rachel's Tomb), arrested two children; Mo'tasem Hisham al-Ameer, 15, from al-'Izza Refugee Camp, north of Bethlehem; and Helmi Basem al-Qaisey, 16, from 'Ayda Refugee Camp, north of the town too. The forces transported the children to an unknown destination and proclaimed they threw rocks at the soldiers.

At approximately 11:10 on Friday, 14 December 2012, Israeli forces, established a checkpoint at the entrance of Kuffor Qadoum village, northeast of Qalqilya, arrested two children; Mohammed Khaled Amine Basalat, 17; and 'Awwad Hamed Nofal, 17, both from Hajja village. They were both transported to an unknown destination.

4. Settlement Activities and Attacks by Settlers against Palestinian Civilians and Property

Israel has continued its settlement activities in the oPt, in violation of international humanitarian law, and Israeli settlers have continued to attack Palestinian civilians and property.

At early morning hours on Friday, 14 December 2012, a group of settlers coming from "Betar Illit" settlement, established on lands of al-'Arqoub villages (Housan; al-Khader; Fouqin Valley and ) and from " Navi Daniel" settlement, established on the lands of al-Khader village, south of Bethlehem, uprooted 200 olive trees, between 2 and 4 years old, in Shu'ab al-'Ejl area, southwest of al-Khader village, located between "Ein Kesis" settlement outpost and "Beitar Elite" settlement, belonging to Ahmed Hussain Salah (70), from al-Khader village.

In his testimony to a PCHR fieldworker, Ahmed Salah, coordinator of the Popular Movement against Settlement Activity, that the trees were cut using an electric chainsaw and they were piled on the ground. He added that the settlers have escalated their attacks against the civilians, especially the uprooting of the olive trees, after Nadia Mattar, a leader among the settlers, posted invites on her Facebook page, urging the settlers to cut the olive trees in al-Khader village. Famer Ahmed Hussain Salah also stated that the last time he was at his farm was a week ago, and that he was surprised to see the olive trees cut when he went there on Friday.

At approximately 09:00 on Friday, 14 December 2012, Israeli forces, accompanied with a number of military vehicles and officers of the Israeli Planning and Construction Department, raided Ma'in area, near al-Karmel village, east of Yatta, south of Hebron. Mahmoud Ibrahim Shahada Makhamra, 63, was submitted a destruction notice of his two-storey house of 170 square meters, which is occupied by a 10-member family.

At approximately 08:00 on Monday, 17 December 2012, a group of settlers from "Beit Hagai" settlement, established on Palestinian civilians' lands in Hebron, attacked the Palestinian lands in al-Reyhya village, south of Hebron, in an attempt to confiscate it and cut the trees. The farmers stood to the settlers' attack; then an Israeli forces unit raided the area, forced the Palestinian civilians to leave and declared the area a closed military zone. Before withdrawing, the Israeli forces arrested Ibrahim Abdallah al-Toubasi, 60, and transported him to an unknown destination.

Also on Monday, at approximately 09:00, the Israeli forces denied Palestinian farmers, from Haribat al-Nabi village, south of Yatta, access to their lands, under Also on Monday, at approximately 09:00, the Israeli forces denied Palestinian farmers, from Haribat al-Nabi village, south of Yatta, access to their lands, under pretext that it is under Israeli jurisdiction; therefore, they need to obtain permits from the concerned Israeli authorities. According to Nasser Humaid's testimony to a PCHR fieldworker, for years now, the settlers have released their cattle in the 100 dunums land after planting it, in order to destroy the crops. For a whole year, the farmers did not attempt to plant the area. However, following that year, they went to plow it and then an Israeli police patrol arrived and stayed for a few minutes before leaving. Less than an hour later, Israeli forces raided the area and ordered the farmers to leave immediately. The farmers were told that they needed to review the Israeli court before entering this land, under pretext that it falls under section (C); therefore, under Israeli full control. Hummaid also pointed out that the Israeli forces are trying to cease control over the 100 dunums land in order to expand "Susyia" settlement, as has happened with farmlands located by the settlement's security fence.

At approximately 10:40 on Monday, "Emmanuel" settlement's security service arrested Mahmoud Faried Mohammed Basheir, 34, while he was herding his sheep in his land, known as al-Hariega. He was detained for an hour, with his hands tied with a plastic bond, under pretext that he neared the settlement's security fence.

At approximately 17:00 on Monday, a group of settlers from "Kiryat Arba" settlement, established on Palestinian lands, southeast of Hebron, attacked civilian lands in Jales area, south of the city, tried to cut and uproot olive trees in the area near the settlement's security fence.

At approximately 07:30 on Tuesday, 18 December 2012, Israeli forces, accompanied with officers from the Israeli Civilian Administration, raided Tarrousa village, west of Doura, southwest of Hebron, and submitted three civilians destruction notices for 4 houses, under pretext that it is in section (C); therefore, under Israeli full control. The houses belong to:

1. Ali Mahmoud Moussa Masalma, a two-storey house of 180 square meters, occupied by 17 persons. 2. Hussain Moussa al-Haroub (54), a one-storey house of 150 square meters, still under construction. 3. Salama Hassan Abu-Zanid al-Sharha, two houses of 180 square meters, two-storey each.

Recommendations to the International Community

1. PCHR calls upon the High Contracting Parties to the Fourth Geneva Convention to fulfill their legal and moral obligations under Article 1 of the Convention to ensure Israel's respect for the Convention in the Occupied Palestinian Territory. PCHR believes that the conspiracy of silence practiced by the international community has encouraged Israel to act as if it is above the law and encourages Israel continue to violate international human rights and humanitarian law.

2. PCHR calls upon the High Contracting Parties to the Fourth Geneva Convention to convene a conference to take effective steps to ensure Israel's respect of the Convention in the OPT and to provide immediate protection for Palestinian civilians.

3. PCHR calls upon the High Contracting Parties to the Fourth Geneva Convention to comply with their legal obligations detailed in Article 146 of the Convention to search for and prosecute those responsible for grave breaches, namely war crimes.

4. PCHR calls for the immediate implementation of the Advisory Opinion issued by the International Court of Justice, which considers the construction of the Annexation Wall inside the West Bank illegal.

5. PCHR recommends that international civil society organizations, including human rights organizations, bar associations and NGOs, participate in the process of exposing those accused of grave breaches of international law and urge their governments to bring the perpetrators to justice.

6. PCHR calls upon the European Union to activate Article 2 of the Euro-Israel Association Agreement, which provides that Israel must respect human rights as a precondition for economic cooperation between the EU states and Israel. PCHR further calls upon the EU states to prohibit import of goods produced in illegal Israeli settlements in the OPT.

7. PCHR calls on the international community to recognize the Gaza disengagement plan, which was implemented in September 2005, for what it is - not an end to occupation but a compounding of the occupation and the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip.

8. In recognition of ICRC as the guardian of the Fourth Geneva Convention, PCHR calls upon the ICRC to increase its staff and activities in the OPT, including the facilitation of family visitations to Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails.

9. PCHR appreciates the efforts of international civil society, including human rights organizations, bar associations, unions and NGOs, and urges them to continue their role in pressuring their governments to secure Israel's respect for human rights in the OPT and to demand Israel end its attacks on Palestinian civilians.

10. PCHR calls upon the international community to pressure Israel to lift the severe restrictions imposed by the Israeli government and its occupation forces on access for international organizations to the OPT.

11. PCHR reiterates that any political settlement not based on international human rights law and humanitarian law cannot lead to a peaceful and just solution of the Palestinian question. Rather, such an arrangement can only lead to further suffering and instability in the region. Any peace process or agreement must be based on respect for international law, including international human rights and humanitarian law.

………………………………………………………… 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 (0)8 282 4776 – 282 5893).

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