Weekly Report On Israeli Human Rights Violations in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (08 – 14 December 2016)

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

(08 – 14 December 2016)

Israeli forces continued to use excessive force in the oPt

A Palestinian boy was killed at Za’tara checkpoint, south of Nablus, and another civilian was killed in occupied Jerusalem. An activist was wounded in al­Eisawiya village, north of Jerusalem.

Israeli forces conducted 56 incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank and 10 ones in occupied Jerusalem. 76 civilians, including 13 children and a journalist, were arrested. Twenty­three of them, including 11 children and the journalist, were arrested in occupied Jerusalem. Birzait University was raided and belongings of student unions were confiscated.

Israeli forces continued to target Palestinian fishermen in the Gaza Strip Sea.

Israeli forces continued their efforts to create Jewish majority in occupied East Jerusalem. 2 families were obliged to self­demolish parts of a 3­storey building in Silwan village, south of the city. A residential barrack, a storage barrack and a commercial facility were demolished in Sour Baher under the pretext they were close to the annexation wall. 3 NGOs were raided; a musical activity in one of them was banned and PC sets were confiscated from another.

Settlement activities continued in the West Bank. Settlers cut off 190 olive trees in Termis’ya village, northeast of Ramallah.

Israeli forces turned the West Bank into cantons and continued to impose the illegal closure on the Gaza Strip for the 9th Dozens of temporary checkpoints were established in the West Bank and others were re­established to obstruct the movement of Palestinian civilians. 7 Palestinian civilians, including 2 children, were arrested at military checkpoints.

Summary

Israeli violations of international law and international humanitarian law in the oPt continued during the reporting period (08 – 14 December 2016).

Shooting:

Israeli forces have continued to commit crimes, inflicting civilian casualties. They have also continued to use excessive force against Palestinian civilians participating in peaceful protests in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, the majority of whom were youngsters. During the reporting period, Israeli forces wounded a Palestinian boy in the northern West Bank and a civilian in Jerusalem’s Old City, while wounded an activist in al­Eisawiya village, northeast of the city.

In the West Bank, in excessive use of deadly force, on 08 December 2016, Israeli forces stationed at Za’tara checkpoint, south of Nablus, killed a Palestinian boy from Qalqilya. Israeli forces claimed the boy attempted to stab Israeli soldiers and settlers at the checkpoint, therefore, they opened fire at him. They kept his corpse in custody.

In a similar crime, on 14 December 2016, Israeli forces opened fire at a Palestinian young man who was present near the Hospice Hotel in al­Wad neighbourhood in East Jerusalem’s Old City. As a result, he sustained over 10 bullet wounds throughout his body. He was left bleeding for over half an hour, as Israeli forces prevented paramedics and doctors from offering first aid to him. Israeli forces then transported him to Hadassa Hospital as his health condition was critical, but he was pronounced dead on the same day evening. Israeli forces claimed the aforementioned person stabbed an Israeli soldier.

On 12 December 2016, an Israeli soldier fired a rubber­coated metal bullet at Mohammed Abu al­Hommos, an activist in al­Eisawiya follow­up committee, northeast of Jerusalem, as he was documenting the Israeli violations during an Israeli incursion in the village. As a result Abu al­Hommos sustained a bullet wound to the left leg and was then transported to a medical centre for medical treatment.

In the context of force used against peaceful protests, Israeli forces forcibly dispersed protests organized by dozens of Palestinian civilians and international and Israeli human rights activists against the annexation wall and settlement activities in Bil’in and Ni’lin villages, west of Ramallah; al­Nabi Saleh village, northwest of the city; Termis’ya village, northeast of the city; and Kufor Qaddoum village, northeast of Qalqilya. As a result, dozens of protesters suffered tear gas inhalation and other sustained bruises as they were beaten up by Israeli soldiers.

In the Gaza Strip, in the context of targeting Palestinian fishermen in the sea, on 11 December 2016, Israeli gunboats stationed off Khan Younis shore in the southern Gaza Strip heavily opened fire around Palestinian fishing boats sailing within the allowed fishing area. A similar attacked occurred in the same area on 12 December 2016. The fishermen sailed back fearing for their lives. Neither casualties nor material damage were reported.

Incursions:

During the reporting period, Israeli forces conducted at least 56 military incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank and 10 others in occupied Jerusalem and its suburbs. During these incursions, Israeli forces arrested at least 76 Palestinian civilians, including 13 children and a journalist. Twenty­three of them, including 11 children and the journalist, were arrested in occupied Jerusalem.

During the reporting period, Israeli forces raided Birzait University, north of Ramallah. They raided the student council office and rooms of student unions and confiscated some contents. Moreover, Israeli soldiers raided a number of offices and damaged the doors.

Creating Jewish majority in occupied East Jerusalem:

In the context of house demolitions, on 08 December 2016, two families were obliged to self­demolish parts of their building in Sweih neighbourhood in Silwan village, south of East Jerusalem’s Old City.

On 13 December 2016, Israeli forces demolished a residential barrack, a storage barrack and a commercial facility in sour Baher village, south of occupied Jerusalem, under the pretext they were close to the annexation wall.

In the context of targeting NGOs in occupied Jerusalem, on 08 December 2016, Israeli forces raided Elia for Media office in Saladin Street. They searched it and confiscated 3 PC sets and some documents. They then arrested journalist Lama Hani Ghousha (25), questioned her and released her later.

On the same day, Israeli forces raided the Palestinian National Theater “al­Hakawati” and banned a musical activity under the pretext it was organized by the Palestinian Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP).

on 09 December 2016, Israeli forces raided and searched Mada Center for Creativity in Batn al­Hawa neighbourhood in Silwan village, south of East Jerusalem’s Old City.

Settlement activities and settlers’ attacks against Palestinian civilians and their property:

On 12 December 2016, Israeli forces confiscated a container used as a restaurant in Koza area at the main entrance to Beita village, south of Nablus. The container belongs to Mahmoud Ouda, whose restaurant was demolished on 03 November 2016. Therefore, he set up the container to make a living.

On 13 December 2016, Israeli forces confiscated a caravan used as a mobile clinic in Kherbet al­Markaz, east of Yatta, south of Hebron. This caravan works under the supervision of the Palestinian Ministry of Health and offer services to about 120 civilians in Kherbet al­Markaz and Kherbet Janaba.

In the same context, a group of settlers from “Adi Ad” settlement outpost attacked a plot of land and cut off 190 olive trees on 11 December 2016.

Restrictions on movement:

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

The illegal closure of the Gaza Strip, which has been steadily tightened since June 2007 has had a disastrous impact on the humanitarian and economic situation in the Gaza Strip. The Israeli authorities impose measures to undermine the freedom of trade, including the basic needs for the Gaza Strip population and the agricultural and industrial products to be exported. For 9 consecutive years, Israel has tightened the land and naval closure to isolate the Gaza Strip from the West Bank, including occupied Jerusalem, and other countries around the world. This resulted in grave violations of the economic, social and cultural rights and a deterioration of living conditions for 2 million people. The Israeli authorities have established Karm Abu Salem (Kerem Shaloum) as the sole crossing for imports and exports in order to exercise its control over the Gaza Strip’s economy. They also aim at imposing a complete ban on the Gaza Strip’s exports. The Israeli closure raised the rate of poverty to 65%. Moreover, the rate of unemployment increased up to 47% and youth constitutes 65% of the unemployed persons. Moreover, 80% of the Gaza Strip population depends on international aid to secure their minimum daily needs. These rates indicate the unprecedented economic deterioration in the Gaza Strip.

In the West Bank, Israeli forces continued to suffocate the Palestinian cities and village by imposing military checkpoints around and/or between them. This created “cantons” isolated from each other that hinders the movement of civilians. Moreover, the Palestinian civilians suffering aggravated because of the annexation wall and checkpoints erected on daily basis to catch Palestinians.

Details

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

Thursday, 08 December 2016

At approximately 01:00, Israeli forces moved into Balata village, east of Nablus. They raided and searched several houses after which they arrested 3 civilians, including 2 brothers, and took them to Hawarah Detention Center, south of the city. The arrested civilians were identified as Mohammed Azam Hazaa’ (25), his brother Osama (27) and Bassam Awad Abu al­Sharif (29). At approximately 19:00, Israeli forces released Bassam while kept the Hazaa’ brothers in custody.

Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into al­Dhaheriyah village, south of Hebron, and stationed at Eshbiliya intersection in the centre of the city. Three military jeeps moved into al­Khoukhah and al­Deir areas where dozens of young men gathered and threw stones at the Israeli soldiers. The soldiers deployed between shops and fired sound bombs and tear gas canisters in response. Moreover, they arrested Maher Anas Wureidat (22) taking him to the place where the military jeeps were stationed. After that, the Israeli forces raided and searched a house belonging to Mohammed Hasan al­Tal (31) in Juret al­Duma neighborhood and handed him a summons to refer to the Israeli Intelligence Service at Mitar crossing, south of the city. They also raided a mobile phones shop after damaging its door with special equipment. At approximately 04:00, Israeli forces withdrew from the village making their way to “Tina” settlement, southeast of the village, and took Maher to an unknown destination.

At approximately 01:30, Israeli forces moved into Beit Ummer village, north of Hebron, and stationed in Beit Za’tah area. They raided and searched a house belonging to Nasri Rashid Sabarnah (58) and then arrested his son Rashid (22). They handed his son Ahmed (20) a summons to refer to the Israeli Intelligence Service in “Gush Etzion” settlement complex ,south of Bethlehem.

At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into Yatta, south of Hebron, and stationed in al­Berkah and Ruq’aah areas. They raided and searched 3 houses and then handed summonses to Osama Musalam Shraiteh (33) and Thaer Mohammed al­ Nawaj’ah (29) to refer to the Israeli Intelligence Service in “Gush Etzion” settlement complex ,south of Bethlehem. They also arrested Ra’fat Musalam Thiab Abu Qabitah (31).

At approximately 02:30, Israeli forces moved into Tulkarm. They raided and searched several houses. They then arrested 3 civilians and withdrew at approximately 05:00 taking them to an unknown destination. The arrested civilians were identified as Husam Khaled Mahmu Tamam (32), Abdul Fattah Fayez Sharif Qudoumi (32) and Osaid Marwan Abdul Ruhman Qouzeh (22).

At approximately 03:00, Israeli forces moved into Hebron. They raided and searched 2 houses and then arrested Mohammed Yaser al­Qawasmah (32) and Abdul Ruhman Osama al­Duwaik (26). They withdrew, taking them to an unknown destination. At approximately 03:30, Israeli forces moved into Jenin. They raided and searched several houses and then arrested Fathi Mohammed ‘Atoum (30). They withdrew at approximately 04:30, taking him to an unknown destination.

In excessive used of lethal force, Israeli forces stationed at Za’tarah checkpoint, south of Nablus, killed a Palestinian civilian from Qalqiliyah. They claimed that they opened fire at him while he was trying to carry out a stabbing attack against the soldiers and settlers, who were present at the checkpoint. According to investigations conducted by PCHR, at approximately 08:50, Israeli forces stationed at Za’tarah checkpoint, south of Nablus, fired several live bullets at Mohammed Jehad Husain Hurb Maskawi (18) from al­Naqqar neighborhood in Qalqiliyah. As a result, Mohammed sustained live bullet wounds to the head and immediately died. Mohammed was standing at the checkpoint. It should be noted that the Israeli forces kept Mohammed’s body in custody.

At approximately 17:30, a group of Israeli undercover agents dressed like Palestinian civilians in 2 civilian cars with Israeli registration plates sneaked into Birzeit village, north of Ramallah. They stopped at the crossroad of Birzeit University. While Abdul Ruhman Hamdan (22), a student from al­Birah, was leaving the university, the undercover agents arrested him and took him to an unknown destination.

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (5) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: Sebastia village, northwest of Nablus; al­‘Aroub refugee camp, Beit Oula; al­ Koum and al­Hudab villages in Hebron.

Friday, 09 December 2016

In the early morning, Israeli forces moved into Ras Karkar village, west of Ramallah. They raided and searched a house belonging to Nour Saleh Noufal (27) and then arrested him.

At approximately 03:00, Israeli forces moved into Beit Fajjar village, south of Bethlehem. They raided and searched a house belonging to Mohammed Abdullah al­Bulees (29) and then arrested him.

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (4) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: Surra village, southwest of Nablus; Ethan, Beit Ummer and al­Samou’i villages in Hebron.

Saturday, 10 December 2016

At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into Dura, southwest of Hebron, and stationed in Abu Helal area. They raided and searched a house belonging to Moneer Mahmud Abu Sharar (33) and then arrested him.

At approximately 03:00, Israeli forces moved into al­Tabaqah village, south of Dura, southwest of Hebron, and stationed in Kharab al­Rub neighbourhood. They raided and searched a house belonging to ‘Ali Mahmud Abu ‘Atwan (58) and then handed his son Fadi (27) a summons to refer to the Israeli Intelligence Services in “Gush Etzion” settlement complex, south of Bethlehem.

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (3) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: ‘Iraq Burin village, southwest of Nablus; al­Thaheriyah and Sa’ir villages in Hebron.

Sunday, 11 December 2016

At approximately 01:00, Israeli forces moved into Beit Ummer village, north of Hebron, and stationed in ‘Ereq al­Tout neighbourhood. They raided and searched a house belonging to Ahmed Mahmud Ekhmies (60) and handed summonses to his sons Mohammed (33) and Murad (35) to refer to the Israeli Intelligence Services in “Gush Etzion” settlement complex, south of Bethlehem.

At approximately 03:00, Israeli forces moved into al­Am’ari refugee camp, south of Ramallah. They raided and searched a house belonging to Suleiman Ibrahim Khalil Shamali and then arrested him.

Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Jenin and its camp. They raided and searched several houses and then arrested Mos’ab Mahmud Haleijah (22), Ahmed Mousa Haleijah (50) and Fathi Mohammed ‘Atoum (30). They withdrew at approximately 04:30, taking the arrested civilians to an unknown destination.

At approximately 18:00, Israeli gunboats stationed northwest of Khan Yunis shore, in the southern Gaza Strip, opened fire at Palestinian fishing boats. As a result, the fishermen were forced to flee for fear of being arrested or wounded, so neither casualties nor material damage were reported.

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

Monday, 12 December 2016

In the early morning, Israeli forces moved into Silwad village, northeast of Ramallah. They raided and searched 2 houses belonging to Mohammed ‘Omer Husain Hamed (19) and Shadi ‘Azzam Abdul Karim Hamed (23) and then arrested both of them.

At approximately 01:00, Israeli forces moved into al­‘Aroub refugee camp, north of Hebron, and stationed in al­Fuqa neighbourhood. They raided and searched 5 houses from which they arrested 5 civilians and took them to an unknown destination. The arrested civilians were identified as Ayham Naser al­Junaidi (26), Mohammed Abed al­Baset Abu Riyah (28), Bahaa” Maje al­Raa’i (23), Khader Yusuf Lafi (22) and Mohammed Khaled Abu Sal (25).

At approximately 02:00, large Israeli forces moved into al­Duheisha refugee camp, south of Bethlehem, from 3 entrances. They stationed in al­Salam an al­Jarashi neighbourhoods. They then raided and searched several houses, including the house of Mo’ath Jadallah al­Zaghari (24) and handed him a summons to refer to the Israeli Intelligence Services in “Gush Etzion” settlement complex, south of the city.

Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Hebron and stationed in Nemrah neighbourhood. They raided and searched a house belonging to Adam Amjad al­‘Ouweiwi (20) and then arrested him.

At approximately 03:00, Israeli forces moved into Qabatiya village, south of Jenin. They raided and searched a number of houses and then arrested Mo’men Sa’id Kamil (25). At approximately 05:30, they withdrew, taking him to an unknown destination.

At approximately 03:30, Israeli forces moved into Tulkarm and Nour Shams refugee camp, east of the city. They raided and searched several houses and then arrested Mohammed Kamel Tawfiq Hakim (18). At approximately 04:30, Israeli forces withdrew, taking the arrested civilian to an unknown destination.

At approximately 12:00, Israeli forces moved into Silwad village, northeast of Ramallah, for the second time in the same day. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Mohammed Abdul Kareem Mahmud Hammad (16) and handed him a summons to refer to the Israeli Intelligence Services.

At approximately 18:30, Israeli gunboats stationed off Khan Yunis shore, in the southern Gaza Strip, opened fire at Palestinian fishing boats and chased them. As a result, fishermen were forced to flee for fear of being arrested or wounded, so neither casualties nor material damage were reported.

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (4) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: Tarqumiya, Beit Aula, Deir al­‘Asal and Tarama villages in Hebron.

Tuesday, 13 December 2016

At approximately 01:00, Israeli forces moved into Kafer Thuluth village, east of Qalqiliyah. They raided and searched 2 houses belonging to Khalil Abdul ‘Aziz Khalil Abu Haniyah (30) and Ahmed Zuhair Abu Haniyah (35) and handed them 2 summonses to refer to the Israeli Intelligence Service. They later withdrew from the village and no arrests were reported.

Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Qalqiliyah. They raided and searched a car workshop belonging to Khalil Mohammed Kashmer. They later withdrew from the city and no arrests were reported.

At approximately 01:10, Israeli forces moved into Nablus. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of prisoner Wa’el al­‘Amoudi in al­Sekkah Street, west of the city. They also raided and searched a house belonging to prisoner Ahmed Hani Mohammed Hamdi, who was arrested 34 years ago. They then confiscated gold jewelry belonging to Ahmed’s sister Asmaa’.

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (4) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: Deir Netham village, west of Ramallah; Sa’ir, al­Tabaqah and Kharsa villages in Hebron.

Wednesday, 14 December 2016

At approximately 00:30, Israeli forces moved into Madama village, south of Nablus. They raided and searched several houses and then arrested 16 civilians and maltreated them. They forced the arrested civilians to walk in the cold and rainy weather towards Madama Secondary School For Girls in the northern side of the village. They then questioned them inside a classroom. In the morning, Israeli forces released them (PCHR keeps the names of the arrested civilians).

Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into ‘Ourif village, south of Nablus. They raided and searched a house belonging to Nehad Abdul Hafiz Mohammed Shuhadah (41) and then arrested him.

At approximately 01:30, Israeli forces moved into ‘Asker refugee camp, northeast of Nablus. They raided and searched a house belonging to Eslam Hasan al­Rufa’i (22)

At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces accompanied with 20 military jeeps moved into Birzeit University, north of Ramallah. They raided and searched the head office of the students council and rooms of the student unions in the university. They also confiscated belongings of the Islamic Union affiliated with Hamas movement. Moreover, Israeli forces raided and searched some administrative offices and damaged their doors.

At approximately 03:00, Israeli forces moved into al­Dheisheh refugee camp, southeast of Bethlehem. They raided and searched a house belonging to Mohammed Maher ‘Ata ‘Amarnah (27) and then arrested him.

At approximately 03:30, Israeli forces moved into al­Dahiyah neighbourhood, southeast of Nablus. They raided and searched a house belonging to Nufal Kamal Jaber Abu Kashek (50). They then arrested Nufal and took him to an un unknown destination.

At approximately 04:00, Israeli forces moved into Tal village, southwest of Nablus. They raided and searched a house belonging to Hammam Abdul Rahman Ass’ad Reihan (19), an engineering student at Najah National University in Nablus. They then arrested him and took him to an unknown destination.

Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Beit Fajjar village, south of Bethlehem. They raided and searched a number of houses and then arrested 2 children namely Rabi’ ‘Alaa’ Taqatqa (14) and Wesam Jamal Taqatqa (14).

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

West Bank:

Following the Friday prayer on Friday, 09 December 2016, dozens of Palestinian civilians and Israeli and international human rights defenders organized demonstrations in Bil’in and Ni’lin villages, west of Ramallah; al­Nabi Saleh village, northwest of the city; and Kafer Qadoum village, northeast of Qalqiliyah, protesting against the annexation wall and settlement activities. Israeli forces forcibly dispersed the protests, firing live and metal bullets, tear gas canisters and sound bombs. They also chased the protesters into olive fields and between the houses. As a result, many of the protesters suffered tear gas inhalation while others sustained bruises as Israeli soldiers beat them up.

At approximately 12:30, on the same day, dozens of Palestinian civilians organized an activity commemorating the death of the Palestinian Minister Ziad Abu Ain, near Termis’aya village, northeast of Ramallah. Israeli forces forcibly dispersed the protests, firing metal bullets, tear gas canisters and sound bombs. As a result, many of the protesters suffered tear gas inhalation. It should be noted that Ziad Abu Ain died on 10 December 2014, after the Israeli soldiers attacked and beat him in a demonstration to plant olive trees in Termis’aya village.

2. Continued closure of the oPt

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

Gaza Strip

Israeli forces continuously tighten the closure of the Gaza Strip and close all commercial crossings, making the Karm Abu Salem crossing the sole commercial crossing of the Gaza Strip, although it is not suitable for commercial purposes in terms of its operational capacity and distance from markets. Israeli forces have continued to apply the policy, which is aimed to tighten the closure on all commercial crossings, by imposing total control over the flow of imports and exports.

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

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

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

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

Note: the table is not available for technical problems and will be published next week.

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

(27 November – 03 December 2016)

28 01 02 03 Date 27 November 29 November 30 November November December December December Total Imports 574 558 549 499 607 – – Various goods truckloads 210 214 246 204 222 – – Humanitarian truckloads 144 131 117 119 131 – – aid Cooking gas liters 259.102 256.650 240.700 263.050 263.270 – – Benzene liters 188,979 150,962 149,003 37,998 375,949 – – Diesel liters 485,989 634,944 294,965 148.981 779,318 – – Industrial fuel liters 265,982 148,984 338,994 301,771 370,941 – – Cement Tons 3311 3560 2840 3120 3596 – –

Bulk cement truckloads 6 7 2 7 5 – – Construction Tons 12720 12240 10703 10480 13880 – – aggregates Construction truckloads 28 8 14 2 16 – – steel

On Sunday, 27 November 2016, the Israeli authorities allowed the exportation of 5.340 tons of cucumbers; 98.690 tons of tomatoes; 3.300 tons of eggplants; 3.930 tons of 4.800 tons of peppers; 4.400 tons of sweet peppers; 7.200 tons of palms; and 3.740 tons of squash. On Monday, 28 November 2016, the Israeli authorities allowed the exportation of 1.820 tons of eggplants; 10.880 tons of cucumbers; 54.400 tons of tomatoes; 1.470 tons of peppers; 4 tons of sweet peppers; 8.450 tons of palms; 1.600 tons of squash; 500 tons of animal skin; 92 tons of iron scrap; and 24 tons of aluminum scrap. On Wednesday, 30 November 2016, the Israeli authorities allowed the exportation of 5 tons of clothes; 100 tons of iron scrap; and 26 tons of aluminum scrap. On Thursday, 01 December 2016, the Israeli authorities allowed the exportation of 11 truckloads of vegetables; a truckload of animal skin; and a truckload of strawberries.

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

Hebron: Israeli forces established (18) checkpoints all over the city.

On Thursday, 08 December 2016, Israeli forces established 3 checkpoints at the southern entrance to Hebron, at the entrances to Beit ‘Awaa village and al­Fawar refugee camp.

On Friday, 09 December 2016, Israeli forces established 3 similar checkpoints at the entrances to Deir Samet, Beit Ummer and Sa’ir villages.

On Saturday, 10 December 2016, Israeli forces established 3 checkpoints at the northern entrance to Halhoul village, at the entrances to Beit Ummer and Karzah villages.

On Sunday, 11 December 2016, Israeli forces established 3 similar checkpoints at the entrances to Sa’ir and Rabood villages and al­ Fawar refugee camp.

On Monday 12 December 2016, Israeli forces established 3 checkpoints at the southern entrance to Halhoul village; at the entrance to Beit ‘Awaa village; and on Farsh al­Hawa road.

On Tuesday, 13 December 2016, Israeli forces established 3 checkpoints at the entrances to al­Koum, al­Shayyoukh and Ethna villages.

Ramallah and al­Bireh: Israeli forces established (7) checkpoints all over the city.

On Thursday, 08 December 2016, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the intersection of al­Tayiba village (on al­Mo’arajat road between Ramallah and Jericho), while they closed a road between Selwad and ‘Ain Yabroud villages, east of Ramallah, with cement cubes.

At approximately 21:00 on Friday, 09 December 2016, Israeli forces closed the entrance to al­Nabi Saleh village, northwest of Ramallah, with an iron gate. They also prevented civilians from crossing through the abovementioned entrance.

On Saturday, 10 December 2016, Israeli forces established 4 checkpoints at the entrance to Selwad village, northeast of Ramallah; at the intersection of ‘Ain Sinnah village, north of the city (this checkpoint was established twice); and at the entrance to al­Nabi Saleh village, northwest of the city.

At approximately 11:00 on Monday, 12 December 2016, Israeli forces closed a road between Selwad and ‘Ain Yabroud villages. At approximately 17:30, Israeli forces accompanied by bulldozers closed agricultural roads between al­Moghier village and other lands around it. Around the same time, they established a checkpoint at the entrance to Termas’iya villages, northeast of Ramallah.

At approximately 12:00 on Tuesday, 13 December 2016, Israeli forces established a checkpoint on al­Mo’arajat road, northeast of Ramallah.

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

At approximately 00:20 on Thursday, 08 December 2016, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the eastern entrance to Qalqilyia.

On Friday, 09 December 2016, Israeli forces established 3 checkpoints at the eastern entrance to Qalqilyia; at the entrance to Kafur Qaddoum village, northeast of Qalaqilyia; and under the bridge of Hablah village, south of the city.

At approximately 13:40 on Saturday, 10 December 2016, Israeli forces established 2 similar checkpoints at the eastern entrance to Qalqilyia; and at the entrance to Emateen village, northeast of the village. At approximately 23:10 on Monday, 12 December 2016, Israeli forces established a similar checkpoint at the entrance to Emateen village, northeast of the city.

Salfit: Israeli forces established (8) checkpoints all over the city.

At approximately 11:25 on Thursday, 08 December 2016, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the entrance to al­Zawiya village, west of Salfit. At approximately 13:30, they established a similar checkpoint at the entrance to Qarawet Bani Hassan village, west of the city.

At approximately 06:00 on Saturday, 10 December 2016, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the entrance to Askaka village, east of Salfit. At approximately 19:50, they established a similar checkpoint near the entrance to al­Zawiya village, west of the city.

On Sunday, 11 December 2016, Israeli forces established 3 checkpoints at the entrance to Yasouf village, east of Salfit; at the entrance to al­Zawiya village; and between Badiya and al­Mashah villages, west of the city. At approximately 19:55 on Monday, 12 December 2016, Israeli forces established a similar checkpoint at the entrance to Yasouf village, east of the city.

Nablus:

At approximately 15:00 on Saturday, 10 December 2016, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the northwestern entrance to Beit Foreek village, east of Nablus.

Jericho:

On Tuesday, 13 December 2016, Israeli forces established 3 checkpoints at the intersection of al­Jeftlik village; at the northern entrance to Jericho; and at the southern entrance to the city.

Arrests at military checkpoints:

At approximately 17:20 on Thursday, 08 December 2016, Israeli forces established a checkpoint in Wad Bathan area, northeast of Nablus. They stopped civilians’ vehicles and checked their IDs. In the meantime, they arrested Omar Mohamed Daraghmah (26), from Tubas. It should be noted that Mohamed is a student in al­Najah National University.

At approximately 16:30 on Saturday, 10 December 2016, Israeli forces stationed at Za’tarah checkpoint, south of Nablus, arrested Rami Saleh Mar’I Kalbani (36) and confiscated his car.

At approximately 10:00 on Sunday, 11 December 2016, Israeli forces deployed around al­Ibrahimi mosque in Hebron’s Old City, arrested Omar Abed al­Raouf Abu Sinienah (22) and took him to an unknown destination. Israeli forces claimed that Omar attempted to carry out a stabbing attack.

At approximately 16:00 on Monday, 12 December 2016, Israeli forces established a checkpoint in Yatmah village, southeast of Nablus. They stopped civilians’ vehicles and checked their IDs. In the meantime, they arrested Ali Mohamed Masimi (20) and Basem Hasan Marshoud (22). Both of them are from Balatah refugee camp, east of the city. Israeli forces claimed that they found a weapon with the abovementioned persons.

At approximately 16:00 on Tuesday, 13 December 2016, Israeli forces, who established a checkpoint at the intersection of al­ Jeftelik village, north of Jericho, arrested Ahmed Omar Jahaleen (60) and took him to an unknown destination.

At approximately 06:00 on Wednesday, 13 December 2016, Israeli forces stationed at a (300) military checkpoint, north of Bethlehem, arrested Murad Sabri Darwish (30), from ‘Aydah refugee camp, north of the city. Murad was arrested while crossing the checkpoint.

3. Efforts to Create Jewish majority

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

Shooting incidents:

On Monday, 12 December 2016, an Israeli soldier fired a rubber­coated metal bullet at Mohamed Abu al­Humos, an activist and Member of al­‘Issawiyah Follow­up Committee, while documenting the Israeli violations in the village, northeast of occupied Jerusalem. As a result, Mohamed was wounded to his left leg and then taken to a medical centre in the village. The al­‘Issawiyah Follow­up Committee stated that Israeli forces moved into the village and provokingly deployed in its neighbourhoods. They also stopped and checked vehicles and randomly issued traffic tickets. In the meanwhile, Abu al­Humos was documenting those daily violations committed against civilians. As a result, an Israeli soldier threatened to shoot him if he did not leave the area while another Israeli soldier opened fire at Mohamed from a distance of around 25­30 meters. As a result, Mohammed wounded to his leg.

At approximately 13:00 on Wednesday, 14 December 2016, Israeli forces opened fire at a Palestinian young man while he was near al­Hospice Hotel in al­Wad neighbourhood in occupied East Jerusalem’s Old City. As a result, the Palestinian young man was hit with around 10 live bullets throughout his body and left to bleed for around half an hour. Israeli forces prevented paramedics and doctors from helping the wounded person and then took him to Hadasah hospital, where his health condition was classified as critical. On the same day afternoon, he succumbed to his wounds. According to PCHR’s investigations and eyewitnesses’ statements, at approximately 13:00 on the abovementioned day, while Hammad Dakheel Khader al­Sheikh (21), from Beit Soreek village, northwest of occupied Jerusalem, was on his way back from al­‘Amoud Gate area to al­Wad neighbourhood, he approached Israeli soldiers stationed in the area near al­Hospice Hotel, carrying a Hammad attacked a border guard and slightly wounded him to the head. As a result, the Israeli soldiers stationed there fired around 10 bullets at him and left him to bleed for over half an hour. They also prevented paramedics and doctors from offering first aid to him. The Israeli soldiers then took him to Hadasah hospital, where he succumbed to his wounds two hours later. Moreover, Israeli forces closed the vicinity of al­Wad Street and attacked civilians, who attempted to help Hammad, with sticks and clubs. They also vacated the area via establishing iron barriers to deny civilians’ access to Hammad. It should be noted that Hammad was a law student in al­Quds Abu Dis University.

Arrests and Incursions:

At approximately 02:00 on Thursday, 08 December 2016, Israeli forces moved into Qalendia refugee camp, north of occupied East Jerusalem. They raided and searched houses from which they arrested Mahmoud al­Louzi (22), Mostafa Badriya (23) and Ahmed ‘Aliyan (21).

At approximately 12:00 on Thursday, 08 December 2016, Israeli forces raided and searched Elia for Media Institution on Salah al­Deen Street, in the centre of occupied East Jerusalem. They confiscated 3 PC sets and files. In the meantime, they arrested journalist Lama Hani Ghosha (25), and took her to al­Maskobiya police station in Jerusalem. Lama was questioned and then released. Yasameen ‘Adilah, a journalist at Elia Institution, said that Israeli Special and Intelligence officers took her along with Lama Ghosha while they were on Salah al­Deen Street to the Institution’s office, because they wanted to search it. She added that the Israeli intelligence officers searched the office, confiscated 3 PC sets and took other files. After they finished searching, they arrested Lama and took her to al­Maskobiya police station for interrogation.

At approximately 17:30 on Thursday, Israeli forces raided the Palestinian National Theatre “Hakawati”, in the centre of occupied East Jerusalem, and prevented carrying out a cultural event, claiming that it was organized by the (PFLP). An eyewitness said to PCHR’s fieldworker, the Israeli Special and Intelligence officers raided the Palestinian National Theatre “Hakawati” and prevented the event. The raid occurred upon an order by Jerusalem Police Chief. Additionally, the officers vacated the theatre and then fixed an order to close it from 17:00 to midnight in addition to banning the event.

At approximately 18:00 on Friday, 09 December 2016, Israeli forces raided the office of Mada Center for Creativity in Baten al­ Hawa neighbourhood in Silwan, south of occupied East Jerusalem’s Old City. In the meantime, Israeli soldiers deployed in the neighborhood streets, claiming that Palestinian young men threw Molotov cocktails at a settlement outpost in the area. Jadallah al­Rajabi, a supervisor in Mada Centre, said that Israeli Special Forces officers raided and searched the office of Mada Center, terrifying the children there and checked Jadallah’s ID. It should be noted that al­Rajabi denounced raiding the centre, which provides educational and entertainment activities for the area’s children. When he asked the officer about the reason, he said,“Molotov Cocktails and stones were thrown at a settlement outpost in the area.”

At approximately 04:00 on Friday, 09 December 2016, Israeli forces moved into occupied East Jerusalem’s Old City neighbourhoods. They raided and searched houses from which they arrested Mos’ab Khalid al­Rajabi (16), Thaer Salman Abu Sbeih (21), Wisam Mohamed Sider (23), Mohamed Bayomi (22), and Bahaa’ al­Deen Eyad Najeeb (24).

At approximately 00:00 on Sunday, 11 December 2016, Israeli forces moved into al­‘Issawiyah village, north of occupied East Jerusalem. They raided and searched houses from which they arrested Mohamed Mousa Hamdan (23), and Ahmed Hasan Derbas (22).

At approximately 01:00 on Sunday, Israeli forces moved into Hizmah village, northeast of occupied Jerusalem. They raided and searched a house belonging to Siraj Ali al­Khatib (16) and arrested him.

At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into Silwan village, south of occupied East Jerusalem. They raided and searched houses from which they arrested Foa’d Ahmed al­Qaq (20), Mo’aied Ahmed Abu Mayilah (16) and Majd Kamal al­A’war (16).

At approximately 14:00 On Sunday, Israeli forces arrested Sameer Rowaidy (52), from Selwan village, while crossing Hizmah checkpoint, northeast of occupied Jerusalem. Israeli forces claimed that they found a knife with Sameer and then took him to“‘Atrout” police station, north of the city, in order to interrogate him.

At approximately 01:20 on Tuesday, 13 December 2016, Israeli forces moved into al­‘Issawiyah village, northeast of occupied Jerusalem. They raided and searched a house belonging to ‘Omran Akram ‘Owiwi (13) and arrested him.

At approximately 13:00 on Tuesday, Israeli forces chased a number of students while returning from school to their houses in Silwan village in occupied Jerusalem’s Old City. Israeli soldiers fired sound bombs at the students when they arrived at Baten al­Hawaa village, and attacked them. They also arrested Mohamed ‘Atallah al­A’war (12).

At approximately 00:30 on Wednesday, 14 December 2016, Israeli forces moved into Silwan village, in occupied East Jerusalem’s Old City. They raided and searched houses from which they arrested Maher Samer Sarhan (16) and ‘Odai ‘Adnan Ghaith (16).

At approximately 13:00 on Wednesday, Israeli forces chased Palestinian civilians while they were on al­Sultan Suliman Street, and indiscriminately opened fire at them. They also arrested 3 children while returning from their school. The arrested children were identified as Ali Ma’touq (15), Mohamed Esam ‘Eid (15), and Ahmed al­Haimoni (15).

House demolitions and demolition notices:

At approximately 13:00 on Thursday, 08 December 2016, Mit’eb and Ghateet families self­demolished parts of their building located in Sowieh neighbourhood in Silwan village, south of occupied East Jerusalem’s Old City. The abovementioned building is comprised of 6 apartments. The demolition was carried out upon a decision issued by the Israeli Municipality. The families are waiting for getting a construction permit. Ahmed Mit’eb said that the building established in 2000 is comprised of 6 apartments belonging to Shahir, Ahmed, Emad, Mit’eb, Tayseer and Husam Ghateet. Since then, his family along with Ghateeh family attempts to get a license for the building. They paid fines of NIS 600,000, in addition to money for the lawyers and engineers to get a licence and delay the demolition decisions. The families carried out the demolition decision hoping to get a licence. Each family demolished 20 square meters from his apartment. Mit’ed also said that the 3­storey building shelters 50 persons. It should be noted that the Israeli municipality ordered the two families to demolish parts of their building and the outside building walls to get the licence.

On Friday morning, 09 December 2016, the Israeli municipality crews handed demolition notices to many residential facilities in al­Bustan neighbourhood, in occupied East Jerusalem’s Old City, under the pretext of building without a permit. Fakhri Abu Diyab, Member of the Committee for protecting property and real estate in Silwan, explained that the municipality employees along with Israeli forces raided Al­Bustan neighborhood and hung administrative and judicial demolition orders on 13 residential establishments in the neighborhood; the establishments are old and some were built 40 years ago. It is noteworthy that nearly 100­120 people live in the targeted establishments. Abu Diab added that among the families that received demolition orders were the families of Awad, Abu Shafe’, Abu Diab, Odeh, Dweik, Hamdan and Qaraeen.

On Tuesday, 13 December 2016, Israeli forces accompanied with military vehicles and a bulldozer from the Planning and Construction Department in the Israeli Civil Administration moved into Sur Baher village, south of occupied Jerusalem. The bulldozer demolished a commercial facility belonging to Othman family and 2 barracks belonging to Mohamed Abu Tair. Israeli forces demolished the abovementioned building and facility under the pretext of its presence near the annexation wall. Mohamed Abu Tayir said to PCHR’s fieldworker that Israeli bulldozers demolished an under­construction barrack built 2 years ago upon an order issued by the Israeli Civil Administration. It should be noted that the barrack was built on an area of 50 square meters and used as a store. Furthermore, Israeli forces demolished a commercial facility for selling construction materials belonging to Othman family. The facility was built 4 years ago and the Israeli forces confiscated goods from it.

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

Israeli Forces’ Attacks:

At approximately 03:00 on Monday, 12 December 2016, Israeli forces moved into Koza area at the main entrance to Beita village. They confiscated a container with all contents inside. The container is used as a restaurant and belongs to Mahmoud Mohammed Ouda, who brought it after his own restaurant was demolished on 03 November 2016. He set up the container to the east of the place where his older restaurant was to make a living. Israeli forces threatened traders in the market that they would burn and demolish half of the stores in the market as they are located in area (C) according to Oslo Accords and withdrew later.

At approximately 09:00 on Tuesday, 13 December 2016, Israeli forces accompanied by Civil Administration vehicle moved into Kherbet Jouret Salem, east of Ethna village, west of Hebron. The Civil Administration officer handed Ahmed Mohammed Saleh a notice to halt construction works in 2 houses with an area of 80 square meters each under the pretext of non­licensing.

At approximately 10:00, Israeli forces accompanied with Civil Administration vehicle moved into Kherbet al­Markaz in al­Musafer area, east of Yatta, south of Hebron. The Israeli soldier deployed between the residential tents and dwellings and confiscated a caravan used as a mobile clinic. The mobile clinic is supervised by the Palestinian Ministry of Health and serves about 120 civilians in Kherbet al­Markaz and Kherbet Janaba.

At approximately 11:00 on the same day, Israeli forces accompanied by a Civil Administration vehicle moved into al­Baq’a area, east of Hebron. The soldiers deployed in the area while a truck started damaging the irrigation system in a plot of land belonging to Na’im Yaqin Jaber.

Settlers’ Attacks

On Sunday, 11 December 2016, a group of settlers from “Adi Ad” settlement outpost attacked a plot of land belonging to two Palestinian civilians from Termis’ya village, northeast of Ramallah. They also cut off dozens of olive trees.

According to PCHR’s investigations, in Sunday early morning, a number of settlers moved into an agricultural plot of land, northeast of Termis’ya village, northeast of Ramallah and cut off dozens of olive trees. Tawfiq Fawzi Abdullah (63), a Palestinian holding an American passport, said to PCHR’s fieldworker that he owns a 7­dunum[1] plot of land in the abovementioned area. It is about 600 meters to the west of “Adi Ad” settlement outpost. At approximately 14:00 on Monday, 12 December 2016, Tawfiq received a phone call from Rebhi Salama, telling him that the 150 olive trees that he planted 4 years ago were damaged and cut off. Tawfiq immediately headed to his land and noticed footprints there. He informed the Palestinian liaison about that. Two Palestinian liaison vehicles arrived, after which two Israeli military vehicles arrived too. Abdullah’s testimony was taken and evidence showed that settlers carried out the attack. The other plot of land that was attacked belongs to Khamis Rabee’. About 40 olive trees were cut off in that land. He added that the settlers were present in the area one day before the attack, as it is not the first time that Israeli settlers attack Palestinian lands in the area.

Recommendations to the International Community

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

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

1. PCHR calls upon the international community and the United Nations to use all available means to allow the Palestinian people to enjoy their right to self­determination, through the establishment of the Palestinian State, which was recognized by the UN General Assembly with a vast majority, using all international legal mechanisms, including sanctions to end the occupation of the State of Palestine; 2. PCHR calls upon the United Nations to provide international protection to Palestinians in the oPt, and to ensure the 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 Palestinian­Israeli conflict is a precondition to achieve stability and peace in the regions, and that peace cannot be built on the expense of human rights; 10. PCHR calls upon the UN General Assembly and Human Rights Council to explicitly declare that the Israeli closure policy in Gaza and the annexation wall in the West Bank are illegal, and accordingly refer the two issues to the UN Security Council to impose sanctions on Israel to compel it to remove them; 11. PCHR calls upon the international community, in light of its failure to the stop the aggression on the Palestinian people, to at least fulfil its obligation to reconstruct the Gaza Strip after the series of hostilities launched by Israel which directly targeted the civilian infrastructure; 12. PCHR calls upon the United Nations and the European Union to express a clear position towards the annexation wall following the international recognition of the State of Palestine on the 1967 borders, as the annexation wall seizes large parts of the State of Palestine; 13. PCHR calls upon the European Union to activate Article 2 of the EU­Israel Association Agreement, which provides that both sides must respect human rights as a precondition for economic cooperation between the EU states and Israel, and the EU must not ignore Israeli violations and crimes against Palestinian civilians;

………………………………………………………… 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.

[1] A dunum is equal to 1,000 square meters.