Weekly Report On Israeli Human Rights Violations in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (24 – 30 November 2016)

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

(24 – 30 November 2016)

Israeli forces continued to use excessive force in the oPt Israeli forces killed a Palestinian child in northern side of occupied Jerusalem.

Israeli forces conducted 57 incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank and one in the southern Gaza Strip. 68 civilians, including 19 children, were arrested. Twenty of them, including 11 children, were arrested in occupied Jerusalem. Dr ‘Azzam Sahlab, Member of the Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC),was among the arrested civilians. Israeli forces arrested a civilian who sneaked via the northern borders of the Gaza Strip.

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. Israeli forces demolished parts of a residential house in Silwan and levelled another in al­Mukaber Mount.

Settlement activities continued in the West Bank. Israeli forces issued more demolition notices.

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. 5 Palestinian civilians were arrested at military checkpoints.

Summary

Israeli violations of international law and international humanitarian law in the oPt continued during the reporting period (24 – 30 November 2016).

Shooting:

Israeli forces have continued to commit crimes, inflicting civilian casualties. They have also continued to use excessive force against Palestinian civilians participating in peaceful protests in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, the majority of whom were youngsters. During the reporting period, Israeli forces killed a Palestinian child in Sho’fat refugee camp, north of occupied Jerusalem.

In occupied Jerusalem, in excessive use of lethal force, Israeli forces stationed at Sho’fat checkpoint, north of occupied Jerusalem killed a Palestinian child. Israeli forces claimed that he attempted to stab an Israeli security officer with a knife he hid under his clothes. However, PCHR’s investigations refuted this claim.

In the Gaza Strip, in context of targeting Palestinian fishermen in the sea, on 26 November 2016, Israeli gunboats stationed off al­Waha shore, northwest of Beit Lahia, north of the Gaza Strip, heavily opened fire at Palestinian fishing boats and chased them. The shooting recurred on the dame day afternoon in the same area. It should be noted the fishing boats were sailing within 4 nautical miles and no casualties were reported. Moreover, similar attacks recurred on 27 and 28 November 2016 while fishing boats were sailing within 3 nautical miles. However, neither casualties nor damages to the boats were reported

Incursions:

During the reporting period, Israeli forces conducted at least 57 military incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank and 8 others in occupied Jerusalem and its suburbs. During these incursions, Israeli forces arrested at least 68 Palestinian civilians, including 19 children. Twenty­one of them, including 11 children, were arrested in occupied Jerusalem.

Among those arrest, Israeli forces arrested Dr ‘Azzam No’aman ‘Abdel Rahman Salhab (60), a PLC Member from the Change and Reform bloc affiliated with Hamas, and Anas Hatem Qafishah, who is the son of another PLC Member and arrested from his family house in Hebron .

In the Gaza Strip on 29 November 2016, Israeli forces conducted a limited incursion in al­Shokah village, east of Rafah City in the southern Gaza Strip. They levelled and combed the area in addition to establishing sand barriers in the area. They later redeployed along the border.

Creating Jewish majority in occupied East Jerusalem:

In the context of house demolitions, on 29 November 2016, Israeli municipality demolished with hand tools two rooms and 35­square­meter balcony located in the “Central neighbourhood” in the area in Silwan village, south of occupied Jerusalem’s Old City. The two rooms are part of a house belonging to al­Shyoukhi family that is comprised of 10 members. The house was built ten years ago.

On the same day, the Israeli municipality demolished a house in al­Mukaber Mount neighbourhood, southeast of the city, under the pretext of building without a license. The 110­square­meter house, which belongs to ‘Issam Khalaylah family, shelters 9 members, including 6 children.

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

On 20 November 2016, Israeli forces distributed 12 notices to halt construction works for Palestinian families in Kherbet Um al­Khair, southeast of Yatta, south of Hebron, under the pretext of building without a license from the Israeli authorities.

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, 24 November 2016

At approximately 01:00, Israeli forces moved into Beit Fajjar village, south of Bethlehem. They raided and searched a house belonging to Ezzat Hassan Abdul Karim Deriyah (50) and arrested him.

At approximately 02:50, Israeli forces moved into Nablus and stationed in al­Ma’ajin neighborhood, west of the city. The soldiers surrounded building no. (9) in Najah National University housing. They raided and searched an apartment belonging to professor Esam Rashed Hasan al­Ashaqer (58), a physics lecturer in the above­mentioned university, and questioned him on the spot. They then arrested him and confiscated his car. It should be noted that Esam suffered a stroke in addition to many diseases such as kidney impairment, high blood pressure and liver disorder.

At approximately 03:30, Israeli forces moved into ‘Anin village, west of Jenin. They raided and searched several houses. At approximately 04:30, they arrested Abdul Naser Mohammed Yasin (42) and at approximately 04:30 withdrew taking him to an unknown destination.

At approximately 21:00, Israeli forces moved into Betin village, east of Ramallah. They raided and searched a house belonging to Sayel Mohammed Darwish Jarab’ah (55) and then arrested him. It should be noted that the arrested person is father of Saji Jarab’ah, who was killed in March 2014 after a settler shot him near his house. It should be mentioned that the house is adjacent to Bypass Road (60), east of the village.

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (4) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: Dura, Yatta, Tarqumiyah and Taffouh villages in Hebron.

Friday, 25 November 2016

At approximately 03:00, Israeli forces moved into Husan village, west of Bethlehem. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Malek Naser Hamamrah (10) and then arrested him.

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (3) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: Kafer Qaddoum village, northeast of Qalqilyah, al­Aroub refugee camp and al­ Kum village in

Saturday, 26 November 2016

At approximately 00:15, Israeli forces moved into ‘Oyuon Qana Valley, northwest of Salfit. They arrested ‘Abdullah Mahmud Ahmed al­Khuli (32) from ‘Azzoun village, east of Qalqiliyah. It should be noted that ‘Abdullah and his family live in the abovementioned area in a farm that is threatened to be confiscated by the Israeli authorities. The abovementioned civilian was arrested before his arrival to a barrack inside the farm as he was coming from Azzoun village.

At approximately 09:00, Israeli gunboats stationed off al­Wahah shore, northwest of Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip, opened fire at Palestinian fishing boats. At approximately 16:00, the shooting towards the Palestinian fishing boats sailing within 4 nautical miles recurred. As a result, fishermen were forced to flee for fear of being arrested or wounded, so no casualties were reported.

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (4) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: Kafer al­Deek village, west of Salfit, Dura, al­Kum and Beit Oula village in Hebron.

Sunday, 27 November 2016

At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into Nahalin village, west of Bethlehem. They raided and searched a number of houses and then arrested Omran Yusuf Najahrah (16) and Abdul Karim Mohammed Shakarnah (18).

Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into al­Fawar refugee camp, south of Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to Mohammed Ahmed Mustafa al­Najar (35). They locked the family members in one room and then arrested Mohammed. After visiting Mohammed, who was detained in Ofer prison, lawyer of the Palestinian Prisoners Club said to PCHR’s fieldworker that the Israeli forces severely beat him on his waist and face and walked him for an hour from his house to “Hagai” settlement. While Mohammed was walking, he felt dizzy and vomited blood. Although he asked them to put him on a litter, they refused and dragged him from his cuffed hands. They then took him to “‘Etzion” prison, south of Bethlehem where he was detained for an hour and a half. He was then transferred to ‘Ofer prison, west of Ramallah. The lawyer added that Mohammed was detained from 09:00 until 18:00 in a cold room though he informed the Israeli authorities that he suffers from health problems in the stomach, spine and cartilage so he cannot handle cold. However, the Israeli soldiers deliberately kept him in the cold room. The lawyer also emphasized that signs of beatings are still clear.

At approximately 03:00, Israeli forces moved into Jenin and its camp, west of the city. They raided and searched several houses. They then arrested Tareq Mohammed Ouais (23) and Akram Mowafaq Malahmah (24) and at approximately 04:45 withdrew taking them to an unknown destination.

Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Barta’ah village, southwest of Jenin. They raided and searched a number of houses. They arrested Sami Ahmed Saleh al­Haj Saed (29) and at approximately 04:00 withdrew taking them to an unknown destination.

At approximately 03:30, Israeli forces moved into Beit Fourik village, east of Nablus. They raided and searched a house belonging to Ahmed Jamil Hamad Khatatbah (29) in the eastern neighbourhood of the village. They then arrested the aforementioned civilian and later withdrew taking him to an unknown destination.

Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Barqin village, southwest of Jenin. They raided and searched several houses. They arrested Mohammed Zaidan al­Jadaa’ (24) and at approximately 04:30 withdrew taking him to an unknown destination.

At approximately 07:30, Israeli gunboats stationed off al­Wahah shore, northwest of Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip, opened fire at Palestinian fishing boats sailing within 4 nautical miles and chased them. At approximately 16:00, the shooting recurred. As a result, fishermen were forced to flee for fear of being arrested or wounded, so no casualties were reported.

In the evening, Israeli forces stationed at the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel, north of Beit Lahia, north of the Gaza Strip, arrested Bilal Zuhair Mustafa al­Razaynah (24) from Beit Lahia Housing Project after he crossed the borders in the abovementioned area. Bilal’s father said to PCHR’s fieldworker that his son disappeared on the same day evening and they searched for him in hospitals and informed the police about his absence. After 2 days of searching, Bilal’s father could not find him, so he went to the International Committee of Red Crescent (ICRC) and human rights organisations to contact the Israeli side in order to know their son’s place. After that, he was informed that Bilal was arrested by the Israeli authorities in al­Majdal prison. He added that Bilal suffers from mental disorders and takes medicine for this.

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (6) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: Ethna, al­Samou’ , al­Hejrah villages and al­Aroub refugee camp in Hebron, Kafer Thuluth and Azzoun villages, east of Qalqiliyah .

Monday, 28 November 2016

At approximately 01:00, Israeli forces moved into Nemrah neighbourhood, north of Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to ‘Asem Maher ‘Obaid (22) and then arrested him. Following this, the military jeeps moved into Abu Katilah area, west of the city. They raided and searched a house belonging to Ayman Abdullah al­Qawasmah (25) and then arrested him.

At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into Aydah refugee camp, north of Bethlehem. They raided and searched a house belonging to Hamdi Ibrahim Malash (23) and then arrested him.

Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to Dr Azzam No’man Abdul Rahman Salhab (60), a PLC Member of the Change and Reform Bloc affiliated with Hamas and then arrested him.

It should be noted that Salhab was arrested 9 times before by the Israeli forces, including 4 times since he became a PLC Member in 2006. The last time he was released in July 2015 after being under administrative detention. Salhab, who served 12 years in the Israeli jails, holds a PhD in Sharia from the Islamic University in Medina in Saudi Arabia. On 17 December 1992 He was also deported to Marj al­Zuhour, south of Lebanon, and returned to Palestine on 15 December 1993.

Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into al­Hariyah Valley area in Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to Hatem Qafisha, a PLC Member representing the Change and Reform Bloc of Hamas movement. They then arrested his son Anas (24).

At approximately 02:30, Israeli forces moved into Artas village, southwest of Bethlehem. They raided and searched a house belonging to Qasem Mahmoud ‘Ayesh (18) and then arrested him.

At approximately 03:00, Israeli forces moved into al­Jalazoun refugee camp, north of Ramallah. They raided and searched a house belonging to Nour Fayeq Sha’ban Ghazawi (23) and then arrested him.

At approximately 06:45, Israeli gunboats stationed off al­Wahah shore, northwest of Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip, opened fire at Palestinian fishing boats sailing within 4 nautical miles and chased them. At approximately 16:00, the shooting recurred. As a result, fishermen were forced to flee for fear of being arrested or wounded, so no casualties were reported.

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (3) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: Beit Kafel Hares village, north of Salfit, Beit Kahel and Hadab al­‘Alaqah villages in Hebron.

Tuesday, 29 November 2016

At approximately 01:30, Israeli forces moved into Beit Awa village, southwest of Dura, southwest of Hebron. They raided and searched 3 houses and then arrested 3 civilians. The arrested civilians were identified as Bahaa’ Mohammed al­Masalmah (22), Khaled Mohammed Ezzat al­Masalmah (24) and Bahaa’ Husam al­Masalmah (22).

At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into Qarawet Bani Hassan village, northwest of Salfit. They raided and searched a number of houses and then arrested 6 civilians. The arrested civilians were identified as Mustafa ‘Abdul ‘Aziz Mer’ie (32), Bilal ‘Ali ‘Asi (24), Momen Jamal Mer’ie (23), Othman Mahmud Asi (27), Ahmed Harb Rayan (27) and Baraa’ Saed ‘Asi (23).

At approximately 02:30, Israeli forces moved into ‘Orif village, south of Nablus. They raided and searched a house belonging to Obadah Mohammed Khalil Shehadah (20) and then arrested him. It should be noted that the arrested civilian is a student in Najah National University in Nablus.

Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Beit Ummer village, north of Hebron, and stationed in Khelet al­Ein area. They raided and searched a house belonging to Muntaser Wajih Shehdah Abu ‘Ayash (25). They arrested him in his underwear without allowing him to wear his clothes. In the meanwhile, another force raided and searched a house belonging to the family of prisoner Wajih abu Ayash, but no arrests were reported.

At approximately 05:00, Israeli forces moved into Silwad village, northeast of Ramallah. They raided and searched 2 houses belonging to Mohammed Rezeq Hamed (20) and Mahmud Ali Hamed (24) and then arrested them.

At approximately 08:00, Israeli forces stationed along the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israeli moved about 100 meters into the eastern side of al­Shawkah village, east of Rafah City, south of the Gaza Strip, near Sufa Israeli military site. They levelled and combed the area and established sand barriers. At approximately 11:00 next day, the Israeli forces redeployed along the abovementioned border fence.

At approximately 14:30, Israeli forces moved into Deir Netham village, northwest of Ramallah, amidst firing live bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters at the Palestinian civilians. They raided and searched a number of houses and then arrested 5 civilians, including 3 children. The arrested civilians were identified as Mohammed Jamal Ibrahim Yahiya (23), Mohamemd Nassaer Ahmed al­Amir (12), Rami Omer theeb Saleh (12), Loai Theeb Saleh (12) and Khader Abdul Hafiz al­Tamimi (19).

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (4) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: Dura, Beit Marsam and Kharsa villages in Hebron.

Wednesday, 30 November 2016

At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into the southern area of Hebron. They raided and searched 2 houses and then arrested 2 brothers namely Ramadan (53) and Sha’ban Saed Abu Rumoz (50).

At approximately 02:30, Israeli forces moved into Hebron and stationed in al­Salam neighbourhood. They raided and searched a house belonging to Yahiya Mohammed Salhab (23) and arrested him.

Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into al­‘Aroub refugee camp, north of Hebron. They raided and searched 4 houses and then arrested 4 children. The arrested children were identified as Raouf Wael Mohammed al­Balasi (15), Hamzah Khaled Khader al­Balasi (15), Saif Mohammed Khader al­ Balasi (15) and Malek Khader Mekbel (16).

At approximately 03:00, Israeli forces moved into Tulkarm. They raided and searched a number of houses. They arrested Bahaa’ Eden Nathmi Helmi Jayosi and at approximately 04:30 withdrew taking him to an unknown destination.

Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Tulkarm and. They raided and searched several houses. They arrested Sami Ahmed Saleh al­Haj Saed (29) and at approximately 04:00 withdrew taking him to an unknown destination.

At approximately 03:30, Israeli forces moved into Barqin village, southwest of Jenin. They raided and searched a number of houses. They arrested Mohammed Zaidan al­Jadaa’ (24) and at approximately 04:30 withdrew taking him to an unknown destination.

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (4) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: Halhoul, al­Thaheriyah, al­Samou’ and Karisah villages in Hebron.

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, 25 November 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 houses. As a result, many of the protesters suffered tear gas inhalation while others sustained bruises as Israeli soldiers beat them up.

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.

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

(20 – 26 November 2016)

20 21 22 23 24 25 26 Date November November November November November November November Total Imports 467 524 463 502 533 – – Various truckloads 173 218 165 215 218 – – goods Humanitarian truckloads 147 144 133 134 163 – – aid Cooking gas tons 260.850 264.210 257.780 257.160 263.220 – – Benzene liters 760,10 189,015 155,971 148,987 110,994 – – Diesel & Diesel for liters 261,957 339,025 109,140 556,928 472,942 – – UNRWA Industrial liters 305,264 262,984 265,993 405,771 300,963 – – fuel Cement Tons 3272 3479 3440 3527 3672 – –

Bulk cement Tons 321 – 280 – 223,44 – – Construction Tons 11401 11279 10880 10680 10623 – – aggregates Construction truckloads 18 25 10 18 32 – – steel

Note:

On Sunday, 20 November 2016, the Israeli authorities allowed the exportation of 5.800 tons of eggplants; 4.800 tons of sweet peppers; 2.400 tons of peppers; 4 tons of palms; 0.980 tons of squash; 0.640 tons of cucumbers; and 93.440 tons of tomatoes. On Monday, 21 November 2016, the Israeli authorities allowed the exportation of 1.200 tons of eggplants; 1.440 tons of sweet peppers; 5.120 tons of palms; 0.640 tons of potatoes; 44.480 tons of tomatoes; 61.600 tons of onions; 100 tons of scrap; and 34 tons of aluminum scrap. On Wednesday, 24 November 2016, the Israeli authorities allowed the exportation of 115 tons of furniture; 8 tons of clothes; 55 tons of scrap; and 24 tons of aluminum scrap. On Thursday, 25 November 2016, the Israeli authorities allowed the exportation of 3.200 tons of eggplants; 4.270 tons of peppers; 12.160 of palms; 1.500 tons of sweet potatoes; 1.920 tons of squash; 10.240 tons of cucumbers; 95.22 tons of tomatoes; 450 tons of animal skin; and 27 tons of onions.

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 and will be published next week because it was not prepared by the competent authority at the crossing.

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 (17) checkpoints all over the city. On Thursday, 24 November 2016, Israeli forces established 3 checkpoints at the entrances to Tarama and Deir Razaah villages and al­‘Aroub refugee camp.

On Saturday, 26 November 2016, Israeli forces closed the area of al­Ibrahimi Mosque and other areas around it in the Old City of Hebron. They closed the abovementioned area because Israeli settlers celebrate their Jewish holidays. In the meantime, hundreds of Israeli settlers gathered in al­Ibrahimi Mosque yard, causing fear for the Palestinian families living there. The families did not move from their houses for fear of being assaulted as usual. On the same day, Israeli forces established 2 checkpoints at the entrances to al­‘Aroub refugee camp and Beit Ummer village.

On Sunday, 27 November 2016, Israeli forces established 4 checkpoints at the entrances to Sa’ir, Bani Na’iem and Kharsa villages and al­Fawar refugee camp.

On Tuesday, 29 November 2016, Israeli forces established 2 checkpoints at the southern entrance to Halhoul village and at the entrance to Tarama village.

On Wednesday, 30 November 2016, Israeli forces established 2 checkpoints at the entrance to Bani Na’iem village and at the southern entrance to Hebron.

Ramallah and al­Bireh: Israeli forces established (12) checkpoints all over the city.

On Saturday, 26 November 2016, Israeli forces established 5 checkpoints between Qabiya and Badras villages, west of Ramallah; at ‘Ain Sina intersection; under ‘Atara bridge, north of the city; and at the entrance of ‘Ain Yabroud village, east of the city. Moreover, Israeli forces closed the entrances to villages north of Ramallah; ‘Aboud; al­Nabi Saleh; Deir Nizam; Deir Abu Mish’al and the eastern entrance to Um al­Safa village, under the pretext of fires erupted in “Halmish” settlement.

On Sunday, 27 November 2016, Israeli forces established 4 checkpoints at the entrances to Budrus village, west of Ramallah; ‘Ain Yabroub village, east of Ramallah; Tarmas’yia village, north of Ramallah; and between ‘Aboud and Deir Abu Mish’al villages, northwest of Ramallah.

On Monday, 28 November 2016, Israeli forces established 3 checkpoints in Serda village, north of Ramallah; at the entrance to ‘Ain Sina village; and on the road between al­Jalazoun and Ramallah. Moreover, they closed the entrances to Selwad and ‘Ain Yabroud with cement cubes claiming that a vehicle belonging to Israeli forces was exposed to gunfire near ” Ofra” settlement, between Selwad and ‘Ain Yabroud villages.

Qalqiliyah: Israeli forces established (3) checkpoints all over the city.

On Sunday, 27 November 2016, Israeli forces established 2 checkpoints at the eastern entrance to Qalqiliya and at the intersection of Jeet village, northeast of the city.

At approximately 22:25 on Monday, 28 November 2016, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the entrance to Jeet village, northeast of Qalqilyia.

Salfit: Israeli forces established (4) checkpoints all over the city.

On Sunday, 27 November 2016, Israeli forces established 2 checkpoints at the entrance to Kafur al­Deek village and at the intersection of Deir Ballout village, west of Salfit.

At approximately 08:20 on Monday, 28 November 2016, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the intersection of Rafat village, west of Salfit. At approximately 08:45, they established a similar checkpoint at the entrance to al­Zawiya village, west of the city.

Arrests at military checkpoints:

At approximately 15:00, on Thursday 24 November 2016, Israeli forces stationed at a checkpoint established on the main road between Ramallah and Nablus arrested Malek Mohamed ‘Amirah (21), from Ni’lin village, west of Ramallah. Malek was arrested while coming back from his university in Nablus.

At approximately 17:00, on Sunday 27 November 2016, Israeli forces arrested 3 civilians from Eskaka village, east of Salfit, while they were working their agricultural land, north of the village. The abovementioned civilians were arrested under the pretext of setting fire to the area. In the meantime, a number of Israeli soldiers stepped out of a military vehicle and then headed towards the civilians as well. However, the soldiers took the civilians to the vehicle. The civilians were identified as Yazeed Ahmed Lami (22), Hamdan Saqer Lami (25) and Jawad Mohamed Fayiz Taha (26).

At approximately 10:00, on Monday 28 November 2016, Israeli forces deployed in Hebron’s Old City arrested Mohamed Hazem Miswada (25) while he was near the Shari’a court to get engaged.

3. Efforts to Create Jewish majority

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

Shooting Incidents:

In excessive use of lethal force, Israeli forces stationed at Sho’fat military checkpoint, north of Occupied Jerusalem, killed a Palestinian child claiming that he attempted to stab one of the security officers stationed at the checkpoint. Israeli forces said that the child had hidden a knife in his clothes, but PCHR’s investigations refute these allegations. According to PCHR’s investigations and eyewitnesses’ statements, at approximately 17:40 on Friday, 25 November 2016, the abovementioned child named Mohamed Nabil Jawdat Salam Zaidan (14), from Sho’fat refugee camp, was in a bus heading from Sho’fat to Jerusalem. When the bus arrived at the checkpoint, Israeli soldiers ordered all the passengers to step out to search them and check their IDs. In the meantime, Israeli soldiers asked Zaidan to stand aside until they finish searching all passengers. They then thoroughly searched him, during which one of Israeli soldiers directly opened fire at him. As a result, Zaidan sustained serious wounds and was left bleeding for over an hour until he succumbed to his wounds. After that, Israeli forces detained Zaidan’s corpse. Eyewitnesses stated that Israeli forces prevented a PRCS crew from offering any help claiming that the area is a closed military zone. Moreover, the Israeli police spokeswoman, Luba Samri, claimed that while Israeli soldiers were searching passengers in a bus heading from Sho’fat to Jerusalem, the soldiers checked the ID of a Palestinian young man, during which the young man suddenly got a knife out of his shirt and attempted to stab one of the soldiers. During the fight between the two parties, the young man was neutralized and the knife was seized. After that, the young man was later pronounced dead. It should be noted that Zaidan is a 9th grade student and suffers from kidney failure. Moreover, he had a card proving his illness. Furthermore, there pipes surrounding his body because of his health condition.

Arrests and Incursions:

At approximately 02:00 on Thursday, 24 November 2016, Israeli forces moved into Selwan village, south of Occupied Jerusalem’s Old City. They raided and searched houses from which they arrested ‘Amer Waleed Abed al­Razeq (13), Mahdi Mousa Qara’een (13), Mo’az Jamal Zaytoun (14) and Jamal Mohamed Qara’een (13).

At approximately 14:00, on the same day, Israeli forces moved into Bab Hitah village, in Occupied Jerusalem’s Old City. They raided and searched a house belonging to Yazan al­Basity (21) and arrested him.

At approximately 03:00, on Sunday 27 November 2016, Israeli forces moved into al­‘Aisawiya village, northeast of Occupied Jerusalem. They raided and searched houses from which they arrested Mohamed Ahmed ‘Atiya (16) and Dawoud Yousef ‘Atiya (16).

At approximately 20:30, Israeli forces moved into Selwan village, south of Occupied Jerusalem’s Old City. They raided and searched houses from which they arrested Mo’tasem Miswada (18), Montaser Siyam (20), Yousef al­Natsha (19) and Ibrahim al­Natsha (20).

At approximately 01:00 on Monday, 28 November 2016, Israeli forces moved into Qatanna village, northwest of Occupied East Jerusalem. They raided and searched a house belonging to Yousef Nazmi Shamasnah (21) and arrested him.

At approximately 04:00 on Monday, Israeli forces moved into Qalandia refugee camp, north of Occupied Jerusalem. They raided and searched houses in al­Souq and ‘Asaf neighbourhoods from which they arrested Mohamed Fahmi Ya’qoup (29) and Raied Anwar Shehda al­Khateeb (20).

At approximately 01:30 on Tuesday, 29 November 2016, Israeli forces moved into al­‘Aisawyia village, northeast of Occupied East Jerusalem. They raided and searched houses from which they arrested 4 civilians, including 2 children. The arrested persons were identified as Mohamed Sameer ‘Obaid (18), Majd Naief Mostafa (15), Mo’az Tawfeeq ‘Obaid (23) and Mohamed al­Masri (17).

At approximately 19:30 on Tuesday, Israeli forces moved into al­‘Aisawyia village, northeast of Occupied Jerusalem. They raided and searched houses from which they arrested Anas Samer Mahmoud (12), Qusai Mohamed Derbas (12) and Mohamed Ali Dari (13).

House demolitions and demolition notices:

At approximately 03:00 on Tuesday, 29 November 2016, the Israeli municipality partially damaged a house belonging to al­Shayyoukhi family in Selwan village, south of Occupied Jerusalem’s Old City, under the pretext of non­licensing. Mos’ab al­Shayyoukhi said to PCHR’s fieldworker that at approximately 03:00, Israeli border guard officers accompanied with special forces raided his family’s house in Selwan village in preparation for demolishing parts of the house with hand tools. He added that the municipality crews destroyed two rooms and a balcony of a 35 square meters with hand tools. Moreover, he said that his mother and siblings (10 members) has been living in the abovementioned house for 10 years. He also said that a year and a half ago Israeli municipality handed them an administrative demolition notice. However the Israeli municipality handed them a house demolition order now.

At approximately 09:00 on Tuesday, 29 November 2016, Israeli municipality demolished a house belonging to ‘Esam Khalaylah in al­Mokaber Mount area, southeast of Occupied Jerusalem, under the pretext of non­licensing. ‘Esam said to PCHR’s fieldworker that at approximately 09:00, on the same day, Israeli vehicles surprised him and demolished his 110­square­meter house. It should be noted that 9 persons, including 6 children, live in the abovementioned building.’Esam added that all the family members would be forced to live in one room belonging to his uncle because of his inability to find a suitable house.

Israeli Settlers Attacks:

On Sunday, 27 November 2016, 5 Israeli settlers assaulted Khalid ‘Amer ‘Aliyan (22) while returning from his work to his house in Surbaher village, south of Occupied East Jerusalem. As a result, Khalid sustained bruises throughout the body and his left shoulder was dislocated. He was then taken to Hadassah Hospital to receive medical treatment. ‘Esam’s brother, Mohamed, said that ‘Esam’s friend, who works with him in the same super market left work before ‘Esam. He told Mohamed that he saw Israeli settlers attacking ‘Esam with sticks. In the meantime, he attempted to defend ‘Esam and help him. The Israeli settlers then fled by private car. After that, ‘Esam’s friend called a PRCS ambulance to come quickly and help them. The ambulance arrived and took ‘Esam to Hadassah Hospital, where medical sources stated that ‘Esam sustained bruises throughout the body and his left shoulder was dislocated. Moreover, they told him that he needs to stay in the hospital for one week. It should be noted that Khalid is a former prisoner and was arrested last year in September. In addition, he was released in April after he served 7 months in Megiddo and Negev prisons.

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

On Monday, 28 November 2016, Israeli forces ordered 6 persons from al­Khadir village, south of Bethlehem, to stop building their houses, which are under construction. Ahmed Salah, Coordinator of the Popular Committee against the Annexation Wall and Settlements in al­Khadir village, said that Israeli forces accompanied with a crew from the Organization and Construction Department of the Israeli Civil Administration raided Um Rokba area, south of the village. They handed 6 persons notices to stop construction under the pretext of non­licensing. The abovementioned persons were identified as Nadir, Abdullah and Ibrahim Saleh Salah; Maher al­Rajabi; Anwar Mahmoud Rasheed; and Khadir Shaheen. It should be noted that Um Rokba area was exposed to Israeli forces’ attacks for years. For example, they prevented civilians from building by handing them notices.

Recommendations to the International Community

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

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

1. PCHR calls upon the international community and the United Nations to use all available means to allow the Palestinian people to enjoy their right to self­determination, through the establishment of the Palestinian State, which was recognized by the UN General Assembly with a vast majority, using all international legal mechanisms, including sanctions to end the occupation of the State of Palestine; 2. PCHR calls upon the United Nations to provide international protection to Palestinians in the oPt, and to ensure the non­recurrence of aggression against the oPt, especially the Gaza Strip; 3. PCHR calls upon the High Contracting Parties to the Geneva Conventions to compel Israel, as a High Contracting Party to the Conventions, to apply the Conventions in the oPt; 4. PCHR calls upon the Parties to international human rights instruments, especially the Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, to pressurize Israel to comply with their provisions in the oPt, and to compel it to incorporate the human rights situation in the oPt in its reports submitted to the concerned committees; 5. PCHR calls upon the High Contracting Parties to the Geneva Conventions to fulfil their obligation to ensure the application of the Conventions, including extending the scope of their jurisdiction in order to prosecute suspected war criminals, regardless of the nationality of the perpetrator and the place of a crime, to pave the way for prosecuting suspected Israeli war criminals and end the longstanding impunity they have enjoyed; 6. PCHR calls on States that apply the principle of universal jurisdiction not to surrender to Israeli pressure to limit universal jurisdiction to perpetuate the impunity enjoyed by suspected Israeli war criminals; 7. PCHR calls upon the international community to act in order to stop all Israeli settlement expansion activities in the oPt through imposing sanctions on Israeli settlements and criminalizing trading with them; 8. PCHR calls upon the UN General Assembly to transfer the Goldstone Report to the UN Security Council in order to refer it to the International Criminal Court in accordance with Article 13(b) of the Rome Statute; 9. PCHR calls upon the United Nations to confirm that holding war criminals in the 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;

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Public Document

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