Weekly Report On Israeli Human Rights Violations in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (07 – 13 May 2015) Thursday, 14 May 2015 00:00
Beit Hanina Village: Underconstruction Building Belonging to Hussein 'Alqam was Demolished by Israeli Forces Under the Pretext it was not Licensed. Israeli forces continue systematic attacks against Palestinian civilians and property in the occupied Palestinian territory (oPt)
Israeli forces wounded 18 Palestinian civilians, including 4 children, in the West Bank and Gaza Strip.
Israeli forces continued to use excessive force against peaceful protests in the West Bank. 9 protestors, including 2 children and 3 photojournalists, were wounded in protests in Kufor Qaddoum village and alJalazoun refugee camp.
Israeli forces continued to open fire at border areas in the Gaza Strip and chase fishermen in the sea. 4 fishermen were wounded in 3 shooting incidents off Gaza and north Gaza shores. A child sustained a serious wound, northwest of Beit Lahia. 2 farmers were wounded, east of Jabalia.
Israeli forces conducted 58 incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank and a limited one in the central Gaza Strip. 20 Palestinian civilians, including 5 children, were arrested in the West Bank and a civilian in the central Gaza Strip.
Israel continued to impose a total closure on the oPt and has isolated the Gaza Strip from the outside world. Many checkpoints were established in the West Bank. 3 Palestinian civilians, including a child, were arrested at checkpoints in Qalqilya, Jenin and Hebron.
Israeli forces continued to support settlement activities in the West Bank and Israeli settlers continued to attack Palestinian civilians and property. About 30 electricity poles were damaged in the road leading to Om alSedrah and alMasamrah areas, southwest of Hebron. Branches of 3 old olive trees were cut off in Kherbet Sousya. Settlers attacked houses of Palestinian civilians in Tal alRumaida neighbourhood, in the center of Hebron, and denied them access to their houses. A house was raided after it was stoned and children inside were attacked. Shaikh Kamel tomb in Beit Dajan village, east of Nablus, was demolished.
Summary
Israeli violations of international law and international humanitarian law in the oPt continued during the reporting period (07– 13 May 2015).
Shooting:
During the reporting period, Israeli forces wounded 18 Palestinian civilians, including 4 children and 3 photojournalists, in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. Eleven civilians were wounded in the West Bank, 9 of whom, including 2 children and 3 photojournalists, were wounded during peaceful protests, while the other 7 ones, including a child and 4 fishermen, were wounded in the Gaza Strip.
In the West Bank, a 22yearold civilian sustained serious wounds to the chest and right thigh on 07 May 2015, when he was shot by Israeli forces during an Israeli incursion in alFare'ah refugee camp, southeast of Tubas. On 11 May 2015, a 16yearold child sustained a bullet wound to the left knee as Israeli forces fired at him during an Israeli incursion in Sateh Marhaba area, east of alBireh city.
Israeli forces continued the use of excessive and systematic force against peaceful protests organized by Palestinian civilians and Israeli and international solidarity activists against the construction of the annexation wall and settlement activities in the West Bank. As a result, 9 protestors, including 2 children and 3 photojournalists, were wounded, while others suffered tear gas inhalation during peaceful protests.
In the Gaza Strip, on 08 May 2015, a 17yearold child sustained a serious wound to the head as Israeli forces stationed along the border fence, northwest of alSayafa area in the north of the Gaza Strip, opened fire at a group of youngsters who were present near the said fence.
On 09 May 2015, 2 farmers sustained shrapnel wounds when Israeli forces stationed along the border fence opened fire at some farmers and workers who were 300500 meters away from the said fence in the north of the Gaza Strip.
In the context of targeting fishermen, Israeli forces opened fire several times at fishermen. As a result, 4 fishermen were wounded, 2 others were arrested and fishing equipment and nets were damaged. These attacks coincided with the sardine season that starts in May until midJune. Fishermen wait for this season to compensate their losses due to Israeli attacks against them.
Incursions:
During the reporting period, Israeli forces conducted at least 58 military incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank. During these incursions, Israeli forces arrested at least 20 Palestinians, including 5 children. They also arrested a civilian in the Gaza Strip.
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 8 consecutive years, Israel has tightened the land and naval closure to isolate the Gaza Strip from the West Bank, including occupied Jerusalem, and other countries around the world. This resulted in grave violations of the economic, social and cultural rights and a deterioration of living conditions for 1.8 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. In many occasions lately, Israeli forces arrested Palestinian patients and their companions and traders.
Settlement activities
Israel has continued its settlement activities in the oPt, a direct violation of international humanitarian law, and Israeli settlers have continued to attack Palestinian civilians and property.
On 07 May 2015, Israeli forces damaged about 30 electricity poles on the road leading to Om alSedrah and al Masamrah areas, south of alRamadeen village, southwest of Hebron. As a result, the 2 areas had power outage.
On 08 May 2015, 3 settlers from "Sousya" settlement, south of Yatta, south of Hebron, cut off branches of 3 old olive trees belonging to Mohammed alNawaj'ah in Kherbet Sousya.
On 09 May 2015, a group of settlers attacked a number of houses belonging to Palestinian civilians in Tal al Rumaida neighborhood in the center of Hebron, and denied them access to their houses. They also threw stones at a house, tried to raid it and attacked children in that house in front of Israeli soldiers deploying in the area.
On 10 May 2015, Israeli forces demolished Shaikh Kamel tomb in Beit dajan village, east of Nablus. They seized all stones of the tomb.
Israeli Violations Documented during the Reporting Period (07 – 13 May 2015)
1. Incursions into Palestinian Areas, and Attacks on Palestinian Civilians and Property in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip
Thursday, 07 May 2015
At approximately 01:00, Israeli forces moved into al'Aroub refugee camp, north of Hebron. They patrolled the streets for some time and then stationed near the UNRWA Distribution Centre. They deployed between the houses causing fear among the residents and children. They raided and searched two houses, from which they arrested 'Ezz alDeen Mahmoud Abu Sel (17) and Mohammed Nayef alBadawi (17).
At approximately 01:30, Israeli forces moved into Qalqilya. They patrolled the streets and then raided and searched a house belonging to Tamer Merwan Saleh Abu 'Asi (30). They arrested him and withdrew later taking him to an unknown destination.
At approximately 02:30, Israeli forces moved into Beit Ummar village, north of Hebron. They patrolled the streets for some time and then stationed in the vicinity of a house belonging to Mohammed Hani 'Abed (20). They raided and searched the aforementioned house after detaining its residents in one room. Israeli forces arrested the aforementioned civilian and withdrew later taking him to an unknown destination. At approximately 03:30, Israeli forces moved into alFar'ah refugee camp, southeast of Tubas. They stationed in the vicinity of a house belonging to Sheikh Ahmed Rashad Deif allah Sawalmah (41) near Abu Baqker alSedeeq in the centre of the camp. Some of the Israeli soldiers raided Sawalma's house while the others stationed behind their vehicles to cover the soldiers in the house. A number of boys gathered in the centre of the camp to throw stones and Molotov cocktail at the soldiers and their vehicles. The Israeli soldiers in response fired metal and live bullets at the stonethrowers to disperse them and chased them until approximately 04:05. The Israeli soldiers then opened fire at one of the young men wounding him to the left side of the chest. As a result, he sustained laceration in the kidneys, diaphragm and liver while he sustained another bullet injury to the right thigh. The wounded person was then taken to Turkish Tubas Hospital and was identified later as Rabi'a Jamal Mohammed Mubarak (22). He was admitted into the emergency department at the hospital and then transferred to alNajah Medical Hospital in Nablus due to his serious condition. He underwent a surgery and was admitted into the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) in the aforementioned hospital.
Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces carried out incursions in the following areas, but no arrests were reported: the centre of Yata, south of Hebron; Deir Qeddis village, west of Ramallah.
Friday, 08 May 2015
At approximately 17:30 on Friday, two Israeli gunboats opened fire at a fishing boat belonging to Fahed Ziyad Baaker while sailing off alSoudaniyah shore, north of Gaza City, within 3 nautical miles. The Israeli naval soldiers surrounded the boat boarded by 4 fishermen and opened fire at it resulting in the injury of Ziyad Fahed Baker (21) to the left leg. He was then taken to Shifa Hospital in Gaza City, and the medical sources described his injury as moderate.
At approximately 19:00, Israeli forces stationed along the border fence with Israel to the north of alGhoul land, northwest of alSeifa area, northwest of Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip, opened fire at a group of young men and children who were near the aforementioned fence to take a walk. As a result, Nael Soliman Salah Salah (17) from al'Atatrah neighbourhood in Beit Lahia was hit by a bullet which entered and exited his head. The wounded child was taken by a civilian car to Martyr Kamal 'Edwan Hospital in Beit Lahia and then transferred to Shifa Hospital in Gaza City due to his serious condition. He underwent a surgery and was admitted into the ICU.
At approximately 19:30, Israeli gunboats stationed off alWaha shore, northwest of Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip opened fire at the Palestinian fishing boats. As a result, Sharif Mohammed 'Abed alSultan (42) from al'Atatrah neighborhood in Beit Lahia was hit with a rubbercoated bullet to the left leg while he was sailing within 1 nautical mile with his son, Uranus (19). The wounded fisherman was taken to Kamal 'Edwan Hospital to receive medical treatment, and the medical sources described his wounds as minor. The shooting damaged and cut off dozens of pieces of fishing nets belonging to other fishermen.
Those new attacks coincided with the beginning of sardine season from May to June. Palestinian fishermen wait for this season to sail in Gaza Sea in order to compensate their losses due to being exposed to attacks by the Israeli navy forces and prevented from sailing even within the allowed fishing area throughout the year.
Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces carried out incursions in the following areas, but no arrests were reported: the villages of Ya'bod and 'Arrabah, southwest of Jenin; Beit Leed village, east of Tulkarm; the villages of Sorif, alShoyoukh and Tarqoumia, west and northeast and northwest of Hebron; the villages of 'Abawin, Western al Laban, Kafr Malek and Deir Jarir in Ramallah; and Marj Ne'jah village, north of Jericho.
Friday, 09 May 2015
At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into Sorif village, west of Hebron. They patrolled the streets for some time and then stationed in the vicinity of Ahmed 'Abdel Fattah alhor (55). They raided and searched the aforementioned house and handed the son of the aforementioned civilian, 'Ali (19), a summons to refer to the Israeli Intelligence in "Gosh 'Etzion", south of Bethlehem. Israeli forces later withdrew.
At approximately 09:00, Israeli forces stationed along the border fence opened fire at the agricultural lands, east of Khuza'ah village, east of Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip. The shooting continued for around half an hour and recurred in the same area at approximately 18:40. No injuries were reported in both incidents.
At approximately 12:30, Israeli forces stationed along the border fence opened fire at a group of farmers and workers who were maintaining a tractor for harvesting wheat and barley in alZeini land, which is only 300500 meters away from the fence, south of alSuhadaa' Cemetery, east of Jablia in the northern Gaza Strip. As a result, two farmers were wounded. However, the shooting continued in the area while evacuating the two wounded persons by a civilian car targeting the tractor with many bullets causing severe damage. The two wounded persons were then taken to Shifa Hospital in Gaza and then transferred in the Gaza European Hospital in Khan Younis. The medical sources described as moderate. The wounded persons were identified as Ra'ed Soliman Mohammed alFarra (41), who sustained bullet shrapnel wound in the left eye, left hand, abdomen and chest; and Karam Salem Mohammed Abu Hadayed (33), who sustained shrapnel wounds to the abdomen, chest and two legs.
At approximately 18:40, Israeli gunboats stationed in alWahah shore, northwest of Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip, opened fire at Palestinian fishing boats sailing within less than 1 nautical mile. An Israeli gunboat approached a fishing boat belonging to 'Issa Nafez Abu Riyalah and Ra'ed Sa'id al'Ashi, both are from alShati' refugee camp in Gaza City. The fishing boat was boarded by Mohammed No'man Rabi'a alSultan (23) and Hatem al'Abed 'Ashour alSultan (29), both are from alSalatin neighborhood in Beit Lahia. The Israeli naval soldiers forced the fishermen to jump into the water and swim towards the Israeli gunboat. The Israeli soldiers then arrested the two fishermen and confiscated their boat. Additionally, 17 pieces of fishing nets were lost. It should be mentioned that the area witnessed heavy shooting, which continued from 18:00 to 22:00 at the Palestinian fishing boats. At approximately 05:00 on Monday, 11 May 2015, Israeli forces released the aforementioned fishermen via Beit Hanoun "Erez" crossing. It was found later that they are both wounded as Mohammed alSultan sustained was hit by a rubber coated metal bullet to the left hand and the right feet, and Hatem alSultan was hit by bullet shrapnel to the right hand.
Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces carried out incursions in the following areas, but no arrests were reported: Baqet alHatab village,east of Qaqlilya.
Sunday, 10 May 2015
At approximately 01:00, Israeli forces moved into a number of neighbourhoods in Hebron. They patrolled the streets for some time and then stationed in Abu Katilah area to the west of the city, where the Israeli soldiers deployed causing fear among their residents and children. They raided and searched two houses, from which they arrested Ahmed Rashid alJneidi (22) and Naser alDeen Fayyad Shabanah (23). Israeli forces later withdrew taking them to an unknown destination. At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into Selwad village, northeast of Ramallah. They stationed in the centre of the village and then raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Thalji Majdi Hammad (20). Israeli forces withdrew later after handing the aforementioned civilian a summons to refer to the Israeli Intelligence.
At approximately 02:30, Israeli forces moved into alNabi Saleh village, northeast of Ramallah. They stationed in the centre of the village and then raided and searched two houses. They handed 'Abdel Hakim Mohammed 'Awad Tamimi (20) and Wisam eyad 'Abdel Karim Tamimi (19) summonses to refer to the Israeli intelligence.
At approximately 21:00, Israeli gunboats stationed off alWaha shore, northwest of Brit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip, opened fire in the vicinity of Palestinian fishing boats in addition to chasing them. The shooting at the boats sailing within 3 nautical miles continued for 20 minutes. This caused fear among Palestinian fishermen who fled leaving their nets that they later lost. Neither causalities nor damages were reported.
Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces carried out incursions in the following areas, but no arrests were reported: Tulkarm and Ezbet alTayyah area, east of the city; Beit 'Oar alTahta,southwest of Ramallah, Deir Debwan village, northeast of the city; Kafr 'Ein village, northwest of Ramallah; al'Oja village, north of Jericho; 'Ein alSultan refugee camp, west of Jericho; alSamou'a village, south of Hebron; alTabqah village, south of Dura, southwest of Hebron; al'Aroub refugee camp, north of Hebron; Far'on village, south of Tulkarm; and Ethna village, west of Hebron.
Monday, 11 May 2015
At approximately 01:30, Israeli forces moved into Mothalth alSuhadaa' village, south of Jenin. They patrolled the streets and then raided and searched a house belonging to Ra'fat Basem Mahmoud 'As'ous (23). Israeli forces withdrew later after handing the aforementioned civilian a summons to refer to the Israeli intelligence in Salem Camp, northwest of Jenin. Neither further incidents nor arrests were reported.
At approximately 03:00, Israeli forces moved into alJalazone refugee camp, north of Ramallah. They patrolled the streets for some time and then stationed in the centre of it. They raided and searched 4 houses, from which they arrested 5 civilians: 1. 'Ahed riyad alTirawi (21); 2. His brother, Mahmoud (20); 3. Ahmed Khaled 'Awad (17); 4. Ahmed Taysir Mohammed Zbeidi (19); and 5. Khaled Mohammed alRemhi (18).
At approximately 03:30, Israeli forces moved into 'Ezbet Salman village, south of Qalqliya. They patrolled the streets and then raided and searched a house belonging to Ziyad 'Omer Hasan Qezmar (49), an officer of the Palestinian General Intelligence. They withdrew later after questioning the residents and confiscating a gun, a hunting rifle and a homemade machine gun in addition to some ammunition. The Israeli forces also arrested the son of the house owner, 'Omer (22), and took him to an unknown destination.
At approximately 04:00, Israeli forces moved into Qabatia village, south of Jenin. They patrolled the streets and then raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Saleh Mahmoud Saleh abu alRub (23). They questioned the residents and then handed the house owner a summons to refer to the Israeli intelligence in Salem Camp, northwest of Jenin. Israeli forces then raided and searched a house belonging to Ahmed Nafe'a Najib Abu al Rub (23). Israeli forces withdrew later after handing the aforementioned civilian a similar summons.
At approximately 08:30, Israeli forces stationed along the border fence, east of alBureij in central Gaza Strip, opened fire and fired flash bombs while a helicopter was hovering overhead at al'Awawdah area, east of the camp. The Israeli soldiers moved into the lands along the border fence and arrested Basel Shafiq Khaled Abu Shawish (24) from alNussairat refugee camp when he was trying to cross the border. The shooting continued for two hours while the flash bombs caused fires in the grass adjacent to the border fence. The Civil Defence arrived and extinguished it after coordinating with the Red Cross.
At approximately 09:30, Israeli forces moved into Sateh Marhaba area, east of alBireh. They patrolled the streets and deployed between houses. Soon, a number of Palestinian young men gathered to throw stones and empty bottles at the Israeli vehicles. The Israeli soldiers in response fired tear gas canisters and sound bombs at the civilians. As a result, Rafat 'Ali 'Arafat Abu Lebdah (16) sustained bullet injury under the left knee, so he was taken to Palestine Medical Complex in Ramallah to receive medical treatment.
At approximately 11:30, Israeli forces moved into alFondoqmia village, southwest of Jenin. They patrolled the streets when young men from the village gathered to throw stones and empty bottles. Israeli forces in response fired sound bombs and tear gas canisters. Israeli forces withdrew later, and neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into alNabi Elias, southeast of Qalqilya. They patrolled the streets and then raided a number of shops and took a look in the Digital Video Recorder (DVR) of the surveillance cameras.
At approximately 15:00, Israeli forces arrested Ahmed Usamah Mohammed Hassan (21) from Qalqilya. A security source said to a PCHR fieldworker that the Israeli forces chased the car of the aforementioned civilian and arrested him at the eastern entrance of Qalqilya. They took him to an unknown destination.
At approximately 21:00, Israeli gunboats stationed off alWaha shore, northwest of Brit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip, opened fire in the vicinity of Palestinian fishing boats in addition to chasing them. The shooting at the boats sailing within 2 nautical miles continued for 30 minutes. This caused fear among Palestinian fishermen who fled leaving their nets that they later lost. Neither causalities nor damages were reported.
Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces carried out incursions in the following areas, but no arrests were reported: Tulkarm and 'Ezbet alTayyah area, east of the city; Beit 'Oar village, southwest of Ramallah; Deir Debwan village, northeast of the city and Ramin village, northeast of Tulkarm.
Tuesday, 12 May 2015
At approximately 01:30, Israeli forces moved into alYamoun, northwest of Jenin. They patrolled the streets and then raided and searched a number of houses and handed the houses' owners summonses to refer to the Israeli Intelligence in Salem Camp, northwest of Jenin. The summoned persons were identified as Fadi Fawzi Yousif Abu Sefein (34); Hani Ghassan Thib Abu Hasan (23) and Basel Faisal Salim Sa'id "Abu alHaija".
At approximately 02:30, Israeli forces moved into 'Aboud village, northwest of Ramallah. They patrolled the streets for some time and then stationed in the centre of it. They raided and searched two houses, from which they arrested 'Ali Hussein 'Abdel Majid (23) and 'Abdullah Mahmoud Barghuthi (22). They withdrew later taking to an unknown destination.
Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Beit Ummar village, north of Hebron. They patrolled the streets and then stationed in the centre of the village. They deployed between the houses causing fear among their residents and children. The Israeli soldiers raided a house belonging to Kefah Ahmed 'Ali Abu 'Ayyash (24). Israeli forces arrested the aforementioned civilian and withdrew later taking him to an unknown destination.
At approximately 06:45, Israeli gunboats stationed off alWaha shore, northwest of Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip, opened fire in the vicinity of Palestinian fishing boats in addition to chasing them. The shooting targeted the boats sailing within 3 nautical miles continued for 20 minutes. This caused fear among Palestinian fishermen who fled leaving their nets that they later lost. Neither causalities nor damages were reported.
At approximately 13:00, Israeli forces deployed in Tal alRamidah neighbourhood in the centre of Hebron. They stopped a number of civilians and detained some of them after checking their ID cards. Israeli forces arrested 'Emad Saleh Abu Shamsiyah (43) and his son, Saleh (10), and withdrew later taking both of them to the Israeli forces' camp in the "Ramati Yishai" settlement outpost established on the neighbourhood lands. They were released later.
Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces carried out incursions in the following areas, but no arrests were reported: Deir Abzigh village, west of Ramallah.
Wednesday, 13 May 2015
At approximately 03:30, Israeli forces moved into Bir Zeit village, north of Ramallah. They patrolled the streets for some time and then stationed in 'Atarah Street. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Kamal Andrawos (36). Israeli forces arrested the aforementioned civilian and withdrew later taking him to an unknown destination. At approximately 07:30, Israeli gunboats stationed off the west of Rafah City in the southern Gaza Strip opened fire heavily in the vicinity of the Palestinian fishing boats sailing within 2 nautical miles. Neither injuries nor damages to the boats were reported.
At approximately 10:30, Israeli forces stationed along the border fence, east of alShuhadaa' Cemetery and east of Abu Safiyah area, east of Jabalia in the northern Gaza Strip, opened fire sporadically at the border area. The shooting resulted in fear among farmers, who were in the agricultural lands adjacent to the border zone. As a result, they fled for fear of being wounded. Neither injuries nor damages to the property were reported. At approximately 14:00, the shooting was resumed in the same area.
Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces carried out incursions in the following areas, but no arrests were reported: al'Erqah village, west of Jenin; Bir alBasha village, south of Jenin; Seir village, southeast of Qalqilya; and Deir 'Ammar village, northwest of Ramallah.
2. Use of excessive force against peaceful demonstrations protesting settlement activities and the construction of the annexation wall
During the reporting period, Israeli soldiers used excessive force against peaceful demonstrations organized by Palestinian civilians, international and Israeli human rights defenders in protest at the construction of the annexation wall and settlement activities in the West Bank. As a result, a number of protestors suffered tear gas inhalation and others sustained bruises as they were beaten up by Israeli soldiers.
In the same context, 9 civilians, including 2 children and 3 photojournalists, were wounded during peaceful protests in Kufor Qaddoum village, northeast of Qalqilya; and the southern entrance of alJalazoun refugee camp, while others suffered tear gas inhalation during Selwad and Ofer protests, southwest of Ramallah.
(PCHR keeps the names of the wounded in fear of being arrested by the Israeli forces within its policy to oppress the peaceful protests and prevent Palestinian civilians from participating).
Demonstrations against the construction of the annexation wall and settlement activity
Following the Friday prayer, on 08 May 2015, dozens of Palestinian civilians and international and Israeli human rights defenders organized a peaceful demonstration in Bil’in, west of Ramallah, in protest at the construction of the annexation wall and settlement activities. The protestors marched by the annexation wall and tried to cross the fence. Israeli soldiers stationed behind the wall, in the western area, and a large number of soldiers deployed along it, fired live bullets, tear gas canisters, rubbercoated metal bullets, sound bombs and wastewater at them and chased them into the olive fields. As a result, a number of protestors suffered tear gas inhalation.
Around the same time, dozens of Palestinian civilians organised a peaceful demonstration in the centre of Ni’lin village, west of Ramallah, in protest at the construction of the annexation wall and settlement activities. The demonstrators took the streets and headed to the annexation wall. Israeli forces closed the gates of the wall with barbwires and prevented the demonstrators from crossing to the land behind it before they responded by throwing stones. Israeli soldiers fired live ammunition, rubbercoated metal bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters at the civilians, and chased them into the village. As a result, a number of protestors suffered tear gas inhalation and others sustained bruises as they were beaten up by Israeli soldiers.
Also following the Friday prayer, dozens of Palestinian civilians and Israeli and international human rights defenders gathered in the center of alNabi Saleh village, northwest of Ramallah, to start the weekly peaceful protest against the construction of the annexation wall and settlement activities. They made their way towards Palestinian lands that Israeli settlers from the nearby "Halmish" settlement are trying to seize. Israeli soldiers closed all the village's entrances to prevent the Palestinian and international solidarity activists and journalists from participating in the protest. As a result, a number of protestors suffered tear gas inhalation and others sustained bruises as they beaten up by Israeli soldiers.
Other protests:
Following the Friday prayer, on 08 May 2015, dozens of Palestinian civilians organized a protest at the eastern entrance of Kufor Qaddoum village, northeast of Qalqilya, heading to the eastern entrance of the village in protest against closing that entrance since the beginning of alAqsa Intifada with an iron gate. The demonstrators threw stones at Israeli soldiers, who fired sound bombs and tear gas canisters in response. As a result, 5 civilians, including 2 children and 3 photojournalists, sustained bullet wounds and were hit by gas canisters. The 2 children, (14) and (10), sustained bullet wounds to the left legs. The 3 photojournalists working in PalMedia, Palestine TV and Wafa News Agency were hit by tear gas canisters in their upper parts. Their wounds were moderate.
Also following the Friday prayer, dozens of Palestinians gathered at the western entrance of the Silwad village, northeast of Ramallah, on the road between Silwad and Yabroud villages, near Bypass road (60), in protest at the Israeli policies. The protestors set fire to tires and threw stones and Molotov Cocktails at the aforementioned road and Israeli soldiers. In response, Israeli soldiers stationed in the area fired live ammunition, rubbercoated bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters at the protestors. As a result, a number of protestors suffered tear gas inhalation and others sustained bruises as they were beaten up by Israeli soldiers.
On Friday afternoon, dozens of youngsters gathered from different areas of Ramallah and alBireh in the vicinity of Ofer detention facility, southwest of Ramallah, in protest at Israeli attacks on Palestinian civilians and to mark the Palestinian Prisoners Day. They headed towards the facility’s gate that was closed by Israeli soldiers. They set fire to tires and threw stones and empty bottles at the soldiers. Israeli forces deployed around the detention facility and started firing live and rubbercoated metal bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters. As a result, a number of protestors suffered tear gas inhalation and others sustained bruises as they were beaten up by Israeli soldiers.
Also following the Friday prayer, dozens of children and young men gathered at the southern entrance of alJalazoun refugee camp, north of Ramallah. They were about 300 meters away from the fence of "Beit Eil" settlement. Israeli forces stationed in the area fired live ammunition, rubbercoated metal bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters. As a result, 4 civilians, including 2 children, were wounded. They were taken to Palestine Medical Compound in Ramallah. Moreover, a number of protestors suffered tear gas inhalation and others sustained bruises as they were beaten up by Israeli soldiers. A 16yearold child sustained a bullet wound to the chest, a 17yearold child sustained a bullet wound to the left ear, an 18yearold civilian sustained a bullet wound to the right ear and a 22yearold civilian sustained a bullet wound to the right side of the neck.
3. 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.
The total closure of alMentar ("Karni") crossing since 02 March 2011 has seriously affected the economy of the Gaza Strip. Following this closure, all economic and commercial establishments in the Gaza Commercial Zone were shut off. It should be noted that alMentar crossing is the biggest crossing in the Gaza Strip, in terms of its capacity to absorb the flow of imports and exports. The decision to close alMentar crossing was the culmination of a series of decisions resulting in the complete closure of the Sofa crossing, east of the Gaza Strip in the beginning of 2009, and the Nahal Oz crossing, east of Gaza City, which were dedicated for the delivery of fuel and cooking gas to the Gaza Strip, in the beginning of 2010.
Israeli forces have continued to impose a total ban on the delivery of raw materials to the Gaza Strip, except for very limited items and quantities. The limited quantities of raw materials allowed into Gaza do not meet the minimal needs of the civilian population of the Gaza Strip.
The cooking gas crisis has fluctuated due to the closure of Karm Abu Salem for security claims. According to PCHR’s followup, Israeli authorities only allow an average of 98 tons of cooking gas into Gaza per day. This limited quantity is less than half of the daily needs, which is 200 tons per day of the civilian population in the Gaza Strip during winter. The lack of diesel and benzene led to the aggravation of the crisis as a result of using the gas cylinder for cars or as an alternative for benzene to run generators. As a result, the demand for gas further increased.
For almost 8 consecutive years, Israeli forces have continued to prevent the delivery of construction materials to the Gaza Strip. Two years ago, Israeli forces approved the delivery of limited quantities of construction materials for a number of international organizations in the Gaza Strip. On 17 September 2013, they allowed the entry of limited quantities of construction materials for the private sector. However, on 13 October 2013, they rebanned it claiming that these materials are used for constructing tunnels. Israeli forces allowed the entry of construction materials only for UNRWA and UNDP projects. As a result, construction works have completely stopped impacting all sectors related to construction and an increase in unemployment levels. During the 51day Israeli offensive on the Gaza Strip in July and August 2014, Israeli authorities did not allow the entry of any construction materials. As a result, vital and infrastructure projects have been obstructed so far.
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. 3 weeks ago, Israeli forces started to ban the entry of wood under the pretext is it used for constructing tunnels. Israel has continued to close the Beit Hanoun (“Erez”) crossing for the majority of Palestinian citizens from the Gaza Strip. Israel only allows the movement of a limited number of groups, with many hours of waiting in the majority of cases. Israel has continued to adopt a policy aimed at reducing the number of Palestinian patients allowed to move via the Beit Hanoun crossing to receive medical treatment in hospitals in Israel or in the West Bank and East Jerusalem. Israel denied permission to access hospitals via the crossing for new categories of patients from the Gaza Strip. It should be noted that in the past weeks Israeli forces arrested a number of Palestinian traders heading to Israel after they got permits or were requested to meet with the Israeli intelligence service at the crossing. During the reporting period, a patient was arrested at the crossing.
Movement at Karm Abu Salem (Kerem Shalom) crossing, southeast of Rafah 29 April – 11 May 2015
Date Imports Category Amount Tons Number Liters 29 April Foodstuffs 1,203 Agricultural materials 2,162 Various goods 1,371 Cartons of clothes 1,320 Refrigerators 193 TVs 1,296 Marble 1,500 meters Cartons of shoes 47,676 Electricity generators 12 Washing machines 120 Ovens 2,577 Marble boards 10 Cows 388 Gas cylinders 1,648 Glass boards 520 Humanitarian aid 41,512 Cooking gas 273.322 Benzene 216,005 Diesel 700,969
Diesel for UNRWA 214,212 Industrial fuel 513,000 30 April Foodstuffs 1,183 + 40,000 eggs Agricultural materials 2,166 Various goods 1,061 Cartons of clothes 747 Refrigerators 86 Marble 900 meters Cartons of shoes 20,424 Electricity generators 7 Washing machines 56 Marble boards 76 Glass boards 1,745 Cows 388 Solar power systems 128 Electricity poles 12 Tires 175 horses 15 Humanitarian aid 9,147 Cooking gas 274.240 Benzene 364,000 Diesel 706,879
Diesel for UNRWA 208,105 Industrial fuel 383,000 Cooking gas 136.170 Benzene 70,000 01 May Diesel 259,001
Industrial fuel 262,000 Foodstuffs 523 Agricultural materials 1,917 Various goods 798 05 May Cartons of clothes 990 Cartons of shoes 500 Glass boards 1,040 Refrigerators 128 Solar power systems 200 ACs 4 Power adapters 17 Water pumps 6 Marble 500 meters Tires 1,000 Humanitarian aid 13,050 Cooking gas 272.860 Benzene 221,995 Diesel 746,996 Industrial fuel 405,986 Foodstuffs 649 Agricultural materials 1,379 06 May Various goods 445
Cartons of clothes 1,320
Cars 55
Cartons of shoes 6,339
Washing machines 122
Cows 427
Refrigerators 74
Solar power systems 134
Ovens 560
Bakery machines 40
Humanitarian aid 12,459
Cooking gas 268.510
Benzene 330,994
Diesel 777,007 Industrial fuel 413,001 Foodstuffs 672 Agricultural materials 1,445 07 May Various goods 979 Cartons of clothes 969 Refrigerators 138 Cows 192 Sheep 90 Marble boards 290 Cartons of shoes 5,648 Marble 500 meters Gas cylinders 3,692
Humanitarian aid 9,268
Cooking gas 226.540
Benzene 254,020 Diesel 472,870 Industrial fuel 590,984 Foodstuffs 957 Agricultural materials 861 Various goods 1,001 10 May Cartons of clothes 330
Marble 520 meters
Cartons of shoes 5,389
Marble boards 110
Solar power systems 112
Refrigerators 120
Bakery machines 11
Electricity generators 14
Humanitarian aid 10, 646
Cooking gas 270.120
Benzene 328,000
Benzene for UNRWA 34,994 Diesel 740,175 Industrial fuel 410,001 Foodstuffs 845 Agricultural materials 1,270 Various goods 661 11 May Cartons of clothes 330
Cars 54
Glass boards 1,000
Washing machines 72
Marble boards 300
Fans 700
Caravans 14
Batteries 975
Refrigerators 98
Humanitarian aid 11,138
Cooking gas 273.220
Benzene 369,010 Diesel 841,979 Industrial fuel 305,989
Exports:
On Wednesday, 29 April 2015, Israeli forces allowed the exportation of 0.6 tons of fish; 30 tons stationery and 29 tons of furniture. On Thursday, 30 April 2015, Israeli forces allowed the exportation of 62.8 tons of tomatoes; 36 tons of furniture; 11 tons of clothes and 8 tons of eggplants. On Tuesday, 05 May 2015, Israeli forces allowed the exportation of 7.8 tons of eggplants and 169 tons of tomatoes. On Thursday, 07 May 2015, Israeli forces allowed the exportation of 1.1 tons eggplants and 64.3 tons of tomatoes. On Monday, 11 May 2015, Israeli forces allowed the exportation of 0.55 tons of garlic and 0.15 tons of mints.
Other imports:
On Wednesday, 2 May 2015, Israeli forces allowed the entry of 160 tons of cement, 2120 tons of aggregate for the UNRWA; 2720 tons of aggregate; 2000 tons of cement and 60 tons of construction steel for the Gaza reconstruction; 400 tons of cement and 30 tons of construction steel for the Water Authority; and 520 tons of aggregate for the UNDP. They also allowed the entry of 1015 tons of fodders and 805 tons of wheat. On Thursday, 30 April 2015, Israeli forces allowed the entry of 680 tons of aggregate, 1680 tons of cement and 180 tons of construction steel for the Gaza Reconstruction; 640 tons of cement for the Qatari Project; 80 tons of cement for the Turkish Project. They also allowed the entry of 1295 tons of fodders and 595 tons of wheat. On Tuesday, 05 May 2015, Israeli forces allowed the entry of 4000 tons of aggregate, 2120 tons of cement, and 180 tons of construction steel for the Gaza reconstruction. They also allowed the entry of 875 tons of fodders and 525 tons of wheat. On Wednesday, 06 May 2015, Israeli forces allowed the entry of 1760 tons of aggregate, 40 tons of cement and 150 tons of construction steel for the UNRWA; 1080 tons of aggregate, 1800 tons of cement for the Gaza Reconstruction; and 1280 tons of aggregate and 40 tons of cement for the UNDP. They also allowed the entry of 805 tons of fodders and 490 tons of wheat. On Thursday, 07 May 2015, Israeli forces allowed the entry of 1400 tons of aggregate, 1400 tons of cement and 120 tons of construction steel for the Gaza Reconstruction; and 80 tons of cement for the Water Authority. They also allowed the entry of 700 tons of fodders and 525 tons of wheat. On Sunday, 10 May 2015, Israeli forces allowed the entry of 320 tons of aggregate, 360 tons of cement and 60 tons of construction steel for the UNRWA; and 3160 tons of aggregate, 200 tons of cement and 60 tons of construction steel for the Gaza Reconstruction. They also allowed the entry of 700 tons of fodders. On Monday, 11 May 2015, Israeli forces allowed the entry of 1000 tons of aggregate, 320 tons of cement and 60 tons of construction steel for the UNRWA; 3120 tons of aggregate for the Gaza Reconstruction; 60 tons of construction steel and 80 tons of cement for the Water Authority; and 320 tons of cement for the Qatari Project. They also allowed the entry of 910 tons of fodders and 280 tons of wheat.
Plastic Containers returned by Israeli forces via Karm Abu Salem:
On Wednesday, 29 April 2015, Israeli forces returned 8 truckloads of empty containers. On Thursday, 30 April 2015, Israeli forces returned 8 truckloads of empty containers. On Tuesday, 05 May 2015, Israeli forces returned 9 truckloads of empty containers and a truckload of oxygen cylinders.
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.
Movement at Beit Hanoun (“Erez”) crossing 06 – 11 May 2015
Category 06 May 07 May 08 May 09 May 10 May 11 May Patients 43 63 77 66 Companions 36 66 75 67 Personal needs 87 103 11 76 80 Families 20 of prisoners Arabs from 9 10 6 33 6 Israel Diplomats International journalists International 48 75 18 43 workers Travelers 2 7 1 11 abroad Business people 342 326 1 462 367 Business meetings Security interviews 1 2 2 7 VIPs 1 1 Ambulances 6 2 5 5 to Israel Patients' 6 2 5 5 Companions
Notes: On Friday, 08 May 2015, Israeli forces allowed 183 civilians to cross through Erez in order to perform prayers in the alAqsa Mosque in East Jerusalem. They also allowed an international worker to renew his permit. On Sunday, 10 May 2015, Israeli forces allowed a civilian who holds a residence card in the West Bank to return there.
West Bank
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 have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. At approximately 07:00 on Thursday, 07 May 2015, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the entrance of Beit Kahel village, northwest of Hebron. Around the same time, another checkpoint was established at the entrance of Northern Yata, south of Hebron. Later, both checkpoints were removed, and no arrests were reported. At approximately 07:00 on Friday, 08 May 2015, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the entrance of Ethna village, west of Hebron. Later, both checkpoints were removed, and no arrests were reported.
At approximately 07:30 on Sunday, 10 May 2015, Israeli forces established a checkpoint, at the entrance of al Mowareq village, west of Dura, southwest of Hebron. At approximately 08:00, another checkpoint was established at Bani Na'im village, west of Hebron. Later, both checkpoints were removed, and no arrests were reported.
At approximately 17:00 on Tuesday, 12 May 2015, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the entrance of Beit 'Awwa village, south of Dura, southwest of Hebron, and closed the iron gate established at the entrance. At approximately 19:30, another checkpoint was established at the entrance of Beit Kahel village, northwest of Hebron. Later, the checkpoint was removed, and no arrests were reported.
Ramallah: Israeli forces have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. At approximately 12:00 on Thursday, 07 May 2015, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the northern entrance of 'Ein Sinia village, north of the city. Later, the checkpoint was removed and no arrests were reported. At approximately 19:00, they reestablished at ‘Atara checkpoint at the northern entrance of Bir Zeit, north of the city. They later withdrew, and no arrests were reported. Around the same time, another checkpoint was established at the entrance of 'Ein Sinia village, north of Ramallah. Later, both checkpoints were removed and no arrests were reported.
At approximately 10:00 on Friday, 08 May 2015, Israeli forces closed the eastern entrance of alNabi Saleh village, northeast of Ramallah. Around the same time, another checkpoint was established under the bridge of Yabrud village, northeast of the city. At approximately 11:00, another checkpoint was established at the entrance of Ni'lin village, west of Ramallah. At approximately 20:00, another checkpoint was established near the intersection of "'Ofrah" settlement, north of Ramallah. Later, all checkpoints were removed, and no arrests were reported.
At approximately 10:30 on Saturday, 09 May 2015, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the entrance of Ras Karkar village, northwest of Ramallah. At approximately 13:30, a similar checkpoint was established at Qebia village, west of Ramallah. At approximately 17:30, another checkpoint was established at the entrance of Beit 'Oar alFoqa, southwest of Ramallah. At approximately 18:00, another checkpoint was established at the entrance of Deir Abu Mesh'al village, northwest of Ramallah. All checkpoints were later, and no arrests were reported.
At approximately 17:00 on Sunday, 10 May 2015, israeli forces stationed at the entrance of alNabi Saleh village, northwest of Ramallah, and detained Usamah Belal 'Abdel Salam Tamimi (19) when he was on his way back home. The force officer questioned him on the spot about the pictures of the participants in the weekly peaceful protest organized in the village. He was released half an hour later. At approximately 11:30 on Monday, 11 May 2015, Israeli forces established a checkpoint under the bridge of Yabrud village, northeast of Ramallah. They then detained Haitham Mohammed Khalaf (24) from Selwad village while passing through the checkpoint and took him to "She'ar Benyamin" police station, northeast of Occupied Jerusalem. He was released two hours later, and the checkpoint was removed.
Qalqilya: Israeli forces have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. At approximately 14:00 on Friday, 08 May 2015, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the entrance of 'Azoun Village, southwest of Qalqilya. At approximately 19:00, another checkpoint was established at the eastern entrance of Qalqilya, southeast of the city. Later, both checkpoints were removed, and no arrests were reported.
At approximately 19:00 on Saturday, 09 May 2015, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the entrance of 'Azoun Village, southwest of Qalqilya. Later, the checkpoint was removed, and no arrests were reported.
At approximately 08:00 on Sunday, 10 May 2015, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the entrance of 'Azoun Village, southwest of Qalqilya. At approximately 17:00, another checkpoint was established at the entrance of Amatin Village, southeast of Qalqilya. At approximately 19:30, another checkpoint was established at the entrance of Jeensa'fout, southeast of Qalqilya. Later, all checkpoints were removed, and no arrests were reported.
At approximately 08:00 on Monday, 11 May 2015, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the eastern entrance of Qalqilya, southeast of the city. Later, the checkpoint was removed, and no arrests were reported.
Jenin: Israeli forces have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. At approximately 08:30 on Monday, 11 May 2015, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the intersection of Zaboubah village, northwest of Jenin. At approximately 08:30, another checkpoint was established on the main road between Jenin, Tulkarm and Nablus near alShuhadaa' intersection, south of Jenin. At approximately 18:00, another checkpoint was established at the entrance of Ya'bod village, southwest of Jenin. The checkpoint was later removed, and no arrests were reported.
Jericho: Israeli forces have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. At approximately 10:30 on Friday, 08 May 2015, Israeli forces established a checkpoint near the entrance of Fasayel village, north of the city. At approximately 20:20, another checkpoint was established at the southern entrance of Jericho. Later, both checkpoints were removed, and no arrests were reported.
At approximately 10:30 on Monday, 11 May 2015, Israeli forces established a checkpoint near the entrance of Fasayel village, north of the city. At approximately 20:20, another checkpoint was established at the southern entrance of Jericho. Later, both checkpoints were removed, and no arrests were reported. Tulkarm: Israeli forces have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. At approximately 09:00 on Thursday, 07 May 2015, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the entrance of Far'on village, south of Tulkarm. The checkpoint was later removed, and no arrests were reported. At approximately 12:30, Israeli forces stationed at ‘Annab military checkpoint which is established on the road between Tulkarm and Nablus, east of the city, tightened their restrictions against civilians and obstructed their movement. Later that day, the tightening ended and no arrests were reported.
At approximately 19:00 on Saturday, 09 May 2015, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the entrance of Shofah village, southeast of Tulkarm. The checkpoint was later removed, and no arrests were reported.
At approximately 14:30 on Sunday, 10 May 2015, Israeli forces stationed at ‘Annab military checkpoint which is established on the road between Tulkarm and Nablus, east of the city, tightened their restrictions against civilians and obstructed their movement. Later that day, the tightening ended and no arrests were reported. The tightening recurred at approximately 19:30 on the same checkpoint, but no arrests were reported.
At approximately 09:00 on Monday, 11 May 2015, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the entrance of Far'on village, south of Tulkarm. At approximately 10:00, another checkpoint was established at the entrance of Shofah village, southeast of Tulkarm. Both checkpoints were later removed, and no arrests were reported.
Arrests and Maltreatment at Military Checkpoints
At approximately 10:30 on Friday, 08 May 2015, Israeli forces stationed at gate No. 914 of the annexation wall near Falamiyah village, east of Qalqilya, arrested Mokhles Rakez 'Aqel Tobah (17) from Kafr Jammal, northeast of Qalqilya. He was later taken to unknown destination.
On Sunday afternoon, 10 May 2015, Israeli forces stationed at the gate of the annexation wall established at the entrance of Eastern Barta'ah village, which is isolated from its surroundings due to the annexation wall, west of Jenin, arrested Fayez Mohammed Fayez Qobaha (23) from Western Tourah village, west of Jenin, while passing through the checkpoint. He was then taken to an unknown destination.
At approximately 10:00 on Tuesday, 12 May 2015, Israeli forces stationed at the electronic gate leading to alIbrahimi Mosque in the center of the old city in the center of Hebron arrested 'emad Sa'di Soliman alTarwah (22) claiming that he had a knife. They later took him to an unknown destination.
5. Settlement activities and attacks by settlers against Palestinian civilians and property
Israel has continued its settlement activities in the oPt, a direct violation of international humanitarian law, and Israeli settlers have continued to attack Palestinian civilians and property.
Settlement expansion, demolitions and house demolition notices
At approximately 06:00 on Thursday, 07 May 2015, Israeli forces accompanied by 2 vehicles of the Israeli Civil Administration and 2 bulldozers moved into the south of alRamadeen village, southwest of Hebron. They stationed between Om Sedrah and alMasamrah areas and damaged the electricity network between the 2 areas under the pretext it was in area (C). As a result, 30 electricity poles were damaged and the abovementioned areas had a power outage. When Palestinians tried to stop Israeli forces, the soldiers fired sound bombs and tear gas canisters in response. As a result, a number of Palestinians suffered tear gas inhalation and Moheeb Hassan Zagharnah (17) was arrested. It should be noted that the 2 residential compounds in Om alSedrah and alMasamrah are 30 meters away from the annexation wall and are inhabited by 250 persons. The electricity network that was damaged was established there in 2008.
At approximately 16:00, on Sunday, 10 May 2015, Israeli forces demolished the tomb of Shaikh Kamel in Beit Dajan village, east of Nablus. They also seized all the stones by which the tomb was built.
At approximately 10:00 on Tuesday, 12 May 2015, Israeli forces accompanied by Civil Administration vehicles moved into Sousya village, south of Yatta, south of Hebron. They handed Khalil Afani alNawaj'a a summons to halt construction works in 2 residential tents under the pretext they were not licensed. It should be noted that on 04 May 2015, Israeli authorities refused through the Israeli Supreme Court to issue a temporary order to obstruct the decision that was issued to demolish all the houses of the village, in which about 300 persons live, as the court' decision allows Israeli forces to implement the order anytime. In the meantime, settlers seized control over 3,000 dunums of the village lands and established "Sousya" settlement, to the east of the village.
Settlers' attacks against Palestinian civilians and their property
At approximately 07:30 on Friday, 08 May 2015, 3 settlers from "Sousya" settlement, south of Yatta, south of Hebron, cut off branches of 3 old olive trees belonging to Mohammed Mosallam alNawaj'a in Kherbet Sousya. Settlers' attacks increased after the Israeli court issued a decision allowing Israeli forces and Civil Administration to evacuate Kherbet Sousya from its residents under the pretext there is no infrastructure in the Kherbe.
At approximately 19:00 on Saturday, 09 May 2015, a group of settlers attacked a number of civilian houses in Tal al Rumaida neighborhood, in the center of Hebron. They stopped the houses residents and denied them access to their houses. The settlers threw stones at a house belonging to Yasser Abu Markhiya and attempted to raid the house and attack his children in front of the Israeli soldiers who deployed in the neighborhood. The residents are subjected to physical search and observed by surveillance cameras fixed on the walls to protect settlers from "Ramat Shai" settlement, in the center of the neighborhood. Moreover, there are military checkpoints established at the eastern and western entrances of neighborhood.
On Tuesday early morning, 12 May 2015, Israeli forces accompanied by a bulldozer moved into agricultural lands that are rented to cut off construction stones, east of Silwad village, northeast of Ramallah. The bulldozer demolished a wall and tin plates belonging to Abdullah Tawfiq Ahmed Hamed (63) for no apparent reason. It should be noted that Israeli forces demolished a barrack belonging to the aforementioned person on 16 March 2015 under the pretext of nonlicensing. The barrack was used to store work equipment and tools.
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;
………………………………………………………… Public Document For further information please visit our website www.pchrgaza.org or contact PCHR’s office in Gaza City, Gaza Strip by email [email protected] or telephone +972 08 282 4776 – 282 5893.
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