Weekly Report On Israeli Human Rights Violations in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (31 Dec. 2015­ 06 Jan. 2016)

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

(31 December 2015 – 06 January 2016)

Israeli forces continued to use excessive force in the oPt 2 Palestinian civilians were killed in the northern and southern West Bank. 8 Palestinian civilians, including a child, were wounded in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. Among the wounded was Palestine TV reporter in Qalqilya.

Israeli forces continued to target the border area along the Gaza Strip, but no casualties were reported.

Israeli warplanes raided 3 training sites in the Gaza Strip, but no casualties were reported.

Israeli forces conducted 79 incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank. 64 Palestinian civilians, including 9 children, were arrested. 12 of them, including 4 children, were arrested in occupied Jerusalem. Jewish majority efforts continued in occupied East Jerusalem. A house belonging to the family of Alaa Abu Jamal was closed with concrete and walls of a house belonging to the family of Baha’ Elayan were destroyed on grounds of collective punishment. Settlers made holes in a house in the Old City, claiming they owned since before the Catastrophe (Nakba)

Settlement activities continued in the West Bank. A plot of land in Sa’ir village was levelled for the establishment of a military observation post. 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 other were re­ established to obstruct the movement of Palestinian civilians. 7 Palestinian civilians, including a child, were arrested at military checkpoints. A patient companion was arrested at Beit Hanoun (Erez) crossing, north of the Gaza Strip.

Summary

Israeli violations of international law and international humanitarian law in the oPt continued during the reporting period (31 December 2015 – 06 January 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. Occupied East Jerusalem witnessed similar attacks. During the reporting period, Israeli forces killed two Palestinian civilians in the West Bank. Moreover, they wounded eight others, including a child. Six of them, including the child, were wounded in the West Bank, while the two others were wounded in the Gaza Strip.

In the West Bank, killings committed by Israeli forces were as follows:

On 31 December 2015, Israeli forces killed Hassan Bazour (22), from Raba village, south of Jenin. They opened fire at his car that he was driving on Ramallah­Nablus road in Hawarah village, south of Nablus. Israeli websites reported that a Palestinian was driving his car and when he approached a group of soldiers in the abovementioned area, he drove fast and hit them. As a result, a soldier sustained minor wounds. Therefore, Israeli soldiers shot dead that Palestinian.

On 05 January 2016, Israeli forces deployed around “Gosh Etzion” settlement intersection, south of Bethlehem, shot dead Ahmed Kawazbah (18), from Sa’ir village, east of Hebron. Kawazbah was hit a number of bullets throughout his body. Israeli forces claimed that the aforementioned person wounded a soldier in a stabbing.

During the reporting period, six Palestinian civilians, including a child, were wounded in the West Bank. The child was wounded during an Israeli incursion in al­Dheisha refugee camp, southwest of Bethlehem, and four others were wounded while participating in two peaceful protests at the entrances of Beit Ommar village, north of Hebron, and Azzoun village, east of Qalqilya. Moreover, Palestine TV reporter was wounded in Qalqilya while covering Kufor Qaddoum weekly protest, northeast of the city.

In the Gaza Strip, Israeli forces wounded two Palestinian civilians, including a child, while participating in a protest near the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel, north of the Gaza Strip.

In the context of airstrikes, on 02 January 2016, Israeli warplanes raided Bader military training site of al­Qassam Brigades (the armed wing of Hamas movement), west of al­Maqousi building, northwest of Gaza City. As a result, the site sustained damage, but no casualties were reported. In addition, on the same day, Israeli warplanes raided another training site in the southeast of al­ Bureij refugee camp. A third training site in the southern Gaza Strip was raided as well.

As part of Israeli shooting incidents in the border area, on 03 January 2016, Israeli forces stationed along the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel, north of the Gaza Strip, opened fire sporadically at the border area. Neither casualties nor material damage were reported.

Incursions:

During the reporting period, Israeli forces conducted at least 79 military incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank and 5 ones in occupied East Jerusalem. During these incursions, Israeli forces arrested at least 64 Palestinian civilians, including nine children. Twelve of these civilians, including four children, were arrested in East Jerusalem.

Efforts to create Jewish Majority

In the context of house demolitions, on 04 January 2016, Israeli forces moved into al­Mukaber Mountain village, southeast of occupied Jerusalem. They raided a building in which Safa Abu Jamal and her family live. They took all of them out of the house and detained and attacked one of her brothers. Moreover, they closed the windows with iron and tin plates, after which, they poured concrete into the apartment. Israeli forces claimed that the targeted apartment belongs to her brother Alaa “based on confidential information”. It should be noted that Alaa Abu Jamal was killed by Israeli forces after he carried out a run­over and stabbing attack that resulted in the killing of an Israeli Rabbi on 13 October 2015.

Around the same time, another Israeli force raided a house belonging to the family of Khalil Mohammed Elayan and his sons. They dismissed all the occupants out and destroyed the inside and outside walls of the second floor with hand tools. It should be noted that Baha Mohammed Elayan was killed by Israeli forces after he carried out an attack in an Israeli bus near al­Mukaber Mountain village on 13 October 2015.

As part of settler attacks, on 03 January 2016, some settlers made halls in the walls of a house belonging to Sab Laban family in Aqbet al­Khalediya neighbourhood, in the Old City in East Jerusalem. The family said that they were surprised when they got home and found halls in the children’s bedroom walls. These halls were made by settlers that seized a building belonging to al­Qaisi family adjacent to Sab Laban house the previous month. The settlement organizations attempt to seize the house claiming that they owned it since before 1948.

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 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. The Israeli closure raised the rate of poverty to 38.8%, 21.1% of which suffer from extreme poverty. Moreover, the rate of unemployment increased up to 44%, which reflects the unprecedented economic deterioration in the Gaza Strip.

Settlement activities:

On 31 December 2015, under the protection of Israeli forces, Israeli bulldozers levelled part of a plot of land belonging to Isma’il Abed Rabbu Shalalda in Sa’ir valley, northeast of Sa’ir village, east of Hebron, in order to establish a military observation post.

On 05 January 2016, Israeli forces confiscated a tractor that was around a house belonging to Adham Abu Maria, who was notified to halt construction works, east of Beit Ommer village, north of Hebron. Moreover, they handed notices over to Khaled Abu Maria and Ghassan Breigeeth for the removal of eight water tanks used in irrigation system.

Details

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

Thursday, 31 December 2015

At approximately 01:00, Israeli forces moved into Beit Ummar village, north of Hebron. They stationed in al­Bayadah neighbourhood and then raided and searched a number of houses. However, no arrests were reported. Some of the houses’ owners were identified as Mohammed ‘Awad Badran; Sa’di Jamil Abu Mariah; ‘Abdel Salam Ahmed Qoqas and his two brothers’ houses, Wahib and Nidal. The Israeli soldiers then raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Ahmed Khalil Abu Hashem (48) in Khelet al­Sheikh area and handed him a summons to refer to the Israeli Intelligence in “Gosh ‘Etzion” settlement, south of Bethlehem. They also raided and searched al­Shorafaa’ Petrol Station.

At approximately 01:30, Israeli forces moved into Shweikah Suburb, north of Tulkarm. They raided and searched a house belonging to Bashir Mustafa Mas’oud Bahti (62). They arrested him and his son Mohammed (30).

At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into Qofin village, north of Tulkarm. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Mo’az Shehadah Soliman Harshah (28) and arrested him.

Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into ‘Aydah refugee camp, north of Bethlehem. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of ‘Amer ‘Odah. They arrested his son Ahmed (25) and later withdrew taking them to an unknown destination.

At approximately 02:30, Israeli forces moved into Hebron and then stationed in Jabal al­ Jawharah neighbourhood, south of the city. They raided and searched a house belonging to Mohammed Hisham Harbi al­‘Ajlouni (18). They arrested the aforementioned civilian and later withdrew taking him to an unknown destination.

At approximately 03:00, Israeli forces moved into Jabe’a village, south of Jenin. They raided and searched a house belonging to Anis Zaher Anis ‘Alawnah (29) and arrested him.

Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Nakhalin village, west of Bethlehem. They raided and searched a number of houses and handed 5 civilians summonses to refer to the Israeli Intelligence in “Gosh ‘Etzion” settlement, south of the city. They were idneitfied as ‘Ali Mohammed Shakarnah (24); Ahmed Salem Najajrah (23); Nassar Mohammed Nassar (21); Ahmed Walid Najajrah (21) and Nour al­Deen ‘Ezzat Shakarnah (21).

At approximately 03:30, Israeli forces moved into al­Shoyoukh village, northeast of Hebron and then stationed in the eastern area of the village. They raided and searched a house belonging Hamdan Mohammed Hamdan ‘Aweidan (25). They arrested the aforementioned civilian and later withdrew taking him to an unknown destination.

At approximately 12:05, Israeli soldiers opened fire at a 1990 (Opel Astra­ Station) russet car, which was passing by al­Lo’alo’ah Hall in Howarah village, south of Nablus on Ramallah­Nablus Street. As a result, the driver Hasan ‘Ali Hasan Bazour (22) from Raba village, south of Jenin, was killed. Israeli websites said that a Palestinian was driving a car and when he approached a group of soldiers patrolling in the aforementioned area, he drove fast towards them. As a result, one of the soldiers sustained minor wounds while the other soldiers shot the driver dead. It should be mentioned that a “new driver” yellow plate was attached to the back window of the car, so the accident might be an ordinary road accident especially that Howarah Municipality is repairing the aforementioned street.

At approximately 16:30, Israeli forces moved into Ya’bud village, southwest of Jenin. They patrolled the streets and then established a checkpoint at its entrance preventing anyone from leavening or entering. Meanwhile, a number of Palestinian youngsters gathered to throw stones at the Israeli soldiers, who in response fire live ammunition, sound bombs and tear gas canisters. They also chased them between the houses. Israeli forces arrested Ma’aab ‘Issam Subhi Abu Shamlah (17); Mohammed Qays ‘Abdullah ‘Amarnah (18) and Mohammed Sa’id Mohammed Abu Baker (13) and later withdrew taking them to an unknown destination. Abu Baker was later released after the Palestinian Military Liaison intervened.

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces carried out 5 incursions in the following areas without reporting any arrests: villages of Na’im, al­Thaheriyah, Tafouh, al­Mowareq and Sekah in Hebron.

Friday, 01 January 2016

At approximately 01:30, Israeli forces moved into Raba village, east of Jenin. They raided and searched a house belonging to ‘Ali Hasan Bazour, the father of Hassan (22) whow as killed by the Israeli soldiers in Howarah village, south of Nablus on 31 December 2015 under the pretext of running over an Israeli soldier. The Israeli soldiers took photos and measures of the house and questioned the son of the aforementioned civilian Mohammed (19). Meanwhile, Israeli soldiers raided and searched a nearby house belonging to Samir Hasan Bazour (38). They blew up the doors and questioned the residents. The Israeli soldiers alter withdrew, but no further incidents were reported. It should be mentioned that the following the killing of Hasan, Israeli forces summoned the father to Salem Camp, northwest of Jenin, for interrogation.

At approximately 02:30, Israeli forces moved into Balatah refugee camp, east of Nablus. They raided and searched a number of houses. They arrested ‘Emran Mohammed Mahmoud al­Samiri Hashash (45) and later withdrew taking him to an unknown destination.

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces carried out 3 incursions in the following areas without reporting any arrests: Termes’aya village, north of Ramallah; Shaqba village, west of the city; and Howarah village, south of Nablus.

Saturday, 02 January 2016

At approximately 03:00, Israeli forces moved into Tulkarm and then stationed in the northern neighborhood near the Civil Liaison office. They raided and searched a house belonging to former prisoner Kifah Sami Mousa Ghanem (28). They blew up the main house door and arrested him.

At approximately 04:50, Israeli warplanes launched a missile at Bader Military site belonging to al­Qassam Brigades (the military wing of Hamas movement), west of al­Maqousi buildings, northwest of Gaza City. As a result, the site sustained damages, but no causalities were reported. The bombardment caused a huge explosion that rocked Gaza city and northern Gaza and terrified civilians, especially women and children.

Around the same time, Israeli warplanes launched a missile at a military site belonging to al­ Qassam Brigades, southeast of Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip. As a result, the communication tower was completely destroyed, but no casualties were reported.

At approximately 05:15, Israeli forces launched a missile at a military site belonging to armed Palestinian groups, southeast of al­Bureij in the central Gaza Strip. As a result, the site sustained damages, but no casualties were reported.

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces carried out 6 incursions in the following areas without reporting any arrests: Halhoul, Sorif village and al­Aroub refugee camp in Hebron; Kherbtha al­Mesbah, Beit ‘Oar al­Tahta, southwest of Ramallah and Deir Debwan village, northeast of the city.

Sunday, 03 January 2016

At approximately 01:30, Israeli forces moved into a number of neighbourhoods in Hebron. They raided and searched 3 houses, from which 3 civilians were arrested and taken to an unknown destination. The arrested persons were identified as Sa’eb Saber Abu Sneinah (12); Mohammed Samir ‘Atiyah ‘Abeido (21) and Ishaq Musbah al­Jneidi (27).

At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into Balatah refugee camp, east of Nablus. They raided and searched a number of houses. They arrested Ra’ed Sa’id Abu Shalal (33) and later withdrew taking him to an unknown destination. At approximately 14:30, Israeli forces stationed along the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel, north of Bouret Abu Samarah area, north of Beit LAhia in the northern Gaza Strip, sporadically opened fire at the border area in thea formentioned area. The shooting caused fear among farmers whose lands are near the border area forcing them to flee for fear of being wounded. Neither causalities nor damages were reported.

Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Beit Ummar village, north of Hebron. They raided and searched a number of houses, from which Ahmed Mohammed ‘Eyaz ‘Awad (18) and Montaser ‘Abdel Hamid ‘Awad (23). They also raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Naser ‘Ayesh Akhlil, but no arrests were reported.

At approximately 03:00, Israeli forces moved into Marah Rabah village, south of Bethlehem. They raided and searched a house belonging to ‘Ali al­Sheikh. They arrested his son Yousif (21) and later withdrew taking him to an unknown destination.

At approximately 03:30, Israeli forces moved into Beit ‘Awa village, southwest of Dura, southwest of Hebron. They raided and searched two houses, from which ‘Aqel Isma’il Shalash Masalmah (24) and Mo’atasem Farouq Shalash Masalmah (27) were arrested. Israeli forces later withdrew taking them to an unknown destination.

At approximately 04:00, Israeli forces moved into Deir Salah village, east of Bethlehem. They raided and searched a house belonging to Jamal Mohammed Salah (46). They handed the aforementioned civilian and his son Suhaib (2) and daughter Wisal (21) summonses to refer to the Israeli Intelligence in “Gosh ‘Etzion” settlement, south of the city.

At approximately 13:00, Israeli forces moved into al­Dheishah refugee camp, southwest of Bethlehem, amidst Israeli heavy firing of tear gas canisters and rubber­coated metal bullets. They surrounded a house belonging to Rami Nader Abu Hadid and then raided it. They arrested his brother Ra’ed (24) after severely beating him. When the Israeli soldiers were on their way out of the village, a number of Palestinian youngsters gathered to throw stones and Molotov Cocktails at the soldiers, who in response fired live bullets at them. As a result, a 13­year­old chold was hit with a bullet to the left foot and was then taken to Beit Jala Governmental Hospital to receive medical treatment.

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces carried out 7 incursions in the following areas without reporting any arrests: Beit Oula village, northwest of Hebron; al­Samou’a village, south of the city; Kafr al­Deek village, west of Salfit; Qalqilya; Beit ‘Oar al­Tahta, southwest of Ramallah; Bitounia village, west of the city and al­Mazara’ah al­Qabaliyah village, north of the city.

Monday, 04 January 2016

At approximately 01:30, Israeli forces moved into al­Far’ah refugee camp, south of Tubas. They raided and searched a number of houses. They arrested 4 civilians and later withdrew taking them to an unknown destination. The arrested persons were identified as Ra’fat Fathi Nawwaf Abu al­Hasan (20); Qays Ibrahim Mas’oud Madi (21); Mohammed Samih Bayadsah (21) and Rabi’a ‘Emad As’ad al­Shawish (19).

At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into MAdma village, south of Nablus. They raided and searched a number of houses. They arrested Mohammed Wajih Qot (25), who is with special needs (having a disability in movement), and Ahmed Ramzi Nassar (18) and later withdrew taking them to an unknown destination.

At approximately 02:30, Israeli forces moved into Tal village, southwest of Nablus. They raided and searched a number of houses. They arrested Mohammed Belal Mohammed Salah Ishtayah (20) and ‘Abdel Rahman Mohammed Samir Zidan (27) and later withdrew taking them to an unknown destination.

Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Hebron and stationed in the southern area of it. They raided and searched 3 houses. They arrested Mohammed Sha’aban ‘Abdel Hafiz al­Ja’bari (39); ‘Abdel Hafz Hasan Fazza’a (30) and Monther Hamzah al­Rajabi (18) and later withdrew taking them to an unknown destination.

Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Beit Ummar village, north of Hebron and stationed in the areas of al­Baten and Sho’ab al­Seir. They raided and searched two houses, from which Muhanned ‘Ali Abu ‘Ayyash (18) and Ahmed Mahmoud al­Barbarawi (19). They raided and searched a house belonging to Jawad Jamal Hasan ‘Awad (45). They handed his two sons Mohammed (14) and Rabi’a (18) two summonses to refer to the Israeli Intelligence in “Gosh ‘Etzion”, south of Bethlehem. At approximately 10:00, the Israeli soldiers stationed at the entrance to the aforementioned settlement arrested Rabie’a after heading to Intelligence.

Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Beit Fajjar village, south of Bethlehem. They raided and searched a number of houses and handed 4 civilians summonses to refer to the Israeli Intelligence in “Gosh ‘Etzion” settlement, south of the city. The civilians were identified as Khaled Ahmed Taqatqah (22); Khalil Na’im al­Sheikh (21);

At approximately 03:00, Israeli forces moved into al­Samou’a village, south of Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Amin Masalam (58). They arrested his son Azhar (21) and later withdrew taking him to an unknown destination.

Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Beit Fajjar village, south of Bethlehem. They raided and searched a number of houses. They handed 4 civilians summonses to refer to the Israeli Intelligence in “Gosh ‘Etzion” settlement, south of the city. The summoned civilians were identified as Khaled Ahmed Taqatqah (22); Khalil Na’im al­Sheikh (21); Ahmed Anwar Taqatqah (27) and ‘Adel Salah Taqatqah (25).

At approximately 04:00, Israeli forces moved into ‘Aydah refugee camp, north of Bethlehem. They handed 3 civilians summonses to refer to the Israeli Intelligence in “Gosh ‘Etzion” settlement, south of the city. The summoned civilians were identified as Mohammed ‘Atallah al­Mashayekh (20); Hamzah Joudah al­Masa’id (23) and Mahmoud Taysir al­Mashayekh (24). In the early dawn, they moved into Eastern Barta’a village isolated from its surroundings due to the annexation wall, west of Jenin. They raided and searched a house belonging to ‘Abdel Wahhab Mohammed Hasan Qabha (46) and arrested him. They raided and searched a toys shop belonging to the aforementioned civilian. Israeli forces later withdrew from the village taking him to an unknown destination.

At approximately 17:00, Israeli forces moved into Jayous village, northeast of Qalqilya. They heavily fired sound bombs and tear gas canisters in the village and then stationed in al­ Dowar area in the centre of the aforementioned village. The canisters penetrated the house of ‘Abdel Karim ‘Abdel Latif Shamasnah in the second floor. As a result, his old mother suffered tear gas inhalation and was taken to Darwish Nazzal Governmental Hospital. Ahmed Mohammed Nabhan Beidah was wounded when he attempted to climb the wall to put out the fire and rescue the house residents. However, the aforementioned civilian swallowed his tongue as he inhaled too much gas. Due to the heavy firing of tear gas canisters, the rear and back windows of a Mitsubishi car belonging to Saleh Mohammed Hussein Qadoumi were broken.

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces carried out 3 incursions in the following areas without reporting any arrests: al­Kom village, southwest of Dura, southwest of Hebron; Kherbtha al­Mesbah, southwest of Ramallah, and Heblah village, south of Qalqilya.

Tuesday, 05 January 2016

At approximately 01:00, Israeli forces moved into Yata, south of Hebron, and then stationed in Qaryetein neighbourhood. They raided and searched a house belonging to Usamah Khalil Mghanam (28). They arrested the aforementioned civilian and alter withdrew taking him to an unknown destination.

At approximately 01:30, Israeli forces moved into Abu Katilah neighbourhood in the western area of Hebron. They raided and searched two houses, from which Mahran ‘Azzam Dandis (26); Khaled Walid al­Qeimari (24) were arrested. Israeli forces alter withdrew taking them to an unknown destination.

Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Beit Ummar village, north of Hebron, and then stationed in Khelet al­‘Ein and al­Bayadah areas. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Riyadh ‘Issa ‘Arar (48). They hen arrested his son ‘Amr (16) and later withdrew taking him to where the vehicles were stationed. Israeli soldiers then raided and searched a house belonging to Sadeq Jihad Akhlil. Handed his son Mohammed (22) and handed him a summons to refer to the Israeli Intelligence “Gosh ‘Etzion” settlement, south of Bethlehem. The Israeli soldiers also raided and searched two houses belonging to the families of Sa’di ‘Ali Hamdan Akhlil (28) and Mofid Mohammed Akhlil (38).

At approximately 03:00, Israeli forces moved into Beit ‘Awa village, southwest of Dura, southwest of Hebron. They raded and searched a house belonging to ‘Issa ‘Abdel ‘Aziz al­ Sweiti (22). They arrested the aforementioned civilian and later withdrew taking him to an unknown destination. Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Shweikah Suburb, north of Tulkarm. They arrested a house belonging to the family of Ra’ed Raslan Hasan Na’aalwah “Dheiliyah” (39) and arrested him.

At approximately 09:00, Israeli soldiers deployed in the intersection of “Gosh ‘Etzion” settlement, south of Bethlehem, killed Ahmed Younis Ahmed Kawazbah (18) from Sa’ir village, east of Hebron, when they shot him with several bullets throughout his body. The Israeli forces claimed that the aforementioned civilian stabbed a soldier causing him wounds. The Israeli soldiers detained the wounded person and closed the main road. A Magen David Adom ambulance then took him to an unknown destination. At approximately 15:00, his corpse was handed to the Palestinian Military Liaison.

At approximately 19:00, Israeli forces moved into al­‘Amayer area and al­Sahel Street in Beit Jala as they are searching for a person, who threw an explosive device in the vicinity of “Rachel’s Tomb” area, north of Bethlehem, according to the Israeli Seventh Channel. A number of APelstinian young men gathered near al­‘Iraq neighbourhood in Beit Jala to throw stones at the Israeli soldiers, who in response fired tear gas canistersand rubber­coated metal bullets at them. Neither casualities nor arrests were reported. The Israeli soldiers raided a number of buildings and restaurants and confiscated its surveillance cameras’ recorders.

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces carried out 6 incursions in the following areas without reporting any arrests: villages of al­Samou’a, Beit Oula, al­Shyoukh, al­Karmal and Deir Samit, al­‘Aroub refugee camp and Dura in Hebron and ‘Azoun ‘Etmah village, south of Qalqilya.

Wednesday, 06 January 2016

At approximately 01:00, Israeli forces moved into Halhoul, north of Hebron. They stationed in al­Nabi Younis area, north of the city and then raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Basil ‘Azmi al­Baba (21). They arrested the aforementioned civilian and later withdrew taking him to an unknown destination.

Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Dura, southwest of Hebron. They stationed in Haninah neighbourhood and then raided and searched a house belonging to Khalil Riyadh al­Namourah (21). They arrested the aforementioned civilian and later withdrew taking him to an unknown destination.

At approximately 01:30, Israeli forces moved into Bani Na’im village, east of Hebron. They raided and searched two houses, from which Mo’az Mahmoud Harahshah (22) and Ibrahim ‘Ali Harahshah (27) were arrested. They later withdrew taking them to an unknown destination. At approximately 03:00, Israeli forces moved into Tulkarm and then stationd in the southern neighbourhood of the city near al­Asma’ie Old School. They raided and searched a house belonging to former prisoner ‘Abdel ‘Aziz ‘Emad ‘Abdel ‘Aziz Hattab (29). They handed him a summons to refer to the Israeli Intellugence in the Israeli D. C. O. office, southwest of Tulkarm, on Thursday, 08 January 2016. They also raided and searched a nearby house belonging to the family of Hisham Musatafa Basem Hasan al­Safarini (19) and handed him a similar summons on the same date. The Israeli soldiers re­stationed near al­Israa’ School and then raided a 3­storey residential building belonging to Hattab family. They raided and searched the house of former prisoner Ihsan Mohammed Ghazi ‘Abdel Rahman Hattab (30) and arrested him.

At approximately 03:30, Israeli forces moved into Beit Ummar village, north of Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Naser ‘Ayesh Akhlil (45). They handed him a summons to refer to the Israeli Intelligence in “Gosh ‘Etzion” settlement, south of Bethlehem.

Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Jenin. They stationed in Khelet al­Sohah neighbourhood in the centre of the city. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Belal Mohammed Sa’id al­Sa’idi (30). They then arrested his brother Nour al­Deen (21). Israeli forces re­stationed in Harsh al­Sa’adah area and then raided and searched the aforementioned family house. He Israeli soldiers then re­stationed in al­Silawi neighbourhood, south of the city, and raided and searched a 4­storey residential building using tracker dogs. They raided and searched an apartment belonging to former prisoner and wounded Mahmoud Hussein Ibrahim ‘Awertani (33) and arrested him.

At approximately 04:00, Israeli forces moved into Beit Fajjar village, south of Bethlehem. They raided and searched a number of houses. Israeli forces arrested Ahmed Salati Thawabtah (16) and later withdrew taking him to an unknown destination.

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces carried out 5 incursions in the following areas without reporting any arrests: al­‘Aroub refugee camp and villages of Tafouh, al­Samou’a, al­ Hadab and al­Reihiyah.

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

The West Bank

At approximately 17:00 on Friday, 01 January 2015, dozens of young men from ‘Azoun village, east of Qalqilia, gathered in front of the gates established at the village entrances. The protesters threw stones at Israeli soldiers, who fired sound bombs, tear gas canisters and rubber­coated metal bullets at the protesters in response. As a result, 2 civilians were wounded, one of whom was hit with sponge­ tipped bullet to the back. He was then taken to Dr. Darwish Nazal Hospital in Qalqilia because he was vomiting blood and his health condition deteriorated. The other wounded person was hit with a rubber­coated metal bullet to the left arm.

At approximately 13:00 on Saturday, 02 January 2016, hundreds of young men from Beit Ummer village, north of Hebron, participated in the funeral procession of Omar ‘Arafat al­ Za’aqiq (19), from Beit Ummer village. Omar was killed by Israeli forces on 27 November 2015, near the entrance of Beit Ummer village, after he carried out a run ­over attack against a number of soldiers. When the mourners approached the village entrance, where there is an Islamic cemetery, a large Israeli force deployed at the main entrance of the village, where the Israeli forces established a checkpoint. After that, the Israeli soldiers indiscriminately fired sound bombs and tear gas canisters at the protesters to deny them access to the cemetery. Due to this, many protesters suffered tear gas inhalation. Moreover, Israeli soldiers fired live bullets and rubber­coated metal bullets at the protesters to disperse them. As a result, a 19­year­old male was hit with a live bullet to the front side of the head, while another 57­year­old male was hit with a rubber­coated metal bullet to the left side of the head.

The Gaza Strip

At approximately 14:30 on Friday, 01 January 2016, Israeli forces stationed at Beit Hanoun (Erez) crossing, northwest of Beit Hanoun, north of the Gaza Strip, fired live bullets, rubber­ coated metal bullets and tear gas canisters at dozens of young men, who were on the road between the Palestinian and Israeli sides of the crossing. The protesters threw stones at the soldiers in protest at the Israeli attacks against the Palestinian civilians in Jerusalem and the West Bank. As a result of the clashes which continued until 17:00, an 18­year­old male was hit with a live bullet that penetrated his legs, while another 14­year­old male was hit with a live bullet to the left leg. Both of them were then taken by a PRCS ambulance to the Indonesian Hospital, where their injuries were classified as moderate.

Demonstrations against the annexation wall and settlement activities

At approximately 12:30 on Friday, 01 January 2016, Palestinian civilians and Israeli and international human rights defenders organized a protest in the centre of Kufor Qaddoum village, northeast of Qalqilia, and made their way to the eastern entrance of the village in protest against closing that entrance since the beginning of al­Aqsa Intifada with an iron gate. When the protesters approached the entrance, Israeli forces fired live bullets, rubber­ coated metal bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters at the protesters. As a result, Annal al­Jada’ (26), Palestine TV reporter in Qalqilia, was hit with rubber­coated metal bullet to the right leg. It should be noted that Annal is from Habla village, south of Qalqilia.

Following the Friday prayer, on 01 January 2015, in spite of the bad weather, dozens of Palestinian civilians and Israeli and international human rights defenders organized a demonstration in protest at the Israeli settlement in Bil’in and Ni’lin villages, west of Ramallah. The Israeli forces used force to disperse the protesters by firing live bullets, rubber­coated metal bullets, tear gas canisters and sound bombs at the protesters and chased them into agricultural fields. As a result, many civilians suffered tear gas inhalation and others sustained bruises as Israeli soldiers beat them up.

Note: PCHR keeps the names of the injured persons in the aforementioned demonstrations.

Rubber­coated metal bullets are lethally if they hit the head of victim from a close range.

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.

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

Note: the date relevant to Karm Abu Salem crossing will not be published this week, because the competent authorities did not prepare this data. Therefore, it will be published in the next weekly report.

BeitHanoun (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 BeitHanoun (Erez) crossing

29 December 2015­ 05 January 2016

04 30 31 01 02 03 05 29 January Category December December December January January January January

Patients 76 55 32 1 – 64 51 70 Companions 70 51 36 1 – 60 54 65 Personal 87 34 71 4 – 71 90 84 needs Families – – – – – – – – of prisoners

Arabs from 2 1 5 1 – 23 3 6 Israel

Diplomats – – 1 – – – 3 – International – – – – – – – – journalists International 13 10 12 – – 5 5 36 workers Travelers – 13 14 – – 9 6 15 abroad

Business 347 407 294 – – 351 368 336 people Business – – – – – – – – meetings Security 24 9 3 – – 22 – 30 interviews VIPs – – – – – 2 – – Ambulances 5 6 2 2 – 6 7 4 to Israel

Patients’ 3 6 2 2 – 6 7 3 Companions

Notes:

On Thursday, 31 December 2015, Israeli authorities allowed 4 persons to renew their permits. On Tuesday, 29 December 2015, Israeli authorities allowed 17 Christians to travel to Bethlehem to celebrate the Christmas. On Wednesday, 30 December 2015, Israeli authorities allowed 26 Christians to travel to Bethlehem to celebrate the Christmas. On Thursday, 31 December 2015, Israeli authorities allowed 13 Christians to travel to Bethlehem to celebrate the Christmas. On Sunday, 03 January 2016, Israeli authorities allowed 30 Christians to travel to Bethlehem to celebrate the Christmas. On Monday, 04 January 2016, Israeli authorities allowed 24 Christians to travel to Bethlehem to celebrate the Christmas. On Tuesday, 05 January 2016, Israeli authorities allowed 46 Christians to travel to Bethlehem to celebrate the Christmas.

Arrest of a patient companion at Beit Hanoun crossing, north of the Gaza Strip

At approximately 13:00 on Tuesday, 05 January 2016, Israeli forces at Beit Hanoun crossing, north of the Gaza Strip, arrested Maher Abdul Fattah Abdul Mo’ti Moshtaha (52), from al­Tuffah neighborhood in Gaza City, who is one of the Palestinian most popular wood traders in the Gaza Strip holding a BMC card. The aforementioned person was arrested while accompanying his wife Mrs. Hekmat Bakir Ibrahim Moshtaha (52) that was referred to al­Maqased Hospital in occupied Jerusalem for medical treatment. Mrs. Moshtaha was supposed to go to al­Maqased Hospital to undergo an operation in her knee. It should be noted that Mr. Moshtaha has been under the Israeli custody so far.

His brother Zayed said that Maher obtained a one­day permit to accompany his wife during her medical treatment at al­Maqsed Hospital. During that, the Israeli intelligence service at the crossing detained and questioned him for five consecutive hours, after which, he was released. They then summoned him again and arrested him. They told his wife, who returned to the Gaza Strip, that he would be imprisoned in Negev Prison. Zayed communicated with the Director of the Liaison Office at checkpoint (5/5) of the Civil Affairs Department and Mr. Hussein al­Shaikh, Director of the Civil Affairs Department. They then communicated with the Israeli side to know the arrest reasons. However, there was no positive reply from the Israeli side that confirmed the arrest.

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 established (27) checkpoints all over the city. On Thursday, 31 December 2016, the Israeli forces established five checkpoints at the entrances of Sa’ir village; Tarama village; al­‘Aroub and al­Fawar refugee camps, south and north of Hebron; and the southern entrance of Hebron.

On Saturday, 02 January 2016, Israeli forces established three checkpoints at the entrances of Sa’ir village; al­Fawar refugee camp, south of Hebron; and the southern entrance of Hebron.

On Sunday, 03 January 2016, Israeli forces established four checkpoints at the entrance of Sa’ir village; the eastern entrance of Dura, southwest of Hebron; the northern entrance of Yatta village and the southern entrance of Hebron.

On Monday, 04 January 2016, Israeli forces established five checkpoints at entrances of Beit Ummer village, north of Hebron; Sa’ir village; the northern entrance of Halhoul village, north of Hebron; the northern entrance of Yatta village and the southern entrance of Hebron.

On Tuesday, 05 January 2016, Israeli forces established five checkpoints at the entrances of Beit Kahel village; Sa’ir village; al­Fawar and al­‘Aroub refugee camps, north and south of Hebron and the southern entrance of Hebron.

On Wednesday, 06 January 2016, Israeli forces established five checkpoints at the entrances of Beit ‘Aynoun village; al­Fawar and al­‘Aroub refugee camps; north and south of Hebron; the northern entrance of Yatta village and the southern entrance of Hebron.

Ramallah and al­Bireh:

Israeli forces established (5) checkpoints all over the city of Ramallah.

On Saturday, 02 January 2016, Israeli forces established three checkpoints at the entrances of Dir Abu Mesh’al village, northwest of Ramallah; Senjil village, north of Ramallah and under the bridge of Yabroud village, northeast of Ramallah.

On Sunday, 03 January 2016, Israeli forces established two checkpoints at the entrance of al­ Nabi Saleh village, northwest of Ramallah and at the intersection of Beit ‘Our al­Foqa village, southwest of Ramallah.

Jericho:

On Saturday, 02 January 2016, Israeli forces established two checkpoints at the entrances of Fasayel village and al­Zabidat village, north of Jericho. At approximately 18:30 on Sunday, 03 January 2016, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the southern entrance of Jericho.

Qalqilia: On Thursday, 31 December 2015, Israeli forces established two checkpoints at entrance of Jeet village, northeast of Qalqilia and at the eastern entrance of Qaqilia. At approximately 23:30 on Sunday, 03 January 2016, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the eastern entrance of Qaqilia.

Salfit:

On Sunday, 03 January 2016, Israeli forces established three checkpoints at the entrances of Kufel Hares village, north of Salfit; Deirsatya village, northwest of Salfit and the northern entrance of Salfit.

Tulkarm:

At approximately 09:30 on Thursday, 31 December 2015, Israeli forces stationed at Anab military checkpoint, on the main road between Tulkarm and Nablus, eastern of Tulkarm, stressed their arbitrary practices against Palestinian civilians and obstructed the civilians’ movement.

Note: all the above­mentioned checkpoints were removed later and no arrests were reported.

Arrests at military checkpoints:

At approximately 11:00 on Thursday, 31 December 2015, Israeli forces arrested Ahmed Mahmoud ‘Ezaat Shakarna (26), and Anwar ‘Ezaat Shakarna (21), while they were present in Jerusalem. Both of them are from Nahalin village, west of Bethlehem. The Israeli forces claimed that the aforementioned persons had no permits to enter Israel.

On Thursday, Israeli forces stationed at Barta’a checkpoint established at the eastern entrance of Barta’a village, which is isolated by the annexation wall, southwest of Jenin, arrested Hamad Hassan Qabha (27) from Barta’a village, while crossing the checkpoint.

On Sunday, 03 January 2016, Israeli forces stationed at Barta’a checkpoint established at the eastern entrance of Barta’a village, southwest of Jenin, arrested Moanes Marwan Nawaf Qabha (22), and Baraa Abed al­Qader Sabri Jad (21), both are from Barta’a village. The aforementioned persons were arrested while going back to their village through the checkpoint.

At approximately 11:00 on Monday, 05 January 2016, Israeli forces stationed at the gate established at the eastern entrance of Barta’a village, west of Jenin, arrested Yazan Khaled Hassan Qabha (17), from the western Toura village, west of Jenin, while crossing the checkpoint.

On Monday, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the southern entrance of Jenin. The Israeli soldiers stopped civilian vehicles travelling in both directions and checked the passengers ‘ IDs. During that, the soldiers stopped a car carrying Nidal Ribhi Hassan al­ Shalabi (23), from Jenin, and ordered him to get out of the car. They then took him to an unknown destination.

4. 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:

House demolitions on grounds of collective punishment:

At approximately 05:00 on Monday, 04 January 2016, Israeli forces accompanied by bulldozers and special forces moved into al­Mukaber Mountain village, southeast of occupied Jerusalem. They implemented the demolition and confiscation decision made by the Home Front Command and approved by the Israeli High Court against two houses belonging to Abu Jamal and Elayan families.

Safa’ Abu Jamal said that Israeli forces raided a building in which her family lives at approximately 05:30. They forcibly obliged the occupants to get out, but detained one of her brothers, who was insulted and beaten by gun butts. She added that Israeli forces closed all roads leading to the building and started searching and damaging the apartments’ contents. They then closed her apartment’s windows with tin and iron plates, after which, they poured concrete inside the 100­ square­meter house. Some pieces of furniture remained inside, as Israeli forces did not allow them to take them out. Safa explained that this process continued until 13:00. She pointed that Israeli forces rendered her 4­member family homeless under the pretext that the apartment belongs to her brother Alaa “based on confidential information”. This apartment is in a 3­storey building. It should be mentioned that Alaa Abu Jamal was killed by Israeli forces after he carried out a run­over and stabbing attack that resulted in the killing of a Rabbi on 13 October 2015.

Around the same time, another Israeli force raided a house belonging to the family of Khalil Mohammed Elayan and his sons. They took the occupant out and started evacuating it. Khalil’s son namely, Mohammed Elayan said to PCHR’s fieldworker that Israeli forces raided the house and took everyone out. They then destroyed the inside and outside walls with hand tools. He added that Israeli forces rendered 8­member family, including 2 children, homeless. The 120­square­meter apartment in on the second floor of a 3­storey building. Elayan added that the Israeli municipality handed an administrative demolition order over to the family against the whole building that was built in 2003. This building belongs to his father Khalil Elayan and his sons, in which 25 members live. It should be mentioned that Baha’ Mohammed Elayan was killed by Israeli forces after he carried out an attack near al­Mukaber Mountain village on 13 October 2015.

Incursions and arrests

At approximately 02:00 on Sunday, 03 January 2016, Israeli forces raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Mohammed Muheisen in al­Eisawiya village, northeast of occupied Jerusalem. They arrested his two sons: Mahmod (23) and Murad (21) and took them to al­Masqoubiya detention facility in West Jerusalem for interrogation.

On the same day, Israeli forces raided a house belonging to the family of Nabeel Salah in al­Eisawiya village, northeast of occupied Jerusalem. They handed summonses over to his son Alaa (21) to refer to the Israeli intelligence service at al­Masqoubiya detention facility in West Jerusalem.

At approximately 04:00 on Monday, 04 January 2016, Israeli forces moved into Ras al­ Amoud neighbourhood, east of the Old City in East Jerusalem. They raided and searched a number of houses, from which they arrested Mohammed Ayman Sharaf (12) and Hamzah Mohammed al­Rajabi (13).

At approximately 06:00, Israeli forces raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Rebhi Khader Abu al­Hommos (72), from al­Eisawiya village, northeast of East Jerusalem. They arrested the aforementioned person and handed a summons over to his son Ehsan (32) to refer to the Israeli intelligence service.

At approximately 15:00, Israeli forces arrested Mohammed Shuaib Shweiki (15) and Yusef Hani Shweiki (15) after forcing them to take their clothes off under the pretext that they had knives with them. They were both taken to al­Qashala police station for interrogation. The Israeli police claimed that an Israeli force searched the two children and found knives with them. On the same day evening, Israeli forces raided the family houses of the two children in Silwan village, south of the Old City. They then arrested Mohammed Othman al­Shweiki (25) and took him to an unknown destination.

At approximately 18:00, on the same day too, Israeli forces arrested Karam Abu Sarhan (19), as he was present around his house in Eghzail neighbourhood that near Sour Baher and al­Mukaber Mountain villages, southeast of occupied Jerusalem. They arrested him under the pretext of stabbing a settler, as Sarhan was present in “Armon HaNetziv” settlement in al­Mukaber Mountain village on the previous day. The Israeli police reported that a young man attempted to stab a settler, but the knife missed him. The young man escaped then. After that, a young man was arrested on the following day, as he was a suspect.

At approximately 04:00 on Wednesday, 06 January 2016, Israeli forces raided the ICRC office in al­Shaikh Jarrah neighbourhood, north of the Old City in East Jerusalem. They arrested two Palestinian civilians, who had been carrying out a set­in in the ICRC office for 12 days. Amjad Abu Asab, Head of the Prisoners’ Families Committee, said that Israeli forces raided an ICRC office in al­Shaikh Jarrah neighbourhood, from which they arrested 4 young men. They released two of them and kept Samer Abu Eisha and Hejazi Abu Sbaih in detention. They interrogated them after both of them carried out a sit­in in the ICRC office for 12 days in rejection of the Israeli order to keep them away from Jerusalem. The Israeli authorities issued in December 2015 an order to keep the two aforementioned person away from Jerusalem (Samer for five months and Hejazi for six months) based on the Defence (Emergency) Regulations. Therefore, both of them decided to have a sit­in at the ICRC in rejection of the Israeli order.

At approximately 09:00, on the same day, Israeli forces arrested Wa’el al­Rajabi (35), who was present in al­Aqsa Mosque yards, and took him to al­Selsela Gate police station for interrogation.

Settler attacks against Palestinian civilians:

On Sunday, 03 January 2016, some settlers made halls in the walls of a house belonging to Sab Laban family in Aqbet al­Khalediya neighbourhood, in the Old City in East Jerusalem. The family said that they were surprised when they got home and found halls in the children’s bedroom walls. These halls were made by settlers that seized a building belonging to al­Qaisi family adjacent to Sab Laban house the previous month. The family added that they found six halls made by hand tools in the walls of the children bedroom. They explained that they informed the Israeli police about it, due to which, the police arrived at the place and asked the settlers to repair the damage without further measures against them. The settlement organizations attempt to seize the house claiming that they owned it since before 1948. The family have been waiting for the ruling of the Israeli High Court after they appealed against the Israeli Court ruling to vacate the house.

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.

On Thursday morning, 31 December 2015, under the protection of Israeli forces, Israeli bulldozers levelled piece of a plot of land belonging to Isma’il Abed Rabbu Shalalda in Sa’ir valley area, northeast of Sa’ir village, east of Hebron, in order to establish a military observation post. After the establishment of this post, Israeli forces would be completely controlling the area and the road leading to “Asfar” settlement. It should be noted that Israeli forces established a military watchtower and checkpoint in the same area in early 2000. Both of them were removed after several years.

At approximately 10:00 on Tuesday, 05 January 2016, Israeli forces accompanied by a Civil Administration vehicle moved into She’b al­Ghafar area, east of Beit Ommar village, north of Hebron. They deployed in the area, whereas the Civil Administration officer stopped Anwar Mohammed Ekhlail and obliged him to leave his tractor under the pretext that it was present in the vicinity of a house belonging to Adham Saber Abu Maria, who was notified to halt construction works. Israeli forces confiscated the tractor after that. At approximately 13:00, Israeli forces also moved into Thaghret al­Shabak area, north of the village, adjacent to bypass road (60), and handed notices over to Khaled Yusef Abu Maria and Ghassan Mohammed Breigheeth to remove eight water tanks used in the irrigation system.

At approximately 11:00, on the same day, Israeli forces accompanied by a Civil Administration vehicle and a truck­mounted crane moved into Hebron valley area, southwest of al­Daheriya village, south of Hebron. They deployed around an under­ construction road in the area. The Civil Administration officers confiscated iron and construction materials to be used in the sewage system. The Israeli forces claimed the construction process started without coordination with the competent authorities as that area is located in area (C) according to Oslo Accords. Moreover, they handed a copy of the halt­ construction notice over to the contractor. It should be noted that the road to serve residential compounds project funded by ACF.

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 Palestinian­ Israeli conflict is a precondition to achieve stability and peace in the regions, and that peace cannot be built on the expense of human rights; 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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