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

(07 – 12 June 2018)

 

  • Israeli forces continued to use force against Palestinian peaceful protestors.
  • Four Palestinian civilians, including a child, were killed within hours in the Gaza Strip.
  • 287 Palestinian civilians, including 43 children, 9 women, 3 journalists, and 4 paramedics, were wounded.

 

  • An Israeli Human Rights activist and Nine Palestinian civilians, including a child, were wounded in the West Bank.

 

  • Israeli warplanes launched a missile at a group of Palestinians in the northern Gaza Strip, but no casualties were reported.

 

  • Israeli forces continued to open fire at the border areas in the Gaza Strip, forcing farmers to leave their lands fearing for their lives.

 

  • Israeli forces conducted 56 incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank and 3 limited incursions in the Gaza Strip
  • 40 civilians, including 3 children, were arrested in the West Bank.
  • 9 of them, including 2 children, were arrested in Jerusalem.

 

  • Israeli forces continued their settlement activities in the West Bank
  • Israeli banned a Ramadan Iftar meal for journalists held by the Chamber of Commerce in the city.

 

  • Settlement activities continued in the West Bank.
  • Israeli forces closed an agricultural road and installed 10 containers for storing goods in the Khader village lands, south of Bethlehem.
  • The settlers attacked Palestinian civilians’ houses in Burin village, south of Nablus.

 

  • 4 shooting incidents were reported against the fishing boats in the Gaza Sea, but no casualties were reported.

 

  • Israeli forces turned the West Bank into cantons and continued to impose the illegal closure on the Gaza Strip for the 11th consecutive year.
  • Dozens of temporary checkpoints were established in the West Bank and others were re-established to obstruct the movement of Palestinian civilians.
  • 6 Palestinian civilians, including a young woman, were arrested at the military checkpoints in the West Bank.

 

Summary

 

Israeli violations of international law and international humanitarian law in the oPt continued during the reporting period (07 – 12 June 2018).

 

Shooting:

 

Israeli forces continued to use lethal force against Palestinian civilians, who participated in peaceful demonstrations organized within the activities of the “Great March of Return and Breaking the Siege” in the Gaza Strip, which witnessed for the 11th week in a row peaceful demonstrations along the eastern and northern Gaza Strip border area. During the reporting period, in the Gaza Strip on Friday, the Israeli forces killed 4 civilians, including a child, and wounded 287 Palestinian civilians, including 43 children, 9 women, 3 journalists, and 4 paramedics; 8 of the wounded are in serious condition.  In the West Bank, Israeli forces wounded an Israeli human rights defender and 9 Palestinian civilians, including a child; one of those wounded sustained serious wounds.

 

In the Gaza Strip, on Friday, 08 June 2018, Israeli forces killed 4 Palestinian civilians identified as:

  1. Haitham Mohammed Khalil al-Jamal (15) from Rafah was hit with a bullet to the abdomen when he was in eastern Rafah.
  2. Ziyad Jadallah ‘Abdel Qader al-Brim (28) from Bani Suhaila in Khan Younis was wounded at approximately 17:30 with a bullet to the abdomen in eastern Khuza’ah and succumbed to his wounds around half an hour later from his arrival at Naser Hospital;
  3. Yousif Salim Khalil al-Fasih (29) from Gaza City was wounded with a bullet to the pelvis in eastern Shija’iyah neighborhood; and
  4. ‘Emad Nabil ‘Ali Abu Darabi (20) from Beit Lahia was hit with a bullet to the head in eastern Jabalia.

Investigations and observations by PCHR’s fieldworkers during this week emphasize the following:

 

  • The demonstrations were entirely peaceful and witnessed significant participation of women, elderlies, and children. Moreover, the fieldworkers did not witness any armed manifestations.

 

  • On Friday dawn, 08 June 2018, Israeli warplanes fired fire bombs at the Return Camp in eastern Rafah, causing fire in a number of tents and the tires collected by the protesters supposed to be burnt in the afternoon.

 

  • Dozens of Israeli Forces’ snipers continued to position on the hills, behind the sand barriers and in military jeeps along the border fence in front of the peaceful demonstrations in the eastern Gaza Strip.

 

  • Tear gas canisters were intensively and unprecedentedly fired from the drones and by the Israeli soldiers stationed along the border fence or in the military sites. The tear gas has spared none.
  • Ambulances, medical staff, and field medical points were deliberately and directly targeted and prevented from approaching those wounded in addition to causing injuries among them though the ambulances are 300 meters away from the border fence.

 

  • Journalists were directly targeted, causing injuries among them.

 

  • The Israeli fire deliberately targeted the upper part of the body as dozens sustained wounds to the head and chest and many are in critical condition; thus, the number of deaths is likely to increase.

Injuries in the Gaza Strip during this Week

 

Governorate Injuries
Total Children Women Journalists Paramedics Critical Injuries
Northern Gaza Strip 96 25 3 1 2 3
Gaza City 30 3 0 0 0 0
Central Gaza Strip 21 2 0 0 0 1
Khan Younis 110 12 6 2 2 2
Rafah 30 1 0 0 0 2
Total 287 43 9 3 4 8

 

As part of the airstrikes, on 09 June 2018, an Israeli drone launched a missile at group of Palestinians who were in eastern al-Amal neighbourhood, northeast of Beit Hanoun in the northern Gaza Strip.  However, neither casualties nor property damge was reported.  The Israeli forces then issued a statement declaring that “a Palestinian cell was targeted by the Israeli drones after participating in setting fires through flying kites and fire balloons towards the settlements near the Gaza enclave.”

 

As part of targeting the border areas, on 09 June 2018, the Israeli forces along the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel, east of Gaza Valley village in the central Gaza Strip, opened fire at Palestinian agricultural lands and recurred the shooting on 10 and 11 June 2018.  On 11 June 2018, the Israeli forces opened fire at the agricultural lands, east of Deir al-Balah.

 

As part of targeting Palestinian fishermen in the Gaza Sea, the Israeli forces continued to escalate their attacks against the Palestinian fishermen, pointing out to the ongoing Israeli policy of targeting their livelihoods.  During the reporting period, PCHR documented 4 attacks against the fishermen, including 2 attacks in western Soudaniyah, west of Jabalia in the northern Gaza Strip, 1 in western Deir al-Balah in the central Gaza Strip and 1 in Rafah City in the southern Gaza Strip.

 

 

In the West Bank, Israeli forces during the reporting period wounded an Israeli human rights defender and nine civilians, including a child.  One of those wounded sustained serious wounds.

 

On 07 June 2018, 7 Palestinian civilians, including a child, were wounded; one sustaining serious wounded.  The abovementioned were wounded when the Israeli forces moved into Nablus and a number of children and youngsters gathered and threw stones and empty bottles at the military vehicles. The Israeli soldiers then fired live and rubber bullets at them, wounding the abovementioned civilians.

 

On 08 June 2018, an Israeli human rights activist was wounded with a rubber bullet to the back while participating in the Kafer Qaddoum weekly protests, northeast of Qalqiliya.

 

On 11 June 2018, two Palestinian civilians were wounded while confronting a group of Israeli settlers who attacked houses in southern Burin village, south of Nablus. (see the Israeli settlement crimes and attacks against Palestinian civilians)

Incursions:

 

During the reporting period, Israeli forces conducted at least 56 military incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank and 3 similar ones into Jerusalem and its suburbs. During those incursions, Israeli forces arrested at least 31 Palestinians, including a child, in the West Bank.  Meanwhile, 9 civilians, including 2 children, were arrested in Jerusalem and its suburb.

 

In the Gaza Strip, on 07 June 2018, the Israeli forces conducted 3 limited incursions into the southern and central Gaza Strip.  On 07 June 2018, the Israeli forces moved 70 meters into eastern ‘Abasan village, east of Khan Younis.  Their vehicles started combing the area and repairing the border barbed-wire fence by installing new parts of barbed wires.  The Israeli forces later redeployed along the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel.

 

On 11 June 2018, Israeli forces moved 80 meters into eastern al-Qararah, east of Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip.  The Israeli forces came from eastern side of Deir al-Balah and started combing and repairing the fence heading towards the south.  On the same day, the Israeli forces moved 70 meters into eastern Gaza Valley village, southeast of Gaza City and did similar works.

 

Israeli Settlement Activities and Settlers’ Attacks against the Palestinian Civivlians and their Property:

 

On 07 June 2018, the Israeli forces closed a road used by Palestinian farmers in al-Khader village, south of Bethlehem, to reach their lands.  Closure of the road which leads to thousands of dunums of agricultural lands would prevent farmers from doing their agricultural works, including plowing, planting and transferring products for marketing.

 

On 10 June 2018, Israeli forces established metal detectors at the entrance to the lands of “Thaghret Hammad” area belonging to Ghuneim Family in al-Khader village, south of Bethlehem.  Representative of Colonization and Wall Resistance Commission in Bethlehem, Hasan Breijiyah, said that the Israeli forces installed 10 containers to store goods in lands belonging to Dabash Family in the same area.  Moreover, the Israeli forces affixed a notice to stop construction works in an under-construction house belonging to Majdi Marzouq ‘Issa that is almost ready for occupation and an agricultural land in al-Balou’a area in the abovementioned village under the pretext of non-licensing.

 

As part of the Israeli settlers’ attacks against the Palestinian civilians and their property, on 11 June 2018, a group of Israeli settlers from “Yitzhar“ settlement, established in the eastern side of Burin village, south of Nablus, and under the Israeli forces’ protection attacked houses of civilians in the southern side of the village.

 

Details

 

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

 

Thursday, 07 June 2018

 

  • At approximately 01:00, Israeli forces moved into several neighbourhoods in Hebron. In Abu Katilah neighbourhood, the Israeli forces raided and searched 2 houses belonging to Iyad ‘Ali al-Jo’bah and Abdullah ‘Amer al-Juneidi, but no arrests were reported. They also raided and searched a house belonging to Mo’atasem Taiseer al-Natshah and then confiscated his laptop, but no arrests were reported.

 

  • At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into Kharas village, west of Hebron and stationed in the western area in the village. They raided and searched a house belonging to Mohammed Jamal Saia’rah (38) and then arrested him.

 

  • Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Beit Ummer village, north of Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to Mohammed Mahmoud Abu ‘Ayyash (44) and then arrested his son Rabee’a (18).

 

  • At approximately 02:30, Israeli forces moved into Nablus from the eastern and western entrances to carry out arrest campaign in the city. The force that entered the city from the eastern entrance stationed on Amman Street, east of the city while the force that entered the city from its western entrance stationed in Rafidiya neighbourhood near al-Badawi intersection, west of the city. The Israeli forces surrounded a house belonging to Fadi Nidal Abu al-Sa’oud (21). Meanwhile, a number of youngsters gathered and threw stones and empty bottles at the Israeli forces. The soldiers fired live and rubber bullets at them. As a result, 7 civilians, including a child, were wounded. Two of them were hit with live bullets and doctors classified the injury of one of them as serious while 5 others were hit with rubber bullets. The wounded civilians were admitted to Rafidiya Hospital in Nablus to receive medical treatment while one of them was transferred to An-Najah Hospital due to his serious injury. The Israeli forces arrested Karim Salah al-Barqawi (23) and then withdrew from the city.

 

  • At approximately 02:45, Israeli forces moved into ‘Azzoun village, east of Qalqiliyah. They raided and searched a house belonging to Tha’er Khalid Badwan (21) and then arrested him.

 

  • At approximately 04:00, Israeli forces moved Bethlehem and stationed on al-Saf Street in the centre of the city. They raided and searched a house belonging to Ahmed Jamal Abu Jalghif (23) and then arrested him. It should be noted that Ahmed is the son of one of the Nativity Church deportees.

 

  • At approximately 06:00, Israeli forces accompanied with a group of soldiers dressed as Palestinian civilians (Musta’ribeen Units) moved into al-Duheishah refugee camp, south of Bethlehem. They raided and searched 2 houses belonging to Shehab Hasan Mozher (42) and Yusuf Abdul Ra’ouf (48) al-Bal’awi (48). Meanwhile, a number of youngsters gathered and threw stones and empty bottles at Israeli soldiers. The soldiers fired live and rubber bullets and tear gas canisters at them. The Israeli forces arrested the abovementioned civilians. They then released al-Bal’awi after detaining him for hours. Al-Bal’awi was arrested to exert pressure on his son Yazan so he would turn himself to the Israeli forces who claim that he is a wanted person. It should be noted that Mozher is a former prisoner, member of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) and a prominent activist in voluntary work. He was previously arrested and served 8 years of imprisonment, spending 4 years of them under administrative detention. Mozher family said to PCHR’s fieldworker that the soldiers attacked him while taking him to their vehicles on the street and heavily beat him in addition to knocking his head to a telephone pole, causing his injury. Mozher’s family appealed for human rights organizations to work on allowing them to visit him to make sure he is in good health condition as he suffers Diabetes. It should be noted that the Commission of Detainees and ex-Detainees Affairs announced that Mozher was referred to Hadassah Hospital to receive medical treatment after he was subjected to severe beating by the Israeli soldiers during his arrest. The Commission filed an appeal to the Israeli authorities by a lawyer to allow him to visit Mozher at the hospital where he is under a tight security.

 

  • At approximately 10:00, Israeli forces accompanied with a number of military vehicles moved about 70 meters from the border fence with Israel into the east of ‘Abasan al-Kabirah village, east of Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip. They levelled the lands and repaired the border fence and added new barbed wires inside the Palestinian territories around 30-50 meters away from the border fence, heading to the south as their work was in front of the Return camp, east of Khuza’ah. At approximately 14:00, the Israeli forces redeployed along the border fence.

 

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (6) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: ‘Ourif village, south of Nablus; Dura, Yatta, Sa’ir Tarqumiya and al-Thaheriyah villages in Hebron.

 

Friday, 08 June 2018

 

  • At approximately 01:00, Israeli forces moved into Beit Fajjar village, south of Bethlehem. They then raided and searched a number of houses from which they arrested Majdi Mohammed Thawabtah (25) and Mo’ayad Salah Taqatqah (25).

 

  • At approximately 13:00, Israeli forces moved into Kafel Hares village, north of Salfit. They raided and searched a house belonging to ‘Ala’a Ahmed ‘Aawad Saleh (22) and arrested him.

 

  • At approximately 16:15, Israeli gunboats stationed offshore, west of al-Sudaniyah area, west of Jabalia in the northern Gaza Strip, heavily opened fire and pumped water at Palestinian fishing boats sailing within 4 nautical miles and chased them. As a result, the fishermen were forced to flee fearing for their lives, but neither casualties no material damage was reported.

 

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (3) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: Beit Ummer, al-Kume, Hadab al-‘Alaqah villages in Hebron.

 

Saturday, 09 June 2018

 

  • At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into Taqou’a village, east of Bethlehem. They raided and searched a house belonging to Ahmed Sami al-Teneh (18) and then arrested him.

 

  • At approximately 03:00, Israeli forces moved into Kafel Hares village, north of Salfit. They raided a house belonging to ‘Ali Ahmed ‘Awad Saleh (24) and then arrested him. It should be noted that the Israeli forces arrested ‘Ali’s brother in the previous day.

 

  • At approximately 03:50, Israeli gunboats stationed offshore, west of al-Sudaniyah area, west of Jabalia in the northern Gaza Strip, heavily opened fire at Palestinian fishing boats sailing within 4 nautical miles. They also fired flare bombs in the sky and chased the boats. As a result, the fishermen were forced to flee fearing for their lives, but neither casualties nor material damage was reported.

 

  • At approximately 14:55, Israeli soldiers stationed behind the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel, east of Gaza Valley (Juhor al-Deek), southeast of Gaza City, sporadically opened fire at agricultural lands for more than one hour. As a result, the farmers were forced to leave their lands, but no casualties were reported.

 

  • At approximately 16:45, an Israeli drone fired a missile at a group of civilians, who were 800 meters away from the western side of the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel, east of al-Amal neighborhood, northeast of Beit Hanoun in the northern Gaza Strip. Neither casualties nor material damage was reported. Following that, the Israeli forces issued a statement in which they announced that they “targeted a Palestinian cell with a drone because they involved in igniting multiple fires due to flying kites and fire balloons towards the settlement near the Gaza enclave.” This targeting reflects Israeli forces’ disregard for the lives of Palestinian civilians by using disproportionate force against them.

 

  • At approximately 21:30, Israeli gunboats stationed offshore, west of Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip opened fire and fired flare bombs at Palestinian fishing boats sailing within 3 nautical miles, but no casualties were reported.

 

  • At approximately 22:20, Israeli gunboats stationed off Deir al-Balah shore, heavily opened fire at Palestinian boats sailing within 3 nautical miles and chased them. As a result, the fishermen were forced to flee fearing for their lives, but neither casualties nor material damage was reported

 

  • At approximately 23:00, Israeli forces raided and searched a house belonging to ‘Aref Mohammed Omer Jaber (48) from Jaber neighborhood, east of the Ibrahimi Mosque in Hebron’s Old City. The Israeli forces claimed that they were searching for young men who closed the road that passes in the center of Jaber’s neighborhood and is used by “Kiryat Arba” settlers to reach the Ibrahimi Mosque. The soldiers attempted to prevent ‘Aref and his wife from recording and as an altercation erupted when the sons of the abovementioned civilians arrived home. Following that, the soldiers withdrew from the house after firing many live bullets in the air. ‘Aref and his wife were then transferred to the hospital after they sustained bruises.

 

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (9) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: ‘Azzoun village, east of Qalqiliyah; Hebron, Yatta, Halhoul, al-Thaheriyah, al-Samou’a, Ethna, Tarqumiyah and Beit Kahel villages in Hebron.

 

Sunday, 10 June 2018:

 

  • At approximately 01:00, Israeli forces moved into Noor Shams refugee camp, east of Tulkarm. While patrolling in the area, one of the Israeli soldiers opened fire at a Palestinian vehicle travelled by 4 persons. The soldiers claimed that they attempted to run over a number of Infantry soldiers in the camp. The soldiers detained them and then released 2 of them while kept the 2 others namely Eyad Mahmoud Abdullah (42) and Yasser Mahmoud Abdul Rahim (32) under detnetion.

 

  • At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces accompanied with officers from the Organization and Construction Department of the Israeli Civil Administration raided and searched a house belonging to Sami Yusri Zahdah (36) on al-Shuhada’a Street, which has been closed since 1994. The house is around 40 meters away from the checkpoint. The soldiers closed the main entrance to the house with oxygen welding and then opened an internal door through a wall that leads to a neighboring house. The soldiers ordered Sami and his pregnant wife and 2 children to pass through the hole and walk through an internal road that leads to a neighboring house. The Israeli authorities claimed that closing the house entrance was due to security reasons. Sami has lived in the house since 25 May 2018. The house belongsto Feryal Abu Haikal from Tal al-Ramidah and was renovated by the relevant committee in the Hebron’s Reconstruction Committee.

 

  • At approximately 02:30, Israeli forces moved into Beit Rema village, northwest of Ramallah. They raided and searched a number of houses after which they arrested 3 brothers namely Jaber (30), Hamas (25) and Maj ‘Awad al-Remawi (22). The Israeli forces released 2 of them and kept Majd under custody.

 

  • At around the same time, Israeli forces moved into al-Birah and stationed in al-Jenan neighborhood. They raided and searched a house belonging to Ghassan Mousa ‘Azzam (20) and then arrested him.

 

  • At approximately 04:00, Israeli forces moved into Taqou’a village, east of Bethlehem. They raided and searched a house belonging to Mustafa Taleb al-Badan (20) and then arrested him.

 

  • At approximately 14:20, Israeli forces moved into Kufor Qadoum village, northeast of Qalqiliyah. They patrolled on the streets. The soldiers stopped Hamzah Mustafa Staiwi (15) in the olive fields in the eastern area and then arrested him.

 

  • At approximately 17:30, Israeli forces stationed behind the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel, east of Gaza Valley (Juhor al-Deek), southeast of Gaza City, sporadically opened fire at agricultural lands for more than hour. As a result, the farmers were forced to leave their lands, but no casualties were reported.

 

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (3) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: al-Mawreq and Ethna villages in Hebron; Howarah village, south of Nablus.

 

Monday, 11 June 2018

 

  • At approximately 01:00, Israeli forces moved into Beit Ummer village, north of Hebron and stationed in al-Thaher neighborhood. They raided and searched 2 houses belonging to Samer Samir Abu Maria (19) and Mo’atasem Jamal Mahmoud ‘Alqam (19) and then arrested them.

 

  • Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into several neighborhoods in Hebron. They raided and searched a number of houses and then arrested 3 civilians namely Bashir Hafeth Zahedah (36), Khader Na’im Dandees (28) and freelance journalist Bilal Mohammed al-Tawil (25).

 

  • At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into ‘Araba village, southwest of Jenin. They raided and searched a house belonging to Basel Sa’ed Rahal (25) and then arrested him.

 

  • At approximately 02:50, Israeli forces moved into Qarawet Bani Hassan village, northwest of Salfit. They raided and searched a number of houses after which they arrested Abdul Rahamn Amin Salloum (25). They also detained Amin Mohammed Mar’ie (60) and 2 of his sons for a short time.

 

  • At approximately 07:00, Israeli forces moved into Bethlehem and stationed on al-Saf Street in the center of the city. They raided and searched a house belonging to Anas Mohammed Abu ‘Ahour (22) and then arrested him.

 

  • At approximately 08:20, Israeli forces accompanied with 6 military vehicles moved around 70 meters into the east of Gaza Valley (Juhor al-Deek), southeast of Gaza City. They leveled lands adjacent to the border fence amidst opening fire in the area. They then moved into the south of al-Buraij where they redeployed behind the border fence at approximately 18:30 on the same day.

 

  • At approximately 14:30, Israeli forces accompanied with a number of military vehicles moved around 80 meters from the eastern side of Deir al-Balah in the central Gaza Strip along the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel into the east of al-Qararah, east of Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip. They leveled lands and repaired the security fence and then headed to the south. Few hours later, the Israeli forces redeployed behind the border fence.

 

  • At approximately 16:30, Israeli soldiers stationed behind the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel, east of Deir al-Balah in the central Gaza Strip, opened fire at agricultural lands located in the east of Deir al-Balah. As a result, the farmers were forced to leave their lands, but no casualties were reported.

 

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (7) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: Tulkarm; ‘Atil and Deir al-Ghusoun villages, north of the city; Deir Estia village, north of Salfit; Dura, Farsh al-Hawa and Abu al-‘Erqan village in Hebron.

 

Tuesday, 12 June 2018

 

  • At approximately 01:00, Israeli forces raided and searched a house belonging to Ibrahim Mohammed Jaber (22) in Hebron’s Old City and then arrested him.

 

  • At approximately 02:40, Israeli forces moved into Beit Dajan village, northeast of Nablus. They raided and searched a house belonging to Suheib Redwan Mohammed Thabet (32) and hen arrested him.

 

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (3) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: Yatta and Beit Ummer village in Hebron; and Beta village, south of Nablus.

 

Use of Force against Demonstrations in Protest against the U.S. President’s Decision to Recognize Jerusalem as the Capital of Israel:

 

Continuing the demonstrations in protest against the U.S. President Donald Trump’s declaration to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and move the U.S. Embassy to it, Palestinian civilians organized protests against the decision throughout the West Bank and Gaza Strip. They further organized peaceful demonstrations where ten thousands of civilians participated, for the eleventh Friday in a row, in commemoration of the 42nd Anniversary of the Land Day in the Gaza Strip. The demonstrations were called as “The Great March of Return and Breaking the Siege.” The demonstrations were as follows during the reporting period:

 

Gaza Strip:

 

  • At approximately 11:00 on Friday, 08 June 2018, hundreds of Palestinian protestors swarmed to the Return encampments established by the Supreme National Authority for the Great March of Return; 300 meters away from the border fence between Israel and the Gaza Strip, east of al-Shawkah village, east of Rafah. At the end of the prayer, the number of participants increased reaching to thousands in buses, cars and motorcycles and on foot. A number of them approached the border fence, flew kites and set fire to tires and threw stones at Israeli soldiers stationed behind the border fence. The soldiers fired live bullets and tear gas canisters at the protestors. The clashes continued until approximately 18:30. As a result, Haitham Mohammed Khalil al-Jamal (15) was killed after being hit with a live bullet to the abdomen. Haitham underwent a surgery at Gaza European Hospital in Khan Yunis, but doctors failed to rescue him. Moreover, 30 protestors, including a child, were wounded. Twenty of them were hit with live bullets and its shrapnel and 10 others were directly hit with tear gas canisters. Doctors classified the injuries of 2 civilians as serious.

 

  • At approximately 13:00 on the same Friday, thousands of civilians swarmed into the demonstration encampments established by the Supreme National Authority for the Great March of Return, east of Malakah intersection, east of al-Zaytoun neighborhood in eastern Gaza Strip to participate in the eleventh consecutive Friday known as “Millions March to Jerusalem”. The activity included raising flags, chanting national slogans, setting fire to tires and flying kites. Though the demonstrations were fully peaceful, Israeli forces stationed behind the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel deliberately and randomly fired live and rubber bullets and tear gas canisters at them. As a result, Yusuf Salim Khalil al-Fasih (29) from al-Shati’a refugee camp was killed after being hit with a live bullet to the pelvis and transferred to al-Shifa Hospital. After hours of attempting to rescue his life, doctors announced Yusuf’s death. Moreover, 30 civilians, including 3 children, were wounded. Twenty three of them were hit with live bullets and 7 others were hit with tear gas canisters throughout their bodies.

 

  • Around the same time, thousands of civilians swarmed into the demonstration encampments established by the Supreme National Authority for the Great March of Return, east of Abu Safiyah Hill, northeast of Jabalia in the northern Gaza Strip. The protestors raised the Palestinian flags, chanted national slogans and set fire to tiers. Hundreds of them approached the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel and threw stones at Israeli soldiers stationed behind the border fence. The soldiers deliberately and randomly fired live and rubber bullets and tear gas canisters at them. The clashes continued until approximately19:30. As a result, Emad Nabil ‘Ali Abu Darabeh (20) from Beit Lahia was killed after being hit with a live bullet to the head. Moreover, 96 civilians, including 25 children, 3 women, a journalist and 2 paramedics, were wounded. The wounded journalist was identified as Mohammed Abdul Razeq Abdullah al-Baba (49) from Jabalia was hit with a live bullet to the right leg, causing a fracture to the bones. The 2 paramedics were identified as:
  1. Rami Khamis Mousa al-Haj ‘Ali (35) ,an ambulance officer from Jabalia working at the PRCS, was hit with a live bullet to the right arm, causing a fracture to the arm; and
  2. Khalid Abdul Fattah Rashid al-Yazji (24), a paramedic from Beit Hanoun volunteering for the Volunteer Nurse Team, was hit with a tear gas canister to the left hand.

The wounded civilians were transferred via ambulances belonging to  PRCS, Medical Services, Union of Health Work Committees and the Ministry of Health to the Indonesian and al-‘Awda Hospitals. Doctors classified the injuries of 3 civilians as serious while the other injuries between minor and moderate.

 

  • At approximately 13:30, thousands of civilians swarmed to the Return encampment, east of Khuza’ah, east of Khan Yunis in the southern Gaza Strip. The participants whose number reached thousands of men, elderlies, women and children, gathered in the five demonstration areas. They were inside and outside the encampment yards, raising flags, and chanting slogans and national songs in addition to flying kites, while hundreds of them, including children and women, approached the border fence, set fire to tires and attempted to throw stones at the Israeli forces. Moreover, the protestors removed the barbed-wire fence established by the Israeli forces inside the Palestinian territories around 30-50 meters away from the main border fence. Israeli forces stationed behind hills and sand barriers and in military vehicles and its surroundings along the border fence sporadically opened fire at the protestors and fired dozens of tear gas canisters at them and at the camp yard. According to observations by PCHR’s fieldworker, an Israeli tank stationed behind sand barriers adjacent to the protestors and a drone fired tear gas canisters at the protestors and the peaceful gathering. The shooting continued until approximately 19:30 on the same day. As a result, Ziyad Jadallah Abdul Qader al-Barim (28) from Bani Suheila, east of Khan Younis was killed after being hit with a live bullet to the abdomen at approximately 17:30 during his presence within the protestors’ gathering 100-150 meters away from the border fence. Doctors announced the death of Ziyad after half an hour of his arrival at Nasser Hospital.

 

Moreover, 110 civilians, including 12 children, 6 women, 2 journalists and 2 paramedics, were wounded; one of them was a female paramedic who was hit with a live bullet to the hand. Seventeen of them were hit with live bullets and shrapnel and 93 were hit with tear gas canisters. The wounded civilians were taken to the field hospitals and to Nasser, Gaza European, Algerian Hospitals and al-Amal Hospital belonging to PRCS. Doctors classified the injuries of 2 civilians as serious as one of them was directly hit with a tear gas canister to the head, causing fracture to the jaw and the other was hit with a live bullet to the head. Both wounded civilians were admitted to the ICU at Nasser and Gaza European hospital. The Israeli forces also targeted an ambulance belonging to PRCS with a tear gas canister that hit the windshield while it was in the south of Jaker Street around 300 meters away from the border fence.

 

  • At approximately 14:30, thousands of protestors swarmed to the encampments established by the Supreme National Authority for the Great March of Return, 350 meters away from the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel, east of al-Buraij in the central Gaza Strip. A number of young men approached the border fence, set fire to tires and three stones at Israeli soldiers stationed behind sand barriers along the border fence. The soldiers fired live bullets and tear gas canisters at them. The clashes continued until the evening hours of the same day. As a result, 12 civilians, including 2 children, were wounded. Twenty of them were hit with live bullets and one civilian was hit with a tear gas canister to the left eye. The wounded were transferred via PRCS ambulances to al-Aqsa Hospital in Deir al-Balah. Doctors classified the injury of a civilian as serious and he was then referred to Eye Specialty Hospital in Gaza City, while they classified the other injuries between minor and moderate.

 

West Bank:

 

  • At approximately 13:30 following Friday prayer on 08 June 2018, a group of Palestinian civilians moved from Kufor Qaddoum village, northeast of Qalqiliyah, to the eastern entrance to the village, which has been closed for 15 years in favor of the entrance to “Kedumim” settlement established on the village lands. The protestors chanted national slogans demanding end of occupation, condemning the U.S President Donald Trump’s decision to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and condemning the Israeli forces’ crimes against Palestinian protestors along the eastern border of the Gaza Strip within “The Great March of Return and Breaking the Siege” activities. The protestors set fire to tires and threw stones at Israeli soldiers stationed behind sand barriers. The soldiers fired rubber bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters at them. As a result, a 35-year-old Israeli activist who was not identified was hit with a rubber bullet to the back.

 

 

  1. 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 light-weighted products such as flowers, strawberries, and spices. However, they lately allowed the exportation of some vegetables such as cucumber and tomatoes, furniture and fish.

 

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

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

 

  • 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 June 2018)

Category 06 June 07 June 08 June 09 June 10 June 11 June
Patients 67 50 3 – 89 38
Companions 63 43 5 – 83 31
Personal needs 33 26 2 – 36 57
Families

of prisoners

 – – – – – –
Arabs from

Israel

 3 4 11 – 2 6
Diplomats 30 – – – 2 4
International journalists – – – – – 5
Meetings in Erez – 6 – – – –
International workers 39 44 14 – 36 34
Travelers

Abroad

 – 4 – – – –
Business people 253 248 1 – 396 479
Business meetings – – – – – –
Security interviews 3 2 – – 2 2
VIPs 1 1 – – – 1
Ambulances

to Israel

 – 6 1 – – 4
Patients’ Companions – 5 – – – 5

Note:

  • On Thursday, 07 June 2018, the Israeli authorities allowed 8 persons and on Monday, 11 June 2018, 9 persons to return to the West Bank.
  • On Wednesday, 06 June 2018, the Israeli authorities allowed 7 persons; on Thursday, 07 June 2018, 55 persons; on Sunday, 10 June 2018, 94 persons; and on Monday, 11 June 2018, 29 persons from the Gaza Strip to perform prayers in al-Aqsa Mosque.

 

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

 

  • Hebron: Israeli forces established (17) checkpoints all over the city.

On Thursday, 07 June 2018, Israeli forces established 4 checkpoints at the northern entrance to Halhoul and the entrances to Tafouh, Beit ‘Awwa, and Ethna.

On Friday, 08 June 2018, Israeli forces established 2 checkpoints at the western entrance to Yatta village and the western entrance to Hebron.

On Saturday, 09 June 2018, 4 similar checkpoints were established at the northern entrance to Hebron and at the entrances to Sa’ir, Bani Na’iem and al-Shayyoukh villages.

On Sunday, 10 June 2018, Israeli forces established 3 checkpoints at southern entrance to Halhoul and the entrances to al-Tawanah and al-Shyoukh villages.

On Monday, 11 June 2018, 2 similar checkpoints were established at the entrances to Bani Na’im and Western Yata villages.

On Tuesday, 12 June 2018, Israeli forces established 2 checkpoints at the western entrance to Hebron and at the entrance to Beit ‘Awwa village.

 

  • Qalqiliya:

 

At approximately 08:05 on Thursday, 07 June 2018, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the entrance to ‘Azoun village, east of Qalqliliya. The checkpoint was removed at approximately 08:45 and no arrests were reported.

At approximately 14:15 on Monday, 11 June 2018, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the entrance to Jayous village, north of Qalqiliya.

 

  • Salfit:

 

At approximately 20:50 on Friday, 08 June 2018, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the entrance to Deir Ballout village, west of Salfit.

 

  • Tulkarm:

 

At approximately 23:35 on Thursday, 07 June 2018, the Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the entrance to Bal’ah villge, north of Tulkar.  The checkpoint was removed at approximately 02:00 on Friday, 08 June 2018, but no arrests were reported.

 

At approximately 18:30 on Sunday afternoon, 10 June 2018, the Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the entrance to Nazlet ‘Issa village, north of Tulkarm.  The checkpoint was removed at approximately 19:30.

 

Arrests and Harassment at Military Checkpoints:

 

  • On Saturday afternoon, 09 June 2018, the Israeli soldiers attacked a PRCS ambulance crew (Bethlehem Branch) while attempting to provide first aid to persons wounded in a car accident occurred near “Ghosh ‘Etzion” settlement, south of the city. Mohammed ‘Awad, Director of the Emergency Medical Services in Bethlehem PRCS, said that they received information about occurrence of a car accident near “Ghosh ‘Eztion” settlement, so they immediately headed to the scene.  However, they were shocked that the Israeli forces and police prevented them from approaching the wounded.  An altercation erupted between the ambulance crew and the Israeli soldiers and ended by the Israeli soldiers beating and pushing the ambulance officer Jamal al-Balbboul (51).  They punched him many times on the face and the weapon was pointed at him.  It should be mentioned that the accident occurred between a Palestinian car and an Israeli one, resulting in the injury of civilians from Hebron.  The wounded were taken to the city hospitals for treatment, and their condition was described as stable.

 

  • At approximately 07:40 on Thursday, 07 June 2018, the Israeli forces established a checkpoint on the main street between Qalqiliya and Nablus near “Immanuel” settlement. They stopped Palestinian vehicles and checked the passengers’ IDs.  They then arrested Yousif Nedal Ahmed ‘Aqel (20) from Kafer Qaddoum village, northeast of Qalqiliya and later withdrew taking him to an unknown destination.

 

  • On Friday dawn, 08 June 2018, the Israeli forces stationed at Qalendia checkpoint, north of East Jerusalem, arrested Thara Kamal ‘Abdel Karim Jarad (20) from ‘Ezbet al-Jarad in Tulkarm. Thara was arrested when she was trying to cross the checkpoint to perform the fourth Friday Prayer in Ramadan in al-Aqsa Mosque.

 

  • On Saturday afternoon, 09 June 2018, the Israeli forces stationed at al-Container checkpoint, north of Bethlehem arrested ‘Amid Yaser Mohammed Breigheth (26) from Beit Ummar village, north of Hebron. ‘Amid was arrested and taken away when he was on his way back from his work in Ramallah.

 

  • At approximately 21:30 on Saturday, 09 June 2018, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the southern entrance to Heblah village “Tunnel Checkpoint, south of Hebron. They checked the Palestinian civilians’ IDs and their vehicles and then arrested Yazan Mohammed Sadeq al-Jada’a (25) under the pretext of finding a knife with him.  The Israeli forces later removed the checkpoint taking Yazan with them.

 

  • At approximately 01:00 on Tuesday, 12 June 2018, Israeli soldiers arrested Mohammed al-Zaghir (30), Member of Youth against Settlements in Tal al-Rumaidah in Hebron, when he was in the Old City. He was then taken to an interrogation center in “Karayat Arba’a” settlement, east of the city.

 

  • At approximately 11:00 on the same Tuesday, Israeli soldiers stationed at the checkpoints leading to the Ibrahimi Mosque in Hebron’s Old City arrested ‘Emad ‘Azmi Abu Dahoud (19) from the Old City. The Israeli forces claimed they found a knife with him and then took him to an interrogation center in “Karayat Arba’a” settlement, east of the city.

 

 

  • Efforts to Create A Jewish majority

 

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

 

  • Arrests and Incursions:

 

  • On Friday dawn, 08 June 2018, hundreds of Israeli soldiers and police officers deployed at the checkpoints leading to occupied East Jerusalem and on the main streets leading to it in addition to their massive presence inside the city’s borders and the Old City’s alleys. The Israeli authorities declared imposing restrictions on the West Bank worshippers’ entry to the occupied City to perform the fourth Friday Prayer in Ramadan in al-Aqsa Mosque. Qalendia military checkpoint, north of the city, witnessed traffic jam since the very early morning on the same day, and the Israeli soldiers violently attacked a woman, who was attempting to enter the occupied city, banning and forcibly moving her away from the checkpoint.  Meanwhile, the military checkpoint “300”, north of Bethlehem, was crowded as well with worshippers who wanted to perform the Friday prayer in al-Aqsa Mosque.  At the checkpoint, the Israeli soldiers attacked Mohammed Munir Abu Ghosh (14) and his father and prevented the child from crossing the checkpoint though the Israeli authorities had allowed those whose ages under 16 to enter with their families.

 

  • At approximately 03:00 on Saturday, 09 June 2018, the Israeli forces moved into al-Jadirah village, northwest of occupied East Jerusalem. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Hendi Naser Sa’ed (16).  The Israeli soldiers then arrested the child and withdrew.

 

  • At approximately 01:00 on Sunday, 10 June 2018, Israeli forces moved into al-Tour neighborhood, east of occupied East Jerusalem. They raided and searched many houses.  The Israeli soldiers arrested 6 young men from the neighborhood and took them to an interrogation center in the city.  The arrestees were identified as ‘Ali Walid al-Sayyad (19); Fadi Abu al-Hawa (19); Hashem Abu al-Hawa (21); ‘Ali Abu al-Hawa (22); Yousif Abu al-Hawa (21) and Siraj Abu Sbeitan (20).

 

  • At approximately 09:00 on the same Sunday, the Israeli forces moved into al-‘Issawiyah village, northeast of occupied East Jerusalem. They raided and searched a house belonging to the former prisoner Ibrahim Mohammed ‘Odah Derbas (23) and arrested him only hours after releasing him from the Negev Prison as he served his 50-month sentence.  After hours, the Israeli authorities released him, provided that he will not celebrate his release, set off fireworks or participate in any demonstration.

 

  • At approximately 22:00 on Sunday, 10 June 2018, the Israeli forces arrested Anas Mahmoud Abu Sneinah (13), who was in Bab al-‘Amoud area in the center of occupied East Jerusalem, and took him to an interrogation center in the city.

 

Restrictions on the NGOs’ Activities:

  • At approximately 19:15 on Saturday, 09 June 2018, the Israeli forces raided Jerusalem Hotel on Nablus Street in the center of occupied Eat Jerusalem, and banned an Iftar “the evening meal with which Muslims end their daily Ramadan fast” held for journalists upon an invitation by the Chamber of Commerce in the City. Eyewitnesses said that Israeli Intelligence officers and Special Forces raided in the afternoon the hotel and surrounded it, banning anyone from entering and taking those inside out.  The Israeli forces then hanged a decision preventing holding the Iftar by the Chamber of Commerce.  Moreover, Israeli police officers arrested Lawyer Kamal ‘Abeidat, Head of the Chamber of Commerce, and Ra’ed Sa’adah, Jerusalem Hotel Manager, and took them to an interrogation center.  The ban came after the Israeli Interior Security Minister “Gelad Ardan” signed a decision to ban the Iftar.  Ardan’s office said that “the event was supposed to be a Ramadan Iftar meal, but it aimed at briefing the activities of the East Jerusalem Chamber of Commerce, which is an institution belonging to the Palestinian Authority in Jerusalem and has been closed by the Israeli government in the recent years due to the nature of its activity.

Settlement activities and attacks by settlers against Palestinian civilians and property

 

 

Israeli Forces’ Attacks:

 

  • On Thursday morning, 07 June 2018, the Israeli forces accompanied with the military vehicles leveled and closed an agricultural road used by the Palestinian farmers in al-Khader village, south of Bethlehem, to reach their agricultural lands. Ahmed Salah, an activist in Colonization and Wall Resistance Commission in the village, said that the Israeli vehicles closed the road leading to the thousands of dunums of agricultural lands known as “Shoshahlah; al-Sowanah; al-Hadaf; ‘Ein Qesis; and Thaher al-Zayah.”  He added that the road was closed with rocks and berms to prevent farmers from reaching their lands even when using pack animals.  Closing the road will not make farmers be able to do their agricultural works, including plowing, planting and transferring products for marketing.  It should be mentioned that this is not the first time the Israeli forces close an agricultural road but it is part of a systematic policy to target farmers and harass them in order to leave and neglect their lands and then to confiscate the lands in favor of the settlement outposts deployed in those areas.

 

  • On Sunday morning, 10 June 2018, Israeli forces established metal detectors at the entrance to the lands of “Thaghret Hammad” area in al-Khader village, south of Bethlehem. Representative of Colonization and Wall Resistance Commission in Bethlehem, Hasan Breijiyah, said that the Israeli forces established on the same day morning metal detectors at the entrance to lands of “Thaghret Hammad” area belonging to Ghuneim Family in al-Khader village, south of Bethlehem.  He added that this measure means that farmers will be denied access to their lands, which will be later confiscated for settlement purposes. He also said that the Israeli forces installed 10 containers to store goods in lands belonging to Dabash Family, noting that the lands of Thaghret Hammad area have been lately exposed to a fierce campaign by the Israeli forces by closing roads and leveling lands.

 

  • On Monday morning, 11 June 2018, Israeli forces accompanied with Civil Administration officers from the Construction and Organization Department moved into al-Khader village, south of Bethlehem. The Israeli forces affixed a notice to stop construction works in an under-construction house belonging to Majdi Marzouq ‘Issa that is almost ready for occupation.  Ahmed Salah, an activist in Colonization and Wall Resistance Commission, said that the Israeli forces affixed another stop-work notice to an agricultural facility in al-Balou’a area in the village under the pretext of non-licensing.  It should be noted that the Israeli authorities continue its policy of issuing military orders aiming at demolishing Palestinian houses in areas classified “C” in an attempt to drive the indigenous inhabitants out of their houses, seize control of them and force Palestinians to leave.

 

Israeli settlers’ attacks

 

  • At approximately 21:15 on Monday, 11 June 2018, a group of Israeli settlers from “Yitzhar“ settlement, established in the eastern side of Burin village, south of Nablus, and under the Israeli forces’ protection attacked houses of civilians in the southern side of the village. A number of the village residents upon calls via the mosques’ speakers gathered to confront the settlers and soldiers and protect their houses from the attacks.  When the residents arrived at the area, the Israeli forces fired live and rubber bullets at them.  As a result, 2 civilians were wounded; one was superficially wounded with a bullet under the right ear and was taken to Rafidia Hospital in Nablus; and the other was wounded with a rubber bullet to the abdomen and taken to Ben Sina Helath center in nearby Howarah village for treatment.

 

 

Recommendations to the International Community

 

PCHR warns of the escalating settlement construction in the West Bank, the attempts to legitimize settlement outposts established on Palestinian lands in the West Bank and the continued summary executions of Palestinian civilians under the pretext that they pose a security threat to the Israeli forces. PCHR reminds the international community that thousands of Palestinian civilians have been rendered homeless and lived in caravans under tragic circumstances due to the latest Israeli offensive on the Gaza Strip that has been under a tight closure for almost 11 years. PCHR welcomes the UN Security Council’s Resolution No. 2334, which states that settlements are a blatant violation of the Geneva Conventions and calls upon Israel to stop them and not to recognize any demographic change in the oPt since 1967.  PCHR hopes this resolution will pave the way for eliminating the settlement crime and bring to justice those responsible for it. PCHR further reiterates that the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, are still under Israeli occupation in spite of Israel’s unilateral disengagement plan of 2005.  PCHR emphasizes that there is international recognition of Israel’s obligation to respect international human rights instruments and international humanitarian law.  Israel is bound to apply international human rights law and the law of war, sometimes reciprocally and other times in parallel, in a way that achieves the best protection for civilians and remedy for the victims.

  1. PCHR calls upon the international community to respect the Security Council’s Resolution No. 2334 and to ensure that Israel respects it as well, in particular point 5 which obliges Israel not to deal with settlements as if they were part of Israel.
  2. PCHR calls upon the ICC this year to open an investigation into Israeli crimes committed in the oPt, particularly the settlement crimes and the 2014 offensive on the Gaza Strip.
  3. PCHR Calls upon the European Union (EU) and all international bodies to boycott settlements and ban working and investing in them in application of their obligations according to international human rights law and international humanitarian law considering settlements as a war crime.
  4. PCHR calls upon the international community to use all available means to allow the Palestinian people to enjoy their right to self-determination 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.
  5. PCHR calls upon the international community and United Nations to take all necessary measures to stop Israeli policies aimed at creating a Jewish demographic majority in Jerusalem and at voiding Palestine from its original inhabitants through deportations and house demolitions as a collective punishment, which violates international humanitarian law, amounting to a crime against humanity.
  6. PCHR calls upon the international community to condemn summary executions carried out by Israeli forces against Palestinians and to pressurize Israel to stop them.
  7. PCHR calls upon the States Parties to the Rome Statute of the ICC to work hard to hold Israeli war criminals accountable.
  8. PCHR calls upon the High Contracting Parties to the Geneva Conventions to fulfill their obligations under article (1) of the Convention to ensure respect for the Conventions under all circumstances, and under articles (146) and (147) to search for and prosecute those responsible for committing grave breaches of the Geneva Conventions to ensure justice and remedy for Palestinian victims, especially in light of the almost complete denial of justice for them before the Israeli judiciary.
  9. PCHR calls upon the international community to speed up the reconstruction process necessary because of the destruction inflicted by the Israeli offensive on Gaza.
  10. PCHR calls for a prompt intervention to compel the Israeli authorities to lift the closure that obstructs the freedom of movement of goods and 1.8 million civilians that experience unprecedented economic, social, political and cultural hardships due to collective punishment policies and retaliatory action against civilians.
  11. PCHR calls upon the European Union to apply human rights standards embedded in the EU-Israel Association Agreement and to respect its obligations under the European Convention on Human Rights when dealing with Israel.
  12. PCHR calls upon the international community, especially states that import Israeli weapons and military services, to meet their moral and legal responsibility not to allow Israel to use the offensive in Gaza to test new weapons and not accept training services based on the field experience in Gaza in order to avoid turning Palestinian civilians in Gaza into testing objects for Israeli weapons and military tactics.
  13. PCHR calls upon the parties to international human rights instruments, especially the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR), to pressurize Israel to comply with its provisions in the oPt and to compel it to incorporate the human rights situation in the oPt in its reports submitted to the relevant committees.
  14. PCHR calls upon the EU and international human rights bodies to pressurize the Israeli forces to stop their attacks against Palestinian fishermen and farmers, mainly in the border area.

 

 

 

…………………………………………………………

Public Document

For further information please visit our website www.pchrgaza.org or contact PCHR’s office in Gaza City, Gaza Strip by email pchr@pchrgaza.org or telephone +972 08 282 4776 – 282 5893.

 

 

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