PCHR Weekly Report

PCHR
Palestinian Centre for Human Rights LTD (non-profit)

http://www.pchrgaza.org

Weekly Report: On Israeli Human Rights Violations in the Occupied Palestinian Territory

No. 43/2009

29 Oct.- 04 Nov. 2009

Yatta, Hebron - a Palestinian farmer checking his olive trees after Israeli settlers had uprooted them

Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) Continue Systematic Attacks against Palestinian Civilians and Property in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT) and Continue to Impose a Total Blockade on the Gaza Strip

· Three civilians in the West bank and the Gaza Strip sustained bullet wounds when IOF fired at them.

· 12 civilians, including 2 cameramen, 8 women, sustained injuries and bruises when IOF used force against peaceful demonstrations in the West Bank.

· IOF conducted 15 incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank, and a one into the Gaza Strip.

· IOF arrested 13 Palestinian civilians, including one child, in the West Bank, and a wounded civilian from the Gaza Strip.

· Israeli naval troops continued to attack Palestinian fishermen and boats in the Gaza Strip.

· IOF have increased measures aimed at creating a Jewish majority in Jerusalem.

· IOF demolished 4 houses in Jerusalem and displaced 34 individuals.

· IOF have continued settlement activities in the West Bank and Israeli settlers have continued to attack Palestinian civilians and property.

· IOF razed 14 donums of agricultural land and destroyed 1,000 meters of retaining walls surrounding Palestinian lands and 300 meters of irrigation networks in Hebron.

· IOF delivered new demolition notices to Palestinian houses in Hebron.

· IOF have continued to impose a total blockade on the OPT and have isolated the Gaza Strip from the outside world.

· IOF deported a Palestinian student from Bethlehem University to the Gaza Strip.

· IOF troops positioned at military checkpoints and border crossings in the West Bank arrested 2 Palestinian civilians at least.

· IOF have continued to maltreat Palestinian civilians at military checkpoints in the West Bank.

Summary

Israeli violations of international law and humanitarian law in the OPT continued during the reporting period (29 October – 4 November 2009):

Shooting: During the reporting period, three Palestinian civilians suffered bullet wounds following IOF attacks. In addition, 12 Palestinian civilians sustained injuries and bruises after IOF attacks in the West Bank.

Incursions: During the reporting period, IOF conducted at least 15 military incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank. IOF arrested 13 Palestinian civilians, including one child.

In the Gaza Strip, on 31 October 2009, an IOF undercover unit moved into the northwest of the ex-settlement of Doghit in the northwest of Beit Lahia to arrest a Palestinian civilian. The civilian was wounded by an IOF attack prior to the arrest.

Restrictions on Movement: IOF have continued to impose a tightened siege on the OPT and imposed severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including occupied East Jerusalem.

Gaza Strip

IOF have continued to close all border crossings to the Gaza Strip for more than two years. The illegal IOF blockade of the Gaza Strip, which has steadily tightened since June 2007, has had a disastrous impact on the humanitarian and economic situation in the Gaza Strip.

· 1.5 million people are being denied their basic rights, including freedom of movement, and their rights to appropriate living conditions, work, health and education.

· The main concern of 1.5 million people living in the Gaza Strip is to obtain their basic needs of food, medicines, water and electricity supplies.

· IOF have continued to prevent the entry of raw construction materials into the Gaza Strip for more than two years.

· IOF have not allowed fuel supplies into the Gaza Strip, excluding limited amounts of cooking gas, since 10 December 2008.

· The Rafah International Crossing Point has been opened for a few days for a number of patients who received medical treatment abroad and needed to return home to the Gaza Strip.

· IOF have continued to close Beit Hanoun (Erez) crossing to Palestinian civilians wishing to travel to the West Bank and Israeli for medical treatment, trade or social visits.

· Poverty and unemployment rates stand at approximately 80% and 60% respectively in the Gaza Strip.

· IOF have continued to prevent the entry of spare parts form water networks and sewage systems. Losses incurred to this sector are estimated at US$ 6 million.

· IOF have imposed additional access restrictions on international diplomats, journalists and humanitarian workers seeking to enter the Gaza Strip. They have prevented representatives of several international humanitarian organizations from entering the Gaza Strip.

· Living conditions of the Palestinian civilian population have seriously deteriorated; levels of poverty and unemployment are among the highest in the world.

· At least 900 Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails have been denied family visitation rights for more than three years.

· IOF have continued to attack Palestinian fishermen along the Gaza Strip coast.

West Bank

IOF have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians throughout the West Bank, including occupied East Jerusalem. Thousands of Palestinian civilians from the West Bank and the Gaza Strip continue to be denied access to Jerusalem.

· IOF have established checkpoints in and around Jerusalem, severely restricting Palestinian access to the city. Civilians are frequently prevented from praying at the al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem.

· There are approximately permanent 630 roadblocks, and manned and unmanned checkpoints across the West Bank. In addition, there are some 60-80 ‘flying’ or temporary checkpoints erected across the West Bank by IOF every week.

· When complete, the illegal Annexation Wall will stretch for 724 kilometers around the West Bank, further isolating the entire population. 350 kilometers of the Wall has already been constructed. Approximately 99% of the Wall has been constructed inside the West Bank itself, further confiscating Palestinian land.

· At least 65% of the main roads that leads to 18 Palestinian communities in the West Bank are closed or fully controlled by IOF (47 out of 72 roads).

· There are around 500 kilometers of restricted roads across the West Bank. In addition, approximately one third of the West Bank, including occupied East Jerusalem, is inaccessible to Palestinians without a permit issued by the IOF. These permits are extremely difficult to obtain.

· IOF continue to harass, and assault demonstrators who hold peaceful protests against the construction of the Annexation Wall.

· Palestinian civilians continue to be harassed by IOF in Jerusalem, and across the West Bank, including being regularly stopped and searched in the streets by IOF.

Measures Aimed at Creating a Jewish Majority in occupied East Jerusalem

During the reporting period, IOF demolished four houses in Beit Hanina, al-Thawri neighborhood and Jabal al-Mukaber village and displaced four families of 34 individuals:

On 1 November 2009, IOF bulldozed the house of Mousa Mashahra, 53, in al-Sala’a neighborhood in Jabal al-Mukaber village, southeast of occupied Jerusalem. A family of six used to live in the house that occupied an area of 50 m² and was composed of two rooms.

On 2 November 2009, IOF bulldozed the house of Majed al-Rajji, 50, in al-‘Aqaba neighborhoos in Beit Hanina village, north of occupied Jerusalem. A family of 15 used to live in the house that stood on an area of 100 m² and was composed of three rooms.

Also on 2 November 2009, IOF bulldozed the house of Haroun al-Qawasmi, 61, and the house of Naser al-Shweiki in al-Thawri neighborhood in occupied East Jerusalem. The house of al-Qawasmi, where a family of six used to live, was built 25 years ago. The house where the seven-member al-Shwiki family used to live was owned by Mohammed al-Qawasmi and was built on an area of 80 m².

Settlement Activities: IOF have continued settlement activities in the OPT in violation of international humanitarian law and Israeli settlers have continued to attack Palestinian civilians and property.

On 29 October 2009, IOF bulldozed 14 donums of agricultural lands, including 11 donums that had been reclaimed recently in al-Buqa’a area, east of Hebron. They also demolished 1,000 meters of retaining walls, destroyed more than 300 meters of irrigation networks and destroyed two water collection pools. It should be noted that al-Buqa’a area is one of the most fertile agricultural areas in Hebron. Settlement Road no. 60 passes through the area which is close to “Kiryat Arba’a” and “Kharsina” settlements in the east of Hebron. IOF impose a ban on construction works in al-Buqa’a area and obstruct the delivery of services to the area as part of their plans to force Palestinians to leave their houses and lands, IOF and Israeli settlers repeatedly conduct attacks on civilians in al-Buqa’a area in order to take control of new areas of Palestinian lands by force.

Also on 29 October 2009, IOF delivered notices to four civilians in Kherbat al-Hejri, southwest of Hebron, notifying them of IOF intent to demolish their houses in Kherbat al-Hejri under the pretext of the lack of a building license.

On 30 October 2009, IOF prevented the installation of power networks in al-Tawani village, opposite to “Ma’on” settlement south of Hebron. IOF have banned the establishment of infrastructure in al-Tawani village, including power; water and telephone networks. IOF have also prevented Palestinians in the village from constructing houses. Civilians are forced to live in caves or in shelters that had been established before 1967. Sometimes, Palestinians in the village construct houses without getting building licenses, but IOF later demolish them.

On 31 October 2009, eight settlers from “Brakha” settlement, protected by IOF, raided Iraq Borin village, south of Nablus. Dozens of Palestinian civilians gathered near the southern entrance of the village and stoned the settlers in an attempt to prevent them from entering the village. IOF responded by firing bullets at the Palestinians.

Israeli Violations Documented during the Reporting Period (29 October – 4 November 2009)

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

Thursday, 29 October 2009

· At approximately 01:00, IOF moved into Beit Ula village, west of Hebron. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested Abdul Fattah ‘Awni Abdul Fattah Farrash, 35.

· At approximately 02:00, IOF moved into Taqou’a village, southeast of Bethlehem. They raided and searched a number of houses. Before withdrawing, IOF summoned five Palestinians for interrogation. The summoned civilians are:

Ghazi ‘Aziz al-Badan, 24;
Mousa ‘Aziz al-Badan, 22;
Fadi Salim al-Badan, 24;
Nour Samih al-Badan, 19; and
‘Abed Dawood al-Badan,18.

· At approximately 02:30, IOF moved into Jaba’a village, south of Jenin. They raided and searched a number of houses, but no arrests were reported.

· At approximately 16:00, IOF moved into Saffa village, west of Ramallah. A number of youth gathered and began stoning IOF who responded by firing rubber-coated steel bullets, tear gas canisters and sound bombs. As a result, dozens of Palestinian civilians suffered suffocation as they inhaled gas. Before their withdrawal, IOF arrested Majd Mufid Karaja, 19.

Saturday, 31 October 2009

· At approximately 15:00, IOF positioned inside observation towers on the border strip in the northwest of Beit Lahia, northern the Gaza Strip, fired at Ashraf Saleh Salem Jaber, 40, from ‘Izbat ‘Abed Rabbo in the east of Jabalia town. Jaber was wounded by a bullet to his left foot. Accordign to investigations conducted by PCHR, Jaber was wounded while walking on the beach as he approached the border strip in the northweat of the ex-settlement of Doghit in the northwest of Beit Lahia. His family told PCHR that their son suffers from mental disorder and that he had left the house two days before the incident. After IOF fired at Jaber and wounded him, an IOF undercover unit moved into the scene and transferred Jaber inside Israel. After the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the Palestinian Liaison Office managed to make coordination with IOF, Jaber was transferred to Gaza via Beit Hanoun (Erez) crossing and delivered to a Palestinian ambulance. He was then transferred to al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza city where he was diagnosed with severe fractures in his left foot.

Sunday, 1 November 2009

· At approximately 01:30, IOF moved into Deir al-Ghsoun village, north of Toulkarem. They raided and searched many houses, but no arrests were reported.

· At approximately 02:00, IOF moved into Toulkarem city and into Toulkarem refugee camp. They raided and searched a number of houses, but no arrests were reported.

· At approximately 12:00, IOF positioned inside observations towers in Beit Hanoun (Erez) crossing, north of Beit Hanoun in the north of the Gaza Strip, opened fire at Palestinian civilians who were collecting stones from the rubble of the building in the industrial area that had been bulldozed by IOF. IOF also fired a hail of bullets at a tractor belonging to Jaber Younis Mohammed Abu Marshoud, as he was working approximately 150 meters from the border. Abu Marshoud who was driving the tractor escaped from the scene while the tractor was hit by several bullets and has remained in the seen. No casualties were reported in this incident.

· At approximately 16:00, IOF moved into Madma village, south of Nablus. IOF fired intensively into the air. A number of boys and children gathers and stone IOF vehicles. Before withdrawing at approximately 22:00, IOF arrested Taher Yousif ‘Osa, 18. ‘Oda was released late in the night.

Monday, 2 November 2009

· At approximately 01:00, IOF moved into Toubas city. They raided and searched many houses. Before withdrawing at approximately 04:30, IOF arrested Nour Addin Hafez Issa Sawafta, 22.

· At approximately 01:30, IOF moved into al-Zababda village, southeast of Jenin. They raided and searched many houses. Before withdrawing at approximately 04:30, IOF arrested Mhanna Khaled al-Sharqawi, 32.

· Also at approximately 01:30, IOF moved into ‘Azzoun village, east of Qalqilia. They raided and searched many houses. Before withdrawing, IOF arrested Qaher Samih Qara’n, 27, and Wisam Sa’id Husein, 16.

Tuesday, 3 November 2009

· At approximately 02:00, IOF moved into ‘Azzoun village, east of Qalqilia. They raided and searched many houses. They arrested Husam Mohammed Mousa Slim, 47, and his son Fares, 24.

· At approximately 23:00, IOF moved into Toubas. IOF raided and searched a café belonging to Ahmed Daraghmeh. They interrogated a number of the clients. IOF withdrew in the early morning on 4 November 2009. No arrests were reported.

Wednesday, 4 November 2009

· At approximately 00:30, IOF moved into Jenin city. They raided and searched many houses. They withdrew, and no arrests were reported.

· At approximately 01:00, IOF moved into Barqin village, west of Jenin. They raided and searched a number of houses. They arrested Mohammed Abdul Karim Yousif Hamdan, 29,

· At approximately 02:30, IOF moved into Qalandia refugee camp, north of occupied Jerusalem. They raided and searched the house of ‘Oda Shaker Ya’aqoub. They arrested Yousef ‘Oda Shaker Ya’aqoub, 18.

· At approximately 11:30, IOF gunboats fired several shells at a Palestinian fishing boat which was approximately 300 meters from Rafah port. Belal Mohammed Khalil al-Najja, 23, from the Swedish village, sustained wounds by a bullet to the abdomen. Al-Najjar was transferred to Abu Yousif al-Najjar Hospital in Rafah for treatment. Medical sources described his wounds to be moderate.

2. Continued Blockade of the OPT

IOF have continued to impose a tightened siege on the OPT and imposed severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including Occupied East Jerusalem.

Gaza Strip

IOF have continued to close all border crossings to the Gaza Strip for more than two years. The IOF siege of Gaza, which has steadily tightened since June 2007, has had a disastrous impact on the humanitarian and economic situation in the Gaza Strip.

· 1.5 million people are being denied their basic rights, including freedom of movement, and their rights to appropriate living conditions, work, health and education.

· The main concern of the population of the Gaza Strip is to obtain their basic needs of food, medicines, water and electricity supplies.

· IOF have continued to prevent the entry of raw construction materials into the Gaza Strip for more than two years.

· IOF have not allowed fuel supplies into the Gaza Strip, excluding limited amounts of cooking gas, since 10 December 2008.

· The Rafah International Crossing Point has been opened for a few days for a number of patients who received medical treatment abroad and needed to return home to the Gaza Strip.

· IOF have continued to close Beit Hanoun (Erez) crossing to Palestinian civilians wishing to travel to the West Bank and Israeli for medical treatment, trade or social visits.

· IOF have continued to prevent the entry of spare parts form water networks and sewage systems. Losses incurred to this sector are estimated at US$ 6 million.

· Living conditions of the Palestinian civilian population have seriously deteriorated; levels of poverty and unemployment have sharply mounted.

· At least 900 Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails have been deprived for family visitation for more than two years.

· IOF have continued to attack Palestinian fishermen along the Gaza Strip coast.

Movement at Border Crossings during the Reporting Period:

Movement at Rafah International Crossing Point

28 October – 3 November 2009

Date	Details
28 October 2009	19 Palestinians were allowed to travel to Egypt and 120 others, including a number of patients, were allowed into the Gaza Strip.
29 October 2009	one Palestinian was allowed to travel to Egypt and 110 others, including a number of patients, were allowed into the Gaza Strip.
30 October 2009	Closed.
31 October 2009	13 Palestinians were allowed to travel to Egypt and 5 others were allowed into the Gaza Strip.
1 November 2009	- 766 Palestinians, including patients and students enrolled in international universities and holders of foreign residencies, were allowed to travel to Egypt and 417 persons, including a delegation of eight members from the Islamic Relief; a medical UAE delegation of three members and a Czech journalist, were allowed into the Gaza Strip. - A containers of one ton and a half of medicines and three ambulances were allowed into the Gaza Strip. - 217 Palestinians were denied travel to Egypt and were returned to the Gaza Strip by the Egyptian authorities.
2 November 2009	- 841 persons, including patients and students enrolled in international universities and Egyptian citizens, were allowed to travel to Egypt and 328 person were allowed into the Gaza Strip. - A containers of one ton and a half of medicines and three ambulances were allowed into the Gaza Strip. - The body of a Palestinian civilians was allowed to be transferred to the Gaza strip. - 69 Palestinians were denied travel to Egypt and were returned to the Gaza Strip by the Egyptian authorities.
3 November 2009	- 892 Palestinians, including patients and students enrolled in international universities and holders of foreign residencies, were allowed to travel to Egypt and 165 persons were allowed into the Gaza Strip. - 81 Palestinians were denied travel to Egypt and were returned to the Gaza Strip by the Egyptian authorities.

Movement at Karm Abu Salem (Kerem Shalom) Crossing

28 October – 3 November 2009

Date	Details
28 October 2009	80 containers of food aid for international humanitarian organizations and goods for local traders were allowed into the Gaza Strip.
29 October 2009	108 containers of food aid for international humanitarian organizations and goods for local traders were allowed into the Gaza Strip.
30 October 2009	Closed.
31 October 2009	Closed.
1 November 2009	96 containers of food aid for international humanitarian organizations and goods for local traders were allowed into the Gaza Strip.
2 November 2009	108 containers of food aid for international humanitarian organizations and goods for local traders were allowed into the Gaza Strip.
3 November 2009	95 containers of food aid for international humanitarian organizations and goods for local traders were allowed into the Gaza Strip.

Nahal Ouz Crossing

28 October – 4 November 2009

Date	Cooking gas (tons)	Energy fuel (liters)
28 October 2009	205	519,000
29 October 2009	202	407,000
30 October 2009	Nil	Nil
31 October 2009	Nil	Nil
1 November 2009	Nil	Nil
2 November 2009	Nil	Nil
3 November 2009	118	258,000

Beit Hanoun (Erez) Crossing: IOF have continued to close Beit Hanoun (Erez) crossing for the movement of Palestinian civilians. They have allowed only diplomats, a number of international journalists, workers at international agencies and a few patients who suffer from serious diseases to pass through the crossing. They have continued to prevent Palestinian civilians from visiting their relatives who are detained in Israeli jails. As mentioned above, IOF have allowed a few number of patients to pass through the crossing, but under severe restrictions that include prolonged checking.

Movement at Beit Hanoun (Erez) Crossing

28 October – 3 November 2009

Date	Patients	Companions	Arabs from Israel	International Journalists	Ambassadors	International Workers	Travelers abroad	Traders
28 October 2009	39	37	3	3	Nil	53	3	Nil
29 October 2009	28	26	6	6	1	144	16	Nil
30 October 2009	4	4	24	8	Nil	52	Nil	Nil
31 October 2009	Nil	Nil	Nil	Nil	Nil	Nil	Nil	Nil
1 November 2009	24	20	47	Nil	Nil	15	1	Nil
2 November 2009	32	24	Nil	7	4	22	2	Nil
3 November 2009	50	45	9	7	Nil	73	1	1

Al-Mentar (Karni) Crossing: IOF partially opened the crossing on Monday, 2 November 2009, and allowed the entry of 1,240 tons of wheat (approximately 31 truckloads) and 2,280 tons of fodders (approximately 75 truckloads).

The West Bank

IOF have imposed a tightened siege on the West Bank. During the reporting period, IOF imposed additional restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians.

· Jerusalem: IOF have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians to and from the city. Thousands of Palestinian civilians from the West Bank and the Gaza Strip have been denied access to the city. IOF have established many checkpoints around and inside the city. Restrictions of the movement of Palestinian civilians often escalate on Fridays to prevent them from praying at the al-Aqsa Mosque. IOF often violently beat Palestinian civilians who attempt to bypass checkpoints and enter the city. IOF impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians on Fridays to restrict their access to the al-Aqsa Mosque. On Sunday morning, 25 October 2009, IOF reinforced their presence in the old town and in the vicinity of the al-Aqsa Mosque. They erected more checkpoints and stopped and checked Palestinian civilians.

At 13:00 on Wednesday, 28 October 2009, IOF positioned at the “Container” checkpoint, east of al-Sawahra al-Sharqeya village in the southeast of occupied Jerusalem, stopped Berlanti Grace Polis ‘Azzam, 21, a student at Bethlehem University. They checked her ID car and saw that she was a resident of the Gaza Strip. They placed her under field interrogation regarding her presence in the West Bank. Then they held her as a first step to take measures to return her to the Gaza Strip. She remained held till 20:00 o’clock. Then IOF handcuffed and blindfolded her. They transferred her by a jeep and then by a police vehicle to the border with the Gaza Strip. She was returned to Gaza via Beit Hanoun (Erez) crossing. She arrived at home at midnight.

According to ‘Azzam, she went to live in Bethlehem in 2005 and that she is a student at Bethlehem University. She will graduate from university after two months only. ‘Azzam stated to PCHR that when she was held by IOF, she was forced to sit on a metal chair near the checkpoint, after she had been told that she was held because she “lived illegally in the West Bank”. While being held by IOF, ‘Azzam suffered low blood pressure and weakness in her limbs. In response IOF offered her water and asked her to move her limbs.

She also added:

“At approximately 20:00, a military jeep arrived at the checkpoint. Some female soldiers were in the jeep. One of the female soldiers searched me and searched my bag. They soldiers then handcuffed me. thn they used my shawl to blindfold me. They then transferred me by a jeep. Then they forced me to walk for more than one hour and a half before transferring me by a police car to the border with the Gaza Strip. I was coerced to return to the Gaza Strip via ‘Erez’ crossing at approximately 23:00. I arrived home at around midnight”.

Dina ‘Awwad, Director of Public Relations at Bethlehem University, confirmed the statements given by ‘Azzam. ‘Awwad said that Gisha: the Legal Center for Freedom of Movement (Gisha) in Israel agreed with IOF to refer ‘Azzam to Natania detention center so Gisha can meet with her and address her issue. However, Gisha was surprised by the deportation of ‘Azzam to the Gaza Strip. ‘Awwad pointed out that Gisha submitted a petition to the Israeli Supreme Court to review this issue.

On Thursday afternoon, 29 October 2009, IOF closed Qalandia checkpoint, near the northern entrance of occupied Jerusalem. Eyewitnesses reported that the checkpoint was then very crowded as IOF precisely search the Palestinian passengers.

· Nablus: IOF have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. IOF troops positioned at an iron gate established on Nablus-Tulkarm road have continued to conduct prolonged checking on Palestinian civilians, especially in the morning. IOF troops positioned at Shavi Shomron checkpoint on the Nablus-Jenin road, and at Za'tara checkpoint, south of the city, have also continued to restrict the movement of Palestinian civilians.

At approximately 14:00 on 1 November 2009, three IOF soldiers who came from “Yetshar” settlement severely beat Ma’amoun Amin Fayez Nassar, 34, from Madma village, south of Nablus. Then the IOF soldiers arrest Nassar and transferred him to Belenson Hospital in Tel Aviv. Nassar was grazing his sheep in al-Rasem area, near “Yetshar” settlement”, approximately 500 meters far from house in Madma village.

Amin Fayez Mohammed Nassar, 67, is the father of Ma’amoun. He stated to the PCHR fieldworker that:

“At approximately 14:00 on Sunday, 1 November 2009, I was near my house between Madma village and ‘Asira al-Qeblia village. In the meanwhile, I heard firing. I phoned to my son Ma’amoun, 34, who was grazing sheep in al-Rasem area, near “Yetshar” settlement”, approximately 500 meters far from our house. He told me that he was fired at by the Israeli occupation soldiers. He also told me that they were walking to him. I immediately asked my sone; Ayman, 42, Mohammed, 32, and Amir, 24, to join me to al-Rasem area to bring their brother. When I was approximately 50 meters far from Mahmoud, I could see that he was bleeding from his head. His face was covered with blood. The three soldiers were carrying him. I then saw three military jeeps coming from Huwwara checkpoint to the scene. When the jeeps arrived, soldiers stepped down. We were only 15 meters far from Ma’amoun. They pointed their guns at us and prevented us from approaching. One of the soldiers asked Ma’amoun in Hebrew, that I understand well: ‘Did the soldier beat you?’ he replied ‘yes’. They interrogated him for short moments and then they tied his legs and carried him to one of the jeeps. They asked me and my sons to return home. I called to the ICRC and to a number of Palestinian and Israeli human rights and reported what happened to them. I later got a phone call from Yesh Din for Human Rights in Israel. They told me that my son was transferred from Huwwar detention center to Belenson Hospital as he was severely beaten. Since then, I received no information about him.”

· Hebron: IOF have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians inside and around Hebron. IOF also extended the imposition of closure on streets in the southeast of Hebron according to a new military order.

On 29 October 2009, IOF erected a checkpoint on Wasdi Sa’ir street, northeast Hebron, arrested Khader Shakib al-‘Eweiwi, 26, from Hebron.

On Monday morning, 2 November 2009, IOF issued a military order to extend the closure imposed on Haret Jaber street that leads to the al-Haram al-Ibrahimi for six month starting on the date of the order. According to data collected by PCHR, on 2 November 2009, IOF officers delivered the new military order to Palestinian civilians in al-Ras area, east of Hebron. This closure is alleged to “ensure security for the Israeli Defense forces in the area”.

It should be noted that this imposition of closure affects Palestinians in al-Ras area, Haret Jaber and wasi al-Hasin through which the closed street passes.

· Jenin: IOF have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. On Thursday morning, 29 October 2009, IOF erected two checkpoints at the entrances of Jaba’a village and Sanour village, and erected a third checkpoint on Jenin-Nablus road. They stopped and searched Palestinian civilian vehicles.

At approximately 06:00 on 29 October 2009, IOF positioned at al-Hamra checkpoint in the east of Jenin arrested Nadal Abdul Ra’ouf Mohammed Sabbah, 22, from Barqin village, west of Jenin. Sabbah was on his way to Jericho when IOF soldiers positioned at al-Hamra checkpoint checked his ID car and handcuffed him.

3. Construction of the Annexation Wall

IOF have continued to construct the Annexation Wall inside West Bank territory. During the reporting period, IOF used force against peaceful demonstrations organized by Palestinian civilians and international and Israeli human rights defenders to protest the construction of the Wall.

· According to Abdullah Abu Rahma, spokesman of the Palestinian Anti-Apartheid Wall Campaign in Bal’ein, Following the Friday Prayer on 30 October 2009, dozens of Palestinian civilians and international and Israeli peace activists and human rights defenders gathered in the center of Bal'ein village, west of Ramallah. They moved towards the Wall and following provocation threw stones at IOF troops positioned in the area. Immediately, IOF troops fired rubber-coated metal bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters at the demonstrators. Dozens of demonstrators suffered from tear gas inhalations.

· Also following the Friday Prayer on 30 October 2009, and according to data made available by the Palestinian Anti-Apartheid Wall Campaign in Ne’lin, dozens of Palestinian civilians and international and Israeli human rights defenders organized a peaceful demonstration in Ne'lin village, west of Ramallah, in protest to the construction of the Annexation Wall. They clashed with IOF troops positioned near the Wall. IOF troops fired rubber-coated metal bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters at demonstrators. As a result, Dozens of demonstrators suffered from tear gas inhalations.

· Also following the Friday Prayer on 30 October 2009, dozens of Palestinian civilians and international human rights defenders organized a peaceful demonstration to protest the construction of the Annexation Wall in al-Ma'sara village, south of Bethlehem. Israeli troops closed the entrance of the village and attacked the demonstrators. They fired sound bombs and tear gas canisters at the demonstrators. IOF beat some of the demonstrators. A child, Zeid Mohammed Zawahra, 17, was wounded in his right hand. In addition, three demonstrators suffered from tear gas inhalations.

4. Measures Aimed at Creating a Jewish Majority in Occupied East Jerusalem

IOF has recently escalated arbitrary measures against Palestinian civilians in East Jerusalem to force them to leave the city. PCHR has devoted this section in the Weekly Report to highlight violations of human rights perpetrated by IOF against Palestinian civilians in East Jerusalem.

· On Sunday morning, 1 November 2009, IOF raided al-Sala’a neighborhood in Jabal al-Mukabber village, southeast occupied Jerusalem. IOF besieged the house of Mousa Suleiman al-Mashahra, 53. IOF bulsozers started demolishing the house. The house, in which a family of six members used to live, was built on an area of 50 m2 and was comprised of two rooms. It should be noted that al-Mashahra built the house in 2000. In beginning 2006, the Israeli Municipality of Jerusalem notified al-Mashahra it was essential to demolish the house under the pretext of lacking building license. Less that six months ago, the Municipality delivered an administrative order to al-Mashahra to demolish the house. The family managed, through their lawyer, to postpone the demolition until the beginning of the current month. However, the Municipality demolished the house as soon as the time give to the family was over.

· On Monday morning, 2 November 2009, IOF raided al-‘Aqabeh neighborhood in Beit Hanina village, north of occupied Jerusalem. IOF besieged the house of Majed Mohammed al-Rajji, 50. IOF members raided the house and forced the family to leave the house. Then IOF bulldozers demolished the house completely. The house, where a family of 15 used to live, was built on an area of 100 m2 and was comprised of three rooms.

The al-Rajji family built their house in 2000. In 2003, the Israeli Municipality of Jerusalem visited the house and delivered the family a notice to pay a fine of 40,000 NIS. The family paid the fine. After the demolition, it was found out that the court of the Israeli Municipality of Jerusalem issued an administrative order to demolish the house on 1 November 2009; i.e., one day before the implementation of the order. The family was not notified with the order and thus did not have the opportunity to appeal against it.

· At approximately 07:38 on 2 November 2009, IOF raided al-Thawri neighborhood in occupied East Jerusalem. IOF closed the surroundings of the house of Haroun Isma’il al-Qawasmi, 61. IOF members forced the six-member family to leave their house. They took some furniture out of the house; bulldozers began demolishing the house at 08:00. The house which occupied built on an area of 70 m2 was built 25 years ago. Six months ago, al-Qawasmi family received an administrative order to demolish their house.

· The same IOF troop that demolished the house of Haroun Isma’il al-Qawasmi walked to the house of Naser al-Shweiki, 50, in al-Thawri neighborhood. They forced the al-Shweiki family to leave the house. IOF bulldozers then demolished the house under the pretext of the lack to a building license. The house, where a family of seven members used to live, occupied more than 100 m2. It is owned by Mohammed Jada’a al-Qawasmi.

5. Settlement Activities and Attacks by Settlers against Palestinian Civilians and Property

IOF have continued settlement activities in the OPT in violation of international humanitarian law, and Israeli settlers have continued to attack Palestinian civilians and property.

· On Thursday morning, 29 October 2009, IOF bulldozed agricultural lands in al-Buqa’a area, east of Hebron. As Palestinian farmers tried to prevent IOF from bulldozing their lands, IOF beat them and fired sound bombs and tear gas canisters at them. Twelve Palestinians, including two cameramen and eight women, sustained bruises and suffered gas inhalation. IOF declared the area a closed military zone and bulldozed 14 donums of agricultural land, including 11 donums that had been recently reclaimed. They also demolished 1,000 meters of retaining walls, destroyed more than 300 meters of irrigation networks and destroyed two water collection pools.

Seven of the wounded Palestinians were evacuated to hospital by ambulances from the Palestinain Red Crescent Society. These civilians are:

1. Abdul Hafiz Deyab al-Hashlamon, 36, a cameraman, who suffered gas inhalation and bruises in the shoulder;

2. Najah Fadel Jaber, 47, who sustained a wound in the face and bruises in the right shoulder;

3. Freiha Salim Jaber, 55, who sustained bruises throughout the body;

4. Rudeina Bader Jaber, 48, who suffered gas inhalation and bruises in the chest;

5. Ibtesam Rashed Jaber, 45, who suffered gas inhalation;

6. Amna Abdul Jawwad Jaber, 72, who suffered gas inhalation; and

7. Izdihar Fallah Jaber, 50, who sustained gas inhalation and bruises in the chest and the back.

The rest of the wounded, who received first aid in the field, are:

1. Kawkab Jaber;

2. Mer’i Jaber;

3. Badran Jaber;

4. Abdul Jawad Jaber; and

5. Najeh al-Hashlamon, a cameraman.

Badran Jaber and ‘Ata Jaber, are amongst the owners of the destroyed properties. They stated to PCHR that IOF continued bulldozing works till 13:00 o’clock and that they bulldozed 14 donums of agricultural land, including 11 donums that had been reclaimed recently. They also explained that IOF also demolished 1,000 meters of retaining walls, destroyed more than 300 meters of irrigation networks and destroyed two water collection pools. The destroyed properties belong to Mohammed Mustafa Jaber, Badran Jaber, ‘Ata Jaber, Badwan Badawi al-Rajji, Samih ‘Arif al-Rajji, and Fouzan Badwan al-Rajji.

It should be noted that al-Buqa’a area is one of the most fertile agricultural areas in Hebron. Settlement Road no. 60 passes through the area which is close to “Kiryat Arba’a” and “Kharsina” settlements in the east of Hebron. IOF impose a ban on construction works in al-Buqa’a area and obstruct the delivery of services to the area as part of their plans to force Palestinians to leave their houses and lands, IOF and Israeli settlers repeatedly conduct attacks on civilians in al-Buqa’a area in order to take new areas of Palestinian lands by force.

Also on 29 October 2009, IOF delivered demolition notices to four civilians in Kherbat al-Hejri, southwest of Hebron, under the pretext of the lack of building licenses. The four civilians are: Jamal Ibrahim al-Rjoub, Khaled Abu Mqadam, Samir Mohammed Issa Dodein, and Mahmoud Mohammed Issa Dodein.

On Friday morning, 30 October 2009, IOF prevented the installation of power networks in al-Tawani village, opposite to “Ma’on” settlement south of Hebron. According to local sources and to statements of international solidarity activists who live in the village, officers from the Israeli “Military Liaison Office” stopped the installation of power networks in al-Tawani village. They also arrested a Palestinian worker from al-Dhahereya village. IOF released the worker later but confiscated his equipment. The confiscated equipment included a lorry, an automatic ladder and a large roll of electric wires. On 22 July 2009, officers from the Israeli “Military Liaison Office” issued an order to remove six power stations from the village. Further, on 25 May 2009, these officers, with an IOF troop, raided the village to stop the establishment of eight power stations in the village.

According to PCHR investigations and statements by Suleiman Mohammed al-‘Adra, a Palestinian from al-Tawani village, IOF have banned the development of infrastructure in al-Tawani village, including power; water and telephone networks. IOF have also prevented Palestinians in the village from constructing houses. Civilians are forced to live in caves or in shelters established before 1967. Sometimes, Palestinians in the village are forced to construct their house without getting building license; IOF later demolish the structures.

On Saturday evening, 31 October 2009, eight settlers from “Brakha” settlement, protected by IOF, raided Iraq Borin village, south of Nablus. Dozens of Palestinian civilians gathered near the southern entrance of the village and stoned the settlers in an attempt to prevent them from entering the village. IOF responded immediately by firing bullets and tear gas canisters at the Palestinians. As a result, Sa’ad Husam Faraj Qadus, 24, was injured when he was hit by a tear gas canister to his abdomen. Before withdrawing, IOF arrested Wa’el Hamza Faraj Qadous, 41.

Recommendations to the International Community

1. PCHR calls upon the High Contracting Parties to the Fourth Geneva Convention to fulfill their legal and moral obligations under Article 1 of the Convention to ensure Israel's respect for the Convention in the Occupied Palestinian Territory. PCHR believes that the conspiracy of silence practiced by the international community has encouraged Israel to act as if it is above the law and encourages Israel continue to violate international human rights and humanitarian law.

2. PCHR calls upon the High Contracting Parties to the Fourth Geneva Convention to convene a conference to take effective steps to ensure Israel's respect of the Convention in the OPT and to provide immediate protection for Palestinian civilians.

3. PCHR calls upon the High Contracting Parties to the Fourth Geneva Convention to comply with its legal obligations detailed in Article 146 of the Convention to search for and prosecute those responsible for grave breaches, namely war crimes.

4. PCHR calls for the immediately implementation of the Advisory Opinion issued by the International Court of Justice, which considers the construction of the Annexation Wall inside the West Bank illegal.

5. PCHR recommends international civil society organizations, including human rights organizations, bar associations and NGOs to participate in the process of exposing those accused of grave breaches of international law and to urge their governments to bring these people to justice.

6. PCHR calls upon the European Union to activate Article 2 of the Euro-Israel Association Agreement, which provides that Israel must respect human rights as a precondition for economic cooperation between the EU states and Israel. PCHR further calls upon the EU states to prohibit import of goods produced in illegal Israeli settlements in the OPT.

7. PCHR calls on the international community to recognize the Gaza disengagement plan, which was implemented in September 2005, for what it is - not an end to occupation but a compounding of the occupation and the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip.

8. In recognition of ICRC as the guardian of the Fourth Geneva Convention, PCHR calls upon the ICRC to increase its staff and activities in the OPT, including the facilitation of family visitations to Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails.

9. PCHR appreciates the efforts of international civil society, including human rights organizations, bar associations, unions and NGOs, and urges them to continue their role in pressuring their governments to secure Israel's respect for human rights in the OPT and to end its attacks on Palestinian civilians.

10. PCHR calls upon the international community to pressure Israel to lift the severe restrictions imposed by the Israeli government and its occupation forces on access for international organizations to the OPT.

11. PCHR reiterates that any political settlement not based on international human rights law and humanitarian law cannot lead to a peaceful and just solution of the Palestinian question. Rather, such an arrangement can only lead to further suffering and instability in the region. Any peace agreement or process must be based on respect for international law, including international human rights and humanitarian law.

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Public Document

For further information please visit our website (http://www.pchrgaza.org) or contact PCHR’s office in Gaza City, Gaza Strip by email (pchr@pchrgaza.org) or telephone (+972 (0)8 2824776 – 2825893).