(This report covers the period 29 January – 11 February 2004 due to the Islamic Eid holiday)

Israeli Forces Escalate Crimes in the OPTs

· 28 Palestinians, including 2 children, were killed by Israeli forces

· 3 of the victims were killed in 2 extra-judicial assassinations

· 15 of the victims were killed during Israeli military incursions into al-Shojaeya neighborhood and Rafah refugee camp in the Gaza Strip

· Israeli forces conducted a series of incursions into Palestinian areas in the West Bank and Gaza Strip

· 24 houses and 3 schools were demolished in Rafah refugee camp

· Dozens of donums[1] of Palestinian agricultural land were razed in the Gaza Strip

· Numerous houses were raided and a number of Palestinians were arrested

· Continued use of Palestinian civilians as human shields in Israeli military operations

· Construction of the “separation wall” in the West Bank continued and more areas of Palestinian land seized

· 18 houses in the West Bank and Gaza Strip were destroyed by Israeli forces as part of the continuing campaign of retaliation against the families of Palestinians accused of involvement in attacks against Israeli targets

· Indiscriminate shelling of Palestinian residential areas continued and a number of civilians injured

· Israeli forces ordered confiscation of areas of Palestinian agricultural land in Deir al-Balah for settlement expansion

· Israeli occupying forces continued to impose a total siege on the OPTs

Introduction

In the period covered by this report, Israeli occupying forces continued escalated war crimes and human rights violations against Palestinian civilians in the Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPTs).  Israeli occupying forces conducted incursions into Palestinian areas; shot at Palestinian civilians, which included children; committed more assassinations; indiscriminately shelled residential areas and demolished houses; and leveled agricultural land.  Israeli occupying forces have also continued construction of the “Separation Wall” inside the West Bank while imposing a tight siege on the OPTs.  During the period covered by this report, 28 Palestinians, including 2 children, were killed by Israeli occupying forces. 

In a serious escalation of force, 12 Palestinians were killed by Israeli occupying forces in al-Shojaeya neighborhood in Gaza city and 3 Palestinians were killed by Israeli forces in the Rafah refugee camp.  Three of the victims killed in al-Shojaeya died when Israeli occupying forces destroyed a house with them still inside.  In addition, at least 60 Palestinians, including 33 children, were injured in the two incidents.  Medical sources at hospitals in the Gaza Strip described the condition of 20 of those injured as moderate to serious.  Israeli forces also destroyed 24 houses and 3 schools in Rafah refugee camp. These developments took place as Israeli occupying forces, supported by helicopters, moved into al-Shojaeya neighborhood in the east of Gaza city and into Rafah refugee camp in the southern Gaza Strip.  Israeli military sources claimed that the two incursions were conducted under the pretext of arresting wanted individuals and searching for tunnels. The international community continues to fail to act regarding these human rights violations, and leaving the Palestinians to face their fate alone. 

During the period covered by this report, Israeli occupying forces conducted 6 military incursions into Palestinian areas in the Gaza Strip. In 2 military incursions in Rafah, Israeli forces killed 5 Palestinians and injured dozens of others. Israeli forces moved also into Khan Yunis and Deir al-Balah and razed areas of Palestinian agricultural land. In an excessive use of force, Israeli forces shot dead 2 Palestinian civilians in the central Gaza Strip, while they were attempting to infiltrate into Israel to search for jobs.

In the West Bank, Israeli occupying forces continued to move into Palestinian areas, especially in Bethlehem, Hebron, Nablus, Jenin, Tulkram and Ramallah.  In a major military incursion into Bethlehem, Israeli forces killed one Palestinian and injured another Palestinian in a military incursion into Jericho. They also killed a Palestinian in Jenin, claiming that he fired at workers who work on the construction of the “Separation Wall.” No eyewitnesses were available to verify this claim. In addition, a number of Palestinians were injured and others were arrested by Israeli forces during these incursions. 

In a continuation of the policy of extra-judicial assassinations officially adopted by Israeli authorities in violation of international humanitarian law and other human rights instruments, Israeli occupying forces carried out 2 assassinations, which left dead 3 Palestinians, including a child, and injured 11 civilian bystanders, including 3 children. On Friday, 30 January 2004, Israeli occupying forces shot dead a Palestinian in Beit ‘Awa village, southwest of Hebron, after they had surrounded his house then injured and arrested him, and claimed that he had been allegedly wanted. On Saturday morning, 7 February 2004, Israeli occupying forces committed another assassination in Gaza city, which left dead a leader of the Islamic Jihad and an 11-year-old Palestinian child and injured 11 other civilians. 

In violation of international humanitarian law, in particular the Geneva Convention Relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War of 1949, article 33 of which prohibits punishing any protected person for “an offence he or she has not personally committed,” Israeli forces took retaliatory measures against the families of Palestinians that Israel alleges have ordered, facilitated, or carried out attacks against Israeli targets. During the period covered by this report, Israeli occupying forces escalated this campaign of retaliation against families of such individual Palestinians.  During the week of the Islamic holiday Eid al-Adha, Israeli occupying forces destroyed 16 houses in Ramallah, Bethlehem, Jericho, and Jenin in the West Bank, and two others in the Gaza Strip.  As a result, 28 Palestinian families (more than 140 people) have become homeless. 

Despite international criticism, including the recent UN General Assembly Resolution referring the case of the “separation wall” in the West Bank to the International Court of Justice, Israeli occupying forces continued the construction of the “Separation Wall” inside the West Bank. For this purpose, they confiscated more Palestinian lands and warned a number of Palestinian families living near the wall that their houses would be demolished. These actions came 2 weeks before the session of the International Court of Justice to consider the case of the legality of the “Separation Wall” according to a UN General Assembly Resolution issued on 8 December 2003. Israeli officials began to claim that the track of the wall might be moved to the west towards the Green Line, and that plans to establish parts of the wall around Palestinian villages would be cancelled, however, they did not refer to parts of the wall that have already been constructed. In the meantime, the Israeli High Court held its first session to consider the case of the “Separation Wall” in response to an appeal submitted to the court by human rights organizations. PCHR reiterates that the construction of the wall on Palestinian lands violates international humanitarian law and asserts that statements by Israeli officials are part of the Israeli media campaign to move the attention of the world from the disastrous human rights violations perpetrated by Israeli occupying forces against Palestinian civilians, including the construction of the wall itself. PCHR also reiterates its position that the Israeli judiciary in general and the High Court in particular are biased to Israeli official positions.  

As part of the Israeli settlement activities in the Gaza Strip, on 6 February 2004, Israeli occupying forces handed written notices to 7 Palestinian families, who own agricultural lands to the west of "Kfar Farom" settlement, southeast of Deir al-Balah, informing them that their lands would be confiscated for security and military purposes. The confiscation orders were issued by Major General Dan Harel, head of the Southern Command of Israeli occupying forces. The area of these lands is estimated at 220 donums, owned by the families of Abu Bashir, Abu Sa'id, al-Agha, al-Qedra, al-Tawashi, Abu 'Obaid and Abu Samra. These lands had already been razed by Israeli occupying forces. In addition, previously on 19 January 2004, Israeli occupying forces had informed 10 other Palestinian families who have agricultural lands near the aforementioned settlement that their lands would be confiscated for the same purposes. The area of these lands is estimated at 700 donums. PCHR has submitted appeals to the Israeli military legal advisor demanding cancellation of these military orders and providing reparation to the families.  

In addition, to the construction of the "Separation Wall" inside the West Bank, Israeli occupying forces have continued other settlement activities in the West Bank, and settlers have continued to attack Palestinian civilians and property, especially in Hebron. They seized areas of Palestinian land and used violence against Palestinian civilians, while Israeli forces confiscated more Palestinian lands for various purposes. 

Israeli occupying forces have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including Jerusalem. In the Gaza Strip, Israeli occupying forces have continued to impose a tightened siege, and imposed more restrictions on movement at border crossings and military checkpoints. They have also maintained the closure of a number of main and branch roads in the Gaza Strip by Israeli soldiers stationed at Israeli military checkpoints.  Such restrictions on freedom of movement are in contravention of international human rights law to which Israel is a state party, including the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. During the period covered by this report, Israeli occupying forces positioned at the Abu Houli and al-Matahen checkpoints on Salah al-Din Street, the main road between the north and south of the Gaza Strip, continued to obstruct movement of Palestinian civilians.  The two checkpoints, which are open for a maximum of a few hours each day, have become notorious for acts of humiliation and harassment by Israeli soldiers.  Israeli forces have continued to close al-Tuffah military checkpoint at the entrance to al-Mawasi of Khan Yunis since 19 January 2004. Furthermore, Israeli occupying forces have continued to impose severe restrictions on travel through Rafah Terminal on the Egyptian border, which has been the only outlet that the Gaza Strip has to the outside world since the beginning of the current Intifada.  Palestinian pilgrims coming back from Saudi Arabia were subject to humiliation and prolonged travel procedures.  Furthermore, many of them were forced to spend a number of nights on the Egyptian side of the terminal waiting permission to cross into the Gaza Strip. The Israeli restrictions at Beit Hanoun crossing are not limited to workers; rather they also affect patients who are transferred to hospitals in Jerusalem, the West Bank and Israel. 

In the West Bank, Israeli occupying forces have continued to impose a strict siege on Palestinian communities in the West Bank.  They have also imposed severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians during the Islamic Eid holiday.  Many Palestinian employees were not able to go back to their homes before the Eid. Israeli forces also erected new checkpoints and imposed more restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. 

Shelling of and Encroachment into Palestinian Areas and Attacks on Palestinian Civilians and Property

Thursday, 29 January 2004

At approximately 01:00, Israeli occupying forces raided Hassan al-‘Awawda’s house in Dura village, south of Hebron. They forced the family out, searched the house and arrested the owner’s son, Ayoub, 22. 

At approximately 03:45, Israeli occupying forces moved into ‘Ein Beit al-Maa’ refugee camp, west of Nablus, and proceeded to raid and search Ahmed Shehada Shahin’s home. An Israeli intelligence officer interrogated the owner’s sons, and then arrested one of them, Mahmoud, 17. 

At approximately 04:00, Israeli occupying forces moved into al-Jilda neighborhood in the west of Hebron. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested 2 Palestinians:

1. Bilal Ramadan al-Dwaik, 21, a university student; and

2. Mo’tassem ‘Abdul Sami’ al-Junaidi, 22. 

Friday, 30 January 2004

In a major military incursion, Israeli occupying forces, supported by helicopters, moved into Bethlehem, Beit Jala, and neighboring refugee camps, which resulted in the destruction of one house and a number of Palestinian arrests.

According to investigations conducted by PCHR, at approximately 01:25, approximately 50 Israeli military vehicles, supported by helicopters, moved into Bethlehem and Beit Jala towns, al-Duha and al-Kahder villages, and al-Duhaisha, ‘Aaida and al-‘Azza refugee camps. Israeli forces imposed a curfew on these areas, and raided and searched some houses in Bethlehem in addition to some in al-Duhaisha and ‘Aaida refugee camps. Also during this incursion, Israeli occupying forces destroyed 3 civilian cars and arrested 10 Palestinians:

1. Sa’id Mohammed ‘Atallah, 24, from al-Duhaisha refugee camp;

2. Fathi Mohammed Makkawi, 28, from al-Duhaisha refugee camp;

3. Khalil ‘Abdullah ‘Atallah, 31, from al-Duhaisha refugee camp;

4. Mohammed ‘Abdul Rahman Makkawi, 27, from al-Duhaisha refugee camp;

5. Hamdi Ibrahim Hassan, 25, from Bethlehem;

6. Hamza Suleiman Humaid, 23, from Bethlehem;

7. Humaid Mohammed Humaid, 27, from Bethlehem;

8. Lu’ai Mohammed al-Ahmar, 22, from al-Duha village;

9. ‘Emad Salem al-Ahmar, 26, from al-Duha village; and

10. Ayman Sa’id al-Ahmar, 24, from al-Duha village. 

At approximately 03:15, 10 Israeli military vehicles moved into Seilat al-Harthia village, west of Jenin, raided and searched the house of Sharif Khaled Tahaina, 40, and arrested him. 

At approximately 03:00, 3 Israeli military jeeps moved into Beit Fourik village, east of Nablus. Israeli soldiers opened fire at Palestinian houses and seriously wounded a Palestinian civilian, Mahmoud ‘Ezzat Khatatba, 22, by a live bullet in the head. 

At approximately 20:00, Israeli soldiers positioned at the Egyptian border, south of Rafah, opened fire at Palestinian houses in al-Brazil neighborhood adjacent to the border. A Palestinian child, Isma’il Mustafa ‘Aabdin, 11, was injured by shrapnel in the head. 

Saturday, 31 January 2004

At approximately 03:45, Israeli occupying forces moved into Bethlehem. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested 2 Palestinians:

1. Ussama Jamal Shash, 25; and

2. ‘Omar Mohammed al-Afandi, 33.

At approximately 08:00, Israeli occupying forces, reinforced by 2 tanks and a military bulldozer, moved approximately 150m into al-Satar al-Gharbi area in the northwest of Khan Yunis. They razed the following areas of Palestinian agricultural land:

1. They razed a 1-donum area of agricultural land, on which a greenhouse planted with vegetables stood, and destroyed an irrigation network owned by ‘Abdul Karim Ahmed Qassem al-Astal. 

2. They razed a 1-donum area of agricultural land, on which a greenhouse planted with vegetables stood, and destroyed an irrigation network owned by Mahmoud ‘Abdul Karim Qassem al-Astal.

3. They razed a 1-donum area of agricultural land, on which a greenhouse planted with vegetables stood, and destroyed an irrigation network owned by Sami ‘Abdul Karim Ahmed al-Astal.

At approximately 11:00, Israeli occupying forces, reinforced by 2 tanks and a military bulldozer, moved approximately 200m into al-Qarara village, northwest of Khan Yunis. They razed an 8-donum area of agricultural land planted with olives owned by Sa’eb Mustafa Hassan al-Farra. Israeli forces previously had also razed 7 donums of agricultural land owned by al-Farra on 21 January 2004. 

At approximately 11:15, Israeli soldiers positioned in a military location in Tal Zo’rob area in the west of Rafah opened fire at Palestinian houses in Zo’rob neighborhood. A Palestinian woman, Fatema Ne’mat Hijazi, 29, was wounded by a live bullet in the chest. 

Sunday, 1 February 2004

In the morning of the first day of the Muslim holiday Eid al-Adha, Israeli occupying forces moved into Jericho to arrest allegedly wanted Palestinians. Members of Palestinian resistance clashed with Israeli forces, which opened fire at houses in the town. A member of the Palestinian resistance was killed and another seriously injured. In addition, 8 Palestinian civilians were injured when Israeli soldiers fired at demonstrators who threw stones at Israeli military vehicles. Israeli forces also destroyed a house in which members of the Palestinian resistance sheltered and 2 other houses belonging to families of resistance men. 

According to investigations conducted by PCHR, at approximately 05:00, 30 Israeli military vehicles moved into Jericho while firing indiscriminately. They surrounded and opened fire at a 2-storey house owned by 4 Palestinians from the Jalaita family, in the al-Arab quarter in the center of the town. A number of members of the Palestinian resistance, who had sheltered in the house, clashed with Israeli forces. A member of the resistance, Shadi Melhem Jaradat, 26, from Seilat al-Harthia village, west of Jenin, was killed. In addition, Mohammed 'Eissa Jalaita, 30, from Jericho, was wounded by 5 live bullets in the chest, the shoulder, and the left leg. Israeli forces seized the victim's body, and arrested Jalaita along with his three brothers: 'Abdullah, 25; Mohye, 27; and Nayef, 32, and a member of the resistance man, Eyad Ahmed Balu. 

In the meantime, a number of Palestinian civilians gathered and threw stones at Israeli forces, garnering an immediate response from Israeli soldiers, who opened fire at these civilians, wounding 8:

1. 'Eissa Darwish Jalaita, 26, wounded by 2 live bullets in the legs;

2. Ibrahim Salah Jalaita, 36, wounded by a live bullet in the right foot;

3. Ibrahim Ahmed 'Eissa Jalaita, 19, wounded by a live bullet in the right foot;

4. Mohammed Mousa 'Awajna, 22, wounded by a live bullet in the back;

5. 'Alaa' Mohammed 'Awajna, 20, wounded by a live bullet in the left leg;

6. Khaled Mohammed Mousa Barahma, 25, wounded by a live bullet in the left leg;

7. Ibrahim Falah Quraishi, 26, wounded by a live bullet in the right thigh;

8. Yassin 'Omar Suleiman, 22, wounded by a live bullet in the left thigh. 

Monday, 2 February 2004

On the second day of the Eid, Israeli occupying forces killed 4 Palestinians during a military incursion into Tal al-Sultan neighborhood in the west of Rafah.  Israeli occupying forces claimed the reason for the incursion into the neighborhood was to arrest an allegedly wanted Palestinian.  Two of the victims were brothers, one of whom was physically handicapped and allegedly wanted by Israeli occupying authorities. Three Palestinian civilians were also wounded. 

According to investigations conducted by PCHR, at approximately 03:10, Israeli occupying forces, reinforced by heavy military vehicles and combat helicopters, moved hundreds of meters into Tal al-Sultan neighborhood in the west of Rafah.  They surrounded the house of Yasser 'Abdul Hamid Abu al-'Aish, 35, a member of Islamic Jihad, who had previously lost his two legs and right arm.  Immediately, Israeli soldiers opened fire at the house and exchanged fire with Abu al-'Aish and his brother Hussein, 38, who were inside the house.  When gunfire ceased, Israeli soldiers forced Yousef 'Abdul Rahman Abu al-'Aish, 52, to enter the house to tell the family of 10 people to leave the house and search for Yasser's body. Yousef Abu al’Aish entered one of the rooms and pulled at  Yasser Abu al-‘Aish’s body, however he was not able to do so since the scene was catastrophic and Yasser's plastic limbs were not on his body, so he left the house.  Soon after, Israeli soldiers moved into the room and opened fire.  Israeli soldiers then pulled Yasser Abu al-‘Aish’s body into the street and fired at him again from a close distance then photographed the body. When Israeli occupying forces withdrew from the area, the body of Yasser's brother, Hussein, was found inside the house.  During this military incursion, Israeli combat helicopters and tanks opened fire at a number of members of the Palestinian resistance who attempted to confront Israeli soldiers.  Two men were killed:

1. Bahaa' Hatem Jouda, 24, hit by a live bullet in the right forearm; and

2. Majdi Mahmoud al-Khatib, 35, hit by a live bullet in the neck. 

Three Palestinian civilians were also wounded:

1. Hatem Mohammed Jouda, 42, wounded by a live bullet in the right leg;

2. Ra’ed Yousef al-Muzayen, 28, wounded by a live bullet in the back; and

3. Yasser Hassan al-Soufi, 33, wounded by shrapnel in the back. 

In addition, 3 homes were damaged and a civilian car destroyed by indiscriminate Israeli shelling. It is also worth noting that Abu al-'Aish's other brother, 'Abdul Hamid, 28, was killed by Israeli shelling approximately one year ago. 

Also in the morning, Israeli occupying forces moved into 'Aaida refugee camp in Bethlehem to destroy a house belonging to the family of Mohammed Mahmoud 'Abdul Fattah Abu 'Ouda, 27, who is allegedly wanted by these forces. Abu 'Ouda was killed by the Israeli gunfire and his brother was injured.

According to investigations conducted by PCHR, at approximately 09:45, 12 Israeli military vehicles accompanied by a military van, ambulance, and bulldozer, and backed by a helicopter, moved into 'Aida refugee camp in Bethlehem. They surrounded a house belonging to the family of Mohammed Mahmoud 'Abdul Fattah Abu 'Ouda, 27, who is allegedly wanted by Israeli occupying authorities. Israeli soldiers opened fire at the house while the family was still inside. At approximately 10:35, Israeli soldiers broke into the house and opened fire inside it. Khaled Mahmoud Abu 'Ouda, 18, was wounded by a live bullet in the left thigh. While searching for Mohammed, they clashed with Khaled, shot him dead, and carried his body with them. Soon after, Israeli soldiers planted explosives inside the house and destroyed it. As a result, the second and third floors of the house were totally destroyed and the first one was partially destroyed. 

During this incursion, Israeli soldiers also raided and searched a number of houses in the refugee camp and arrested 3 Palestinians:

1. Murad Ishaq Hammad, 24;

2. Ahmed Khalil Abu 'Ouda, 21; and

3. Mahmoud Salem 'Allan, 22. 

Tuesday, 3 February 2004

At approximately 12:45, Israeli occupying forces positioned in military locations near “Gadid” settlement, southwest of Khan Yunis, opened fire at Palestinian agricultural lands in Baten al-Samin area to the east. A Palestinian civilian, ‘Alaa’ Marzouq Salem al-Bashiti, 23, was wounded by a live bullet in the right hand, while he was on a farm located 400m away from the settlement. 

Wednesday, 4 February 2004

In the early morning, Israeli occupying forces moved into Tubas village, east of Jenin. They raided and searched Mohammed Saleh Sawafta's house, and arrested 3 of the owner's sons: Eyad, 23; 'Emad, 25; and Jihad, 30. 

At approximately 02:30, Israeli occupying forces positioned at the border between the Gaza Strip and Israel, east of Rafah, opened fire at al-Shouka neighborhood in the east of the town. A Palestinian civilian, Mohammed Salama al-Soufi, 24, was wounded by a live bullet in the abdomen, while he was sleeping in his house. 

Thursday, 5 February 2004

At the same time, Israeli occupying forces raided and searched a number of houses in Bethlehem and Beit Sahour, in addition to al-'Azza refugee camp. They arrested 8 Palestinians:

1. Mohammed Qaraqe', 24, from al-'Azza refugee camp;

2. Mohammed Suhail Masalma, 23, from Bethlehem;

3. Hamza Ramzi Masa'id, 22, from Beit Sahour;

4. Ibrahim Khalil Masa'id, 22, from Beit Sahour;

5. Khader al-Ghazzawi, 18, from Beit Sahour;

6. Yousef 'Abdul Hai, 18, from Beit Sahour;

7. Mohammed Abu Sorour, 18, from Beit Sahour; and

8. Ra'fat al-Zahlan, 20, from Beit Sahour. 

At approximately 10:00, Israeli occupying forces, accompanied by a military bulldozer, moved approximately 400m into Wadi al-Salqa village, east of Deir al-Balah. This incursion continued until 13:00, during which Israeli forces razed 45 donums of Palestinian agricultural land:

1. They razed a 30-donum area of agricultural land planted with olives owned by Ibrahim Ahmed al-Sumairi. 

2. They razed a 15-donum area of agricultural land planted with olives owned by heirs of Khader al-Masri. 

Friday, 6 February 2004

At approximately 02:00, 20 Israeli occupying forces moved into Ethna village, west of Hebron and opened fire at Palestinian homes. They also raided and searched a number of houses and arrested 5 Palestinians:

1. Mohammed Saleh al-Nattah, 24;

2. 'Abdul Qader Mohammed al-Nattah, 24;

3. Yasser Tumaizi, 23;

4. 'Emad Mohammed Hussein al-Nattah, 22; and

5. 'Aaref Mousa Mahmoud Noufal, 22. 

At approximately 04:30, Israeli occupying forces moved into Balata refugee camp, east of Nablus. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested 3 Palestinians, including 2 brothers:

1. Ahmed 'Ata Abu al-Khair, 23;

2. Khamis 'Ata Abu al-Khair, 21; and

3. Mohammed Jasser Isma'il, 25. 

At approximately 11:45, an undercover unit of Israeli occupying forces traveling in 2 civilian cars with Palestinian registration moved into 'Askar refugee camp, northeast of Nablus. Immediately, Israeli soldiers surrounded 4 Palestinians who were standing near an UNRWA school and arrested them:

1. Wasim Khalil al-Sader, 26;

2. Mohammed 'Abdul Halim 'Ouda, 24;

3. Majdi 'Abdul Halim 'Ouda, 23; and

4. Hamada Khaled 'Ouda, 27. 

At approximately 14:00, Israeli occupying forces positioned along the Egyptian border, south of Rafah, opened fire at Palestinian residential areas in the town. Two Palestinian civilians, including an infant, were wounded:

1. Mohammed Yahia Duhair, 2, seriously wounded by a live bullet in the neck while playing near his family's house, approximately 2km to the north of the border; and

2. Akram 'Abdul Qader Abu al-'Ouf, 33, wounded by a live bullet in the left thigh, while near his house in Block J in Rafah refugee camp, adjacent to the border. 

As part of the Israeli settlement activities in the Gaza Strip, Israeli occupying forces handed written notices in the afternoon to 7 Palestinian families, who own agricultural land to the west of "Kfar Farom" settlement, southeast of Deir al-Balah, informing them that their land would be confiscated for security and military purposes. The confiscation orders were issued by Major General Dan Harel, head of the Southern Command of Israeli occupying forces. The area of these lands is estimated at 220 donums and owned by the families of Abu Bashir, Abu Sa'id, al-Agha, al-Qedra, al-Tawashi, Abu 'Obaid and Abu Samra. These lands had already been razed by Israeli occupying forces. Additionally, earlier on 19 January 2004, Israeli occupying forces had informed 10 other Palestinian families who have agricultural lands near the aforementioned settlement that their lands would be confiscated for the same purposes. The area of these lands is estimated at 700 donums. PCHR has submitted appeals to the Israeli military legal advisor demanding cancellation of these military orders and providing reparation to the families. 

At approximately 17:00, 10 Israeli military jeeps moved into al-Duha village, southwest of Bethlehem, into al-Fawaghra and al-Saf neighborhoods and Salah al-Din Street in the center of the town.  They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested 4 Palestinians:

1. Firas Ibrahim al-Yamani, 18;

2. 'Ali Khalil al-Yamani, 24;

3. Hussam Khalil al-Yamani, 30; and

4. Sa'id Ussama Harmas, 17. 

At approximately 19:30, 3 Israeli military jeeps moved into Far'oun village, south of Tulkarm. Israeli soldiers opened fire at Palestinian houses. A number of Palestinian children gathered and threw stones the jeeps. Israeli soldiers chased the children and arrested 2 of them:

1. Tahaddi Jihad Hassan Habib, 14, who was released later; and

2. Ahmed Anwar Salama, 17. 

At approximately 02:00, Israeli occupying forces moved into Beit 'Awa village, west of Hebron, and imposed a curfew. Israeli soldiers raided and searched a number of houses and arrested 9 Palestinians:

1. Samir 'Abdul Qader Masalma, 34;

2. Baker 'Abdul Karim Masalma, 20;

3. Mahmoud 'Eissa Masalma, 42;

4. Salim Jaddou' Masalma, 21;

5. Younis Salim Masalma, 50;

6. Subhi 'Omar Masalma, 42;

7. Ayman Hussein Hassan Masalma, 22;

8. Hussam Mohammed 'Eissa Masalma, 17; and 

9. Mohammed Marash al-Swaiti, 45.

At approximately 03:00, Israeli occupying forces moved into al-'Arroub refugee camp, north of Hebron. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested 6 Palestinians:

1. Suhaib Mohammed Jawabra, 20;

2. Sami Rajab al-Maleh, 20;

3. Mustafa Mahmoud Jawabra, 23;

4. Ahmed Younis Rashid Muhaisen, 23;

5. Hisham Ahmed al-Kuronz, 22; and

6. Tariq Yousef Abu Nawa, 22. 

At approximately 04:00, 14 Israeli military vehicles moved into 'Aaida refugee camp in Bethlehem. Israeli soldiers opened fire at Palestinian houses and also raided a number of others. Forces surrounded a house belonging to the family of 'Emad Jamal Abu Hammad, 22, to arrest him, and after he attempted to escape they immediately opened fire at him. He was seriously wounded by a live bullet in the head and another bullet in the right thigh, and evacuated to a hospital in Jerusalem. PCHR's field worker in Bethlehem reported that Abu Hammad was not wanted by Israeli occupying forces, and when he was shot he was unarmed. 

Saturday, 7 February 2004

In the evening, Israeli occupying forces shot dead a Palestinian civilian from al-Boreij refugee camp as he attempted to enter Israel to search for a job. Israeli soldiers did not use less lethal means against him nor attempted to arrest him, rather they shot him and left him bleeding to death. 

According to investigations conducted by PCHR and the testimony of the victim's friend who accompanied him, at approximately 20:00, Salah 'Ata al-'Amassi, 17, and Hassan 'Ali Mousa Rezqa, 19, both from al-Boreij refugee camp in the central Gaza Strip, moved towards the border between the Gaza Strip and Israel to the east of the camp. The two were trying to enter Israel to find jobs to help their poor families since they were prohibited from working in Israel. The two attempted to move towards the barbwire of the border and Israeli soldiers immediately fired at them. Rezqa was wounded by a live bullet in the abdomen and bled to death, while al-'Amassi was able to escape. At approximately 11:00, Israeli occupying forces informed the Palestinian liaison that there was a body near the border. A Palestinian ambulance moved into the area and transported Rezqa's body to a hospital in Deir al-Balah.

Sunday, 8 February 2004

On the morning of 8 February 2004, Israeli occupying forces killed one Palestinian and wounded 21 others, including 9 children and 2 women in Rafah, during a military incursion into al-Salam neighborhood. Six of the wounded were in serious condition. 

According to investigations conducted by PCHR, at approximately 04:00, Israeli occupying forces, reinforced by 20 heavy military vehicles and 2 helicopters, moved into al-Salam neighborhood adjacent to the Egyptian border south of Rafah. During this military incursion, which continued until 19:00, Israeli forces opened fire at the area, wounding 21 Palestinian civilians, including 9 children and 2 women.  Israeli forces surrounded the house of Ashraf Adnan Abu Libda, 32, who was allegedly wanted for his activities in the Abu Ali Mustafa Brigade, the military wing of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP).  Israeli forces had called on Abu Libda through megaphones to surrender, but he refused and exchanged fire with them.  As a result, Abu Libda was killed by several live bullets throughout his body, and his father was also injured. In addition, Israeli soldiers arrested and interrogated Abu Libda’s 4 brothers, then released them at 12:00. According to eyewitnesses, Israeli forces raided and searched Harb Hamad Qeshta’s house, and then razed a 2-donum area of agricultural land planted with olives owned by him. A number of houses and the civilian structure of the area were damaged by the indiscriminate Israeli shelling.

Investigations conducted by PCHR prove that Israeli occupying forces have used excessive force during their military operations, especially during those conducted to arrest allegedly wanted Palestinians. These operations often cause casualties among Palestinian civilians, exemplified in this operation and in a similar operation that occurred on 2 February 2004, where Israeli occupying forces caused 3 civilian casualties.

Monday, 9 February 2004

At approximately 08:35, an undercover unit of Israeli occupying forces traveling in a civilian car with Palestinian registration moved into Balata refugee camp, east of Nablus, and stopped in front of a chicken shop. Four Israeli soldiers, wearing civilian clothes and carrying firearms, left the car and fired at the shop's owner, Samir Hammoud Khudaish, 25, and wounded him with 2 live bullets in the legs. Five Israeli military jeeps arrived to the area and arrested him. An hour later, the Arabic web page of the Israeli daily Yediot Aharanot quoted an Israeli military spokesman as claiming that "a military unit fired at an activist of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine." The spokesman further claimed that "the activist attempted to escape when soldiers came to arrest him." However, according to eyewitnesses, Israeli soldiers fired at Khudaish while he was still in his shop. 

At approximately 12:00, 3 Israeli military jeeps moved into Sourif village, southwest of Hebron, and took position at the entrances to a secondary school. Israeli soldiers fired tear gas canisters at the school, in which 700 student study. Ahmed Mahmoud 'Awad, 31, a teacher, was injured in the hand when he attempted to move a tear gas canister away from the schoolyard. 

At approximately 12:30, Israeli occupying forces moved into Nablus. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested Nasser Yousef Abu Rajab, 25, from Balata refugee camp, while he was in al-Sikka Street in the city, and claimed that he was wanted. 

At approximately 14:30, Israeli occupying forces moved into Tulkarm refugee camp, and surrounded a house belonging to the family of Majid Ahmed Saleh Hattab, 34, in order to arrest him. Hattab was able to escape, and Israeli soldiers chased him in the alleys of the camp and fired at him. Despite having been wounded by a live bullet in the right thigh, he was able to escape from them again. Before their withdrawal from the camp, Israeli forces arrested Majid’s brother, Walid, 27, and detained him for several hours. 

At approximately 16:30, an undercover unit of Israeli occupying forces opened fire at 3 members of the Palestinian resistance who were in a mountainous area to the east of Jenin. One of the men, 'Omar Ahmed 'Awad al-Mahdi, 23, was killed by several live bullets throughout the body. The other 2 men were wounded:

1. Yousef Qassem Qawadri, 18, wounded by a live bullet in the right thigh; and

2. Ahmed Jihad Hifnawi, 18, wounded by a live bullet in the left side. 

At approximately 17:00, Israeli occupying forces moved into Seilat al-Zaher village, south of Jenin, and surrounded a 2-storey building owned by Mazen, Majed, Nasser, and Hussein Fahmi Taher 'Atiya. Israeli soldiers then held the 32 residents of the house, including 20 children, in 2 rooms. Israeli soldiers brought weapons and foodstuffs to the house and transformed Nasser's flat into a military site, then at approximately 19:00 forced the family to leave the house. 

Also at approximately 17:00, Israeli naval troops arrested 6 Palestinian fishermen while fishing opposite the Gaza seashore, claiming that they were fishing in a prohibited area:

1. Rajab al-Hissi, 80;

2. Jihad Rajab al-Hissi, 30;

3. Khaled Murad al-Hissi, 20;

4. Majdi Mohammed al-Hissi, 20;

5. Ramadan Shamia, 55; and

6. Mohammed Ahmed Tulba, 20. 

Tuesday, 10 February 2004

At approximately 03:00, 5 Israeli military jeeps moved into Rafidya neighborhood in Nablus. They raided and searched the dormitory of an-Najah National University and arrested 3 students:

1. Mohammed Sidqi Zaid al-Kilani, 22, from Nazlat Zaid, southwest of Jenin;

2. Mohammed Sidqi Sawafta, 24, from Tubas; and

3. Anas Khader Sundok, 23, from Jeet village, west of Nablus. 

At approximately 03:15, Israeli occupying forces raided and searched a number of houses in Bethlehem and arrested Kamel Mahmoud Shawria, 30. 

At approximately 03:30, Israeli occupying forces moved into Kharabtha Bani Hareth, west of Ramallah. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested 3 Palestinians:

1. Ahmed Rebhi Habbas, 22;

2. ‘Abdullah Yassin Hammouda, 23; and

3. Mohammed Tala’at Hammouda, 22. 

At the same time, Israeli occupying forces moved into Bitounia village, southwest of Ramallah, raided an apartment building, and forced its residents out. They checked the residents’ ID cards and then arrested Mohammed Yassin, 29, from Jenin. 

At approximately 04:00, Israeli occupying forces moved into al-Zaheria village, south of Hebron. They raided and searched the house of Mahmoud Hamed Owraidat, 52, and arrested him. 

At approximately 09:00, Israeli occupying forces, accompanied by a military bulldozer, moved approximately 100m into Wadi al-Salqa village, east of Deir al-Balah, and razed a 4-donum area of agricultural land planted with olives owned by ‘Abdul ‘Aziz Nattat. 

At approximately 18:00, Israeli occupying forces moved into ‘Aaida refugee camp, north of Bethlehem. Israeli soldiers raided and searched the house of ‘Emad ‘Abdul ‘Aziz Humaida, 31, and arrested him.

Wednesday, 11 February 2004

In a serious escalation of violence, 12 Palestinians were killed by Israeli occupying forces in al-Shojaeya neighborhood in Gaza city and 3 Palestinians were killed by Israeli forces in the Rafah refugee camp.  Three of the victims killed in al-Shojaeya died when Israeli occupying forces destroyed a house with them still inside.  In addition, at least 60 Palestinians, including 33 children, were injured in the two incidents.  Medical sources at hospitals in the Gaza Strip described the condition of 20 of those injured as moderate to serious.  Israeli forces also destroyed 24 houses and 3 schools in Rafah refugee camp. These developments began as Israeli occupying forces, supported by helicopters, moved into al-Shojaeya neighborhood in the east of Gaza city and into Rafah refugee camp in the southern Gaza Strip.  Israeli military sources claimed that the two incursions were conducted with the aim of arresting wanted individuals and searching for tunnels. 

According to investigations conducted by PCHR, at approximately 05:00, an undercover unit of Israeli occupying forces moved into al-Shojaeya neighborhood in the east of Gaza city coming from Nahal Ouz crossing on the eastern border of the Gaza Strip.  The unit moved towards a Palestinian National Security Forces post.  Israeli soldiers and the Palestinian security services exchanged fire.  As a result, a Palestinian security man, Mohammed Kamal Abu ‘Armana, 22, from al-Boreij refugee camp, was killed, and 2 other Palestinian security men were injured.  A few minutes later, Israeli occupying forces, reinforced by heavy military vehicles and covered by intense shelling, moved approximately 1500m into al-Shojaeya neighborhood.  Israeli forces surrounded a 250-square-meter, 2-storey house belonging to the family of Ashraf Abu Hassanain, 22, who was reportedly wanted by the Israeli occupation forces.  Israeli soldiers ordered the 3 families (17 people) living in the house out.  Soon after, Israeli soldiers opened fire at the house in which Ashraf and 2 of his colleagues were hiding.  Ashraf and his colleagues exchanged fire with Israeli forces.  When the exchange of fire had stopped, Israeli forces destroyed the house with the 3 men inside.  When Israeli forces withdrew from the neighborhood, the bodies of Ashraf and his two colleagues – Ayman Nasser al-Sheikh Khalil, 22, and Mohammed al-Hayek, 25 – were found near the house. 

As a result of excessive and indiscriminate use of force, 4 Palestinians were killed and more than 40 others, including 20 children, were injured in the incursion into al-Shojaeya.  Some of the injured remain in a serious condition.  Israeli forces also denied access of ambulances to the area. During this incursion, members of the Palestinian resistance clashed with Israeli forces and as a result, 4 members of the Palestinian resistance were killed.  The remaining eight victims have been identified as:

1. Hani Mahmoud Abu Sukhaila, 25, from Jabalya refugee camp;

2. Hitham Zaki ‘Aabed, 25, from al-Shojaeya neighborhood;

3. Mohammed ‘Aayesh al-‘Ejla, 45, from al-Shojaeya neighborhood;

4.  Isma’il Mohammed Abu al-‘Ata, 28, from al-Shojaeya neighborhood;

5. Mohammed Ahmed Helles, 17, from al-Shojaeya neighborhood;

6. Akram ‘Oqailan, 25, from al-Shati refugee camp;

7. Mahdi Ya’qoub Zaidia, 25, from al-Shojaeya neighborhood;

8. ‘Aamer ‘Othman al-Ghamari, 24, from al-Shojaeya neighborhood. 

According to medical sources, the victims all died of wounds sustained from live bullets and/or shrapnel from artillery shells. 

In the second incident, at approximately 04:00, Israeli occupying forces, reinforced by heavy military vehicles and helicopters, moved into Block J in Rafah refugee camp adjacent to the Egyptian border.  They moved forward towards Abu Baker al-Siddiq Street, which links Rafah refugee camp and Tal al-Sultan neighborhood.  Israeli forces closed the road and took up positions on the roofs of a number of houses, opening fire at the street below until the evening.  As a result, 3 Palestinian civilians were killed:

1. Ibrahim Mohammed Zo’rob, 27, hit by a live bullet to the head;

2. Mohammed Zahran al-Tantawi, 19, hit by a live bullet to the chest; and

3. Mohammed ‘Abdul Ghani al-Hamaida, 18, hit by a live bullet to the abdomen. 

In addition, 17 civilians, including 10 children, were injured.  Four of the injured were described as being in a serious condition.  During this incursion, Israeli occupying forces destroyed a 5-storey, under-construction apartment building owned by Khalil Kamel Sha’ath, under the pretext of searching for tunnels. They also destroyed 6 houses completely, 18 others partially, 3 UNRWA schools and a school of the Palestinian Ministry of Education. Israeli forces withdrew from the area on Thursday morning, 12 February 2004, leaving large destruction.  

(Note: PCHR has lists of the people who were injured in the two incursions and the houses that were destroyed in Rafah refugee camp.)

At approximately 18:45, Israeli occupying forces positioned in military locations near “Qatif” settlement, northwest of Khan Yunis, opened fire at Palestinian houses in al-Satar al-Gharbi area to the east. A Palestinian child, Rafiq Salem al-Farra, 9, was wounded by a live bullet in the lower jaw. 

Extra-Judicial Assassinations

In a continuation of the policy of extra-judicial assassinations officially adopted by Israeli authorities, in violation of international humanitarian law and other human rights instruments, Israeli occupying forces carried out 2 assassinations, leaving dead 3 Palestinians, including one child, and injuring 11 civilian bystanders, including 3 children. 

On Friday, 30 January 2004, Israeli occupying forces shot dead a Palestinian in Beit ‘Awa village, southwest of Hebron, after surrounding his home, injuring him, and arresting him. Israeli forces claimed that he had been wanted for 6 years for having been a member of the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas). 

According to investigations conducted by PCHR, at approximately 01:20 on Friday, 30 January 2004, an undercover unit of Israeli occupying forces moved on foot into Beit ‘Awa village, southwest of Hebron and surrounded the house of Yousef Mohammed Ahmed al-Qahoush, 55, in the north of the village. In the meantime, 3 Israeli armored personnel carriers, 10 military jeeps, 2 ambulances, and a bulldozer, backed by a helicopter, moved into the village. All these Israeli military units surrounded and opened fire at al-Qahoush’s house. They also called on residents of the house through megaphones to evacuate in two minutes or face them destroying the house over their heads, claiming that Jihad Isma’il Abu Ghalia Swaiti, 40, was hiding inside the house. The residents left the house, except for Swaiti and the house’s owner, who refused to leave it fearing that Israeli forces may destroy the house. Israeli soldiers then fired at Swaiti who returned fire at them. During these clashes, Swaiti was wounded by a live bullet in the head. Israeli soldiers then broke into the house and opened fire from a close distance at Swaiti, who was still alive from his wound, killing him instantly. According to the house’s owner, Israeli soldiers pulled the victim’s body out of the house and fired at him again. At approximately 05:30, Israeli soldiers arrested al-Qahoush and moved Swaiti’s body to an unknown destination. 

PCHR strongly condemns the assassination attempt carried out by Israeli occupying forces in Gaza City. On Saturday morning, 7 February 2004, Israeli occupying forces committed another assassination in Gaza city, which left dead a leader of Islamic Jihad and an 11-year-old Palestinian child, and injured 11 other civilians, including 3 children, one of which was in serious condition. 

According to investigations conducted by PCHR, at approximately 10:30 am on Saturday, 7 February 2004, an Israeli helicopter gunship, supported by an F-16 fighter jet, launched a missile at a civilian car.  Its target was a white Peugeot 205 traveling on al-Wihda Street near the Municipality of Gaza’s garages, in a densely populated area in the center of Gaza city.  ‘Aziz Mahmoud al-Shami, 38, a senior leader of the Islamic Jihad, and Khalil Salah al-Bahtini, 25, his bodyguard, both from Gaza city, were traveling in the car.  The missile hit the front of the car, and the two passengers were able to immediately escape from the hit vehicle, which lit on fire.  Al-Shami was injured in his legs and subsequently lost one of them.  Al-Shami also lost his left hand several years ago.  His bodyguard, al-Bahtini, was also injured. Later, medical sources at Shifa Hospital declared that al-Shami died from his injury.  

This attack also left dead 11-year-old Tariq Majdi al-Sousi, who was killed while on his way to school, and injured 11 civilian bystanders, including 3 children.  The condition of one of these children was described as critical.  According to eyewitnesses, al-Sousi was thrown off his feet by the explosion and hit a nearby tree. He was evacuated to the hospital while in a very serious condition, soon after which he died. 

Later, Israeli military sources asserted that the Israeli air force attacked al-Shami’s car in the center of Gaza city, and claimed that al-Sahmi was “responsible for attacks, in which Israeli soldiers were killed, and was involved in planning other attacks.”

Collective Punishment against Families of Wanted Palestinians and Those Who Have Carried out Armed Attacks against Israeli Targets

In violation of international humanitarian law, in particular the Geneva Convention Relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War of 1949, article 33 of which prohibits punishing any protected person for “an offence he or she has not personally committed,” Israeli forces took retaliatory measures against the families of Palestinians that Israel alleges have ordered, facilitated, or carried out attacks against Israeli targets. During the period covered by this report, Israeli occupying forces escalated the campaign of retaliation against families of those individuals.  During the week of the Islamic holiday Eid, Israeli occupying forces destroyed 16 houses in Ramallah, Bethlehem, Jericho, and Jenin in the West Bank, and a 2 other houses in the Gaza Strip.  As a result, 28 Palestinian families (more than 140 people) have become homeless. 

At approximately 01:30 on Thursday, 29 January 2004, Israeli occupying forces, reinforced by heavy military vehicles, including a bulldozer, moved approximately 300m into Abu Haddaf area in al-Qarara village, north of Khan Yunis. They surrounded a house belonging to the family of Ziad Abu Haddaf, 20, who is allegedly wanted by these forces, and forced the 10 residents of the house out. Israeli soldiers used the house’s owner, Mohammed Swailem ‘Awad Abu Haddaf, 44, and his son Nahed, 22, as human shields while searching the house. They forced the family to move away from the area, claiming that they were carrying a security activity in the area. Soon after, Israeli forces demolished the 280-square-meter, 2-storey home and also 3 agricultural rooms, and razed a 1-donum area of agricultural land planted with olives and palms also owned by Abu Haddaf. In the same area, Israeli soldiers raided and searched 3 homes belonging to the Abu Haddaf family and held their owners for 2 hours. 

On Friday morning, 30 January 2004, Israeli occupying forces destroyed a house belonging to ‘Ali Muneer Ja’ara’s family in ‘Aaida refugee camp in Bethlehem.  Twelve people, including 6 children, lived in the 150-square-meter, 2-storey house.  Ja’ara, 28, was killed while carrying out a bomb attack in Jerusalem on Thursday, 29 January 2004.

On Saturday, 31 January 2004, Israeli occupying forces destroyed 7 homes in Silwad village, northeast of Ramallah, and 2 others in Koubar village, in the northwest of Ramallah.  The houses belonged to families of several Palestinians currently detained by Israeli occupying authorities.  As a consequence, 12 families (41 people, including 13 children) have become homeless. 

The houses destroyed include:

1. A 350-square-meter, 4-storey house belonging to Ahmed Mustafa Saleh al-Najjar’s family, in which 6 people, including a child, lived;

2. A 150-square-meter house belonging to Khaled ‘Abdul Mo’ez al-Najjar’s family, in which 3 people, including a child, lived;

3. A 170-square-meter house belonging to Ahmed Khaled Daoud al-Najjar’s family, in which 4 people, including 2 children, lived;

4. A 120-square-meter house belonging to Yasser Hassan al-Najjar’s family, in which 5 people, including 3 children, lived;

5. A 180-square-meter, 3-storey house belonging to Mo’ayad Shukri Hammad’s family, in which 3 families (12 people, including 4 children) lived;

6. A 200-square-meter house and a 170-square-meter, 2-storey house belonging to Faraj Isma’il al-Natour’s family, in which 3 families (8 people, including a child) lived;

7. A 150-square-meter house owned by Jasser Isma’il Mousa al-Barghouthi’s family, in which his wife and 2 children lived; and

8. A 170-square-meter house owned by Murad Walid Khaled al-Barghouthi’s family, in which his wife lived. 

On Sunday, 1 February 2004, Israeli occupying forces conducted military operations in Jericho.  During the operations, one Palestinian was killed and 9 other Palestinians were injured, most of them civilians who were not engaged in any hostilities at the time.  Israeli forces also destroyed 2 houses belonging to the families of individuals who are allegedly members of the resistance.  A third house, in which members of the Palestinian resistance had taken shelter while confronting Israeli soldiers, was also destroyed.  As a result, six families (33 people, including 17 children) became homeless. 

The houses destroyed include:

1. A 150-square-meter, 2-storey house owned by Nayef ‘Eissa Jalaita, ‘Abdullah Ahmed Jalaita, Mohye ‘Ali Jalaita, and Nazih Yousef Jalaita, in which 4 families, 19 people, including 11 children, lived;

2. A 160-square-meter, 2-storey house owned by ‘Eissa Ahmed Jalaita, whose son Mohammed has been detained by Israeli occupying forces, in which 6 people lived; and

3. A 180-square-meter house owned by Ahmed Mohammed Ballu, whose son Eyad has been detained by Israeli occupying forces, in which 8 people, including 6 children, lived. 

On Monday, 2 February 2004, Israeli occupying forces destroyed a house belonging to the family of Mohammed Mahmoud ‘Abdul Fattah Abu ‘Ouda, 27.  Mohammed was allegedly wanted by the Israeli occupation authorities for alleged involvement in attacks against Israeli targets.  During the Israeli attacks, ‘Ouda was killed by Israeli gunfire and his brother Khaled, 18, was injured by a live bullet in the left thigh.  Three families (24 people, including 12 children) lived in the 130-square-meter, 3-storey house. 

On Thursday, 5 February 2004, Israeli occupying forces destroyed a 150-square-meter house belonging to Ziad Nasser Qindah’s family in Abu Shukhaidem village, northwest of Ramallah.  Two families (10 people, including 3 children) lived in the house.  Abu Shukhaidem has been held in detention by Israeli occupying authorities since the beginning of the current Intifada. 

On the same day, Israeli occupying forces destroyed a 150-square-meter, 2-storey house owned by Lutfi ‘Abdullah Yousef Khalaf in Bourqin village, west of Jenin.  The owner’s son Ahmed, 20, is reportedly wanted by the Israeli occupying authorities for alleged membership in the al-Quds Brigade, the military wing of Islamic Jihad.    

Continued Construction of the "Separation Wall"

Israeli occupying forces have continued construction of the “Separation Wall” inside the West Bank territory. For this purpose, they confiscated more Palestinian lands and warned a number of Palestinian families living near the wall that their homes would be demolished. 

In Bardala area, north of Tubas, Israeli military bulldozers leveled areas of Palestinian land. Israeli engineering units continued to survey lands in the neighboring ‘Ein al-Baida village and near the Jordan River to construct a section of the wall there. These Israeli actions threaten the sources of income for Palestinian civilians living in the area, which may force them to leave, as they mainly depend on agriculture for their livelihoods.

According to Israeli plans regarding the construction of a part of the wall in the Jordan Valley, this construction will isolate the area between the wall and the Jordan River, in an attempt to force Palestinian civilians living there to leave the area. It is worth noting that for 2 years, Israeli occupying forces have continued to refuse to change the addresses of Palestinian civilians who moved from other areas of the West Bank to the Jordan Valley. Palestinians wishing to work inside the area must be residents of the area, and if they live outside the area, they must obtain permits from Israeli occupying forces. In summer 2003, Israeli occupying forces made a census for residents of the area and their homes. 

In the past days, Israeli occupying forces finished the construction of a part of the wall on the lands of Nazlat ‘Eissa village, north of Tulkarm, and isolated more areas of land between the wall and the Green Line. According to sources of the local council of the village, about 900 donums of the lands of the village planted with olives have been so far isolated. The village is now surrounded by barbwire. 

In an attempt to prevent international and local peace and solidarity activists from entering Budrus village, west of Ramallah, on Sunday morning, 8 February 2004, Israeli occupying forces declared the village a closed military zone. According to eyewitnesses, Israeli forces warned residents of the village not to get close to the “Separation Wall.” Israeli forces had razed dozens of donums of the village’s lands for the construction of the wall. According to Israeli plans, the wall in its later stages will surround the village from all sides, and hundreds of donums of land will be isolated. 

At approximately 10:00 on Monday, 9 February 2004, 3 Israeli military jeeps, accompanied by a jeep of the so-called Israeli Civil Administration, moved into Far’oun village, south of Tulkarm. An officer of the “Civil Administration” handed written notices to 10 Palestinians ordering them to stop the construction of their houses, claming that these houses are being built without licenses. These houses are 4-50 meters away from the wall. 

Also on Monday morning, 9 February 2004, an Israeli military bulldozer started to raze areas of Palestinian agricultural land and dig trenches in Bitounia village, southwest of Ramallah, for the purpose of the construction of the wall. According to the Municipality of Bitounia, the construction of the wall in the area will seize 1559 donums of Palestinian agricultural land. 

Continued Siege on the OPT

Israeli occupying forces have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including Jerusalem. 

Gaza Strip

Israeli occupying forces have continued to impose a tightened siege on the Gaza Strip, and imposed more restrictions on movement at border crossings and military checkpoints. They have also maintained the closure of a number of main and branch roads in the Gaza Strip by Israeli soldiers stationed at Israeli military checkpoints.  Such restrictions on freedom of movement are in contravention of international human rights law to which Israel is a state party, and include the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights.

During the period covered by this report, Israeli occupying forces positioned at the Abu Houli and al-Matahen checkpoints on Salah al-Din Street, the main road between the northern and southern areas of the Gaza Strip, continued to obstruct movement of Palestinian civilians.  The two checkpoints, which are open for a maximum of a few hours each day, have become notorious for acts of humiliation and harassment by Israeli soldiers.  

On Thursday morning, 29 January 2004, Israeli occupying forces closed the two checkpoints. They searched a number of Palestinian vehicles and arrested 2 Palestinians:

1. Mohammed Ramadan 'Abdul Rahman Douhan, 33, a worker; and

2. Bahaa' Mahmoud 'Abdul Rahman Douhan, 25, a worker, who was released on the following day. 

At approximately 13:00 on Monday, 2 February 2004, the second day of the Eid, Israeli occupying forces closed the two checkpoints and held a number of Palestinian vehicles. Israeli forces then searched the cars held in between and checked Palestinian civilians. The two checkpoints were reopened at 20:00. 

At approximately 09:00 on Tuesday, 3 February 2004, Israeli occupying forces closed the two checkpoints until 16:00, during which they searched a number of Palestinian vehicles. 

At approximately 19:30 on Wednesday, 4 February 2004, Israeli occupying forces closed the two checkpoints and held a number of Palestinian vehicles. They searched the vehicles held in between and arrested Yasser Ahmed Hussein Dahlan, 29, an employee at the Palestinian Ministry of Planning. 

On Monday afternoon, 9 February 2004, Israeli occupying forces closed the two checkpoints then held and searched a number of Palestinian vehicles. No arrests were reported. 

Israeli occupying forces have continued to impose a tightened siege on al-Mawasi area in the southern Gaza Strip. They have continued to close al-Tuffah military checkpoint at the entrance to al-Mawasi of Khan Yunis since 19 January 2004. Israeli soldiers allowed Palestinian civilians to get out of the area through the checkpoint on the second day of the Eid, but did not allow them to come to the area through the same checkpoint and forced them to enter the area through Tal al-Sultan checkpoint in Rafah. 

Israeli occupying forces have continued to impose severe restrictions on travel through Rafah Terminal on the Egyptian border, which has been the only outlet that the Gaza Strip has to the outside world since the beginning of the current Intifada.  Palestinian pilgrims coming back from Saudi Arabia were subject to humiliation and prolonged travel procedures.  Furthermore, many of them were forced to spend a number of nights on the Egyptian side of the terminal waiting permission to cross into the Gaza Strip. Israeli intelligence officers often summon and interrogate Palestinian travelers and even arrest some of them without informing the Palestinian side. A number of travelers are also denied travel permission for no apparent reason. On Saturday, 31 January 2004, Israeli occupying forces arrested Muheeb Salman Ahmed al-Nawati, 35, a journalist from Gaza city, while he was on his way back to the Gaza Strip from the United Arab Emirates. 

Israeli occupying forces have continued to impose severe restrictions on the access of Palestinian workers from the Gaza Strip to their work places through the Beit Hanoun (Erez) crossing. Palestinian workers are subject to prolonged degrading checking procedures at the crossing. Many workers are often forced to return home because of these procedures.

The Israeli restrictions at Beit Hanoun crossing are not limited to workers; rather they also affect patients who are transferred to hospitals in Jerusalem, the West Bank and Israel. According to a statement by the Palestinian Ministry of Health, on Monday, 9 February 2004, Israeli occupying forces denied the passage of patients through the crossing. They subjected female patients to a humiliating inspection and then forced all patients to travel back to the Gaza Strip. The ministry additionally asserted that Israeli occupying forces deny the access of Palestinian ambulances to the crossing and force patients to walk on the routes devoted to workers. These measures leave disastrous impacts on these patients. 

The West Bank

Israeli occupying forces have continued to impose a strict siege on Palestinian communities in the West Bank.  They have also imposed severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians during the Islamic Eid holiday.  Many Palestinian employees were not able to return to their homes before the Eid.

Ramallah

Israeli occupying forces imposed more restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians to and from the town. PCHR’s field workers reported that Israeli soldiers positioned at Qalandya military checkpoint, south of the town, restricted movement of Palestinian civilians on the eve of the Eid. They held many students and young men and denied passage of all of those who did not have checkpoint permits. Hundreds of Palestinian civilians were forced to wait in long lines at the checkpoint. Israeli forces also re-erected a military checkpoint on al-Bireh-Qalandya main road, less than 1500m away from Qalandya checkpoint. Israeli soldiers positioned at Ne’alin military checkpoint, which leads to 11 villages, and at Biddu checkpoint, which lead to 10 other villages, continued to obstruct movement of Palestinian civilians living in these villages. 

Bethlehem

Bethlehem was subjected to a number of Israeli military incursions. Israeli occupying forces reinforced their presence at the entrances to the town. According to eyewitnesses, on the Eid morning, Israeli forces closed all entrances to the town. 

Hebron

On Thursday morning, 29 January 2004, Israeli occupying forces erected a number of checkpoints at the main junctions and closed the iron gates at the northern entrance to the town. They also erected a number of checkpoints at Ethna-Tarqoumia junctions, west of the town. 

Nablus

Israeli occupying forces have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. Israeli soldiers positioned at Hawara checkpoint, south of the city, and Beit Eiba checkpoint, west of the city, force Palestinian civilians to enter rooms designed for electronic search. They have also continued to prevent Palestinian civilians, who are under 35 years old, including students, from crossing military checkpoints.  Israeli soldiers at ‘Awarta military checkpoint, southeast of Nablus, have continued to deny the passage of trucks, and only allow the transfer of goods from one truck to another at both sides of the checkpoints. These Israeli measures have negatively affected commercial transactions between the city and other towns and villages. 

Jenin

According to eyewitnesses, on Friday morning, 6 February 2004, Israeli soldiers positioned at al-Hamra checkpoint in the northern Jordan Valley and at Tayaseer checkpoint, east of Tubas, began to prohibit the passage of Palestinian trucks without special permits. These trucks transport agricultural goods between the northern and southern areas of the West Bank. This Israeli measure is likely to cause further damage to the Palestinian agricultural sector. 

Salfit

Israeli occupying forces imposed more restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians through Deir Ballout checkpoint, which is stationed between Salfit and Ramallah, and through Jisr al-Zawia, which is stationed between the town and neighboring villages. 

Israeli occupying forces have also continued to use military checkpoints to ambush and arrest allegedly wanted Palestinians. On Saturday morning, 7 February 2004, Israeli forces arrested Eyad 'Omar Balawna, 23, from Tulkarm refugee camp, while he was traveling from the camp to Bala'a village, east of Tulkarm. Balawna was arrested at a sudden checkpoint erected by Israeli forces at the entrance to the refugee camp. On Sunday afternoon, Israeli forces arrested Mukhles Ibrahim Mohammed Samara, 23, from 'Azmout village, east of Nablus. Samara was arrested at a sudden military checkpoint erected by Israeli forces at Salem-Deir al-Hatab junction, east of Nablus. 

Israeli Settlement Activities and Attacks by Settlers against Palestinian Civilians and Property

In addition to the construction of the "Separation Wall" inside the West Bank, Israeli occupying forces have continued other settlement activities in the West Bank, and settlers have continued to attack Palestinian civilians and property.

In Hebron, Israeli settlers from "Socia" settlement, which was established on the lands of Yatta village, south of the town, attacked Palestinian farmers in Kherbat Qwaiwees. According to eyewitnesses, on Thursday morning, 29 February 2004, armed settlers attacked a number of Palestinian farmers and shepherds living in caves and muddy houses in the area and forced them to leave their homes. The Palestinians who were forced to leave their houses are: Khaled Hussein Mahmoud; 'Ali Mohammed Jibril; 'Omar Hussein Jibril; 'Essam 'Eissa Makhamra; Na'im Hussein Jibril; 'Eissa Younis Makhamra; Yousef Mohammed Jibril; Taher Ahmed Makhamra; and 'Eissa Ahmed Makhamra. 

On Friday morning, 6 February 2004, Israeli occupying forces started to raze areas of Palestinian agricultural land in the southwest Kufor al-Labad village, east of Tulkarm, for the purpose of establishing a settler road that will link "Avni Hevetz" settlement, which was established on village lands, and a settlement post, which was established on Dairban Mount two years ago. These areas of land are owned by the Abu Baker and Jebara families. 

On Saturday, 7 February 2004, Israeli settlers living in settlement posts inside Hebron and in settlements located to the east of the town launched a series of attacks against Palestinian civilians in Wadi al-Nasara and Tal Rumaida neighborhoods. 

According to investigations conducted by PCHR, at approximately 10:00, 12-15 Israeli settlers moved from "Kiryat Arba" settlement, east of Hebron, and attacked Palestinian civilians in Wadi al-Nasara neighborhood in the southeast of the town with stones and iron bars. According to Munther Da'na, 26, Israeli settlers attacked a number of civilians in the area, including children and old people, in an attempt to prevent them from using a road known as "Prayers Road", which links between "Kiryat Arba" settlement and the Ibrahimi Mosque. As a result of these attacks, a Palestinian woman, Rifqa al-Haimouni, 75, was injured in the head. Windows of 4 houses, owned by Farid al-Razem, Shukri Da'na, Munther Da'na and 'Abdul Hafez Da'na, were broken. 

At approximately 15:45, a number of Israeli settlement living in "Ramat Yishai" settlement post in Tal Rumaida neighborhood in the center of Hebron, attacked Palestinian civilians and houses with stones and iron bars. As a result, 3 Palestinian civilians sustained injuries and bruises:

1. 'Aadel 'Abdul Khaliq Es'ayed, 32;

2. Ashraf Tayseer Hamed Abu 'Eisha, 9; and

3. Sharif Tayseer Hamed Abu 'Eisha, 6. 

At approximately 03:00 on Monday, 9 February 2004, Israeli occupying forces, accompanied by a number of settlers, raided Kherbat Janba in the east of Yatta village, south of Hebron. According to eyewitnesses, Israeli forces forced out Palestinians living in caves and tents in the area and searched these caves and tents, then asked the 36 families (350 people) living in them to leave the area. 

'Abdul Hadi Hantash, an expert in Israeli settlement activities, told a PCHR field worker that Israeli occupying forces and extremist settlers exert pressure on Palestinian civilians living in areas located to the east of Yatta village, in order to expropriate more than 37000 donums of land for the purpose of settlement expansion. He added that such Israeli plans began in November 1998, when Israeli occupying forces expelled hundreds of Palestinian families from areas located to the east of Yatta village. 

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PCHR calls:

1. Upon the international community to provide immediate and independent international protection for the Palestinian people in the Occupied Palestinian Territories.

2. Upon the High Contracting Parties to the Fourth Geneva Convention of 1949 to reconvene to take effective measures to protect Palestinian civilians in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, in accordance with their legal obligations, including as defined in article 1.

3. Upon the High Contracting Parties to search for and prosecute those responsible for grave breaches perpetrated in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, as defined in article 146 of the Convention.

4. Upon the ICRC to enhance its presence, expand its activities, and intensify its field operations throughout the Occupied Palestinian Territories.

5. Upon the European Union to activate Article 2 of the Euro-Israeli Association Agreement, which provides that Israel must respect human rights.

6. Upon the international community to provide humanitarian and medical assistance for the Palestinian people, whose living conditions are continuing to deteriorate as a result of the continued siege imposed by Israeli occupation forces on the entire Occupied Palestinian Territories.

“END”

Public Document

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For more information please call PCHR office in Gaza, Gaza Strip, on +972 8 2824776 - 2825893

PCHR, 29 Omer El Mukhtar St., El Remal, PO Box 1328 Gaza, Gaza Strip. E-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , Webpage http://www.pchrgaza.org