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

(10 – 16 March 2016)

 

 

• Israeli forces continued to use excessive force in the oPt
• 3 Palestinian civilians were killed and a 4^th succumbed to his injuries in the West Bank.
• 6 Palestinian civilians, including 5 children, were wounded in the West Bank and Gaza Strip.

• Israeli warplanes carried out 4 airstrikes against training sites and other targets in the Gaza Strip.
• 2 siblings were killed and their 2 other siblings were wounded in an airstrike, north of the Gaza Strip.

• Israeli forces continued to target the border areas along the Gaza Strip, due to which, a scrap collector was wounded in the east of Khan Yunis.

• Israeli forces conducted 83 incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank and a limited one in the southern Gaza Strip.
• 74 Palestinian civilians, including 6 children, 2 women and 3 journalists, were arrested. Two of the journalists were arrested.
• 16 of them, including a child and 2 women, were arrested in occupied Jerusalem.
• Israeli forces raided TransMedia Production Company and confiscated some contents.
• Israeli forces raided also Palestine Technical (Khadoori) University in Tulkarm twice.

• Israeli forces continued their efforts to create Jewish majority in occupied East Jerusalem.
• Siblings of a Palestinian, who carried out a shooting attack, were deported to the West Bank on grounds of collective punishment.
• A clothes’ storehouse in al-Bareed suburb, north of the city, was demolished.
• Israeli forces issued more administrative demolition orders against a number of houses under the pretext of non-licensing.

• Israeli forces continued to target Palestinian fishermen in the Gaza Strip Sea.

• Israeli forces turned the West Bank into cantons and continued to impose the illegal closure on the Gaza Strip for the 9^th
• Dozens of temporary checkpoints were established in the West Bank and others were re-established to obstruct the movement of Palestinian civilians.
• 7 Palestinian civilians, including a girl child, were arrested at military checkpoints.

  Summary

Israeli violations of international law and international humanitarian law in the oPt continued during the reporting period (10 – 16 March 2016).

 

Shooting:

Israeli forces have continued to commit crimes, inflicting civilian casualties. They have also continued to use excessive force against Palestinian civilians participating in peaceful protests in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, the majority of whom were youngsters. During the reporting period, Israeli forces killed 5 Palestinian civilians, including 2 siblings, in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, while a 6^th succumbed to injuries he sustained 2 weeks earlier. Moreover, Israeli forces wounded 9 civilians, including 4 children; 3 of whom, including 2 children, were wounded in the West Bank and 6 others, including 2 siblings, were wounded in the Gaza Strip.

In the West Bank, Israeli forces killed 3 Palestinian civilians while a 4^th succumbed to injuries he sustained 2 weeks earlier. They also wounded 3 civilians, including 2 children.

 

Killings committed by Israeli forces in the West Bank were as follows:

On 14 March 2016, Israeli forces stationed at “Givat Kharsina” settlement’s intersection shot 2 Palestinian civilians dead, claiming they were willing to carry out a shooting attack at Israeli soldiers while they were waiting at a bus stop.

15 minutes later, a number of Israeli soldiers in the abovementioned place opened fire at a vehicle, inside of which, was Yusef al-Tardah (18), from Abu al-Jamal areas, west of Bani Na’im village, east of Hebron. As a result, the aforementioned person was shot dead. Israeli forces claimed that the vehicle was driving fast in the opposite direction, heading towards them.

On 15 March 2016, the Palestinian Ministry of Health announced that Nahed Mtair (24), from Qalandia refugee camp, north of occupied Jerusalem, succumbed to injuries he sustained earlier. The aforementioned person was wounded during confrontations in the refugee camp after 2 Israeli soldiers had moved into the camp in a car that was discovered and burnt by Palestinian young men then.

In the Gaza Strip, Israeli forces killed 2 siblings and wounded 6 others, including 2 siblings of the killed ones.

On 12 March 2016, Israeli warplanes fired 3 missiles at Asqalan military site of al-qasam Brigades (the armed wing of Hamas Movement), in al-Sayafa area, northwest of Beit Lahia, north of the Gaza Strip. As a result, the training site was destroyed, and the rubble and mud chunks flung over the houses to the northwestern side of the training site. One of the aforementioned houses belongs to Salman Mousa Hasan Abu Khousa and is built of tin plates on an area of 120 square meters.  As a result, his children, Ayoub (12); Yasin (9); Israa’ (6) and Ikram (2). The wounded children were taken to the Indonesian Hospital in the northern Gaza Strip. Yasin and Israa’ sustained serious wounds due to severe brain haemorrhage, while the two other children sustained moderate wounds. Yasin was pronounced dead after 15 minutes of his arrival at the hospital. However, Israa was transferred to al-Shifa hospital to receive medical treatment in Gaza City. At approximately 13:45 on the same day, the Palestinian medical sources announced that Israa succumbed to her wounds.

In the context of airstrikes as well, on the same day, Israeli warplanes carried out 3 raids on 2 training sites and on al-Sourani Hill. However, no casualties were reported.

In the context of targeting border areas along the Gaza Strip, on 13 March 2016, Israeli forces stationed at the said fence, east of al-Shuja’iya neighbourhood, east of Gaza City, opened fire at Palestinian civilians collecting scraps. As a result, Jamal Zwayed (19), from al-Daraj neighbourhood, east of the city, sustained 4 bullet wounds to the left hand, belly and legs.

As part of shooting incidents against peaceful protests, on 11 March 2016, Israeli forces opened fire at Palestinian youngsters, who headed towards the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel, east of al-Shuja’iya neighbourhood, east of Gaza City. The Palestinian youngsters threw stones at Israeli soldiers stationed at the border fence, as a result, 3 Palestinian civilians were wounded.

In the context of targeting Palestinian fishermen in the Gaza Strip sea, on 12 March 2016, Israeli gunboats stationed off the shore, northwest of Beit Lahia, north of the Gaza Strip, opened fire around Palestinian fishing boats sailing in the sea. A similar attack occurred on 13 March 2016, but neither casualties nor material damage were reported.

 

Incursions:        

During the reporting period, Israeli forces conducted at least 83 military incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank and 5 ones in occupied East Jerusalem and its suburbs. During these incursions, Israeli forces arrested at least 74 Palestinian civilians, including 6 children and 2 women.  Sixteen of them, including a child and the 2 women, were arrested in occupied Jerusalem.

During the reporting period, Israeli forces launched an operation against Palestinian media agencies in the West Bank, accusing them of “incitement”. On 11 March 2016, Israeli forces raided the office of TransMedia Production Company in al-Birah City, from which Palestine Today broadcast news. They confiscated all the sound and lighting equipment, routers, cameras and their tripods, PCs, laptops, files and documents related to the Company’s work, a server and cell phones. Before their withdrawal, Israeli forces affixed a military order issued by the Israeli Military Commander to close the office of Palestine Today. It should be noted that the Company offers media services to a number of news agencies, including Palestine Today.

Moreover, Israeli forces raided Palestine Technical University in Tulkarm twice on the same day and confiscated Islamic Bloc flags.

In the Gaza Strip, on 15 March 2016, Israeli forces moved about 100 meters to the east of Khuza’a village, east of Khan Yunis, south of the Gaza Strip. They levelled and dug some lands for few hours and withdrew later.

 

Restrictions on movement:

Israel continued to impose a tight closure of the oPt, imposing severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including occupied East Jerusalem.

The illegal closure of the Gaza Strip, which has been steadily tightened since June 2007 has had a disastrous impact on the humanitarian and economic situation in the Gaza Strip.  The Israeli authorities impose measures to undermine the freedom of trade, including the basic needs for the Gaza Strip population and the agricultural and industrial products to be exported. For 9 consecutive years, Israel has tightened the land and naval closure to isolate the Gaza Strip from the West Bank, including occupied Jerusalem, and other countries around the world. This resulted in grave violations of the economic, social and cultural rights and a deterioration of living conditions for 1.8 million people.  The Israeli authorities have established Karm Abu Salem (Kerem Shaloum) as the sole crossing for imports and exports in order to exercise its control over the Gaza Strip’s economy.  They also aim at imposing a complete ban on the Gaza Strip’s exports. The Israeli closure raised the rate of poverty to 38.8%, 21.1% of which suffer from extreme poverty. Moreover, the rate of unemployment increased up to 44%, which reflects the unprecedented economic deterioration in the Gaza Strip.

 

Jewish Majority:

In the context of collective punishment measures against Palestinians, who carried out attacks against Israelis, on 12 March 2016, Israeli forces deported the siblings of Fo’ad Abu Rajab, from al-Eisawiya village, northeast of the city, under the pretext of their illegal presence in the city. The deportation decision excluded their mother because she holds an Israeli ID. It should be noted that Fo’ad carried out a shooting attack on Saladin Street in the centre of Jerusalem, on 08 March 2016, that resulted in hi killing.

As part of house demolitions and demolition notices, on 10 March 2016, officers from the Israeli municipality Nature Authority raided Wadi al-Hilwa Information Center in Silwan village, south of the Old City. They fined the centre with NIS 475 under the pretext of placing an iron chain in front of the centre’s gate to protect children when leaving the centre. The Israeli forces gave the centre 7 days to remove it or they will raid the centre again.

On 13 March 2016, Israeli municipality officers moved into al-Eisawiya village, northeast of Jerusalem. They handed over administrative demolition orders against a number of apartments under the pretext of non-licensing.

On the context of settler attacks against Palestinian civilians and their property, on 11 March 2016, a group of settlers attacked Ahmed Badr (40) while he was guarding al-Jaras Garden in West Jerusalem. As a result, he sustained bruises throughout his body and was then taken to one of the hospitals for medical treatment.

On 15 March 2016, Israeli bulldozers demolished a storehouse in al-Bareed suburb, north of occupied Jerusalem, belonging to Waleed al-Hroub, who rented the storehouse from Shadi Matour, under the pretext of non-licensing.

 

 

Details

 

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

 Thursday, 10 March 2016

• At approximately 01:00, Israeli forces moved into the southern area of Hebron. They raided and searched 2 houses, from which, they arrested 2 civilians and took them to an unknown destination. The arrested civilians were identified as Mohammed Abu Hadid (30) and Naser Moahmmed Abu Hadid (23).

• At approximately 01:10, Israeli forces moved into Azoun village, east of Qalqiliya. They raided and searched several houses, from which, they arrested 5 civilians and then took them to an unknown destination. The arrested civilians were identified as Yehya Mohammed Abu Haneyah (18), Sa’id Farouq Abu Haneyah (21), Mostafa Sofian Abu Haneya (22), Ward Rabi al-Bam (24) and Abd al-Hafeth Ali al-Bam (23).

• At approximately 01:50, Israeli forces moved into Hajjah village, east of Qalqiliya. They raided and searched several houses and, arrested 7 civilians and took them to an unknown destination. The arrested civilians were identified as Mahmoud Abd al-Hadi Tayoun (17), Rabea’ Mohammed Masalhah (24), Fahed Wael Masalhah (22), Alaa’ Mohammed Masalhah (30), Tha’er Mohammed Masalhah(27), Bahaa’ Mohammed Masalhah (28) and Mohammed Abd al-Qader Masalah (57).

• At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into Nablus. They raided and searched several houses, from which, they arrested Salah Omar al-Jawhari in al-Razi Street and took him to an unknown destination.

• Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Iraq Burin village, south of Nablus. They raided and searched several houses, arrested 2 civilians and took them to an unknown destination. The arrested civilians were identified as Asem Fathi Faqeh (22) and Ahmed Husam Faqeh (20).

• At approximately 03:00, Israeli forces moved into al-Kader village, south of Bethlehem. They raided and searched several houses. They the arrested Yosif Na’em Ghuneim (31) and later withdrew taking him to an unknown destination.

• At approximately 12:45, Israeli forces moved into Azoun village, east of Qalqiliya. They raided and searched 5 houses belonging to Rashed Yaseen Enaya, Azem Mohammed Ibrahim Saleem, Maher Mohammed Husein, Zaki abd al-Razeq Majd and Azmi Mohammed Shlou. They later handed the aforementioned civilians a notification to refer to Israeli Intelligence services office.

• At approximately 18:30, Israeli forces moved into Kherbthah al-Mesbah, southwest of Ramallah. They patrolled in the streets, arrested Tamer Ramadan Ya’qoub (17) from his house in al-Teen neighbourhood, northeast of the village and took him to an unknown destination.

 

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (5) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: Yatta, Halhoul, Nuba, Emresh and al-Hatab villages in Hebron.

 

Friday, 11 March 2016

• At approximately 01:00, Israeli forces moved into Hajjah, east of Qalqelia. They raided and searched a house belonging to Bashar Masalhah (22) and took measurements of the house. At approximately 05:00, Israeli forces handed a summons to his family a demolition notice. It should be mentioned that on 08 March 2016, Masalha carried out a stab attack in Jaffa.

• At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into al-Tahounah neighbourhood in al-Birah and stationed in front of (al-Quds Bank) building. They raided and searched the office of Trans Media Company. They then arrested two journalists namely as Mohammed Yosif Amro (30) and Shabeeb Mohammed Shabeeb (27) and interrogated them about the nature of the company’s work and the media services they offer. Later, they took the aforementioned persons to “Beit El” settlement. Israeli forces also raided and searched the offices of Tans Media staff members, confiscated sound and lighting equipment, routers, cameras and their tripods, PCs, laptops, files and documents related to the Company’s work, a server and cell phones. In addition, Israeli forces stole around NIS1500 from the company and a golden ring from one of the company staff members. Moreover, they broke down the main door of SKY Company located in the fourth floor of the building. As for al-Quds Bank, they broke the main door and confiscated a currenc counting machine. At approximately 04:00, Israeli forces affixed a military order issued by the Israeli Military Commander to close the office of Palestine Today. It should be noted that Trans Media Company provide its services to many TV channels, including Palestine Today and its branch offices in the West Bank. At approximately 05:00, Israeli forces released the aforementioned persons in “Psagot” settlement established on the lands of al-Tawel Mount, east of al-Birah village after the Israeli forces confiscated their cell phones.

• Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into al-Marj neighbourhood in Birzeit, north of Ramallah, and stationed at Farsakh building. They raided and searched a house belonging to journalist Farouq Omar Qasem Elayat (33), Director of Palestine Today Channel in the West Bank. They then arrested the aforementioned person and took him to “Kfar Etzion” settlement complex, south of Bethlehem, and confiscated PCs used for work and his cell phone.

• Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Ein Yabroud village, northeast of Ramallah. They raided and searched a house belonging to Abd al-Rahman Elwan (22), arrested him and took him to an unknown destination.

• Approximately 02:30, Israeli forces moved into Beit Ur al-Tahta, southwest of Ramallah. They raided and searched a house belonging to Wael Raa’fat Yosif Ellan (19). They then arrested the aforementioned person and took him to an unknown destination.

• At approximately 15:00, Israeli forces moved into al-Kahder village, south of Bethlehem. They raided and searched a house belonging to Mahmoud Hasan Naji Salah (27). They then arrested the aforementioned person and took him to an unknown destination.

 Note

: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (6) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: Falameia village, east of Qalqiliya; Derasetia village, northwest of Salfit; al-Fawar refugee camp, Tafouh villages, Beit Awa in Hebron and Kherbet Abu Falah village northeast of Ramallah.

 

Saturday, 12 March 2016

• At approximately 02:15, Israeli warplanes launched 3 missiles at “‘Asqalan” site belonging to al-Qassam Brigades (the armed wing of Hamas Movement) in al- Seifa area, southwest of Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip. As a result, the training site was destroyed, and the rubble and mud chunks flung over the houses to the north-western side of the training site. One of the aforementioned houses belongs to Salman Mousa Hasan Abu Khousa and is built of tin plates on an area of 120 square meters. As a result, his children, Ayoub (12); Yasin (9); Israa’ (6) and Ikram (2), were wounded while they were asleep in their bedroom, which is only 50 meters away from the targeted site in the eastern side of the house. The wounded children were taken to the Indonesian hospital in the northern Gaza Strip. Yasin and Israa’ sustained serious wounds due to severe brain haemorrhage, while the two other children sustained moderate wounds. Yasin was pronounced dead after 15 minutes of his arrival at the hospital. However, Israa was transferred to al-Shifa hospital to receive medical treatment in Gaza City. At approximately 13:45 on the same day, the Palestinian medical sources announced that Israa succumbed to her wounds. It should be mentioned that the attack caused partial damages in a number of houses in the aforementioned area, which is a community for Abu Khousa family. Some of these houses are built of bricks and roofed with tin plates while others are completely built of tin plates.

• At approximately 02:30, Israeli warplanes launched a missile at Palestine military training site for al-Qasam Brigades (the armed wing of Hamas Movement), north of Um al-Naser Bedouin village in the northern Gaza Strip and 700 meters to the south of the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel. As a result, an explosion rocked almost all over the northern Gaza Strip, causing fear among women and children. The site also sustained damages, but no casualties were reported.

 

• At approximately 02:40, Israeli warplanes launched a missile at Abu Jarad military training site for al-Qasam Brigades, southeast of Gaza Strip, and no casualties were reported.

 

• Around the same time, Israeli warplanes launched a missile at al-Sourani Hill, northeast of Gaza Strip, and no casualties were reported.

 

• At approximately 03:00, Israeli forces moved into Beit Jala. They raided and searched a house belonging to Shadi Mohammed Badawna (24). They then handed him a summons to refer to “Gosh Etzion” settlement complex, south of Bethlehem.

 

• At approximately 04:30, Israeli gunboats stationed off the northwest of Beit Lahia and north of Gaza Strip, heavily opened fire at Palestinian fishing boats stationed within two nautical miles. As a result, which have been continued for 30 minutes, 30 fishing nets were lost. Moreover, many fishermen frightened and were forced to flee. It should be mentioned that neither casualties nor damages were reported.

 

• At approximately 17:00, Israeli forces moved into Ya’bood village, southwest of Jenin. They raided and searched a house belonging to Mohammed Isaa Mahmoud Ghazawi (22), and arrested him.

 

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (7) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: Bal’ah village, northeast of Tolkarm; Attil village, north of the City; Khirbat Abu Falah village, northeast of Ramallah; al-Jiftlik and al-Auja village, north of Jericho.

 

Sunday, 13 March 2016

 

• At approximately 01:00, Israeli forces moved into al-Shayyokh village, north of Hebron. They raided and searched two houses, form which, they arrested Amer Ali al-Halyqa (32) and Khalil Mohammed al-Manshi (30).

 

• At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into Dura, southwest of Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to Khaled Mohammed al-Fasfous (25), and arrested him.

 

• Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Bait Jala. They raided and searched a house belonging to Mohammed Khalil Hamaida Zaghloul (40), Director of Prisoners and Former Prisoners Society in Bethlehem. They then arrested the aforementioned person and took him to an unknown destination. It should be noted that Zaghloul is a former prisoner and a presenter of a Bethlehem 2000 radio program, which is about Palestinian prisoners.

 

• At approximately 03:00, Israeli forces moved into Bethlehem and stationed in Ma’ali valley in the centre of the city. They raided and searched a number of houses, from which they arrested Mostafa Adel Asakrah (19) and Mohammed Atif al-Kamel (22). Moreover, Israeli forces raided a house belonging to Sulaiman ‘Abiyat in Hendaza area, east of the city. They then handed his son Laith (21) a summons to refer to the Israeli intelligence service in “Gosh Etzion” settlement complex, south of Bethlehem.

 

• At approximately 03:30, Israeli forces moved into al-Dahiryia village, south of Hebron and stationed at al-Deir area. They raided and searched two houses, from which, they arrested Ghazi Hasan Qaysiyah (53) and his brother Nabel (22).

 

• At approximately 05:30, Israeli gunboats stationed off the northeast shore of Beit Lahiya, north of the Gaza Strip, opened heavy fire at Palestinian fishing boats sailing within two nautical miles for 20 minutes. As a result, many fishermen were frightened and forced to sail back. It should be mentioned that neither casualties nor damage were reported.

 

• At approximately 08:00, Israeli forces stationed at the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel, east of al-Shuja’iya neighbourhood, east of the Gaza Strip, opened fire at scrap iron collectors. As a result, Jamal Wael Husni Zuwayed (19), from al-Daraj neighbourhood, east of the city, was hit with four live bullets to the left hand, abdomen and legs. He was then taken to al-Shifa Hospital in the Gaza Strip, where medical sources classified his injuries as moderate. Zuwayed said to PCHR’s fieldworker that while he along with friends were collecting scrap iron and putting it on a cart, Israeli forces directly opened fire at them and wounded Zuwayed. It should be mentioned that the aforementioned young men were present around 40 meters away from the border fence.

 

• At approximately 15:30, an Israeli infantry unit headed from al-Harsha military camp established on al-Deir Mount lands, west of al-Mazra’a al-Qabliya village, northwest of Ramallah, towards the outskirts of the abovementioned village. A number of young men gathered and threw stones and empty bottles at Israeli forces, who heavily fired live bullets and rubber-coated metal bullets at the protesters in response. As a result, a 16-year-old male was hit with a live bullet to the left side of his chest and was then taken to Palestine Medical Complex in Ramallah to receive medical treatment. The abovementioned wounded was examined by doctors, who found out that he suffered from damage in the left lung, because the bullet settled in that lung. Medical sources in the hospital classified his heath condition as stable and he has been still in al-Kuwaiti surgery section in the abovementioned medical complex.

 

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (7) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: Beit Kahel, Tarqumiya villages, Farsh al-Hawa area, al-Burj village and al-Fawar refugee camp in Hebron.; Betlu village, west of Ramallah and Beit Sera, south of the City

 

Monday, 14 March 2016

 

• At approximately 00:30, Israeli forces moved into Qalqilyia. They raided and searched a house belonging to Adham Mahmoud al-La’ou (25), and arrested him.

 

• In the morning, Israeli forces moved into Jenin and its camp. They raided and searched two houses, from which, they arrested Fadi Ramzi Khalil Huwel (19) and Yazan Mohammed al-Sa’di (20). After that, they raided and searched a house belonging to Jamal al-Tubasi after damaging the house main doors.

 

• At approximately 03:00, Israeli forces moved into al-Duheisha refugee camp, south of Bethlehem. They raided and searched several houses, from which, they arrested Yazan Yonis al-Jaa’bari (20) and Mohammed Abu Habsa (22). They also handed a summons to Jameel Khaled Zeyada (20) to refer to the Israeli Intelligence service in “Gosh Etzion” settlement complex, south of the city.

 

• Early in the morning, Israeli forces stationed at the crossroad of “Givat Khrasina” settlement complex leading to the Bypass road (60) shot three Palestinians dead. They claimed that two of them carried out a shooting while the third carried out a run-over.

According to PCHRs’ investigations, at approximately 06:50, Israeli forces stationed at the abovementioned crossroads opened excessive fire towards a vehicle driven by Qasem Fared Abd al-Azez Abu Ouda (31), from al-Baqaa’ neighbourhood, east of Hebron, and Amer Fo’ad Naem al-Juneidi (21), from Shaa’bah neighbourhood, east of the city. As a result, the two persons were killed immediately. Israeli forces claimed that the two of them intended to carry out a shooting on a number of Israeli soldiers waiting in a bus stop on the crossroad of “Givat Khrasina” settlement complex. The Israeli army website “404” published photos for a rifle and a gun claiming that they were with the killed persons. About 15 minutes later, Israeli forces opened fire towards a vehicle driven by Yosif Mostafa al-Tardah (18), from Abu al-Jamal area, west of Bani Naem village, east of Hebron. As a result, the aforementioned child was killed, as he sustained several bullet wounds throughout his body. Israeli forces claimed that the aforementioned vehicle was driving in the opposite direction of the street heading towards them. The corpses of the three aforementioned persons were transported by Israeli ambulances to an unknown destination. At approximately 12:30, Israeli forces handed over their corpses to their families at the Israeli military Liaison Office (DCO), south of Hebron. At approximately 13:00, Israeli forces moved into al-Shaa’bah and al-Boq’a areas, east of Hebron. They raided and searched the houses of the aforementioned persons, investigated their families and withdrew later. Medical sources confirmed that the killed persons were exposed to excessively fire from a close range. Moreover, al-Tardah family confirmed that their son was hit with 29 live bullets throughout his body.

 

• In the early morning, Israeli forces arrested Ahmed Abd al-Rahman Abu Sobuh (19), from al-Jalazoun refugee camp, north of Ramallah, after he referred to the Israeli Intelligence service in Ofer prison, southwest of the city.

 

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (5) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: Azzon village, east of Qalqilia; Hebron and Dora Cities, al-Aroob refugee camp and Bani Naem village.

 

Tuesday, 15 March 2016

 

• At approximately 00:30, Israeli forces moved into Tulkarm. They patrolled in the streets, stationed in the northern area of the city, and interrogated some of the passers-by. They then stationed opposite to Palestine Technical University “Khadoori” and then raided the campus with the University security officers. They forced them to open the Engineering building and confiscated a number of the Islamic Bloc (student union affiliated with Hamas Movement) flags form the closets in the building

 

• At approximately 01:00, Israeli forces moved into Tulkarm refugee camp adjacent to Tulkarm. They raided and searched a house belonging to Mohammed Abd al-Fattah Mahmoud Dameri (21), after which, they arrested him and took him to an unknown destination.

 

• Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Husan village, west of Bethlehem. They raided and searched a house belonging to Ibrahem Abu Yabes. They then arrested his son Mohammed (14) and took him to an unknown destination.

 

• At Approximately 01:30, Israeli forces moved into Bani Naem village, south of Hebron. They raided and searched several houses, from which, they arrested two civilians and took them to an unknown destination. The arrested persons were identified as Hatem Mahmoud Abu Zuwaiyed (24) and Mo’tasem Salah Ejdayei’ (23).

 

• Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into al-Aroob refugee camp, north of Hebron, and stationed near the UNRWA distribution Centre. They then raided and searched two houses and arrested Mahmoud Mohammed Jawabrah (17) and Abd al-Karem Muheisen (17).

 

• Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Abu al-Asjah village, southeast of Dora, southwest of Hebron and stationed near the village’s mosque. They raided ad searched a house belonging to Reyad Namorah Musalam Namorah (48). They then arrested the aforementioned person and took him to an unknown destination.

 

• At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into Beit Fureek village, east of Nablus. They raided and searched several houses, from which, they arrested Ma’rouf Nayef Abu al-Sou’d (21) and Oudai Zeyad Hanni (18) and took them to an unknown destination.

 

• Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Dora, southwest of Hebron, and stationed in Kanar neighbourhood. They raided and searched two houses belonging to Nassar Naser Nassar (24) and Ahmed Abd al-Jalel al-Shahatet (31). They then arrested the aforementioned persons and took them to an unknown destination.

 

• Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Birzeit village, north of Ramallah. They raided and searched several houses, form which, two civilians were arrested and taken to an unknown destination. The arrested civilians were identified as Mahdi Naser Washha (18) and Adham Abu Arqoub (20).

 

• Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into al-Jalazoun refugee camp, north of Ramallah. They raided and searched a house belonging to Bajes Khalil Nakhlah (50) and locked the family in one of the rooms. They then arrested the aforementioned person and took him to an unknown destination. It should be mentioned that Nakhlah is a former prisoner who served 19 years in the Israeli prisons and was released before six months.

 

• At approximately 03:00, Israeli forces moved into Rommanah village, northwest of Jenin. They raided and searched a house belonging to Abd al-Rahman Ahmed Saed al-Amour (19) and arrested him.

 

• Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Bethlehem and stationed on al-Saf Street in the centre of the city. They raided and searched a house belonging to Alaa’ Abd al-Karem Soduq (36) and handed him a summons to refer to Israeli Intelligence service in “Gosh Etzion” settlement complex, south of the city.

 

• At approximately 03:30, Israeli forces moved into al-Fawar refugee camp, south of Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to Ezz al-Dein Ali Abu Rabee’ (18) who was arrested and taken to an unknown destination.

 

• At approximately 07:30, Israeli forces moved about 100 meters into the east of Khaza’a village, east of Khan Yonis, south of Gaza Strip. They levelled and dug lands for several hours before they redeployed inside the border fence between Gaza Strip and Israel.

 

• At approximately 18:00, Israeli forces moved into Tulkarm and stationed opposite to the southern gate of Palestine Technical University “Khadoori”. They raided the campus for the second time on the same day and asked one of the security guards about the place of the “Khadoori” memorial, on which “Khadoori” is written in Arabic, English and Hebrew. An Israeli infantry unite comprising of 50 soldier raided the campus, reached the place where the memorial exists and took photos with that memorial. Half an hour later, Israeli forces withdrew from the campus and no incidents were reported.

 Note:

During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (5) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: Beit Kahel village, al-Samou’, al-Dhahereya, Bani Naem, Deir al-Asal villages in Hebron.

 

Wednesday, 16 March 2016

 

• At approximately 01:00, Israeli forces moved into Beit Ommar village, north of Hebron. They raided and searched two houses belonging to Ahmed Amer Abu Judah (19) and Khalil Sheban Abu Ayash (21). They arrested the 2 aforementioned persons and took them to an unknown destination.

 

• At approximately 01:30, Israeli forces moved into Abu Sunainah neighbourhood in the southern area of Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to Saa’d Mohammed Yosif al-Atrash (19), who was killed on 20 October 2016 in the Old City, claiming he carried out a stabbing. Israeli forces handed a summons to al-Atrash’s brother named Yosif (22) to refer to the Israeli intelligence services in “Gosh Etzion” settlement complex, south of Bethlehem.

 

• At approximately 02:30, Israeli forces moved into Beit Eeba, west of Nablus. They raided and searched a house belonging to Ja’far Sami Thaher (25). They then arrested the aforementioned person and took him to an unknown destination.

 Note:

During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (6) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: Beit Oula, Tafouh, Deir Samet, Karmah, Emresh, Hadab al-Fawar villages in Hebron.

 

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

 West Bank:

• On Friday, 11 March 2016, dozens of youngsters from several areas in Ramallah and al-Beireh, gathered in the vicinity of Ofer prison, southwest of Ramallah, to organize a peaceful demonstration against the Israeli policies. After the protesters made their way towards the prison gate, Israeli forces closed the gate and deployed in the area. The protesters set fire to rubber tires and threw stones and empty bottles at Israeli soldiers, who immediately fired live bullets, metal bullets, tear gas canisters and sound bombs in reponse. As a result, a 24-year old civilian was hit with a metal bullet to the right elbow and was transported to Palestine Medical Complex in the city to receive treatment.

 

• Following the Friday prayer, dozens of Palestinian civilians organized demonstrations in protest at the Israeli policies in the oPt, at the western entrance to Selwad village, northeast of Ramallah; al-Taweel Mount, near “Psagot” settlement, east of al-Bireh; and at the southern entrance to al-Jalazoun refugee camp, north of Ramallah. Israeli soldiers used force to disperse the protesters by firing live bullets, metal bullets, tear gas canisters and sound bombs. As a result, many civilians suffered tear inhalation and others sustained bruises as Israeli soldiers beat them up.

 

Gaza Strip:

• At approximately 13:30 on Friday, 11 March 2016, dozens of youngsters made their way to the border fence between Gaza Strip and Israel, east of al-Shuja’iyah neighbourhood, east of the Gaza Strip. The protesters threw stones at Israeli soldiers stationed behind the sand barrios along the fence, due to which, Israeli forces opened fire at them. As a result, three protesters were wounded. Two of them were hit with live bullets, while the third was hit with a metal bullet.

Demonstrations against the annexation wall and settlement activities

• Following the Friday prayers, on 11 March 2016, dozens of Palestinian civilians, Israeli and international human rights defenders and families from al-Nabi Saleh organized a demonstration in the center of al-Shuhada’ Square in al-Nabi Saleh village, northwest of Ramallah in protest against the annexation wall and settlement activities. They made their way in the village streets, raised Palestinian flags and chanted slogans condemning the Israeli occupation and the stressing the Palestinian inalienable rights. The protesters headed to the lands that Israeli settlers confiscated by force near “Halamish” settlement. When the protesters approached the aforementioned lands, Israeli forces fired live bullets, metal bullets, tear gas canisters and sound bombs at them. As a result, Naji Tameme (9) was hit with a tear gas canister to the right side, due to which, he was transported to Palestine Medical Complex in the city to receive treatment.

 

• Following the Friday prayer on the aforementioned day, dozens of Palestinian civilians and Israeli and international human rights defenders organized demonstrations in protest against the annexation wall and settlement activities in Bi’in and Nil’in villages, west of Ramallah, and Kofur Qadoum village, northeast of Qalqilia. Israeli forces fired live bullets, metal bullets, tear gas canisters and sound bombs at the protestors to disperse them, and chased them. As a result, large numbers of civilians suffered tear gas inhalation and others sustained bruises as Israeli soldiers beat them up.

 Note: PCHR keeps the names of the injured persons in the aforementioned demonstrations.Rubber-coated metal bullets are lethally if they hit the head of victim from a close range.  

3. Continued closure of the oPt

Israel continued to impose a tight closure on the oPt, imposing severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including occupied East Jerusalem.

 

Gaza Strip

Israeli forces continuously tighten the closure of the Gaza Strip and close all commercial crossings, making the Karm Abu Salem crossing the sole commercial crossing of the Gaza Strip, although it is not suitable for commercial purposes in terms of its operational capacity and distance from markets.

Israeli forces have continued to apply the policy, which is aimed to tighten the closure on all commercial crossings, by imposing total control over the flow of imports and exports.

Israeli forces have continued to impose a total ban on the delivery of raw materials to the Gaza Strip, except for very limited items and quantities. The limited quantities of raw materials allowed into Gaza do not meet the minimal needs of the civilian population of the Gaza Strip.

Israeli forces also continued to impose an almost total ban on the Gaza Strip exports, including agricultural and industrial products, except for light-weighted products such as flowers, strawberries, and spices. However, they lately allowed the exportation of some vegetables such as cucumber and tomatoes, furniture and fish.

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

 

Movement at Karm Abu Salem (Kerem Shalom) crossing, southeast of Rafah, is designated for the movement of goods

Note: The crossing’s data is not published this week, because it was not prepared by the competent authority yet. Therefore, it will be published next week.

 

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

 

Movement at Beit Hanoun (“Erez”) crossing

09-15 March 2016

Category	09 March	10 March	11 March	12 March	13 March	14 March	15 March
Patients	50	40	1	–	88	71	79
Companions	47	33	1	–	79	62	74
Personal needs	64	110	52	–	96	106	96
Families of prisoners	–	–	–	–	–	89	–
Arabs from Israel	3	–	1	–	10	–	4
Diplomats	–	3	–	–	–	–	–
International journalists	–	–	–	–	–	–	–
International workers	42	70	11	–	13	28	58
Travelers abroad	24	2	1	–	–	13	2
Business people	355	389	5	–	523	439	357
Business meetings	–	–	–	–	–	–	–
Security interviews	–	12	–	–	1	3	12
VIPs	–	–	–	–	1	2	–
Ambulances to Israel	2	3	1	–	2	4	2
Patients’ Companions	2	3	1	–	2	4	2

 Notes:

• Israeli authorities allowed 81 Palestinians on Thursday, 10 March 2016, and 293 Palestinians on Friday, 11 March 2016, and 39 Palestinians on Tuesday, 15 March 2016, to travel via Beit Hanoun crossing to perform prayers in al-Aqsa Mosque.
• Israeli authorities allowed one person on Wednesday, 09 March 2016, and 2 persons on Sunday, 13 March 2016, and 6 other persons on Tuesday, 15 March 2016, to renew their permits.
• On Monday, 14 March 2016, Israeli authorities allowed 2 persons, who work in the Civil Affairs Department, to attend a meeting in Israel.

 

 

West Bank

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

• Hebron: Israeli forces established (18) checkpoints all over the city.

On Thursday, 10 March 2016, Israeli forces established four checkpoints at the entrances to al-‘Aroub refugee camp, Ethna and Taramah villages and at the northern entrance to Yatta village.

On Friday, 11 March 2016, Israeli forces established two checkpoints at the entrance to al-Tabqah village and at the southern entrance to Halhoul village.

On Sunday, 12 March 2016, Israeli forces established three checkpoints at the entrances to al-Aroub refugee camp and Beit Ummer village and on al-Berkah road, west of Yatta village.

On Monday, 14 March 2016, Israeli forces established three checkpoints at the entrance to al-Fawar refugee camp, at the western entrance to Bani Na’miy village (al-Jouz valley) and at the southern entrance to Halhoul village.

On Tuesday, 15 March 2016, Israeli forces established four checkpoints at the entrances to Bani Na’im, Ethna, Sa’ir villages, and al-Fawar refugee camp.

On Wednesday, 16 March 2016, Israeli forces established two checkpoints at the entrances to Beit Ummer village and al-Fawar refugee camp.

 

• Ramallah and al-Bireh: Israeli forces established (8) checkpoints all over the village.

On Thursday 10 March 2016, Israeli forces established three checkpoints at the entrances to Deir Abu Mish’al village, northwest of Ramallah, Senjil village, north of Ramallah and under the bridge of Yabroud village, northeast of Ramallah.

On Friday, 11 March 2016, Israeli forces established five checkpoints at the entrance to al-Nabi Saleh village, northwest of Ramallah, at the intersection of Beit ‘Ur al-Foqa and Beit ‘Ur al-Tahtah villages, under the bridge of Kherbitha al-Mosbah and Beit Sirah villages.

At approximately 22:30 on Friday, a Palestinian civilian carried out shooting attack at Israeli soldiers stationed at a military checkpoint adjacent to (443) road between Jerusalem and Israel. Israeli forces closed all the entrances of Beit ‘Ur al-Tahah village, southwest of Ramallah and prevented civilians from entering and exiting the village. The cordon imposed on the village has remained so far. Moreover, Israeli forces obstructed the civilians movement in 6 villages identified as ( Beit ‘Ur al-Tahtah, Safaa, Beit Sirah, Kherbitha al-Mosbah, Beit Loqiya and Beit Nobah villages). As a result, 30,000 civilians were isolated and forced to use other roads leading to Ramallah.

 

• Qalqiliya: Israeli forces established (9) checkpoints all over the city.

At approximately 20:00 on Thursday, 10 March 2016, Israeli forces established a checkpoint between Hujah and Kufor Qaddoum villages, northeast of Qalqiliya village, and prevented civilians under 25 years old from crossing the checkpoint.

At approximately 23:30, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the entrance to ‘Azoun ‘Etmah village, east of Qalqiliya.

At approximately 19:10 on Friday, 11 March 2016, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the entrance to Hejah village, east of Qalqiliya, and arrested Darwish Ziyad Basalat, a policeman, and released them later.

 

On Saturday, 12 March 2016, Israeli forces established three checkpoints between Jayyious and ‘Azoun villages, east of Qalqilyia, between Hejah and al-Fondoq villages, east of Qalqilyia and at the intersection of Jeet village, east of Qalqilyia.

On Sunday, 13 March 2016, Israeli forces established three checkpoints, the first checkpoint was established at approximately 09:00 at the intersection of Jeet village, northeast of Qalqiliya, and they re-established the same checkpoint at approximately 22:00. They established the third checkpoint at the eastern entrance of Qalqiliya.

 

• Tulkarm: At approximately 20:00 on Saturday, 12 March 2016, Israeli forces stationed at ‘Inab checkpoint, which was established on the main road between Tulkarm and Nablus, east of Tulkarm, tightened their arbitrary measures against Palestinian civilians and obstructed their movement.

At approximately 08:00 and 20:00 on Sunday, 13 March 2016, Israeli forces again tightened their arbitrary measures against civilians at the checkpoint.

At approximately 15:00 on Sunday, 13 March 2016, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the entrance to Rameen village, northeast of Tulkarm.

At approximately 11:00 on Monday, 14 March 2016, Israeli forces established a similar checkpoint on the road between Tulkarm and villages located in the north of Tulkarm, which were known as (al-Sha’rwiya), between Qafeen and the eastern Baqah villages, north of Tulkarm.

 

• Jenin: At approximately 14:00, on Saturday, 12 March 2016, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the entrance to Jalboun village, northeast of Jenin. At approximately 10:00 on Sunday, 13 March 2016, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the intersection of al-Yamoun village, north of Jenin.

 Arrests at military checkpoints

• On Thursday, 10 March 2016, Israeli forces arrested Mahmoud Ibrahim Mousa (24), and Mohammed ‘Adiy ‘Isaa (26), both from al-Khader village, south of Bethlehem, while they were present in occupied Jerusalem. Israeli forces claimed that the aforementioned civilians did not have permits allowing them to enter the city.

• At approximately 16:00 on the same day, Israeli forces stationed at the Container checkpoint, northeast of Bethlehem, arrested Marwan Mohammed Abdullah Khalifah (34), from al-‘Abidyia village, east of Bethlehem.

• At approximately 21:30 on Saturday, 12 March 2016, Israeli forces stationed at the checkpoint established at the entrance to Birnabala village, northwest of Jerusalem, arrested Ibrahim Riyad Ibrahim Jaradat (30), from the abovementioned village. Ibrahim was arrested while he was coming back from his work at Palestine Satellite Channel in Ramallah . He was taken to an unknown destination.

 

• At approximately 17:00 on Tuesday, 15 March 2016, Israeli forces stationed at ‘Inab checkpoint, south of Nablus, arrested Shimaa Nasir Khalid ‘Atatrah (17), from Ya’bood village, southwest of Jenin, while she was crossing the checkpoint coming from Jenin. Israeli forces stopped a taxi carrying Shimaa and ordered her to step out. They handcuffed her and took her to an unknown destination by a military jeep. Israeli media published that Israeli forces had intelligence information about Shimaa’s intention to carry out a stabbing attack. When she approached the checkpoint, Israeli forces stopped her and searched her belongings, during which, they found a knife in her bag, so she was arrested.

 

• On Tuesday, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the western entrance to Selwad village, northeast of Ramallah. They stopped civilian vehicles travelling from and into the village, during which, they stopped a vehicle carrying Bilal Tareq Hamed (23) and arrested him.

 

• At approximately 09:00 on Wednesday, 16 March 2016, Israeli forces arrested Raied Mohammed Yousef al-Atrash (35), originally from Hebron, in Khan al-Ahmar area, west of Ramallah, while he was accompanying his mother at al-Karamah crossing. They stopped him at the checkpoint and took him to an unknown destination.

 

4. Efforts to Create Jewish majority

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

• At approximately 02:00 on Tuesday, 15 March 2016, the Palestinian Ministry of Health declared that Nahed Fawzi Mutair (24) from Qalendia refugee camp, north of Jerusalem, succumbed to wounds she previously sustained.

According to PCHR’s investigations at that time at approximately 22:00 on Monday, 29 February 2016, Israeli forces accompanied with 1500 Israeli soldiers and Apache helicopters moved into Qalandia refugee camp, north of occupied Jerusalem. Meanwhile, dozens of Palestinian young men chased a jeep carrying two disguised Israeli soldiers. When the Palestinian young men knew that the jeep belongs to Israeli soldiers, they threw stones at the jeep and burned it. As a result, the two Israeli soldiers flee to the camp cemetery and hid there waiting Israeli forces to get them out of the camp. During that, Israeli forces imposed a tight cordon on the camp, and Israeli snipers topped houses. In the meantime, armed clashes erupted between a number of armed Palestinian young men and Israeli forces.  As a result, Eyad Omar Sajdiya (22) was killed with while ten others were wounded; one of whom was Mutair who sustained a serious wound.

 

Collective Punishment Policy against Families of Palestinian accused of attacking Israelis

 

• On Thursday, 12 March 2016, Israeli authorities deported brothers of Fouad Abu Rajab living in al-‘Issawiyah village, northeast of Jerusalem, to the West Bank under the pretext of illegally staying in the city of Jerusalem.

Lawyer Mohammad Mahmoud said that the Israeli authorities summoned on the aforementioned day morning Fouad’s mother, 19-year old sister Reem, 16-year old sister Rose, 15-year old brother Mahmoud and 14-year old brother Mohammad to refer to al-Maskobiyeh police station at in West Jerusalem. After interrogating them, the Israeli Intelligence decided to deport them to the West Bank under the pretext of illegally staying in Jerusalem since they are holders of West Bank ID. The decision did not include the mother since she holds an Israeli ID.  The lawyer added that the Intelligence informed them that their family reunion application was cancelled. He also explained that the Israeli police transferred Fouad’s deported family to Qalandia checkpoint, north of the city, in a police car.

On the other hand, the judge extended the arrest of Fou’ad’s father until next Monday, 14 March 2016, under the pretext of helping his son to carry out the shooting attack on Salah al-Deen Street in Jerusalem on 08 March 2016; during which Fou’ad was killed.

It should be mentioned that deportation decision included all Fouad’s siblings mentioned above in addition to ‘Abed (11) and the two-year old twin, ‘Amer and ‘Omer two.

 

Arrests and Incursions

 

• At approximately 13:00 on Friday, 11 March 2016, Israeli forces arrested Anas Qasem Falah Aqra’a from Qablan village, south of Nablus, under the pretext of stabbing an Israeli settler in ‘Aqabet al-Khalidiyah in East Jerusalem’s Old City. The Israeli police said in a statement that they arrested a Palestinian who stabbed a 29-year-old settler.  As a result, the settlers sustained minor to middle wounds in the upper part of his body.  Residents of ‘Aqbet al-Khaldiyah neighborhood said that Israeli forces closed the vicinity of the area, where the stabbing happened, with iron barriers.  They also closed Old Jerusalem gates and detained 3 Jerusalemites following the stabbing attack.

 

• At approximately 04:00 on 11 March 2016, Israeli forces moved into Gate of Remission neighborhood in the Old City of East Jerusalem. They raided and searched a number of houses.  They then arrested Taher Mohammed al-Fakhouri (23) and Mahmoud Tariq al-Fakhouri (19) and later withdrew taking them to an unknown destination.

 

• At approximately 02:00 on Sunday, 13 March 2016, Israeli forces moved into Qalendia refugee camp, north of Jerusalem. They raided a number of houses, including a house belonging to Jamal Jahjouh, Fatah Secretary in the camp, after destroying the doors. Israeli forces arrested Mahmoud Zayed (21) and Mohammed Khaled Shehadah (17) and later withdrew taking him to an unknown destination.

 

• At approximately 00:00 on Monday, 14 March 2016, Israeli forces raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Rabah ‘Alian in al-‘Issawiyah village, northeast of Bethlehem. They arrested his son Mohammed (21) and later withdrew taking him to an unknown destination.

 

• At approximately 01:00 on the same Monday, Israeli forces moved into Qalendia refugee camp, north of East Jeruslaem. They raided and searched a number of houses and questioned the reisdents.  During the raid which lasts for hours, Israeli forces arrested 5 civilians from the camp and took them to an unknown destination.  The arrested civilians were identified as Mohammed Ashraf al-Shaw’ani (18); Nasser ‘Asaf (21); ‘Omer Ja’afar (20); Hamzah Zayed (29) and Mohammed ‘Emad (27).

 

• At approximately 19:00 on the same Monday, Israeli forces arrested Wafaa’ Mohammed Warrad Abu Helal (29) and Enas Sa’id ‘Abdullah Abu Helal (25) from Abu Dis village, east of Jerusalem, while crossing al-Zaytounah checkpoint in the nearby ‘Izzariyah village. The Israeli authorities claimed that “They foiled a stabbing attack planned by two Palestinian young women from Abu Dis.  The women intended to enter Jerusalem, but raised suspicions on them.  Therefore, the Israeli forces thoroughly searched them and found two knives with them.  The women admitted that they intended to carry out an attack in Jerusalem.  They were then referred for interrogation.”  The women’s lawyer, Bassam Baher, refuted the Israeli claims about the 2 women heading to al-Zaytounah checkpoint to enter Jerusalem because they will not be allowed to cross the checkpoint, as Israeli forces only allow people over 55 years old to cross.  Moreover, it is impossible that those who cross the checkpoint would have direct contact with the Israeli soldiers, who are stationed inside glass rooms and talk with Palestinians via loudspeakers.  Thus, this refutes the women’s intention to carry out a stabbing attack at the checkpoint.

 

• At approximately 03:00 on Tuesday, 15 March 2016, israeli forces moved into al-Mukaber Mount neighborhood, southeast of Jerusalem. They raided and searched a number of houses.  They then arrested Salah Ahmed Halsah (23) and Rami Zahaykah (22) and later withdrew taking them to an unknown destination.

 House demolitions, demolition notices and attempts to seize civilian houses: 

• On Thursday, 10 March 2016, Joint crews of the Israeli municipality and Nature and Parks Authority under the Israeli forces’ protection raided Wadi Hilweh Information Centre in Silwan. Majd Geith from the Information Centre said that the Israeli forces surprisingly raided the centre and checked his ID.  They then took photos of the pictures hung on the walls as an officer said those pictures are inciting.

Gheith added that the Israeli forces fined the centre with NIS 475 under the pretext of placing an iron chain in front of the centre’s gate to protect children when leaving the centre. The Israeli forces gave the centre 7 days to remove it or they will raid the centre again.  Gheith pointed out that the centre placed the chain few months ago to protect children from the run-overs especially that the municipality neglects the residents’ needs of parking spots and sidewalks.

 

• At approximately 10:00 on Sunday, 13 March 2016, Israeli municipality crews moved into al-‘Isswiyah village, northeast of Jerusalem, and handed administrative demolition orders to several Jerusalemites living in apartments under the pretext of building without a permit.

Fadi al-‘Issawi said that the municipality crews along with Israeli forces raided his building of in Hamayel al-‘Arab area and handed his family an administrative demolition concerning his building.  Fadi explained that his building was built in 2001 and consists of 3 residential apartments where 8 individuals live. He added that he obtained the necessary permits from the competent authorities, but built more than the allowed area.  Therefore, he was fined with NIS 75,000 which he finished paying in 2006.  He has been working all those years to obtain a permit for the extra area.  Fadi also said that he fulfilled all the building permit requirements but the “environmental tax” in order to get the permit.  However, he was surprised by the administrative demolition order he received.

 

• The Israeli municipality crews later raided the building of Mohammad Dawoud Mahmoud in the Schools neighbourhood in al-‘Issawiyah village, and handed him an administrative demolition order concerning two floors in his 4-storey building.

Mahmoud explained that his building was established in 2001 when he had a permit to build a basement and one floor. He tried to obtain the necessary permits for the two additional floors, but the municipality fined him with NIS 200,000, which he will finish paying in 2019.  He added that his sons Eyad and Ahmad live in the third and fourth floors with their families of 10 members.

 

• At approximately 11:00 on Tuesday, 15 March 2016, Israeli municipality crews raided and searched two houses belonging to Abu Sal’oum family in al-Thawri neighbourhood, south of Jerusalem’s Old City, and handed them administrative demolition orders for their houses under the pretext of building without a permit.

Ahmed Abu Sal’oum said that the municipality crews moved into al-thawri neighbourhood and took photos of its streets and some facilities.  They then handed a demolition notice to Ismail Abu Sal’oum for his apartment located in a 3-storey building, and another notice to a nearby house belonging to his nephew Mohammad. He pointed out that both houses have been established since 1995 and the families have paid building violation fees and fines in addition to lawyers’ and engineers’ fees in an attempt to obtain a permit but in vain.  Ismail’s 100-square-meter apartment shelters 7 persons while his nephew’s is 45 square meters with 4 persons living in it.

 

• On Tuesday afternoon, the Israeli bulldozers leveled a storehouse belonging to Walid al-Hroub and rented by Shadi Matour, Deputy of Fatah Secretary in Jerusalem, in al-Barid Suburb, north of Jerusalem, under the pretext of building without a permit.

Fadi Matour, Shadi’s brother, said that the Israeli forces accompanied with bulldozers belonging to the Civil Administration in Beit Eil settlement moved into al-Barid Suburb, north of Jerusalem.  They surrounded and evacuated a clothes storehouse belonging to his brother Shadi in order to demolish it under the pretext of building without a permit.  Fadi Matour added that the civil administration crews demolished the 300-square-meter storehouse without a warning.  Meanwhile, the crews deliberately and carelessly threw the contents of the storehouse on the main street.  Matour said that the Israeli forces arrested his brother Shadi after attacking him.

 

Recommendations to the International Community

PCHR emphasizes the international community’s position that the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, are still under Israeli occupation, in spite of Israeli military redeployment outside the Gaza Strip in 2005. PCHR further confirms that Israeli forces continued to impose collective punishment measures on the Gaza Strip, which have escalated since the 2006 Palestinian parliamentary elections, in which Hamas won the majority of seats of the Palestinian Legislative Council. PCHR stresses that there is international recognition of Israel’s obligation to respect international human rights instruments and the international humanitarian law, especially the Hague Regulations concerning the Laws and Customs of War on Land and the Geneva Conventions. Israel is bound to apply the international human rights law and the law of war sometime reciprocally and other times in parallel in a way that achieves the best protection for civilians and remedy for victims.

 

In light of continued arbitrary measures, land confiscation and settlement activities in the West Bank, and the latest 51-day offensive against civilians in the Gaza Strip, PCHR calls upon the international community, especially the United Nations, the High Contracting Parties to the Geneva Convention and the European Union – in the context of their natural obligation to respect and enforce the international law – to cooperate and act according to the following recommendations:

 

1. PCHR calls upon the international community and the United Nations to use all available means to allow the Palestinian people to enjoy their right to self-determination, through the establishment of the Palestinian State, which was recognized by the UN General Assembly with a vast majority, using all international legal mechanisms, including sanctions to end the occupation of the State of Palestine;
2. PCHR calls upon the United Nations to provide international protection to Palestinians in the oPt, and to ensure the non-recurrence of aggression against the oPt, especially the Gaza Strip;
3. PCHR calls upon the High Contracting Parties to the Geneva Conventions to compel Israel, as a High Contracting Party to the Conventions, to apply the Conventions in the oPt;
4. PCHR calls upon the Parties to international human rights instruments, especially the Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, to pressurize Israel to comply with their provisions in the oPt, and to compel it to incorporate the human rights situation in the oPt in its reports submitted to the concerned committees;
5. PCHR calls upon the High Contracting Parties to the Geneva Conventions to fulfil their obligation to ensure the application of the Conventions, including extending the scope of their jurisdiction in order to prosecute suspected war criminals, regardless of the nationality of the perpetrator and the place of a crime, to pave the way for prosecuting suspected Israeli war criminals and end the longstanding impunity they have enjoyed;
6. PCHR calls on States that apply the principle of universal jurisdiction not to surrender to Israeli pressure to limit universal jurisdiction to perpetuate the impunity enjoyed by suspected Israeli war criminals;
7. PCHR calls upon the international community to act in order to stop all Israeli settlement expansion activities in the oPt through imposing sanctions on Israeli settlements and criminalizing trading with them;
8. PCHR calls upon the UN General Assembly to transfer the Goldstone Report to the UN Security Council in order to refer it to the International Criminal Court in accordance with Article 13(b) of the Rome Statute;
9. PCHR calls upon the United Nations to confirm that holding war criminals in the Palestinian-Israeli conflict is a precondition to achieve stability and peace in the regions, and that peace cannot be built on the expense of human rights;
10. PCHR calls upon the UN General Assembly and Human Rights Council to explicitly declare that the Israeli closure policy in Gaza and the annexation wall in the West Bank are illegal, and accordingly refer the two issues to the UN Security Council to impose sanctions on Israel to compel it to remove them;
11. PCHR calls upon the international community, in light of its failure to the stop the aggression on the Palestinian people, to at least fulfil its obligation to reconstruct the Gaza Strip after the series of hostilities launched by Israel which directly targeted the civilian infrastructure;
12. PCHR calls upon the United Nations and the European Union to express a clear position towards the annexation wall following the international recognition of the State of Palestine on the 1967 borders, as the annexation wall seizes large parts of the State of Palestine;
13. PCHR calls upon the European Union to activate Article 2 of the EU-Israel Association Agreement, which provides that both sides must respect human rights as a precondition for economic cooperation between the EU states and Israel, and the EU must not ignore Israeli violations and crimes against Palestinian civilians;

 

 

 

 

 

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Public Document

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