Israeli forces continue systematic crimes in the occupied Palestinian territory (oPt)
(02 – 08 June 2016)
Beit Jala – Israeli Forces Continue Building Annexation Wall
- Israeli forces continued to use excessive force in the oPt
- 2 Palestinian civilians, including a woman, were killed, north of the West Bank
- 5 civilians, including a child, were wounded in the West Bank and a 6th was wounded in the Gaza Strip.
- Israeli forces conducted 48 into Palestinian communities in the West Bank and 2 limited ones in the Gaza Strip.
- 44 civilians, including 6 children, were arrested in the West Bank.
- 11 of them, including 5 children, were arrested in occupied Jerusalem.
- Israeli forces continued to target Palestinian fishermen in the Gaza Strip Sea.
- A girl child and her sister were wounded by the gunfire of Israeli gunboats stationed in the sea off Rafah shore.
- 3 fishermen (brothers) were arrested and their boat was drowned, north of the Gaza Strip.
- Israeli forces continued their efforts to create Jewish majority in occupied East Jerusalem.
- 80 health service units in Bab al-Ghawanmah were closed. These health unties used to offer health services to worshippers at al-Aqsa Mosque.
- Israeli forces continued settlement activities in the West Bank.
- New house demolition notices were issued in area (C).
- Israeli forces turned the West Bank into cantons and continued to impose the illegal closure on the Gaza Strip for the 9th
- Dozens of temporary checkpoints were established in the West Bank and others were re-established to obstruct the movement of Palestinian civilians.
- 10 Palestinian civilians were arrested at military checkpoints in the West Bank.
- A Palestinian trader was arrested at Beit Hanoun “Erez” crossing, while another was arrested in occupied Jerusalem.
Summary
Israeli violations of international law and international humanitarian law in theoPt continued during the reporting period (02 – 08 June 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 2 Palestinian civilians, including a woman, in the West Bank, and wounded 8 others, including a girl child and her sister.
In the West Bank, in a new crime of excessive use of lethal force, Israeli forces killed Ansar Harsha (25), from Qufin village, north of Tulkarm, while she was present at Enab military checkpoint, east of the city, on 02 June 2016. Israeli websites claimed that the Palestinian woman had arrived at the checkpoint with a small knife in her hand. She attempted to stab someone, but the Israeli soldiers opened fire at her, due to which she sustained serious wounds and then died. It should be noted that the aforementioned woman did not pose any threat to the Israeli soldiers. Besides, she was a mother of 2 children and had left home on the above mentioned day heading to Nablus to apply for a job.
In another crimes of excessive use of force, Israeli forces killed Jamal Dweikat (20), from Balatah village, east of Nablus. According to PCHR’s investigations, on Thursday, 02 June 2016, Israeli forces moved into Balatah village in company of dozens of buses carrying settlers to Joseph Tomb. In the meanwhile, dozens of youngsters gathered and threw stones and empty bottles at the Israeli vehicles, due to which, Israeli forces opened fire to disperse them. As a result, the aforementioned person sustained a bullet wound to the head. He was then taken to Rafidiya Hospital, as his wound was very critical. He was admitted to the operations room. On 04 June 2016, Dweikat was transferred to Tel HaShomer Hospital in Israel. On Monday, 06 June 2016, medical sources at the Palestinian Ministry of Health pronounced Dweikat dead. It should be noted that another child was wounded on that day too.
On 03 June 2016, a 21-year-old male was wounded by a bullet to the left leg when Israeli forces moved into Kufor Malek village, northeast of Ramallah.
In the context of using forces against peaceful protests, 3 Palestinian civilians were wounded in 2 peaceful protests organized at the eastern entrance to Kufor Qaddoum village, east of Qalqilya on Friday and Saturday, 03 and 04 June 2016.
In the Gaza Strip, in the context of Israeli forces opening fire at peaceful protests, on 03 June 2016, Israeli forces opened fire at dozens of Palestinian youngsters who headed to the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel, east of al-Shuja’iya neighbourhood, east of Gaza City. They threw stones at the Israeli soldiers stationed at the border fence, as a result, a civilian was hit with a bullet to the right leg.
Concerning targeting Palestinian fishermen in the Gaza Strip Sea, Wafa’ al-Sha’er (17) sustained a superficial wound to the right buttock and her sister Eman (21) was hit with the same bullet that settled in her left leg. They were wounded by the random gunfire of Israeli gunboats stationed off Rafah shore, south of the Gaza Strip.
On 02 June 2016, Israeli gunboats stationed off al-Sudaniya shore, north of the Gaza Strip, opened fire at Palestinian fishing boats sailing within 3 nautical miles in the sea.
On 03 June 2016, Israeli gunboats stationed off al-Waha shore, northwest of Beit Lahia, north of the Gaza Strip, opened fire at the Palestinian fishing boats twice. No casualties were reported in both incidents.
On 07 June 2016, Israeli gunboats stationed off Rafah shore, south of the Gaza Strip, opened fire at a group of Palestinian fishing boats sailing within 6 nautical miles. Neither casualties nor material damage were reported.
On 08 June 2016, Israeli gunboats opened heavy fire at fishing boats sailing off al-Waha shore, north of the Gaza Strip. Two gunboats surrounded a fishing boat manned by 3 fishermen: Khalil (21), Shaher (19) and Mohammed Abu Riyala (18), from al-Shati’ refugee camp, west of Gaza City. The Israeli navy officers ordered them to take off their clothes and swim towards one of the gunboats. The 3 fishermen were taken to an unknown destination, while the boat was drowned due to the heavy gunfire.
Incursions:
During the reporting period, Israeli forces conducted at least 48 military incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank and 3 ones in occupied East Jerusalem and its suburbs. During these incursions, Israeli forces arrested at least 44 Palestinian civilians, including 6 children. Eleven of them, including 5 children, were arrested in occupied Jerusalem.
In the Gaza Strip, on 02 June 2016, Israeli forces moved about 150 meters into the east of al-Bureij refugee camp in the central Gaza Strip. They levelled lands along the border fence and then headed northwards to Gaza valley, after which they redeployed behind the border fence.
On 07 June 2016, Israeli forces moved about 50 meters near Sofa military checkpoint in al-Shouka village, east of Rafah. They levelled and combed lands and established sand barriers in the area. The Israeli vehicles 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:
On 03 June 2016, the Israeli municipality crews closed health service units in al-Ghawanma Gate, one of al-Aqsa mosque gates in the Old City of occupied Jerusalem. It was scheduled that the Islamic Endowments Department opens the health units building (80 health units) on 1st Ramadan to offer services to worshippers in al-Aqsa mosque during the holy month of Ramadan.
Details
- Incursions into Palestinian Areas, and Attacks on Palestinian Civilians and Property in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip
Thursday, 02 June 2016
- At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into Sida village, north of Tulkarm. They raided and searched 3 houses from which they arrested Bilal Nimer Yousef ‘Ajjaj (54), Mohamed Hamza Ahmed ‘Ajjaj (19) and Shadi Fares Mahmoud al-Ashqar (19).
- Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Faqo’a village, northeast of Jenin. They raided and searched a house belonging to Bashir Abdul Kareem Rashid al-‘Omary (29) and arrested him.
- Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into many neighbourhoods in Hebron, and stationed in Abu Katilah Valley. They raided and searched 2 houses from which they arrested Tahseen Ali al-Jab’a (40) and Hazem Hamed al-Junadi (30).
- At approximately 04:30, Israeli forces moved into Qabatia village, southeast of Jenin. They raided and searched a house belonging to Faisal Mohamed Kmail (22) and arrested him.
- At approximately 08:00, Israeli forces accompanied with military vehicles moved about 150 meters into the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel, east of al-Bureij refugee camp, in the centre of the Gaza Strip. Israeli vehicles patrolled the area and levelled lands along the fence. They then headed to the north of Gaza valley. Israeli forces continued their incursion until 16:00 on the same day, but then re-deployed along the border fence.
- At approximately 11:30, Israeli gunboats stationed off al-Sudaniyia shore, north of the Gaza Strip, sporadically opened fire at Palestinian fishing boats sailing within 3 nautical miles, but no casualties were reported.
- In a new crime of excessive use of lethal force, in the afternoon, Israeli forces killed a Palestinian young woman when she was at ‘Inab checkpoint, east of Tulkarm. Israeli media claimed that the Palestinian woman arrived at the abovementioned checkpoint holding a knife and attempted to carry out a stabbing attack. As a result, the Israeli soldiers opened fire at her, so she sustained serious wounds and immediately died. According to PCHR’s investigations, at approximately 12:30, Ansar Husam Hefzi Harshah (25), from Qufeen village, north of Tulkarm, arrived at ‘Inab checkpoint, east of the city, coming from Nablus. In the meantime, there were no Israeli soldiers at the checkpoint, as they were fortified in a watchtower established there. After that, Ansar headed to the watchtower and was holding a small knife, Israeli forces immediately opened fire at her, so she fell to the ground. A large force of Israeli soldiers accompanied with military vehicles immediately arrived at the area and closed the checkpoint in both directions. A PRCS ambulance arrived at the area, but the Israeli forces prevented it from approaching the corpse. Half an hour later, an Israeli ambulance arrived and took the corpse to an unknown destination. It should be mentioned that the victim was married and mother of two children. She left her house on the same day morning in order to apply for a job in Nablus.
- At approximately 23:20, Israeli forces accompanied with military vehicles and dozens of buses, traveling settlers to the Joseph Tomb to perform religious rituals, moved into Balatah refugee camp, east of Nablus. In the meantime, dozens of Palestinian young men gathered and threw stones and empty bottles at the military vehicles. The Israeli forces then fired live bullets and sound bombs at the protesters to disperse them. As a result, Jamal Mohamed Merweh Salman Dweikat (20) was hit with a live bullet to the head and was then taken to Rafidia Hospital and entered the operation room. When Palestinian civilians knew about Jamal’s injury, clashes erupted between Israeli forces and number of young men in the vicinity of Joseph Tomb and at the entrance of Balatah refugee camp. As a result, a 16-year-old male, from Balatah refugee camp, was hit with a Two-Two bullet to the left thigh and was then taken to Rafidia Hospital to receive medical treatment. Medical sources in the hospital classified his injuries as moderate.
At approximately 13:00 on Saturday, 04 June 2016, after coordinating with the Israeli authorities, Dweikat was taken, along with his mother, by a PRCS ambulance to Hewarah checkpoint at the southern entrance to Nablus and was handed to a Magen David Adom (MDA) ambulance. The MDA ambulance took Dweikat to Tel Hashomer Hospital in Tel Aviv. At approximately 18:00, information leaked that Dweikat entered into a state of clinical death. On Monday, 06 June 2016, Medical sources in the Palestinian Ministry of Health declared that Dowekat succumbed to his wounds.
Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (4) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: Sa’ir, Beit ‘Awaa, Beit Marsim and al-Majd villages in Hebron.
Friday, 03 June 2016
- At approximately 01:30, Israeli forces accompanied with military vehicles moved into Kufur Malek village, northeast of Ramallah. Israeli infantry forces patrolled the area, so a number of Palestinian young men gathered and threw stones at them. The Israeli soldiers opened fire in response. As a result, a 21-year-old male was hit with a live bullet to the left leg and was then taken to Palestine Medical Complex. Medical sources classified his injuries as moderate.
- At approximately 01:50, Israeli forces moved into Selwad village, northeast of Ramallah. They raided and searched 2 houses belonging to Ahmed Hussain Hamed (23) and Isma’il Saleh (20) and handed both of them summonses to refer to the Israeli Intelligence Service.
- At approximately 08:30, Israeli gunboats stationed northwest of Beit Lahia, north of the Gaza Strip, sporadically opened fire at Palestinian fishing boats sailing within 2 nautical miles. As a result, the fishermen were forced to flee to the shore, and no arrests were reported.
- At approximately 18:00, Israeli gunboats stationed off Rafah shore, south of the Gaza Strip, indiscriminately opened fire at the shore. As a result, Wafaa’ Ahmed Abdul Kareem al-Sha’ir (17) sustained a superficial bullet wound to the right buttock while her sister Eman (21) was hit with the same bullet that settled in the right leg. The abovementioned persons were wounded while they were with their family in a cafeteria by the shore. They were then taken to Abu Yousef al-Najar Hospital, where their wounds were classified as moderate.
- Around the same time, Israeli gunboats stationed northwest of Beit Lahia, north of the Gaza Strip, sporadically opened fire at Palestinian fishing boats sailing within 1 nautical mile. As a result, the fishermen were forced to flee to the shore, and no arrests were reported.
Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (5) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: Dura, Sureef, Beit Oula, Tafouh and al-Koum villages in Hebron.
Saturday, 04 June 2016
- At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into Tarqomiya village, northwest of Hebron, and stationed in the eastern area. They raided and searched a house belonging to Abdul Rahman Sa’di Etrish (36) and arrested him.
- Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Taqou’ village, southeast of Bethlehem. They raided and searched 2 houses belonging to Amer Salim Jebril (21) and Odai Mahmoud Abu Mefreh (19), and handed both of them summonses to refer to the Israeli Intelligence Service in “Gosh ‘Etzion” settlement complex, south of the city.
Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (3) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: Kharas and al-Hadeb villages in Hebron, and Hawarah village, in the south of Nablus.
Sunday, 05 June 2016
- At approximately 01:00, Israeli forces moved into Sa’ir village, north of Hebron, and stationed in the eastern side of the village. They raided a house belonging to Younis Ahmed Kawazbah (60), father of Ahmed Kawazbah (18), who was killed on 05 January 2016 by Israeli forces near “Gosh ‘Etzion” settlement intersection, south of Bethlehem, claiming that he attempted to carry out a stabbing attack. Israeli forces searched the abovementioned house and forced the family to leave the house. After that, they arrested Younis and later withdrew. At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into al -Waad area, west of the village. They raided and searched a house belonging to Jawad Yunis Shalaldah (33) and arrested him.
- At approximately 01:30, Israeli forces moved into al-Hawouz area, south of Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to Amar Mohamed al-Shurbati (26) and arrested him.
- At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into Bani Na’im village, east of Hebron. They raided and searched 2 houses belonging to Mohamed Khalil Zaidat (76) and his son Mousa (50) and arrested both of them. After that, Israeli forces moved into the center of the village and raided a house belonging to Ali Husain Zaidat (40) and arrested him.
- Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Dura al-Qare’ village, north of Ramallah. They raided and searched a house belonging to ‘Awadallah Jamal ‘Awadallah Hasan (21) and arrested him.
- At approximately 03:00, Israeli forces moved into al-‘Aroub refugee camp, north of Hebron, and stationed near the western entrance to the camp. They raided and searched 2 houses belonging to Moa’yad Ali Abu Sil (22) and Mohib Mahmoud al-Najmi (20). Israeli forces arrested the abovementioned persons and took them to a detention center in “Gosh ‘Etzion” settlement, south of Bethlehem.
Note
: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (3) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: Yatta and Halhoul in Hebron, and Ya’bod village, southwest of Jenin.
Monday, 06 June 2016
- At approximately 01:00, Israeli forces moved into al-Shayoukh village, north of Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to Raied Hisham al-Mattour (23) and arrested him.
- At approximately 01:50, Israeli forces accompanied with military vehicles moved into Hijah village, east of Qalqiliya. They raided and searched a house belonging to Bashar Burhan Ahmed Ghabin (20) and arrested him.
- At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into Nahalin village, west of Bethlehem. They raided and searched a house belonging to Mohand Ahmed Abu ‘Akir (36) and arrested him.
- Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into many neighbourhoods in Hebron; 3 patrols of which arrived at al-Zaytoun suburb in the southern area of the city. They raided and searched a house belonging to ‘Adnan Younis Abu Tabbanah (48), a lecturer at al-Quds Open University, and arrested him. In the meantime, many other patrols moved into al-Namirah neighborhood, north of the city. They raided and searched a house belonging to Jawad Mohamed al-Ja’bari (43) and arrested him. After that, Israeli forces moved into al-Dihdah area and raided a house belonging to Hatem Mahmoud Doafash, and arrested him. At approximately 04:30, Israeli forces withdrew and took the arrested persons to an unknown destination.
- At approximately 02:30, Israeli forces moved into Wadi Fokin village, west of Bethlehem. They raided and searched a house belonging to Ibrahim ‘Atyiah Manasrah (19) and arrested him. At approximately 03:00, Israeli forces raided and searched a house belonging to Suliman Isaa al-Hroub, and arrested him as well.
Note
: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (5) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: Far’oun village, south of Tulkarm; Sureef village, northwest of Hebron; and Kherebtha Bani Harith, Bitin and Ras Karkar villages in Ramallah.
Tuesday, 07 June 2016
- At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into Beit Fajjar village, south of Bethlehem. They raided and searched many houses from which they arrested 2 civilians, including a child. The arrested persons were identified as Mohamed Isaa Fakhri Thawabtah (17) and Mohamed Ja’far Taqatqah (19).
- At approximately 05:00, Israeli forces moved into Sorif village, west of Hebron, and stationed in the southern area of the village. They raided and searched many houses from which they arrested Jebril Abu Farah (58), and his two sons Rafe’a (20) and ‘Alaa (22); Mahmoud Mohamed al-Heeyh (31) and Osaid Ali Abu Khdair (34).
- At approximately 21:00, Israeli gunboats stationed off Rafah shore, south of the Gaza Strip, fired live and rubber-coated metal bullets at Palestinian fishing boats sailing within 6 nautical miles. No casualties were reported.
Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (5) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: Jaljiliya and Kherbitha Bani Harith villages, northwest of Ramallah; al-Fawar and al-‘Aroub refugee camps and Shoyoukh al-‘Aroub village in Hebron.
Wednesday,06 June 2016
- At approximately 01:30, Israeli forces moved into Ni’lin village, west of Ramallah. They raided and searched a house belonging to Mahmoud Khalil Srour (19) and arrested him.
- At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into Dura al-Qare’ village, north of Ramallah. They raided and searched a house belonging to Eyad Nahid Fawaqah (20) and arrested him.
- At approximately 06:00, Israeli gunboats stationed northwest of Beit Lahia, north of the Gaza Strip, heavily opened fire at Palestinian fishing boats sailing within 5 nautical miles. Two Israeli gunboats approached a fishing boat manned by 3 brothers, who were identified as Khalil (21), Shaher (19) and Mohamed Muhsin Khalil Abu Riyalah (18), from al-Shati’ camp, west of Gaza City. Israeli navy forces forced the fishermen to take their clothes off, swim towards an Israeli gunboat and took them to an unknown destination. Z akaria Baker, Head of Agricultural Work Committees Union, said that the fishermen confirmed that Israeli gunboats heavily opened fire at the fishing boat, causing it to drawn.
- At approximately 13:00, Israeli forces accompanied with military vehicles and bulldozers moved about 50 meters into al-Shokah village, east of Rafah. They patrolled leveled and combed lands and established sand barriers in the area, before re-deploying along the border fence.
- Use of excessive force against peaceful demonstrations protesting settlement activities and the construction of the annexation wall
West Bank:
- On Friday, 03 June 2016, dozens of Palestinian young men gathered at the western entrance to Selwad village, northeast of Ramallah; and at the southern entrance to al-Jalazoun refugee camp, north of the city, to organize demonstrations in protest at the Israeli attacks against Palestinian civilians. The protesters threw stones at Israeli forces, who fired live bullets, rubber-coated metal bullets, tear gas canisters, and sound bombs at them. As a result, many civilians suffered tear gas inhalation.
Gaza Strip:
- At approximately 14:30 on Friday, 03 June 2016, dozens of Palestinian young men headed to the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel, east of al-Shuja’iya neighbourhood, east of the Gaza City. The protesters threw stones at the Israeli soldiers stationed along the fence. Israeli soldiers stationed behind sand barriers opened fire at the protesters. As a result, a civilian was hit with a live bullet to the right leg and was then taken to al-Shifa Hospital, where his wound were classified as moderate.
Demonstrations against the annexation wall and settlement activities
- At approximately 13:30, on Friday, 03 June 2016, Palestinian civilians and Israeli and international human rights defenders organized a protest in the center of Kufor Qaddoum village, northeast of Qalqiliya, and then made their way to the eastern entrance to the village in protest against closing that entrance since the beginning of al-Aqsa Intifada with an iron gate. When the protesters approached the entrance, Israeli forces fired live bullets, rubber-coated metal bullets, tear gas canisters and sound bombs at them. As a result, 2 brothers were wounded, the first (19), was hit with a live bullet to the right thigh, while the second (20) was hit with a live bullet to the right thigh too.
- Following the Friday prayer, dozens of Palestinians and Israeli and international human rights defenders organised protests against the annexation wall and settlement activities in Bil’in and Nil’in villages, west of Ramallah, and al-Nabi Saleh village, northwest of city. Israeli forces used force to disperse the protesters by firing live bullets, metal bullets, tear gas canisters and sound bombs and chased the protesters into the olive fields and between houses. As a result, many civilians suffered tear gas inhalation and others sustained bruises as Israeli soldiers beat them up.
- At approximately 17:30, on Friday, 04 June 2016, Palestinian civilians and Israeli and international human rights defenders organized a protest in the center of Kufor Qaddoum village, northeast of Qalqiliya, and then made their way to the eastern entrance of the village in protest against closing that entrance since the beginning of al-Aqsa Intifada with an iron gate. When the protesters approached the entrance, Israeli forces fired live bullets, rubber-coated metal bullets, tear gas canisters and sound bombs at them. As a result, a civilian was hit with a live bullet to the right thigh.
Note: PCHR keeps the names of the injured persons in the aforementioned demonstrations. Rubber-coated metal bullets are lethal if they hit the head of victim from a close range.
- 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
Date |
Imports |
|
Category |
Amount |
|
Tons |
Number |
Liters |
|
31 May |
Various goods |
5341 |
|
|
|
Humanitarian aid |
17442 |
|
|
|
Cooking gas |
276,110 |
|
|
|
Benzene |
|
|
300,006 |
|
Diesel |
|
|
686,461 |
|
Industrial fuel |
|
|
406,022 |
Construction aggregates |
12880 |
|
|
Cement |
3480 |
|
|
|
Construction steel |
270 |
|
|
|
01 June |
Various goods |
4783.5 |
|
|
|
Humanitarian aid |
20215 |
|
|
|
Cooking gas |
271,840 |
|
|
|
Benzene |
|
|
184,017 |
|
Diesel
Diesel for UNRWA |
|
|
298,014
76,000 |
|
Industrial fuel |
|
|
288,000 |
Construction aggregates |
11240 |
|
|
|
Cement |
2640 |
|
|
|
Construction steel |
5340 |
|
|
02 June |
Various goods |
5916 |
|
|
Humanitarian aid |
15716 |
|
|
|
Cooking gas |
280,840 |
|
|
|
Benzene |
|
|
108,030 |
|
Diesel
Diesel for UNRWA |
|
|
259,988
38,000 |
|
Industrial fuel |
|
|
448,964 |
|
Construction aggregates |
11160 |
|
|
|
Cement |
3520 |
|
|
|
Construction steel |
600 |
|
|
|
05 June |
Various goods |
5212 |
|
|
|
Humanitarian aid |
16895 |
|
|
|
Cooking gas |
273,940 |
|
|
|
Benzene
Benzene for UNRWA |
|
|
150,006
38,000 |
|
Diesel
Diesel for UNRWA |
|
|
439,961
38,000 |
|
Industrial fuel |
|
|
228,000 |
|
Construction aggregates |
13280 |
|
|
|
Cement |
2920 |
|
|
|
Construction steel |
120 |
|
|
|
Exports:
- On Thursday, 31 May 2016, Israeli forces allowed the exportation of a truckload of stationery, 3 truckloads of vegetables, a truckload of lemons and a truckload of tomatoes.
- On Wednesday, 01 June 2016, Israeli forces allowed the exportation 6 truckloads of scrap, a truckload of tomatoes and a truckload of lemons.
- On Thursday, 02 June 2016, Israeli forces allowed the exportation of 3 truckloads of tomatoes, 2 truckloads of lemons, a truckload of eggplant, a truckload of sweet pepper, a truckload of hot pepper and a truckload of leather.
- On Sunday, 22 May 2016, Israeli forces allowed the exportation of 7 truckloads of tomatoes, a truckload of lemons, a truckload of potatoes, a truckload of cucumbers and a truckload of stationary.
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”) crossing01 – 07 June 2016
Category |
01 June |
02 June |
03 June |
04 June |
05 June |
06 June |
07 June |
Patients |
76 |
46 |
2 |
– |
86 |
63 |
71 |
Companions |
66 |
39 |
2 |
– |
82 |
61 |
61 |
Personal needs |
61 |
87 |
32 |
– |
93 |
79 |
33 |
Families
of prisoners |
– |
– |
– |
– |
– |
16 |
– |
Arabs from
Israel |
6 |
9 |
2 |
– |
14 |
– |
1 |
Diplomats |
– |
13 |
– |
– |
– |
4 |
– |
International journalists |
– |
– |
– |
– |
– |
– |
– |
International workers |
45 |
88 |
15 |
– |
14 |
21 |
16 |
Travelers
abroad |
1 |
1 |
– |
– |
6 |
56 |
– |
Business people |
315 |
358 |
3 |
2 |
571 |
228 |
252 |
Business meetings |
– |
1 |
– |
– |
– |
– |
– |
Security interviews |
3 |
5 |
– |
– |
– |
6 |
1 |
VIPs |
– |
– |
– |
– |
– |
2 |
1 |
Ambulances
to Israel |
2 |
1 |
2 |
– |
4 |
3 |
3 |
Patients’ Companions |
2 |
1 |
2 |
– |
4 |
3 |
3 |
Notes:
- On Friday, 03 June 2016, Israeli authorities allowed 265 civilians from the Gaza Strip to perform prayers in al-Aqsa Mosque in Occupied Jerusalem.
- On Wednesday, 01 June May 2016, Israeli authorities allowed a person and on Thursday, 02 June 2016, 3 persons; on Sunday, 05 June 2016, 8 persons and on Thursday, 07 June 2016, a person to renew their permits.
Israeli Forces Arrest a Trader at Beit Hanoun (“Erez”) Crossing, North of the Gaza Strip:
At approximately 07:30 on Monday, 06 June 2016, Israeli forces stationed in Beit Hanoun (Erez) crossing, north of the Gaza Strip, arrested a Palestinian businessman namely Ayatullah Ali Abdul Kareem Sarhan (37) from Jabalia refugee camp and has General Trading and Contracting company
Ayatollah’s brother said that at approximately 06:30 on the same day, Ayatullah headed to Beit Hanoun crossing after he obtained a BMC permit. At approximately 07:30, he lost contact with him. At approximately 11:00 on Wednesday, 08 June 2016, Ayatullah’s family received a call from the Israeli police informing them that they arrested Ayatullah and he is now in Ashkelon prison.
Israeli Forces Arrest Civilian from Beit Lahia, North of the Gaza Strip, in Occupied Jerusalem:
- At approximately 11:30 on Friday, 03 June 2016, Israeli forces stationed at an Israeli checkpoint in Jerusalem, arrested Fayez Mesbah Mohammed al-Attar (65) from al-Atatrah neighborhood, north of the Gaza Strip, when he was on his way to perform prayers in al-Aqsa Mosque in Occupied Jerusalem. On Thursday, 02 June 2016, al-Attar, who is a fruits and vegetables supplier, left his the Gaza Strip via his BMC permit through Beit Hanoun crossing. Al-Attar’s son, Khattab, said that he received a call from his father informing him of what happened before the Israeli soldiers confiscated and turned off his cell phone.
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 (5) checkpoints all over the city.
On Thursday, 02 June 2016, Israeli forces established 2 checkpoints at the entrances to Sa’ir and Ethna villages.
On Friday, 03 June 2016, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the entrance to Der Samet village. On Saturday, 04 June 2016, Israeli forces established 2 checkpoints at the entrances to al-Fawar refugee camp and southern Hebron (al-Fahes).
- Ramallah and al-Bireh: Israeli forces established (9) checkpoints all over the city.
On Thursday, 02 June 2016, Israeli forces established 3 checkpoints at the intersection of Ein Senia village, on the road between Ramallah and Nablus, the crossroad of Beit Our al-Fuqa village, southwest of Ramallah ad under the bridge of Kharebatha al-Mesbah village, southwest of the city.
On Friday, 03 June 2016, Israeli forces established 3 checkpoints at the entrance to al-Nabi Saleh village, northwest of Ramllah, the entrance to N’ilin village, west of the city and the eastern entrance to al-Tibah village, east of the city.
At approximately 15:30 on Monday, 06 June 2016, Israeli forces established a checkpoint under the bridge of Yabrud village, northeast of Ramallah. At approximately 21:00, they established a similar checkpoint at the entrance to Termes’ayya village, north of the city.
At approximately 10:00 on Thursday, 07 June 2016, Israeli forces established a checkpoint under the bridge of Kharbatha al-Mesbah village, southwest of Ramallah.
At approximately 09:30 on Thursday, 02 June 2016, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the eastern entrance to Qalqiliyah.
At approximately 22:00, Israeli forces established a similar checkpoint under the bridge of ‘Azzoun village on the main road between Qalqiliyah and Tulkarm.
At approximately 18:50 on Friday, 03 June 2016, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the eastern entrance to Qalqiliyah.
Tulkarm:
At approximately 12:30, on Sunday, 05 June 2016, Israeli forces established a checkpoint on the main road between Tulkarm and its villages in the northern side of the city, in the crossroad between Qoffin and eastern Baqah villages, north of Tulkarm.
At approximately 18:00 on the same day, Israeli forces stationed at ‘Inab checkpoint established on the main road between Tulkarm and Nablus, east of Tulkarm, have tightened its arbitrary measures against Palestinian civilians and obstructed their way.
Arrests at military checkpoints
- At approximately 17:00, on Thursday, 02 June 2016, Israeli forces stationed at Za’tarah military checkpoint, south of Nablus, arrested Mohammed Abdullah Hathnawi (24) from Qabatyah village, southeast of Jenin when he was returning from Ramallah. They stopped a taxi travelling Mohammed and forced the passengers to get off. After they checked their ID cards, they arrested Mohammed and took him to an unknown destination.
- At approximately 22:00 on the same Thursday, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the northern entrance to Azzoun village, east of Qalqiliya, and prevented civilians from entering or leaving the village. Before removing the checkpoint, the Israeli forces arrested Anan Esam Mohammed Suaidan (27).
- At approximately 14:00 on Friday, Israeli forces stationed at the Container checkpoint, northeast of Bethlehem, arrested Mo’men Ahmed Zaid (21) from al-Birah. They then stopped a vehicle travelled by Mo’men. They checked the passengers’ ID cards and detained him. It should be mentioned that Mo’men is a fourth-year Medicine student at in al-Quds University and he was on his way back from A’alia Hospital in Hebron where he had a practical test.
- At approximately 17:00 on Sunday, 05 June 2016, Israeli forces established a checkpoint near the entrance to Jabarah village, south of Tulkarm. They started stopping vehicles travelling in both sides and checking their ID cards. When Mo’ath Mohammed Amen al-Shaikh Husain (21), from Kafer ‘Abush village, northeast of Qalqiliyah, was passing, the Israeli forces arrested him.
- At approximately 18:00 on the same Sunday, Israeli forces arrested Abdullah Mohammed al-Qassas (25) from al-Fawar refugee camp, south of Hebron, after stopping the vehicle he was traveling at the camp entrance.
- On Thursday, 07 June 2016, Israeli forces stationed at the gate of the annexation wall established on Palestinian lands of al-Jarushiyah village, north of Tulkarm, arrested four civilians when they were passing via the gate to the Palestinian lands isolated behind the wall. The arrested civilians were identified as Nasserallah Yasser Abdul Razeq Oufi (24), Ahmed Mohammed Ahmed Oufi (33), both from from Ateel village, north of the city, and Fadi Kamal Jarar (35) from Tulkarm.
- At approximately 18:00 on Monday, 06 June 2016, Israeli forces arrested Kareem Mohammed Remawi (28) from Beit Rema village, northwest of Ramallah when he was passing through a checkpoint established by the Israeli forces near the adjacent Aboud village.
- 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: Arrests and Incursions:
- At approximately 04:00 on Sunday, 05 June 2016, Israeli forces moved into Badu village, northwest of occupied Jerusalem. They raided and searched two houses belonging to the Eyad Hassan Khadour (22) and Zuhair Ali Hamdan (24). They then arrested them.
- At approximately 19:00 on the same Sunday, Israeli forces accompanied with Israeli intelligence officers raided and searched a house belonging to Nasser Qaws (48), Director of the Palestinian Prisoners Club, in the Old City of East Jerusalem. Nasser was home when they searched the house. However, the Israeli Intelligence officers ordered his sister that he should immediately refer to their office. As soon as Nasser arrived, they arrested him and took him to an unknown destination.
- At approximately 19:00 on the same Saturday, Israeli forces arrested Hani Ahmed Dar Salem (15) from Jabaa’ village, northeast of East Jerusalem. Hani was arrested when he was in al-Ram village near Jabaa’ village.
- At approximately 21:00 on Monday, 06 June 2016, Israeli forces arrested two children when they were at al-Wad neighbourhood, in the Old City of East Jerusalem. They took them to Qishleh police station and released them after hours of investigation on a condition that they will be denied access to al-Aqsa mosque. The arrested children were identified as: the twin brothers Ali and Husain Ayman al-Ferawi (17) and Jebril Adam Balalah (16).
- At approximately 04:00 on Wednesday, 08 June 2016, Israeli forces moved into Ras al-Amoud neighbourhood, east of Jerusalem’s Old City. They raided and searched several houses after which they arrested 4 civilians. The arrested civilians were identified as Khader Badawi al-Joulani (16), Yusuf Khamis Ahmed Khalil (20), Alaa’ Imad Fawaz (21) and Abdul Rahim Ahmed Barbar (19).
House demolitions and demolition notices:
On Friday Dawn, 03 June 2016, Israeli municipality crews protected by Police officers closed health services units at al-Ghawanmah Gate, one of al-Aqsa mosque gates in the Old City in occupied Jerusalem. Islamic Endowments’ (Waqf) Department said that the Israeli municipality closed the gate and welded it with oxygen claiming that there are historical remnants. Islamic Endowments’ (Waqf) Department was supposed to open the health service building (including 80 units) on 1st Ramadan to absorb the arrivals to al-Aqsa mosque during this month. The Israeli municipality has issued a decision to stop the rehabilitation works of the health services building under the pretext of presence of historical remnants inside the building. This decision was issued by the orders of Benjamin Netanyahu, the President of the Israeli government.
- Settlement activities and attacks by settlers against Palestinian civilians and property
Israeli Forces Attacks:
- At approximately 10:00 on Sunday, 05 June 2016, Israeli forces accompanied with two military jeeps and a vehicle of the Construction and Organization Department in the Civil Administration moved into al-Barahish and Khelat al-Kutla areas, south of Hebron. They handed notices to stop construction works in two houses under the pretext of building without a permit in areas classified (c) according to Oslo Accord. The two noticed houses were as follows:
- A 280-square-meter under-construction house, comprised of 4 floors belongs to Mahmoud Khader Muqbel.
- A 200-square-meter under-construction house comprised of two floors belongs to Ibrahim Kahder Zaidan Sabarnah.
Before the Israeli forces withdrew from the vicinity of the village, they photographed several houses in Khelat al-Sair opposite to “Karmi Tsur” settlement established on Palestinian lands that were confiscated from the southern side.
- At approximately 20:30 on Wednesday, 08 June 2016, Israeli forces moved into Qasra village, southeast of Nablus. They surrounded a group of civilians in Nabouh area, southeast of the city, and then confiscated a vehicle belonging to Shadi Mohammed Deeb Ouda from the abovementioned village. Shadi works in reclamation of civilian lands. However, the Israeli forces tried to confiscate the bulldozer used in the abovementioned work, but civilians and the head of the Palestinian municipality interfered and prevented them. As a result, the Israeli soldiers fired sound bombs to disperse the civilians.
Settlers Attacks:
- On Sunday, 05 June 2016, dozens of Israeli settlers stormed al-Aqsa mosque yards through al-Magharbeh gate amidst restricted security measures by the Israeli forces. The Islamic Endowments’ (Waqf) Department stated that 307 Israeli settlers stormed al-Aqsa mosque during the abovementioned day and attempted to perform their religious rituals in the mosque yards. However, the Palestinian guards confronted them and the Israeli police then led them out of al-Aqsa mosque. Moreover, the Israeli forces arrested two sisters from Lod namely as Afnan (19) and Anhar Yusuf al-Baz (21) when both were leaving via al-Nather gate, one of al-Aqsa mosque gates. Afanan and Anhar underwent investigation for several hours in Qishleh police station in Hebron gate. They then were released on condition that they are denied access to al-Aqsa mosque.
- In the evening, thousands of Israeli settlers organized a demonstration from West Jerusalem into al-Buraq Wall via al-Amoud Gate on the 49th anniversary of occupying Jerusalem. Moreover, the roads and streets were closed, iron checkpoints were established, dozens of Police, special, border and intelligence officers were deployed particularly in al-Amoud gate area, Nablus Street and al-Saherah gate. Moreover, the settlers raised the Israeli flags during the demonstration and chanted slogans against Arabs and Muslims. At that time, a group of Palestinian civilians demonstrated in front of al-Amoud gate, raising Palestinian flags, amidst of total closure of the area. Settlers then insulted and cursed Palestinians in an attempt to provoke them. After that, the Israeli forces suppressed and dispersed them.
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:
- 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;
- 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;
- 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;
- 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;
- 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;
- 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;
- 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;
- 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;
- 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;
- 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;
- 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;
- 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;
- 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
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