Weekly Report On Israeli Human Rights Violations in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (02– 08 August 2018)
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Israeli forces continued to use force against Palestinian peaceful protestors in the Gaza Strip.
2 Palestinian civilians, including a child, were killed while another civilian succumbed to his pervious wounds.
99 Palestinian civilians, including 17 children, a woman and a paramedic, were wounded; 9 of them sustained serious wounds.
Crimes of Extra-Judicial Execution
A Palestinian civilian was killed and another one was wounded while targeting a civilian car carrying them by an Israeli drone in the northern Gaza Strip.
Israeli warplanes fired 39 missiles targeting many areas in the Gaza Strip
6 civilians, including a journalist, were wounded in the West Bank.
Israeli forces continued to open fire at the border areas in the Gaza Strip, but no injuries were reported.
Israeli forces conducted 61 incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank and 15 similar incursions were conducted in Jerusalem.
68 civilians, including 14 children, a woman and a journalist, were arrested.
30 of them, including 9 children, a woman and a journalist, were arrested in Jerusalem.
Israeli authorities continued to create a Jewish majority in occupied East Jerusalem.
2 residential apartments were demolished in Shu’fat while another civilian was forced to self-demolish his house in al-Mukaber Mount village.
Israeli forces continued their settlement activities in the West Bank.
Demolitions were conducted between “Etzion” and “Alon Shivot” settlements, south of Bethlehem, in order to build a new settlement neighborhood.
Israeli settlers punctured 10 tires in ‘Ein Yabroud village, east of Ramallah.
7 shooting incidents were reported against the Palestinian fishing boats in the Gaza Sea, but no injuries were reported.
Israeli forces turned the West Bank into cantons and continued to impose the illegal closure on the Gaza Strip for the 12th consecutive year.
Dozens of temporary and permanent checkpoints were established in the West Bank and others were re-established to obstruct the movement of Palestinian civilians.
4 Palestinian civilians were arrested at military checkpoints in the West Bank.
A civilian was arrested at Beit Hanoun (Erez) Crossing.
Summary
Israeli violations of international law and international humanitarian law in the oPt continued during the reporting period (02-08 August 2018).
Shooting:
Israeli forcescontinued to use lethal force against Palestinian civilians, who participated in peaceful demonstrations organized within the activities of the “Great March of Return and Breaking the Siege” in the Gaza Strip, which witnessed for the 19th week in a row peaceful demonstrations along the eastern and northern Gaza Strip border area. During the reporting period in the Gaza Strip, the Israeli forces killed 3 Palestinian civilians, including a child, while another child succumbed to his previous wounds. Moreover, the Israeli forces wounded 99 civilians, including 17 children, a woman and a paramedic. Nine of those wounded sustained serious wounds. Another civilian was wounded during launching airstrikes. In the West Bank, the Israeli forces wounded 6 civilians, including a journalist.
In the Gaza Strip, on 03 August 2018, Israeli forces killed 2 Palestinian civilians, including a child, while participating in the Return and Breaking Siege March. The first civilian was killed after being hit with a live bullet that entered his chest and exited his back in eastern al-Zaytoun neighborhood, east of the Gaza Strip. The second civilian was killed after being hit with a live bullet to his abdomen, east of al-Buriej Camp in the center of the Gaza Strip. The second civilian sustained serious wounds and his death was declared on the next day.
In new crime of extra-judicial execution, on 08 August 2018, Israeli forces killed a Palestinian civilian and wounded another one while targeting a civilian car carrying them by an Israeli done in the northern Gaza Strip.
In the same context, on 05 August 2018, medical sources at al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City announced the death of Ahmed Jihad Ahmed al-‘Aydi (17), from al-Zawaidah village, succumbing to his wounds during his participation in the Return demonstration, east of al-Buraij refugee camp on Friday, 30 March 2018, as he was hit with a live bullet to the head.
During the reporting period, while using the excessive force against the peaceful protesters along the Gaza Strip borders, the Israeli forces wounded 99 Palestinian civilians, including 17 children, a woman and a paramedic. Nine of those wounded sustained serious wounds.
Injuries in the Gaza Strip during this Week
Governorate
Injuries
Total
Children
Women
Journalists
Paramedics
Critical Injuries
Northern Gaza Strip
15
6
0
0
0
3
Gaza City
29
0
0
0
1
0
Central Gaza Strip
26
8
0
0
0
1
Khan Younis
18
2
1
0
0
3
Rafah
11
1
0
0
0
2
Total
99
17
1
0
1
9
As part of targeting the border areas, on 03 August 2018, Israeli forces fired an artillery shell at a border control point belonging to Palestinian armed groups while thousands of civilians participating in the March of Return and Breaking Siege activities. The point is about 300 meters into the west of the border fence with Israel, adjacent to the Return encampment, east of al-Shawkah village, east of Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip.
On 04 August 2018, Israeli forces opened fire at agricultural lands adjacent to border fence, east of al-Maghazi Camp in the center of the Gaza Strip.
On 08 August 2018, Israeli forces opened fire at border area adjacent to the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel, east of al-Zaytoun neighborhood, east of Gaza City.
On the same day, Israeli forces fired an artillery shell at a border control point belonging to Palestinian armed groups, east of Gaza City, and no casualties were reported.
As part of the airstrikes, on 04 August 2018, Israeli warplanes targeted a number of Palestinian civilians by 2 separated airstrikes while they were present in eastern Jabalia, north of the Gaza Strip, and in eastern al-Buriej Camp in the center of the Gaza Strip. No casualties were reported. The Israeli forces claimed that those young men flew incendiary kites and fired incendiary balloons at settlements near the Gaza enclave.
On 08 August 2018, Israeli warplanes and drones launched airstrikes on the Gaza Strip, in which they fired 37 missiles at least.
As part of targeting Palestinian fishermen in the Gaza Sea, the Israeli forces continued to escalate their attacks against the Palestinian fishermen, pointing out to the ongoing Israeli policy of targeting their livelihoods. During the reporting period, PCHR documented 7 shooting incidents at the fishermen, including 4 in the northern Gaza Strip, 2 in the centre of the Gaza Strip and 1 in the southern Gaza Strip.
In the West Bank, Israeli forces wounded 6 civilians, including a journalist.
Incursions:
During the reporting period, Israeli forces conducted at least 61 military incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank and 15 similar ones into Jerusalem and its suburbs. During those incursions, Israeli forces arrested at least 38 Palestinians, including 5 children and a journalist, in the West Bank. Meanwhile, 30 other civilians, including 9 children, a woman and a journalist, were arrested in Jerusalem and its suburbs. Among those arrested were Ibrahim al-Rantisi, a reporter at Turkish Channel, and Nader Bibars, a program director at Palestine T.V. . It should be noted that Ibrahim was arrested from his house in Rantees village, west of Ramallah, and Nader was also arrested from his house in Wad al-Jouz neighbourhood in the canter of occupied Jerusalem.
Israeli Forces Continued their Measures to Create a Jewish Majority in occupied East Jerusalem
As part of demolishing houses and civilian facilities, on 05 August 2018, Bassam ‘Obaidat was forced to self-demolish his house in ‘Obaidat neighborhood in al-Mukaber Mount, south of East Jerusalem, to implement the Israeli Municipality’s decision. Bassam 90-square -meter house was built many years ago and all his attempts to license his house failed with the Israeli municipality’s insistence to implement the demolition.
On 07 August 2018, Israeli forces demolished 2 apartments belonging to Nabeel al-Mohtaseb in Shu’fat neighborhood, north of occupied East Jerusalem, under the pretext of non-licensing. The roof was comprised of 2 apartments, each of them was built on an area of 100 square meter.
In the same context, Israeli military vehicles levelled a number of roads in al-‘Issawyia village, northeast of occupied East Jerusalem, as a prelude to implement the “National Parks” settlement project, which they are seeking to build there.
As part of Settlement activities and attacks by settlers against Palestinian civilians and property
As part of demolishing crimes, on 04 August 2018, Israeli forces levelled lands belonging to several Palestinian civilians between “Etzion” and “Alon Chivot” settlements, south of Bethlehem in favor of building a new settlement neighborhood. The lands belong to civilians, from Artas village, southwest of Bethlehem. The expansion works are part of the plan approved by the Israeli government to establish 1,700 settlement units in the area over the next five years.
As part of settlers’ attacks against Palestinian civilians and their property, on 02 August 2018, a group of Israeli settlers, from “‘Ofra” settlement established on ‘Ein Yabroud village lands, east of Ramallah, punctured the tires of 10 civilians’ cars and wrote Hebrew slogans on the walls of the village.
Details
Incursions into Palestinian Areas, and Attacks on Palestinian Civilians and Property in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip
Thursday, 08 August 2018
At approximately 01:30, Israeli forces moved into Ya’bud village, southwest of Jenin. They raided and searched a house belonging to ‘Adnan Yaseen Hamarshah and then arrested him and confiscated his car.
Around the same time, Israeli naval soldiers opened fire at Palestinian fishing boats sailing within 3 nautical miles off Deir al-Balah shore in the central Gaza Strip. As a result, the fishermen were forced to sail backe few meters fearing for their lives, but no casualties were reported.
At approximately 01:50, Israeli forces moved into Qalqiliyah. They raided and searched a house belonging to Ibrahim Abdul Karim Abdul Ghafer Maskawi (23) and then arrested him.
At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into Taqou’a village, east of Bethlehem. They raided and searched a house belonging to Sami Salem al-Sabbah (25) and then arrested him.
Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Beit Ummer village, north of Hebron. They raided and searched a number of houses after which they arrested Abdul Nasser Nasser Abdul Hamid Abu Maria (22), ‘Ala’a Jihad ‘Ali Sabarnah (21), and Abdullah Mohammed Hamdi Abu Maria (20). The soldiers also confiscated a car belonging to Jalal Ahmed Abdul Hamid Brigheth, a Secretary at al-Rahma School belonging to the Islamic Charitable Society.
At approximately 03:10, Israeli forces moved into Abu Shakhedem village, northwest of Ramallah. They raided and searched a number of houses. Meanwhile, a number of children and young men gathered and threw stones and empty bottles at Israeli soldiers stationed at the main ethane in the center of the village. The soldiers fired sound bombs and tear gas canisters at them. As a result, a number of civilians suffered tear gas inhalation. The soldiers also arrested Tareq Ziyad Abu Shakhedem and Murad Yusuf Qendah (22).
Around the same time, Israeli soldiers moved into ‘Abwein village, northwest of Ramallah. They raided and searched a house belonging to Khalid Nidal Abu ‘Aqlah (26) and then arrested him.
At approximately 12:15, Israeli forces moved into Nablus to secure the entrance of dozens of buses carrying settlers, who entered Joseph’s Tomb to perform their religious rituals and Talmudic prayers. Dozens of Palestinian youngsters gathered and threw stones and empty bottles at Israeli military vehicles. The Israeli forces fired live and rubber bullets at them. As a result, Mo’atasem Samir Hamdi Saqef al-Hait (30), a reporter at al-Quds News Network, was hit with 2 rubber bullets to the left ankle and right thigh.
Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into al-Dahiyah Suburb, southeast of Nablus. Dozens of Palestinian children and young men gathered and threw stones and empty bottles at Israeli forces. The Israeli forces fired live and rubber bullets at them. during that, the Israeli forces deliberately opened fire at a car belonging to ‘A’edah Hasanen Yusuf Ghalayeni near Umhat al-Mo’menin Mosque. As a result, the car’s rear glass scattered inside the car.
Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (5) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: ‘Anabta village, east of Tulkarm; Hares village, northwest of Salfit; al-Shuyoukh, Sa’ir and al-Kume villages in Hebron.
Friday, 03 August 2018
At approximately 01:30, Israeli forces moved into Qalqiliyah. They raided and searched a house belonging to Yahiya Taqi Eden al-Hutari (25) and then arrested him.
At approximately 03:00, Israeli forces moved into al-Tabaqah village, southwest of Dura, southwest of Hebron, and stationed on the School road. They raided and searched a house belonging to Ekhman Mahmoud Abu ‘Atwan (49). They locked the family members outside the house, informed the family to turn their son Ghadanfar (24), a member of the Palestinian General Intelligence Service, to the Israeli forces. It should be noted that the abovementioned civilian was released 3 months ago from the Israeli prisons. In the morning hours, the Israeli forces arrested Ghadanfar after he referred to DCO Checkpoint in Hebron.
At approximately 18:30, Israeli forces accompanied with military vehicles moved into al-Moghir village, northeast of Ramallah. Dozens of Palestinian children and young men gathered and threw stones and empty bottles at Israeli military vehicles. The Israeli forces fired live and rubber bullets at them. As a result, 2 civilians were hot with rubber bullets. They were taken to Palestine Medical Complex in Ramallah to receive medical treatment. Doctors classified their injuries as moderate.
At approximately 18:40, Israeli forces fired an artillery shell at a border control point belonging to Palestinian armed groups. The point is about 300 meters into the west of the border fence with Israel, adjacent to the Return encampment, east of al-Shawkah village, east of Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip. Meanwhile, thousands of civilians participated in the March of Retrun and Breaking Siege activities. As a result, civilians panicked, but no casualties were reported.
At approximately 07:30, Israeli gunboats stationed offshore, adjacent to former al-Waha shore, northwest of Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip, heavily opened fire at Palestinian fishing boats sailing within 3 nautical miles and chased them. As a result, the fishermen were forced to flee fearing for their lives, but neither casualties nor material damage was reported.
At approximately 08:30, Israeli gunboats stationed offshore, west of Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip, opened fire at Palestinian fishing boats sailing within 3 nautical miles and chased them. As a result, the fishermen were forced to flee fearing for their lives, but neither casualties nor material damage was reported.
At approximately 08:35, Israeli forces stationed behind the border fence, east of al-Maghazi in the central Gaza Strip, opened fire at agricultural lands adjacent to the border fence. As a result, the farmers were forced to leave their lands fearing for their lives, but no casualties were reported.
At approximately 12:30, an Israeli warplane launched a missile at a group of civilians, who were walking in the vicinity of al-Shuhada’a Islamic Cemetery, east of Jabalia in the northern Gaza Strip, but no casualties were reported. The Israeli forces claimed that they targeted a group of civilians, who flew incendiary kites and balloons at the settlements near the Gaza enclave.
At approximately 13:30, an Israeli warplane launched a missile at a group of young men claiming that they flew incendiary kites and balloons into the east of al-Buraij refugee camp. However, no casualties were reported.
Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (6) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: Shuweikah Suburb, east of Tulkarm; Dura; Deir Samet, al-Kume, al-Thaheriyah and Taffuh villages in Hebron.
Sunday, 05 August 2018
At approximately 00:10, Israeli naval soldiers opened fire at Palestinian fishing boats sailing within 3 nautical miles off Deir al-Balah shore in the central Gaza Strip. As a result, the fishermen were forced to sail back fearing for their lives, but no casualties were reported.
At approximately 00:30, an Israeli force moved into Um Safa village, northwest of Ramallah. They raided and searched several houses after which they arrested Wa’ad Najeh Tanatrah (17), Hassan Samer Tanatrah (15), Yaman Mustafa Tanatrah (16) and Yazid Mohammed Tanatrah (22).
At approximately 01:00, Israeli forces moved into al-‘Ezzah refugee camp, north of Bethlehem. They raided and searched a house belonging to Fawzi Jalal Motawe’a (18) and then arrested him.
At approximately 01:30, Israeli forces moved into Handazah area in the center of Bethlehem. They raided and searched a house belonging to former prisoner Mahmoud Hasan al-Wardiyan (40) and then handed him a summons to refer to the Israeli Intelligence Service in “Gush Etzion” settlement complex, south of the city.
At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into ‘Aqabet Taffuh in the western area in Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to Wesam Mohammed Qawasmeh (37). The soldiers then confiscated about NIS 1,520 and handed him a list of the confiscated money. However, no casualties were reported.
Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into the southern area in Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to lawyer Suhail ‘Ashour al-‘Ajlouni (58). They then withdrew from the house and no arrests were reported.
Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Kuber village, north of Ramallah. They raided and searched 2 houses belonging to NAdim Samir Farahat (20) and Ra’ed Mohammed Dar Yusuf (23) and then arrested them. Meanwhile, clashes erupted between the village young men and the Israeli soldiers, who fired rubber bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters at the young men. As a result, many of the civilian young men suffered tear gas inhalation.
At approximately 02:30, Israeli forces moved into Nahalin village, west of Bethlehem. They raided and searched a number of houses after which they arrested Baha’a Eden Mohammed Shakarnah (16) and Khalaf Fadi Najajrah (14).
At approximately 07:00, Israeli gunboats stationed off former al-Waha shore, northwest of Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip, heavily opened fire at Palestinian fishing boats sailing within 3 nautical miles and chased them. As a result, the fishermen were forced to flee fearing for their lives, but neither casualties nor material damage was reported.
Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (3) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: Yatta, and Halhoul in Hebron; Howarah village, south of Nablus.
Monday, 06 August 2018
At approximately 01:30, Israeli forces backed by 2 military vehicles moved into al-Fawar refugee camp, west of Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to Ibrahim Mohammed Hassan al-Najjar (37) and arrested him.
At approximately 02:30, Israeli forces moved into Ethna village, west of Hebron and stationed in Wad ‘Aziz neighborhood. They raided and searched a house belonging to Hazim Jebreel al-Jayawi (37) and arrested him.
At approximately 03:00, Israeli forces moved into Deir Samet village, west of Dura, southwest of Hebron, and stationed in al-semiya area. They raided and searched a house belonging to Nidal Mahmoud Safi al-Haroub (31) and arrested him.
Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Tulkarem refugee camp, east of Tulkarem. They raided and searched a house belonging to ‘Alaa Rafeeq Haykal Dumairy (38) and arrested him.
Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Bethlehem and stationed on al-Saff Street in the center of the city. They raided and searched many houses from which they arrested Maher Ibrahime Nawawra (21), Mahdi Omar Zyada (22), Shady Obaiallah Nawawra (24), and Ibrahime Obaidallah Nawawra (20).
At approximately 03:30, Israeli forces moved into Rantees village, northwest of Ramallah. They raided and searched a house belonging to a journalist Ibrahim ‘Ahed al-Rantissi (29), who works as a reporter at a Turkish Channel, and arrested him. ‘Ahed’s father said to PCHR’s fieldworker that the Israeli forces brutally raided his house after damaging the outside door. They locked Ibrahim in his room and beat him with rifles at his chest. When Ibrahim’s mother tried to keep them away from her son, they handcuffed her. The family remained locked in the house for about 2 hours and was also exposed to assault and curse by the Israeli soldiers. The Israeli forces then arrested Ibrahim and later withdrew.
Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Deir Abu Mesh’al village, northwest of Ramallah. They raided and searched a house belonging to Ibrahim Riyad ‘Atta (22) and arrested him.
Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (3) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: Qafin, north of Tulkarm; ‘Azzoun and Jensafout villages, east of Qalqiliya, Jeet village, northeast of Qalqiliya; Kafel Hares village, north of Salfit; Beit Ummer and Bani Na’im villages in Hebron.
Tuesday, 07 August 2018
At approximately 01:30, Israeli forces moved into al-Ma’ajin neighborhoodوd into al-Ma’ajin neighborhood ces , west of Nablus. They raided and searched several houses and arrested two brothers identified as, Baha’a (20) and Bara’a Ghasan Nayef Taleb Thuqan (23). The Israeli forces later released Bara’a and kept Baha’a under arrest.
Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Beit Ummer village, north of Hebron, and stationed in Safa area, west of the city. They raided and searched a house belonging to Moneer Redwan Ekhleil. The Israeli soldiers handed a summons to Moneer’s son, Mus’ab (23) to refer to the Israeli intelligence service in “Gush Etzion” settlement complex, south of Bethlehem. Around the same time, another Israeli force raided and searched a house belonging to ‘Ali Hasan ‘Adi and arrested his son, Jamal (19), and locked the family members in one room.
At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into Selat al-Thaher village, south of Jenin. They raided and searched the house belonging to Majd Kamil al-Turk (37) and arrested him.
At approximately 03:00, Israeli forces moved into Qarawet Bani Hassan village, northwest of Salfit. They raided and searched 2 houses belonging to Mo’men Mohammed Mar’ie and Eyad Ezzat ‘Assi and then arrested them.
Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Beit ‘Our al-Tahta village, west of Ramallah. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Amjad Aktam ‘Othman (17) andthen arrested him.
At approximately 05:00, an Israeli infantry force raided and searched a house belonging to Samer ‘Ali Zaheda on al-Shuhada’a closed street, in the area classified as H2, in Hebron’s Old City. Later, the Israeli forces withdrew from the house and no other incidents were reported.
At approximately 05:50 , Israeli gunboats stationed offshore, adjacent to al-Sudaniyah area, west of Jabalia in the northern Gaza Strip, heavily opened fire at Palestinian fishing boats sailing within 3 nautical miles and chased them. As a result, the fishermen were forced to flee fearing for their lives, but neither casualties nor material damage was reported.
At approximately 08:00, Israeli forces stationed in military watchtowers, east of al-Tuffah neighborhood, northeast of Gaza City, sporadically opened fire at the border area. As a result, farmers and shepherd who were there, but they were forced to leave the area fearing their lives, but no casualties were reported.
Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (7 incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: Qalqiliyah, Hebron; Surif; Deir Samet, Kharsa and Kuber villages, north of Ramallah; and Beit Liqya village, southwest of the city.
Wednesday, 08 August 2018
At approximately 03:30, Israeli forces moved into Beit Rema village, northwest of Ramallah. They raided and searched 2 houses belonging to ‘Aziz Wa’el al-Remawi (29) and Samer Sami al-Remawi (27) and then arrested them.
At approximately 07:00, Israeli forces stationed behind military watchtowers, east of al-Zaytoun neighborhood, east of Gaza City. opened fire at the border area adjacent to the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel. The shooting continued until approximately 09:00. As a result, the farmers and shepherds, who were in the area, were forced to leave it fearing for their lives, but no casualties were reported.
At approximately 18:25, Israeli forces stationed behind the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel fired an artillery shell at a Palestinian border control point in Malakah area, east of Gaza city, but neither casualties nor material damage was reported.
At approximately 21:00, Israeli warplanes launched 3 missiles at a site belonging to al-Qassam Brigades (the Military Armed Wing of Hamas Movement), known as “the Marriot uninhabited building” which is designated for making cement cubes, south of al-Sudaniyah, west of Jabalia in the northern Gaza Strip. At approximately 21:15, the Israeli warplanes launched 3 missiles at the same site, which led to its total destruction in addition to sever damage to the main street that is adjacent from the eastern side of the site. Moreover, a number of buildings that are near the site from the eastern side sustained damage represented in breaking the windows. It should be noted hundreds of civilians were on al-Sudaniyah shore at the time of the explosion. As a result, they panicked, but no casualties were reported.
At approximately 21:15, Israeli warplanes launched a missile at a site belonging to Palestinian armed groups “former Marin Club”, which is located in the northern side of al-Huda Resort, west of Gaza City. as a result, the site sustained damage and a civilian, who was passing by the area sustained bruises throughout his body. After few minutes, the Israeli warplanes launched 3 missiles at the same site, which led to its total destruction in addition to sever damage to the main street that is adjacent from the eastern side of the site. Moreover, a number of buildings that are near the site from the eastern side sustained damage represented in breaking the windows. It should be noted hundreds of civilians were on al-Sudaniyah shore at the time of the explosion. As a result, they panicked, but no casualties were reported.
At approximately 21:25, Israeli warplanes launched a missile at a site belonging to al-Qassam Brigades (the Military Armed Wing of Hamas Movement) near Salah Eden Gate on the Egyptian- Palestinian borders, south of Rafah. As a result, the site sustained a great damage and Thu al-Nurein Mosque windows was broken. However, no casualties were reported.
At approximately 21:30, Israeli warplanes launched 2 missiles at a water tank belonging to al-Moghraqa Municipality in the central Gaza Strip, causing severe damage to it in addition to the injury of civilians due to scattering the rubble.
At approximately 21:45, Israeli drones fired a missiles at an agricultural lands in ‘Abasan al-Kabirah, east of Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip. As a result, the land caught fire and civilians panicked, but no casualties were reported.
At approximately 22:10, Israeli warplanes launched 2 missiles at Bader site belonging to Palestinian armed groups, south of Gaza City. As a result, the site sustained damage, but no casualties were reported.
At approximately 22:04, Israeli warplanes launched 3 missiles, with few minutes in each of the missiles, at uninhabited building in the western area in Khan Younis. As a result, the building sustained a large damage, but no casualties were reported.
At approximately 22:45, Israeli warplanes launched 6 missiles at Bader site belonging to Palestinian armed groups, northeast of al-Shati’a refugee camp, west of Gaza City. As a result, the site sustained severe damage to the site and the rock and mud scattered on the main street, which is adjacent to the site from the western side. Moreover, 4 civilians sustained bruises and incised wounds because the glass of their houses windows fell on them.
At approximately 23:30, Israeli warplanes launched 6 missiles at Mohammed al-Mabhouh site, belonging to al-Qassam Brigades. The site is located in the northeast of Jabalia in the northern Gaza Strip. as a result, the site sustained severe damage, but no casualties were reported.
Around the same time, an Israeli drone fired a missiles at ‘Asqalan site belonging to all-Qassam Brigades (the Military Armed Wing of Hamas Movement) in al-Semia area, northwest of Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip. however, no casualties were reported.
At approximately 23:40, Israeli warplanes launched 2 missiles at an agricultural land in al-Qararah, northeast of Khan Younis. As a result, the site sustained severe damage, causing fear among civilians, but no casualties were reported.
Around the same time, Israeli warplanes launched 2 missiles at an agricultural land in al-Shawkah village, northeast of Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip, but no casualties were reported.
Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (6) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: ‘Asirah al-Qabliyah, Sebastia, and Salem villages in Nablus; ‘Arabah village, southwest of Jenin, Yatta and al-Samou’a village in Hebron.
Crimes of Extrajudicial Execution:
In a new crime of extrajudicial executions, Israeli forces killed a Palestinian civilian and wounded another in the northern Gaza Strip after targeting a civilian car driven by them. According to PCHR’s investigations, at approximately 23:25 on Wednesday, 08 August 2018, an Israeli drone fired a missile at a civilian car that was driving on a street in ‘Amer housing project area, southwest of Beit Lahia village in the northern Gaza Strip, as the car was carrying 2 civilians. The missile fell near the car. As a result, ‘Ali Yusuf Mohammed ‘Ali al-Ghandour (34), from Beir al-Na’jah area in Jabalia, sustained shrapnel throughout his body, most of which were in the back. Moreover, another civilian (PCHR keeps his name) was hit with a shrapnel to the right shoulder. The wounded civilians were transferred via a civilian car to the Indonesian Hospital. At approximately 23:55 on the same day. Medical sources at the hospital announced the death of al-Ghandour while classified the other civilian’s injuriy as minor. The airstrike also caused severe damage to the targeted car. It should be noted that the 2 wounded persons are civilians and the targeted area did not witness any incidents.
Use of Force against Demonstrations in Protest against the U.S. President’s Decision to Recognize Jerusalem as the Capital of Israel:
Israeli forces continued its excessive use of lethal force for the 19th consecutive Friday against peaceful demonstration organized by Palestinian civilians in in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. The demonstrations were named as “The Great March of Return and Breaking Siege.” The demonstrations were also in protest against the U.S. President Donald Trump’s declaration to move the U.S. Embassy to it. The demonstrations were as follows during the reporting period:
Gaza Strip:
At approximately 16:00 on Friday 03 August 2018, hundreds of civilians swarmed to the Return encampments established by the Supreme National Authority for the Great March of Return and Breaking Siege, east of Malakah intersection, east of al-Zaytoun neighborhood, east of Gaza City in the 18th consecutive Friday titled “Our Martyrs Children.” The activities included raising flags, chanting national slogans, setting fire to tires and flying kites. Though the demonstrations were fully peaceful, Israeli forces stationed behind the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel deliberately and randomly fired live and rubber bullets and tear gas canisters at them. As a result, Ahmed Yahiya ‘Atallah Yaghi (27), from al-Nasser neighborhood was killed after being hit with a live bullet that entered the chest and exited the back. Moreover, 29 civilians were wounded. Twenty seven of them were hit with live bullet and its shrapnel, one civilian was hit with a rubber bullet, and other civilian was hit with tear gas canister.
Around the same time, hundreds of civilians swarmed to the Return encampments established by the Supreme National Authority for the Great March of Return and Breaking Siege, 400 meters away from the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel, east of al-Buraij in the central Gaza Strip. Dozens of them approached the border fence, set fire to tires and threw stones at Israeli soldiers stationed behind sand barriers along the border fence. The Israeli forces fired live bullets and tear gas canisters at the participants. The clashes continued until approximately 20:00 on the same day. As a result, 21 civilians, including 16 children, were wounded. Twenty of them were hit with live bullets and one civilian hit with tear gas canister. The wounded civilians were taken via ambulances belonging to Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS) to al-Aqsa Hospital in Deir al-Balah. Doctors classified 5 civilians’ injuries as serious and they were then transferred to al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City. The injuries of the other wounded civilians were classified between minor and moderate. At approximately 05:00 on Saturday, 04 August 2018, medical sources at al-Shuhada’a Hospital in Deir al-Balah announced the death of Mo’ath Ziyad Ibrahim al-Suri (15), from al-Nuseirat, succumbing to wounds he sustained in his participation in the abovementioned demonstration. Mo’ath was hit with a live bullet to the abdomen. He was transferred to al-Aqsa Hospital and directly underwent a surgery. Mo’ath stayed then at the ICU until his death was announced.
Around the same time, thousands of civilians, including women and children swarmed to the Return encampment, east of Khuza’ah village, east of Khan Younis, to participate in the demonstrations established by the Supreme National Authority for “the Great March of Return and Breaking Siege”. They carried out popular and heritage activities, held a wedding for two bridegrooms, chanted national slogans and flew kites and balloons as hundreds of them, including women and children, approached the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel and set fire. A number of them attempted to throw stones at Israeli forces. The Israeli snipers stationed behind sand barriers and hills along the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel, deliberately and selectively opened fire at participants, who were about 300 meters away from the main border fence and then fired tear gas canisters from military vehicles as a drone flew in the sky. The shooting continued until 20:00 on the evening. As a result, 21 civilians, including 3 children and a woman, were wounded. Sixteen of them were hit with live bullets and its shrapnel and 5 others were hit with a tear gas canister. Doctors classified 3 civilians’ injuries as serious. Moreover, dozens of civilians suffered severe tear gas inhalation and seizures due to being hit with tear gas canisters. They were taken to the field hospital and then transferred to Nasser, Gaza European and Algerian Hospitals to receive medical treatment.
At approximately 16:30, hundreds of Palestinian swarmed to the Return encampments established by the Supreme National Authority for the Great March of Return, east of Abu Safiyah Hill, northeast of Jabalia hundreds of Palestinian swarmed to the Return encampments established by the Supreme National Authority for the Great March of Return, east of Abu Safiyah Hill, northeast of Jabalia in the northern Gaza Strip. The protestors raised Palestinian flags, chanted national slogans and set fire to tires. Dozens of them approached the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel and threw stones at Israeli soldiers stationed behind the border fence. The Israeli forces deliberately and randomly fired live and rubber bullets and tear gas canisters at them. The clashes continued until approximately 21:00 on the same day. As a result, 15 civilians, including 6 children, were wounded. Fourteen of them were hit with live bullets and its shrapnel and on civilian was hit with a tear gas canister. The wounded civilians were transferred via ambulances belonging to PRCS, Medical Services, and the Ministry of Health to the Indonesian and al-‘Awda Hospitals. Doctors classified 3 civilians’ injuries as serious.
At approximately 17:00, hundreds of Palestinians swarmed to the Return encampment established by the Supreme National Authority for the Great March of Return, east of al-Shawkah village, east of Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip. A number of young men approached the border fence, flew kites, set fire to tires and threw stones at Israeli soldiers stationed behind the border fence. The soldiers sporadically fired live bullets and tear gas canisters at the protestors. The clashes continued until approximately 19:00 on the same day. As a result, 11 civilians, including a child, were wounded. Ten of them were hit with live bullets and its shrapnel and one civilian was hit with a tear gas canister. Those wounded civilians were taken to the field hospital in the Return encampment and then transferred to Abu Yusuf al-Najjar Hospital in Rafah and Gaza European Hospital in Khan Younis. Doctors classified 2 civilians’ injuries as serious.
At approximately 16:00 Saturday, 04 August 2018, dozens of Palestinian children and young men gathered near the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel, east of al-Buraij in the central Gaza Strip, to participate in the Return encampment. They threw stones at Israeli soldiers stationed behind sand barriers along the b order fence. The soldiers fired live bullets and tear gas canisters at them. As a result, a 23-year-old civilian was hit a liv bullet to the lower limbs. He was transferred via a PRCS ambulance to al-Aqsa Hospital in Deir al-Balah. Doctors classified his injury as moderate.
At approximately 17:00 on Sunday, 05 August 2018, dozens of Palestinian children and young men gathered near the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel, east of al-Buraij in the central Gaza Strip, to participate in the Return encampment. They threw stones at Israeli soldiers stationed behind sand barriers along the b order fence. The soldiers fired live bullets and tear gas canisters at them. The clashes continued until the evening of the same day. As a result, a 17-year-old child, a 15-year-old child and an 18-year old civilian, from al-Buraij refugee camp, were hit with live bullets to the lower limbs. They were transferred via a PRCS ambulance to al-Aqsa Hospital in Deir al-Balah. Doctors classified their injuries as moderate while one of them was transferred to al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City.
At approximately 15:00 on Monday, 06 August 2018, dozens of Palestinian children and young men gathered near the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel, east of al-Buraij in the central Gaza Strip, to participate in the Return encampment. They threw stones at Israeli soldiers stationed behind sand barriers along the b order fence. The soldiers fired live bullets and tear gas canisters at them. The clashes continued until the evening of the same day. As a result, a young man, from al-Nuseirat, was hit with a live bullet to the lower limbs. He was transferred to al-Aqsa Hospital in Deir al-Balah. Doctors classified his injury as moderate.
Child Succumbed to his Wounds:
At approximately 19:50 on Sunday, 05 August 2018, medical sources at al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City announced the death of Ahmed Jihad Ahmed al-‘Aydi (17), from al-Zawidh village, succumbing to wounds he sustained during his participation in the Return demonstration, east of al-Buraij refugee camp on Friday, 30 March 2018, as he was hit with a live bullet to the head. Ahmed was admitted to many hospitals in the Gaza Strip and then transferred to Ramallah in the West Bank. He was in a state of clinical death since then until his death was announced.
West Bank:
At approximately 13:40 on Friday, 03 August 2018, a group of Palestinian civilians moved from Kufor Qaddoum village, northeast of Qalqiliyah, to the eastern entrance to the village, which has been closed for 15 years. The protestors chanted national slogans demanding end of occupation, condemning the decisions to demolish Khan al-Ahmer Bedouin Community deport the inhabitants and condemning the Israeli forces’ crimes against Palestinian protestors along the eastern border of the Gaza Strip within “The Great March of Return and Breaking the Siege” activities. The protestors threw stones at Israeli soldiers stationed behind sand barriers. The Israeli soldiers fired live and rubber bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters at them. As a result, a 45-year-old civilian was hit with a rubber bullet to the right hand. Moreover, many protestors suffered tear gas inhalation.
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:Due to technical reasons, we could not obtain the official statistics from the department responsible for issuing the statistics
Beit Hanoun (“Erez”) crossing, in the north of the Gaza Strip, is designated for the movement of individuals, and links the Gaza Strip with the West Bank.
Movement at Beit Hanoun (“Erez”) crossing
(25-31 July 2018)
Category
25 July
26 July
27 July
28 July
29 July
30 July
31 July
Patients
57
44
3
–
90
55
70
Companions
49
35
2
–
73
47
64
Personal needs
24
48
_
_
35
23
14
Familiesof prisoners
–
–
–
–
–
_
–
Arabs fromIsrael
9
5
_
–
8
8
5
Diplomats
4
–
–
–
_
–
_
International journalists
–
–
–
–
_
–
_
International workers
37
90
7
–
16
26
16
TravelersAbroad
_
8
–
–
–
1
104
Business people
243
237
1
–
449
310
384
Business meetings
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
Security interviews
2
3
–
–
_
2
_
VIPs
3
1
–
–
_
1
_
Ambulancesto Israel
2
6
4
–
3
5
4
Patients’ Companions
2
6
4
–
3
5
4
Note:
On Thursday, 26 July 2018, Israeli authorities allowed 7 persons to return to the West Bank.
On Thursday, 26 July 2018, Israeli authorities allowed one person, who works at the General Authority of Civil Affairs (GACA) and internationals to renew their permits.
On Monday, 30 July 2018, Israeli authorities allowed a doctor to travel via the crossing to attend a medical course.
Movement at Beit Hanoun (“Erez”) crossing
(01-07 August 2018)
Category
1 August
2 August
3 August
4 August
5 August
6 August
7 August
Patients
72
44
3
–
93
74
98
Companions
58
40
3
–
78
68
85
Personal needs
30
35
2
_
46
13
32
Familiesof prisoners
–
–
–
–
–
50
–
Arabs fromIsrael
6
5
11
–
8
2
7
Diplomats
3
–
–
–
_
–
_
International journalists
–
–
–
–
_
2
_
International workers
19
66
6
–
24
5
35
TravelersAbroad
5
8
–
–
9
–
102
Business people
255
243
2
–
466
322
267
Business meetings
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
Security interviews
4
5
–
–
2
4
1
VIPs
1
–
–
–
3
–
_
Ambulancesto Israel
4
3
2
–
4
5
5
Patients’ Companions
4
3
2
–
4
5
5
Note:
On Wednesday, 01 August 2018, Israeli authorities allowed 2 persons; and on Sunday, 05 August 2018, one person to return to the West Bank.
On Thursday, 02 August 2018, Israeli authorities allowed 9 farmers to travel via the crossing to attend an agricultural course.
Civilian Arrested at Beit Hanoun (Erez) Crossing
On Thursday morning, 2 August 2018, Israeli forces stationed at Beit Hanoun (Erez) crossing arrested a businessman Mohammed Ahmed Ahmed al-Astal (50), from al-Satar al-Gharbi area in Khan Younis, while trying to pass through Erez crossing on his way to the West Bank. Mohamed is married and has 10 children. Mohammed’s family said to PCHR’s fieldworker that at approximately 09:30 on Thursday, Mohamed arrived at Beit Hanoun crossing, noting that he obtained a permit to travel to the west bank, where he used to travel to continue his work as a businessman who sells vegetables. In the afternoon, his phone was disconnected and his family knew that he was arrested by the Israeli forces on the next day.
Closure on the West Bank. During the reporting period, Israeli forces imposed additional restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians:
Ramallah and al-Beirh: Israeli forces established (13) checkpoints all over the city.
On Thursday, 02 August 2018, Israeli forces established 3 checkpoints at the entrances to al-Nabi Saleh, Um Safa and ‘Ain Sinah villages, north of the city.
On Sunday, 05 August 2018, Israeli forces established 2 checkpoints at the main entrance to al-Nabi Saleh village, northwest of Ramallah, and under the bridge of ‘Atara village, north of Ramallah.
On Monday, 06 August 2018, 3 similar checkpoints were established at the entrance to Ras Karkar village, west of Ramallah, at the entrance to al-Nabi Saleh village, northwest of Ramallah, and at the entrance to Silwad village, northeast of the city.
At approximately 22:30 on Wednesday, 08 August 2018, Israeli forces established 2 checkpoints at the main entrance to Um Safa village, northwest of Ramallah, and at the entrance to Kubar village, north of the city.
Hebron: Israeli forces established (18) checkpoints all over the city.
On Thursday, 02 August 2018, Israeli forces established 2 checkpoints at the entrance to al-Fawar refugee camp and at the entrance to Beit Ummer village.
On Saturday, 04 August 2018, Israeli forces established 2 checkpoints at the entrance to al-‘Aroub refugee camp and at the southern entrance to Hebron.
On Sunday, 05 August 2018, Israeli ofrces established 4 checkpoints at the entrances to Beit Ummer, Beit ‘Aynoun, Sa’ir, and Bani Na’iem villages.
On Tuesday, 07 August 2018, Israeli forces established 2 checkpoints at the southern entrance to Hebron and at the entrance to Sa’ir village.
On Wednesday, 08 August 2018, Israeli forces established 4 checkpoints at the entrances to al-Dahiriyia, al-Koum and Dir Samet villages and at the northern entrance to Halhoul village.
Qalqiliyah: Israeli forces established (6) checkpoints all over the city.
At approximately 18:00 on Thursday, 02 August 2018, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the entrance to ‘Izbit al-Tabeeb village, east of Qalqiliyia.
On Sunday, 05 August 2018, Israeli forces established 2 checkpoints at the entrance to ‘Izbit al-Tabeeb village, east of Qalqiliyia; and at the eastern entrance to Qaqliliyia.
At approximately 07:50 on Monday, 06 August 2018, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the entrance to ‘Izbit al-Tabeeb village, east of Qalqiliyia.
At approximately 13:50 on Monday, 06 August 2018, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the entrance to ‘Azoun village, east of Qalqiliyia.
At approximately 22:00, a similar checkpoint was established at the eastern entrance to the city.
Salfit:
At approximately 19:10 on Friday, 02 August 2018, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the western entrance to Qarawet Bani Hassan village, northwest of Salfit.
Tulkarm: Israeli forces established (4) checkpoints all over the city.
On Saturday, 04 August 2018, Israeli forces established 3 checkpoints on al-Kafriyat al-Sab’I Road, south of Tulkarm; at the intersection of ‘Alar village, north of Tulkarm; and at the entrance to Qufeen village, north of the city.
At approximately 14:50 on Sunday, 05 August 2018, Israeli forces tightened their measures at al-‘Inab military checkpoint, east of Tulkarm, and at the ‘Izbit Shofah checkpoint, southeast of Tulkarm. The Israeli forces obstructed Palestinian civilians’ movement at the abovementioned checkpoints.
At approximately 18:10 on Friday, 06 August 2018, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the intersection of Far’oun village, south of Tulkarm.
Arrests at Military Checkpoints:
At approximately 05:00 on Thursday, 02 August 2018, Israeli forces stationed at al-Container checkpoint, northeast of Bethlehem, arrested Malek Ishaq Masa’fah (23), from al-‘Aroub refugee camp, north of Hebron. Malek was arrested while passing through the checkpoint and severely beaten by the soldiers. As a result, he sustained bruises throughout his body. He was then taken to a hospital in Bethlehem before releasing him.
At approximately 22:00 on Thursday, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the entrance to ‘Azoun village, east of Qalqiliyia. They searched Palestinian civilians’ vehicle and checked their IDs. After that, the Israeli forces arrested Sa’d Yaser Rashid Saleem (22), from ‘Azoun village.
At approximately 17:55 on Saturday, 04 August 2018, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the intersection of Jebarah village, between Sur and Ras villages, south of Tulkarm. They searched Palestinian civilians’ vehicle and checked their IDs. After that, the Israeli forces arrested Abdul Qader Sameeh Salman (25), from Dirsitiyia village, north of Salfit. It should be noted that Abdul Qader is a student at Khaduri Technical University in Tulkarm and he is a former prisoner released in 2015.
At approximately 20:30 on Saturday, 04 August 2018, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at ‘Atarah Bridge, north of Ramallah. They searched Palestinian civilians’ vehicle and checked their IDs. After that, the Israeli forces arrested Nadeem Hussni al-Barghouthi (20) while he was heading to Beit Rima village, and severely beat him up. Nadeem was then taken to a military watchtower established near the abovementioned bridge.
Efforts to Create A Jewish majority
Israeli forces escalated their attacks on Palestinian civilians and their property. They have also continued their raids on al-Aqsa Mosque and denied the Palestinians access to it:
Arrests and Incursions:
At approximately 00:00 on Friday, 03 August 2018, Israeli forces moved into Beit Haninah and Shu’fat villages, north of occupied East Jerusalem’s Old City. They raided and searched houses from which they arrested Mo’mien Na’iem al-Taeeel (19) and Omar Khaled Ishtieh.
Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Silwan village, south of occupied East Jerusalem. They raided and searched a house belonging to Mahdi Yousef Abu Diyab (19) and then arrested him.
At approximately 04:00, Israeli forces moved into many neighborhoods in occupied East Jerusalem’s Old City. They raided and searched houses from which they arrested Abdullah al-Joulani (18), Rashid al-Rashq (19), Jabreel Bilalah (18) and Mahmoud Dawoud al-Teyaqi (21).
At approximately 14:30, Israeli forces arrested 3 civilians, including 2 children, while getting out of al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied East Jerusalem. The arrested children were then taken to “Eliahu” investigation center. The children were identified as Mahdi Hatem Abu ‘Asab (15), Mohamed Bashar Wahba (15) and Moheeb Mohamed Qotub (19).
At approximately 17:45 on Friday, a large force of Israeli soldiers moved into Hizmah village, northeast of occupied East Jerusalem, and stationed in eastern cemeteries area. The Israeli soldiers fired live bullets and tear gas canisters in the area. As a result, a group of Palestinian civilians gathered and threw stones and empty bottles at the soldiers, who fired live and rubber bullets at them. As a result, 3 civilians were hit with live bullets. Moreover, the Israeli forces arrested Waleed Salem ‘Eid Kan’an (16).
At approximately 22:00, Israeli forces moved into Shu’fat refugee camp, north of occupied East Jerusalem. They raided and searched a house belonging to Baraa Monther Saya’rah (14) and then arrested him.
At approximately 05:00 on Sunday, 05 August 2018, Israeli forces moved into Silwan village, south of occupied East Jerusalem. They raided and searched a house belonging to Yousef Mohamed Hijazi (13) and arrested him.
At approximately 09:00, Israeli forces moved into al-Tour neighborhood, east of occupied East Jerusalem. They raided and searched a house belonging to Hasan Abu Ghannam and then confiscated a PC, an amount of money and a cell phone. The Israeli forces also arrested Hasan’s wife Sozan Isma’il Abu Ghannam (39) and then took her to a detention facility in Jerusalem for interrogation. It should be noted that Sozan is a wife of Mohamed Hsan Abu Ghannam, who was killed by the Israeli forces on last 21 July, at the entrance to al-Tour neighborhood, east of Jerusalem, during confrontations erupted in the neighborhood.
At approximately 13:00, Israeli police raided al-Rahma Cemetery, which is next to the eastern wall of al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied East Jerusalem’s Old City. They arrested 6 civilians after confronting the Israeli settlers’ storming of the cemetery and performing Talmudic prayers there. The arrested civilians were identified as Jawad Siyam, Director of Wadi Hilweh Information Center, Khaled al-Zair, Iyad Jaber, As’ad Kash’am, Mo’tasem Khaliylah, and Mohamed ‘Odah. All of them were then taken to al-Asbat Gate. Jawad Siyam after releasing him from the investigation center he said that the Israeli settlers raided Bab al-Rahma Cemetery and performed prayers under the Israeli forces’ protection. The settlers provoked Palestinian civilians, who were cleaning the cemetery. Jawad added that the Israeli police provide a full protection for the settlers in spite of violating the sanctity of the deceased. An argument occurred in the cemetery between the Palestinian young men and Israeli police officers. After that, the Israeli police officers arrested the abovementioned civilians, took Khaled al-Zair along with Iyad Jaber to al-Qashlah investigation center in Jerusalem’s Old City, released other civilians without condition, and confiscated Siyam’s cell phone.
At approximately 17:00, Israeli forces moved into Silwan village, south of occupied East Jerusalem. They raided and searched a house belonging to ‘Adnan Ghaith, Member of the Fatah Revolutionary Council, and arrested his son ‘Odai (18). They then took ‘Odai to Salah al-Deen Police Station for investigation.
At approximately 08:00 on Monday, 06 August 2018, the Israeli Intelligence officers moved into al-Maqdisi Road in Wadi al-Jouz neighborhood in the center of East Jerusalem. They raided and searched a house belonging to Bibars Family, where they arrested a journalist, Nadir Mohamed Bibars, while he was attempting to prevent arresting his brother Noor (38). Noor Bibars said that the Israeli forces along with Israeli intelligence officers brutally raided his mother’s house in Wadi al-Jouz neighborhood, in order to arrest him. He added that a verbal altercation occurred between the Israeli officers and family and then developed to hand-to-hand fighting. During which the Israeli forces arrested Noor’s brother, Nader, and then took him to Salah al-Deen Policr Station for interrogation. Noor pointed out that the Israeli police refused entering medicine to his brother Nader, who suffers from heart disease and works as a program director at Palestine T.V. The Israeli forces released Nader on bail and on one condition that he should refer to the Israeli Intelligence Service for investigation at any time.
Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Abu Dis village, east of occupied East Jerusalem. They raided and searched houses from which they arrested Othman Mousa Bader (73) and Hitham Mohamed Rabie’ (19) after severely beating them up.
At approximately 19:00 on Tuesday, 07 August 2018, Israeli forces moved into Wadi Helwa neighborhood in Silwan village, south of occupied East Jerusalem. They raided and searched a house belonging to ‘Obadah Mahmoud Siyam (17) and then arrested him. They Israeli forces also raided a house belonging to Sultan Samreen (16) and handed him a notice to refer to the Israeli Intelligence Service in West Jerusalem on next day morning.
At approximately 02:00 on Wednesday, 08 August 2018, Israeli forces moved into al-‘Issawiyia village, northeast of occupied East Jerusalem. They raided and searched houses from which they arrested 4 civilians, including 3 children. The arrested persons were then taken to Salah al-Deen Police Station for investigation. The arrested persons were identified as Khaled Ibrahim Na’aji (39) and his child Yazan (17); Mohamed ‘Abed al-Hafiz ‘Atiyia (17); and Ameer Naser Karkash (17).
At approximately 04:00 on Wednesday, Israeli forces moved into al-Tour neighborhood, east of occupied East Jerusalem. They raided and searched a house belonging to Raied Hazem al-Sayyad (13) and arrested him.
House Demolitions and Notices:
On Sunday evening, 5 August 2018, Bassam Mahmoud ‘Obaidat was forced to self-demolish his house in ‘Obaidat neighborhood in al-Mukaber Mount, south of East Jerusalem, to implement the Israeli Municipality’s decision. Bassam Obaidat said that his 90-square -meter house was built many years ago and all his attempts to license his house failed with the Israeli municipality’s insistence to implement the demolition. He also pointed out that the Israeli Municipality imposed a financial fine on him due to building his house, so he was forced to self-demolish his house to avoid paying the demolition costs.
It should be noted that ‘Obaidat neighborhood was subjected to a collective punishment by the Israeli Municipality, in which it distributed demolition notices to all residents in 2017,under pretexts that the land is owned by an Israeli companغwned by an Israeli companyetextunishment e was forced to self-demolish his house y. It should be noted that a judicial ruling was issued in this case in 1985 in favor of the neighborhood’s residents, but because the neighborhood is located near “Neve Tzion” settlement, in addition to the Israeli Municipality collusion, the case is continuously being raised in order to seize the civilians’ houses in favor of the settlement.
At approximately 09:00, on Tuesday, 7 August 2018, Israeli forces demolished 2 apartments belonging to Nabeel al-Mohtaseb in Shu’fat neighborhood, north of occupied East Jerusalem, under the pretext of non-licensing. Nabeel’s mother said that the Israeli forces moved into Shu’fat neighborhood and imposed a security cordon on the area. They started to demolish a roof of 2 apartments, each of them was built on an area of 100 square meter. She pointed out that the construction of the apartments took place 3 months ago and after finishing building them, the Israeli Municipality issued the self-demolition decision. The family self-demolished parts of the apartments, but was surprised with raiding the building and demolishing the apartments without a prior warning.
In the same context, on Tuesday afternoon, 7 August 2018, Israeli forces levelled a number of roads in al-‘Issawyia village, northeast of occupied East Jerusalem, as a prelude to implement the “National Parks” settlement project, which they are seeking to build there. According to eyewitnesses, the Israeli forces levelled roads in the eastern part of the village, leading to agricultural lands. Those agricultural lands are threatened of confiscating and levelling in favor of the settlement project mentioned above.
Settlement activities and attacks by settlers against Palestinian civilians and property
Israeli forces’ attacks
On Saturday morning, 4 August 2018, Israeli forces levelled lands belonging to several Palestinian civilians between “Etzion” and “Alon Chivot” settlements, south of Bethlehem in favor of building a new settlement neighborhood. Hassan Braija, Representative of the Wall and Settlement Resistance Committee in Bethlehem, said that the Israeli forces levelled Palestinian lands belonging to civilians, from Artas village, southwest of Bethlehem, adjacent to “Alon Chivot” settlement in order to establish new settlement units. He also added that the expansion works are part of the plan approved by the Israeli government to establish 1,700 settlement units in the area over the next five years.
Israeli settlers’ attacks
At approximately 05:00, on Thursday, 2 August 2018, a group of Israeli settlers, from “‘Ofra” settlement established on ‘Ein Yabroud village lands, east of Ramallah, punctured the tires of 10 civilians’ cars and wrote Hebrew slogans on the walls of the village. Ahmed Shehada (30), said that the Israeli settlers punctured his car tires, his brother’s car tires, Ibrahime Shehada (25), and 8 other cars belonging to the village residents.
Recommendations to the International Community
PCHR warns of the escalating settlement construction in the West Bank, the attempts to legitimize settlement outposts established on Palestinian lands in the West Bank and the continued summary executions of Palestinian civilians under the pretext that they pose a security threat to the Israeli forces. PCHR reminds the international community that thousands of Palestinian civilians have been rendered homeless and lived in caravans under tragic circumstances due to the latest Israeli offensive on the Gaza Strip that has been under a tight closure for almost 11 years. PCHR welcomes the UN Security Council’s Resolution No. 2334, which states that settlements are a blatant violation of the Geneva Conventions and calls upon Israel to stop them and not to recognize any demographic change in the oPt since 1967. PCHR hopes this resolution will pave the way for eliminating the settlement crime and bring to justice those responsible for it. PCHR further reiterates that the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, are still under Israeli occupation in spite of Israel’s unilateral disengagement plan of 2005. PCHR emphasizes that there is international recognition of Israel’s obligation to respect international human rights instruments and international humanitarian law. Israel is bound to apply international human rights law and the law of war, sometimes reciprocally and other times in parallel, in a way that achieves the best protection for civilians and remedy for the victims.
PCHR calls upon the international community to respect the Security Council’s Resolution No. 2334 and to ensure that Israel respects it as well, in particular point 5 which obliges Israel not to deal with settlements as if they were part of Israel.
PCHR calls upon the ICC this year to open an investigation into Israeli crimes committed in the oPt, particularly the settlement crimes and the 2014 offensive on the Gaza Strip.
PCHR Calls upon the European Union (EU) and all international bodies to boycott settlements and ban working and investing in them in application of their obligations according to international human rights law and international humanitarian law considering settlements as a war crime.
PCHR calls upon the international community to use all available means to allow the Palestinian people to enjoy their right to self-determination through the establishment of the Palestinian State, which was recognized by the UN General Assembly with a vast majority, using all international legal mechanisms, including sanctions to end the occupation of the State of Palestine.
PCHR calls upon the international community and United Nations to take all necessary measures to stop Israeli policies aimed at creating a Jewish demographic majority in Jerusalem and at voiding Palestine from its original inhabitants through deportations and house demolitions as a collective punishment, which violates international humanitarian law, amounting to a crime against humanity.
PCHR calls upon the international community to condemn summary executions carried out by Israeli forces against Palestinians and to pressurize Israel to stop them.
PCHR calls upon the States Parties to the Rome Statute of the ICC to work hard to hold Israeli war criminals accountable.
PCHR calls upon the High Contracting Parties to the Geneva Conventions to fulfill their obligations under article (1) of the Convention to ensure respect for the Conventions under all circumstances, and under articles (146) and (147) to search for and prosecute those responsible for committing grave breaches of the Geneva Conventions to ensure justice and remedy for Palestinian victims, especially in light of the almost complete denial of justice for them before the Israeli judiciary.
PCHR calls upon the international community to speed up the reconstruction process necessary because of the destruction inflicted by the Israeli offensive on Gaza.
PCHR calls for a prompt intervention to compel the Israeli authorities to lift the closure that obstructs the freedom of movement of goods and 1.8 million civilians that experience unprecedented economic, social, political and cultural hardships due to collective punishment policies and retaliatory action against civilians.
PCHR calls upon the European Union to apply human rights standards embedded in the EU-Israel Association Agreement and to respect its obligations under the European Convention on Human Rights when dealing with Israel.
PCHR calls upon the international community, especially states that import Israeli weapons and military services, to meet their moral and legal responsibility not to allow Israel to use the offensive in Gaza to test new weapons and not accept training services based on the field experience in Gaza in order to avoid turning Palestinian civilians in Gaza into testing objects for Israeli weapons and military tactics.
PCHR calls upon the parties to international human rights instruments, especially the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR), to pressurize Israel to comply with its provisions in the oPt and to compel it to incorporate the human rights situation in the oPt in its reports submitted to the relevant committees.
PCHR calls upon the EU and international human rights bodies to pressurize the Israeli forces to stop their attacks against Palestinian fishermen and farmers, mainly in the border area.
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Public Document
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