• Israeli forces continued to use excessive force against unarmed civilians and peaceful protestors in the Gaza Strip. 
• 7 civilians, including 2 children, were killed, while a third child succumbed to his wounds
• 278 civilians, including 46 children, 10 women, 4 journalists and 9 paramedics, were wounded.
• Twelve of those wounded sustained serious wounds.

• A Palestinian was shot dead by Israeli police in Jerusalem, and another died only few hours after his arrest.
• 8 Palestinian civilians, including a child and journalist, were wounded in the West Bank.
• Israeli forces continued to open fire at the border areas in the Gaza Strip.
• An aritilery shell fell inside Abu T’eimah School in ‘Abasan al-Kabirah, causing material damage to two classrooms.
• Israeli forces conducted 75 incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank, and 2 limited incursions into the Gaza Strip.
• 75 civilians, including 8 children, and a French activist were arrested in the West Bank.
• 33 of them, including 3 children, were arrested in Jerusalem.
• A child was arrested along the border fence in the central Gaza Strip and was released after being questioned.

• Israeli authorities continued to create a Jewish majority in occupied East Jerusalem.
• 5 dwellings temporarily set by Palestinian activities near Khan al-Ahmar Bedouin Community were demolished.
• 4 civilians were denied entry into al-Aqsa Mosque.

• Israeli forces continued their settlement activities in the West Bank.
• Settlers have established a settlement outpost and burnt 200 olive trees in southern Bethlehem.
• Shooting was reported against the Palestinian fishing boats in the Gaza Sea, but no casualties were reported.
• 3 fishermen were arrested, and their fishing boat was confiscated.

• Israeli forces turned the West Bank into cantons and continued to impose the illegal closure on the Gaza Strip for the 11^th consecutive year.
• Dozens of temporary checkpoints were established in the West Bank and others were re-established to obstruct the movement of Palestinian civilians.
• 8 Palestinian civilians were arrested, including 3 children and a girl, at the military checkpoints in the West Bank.

Summary

Israeli violations of international law and international humanitarian law in the oPt continued during the reporting period (13 – 19 September 2018).

Shooting:

Israeli forces continued 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 25^th week in a row peaceful demonstrations along the eastern and northern Gaza Strip border area. During the reporting period, the Israeli forces killed 7 Palestinian civilians, including 2 children, while a third child succumbed to previous wounds in the Gaza Strip.  Moreover, 278 civilians, including 46 children, 10 women, 4 journalists, and 9 paramedics, were wounded.  In the West Bank, A Palestinian civilian died only few hours after being arrested in light of having suspicions that the brutal beating he was subject to caused his death.  Moreover, a Palestinian was shot dead by the Israeli Police in occupied East Jerusalem and wounded 8 Palestinian civilians, including a child and a journalist.

In the Gaza Strip, on 14 September 2018, the Israeli forces killed 2 Palestinian civilians during their participation in the Return and Breaking the Siege protests. The first one was identified as Mohammed Shaqourah (20) from al-Maghazi refugee camp, after being shot with a bullet to the chest in eastern al-Bureij in the central Gaza Strip while the second was identified as Hani ‘Afanah (21) after being shot with a bullet to the chest in eastern al-Shokah village, east of Rafah City in the southern Gaza Strip.

On 18 September 3018, the Israeli forces killed 2 Palestinian civilians during their participation in the Return and Breaking the Siege protests in the northern Gaza Strip.  Those killed were identified as Mohammed abu Naji (32), from Beit Lahia Housing Project, who was hit with a bullet to the chest, and Ahmed ‘Omer (24), from al-Shati’a refugee camp, who was hit with a bullet to the chest as well.

On the same day, the Israeli forces killed 2 Palestinian civilians, including a child, when they approached the broder fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel in eastern al-Qararah village, east of Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip.  They were identified as Naji Abu ‘Aasi (17) and ‘Alaa Abu ‘Aasi (20); who are both from Bani Suhaila.  PCHR’s investigations into emphasize that the two killed were civilians who were near the barbed-wire fence that is around 50 meters away from the main border fence.  Although no circumstances clarified the reason behind their presence in the scene, they did not pose any threat to the life of soldiers as both were unarmed; moreover, targeting them violates the principle of necessity and distinction as the Israeli forces used unjustified force.

On 19 September 2018, Israeli forces killed Mo’men Abu ‘Eyaadah (15) after being hit with a bullet to the head during his participation in a gathering of dozens of civilians in the Return encampment near the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel in eastern al-Shokah village, east of Rafah City in the southern Gaza Strip.

In the same context, the medical sources at the Gaza European Hospital in Khan Younis on 15 September 2018 declared the death of Suhaib Abu Kashif (16) from Khan Younis refugee camp, after succumbing to his wounds.  The aforementioned child was wounded with a bullet to the neck during his participation in the Return March activities in eastern Khuza’ah village, eat of Kahn Younis on 03 August 2018.

As part of using excessive force against the peaceful protestors along the Gaza Strip borders, the Israeli forces during the reporting period wounded 278 civilians, including 46 children, 10 women, 4 journalists and 9 paramedics.  The injury of 12 of those wounded was described as serious.

Injuries in the Gaza Strip during this Week

Governorate	Injuries
	Total	Children	Women	Journalists	Paramedics	Critical Injuries
Northern Gaza Strip	158	28	6	3	7	6
Gaza City	48	8	3	0	0	0
Central Gaza Strip	20	2	1	0	1	0
Khan Younis	29	4	0	1	0	3
Rafah	23	4	0	0	1	3
Total	278	46	10	4	9	12

As part of targeting the border areas, on 14 September 2018, the Israeli forces stationed along the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel in eastern Khan Younis, fired an artillery shell that fell inside Abu T’eimah Elementary School for Noys and Girls in ‘Abasan al-Kabireh village.  As a result, two classrooms sustained damage, and the school was suspended in the next day.  It should be noted around 2500 female and male elementary and preparatory students go to the aforementioned school on 2 shifts.

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.  On 13 September 2018, the Israeli forces arrested 3 fishermen and confiscated their boat off al-Sheikh ‘Ejlin shore, west of Gaza City.

In the West Bank, Mohammed al-Khatib, from Beit Rima village, northwest of Ramallah, died only few hours after being arrested by the Israeli forces on 18 September 2018.  His family said that the Israeli forces had brutally beaten him before arresting and taking him to an unknown destination.  In the morning, the family received a phone call from the Palestinian Liaison informing them that their son died.

On the same day, Israeli police officers opened fire at Mohammed ‘Alian (26), from Qalendia refugee camp, north of East Jerusalem, wounding him with 15 bullets throughout his body, and immediately died.  The Israeli police claimed that the abovementioned attempted to stab an Israeli settler who was walking in al-Mesrarah area near the Damascus Gate in the central of the occupied City.

In the same context, during the reporting period, the Israeli forces wounded 8 Palestinian civilians, including a child and a journalist,

Incursions:

During the reporting period, Israeli forces conducted at least 75 military incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank and 6 similar ones into Jerusalem and its suburbs. During those incursions, Israeli forces arrested at least 42 Palestinians, including 5 children, in the West Bank.  Meanwhile, 33 other civilians, including 3 children, and a French activist were arrested in Jerusalem and its suburbs.

In the Gaza Strip, on 13 September r308, the Israeli forces moved 50 meters into al-Shokah village, east of Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip.  On 14 September 2018, the Israeli forces moved 70 meters into eastern al-Qararah, east of Khan Younis.  In the 2 incursions, the Israeli forces levelled lands along the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel.

Israeli Forces continued to create a Jewish Majority in occupied East Jerusalem:

As part of the house demolitions and other civilian objects,on 13 September 2018, the Israeli forces demolished 5 dwellings temporarily set by Palestinian activities near Khan al-Ahmar and called it Wadi al-Ahmar village in solidarity with the Bedouin Community that is decided by the Israeli authorities to be demolished and its residents to be displaced.

Israeli Forces continued their settlement activities, and the settlers continued their attacks against Palestinian civilians and their property

As part of the Israeli settlers’ attacks against Palestinian civilians and their property, on 13 September 2018, settlers burnt 200 olive trees located in al-Menia village, south of Bethlehem, and  belonging to the Sa’ir village residents in eastern Hebron.

On the same day, a group of settlers attacked civilian houses in Jaloud village, southeast of Nablus.  They slashed the tires of 6 cars with sharp tools and spray-painted hate graffiti against Arabs on the walls of a house in the village.

On 18 September 2018, a group of Israeli settlers established mobile houses in “Khelet al-Nahlah” area, which is a 400-dunum hill off Urtas village, south of Bethlehem. They raised the Israeli flag on the hill and supplied it with electricity.  Hasan Breijeyah, Head of the Settlement and Wall Resistance Commission in Bethlehem, said that there is an Israeli plan to establish a settlement outpost and connect it with “Afrat” Settlement, south of Bethlehem, until it reaches the eastern lands of Bethlehem and then turn towards “Har Homa” settlement, which has become of West Jerusalem’s neighbourhoods.

Details

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

Thursday, 13 September 2018:

• At approximately 01:00, Israeli forces moved into Beit Ummer village, north of Hebron and stationed near the Great Mosque in the center of the city. They raided and searched a house belonging to ‘Ala’a Mousa al-Za’aqiq (34) and then arrested him. It should be noted that the Israeli forces handed a summons to ‘Ala’a a week ago after they raided his house. Meanwhile, another Israeli force raided and searched a house belonging to Ahmed Khader Abdul Qader Abu Hashem (52) and then arrested him.

• Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into al-Thaheriyah village, south of Hebron and stationed in al-Deir neighborhood. They raided and searched a house belonging to Abdul Hamid Mohammed al-Battat (29) and then arrested him.

• At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into Husan village, west of Bethlehem. They raided and searched a house belonging to Mahmoud Tam’ah Abdullah al-‘Aredi (25) and then arrested him.

• Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Barqin village, west of jenin. They raided and searched a house belonging to Basem Yasser Abu Shadouf (23) and then arrested him.

• At approximately 02:30, Israeli forces accompanied with 3 military vehicles moved into Halhoul, north of Hebron. They then raided and searched a house belonging to Hazem Ahmed ‘Ali Zama’rah (24) and then arrested him.

• Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Beit Rema village, west of Ramallah. They raided and searched 2 houses belonging to Ismail Mohammed al-Barghuthi (23) and ‘Adli Farah al-Remawi (26) and then arrested them.

• At approximately 04:30, Israeli accompanied with 4 military vehicles moved into Betunia village, west of Ramallah and stationed in al-Fawakeh intersection. They raided and searched a house belonging to ‘elian al-Hendi (59) and then arrested him and his son Omer (27).

•  At approximately 08:00, Israeli forces accompanied with a number of military vehicles and bulldozers moved about 50 meters from the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel near Sofa military site into the east of al-Shawkah village, east of Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip. They leveled and combed the area and then redeployed along the border fence at approximately 09:30.

• At approximately 10:20, Israeli gunboats stationed offshore, adjacent to Sheikh ‘Ejlin shore, west of Gaza City, opened fire at Palestinian fishing boats. The gunboats surrounded a fishing boat manned by 3 fishermen namely Mohammed Abdul Razeq Baker (47), his son Mohammed (20) and Mohammed Sobhi (20). The soldiers forced the fishermen to take off their clothes, jump into the water and swim towards the gunboats. The fishermen were then arrested and their boat was confiscated.

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (11) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: Hebron, Surif, and al-Mawreq villages in Hebron; Kufor ‘Aboush, Kufor Zebad, Baqa al-Sharqiyah, Qifin, ‘Alar and Beit Led villages in Tulkarm; Joyous village, northeast of Qalqiliyah. 

Friday, 14 September 2018:

• At approximately 08:00, Israeli forces accompanied with a number of military vehicles moved about 70 meters into the east of al-Qararah, east of Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip. They leveled the lands adjacent to the border fence and redeployed along the border fence few hours later adjacent to Khuza’ah village.

• At approximately 19:33, Israeli forces stationed along the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel, east of Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip, fired an artillery shell that fell in Abu Ta’imah Elementary School in ‘Abasan al-Kabirah  village, which is 2 kilometers away from the border fence. As a result, 2 classrooms sustained damage and the school day was suspended in the next day. It should be noted that 2,500 female and male students in elementary and preparatory grades study in the school on 2 periods. Meanwhile, the Israeli forces fired 2 artillery shells at a border control point belonging to Palestinian resistance groups. The site was hundreds of meters away from the place where protestors gathered near the March of Return and Breaking Siege, east of Khuza’ah village. The shelling caused material damage to the site, and caused fear among civilians, particularly that but no casualties were reported.

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (11) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: Hebron, Yatta, Beit Ummer, Sekkah, souse, Beit ‘Awa villages in Hebron; Safarin village, southeast of Tulkarm; ‘Azzoun village, east of the city; Bruqin and Kufor al-Deek villages, west of Salfit.

Saturday, 15 September 2018:

• At approximately 02:30, Israeli forces moved into Nablus. They raided and searched several houses and then arrested Mohammed Mo’een Tabanjah (28) from al-Marij Street in Rafidiya neighborhood, west of the city; and Haitham Mahmoud al-Ka’kah (30) from Khelat al-‘Amoud, southeast of the city.

• At approximately 16:30, Israeli forces stationed along the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel arrested Sa’ed Mohammed Sa’ed al-‘Awawdah (15) from al-Buraij refugee camp. At approximately 23:50, the Israeli forces released Sa’ed through Beit Hanoun “Erez” crossing in the northern Gaza Strip.

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (9) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: Hebron and al-‘Aroub refugee camp, north of the city; Tulkarm and Noor refugee camp, east of the city; Far’oun village, south of the city; Bruqin, al-Zawiyah, Kufor al-Deek and Mashah villages, west of Salfit.

Sunday, 16 September 2018

• At approximately 01:00, Israeli forces moved into Bethlehem. They raided and searched a number of houses and then arrested ‘Essa Ibrahim Abu ‘Ahour (31) and Mohammed Hasan Nawarah (23).

• At approximately 01:50, Israeli forces moved into Qalqiliyah. They raided and searched a  house belonging to Anas Malek Dawoud (28) and then arrested him.

• At approximately 01:55, Israeli forces moved into ‘Azoun village, east of Qalqiliyah. They raided and searched a house belonging to ‘Aref Yusuf Saleem (38) and then arrested him.

• At approximately 02:30, Israeli forces moved into ‘Awerta village, southeast of Nablus. They raided and searched a number of houses and then arrested ‘Ali (36) and his brother Theeb As’ad Abdul Karim Loulah (36).

• Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Beit Ummer village and stationed in al-Thuhor neighborhood. They raided and searched a number of houses after which they arrested Abdullah Ahmed Redwan Ekleil (21) and Husein ‘Ali Husein ‘Adi (20) and then took them to a detention center in “Gush Etzion” settlement complex, south of Bethlehem.

• At approximately 03:30, Israeli forces accompanied with 2 military vehicles moved into the southern area in Hebron and stationed in al-Fahes neighborhood. They raided and searched a house belonging to Farid Hmedan al-‘Oweiwi (39) and then arrested him.

• At approximately 22:30, Israeli forces moved into Nablus to provide protection for settlers, who arrived at the area to perform their religious rituals and Talmudic prayers in “Joseph Tomb”, east of the city. A number of children and youngsters gathered and threw stones and empty bottles at Israeli soldiers. Meanwhile, an ambulance belonging to Palestinian Medical Relief driven by an officer namely Jarir Zakariya Nathmi Qanadelo (48) and volunteer paramedic, Amir Sa’ed al-Bazrah (24), was heading to Aman Street, east of the city. The ambulance stopped near Abu Zant Mosque away from the clashes point to transfer any possible injuries. At approximately 11:30, an armored personnel carrier passed near the ambulance and a soldier fired a live bullet at it. As a result, the right side window was broken and the glass scattered over the paramedic and driver. Jarir was hit with the glass shrapnel to the Left forearm and neck, and Amir was hit with a tear gas canister to the right eye and face. The clashes between Palestinian civilians and the Israeli forces resulted in the injury of 2 civilians, including a child who was hit with rubber bullets.

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (5) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: Nahalin village, west of Bethlehem; ‘Ezbat Shufa village, east of Tulkarm; Halhoul, Surif and Nuba villages in Hebron.

Monday, 17 September 2018:

• At approximately 01:00, Israeli forces moved into ‘Ein Beit al-Ma’a refugee camp, west of Nablus. They raided and searched a house belonging to Fadi Khalid Jabri (21) and then arrested him.

• At approximately 01:30, Israeli forces moved into al-Nabi Saleh village, northwest of Ramallah. They raided and searched a house belonging to Saleh Daifallah al-Tamimi (37) and then arrested him.

• At approximately 02:00, Israeli forced moved into Marakah village, southwest of Jenin. They raided and searched several houses after which they arrested 3 brothers namely Mustafa (21), Majd (24) and Baha’a Hesham Abdul ‘Aziz (30).

• Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Yatta, south of Hebron and stationed in Roq’ah neighborhood. They raided and searched a house belonging to the house of Khalil Yusuf ‘Ali Jabrin (17), who carried out the stab attack in front of “Rami Levy” shop in “Gush Etzion” settlement on 16 September 2018. Khalil was arrested after the soldiers opened fire at him and wounded him. The soldiers also detained many residents, who gathered in front of the house. Meanwhile, Khalil’s father, mother and brothers came back to the house.  They were then arrested by the soldiers, taken to “Gush Etzion” military camp, south of Bethlehem, for investigation and detained for 13 hours. After the soldiers kept the residents away from the house and locked them in the outside yard, they raided and thoroughly searched the 3-storey house. The soldiers took the measurements of the house and photos from inside and outside. They then made holes in all the house walls using an electric excavator. After 3 hours, the Israeli forces left the house, but no arrests were reported.

• At approximately 03:00, Israeli force moved into al-Selah al-Harithiyah village, west of Jenin. They raided and searched a house belonging to Mothana ‘Aref Jaradat, an Arabic teacher at al-Yamoun Primary School adjacent to his village. An Israeli officer forced Mothana to hand over all the money he had and his wife’s jewelry and put them on the table. The soldier confiscated NIS 1,500, which were donations for the school, a gold catenary and 2 rings belonging to his wife and took photos of them. The soldiers then handed Mothana a list of the confiscated items and jewelry. They later withdrew from the house, and no arrests were reported.

• At approximately 03:30, Israeli forces moved into Beit Liqya village, west of Ramallah. They raided and searched a house belonging to Mahfouth Zuhdi ‘Asi (29) and then arrested him.

• Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into ‘Aboud village, northwest of Ramallah. They raided and searched a house belonging to Sadeq Abdul Ra’ouf al-Barghuthi (26) and then arrested him.

• At approximately 22:30, Israeli soldiers stationed along the border fence with Israel in eastern Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip opened fire at the area near the border fence in eastern al-Qararah, northeast of the city.  After around 20 minutes, an Israeli drone launched 2 missiles at the same area.  Later, the Spokesperson of the Israeli forces, Avichay Adraee, declared on twitter that a military drone “attacked saboteurs who suspiciously approached the security fence in the southern Gaza Strip and planted a suspicious object near it”.  However, this was refuted by the PCHR’s investigations. At approximately 00:15 on Tuesday, an ambulance crew belonging to the Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS) arrived in the vicinity of the area, and the ambulances stopped at the end of Street 2 to the east.  After coordinating with the International Committee of Red Cross (ICRC), the ambulances started entering the border area and searching for possibly wounded persons.  Meanwhile, the Palestinian Liaison via phone directed the ambulance crew to where the two persons killed exactly was after the former’s contacted with the Israeli Liaison.

The PRCS crew said to PCHR’s fieldworker that at approximately 00:50 that near the barbed-wire fence established in the Palestinian territories, east of al-Qararah, that is around 50 meters away from the main border fence, they found two bodies of civilians dressed in civilian clothes.  One of them turned into pieces while the second was wounded with shrapnel throughout his body and features of his face was unclear due to the targeting.  The ambulance crew carried the two killed, taking them 300 meters away where the ambulances were parked.  They were then taken to Naser Hospital in Khan Younis.   Moreover, neither firearms nor suspicious objects were found near the bodies unlike what have been said by the Israeli Forces’ Spokesperson. On Tuesday Afternoon, 18 September 2018, families of the 2 persons killed identified them after their photos were published on social media.  They were namely as Naji Jamil Hasan Abu ‘Aasi (17) and ‘Alaa Ziad Jamil Abu ‘Aasi (20); who are both from Bani Suhaila. Though the circumstances have not clarified the reason behind their presence in the scene, they posed no threat to the life of Israeli soldiers as they were both civilians and unarmed, noting that the area was calm and did not witness any protests.  Moreover, many infiltrations into Israel for work there were reported in that area.

• At approximately 23:30, Israeli forces moved into Osarin village, southeast of Nablus amidst heavy firing of tear gas canisters. A number of children and youngsters gathered and threw stones and empty bottles at Israeli soldiers. The soldiers heavily fired rubber-coated metal bullets and tear gas canisters to disperse them. As a result, Warrad Fayham ‘Adili (50) was hit with a rubber bullet to the left eye. He was taken to Rafidiya Hospital in Nablus and then transferred to AnNajah National University in the city because the bullet settled in his eye. Doctors classified Warrad’s injury as serious and he was then transferred to Aqraba Charitable Clinic in the nearby ‘Aqraba village. During the clashes, Samer Hamdi ‘Adili (22) was arrested and then taken to an unknown destination. Following that, the Israeli forces closed the entrance to Osarin and ‘Aqraba villages, branching from ‘Aber al-Samera Street (505), with rocks and sand berms.

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (5) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: Hebron, al-Shuyoukh, and Deir Samet village in Hebron; ‘Azzoun village, east of Qalqiliyah; Hablah village, south of the city.

Tuesday, 18 September  2018:

• At approximately 01:00, Israeli forces moved into Dura, south of Hebron and stationed in Sangar neighborhood. They raided and searched a house belonging to Ibrahim Ma’moun Nassar (24) and then arrested him.

• At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into Surif village, northwest of Hebron and stationed in the western neighborhood. They raided and searched several houses after which they arrested Husam Ahmed al-Hour (27), Ahmed Mahmoud al-Qadi (30) and Fadi ‘Ayed Ghuneimat (28).

• At approximately 02:30, Israeli forces moved into ‘Arabah village, southwest of Jenin. They raided and searched a house belonging to Mohammed Abdul Latif al-Shebani (43) and then arrested him.

• At approximately 04:00, Israeli forces moved into ‘Azoun village, east of Qalqiliyah. They raided and searched a number of houses and then arrested Wahbi Mousa Ahmed al-Khuli (27), Ayoub Farouq Abu Haniyah (33) and ‘Amid Ayoub Fawzi Zamari (23).

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (3) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: Hebron and Sa’ir village, northeast of the city, Howarah village, and south of Nablus.

Wednesday,19 September 2018:

• At approximately 18:00, an Israeli infantry unit moved into Qaitoun neighborhood in Hebron’s Old City, adjacent to the Ibrahimi Mosque, as the Old City has witnessed a heavy deployment of Israeli soldiers due to the Jewish holidays. They then raided and searched a house belonging to Shaher Ibrahim Abu Sbaih. Meanwhile, a verbal altercation and hand-fight between the soldiers and the house inhabitants occurred, the soldiers then knocked Shaher to the ground. The Israeli forces later withdrew from the house, and no arrests were reported.

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (3) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: Hebron, Sa’ir,  Shuyoukh al-‘Aroub villages and Yatta in Hebron; Beta village, southeast of Nablus.

Civilian Died only Few Hours after Being Arrested by Israeli Forces:

• Mohammed al-Khatib, from Beit Rima village, northwest of Ramallah, died only few hours after being arrested by the Israeli forces. PCHR calls for an immediate and impartial investigation into the death circumstances of al-Khatib and expresses its deep concern that the Israeli forces had possibly practiced torture against him.

According to PCHR’s investigations and eyewitnesses’ accounts, at approximately 06:00 today, 18 September 2018, Israeli soldiers sneaked into Beit Rima village, northwest of Ramallah, via a civilian white Volkswagen Caravelle with a Palestinian registration plate.  The vehicle stopped near a house belonging to the family of Mohammed Zaghloul al-Khatib (24), and the Israeli soldiers stepped out of it to raid al-Khatib’s bedroom.  They had brutally beaten him before arresting and taking him to an unknown destination.  In the morning, an Israeli officer called the brother of the abovementioned and asked him if Mohammed suffers from a certain disease, but his brother denied so.  Shortly, the family received a phone call from the Palestinian Liaison informing them that their son died.  It should be mentioned that al-Khatib was previously wounded by the Israeli forces with a bullet to his foot one year and a half ago.

Bashir al-Khatib, Mohammed’s brother, said to a PCHR’s fieldworker that:

“I woke up to the loud screams of my brother Mohammed, so I immediately went to his bedroom, which is separated from our main house around 10 meters away.  When I arrived, I saw 10 Israeli soldiers severely and brutally beating him with their riffles and feet throughout his body.  I tried to move them away, but the soldiers forcefully drove me off and tied my hands.  They then locked my mother, sisters and I in a room in our house.  After Five minutes, we no longer heard the screams of Mohammed, and I saw one of the Israeli soldiers holding Mohammed on his shoulders to a white vehicle and taking him to an unknown destination.  At approximately 09:00, I received a call from an Israeli officer asking me If Mohammed suffers from any disease.  I answered No, he does not have any, and the soldiers then surprisingly ended the call. I then received a call from the Palestinian Liaison in Ramallah informing me with the death of Mohammed.”

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 against peaceful demonstration organized by Palestinian civilians in in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, and it was named as “The Great March of Return and Breaking Siege.” The demonstration was in protest against the U.S. President Donald Trump’s declaration to move the U.S. Embassy to it. The demonstration was as follows during the reporting period:

Gaza Strip:

• At approximately 22:50 on Thursday, 13 September 2018, Israeli forces stationed along the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel, east of Abu Safiyah hill, northeast of Jabalia in the northern Gaza Strip, opened fire at a group of civilians, who approached the abovementioned border fence. As a result, a 27-year-old civilian from Jabalia was hit with live bullet shrapnel to upper part of his body and doctors classified his injury as moderate.

• At approximately 16:00 on Friday, 14 September 2018, thousands of Palestinian civilians protested in the east of Malakah intersection, east of al-Zaytoun neighborhood, east of Gaza City. A number of them approached the border fence with Israel, set fire to tires and attempted to throw stones at the Israeli soldiers. The soldiers stationed along the border fence fired live bullets and tear gas canisters at the protestors. As a result, 47 civilians, including 7 children and 2 women, were wounded. Thirty three of them were hit with live bullets, and 14 were hit with tear gas canisters.

• At approximately 16:30 on the same day, 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 protestors. As a result, Mohammed Khalil Ghazi Shaqourah (20), from al-Maghazi refugee camp, was killed after being hit with a live bullet to the chest. Moreover, 13 civilians, including 2 children and a paramedic, were wounded. Twelve of them were hit with live bullets and their shrapnel. Dena Ibrahim Hasan Salem (22), a volunteer paramedic at PRCS, was hit with a tear gas canister to the left thigh.

• Around the same time, thousands of civilians swarmed to the Return encampment, 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, Hani Ramzi Mohammed ‘Afanah (21) was killed after being hit with a live bullet to the chest when he was about 100 meters into the west of the border fence. He was reported Dead on Arrival (DOA) at Gaza European Hospital in Khan Younis. Moreover, 19 civilians, including 4 children and a paramedic, were hit with live bullets and their shrapnel. The paramedic identified as Zuhair Mahmoud Abdul Ra’ouf al-Sheikh (Jouda) (30) was hit with a live bullet to the right leg. The wounded civilians were taken to the medical point in the Return encampment, east of Rafah, and then transferred to Abu Yusuf al-Najjar Hospital in Rafah and Gaza European Hospital in Khan Younis. Doctors classified 3 civilians’ injuries as serious.

• Around the same time, thousands of civilians, including children and elderlies, protested in the east of Khuza’ah village, east of Khan Younis. Hundreds of them approached the border fence with Israel, set fire to tires as a number of them threw stones at Israeli soldiers. The Israeli snipers stationed behind sand barriers along the border fence fired live bullets and tear gas canisters at the protestors, who were about 300 meters away from the main border fence. As a result, 25 civilians, including 4 children, were wounded. Doctors classified 3 civilians’ injuries as serious.

• Around the same time, thousands of civilians protested in the east of Abu Safiyah Hill, northeast of Jabalia in the northern Gaza Strip. A number of them approached the border fence with Israel, set fire to tires and attempted to throw stones at Israeli soldiers. The soldiers stationed along the border fence fired live bullets and tear gas canisters at the protestors. As a result, 51 civilians, including 9 children and 5 paramedics; 4 of them were females, were wounded. Nineteen of them were hit with live bullets, and 32 were hit with tear gas canisters. The wounded paramedics were identified as:

1. Mohammed Ibrahim Abdul Fattah Kutkut (46) was hit with a live bullet to the left arm;
2. Salwa Mohammed Nathmi Jnaid (20) was hit with a tear gas canister to the left foot;
3. Noor Fayez Ahmed al-Kafarnah (21) was hit with a tear gas to the left thigh
4. Habibah Mahmoud Abdul ‘Aziz al-Sekafi (22) was hit with a tear gas canister to the back; and
5. Reem Mansour Abdul Jawad Shatat (20) was hit with a tear gas canister and bruises to the pelvis.

• At approximately 22:00 on Saturday, 15 September 2018, Israeli forces stationed along the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel, east of Malakah intersection, east of al-Zaytoun neighborhood, east of Gaza City, opened fire at a group of civilians, who approached the border fence. As a result, a 16-year-old child was hit with a live bullet to the left foot.

• At approximately 23:35 on the same Saturday, Israeli forces stationed along the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel, east of Abu Safiyah Hill, northeast of Jabalia in the northern Gaza Strip, opened fire at a group of civilians, who approached the border fence. As a result, a 25-year-old civilian from Khan Younis was hit with a live bullet to the right thigh. He was taken to the Indonesian Hospital. Doctors classified his injury as serious due to a cut in the main artery in the thigh. The wounded civilians were then transferred to al-Shifa hospital in Gaza City.

• At approximately 20:00 on Sunday, 16 September 2018, dozens of Palestinian civilians gathered in the Return encampment near the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel, east of al-Shawkah village, east of Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip. They set fire to tires and fired fireworks and turned on sounds similar to warning sirens. The soldiers sporadically fired live bullets at civilians. As a result, a civilian was hit with a live bullet to the upper limbs.

• At approximately 20:20, Israeli forces stationed along the border fence with Israel adjacent to the Return encampment, east of Khuza’ah village, east of Khan Younis, fired live bullets at a group of Palestinian young men, who protested in the area. As a result, a 26-year-old civilian was hit with a live bullet to the right thigh and Mazen Suleiman Mahmoud Qdaih (25), a reporter at Rebat Radio Station and a photographer at Noor News Network, who was hit with shrapnel to the left hand palm.

• At approximately 16:00 on Monday, 17 September 2018, hundreds of Palestinian civilians protested near the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel in al-Sefa area (adjacent to “Zikim” military base), northwest of Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip. It should be noted that this is the seventh time for Palestinian boats to sail for breaking the Siege from Gaza Seaport towards the northern Gaza Strip coastline. The Israeli gunboats heavily opened fire at the boats for breaking the siege that approached the water barrier established by the Israeli forces. The Israeli soldiers stationed along the border fence heavily fired live bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters at the protestors. As a result, 59 civilians, including 12 children and a woman, were wounded. Thirty eight of them were hit with live bullets and their shrapnel and 21 were hit with tear gas canisters. Doctors classified 4 civilians’ injuries as serious. At approximately 23:35 on the same day, 2 other civilians were wounded in eastern Abu Safiyah Hill in the northern Gaza Strip after the Israeli forces fired live bullets and tear gas canisters at a group of civilians, who approached the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel.

• At approximately 22:00 on the same Monday, Israeli forces stationed along the border fence with Israel adjacent to the Return encampment, east of Khuza’ah village, east of Khan Younis, fired live bullets at a group of civilians, who protested in the area. As a result, a 26-year-old civilian was hit with a live bullet to the chest.

• At approximately 17:00 on Tuesday, 18 September 2018, Israeli forces stationed at the Beit Hanoun “Erez” Crossing in the northern Gaza Strip fired live bullets and tear gas canisters to disperse hundreds of civilians who were protesting near the crossing upon calls from the National Committee of March for Return and Breaking the Siege to participate in the “Together for the Rights of Refugees and Breaking the Siege” activity. The Israeli Forces’ shooting resulted in the killing of 2 civilians who were identified as Mohammed Ahmed Mohammed Abu Naji (32) from Beit Lahia Housing Project who was hit with a bullet to the chest; and Ahmed Mohammed Muhsen ‘Omer (24) from al-Shati’ refugee camp who was hit with a bullet to the chest. Moreover, 44 civilians, including 7 children, 2 women, 3 journalists and 2 paramedics, were wounded.  Seven of the wounded were hit with bullets while the rest were directly hit with tear gas canisters in addition to dozens who suffered tear gas inhalation.  Further, a tear gas canister hit and broke the window of a PRCS ambulance. The two paramedic, who work at PRCS were identified as Jamal Ibrahim Ahmed al-Sayed (30), was hit with a tear gas canister to the head and Shaima’a Hani Ibrahim al-Masri (20) was hit with a tear gas canister to the pelvis. The wounded journalists were identified as Tha’er Khalid Fehmi Abu Rayash (24), a journalist at the Turkish Newspaper, was hit with a tear gas canister to the right knee, and Mohammed ‘Atef Mohammed al-‘Arabid (23), a photojournalist at the North Media Network and Palestine News Network, was hit with a tear gas canister to the face.

• At approximately 22:00 on the same Tuesday, Israeli forces stationed along the border with Israel adjacent to the Return encampment, east of Khuza’ah village, east of Khan Younis, fired live bullets at a group of young men, who protested in the area. As a result, a 22-year-old civilian was hit with a live bullet to the lower limbs.

• At approximately 16:30 on Wednesday, 19 September 2018, 7 civilians were hit with live bullets during their participation in a demonstration that was organized near the border fence with Israel, adjacent to “al-Namer Gate” belonging to the Israeli forces, east of Deir al-Balah in the central Gaza Strip.
• At approximately 20: on Wednesday, 19 September 2018, dozens of civilians gathered in the Return encampment near the border fence between the Gaza strip and Israel, east of al-Shawkah village, east of Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip. They set fire to tires and fired fireworks at the soldiers. The Israeli soldiers sporadically fired live bullets. As a result, Mo’men Ibrahim Salim Abu ‘Eyadah (15) was killed after being hit with a live bullet to the head at approximately 23:30 on the same day. Mo’men died before his arrival at Abu Yusuf al-Najjar hospital in Rafah. Moreover, 3 civilians were hit with live bullets and its shrapnel.

Child Succumbed to His wounds:

• A approximately 23:30 on Saturday, 15 September 2018, medical sources at Gaza European Hospital in Khan Younis announced the death of Suheib Abdul Salam Mohammed Abu Kashef (16), from Khan Younis refugee camp, succumbing to his wounds. Suheib was hit with a live bullet to the neck during his participation in the activities of the Return March in the east of Khuza’ah village, east of Khan Younis on 03 August 2018. Suheib was at that time taken to Gaza European Hospital and doctors classified his injury as serious. He then stayed at the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) until his death was announced.

West Bank:

•  Following the Friday Prayer on 14 September 2018, dozens of Palestinian children and youngsters moved into the entrance to Beit Ummer village, north of Hebron where the Israeli forces established a military watchtower. When they arrived at the area, the Israeli soldiers chased them amidst firing sound bombs and tear gas canisters. The soldiers then arrested 5 children and took them to the military watchtower. The arrestees were then transferred to a detention center in “Gush Etzion” settlement, south of Bethlehem. The arrestees were identified as: Qais Mohammed Kamel Abu Maria (15), Khatab Wahid Hamdi Abu Maria (16), Rakan Nasser Abdul Hamid Abu Maria (15), Sayel Jihad ‘Ali Sabarnah (16), and Mahdi Ibrahim Abdul Hamid Abu Maria (15).

• At approximately 13:40 on the same Friday 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 and 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 rubber bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters at them. As a result, Nidal Shafiq Taher Eshtiyah (49), a journalist at New China News Agency, was hit with a rubber bullet to the chest. At approximately 17:30 on Saturday, 15 September 2018, a similar demonstration was organized. The Israeli shooting resulted in the injury of a 47-year-old civilian with a rubber bullet to the right leg.

• 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 Beit Hanoun (“Erez”) crossing

(12-18 September 2018)

Category	12 September	13 September	14 September	15  September	16 September	17 September	18  September
Patients	66	45	4	–	111	91	–
Companions	64	38	4	–	99	78	–
Personal needs	5	41	4	–	21	38	1
Families of prisoners	–	–	–	–	–	–	–
Arabs from Israel	18	18	11	–	8	3	–
Diplomats	–	6	–	–	–	–	–
Meetings in Erez	–	–	–	–	–	–	–
International workers	17	49	13	–	9	41	–
Travelers Abroad	–	117	–	–	2	79	–
Business people	3	489	3	–	393	263	1
Business meetings	–	–	–	–	–	–	–
Security interviews	2	1	–	–	1	2	–
VIPs	–	–	–	–	1	1	–
Ambulances to Israel	3	2	7	–	5	7	–
Patients’ Companions	3	2	6	–	6	5	–

Note:

• On Wednesday, 12 September 2018, the Israeli authorities allowed 2 persons; and on Thursday, 13 September 2018, 8 persons to return to the West Bank.
• On Thursday, 13 September 2018, the Israeli authorities allowed a doctor; and on Friday, 14 September 2018, another doctor to travel via the crossing to attend a medical course.
• On Tuesday, 18 September 2018, the crossing was closed, except for humanitarian cases, under the pretext of Jewish holidays. 

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 (5) all over the City.

On Thursday, 13 September 2018, Israeli forces established 2 checkpoints at the entrance to Beit Rima village, northwest of Ramallah, and at the entrance to ‘Ain Ybroud village, northeast of the city.

On Friday, 14 September 2018, 3 similar checkpoints were established at the entrances to ‘Aboud and al-Nabi Saleh villages, northwest of Rmallah; and at the entrance to ‘Our Tahta village, west of the city.

Hebron: Israeli forces established (25) checkpoints all over the city.

On Thursday, 13 September 2018, Israeli forces established 3 checkpoints at the entrances to Samou’a, al-Dahiriyia and Beit al-Roush villages.

On Friday, 14 September 2018, 4 similar checkpoints were established at the southern and northern entrances to Hebron, and at the entrances to Beit Ummer and Karmah villages.

On Saturday, 15 September 2018, Israeli forces established 3 checkpoints at the southern entrance to Hebron, and at the entrances to Sureef and Ethan villages.

On Sunday, 15 September 2016, 6 similar checkpoints were established at the southern entrance to Hebron, at the northern and western entrance to Yatta village, on Khelet al-Mayah and al-Berkah Roads, west and east of Yatta, and at the entrances al-Fahs and Bani Na’iem villages.

On Monday, 17 September 2018, Israeli forces established 3 checkpoints at the northern entrance to Yatta, at the entrance to Sa’ir village, and at the entrance to al-Fawar refugee camp.

On Tuesday, 18 September 2018, 2 similar checkpoints were established at the entrance to al-‘Aroub refugee camp and at the entrance to Beit Ummer village.

On Wednesday, 19 September 2018, Israeli forces established 4 checkpoints on Khelet al-‘Ain Road, east of Beit Ummer; on Hasaka Road, south of Halhoul; on Wad Risha Road, west of Ethna and its western entrance.

Qalqiliyia: Israeli forces established (8) checkpoints all over the city.

On Thursday, 13 September 2018, Israeli forces established 2 checkpoints at the entrances to Jeinasafout and ‘Izbit al-Tabeeb villages, east of Qalqiliyia.

On Saturday, 15 September 2018, 2 similar checkpoints were established at the entrances to ‘Azoun and ‘Izbit al-Tabeeb villages.

At approximately 13:50 on Saturday, 15 September 2018, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the eastern entrance to Qalqiliyia.

On Sunday, 16 September 2018, 2 similar checkpoints were established at the entrances to Amateen and ‘Izbit al-Tabeeb villages, east of the city.

At approximately 21:50 on Monday, 17 September 2018, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the entrance to Jeet village, northeast of Qalqiliyia.

Salfit: Israeli forces established (3) checkpoints all over the city.

On Friday, 14 September 2018, Israeli forces established 2 checkpoints at the entrances to Dir Balout and Burqeen villages, west of Salfit.

On Monday, 17 September 2018, 2 similar checkpoints were established at the northern entrance to Salfit and at the entrance to Kaful Hares village, north of the city.

Tulkarm: Israeli forces established (3) checkpoints all over the city.

At approximately 18:30 on Thursday, 13 September 2018, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the intersection of Jabarah village, south of Tulkarm.

At approximately 20:00 on Saturday, 15 September 2018, a similar checkpoint was established at the intersection of Bazaryia village, east of ‘Enbitah, east of the city.

At approximately 20:50 on Monday, 17 September 2018, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the intersection of Beit Lid village, east of the city.

Jenin:

At approximately 20:30 on Sunday, 16 September 2018, Israeli forces established a checkpoint near a prior an Israeli campestablished between Jabi’ and Nasour villages, southeast of Jenin.

Nablus:

At approximately 07:00 on Tuesday, 18 September 2018, Israeli forces stationed at Hawarah checkpoint, at the southern entrance to Nablus, tightened their arbitrary measures against Palestinian civilians and obstructed the vehicles movement.

Arrests at Military Checkpoints:

• At approximately 07:30 on Thursday, 13 September 2018, Israeli forces arrested Qusai Shehada Ghaith (13) and ‘Odai Sufyan Abu Hittah (9) while heading to their school near the military checkpoint (106) in Hebron’s southern area. Both of them were released 2 hours later. It should be noted that abovementioned area has witnessed Israeli attacks several times.
• At approximately 10:00, Israeli forces arrested Ahmed ‘Atif al-‘Awawdah (14), from Dir Samet village, southwest of Hebron, while he was in the vicinity of al-Ibrahimi Mosque in the Old City. The Israeli forces claimed that they found a knife with Ahmed and he was then taken to an investigation center in “ Kriyat ‘Arba’” settlement, east of Hebron.
• At approximately 20:10, Israeli forces stationed at a military checkpoint established at the eastern entrance to Qalqiliyia, arrested Sa’ied Belal Sa’ied Swilem (25) while getting out of the city and passing through the checkpoint.
• At approximately 20:30 on Thursday, Israeli forces stationed at Hawarah checkpoint, at the southern entrance to Nablus, arrested two brothers namely Kamal (45) and Murad Saleh Shariy’ah (18), from al-Quds Street, east of the city.
• At approximately 09:00 on Tuesday, 18 September 2018, Israeli forces stationed at al-Container checkpoint, northeast of Bethlehem, arrested Rania Wajeeh Mahmoud Doweek (19), while passing though the checkpoint.
• At approximately 18:30 on Wednesday, 19 September 2018, Israeli forces arrested ‘Abdullah Mohamed Abu ‘Aisha (33), from Tal Ramidah neighborhood in Hebron, after assaulting him by a group of Israeli settlers deployed in the neighborhood under the pretext of Jewish holidays. 

• 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:

Shooting Incidents:

On Tuesday afternoon, 18 September 2018, Israeli police officers opened fire at Mohammed Yousif ‘Alian (26) from Qalednia refugee camp, north of occupied East Jerusalem, wounding him with 15 bullets that hit different parts of his body, and immediately killed him.  The Israeli police claimed that the aforementioned attempted to stab an Israeli settler while walking in al-Mosrarah area near the Damascus Gate in the centre of the occupied City.

According to PCHR’s initial investigations, at approximately 19:20 on the abovementioned day afternoon, when ‘Alian was near the Damascus Gate area, he pushed one of the Israeli settlers and fled away.  The settler asked for the Israeli police’s help, so the police officers shouted at ‘Alian, ordering him to stop; however, the latter kept running. One of the Israeli police officers then chased him to al-Mosrarah area and heavily opened fire at him, killing him immediately.  The Israeli police left ‘Alian bleeding on the ground for 3 hours and denied the PRCS staff from approaching him.  After taking his fingerprints and doing various inspections, the Israeli forces took the body to an unknown destination.  Moreover, due to the random shooting at the deceased, the bullets hit a vehicle parked there and a shop window.

The Israeli Police claimed that ‘Alian attempted to stab an Israeli settler with a sharp tool “a small screwdriver.”   They added in their statement that “while on duty on Yom Kippur, the holiest day on the Jewish calendar, the police officers noticed a suspect running at a Jewish person, attempting to harm him, and knocked him to the ground. They said the suspect then ran, brandishing a sharp object, while the police officers neutralized him.”   Following this, the Israeli police closed all Jerusalem’s Old City Gates and denied entry and exit.  Large force of Israeli soldiers moved into al-Mosrarah Street and sealed off the street where the body was lying, forcing civilians to move away from the area.  They also forced the surrounding shops’ owners to close and confiscated the surveillance cameras.

Arrests and Incursions:

• At approximately 03:00 on Thursday, 13 September 2018, Israeli forces moved into Hizmah village, northeast of occupied East Jerusalem. They raided dozens of houses belonging to the families of prisoners in the Israeli jails and other former prisoners. The Israeli forces withdrew the permits that allow them to enter Israel and occupied Jerusalem, in addition to withdrawing a building owner’s license under the pretext of continuing throwing stones in the village.  The mayor of the Hizmah village, Samar Salah al-Deen, said that the Israeli forces moved into the village, raided dozens of houses belonging to the families of prisoners in the Israeli jails and other former prisoners, and then withdrew their entry permits to Israel and occupied Jerusalem for a month and a half. They also withdrew a building owner’s construction license under the pretext that he could tell about the stone-throwers and did not do so. She also pointed out that all persons, whose permits were withdrawn, will give them back after calmness returns to the village and stone-throwing, which harm dozens of jews, their vejciles and buses, stops.

• At approximately 03:00 on Saturday, 15 September 2018, Israeli forces moved into Sho’fat camp, north of occupied East Jerusalem. They raided and searched houses from which they arrested Adham Mahmoud al-Hendi (32), ‘Amr Khashan (29), Ayman ‘Abdullah Abu Mayyalah (31), and Mahmoud al-Faqqeih (27).

• At approximately 04:00 on Sunday, 16 September 2018, Israeli forces moved into al-Salam suburb in ‘Anata village, northeast of occupied East Jerusalem. They raided and searched a house belonging to Mohamed ‘Azzam al-Natshah (25) and then arrested him.

• At approximately 18:00 on Sunday, Israeli forces moved into Qalandia refugee camp and Kafur ‘Aqub village, north of occupied East Jerusalem, after an Israeli bus carrying Palestinian prisoners entered Ramallah-Jerusalem Street, adjacent to Qalandia military checkpoint. Palestinian young men threw stones, empty bottles and Molotov Cocktails bottles at the bus. The Israeli forces heavily fired live bullets and tear gas canisters at them. As a result, dozens of civilians suffered tear gas inhalation while 2 other civilians sustained tear gas canister shrapnel wounds and were then taken to nearby medical centers to receive medical treatment. Few hours later, the Israeli forces moved into the abovementioned camp again. They raided and searched houses, from which they arrested Ibrahim Sami Mutair (32), Mahmoud ‘Isaa al-Mallah (31) and Khaled Mohamed ‘Antar (29).

• At approximately 02:00 on Monday, 17 September 2018, Israeli forces moved into al-‘Issawiyia village, northeast of occupied Jerusalem. They raided and searched houses, from which they arrested 9 civilians, including 3 children. The arrested civilians were then taken to a dentation facility in Jerusalem for investigation. PCHR keeps the names of the arrested civilians.

• At approximately 03:00 on Tuesday, 18 September 2018, Israeli forces moved into Qalandia refugee camp, north of occupied East Jerusalem. They raided and searched houses, from which they arrested Kareem Mohamed Abu Latifa (34) and Shadi Y’qoub (31). The Israeli forces also confiscated NIS 15.000 from a house belonging to Mohamed Mahmoud Mutair.

• At approximately 10:00 on Tuesday, hundreds of Israeli settlers under the Israeli forces’ protection raided al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied East Jerusalem’s Old City, to celebrate Yom Kippur, one of the holiest Days on the Jewish calendar. The Israeli forces violently attacked the Palestinian worshipers and Islamic Endowments (Awqaf) department’s staff. Feras al-Debis, Media and Public Relation Officer at the Islamic Endowments Department, said that the Israeli forces attacked Palestinian worshipers and Islamic Endowments Department’s staff and indiscriminately and severely beat them. The Israeli forces then turned the al-Aqsa Mosque into a military barrack, where the Israeli police officers and Special Forces heavily deployed. Feras al-Debis added that the Israeli forces provide full protection for a large number of Israeli settlers, who raided the mosque. In total, about 326 Israeli settlers raided the al-Aqsa Mosque since the early morning and afternoon. During which, the Israeli police officers deployed at the mosque’s gates, detained the IDs of those entering the mosque and prevented those who refuse to give their ID cards from entering. Dr. Mohamed Jaddallah, who works at al-Aqsa Mosque’s Clinics, said that 7 persons sustained bruises to the shoulder, chest and back. All of those wounded were then referred to al-Maqased Hospital to receive medical treatment. Moreover, the Israeli forces arrested 12 civilians from the al-Aqsa Mosque yards. PCHR keeps the names of the arrested civilians.

• On Tuesday afternoon, Israeli force closed the entrances and exits of occupied East Jerusalem’s villages and neighborhoods coinciding with Yom Kippur. The Israeli forces and set up dozens of checkpoints in the city and placed cement cubes and steel barriers at entrances and exits of occupied East Jerusalem’s villages and neighborhoods with heavy presence of Israeli Police in all the main streets. The Israeli forces closed the vehicles’ movement all over the city, paralyzing all walks of life during the hours of closure which continued until the evening. The Israeli forces also prevented the vehicles movement in the eastern side of Jerusalem, where Palestinians live, as in the western side the Israelis live by establishing checkpoints on the streets. The Spokesperson of the Israeli Police issued a statement about the traffic movement during the Jewish Throne Day, confirming that the Israeli police in collaboration with Jerusalem Municipality will establish checkpoints on main roads, including Uzi Narkis, Haim Barlev and Hebron Roads, to prevent the vehicles’ movement from eastern Jerusalem neighborhoods to western Jerusalem. The Israeli police and Israeli Border Guard officers will station near the checkpoints to prevent removing them; and the Israeli forces and Border Guard officers will deploy in the neighborhoods and friction points. The statement also stressed that the vehicles movement will be towards the Temple Mount and the roads between eastern Jerusalem neighborhoods from the southern and northern sides will be closed, except the following:

• From the southern and northern sides: University Street- Wadi al-Jouz- via Jericho- al-Awafel Street towards Temple Mount.
  • From eastern side: from al-Tour to Shamou’iel Bin ‘Adiyia Road- via Jericho- via al-Awafel Street towards Al Buraq (Wailing Wall).
  • From southern side: from Beit Safafa to al-Mazmoryiah- Surbaher- al-Mukaber Mount- Silwan- Ofeel Road- Temple Mount. Moreover, Road (1) will be closed at the intersection of Arzim towards “Sakharov “.

House and Civilian Property Demolitions and Notices:

• At approximately 04:00 on Thursday, 13 September 2018, Israeli bulldozers leveled Wadi al-Ahmar village that was established by Palestinian activists near Khan al-Ahmar Bedouin Community that is threatened to be demolished. Eyewitnesses said that the Israeli forces accompanied with the Israeli Civil Administration staff moved into Wadi al-Ahmar village, imposed a closure on it and then declared it as a closed military zone. The Israeli bulldozers demolished 5 dwellings temporarily established by Palestinian activists near Khan al-Ahmar Bedouin Community and called it Wadi al Ahmar village in solidarity with Khan al-Ahmar Bedouin Community, which is decided by the Israeli authorities to be demolished and its residents to be displaced. On Wednesday morning, 12 September 2018, the time given by the Israeli Supreme Court to vacate the Kahn al-Ahmar Bedouin Community established in East Jerusalem ended. It should be noted that the Israeli Supreme Court rejected a petition filed by the residents of Khan al-Ahmar Bedouin Community against the decision of vacating their community and demolishing its building.

• At approximately 07:00 on Friday, 14 September 2018, Israeli forces besieged Khan al-Ahmar Bedouin Community, east of occupied East Jerusalem, and closed with sand berms the roads leading to it. An Israeli bulldozer closed a sub road leading to Wadi al-Ahmar village, which was leveled the day before in the dawn in the northern area of the community adjacent to “Kfar Adumim” settlement.  Following that, the Israeli bulldozers moved towards the eastern areas adjacent to the main road leading to Khan al-Ahmar Bedouin Community to level it. Moreover, dozens of Khan al-Ahmar Bedouin Community residents and activists sit in on the main road (Jericho- Jerusalem) in protest against closing the sub roads leading to the Community. The Israeli forces attacked the protestors to disperse them. In addition, a hand fight occurred between the protestors and Israeli forces, in which 3 civilians from the community were arrested in addition to a French activist holding a US passport. The persons arrested were identified as Ibrahim Hussain Mousa Abu Dahouk, Suliman ‘Eid Yameen Hathaleen, ‘Omar ‘Abdullah Ahmed al-Haj, and Frank Romano.  The coordinator of “Save Khan al-Ahmar Community” Campaign, Abdullah Abu Rahmah, said that the Israeli authorities extended the arrest of the abovementioned activist to 4 days. He added that the activist declared his hunger strike until the decision to demolish Khan al-Ahmar will be cancelled. It should be noted that Frank Romano is a Law Professor at the French Sorbonne University and he is in solidarity with Palestinians and has been in the sit-in for many days in Khan al-Ahmar community. 

Settlement activities and attacks by settlers against Palestinian civilians and property

Israeli settlers’ attack:

• On Thursday, 13 September 2018, a group of Israeli settlers burned around 200 fruitful olive trees in al-Minyia village, south of Bethlehem. Those trees belong to civilians from Sa’ir village, east of Hebron. Zayed Kawazbah, Head of al-Minyia Village Council, said that the Israeli settlers burned 10-dunum agricultural lands. It should be noted that the Israeli settlers escalated their attacks against the olive trees as the harvest season is coming next month.

• On Thursday morning, a group of Israeli settlers from “Ahiya“ settlement established on Jaloud village lands, southeast of Nablus, attacked Palestinians’ houses in al-Shaiykh Basher Mount area and Qassrah Street area, under the abovementioned mount. The settlers punctured 6 vehicles’ tires with sharp tools and wrote racist slogans on walls against Arabs. The vehicles belong to:

1. Mohamed Kamal Farhan ‘Abbad: punctured the tires of his agricultural vehicle.
2. Hussain Kamal Farhan ‘Abbad: punctured the tires of his agricultural vehicle.
3.  ‘Ali Kamal Farhan ‘Abbad: punctured the tires of his agricultural vehicle.
4. Hisham ‘Emad Ahmed Hammoud: punctured the tires of his agricultural vehicle.
5. Mohamed Hisham ‘Emad Hammoud: punctured the tires of his vehicle.
6. Riyad Ahmed Hammoud: punctured the tires of his vehicle.

• On Tuesday, 18 September 2018, a group of Israeli setters established a number of mobile dwellings in Khelet Nahlah area, which is a 400-sqaure-meter hill adjacent to Artas village, south of Bethlehem. The Israeli settlers fixed the Israeli flag on the hill and suppled it with electricity.  Hasan Barijiyah, Member of the Wall and Settlement Resistance Commission in Bethlehem, said that a number of Israeli settlers from “Efrat” settlement brought mobile dwellings to the area after supporting them by the Israeli Agriculture Minister, Youri Ariel, who visited the area and said that it is called “Giv’at  ‘Enam“ that is one of the Jewish Holy sites, so we cannot give it up and shall build on it.” Hasan Barijiyah also said that there is a plan to establish an outpost and connect it with “ Efrat“ settlement, which extends longitudinally from southern Bethlehem on al-Khadir village lands to reach  the eastern Bethlehem and then turns towards Har Homa settlement which has become one of West Jerusalem’s neighborhoods. This plan only constitutes part of the Greater Jerusalem Project that is gradually applied by Israel.  It should be noted that the settlers previously established a number of mobile dwellings in the abovementioned area, which was vacated upon a decision by the Israeli Supreme Court following a petition submitted by the lands’ owners and Settlement Resistance Commission.

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.

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. PCHR calls upon the international community to condemn summary executions carried out by Israeli forces against Palestinians and to pressurize Israel to stop them.
7. PCHR calls upon the States Parties to the Rome Statute of the ICC to work hard to hold Israeli war criminals accountable.
8. 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.
9. PCHR calls upon the international community to speed up the reconstruction process necessary because of the destruction inflicted by the Israeli offensive on Gaza.
10. 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.
11. 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.
12. 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.
13. 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.
14. 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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