Ramallah-
Palestinian Youngsters Carry Palestinian Young Man Wounded During Clashes with
the Israeli Forces in front of Ofer Prison.

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

(21 – 27 May 2015)

 

Israeli forces wounded 7 Palestinian civilians,
including 4 children, in the West Bank.

Among the wounded was a child, who was fired at by an Israeli
sniper in Shu’fat refugee camp, north of Jerusalem.

 

Israeli warplanes fired 13 missiles at training sites
and open areas in the Gaza Strip.

 

Israeli forces continued to open fire at border areas
in the Gaza Strip and chase fishers in the sea.

Israeli navy forces opened fire 10 times at
Palestinian fishing boats. As a result, 3 fishers, including a child, were
wounded.

Israeli forces opened fire 4 times at border areas,
north of the Gaza Strip, but no casualties were reported.

 

Israeli forces conducted 52 incursions into Palestinian
communities in the West Bank.

68 Palestinian civilians, including 13 children, were
arrested.

37 of these civilians, including 11 children and 2
elderly persons, were arrested in occupied Jerusalem.

 

Israel continued to impose a total closure on the oPt
and has isolated the Gaza Strip from the outside world.

Many checkpoints were established in the West Bank.

5 Palestinian civilians, including a woman, were
arrested in the West Bank.

A Palestinian woman from the Gaza Strip was arrested
at Beit Hanoun (Erez) crossing while returning from the West Bank.

 

Israeli forces continued their effort to create a Jewish
demographic majority in East Jerusalem.

An under-construction apartment in Silwan village, was
demolished.

 

Israeli forces continued to support settlement
activities in the West Bank and Israeli settlers continued to attack
Palestinian civilians and property.

Israeli
forces demolished 3 grocery stalls in the Jordan Valley and issued more demolition
notices.

Settlers
stole possessions from a Bedouin compound and attacked farmers in Ramallah.

 

Summary

 

Israeli violations of international law and international
humanitarian law in theoPt continued during the reporting period (21 –
27 May 2015).

 

Shooting:

Israeli forces continued to use force against
Palestinian civilians in peaceful protests in the oPt and against fishermen
sailing within the allowed fishing area. During the reporting period, Israeli
forces wounded 10 Palestinian civilians, including 4 children, one of whom was
deliberately shot in East Jerusalem. In the Gaza Strip, Israeli forces
continued to target fishermen and opening fire at border areas along the Gaza
Strip. Moreover, Israeli warplanes launched 13 missiles at targets in the Gaza
Strip.

In the West Bank, on 21 May 2015, an Israeli sniper on
top of a building in Shu’fat refugee camp, north of East Jerusalem, fired a
bullet at a 10-year-old male while coming back from school. As a result, the
boy sustained a serious wound to the left eye and was taken to Hadasa Hospital
in West Jerusalem to receive medical treatment.

 

Israeli forces continued the use of excessive and
systematic force against peaceful protests organized by Palestinian civilians
and Israeli and international solidarity activists against the construction of
the annexation wall and settlement activities in the West Bank. As a result, 6
protestors, including 3 children, were wounded. In addition, an ambulance was
deliberately attacked, due to which the windshield was broken.

 

In the Gaza Strip, 2 fishers, including a child, were
wounded when Israeli gunboats station in the sea opened fire on 25 May 2015, at
a fishing boat belonging to Mohammed Baker (30) that was sailing within 3
nautical miles off al-Sudaniya shore, north of Gaza City. As a result, the
aforementioned person sustained a bullet wound to the left hand and the child
sustained a shrapnel wound to the foot.

 

On 27 May 2015, Israeli gunboats opened fire at a
fishing boat sailing within 3 nautical miles off Gaza seaport, west of Gaza
City. As a result, a fisherman from al-Shati’ refugee camp, sustained 2 bullet
wounds.

 

In the same context, Israeli navy forces opened fire 8
other times at Palestinian fishing boats sailing within the allowed fishing
area according to the last Israeli-Palestinian agreement. Neither casualties
nor material damage were reported, but fishermen were frightened and sailed
back to the shore.

 

Moreover, Israeli forces stationed along the border
fence opened sporadic fire 4 times at areas north of the Gaza Strip, but neither
casualties nor material damage were reported.

 

Incursions:

 

During the reporting period, Israeli forces conducted
at least 52 military incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank
and 6 ones in East Jerusalem. During these incursions, Israeli forces arrested
at least 68 Palestinians, including 13 children.  Thirty-seven of these Palestinians, including
11 children, were arrested in East Jerusalem.

 

Restrictions on movement:

 

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

 

The illegal closure of the Gaza Strip, which has been steadily
tightened since June 2007 has had a disastrous impact on the humanitarian and
economic situation in the Gaza Strip. 
The Israeli authorities impose measures to undermine the freedom of
trade, including the basic needs for the Gaza Strip population and the
agricultural and industrial products to be exported. For 8 consecutive years,
Israel has tightened the land and naval closure to isolate the Gaza Strip from
the West Bank, including occupied Jerusalem, and other countries around the
world. This resulted in grave violations of the economic, social and cultural
rights and a deterioration of living conditions for 1.8 million people.  The Israeli authorities have established Karm
Abu Salem (Kerem Shaloum) as the sole crossing for imports and exports in order
to exercise its control over the Gaza Strip’s economy.  They also aim at imposing a complete ban on
the Gaza Strip’s exports. The Israeli closure raised the rate of poverty to
38.8%, including 21.1% who suffer from extreme poverty. Moreover, the rate of
unemployment increased up to 44%, which reflects the unprecedented economic
deterioration in the Gaza Strip.

Efforts to create Jewish majority

House demolition

 

On 27 May 2015, Israeli municipality bulldozers
demolished an under-construction house belonging to Nassar family in al-Qaddoum
valley neighbourhood in Silwan village, south of the old city in East Jerusalem,
under the pretext of non-licensing.

Settlement activities

 

Israel has continued its settlement activities in the
oPt, a direct violation of international humanitarian law, and Israeli settlers
have continued to attack Palestinian civilians and property.

 

On 21 May 2015, Israeli forces demolished 3 grocery
stalls, north of Jericho.

 

On 24 May 2015, Israeli forces handed Adnan al-Batran
a notice to stop construction works in his house in al-Naqi valley to the west
of Ethna, west of Hebron. On 26 May 2015, Israeli forces issued a notice to
halt works in an 800-meter long electricity network in al-Koum village,
southwest of Doura, southwest of Hebron.

 

On 23 May 2015, a group of settlers stole 2 metal
water tanks used to water sheep and a tent used as a sheep barn in the Bedouin
compound, northeast of Ramallah.

 

On 25 May 2015, 3 settlers with sniffer dogs from
“Adi Ad” settlement outpost, east of Termis’ya village, north of
Ramallah, attacked a 53-year-old farmer. A tractor driver was in company of the
farmer and they were carrying grass to the tractor to be transported.

 

 

 

Details:

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

Thursday, 21 May 2015

At approximately 01:00, Israeli forces moved into
al-Ramidah Hill neighbourhood in the centre of Hebron.  They raided and searched an apartment
belonging to Baraa’ Khaled al-Madhoun (21) in a residential building.  They then arrested him and withdrew later taking
him to an unknown destination.

 

At approximately 02:15, Israeli forces moved into
Northern ‘Asirah village, north of Nablus. 
They raided and searched a number of houses, from which they arrested
Bassam Mesbah Taha al-Aghbar (32), an Arabic teacher in Nablus, and Mafdi Thib
Sa’adeh (37), a physical education teacher in the same village.

 

At approximately 02:30, Israeli forces moved into
al-Jalazone refugee camp, north of Ramallah. 
They raided and searched a number of houses, from which Eyad Murad Jamil
Safi (18); Ibrahim ‘Abdel Majid Salah (23); ‘Ali Malakah (20) and Mohammed
Naser Husni Samad’ah (21) were arrested. 
Israeli forces later withdrew taking them to Ofer Prison, southwest of
the city.

Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into
Qabatia village, southeast of Jenin. 
They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Mohammed
Ahmed Mohammed Nazzal (21) and arrested him.

At approximately 03:00, Israeli forces moved into Deir
Abu Da’if village, northeast of Jenin. 
They raided and searched 3 houses, from which they arrested Farid ‘Aref
‘Ali Yasin (21); Anas ‘Isa ‘Ali ‘Aref (22) and Mohammed Ziad Farhan Yasin (26).

At approximately 03:30, Israeli forces moved into
Jenin.  They patrolled the streets for
some time and then re-stationed in Jenin refugee camp adjacent to the southern neighbourhood
of the city.  They then raided and
searched a house belonging to the family of former prisoner ‘Abed Fadel Jad’on
(26) and arrested him.

At approximately 04:00, Israeli forces moved into a
number of neighbourhoods in the centre of Yata, south of Hebron.  They stationed in al-Karmel neighbourhood and
then raided and searched a house belonging to Da’ajnah family.  They arrested Harbi (24) and Ahmed Yousif
Da’ajnah (28) and withdrew later taking him to an unknown destination.

At approximately 17:00, Israeli forces moved into
Tafouh village, northwest of Hebron. 
They stationed at the village entrance when a number of Palestinian
youngsters gathered to throw stones and empty bottles at the Israeli
soldiers. In response, the Israeli soldiers fired sound bombs, tear gas
canisters and rubber-coated metal bullets at the youngsters and houses.  As a result, some of them suffered gas
inhalation.  The checkpoint was removed later,
and the Israeli forces withdrew from the village. 

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces carried out incursions in
the following areas, but no arrests were reported: Tulkarm; Amatin village,
northeast of Qalqilya; al-Fawar refugee camp, south of Hebron; Bani Na’im
village, east of the city; Serda village, north of Ramallah; villages of Marj
Na’jah, al-‘Oja and al-Jaftalak, north of Jericho.

 

Friday, 22 May 2015

 

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces carried out incursions in
the following areas, but no arrests were reported: Kherbtha al-Mesbah,
southwest of Ramallah; Birzeit village, north of the city; al-Jaftalak, north
of Jericho; Halhoul, north of the city.

Saturday, 23 May 2015

At approximately 01:00, Israeli forces moved into
Jab’a village, south of Jenin.  They
stationed in the north-eastern area of the village and then raided and searched
a house belonging to the family of Anas Walid Khaled Fakhouri (33).  They arrested him.

 

At approximately 17:00, Israeli forces moved into Yatta
town, south of Hebron.  They stationed in
al-Sahlah area, southwest of the town, and then raided and searched a house
belonging to ‘Ayed ‘Issa Zain (27). 
Israeli forces arrested him and withdrew later taking him to an unknown
destination.

 

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces carried
out incursions in the following areas, but no arrests were reported: Senjel
village, north of Ramallah; Bitello village, northwest of the city; Hebron; and
the villages of al-Rihiyah, al-Mowareq and al-Tabaqah, south of the city.

 

 

Sunday, 24 May 2015

At approximately 03:30, Israeli forces moved into
Bethlehem.  They raided and searched a
house belonging to Anwar Hussein Taqatqah (21) and handed him a summons to
refer to the Israeli intelligence in “Gosh ‘Etzion” settlement bloc,
south of the city.

 

At approximately 04:30, Israeli forces moved into
Ya’bod village, southwest of Jenin.  They
raided and searched a house belonging to the family of ‘Amer ‘Abdel Rahman
Jom’ah Ba’ajawi (15) and arrested him. 
The Israeli soldiers then raided and searched a house belonging to the
family of Sanad Khader Yousif Masharqah (16) and arrested him as well.

 

At approximately 06:10, Israeli forces stationed along
the border fence between Israel and the Gaza Strip, east of al-Qotbaniyah area,
east of Beit Hanoun town in the northern Gaza Strip, sporadically opened fire
at the aforementioned area.  The shooting
continued for around 20 minutes

 

At approximately 07:00, Israeli forces stationed along
the border fence, east of al-Shuhadaa’ Cemetery and east of Abu Safiyah area, east
of Jabalia in the northern Gaza Strip, opened fire sporadically at the
aforementioned area.  The shooting continued
for around two hours.

 

At approximately 19:20, Israeli forces stationed along
the border fence, east of al-Shuhadaa’ Cemetery and east of Abu Safiyah area,
east of Jabalia in the northern Gaza Strip, opened fire sporadically at the
aforementioned area.  The shooting continued
for around 20 minutes.

 

At approximately 19:45, Israeli forces stationed along
the border fence between Israel and the Gaza Strip opened fire sporadically at
Abu Samrah farmland, north of Beit Lahia town in the northern Gaza Strip.  The shooting continued for around 10 minutes.

 

Note:  the
aforementioned shooting incidents caused fear among farmers who were in their
agricultural lands adjacent to the aforementioned fence.  As a result, they fled for fear of being
injured.  Neither causalities nor damages
were reported.

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces carried
out incursions in the following areas, but no arrests were reported: the
villages of Deir Ebzeegh, Deir Debwan and ‘Atarah in Ramallah and al-Bireh;
Beit Ummar village, north of Hebron; and Deir Samit village, south of the city.

 

Monday, 25 May 2015

At approximately 01:30, Israeli forces moved into the
neighbourhoods in the centre of Hebron. 
They stationed in Qayzone area, northeast of the city, and then raided
and searched a house belonging to the family of Amjad Ayoub Seder (18).  Israeli forces arrested the aforementioned
civilian and withdrew later taking him to an unknown destination.

 

At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into a
number of neighbourhoods in Halhoul, north of Hebron.  They stationed in al-Hawawer area, east of
the city, and then raided and searched a house belonging to the family of
Mohammed Waleed al-Zama’arah (18). 
Israeli forces arrested the aforementioned boy and withdrew later taking
him to an unknown destination.

 

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces carried
out incursions in the following areas, but no arrests were reported: al-Tabaqah
village, south of Dura, southwest of Hebron; Tulkarm; and Amatin village, east
of Qalqilya.

 

Tuesday, 26 May 2015

At approximately 01:15, Israeli forces moved into
Nablus.  They raided and searched a
number of houses, from which they arrested Mohammed Dawoud Ya’ish (26) in
al-Ma’moun Street.  They withdrew later taking
him to an unknown destination.

 

At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into
al-Jenan neighbourhood in al-Bireh.  They
stationed in the vicinity of al-Wheidi housing project and then raided and
searched a house belonging to the family of Mohammed Mahmoud ‘Ali al-Qadi
(20).  The Israeli soldiers accompanied
with a tracker dog broke the main door of the house and detained the family
members in one room after severely beating the aforementioned civilian and his
father and releasing the dog on his Jerusalemite mother.  The Israeli soldiers arrested the
aforementioned civilian and withdrew later taking him to ‘Ofer prison, south of
Ramallah.  The force officer handed his
elder brother, Baraa’ al-Qadi (23), a summons to refer to the Israeli
Intelligence in Qalendia checkpoint, north of occupied Jerusalem.

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces carried out incursions in
the following areas, but no arrests were reported: Marj Na’ajah village, north
of Jericho, and Beit Marsam village, south of Dura, southwest of Hebron.

 

Wednesday, 27 May 2015

 

At approximately 01:30, Israeli forces moved into Beit
Kahel village, west of Hebron.  They
raided and searched a house belonging to the family of ‘Oday Ra’ed ‘Asafrah
(24).  The Israeli soldiers arrested the
aforementioned civilian and withdrew later taking him to an unknown
destination.

 

At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into a
number of neighbourhoods in Hebron.  They
raided and searched 4 houses, from which they arrested Ihab Merwan al-Karaki
(20); Anas Rabi’ al-Hashlamon (24); Wael Hussein al-Kafrawi (24) and Murad
Ya’qoub ‘Ashour (25).  Israeli forces
withdrew later taking them to an unknown destination.

 

At approximately 02:15, Israeli forces moved into
Northern ‘Asirah village, north of Nablus. They raided and searched a number of
houses, from which they arrested ‘Abdel Rahim Hussein Hamadnah (27); Mahmoud
Raslan Mahmoud Yasin (22); Baraa’ Mohammed Fayez Jarar’ah (24) and Islam Mahmoud
al-Sholi (25).  Israeli forces later
withdrew taking them to an unknown destination.

At approximately 03:10, Israeli warplanes launched 3
missiles at an agricultural land near the International Gaza Airport, southeast
of Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip.  No
casualties were reported.

 

At approximately 03:25, Israeli warplanes launched 4
missiles at “Muhajer” paramilitary site belonging to al-Quds Brigades
(the military wing of Islamic Jihad movement), northwest of Rafah in the
southern Gaza Strip.  No causalities were
reported.

 

At approximately 03:40, Israeli F16 warplanes launched
4 missiles at two military sites belonging to Palestinian armed groups in the
former settlement lands, west of Khan Younis. 
As a result, the sites were damaged, but no casualties were reported.

 

At approximately 04:05, Israeli warplanes launched 2
missiles at Heteen site belonging to al-Quds Brigades (the military wing of
Islamic Jihad movement), south of the Sewage treatment plant, southeast of Um
al-Naser “the Bedouin” village in the northern Gaza Strip.  Damages were reported.  The explosion was very loud as it rocked all
over the northern Gaza Strip causing fear among civilians, especially children
and women.

 

Targeting Fishing Boats in Gaza Sea:

 

At approximately 09:30 on Friday, 22 May 2015, Israeli
gunboats stationed off al-Wahah shore, northwest of Beit Lahia town in the
northern Gaza Strip heavily opened fire in the vicinity of the Palestinian
fishing boats sailing within two nautical miles and chased them.  The shooting continued for around 15 minutes.

 

At approximately 09:30 on Saturday, 23 May 2015,
Israeli gunboats opened fire at the fishing boats sailing within 3 nautical
miles off al-Waha shore.  The shooting
continued for around 20 minutes.

 

At approximately 23:30 on the same Saturday, Israeli
gunboats opened fire at the fishing boats sailing within 3 nautical miles off
al-Soudaniyah shore, west of Jabalia. 
The shooting continued for around 20 minutes.

 

At approximately 08:30 on Sunday, 24 May 2015, Israeli
gunboats opened fire at the fishing boats sailing within 3 nautical miles off
al-Waha shore.  The shooting continued
for around 20 minutes.

 

At approximately 19:00 on the same Sunday, Israeli
gunboats stationed off west of Rafah City in the southern Gaza Strip
sporadically opened fire in the vicinity of the Palestinian fishing boats
sailing within two nautical miles.

 

At approximately 19:30 on the same Sunday, Israeli
gunboats opened fire at the fishing boats sailing within 3 nautical miles off
al-Waha shore.  The shooting continued
for around 20 minutes.

 

At approximately 20:00 on Monday, 25 May 2015, Israeli
gunboats opened fire at the fishing boats sailing within 4 nautical miles off
al-Soudaniyah shore, west of Jabalia.  No
causalities were reported.

 

At approximately 03:55 on Wednesday, 27 May 2015,
Israeli gunboats stationed off Khan Younis shore in the southern Gaza Strip
heavily opened fire n the vicinity of the fishing boats which were sailing
within 3 nautical miles.

 

Note: The shooting incidents caused fear among fishermen
who fled away for fear of being injured. 
Neither injuries nor damages were reported.

 

At approximately 09:00 on Monday, 25 May 2015, Israeli
gunboats stationed off al-Soudaniyah shore, north of Gaza City opened fire at a
fishing boat belonging to Mohammed Ziyad Baker (30) who was sailing within 3
nautical miles.  As a result, the
aforementioned civilian sustained a metal bullet wound to the left hand.  ‘Emad al-Deen Musen, who was also on board the
boat, sustained metal bullet shrapnel wound to the foot.  The two wounded fishermen were taken to Shifa
Hospital in Gaza City to receive medical treatment.  Medical sources described their injuries ad
minor.

 

At approximately 03:00 on Wednesday, 27 May 2015,
Israeli gunboats opened fire at a Palestinian gunboat sailing within 3 nautical
miles off the Gaza Seaport, west of Gaza City. 
As a result, fisherman Islam al-Sayed Khamis Murad (25) from al-Shati’
refugee camp was hit with two bullets to the top of the right thigh and the
left arm.  He was  taken to Shifa Hospital in Gaza City and his
condition was described as moderate. 
Islam Murad said to a PCHR fieldworker that:

 

“At
approximately 00:30 on Wednesday, 27 May 2015, I went with my brother, Mahmoud
(23), on a fishing boat owned by my brother, from the Gaza Seaport to the
west.  We were sailing within 7 nautical
miles off the shore when we were fishing. 
After catching a large amount of fish at approximately 03:00, we left
the area.  Three Israeli gunboats
stationed 3 nautical miles off the shore chased and opened fire at us wounding
me.”

 

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

 

During the reporting period,
Israeli soldiers used excessive force against peaceful demonstrations organized
by Palestinian civilians, international and Israeli human rights defenders in
protest at the construction of the annexation wall and settlement activities in
the West Bank. As a result, 6 civilians, including 3 children, were wounded.
Moreover, Israeli forces deliberately fired a gas canister at Bil’in ambulance,
due to which the windshield was broken.

 

Israeli forces also arrested Yusef Monther Elayan (16) and Ahmed
Tayseer Rashed Hussein (21) during a peaceful protest in al-Jalazoun refugee camp,
north of Ramallah. The 2 detainees were taken to “Beit El”
settlement. Elayan was released in the evening, but Hussein was taken to Ofer
detention facility, southwest of the city.

 

(PCHR keeps the names of the wounded in
fear of being arrested by the Israeli forces within its policy to oppress the
peaceful protests and prevent Palestinian civilians from participating).

 

Demonstrations against the construction of the annexation wall and
settlement activity

 

Following the Friday prayer, on
22 May 2015, dozens of Palestinian civilians and international and Israeli
human rights defenders organized a peaceful demonstration in Bil’in, west of
Ramallah, in protest at the construction of the annexation wall and settlement
activities. The protestors marched by the annexation wall and tried to cross
the fence. Israeli soldiers stationed behind the wall, in the western area, and
a large number of soldiers deployed along it, fired live bullets, tear gas
canisters, rubber-coated metal bullets, sound bombs and wastewater at them and
chased them into the olive fields. As a result, a number of protestors suffered tear gas inhalation and
others sustained bruises as they were beat up. In addition, Israeli forces deliberately fired a
gas canister at an ambulance, due to which the windshield was broken.

 

Around the same time, dozens of Palestinian civilians
organised a peaceful demonstration in the centre of Ni’lin village, west of
Ramallah, in protest at the construction
of the annexation wall and settlement activities. The demonstrators took the streets and headed to the
annexation wall. Israeli forces closed the gates of the wall with barbwires and
prevented the demonstrators from crossing to the land behind it before they
responded by throwing stones. Israeli soldiers fired live ammunition,
rubber-coated metal bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters at the
civilians, and chased them into the village. As a result, a number of protestors suffered tear gas inhalation and
others sustained bruises as they were beat up by Israeli soldiers.

 

Also following the Friday prayer, dozens of Palestinian civilians
and Israeli and international human rights defenders gathered in the center of
al-Nabi Saleh village, northwest of Ramallah, to start the weekly peaceful
protest against the construction of the annexation wall and settlement
activities. They made their way towards Palestinian lands that Israeli settlers
from the nearby “Halmish” settlement are trying to seize. Israeli
soldiers closed all the village’s entrances to prevent the Palestinian and
international solidarity activists and journalists from participating in the
protest. As a result, a number of protestors suffered tear gas inhalation and
others sustained bruises as they beat up by Israeli soldiers.

 

Also following the Friday prayer, there was the weekly protest
against the closure of the eastern entrance of Kufor Qaddoum village, which has
been closed by Israeli forces since the Intifada. Once the protestors
approached the closed entrance, Israeli forces fired rubber-coated metal
bullets, tear gas canisters and sound bombs. Due to which, the protestors threw
stones and empty bottles. No casualties were reported. It should be noted that Israeli
forces used a new type of ammunition; fortified sponge-coated metal bullets
that cause fractures when hitting the body.  

 

Other protests:

 

On
Thursday, 21 May 2015, dozens of children and young men gathered at the
southern entrance of al-Jalazoun refugee camp, north of Ramallah. They were
about 300 meters away from the fence of “Beit Eil” settlement.
Israeli forces stationed in the area fired live ammunition, rubber-coated metal
bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters. As a result, an 18-year-old civilian sustained a bullet wound to
the left leg and was taken to Palestine Medical Compound in Ramallah.

 

Following
the Friday prayer, on 22 May 2015, dozens of youngsters gathered from different
areas of Ramallah and al-Bireh in the vicinity of Ofer detention facility,
southwest of Ramallah. They headed towards the facility’s gate that was closed
by Israeli soldiers. They set fire to tires and threw stones and empty bottles
at the soldiers. Israeli forces deployed around the detention facility and
started firing live and rubber-coated metal bullets, sound bombs and tear gas
canisters. As a result, an 18-year-old
civilians sustained a bullet wound to the right leg and was taken to Palestine
Medical Compound to receive medical treatment.

 

Also
following the Friday prayer, dozens of children and young men gathered at the
southern entrance of al-Jalazoun refugee camp, north of Ramallah. They were
about 300 meters away from the fence of “Beit Eil” settlement.
Israeli forces stationed in the area fired live ammunition, rubber-coated metal
bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters. As a result, a number of protestors suffered tear
gas inhalation and others sustained bruises as they were beaten up by Israeli
soldiers. Moreover, Israeli forces arrested Yusef Monther Elayan (16) and Ahmed
Tayseer Rashed Hussein (21) and took them to the abovementioned settlement.
Elayan was released on the same day, but Hussein was transferred to Ofer
detention facility, southwest of Ramallah.

 

Also ffollowing the Friday prayer, dozens of Palestinians gathered at the western
entrance of the Silwad village, northeast of Ramallah, on the road between
Silwad and Yabroud villages, near Bypass road (60), in protest at the Israeli
policies. The protestors set fire to tires and threw stones and Molotov
Cocktails at the aforementioned road and Israeli soldiers. In response, Israeli
soldiers stationed in the area fired live ammunition, rubber-coated bullets,
sound bombs and tear gas canisters at the protestors. As a result, 4 Palestinian civilians, including 3
children, were wounded and then taken to Palestine Medical Compound. A
16-year-old child sustained a bullet wound to the left shoulder, a 15-year-old child
sustained a bullet wound to the left leg, a 17-year-old child sustained a
bullet wound to the right knee and a 25-year-old civilian sustained 3 bullet
wounds to the left underarm, left side of the pelvis and right side of the
chest.  

 

3. Continued
closure of the oPt

 

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

 

Gaza Strip

 

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

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

  

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

 

 

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

 

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

 

 

Movement at Karm Abu Salem
(Kerem Shalom) crossing, southeast of the Gaza Strip

 

Note: for technical reason at
the Ministry of Economy, PCHR’s fieldworker could not obtain the date of Karm
Abu Salem crossing

 

 

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

19 – 25 May 2015

 

 

Notes:

On Wednesday, 20 May 2015, Israeli forces allowed two international
workers to renew their permit. 

 

On Thursday, 21 May, they allowed two persons to attend a meeting
between the Civil Affairs Department and the Israeli side.

 

On Friday, they allowed 193 persons to perform payers in al-Aqsa
Mosque.

 

On Sunday, 24 May 2015, they completely closed the crossing due to
the Jewish Holidays.

 

Israeli Forces Arrest Palestinian Woman at the Aforementioned
Crossing

 

On Tuesday, 26 May 2015, Israeli forces stationed at Beit Hanoun
“Erez” Crossing in the northern Gaza Strip arrested Sanaa’ Mohammed
Hussein al-Hafi (43).  Her husband said
to a PCHR field worker that his wife left the Gaza Strip on 30 April 2015 to
visit her family in Ramallah after obtaining a permit to stay there for 5
days.  However and due to health
conditions, she was not able to come back until 26 May 2015.  Her husband stayed in touch with her till at
approximately 01:30 on Wednesday as she told him that she was called by the
Israeli intelligence at the crossing.  He
then lost contact with her.  The Israeli
authorities then told her family that she was arrested.

 

West Bank

 

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

 

· Hebron:
Israeli forces have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of
Palestinian civilians. On Thursday, 21 May 2015, Israeli forces established a
checkpoint at the entrance of Sa’ir village, east of Hebron.  The checkpoint was re-established in the same
area on Friday, 22 May 2015.

 

On Saturday, 23 May 2015, Israeli forces established a checkpoint
at the entrance of Bani Na’im village, east of Hebron, and another one at the
entrance of Beit ‘Awa village, south of Dura, southwest of the city.

 

On Sunday, 24 May 2015, Israeli forces established three
checkpoints at the entrances of al-Shoyoukh village, northeast of Hebron;
al-Fawar refugee camp, south of the city; and Beit Ummar village, north of the
city.

 

On Monday, 26 May 2015, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at
the entrance of Ethna village, west of Hebron. 
At approximately 10:00, Israeli forces imposed a tightened security
siege on Hebron and closed Jerusalem-Hebron Road to protect the Marathon
organized by settlers from “Karyat Arba” settlement, which is
established on Palestinian lands, east of Hebron, to Hebron city.  This caused Traffic jam on the road and
detained civilian cars for a few hours.

 

On Wednesday, 27 May 2015, Israeli forces established 3
checkpoints at the entrances of Bani Na’im village, east of Hebron; Beit Kahel
village, west of the city; and Sa’ir village, east of the city.

 

· Ramallah:
Israeli forces have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of
Palestinian civilians. On Thursday, 21 May 2015, Israeli forces established a
checkpoint at the northern entrance of ‘Ein Sinia village, north of the city and
re-established at ‘Atara checkpoint at the northern entrance of Bir Zeit,
northwest of the city.

 

On Friday, 22 May 2015, Israeli forces closed the eastern entrance
of al-Nabi Saleh village, northeast of Ramallah in addition to establishing two
checkpoints under the bridge of Yabrud village, northeast of the city and at
the entrance of Ni’lin village, west of the city.

 

On Saturday, 23 May 2015, Israeli forces established a checkpoint
at the entrance of Deir Abu Mesh’al village, northwest of Ramallah, and under
the bridge of Yabrud village, northeast of the city. 

 

On Sunday, 24 May 2015, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at
the entrance of al-Janiyah village, northwest of Ramallah.

 

On Monday, 25 May 2015, Israeli forces established 3 checkpoints under
the bridge of Yabrud village, northeast of the city; at the entrance of ‘Ein
Sinia village, north of the city; and the entrance of Senjel village, north of
the city.

 

On Tuesday, 26 May 2015, Israeli forces established two
checkpoints at the entrance of Kafr Malek village and the entrance of al-Tibah
village, northeast of Ramallah.

 

 

· Qalqilya:  Israeli forces have continued to impose
severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians.  On Friday, 22 May 2015, Israeli forces
established two checkpoints at the eastern entrance of Qalqilya in the morning
and in the evening.

 

On Saturday, 23 May 2015, Israeli forces established two checkpoints
at between the villages of the eastern entrance of Qalqilya and at the
intersection of Jeet village, northeast of the city.

 

· Jenin:  Israeli forces have continued to impose
severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians.  On Monday, 25 May 2015,
Israeli forces established two checkpoints between the villages of Kafr Qoud
and Borqin, west of Jenin, and at the entrance of Ya’bod village, southwest of
the city.

 

· Jericho:  Israeli forces have continued to impose
severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians.  On Friday, 22 May 2015, Israeli forces
established a checkpoint near the entrance of Fasayel village, north of the
city.

 

On Saturday, 23 May 2015, Israeli forces established a checkpoint
at the southern entrance of Jericho.

 

· Nablus:  Israeli forces have continued to impose
severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians.  On Tuesday, 26 May 2015, Israeli forces
established a checkpoint at the entrance of Talfit village, southeast of
Nablus.

 

On Wednesday, 27 May 2015, Israeli forces stationed at Beit Foriq
checkpoint, east of Nablus, closed it in both directions and prevented
Palestinian vehicles from crossing via the checkpoint.

 

· Tulkarm:  Israeli forces have continued to impose
severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians.  On Friday, 22 May 2015, Israeli forces
established a checkpoint on the main road between Tulkarm and Nablus near the
intersection of Bazaria village, east of Tulkarm.

 

On Sunday, 22 May 2015, Israeli forces stationed at ‘Annab
military checkpoint which is established on the road between Tulkarm and
Nablus, east of the city, tightened their restrictions against civilians and
obstructed their movement.

 

Note:
all the aforementioned checkpoints were removed later, and no arrests were
reported.

 

Arrests and Maltreatment at Military Checkpoints

 

· At approximately 10:00 on
Friday, 22 May 2015, Israeli forces at al-Jalamah military checkpoint,
northeast of Jenin, arrested ‘Abdullah Khaled ‘Abdel Fattah al-Beidah (21) from
Jayous village, southwest of Qalqilya, while passing via the checkpoint.  They took him to an unknown destination.

 

· At approximately 15:00 on
Friday, 22 May 2015, Israeli forces stationed at Hawarah checkpoint, south of
Nablus, arrested Khamis Shetwi Abu Saqer from al-Far’ah refugee camp, southeast
of Tubas.  Eyewitnesses said that the
soldiers stationed at the checkpoint stopped the car which Abu Saqer was
traveling to Ramallah.  Israeli forces
ordered Abu Saqer to step out of the car and asked the driver to leave.  They took him to an unknown destination.

 

· On the aforementioned Friday,
Israeli forces stationed at Beit Eil military checkpoint, northeast of
Ramallah, arrested Jamal ‘Emad Taher Kilan (24) from Jenin while passing
through the checkpoint.

 

· At approximately 18:00 on
Monday, 25 May 2015, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the entrance of
Kafr Qaddoum village, northeast of Qalqilya. 
The Israeli soldiers arrested Feda ‘Abdel Latif Mohammed ‘Obeid (34)
while passing through the checkpoint taking him to an unknown destination.

 

· On Wednesday morning, 27 May
2015, Israeli forces arrested Ibtisam Yousif Taha Hamarshah (59) from Ya’bod
village, southwest of Jenin, while visiting her son, Yehia, who is detained in
Jalbou’a prison.  They took her to an
unknown destination.

 

· Sa’eb Sa’adah ‘Abed Asmar (25)
from ‘Aqrabah village, southeast of Nablus, was subjected to maltreatment and
beating by Israeli soldiers after arresting him.  He was trying to pass a metal grille in the
annexation wall to enter into Israel.

 

According to investigations conducted by PCHR and the
aforementioned civilian’s account to the fieldworker, at approximately 00:00 on
Tuesday, 26 May 2015, Asmar was trying to cross the metal grille in the
annexation wall, southwest of ‘Azoun ‘Etmah village, southeast of Qalqilya,
when he was surprised by an Israeli jeep surrounding him.  Four Israeli soldiers stepped out of the jeep
and stopped him.  Two of them started
beating Asmar with their hands and feet and knocked him down.  One of the two soldiers beat him with his
rifle’s butt on his head, so he started bleeding.  When the Israeli soldiers saw that, they left
him bleeding on the ground.  Asmar went
back to the aforementioned village covered with blood and knocked a door of a
house.  The residents responded to him
and brought a taxi to take him to ‘Aqraba dispensary in his village.  He was given necessary treatment as his head
needed 7 stitches.

 

5. Efforts to create Jewish majority

 

Shooting incidents

 

· At approximately 13:00 on
Thursday, 21 May 2015, an Israeli sniper on the roof of a building in Shu’fat
refugee camp, north of East Jerusalem, fired a rubber-coated metal bullet at
Yehya Sami al-Amoudi (10) while coming back from school. As a result, he
sustained a serious wound to the left eye, due to which he was taken to “Hadasa
Ein Karem” Hosptial in West Jerusalem.

 

Sami al-Amoudi, the boy’s father, said to a PCHR fieldworker that
his son was coming back from school, during which, a sniper positioned on the
roof of a building belonging to Shweiki family in Shu’fat refugee camp, fired a
bullet from a range of 7-10 meters. As a result, his son sustained a serious
wound to the left eye. He added that his son was discharged from the intensive
care unit on Saturday, 23 May 2015, but he went in a 2-day comma. He underwent
2 operations; the first in the left eye that was enucleated  and the second was to treat 11 fractures in
the face. Some fractures were around the eye and the jaw. Besides, his mouth
was stitched to prevent him from eating for 6 months and to feed him by a feeding
tube.

 

House demolitions

 

· At approximately 07:00 on
Wednesday, 27 May 2015, Israeli municipality bulldozers demolished an under-construction
house belonging to Nassar family in Qaddoum valley neighborhood in Silwan
village, south of the old city in East Jerusalem, under the pretext of
non-licensing.

Ibrahim Nassar said to a PCHR fieldworker that Israeli police,
border guard and municipality officers and a bulldozer moved into Qaddoum
valley neighborhood in Silwan village. They declared it as a closed military
zone. Israeli officers deployed in the neighborhood passages, in the meantime,
the bulldozer demolished an apartment belonging to his family. He added that
construction works in the under-construction apartment started 3 months ago.

 

Incursions and house raids

 

· At approximately 23:00 on
Thursday, 21 May 2015, Israeli forces moved into al-Qarmi neighborhood in East Jerusalem.
They raided and searched a number of houses from which they arrested Mahdi Abu
Asab (12) and Mohammed Isma’il Maz’arow (12).

 

· At approximately 10:00 on
Sunday, 24 May 2015, Israeli forces arrested 6 Palestinian civilians from
al-Aqsa Mosque yards in the old city in East Jerusalem, after they confronted
dozens of settlers, who stormed the mosque and tried to perform religious
rituals. Israeli forces took detaineess to al-Qashala police station to be
questioned. The arrested were identified as: Mohammed Yusef Qazzaz (23), Tamer
Nasser Shala’ta (27), Abdullah Mohammed Da’na (23), Rami Essa al-Fakhouri (22),
Jarrah Abu Saleh (25) and Qusai Khaled Dandis (24).

 

· At approximately 03:30, on
Monday, 25 May 2015, Israeli forces raided a house belonging to the family of
Kamel Elayan in al-Eisawiya village, north of East Jerusalem. They arrested his
son Mohammed (19) and took him to an unknown destination.

 

· At approximately 04:00 on the
same day, Israeli forces moved into Silwan village, south of the old city in
East Jerusalem. They raided and searched a number of houses from which they
arrested 5 Palestinian civilians, including 3 children: Mohammed Bassam Abu Nab
(17), Rateb Ragheb al-Haimoni (17), Fahmi Mousa al-Haimoni (20) and Ahmed Dia’
Gaith (17) and Laith Nasser Ghaith (22).

 

 

· At approximately 05:00 on the
same day, Israeli forces moved into a number of neighborhoods in the old city
in East Jerusalem. They raided and searched a number of houses from which they
arrested 7 Palestinian civilians, including 3 children: Mohammed Mostafa
Rowaidi (17), Sa’id Ibrahim al-Keswani (16), Hamdi Mohammed Jaber (17), Ahmed
Jawdat al-Shawish (20), Shadi Khader Abu Farha (24), Ahmed Mahmoud Badriya (19)
and Amir Wa’el Mahmoud (20).

 

· Also on the same day, a group
of Israeli special forces attacked a vehicle in which a number of Palestinians
were in al-Tout neighborhood street, east of the old city in East Jerusalem.
They also attacked the passengers as the Israeli police claimed that a settler
filed a complaint against Emad al-Abasi supporting it with the registration
number of al-Abasi’s vehicle under the pretext that the latter attempted to run
down a settler in the “French Hill” settlement. Al-Abasi was chased
until he reached al-Tour neighborhood. He was questioned and then he and his
friends were released.

Emad al-Abasi, one of the attacked, said to PCHR’s fieldworker
that dozens of Israeli special officers and police officers, some of whom were
masked, stopped his car, in which he was together with 4 others persons, while
going back from work to their houses. They were all beaten and insulted.
Israeli officers detained them for about 3 hours near “Beit Awert”
settlement in al-Sowana neighborhood. The persons who were in the car are: Emad
Abasi (28), Ayed Abasi (26), Nihad Abasi (35), Arkan al-Tahhan (30) and Ahmed
Awad Rowaidi (24).

Al-Abasi said that he stopped by a grocery in al-tour
neighborhood. Once he stepped out of the car, he was surprised to see special
forces attacking him. They handcuffed him and took him to “Beit
Awert” settlement. An officer drove his car to the settlement and obliged
the passengers to step out of it.

 

· At approximately 15:00 on the
same day, Israeli forces arrested 4 Palestinian civilians, including 2 elderly
people, while getting out al-Aqsa Mosque through al-Selselah gate.: Taha ali
Shawahna (62), Baker al-Shaimi (67), Mohammed al-Hashlamoun (32) and Nizam Adli
Abu Rmouz (24).

 

· At approximately 04:30 on
Wednesday, 27 May 2015, Israeli forces raided a house belonging to the family
of Mohammed Ziad Ja’afra (29) in the eastern Sawahra area in Jabal al-Mukaber neighborhood,
southeast of East Jerusalem. They arrested the aforementioned person and took
him to an unknown destination.

 

6. Settlement activities and attacks
by settlers against Palestinian civilians and property

 

Israel has continued its settlement
activities in the oPt, a direct violation of international humanitarian law,
and Israeli settlers have continued to attack Palestinian civilians and
property.

 

Israeli forces’ attacks against
Palestinian civilians and their property

 

· At approximately 11:30 on
Thursday, 21 May 2015, Israeli bulldozers demolished 3 grocery stalls between
al-Zbaidat and Marj Na’jah villages, north of Jericho, near road (90). The
stalls belong to Rezeq Ibrahim Sweirki, Yusef Abdul Karim Ayed and Salam
Zbaidat.

 

· At approximately 10:00 on
Sunday, 24 May 2015, Israeli forces accompanied by Civil Administration vehicle
moved into al-Naqi valley area, west of Ethna village, west of Hebron. On
Sunday, 24 May 2015, Israeli forces deployed between the houses and handed Adnan
Fayez al-Batran a notice to stop construction works in a one-storey house under
the pretext it is located in the area under the Israeli security control.

 

· At approximately 09:00 on
Monday, 26 May 2015, Israeli forces moved into al-Koum village, southwest of
Doura, southwest of Hebron. An Israeli Civil Administration officer
photographed an 800-meter long electricity network that was established in 2003
and provides services to dozens of houses, 3 of which are threatened to be
demolished. He put a notice on side of the road that work in the electricity
network should be suspended and competent authorities in “Beit El”
settlement, north of Ramallah, should be referred to. The officer also handed
Ahmed Mohammed al-Rjoub a notice to stop works in an under-construction water
well.

 

· Around the same time, Israeli
forces handed 12 Palestinian civilians demolition notices in Fasayel village,
north of Jericho.

According to information collected by a PCHR fieldworker from the
village local council, at approximately 09:00, on the abovementioned day,
Israeli forces accompanied by a Civil Administration officer moved into Fasayel
village, north of Jericho. They declared the area as a closed military zone.
The officer distributed 12 demolition notices. It should be noted that Israeli
forces distributed notices for the evacuation of the abovementioned area a year
ago under the pretext of building in area (C).

Demolition notices included the following:

1. A 150-square-meter house sheltering a 10-member family and
belonging to Ibrahim Mohammed Nawawra;

2. A 65-square-meter house sheltering a 6-member family and belonging
to Ali Salem Ebayat;

3. A 120-square-meter house sheltering a 5-member family and belonging
to Abdul Rahim Ahmed Ebayat;

4. A 30-square-meter residential tent sheltering an 8-member family
and belonging to Hassan Mohammed Zayed;

5. A 20-square-meter residential tent sheltering a 5-member family
and belonging to Ali Hussein Ebayat;

6. A 40-square-meter residential tent sheltering a 10-member family
and belonging to Mohammed Ibrahim Abu Kharabeesh;

7. A 50-square-meter sheep barrack belonging to Ibrahim Salama
Ebayat;

8. A 50-square-meter  sheep
barrack belonging to Dawood Khalil Ebayat;

9. A 50-square-meter  sheep
barrack belonging to Yusef Mousa Nawawrah;

10. A 30-square-meter  sheep
barrack belonging to Aziz Mousa Ebayat;

11. A 60-square-meter  sheep
barrack belonging to Suleiman Msallam Sawarka; and

12. A 60-square-meter  sheep
barrack belonging to Mansour Nassar Sawarka.

 

· On the same day, Israeli forces
moved into al-Mazra’ah area, east of Termis’ya village, north of Ramallah. A
Civil Administration officer handed a notice to Omer Mohammed Awwad (30), a
driver of a wastewater vehicle, to refer to the Israeli police station,
northeast of Jerusalem. It should be noted that Israeli forces closed the
landfill of Ramallah and al-Bireh municipality a year ago.

 

Settlers’ attacks 

 

· At approximately 01:00 on
Saturday, 23 May 2015, a group of settlers stole 2 metal water tanks used to
water sheep and a tent used as a sheep barn from a Bedouin compound, east of
al-Taiba village, northeast of Ramallah. The tanks belong to Qadri Ka’abna (30).
Moreover, the settlers threw stones at Ka’abna while grazing the sheep in the
area. It should be noted that settlers stole 9 sheep and slaughtered 2 others
when attacking the same Bedouin compound on 09 March 2015.

 

· At approximately 14:00 on
Monday, 25 May 2015, 3 settlers with sniffer dogs from “Adi Ad”
settlement, east of Termis’ya village, north of Ramallah, attacked farmer Hamed
Fawzi Hamed (53). Hamed was in company of Emad Abu Awwad (32), a tractor driver,
carrying grass to the tractor. Israeli forces immediately arrived at the area,
due to which the settlers fled towards the settlement outpost.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Recommendations to the International Community

 

 

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

 

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

 

1. PCHR calls upon the international community and the
United Nations to use all available means to allow the Palestinian people to
enjoy their right to self-determination, through the establishment of the
Palestinian State, which was recognized by the UN General Assembly with a vast
majority, using all international legal mechanisms, including sanctions to end
the occupation of the State of Palestine;

2. PCHR calls upon the United Nations to provide
international protection to Palestinians in the oPt, and to ensure the
non-recurrence of aggression against the oPt, especially the Gaza Strip;

3. PCHR calls upon the High Contracting Parties to the
Geneva Conventions to compel Israel, as a High Contracting Party to the
Conventions, to apply the Conventions in the oPt;

4. PCHR calls upon the Parties to international human
rights instruments, especially the Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and
the Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, to pressurize Israel to
comply with their provisions in the oPt, and to compel it to incorporate the
human rights situation in the oPt in its reports submitted to the concerned
committees;

5. PCHR calls upon the High Contracting Parties to the
Geneva Conventions to fulfil their obligation to ensure the application of the
Conventions, including extending the scope of their jurisdiction in order to prosecute
suspected war criminals, regardless of the nationality of the perpetrator and
the place of a crime, to pave the way for prosecuting suspected Israeli war
criminals and end the longstanding impunity they have enjoyed;

6. PCHR calls on States that apply the principle of
universal jurisdiction not to surrender to Israeli pressure to limit universal
jurisdiction to perpetuate the impunity enjoyed by suspected Israeli war
criminals;

7. PCHR calls upon the international community to act in
order to stop all Israeli settlement expansion activities in the oPt through
imposing sanctions on Israeli settlements and criminalizing trading with them;

8. PCHR calls upon the UN General Assembly to transfer
the Goldstone Report to the UN Security Council in order to refer it to the
International Criminal Court in accordance with Article 13(b) of the Rome
Statute;

9. PCHR calls upon the United Nations to confirm that
holding war criminals in the Palestinian-Israeli conflict is a precondition to
achieve stability and peace in the regions, and that peace cannot be built on
the expense of human rights;

10. PCHR calls upon the UN General Assembly and Human
Rights Council to explicitly declare that the Israeli closure policy in Gaza
and the annexation wall in the West Bank are illegal, and accordingly refer the
two issues to the UN Security Council to impose sanctions on Israel to compel
it to remove them;

11. PCHR calls upon the international community, in light
of its failure to the stop the aggression on the Palestinian people, to at
least fulfil its obligation to reconstruct the Gaza Strip after the series of
hostilities launched by Israel which directly targeted the civilian
infrastructure;

12. PCHR calls upon the United Nations and the European
Union to express a clear position towards the annexation wall following the
international recognition of the State of Palestine on the 1967 borders, as the
annexation wall seizes large parts of the State of Palestine;

13. PCHR calls upon the European Union to activate Article
2 of the EU-Israel Association Agreement, which provides that both sides must
respect human rights as a precondition for economic cooperation between the EU
states and Israel, and the EU must not ignore Israeli violations and crimes
against Palestinian civilians;

 

 

 

 

 

…………………………………………………………

Public
Document

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