Israeli forces continue systematic attacks against Palestinian civilians
and property in the occupied Palestinian territory (oPt)

 

 

 

Israeli forces continued to open fire at border areas
in the Gaza Strip.

5 Palestinian civilians, including 2 children, were
wounded, in the north of the Gaza Strip.

 

Israeli warplanes carried out 2 airstrikes on a
resistance training site, northwest of Khan Yunis, but no casualties were
reported.

 

Israeli forces continued to use excessive force
against peaceful protests in the West Bank.

2 protestors were wounded during Bil’in weekly
protest, west of Ramallah.

9 protestors, including 4 children, were wounded
during other protests.

 

Israeli forces conducted 51 incursions into Palestinian
communities in the West Bank.

5 Palestinian civilians, including 3 children, were wounded
during Israeli incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank.

46 Palestinian civilians, including 11 children and 2
women, were arrested.

20 of these civilians, including 10 children and 2
women, were arrested in occupied Jerusalem.

2 Palestinian civilians were arrested while attempting
to sneak into Israel via the border fence, east of al-Bureij refugee camp in
the centre of the Gaza Strip.

 

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

Israeli
forces established dozens of checkpoints in the West Bank.

At least 4 Palestinian civilians were arrested at military
checkpoints in the West Bank.

 

Israeli navy forces continued targeting Palestinian
fishermen in the Gaza Strip sea.

 

Israeli forces continued their measures to create
Jewish majority in occupied Jerusalem.

Israeli forces demolished 4 houses (barracks) and 2
sheep barns in Jabal al-Baba area in al-‘Aizariya village, southeast of the
city.

 

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

Israeli forces demolished a 280-square-meter metal
workshop in al-Yasmeen suburb, north of al-Bireh.

 

 

Summary

 

Israeli violations of international law and international
humanitarian law in the oPt continued during the reporting period (18
– 23 December 2014).

 

Shooting:

During the reporting period, Israeli forces wounded 21
Palestinian civilians, including 9 children, in the West Bank and Gaza Strip.
Sixteen of these civilians, including 7 children, were wounded in the West
Bank, while 5 others, including 2 children, were wounded in the Gaza Strip. In
the Gaza Strip, Israeli warplanes launched 2 airstrikes on a training site of a
Palestinian armed group in the, south of the Gaza Strip. Moreover, Israeli navy
forces continued to attack Palestinian fishermen in the Gaza Strip sea.  

 

In the West Bank, Israeli forces wounded 16
Palestinian civilians, including 7 children; 5 of whom, including 3 children,
were wounded during Israeli incursions, 2 ones were wounded during peaceful
protests against settlement activities and the construction of the annexation
wall and 9 others, including 4 children, were wounded during other protests.

 

On 18 December 2014, a Palestinian civilian was
wounded in the new Askar refugee camp, northeast of Nablus, during an Israeli
incursion into the camp. He was taken to Rafidiya Hospital in the city.

 

On the same day, a Palestinian child from Beit Foreek
village, northeast of Nablus, was wounded during an Israeli incursion into the
village. He was taken to Rafidiya Hospital in the city.

 

On 22 December 2014, 3 Palestinian civilians,
including 2 children, were wounded when Israeli forces moved into Balata
refugee camp and the vicinity of Joseph Tomb, east of Nablus, to protect settlers
performing prayers there.

 

Israeli forces used excessive force against peaceful
protests organised 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, a 22-year-old civilian sustained
a bullet wound to the right thigh and a 34-year-old one was hit by a gas
canister to the back during the Bil’in weekly protest, west of Ramallah.

 

In the same context, 9 protestors, including 4
children, were wounded during other protests throughout the West Bank against
Israeli attacks against Palestinian civilians and their property.

 

In the Gaza Strip, on 19 December 2014, 5 Palestinian
civilians, including 2 children, were wounded when Israeli forces stationed
along the border fence, east of Jabalia in the north of the Gaza Strip, opened
fire at a group of civilians, who were present around.

 

 

On 20 December 2014, Israeli warplanes launched 2
airstrikes, few minutes in between, at a training site of a Palestinian armed
group, northwest of Khan Yunis in the south of the Gaza Strip. As a result, the
site sustained damage, but no casualties were reported.

 

In the context of targeting Palestinian fishermen, on
21 and 22 December 2014, Israeli navy forces opened fire twice at fishing boats
sailing within the allowed fishing limits.

     

Incursions:

 

During the reporting period, Israeli forces conducted
at least 51 military incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank. During
these incursions, Israeli forces arrested at least 46 Palestinians, including 11
children and 2 women.  Twenty of these
Palestinians, including 10 children and 2 woman, were arrested in Jerusalem.

 

In the Gaza Strip, on 18 December 2014, Israeli forces
stationed along the border fence, east of al-Bureij refugee camp in the central
Gaza Strip, arrested 2 Palestinian children who attempted to sneak into Israel
through the border fence.

 

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. During the reporting period, Israeli forces arrested
a Palestinian patient who obtained a permit to travel to the West Bank for
medical treatment, while another civilian accompanying his father was arrested
while the father was denied travel for medical treatment.

 

Efforts
to create a Jewish demographic majority in occupied East Jerusalem

     

On 22 December 2014, Israeli bulldozers destroyed 4 houses and 2
sheep barns in al-Baba mountain area, in al-Izaria village.

 

Israeli occupation municipality continued to issue more house
demolition notices. On 18 December 2014, they handed 11 house demolition
notices in Silwan under the pretext of lacking construction permits.

 

On 22 December 2014, they handed 110 house demolition notices in
al-Tour neighborhood to demolish houses which were established 25 year ago.

 

Settlement activities and attacks by
settlers against Palestinian civilians and property

 

On 22 December 2014, Israeli forces moved into al-Ras village, west
of Hebron, and handed two residents house demolition notices under the pretext
of illegal construction in Area “C”.

 

On 23 December 2014, Israeli forces moved into al-Yasamin village,
west of al-Beira, and bulldozed a barracks used as a metal workshop.

 

In the same context, Israeli settlers moved into al-Saba mountain
area and al-Tathnia gate area, near “Kifat Runim” and “Kifat Arous” settlement.
The settlers’ wrote anti-Arab slogans.

 

 

 

 

Israeli Violations Documented during the Reporting Period
(18 – 23 December 2014)

 

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

 

Thursday, 18 December 2014

 

· At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces backed by
military vehicles moved into Na’lin, west of Ramallah.  They raided and searched 3 houses from which
they arrested 3 Palestinian civilians:

1. Ahmed Basel Nafe’ (20);

2. Mohammed Abdul Rahman Nafe’ (19); and

3. Sa’eed Yehya Nafe’ (21).

 

At approximately 02:30, Israeli forces backed by
military vehicles moved into Bani Na’im village, east of Hebron. They stationed
in the centre of the village and raided and searched 2 houses from which
they arrested 2 civilians: Ali Hassan Hmeidan (22) and Emad Khalil Amro (31).

 

Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into ‘Etil
village, north of Tulkarm. They raided and searched a house belonging to the
family of Hamza Ramzi Ahmed Abu Senan (24). They arrested the aforementioned
person and took him to an unknown destination.

 

At approximately 03:00, Israeli forces moved into
Silet al-Harethiya village, north of Jenin. They raided a house belonging to
lawyer Baha’ Abdul Rahman Sadeq Zeyoud (30). They arrested the aforementioned
person and then raided a house belonging to the family of Mohammed Abdul Rahim
Abdullah Tahayna (20). They arrested Tahayna as well.

 

At approximately 03:30, Israeli forces moved into the
new Askar refugee camp, northeast of Nablus. They raided and searched a number
of houses. In the early morning, a number of boys and youngsters gathered and
threw stones at Israeli vehicles patrolling the camp. Israeli soldiers
immediately fired at them. As a result, a 25-year-old civilian sustained a
bullet wound to the right hand. He was taken to Rafidiya Hospital in Nablus to
receive medical treatment. His wound was moderate.

 

At approximately 03:45, Israeli forces moved into
Nablus. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Hosni Emad
al-Amoudi (23) in Ras al-‘Ein neighbourhood in the south of the city. They
arrested the aforementioned person and took him to an unknown destination.

 

Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Douma
village, southeast of Nablus. They raided and searched a house belonging to the
family of Othman Abdul Mo’ti Salawda (33). They arrested the aforementioned
person and took him to an unknown destination.

 

At approximately 04:00, Israeli forces moved into
Kufor Dan village, northwest of Jenin. They raided and searched a house
belonging to Nawras Allam Mostafa Mer’I (18). They arrested the aforementioned
person and took him to an unknown destination.

 

At approximately 05:00, Israeli forces moved into
al-Yamoun village, northwest of Jenin. They raided and searched a house
belonging to the family of Mohammed Salim Mostafa Freihat (40). They questioned
the house occupants and withdrew later. No arrests were reported.

 

At approximately 13:00, Israeli forces backed by
military vehicles moved into Beit Fourik village, northeast of Nablus. They
positioned in the southern area of the village, opposite to “Etamar”
settlement. A number of boys gathered and threw stones at the Israeli vehicles.
As a result, Israeli soldiers opened fire in response. As a result, a
16-year-old male sustained a bullet wound to the left leg. He was taken to
Rafidiya Hospital in Nablus to receive medical treatment. His wound was
moderate.

 

In the afternoon, Israeli forces moved into al-Arqa
village, west of Jenin. They raided and searched a house belonging to Alaa
Bassam Abdul Rahman Yehya (20). They arrested the aforementioned person and
took him to an unknown destination.

 

At approximately 18:00, Israeli forces stationed along
the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel, east of al-Bureij in the
central Gaza Strip, arrested ‘Ali Khalil Mohammed Abu Hjeir (22) from Gaza
Valley village and Karam Jaber ‘Odah al-Qrinawi (20) from al-Bureij when they
tried to cross the aforementioned border.

 

Abu Hjeir’s father said to a PCHR fieldworker that:

“At approximately 12:00 on Thursday, 18 December
2014, I lost my son, ‘Ali (22), so I started looking for him and asked his friends
but in vain.  At approximately 00:00 on
Friday, 19 December 2014, I received a call on my cell phone from a private
number.  The caller said that he is from
the Israeli forces and that my son was arrested with his friend, Karam Jaber
al-Qarinawi (20) when trying to cross the border.  He said that my son is fine.”

 

Al-Qarinawi’s father also received a call on his cell
phone from a private number.  The caller
said that he is from the Israeli Intelligence and that his son, Karam, was
arrested while trying to cross the border.

 

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces carried out incursions in
the following areas without reporting any arrests: al-Fare’a refugee camp,
south of Tubas; Madama village, southeast of Nablus; Mothallath al-Aqaba and
al-Surra village, south of Doura; and Beit Ommar and al-Shyoukh villages in
Hebron.

 

Friday, 19 December 2014

 

At approximately 01:30, Israeli forces moved into
al-Ja’bari neighbourhood, south of Hebron. They raided a house belonging to
Khaled Abdul Salam al-Ja’bari (29). They handed him a summons to refer to the
Israeli intelligence service in “Gosh Etzion” settlement, south of
Bethlehem. At approximately 02:30, Israeli forces withdrew and moved into Ras
al-Jourah area, north of the city. They raided and searched a house belonging
to Hafez Eid al-Sharif (33). They arrested the aforementioned person and took
him to an unknown destination.

 

At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces stationed along
the border fence, east of al-Shuhada’ cemetery, east of Jabalia, north of the
Gaza Strip, opened fire at a group of civilians gathering near the said fence.
The civilians threw stones towards the fence, due to which, 5 civilians,
including 2 children, were wounded. The wounded were taken to Kamal Odwan Hospital
in Beit Lahia. Wounds of one of whom were serious as he sustained a bullet
wound to the thigh. The wounded were:

1. Mohammed Khalil Mohammed Dawood (17), from Jabalia. He
sustained a bullet wound to the left thigh (the bullet entered and exited). His
wound was serious;

2. Hosam Tawfiq Sa’id Seyam (21), from al-Zaitoun
neighbourhood in Gaza City. He sustained a bullet wound to the left leg (the
bullet entered and exited);

3. Mohammed Samir Abdul Jawad al-Taramsi (21), from Beit
Lahia. He sustained a bullet wound to the left leg (the bullet entered and
exited);

4. Belal Ahmed As’ad al-Natour (17), from Jabalia. He
sustained a bullet wound to the left thigh (the bullet entered and exited; and

5.  Mousa Maher
Mosbah Shaqoura (25), from Jabalia. He sustained a minor bullet wound to the
right leg.

 

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces carried out incursions in
the following areas without reporting any arrests: Birzait village, north of
Ramallah; Kherbatha al-Mosbah village, southwest of the city; Fasayel village,
north of Jericho; al-Surra village, south of Doura, southwest of Hebron;
al-Samou’ village, south of the city; Anabta village, east of Tulkarm; and
Kufor Qaddoum village, northeast of Qalqilya.

 

Saturday, 20
December 2014

 

At approximately 00:09, Israeli warplanes launched two
missiles within two minutes between each at a site belonging to the armed
forces, northwest of Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip.  The place was damaged, but no injuries were
reported.

 

At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into Jeet
village, northeast of Qalqilya.  They
raided and searched a house belonging to Thaer Nabil ‘Erman (22).  They handed him a summons to refer to the
Israeli Intelligence.  At approximately
02:40, they withdrew, and no arrests were reported.

 

At approximately 15:00, Israeli forces moved into Beit
Ummar village, north of Hebron.  They
stationed in al-Thaher area northeast of the village and deployed between
houses and agricultural lands in the vicinity of the village adjacent to
“Kermi Tsour” settlement established on Palestinian lands, northeast
of the village.  A number of Palestinian
boys gathered to throw stones and empty bottles at the Israeli soldiers, who
chased them into the fields.  Meanwhile,
some of the Israeli soldiers ascended roofs of under-construction houses and
fired tear gas canisters and rubber-coated metal bullets at the boys.  As a result, a number of civilians suffered gas
inhalation.  Israeli soldiers arrested
Mahmoud Mohammed Abu Mariah (26) when he was in front of his grocery in the
area and took him to “Kermi Tsour” settlement.

 

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces carried
out incursions in the following areas without reporting any arrests: Senjel
village, north of Ramallah, Bitello village, northwest of the city; the
villages of al-Jaftalak and al-Dyouk, north of Jericho; and Yatta, south of
Hebron and Beit Oula village, west of the city.

 

Sunday, 21 December 2014

 

At approximately 03:00, Israeli forces moved into
several neighbourhoods in Halhoul town, north Hebron.  They stationed in al-Nabi Younis area in the
north-eastern part of the city.  They
raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Nasha’t Khaled Karajah (24)
and arrested. 

 

At approximately 07:15, Israeli gunboats stationed off
al-Waha shore, northwest of Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip opened fire
and fired artillery shells sporadically in the vicinity of the Palestinian
fishing boats sailing within 3 nautical miles. 
The shooting continued for around 20 minutes causing fear among
fishermen, who were forced to flee.  No
injuries were reported.

 

At approximately 15:00, Israeli forces moved into Beit
Ummar, north of Hebron.  They stationed
in Beit Ze’atah area, east of the village, and then raided and searched a house
belonging to the family of Munir Redwan Qowqas (22).  They arrested the aforementioned civilian and
took him later to an unknown destination. 

 

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces carried
out incursions in the following areas without reporting any arrests: Beit
Loqaya village, southwest of Ramallah, al-‘Arroub refugee camp, north of Hebron
and al-Fawar refugee camp.

 

Monday, 22 December 2014

 

At approximately 00:30, Israeli forces moved into
Balata refugee camp, ‘Amman Street and the vicinity of Joseph Tomb, east of
Nablus, to protect settlers who entered to perform their religion rituals and
Talmudic prayers in the aforementioned cemetery.  A number of Palestinian children and boys
gathered to throw stones at the Israeli vehicle that was patrolling the streets
of the camp.  They set fire to tires at
the main entrance to the camp.  The
Israeli soldiers in response fired live bullets and rubber-coated metal bullets
at them.  As a result, a 17-year-old
child was hit by a bullet to the right leg while a 14-year-old child was hit by
a bullet to the left thigh. Moreover, an 18-year-old civilian was hit by a
bullet to the right leg when he was on his way back home in Beit al-Tayebat in
Street (15), west of the city, in al-Zoyout Street adjacent to the camp.

 

Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into
Qarawet Bani Zaid village, northwest of Ramallah.  They raided and searched a house belonging
tom the family of Mohammed Hussam Ismail ‘Omer (25).  They arrested the aforementioned person and
later withdrew taking him to an unknown destination.

 

At approximately 01:30, Israeli forces moved into
Sa’ir village, east of Hebron.  They
stationed in al-‘Aroud area, east of the village. They raided and searched a
house belonging to the family of Mohyi Raja Shaladah (22) and arrested him.

 

At approximately 06:30, Israeli gunboats stationed off
al-Waha shore, northwest of Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip, opened fire
and fired artillery shells sporadically in the vicinity of the Palestinian
fishing boats sailing within 3 nautical miles. 
The shooting continued for around 20 minutes causing fear among
fishermen, who were forced to flee.  No
injuries were reported.

 

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces carried
out incursions in the following areas without reporting any arrests: ‘Azoun
village, east of Qalqilya, al-Tabaqah village, south of Dura, southwest of
Hebron, and Ezna village, west of Hebron.

 

Tuesday, 23 December 2014

 

At approximately 01:30, Israeli forces moved into
Salem village, northeast of Nablus.  They
raided and searched a number of houses, from which they arrested Ahmed ‘Abdel
Fattah ‘Issa (21). 

 

At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into Dura
al-Qare’a village, northeast of Ramallah. 
They raided and searched a number of houses, from which they arrested
Mousa Jaber Bajes Foqa (21); Ibrahim Mohammed ‘Abdel Rahman Qasem (20);
Mohammed Lutfi al-Zubeidi (21); Qassam Mustafa Hamdan (21).

 

At approximately 02:30, Israeli forces moved into Polytechnic
neighbourhood in the western area of Hebron. 
They raided and searched a house belonging to Mahmoud Khalil Bader
(22).  They arrested the aforementioned
civilian and withdrew later taking to an unknown destination.

 

At approximately 11:00, Israeli forces stationed at
Abu al-Rish checkpoint established at the entrance to al-Ibrahimi Mosque from
the southern side of the old city, south of Hebron fired tear gas canisters at
the students while they were on their way out from the school.  As a result, some of them suffered tear gas
inhalation and received medical treatment on the spot.  Meanwhile, the students threw stones at the
Israeli soldiers, who chased them into the alleys.  The Israeli soldiers re-deployed at the
aforementioned checkpoint, and no arrests were reported.  Meanwhile, the Israeli soldiers closed the
checkpoint and prevented civilians from passing for a couple of hours. 

 

At approximately 15:00, Israeli forces moved from the
electronic gate in the security fence adjacent to “Kermi Tsour”
Settlement established on the Palestinian lands confiscated in the eastern side
of Beit Ummar village, north of Hebron, into al-Thaher area.  The Israeli soldiers deployed in the
agricultural land and two of them released two tracker dogs behind the
boys.  The two dogs caught Hamzah Ahmed
Khalil Abu Hashem (16) and when the Israeli soldiers arrived, they rescued him
after his clothes were torn and he was injured. 
He was then taken to “Kermi Tsour” settlement, where the
child’s family tried to talk with the Israeli soldiers about their son who was
taken by a military ambulance that arrived at the area.  However, the Israeli soldiers refused dealing
with them and fired tear gas canisters and sound bombs.  As a result, they suffered tear gas
inhalation.

 

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces carried out incursions in
the following areas without reporting any arrests: al-Shyoukh village, north of
Hebron and Kharas village, west of the city.

 

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, 22-year-old male sustained a bullet wound to the
right thigh and a 34-year-old male was hit by a gas canister to the back during
Bil’in weekly protest, west of Ramallah.

 

In the same context, 9 Palestinian protestors, including 4 children,
were wounded during  other protests
organized against the Israeli attacks against Palestinian civilians and
property, especially in East Jerusalem.

 

(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
19 December 2014, dozens of Palestinian civilians and international and Israeli
human rights defenders organized a peaceful demonstration in Bil’in, west of
Ramallah, in protest against the construction of the annexation wall and settlement activity. The demonstrators took the streets raising
the Palestinian flags and headed to the liberated territories near the
annexation wall. Early in the morning, Israeli forces closed all entrances to
the city to prevent Palestinian civilians and international and Israeli human
rights defenders from participating in the protests. 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 steel bullets,
sound bombs and wastewater at them and chased them into the olive fields. As a
result, a 22-year-old civilian sustained a bullet wound to the right thigh and
a 34-year-old civilian was hit by a gas canister to the back.

 

On the same day, dozens of Palestinian civilians
organised a peaceful demonstration in the centre of Ni’lin village, west of
Ramallah, in protest against
the construction of 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 protestor sustained
a bullet wound to the thigh. Moreover, many civilians suffered tear gas
inhalation and others sustained bruises as Israeli
soldiers beat them up.

 

Around
the same time, dozens of Palestinian civilians and Israeli and international
human rights defenders organised a peaceful demonstration in al-Nabi Saleh
village, southwest of Ramallah, in
protest against the construction of the annexation wall and settlement
activities. The demonstrators
made their way in the streets raising the Palestinian flags and chanting
slogans against the occupation and in support of the Palestinian unity resistance,
and then they headed to the lands that the settlers are trying to rob by force
near “Halmish” settlement. Israeli forces had closed all the entrances of the
village since the morning to prevent Palestinian and international activists
and journalists from participating in the demonstration. When they arrived at
the aforementioned land, demonstrators were met by live bullets, tear gas
canisters, rubber-coated steel bullets, sound bombs and skunk water and were
chased into the village. As a result,
many demonstrators suffered tear gas inhalation and other sustained bruises as
Israeli soldiers beat them up.    

 

Also at approximately 13:20, Palestinian civilians and
international solidarity activists organized a protest in the center of Kufor Qaddoum
village, northeast of Qalqilya, heading to the eastern entrance of the village
in protest against closing that entrance since the beginning of al-Aqsa
Intifada with an iron gate. The demonstrators threw stones at Israeli soldiers,
who fired sound bombs and tear gas canisters in response. As a result, many demonstrators suffered tear gas
inhalation and other sustained bruises as Israeli soldiers beat them up.   

 

Other
Demonstrations

 

At approximately 10:30 on Friday, 19 December 2014, dozens of Palestinian young men and
human rights activists gathered in al-Dhour area, east of Termis’ya village,
north of Ramallah, to establish a memorial of Zeyad Abu ‘Ain and to plant olive
trees in lands threatened to be confiscated. The demonstrators raised the
Palestinian flag and posters of Zeyad Abu ‘Ain. They also chanted slogans
against the occupation. They made their way towards a land behind Israeli
soldiers, who made a human chain to deny the demonstrators access to the land. Scuffles
erupted between the soldiers and demonstrators. As a result, the soldiers fired
rubber-coated metal bullets, live ammunition, sound bombs and tear gas
canisters in response. In addition, they sprayed the demonstrators with skunk
water and chased them in the farmlands. As a result, 6 civilians, including 4
children, were wounded and then taken to Palestine Medical Compound in
Ramallah. Moreover, Israeli soldiers beat and arrested 2 human rights activists
and then took them to al-Maskoubya detention facility in Jerusalem. The a2
arrested were: Mohammed Abdul Karim Mostafa Abu Raham (40) and Ja’fer Hamayel
(41). The wounded were identified as:

1. A 14-year-old child, who sustained a bullet wound to
the left leg;

2. A 17-year-old child, who was hit by a gas canister to
the left arm;

3. A 15-year-old child, who sustained a bullet wound to
the right leg;

4. A 17-year-old child, who sustained a bullet wound to
the left leg;

5. An 18-year-old civilian, who sustained a bullet wound
to the left leg; and

6. A 21-year-old civilian, who sustained a bullet wound
to the left leg. 

 

Also following the Friday prayer, dozens of youngsters gathered
from different areas of Ramallah and al-Bireh near 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, 3 civilians were wounded and then taken to Palestine
Medical Compound in Ramallah. The wounded were identified as:

1. A 21-year-old
civilian, who sustained a bullet wound to the head;

2. A 24-year-old
civilian, who sustained a bullet wound to the upper lip; and

3. A 21-year-old
civilian, who sustained a bullet wound to the lower jaw.

 

On the same day, dozens of Palestinian
civilians gathered at the western entrance of Selwad village, northeast of
Ramallah, on Selwad-Yabroud road near street (60) to organize a protest against
Israeli policies. The protestors set fire to tires and threw stones and
empty bottles at Israeli soldiers, who fired live ammunition, rubber-coated
metal bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters in response. As a result, a
number of protestors suffered tear gas inhalation, and others sustained bruises
as Israeli soldiers beat them up. In addition,
Israeli soldiers deliberately fired at the electrical transformers in the
abovementioned area, as a result, the whole neighbourhood had a power outage.

 

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.

 

The total closure of al-Mentar (“Karni”) crossing since
02 March 2011 has seriously affected the economy of the Gaza Strip. Following
this closure, all economic and commercial establishments in the Gaza Commercial
Zone were shut off. It should be noted that al-Mentar crossing is the biggest
crossing in the Gaza Strip, in terms of its capacity to absorb the flow of
imports and exports. The decision to close al-Mentar crossing was the
culmination of a series of decisions resulting in the complete closure of the
Sofa crossing, east of the Gaza Strip in the beginning of 2009, and the Nahal
Oz crossing, east of Gaza City, which were dedicated for the delivery of fuel
and cooking gas to the Gaza Strip, in the beginning of 2010.

 

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.

 

The cooking gas crisis has fluctuated due to the closure of Karm
Abu Salem for security claims. According to PCHR’s follow-up, Israeli
authorities only allow an average of 98 tons of cooking gas into Gaza per
day.  This limited quantity is less than half of the daily needs, which is
200 tons per day of the civilian population in the Gaza Strip during
winter.  The crisis has unprecedentedly aggravated for around six weeks
due to cold weather and overconsumption in addition to the power outage and
using gas as an alternative in many instances of electricity.  The lack of
diesel and benzene led to the aggravation of the crisis as a result of using
the gas cylinder for cars or as an alternative for benzene to run
generators.  As a result, the demand for gas further increased.

 

For almost 7 consecutive years, Israeli forces have continued to
prevent the delivery of construction materials to the Gaza Strip. Two years
ago, Israeli forces approved the delivery of limited quantities of construction
materials for a number of international organizations in the Gaza Strip. 
On 17 September 2013, they allowed the entry of limited quantities of
construction materials for the private sector.  However, on 13 October
2013, they re-banned it claiming that these materials are used for constructing
tunnels.  Last week, Israeli forces allowed the entry of construction
materials only for UNRWA and UNDP projects.  As a result, construction
works have completely stopped impacting all sectors related to construction and
an increase in unemployment levels. During the 51-day Israeli offensive on the
Gaza Strip in July and August 2014, Israeli authorities did not allow the entry
of any construction materials. As a result, vital and infrastructure projects
have been obstructed so far.

 

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.

 

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 denied permission to access hospitals via the
crossing for new categories of patients from the Gaza Strip.

 

Movement at Karm Abu Salem
(Kerem Shalom) crossing, southeast of Rafah

16 – 21 December 2014

 

 

Exports:

 

· On Tuesday, 16 December 2014,
Israeli forces allowed the exportation of 8.24 tons of strawberries and 41 tons
of tomatoes.

· On Wednesday, 17 December 2014,
Israeli forces allowed the exportation of 1.8 tons of strawberries and 0.5
ton of fish.

· On Thursday, 18 December 2014, Israeli
forces allowed the exportation of 23 tons of tomatoes and 2.5 tons of sweet
potatoes.

 

Other imports:

 

On Tuesday, 16 December 2014, Israeli forces allowed the entry of 40
tons of cement for the Water authority; and 1200 tons of cement and 1260 tons
of aggregates for Gaza reconstruction. They also allowed the entry of 630 tons
of fodders and 525 tons of wheat.

On Wednesday, 17 December 2014, Israeli forces allowed the entry
of 560 tons of aggregates for UNDP; 400 tons of cement, 840 tons of aggregates
and 63 tons of steel for Gaza reconstruction; and 398 tons of aggregates for
the Power Company; and 80 tons of cement for the UNRWA. They also allowed the
entry of 525 tons of fodders and 455 tons of wheat.

On Thursday, 18 December 2014, Israeli forces allowed the entry of
1,820 tons of cement and 34 tons of steel for the Gaza reconstruction; 80 tons
of cement for the UNRWA; and 160 tons of cement and 560 tons of aggregates for
the power company. They also allowed the entry of 455 tons of fodders and 499
tons of wheat.

On Sunday, 21 December 2014, Israeli forces allowed the entry of 600
tons of cement, 110 tons of aggregates and 108 tons of steel for the Gaza
reconstruction; 70 tons of aggregates and 40 tons of cement for the UNICEF; 490
tons of aggregates for the Water Authority; 280 tons of aggregates for the UNDP
and 200 tons of cement for the Turkish project.  They also allowed the entry of 490 tons of
fodders and 595 tons of wheat.

 

Plastic Containers returned by Israeli forces via Karm Abu Salem:

 

On Wednesday, 17 December 2014, Israeli forces returned 6
truckloads of empty containers.

On Wednesday, 18 December 2014, Israeli forces returned 7
truckloads of empty containers.

On Thursday, 21 December 2014, Israeli forces returned 8
truckloads of empty containers.

 

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

· 15 – 22 December 2014

·  

·  

 

Notes:

On Friday, 19 December 2014, Israeli forces allowed 188 civilians
to cross via Erez in order to perform prayers in the al-Aqsa Mosque in East
Jerusalem.  On Sunday, 21 December 2014,
they also allowed 3 Christians and on Monday, 22 December 2014, 43 Christians
to attend Christmas celebrations in Bethlehem.

 

 

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. At approximately 14:00 on Thursday, 18 December 2014,
Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the entrance of Ezzna village, west
of the city. At approximately 16:00, another checkpoint was established at the
northern entrance of Yatta village, south of the city. All checkpoints were
removed and no arrests were reported.

 

 

At approximately 15:00 on Friday, 19 December 2014, Israeli forces
established a checkpoint at the northern entrance of the city. The checkpoint
was removed and no arrests were reported.

 

At approximately 07:00 on Saturday, 20 December 2014, Israeli
forces established a checkpoint at the entrance of al-Fawwar Refugee Camp,
south of the city. At approximately 19:00, another checkpoint was established
at the entrance of Bani Naim village. All checkpoints were removed and no
arrests were reported.

 

 

At approximately 16:00 on Sunday, 21 December 2014, Israeli forces
established a checkpoint at the entrance of Deir Samet village, southwest of
Doura, south west of Hebron. The checkpoint was removed and no arrests were
reported.

 

At approximately 20:00 on Monday, 22 December 2014, Israeli forces
established a checkpoint at the northern entrance of the city. The checkpoint
was removed and no arrests were reported.

 

At approximately 20:00 on Tuesday, 23 December 2014, Israeli
forces established a checkpoint at the entrance of Beit Kahel village, west of
the city. The checkpoint was removed and no arrests were reported.

 

 

· Ramallah: Israeli
forces have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of
Palestinian civilians. At approximately 17:00 on Thursday, 18 December 2014,
Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the northern entrance of the Bir Zeit.
The checkpoint was removed and no arrests were reported.

 

At approximately 09:30 on Friday, 19 December 2014, Israeli forces
established a checkpoint at the entrance of Nabi Saleh village, northwest of
the city. At approximately 10:00, they established a similar checkpoint under
Yabroud Bridge, northeast of the city. At approximately 14:30, another
checkpoint was established near “Ofrah” settlement, north of the city. All
checkpoints were removed and no arrests were reported.

 

At approximately 10:30 on Saturday, 20 December 2014, Israeli
forces established a checkpoint at the entrance of Badras village, west of
Ramallah. At approximately 14:00, another checkpoint was established at the
entrance of Beit Ore al-Foqa, southwest of the city. All checkpoints were
removed and no arrests were reported.

 

· Jericho: Israeli
forces have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of
Palestinian civilians. At approximately 10:30 on Friday, 19 December 2014,
Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the entrance of Fasail village,
north of city. At approximately 21:30, another checkpoint was established at
the southern entrance of the city. All checkpoints were removed and no arrests
were reported.

 

· Qalqilya: Israeli
forces have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of
Palestinian civilians. At approximately 15:30 on Thursday, 18 December 2014,
Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the eastern entrance of city. At
approximately 20:25, another checkpoint was established at the entrance of
‘Azzou village, east of the city. All checkpoints were removed and no arrests
were reported.

 

At approximately 09:25 on Friday, 19 December 2014, Israeli forces
established a checkpoint at the eastern entrance of city, and reestablished it
again at approximately 19:00. The checkpoint was removed, in both times, and no
arrests were reported.

 

At approximately 10:40 on Saturday, 20 December 2014, Israeli
forces established a checkpoint at the intersection of Jeet village, northeast
of the city. At approximately 12:00, another check point was established near
the entrance of Izbat Jal’oud village. At approximately 16:45, another
checkpoint was established on the road between Jious and ‘Azzoun villages. All
checkpoints were removed and no arrests were reported.

 

At approximately 12:30 on Sunday, 20 December 2014, Israeli forces
established a checkpoint at the intersection of Seer village, northeast of the
city. At approximately 19:30, another check point was established at the
eastern entrance of the city. At midnight, another checkpoint was established
under ‘Azzoun Bridge (on the road between Qalqilya and Tulkarm). All
checkpoints were removed and no arrests were reported.

 

· Tulkarm:
Israeli forces have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of
Palestinian civilians. At approximately 10:00 on Friday, 12 December 2014,
Israeli forces stationed ‘Annab military checkpoint which is established on the
road between Tulkarm and Nablus, east of the city, tightened their restriction
against civilians and obstructed their movement. The tightening reoccurred at
approximately 22:00 on the same day and at approximately 13:30 on Saturday, 20
December 2014. The tightening ended and no arrests were reported.

 

Arrests and Maltreatment at Military Checkpoints

 

· At approximately 15:30 on
Thursday, 18 December 2014, Israeli forces stationed at the annexation wall,
Gate (300), near Toura village, west of Jenin, arrested Bassam Abdel Rahman
Yasin Yahya (46).According to the aforementioned, Israeli soldiers beat him up
before releasing him upon the intervention of the Palestinian liaison. He was
transferred to Khalil Suleiman governmental hospital in Jenin.

 

· At approximately 15:00 on
Monday, 22 December 2014, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the
entrance of al-Fawwar Refugee Camp. They arrested 2 civilians and took them to
an unknown destination. They were identified as: Mustafa Abdel Muti Ghatasha
(22) and Yaman Omar Khashan (22), both form al-Fawwar Refugee Camp.

 

· At approximately 17:00 on
Tuesday, 23 December 2014, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the
entrance of Beit Ummar village, north of Hebron. They arrested Muhammad Salem
Ali Abu ‘Ayyash (21).

 

4. Efforts
to create Jewish demographic majority in occupied East Jerusalem

 

Bulldozing Activities

 

· At approximately 09:00 on
Thursday, 18 December 2014, Israeli occupation municipality, guarded by Israeli
special forces, handed out 11 house demolition notices in Silwan village, south
of the Old City in Jerusalem under the pretext of not having a construction
permit. Shadi al-Samrin told PCHR that the municipality handed him a house
demolition order for his house in Wadi al-Hilwa neighborhood. He said that his
house is under construction and is to be established on an area of 130 square
meters. They also handed Abu Sneina family a house demolition notice to destroy
their house in Wadi al-Rababa neighborhood, which was established 30 year ago
on an area of 100 square meters. The municipality staff also handed house
demolition notices to the families of al-‘Abbasi, ‘Awwad, ‘Odeh, ‘Abdu, and
al-Rasheq, 3 of which were established over 30 years ago. 70 persons reside in
the aforementioned houses.

 

· At approximately 10:00 on Sunday,
22 December 2014, Israeli municipality guarded by Israeli special forces handed
out 10 house demolition notices to destroy residential buildings in al-Tour n
neighborhood, east of the Old City in Jerusalem, under the pretext of lacking a
construction permit. Some of the aforementioned houses were established over 25
years ago. They belong to: Talal al-Saiad; Basel al-Saiad; Nadya al-Mughrabi;
Abdullah al-Hidra; Marwan Hussein; and Mahmoud Abu al-Hawa. According to Talal
al-Saiad, Israeli forces moved into his house in al-Tour neighborhood and
handed him a house demolition notice. It should be noted that the
aforementioned does not own the house he lives in. He rented and resided in it
with his family 20 years ago.

 

· At approximately 11:00 on
Monday, 22 December 2014, Israeli bulldozers destroyed 4 residential barracks
and two sheep barns in Jabal al-Baba area, in Izarya area, southeast of
Jerusalem. According to eyewitness testimonies, a huge Israeli force raided the
area and imposed a military siege around the Bedouin family barracks before the
residents were evicted and their barracks destroyed.

 

· At approximately 16:00, Israeli
municipality handed out Akram al-Shurafa’s father a house demolition notice to
destroy his house in al-Tour neighborhood, east of Jerusalem, which was
established in 1938. The house was established in 1938 on an area of 700 square
meters. According to the mother, the house belongs to her but her son Akram
moved in with his family 5 years ago.  It
should be noted that the aforementioned was evicted from Jerusalem early this
month for 5 months under the pretext of being a “threat to Israeli national
security”.

 

Arrests and Incursions

 

· At midnight on Thursday, 18
December 2014, Israeli forces raided and searched a house belonging to Ibtisam
Abde Isawi (46) in Jabal al-Mukabber neighborhood, southeast of Jerusalem. They
arrested her and took her to al-Maskubia investigation center. It should be
noted that the aforementioned was released from Israeli jails in Gilad Shalit
prisoner exchange. Thus, Israeli forces have arrested 7 ex-prisoners who were
released in Gilad Shalit prisoner exchange so far.

 

· At approximately 07:30, Israeli
forces arrested Wasim Nader al-Shawish (14) when he was heading to his school
in al-Tour neighborhood, east of the Old City in Jerusalem. Then they took him
to al-Maskubia investigation center.

 

· At approximately 11:00, Israeli
forces arrested two men and a woman at the gates of al-Aqsa mosque in Jerusalem
when they were preventing Israeli settlers from attacking and spitting at
personas who were praying. They were identified as: Abdel ‘Afou Muhammad Zgheir
(23); Tamer Sharif Shal’ata (22); and Latifa Ahmed Abdel Latif (23).

 

· At approximately 15:00, Israeli
forces arrested Shadi Ibrahim al-Isawi (28) after they stopped him at a
checkpoint at the entrance of al-Isawia, northeast of Jerusalem. They took him
to al-Maskubia investigation center.

 

· At approximately 17:00, Israeli
forces raided and searched a house belonging to Muhanned Saleh in al-Tour
neighborhood, east of the Old City in Jerusalem. They arrested his son Islam
(17) and took him to an unknown destination.

 

· At approximately 19:00, Israeli
forces arrested Musatafa Abu Laban in al-Tour neighborhood in Jerusalem. They
arrested his son Shaker (16) and took him to an unknown destination.

 

· At approximately 07:00 on
Friday, 19 December 2014, Israeli forces moved into al-Wad neighborhood and the
“Via Dolorosa” (the Way of Sorrows). They raided and searched houses and
arrested 4 children then took them to al-Maskubia investigation center. Hey
were identified as: Ahmed Salah Edkeik (16); Muhammad Abdel Rahim Da’asin (17);
Ahmed Nasir al-Tamimi (16); and ‘Odai Mahmoud Da’ajna (12).

 

· At approximately 19:00, Israeli
forces moved in al-Jouz neighborhood, east of the Old City in Jerusalem. They
arrested two persons after beating them and raiding their house. According to
eye-witness testimonies, a large Israeli special force stationed at the
entrance of the aforementioned neighborhood and raided the road leading to
Abdin mosque. They fired rubber-coated metal bullets, tear gas canisters and
sound bombs. Then they raided the Kashour family house and attacked their sons
Abdel Rahaman (19) and Burhan (21). They arrested the aforementioned and took
them to an unknown destination.

 

· At approximately 20:00, Israeli
forces raided and searched Musa Oweida house in al-Bustan neighborhood in the
Old City y in Jerusalem. They arrested his child Saleh (15) and took him to an
unknown destination.

 

· At approximately 05:00 on
Monday, 22 December 2014, Israeli forces raided and searched a house belonging
to Ahmed al-Shalabi in the Old City in Jerusalem. They arrested his son Nour
(15) and took him to an unknown destination.

 

· At approximately 05:30, Israeli
forces raided and searched a house belonging to Taisir al-Farha in al-Silsila
gate neighborhood. They arrested his child Muhammad (16) and took him to an
unknown destination.

   

· At approximately 15:00, Israeli
forces arrested three persons from Jerusalem after raiding several stores in
the Old City. They arrested Salah al-Shawish (47), the owner of al-Shawish
restaurant; Nour al-Nabulsi (29); and Raed al-Mulazem (34). According to Abu
Sahwish, the municipality staff raided his house and destroyed the tables and
chairs. The provokingly ruined the food and fired tear gas canisters and sound
bombs. As a result, several customers suffered tear gas inhalation.

 

5. 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.

 

· At approximately 09:00 on Monday, 22 December
2014, Israeli forces accompanied by a vehicle belonging to the Construction and
Organization Department in the Israeli Civil Administration Department moved
into al-Ras village, west of Hebron. They handed the residents 2 house
demolition notices under the pretext of lacking construction permits. The
soldiers deployed it the agricultural lands and prevented the residents from
plowing their lands.

 

· On Monday morning, 15 December 2014, Israeli
forces accompanied by a vehicle belonging to the Construction and Organization
Department in the Israeli Civil Administration Department moved into al-Ras
neighborhood, west of Hebron. They handed two residents house demolition notices
to stop construction in their houses under the pretext of lacking construction
permits. They were identified as:

1. Tin barracks belonging to Muhammad Ahmed
Tmeisa, and;

2. A residential barrack belonging to Ashraf
Muhammad Yousif al-Batran, which was originally presented to the aforementioned
by Agency for Technical Cooperation and Development (ACTED).

 

· At approximately 03:45 on Tuesday, 23 December
2014, Israeli forces accompanied by a vehicle belonging to the Construction and
Organization Department in the Israeli Civil Administration Department and a
bulldozer moved into al-Yasamin neighborhood, north of al-Beira. The bulldozer
destroyed a barrack used as a metal workshop belonging to Asaad Ahmed Nakhla
(35) and Mahdi Mahmoud al-Khatib (30).

 

Asaad
Nakhla, the owner of the metal workshop, told PCHR:

“I headed from my house in
al-Jalazoun neighborhood to my workshop in al-Yasamin area. My brother phoned
me saying the Israeli forces were moving towards the workshop.  I was not allowed to enter the area at first,
but 15 minutes later one of the soldiers permitted me to enter. I saw the door
of the barracks was broken and the municipality staffs trying to cut off the
power. My brother and I took the machines out of the barracks. At approximately
06:00, the bulldozer completely destroyed the barracks after refusing to allow
me to disassemble the barrack myself. My losses were estimated at 270,000 NIS.
The soldiers also attacked my cousins: Muhammad Jamal Nakhla (21) and Muhammad
Naim Nakhla (28).”

 

Settlers’
Attacks

 

· On Thursday, 18 December 2014, Israeli
settlers moved into al-Saba mountain area and al-Tathnia gate area, near “Kifat
Runim” and “Kifat Arous” settlement. The settlers’ wrote anti-Arab slogans and
drew David’s Star on the walls of a house belonging to Bilal Eid.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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 continued aggression 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;

14. PCHR calls upon the Palestinian leadership to sign and
accede to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court and the Geneva
Conventions, and calls upon the international community, especially the United
Nations, to encourage the State of Palestine to accede to international human
rights law and humanitarian law instruments.

 

 

 

 

 

…………………………………………………………

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.