Greenhouses
were attacked in Rafah

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

      

 

 

A Palestinian child was killed in the far southwest of Hebron.

 

Israeli forces launched 3 airstrikes on different areas in the Gaza
Strip.

26 greenhouses were completely destroyed and 20 others were partially
damaged.

 

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

4 Palestinian civilians and a Norwegian activist were wounded in protests organized against the annexation
wall.

A Palestinian boy was wounded in a protest at the entrance of
al-Jalazoun refugee camp, north of Ramallah.

 

Israeli forces conducted 64 incursions into Palestinian communities in
the West Bank.

 50 Palestinian civilian,
including 7 children, were arrested.

Journalist Fida’ Naser was detained in Hebron for a few hours and was
then released.

 

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 6 Palestinian
civilians, including a child, were arrested at checkpoints in the West Bank.

 

Israeli navy forces continued targeting Palestinian fishermen in the
sea.

A store at Beit Hanoun beach was destroyed as it was shelled by Israeli
gunboats.

 

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

Settlers uprooted 90 olive trees in Nablus and Hebron.

3 civilians were injured by glass shrapnel of their vehicle that was
attacked by a bottle.

 

Summary

 

Israeli violations of international law and
international humanitarian law in the oPt continued during the reporting period
(13
– 19 March 2014).

 

Shooting:

 

During the reporting period, Israeli forces killed a Palestinian child.
They also wounded 7 Palestinian civilians, including a child, and Norwegian
activist in the West Bank; 5 of whom, including the Norwegian activist, were
wounded in the protests organized against the annexation wall while a civilian
was wounded in other protests. Two Palestinian civilians, including a child,
were wounded when Israeli forces moved into Beit Ommar village, north of
Hebron. In the Gaza Strip, Israeli forces launched 3 airstrikes, 4 shooting attacks
at fishing boats and one along the border fence. No casualties were reported.    

                       

In the Gaza Strip, Israeli
forces launched 3 airstrikes on 13 and 14 March 2014, as a result of which, 26 greenhouses
were completely destroyed and 20 others were partially damaged, but no
casualties were reported.

 

On 17 March 2014,
Israeli forces positioned on watchtowers in the vicinity of Beit Hanoun
crossing and north of Um al-Nasser village in the northern Gaza Strip opened
fire at open areas, but no casualties were reported.

 

In the context of
targeting Palestinian fishermen in the sea, Israeli navy forces opened fire 4
times at Palestinian fishing boats on 15, 16 and 17 March 2014. As a result, a
store belonging to a Palestinian fisherman was completely destroyed, but no
casualties were reported.  

 

In the West Bank, on
19 March 2014, Israeli forces stationed around the annexation wall, west of
Doura, southwest of Hebron, killed a Palestinian child and wounded 2 others in
company.

 

In the same context,
Israeli forces used excessive force against peaceful demonstrations 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, 4 Palestinian civilians and Norwegian activist were
wounded.

 

In the same context,
an 18-year-old Palestinian civilian sustained a bullet wound to the right leg
during a protest at the southern entrance of al-Jalazoun refugee camp, north of
Ramallah, on 14 March 2014.

 

On 13 March 2014, 2
Palestinian civilians, including a child, were wounded when Israeli forces
fired at a number of youngsters gathered during a funeral in the cemetery in
Beit Ummar village, north of Hebron, near the bypass road (60).

 

Incursions:

 

During the reporting period, Israeli forces conducted at least 64
military incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank. During these
incursions, Israeli forces arrested at least 50 Palestinians, including 7 children.

 

The detainees included a reporter of Palestine Today satellite channel
and Tramsat News Agency crew. In addition, Israeli forces arrested a leader of
Hamas movement who had previously served 13 years in Israeli jails.

 

On 17 March 2014, Israeli forces moved into the eastern al-Lubban
village, south of Nablus. They raided and searched a house, confiscated cell
phones and arrested the family’s breadwinner.

 

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 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 7 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 1.7 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.

 

Israeli forces have continued to impose severe restrictions on the
movement of Palestinian civilians throughout the West Bank, including occupied
East Jerusalem. Thousands of Palestinian civilians from the West Bank and the
Gaza Strip continue to be denied access to Jerusalem.

 

As part of using military checkpoints and border crossings as traps to
arrest Palestinian civilians under the pretext they are wanted, Israeli forces arrested
at least 6 civilians, including a child, in the West Bank.

 

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.

 

Attacks carried out by settlers

 

On 14 March 2014, Israeli settlers from “Sousia”
settlement established on the lands confiscated from the southern part of
Yatta, south of Hebron, cut down by a handsaw 40 olive trees, which are 6 years
old, belonging to Karam Yousif ‘Awad Shatat.

 

On 15 March 2014, Israeli settlers from “Eitamar” settlement
established in the east of Beit Fourik village, east of Nablus, stormed the
eastern outskirts of the aforementioned village under the Israeli forces’
protection.  Children and young men
gathered to throw stones at the Israeli military vehicles and settlers.  Israeli forces in response fired sound bombs
and tear gas canisters at them.

 

On 16 March 2014, a bottle was thrown at a
Palestinian car driven by Hazem Ishtayyah (65) from Salem village, northeast of
Nablus, while it was travelling on Street (55) between Za’atrah intersection,
south of Nablus, and Jericho.    The car
was coming from Jericho and heading towards Nablus. 7 civilians were traveling
the car on their way back from Saudi Arabia after performing Umrah (the lesser
Islamic pilgrimage) rituals.  When they
were 400 meters away from “Majdolim” settlement, they were surprised by a white
car with an Israeli registration plate coming from the opposite direction.  The driver saw someone dressed in civilian
clothes waving from the left window with something in his hand.  When the Palestinian car approached the
Israeli one, a green bottle was thrown at the car.  The bottle hit the windshield of the
Palestinian car and glass scattered on the passengers.

 

 

On 18 March 2014, an Israeli settler from
“Yitshar” settlement cut down 5o olive trees in al-Sawma’ah area near Hawarah
Park in the northwest of Hawarah village, south of Nablus.  These trees belong to Fawzi Hasan Mohammed
Hussein from the nearby ‘Aynabous village. 
The Israeli forces arrested the settler and informed the Palestinian
Liaison.

 

 

Israeli Violations Documented
during the Reporting Period (13 – 19 March 2014)

   

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

Thursday, 13 March 2014

 

At approximately 01:00, Israeli forces moved into
Tawoos village, southwest of Doura, southwest of Hebron. They patrolled the
streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were
reported.

  

At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into Kharas village, west
of Hebron. They patrolled the streets and deployed between the houses. Israeli
forces withdrew later and neither house raids nor arrests were reported.  

 

At approximately 02:30, Israeli forces moved into Nour Shams refugee
camp, east of Tulkarm. They patrolled the streets and raided and searched a
number of houses from which they arrested 6 civilians:

1. Abdullah Zaidan Ahmed Jaber (30);

2. As’ad Khaled Aref (26);

3. Ahmed Ghaleb Raja Dabour (24);

4. Nasser Fawwaz Qasem Abu Saris (24);

5. Omar Yusef Mohammed Salim (27); and

6. Rabee’ Adeeb Yusef Shehada (20).

 

Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into al-Arroub refugee camp,
north of Hebron. They patrolled the streets and deployed between the houses.
They withdrew later and neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

 

At approximately 03:30, Israeli forces moved into al-Jalazoun refugee
camp, north of Ramallah. They patrolled the streets and raided and searched a
number of houses from which they arrested 3 civilians, including 2 children:

1. Ahmed Yusef Sharif (17);

2. Malek Mahmoud Hussein Zaid (17); and

3. Belal Mahmoud Abdul Aziz Zaid (18).

 

At approximately
04:30, Israeli forces moved into Jenin. They stationed in al-Basateen
neighbourhood in the north of the town and raided and searched a house
belonging to the family of Khaled Mohammed Amin al-Hajj (48), a leader and an
ex-spokesperson of Hamas movement in Jenin. They arrested him and confiscated
his laptop. Israeli forces then moved into Kharouba neighbourhood in the north
of the town, and raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Mahmoud
Maher al-Atrash (31). They arrested him as well and then moved into Wad Burqin
area. They raided a third house belonging to the family of Anas Mohammed
Mahmoud Abu Zaid (25) and arrested him. The 3 detainees were taken to an
unknown destination. It should be noted that al-Hajj is an ex-prisoner and had
served 13 years in Israeli jails. 

 

At approximately 13:50,
Israeli warplanes launched 2 missiles at agricultural lands in Musabbeh
neighbourhood in the north of Rafah in the south of the Gaza Strip. As a
result, 3 greenhouses were completely destroyed and 18 others and a water well
were damaged:

1. Two 3,000-square-meter greenhouses belonging to
Suleiman Mohammed Dhair, were completely destroyed;

2. A 1,500-squre-meter greenhouse and a 100-deep water
well belonging to Mofeed Abdullah Hejazi were completely destroyed;

3. A 1,500-square-meter greenhouse belonging to Hussein
Suleiman Dhair sustained partials damage;

4. A 1,500-square-meter greenhouse belonging to Akram
Suleiman Dhair sustained partial damage;

5. A 1,500-square-meter greenhouse belonging to Zaid
Suleiman Dhair sustained partial damage;

6. Three 4,500-square-meter greenhouses belonging to
Mohammed Farhan Dhair sustained partial damage;

7. Six 9,000-square-meter greenhouses belonging to Sa’id
Fat’hi Abu Madi sustained partial damage;

8. Four 6,000-square-meter greenhouses belonging to
Ibrahim Fat’hi Abu Madi sustained partial damage;

9. A 1,500-square-meter greenhouse belonging to Mofeed
Abdullah Hejazi sustained partial damage; and

10. A 1,500-square-meter greenhouse belonging to Osama
Jamil Dergham sustained partial damage. 

 

At approximately
14:00, Israeli forces moved into Jinsafout village, east of Qalqilia. They
patrolled the streets and raided and searched a carpentry workshop belonging to
the family of Mohammed Abdul Rahim Mohammed al-Aqra’ (33), from Qalqilia. They
arrested him while at work and took him to an unknown destination.

 

At approximately
23:30, Israeli forces moved into Ethna village, west of Hebron. They patrolled
the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests
were reported.

 

Friday, 14 March 2014

 

At approximately 00:00, an Israeli warplane fired a missile at a public
land rented by a number of farmers through the Social Charitable Association in
al-Mawasi area in the west of Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip. As a result, 23
and a half greenhouses were completely destroyed and 2 others and agricultural
stores sustained partial damage. The damage was as follows:

1. Six 6,000-square-meter greenhouses and two 2,000-square-meter others belonging to
Mohammed Mousa Zo’rob were completely destroyed;

2. Six 6,000-square-meter greenhouses planted by Yasser
Fahmi al-Habash were completely destroyed;

3. Nine 9,000-square-meters greenhouses planted by
Mohammed Khader al-Nada were completely destroyed;

4. Two and a half 2,500-square-meter greenhouses planted
by Ayman Mahrous Siyam were completely destroyed.

 

 

At approximately 00:05,
Israeli warplanes fired 3 missiles at a training site belonging to the Izziddin
al-Qassam Brigades (the armed wing of Hamas), west of Jabalia in the northern
Gaza Strip. The site sustained extensive damage, but no
casualties were reported.

 

At approximately 00:10,
an Israeli warplane fired a missile at a training site belonging to Izziddin al-Qassam
Brigades (the armed wing of Hamas) In Saladin Street, east of Rafah in the
southern Gaza Strip. The site sustained extensive damage, but no casualties
were reported.

 

At approximately 01:00,
Israeli forces moved into al-Arroub refugee camp, north of Hebron. They
patrolled the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor
arrests were reported.

 

At approximately 02:00,
Israeli forces moved into al-Samou’ village, south of Hebron. They patrolled
the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests
were reported.

 

At approximately 02:30,
Israeli forces moved into Deir Samet village, southwest of Doura, southwest of
Hebron. They patrolled the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither
house raids nor arrests were reported.

 

Around the same
time, Israeli forces moved into al-Arroub refugee camp, north of Hebron. They
patrolled the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor
arrests were reported.

 

At approximately
03:00, Israeli forces moved into al-Fawwar refugee camp, south of Hebron. They
patrolled the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor
arrests were reported.

 

At approximately
13:30, Israeli forces surrounded funeral attendees of Beit Ommar village, north
of Hebron, during a funeral procession in a cemetery near the bypass road (60).
Israeli forces fired sound bombs and tear gas canisters, forcing the attendees to
flee away. In the meantime, a number of youngsters gathered and threw stones
and empty bottles at Israeli soldiers, who fired sound bombs and bullets.
Israeli soldiers also chased some of them. Other soldiers positioned in the
area opened fire at the youngsters, due to which Omar Arafat Issa Za’aqiq (18)
sustained a bullet wound to the left side of his chest. He sustained burns and
bleeding and was taken by a PRCS ambulance to Hebron Hospital, where his wound
was described as moderate. Moreover, Bashir Erzeiq Bashir Abu Ayyash (16)
sustained a bullet wound. The bullet entered from the back side of the left ear
and settled in the right jaw. He was also taken to Hebron Hospital, where his
wound was described as serious and he has been in the intensive care unit so
far. A number of the village residents suffered tear gas inhalation as a number
of gas canisters fell around their houses in Asida and al-Tarabiqa
neighbourhoods. Israeli forces sprayed waste water at the civilians and their
houses. In addition, Israeli forces closed the entrance of the village and
denied Palestinian vehicles access to and from the village.

 

At approximately
16:00, Israeli forces moved into Mothallath al-Aqaba area in the south of
Doura, southwest of Hebron. They patrolled the streets and stationed in
al-Raj’i woodland. A group of boys gathered and threw stones at Israeli
soldiers, who fired sound bombs and tear gas canisters in response. As a
result, a number of boys suffered tear gas inhalation. Israeli forces withdrew
later and no arrests were reported.

 

At approximately
22:00, Israeli forces moved into Kofur Qaddoum village, northeast of Qalqilia.
They patrolled the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house
raids nor arrests were reported.

 

At approximately
23:00, Israeli forces moved into al-Aroub refugee camp, north of Hebron. they patrolled
the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests
were reported.

 

Saturday, 15 March 2014

 

At approximately 01:00,
Israeli forces moved into Sa’ir village, east of Hebron. They patrolled the
streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were
reported.

 

At approximately 01:30,
Israeli forces moved into Bani Na’im village, east of Hebron. They patrolled
the streets and raided and searched 3 houses from which they arrested 3
civilians:

1. Mahmoud Ali Barakat (24);

2. Ehab Nemer al-Hajmoh (22); and

3. Isma’il Yusef al-Khdour (27).

 

In the early
morning, Israeli forces moved into Ya’bad village, southwest of Jenin. They
patrolled the streets and raided and searched a house belonging to the family
of Mohammed Kamel Mohammed Abu Shamla (20). They arrested the aforementioned
person and took him to an unknown destination.

 

At approximately 10:00,
Israeli gunboats stationed northwest off Beit Lahia shore in the northern Gaza
Strip opened fire at Palestinian fishing boats. As a result, the fishermen were
frightened and they sailed back fearing of being wounded or arrested.  Neither casualties nor material damage were
reported.

 

At approximately
10:30, Israeli forces moved into Beit Our al-Tahta village, southwest of
Ramallah. They patrolled the streets for some time and withdrew later. No
arrests were reported.

 

At approximately 10:40,
Israeli forces moved into Kofur Laqef village, southwest of Ramallah. They
patrolled the streets for some time and withdrew later. No arrests were
reported.

 

At approximately 17:00,
Israeli forces moved into Kfeiret village, southwest of Jenin. They patrolled
the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests
were reported.

 

At approximately 20:15,
Israeli forces moved into al-Nabi Elias village, east of Qalqilia. They
patrolled the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor
arrests were reported.

 

At approximately 22:45,
Israeli gunboats stationed northwest off Beit Lahia shore, in the northern Gaza
Strip, opened fire at the beach. As a result, a store belonging to a
Palestinian fisherman, Nabil Mohammed Sa’id al-Attar (53), from al-Atatra
neighbourhood in Beit Lahia, caught fire and was completely destroyed. The
tin-roofed store was built on a 10-square-meter area and is around 500 meters
away from the coastal border fence. It contained fishing nets and equipment.
However, no casualties were reported.

 

Al-Attar said that
on Tuesday ,18 March 2014, he went to his store for fishing. He was not present
in the area because of a family event. He was surprised to see his store
completely burnt. Other fishermen in the area told him it was gunfire from
Israeli gunboats that caused the fire. The Palestinian naval police arrived at
the place and initiated an investigation. They confirmed the store was fired at
by Israeli gunboats.

 

  Sunday, 16 March 2014

At approximately 01:30,
Israeli forces moved into Beit Aynoun village, east of Hebron. They patrolled
the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests
were reported.

 

Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Deir
Samet village, southwest of Doura, southwest of Hebron. They patrolled the
streets and raided a number of houses. They handed summonses to 4 civilians to
refer to the Israeli intelligence service in “Gosh Etzion”
settlement:

1. Alaa’ Nidal al-Hroub (19);

2. Amin Mohammed al-Hroub (30);

3. Arafat Yusef al-Hroub (30); and

4. Fadi Yusef al-Hroub (17).

 

At approximately 01:45, Israeli forces moved into
Hajja village, east of Qalqilia. They raided and searched a number of houses
from which they arrested 7 civilians:

1. Essam Hosni Abdul Qader Masalha (25);

2. Mohammed Ezz el-Deen Abdul Qader Masalha (22);

3. Odai Osama Ma’zouz Masalha (21);

4. Waddah Marwan Abdul Latif Ahmed (21);

5. Omar Sa’d al-Deen Hotari (21);

6. Khader Ma’zouz Masalha (21); and

7. Shadi Khaled Anis Basalat (24).

The last one was arrested from his work in a gas
station.

 

At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into Beit
al-Roush village, southwest of Doura, southwest of Hebron. They patrolled the
streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were
reported.

 

At approximately 02:30, Israeli forces moved into Beit
Luqia village, southwest of Ramallah. They patrolled the streets and raided and
searched a house belonging to the family of Mohammed Jalal Abed Assi (31). They
arrested the aforementioned person and took him to an unknown destination.

 

At approximately 12:00, Israeli forces arrested Feda’
Abdul Fattah Nasser (25), a reporter of Palestine Today satellite channel, and
the crew of Tramsat news agency after detaining them at the entrance of
al-Shuhada’ Street in the centre of Hebron. A female settler had attacked the
reporter.  The reporter and photographer
Mohanned Abu Zalata were taken to “Kiryat Arba” police station, east
of Hebron. They were released a few hours later after the intervention of the
Palestinian liaison. Abu Zalata said to a PCHR fieldworker that:

 

“I have been a trainee photographer in Tramsat
news agency since late 2013. At approximately 10:30 on Sunday, 15 March 2014, I
went with my colleague Mahmoud Khalaf (27) and Fida Abdul Fattah Nasser, a reporter
of Palestine Today satellite channel in Hebron, to Tal al-Rumaida area and
al-Shuhada’ Street to prepare a reportage on the impact of the settler attacks
on the Palestinian civilians during Jewish holidays. We crossed the street where
the Container checkpoint is established and headed to Tal al-Rumaida area. We
had interviews with the residents and then moved to the entrance of the street
to make the last part of the reportage. A large group of settlers were present
in the street performing rituals of the “Purim” Jewish holiday. In
the meanwhile, a female settler approached with a camera in her hand and tried
to hit Fida’ while preparing the reportage, but Fida’ pushed the camera away.
The settler started screaming, due to which a number of settlers gathered
around us. One of them tried to attack Fida’, but I prevented him. Another
settler poured a glass of wine over Fida’. Some soldiers arrived and got the
settlers away. A soldier ordered us to leave as well. When we approached the
abovementioned checkpoint to leave the area, the abovementioned female settler
with another one started shouting and asking Fida’ about her name. In addition,
she talked to a soldier, who followed her, in Hebrew telling him that Fida’ had
attacked her. The soldier ordered us to stop, but we had already crossed the
checkpoint. Half an hour later, an Israeli policeman arrived and obliged us to
return. We tried to explain what had happened, but he ordered Fida to go with
him to the police station. We asked him to wait for lawyer Khitam al-Heeh whom
was called by us, but he refused and said that he would use force if she
refused to go with him. I went with Fida’ to the police station in “Kiryat
Arba” settlement, east of Hebron. We waited for an hour with the company
of the lawyer. The aforementioned female settler arrived and photographed us.
She then entered the interrogation room. Half an hour later, she went out and
Fida’ was asked to enter there. She asked them to have the lawyer with her, but
they refused. 45 minutes later, Fida’ went out and was taken to another room.
She told me later that she finger-stamped some papers and was photographed.
Fida’ told us also that the settler had told the police that Fida attacked her.
The interrogator told her there were photographs proving the incident. Fida’ denied
the accusation and handed them our video tape, which proved the opposite.
Moreover, Fida’ filed a complaint against the settlers who attacked us. She was
released at approximately 16:20. There was a vehicle belonging to the
Palestinian liaison waiting for us.”  

   

In the afternoon, Israeli forces arrested Mohammed
Jehad Mohammed Salah (20), from Barqa village, northwest of Nablus, while he
was in Salem detention facility, northwest of Jenin, to attend a trial of a
relative of him in the Israeli military court there. 

 

At approximately 15:00, Israeli forces moved into Beit
Ommar village, north of Hebron. They patrolled the streets, where a number of
youngsters gathered and threw stones and empty bottles at Israeli soldiers, who
fired sound bombs, tear gas canisters and rubber-coated metal bullets in
response. In the meantime, a number of soldiers topped roofs of 2 houses
belonging to the families of Mohammed Saleh Abu Ayyash and Mohammed Te’ma
Alqam. They fired tear gas canisters at civilians’ houses. As a result, a
number of civilians suffered tear gas inhalation. Israeli forces withdrew at
approximately 18:00.

 

At approximately 15:30, Israeli forces moved into Mothallath
al-Aqaba area in the south of Doura, southwest of Hebron. They patrolled the
streets and stationed in al-Raj’i woodland. A group of boys gathered and threw
stones at Israeli soldiers, who fired sound bombs and tear gas canisters in
response. As a result, a number of boys suffered tear gas inhalation. Israeli
forces withdrew later and no arrests were reported.

 

At approximately 16:00, Israeli forces moved into
Tulkarm. They patrolled the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither
house raids nor arrests were reported.

 

Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into
Far’oun village, south of Tulkarm. They patrolled the streets for some time and
withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

 

At approximately 17:50, Israeli gunboats stationed off
Khan Yunis shore, in the southern Gaza Strip, opened fire at and chased
Palestinian fishing boats. Neither casualties nor material damage were
reported.

 

At approximately 23:30, Israeli forces moved into
Baitin village, northeast of Ramallah. They patrolled the streets for some time
and withdrew later. No arrests were reported.    

 

Monday, 17 March 2014

 

At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into the
eastern Lubban village, south of Nablus. They raided and searched a house belonging
to the family of Feras Hussein Yusef Noubani (36). They frightened the children
and confiscated cell phones of Noubani and his wife. They also arrested him and
took him to an unknown destination.

 

Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into
al-Shyoukh village, northeast of Hebron. they patrolled the streets for some
time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

 

At approximately 02:30, Israeli forces moved into Beit
Awwa village, southwest of Doura, southwest of Hebron. They patrolled the
streets and raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Mo’tasem
Nasser Abdullah Masalma (16). They arrested the aforementioned child and took
him to an unknown destination.

 

At approximately 07:00, Israeli gunboats stationed off
Khan Yuni shore, in the southern Gaza Strip, opened fire at and chased
Palestinian fishing boats, but neither casualties nor material damage were
reported.

 

At approximately 13:00, Israeli forces moved into
al-Fawwar refugee camp, south of Hebron. They patrolled the streets for some
time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

 

Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Beit
Marsam village, southwest of Doura, southwest of Hebron. They patrolled the
streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were
reported.

 

At approximately 15:00, Israeli forces moved into Bab
al-Zawiya area in the centre of Hebron. They deployed in the streets where a
number of youngsters gathered and threw stones at Israeli soldiers who fired
sound bombs, tear gas canisters and rubber-coated metal bullets in response. As
a result, a number of civilians suffered tear gas inhalation. Israeli forces
withdrew later, but no arrests were reported. 

 

At approximately 17:00, Israeli forces moved into
Azzoun village, east of Qaliqlia. They patrolled the streets for some time and
withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

 

At approximately 18:55, Israeli forces moved into Seer
village, northeast of Qalqilia. They patrolled the streets for some time and
withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

 

At approximately 19:30, Israeli forces moved into
al-Nabi Elias village, east of Qalqilia. They patrolled the streets for some
time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

 

At approximately 20:00, Israeli forces moved into
Jenin. They patrolled the streets where a number of youngsters gathered and
threw stones at Israeli soldiers, who fired sound bombs and tear gas canisters
in response. Israeli forces withdrew later, but no arrests were reported.

 

At approximately 23:20, Israeli forces stationed on
watchtowers in the vicinity of Beit Hanoun crossing, northwest of Beit Hanoun
and north of Um al-Nasser village in the northern Gaza Strip, fired flare bombs
and live ammunition at open areas. However, neither casualties nor material
damage were reported. 

Tuesday, 18 March 2014

 

At approximately
01:30, Israeli forces moved into Sa’ir village, east of Hebron. They patrolled
the streets for some time and withdrew later.

 

At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into Abu
Snaina neighbourhood in the south of Hebron. They patrolled the streets and
raided and searched a house belonging to the family Ma’moun Khader Abdul Rahman
Abu Snaina (25). They arrested the aforementioned person. In the meantime,
Israeli forces raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Noah
Robin al-Hashlamoun (25) in Abu Ktaila area in the west of the city. They
arrested him as well.

 

Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Bil’in
village, west of Ramallah. They raided and searched a house belonging to the
family of Mohammed Adeeb Abu Rahma (18). A number of youngsters gathered and
threw stones at Israeli soldiers who fired sound bombs and tear gas canisters.
As a result, a number of civilians suffered tear gas inhalation. Israeli forces
arrested the aforementioned person and took him to Ofer detention facility,
southwest of the city.

 

At approximately 03:30, Israeli forces moved into Deir
Samet village, southwest of Doura, southwest of Hebron. They patrolled the
streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were
reported.

 

At approximately 11:30, Israeli forces moved into
Jenin. They patrolled the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither
house raids nor arrests were reported.

 

At approximately 13:30, Israeli forces moved into Beit
Qadd village, east of Jenin. They patrolled the streets for some time and
withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

 

At approximately 15:00, Israeli forces moved into
al-Fawwar refugee camp, south of Hebron. They patrolled the streets and
deployed between the houses. A number of youngsters gathered and threw stones
and empty bottles at Israeli soldiers who fired sound bombs and tear gas
canisters in response. As a result, a number of civilians suffered tear gas
inhalation. Israeli forces withdrew later and neither casualties nor material
damage were reported.

 

Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Mothallath
al-Aqaba area in the south of Doura, southwest of Hebron. They patrolled the
streets and stationed in al-Raj’i woodland. A group of boys gathered and threw
stones at Israeli soldiers, who fired sound bombs and tear gas canisters in
response. As a result, a number of boys suffered tear gas inhalation. Israeli
forces arrested Moyassar Fayez Mohammed Shahateet (16) and took him to an
unknown destination.

 

At approximately 17:00, Israeli forces moved into
Senjal village, north of Ramallah. They patrolled the streets for some time and
withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

 

At approximately 23:30, Israeli forces moved into
Baitin village, east of Ramallah. They patrolled the streets for some time and
withdrew later. No arrests were reported.

 

Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into
Far’oun village, south of Tulkarm. They patrolled the streets for some time and
withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

 

 

Wednesday, 19 March 2014

At approximately
01:00, Israeli forces raided a house belonging to the family of Riyadh Fat’hi
Ghaith (18) in Hebron’s Old Town. They arrested him and took him to an unknown
destination.

 

At approximately 01:30,
Israeli forces moved into Beit Ommar village, north of Hebron. they patrolled
the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests
were reported.

 

Around the same
time, Israeli forces moved into Shwaika suburb, north of Tulkarm. They
patrolled the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor
arrests were reported.

 

At approximately
02:00, Israeli forces moved into Doura, southwest of Hebron. they patrolled the
streets and raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Mostafa
Abdul Hamid al-Namoura (20). They arrested the aforementioned person. At
approximately 03:00, Israeli forces moved into al-Tabaqa village and raided a
house belonging to the family of Faker Sharif Abu Ras (20). They ordered him to
go out. They checked his ID and then arrested him. Moreover, Israeli soldiers
handed his brother Baher (23) a summons to refer to the Israeli intelligence
service in “Gosh Etzion” settlement, south of Bethlehem. Israeli
forces withdrew at approximately 04:00 and took the 2 detainees to an unknown
destination.

 

At approximately
03:00, Israeli forces moved into Sourif village, northwest of Hebron. They
patrolled the streets and raided and searched a house belonging to the family
of Yusef Taha al-Hour. Israeli forces withdrew later and no arrests were
reported.

 

At approximately
05:00, Israeli forces moved into al-Mazra’a al-Sharqiya village, northwest of
Ramallah. They patrolled the streets for some time and withdrew later. No
arrests were reported.

 

In the morning, Israeli
forces killed a Palestinian child near the annexation wall, west of Doura,
southwest of Hebron, and arrested 2 others in company.  Following this crime, Israeli forces claimed
that they opened fired at a Palestinian from Deir al-‘Asal al-Foqa village
while he was attempting to cross the wall into Israel and killed him instantly.
PCHR stresses that Israeli forces could have used less lethal means against the
child. They could have arrested and interrogated him, especially as they
arrested the 2 other boys who were with him.

 

According to
investigations conducted by PCHR, at approximately 05:30, Yousif Sami Salem
Shawamrah (14) left the house of his uncle, ‘Azmi Hasan Shawamrah, in Deir
al-‘Asal al-Foqa village, southwest of Dura, southwest of Hebron, to collect
Gundelia from the confiscated lands, which are 1500 meters away from the west
of his village behind the annexation wall. 
The child went with Zahi Samir Shawamrah (12) and Montaser Jamal
Shawamrah (15) to the area.  At
approximately 07:00, residents of the village heard sounds of 3 gunshots coming
from the wall side.  At approximately
07:40, they saw an Israeli military ambulance heading to the wall.  The family of Yousif Shawamrah knew from the
Israeli media that their son was killed and his body was taken to “Soroka”
Hospital in Beersheba in Israel.  It
should be mentioned that the annexation wall established in the aforementioned
area is built of a metal fence and has two holes through which children were
crossing to the lands belonging to the residents of the village behind it. At
approximately 15:00, the child’s corpse was delivered to Hebron Hospital.
Following examination, it was found the child died of a bullet wound to the
left side of the pelvis. After the news of killing al-Shawamrah spread, a
number of boys headed to agricultural lands around the security fence, west of
the village, and threw stones at Israeli soldiers who fired sound bombs and
tear gas canisters in response. As a result, a number of boys suffered tear gas
inhalation.

 

At approximately
14:30, Israeli forces moved into Hebron. they patrolled the streets and raided
and searched a house belonging to the family of Qusai Sa’id Nassar (19). They
arrested the aforementioned person and took him to an unknown destination.

 

At approximately
16:30, Israeli forces moved into Kherbatha al0Musbah village, southwest of
Ramallah. They patrolled the streets for some time and withdrew later.  No arrests were reported.

 

In the evening,
Israeli forces moved into Zabouba village, northwest of Jenin. They patrolled
the streets where a number of youngsters gathered and threw stones at Israeli
soldiers who fired sound bombs and tear gas canisters in response. Israeli
forces arrested 12 civilians and took them to an unknown destination:

1. Ahmed Maher Hesham Jaradat (22);

2. Ali Abdul Karim Ali Jaradat (24);

3. Eyad Ahmed Bayer Jaradat (20);

4. Mohammed Yasser ‘Abahra (22);

5. Rami ‘Adel Mohammed Sha’ban (18);

6. Rabee’ Bassam Mahmoud Maqalda (21);

7. Mahmoud Samir Ahmed Jaradat (23);

8. Mohammed Taiseer Mohammed Abu Nemer (22);

9. Hesham Helal Mostafa Abu Lebda (17);

10. Sa’id Saber Sa’id Jaradat (23);

11. Nasim Maher Khaled (20); and

12. Mohammed Suleiman Tawfiq Amarna (22).

 

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 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 Norwegian activist was wounded in Bil’in weekly protest, west of Ramallah,
and 4 Palestinian civilians were wounded in Kofur Qaddoum weekly protest,
northeast of Qalqilia.

 

In the same context, an 18-year-old male sustained a bullet wound to the
right leg during a protest at the southern entrance of al-Jalazoun refugee
camp, north of Ramallah, on 14 March 2014.

    

 

(PCHR keeps the names of the wounded).

 

Demonstrations against the construction of the
annexation wall and settlement activity

 

Following the Friday Prayer, 14 March 2014, dozens of
Palestinian civilians and international and Israeli human rights defenders
organised a peaceful demonstration in Bil’in, west of Ramallah, in protest at
the construction of the annexation wall and settlement activities. Demonstrators
took the streets raising the Palestinian flags and headed to the liberated
territories near the annexation wall. Israeli forces had closed all the
entrances of the village since the morning in order to prevent Palestinian and
international activists and journalists from participating in the
demonstration. Demonstrators marched adjacent to the cement wall and tried to
cross the fence before Israeli forces that are 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 skunk
water at them and chased them into the olive fields. As a result, the Norwegian
activist, Katia (36), was hit by a gas canister to the back. Moreover, a number
of demonstrators suffered tear gas inhalation and others sustained bruises as
they were beaten up by Israeli soldiers.

 

On the same day, 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. 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. As a result, many civilians suffered tear gas inhalation and
bruises as they were beaten up by Israeli soldiers.

 

Around the same time, dozens of Palestinian civilians
and Israeli and international human rights defenders organised a peaceful
demonstration in Nabi Saleh village, southwest of Ramallah, in protest at the
construction of the annexation wall and settlement activities. 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 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 civilians suffered tear gas inhalation and
others sustained bruises due to being beaten up by Israeli soldiers.

 

Following the Friday prayer, Palestinian civilians and
international activists organised a peaceful demonstration in the centre of Kufor
Qaddoum village, northwest of Qalqilia, and headed towards the eastern entrance
of the village, in protest at the continued closure of the entrance with an
iron gate, since the beginning of the Aqsa Intifada (2000). Clashes erupted
between the demonstrators and Israeli forces that fired sound bombs and tear
gas canisters to prevent them from reaching the aforementioned gate. As a
result, 4 civilians were wounded: a 42-year-old male was hit by a gas canister
to the head; an 18-year-old male was hit by a gas canister to the chest; a
22-year-old male was hit by a gas canister to the abdomen; and a 24-year-old
male was hit by a gas canister to the back.

 

Other demonstrations:

 

On Friday, 14 March 
2014, 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 male sustained a bullet wound
to the right leg. He was taken to Palestine Medical Compound in Ramallah. In
addition, dozens of civilians suffered tear gas inhalation. Israeli forces also
arrested Fahmi Abdul Rahman al-Bariya (28) and took him to an unknown
destination.

 

On the same day, dozens of Palestinian young men
gathered at the western entrance of Selwad village, northeast of Ramallah on
the road between Selwad village and Yabrod village near Street (60) to throw
stones at the aforementioned street.  As
a result, Israeli soldiers stationed in the area fired live ammunition,
rubber-coated metal bullets, tear gas canisters and sound bombs at them and
chased them to the village. As a result, dozens of civilians suffered tear gas
inhalation.

 

 

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 for 9 months 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 tonnes of cooking gas into Gaza per day.  This limited quantity is less than half of
the daily needs, which is 200 tonnes 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
benzine led to the aggravation of the crisis as a result of using the gas
cylinder for cars or as an alternative for benzine to run generators.  As a result, the demand for gas further increased.

 

For almost 6 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.

 

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.

 

The Egyptian authorities allow the population of the Gaza
Strip to travel via Rafah International crossing, which connects the Gaza Strip
with the outside world.  Only limited and
specified categories are allowed, including patients, students, persons that
hold residencies in Egypt or abroad, men over 40 years, females in all ages,
children under 18, persons who hold Arab and foreign nationalities, and members
of Arab and international humanitarian delegations.  Supposedly the crossing opens seven days a
week.  Nowadays, the crossing is overcrowded
due to the prolonged procedures from the Egyptian side, particularly after
closing it for several days over the past weeks due to Egypt’s security
conditions, which has affected the travelers’ movement in both directions.

 

 

 

Movement at Karm Abu Salem (Kerem Shalom) crossing

12 – 18 March 2014

 

 

Exports:

 

Wednesday,
12 March 2014, Israeli forces allowed the exportation of 8 tonnes of tomatoes.

 

Other Imports:

 

 

On
Wednesday, 12 March 2014, Israeli forces allowed the entry of 214 tonnes of
cement for the UNRWA and allowed the entry of 897 tonnes of fodders and 273 tonnes
of wheat.

 

 

Empty Plastic Containers Returned
to Israel via Karm Abu Salem

 

 

On
Wednesday, 12 March 2014, Israeli forces allowed 4 truckloads of empty plastic
containers and a truckload of cartons of wood to be returned via Karm Abu
Salem.

Note:

 

Israeli
forces closed Karm Abu Salem crossing on Thursday, 13 March 2014, so imports were
not entered into the Gaza Strip for 3 days (Thursday, Friday and Saturday).

 

 

 

Beit Hanoun (“Erez”) crossing in the north of
the Gaza Strip is dedicated for the movement of individuals, and links the Gaza
Strip with the West Bank.

 

Due to a technical failure, we apologize about publishing
the table this week and it will be included in the next report.

 

 

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 07:30 on Thursday, 13 March 2014, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the northern
entrance of Hebron.  At approximately
08:00, they established another checkpoint at the entrance of Sa’ir village,
east of the city.  At approximately
17:00, another checkpoint was established at the entrance of Ezna village, west
of Hebron.  All checkpoints were removed later,
and no arrests were reported.

 

At approximately 07:00 on Friday, 14 March 2014, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the entrance
of al-Fawwar refugee camp, south of Hebron. 
At approximately 14:30, another checkpoint was established at the
entrance of al-Shyoukh village, north of Hebron.  The two checkpoints were removed later, and
no arrests were reported.

 

At approximately 15:00 on Saturday,
15 March 2014, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the entrance of Kharsa
village, southwest of Dura, southwest of Hebron.  At approximately 16:30, they established
another checkpoint at the entrance of al-Jalajel village, east of Hebron.  The two checkpoints were removed later, and
no arrests were reported.

 

At approximately 08:00 on Sunday, 16
March 2014, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the entrance of
al-Samou’a village, south of the city. 
Around the same time, another checkpoint was established at the northern
entrance of Hebron.  At approximately
15:00, they established a similar checkpoint at entrance of al-‘Arroub refugee
camp, north of Hebron.  At approximately
16:00, another checkpoint was established at the southern entrance of
Hebron.  All checkpoints were removed later,
and no arrests were reported.

 

At approximately 07:30 on Monday,
17 March 2014, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the entrance of Beit
‘Aynoun village, east of Hebron.  At
approximately 15:00, they established another checkpoint at the entrance of
Mothalath al-Tabaqah, south of Dura, southwest of the city.  The two checkpoints were removed later, and
no arrests were reported.

 

At approximately 07:30 on Tuesday,
18 March 2014, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the entrance of
al-‘Arroub refugee camp, north of Hebron. 
At approximately 16:00, another checkpoint was established at the northern
entrance of Yatta, south of the city. 
The two checkpoints were removed later, and no arrests were reported.

 

At approximately 07:30 on Wednesday,
19 March 2014, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the northern entrance
of Yatta, south of the city.  The
checkpoint was removed later, and no arrests were reported.

 

Jenin:  Israeli forces have continued to impose
severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians.  At approximately 11:30 on Thursday, 13 March
2014, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the entrance of Ya’abod
village, southwest of Jenin.  The
checkpoint was removed later, and no arrests were reported.

 

At
approximately 15:30 on Friday, 14 March 2014, Israeli forces established a
checkpoint at the entrance of Te’anek village, northwest of Jenin.  Around the same time, another checkpoint was
established on the main road between Jenin, Tulkarm and Nablus near Jannat Park
at the southern entrance of Jenin.  The
two checkpoints were removed later, and no arrests were reported.

 

At
approximately 16:30 on Saturday, 15 March 2014, Israeli forces established a
checkpoint on the road between the villages of Kfeiret and Ya’abod, southwest
of Jenin.  The checkpoint was removed later,
and no arrests were reported.

 

At
approximately 13:30 on Sunday, 16 March 2014, Israeli forces established a
checkpoint on the road between al-Zababdah village and the Arab American
University campus, south of Jenin.  At
approximately 16:00, another checkpoint was established at the entrance of
Maythlone village, south of the city. 
The two checkpoints were removed later, and no arrests were reported.

 

At
approximately 11:30 on Monday, 17 March 2014, Israeli forces established a
checkpoint on the main road between Jenin, Tulkarm and Nablus near the
intersection of Jabe’a village, south of Jenin. 
In the afternoon, the checkpoint was removed, and no arrests were
reported.

 

At
approximately 03:00 on Tuesday, 18 March 2014, Israeli forces established a
checkpoint at the southern entrance of Jenin. 
Eyewitnesses said to a PCHR fieldworker that Israeli forces were
stationed for an hour and a half near Jannat Park, south of the city without
allowing any vehicle to enter or leave Jenin. 
The checkpoint was removed later, and no arrests were reported.  At approximately 09:00, they established
another checkpoint at the entrance of al-Jalmah village, north of Jenin.  At approximately 10:00, another checkpoint
was established on the road between the villages of al-Zababdah and Masliyah,
south of the city.  At approximately
11:45, another checkpoint was established between al-Zababdah and the Arab
American University campus, south of Jenin. 
All checkpoints were removed later, and no arrests were reported.

 

Tulkarm: Israeli forces have continued to
impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians.  At approximately 13:30 on Thursday, 13 March
2014, Israeli forces on the main road between Tulkarm and Qalqilya, near the
gate of Jabarah village, which has been isolated from its Palestinian
surroundings for more than 10 years due to the annexation wall south of Tulkarm.
 The checkpoint was removed later, and no
arrests were reported.  The route of the
annexation wall was changed to pass into the west of the village, so it was
re-integrated with the surrounding village.

 

At approximately 18:00 on Monday,
17 March 2014, Israeli forces stationed at ‘Inab checkpoint on the main road
between Tulkarm and Nablus, east of Tulkarm tightened restriction against
Palestinians and obstructed their movement through the checkpoint.    The tightening was later eased, and no
arrests were reported.

 

At approximately 07:00 on Tuesday,
18 March 2014, Israeli forces closed the eastern entrance of Tulkarm and
established checkpoints along the main road between Tulkarm and Nablus, east of
Tulkarm.  Eyewitnesses said to a PCHR
fieldworker that Israeli forces established a checkpoint on the road near the
intersection of Beit Leed and another one on the road near Sadet Ramin in
addition to a third one on the road near al-Tanib Brick Factory.  Israeli forces stationed at these checkpoints
obstructed movement on both directions while Israeli forces sent backup forces
accompanied by an ambulance belonging to the Red Star of David to ‘Inab
checkpoint which was also closed to the movement.  In the afternoon, Israeli forces re-opened
‘Inab checkpoint and removed all checkpoints without knowing the reasons for
the closure.  No further incidents were
reported.

 

Qalqilya:  Israeli forces have continued to impose
severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians.  At approximately 14:50 on Friday, 14 March
2014, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the entrance of ‘Azoun
village, east of Qalqilya.  They detained
a number of civilians and released them later. 
At approximately 15:30, the checkpoint was removed, and no arrests were
reported. 

 

At approximately 22:00 on Sunday,
16 March 2014, Israeli forces established a checkpoint between the villages of
Jayous and ‘Azoun, east of Qalqilya.  At
approximately 23:50, the checkpoint was removed, and no arrests were reported.

 

At approximately 11:40 on Monday,
17 March 2014, Israeli forces established a checkpoint near Jayous village,
northeast of Qalqilya.  At approximately
11:50, they established another checkpoint between the villages of Jayous and Kafr
Jamal, northeast of Qalqilya.  At
approximately 13:30, another checkpoint was established the entrance of ‘Azoun
village, east of Qalqilya.  They detained
‘Awni Faisal Mohammed Salim and Murad Saqer Ibrahim Salim and later released
them.  The checkpoint was removed later.  At approximately 20:00, they established
another checkpoint between the villages of ‘Azoun and al-Nabi Elias, east of
Qalqilya.  At approximately 21:50,
another checkpoint was established at the eastern entrance of the city. No
arrests were reported.

 

Salfit:  Israeli forces have continued to impose
severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians.  At approximately 19:20 on Monday, 17 March
2014, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the western entrance of Kafr
al-Dik village, west of Salfit.  At
approximately 19:55, the checkpoint was removed, and no arrests were reported.  At approximately 23:20, another checkpoint
was established at the northern entrance of Salfit.  They prevented civilian vehicles from leaving
the city till at approximately 01:00.

 

At
approximately 12:40 on Tuesday, 18 March 2014, Israeli forces established a
checkpoint at the eastern entrance of Borqin village, west of Salfit.  At approximately 01:45, the checkpoint was
removed, and no arrests were reported.

 

Arrests and Maltreatment at military checkpoints

 

On Friday morning, 14 March 2014, Israeli forces
stationed at Barta’ah checkpoint established at the eastern entrance of
Barta’ah village, which is isolated from its surroundings due to the annexation
wall, southwest of Jenin, arrested Kamal Mohammed Khalil Abu ‘On (23) from
Jaba’a village, south of Jenin, while he was crossing the checkpoint.  Israeli forces claimed that the aforementioned
civilian attempted to stab an Israeli soldier stationed at the checkpoint with
a knife he was carrying.  The
aforementioned civilians was then taken to “Arayel” settlement established on
the Palestinian lands, north of Salfit. 
He was subjected to medical examination and interrogation for charges of
planning and attempting to kill Israeli soldiers as well as the possession of a
knife.  He was transferred to Hawarah
detention camp, south of Nablus.

 

At approximately 08:00 on Saturday, 15 March 2014, Israeli forces stationed at the Hawarah checkpoint, south
of Nablus, arrested Khaled Jamal Hamdan (18) while he was passing the
checkpoint to go to Ramallah. 
Eyewitnesses said that Israeli forces stopped the vehicle in which Hamdan
was traveling and ordered him to get off. 
They then took him to an unknown destination.

 

At
approximately 21:00 on the same Saturday, Israeli forces stationed at the
entrance of Beit Ummar village, north of Hebron, arrested ‘Essam Ibrahim Ahmed
Thalji (38) after he accidentally ran over 5 soldiers when they were at the
entrance of a gas station established at the entrance of the village.

Mohammed ‘Awad, Coordinator of the Popular Committee
against Settlements in Beit Ummar village, said to a PCHR fieldworker:

“At
approximately 21:10, ‘Essam Ibrahim Ahmed Thalji was
traveling a Citroen blue car when he stopped in the vicinity of Beit Ummar gas station.  When he got out of the station, he was
surprised by 5 Israeli soldiers and accidently ran over them.  Meanwhile, an Israeli soldier stationed at
the military observation point fired at the car wheels forcing it to stop.  A number of soldiers approached the car and
severely beat the aforementioned civilian. 
They then arrested him and took him to an unknown destination.”

 

At approximately 20:50 on Sunday, 16 March 2014,
Israeli forces established a checkpoint on the Qalqilya-Nablus Road near
“Kadomim” settlement.  They arrested
Amjad Tawfiq Yousif Lahlouh from ‘Arrabah village, southwest of Jenin, and took
him to an unknown destination.

 

At approximately 15:00 on Monday, 17 March 2014,
Israeli forces while patrolling on Street (55) arrested Walid Mousa Abu Lebdah
(14) from ‘Azoun village when he was near the street with his friends.  He was taken to an unknown destination.

 

At approximately 16:00 on the same Monday, Israeli
forces stationed at the electronic gates established at the entrance of
al-Ibrahimi Mosque in the center of the old city in central Hebron arrested
Malek ‘Emad Da’ana (20) under the pretext of disobeying the Israeli soldiers’
orders and took him to an unknown destination.

 

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

 

Attacks carried out by settlers

 

In the early morning on Friday, 14 March 2014,
settlers from “Sousia” settlement established on the lands confiscated from the
southern part of Yatta, south of Hebron, cut down by a handsaw 40 olive trees,
which are 6 years old, belonging to Karam Yousif ‘Awad Shatat.  At approximately 09:00, Israeli police
arrived at the area and opened an investigation into the incident.

 

At approximately 15:00 on Saturday, 15 March 2014, settlers from
“Eytmar” settlement established in the east of Beit Foriq village, east of
Nablus, stormed the eastern outskirts of the aforementioned village under the
Israeli forces’ protection.  Children and
young men gathered to throw stones at the Israeli military vehicles and
settlers.  Israeli forces in response
fired sound bombs and tear gas canisters at them.  As a result, some of the young men suffered
from tear gas inhalation and received medical treatment on the spot.  Israeli forces also arrested Najeh Faisal
Najeh Nasasrah (16) when they were chasing him and took him to an unknown
destination.

 

At approximately 14:10 on Sunday, 16 March
2014, a bottle was thrown at a Palestinian car travelled by Hazem Ishtayyah
(65) from Salem village, northeast of Nablus, while it was travelling on Street
(55) between Za’atrah intersection, south of Nablus, and Jericho.    The car was coming from Jericho and heading
to Nablus and travelled by 7 civilians, who were on their way back from Saydi
Arabia after performing Umrah rituals. 
When they were 400 meters away from “Majdolim” settlement, they were
surprised by a white car bearing an Israeli registration plate coming from the opposite
direction.  The driver saw someone
dressed in civilian clothes waving from the left window with something in his
hand.  When the Palestinian car
approached the Israeli one, a green bottle was thrown at the car.  The bottle hit the windshield of the
Palestinian car and glass scattered on the passengers.  The settlers continued to walk without
stopping after carrying out their attack. 
Ishtayyah pulled over and get off the car.  He was in deep shock and suffered a breakdown.  He then fell on the ground unconscious for a
few moments.  The passengers poured water
on him.  Two of the passengers sustained
injuries to the face and head and were taken with the driver by a Palestinian
ambulance to Rafidia Hospital, where their wounds were described as minor.

The wounded were identified as:

1. Fathi Badawi ‘Ali Ahmed (67)
   sustained wounds to the head and face due to the scattered glass; and
2. Ismail Mershed Mustafa Sweidan
   (65) sustained wounds to the head, face and left ear due to the scattered
   glass.

 

At approximately 12:00 on Tuesday, 18 March
2014, an Israeli settler from “Yitshar” settlement cut down 50 olive trees in
al-Sawma’ah area near Hawarah Park, northwest of Hawarah village, south of Nablus.  These trees belong to Fawzi Hasan Mohammed
Hussein from the neaby ‘Aynabous village. 
The Israeli forces arrested the settler and informed the Palestinian
Liaison.

Fawzan
Nader Sayel Hamad, Secretary of ‘Aynabous village council, southwest of Nablus,
said to a PCHR fieldworker that at approximately 12:00 on Tuesday, 18 March
2014, ‘Orif police adjacent to his village called the council to inform them
that the police received a call from the Palestinian Military Liaison after
receiving a call from the Israeli Liaison telling them that they arrested a
settler and he is still in detention. 
They added that the settler was cutting down olive trees in al-Sawma’ah
area, which is only a few meters away from Hawarah Park, and this land needs a
coordination so they need to know the land’s owner to file a complaint.  Fawzan said that he called Fawzi Hasan
Mohammed Hussein, Member of the council, as he knows the area and has a tract
of land there.  After coordinating, Fawzi
went to the land to find that the chopped trees were in his land.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

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