Israeli Forces Continue to
Perpetrate Crimes in the OPTs
· 52
Palestinians, 41 of them civilians, including 9 children, were killed by
Israeli forces
· 45
of the victims were killed in Rafah; 8 of them were killed when Israeli
helicopter gunships and tanks attacked a peaceful civilian demonstration
· 105
houses were destroyed in Rafah and hundreds of Palestinian civilians have
become homeless
· One
Palestinian was killed by Israeli forces in another extra-judicial
assassination in Jenin
· Israeli
forces conducted a series of incursions into Palestinian areas in the West Bank
and Gaza Strip
· Houses
were raided and dozens of Palestinians were arrested
· 5
houses were destroyed in Khan Yunis
· Israeli
forces destroyed and confiscated large areas of Palestinian agricultural land
in Khan Yunis
· One
Palestinian house was destroyed by Israeli forces as part of the continuing
campaign of retaliation against the families of Palestinians accused of
involvement in attacks against Israeli targets
· Israeli
forces continued to shell Palestinian residential areas injuring a number of
Palestinian civilians
· Construction
of the “Annexation wall” in the West Bank has continued and more areas of
Palestinian land seized
· Israeli
occupying forces have continued to impose a total siege on the OPTs; Rafah
Terminal has been closed, Rafah has been isolated and a number of Palestinians
were arrested at Israeli military checkpoints
Introduction
Israeli occupying forces have escalated violations of
human rights against Palestinian civilians in the Occupied Palestinian
Territories (OPTs). This week, 52 Palestinians, 41 of whom are civilians,
including 9 children, were killed by Israeli forces. 45 of the victims were killed during a full
scale Israeli offensive on Rafah town and refugee camp in the southern Gaza
Strip. In addition, at least 200
civilians, including about 60 children, were injured; many of them are in
serious condition. Human rights
violations perpetrated by Israeli occupying forces included willful and
extra-judicial killings, incursions into Palestinian areas, indiscriminate
shelling and house demolitions. Israeli occupying forces have also
continued construction of the “Annexation Wall” inside the West Bank and have
continued to impose a tight siege on the OPTs.
This week, Rafah town and refugee camp have been
subject to a full scale Israeli military offensive unprecedented since the
Israeli military “Operation Defensive Shield” in the West Bank in
April 2002. During this offensive,
Israeli occupying forces have committed a series of serious violations of human
rights:
– 45
Palestinians, 38 of them are civilians, including 9 children, have been
killed. Four brothers and a man and his
son were among the victims. In addition
134 civilians, including about 50 children, were injured. Most of the victims were killed by helicopter
missiles and tank shells. On the first
day of “Operation Rainbow”, 19
Palestinians were killed, 7 of them were killed inside their houses. Eight Palestinian civilians were also killed
when Israeli helicopter gunships and tanks attacked a peaceful
demonstration.
– At
least 105 Palestinian houses have been destroyed in Rafah, rendering 1464
civilians (245 families) homeless. In
addition, 23 shops and some civilian properties were destroyed. Two mosques were also severely damaged by the
Israeli shelling.
– Rafah
has been isolated from its surroundings and medical personnel have been denied
access to the wounded.
– Houses
have been raided and searched and a number of Palestinians have been
arrested.
– Electricity
and water supplies and telephone communications have been cut from most parts
of the town, which has lacked basic services.
Israeli political and military officials stated that
the Israeli military operation in Rafah would continue for several days, which
would pose serious threats to the lives of Palestinian civilians and cause a
disaster to the town. Israeli occupying
forces have used heavy weapons against civilian residential areas in the town. They attacked a civilian peaceful march with
missiles and shells. These horrific
violations of human rights are committed, while the international community
remains inactive, which encourages Israel and its occupying forces to
perpetrate more war crimes in violation of international humanitarian law.
In the Gaza Strip, on 15, 16 and 17 May 2004, Israeli
helicopter gunships attacked a number of civilian facilities in Gaza City. These facilities were largely destroyed and a
number of Palestinian civilians were injured. A number of neighboring houses were also damaged.
In the West Bank, Israeli occupying forces launched a
series of attacks against Palestinian civilians, killing 5 of them. One of the victims was killed in an
extra-judicial assassination perpetrated by an undercover unit of Israeli occupying
forces. A number of other civilians were
also injured. Israeli troops also
arrested dozens of Palestinians.
On Wednesday morning, 19 May 2004, Israeli occupying
forces shelled an apartment building in ‘Aska village, northeast of Nablus,
claiming that a number of wanted Palestinians were hiding inside. The building was largely destroyed, and
Israeli troops did not find any wanted Palestinian inside as they had already
claimed. On Friday, 14 May 2004, Israeli
troops destroyed a Palestinian house in Ramallah as part of the continuing
campaign of retaliation against the families of Palestinians accused of
involvement in attacks against Israeli targets.
Israeli occupying forces have continued construction
of the “Annexation Wall” inside the West Bank, especially around Jerusalem. Israeli occupying forces issued a military
order seizing about 380 donums of Palestinian land in Bethlehem, for the
purpose of the construction of the wall. Israeli military bulldozers demolished 3 Palestinian houses in Arab
al-Ramadin village, south of Hebron. Israeli occupying forces also issued a military order closing a fuel
station near Barta’a village, southwest of Jenin, which is located near the
wall.
For the 8th consecutive week, Israeli
occupying forces have continued to impose a tightened siege on the OPTs and
imposed severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians in the
Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including Jerusalem. In the Gaza Strip, Israeli forces isolated
Rafah from its surroundings. They closed
all border crossings into the Gaza Strip. In the West Bank, Israeli
occupying forces have continued to impose a strict siege on Palestinian
communities. They have also imposed severe restrictions on the movement
of Palestinian civilians. They have blocked a number of roads using
cement blocks, sand barriers and trenches, and imposed curfews on a number of
villages. Israeli forces have also continued to prohibit Palestinians who
are under 45 from praying at al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem, and have isolated the
city form the rest of the West Bank.
Shelling of and Encroachment into Palestinian Areas
and Attacks on Palestinian Civilians and Property
Israeli Offensive on Rafah
On Thursday, 13 May 2004, Israeli occupying forces
initiated a wide scale offensive on Rafah town and refugee camp, during which
they committed a series of serious violations of human rights. At the time of issuing this report, 45
Palestinians, 38 of them civilians, including 9 children, have been killed, and
134 civilians, including around 50 children, have been injured. Most of these civilian injuries have been
described by medical sources as serious. Israeli troops also destroyed dozens of Palestinian houses, rendering
hundreds of Palestinians homeless. They
also largely destroyed the civilian infrastructure and civilian facilities in
the town and refugee camp.
On Thursday morning, 13 May 2004, Israeli occupying
forces moved into Rafah refugee camp, adjacent to the Egyptian border. Israeli forces withdrew from the camp on
Saturday morning, 15 May 2004, leaving 14 Palestinian civilians dead, including
2 children, 48 others injured while causing massive destruction across the
area. Eleven of the victims were killed by shrapnel from missiles
launched by Israeli helicopter gunships. This Israeli military escalation followed the destruction of an Israeli
military vehicle near Salah al-Din Gate on the Egyptian border, south of Rafah,
which left 5 Israeli soldiers dead.
On 17 May 2004, Israeli occupying forces launched a
full scale military offensive on the town in the context of a military
operation known as “Operation Rainbow.” Until the time of issuing this report, 31
Palestinians, 31 of them civilians, including 7 children, were killed. At least 100 others, many of them children,
have been wounded, many of whom are still in serious condition.
According to statements by Israeli political and
military officials, this operation will continue for several days, which
imposes serious threats to the lives of Palestinian civilians. Palestinian medical personnel have been
denied access to the wounded. Residents
of the town and refugee camp have been suffering from harsh living conditions
as they lack basic services, including electricity and water.
According to investigations conducted by PCHR
regarding the first operation, at approximately 01:15 on Thursday morning, an
Israeli helicopter gunship, which protected Israeli military vehicles
positioned along the Egyptian border opposite to Block L in Rafah refugee camp,
launched a missile at a number of Palestinian civilians who were in the street.
Seven civilians were killed instantly, one of whom has not been
identified yet:
1. Eihab
Jamal Yousef, 19;
2. Mohammed
‘Azmi al-Bouji, 19;
3. Hani
Mohammed al-Mughayar, 20;
4. Ramez
Jamal Abu Ghali, 23;
5. Hassan
Khader ‘Awaja, 18;
6. Fu’ad
Khaled Abu Hashem, 19; and
7. Unidentified.
Six other civilians were injured, 2 of whom are still
in serious condition.
At approximately 02:00, more Israeli military
reinforcements were brought to the border. Soon after, Israeli heavy
military vehicles, reinforced by helicopters, moved into Block O in Rafah
refugee camp, and shelled the area intensely. Israeli military bulldozers
began to demolish a number of Palestinian houses. Three Palestinian civilians
were injured by Israeli shelling. At approximately 10:00, an Israeli
helicopter gunship launched a missile at the area. Four Palestinian
civilians, including a child, were killed:
1. Sami
Yousef Abu Jazar, 22;
2. Mohammed
Mousa Mowafi, 15;
3. Hamed
Fayez Abu Hamra, 18; and
4. Mahmoud
Jamal al-Siksik, 18.
Eight other civilians were injured. 7 of them are in
serious condition, according to medical sources.
More Israeli military reinforcements were then
brought to the border. When Israeli military vehicles moved close to
al-Brazil neighborhood, they opened fire at the areas. A 12th
Palestinian civilian, Ahmed Mohammed al-Yaqoubi, 19, was killed by a live
bullet in the back, when he was near his house.
Israeli forces continued to shell the area until midnight,
injuring 6 Palestinian civilians at their homes. On Friday morning, 14 May 2004, Israeli
forces expanded their incursion to include Qeshta and al-Sha’er neighborhoods,
and continued to shell Palestinian residential areas in Rafah. At approximately 06:00, Ashraf Hassan Qeshta,
37, was wounded by a several live bullets in the head and the chest, when he
was inside his house, adjacent to the Egyptian border. As a result, he bled to death. His body was found when Israeli forces
withdrew from the area. In addition, 13
Palestinian civilians were injured by the Israeli shelling. Five of the wounded were in serious
condition. One of wounded, Akram ‘Abdul
Karim Abu al-Naja, 27, died from his injury by a live bullet in the chest.
In this incursion, Israeli forces destroyed 99 homes,
including 72 houses completely destroyed and 27 houses partially in
Rafah. As a result, 1308 people (221 families) have become homeless. These people join the hundreds of other
families in the same area, whose houses have already been demolished.
Israeli troops also destroyed 23 shops, a mosque and bank.
(Note: PCHR has details of these houses).
According to initial information available to PCHR
regarding the second operation, on Monday morning, 17 May 2004, Israeli forces
closed Salah al-Din Street, which links Rafah to other areas in the Gaza
Strip. They razed large areas of
Palestinian agricultural land in the north of Rafah. Israeli troops denied access to vehicles of
the ICRC into the town. This prevented humanitarian
assistance being provided to its residents.
At approximately 01:00 on Tuesday, 18 May 2004,
Israeli helicopter gunships launched 2 missiles at some Palestinians, including
a number of members of the Palestinian resistance, in Block P in Rafah refugee
camp. Three members of the resistance
were killed:
1. Walid
Mousa Abu Jazar, 26;
2. Mohammed
Khalil al-Jindi, 24; and
3. Mohammed
‘Abdul Rahman al-Nawajha, 31.
In addition, 5 civilians were wounded, one of whom is
in a critical condition. A number of
houses were also damaged. Israeli troops
prevented an ambulance from transferring one of the wounded to Gaza European
Hospital.
Approximately 2 hours later, Israeli forces,
reinforced by heavy military vehicles and helicopters, moved into Tal al-Sultan
neighborhood in the west of Rafah. At
approximately 04:00, an Israeli helicopter gunship launched a missile at Hani
Mohammed Quffa, 18, an activist from the Hamas movement, when he was near Bilal
Ben Rabah mosque in al-Quds Street. He
was seriously injured. A number of
Palestinian civilians who were on their way to the mosque for the dawn prayer
attempted to offer him help. Immediately, Israeli helicopter gunships launched 2 missiles at
them. Five civilians, including 2
brothers, as well as a man and his son, and Quffa were instantly killed:
1. Tariq
Ahmed al-Sheikh ‘Eid, 24;
2. Isma’il
Rebhi al-Bal’awi, 45;
3. Ibrahim
Isma’il Rebhi al-Bal’awi, 17;
4. Mohammed
Jasser al-Sha’er, 17; and
5. Ahmed
Jasser al-Sha’er, 18.
Israeli troops raided a number of houses and
transformed them into military sites, from which they fired at the
streets. Three members of the
Palestinian resistance were killed by the Israeli gunfire:
1. Ziad
Hussein Shabana, 22; hit by a live bullet to the chest;
2. ‘Emad
Fadel al-Mughari, 34, hit by several live bullets throughout the body; and
3. Mahmoud
Isma’il Abu Touq, 34, hit by 2 live bullets in the chest and the abdomen.
Israeli forces continued to shell the
neighborhood. Seven Palestinian
civilians, including 2 children, were killed:
1. Sa’id
Ibrahim al-Mughayar, 23, hit by several live bullets in the head and the chest;
2. Ahmed
Mohammed al-Mughayar, 10, hit by a live bullet to the head;
3. Asmaa’
Mohammed al-Mughayar, 14, hit by a live bullet to the head;
4. Yousef
Zahi Qahwash, 35, hit by several live bullets to the head;
5. Mohammed
Mas’oud Zo’rob, 33, hit by a live bullet to the abdomen;
6. Ibrahim
Jihad al-Qun, 18, hit by a live bullet in the head; and
7. Tayseer
Zaki Kalloub, 31, hit by a live bullet in the abdomen.
These victims were killed while they were inside
their houses. Their bodies remained in
the houses until the evening, as Israeli forces denied ambulances access to the
area. In addition, 16 other civilians
were wounded. A number of the wounded
remained bleeding inside houses for several hours. Due to the siege imposed on Rafah and the
minimum capacity of Abu Yousef al-Najjar Hospital in Rafah, its administration
was forced to put bodies of the victims in a vegetable fridge and neighboring
shops.
Israeli troops fired at ambulances to obstruct the
evacuation of the wounded to the hospital. Medical personnel of 4 ambulances were forced to get out of them and
escape as they were fired at.
Electricity and water supplies have been cut from the
neighborhood. There are also reports of
arrests in the neighborhood, as Israeli troops raided a number of houses. A number of civilian properties were also
destroyed.
On Wednesday morning, 19 May 2004, Israeli forces
ordered residents of the neighborhood whose ages are between 16 and 40 to get
out of their houses holding white flags and gather in schools. Before these civilians arrived at schools,
Israeli troops fired at them. Four
civilians, including a child, were killed:
1. Saber
Ahmed Abu Lebda, 13, hit by a live bullet in the head;
2. Khalil
Hassan Abu Sa’da, 37, hit by several live bullets in the chest and the abdomen;
3. Shadi
Fayez al-Mughari, 24, hit by a live bullet in the chest; and
4. Ussama
‘Abdullah Abu Nasser, 27, hit by a live bullet in the chest.
Palestinian civilians were subject to degrading
treatment and beating by Israeli troops. They were taken to nearby Israeli settlements and military locations,
where they were interrogated until the evening. Then, they were all released, with the exception of 3 civilians. Israeli troops also raided and searched a
number of houses and arrested 2 Palestinians. A number of houses were also damaged by the Israeli shelling.
In an unprecedented attack, an Israeli helicopter
gunship fired a missile into a civilian demonstration in Rafah town, killing
and injuring dozens of Palestinian civilians, including children.
According to PCHR’s preliminary investigations, on
Wednesday afternoon, 19 May 2004, a civil demonstration was organized by the
residents of Rafah town and refugee camp. Thousands of residents gathered
to march in protest against the ongoing Israeli military offensive conducted in
the Tel As-Sultan area of the town since Monday. The march was heading
towards the Tel As-Sultan area at around 14:10 during the afternoon. When
the first of the marchers were approximately 500 metres from the entrance to
the Tel As-Sultan area, an IAF helicopter gunship fired a missile into the
crowd of marchers. Eye-witnesses also reported that Israeli forces stationed
at the nearby Israeli military post at Tal Zo’ruo fired tank shells and opened
fire from machine guns at the marchers at the same time as the missile
strike. Eight civilians were killed in this incident, including 4
children. A further 50 Palestinians have been injured, including 10 who
remain in a critical condition. Those killed have been identified as:
1. Walid
Naji Abu Qamar, 10;
2. Mubarak
Salim al-Hashash, 11;
3. Mahmoud
Tariq Mansour, 13;
4. Mohammed Talal Abu Sha’ar, 20;
5. Alaa’ Musalam al-Sheikh ‘Eid, 20;
6. Fu’ad
Khamis al-Saqqa, 31;
7. Ahmed
Jamal Abu al-Sa’id, 18; and
8. Rajab
Nemer Barhoum, 18.
In total this week, at least 105 Palestinian houses
have been destroyed in Rafah, rendering 1464 civilians (245 families)
homeless. In addition, 23 shops and some
civilian properties were destroyed.
The Israeli military operation is still ongoing. More Israeli military reinforcements were
brought to the area. On Wednesday
evening, 19 May 2004, Israeli forces expanded their offensive on Rafah as they
moved into al-Salam and al-Brazil neighborhood. The town is suffering from a shortage of foodstuffs, basic sanitation
and electrical services.
Thursday, 13 May 2004
In the early morning, Israeli
occupying forces moved into Tulkram refugee camp and the villages of Qabatya,
Marda, Sarta, Jama’in and Rafat in the north of the West Bank. They raided and searched a number of houses
and arrested 12 Palestinians:
1. Mohammed Khaled Kuhail, 18, from Qabatya village;
2. Wa’el Yousef Kuhail, 21, from Qabatya village;
3. ‘Abdul Rahman Mahmoud Sahawi, 20, from Qabatya village;
4. ‘Omar Mohammed Shuraim, 24, from Qabatya village;
5. Mohammed Ahmed Kayed, 24, from Tulkarm refugee camp;
6. Samer Khaled Ghanem, 25, from Tulkarm refugee camp;
7. ‘Adli ‘Abdullah Hujair, 21, from Marda village;
8. Ramzi ‘Abdullah Hujair, 24, from Marda village;
9. Hamdallah Khaled ‘Ayash, 27, from Rafat village;
10. Haitham ‘Abdullah Isma’il, 26, from Jama’in village;
11. Munir Ahmed Hassan, 25, from Sarta village; and
12. Samir Ahmed Hassan, 22, from Sarta village.
Also in the early morning,
Israeli occupying forces moved into Beit ‘Awa village, southwest of Hebron, and
imposed a curfew. They raided dozens of
houses and arrested 35 Palestinians.
At 23:00, an infantry unit of
Israeli occupying forces moved approximately 500 meters into Abu Haddaf area in
al-Qarara village to the south of “Kissufim” settler road, north of
Khan Yunis. Israeli troops raided ‘Aatef
‘Abdul Rahman Mousa’s house, held its 10 residents in one room and transformed
the roof into a military site. Other
Israeli troops raided Suleiman ‘Abdul Rahman Mousa’s house and held its 4
resident in the same room with the residents of the first house. Israeli troops remained in the area until
Saturday morning, 15 May 2004. No arrests
were reported, but furniture of the two houses was damaged.
Friday, 14 May2004
At approximately 05:00, Israeli occupying forces
moved into Wad Ma’ali and al-Fawaghra neighborhoods in Bethlehem. They raided and searched a number of houses
and arrested Ibrahim Khalil Hassan, 20.
In the afternoon, Israeli occupying forces moved into
Tulkarm through its southern entrance. Israeli troops were deployed at the crossroads and on the roof of a
pharmacy in the area. At approximately
15:45, Israeli troops positioned atop the pharmacy opened fire at passing
Palestinian civilians, wounding 3, including 2 children:
1. Ahmed Nasser Mahmoud Kharioush, 13,
seriously wounded by a live bullet in the abdomen;
2. ‘Omran Riad Haroun, 9, wounded by
shrapnel in the left thigh; and
3. Islam Mohammed Jihad Jamal, 18, wounded
by shrapnel in the right leg.
In the afternoon, Israeli occupying forces positioned
in military posts in the vicinity of “Netzarim” settlement, south of
Gaza City, opened fire at a civilian car, wounding a pregnant woman and the
driver.
In her testimony to PCHR, the pregnant woman, Nisreen
‘Abdul Rahman al-Nabrees, 28, said:
“At approximately 16:00, I was traveling
together with my husband and our 3 children in a civilian car driven by Wa’el
Shehada Sha’fout, 22, from al-Sabra neighborhood in Gaza City. We were traveling from Gaza City towards
al-Boreij refugee camp on the coastal road south of Gaza City. The road was empty as Israeli occupying
forces closed the road with sand barriers. When we crossed the sand barriers, Israeli troops in a military post
located to the west of ‘Netzarim’ settlement opened fire at the car. The driver stopped for a few seconds until
the gunfire stopped. Then, he drove the
car again, and Israeli troops resumed shooting at us. I felt that something hit my right leg, and I
saw the driver escaping from the car, who was injured in the right
shoulder. My thigh was bleeding. We all got out of the car and crept towards
the beach. Farmers in the area called
for an ambulance, which evacuated me to the hospital. On the following day, I gave birth to my baby
at the same hospital.”
At approximately 16:30, Israeli occupying forces
positioned in military posts in the vicinity of “Qatif” settlement,
northwest of Khan Yunis, opened fire at Palestinian houses in al-Satar
al-Gharbi area to the east. A
Palestinian civilian, ‘Aadel Ahmed al-Astal, 37, was injured by shrapnel from a
live bullet in the right hand, when he was inside his house, approximately 200
meters away from the source of fire.
At approximately 22:00, Israeli occupying forces
demolished 5 Palestinian houses belonging to al-Masalha family in al-Qarara
village to the south of “Kissufim” settler road, northeast of Khan
Yunis. As a result, 25 people (5
families) have become homeless. Previously, on May 3, 2004, PCHR had been able to obtain a temporary
injunction issued by the Israeli High Court stopping the demolition of these
and 6 other houses in the area, to give the families an opportunity to appeal
against the demolition order.
Israeli troops have also continued to construct a separating
wall along the “Kissufim” road since 6 May 2004.
Saturday, 15 May 2004
In the early morning, Israeli occupying helicopter
gunships fired missiles at 2 civilian facilities in densely populated areas in
Gaza City. The two facilities and a number of neighboring buildings were
severely damaged and 10 Palestinian civilians, including a paramedic, were
injured.
According to investigations conducted by PCHR, at
approximately 01:30, an Israeli helicopter gunship launched 3 missiles at the
first floor of a 3-storey building owned by Akram Sabri al-Hatu in the densely
populated al-Rimal neighborhood in Gaza City. Two missiles struck the offices
of the Union of Nurses located on the first floor of the building, causing
extensive destruction. The third missile struck an uninhabited residential
apartment located the office of the Union of Nurses, also causing extensive
destruction. A number of neighboring houses and shops were also
damaged. 10 Palestinian civilians, including a paramedic, were injured in
the attack, and a number of other civilians were treated for shock. The
office has been used exclusively by the Union of Nurses for more than a
year. In the past, the office space was rented as the headquarters of the
Palestine Centre for Research and Studies, which is known for its close
relations with the Palestinian group, Islamic Jihad.
Approximately 20 minutes later, Israeli helicopter
gunships launched 5 missiles at the offices of al-Ansar Charitable Society,
which are located in a 2-storey building in the densely populated al-Nasser
neighborhood in the north of Gaza City. Three of the missiles directly
hit the building, causing extensive damage. The other two missiles did
not explode.
At approximately 00:15, Israeli occupying forces
positioned in a military post to the north of al-Tuffah checkpoint, west of
Khan Yunis, opened fire at Palestinian houses in Khan Yunis refugee camp. A Palestinian woman, Fatema Mohammed Abu
Nemer, 43, was injured by shrapnel in the abdomen, while inside her house,
approximately 400 meters away from the source of fire.
At approximately 01:30, Israeli occupying forces
positioned in “al-Nouria” military post, west of Khan Yunis, fired 2
artillery shells at al-Sad al-‘Aali area in Khan Yunis refugee camp. The two shells struck an uninhabited house
owned by Shukri ‘Abdullah Abu Nemer, which had been partially destroyed by
Israeli troops on 3 May 2004.
At approximately 08:00, Israeli occupying forces
positioned in military posts in the vicinity of “Kfar Darom” settlement,
southeast of Deir al-Balah, opened fire at a number of Palestinian children who
threw stones at them. One of these
children, Eyad Isma’il Bakir, 15, was wounded by a live bullet in the right
thigh.
At approximately 10:15, following their withdrawal
from Rafah refugee camp, Israeli occupying forces positioned along the Egyptian
border, south of Rafah, opened fire at the camp. Israeli gunfire continued sporadically until
the evening. Eight Palestinian civilians
were injured, including 4 children and 2 women:
1. Mustafa Ahmed Abu Jouda, 14, wounded by
a live bullet in the left leg;
2. Mohammed ‘Atallah ‘Aabed, 14, wounded
by shrapnel in the head;
3. Mos’ab Fawzi Abu Louli, 13, wounded by
shrapnel in the right shoulder;
4. Mousa ‘Ali Hussein, 13, wounded by
shrapnel in the right footl;
5. Ahmed Saleh Abu Siam, 45, wounded by a
live bullet in the abdomen;
6. Fatema ‘Abdul Fattah Swaileh, 46,
wounded by shrapnel in the right thigh;
7. Fatema Yousef al-Gharbawi, 50, wounded
by a live bullet in the right armpit; and
8. ‘Aatef Sa’id ‘Aashour, 24, wounded by a
live bullet in the right leg.
In the evening, medical sources at Shifa Hospital in
Gaza City declared that Fu’ad Mohammed Abu Sha’ban, 20, from al-Sabra
neighborhood, died from an injury he had sustained during the Israeli offensive
on al-Zaytoun neighborhood in Gaza City last week. Abu Sha’ban was hit by a live bullet to the
head when he exchanged fire with Israeli troops on 11 May 2004. Thus, the number of Palestinians killed as a
result of the Israeli offensive on al-Zaytoun neighborhood has reached 16.
Sunday, 16 May 2004
In the early morning, Israeli helicopter gunships
attacked 2 civilian facilities in densely populated areas in Gaza City.
According to investigations conducted by PCHR, at
approximately 00:25, Israeli helicopter gunships launched 2 missiles at a
cultural center located in the first floor of a 3-storey building belonging to
the Sukkar family in the densely populated al-Shojaeya neighborhood. The
center was mostly destroyed and a 13-year-old child sleeping in a neighboring
house was injured. A few minutes following this attack, an Israeli
helicopter gunship launched a missile at offices of al-Resala weekly on the
first floor of a 10-storey building Owned by Abu Samra Family in al-Nasser neighborhood
in Gaza City. The missile struck the offices, destroyed their contents,
and two Palestinian civilians living in the area were injured.
At approximately 04:00, Israeli occupying forces
moved into al-Duhaisha refugee camp, south of Bethlehem. They raided and searched a number of houses
and arrested 3 Palestinians:
1. Yousef
Mahmoud al-Lahham, 33;
2. Rami
Ahmed al-Zaghari, 32; and
3. Mohammed
Mahmoud al-Qassas, 40.
Also in the morning, Israeli occupying forces
positioned along the Egyptian border, south of Rafah, opened fire at
Palestinian residential areas in the town. Three Palestinian civilians were wounded:
1. Hassan
Ibrahim al-Satari, 33, wounded by shrapnel in the right forearm;
2. Mohammed
Hamed ‘Aamer, 15, wounded by shrapnel in the left forearm; and
3. Yousef
Hamdan Mo’ammar, 17, wounded by a live bullet in the right foot.
Monday, 17 May 2004
In the early morning, Israeli helicopter gunships
continued to attack civilian institutions in Gaza City, located in densely
populated areas, reflecting a blatant disregard for Palestinian civilian lives.
According to investigations conducted by PCHR, at
approximately 00:00, Israeli helicopter gunships launched 5 missiles at a
4-storey building belonging to al-Shurafa family near al-‘Emarai mosque in the
center of Gaza City, a densely populated area. Four missiles struck and
destroyed an office of the Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine
(DFLP) on the first floor of the building. The fifth missile struck an office
of Fatah movement on the second floor, severely damaging it. A number of
neighboring houses and shops were damaged and electricity was cut off.
At approximately 04:00, Israeli occupying forces
moved into Balata refugee camp, east of Nablus. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested 2 Palestinians:
1. ‘Emad Jamil Barakat, 19; and
2. Ahmed Hussein Abu al-Lail, 20.
In the morning, in an excessive use of force, Israeli
troops killed a Palestinian civilian in Silwad village, northeast of
Ramallah. Israeli military sources claimed
that they had shot and injured a Palestinian who threw stones at them.
According to investigations conducted by PCHR, at
approximately 05:30, Israeli occupying forces moved into Sliwad village, opened
fire at Palestinian houses and imposed a curfew on the village. At approximately 07:30, a number of Palestinian children and young men
gathered in the center of the village and threw stones at Israeli troops. Immediately, Israeli troops fired at the
stone throwers, killing Mohammed Shehada Mohammed Hamed, 22, with a live bullet
to the head. According to eyewitnesses,
Israeli troops fired at the victims from a distance of approximately 50 meters,
when he did not pose any threat to their lives.
At approximately 07:40, Israeli occupying forces
moved into Bethlehem. They surrounded
Sayaj apartment building at the Jerusalem – Hebron road. They raided the building, opening fire at it
and at neighboring houses. They then forced residents of the building out and
searched their flats. Israeli troops withdrew
from the area at approximately 10:00, and no arrests were reported.
At approximately 09:30, an undercover unit of Israeli
occupying forces moved into Yatta village, south of Hebron, using 3 civilian
vehicles with Palestinian registrations. Israeli troops opened fire at houses and cars. They also chased a number of cars and raided
a number of houses and shops. They
checked and humiliated a number of Palestinian civilians. A number of houses were damaged, but no
casualties or arrests were reported.
Tuesday, 18 May 2004
At approximately 03:00, Israeli occupying forces
moved into Nablus through its southern entrance and moved towards the old
town. They opened fire at Palestinian
houses in the area. They surrounded a
number of houses in the area. Members of
the Palestinian resistance exchanged fire with Israeli troops. One individual, Nidal ‘Abdul Rahman Mohammed
‘Okasha, 24, was killed by a live bullet in the heart. ‘Okasha was a member of al-Aqsa Martyrs
Brigade, the military wing of Fatah movement.
Also in the early morning, Israeli occupying forces
arrested 4 Palestinians in the old town of Nablus and Tarqoumia village, west
of Hebron:
1. Talal Mahmoud Shuqaidef, 25, from
Nablus;
2. Sa’id Yousef Tabanja, 28, from Nablus;
3. Nadi Na’im Tannifa, 23, from Tarqoumia
village; and
4. Ghadi Na’im Tannifa, 22, from Tarqoumia
village.
At approximately 08:00, medical sources at an Israeli
hospital declared that Ayman ‘Abdullah Subhi Abu Jalhoum, 18, died from an
injury he had sustained during an Israeli offensive on Beit Lahia in the
northern Gaza Strip last month. According to PCHR’s documentation, Abu Jalhoum was wounded by a live
bullet in the abdomen when Israeli helicopter gunships and tanks shelled al-Nada
housing project and Beit Lahia. According
to Palestinian medical sources, he was hit by an explosive live bullet. Abu Jalhoum was transferred to an Israeli
hospital, where he received medical treatment until the time of his death.
At approximately 09:45, Israeli occupying forces
positioned in military posts near “Qatif” settlement, northwest of
Khan Yunis, opened fire at al-Satar al-Gharbi area to the east. Suhaib Hussam al-Din al-Farra, 54, was
injured by shrapnel from a live bullet in the right hand. He was near his house, approximately 400
meters away from the source of fire.
At approximately 20:00, Israeli occupying forces,
reinforced by a helicopter, moved into Tulkarm town and refugee camp. They opened fire at Palestinian houses,
wounding 2 children:
1. Mohammed ‘Emad Haroun, 17, wounded by a
live bullet in the thigh; and
2. Mohammed Yassin Jarban, 17, wounded by
a live bullet in the right foot.
Wednesday, 19 May 2004
In the early morning, an undercover unit of Israeli
forces killed a Palestinian in Jenin refugee camp.
According to preliminary investigations conducted by
PCHR, at approximately 02:30, an undercover unit of Israeli forces moved into
the southwest of Jenin refugee camp. Five minutes later, more Israeli troops were brought to the area. Ahmed Hussein Turkman, 21, a member of
al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigade, the military wing of Fatah movement, was carrying out
his duty as a night guard in the area. When he realized the presence of Israeli troops in the area, he shouted,
apparently to draw the attention of other people. Immediately, members of the Israeli
undercover unit opened fire at him. He
was killed with several live bullets in the head, the chest and the legs. According to eyewitnesses, he did not fire at
Israeli troops, who could have arrested him.
Half an hour later, Israeli forces killed another
Palestinian in the old town of Nablus. Israeli military sources claimed that Israeli troops noticed a
Palestinian gunman in Nablus and shot him dead. The sources did not mention whether the victim fired at Israeli troops.
According to investigations conducted by PCHR, at
approximately 03:00, Israeli forces moved into Nablus. Israeli troops were deployed in the old town
and opened fire at houses. They fired at
a number of members of the Palestinian resistance. One member of the resistance, ‘Essam Nazem
Kamel ‘Arafat, 25, was killed by a live bullet in the heart. The victim’s bother had been also killed by
Israeli troops on 3 January 2004. Israeli troops also arrested 3 Palestinians, including a woman:
1. Majdi Hussein Halawa, 24;
2. Suhail Mahmoud Abu Zant, 18; and
3. Rana Maher Furaitakh, 35.
At the same time, Israeli forces moved into ‘Askar
refugee camp, northeast of Nablus. They
surrounded a 300-square-meter, 4-storey apartment building owned by Ahmed
Mohammed Jouda. Israeli troops opened
fire at the building for about 30 minutes. Then, Israeli troops forced the 36 residents of the building (7
families) out and gathered them in a neighboring yard. Israeli troops resumed shelling the building
claiming that wanted Palestinians were hiding inside. The owner’s son, ‘Alaa’, and a number of
other residents of the building offered to move into the building before
Israeli troops. They entered the
building surveyed it and did not find anyone. However, the officer of the Israeli military unit, who introduced
himself as “Captain Namroud”, accused them of lying. He ordered his troops to shell the
building. Fire broke out in the flats.
During this operation, a number of Palestinian
civilians gathered and threw stones at Israeli troops. Immediately, Israeli troops opened fire at
these civilians, wounding 6, including 3 children:
1. Mousa Khalil Edris, 13, from ‘Askar
refugee camp, seriously wounded by a live bullet in the right side;
2. Mansour ‘Aadel Ramez Dababsa, 22, seriously
wounded by a live bullet in the chest;
3. Fadi ‘Abbas ‘Obaid, 18, wounded by a
live bullet in the chest;
4. Mohammed ‘Azzam Hussein, wounded by
shrapnel in the right leg;
5. Mohammed Yahia Edris, 16, wounded by a
rubber-coated metal bullet in the right leg; and
6. Jihad Saleh Tantawi, 12, seriously
wounded by a live bullet in the abdomen.
During their withdrawal from the camp at
approximately 08:30, Israeli troops fired dozens of tear gas canisters at the
camp. Two Palestinian journalists
suffered from tear gas inhalation:
1. ‘Alaa’ Badarna, 27, a reporter at the
local Sawt al-Mahabba broadcasting station; and
2. Nasser Eshtayeh, 32, a cameraman of Reuters
news agency.
Extra-Judicial Execution
On Tuesday, 18 May 2004, an undercover unit of
Israeli forces killed a Palestinian in ‘Anza village, south of Jenin. Israeli military sources claimed that Israeli
troops shot the victim as he got out of the car carrying a gun, but did not
mention if he fired at Israeli troops. The victim was a member of al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigade, who was wanted by
Israeli authorities.
According to investigations conducted by PCHR, at
approximately 12:30 on Tuesday, Mohammed Ahmed Mahmoud ‘Obaid, 27, and Mohammed
Nasser Barahma, 21, both from ‘Anza village, south of Jenin, were traveling in
a civilian car from their village towards Sanour village to the east. While they were traveling on an agricultural
road linking between the two villages, they were fired at from olive fields. They attempted to escape in their car, but
Israeli military jeeps chased their car, which soon turned over. When ‘Obaid got out of the car, Israeli
troops opened fire at him from a distance of approximately 50 meters. He was killed by several live bullets in the
chest. Barhma was wounded and
arrested.
Collective Punishment against
Families of Wanted Palestinians and Those Who Have Carried out Armed Attacks
against Israeli Targets
In violation of international
humanitarian law, in particular the Geneva Convention Relative to the
Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War of 1949, article 33 of which
prohibits punishing any protected person for “an offence he or she has not
personally committed,” Israeli forces took retaliatory measures against the families
of Palestinians Israel alleges have ordered, facilitated, or carried out
attacks against Israeli targets. In this
context, on Friday, 14 May 2004, Israeli forces destroyed one house in Um
al-Sharayet neighborhood, south of Ramallah.
According to investigations conducted by
PCHR, at approximately 03:00 on Friday 14 May 2004, Israeli forces moved into
Um al-Sharayet neighborhood, south of Ramallah. They surrounded a 150-square-meter, 3-storey house owned by ‘Abdullah
al-Shu’ani. They forced the 10 residents of the house (2 families) out. Then, they planted explosives inside the
house and destroyed it. The owner is the
father of Eyad and Riad al-Shu’ani, who have been detained by Israeli
authorities.
Continued Siege on the
OPT
This week, Israeli forces have continued
to impose a tightened siege on the OPTs and imposed severe restrictions on the
movement of Palestinian civilians in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank,
including Jerusalem.
Gaza Strip
Israeli forces further tightened the siege imposed on
the Gaza Strip. This week, they isolated
Rafah from other parts of the Gaza Strip. For the 8th consecutive week, Israeli forces have continued
to close all border crossings into the Gaza Strip. In the first three
days of the week, Israeli forces portioned the Gaza Strip into three isolated zones. Although, checkpoints erected on the main
road in the Gaza Strip were reopened, Israeli forces imposed restrictions on
the movement of Palestinian civilians at Abu Houli and al-Matahen checkpoints
to the north of Khan Yunis. They also
imposed similar restrictions at all entrances to Palestinian areas located near
Israeli settlements and prevented Palestinian civilians from moving
freely. Such restrictions on freedom of movement are in contravention of
international human rights law, to which Israel is a state party, including the
International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights.
On Monday morning, 17 May 2004, Israeli heavy
military vehicles moved from “Morag” settlement, north of Rafah, and
Sofa crossing, northeast of the town, towards Salah al-Din Street which links
between Rafah and Khan Yunis. They were
positioned on this road and other branch roads separating between the two
towns. Palestinian civilians living in
areas located between Rafah and Khan Yunis suffer from severe living
conditions, due to the presence of Israeli forces in these areas. They have not been able to carry out their
daily life activities. Israeli forces
also closed Rafah Terminal on the Egyptian border. Thus, Rafah has become completely isolated
from the outside world. As a result of
these measures, dozens of patients have not been able to reach the Gaza
European Hospital in Khan Yunis. There
is only one hospital in Rafah, which is not able to cope with the increasing
number of casualties due to the wide-scale offensive on the town. Ambulances face extreme difficulties in
transferring the wounded to hospitals in Khan Yunis.
Although Israeli forces reopened the Abu Houli and
al-Matahen checkpoints on Salah al-Din Street, the main road between the north
and south of the Gaza Strip, which had been closed since 11 May 2004, they continued
to obstruct movement of Palestinian civilians.
On Thursday evening, 13 May 2004, Israeli troops
positioned at Abu Houli checkpoint, south of Deir al-Balah, fired live bullets
and tear gas canisters at hundreds of Palestinian civilians who had been
waiting at the checkpoint for 2 days. One civilian was injured and dozens of others suffered from tear gas
inhalation.
On Saturday, 15 May 2004, Israeli troops opened the
two checkpoints for a few hours, during which they held and searched dozens of
Palestinian vehicles in between.
At approximately 07:30 on Sunday, 16 May 2004,
Israeli troops reopened the two checkpoints, but they imposed severe
restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. They held and searched dozens of Palestinian
vehicles in between. Hundreds of
Palestinian vehicles were forced to wait for long hours at the two
checkpoints.
For the 8th consecutive week, Israeli
forces have continued to close border crossings between the Gaza Strip and
Israel, denying access of thousands of Palestinian workers to their work places
in Israel. They have also closed the
Erez industrial zone.
In violation of the right of health, for two weeks,
Israeli forces have denied access of Palestinian patients from the Gaza Strip
to hospitals in Israel and the West Bank to receive medical care. They have also denied entry of medicines into
the Gaza Strip.
Israeli forces have imposed more restrictions at
Rafah Terminal, the only outlet of the Gaza Strip to the outside world since
the beginning of the current Intifada. On 17 May 2004, they closed the terminal. Hundreds of Palestinian civilians wishing to
travel back to the Gaza Strip have been forced to wait at the Egyptian side of
the terminal under severe conditions. Since
18 April 2004, Israeli forces have continued to prohibit Palestinians between
the ages of 16 and 35 from traveling through Rafah Terminal on the Egyptian
border.
Israeli forces have continued to impose a strict
siege on al-Mawasi area in the southern Gaza Strip. They have continued
to close Tal al-Sultan checkpoint at the entrance to the area in Rafah and
impose restrictions on movement of Palestinian civilians through al-Tuffah checkpoint
at the entrance to the area in Khan Yunis. Israeli troops reopened
al-Tuffah checkpoint, but did not allow Palestinians whose ages are between 16
and 30 from crossing.
Israeli forces have also continued to impose a
tightened siege on al-Sayafa area in the northern Gaza Strip. In
the same context, Israeli forces have continued to impose severe restrictions
on the movement of Palestinian civilians living in al-Ma’ni area near “Kfar
Darom” settlement in the central Gaza Strip.
The West Bank
Israeli forces have continued to impose a strict
siege on Palestinian communities. They
have also imposed severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians.
They imposed curfews on a number of
villages.
Jerusalem
Israeli forces imposed more restrictions at military
checkpoints erected around the city. They also erected a number of checkpoints on branch roads leading to the
city. For the 7th consecutive
week, Israeli forces have continued to prohibit access of Palestinians who are
under 45 to al-Aqsa Mosque in the old town for the Friday prayers. Palestinians from the West Bank and Gaza
Strip have been also denied access to the city without permits. On Tuesday, 11 May, Israeli forces issued an
order prohibiting the access of Ya’qoub Mohammed Abu ‘Asab, from Jerusalem, to
al-Aqsa Mosque and offices of religious endowments, where he works, for 6
months.
Hebron
Israeli forces imposed more restrictions on the
movement of Palestinian civilians. For
the 3rd consecutive week, Israeli forces have continued to impose a
tightened siege on Ethna village, west of Hebron, paralyzing all economic
activities in the village. Water
supplies have been also cut in most parts of the village.
Bethlehem
On Thursday morning, 13 May 2004, Israeli forces
imposed a curfew on Nahalin village, west of Bethlehem. The curfew remained effective until Saturday
morning, 15 May 2004. Also on Thursday,
13 May 2004, Israeli troops denied access of hundreds of schoolchildren form
al-Kahder village to their schools in the old town of Bethlehem. They also transformed a secondary school in
the village into a military site.
Tulkarm
This week, Israeli forces imposed more restrictions
on the movement of Palestinian civilians. They erected a number of temporary checkpoints around the town. They stopped Palestinian vehicles and checked
passengers.
Nablus
Israeli forces imposed more restrictions on the
movement of Palestinian civilians. They
closed all checkpoints around the city. This week, Israeli troops positioned at a military checkpoint on
al-Naqoura junction, northwest of Nablus, prohibited Palestinian medical
vehicles from crossing the checkpoint without obtaining special permits. Israeli forces have continued to prevent
Palestinians, who are under 35, from crossing military checkpoints erected
around the city.
Qalqilya
This week, Israeli troops erected a number of
temporary checkpoints on the roads linking between the town and other
Palestinian communities. They stopped
Palestinian vehicles and checked passengers.
Continued Construction of the Annexation Wall in the
West Bank
Israeli forces have continued construction of the annexation
wall inside the West Bank, especially around Jerusalem, although the Israeli
High Court issued a number of injunctions stopping the construction of the wall
in some Palestinian villages.
On Sunday morning, 16 May 2004, Israeli forces
started to raze about 45 donums of Palestinian land belonging to the families
of al-Qawasmi, al-Tamimi, al-Hinnawi, al-Tarifi, al-Joulani, Qljaqi, Ghazawna,
al-Harbawi and al-Mughrabi. Israeli
forces plan to construct a part of the wall in this area.
On Monday morning, 17 May 2004, Israeli military
bulldozers demolished 3 Palestinian houses in Arab al-Ramadin villages near
“Ashkalot” settlement, south of Hebron:
1. A
300-square-meter, 2-storey house owned by Yousef Suleiman al-Jama’in, in which
25 people (4 families) lived;
2. A
100-square-meter house owned by Mousa al-Jama’in, in which 5 people lived; and
3. A
100-square-meter house owned by D’iab Mousa al-Jama’in, in which 7 people
lived.
They claimed that these houses had been built without
licenses. They plan to construct a part
of the wall in the area.
On Tuesday morning, 18 May 2004, Civil Administration
of Israeli forces issued an order to demolish 2 Palestinian houses belonging to
the al-Khatib family in Hazma village, east of Jerusalem, claiming that they
were built without licenses. In the
meantime, Israeli forces continued to raze areas of Palestinian land to the
north and east of Jerusalem for the purpose of the construction of the
wall.
On the same day, Israeli forces issued a military
order seizing about 380 donums of Palestinian land in Beit Sahour, Za’tara and
Ras al-Wad in Bethlehem, for the purpose of the construction of the wall.
Also on the same day, Israeli forces issued a
military order closing a fuel station owned by Ra’ed Ahmed ‘Amarna near Barta’a
village, southwest of Jenin, which is located near the wall.
Collective Punishment against Families of Wanted
Palestinians and Those Who Have Carried out Armed Attacks against Israeli
Targets
In violation of international humanitarian law, in
particular the Geneva Convention Relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons
in Time of War of 1949, article 33 of which prohibits punishing any protected
person for “an offence he or she has not personally committed,” Israeli forces
took retaliatory measures against the families of Palestinians Israel alleges have ordered,
facilitated, or carried out attacks against Israeli targets. In this context, on Friday, 14 May 2004,
Israeli forces destroyed one house in Um al-Sharayet neighborhood, south of
Ramallah.
According to investigations conducted by PCHR, at
approximately 03:00 on Friday 14 May 2004, Israeli forces moved into Um
al-Sharayet neighborhood, south of Ramallah. They surrounded a 150-square-meter, 3-storey house owned by ‘Abdullah
al-Shu’ani. They forced the 10 residents of the house (2 families) out. Then, they planted explosives inside the
house and destroyed it. The owner is the
father of Eyad and Riad al-Shu’ani, who have been detained by Israeli
authorities.
*****
Recommendations
to the International Community
1. PCHR
calls upon the High Contracting Parties to the Fourth Geneva Convention to
fulfill their legal and moral obligations under article 1 of the Convention to
ensure Israel’s respect for the Convention in the Occupied Palestinian
Territories. PCHR believes the
conspiracy of silence practiced by the international community has encouraged
Israel to act as a state above law and continue to violate international human
rights and humanitarian law.
2. PCHR
calls upon the High Contracting Parties to the Fourth Geneva Convention to
convene a conference to take effective steps to ensure Israel’s respect of the
Convention in the OPTs and to provide immediate protection for Palestinian
civilians.
3. PCHR
calls upon the High Contracting Parties to the Fourth Geneva Convention to
comply with its legal obligations detailed in article 146 of the Convention to
search for and prosecute those responsible for grave breaches, namely war
crimes.
4. PCHR
recommends international civil society organizations, including human rights
organizations, bar associations and interested non-governmental organizations
to participate in the process of searching for Israeli war criminals and to
urge their governments to bring these war criminals to justice.
5. PCHR
calls upon the European Union to activate article 2 of the Euro-Israel
Association Agreement, which provides that Israel must respect human rights as
a precondition for economic cooperation between the EU states and Israel. PCHR further calls upon the EU states to
prohibit import of goods produced in illegal Israeli settlements in the OPTs.
6. PCHR
calls upon European governments to change their positions towards the
Palestinian cause at UN bodies, particularly the General Assembly, Security
Council and Commission on Human Rights.
7. PCHR
welcomes the UN General Assembly resolution, which referred the issue of the “Annexation
Wall” inside the OPTs to International Court of Justice to give a consultative
opinion. It is anticipated that the
court will find that the wall is illegal. PCHR expects that the international
community will guarantee the wishes of the court.
8. In
recognition of ICRC as the guardian of the Fourth Geneva Convention, PCHR calls
upon the ICRC to increase its staff and activities in the OPTs, including for
facilitating family visitations to Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails.
9. PCHR
appreciates the efforts of international civil society, including human rights
organizations, bar associations, unions and solidarity groups, and urges them
to continue their role in pressuring their governments to secure Israel’s
respect for human rights in the OPTs and to end its attacks on Palestinian
civilians.
10. In light of the severe restrictions
imposed by the Israeli government and its occupying forces on access of
international solidarity groups to the OPTs, PCHR calls upon European countries
to deal the same way with Israeli citizens.
11. PCHR reiterates that any political
settlement not based on international human rights law and humanitarian law
cannot lead to a peaceful and just solution of the Palestinian question.
Rather, such an arrangement can only lead to further suffering and instability
in the region. Any peace agreement or process must be based on respect for
international law, including international human rights and humanitarian law.
“END”
Public
Document
**************************************
For more
information please call PCHR office in Gaza, Gaza Strip, on +972 8 2824776 –
2825893
PCHR, 29 Omer El Mukhtar St., El Remal, PO Box 1328 Gaza, Gaza Strip.
E-mail:[email protected], Webpage http://www.pchrgaza.org
