Weekly Report On Israeli Human Rights Violations in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (21– 27 November 2019)

November 28, 2019

Civilian from al-Sawarkah family succumbed to wounds he sustained in the last Israeli aggression on the Gaza Strip; raising the number to 9 deaths from the same family;

Palestinian Prisoner Died in the Israeli prisons

IOF excessive use of force in the West Bank: 17 Palestinian civilians, including a child and a journalist, shot and injured

Great March of Return (GMR) protests were cancelled last Friday.

During 72 incursions into the West Bank, including occupied East Jerusalem: 59 civilians arrested, including 5 children and 1 girl

9 IOF shooting incidents and limited incursions carried out in eastern and northern Gaza Strip, a civilian was wounded;

4 houses demolished in Jerusalem and Hebron, in addition to 1 demolition notice.

9 civilians wounded in settler attacks, that included burning vehicles, vandalization and tree-cutting in the West Bank.

58 temporary checkpoints established in the West Bank, and 1 Palestinian civilian arrested at Beit Hanoun checkpoint in the Gaza Strip.

Summary

Israeli occupation Forces (IOF) continued their violations of human rights and international law in the occupied Palestinian territory (oPt) this week as PCHR documented 174 violations by IOF and Israeli settlers.

In terms of excessive use of force, IOF wounded 18 Palestinian civilians in the West Bank and the Gaza strip: 17 of them, including a child and a journalist were injured in separate incidents in the West Bank, while 1 civilian was injured the Gaza Strip.The Supreme National Authority of the Great March of Return cancelled the protests for the second week in row; consequently, no injuries were reported.

Under IOF incursions into the West Bank and house raids, 72 incursions into the West Bank, including occupied Jerusalem, were reported. Those incursions include raids of civilian houses and shootings, enticing fear among civilians, arresting and/or injuring many others. During this week’s incursions, 59 Palestinians were arrested, including 5 children and a girl.

In the Gaza Strip, IOF carried out a limited incursion in northern Gaza Strip and 9 shootings were documented in eastern Gaza; 6 shooting incidents were carried out against Palestinian fishing boats adjacent to the Gaza Strip. Moreover, a Palestinian civilian from the Gaza Strip was arrested while responding to a summons by Israeli authorities as he applied for an exit permit to accompany his sick brother in travel for treatment.

Under the settlement expansion activities in the West Bank, including occupied Jerusalem, PCHR documented 7 IOF violations, including demolition of residential houses as well as a demolition notice in Jerusalem and Hebron. IOF also demolished 2 horse-barracks and banned restoration of a dirt entrance in addition to an agricultural land in Bethlehem. PCHR also documented 14 settler-attacks on civilians and their properties, causing bruises and fracture to 9 civilians in addition to burning vehicles and cutting trees.

In terms of the Israeli closure policy, the Gaza Strip still suffers the worst closure in the History of the Israeli occupation of the oPt as it has entered the 14th consecutive year, without any improvement to the movement of persons and goods, aggravating the humanitarian conditions and bearing catastrophic consequences on all aspects of life. Meanwhile, the West Bank is divided into separate cantons with key roads blocked by the Israeli occupation since the Second Intifada and with temporary and permanent checkpoints, where civilians’ movement is restricted, and others are arrested.

Violation of the right to life and to bodily integrity

1. Excessive Use of Force against Protests in the Gaza Strip

At approximately 15:30 on Friday, 22 November 2019, dozens of Palestinians approached the border fence adjacent to GMR camps in Khuza’ah’a village, east of Khan Younis, and some of them attempted to threw stones at IOF. IOF fired live and rubber bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters at them. As a result, one civilian was shot with a live bullet to the left foot Moreover, a number of civilians suffocated due to tear gas inhalation. It should be noted that the young men gathered in the area despite that the GMR’s Supreme National Authority cancelled the protests on Friday for the second week.

2. Excessive Use of Force against Protests in the West Bank

At approximately 11:00 on Tuesday, 22 November 2019, dozens of Palestinians from Surif village, northwest of Hebron, organized a peaceful protest against IOF’s confiscation of hundreds of agricultural dunums in favour of settlement expansion, west of the city. After Friday prayer, large Israeli forces arrived at the area, surrounded civilians, and fired sound bombs and tear gas canisters at civilians. As a result, a number of civilians suffocated due to tear gas inhalation. The soldiers chased young men into agricultural fields and arrested Ibrahim Mohamed Sa’ad Ghuneimat (26).

At approximately 10:00 on Tuesday, 26 November 2019, Palestinian national factions in Hebron organized a peaceful protest against the U.S Administration’s decision to legitimize Israeli settlements in the West Bank the participants raised the Palestinian flags and chanted national slogans. They arrived at al-Zawiyah Gate in the centre of Hebron where an Israeli force deployed in the area. When the participants arrived at the Military Checkpoint (56), Israeli soldiers pointed their weapons at them and attacked them by their hands. Meanwhile, dozens of young men gathered and threw stones at the soldiers, who responded with rubber bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters at them. As a result, ‘Awad Mohammed Fahed al-Ja’bari (27), a staff at Hebron’s Municipality (Health Department) was shot with a rubber bullet in the left foot.

At approximately 12:00 on Tuesday, 26 November 2019, IOF supressed a mass protest organized in Bethlehem against the legitimization of Israeli settlements. The participants launched their protest at the northern entrance to Bethlehem. When they approached Bilal Ben Rabah Mosque, Israeli soldiers fired rubber bullets and tear gas canisters at them and chased them. Clashes erupted between dozens of Palestinian young men, who threw stones and empty bottles at Israeli soldiers, who responded with more rubber bullet and tear gas canisters. As a result, Abdul Nasser Mohammed al-Laham (17) was shot with a live bullet in the foot. Additionally 15 others suffocated due to tear gas inhalation according to Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS). Israeli soldiers arrested Tha’er Ismail Souman (15) and Ahmed Ibrahim Jalal (19).

At approximately 13:30 on the same Tuesday, dozens of civilians in addition to a number of students from Palestine Technical University – Kadoorie, west of Tulkarm organized a peaceful protest against the legitimization of Israeli settlements by the U.S Administration. When some students approached the Annexation Wall adjacent to university buildings, IOF fired live and rubber bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters at them. As a result, freelance journalist Abdul Majeed Mohammed Abdul Majeed ‘Edwan (30), from Far’oun village, south of Tulkarm, was shot with a rubber bullet in the left foot.

At approximately 14:00 on the same Tuesday, dozens of Palestinian civilians gathered at the northern entrance to al-Birah and organized a peaceful protest against the U.S Administration’s legislation of the Israeli settlements in addition to the Sami Abu Diak in the Israeli prisons. The protestors threw stones and empty bottles at Israeli soldiers stationed at “al-Mahkamah” checkpoint established near “Beit Eil” settlement, north of the city. Israeli soldiers fired live and rubber bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters at them. As a result, 13 civilians aged between (19 – 25) years old were shot with rubber bullets to the lower extremities of their bodies. The wounded civilians were transferred to Palestine Medical Complex in Ramallah for treatment and their injuries were classified as moderate.

3. Shooting and other violations of the right to life and bodily integrity

At approximately 14:30 on Thursday, 21 November 2019, Israeli soldiers stationed along the border fence, east of Khan Younis in southern Gaza Strip, opened fire at bird-hunters, east of Khuza’ah village; no casualties were reported.

At approximately 16:30 on the same Thursday, Israeli gunboats stationed northwest of Beit Lahia in northern Gaza Strip, heavily opened fire at a group of Palestinian fishing boats sailing within 3 nautical miles and chased them. They also fired a number of artillery shells near the boats. At approximately 18:30 on the same day, Israeli gunboats recurred the shooting and fired artillery shells in addition to a number of flare bombs in the area. As a result, fishermen were forced to flee fearing for their lives; neither casualties nor material damage were reported.

At approximately 17:00 on the same Thursday, Israeli soldiers stationed along the border fence, east of Khan Younis fired several tear gas canisters at the east of al-Qararah area northeast of the city. As a result, many civilians suffocated due to tear gas inhalation.

At approximately 17:10 on the same Thursday, Israeli soldiers stationed along the border fence, east of Jabalia in northern Gaza Strip, heavily opened fire at the border area; neither casualties nor material damage was reported.

At approximately 07:30 on Friday, 22 November 2019, Israeli gunboats stationed in northwest of Beit Lahia in northern Gaza Strip, opened heavy fire at Palestinian fishing boats sailing within 2 to 3 nautical miles and chased them. At approximately 17:10 on the same day, the shooting recurred in the same area. As a result, the fishermen were forced to flee fearing for their lives; neither casualties nor material damage was reported.

At approximately 10:50 on the same Friday, IOF stationed along the border fence, east of Jabalia in northern Gaza Strip, heavily opened fire at the border area; neither casualties nor material damage were reported.
At approximately 07:50 on Saturday, 23 November 2019, Israeli gunboats stationed adjacent to al-Sudaniyah area, west of Jabalia in northern Gaza Strip, heavily opened fire at Palestinian fishing boats sailing within 3 nautical miles and chased them. As a result, the fishermen were forced to flee fearing for their lives; neither casualties nor material damage was reported.

At approximately 10:20 on the same Saturday, Israeli gunboats stationed northwest of Beit Lahia in northern Gaza strip, heavily opened fire at Palestinian fishing boats sailing within 3 nautical miles and chased them. As a result, the fishermen were forced to flee fearing for their lives; neither casualties nor material damage were reported.

At approximately 07:00 on Sunday, 24 November 2019, Israeli soldiers stationed along the border fence, east of Kahn Younis in southern Gaza Strip, opened fire at agricultural lands, east of al-Qararah and ‘Abasan al-Kabirah; no casualties were reported.

At approximately 07:30 on the same Sunday, Israeli gunboats stationed in northwest of Beit Lahia in northern Gaza strip, heavily opened fire at Palestinian fishing boats sailing within 2 to 3 nautical miles and chased them. As a result, the fishermen were forced to flee fearing for their lives; neither casualties nor material damage were reported.

At approximately 10:30 on Monday, 25 November 2019, Israeli soldiers stationed along the border fence, east of Khan Younis in southern Gaza Strip, opened fire at a group of birds’ hunters, east of ‘Abasan al-Kabirah; no casualties were reported.

At approximately 18:15 on Tuesday, 26 November 2019, Israeli gunboats stationed in northwest of Beit Lahia in northern Gaza strip, heavily opened fire at Palestinian fishing boats sailing within 2 to 3 nautical miles and chased them. As a result, the fishermen were forced to flee fearing for their lives; neither casualties nor material damage were reported.

At approximately 09:30 on Wednesday, 27 November 2019, IOF stationed along the border fence, adjacent to al-Amal neighbourhood, north and northeast of Beit Hanoun in northern Gaza Strip, heavily opened fire at the border area. As a result, farmers had to leave their lands adjacent to the area fearing for their lives; no casualties were reported.

At approximately 00:20 on the same Wednesday, IOF stationed along the border fence, east of Beit Hanoun in northern Gaza strip, heavily opened fire at the border area; no casualties were reported.

Civilian from al-Sawarkah Family Succumbs to his wounds:

At approximately 12:00 on Friday, 22 November 2019, medical resources at al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City, announced the death of Mohammed Salem ‘Oudah al-Sawarkah (40), from al-Berkah area, south of Deir al-Balah, after succumbing to wounds he sustained in the Israeli bombardment of his and his brother’s houses on Thursday, 14 November 2019. Al-Sawarkah was admitted to al-Aqsa Hospital in Deir al-Balah. Due to his serious injury, al-Sawarkah was transferred to al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City where he stayed in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) until his death. Eight civilians were killed in the Israeli bombardment of al-Sawarkah house, including 2 women and 5 children, while 13 other family members sustained wounds, including 11 children -one of them is a 2-month-old baby- and 1 woman.

Palestinian Prisoner Dies in Israeli Prison

On Tuesday morning, 26 November 2019, Palestinian prisoner, Sami Abu-Diak (36), from Selah al-Harithyah village, south of Jenin, died at Assaf Harofeh Medical Center in Israel in circumstances raising suspicions of deliberate medical negligence by the Israeli authorities, especially that he suffered from cancer in the abdomen.

Abu Diak was serving three-life-time sentences in addition to another 30 years; he served 17 years of them in Israeli prisons. He was diagnosed with bowel cancer. Despite his deteriorating health, Israeli authorities refused several demands to release Abu Diak. The death of Abu Diak sheds light on the public deterioration of health conditions of Palestinian detainee’s and emphasizes the collective punishments that are practiced against the prisoners, especially regarding medical negligence of the prisoners in addition to not providing the required treatment for them, particularly those who suffer from chronic and serious diseases.

II. Incursions and arrests

Thursday, 21 November 2019:

At approximately 01:00, IOF moved into al-Shoyoukh village, north of Hebron. They raided and searched Yousif Mohammed Warasna’s (31) house and arrested him.

At approximately 02:00, IOF moved into Dura, southwest of Hebron. They raided and searched several houses and arrested (2) children and (4) civilians: Yousif Ayed al-Faqih (36); Jamal Abdulhalim al-Talahma (29); Motasem Ali Sulaiman Etbeash (34); and Samed Abdulaziz al-Shahateet (32).

At approximately 03:00, IOF moved into Beit Ummer village, north of Hebron. They raided and searched Leen ‘Akef Sa’ed Awad’s (22) house, arrested her and confiscated her laptops and cell phones. IOF took Leen to the investigation center of “Gush Etzion” settlement, south of Bethlehem. It should be noted that Leen is a student at Polytechnic Palestine University in Hebron.

At approximately 04:00, IOF moved into al-Dheesha refugee camp, south of Bethlehem and stationed in al-Salam and Jarashya neighborhoods. They raided and searched several houses and arrested Khalil Mohammed al-Banna (24) and Oday Adnan Shehada (23). IOF raided and searched several houses belonging to Abu Akar’s Family searching for Ra’fat Na’eem Abu Akar (51), who was not present at the house. IOF handed his twin brother Nidal (51) and his brother Hazem (48) summonses to refer to the Israeli Intelligence Services in “Gush Etzion” settlement, south of the city.
At approximately 07:00, IOF moved into Solwan village, south of occupied East Jerusalem’s Old City. They raided and searched Jerusalem Mayor’s house, Adnan Adel Tawfeeq Ghaith (45), and took him to the Moscovia Detention Center. Lawyer Rami Othman said that the Mayor was accused of dealing with PA within the bounds of Jerusalem City; he was released after 24 hours. After the hearing session, the Israeli court approved his release without conditions. It should be noted that Ghaith was arrested for 13 times since he became Mayor, the last of which was on 14 October 2019, where he was released on a 5,000 NIS bail. Israeli Authorities banned him from entering the West Bank for six months, which was renewed for another six months, and banned him from contact with certain persons. The Mayor’s arrest was preceded by IOF’s closure of several PA institutions in Jerusalem and arrest of key staff on Wednesday, 20 November 2019, including Sameer Jebril, Director of Ministry of Education Directorate in Jerusalem. Mr. Jebril had been released on a 5,500 NIS bail and had to sign a personal guarantee of 20,000 NIS, secured by a third-party; he was also put under house arrest until 28 November 2019 and banned from returning to his office until 12 December 2019.

At approximately 10:00, IOF, reinforced by heavy military vehicles, moved about 100 meters into the west of the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel, in northern Gaza Strip. The vehicles leveled lands that were previously leveled along with sporadic shooting at the area. At approximately 13:30 on the same day, Israeli occupation forces withdrew from the area; no casualties were reported.

IOF carried out (3) incursions in Tarqoumya and al-Shoyoukh in Hebron; Azoun village, east of Qalqiliya. No arrests were reported.

Friday, 22 November 2019:

At approximately 11:00, IOF arrested Ayoub Shehada Hawamda (39) from al-Samoua’ village, south of Hebron, after he received a summons via a phone call to refer to the Israeli Intelligence Services (Shabak) in “Gush Etzion” settlement, south of Bethlehem.

At approximately 22:00, IOF moved into al-Issaweya village, northeast of occupied East Jerusalem, and stationed in Obaid neighborhood. They raided and searched several houses and arrested Alaa Ismat Obaid (32) and Mahmoud Sa’di al-Rajabi (24).

IOF carried out (5) incursions in Beit Ummer, al-Fawwar refugee camp, and Hahoul villages in Hebron; Jenin and Ya’bod, south of the city. No arrests were reported.

Saturday, 13 November 2019:

IOF carried out (3) incursions in Qabatya, south of Jenin; ‘Aroub refugee camp, and Bani Na’eem in Hebron. No arrests were reported.

Sunday, 24 November 2019:

At approximately 02:00, IOF moved into Yeta village, south of Hebron. They raided and searched Khaled Suliman al-Jundi’s (40) house and arrested him.

Around the same time, IOF moved into Ezna village, west of Hebron. They raided and searched Yousif Mohammed Eslimeya’s (44) house and arrested him.

At approximately 03:00, IOF moved into Sourif village, southwest of Hebron. They raided and searched Mohammed Suliman Abed’s (50) house. No arrests were reported.

At approximately 04:00, IOF moved into Salwan village, south of the occupied East Jerusalem’s Old City. They raided and searched two houses belonging to Mohammed Khaled al-Taweel (27); and Mohammed Jamal al-Taweel (24), and arrested them.

At approximately 17:00, IOF moved into al-Rashayda village, east of Bethlehem. They raided and searched Faisal Khalaf al-Rashayda’s (38) house and arrested him.

IOF carried out (9) incursions in Tulkarm, Hibla, Kafr Tholth, and Azoun villages, east of Qalqilia; Sarta village, northwest of Salfit; Dura, Kharsa, al-Thahereya, and al-Samoua’ villages, in Hebron. No arrests were reported.

Monday, 25 November 2019:

At approximately 01:00, IOF moved into Surif village, west of Hebron. They raided and searched Fawwaz Talab Ayed’s (34) house and arrested him.

At approximately 01:30, IOF moved into al-Issaweya village, northeast of occupied East Jerusalem. They raided and searched several houses and arrested (9) civilians including (2) children: Mohammed Haitham Mahmoud (24); Mahmoud Abd al-Ra’ouf Mahmoud (23); Sa’eb Mohammed Dirbas (22); Ahmed Jamal Ateya (24); Akram Ghadeb Obaid (17); Salama Ghadeb Obaid (19); Emad Taha Abu Ryala (26); Majd Ahmed Mahmoud (16); and Mohammed Ramadan al-Masri (18).

At approximately 02:00, IOF moved into Beit Ummer, north of Hebron. They raided and searched Qais Mohammed Kamel Abu Maria’s (17) house and arrested him.

At approximately 02:15, IOF moved into Tamoun village, southeast of Tubas. They raided and searched Isma’el Abdulaziz Bani Owda’s (27) house and arrested him.

At approximately 02:30, IOF moved into al-Fare’a refugee camp, south of Tubas. They raided and searched Ahmed Omar Sobh’s (25) house and arrested him.

Around the same time, IOF moved into Hebron. They raided and searched Abdulrahman Tayseer Abu Sbaih’s (42) house and arrested him.

Around the same time, IOF moved into Anteel village, north of Tulkarm. They raided and searched Mohammed ‘Asem ‘Amer’s (31) house and arrested him.

At approximately 03:00, IOF moved into al-Izza refugee camp, north of Bethlehem. They raided and searched two houses belonging to Nour Mahmoud Abu Tarboush (14); and Omar Subhi Abu Shaira (18), and arrested them.

At approximately 03:00, IOF moved into Anbata village, east of Tulkarm. They raided and searched Osaid Hisham Ahmed Thawaba’s (20) house and arrested him.

At approximately 03:40, IOF moved into Kobar village, north of Ramallah. They raided and searched two houses belonging to Aseel Waleed al-Barghouthi (25); and Oweis al-Abed (23) and arrested them. It should be noted that al-Barghouthi is a former prisoner.

At approximately 05:30, IOF moved into Aqabat Jaber refugee camp, south of Jericho. They raided and searched Yousif Abd al-Khateeb’s (11) house and arrested him.

IOF carried out (5) incursions in al-Shoyoukh, al-Fawwar refugee camp in Hebron; Na’leen, Abu Shkhedim, and Deir Nizam in Ramallah and al-Beira. No arrests were reported.

Tuesday, 26 November 2019:

At approximately 01:30, IOF moved into Badou village, northwest of Occupied East Jerusalem. They raided and searched Yousif Khaled al-Shaikh’s (20) house and arrested him.

At approximately 02:00, IOF moved into Beit Aseera al-Shamaleya village, north of Nablus. They raided and searched Ala’ Izzat Sharaqa’s (27) house and arrested him.

At approximately 02:00, IOF moved into al-Doha village, west of Bethlehem. They raided and searched Yaser Mohammed Abu Ajameya’s (20) house and arrested him.

At approximately 02:30, IOF moved into Kafr Ra’I village, southwest of Jenin. They raided and searched several houses and arrested (3) civilians: Bassam Nabil Sa’eed Diab (37); his brother Belal (30); and Najeeb Omar Mershed (23).

At approximately 03:00, IOF moved into Beit Fujjar village, south of Bethlehem. They raided and searched Emad Mohammed Direya’s (22) house and arrested him.

Around the same time, IOF moved into Ras al-Amoud neighborhood, east of the occupied East Jerusalem’s Old City. They raided and searched several houses and arrested (3) children: Musa’ab Mahmoud al-Abbasi (16); Hatem Jaber al-Abbasi (17); and Mo’men Ahmed al-Abbasi (17).

Around the same time, IOF moved into Deir Samit village, southwest of Dura, southwest of Hebron. They raided and searched Abd al-Baset Mohammed Horoub’s (34) house and arrested him.

At approximately 03:30, IOF moved into Qalqilia. They raided and searched Hashem Mo’en Afana’s (43) house and arrested him.

At approximately 09:00, IOF arrested Ali Hijri al-Ja’bari (22) and Ahmed Sa’d al-Ja’bari (20), affiliated with Hebron Construction Committee Staff, while working in reconstruction one of the houses in Wad al-Hussain neighborhood, east of Hebron. At approximately 11:30 on the same day, they were released.

At approximately 16:00, IOF arrested Monthir Abdulrahman al-Qaisi (19) while present in al-Shohada’ Street in Hebron’s City Center, then he was taken to Haram al-Ibrahimi Police Station.

At approximately 21:00, IOF, stationed at Beit Hanoun Crossing (Erez), north of the Gaza Strip, arrested Mousa Marzouq Abdulkarim Abu Taha (47), from al-Saoudi neighborhood, west of Rafah. According to his brother Sami (42); on Monday, 25 November 2019, Mousa received a summons to refer to the Israeli Intelligence Services via phone call, in order to get a permit to accompany his patient brother Younis (49) to receive treatment in Israel. At approximately 09:00, on Thursday, he headed to the aforementioned crossing then we lost all communications with him. At approximately 21:00, Sami knew from his neighbors that social media’s pages announced that his brother was arrested. On Wednesday morning, Mohammed Mousa Abu Taha received a phone call from Ashkelon prison in Israel saying that his father is under arrest and he will appear before court in two days.

IOF carried out (3) incursions in al-Shoyoukh, Um Reesh in Hebron; Howara village, south of Nablus. No arrests were reported.

Wednesday, 27 November 2019:

At approximately 01:00, IOF moved into Anabta village, east of Tulkarm. They raided and searched two houses belonging to Mohammed Naji Sabha; and Murad Ateya Shehab, and no arrests were reported. It should be noted that the Mohammed and Murad were a former prisoners in the Israeli Jail.

At approximately 01:30, IOF moved into Ras al-‘Amoud neighborhood, east of the occupied East Jerusalem’s Old City. They raided and searched Alaa Mohammed Mahmoud al-Abbasi’s (16) house and arrested him.

At approximately 02:00, IOF moved into Beit Kahel village, northwest of Hebron. They raided and searched dozens of houses and arrested (3) civilians: Qasem Yousif Atawna; Bashar Yousif Atawna; and Mohammed Ja’far Atawna.

IOF carried out (3) incursions in Sourif, and Beit Ummer villages in Hebron; Beita village, south of Nablus. No arrests were reported.

IV. Settlement Expansion and settler violence in the West Bank, including occupied East Jerusalem

Demolition and Confiscation of Civilian Property for Settlement Expansion Activities

At approximately 20:00 on Thursday, 21 November 2019, IOF backed by military construction vehicles and accompanied with a vehicle of Israeli Civil Administration and a bulldozer, moved into Khelet al-Dabie’ area, southwest of Hebron. Under the pretext of non-licensing in Area C, IOF demolished a 30sq.m tin-plated house, property of Mohamed ‘Ali Dababsah (27).

On Thursday, 21 November 2019, IOF raided a stone-pit between ‘Oreef and ‘Asirah al-Qabaliyia villages, south of Nablus. The stone-pit is located in Area B, according to Oslo Accords, which is under Palestinian jurisdiction. IOF confiscated an excavator belonging to ‘Ali Isaa’ Suliman Makhlouf (43), from ‘Asirah al-Qabaliyia village. ‘Ali was hit with a sound bomb in his abdomen and sustained fractures in his leg as he fell off from the excavator. Makhlouf said to PCHR’s fieldworker:

“At approximately 09:30 on Thursday, 21 November 2019, I was at my stone-pit between ‘Oreef and ‘Asirah al-Qabaliyia villages, south of Nablus. I was breaking stones with my excavator; meanwhile, a military SUV entered the stone-pit. Seven soldiers stepped out of the SUV and ordered me at gunpoint to step out of the excavator and confiscated it. A verbal altercation erupted between us but in vain as a soldier got into the excavator and drove it to the main street. In the meantime, over 50 persons gathered on the street and confronted the soldiers to prevent them from confiscating the excavator. I got into the excavator and tried to prevent the soldier from confiscating it. Another military SUV arrived at the area and the soldiers fired live bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters to disperse the crowd. As a result, I was hit with a sound bomb in my abdomen, so I fell to the ground and I broke my right leg. I was taken to al-Rahma medical center in Nablus to receive medical treatment and my excavator was confiscated and taken to “Yatizhar” settlement.”

On Saturday, 23 November 2019, IOF prevented the residents of al-Baba Bedouin Community, southeast of occupied East Jerusalem, from repairing the dirt road leading to the community entrance, which was demolished last week by IOF. The representative of al-Baba Bedouin Community, ‘Atallah Mazar’ah, said that IOF moved into the community and prevented him along with workers from repairing the road. The IOF confiscated the equipment and detained the worker for several hours. It should be noted that on 18 November 2019, IOF demolished a dirt road leading to the community and damaged its main water line. Israel seeks to displace the community residents in order to establish a settlement project, which would connect “Ma’aleh Adumim” settlement with Jerusalem and carry out the (E1) Settlement Plan.
At approximately 09:00 on Sunday, 24 November 2019, IOF backed by military construction vehicles and accompanied with a vehicle of Israeli Civil Administration moved into the western area of Beit ‘Awaa village, southwest of Hebron. The Israeli Civil Administration staff handed construction workers at Rami Salama al-Switi’s house a 7-day demolition notice, under the pretext of building in a security area near the annexation wall. The demolition decision was issued by the Israeli Military Commander was the first of its kind as it concerned a house in Area B, which is under Palestinian jurisdiction under the Oslo Accords. The under-construction house was built in an area of 230 square meters for a family of 12.

At approximately 10:00 on Monday, 25 November 2019, IOF backed by military construction vehicles and accompanied with a vehicle of Israeli Civil Administration and a bulldozer moved into Biter village, west of Bethlehem. IOF surrounded “al-Kherba” resort and demolished lands surrounding it, under the pretext of non-licensing. The resort owner, Wesam Hasan ‘Ali ‘Awinah, said that IOF accompanied with the Israeli Civil Administration staff and a bulldozer razed his father’s land, where the resort was built. He added that his father land and nearby lands were razed. ‘Awinah pointed out that Israeli Civil Administration officers handed him a demolition notice 2 days ago and he told them that he will self-demolish his resort upon their instructions. They gave him 48 hours to demolish it, so he brought workers to help him.

At approximately 09:00 on Tuesday, 26 November 2019, IOF construction vehicles demolished a house belonging to Mohamed al-Bazyan in ‘Atrout area in Qalandia, north of occupied East Jerusalem, under the pretext of non-licensing. Al-Bazyan said that his 200-sq.m house was built 6 years ago, and was home to 14 persons, including 11 children. The Israeli bulldozers also demolished a container near the house used as a living room. Al-Bazyan clarified that he attempted to license the house, but the Israeli Municipality refused and insisted to demolish it. It should be noted that the Israeli Municipality forced al-Bazyan to self-demolish 2 floors of his house in ‘Atrout area. Al-Bazyan said to PCHR’s fieldworker that: “the Israeli Municipality imposed a construction fine of NIS 360,000 on me and I paid monthly installments. After that, the Israeli Courts imposed NIS 120,000 on me and before each court hearing; I paid NIS 2,000 for the lawyer and other expenses. Today, I was shocked when IOF raided and surrounded my house and got all my family out to demolish it.”

In the same context, the Israeli Municipality forced Mahmoud ‘Obaiday to self-demolish 2 barracks built on an area of 160 square meters in Wadi al-Humus neighborhood in Surbaher village, south of occupied East Jerusalem.

Israeli Settler Violence

At approximately 14:00 on Thursday, hundreds of Israeli settlers coming from Hebron gathered in agricultural lands in Wad al-Nasara area. The settlers placed caravans in the area and wandered between houses in al-Ibrahimi Mosque area, causing fear among the residents.

At approximately 01:20 on Friday, 22 November 2019, 3 Israeli settlers attacked Majdal Bani Fadel village, southwest of Nablus, via their vehicle, which was parked in front of Suliman ‘Abdullah Suliman Zain al-Deen’s house. They vandalized the house with racist slurs and poured flammable materials on 2 vehicles parked in the house yard before burning them. The attackers were identified through surveillance cameras. The Palestinian police came to the area and registered a complaint. At approximately 14:30, an Israeli force accompanied with Israeli police and intelligence officers arrived, collected eyewitnesses’ testimonies and evidence, photographed the scene, and then withdrew.

At approximately 02:30, a group of Israeli settlers attacked 2 houses belonging to Ibrahim Faleh ‘Abed al-Ghani al-Az’ar and Nazem Mohamed Shehada al-Aqra’ on the main street, south of Qablan village, south of Nablus. The settlers vandalized the house with racist slurs and poured flammable materials on them. As a result, the 2 vehicles were burnt. Through cameras installed on the houses walls, the attackers were identified. The Palestinian police came to the area and registered a complaint. At approximately 11:00, an Israeli force accompanied with Israeli police and intelligence officers arrived, collected eyewitnesses’ testimonies and evidences, photographed the scene, and then withdrew.

At approximately 02:55 on Friday, 2 settlers from “Alon Moreh” settlement, attacked Thair Ahmed ‘Awwad Hanishah’s house in Kherbet Abu Hmaid, north of Beit Dajan village. The settlers vandalized Thair’s house with racist slurs, as well as his uncle’s house, Na’iem ‘Awwad Hanishah. The settler also poured flammable materials on Na’iem’s vehicle and burned it. The attackers were identified through surveillance cameras. The Palestinian police came to the area and registered a complaint. At approximately 11:00, an Israeli force accompanied with Israeli police and intelligence officers arrived, collected eyewitnesses’ testimonies and evidences, photographed the scene, confiscated the camera recorder, and then withdrew.

At approximately 04:00 on Friday, Israeli settlers moved into Kafur al-Deek village, west of Salfit. They roamed the village’s northern neighborhoods and vandalized walls with racist slurs. These walls belong to Deek, Ahmed, Hamaad and Hadrous families.

At approximately 16:30 on Friday, dozens of Israeli settlers, from Hebron, attacked houses of al-Ja’bari family in al-Ras neighborhood, east of the city, with the presence of IOF. As a result, the family members sustained various wounds and were taken to the Governmental Hospital for treatment. It should be noted that at least 50,000 settlers arrived at the city and prayed at al-Ibrahimi Mosque while IOF closed the mosque before Palestinian worshipers. Among those injured were:

Bassam Fahd Ya’qoub al-Ja’bari, sustained bruises throughout his body.
Naser Fahd al-Ja’bari, sustained bruises and wounds throughout his body.
Suliman Fahd al-Ja’bari, suffered from seizure after being peppered-sprayed.
‘Eid Bassam al-Ja’bari, broke his left hand and sustained bruises in his back.
Thair Naser al-Ja’bari, sustained bruises throughout his body and laceration in his left arm.
Fahd Naser al-Ja’bari, sustained bruises throughout his body.
Nadera al-Ja’bari, a cancer patient, fainted and suffered from seizure after being peppered-sprayed.

Bassam Fahed al-Ja’bari (55), said to PCHR’s fieldworker

“I was at my grocery store located under my house in al-Ras neighborhood (H2). In front of my store, there is a road used by Israeli settlers from “Kiryat ‘Arba”settlement that leads to al-Ibrahimi Mosque. It should be noted that I had a house located 50 meters away that was seized by settlers years ago. At approximately 16:00, as Mohamed Nadeer al-Ja’bari, a person with disability (PWD), left my store, I heard loud noises and shouting. I immediately headed to see what happened, I saw at least 50 settlers passing through the street, shouting at Mohamed and beating him. My son ’Eid and I caught him and took him back to my store. The settlers grabbed me out and beat me. My son ‘Eid attempted to help me, but 2 settlers came and beat him. He fell to the ground and the settlers dragged him from his legs and violently beat him all over his body, noting that IOF were present in the area, but they did not intervene. In the meantime, my brother Naser (67) arrived and his sons followed him. A quarrel erupted with the settlers; one of them beat me with a stick at my right leg while other settlers beat my brother Naser with a steel stick on his head and back. The settlers pepper-sprayed us in addition to other women present in the area, among them was my wife Nadera, a cancer patient. The quarrel continued for 40 minutes before a large number of IOF arrived at the area and dispersed us at gunpoint. The settlers chanted “Death for Arabs”.

At approximately 18:00, 4 Israeli settlers, from “Kiryat ‘Arba’ “ settlement, east of Hebron, beat and pepper-sprayed Mahmoud Hitham Sa’ied Da’nah (10) while present in front of his house. He was taken to the Governmental Hospital for treatment. It should be noted that Mahmoud’s family house is located 3 meters away from the settlement. Kayid Da’nah said to PCHR’s fieldworker that:

“I was at my house and at 18:00, one of my children came and told me that the settlers attacked my nephew, Mahmoud. I immediately headed to the settlement’s entrance where IOF are usually stationed. I found Mahmoud laying on the ground and shouting “My eye!” The Israeli soldier saw what happened and did not intervene. I shouted at the soldiers and officers. After a verbal altercation with them, I took Mahmoud to my house because he was having a seizure. I carried him to the street in front of the soldiers, and shouted at them: “Look the boy is dead!!” An Israeli officer called an ambulance, Mahmoud was taken to the ambulance, where there was a female soldier saying: “He is a child”. Ten minutes later, Mahmoud was taken to Jaber neighborhood and I accompanied him waiting for a Palestinian ambulance, because the driver could not manage to arrive because of the large number of settlers. The Palestinian ambulance took us to the Governmental Hospital, where Mahmoud received first aid. While leaving the hospital, Mahmoud fainted at the emergency department door. Doctors treated him again until he regained consciousness.“

At approximately 01:00 on Saturday, 23 November 2019, dozens of Israeli settlers attacked Isshaq ‘Izzat Jaber’s house with stones and empty bottles in al-Salimah neighborhood, and punctured tires on his horse-led carriages he uses for work. The settlers’ attacks continued for 3 hours, intermittently, until Israeli police arrived and ordered the family not to move in the morning hours, because a large number of settlers present in the area.

At approximately 11:00, the Israeli authorities closed Beersheba Street, which is under the PNA jurisdiction, in the central Hebron. IOF ordered shop owners to close and remove all vehicles parked there to secure the access of hundreds of settlers to an old house. The settlers claimed that this house is a shrine and a grave of a Jewish man called “Atanayel”. The street closure continued until the evening hours.

At approximately 18:00 on Saturday, dozens of settlers coming from Hebron to commemorate Sarah Saturday Holiday, hit with stones and kicked Nader Mohamed Nabil al-Rajbi (46) and his son Nabil (19). The settlers also pepper-sprayed both of them. As a result, Nader and Nabil sustained bruises and were taken to the Governmental Hospital for treatment. Nabil al-Rajbi said to PCHR’s fieldworker that “At approximately 18:00 on Saturday, 23 November 2019, my father and I were returning from al-Kasara area in Hebron. When we arrived at al-Salimah neighborhood near al-Ibrahimi Mosque, where our house is located, we found a large number of Israeli settlers in the area. We kept away from them and walked near a wall. One of them threw stones at us, and wounded my left hand and head. When we shouted at them, they attacked us and beat us with their hands and legs. Four IOF members attempted to keep the settlers away, but in vain. The settlers’ attack against us continued for an hour and half. Large Israeli backs up arrived at the area, and 2 Israeli settlers pepper-sprayed us before making them leave. My father fainted and fell to the ground and I pulled him toward me. The settlers attacked us again. A PRSC ambulance took us to Hebron Governmental Hospital, where we underwent medical examination that concluded that we sustained bruises. My father had a CT scan because of severe pain in his head.”

On Sunday, 24 November 2019, at least 190 Israeli settlers raided al-Aqsa Mosque yards in occupied East Jerusalem’s Old City. The Islamic Endowment (Awqaf) Department said that 103 settlers and 87 students raided al- Aqsa Mosque yards, under tight protection from Israeli forces’. The settlers provocatively wandered in the yards from al-Magharebah gate and performed prayers.

At approximately 16:00 on Monday, 25 November 2019, dozens of settlers attacked with stones and empty bottles ‘Alaa Fawaaz Qafisha’s house (39) in al-Sahlah area in Hebron’s Old City. As a result, they broke the house windows. A large force of IOF arrived at the area and dispersed the settlers.

At approximately 02:00 on Tuesday, 26 November 2019, dozens of settlers moved into al-Jab’a village, west of Bethlehem. The settlers vandalized houses walls and vehicles with racist slurs. They also damaged vehicles parked in front of their owners’ houses. Head of the village council, Diab Masha’lah, said that the village residents woke up early due to the settlers’ attacks. Masha’lah pointed out that settlers usually came from “Beit Ayin“settlement, which is established on Palestinian civilians’ lands, and attacked families and their properties. He also said that the settlers previously attacked the village mosque and other institutions, in addition to attacking Palestinians while harvesting olive trees. As a result, many of Palestinians were wounded without the intervention of IOF, who were present in the area.

On Tuesday, settlers, from “Rahalim“ settlement, which is established on al-Sawiyia village lands, south of Nablus, damaged and cut 30 olive trees planted 30-40 years ago. These trees belong to Mohamed Yousef Suliman, from al-Sawiyia village.

IV. Closure policy and restrictions on freedom of movement of persons and goods

West Bank

In addition to permanent checkpoints and closed roads, this week witnessed the establishment of more temporary checkpoints that restrict the goods and individuals movement between villages and cities and deny civilians’ access to their work. IOF established 58 temporary checkpoints and no arrests among Palestinians were reported.

The military checkpoint were as follows:

Jerusalem:

On Saturday, 23 November 2019, IOF closed the entrance to a tunnel leading to villages, northwest of occupied East Jerusalem. The IOF detained vehicles and searched passengers for several hours. Eyewitnesses said that the IOF closed the the only road leading for villages in the northwestern of occupied East Jerusalem. They added that the IOF allowed for few numbers of vehicles to pass from time to time, which caused a traffic jam for several hours. They also said that the IOF searched vehicles and provoked the passengers.

On Sunday, 24 November 2019, IOF detained hundreds of vehicles at a temporary checkpoint established on a road leading to villages in northwestern of occupied East Jerusalem near Qalandia village, north of the city. Eyewitnesses said that the IOF detained hundreds of vehicles coming from Ramallah to villages in northwestern of occupied East Jerusalem and vice versa. They also searched the passengers.

Hebron:

On Thursday, 21 November 2019, IOF established 3checkpoints at the entrances to Beit ‘Aynoun and Sa’ir villages and at the southern entrance to Hebron.

On Friday, 22 November 2019, IOF established 6 checkpoints at the southern and northern entrance to Hebron, at the southern entrance to Halhoul village, at the northern entrance to Yatta village, at the entrances to Qalqas and ‘Awaa villages, and at the entrance to al-‘Aroub refugee camp.

On Saturday, 23 November 2019, IOF established 4 checkpoints at the northern entrance to Hebron, at the southern entrance to Halhoul village, and between Taffouh and Noba villages.

On Sunday, 24 November 2019, 3 similar checkpoints were established at the entrance to al-‘Aroub refugee camp, at the entrance to Qalqas village, and on Jalajel village road.

On Monday, 25 November 2019, IOF established 2 checkpoints at the entrances to Halhoul and Beit ‘Awaa villages.

On Tuesday, 26 November 2019, IOF established 4 checkpoints at the northern entrance to Yatta village, between Sa’ir and Beit Ummer villages, and at the entrance to al-Moreq village.

On Wednesday, 27 November 2019, IOF established 6 checkpoints at the southern entrance to Hebron (al-Fahs), at the entrance to al-Fawwar refugee camp, at the entrances to Samou’a, Ethna and Beit ‘Awaa villages, and on Abu al-Rish Road.

Ramallah and al-Bireh:

On Thursday, 21 November 2019, IOF established a checkpoint near ‘Atara village bridge, north of Ramallah.
On Saturday, 23 November 2019, a similar checkpoint was established at the entrance to Beit ‘Ur al-Tahta village.
On Tuesday, 26 November 2019, IOF established a checkpoint near “Biet Eill” settlement, which is established on al-Bierh village lands.

Jericho:

On Thursday, 21 November 2019, IOF established 2 checkpoints at the northern entrance to Jericho and at the intersection of al-‘Ojah village.

Qalqiliyah:

On Thursday, 21 November 2019, IOF established 4 checkpoints at the entrances to Kafur Qaddoum, al-Nabi Iyyas and ‘Izbit al-Tabeeb villages, and between Jayyous and ‘Azoun villages, east of Qalqiliyia.
At approximately 22:40 on Friday, 22 November 2019, a similar checkpoint was established at the entrance to ‘Izbit al-Tabeeb village, east of the city.
At approximately 19:15 on Saturday, 23 November 2019, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance to ‘Azoun village, east of Qalqiliyia.
At approximately 23:30, IOF re-established the mentioned checkpoint.
On Sunday, 24 November 2019, IOF established 4 checkpoints at the eastern entrance to Qalqiliyia, at the entrance to ‘Azoun village and at the entrance to ‘Izbit al-Tabeeb village (was established twice).
At approximately 16:40 on Monday, 25 November 2019, IOF established a checkpoint near the intersection of ‘Izbit al-Tabeeb village, east of Qalqiliyia.

Salfit:

At approximately 12:50 on Sunday, 24 November 2019, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance to Salfit.
At approximately 19:40, a similar checkpoint was established at the entrance to al-Zawiyia village, west of the city.
At approximately 18:00 on Monday, 25 November 2019, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance to al-Zawiyia village, west of Salfit.

Jenin:

On Friday, 22 November 2019, IOF established 3 checkpoints at the southern entrance to Jenin and at the entrances to Ya’boud and ‘Araba villages, southwest of the city.
On Saturday, 23 November 2019, IOF established 8 checkpoints at the eastern entrance to Jenin, on Jenin-al-Nasera Street, on Bybass Road, in the vicinity of Zaboba, Romana,Ya’boud, ‘Araba, and Zababdah villages.