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

 

(23 February- 01 March 2017)

 

  • A Palestinian civilian was killed by Israeli settlers, south of Hebron.

 

  • 6 civilians, including 3 children and a young woman, were wounded in the West Bank while a child was wounded in the Gaza Strip.

 

  • Israeli warplanes carried out 8 airstrikes, launching 23 missiles against civil objects and military sites belonging to the Palestinian armed groups.
  • A civilian and three Palestinian officers in the Gaza Interior Ministry were wounded.
  • Military training sites sustained material damages while 6 other houses and a mosque sustained minor damages.

 

  • Israeli forces continued to target the border areas in the Gaza Strip, but no casualties were reported.

 

  • Israeli forces continued to target Palestinian fishermen in the Gaza Sea.

 

  • Israeli forces conducted 66 incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank and two limited ones were conducted in the central and southern Gaza Strip.
  • 47 civilians, including 4 children and 3 young women, were arrested in the West Bank.
  • 6 of them, including 3 young women, were arrested during a protest organized by the Birzeit university students in the vicinity of ‘Ofer Prison, west of Ramallah.

 

  • Israeli forces continued their efforts to create Jewish majority in occupied East Jerusalem.
  • A residential building in al-‘Issawiyah was demolished, rendering 14 individuals, including 4 children, homeless.

 

  • Israeli forces turned the West Bank into cantons and continued to impose the illegal closure on the Gaza Strip for the 10th
  • Dozens of temporary checkpoints were established in the West Bank and others were re-established to obstruct the movement of Palestinian civilians.
  • 7 Palestinian civilians, including 3 children and girl, were arrested at military checkpoints.


Summary

 

Israeli violations of international law and international humanitarian law in the oPt continued during the reporting period (23 February – 01 March 2017).

 

Shooting:

 

During the reporting period, Israeli settlers killed a Palestinian civilian, south of Hebron.  Meanwhile, the Israeli forces wounded 11 Palestinian civilians, including 4 children and a woman.  Six of them and a woman were wounded in the West Bank while 5 others, including a child, were wounded in the Gaza Strip.  The Israeli forces continued to chase Palestinian fishermen in the Gaza Sea and open fire at farmers in the border areas in addition to carrying out many airstrikes targeting training sites belonging to the Palestinian armed groups and civilian objects.

 

In the West Bank, On 01 March 2017, Sa’di Qaysiyah (25) from al-Thaheriyah village, south of Hebron were killed after an Israeli setter from “Havat Mor” settlement outpost, west of the aforementioned village, opened fire at him.  The Israeli media claimed that the Palestinian civilian attempted to stab the settler.  However, no local eyewitness was there to confirm or deny the Israeli claims as the crime happened within the outpost borders.  The Israeli forces then took his body to an unknown destination and detained it.

 

On 24 February 2017, an 11-year-old child was wounded with a rubber-coated bullet to the neck while a 26-year-old man was wounded with a rubber-coated metal bullet to the left leg when Israeli forces opened fire at the Kafr Qaddoum weekly protest, northeast of Qalqilya.

 

On 24 February 2017, a child from Zowaydin village, southeast of Yata, south of Hebron, sustained severe burns after an object from the Israeli remnants exploded near the abovementioned village school.  The child was grazing sheep.

 

On 27 February 2017, Israeli soldiers stationed at Qalendia checkpoint at the northern entrance to occupied Jerusalem opened fire at Manar Mojahed (28) from Kafr ‘Aqab village, north of the city when she was near the aforementioned checkpoint. As a result, she was wounded and then arrested.

 

On the same day, ‘Abdullah ‘Anati (14) from Sho’afat refugee camp, northeast of occupied Jerusalem, was seriously wounded after being hit with a metal bullet when he was on his way back home from school along with his family.

 

On 28 February, Israeli forces stationed at Howarah checkpoint at the southern entrance to Nablus opened fire at a Palestinian civilian, who already suffers from a mental disorder.  As a result, he was hit with two bullets to the thighs.

 

In the Gaza Strip, On 24 February 2017, a 16-year-old child from al-Maghazi in the central Gaza Strip was hit with a bullet to the left leg when Israeli forces opened fire at a protest organized in the north-eastern side of al-Maghazi in the central Gaza Strip.  his condition was described as moderate.

As part of the aerial bombardment, on 27 February 2017, Israeli warplanes carried out 8 airstrikes.  During those airstrikes, 23 missiles were launched at Hiteen military site belonging to al-Quds Brigades; Ajnadin training site for the Palestinian Mujahidin Movement, north of Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip; training site in al-Nussairat; observation point for the Interior Ministry officers in al-Shokah village, east of Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip and agricultural and vacant lands.  As a result, 3 officers were wounded while a civilian was moderately wounded. Moreover, those sites sustained damages while a mosque and six houses sustained minor damages.

 

In the context of targeting Palestinian fishermen in the Gaza Sea, on 26 February 2017, Israeli gunboats stationed offshore, northwest of Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip, heavily opened fire at Palestinian fishing boats and chased them On 27 February 2017,
Those gunboats heavily opened fire at Palestinian fishing boats off Khan Younis Sea in the southern Gaza Strip. On 01 March 2017, Israeli gunboats heavily opened fire at Paeltinian fishing boats, west of al-Soundiyah, west of Jabalia in the northern Gaza Strip.  Neither casualties nor damages to the boats were reported.

 

In the context of targeting the border areas, on 25 February 2017, Israeli forces stationed along the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel, east of Kahn Younis in the southern Gaza Strip, opened fire at the agricultural lands, east of al-Farahin area, west of the abovementioned fence.

 

On 27 February 2017, Israeli forces fired 4 artillery shells at an observation point belonging to the Gaza Military Interior in al-Shokah village, east of Rafah City in the southern Gaza Strip.  On the same day, Israeli forces fired two artillery shells at a vacant land, east of al-Zaytoun neighbourhood, east of Gaza City.

 

Incursions:

 

During the reporting period, Israeli forces conducted at least 66 military incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank and two limited ones into the central and southern Gaza Strip. During these incursions, Israeli forces arrested at least 40 Palestinian civilians, including 4 children. Six of them, including 3 young women, were students from Birzeit University during a protest organized by them in the vicinity of ‘Ofer Prison, west of Ramallah, to support the Palestinian prisoners in the Israeli jails.

 

In the Gaza Strip, 23 February 2017, Israeli forces moved 150 meters into the western side of the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel, southeast of Deir al-Balah in the central Gaza Strip and moved 100 meters into east of al-Qararah village, northeast of Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip.  They levelled lands for hours and later redeployed along the border fence in the abovementioned areas.

 

Efforts to create Jewish majority

 

In the context of house demolitions, On 01 March 2017, Israeli municipality bulldozers demolished a residential building in al-Issawiyah village, northeast of Jerusalem, under the pretext of building without a permit.  That was the third time during which the two-storey building was demolished, rendering 14 individuals, including 4 children homeless.

 

Restrictions on movement:

 

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

 

The illegal closure of the Gaza Strip, which has been steadily tightened since June 2007 has had a disastrous impact on the humanitarian and economic situation in the Gaza Strip.  The Israeli authorities impose measures to undermine the freedom of trade, including the basic needs for the Gaza Strip population and the agricultural and industrial products to be exported. For 9 consecutive years, Israel has tightened the land and naval closure to isolate the Gaza Strip from the West Bank, including occupied Jerusalem, and other countries around the world. This resulted in grave violations of the economic, social and cultural rights and a deterioration of living conditions for 2 million people.  The Israeli authorities have established Karm Abu Salem (Kerem Shaloum) as the sole crossing for imports and exports in order to exercise its control over the Gaza Strip’s economy.  They also aim at imposing a complete ban on the Gaza Strip’s exports. The Israeli closure raised the rate of poverty to 65%. Moreover, the rate of unemployment increased up to 47% and youth constitutes 65% of the unemployed persons.  Moreover, 80% of the Gaza Strip population depends on international aid to secure their minimum daily needs. These rates indicate the unprecedented economic deterioration in the Gaza Strip.

 

In the West Bank, Israeli forces continued to suffocate the Palestinian cities and village by imposing military checkpoints around and/or between them. This created “cantons” isolated from each other that hinders the movement of civilians. Moreover, the Palestinian civilians suffering aggravated because of the annexation wall and checkpoints erected on daily basis to catch Palestinians.

 

Details

 

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

 

Thursday, 23 February 2017

 

  • At approximately 01:00, Israeli forces moved into Nablus and stationed in the vicinity of “Joseph Tomb” in the eastern side of the village, to secure the entry of dozens of buses carrying settlers to the abovementioned area in order to perform their religious rituals. The buses moved from Beit Furik checkpoint, east of the city, towards al Hesbah Street to Balata village. After that, dozens of young men gathered and threw stones and empty bottles at the settlers and buses. The soldiers immediately fired metal bullets, sound bomb and tear gas canisters at the young men and chased them in response. The Israeli soldiers then arrested Mustafa Bilal Abu Shanab (18) and Adam Hasan Abu Jamilah (19).

 

  • At approximately 01:30, Israeli forces moved into Beit Ummer village, north of Hebron, and stationed in al-Tarbidah and ‘Asidah neighborhoods in the center of the city. They raided and searched several houses searching for weapons after which they arrested Ehab ‘Essa Mahmoud Maswadah (19), ‘Alaa’ Bassam Hamad al-‘Alami (20), Mohammed Ibrahim Hammad al-‘Alami (20) and Ahmed Mohammed Ahmed al-‘Alami (21). The Israeli forces also raided and searched al-Karamah Bakery in the center of the city. They also distributed a statement for the village residents ordering them to stop throwing stones at the bypass road (60) and threatening them of withdrawing their Israel work permits. The statement indicated that 15 work permits were randomly terminated for some workers in the village. At approximately 05:00, the Israeli forces withdrew from the village taking the arrested civilians to an unknown destination. It should be noted that the number of those arrested in the village increased to 33, including 17 children, since the begging of the year.

 

  • At approximately 03:00, Israeli forces moved into Qabatiyah village, south of Jenin. They raided and searched several houses and then arrested Mohammed Faisal Zakarnah (23) and Khaled Yunis Abu al-Rab (22).

 

  • Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into ‘Aboud village, northwest of Ramallah. They raided and searched houses belonging to Karim ‘Ezzat Jaber (25), Saleh Mohammed Saleh (24), Anas Ibrahim Salimah (26) and Noor Rashad Jaber (21) and then arrested them. In the same context, they detained Tamer Khatib Dar Saleh and Mohammed Taher Abdul Majeed al-Bargouthi and later released them.

 

  • At approximately 06:30, Israeli forces accompanied with 4 military jeeps moved about 150 meters into the western side of the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel, southeast of Deir al-Balah in the central Gaza Strip. They leveled the lands adjacent to the abovementioned border fence. The incursion continued until 14:30 on the same day when the Israeli forces redeployed along the border fence.

 

  • At approximately 10:00, Israeli forces accompanied with military jeeps moved about 100 meters into the east of al-Qararah village, northeast of Khan Yunis in the southern Gaza Strip. They moved to the south along the abovementioned border fence and leveled lands for hours. They later redeployed along the border fence, east of Khuza’ah village.

 

  • At approximately 18:30, Israeli forces moved into al-Tabaqa village, south of Dura, southwest of Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to Moneer Mohammed Mhamoud Abu ‘Atwan (65) and detained his son Montaser (19). They then detained Diaa’ Salem Abu Hawash (23) while he was walking home. After an hour and a half, the Israeli forces released the detained civilians in an area far away from the village.

 

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (5) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: Bani Na’im, Sa’ir villages  and Dura in Hebron; Rantees and Dei Abu Mash’al villages, northwest of Ramallah.

 

Friday, 24 February 2017

 

  • At approximately 03:30, Israeli forces moved into al-Jalazoun refugee camp, north of Ramallah. They raided and searched a house belonging to Kamel Jalal Nakhlah (23) and then arrested him.

 

  • At approximately 15:00, child Salem Mohammed Mousa T’eiman from Zuwaidin village, southeast of Yatta, south of Hebron, sustained severe burns due to the explosion of a suspicious object from the Israeli military remnants near Zuwaidi School while grazing sheep. He was taken to Khilat al-Mayiah Medical Center from which he was then transferred by an ambulance to the Hebron Governmental Hospital. It should be noted that on 22 February 2017, the Palestinian Security Service found 14 similar objects in Tafouh area, west of Hebron, in a school yard. One of them exploded after two children played with it, so they sustained burns.

 

Salem said to PCHR’s fieldworker that:

 

“I went to graze sheep along with my brothers and nephews. When we were in the vicinity of Zuwaidin School, I found a strange ribbed object on the ground. Its thickness was 2centimeters and length was 20 centimeters. I thought it was a battery, so I played with it and then hit it with a rock. The object suddenly blew up and made a huge sound.  As a result, my face and hands caught fire and I felt high fever throughout my body. I then ran towards a water pool and threw myself in it. Those who were with me then helped me until I got up ran about one kilometer home. I found my left hand torn from the inside. I am now at the governmental hospital as I suffer pain in my face and hands.”

 

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (4) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: al-Samou’i, Traqumiya villages and al-Fawar refugee camp in Hebron.al-Mawreq, al-Shayoukh, Beit Awa and Beit Ummer villages in Hebron.

 

 

Saturday, 25 February 2017

 

  • At approximately 01:00, Israeli forces moved into Qaddurah refugee camp in the centre of Ramallah. They raided and searched a house belonging to Mahmoud Mohammed Sarsour (17) and then arrested him.

 

  • At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into al-Thaheriyah village, south of Hebron, and stationed in Duma Valley area. They raided and searched a house after belonging to Anwar Mohammed al-Hawarin (30) and handed him a summons to refer to the Israeli Intelligence Service in “Gush Etzion” settlement complex, south of Bethlehem.

 

  • At approximately 14:20, Israeli forces moved into ‘Ein Yabrud village, northeast of Ramallah, amidst firing live bullets and sound bombs at civilians. As a result, many civilians sustained tear gas inhalation. They also arrested Mohammed Abdul Majeed Jabrah (17). It should be noted that Mohammed suffers from health and mental problems.

 

  • At approximately 18:30, Israeli forces moved into ‘Azzoun village, east of Qalqiliyah. They raided and searched several houses after which they arrested 4 civilians, including a child, namely Ziyad Sa’id Abu Haniyah (19), Mos’ab Hamed Ahmed Rewdan (24), his brother Mahdi Redwan (19) and Hani Hani Yasin ‘Enayah (13). Few hours later, they released Hani in “Ma’ale Shomron” They also raided and searched a poultry barrack belonging to Ziyad Abu Haniyah. They threw the animals’ fodders on the floor claiming to search it.

 

  • At approximately 20:25, Israeli forces stationed along the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel, east of Khan Yunis in the southern Gaza Strip, opened fire at agricultural lands, east of al-Farahin area in ‘Abasan al-Kabirah, west of the abovementioned border fence. At the same time, they fired flare bombs, but no casualties were reported.

 

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (6) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: ‘Asker al-Jadeed refugee camp, northeast of Nablus; Safa village, west of Ramallah; Surif, Kharas, Beit Kahel and Emrish villages in Hebron.

 

Sunday, 26 February 2017

 

  • At approximately 00:30, Israeli forces moved into Badia village, northwest of Salfit. They raided and searched a house belonging to Abdullah Mohammed Mustafa Shatat (37) and then arrested him.

 

  • At approximately 07:30, Israeli gunboats stationed offshore, northwest of Beit Lahia village in the northern Gaza Strip, opened fire at Palestinian fishing boats sailing within 3 nautical miles and chased them. The shooting continued until 08:45. As a result, the fishermen were forced to flee for fear of their lives, but no casualties of material damages were reported.
  • At approximately 08:00, Israeli infantry units raided Tareq Bin Ziyad School in the southern area of Hebron. They chased the students in the school yard and attempted to arrest a number of them and confiscate their bags. However, the teachers interfered and stopped them. They left the school, but no arrests were reported.

 

  • Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Taqqou’i village, southeast of Bethlehem, and stationed in the vicinity of Taqqou’i Secondary School for Boys. A number of students threw stones at the Israeli soldiers, who immediately fired metal bullets, tear gas canisters and sound bombs. The soldiers also attempted to raid the school, but the teachers prevented them to do so. The soldiers then pepper-sprayed them. As a result, 3 teachers namely ‘Adel al-Sha’er, Murad Mofreh and ‘Alaa’ Hmaid were wounded.

 

  • At approximately 18:00, Israeli forces moved into ‘Ein Yabrid village, northeast of Ramallah. They raided and searched a house belonging to Mohammed ‘Awwad Rwashdah (33) and then arrested him.

 

  • In the evening, Israeli forces moved into al-Jaftalak village, north of Jericho. They raided and searched a house belonging to Saddam Salem Ali Ka’abanah (25) and then arrested him.

 

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (3) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: Kafer Malek village, northeast of Ramallah and Beit Ummer village and Dura in Hebron.

 

Monday, 27 February 2017

 

  • At approximately 01:00, Israeli forces moved into Surif village, northwest of Hebron. They raided and searched a number of houses and then arrested Jehad Mahmoud Hmaidat (27) and Omer ‘Ayed Abu al-Reesh (30).

 

  • At approximately 01:30, Israeli forces moved into ‘Asker al-Jadeed refugee camp, northeast of Nablus. They raided and searched several houses and then arrested Kamel Kamal Salamah (33).

 

  • Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into al-Masaken al-Sha’biyah neighbourhood adjacent to ‘Asker refugee camp, northeast of Nablus. They raided and searched a number of houses and then arrested Shadi Fawzi Bashkar (40).

 

  • Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into ‘Azzoun village, east of Qalqiliyah. They raided and searched 2 houses belonging to Hamzah Na’im Husain (19) and Hamed Mohammed Saleem (25) and then arrested them.

 

  • Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Hares village, northwest of Salfit. They raided and searched 2 houses belonging to Bilal Abed Dawoud Souf (25) and Kamal Sleiman Kulaib (56) and then arrested them. It should be noted that Kulaib owns a grocery and was arrested under the pretext of selling fireworks.

 

  • At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into Beit Awa village, southwest of Dura, southwest of Hebron, and stationed in al-Semiyah area. They raided and searched several houses and then arrested Mos’ab Mahmoud al-Suwaiti (23).

 

  • Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Nuba village, west of Hebron. They raided and searched a number of houses and then arrested Ehsan Mohammed Hasan Dababsah (36).

 

  • At approximately 02:50, Israeli forces moved into Kafel Hares village, north of Salfit. They raided and searched a house belonging to Aysar Ma’moun Mustafa Buziyah (23). They checked the ID cards of his family members and then arrested him.

 

  • At approximately 03:00, Israeli forces moved into Yatta, south of Hebron, and stationed in al-Sha’anin neighbourhood. They raided and searched a house belonging to Mohammed Mahmoud Najajrah (33), head of the village council, and then arrested him.

 

  • At approximately11:40, Israeli forces moved into Sarda village, north of Ramallah. They raided and searched a house belonging to Muhanad al-Halabi. An officer named “Khemi” threatened the family to kill them. It should be noted that al-Halabi was killed on 03 October 2015 after he carried out a stab attack in Jerusalem.

 

  • At approximately 12:50, Israeli warplanes launched 3 missiles towards a training site for the Palestinian armed groups, west of al-Nusseirat. The attacks resulted in material damages in the site and partial ones in the windows of Mos’ab Ebn ‘Omeir Mosque in addition to windows of six houses belonging to Abu Ma’la, al-Nuwairi, Siam and Abu Shihah. Moreover, some tomato greenhouses sustained partial damages in addition to damages in 30 beehives in the vicinity of the abovementioned site, but no casualties were reported.

 

  • At approximately 13:10, Israeli forces stationed along the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel, fired 4 artillery shells near a watchtower affiliated with Ministry of Interior in the Gaza Strip in al-Showkah village, east of Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip, but no casualties were reported.

 

  • Around the same time, Israeli warplanes launched 3 missiles towards Hittin site affiliated with Al-Quds Brigades (the armed wing of the Islamic Jehad Movement). The site is located in the northern side of Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip, and about one kilometre away from the northern border between the Gaza Strip and Israel. The attack resulted in material damage, but no casualties were reported.

 

  • At approximately 13:15, Israeli military vehicles stationed along the eastern borders between the Gaza Strip and Israel, fired 2 artillery shells at an empty land, east of al-Zaitoun neighbourhood, east of Gaza, but no casualties were reported.

 

  • At approximately 13:20, an Israeli drone launched a missile near the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel near an observation point affiliated with the Ministry of Interior in Gaza, but no casualties were reported. The observation point is located in al-Shawakah village, east of Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip.

 

  • Few minutes later, Israeli warplanes fired 6 missiles at the abovementioned observation point. Three of the missiles blew up, but the other three did not. As a result, 3 officers were wounded. Two of them were transferred to Gaza European Hospital in Khan Yunis, while the other was transferred to Abu Yusuf al-Najjar Hospital in Rafah. Their wounds were classified as moderate.

 

  • At approximately 13:25, Israeli warplanes fired 6 missiles towards “Ajnadin” military site affiliated with the Islamic Mujahidin Movement, north of Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip. The site is about one kilometre away from the northern borders between the Gaza Strip and Israel. The attack resulted in material damage but no casualties were reported.

 

  • Around the same time, Israeli warplanes fired 2 missiles towards an empty land, west of Beit Lahia Clinic in al-Shaimaa’ area in Beit Lahia village in the northern Gaza Strip, but no casualties were reported.

 

  • At approximately 13:50, an Israeli drone fired a missile at an agricultural land in Kherbet al-‘Adas neighbourhood, northeast of Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip.

 

  • Few minutes later, an Israeli warplane fired a missile at the same area. As a result, Anas Ahmed Madi (25) sustained wounds and was transferred to Abu Yusuf al-Najjar Hospital in Rafah as his wounds were classified as moderate. The attack caused fear among female students of al-‘Aqqad Primary School, which is near the targeted land.

 

  • At approximately 19:00, Israeli forces moved into Beit Sahour, east of Bethlehem. They raided and searched a shop belonging to Mousa Jobran near “‘Osh Ghurab” area. The soldiers confiscated the surveillance cameras of the shop without apparent reasons.

 

  • At approximately 20:50, Israeli gunboats stationed off Khan Yunis shore in the southern Gaza Strip, opened fire at Palestinian fishing boats sailing within the limited fishing borders and chased them. As a result, the fishermen were forced to flee for fear of their life, but neither casualties nor material damages were reported.

 

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (5) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: Sa’ir, al-Shayoukh, Hadab al-Halaqah, al-Surrah villages and Halhoul in Hebron.

Tuesday, 28 February 2017

 

  • At approximately 01:00, Israeli forces moved into Hebron, and stationed in al-Salam Street area. They raided and searched the Infinity Printing House, but no arrests were reported. Following that, the soldiers raided and searched a house belonging to Abdul Khaleq Abdul Salam al-Natshah and handed a summons to his son Faisal (20) to refer to the Israeli Intelligence Service in “Gush Etzion” settlement complex, south of Bethlehem. In the meantime, another Israeli force raided and searched a workshop belonging to Nedal Abu Mayalah. They then moved into the area near Hebron University. They raided and searched a house belonging to Abdul ‘Alim Da’na, Leader in the PFLP and handed his son Bashar (27) a summons to refer to the Israeli Intelligence Service in “Gush Etzion” settlement complex, south of Bethlehem.

 

  • At approximately 01:15, Israeli forces moved into Der Estia village, northwest of Salfit. They raided and searched a house belonging to Ahmed Anwar Abdul Qader Mansour (22) and then arrested him.

 

  • At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into al-Yamoun village, west of Jenin. They raided and searched several houses and then handed summonses to Ahmed Taher Nawhadah (30), Mofeed Bassam ‘Abahrah (21) and Sameh Mohammed Sa’id Samar (21) to refer to the Israeli Intelligence Service in Salem military camp, northwest of the city.

 

  • At approximately 03:00, Israeli forces moved into Kafardan village, west of Jenin. They raided and searched a number of houses and then handed summonses to Mohammed Farouq ‘Abed (23), Ahmed Abdul Jabbar Mohammed ‘Abed (35) and Zaki Saleh Mar’ii (26) to refer to the Israeli Intelligence Service in Salem military camp, northwest of the city.

 

  • At approximately 06:00, Israeli forces stationed at Howarah checkpoint at the southern entrance to Nablus, opened fire at Husain Ibrahim Qawariq (60) from ‘Ourta village, southeast of the city. As a result, he was wounded with 2 live bullets to the thighs. A PRCS ambulance then transferred him to Rafidia Hospital to receive medical treatment. It should be noted that Husain suffers from mental disorders.

 

  • At approximately 20:00, Israeli forces moved into Sebastia village, northwest of Nablus, and stationed in al-Athar area. They detained a number of civilians who were in the area. They also checked their ID cards and then arrested Ayham Nahed al-Sakha (17).

 

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (8) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: Ya’bud and Zabuba villages, southwest of Jenin; Howarah village, south of Nablus; Birzeit village, north of Ramallah; Kafer Ne’mah and Shaqba villages, west of Ramallah; Dura and al-Shayoukh villages in Hebron.

 

Wednesday, 01 March 2017

 

  • At approximately 02:30, Israeli forces moved into Betounia village, west of Ramallah. They raided and searched a house belonging to Yazan Maher Shata (25) and then arrested him.
  • At approximately 03:00, Israeli forces moved into Yatta, south of Hebron and stationed in Roq’ah area. They raided and searched a house belonging to Thiab ‘Awad Abu Qabitah and then withdrew, but no arrests were reported.

 

  • At approximately 04:00, Israeli forces moved into Yabrud village, northeast of Ramallah. They raided and searched a house belonging to ‘Akramah Isamil Ayoub (20) and then arrested him.

 

  • At approximately 18:30, Israeli gunboats stationed offshore, west of al-Sudaniyah area, west of Jabalia in the northern Gaza Strip, opened fire at Palestinian fishing boats sailing within 4 nautical miles amidst firing flare bombs. As a result, the fishermen were forced to flee for fear of their lives, but neither casualties nor material damages were reported.

 

A Palestinian Civilian was killed by Israeli settlers

 

At approximately 16:00 on Wednesday, 01 February 2017, Sa’di Mahmoud Ali Qaisiyah (25) from al-Deir neighborhood in the center of al-Thaheriyah village, south of Hebron, was killed after an Israeli settler from “Havat Moore” settlement outpost near “Tina” settlement; both established on Palestinian confiscated lands, west of the abovementioned village, opened fire at him. The Israeli media claimed that Sa’di attempted to stab a settler, who said that “he heard noise in the back of his house. When he went out to see where the noise is coming from, Sa’di who had a knife chased him. The settler then returned inside his house to bring his gun, but Sa’di chased him inside and stabbed him before the settler could shoot him.” There were no local eyewitnesses to confirm or deny the Israeli claim because the crime happened in the abovementioned settlement outpost. Moreover, the Israeli forces took Sa’di’s corpse to an unknown destination.

 

Shortly after the death of Qaisiyah, Israeli forces closed the southern and western side of al-Thaheriyah village and established checkpoints on all the roads leading and linking this village with other villages. They also carried out a wide-scale search campaign under the pretext of searching for a person, who was with Sa’di. An infantry unit surrounded Kherbet Zanouta and al-Khalil Valley area as they prevented the residents from leaving their residential tents. At approximately 19:00, an Israeli force accompanied with 14 military jeeps moved into al-Deir area. They raided and searched the house of Sa’di’s family, detained them and destroyed the house contents. In the meantime, dozens of young men gathered and threw stones at the soldiers, who immediately fired sound bombs and tear gas canisters at them and the houses in response. Half an hour later, the Israeli forces withdrew from the vicinity of Sa’di’s house after they arrested his cousin Amjad Qaisiyah (24). When the infantry unit arrived at the center of the village near the central market, the unit stopped and its soldiers deployed between streets amidst firing sound bombs and tear gas canisters between the shops. They also detained and kicked a number of workers in some restaurants. According to PCHR’s follow-up, a large number of the infantry units deployed in the center of the village after closing the main road with the military vehciles amidst firing sound bombs and tear gas canisters at the civilians and shops. Furthermore, they forced the shops’ owners to close under threat.

 

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

 

West Bank:

 

  • At approximately 12:45 on Friday, 24 February 2017, Palestinian civilians and International activists organized a protest in the center of Kufor Qaddoum village, northeast of Qalqiliya, and then made their way to the eastern entrance of the village in protest against closing that entrance since the beginning of al-Aqsa Intifada with an iron gate. When the protesters approached the entrance, Israeli forces fired rubber-coated metal bullets, tear gas canisters and sound bombs at them. As a result, Mohammed Helmi Jameel Shtaiwi (11) sustained a metal bullet wound to the neck and a 26-year-old man was hit with a metal bullet to the left leg.

 

  • Following the Friday prayer on 24 February 2017, dozens of Palestinian civilians and Israeli and international human rights defenders organized demonstrations in Bil’in and Nil’in villages, west of Ramallah and al-Nabi Saleh, northwest of the city; at the entrance to al-Jaalzone refugee camp, north of the city; and in Kafer Qadoum village, northeast of Qalqiliyah, protesting against the annexation wall and settlement activities. Israeli forces forcibly dispersed the protests, firing live and metal bullets, tear gas canisters and sound bombs. They also chased the protesters into olive fields and between houses. As a result, many of the protesters suffered tear gas inhalation while others sustained bruises due to being beaten up by the Israeli soldiers.

 

  • On the Friday afternoon, the national factions and Defense Committee of Hebron organized a protest titled “Lift up the closure of Hebron…dismantle the Ghetto” on the 23rd anniversary of al-Ibrahimi Mosque Massacre perpetrated by Baruch Goldstein on 25 February 1994 against Muslim worshippers in the abovementioned mosque, killing 29 civilians and wounding 150 others. The soldiers fired live bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters at the protestors while they were praying. Moreover, a protest moved from Ali al-Bakkaa’ Mosque towards the settlement outpost known as “Beit Romano” established by the Israeli forces on the rubbles of Osama Bin Monqeth School. Dozens of Palestinian civilians and Israeli and International peace activists, raising the Palestinian flags, participated in the protest. Before they approached the area, the soldiers directly fired sound bombs at them. As a result, many civilians sustained tear gas inhalation and were transferred to the hospitals in the city. The soldiers also attacked and beat the activists, so they sustained bruises throughout their bodies, but no arrests were reported. The Israeli forces then announced the area as a closed military zone.

 

  • At approximately 14:00 on Thursday, 28 February 2017, dozens of students from Birzeit University organized a protest in solidarity with the prisoners on hunger strike in ‘Ofer Prison, west of Ramallah. When the protestors approached the Prisons’ gates, the soldiers fired live bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters at them. They chased them and then arrested 6 civilians, including 3 young women. The arrested civilians were identified as Mohammed Eyad Zakarnah (23), Bayan Safi (22), Zainab al-Barguthi (22), Meran Daghrah (23), Ahmed Husam Khader (23), Hasan Abdul Karim Daraghmah (23).

 

Gaza Strip

 

  • At approximately 15:30 on Friday, 24 February 2017, a number of young men gathered and made their way to the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel, northeast of al-Maghazi in the central Gaza strip. They threw stones at the Israeli soldiers. The Israeli soldiers who were behind sand barriers immediately fired live bullets at the protestors. As a result, Mohammed Eyad Mohammed al-Taweel (16), from al-Maghazi, sustained a live bullet wound to the left foot. A PRCS ambulance the transferred him to al-Aqsa Hospital in Deir al-Balah. His wounds were classified as moderate.

 

  1. Continued closure of the oPt

 

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

 

Gaza Strip

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Movement at Karm Abu Salem (Kerem Shalom) crossing, southeast of Rafah, is designated for the movement of goods

 

(20-26 February 2017)

 

Date Imports
Category Amount
Tons Number Liters
20 February Various goods 4148
Humanitarian aid 11429
Cooking gas 226,710      
Benzene     228,034  
Diesel

Diesel for UNRWA

     695,988

75,999

  
Industrial fuel     751,067  
Construction aggregates 6880      
Cement 4156    
Construction steel 90    
21 February Various goods 4161
Humanitarian aid 10461
Cooking gas 244,210    
Construction aggregates 5560      
  Cement 4000      
  Construction steel 156    
22 February

 

 

 

 Various goods 4137    
Humanitarian aid 15423      
Cooking gas 249,050      
Construction aggregates 9960      
Cement 4221      
Construction steel 569      
23 February

 

 

 

 Various goods 4761      
Humanitarian aid 13462      
Cooking gas 243,930      
Benzene     228,026

 

  
Diesel

Diesel for UNRWA

  

 

  

 

 452,997

39,540

  
Industrial fuel     893,536  
  Construction aggregates 8920      
Cement 4000      
24 February

 

 Construction steel 342      
Industrial fuel     411,553  
Benzene     224,978  
Diesel

Diesel for UNRWA

     331,984

36,566

  
Cooking gas 119,760      
26 February

 

 Various goods 3560      
Humanitarian aid 6004      
Cooking gas 205,420      
Benzene     152,003  
Diesel

Diesel for UNRWA

     405,027

76,000

  
Industrial fuel     338,025  
Construction aggregates 1000      
Cement 4240      
Construction steel 403      

 

Note:

 

  • On Monday, 20 February 2017, Israeli authorities allowed the exportation of 10.24 tons of lemons; 0.400 tons of fish; 41 tons of cucumbers; 13.6 tons of eggplants; 99.25 tons of tomatoes; 1.96 tons of peppers; 6.4 tons of sweet peppers; 23.6 tons of squash; 3.95 tons of cabbages and 5.944 tons of strawberries.
  • On Tuesday, 21 February 2017, Israeli authorities allowed the exportation of 20 tons of lemons and 6 tons of clothes.
  • On Wednesday, 22 February 2017, Israeli authorities allowed the exportation of 0.400 tons of fish; 30.7 tons of cucumbers; 16.4 tons of eggplants; 57.1 tons of tomatoes; 5.2 tons of peppers; 6.5 tons of sweet peppers; 16.5 tons of squash; 5.5 tons of cabbages; 19.4 tons of strawberries and 13 tons of Aluminum scrap.
  • On Thursday, 23 February 2017, Israeli authorities allowed the exportation of 34.5 tons of cucumbers; 3 tons of eggplants; 97.9 tons of tomatoes; 1.96 tons of peppers; 11.6 tons of sweet peppers; 17.2 tons of squash; 3 tons of cabbages and 6.86 tons of strawberries.
  • On Sunday, 26 February 2017, Israeli authorities allowed the exportation of 13 truckloads of vegetables and 5 truckloads of strawberries.

 

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

 

  • Hebron: Israeli forces established (18) checkpoints all over the city.

 

On Thursday, 23 February 2017, Israeli forces established 3 checkpoints at the entrances to Ethna and Tarama villages and at the entrance to al-Fawar refugee camp.

 

On Friday, 24 February 2017, Israeli forves established 2 similar checkpoints at the entrances to al-‘Aroub refugee camps and al-Dahiriyia village.

 

On Saturday, 25 February 2016, Israeli forces established 3 checkpoints at the entrance to al-Samou’a villages, at the eastern entrance to Dura and at the northern entrance to Yatta village.

 

On Sundaym 26 February 2016, 4 checkpoints were established at the entrances ti al-Hadeb and Sa’ir villages and at the southern entrance to Hebron and at the northern entrance to Halhoul village.

 

On Monday, 27 February 2017, Israeli forces established 2 checkpoints at the southern entrance to Halhoul village and at the entrance to Samou’a village.

 

On Tuesday, 28 February 2017, 4 checkpoints were established at the entrances to al-‘Aroub and al-Fawar refugee camps and at the entrances to Ethna and Bani Na’iem villages.

 

  • Ramallah and al-Bireh: Israeli forces established (16) checkpoints all over the city.

 

At approximately 15:00 on Thursday, 23 February 2017, Israeli force established a checkpoint between Termas’iyia and Senjil villages, north of Ramallah.

 

On Friday, 24 February 2017, Israeli forces established 4 checkpoints at the entrance to Termas’iyia village, north of Ramallah; Beit Rima village and Deir Abu Mish’al and ‘Aboud villages, northwest of Ramallah.

 

On Saturday, 25 February 2017, Israeli forces established 3 checkpoints at the entrances to Deir Buziegh village, west of Ramallah; al- Nabi Saleh village, northwest of the city and in ‘Atara bridge, north of the city.

 

On Sunday, 26 February 2017, Israeli forces established 3 checkpoints at ‘Atara bridge, north of Ramallah; al-Tiba village’s intersection (al-Moarajat between Ramallah and Jericho), and between Ni’lin and Deir Qadees village, west of the city.

 

On Monday, 27 February 2017, Israeli forces established 3 checkpoints at the entrances to al-Nabi Saleh and Termas’iyia villages and in ‘Atara village’s bridge.

 

On Tuesday, 28 February 2017, 2 similar checkpoints were established at the entrances to al-Mazra’a al-Gharbiyia and al-Nabi Saleh villages.

 

  • Qalqiliya: Israeli forces established (14) checkpoints all over the city.

 

On Thursday, 23 February 2017, Israeli forces established 4 checkpoints at the entrance to ‘Azoun village, east of Qalqilyia; at the eastern entrance to Qalqilyia; at the entrance to Heblah village, west of the city; and at the entrance to Jeet village, northeast of the city.

 

On Friday, 24 February 2017, Israeli forces established 3 checkpoints between Hejah and Kafur Qadoum villages, east of Qalqiliya; on Jaljouliyia street, west of the city; and at Jeet village’s intersection, northeast of the city. The Israeli soldiers searched Palestinian civilians’ vehicles and checked their IDs, during which they detained a Palestinian government vehicle carrying the Minister of Awqaf, at Jeet village’s intersection. The Israeli soldier then removed the checkpoint at allowed them to pass.

 

At approximately 21:00 on Saturday, 25 February 2017, Israeli forces established a similar checkpoint near Kafur Laqef village ( on the main road between Qalqiliyia and Nablus).

 

On Sunday, 26 February 2017, Israeli forces established 6 checkpoints at the eastern entrance to Qalqiliyia; Jeet village’s entrance; on the road leading to Jayyous village; at Hablah village’s entrance; between ‘Ezbit al-Tabeeb and ‘Aslah villages and at ‘Azoun village’s entrance.

 

Nablus:

 

At approximately 09:00 on Saturday, 25 February 2017, Israeli forces closed with sand barriers the main entrance to Osreen village, branching from ‘Aber al-Samirah Street (505), southeast of Nablus. The Israeli forces claimed that Palestinian civilians threw stones at the Israeli vehicles traveling on the street. At approximately 21:00 on Sunday, 26 February 2017, the village’s residents opened the abovementioned street with bulldozers and hand tools.

 

At approximately 14:00 on Tuesday, 28 February 2017, Israeli forces stationed at Hawarah chjeckpoint, south of Nablus, closed the checkpoint, prevented civilians’ movement and transferred their exit to nearby ‘Orta checkpoint. At approximately 16:00 on the same day, the Israeli forces closed the checkpoint in both directions because of the Israeli settlers’ deployment in the area following vacating 9 houses in “‘Ofra” settlement established on Palestinian lands. The closure of the checkpoint continued until 21:00 on the same day. It should be noted that due to the closure of the checkpoint the residents were passing via ‘Orta checkpoint.

 

At approximately 16:00 on the same day, the Israeli forces stationed at Za’tarah checkpoint, south of Nablus, closed the checkpoint and prevented Palestinian civilians’ vehicles from passing.

 

Jericho:

 

At approximately 23:30 on Sunday, 26 February 2017, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the northern entrance to Jericho.

 

Arrests at military checkpoints:

 

  • At approximately 17:00 on Thursday, 23 February 2017, Israeli forces, who established a checkpoint at Beit Dajen Intersection, east of Nablus, arrested Mays Mahmoud Zarieqi Maletat (21), from Beit Foreek village. The abovementioned girl was walking in the area when the Israeli forces arrested her. They took her to Hawarah camp detention, south of the city. At approximately 23:30 on the same day, the Israeli forces handed Mays to the Palestinian Liaison at Hawarah checkpoint. Mays was then returned to her family.

 

  • At approximately 21:10 on Sunday, 26 February 2017, Israeli forces established a checkpoint near Bazariyia intersection, branching from Nablus-Tulkarm Street, east of ‘Inbta village. The Israeli forces searched Palestinian vehicles and checked their IDs. At approximately 22:00, the Israeli forces arrested Mohamed Salman Ahmed Sarouji (29), from Tulkarm, while corssing the checkpoint.

 

  • At approximately 17:00 on Tuesdasy, 28 February 2017, Israeli forces stationed at the entrance to Beit Ummer village, north of Hebron, arrested Ma’moun Ahmed Mahmoud al-‘Alami (14) and Mohamed Yaser Khalil al-‘Alami (16), while they were walking in Abu Touq steert near the abovementioned entrance. The Israeli forces claimed that Ma’moun and Mohamed threw stones at an Israeli military jeep.

 

  • At approximately 19:00 on Tuesday, 28 February 2017, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the northeastern entrance to Nablus, near al-Serifi Park. They stopped the Palestinian vehicles and checked their IDs, during which they arrested Yehia Lotfi Marshood (19) and Mos’ab Hasan Marshood (23). Both of them are from Balata camp, east of the city.

 

  • At approximately 21:30 on Tuesday, Israeli forces stationed at the entrance to Selwad village, east of Ramallah, arrested Suhaib Omar Kharraz (15), while he was at the village’s entrance. Suhaib was later released.

 

  • Efforts to Create Jewish majority

 

Israeli forces escalated their attacks on Palestinian civilians and their property. They have also continued their raids on al-Aqsa Mosque and denied the Palestinians access to it:

 

Shooting Incidents:

 

  • At approximately 11:00 on Monday, 27 February 2017, Israeli forces stationed at Qalandiyia checkpoint, at the northern entrance to occupied Jerusalem, opened fire at Manar Mujahed (28), from Kafur ‘Oqoub village, north of the city, when she approached the checkpoint. The Israeli police said in a statement that “According to investigations, the Palestinian woman was carrying her bag in a way that aroused suspicions to her. Israeli forces stationed at the checkpoint opened fire at her, causing minor wounds. She was then taken to receive medical treatment and she is so far under arrest.” The Palestinian paramedic officer, who was allowed to offer first aid to the wounded, said that Manar was hit with a live bullet to the back of her left leg, causing laceration in one of her arteries.

 

  • On the same day, Abdullah Haroun ‘Anaty (14), from Sho’fat refugee camp, northeast of occupied Jerusalem, sustained serious wounds after firing a rubber-coated metal bullet at him while returning home from school along with his family. Abdullah’s mother, Abeer al-‘Anaty said that she was returning to the camp along with her husband and their children who were at their school in Kafur ‘Oqoub village, north of occupied Jerusalem. When they arrived at Sho’fat camp’s checkpoint, there were clashes between Palestinian young men and Israeli soldiers, which caused a traffic crisis. ‘Abeer along with her children stepped out of their vehicle and crossed the checkpoint on foot. They then walked in the village’s alleys while Abdullah was walking in front of them and suddenly he went away a little bit. When ‘Abeer approached her house, Palestinian youngsters told her that Abdullah was wounded. She immediately took him at a medical center, where he was referred to Hadassah Hospital, because his wounds were serious. When they arrived at the checkpoint, the Israeli soldiers detained them for over half an hour and then allowed them to pass, along with two Israeli soldiers accompanied them in the ambulance. Abdullah underwent examinations and x-rays which showed he was hit with a rubber-coated metal bullet near his heart, causing internal bleeding and laceration in his hand and lung. Abdullah, while handcuffed is so far under medical treatment and follow-up in the hospital.

 

Collective Punishment:

 

  • On Thursday, 23 February 2017, the Israeli Supreme Court approved a decision to demolish a house belonging to Fadi al-Qunbor family in al-Mukaber Mount village, southeast of occupied Jerusalem. The Court’s decision came in response to the challenge submitted by the family via HaMoked Center for Defense of the Individual, which is an Israeli human rights organization. The demolition decision is considered as part of the collective punishment policy practiced by Israeli forces against the Palestinian attackers. The Israeli Interior Minister, “Aryeh Deri” decided to suspend residencies of 12 persons from Fadi’s family, including his mother, Minwa al-Qunbor. It should be noted that Fadi al-Qunbor carried out a run over attack against the Israeli soldiers in “Armon Hanatziv” settlement in al-Mukaber Mount lands. As a result, 4 Israeli soldiers were killed while 2 others were wounded.

 

House demolitions and demolition notices:

 

  • On Wednesday, 01 March 2017, the Israeli Municipality bulldozers, under the Israeli forces’ protection, demolished a residential building in al-‘Issawiyia village, northeast of occupied Jerusalem, under the pretext of non-licensing. It should be noted that the 2-storey house was demolished for the third time consecutively and around 14 members, including 4 children, were displaced. According to PCHR’s investigation, at approximately 04:30, dozens of Israeli officers along with special forces, Israeli Municipality crews and 3 diggers moved into al-‘Issawiyia village, northeast of occupied Jerusalem. The Israeli forces surrounded a 2-storey house comprised of 3 apartments and belonging to Khalid Nimer Mahmoud. They obliged the family to get out of their house without allowing them to take out their contents. After that, the Israeli Municipality crews take the house contents out, and then the Israeli bulldozers demolished the house. Mahmoud said that the building is comprised of 2 floors, which include 3 apartments. Those apartments sheltered the following families

 

  1. A 170-square-meter apartment shelters Khalid Nimer Mahmoud and his family comprised of 6 members, including 4 children;
  2. 90-square-meter apartment shelters Omar Na’iem Kastero, who is a tenant; living with his elderly mother and his two sisters; and
  3. 90-square-meter apartment shelters ‘Atallah ‘Isaa Derbas.


 

Recommendations to the International Community

 

 

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

 

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

 

  1. PCHR calls upon the international community and the United Nations to use all available means to allow the Palestinian people to enjoy their right to self-determination, through the establishment of the Palestinian State, which was recognized by the UN General Assembly with a vast majority, using all international legal mechanisms, including sanctions to end the occupation of the State of Palestine;
  2. PCHR calls upon the United Nations to provide international protection to Palestinians in the oPt, and to ensure the non-recurrence of aggression against the oPt, especially the Gaza Strip;
  3. PCHR calls upon the High Contracting Parties to the Geneva Conventions to compel Israel, as a High Contracting Party to the Conventions, to apply the Conventions in the oPt;
  4. PCHR calls upon the Parties to international human rights instruments, especially the Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, to pressurize Israel to comply with their provisions in the oPt, and to compel it to incorporate the human rights situation in the oPt in its reports submitted to the concerned committees;
  5. PCHR calls upon the High Contracting Parties to the Geneva Conventions to fulfil their obligations to ensure the application of the Conventions, including extending the scope of their jurisdiction in order to prosecute suspected war criminals, regardless of the nationality of the perpetrator and the place of a crime, to pave the way for prosecuting suspected Israeli war criminals and end the longstanding impunity they have enjoyed;
  6. PCHR calls upon States that apply the principle of universal jurisdiction not to surrender to Israeli pressure to limit universal jurisdiction to perpetuate the impunity enjoyed by suspected Israeli war criminals;
  7. PCHR calls upon the international community to act in order to stop all Israeli settlement expansion activities in the oPt through imposing sanctions on Israeli settlements and criminalizing trading with them;
  8. PCHR calls upon the United Nations to confirm that holding war criminals accountable in the Palestinian-Israeli conflict is a precondition to achieve stability and peace in the regions, and that peace cannot be built on the expense of human rights;
  9. PCHR calls upon the UN General Assembly and Human Rights Council to explicitly declare that the Israeli closure policy in Gaza and the annexation wall in the West Bank are illegal, and accordingly refer the two issues to the UN Security Council to impose sanctions on Israel to compel it to remove them;
  10. PCHR calls upon the international community, particularly the UN, in light of its failure to the stop the aggression on the Palestinian people, to at least fulfil its obligation to reconstruct the Gaza Strip after the series of hostilities launched by Israel which directly targeted the civilian infrastructure;
  11. PCHR calls upon the United Nations and the European Union to express a clear position towards the annexation wall following the international recognition of the State of Palestine on the 1967 borders, as the annexation wall seizes large parts of the State of Palestine;
  12. PCHR calls upon the European Union to activate Article 2 of the EU-Israel Association Agreement, which provides that both sides must respect human rights as a precondition for economic cooperation between the EU states and Israel, and the EU must not ignore Israeli violations and crimes against Palestinian civilians;

 

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