Weekly Report On Israeli Human Rights Violations in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (24 – 30 May 2018)

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

(24 – 30 May 2018)

• Israeli forces continued to use force against Palestinian peaceful protestors in the Gaza Strip and West Bank.
• Six Palestinian civilians succumbed to their wounds; 5 of them sustained their wounds during the Great March of Return in the Gaza Strip.
• 120 Palestinian civilians, including 19 children, 5 women and 2 journalists, were wounded in the Gaza Strip and West Bank.

• Israeli warplanes carried out airstrikes against military sites belonging to the Palestinian armed groups in the Gaza Strip.
• The Israeli warplanes launched 64 missiles, and ‘Abdullah Ben Rowahah Elementary School sustained minor damage in the central Gaza Strip.

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

• Israeli forces conducted 51 incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank and 3 similar ones in Jerusalem
• 67 civilians, including 7 children and 3 women, were arrested.
• 25 of them, including a child and woman, were arrested in Jerusalem.

• Israeli forces continued their settlement activities in the West Bank
• Israeli settlers cut 800 grapevines in Ramallah and al-Bireh.

• 10 shooting incidents were reported against the fishing boats in the Gaza Sea, but no casualties were reported.
• Two fishermen, who are also brothers, were arrested in the northern Gaza Strip, and their boat was confiscated.

• Israeli forces turned the West Bank into cantons and continued to impose the illegal closure on the Gaza Strip for the 11^th consecutive year.
• Dozens of temporary checkpoints were established in the West Bank and others were re-established to obstruct the movement of Palestinian civilians.
• 9 Palestinian civilians were arrested at the military checkpoints in the West Bank.

Summary

Israeli violations of international law and international humanitarian law in the oPt continued during the reporting period (24 – 30 May 2018).

Shooting:

Israeli forces continued to use force against Palestinian civilians, who participated in peaceful demonstrations organized within the activities of the “Great March of Return and Breaking the Siege” in the Gaza Strip, which witnessed for the 9^th week in a row peaceful demonstrations along the eastern and northern Gaza Strip border area. During the reporting period, in the Gaza Strip, the Israeli forces wounded 101 Palestinian civilians, including 16 children, 3 women, and 2 journalists; two of the wounded are in serious condition.  Meanwhile, 6 civilians succumbed to their wounds.  In the West Bank, 19 Palestinian civilians, including 3 children and 2 women, were wounded.

In the same context, medical sources in the Palestinian Ministry of Health declared that 6 civilians succumbed to their wounds; 5 of whom were wounded during the Great March of Return on 14 May 2018, which was the bloodiest day since the beginning of the activities of “Great March of Return and Breaking the Siege” while the sixth was wounded on 18 March 2018.  Those killed were identified as:

1. Ahmed ‘Ali Mustafa Qatoush (28) from al-Zawaydah was hit with a bullet to the knee in eastern al-Bureij in the central Gaza Strip and succumbed to his wounds on 24 May 2018.
2. Muhanad Baker Mohammed abu Tahoun (20) from al-Nussairat was hit with a bullet to the head in eastern al-Bureij in the central Gaza Strip and succumbed to his wounds on 24 May 2018.
3. Yaser Sami Sa’ed al-Deen Habib (25) from al-Shija’iyah was hit with a bullet to the neck in eastern al-Zaytoun neighborhood in eastern Gaza and succumbed to his wounds on 25 May 2018
4. Hussein Salem Abu ‘Aweidah (41) from al-Sha’af neighbourhood was hit with a bullet to the back in eastern al-Zaytoun neighborhood in eastern Gaza and succumbed to his wounds on 26 May 2018.
5. Naser ‘Aref ‘Abdel Ra’ouf al-‘Arini (27) from al-Twam neighborhood in Jabalia was hit with a bullet to the abdomen in eastern Abu Safiyah Hill in eastern Jabalia and succumbed to his wounds on 28 May 2018.
6. Naji Maysarah ‘Abdullah Ghunaim (23) from al-Brazil neighborhood in Rafah City was hit with an explosive bullet to the right thigh and succumbed to his wounds on 30 May 2018.

During the reporting period, Investigations and Field Observations by PCHR’s Fieldworkers Confirm the Following:

• The demonstrations have been entirely peaceful with an outstanding participation of women, elderlies and children, as the fieldworkers have not witnessed any armed manifestations.
• The Israeli Forces unprecedentedly and heavily stationed along the border fence and inside the military sites surrounding the area along with intensive flight of the Israeli warplanes.
• Tear gas canisters were intensively and unprecedentedly fired from the drones and by the Israeli soldiers stationed along the border fence or in the military sites. The tear gas has spared none, including PCHR’s staff that was in the field.
• Ambulances, medical staff, and field medical points were deliberately and directly targeted and prevented from approaching those wounded in addition to causing injuries among them.
• Journalists were directly targeted, causing injuries among them.
• The Israeli fire deliberately targeted the upper part of the body as dozens sustained wounds to the head and chest and many are in critical condition; thus, the number of deaths is likely to increase.

Injuries in the Gaza Strip during this Week

As part of the airstrikes, on 26 May 2018, the Israeli warplanes launched 5 missiles at a military site belonging to al-Qassam Brigade, northwest of Rafah City in the southern Gaza Strip, but no casualties were reported.

On 29 May 2018, Israeli warplanes carried out many airstrikes against sites belonging to the Palestinian armed groups, launching 42 missiles.  On 30 May 2018, the Israeli warplanes carried out similar airstrikes, launching 17 missiles.  Though no casualties were reported, the airstrikes caused severe damage to the targeted places.  The explosions rocked the area, causing fear among civilians whose houses are near the targeted places.  The airstrikes in the central Gaza Strip caused damage to ‘Abdullah Ben Rawahah Elemnatry School where high school students were taking exams.

On 29 May 2018, Israeli warplanes targeted 3 border control checkpoints belonging to the Palestinian armed groups, east of al-Maghazi, east of Deir al-Balah in the central Gaza Strip.

On 30 May 2018, Israeli forces stationed along the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israeli, east of Beit Hanoun, opened fire at the border area.  They also targeted a border control checkpoint belonging to the Palestinian armed groups, east of al-Maghazi in the central Gaza Strip.  However, no casualties were reported.

As part of targeting Palestinian fishermen in the Gaza Sea, the Israeli forces continued to escalate their attacks against the Palestinian fishermen, pointing out to the ongoing Israeli policy of targeting their livelihoods.  During the reporting period, PCHR documented 7 attacks against the fishermen, including one attack in the north-western Beit Lahia, 4 in Western Khan Younis, and 2 in western Rafah City in the southern Gaza Strip.  As a result of these attacks, 2 fishermen were arrested and their boat was confiscated off al-Wahah shore, northwest of Beit Lahia on 24 May 2018.

In the West Bank, Israeli forces during the reporting period wounded 19 Palestinian civilians, including 3 children and 2 women.  On 24 May 2018, 2 Palestinian civilians were wounded when the Israeli forces opened fire at dozens of civilians who were protesting against the Israeli forces’ incursion into Nablus to carry out an arrest campaign.  On the same day, 2 other civilians were wounded when the Israeli forces opened fire at them who were on their way back home from Madma village to Burin village without any previous warning or reason.

On 25 May 2018, a 23-year-old Palestinian civilian was hit with a bullet to the head while participating in the weekly report of Kafr Qaddoum, northeast of Qalqilya at the eastern entrance to the village that have been closed for 15 years.

On 29 May 2018, Khawlah Sbeih (43) was hit with a bullet to the foot and arrested when Israeli soldiers opened fire at her and she was walking near the light rail in Sho’afat neighbourhood in northern East Jerusalem.

On 28 May 2018, 12 civilians, including 3 children and a woman, were hit with live and rubber bullets and tear gas canisters when the Israeli forces opened fire at dozens of civilians who were protesting against the Israeli forces’ incursion into al-Am’ari refugee camp, south of Ramallah, to carry out an arrest campaign.

On 30 May 2018, a 21-year-old civilian was hit with a rubber bullet to the foot whe the Israeli soldiers moved into N’ilin village, west of Ramallah, and a number of youngsters protested.

Incursions:

During the reporting period, Israeli forces conducted at least 51 military incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank and 3 similar ones into Jerusalem and its suburbs. During those incursions, Israeli forces arrested at least 42 Palestinians, including 6 children and 2 girls, in the West Bank.  Meanwhile, 25 civilians, including a child and a woman, were arrested in Jerusalem and its suburb.

Israeli Settlement Activities and Settlers’ Attacks against the Palestinian Civivlians and their Property:

As part of the Israeli settlers’ attacks against the Palestinian civilians and their property, on 27 May 2018, a number of settlers cut 700 grapevines in al-Fahs area, south of Hebron.  The settlers also wrote racist slogans in Hebrew on an agricultural barrack in the attacked lands.  It should be mentioned that this is the third time the settlers cut grapevines in Hebron within May only as 1100 grapevines were cut on 16 and 23 May 2018.  On 28 May 2018, settlers cut 100 fruitful grapevines in Kafr Malek village, northeast of Ramallah.

Details

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

Thursday, 24 May 2018

• At approximately 03:30, Israeli forces moved into Beit Ummer village, north of Hebron and stationed in ‘Asidah area. They raided and searched a house belonging to Na’im Hmedan Abu Maria using police dogs. They then arrested Na’im’s son Mohammed Ibrahim (19). Meanwhile, another Israeli force raided and searched a poultry shop in the centre of the city using a car with a Palestinian registration plate. The soldiers arrested a worker namely Mohammed Wahid Hamdi Abu Maria (17) and took him to the military watchtower area. After half an hour, the arrestees were transferred to an unknown destination.

• At approximately 04:00, Israeli forces moved into al-Am’ari refugee camp, south of Ramallah. They raided and searched a house belonging to Qutiba Amin Abu Raddaha (22) and then arrested him.

• At approximately 04:18, Israeli forces moved into Nablus. A number of civilians gathered and threw stones and empty bottles at Israeli forces that surrounded a number of houses to carry out arrest campaigns. The soldiers fired live and rubber bullets at them. As a result, 2 civilians were wounded. A third civilian was deliberately run over by an Israeli military vehicle, causing him fracture to the left leg. The three wounded civilians were transferred to Rafidiya Hospital and doctors classified their wounds as moderate. The Israeli force also arrested Abdul Rahman Talal Haroun (21) from Mo’tah Street and Abdul Karim al-‘Alabi (23) from Khelat al-‘Amoud after they raided their houses.

• Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into al-Hashemiyah village, southwest of Jenin. They raided and searched a house belonging to Sa’ed Ibrahim Jarrar (25) and then arrested him.

• At approximately 05:00, Israeli forces moved into ‘Azzoun village, east of Qalqiliyah. They raided and searched a number of houses amidst heavy firing of live and rubber bullets and tear gas canisters. They soldier also raided a barber shop belonging to ‘Amr ‘Ali Abu Haniya, damaging the shop décor that was lately made and cost him about NIS 35,000. The Israeli forces also arrested Qusai Shaher Salim (21), Zakaria Shabitah Abdul Hamid Shabitah (20), Asa’ad Mohammed Suweidan (30) and ‘Amr Mohammed Abu Haniyah (20).

• At approximately 06:15, Israeli gunboats stationed off al-Wahah shore, northwest of Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip, heavily opened fire at Palestinian fishing boats sailing within 3 nautical miles and chased them. The gunboats surrounded a fishing boat manned by Rasem Ishaq Mohammed Zayed (31) and his brother Mohammed (21) from Beit Lahia. The soldiers ordered the fishermen to take off their clothes, jump into water and swim towards the gunboat. The soldiers then arrested them and took them to an unknown destination and confiscated the boat.

• At approximately 18:20, Israeli soldiers stationed behind the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel opened fire at Palestinian farmers’ lands, east of al-Buraij in the central Gaza Strip. As a result, the farmers were forced to leave the area fearing for their lives, but no casualties were reported. The shooting recurred at approximately 23:30 on the same day.

• On the evening hours, 2 civilians from Burin village, south of Nablus were wounded. According to PCHR’s investigations, at approximately 19:00, Hamdan Zakaria ‘Asous (22) and Khalid Mohammed Yusuf Hamdan (19) were returning from Madama village to their houses in Burin village at the time of Iftar. They took a shortcut near Madama Bridge. They were surprised with the presence of Israeli soldiers near “Yitzhar” settlement bypass road. The soldier suddenly opened fire at the 2 civilians. As a result, ‘As’aous was hit with live bullet shrapnel to the right cheek, jaw and left shoulder while Kan’an was hit with shrapnel to the right leg. The 2 wounded civilians were transferred to Rafidiya Hospital in Nablus to receive medical treatment and doctors classified their wounds as moderate.

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (6) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: Dura, Deir Samet, al-Koum, al-Thaheriyah and Taffuh villages in Hebron; Safarin village, southeast of Tulkarm.

Friday, 25 May 2018

• At approximately 00:10, Israeli soldiers stationed behind the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel, opened fire at Palestinian farmers’ lands, , east of al-Buraij in the central Gaza Strip. As a result, the farmers were forced to leave the area fearing for their lives, but no casualties were reported.

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (3) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: Yatta and Halhoul in Hebron; Shuweikah Suburb, east of Tulkarm..

Saturday, 26 May 2018

• At approximately 03:00, Israeli forces moved into Beit Ummer village, north of Hebron and stationed in Safa neighbourhood. They raided and searched a house belonging to Mohammed Kassab Abu Maria (21) and then arrested him. The soldiers also raided and searched a house belonging to Malek Bassam Mohammed al-Tit (19) and then handed him a summons to refer to the Israeli Intelligence Service in “Gush Etzion” settlement complex, south of Bethlehem.

• At approximately 22:00, Israeli gunboats stationed offshore, west of Khan Yunis in the southern Gaza strip, heavily opened fire at Palestinian fishing boats sailing within the limited fishing area and chased them. As a result, the fishermen were forced to flee fearing for their lives, but neither casualties nor material damage was reported.

• At approximately 23:05, Israeli warplanes launched 5 missiles at a training site belonging to al-Qassam Brigades (Military Armed Wing of Hamas Movement), northwest of Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip. The airstrike caused severe damage to the site, but no casualties were reported.

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (3) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: Surif, al-Shuyoukh and al-Mawreq villages in Hebron.

Sunday, 27 May 2018:

• At approximately 03:00, Israeli gunboats stationed offshore, west of Khan Yunis in the southern Gaza Strip, heavily opened fire at Palestinian fishing boats sailing within the limited fishing area and chased them. At approximately 03:00, the shooting recurred at the fishing boats that were in the area. As a result, the fishermen were forced to flee fearing for their lives, but neither casualties nor material damage was reported.

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (4) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: Dura, al-Fawar refugee camp, Beit Awla and Beit Kahel villages in Hebron

Monday, 28 May 2018

• At approximately 01:00, Israeli forces moved into al-Thaheriyah village, south of Hebron and stationed in al-Deir neighborhood. They raided and searched a house belonging to Mohammed Khalil Makharzah (38) and then arrested him.

• At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into Beit Sahour village, east of Bethlehem. They raided and searched a house belonging to Husam Mohammed Abu Dayah and then arrested him.

• Around the same time, Israeli Jalqamous village, east of Jenin. They raided and searched a house belonging to Fakhri Mahmoud al-Qarm and then arrested his sons Maher (20) and Basel (24).

• At approximately 03:25, Israeli forces moved into Zeta village, north of Tulkarm. They raided and searched 2 houses belonging to Abdul Razaq Monther al-Razaq Sharqiyah (18) and Laith Ma’rouf No’man (19) and then arrested them. At approximately 04:40, Israeli forces withdrew from the village.

• At approximately 03:30, Israeli forces moved into ‘Atil village, north of Tulkram. They raided and searched a house belonging to Halmar Salah ‘Atili (18) and then arrested him.

• At approximately 04:00, Israeli forces accompanied with more than 50 military vehicles, a bulldozer and about 500 soldiers moved into al-Am’ari refugee camp, south of Ramallah. They stationed in the southeastern neighborhoods of the camp and on the Nursing Faculty Street near the Palestinian Civil Defense and a number of them widely deployed in the alleys and neighborhoods of the camp from the southern side. About 20 soldiers topped the roofs of houses of a number of civilians namely Khamis Barash, Salah al-Sheikh Qassem and Ahmed ‘Abbas. The Israeli forces also raided and searched several houses. Meanwhile, a large number of children and young men gathered and threw stones and empty bottles at Israeli soldiers. The soldiers fired live and rubber bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters. As a result, 12 civilians, including 3 children and a woman, were wounded. The Israeli forces also arrested 11 civilians, including 3 children. (PCHR keeps the names of the arrestees)

• At approximately 07:35, Israeli soldiers opened fire at the landfill, east of Gaza Valley (Juhor al-Deek). As a result, those collecting plastic were forced to leave the area, but no casualties were reported.

• At approximately 09:15, Israeli soldiers opened fire at Palestinian farmers’ land, east of Deir al-Balah, but no casualties were reported.

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (4) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: Noor Shams refugee camp, east of Tulkarm; Kufor Qaddoum village, northeast of Qalqiliyah; Halhoul and Yatta in Hebron.

Tuesday, 29 May 2018

• At approximately 01:30, Israeli forces moved into Nahalin village, west of Bethlehem. They then raided and searched a number of houses and then arrested 3 civilians namely Khalaf Fadi Najajrah (14), Saleh Mahmoud Shakarneh (19) and Mahmoud Taleb Najajrah (20).

• Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Beit Ummer village, north of Hebron and stationed in al-Jeldah neighborhood. They raided and searched a house belonging to Mohammed Yusuf Ekhleil and then arrested his daughter Feda’a (23). It should be noted that Feda’a, a student at al-Quds Open University, was earlier arrested by the Israeli authorities and served 6 months in the Israeli prison.

• At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into Deir al-‘Asal al-Fouqa village, west of Dura, southwest of Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to Suleiman Mohammed Shawamrah (40). They then withdrew from the village, and no arrests were reported.

• Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Kufor al-Labad village, east of Tulkarm. They raided and searched a house belonging to Alaa’ Hatem Hafeth Foqha (24) and then arrested her. They also confiscated about NIS7550 and JD500. The Israeli forces caused damage to parts of a car belonging to Alaa’s father.

• At approximately 03:00, Israeli forces moved into ‘Azoun village, east of Qalqiliyah. They raided and searched 2 houses belonging to Tareq Ra’ed Suweidan (19) and Oseid Abdul Qader Suweidan (23) and then arrested them.

• Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Netham village, northwest of Ramallah. They raided and searched a house belonging to Abdullah Ibrahim al-Tamimi (22) and then arrested him.

• At approximately 13:20, Israeli warplanes launched 2 missiles at a site belonging to Palestinian armed groups, west of al-Nuseirat. The airstrike caused damage to the site, but no casualties were reported.

• At approximately 12:30, Israeli warplanes launched 7 missiles at a site belonging to the Palestinian armed groups, southwest of Deir al-Balah in the central Gaza Strip. The airstrike caused damage to the site and minor damage to Abdulah Ben Rawahah Primary School for Boys as students were taking high school exams. However, no casualties were reported.

• At approximately 13:30, Israeli warplanes launched 7 missiles at a site belonging to Palestinian armed groups, northwest of al-Moghraqah village, south of Gaza City. th airstrike caused damage to the site, but no casualties were reported.

• At approximately 13:45, Israeli warplanes launched 2 missiles at Teshrin Military site neat the Marin Club, west of Gaza City, but no casualties were reported.

• Around the same time, Israeli warplanes launched 2 missiles at Basha’er al-Entesar site that is located in the same area. However, no casualties were reported.

• Around the same time, Israeli warplanes launched 2 missiles at al-Buraq military site, south of Gaza City, but no casualties were reported.

• At approximately 14:00, Israeli warplanes launched 2 missiles at al-Buraq military site, south of Gaza City, but no casualties were reported.

• Around the same time, Israeli warplanes launched 2 missiles at Bader Military site behind the Intelligence housing project, north of Gaza City, but no casualties were reported.

• At approximately 15:00, Israeli warplanes launched 2 missiles at a tunnel between Egypt and the Gaza Strip near Karm Abu Salem crossing in al-Shawkah village, at the junction of the borders with Israel, Egypt and the Gaza Strip, southeast of Rafah, but no casualties were reported.

• At approximately 16:30, Israeli forces stationed behind the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel fired an artillery shell at a watchtower belonging to Palestinian armed groups, east of al-Maghazi in the central Gaza Strip. The shelling caused damage to the watchtower, but no casualties were reported.

• At approximately 16:40, Israeli forces stationed behind the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel fired an artillery shell at a watchtower belonging to the Palestinian armed groups, east of Deir al-Balah in the central Gaza Strip and then fired another artillery shell at the same watchtower. As a result, the shelling caused damage to the site, but no casualties were reported.

• At approximately 17:00, Israeli soldiers stationed behind the border fnece between the Gaza Strip and Israel opened fire at the Palestinian farmers’ lands, east of al-Buraij in the central Gaza Strip. As a result, the farmers were forced to leave the area fearing for their lives, but no casualties were reported.

• At approximately 20:30, Israeli forces fired 2 artillery shells at a watchtower belonging to Palestinian armed groups, east of al-Maghazi in the central Gaza Strip, but no casualties were reported.

• At approximately 23:05, an Israeli drone launched a missile at a training site belonging to al-Qassam Brigades (Military Armed Wing of Hamas Movement), east of the former civil Administration building, east of Jabalia in the northern Gaza Strip. The airstrike caused material damage to the site, but no casualties were reported.

• At approximately 23:15, Israeli warplanes launched 2 missiles at the abovementioned site. The explosion rocked the area, causing fear to civilians, particularly among women and children, but no casualties were reported.

• Around the same time, Israeli drone launched a missile at al-Jedar site belonging to al-Qassam Brigades (Military Armed Wing of Hamas Movement) in Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip. The airstrike caused material damage to the site, but no casualties were reported.

• At approximately 23:20, Israeli warplanes launched a missile to the abovementioned site. Bilal Na’aim Mahmoud al-Najmah (20) arrived at the hospital as he sustained bruises to the chest because he fell down on the ground while he was walking near the site. The explosion caused fear to civilians in Sheikh Zayed adjacent to the site from the northwestern area and the patients at the Indonesian hospital adjacent to the site from the southern side.

• At approximately 23:40, Israeli warplanes launched 6 missiles at a military site belonging to Palestinian armed groups, west of Deir al-Balah. The airstrike caused damage to the site, but no casualties were reported.

• At approximately 23:50, Israeli warplanes launched 2 missiles at members of Palestinian armed groups while they were in an agricultural land, east of the cars’ market, east of al-Zaytoun neighborhood, east of Gaza City. The members survived, and no casualties were reported.

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (6) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: Dura, Deir Samet, Bani Na’im, al-Thaheriyah and Beit Ummer village in Hebron and Qalqiliyah.

Wednesday, 30 May 2018

• At approximately 00:00, Israeli warplanes launched 7 missiles few minutes between each at al-Bahriyia site belonging to al-Qassam Brigades (the armed wing of Hamas) along Gaza City beach, west of Khan Yunis, south of the Gaza Strip. No causalities were reported, but the site sustained material damage.
• At approximately 00:20, Israeli warplanes fired 3 missiles few minutes between each at the new Gaza Seaport site belonging to al-Qassam Brigades along Gaza City beach, west of Khan Yunis, south of the Gaza Strip. No causalities were reported, but the site sustained material damage.
• At approximately 00:30, Israeli warplanes fired 3 missiles few minutes between each of them at al-Qassam site in Bani Suhila, east of Khan Yunis, south of the Gaza Strip. No causalities were reported, but the site sustained material damage.
• Around the same time, Israeli warplanes fired 3 missiles at al-Yarmouk Military Site, east of al-Shuja’iyia neighborhood, east of Gaza City, and no causalities were reported.
• At approximately 01:00, Israeli warplanes fired a missile at a military site belonging to the Palestinian armed groups adjacent to Salah al-Deen Street. No causalities were reported, but the site sustained material damage.
• At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into Yatta village, south of Hebron, and stationed in Roq’ah neighborhood. They raided and searched houses from which they arrested Mohamed Ibrahim ‘Okasha Makhamrah (24), Shadi Na’iem Abed al-‘Amour (27) and Qusai Khaled ‘Isaa al-‘Amour (25).
• Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into many neighborhoods in Hebron which were Deir Bahaa, Abu Roman, al-Salam Street, Abu Katilah, and Qaizoun area. They raided and searched houses belonging to ‘Isaa Khairy ‘Isaa al-Ja’bari (51), Minister at the 10^th Palestinian Government; Bassam Mohamed al-Sewari; ‘Arafat Jamjoum; Is’am Khatib al-Tamimi; and Sa’d Sa’di al-Qawasmah. The Israeli forces later withdrew and no arrests among residents were reported.
• Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Beit Ummer village, north of Hebron, and stationed in Sha’b al-Sair neighborhood, south of the city. They raided and searched houses belonging to Ahmed ‘isaa Salem ‘Adi, Jawad Jamal ‘Isaa ‘Awad, and Khaled ‘Isaa Salem ‘Adi. They also handed Khaled’s son Mohamed (19) a summons to refer to the Israeli Intelligence Service in “Gosh Etzion” settlement, south of Bethlehem.
• At approximately 03:00, Israeli forces moved into Kharras village, west of Hebron. They raided and searched 2 houses belonging to Mohamed Ibrahim Saya’rah (34) and Ahmed Zaydan al-Kassar (36) and handed them summonses to refer to the Israeli Intelligence Service in “Gosh Etzion” settlement, south of Bethlehem.
• At approximately 03:30, Israeli forces moved into Ni’lin village, west of Ramallah. They raided and searched houses. Meanwhile, a number of Palestinian civilians gathered and threw stones and empty bottles at the soldiers, who fired rubber bullets and tear gas canisters at them. As a result, a 21-year-old male was hit with a rubber bullet to the leg.
• At approximately 04:30, Israeli forces moved into Bi’lin village, west of Ramallah. They raided and searched houses from which they arrested Mohamed Hamad Abu Khadir (26) and ‘Isaa Khadir Abu Rahma (16).
•  At approximately 16:00, Israeli soldiers opened fire at a watchtower belonging to Palestinian armed groups, east of al-Maghazi in the central Gaza Strip, but no casualties were reported.
• At approximately 18:15, Israeli forces stationed behind the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel, east of Beit Hanoun in the northern Gaza Strip, opened fire at the border area. As a result, the farmers were forced to leave their lands fearing for  their lives, but no casualties were reported.
• At approximately at approximately 19:40, Israeli gunboats stationed offshore, west of Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip opened fire at Palestinian fishing boats sailing within 5 nautical miles. As a result, the fishermen were forced to flee fearing for their lives, but no casualties were reported.
• At approximately 21:00, Israeli gunboats stationed offshore, west of Khan Yunis in the southern Gaza Strip, heavily opened fire at Palestinian fishing boats sailing within the fishing limited area and chased them amidst firing flare bombs in the sky of the area.  The shooting sporadically continued for half an hour. As a result, the fishermen were forced to flee fearing for their lives, but neither material damage nor casualties was reported.
• At approximately 23:00, Israeli gunboats stationed offshore, west of Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip, fired flare bombs at Palestinian fishing boats sailing within 3 nautical miles, but no casualties were reported.

Use of Force against Demonstrations in Protest against the U.S. President’s Decision to Recognize Jerusalem as the Capital of Israel:

Continuing the demonstrations in protest against the U.S. President Donald Trump’s declaration to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and move the U.S. Embassy to it, Palestinian civilians organized protests against the decision throughout the West Bank and Gaza Strip. They further organized peaceful demonstrations where ten thousands of civilians participated, for the ninth Friday in a row, in commemoration of the 42^nd Anniversary of the Land Day in the Gaza Strip. The demonstrations were called as “The Great March of Return and Breaking the Siege.” The demonstrations were as follows during the reporting period:

Gaza Strip:

• At approximately 15:30 on Friday, 25 May 2018, thousands of Palestinian protestors swarmed to the Return encampments established by the Supreme National Authority for the Great March of Return; 350 meters away from the border fence between Israel and the Gaza Strip, east of al-Buraij in the central Gaza Strip. A number of young men approached the border fence, set fire to tires and threw stones at Israeli soldiers stationed behind the border fence. The soldiers fired live bullets and tear gas canisters at the protestors and the participants’ gathering in the Return encampment. The clashes continued until the evening. As a result, 9 civilians were wounded. Five of them were hit with live bullets and 4 others were directly hit with tear gas canisters. The wounded were transferred via an ambulance belonging to the Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS) to al-Aqsa Hospital in Deir al-Balah. Doctors classified their injuries between minor and moderate.

• At approximately 16:00, hundreds of civilians, including women and children started swarming into the demonstration yard in the Return encampment, east of Khuza’ah village, east of Khan Younis n the southern Gaza Strip to participate in the “Holding over Despite the Closure” Friday as named by the Supreme National Authority for the March of Return and Breaking the Siege. Dozens of civilians moved into the north of the camp, set fire to tires, chanted national slogans and raised flags. Some of them attempted to approach the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel. Israeli forces stationed behind hills and sand barriers and in military vehicles along the border fence sporadically and limitedly opened fire at the protesters and fired tear gas canisters at them and in the center of the camp. The shooting and teargasing sporadically continued for until approximately 19:00 on the same day. As a result, 29 civilians, including 2 children, were wounded. Four of them were hit with live bullets and 25 were directly hit with tear gas canisters. They received medical treatment in the field hospital and at Nasser, Gaza European and the Algerian Hospitals.

• At approximately 17:00 on the same Friday, Israeli forces stationed behind the border fence between the Gaza strip and Israel, east of Abu Safiyah Hill, northeast of Jabalia in the northern Gaza Strip, fired live and rubber bullets and tear gas canisters at hundreds of civilians for the ninth Friday within the activities of “The Return March and Breaking Siege” upon a call from the Supreme National Authority. The protestors set fire to tires and threw stones from far distances at Israeli soldiers stationed behind sand barriers. The clashes continued until approximately 19:30. As a result, 9 civilians were wounded. Three of them were hit with live bullets and 6 civilians were directly hit with tear gas canisters. The wounded civilians were transferred via ambulances belonging to PRCS, Medical Services, Union of Health Work Committees and the Ministry of Health to the Indonesian Hospital. Doctors classified their injuries between moderate and minor while the injury of one civilian as serious.

• Around the same time, thousands of civilians gathered in eastern side of Malakah intersection, east of al-Zaytoun neighborhood, east of Gaza City, to participate in the “The Great March of Return and Breaking Siege” activities. A number of them threw stones at Israeli soldiers stationed behind the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel. The soldiers fired live and rubber bullets and tear gas canisters at them. As a result, 42 civilians, including 3 children, 2 women and photojournalist ‘Ali Hasan Jadallah (27), were wounded. The journalist who works at the Anadolu Agency was hit with a tear gas canister to the chest.

• Around the same time, thousands of Palestinian civilians, including women and children within entire families, swarmed to the Return encampment established by the Supreme National Authority for the Great March of Return and Breaking Siege, east of al-Shwakah village, east of Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip, around 300 meters away from the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel. The protestors raised the Palestinian flags, chanted national slogans, set fire to tires and flew paper kites. A number of them approached the border fence and threw stones at Israeli soldiers. The soldiers fired live bullets and tear gas canisters at the protestors. The clashes continued until approximately 19:00. As a result, 11 civilians, including 4 children, a woman and a journalist, were wounded. Two of them were hit with live bullet shrapnel and 9 were directly hit with tear gas canisters, including photojournalist Amir Mohammed Rushdi al-Maghari (22). The wounded civilians were taken to field hospitals in the camp and their wounds were classified as moderate. Two of them were transferred to Abu Yusuf al-Najjar Hospital in Rafah city. During the clashes, the Israeli soldiers targeted an ambulance belonging to the Ministry of Health with a tear gas canister. As a result, the ambulance crew comprised of a driver, a paramedic and 2 wounded civilians who were inside the ambulance suffered tear gas inhalation.

• At approximately 00:15 on Sunday, 27 May 2018, Israeli soldiers stationed behind the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel fired live bullets and flare bombs at dozens of Palestinian young men who gathered in the Return camp near the border fence, east of al-Shawkah, east of Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip. However, no casualties were reported.

• At approximately 18:00 on Monday, 28 May 2018, Israeli soldiers stationed behind the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel opened fire at a 20-year-old civilian from Khuza’ah. As a result, he was hit with 2 live bullets to the legs while he was at the vicinity of the Return encampment. The wounded civilian was transferred to Gaza European hospital to receive medical treatment. Doctors classified their injuries as moderate.

• At approximately 18:10 on Wednesday, 30 May 2018, Israeli soldiers opened fire at a group of young and children who were about 150 meters away from the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel, east of al-Buraij in the central Gaza Strip during their participation in the March of Return. As a result, a 15-year-old child from al-Maghazi was hit with a live bullet to the back and penetrated his chest. The child was admitted to al-Aqsa Hospital in Deir al-Balah via a PRCS ambulance and then was referred to al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City.

Six Civilians Succumbed to Their Wounds:

• At approximately 19:00 on Thursday, 24 May 2018, medical sources at al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City announced the death of Ahmed ‘Ali Mustafa Qatoush (28) from al-Zawaidah succumbing to his previous wounds. According to PCHR’s investigations, Qatoush was hit with a live bullet to the right knee during his participation in the Great Return March on Monday, 14 May 2018, east of al-Buraij in the central Gaza Strip. He was admitted to al-Aqsa Hospital in Deir al-Balah and then was referred to al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City due to his serious injury to continue his medical treatment. He stayed at the hospital until his death was announced.

• At approximately 21:00 on the same Thursday, medical sources at al-Ahli Hospital in Hebron announced the death of Muhanned Baker Mohammed Abu Tahoun (20) from al-Nuseirat in the central Gaza Strip succumbing to his previous wounds. According to PCHR’s investigations, Abu Tahoun was hit with a live bullet to the head during his participation in the Great Return March on 14 May 2018, east of al-Buraij in the central Gaza Strip. He was admitted to al-Aqsa Hospital in Deir al-Balah and then was referred to al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City due to his serious injury. On 23 May 2018, Qatoush was referred to al-Ahli hospital in Hebron in the West Bank where he died in the next day.

• On Friday, 25 May 2018, Palestinian Ministry of Health announced the death of Yasser Sami Sa’ad Eden Habib (25) from al-Sheja’ieyah neighborhood, east of Gaza City, succumbing to his wounds. According to PCHR’s investigations, Habib was hit with a live bullet to the neck during his participation in the Great Return March on 14 May 2018, in the eastern side of Malakah intersection, east of al-Zaytoun neighborhood, east of Gaza City. Habib was admitted to al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City and then was referred to Mar Youssef Hospital in East Jerusalem to continue his medical treatment. Habib stayed at the hospital until his death was announced.

• At approximately 14:00 on Saturday, 26 May 2018, Palestinian Ministry of Health announced the death of Husein Salem Abu ‘Oueidah (41), from al-Sha’af, succumbing to his wounds. According to PCHR’s investigations, Abu ‘Ouweidah was hit with a live bullet to the back during his participation in the Great Return March on 14 May 2018, in the eastern side of Malakah intersection, east of al-Zaytoun neighborhood, east of Gaza City. He was admitted to al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City and then was referred to a hospital in Israel to continue his medical treatment due to his serious injury. He stayed at the hospital until his death was announced.

• At approximately 13:00 on Monday, 28 May 2018, medical sources at the Indonesian hospital in Jabalia announced the death of Nasser Abdul Ra’ouf al-‘Areni (27) from al-Twam neighborhood in the northern Gaza Strip, succumbing to his wounds. According to PCHR’s investigations, al-‘Areni was hit with a live bullet to the abdomen during his participation in the Great Return March on 14 May 2018,east of Abu Safiyah Hill, east of Jabalia. Al-‘Areni was admitted to the Indonesian Hospital where he underwent 4 surgeries in which parts of the internal organs were removed due to its laceration. Al-‘Areni stayed at the hospital until his death was announced. It should be noted that al-‘Areni was supposed to leave the hospital on Monday 28 May 2018 to receive medical treatment at Mar Youssef Hospital in occupied Jerusalem after he obtained a permit and his parents were waiting a call from the Medical Coordination Department when he is leaving, but he died.

• At approximately 11:30 on Wednesday, 30 May 2018, medical sources in Gaza European Hospital in Khan Yunis announced the death of Naji Maisarah Abdullah Ghuneim (23) from al-Brazil neighborhood in Rafah, succumbing to his wounds. Ghuneim was hit with a live bullet to the right thigh during his participation in the Great March of Return on 18 May 2018, in al-Shawkah village, east of Rafah near the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel. Ghuneim was admitted to Abu Yusuf al-Najjar Hospital in Rafah and then referred to Gaza European Hospital in Khan Yunis. He was later referred to al-Mutala’ Hospital in Jerusalem due to his serious injury. He was hit with an explosive live bullet, cutting the main artery, and leading to severe bleeding. Ghuneim was admitted to the ICU where his death was announced.

West Bank:

• At approximately 10:20 on Friday, 25 May 2018, a group of Palestinian civilians protested at the northern entrance to Qalqiliyah “Eyal” They chanted national slogans demanding to end occupation, condemning removing the U.S embassy to occupied Jerusalem and the Israeli forces’ crimes against Palestinian protestors along the eastern border of the Gaza Strip. The protestors set fire to tires and threw stones at Israeli soldiers stationed at the abovementioned checkpoint. The soldiers fired rubber bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters at the protestors and chased them. they also arrested 2 civilians, including a child, namely Motiam Khaldoun Mohammed Redwan (17) and Tha’er Ashraf Mohammed Zaid (19).

• At approximately 16:00 on Saturday, 25 May 2018, a group of Palestinian civilians moved from Kufor Qaddoum village, northeast of Qalqiliyah, to the eastern entrance to the village, which has been closed for 15 years in favor of the entrance to “Kedumim” settlement established on the village lands. The protestors chanted national slogans demanding end of occupation, condemning the U.S President Donald Trump’s decision to recognize Jerusalem as the capital Israel and condemning the Israeli forces’ crimes against Palestinian protestors along the eastern border of the Gaza Strip within “The Great March of Return and Breaking the Siege” activities. The protestors set fire to tires, threw stones at Israeli soldiers stationed behind sand barriers. The soldiers fired rubber bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters at them. As a result, a 23-year-old civilian was hit with a rubber bullet to the head. On Friday afternoon, 24 May 2018, a similar demonstration was organized at the abovementioned entrance. As a result, many civilians suffered tear gas inhalation.

2. 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.

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

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

Movement at Beit Hanoun (“Erez”) crossing

(23-29 May 2018)

Note:

• On Wednesday, 23 May 2018, Israeli authorities allowed 2 persons to give his testimony in the Israeli courts.
• On Wednesday, 23 May 2018, Israeli authorities allowed 3 persons to return to the West Bank.
• On Thursday, 24 May 2018, Israeli authorities allowed 71 persons; on Monday, 28 May 2018, 117 persons; and on Tuesday, 29 May 2018, one person from the Gaza Strip to perform prayers at al-Aqsa Mosque.
• On Thursday, 24 May 2018, Israeli authorities allowed 2 Christians and on Tuesday, 29 May 2018, one Christian to travel to the West Bank.
• On Sunday, 27 May 2018, Israeli authorities allowed one person to travel via Erez Crossing to get a permit for a family reunion.

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 (19) checkpoints all over the city.

On Thursday, 24 May 2018, Israeli forces established 2 checkpoints at the entrance to al-‘Aroub refugee camp and at the southern entrance to Hebron.

On Friday, 25 May 2018, 4 similar checkpoints were established at the entrances to Beit Ummer, Beit ‘Aynoun, Sa’ir, and Bani Na’iem villages.

On Saturday, 26 May 2018, Israeli forces established 3 checkpoints at the entrance to al-Fawar refugee camp and at the entrances to Dir Razzah and Halhoul villages.

On Sunday, 27 May 2018, 3 similar checkpoints were established at the entrance to Beit Ummer village, at the southern entrance to Halhoul, and at the northern entrance to Yatta village.

On Monday, 28 May 2018, Israeli forces established 4 checkpoints at the southern entrance to Hebron, at the entrance to Ethna village, at the eastern entrance to Dura village, and at the entrance to al-Fawar refugee camp.

On Tuesday, 29 May 2018, 3 similar checkpoints were established at the entrance to al-Fawar refugee camp and at the entrances to Samou’a and Ethna villages.

• Tulkarm:

At approximately 11:30 on Friday, 25 May 2018, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the entrance to Beit Lid village, east of Tulkarm.

• Salfit:

At approximately 22:05 on Thursday, 24 May 2018, Israeli forces established a checkpoint under the bridge of Askaka village, east of Salfit.

Arrests at Military Checkpoints:

• On Friday, 25 May 2018, Israeli forces stationed at Qalandia military checkpoint established at the northern entrance to occupied Jerusalem, arrested Adham ‘Ai Nayif ‘Amer (24), from Kafur Qalil village, southeast of Nablus. Adham was arrested while returning from Jerusalem after performing prayers at al-Aqsa Mosque.
• At approximately 14:00 on Saturday, 26 May 2018, Israeli forces stationed at Qalandia military checkpoint established at the northern entrance to occupied Jerusalem, arrested 3 civilians while returning from Jerusalem after performing prayers at al-Aqsa Mosque. The arrested civilians were identified as Taleb Sameer Taleb Selwadi (21), Osaid Khaled Moahmed (Raihan),25, and Hamam ‘Abed al-Rahman ‘As’ad Raihan (21). All of them are from Tal village, southwest of Nablus.
• At approximately 11:00 on Sunday, 27 May 2018, Israeli forces established a checkpoint on Jenin-Haifa Road near Zabobah village, west of Jenin. They stopped Palestinian civilians’ vehicles and then arrested Islam Mohamed Lotfi Daraghmah (21), from Tubas village. Islam was arrested while heading along with Tubas village’s residents to welcome a former prisoner Sa’ied Naser Sa’ied Daraghmah, who was released on the same day in front of Salem Military Court.
• On Monday, 28 May 2018, Israeli forces stationed at al-Aqsa Mosque Gates in occupied Jerusalem, arrested Qutibah ‘Abed al-Kareem Mohamed ‘Azzam (27), from Sabastiyia village, northwest of Nablus, while performing prayers at al-Aqsa Mosque.
• On Tuesday, 29 May 2018, Israeli forces stationed at Za’tarah military checkpoint tightened their arbitrary measures against Palestinian civilians’ movement. They stopped dozens of Palestinian vehicles and checked the passengers’ IDs. During which, they arrested Mohamed Khalouf (27) and Ibrahim Hamad (23) both of them are from Burqeen village, west of Jenin.
• On Tuesday, Israeli forces established a checkpoint on Ramallah-Nablus Road. They stopped Palestinian vehicles, checked the passengers’ IDs and then arrested Mahmoud Mowafaq Ibrahim Madani (41), from ‘Askar Camp, northeast of Nablus. Mahmoud was arrested while heading to Ramallah.

• Efforts to Create A 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:

• Arrests and Incursions:

• On Thursday, 24 May 2018, Israeli forces arrested Mousa Hamada (48), from Surbaher village, south of Jerusalem, and then took him to al-Maskobiyia dentation center in West Jerusalem. It should be noted that the Israeli forces arrested Mousa after releasing him from Negev prison. The Prisoners’ Families Committee in Jerusalem said in a statement that the Israeli forces arrested Mousa after releasing him from Negev prison, where he served 7 years and a half.

• On Sunday, 27 May 2018, Israeli forces moved into many neighborhoods in occupied East Jerusalem’s Old City. They raided and searched houses from which they arrested Ma’moun al-Razem, ‘Amr Abu ‘Arafah, ‘Amer al-Bazlameet, Mohamed al-Taweel, Samer Abu al-Halawa, and Akram al-Shorafa.

• At approximately 21:20 on Sunday, Khawlah Subaieh (43) was hit with a live bullet to the leg and then arrested. She was wounded when an Israeli soldier opened fire at her while she was walking near the railway station in Shu’fat Camp, north of occupied East Jerusalem. Eyewitnesses said that Khawlah was walking in the abovementioned area, during which dozens of Israeli soldiers and the railway station guards surrounded her and then one of the soldiers opened fire at her and wounded her to her leg. The Israeli police claimed that she did not obey the soldiers’ orders to stop. After that, the Israeli forces completely closed the area, arrested Khawlah and then detained her at Shaare Zedek Hospital. On Monday morning, 28 May 2018, the Israeli Court in absentia hearing extended her arrest until 03 June 2018.

• On Monday, 28 May 2018, Israeli forces arrested 3 Mshratis, from occupied East Jerusalem’s Old City, under the pretext of causing noise to Israeli settlers. The arrested persons were identified as Mohamed Hajeej, ‘Isaa Mot’eb and Sa’eed al-‘Ajlouni. All of them are from the Old City and they were then taken to a detention facility.

• At approximately 01:30 on Monday, Israeli forces moved into al-‘Issawiyia village, northeast of occupied East Jerusalem. They raided and searched houses from which they arrested Qusai Dari, Yousef ‘Isaa Mostafa and ‘Ataah ‘Iz Derbas.

• At approximately 02:30 on Wednesday, 30 May 2018, Israeli forces moved into al-‘Issawaiyia village, northeast of occupied East Jerusalem. They raided and searched houses from which they arrested 11 civilians, including a child. PCHR keeps the names of the arrested persons.

Settlement activities and attacks by settlers against Palestinian civilians and property

 Israeli forces’ attacks

• At approximately 10:00 on Sunday, 27 May 2018, Israeli forces accompanied with a vehicle of the Israeli Civil Administration moved into Kherbit al-Mofaqarah, east of Yatta, south of Hebron. They stationed between Palestinian civilians’ houses and then an Israeli Civil Administration officer took photos of the houses and handed the residents notices to stop construction works under the pretext of non-licensing in areas classified as area (C). The houses, which were notified, belong to No’man Shehdah al-Barakandi, Fasdel Hasan al-Hamamdah, Hussain Ahmed al-Hamamadah, Maher Khalil al-Hamamdah, and Jamal Mousa al-Barakandi.

 Israeli settlers’ attacks

• On Sunday, 27 May 2018, a number of Israeli settlers cut with saws over 700 grapevines belonging to Mohamed Shokri Na’iem Abu Rajab and his 3 siblings in al-Fahs area lands, south of Hebron. Israeli settlers wrote racist slogans in Hebrew on an agricultural container located in the abovementioned land. It should be noted that this is the 3^rd time the Israeli forces cut grapevines in Hebron during this May. On 16 May 2018, the settlers cut 400 grapevines in al-Morajamah area, north of Hebron. On 23 May 2018, the settlers cut around 700 grapevines in lands adjacent to the bypass road (60).
• On Monday, 28 May 2018, a group of Israeli settlers, from “Kochav Shahar“ settlement, uprooted over 100 fruitful grapevines in Kafur Malek village, east of Ramallah. The attacked a plot of land belonging to Eyad Sa’ied Mo’adi.

Recommendations to the International Community

PCHR warns of the escalating settlement construction in the West Bank, the attempts to legitimize settlement outposts established on Palestinian lands in the West Bank and the continued summary executions of Palestinian civilians under the pretext that they pose a security threat to the Israeli forces. PCHR reminds the international community that thousands of Palestinian civilians have been rendered homeless and lived in caravans under tragic circumstances due to the latest Israeli offensive on the Gaza Strip that has been under a tight closure for almost 11 years. PCHR welcomes the UN Security Council’s Resolution No. 2334, which states that settlements are a blatant violation of the Geneva Conventions and calls upon Israel to stop them and not to recognize any demographic change in the oPt since 1967.  PCHR hopes this resolution will pave the way for eliminating the settlement crime and bring to justice those responsible for it. PCHR further reiterates that the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, are still under Israeli occupation in spite of Israel’s unilateral disengagement plan of 2005.  PCHR emphasizes that there is international recognition of Israel’s obligation to respect international human rights instruments and international humanitarian law.  Israel is bound to apply international human rights law and the law of war, sometimes reciprocally and other times in parallel, in a way that achieves the best protection for civilians and remedy for the victims.

1. PCHR calls upon the international community to respect the Security Council’s Resolution No. 2334 and to ensure that Israel respects it as well, in particular point 5 which obliges Israel not to deal with settlements as if they were part of Israel.
2. PCHR calls upon the ICC this year to open an investigation into Israeli crimes committed in the oPt, particularly the settlement crimes and the 2014 offensive on the Gaza Strip.
3. PCHR Calls upon the European Union (EU) and all international bodies to boycott settlements and ban working and investing in them in application of their obligations according to international human rights law and international humanitarian law considering settlements as a war crime.
4. PCHR calls upon the international community 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.
5. PCHR calls upon the international community and United Nations to take all necessary measures to stop Israeli policies aimed at creating a Jewish demographic majority in Jerusalem and at voiding Palestine from its original inhabitants through deportations and house demolitions as a collective punishment, which violates international humanitarian law, amounting to a crime against humanity.
6. PCHR calls upon the international community to condemn summary executions carried out by Israeli forces against Palestinians and to pressurize Israel to stop them.
7. PCHR calls upon the States Parties to the Rome Statute of the ICC to work hard to hold Israeli war criminals accountable.
8. PCHR calls upon the High Contracting Parties to the Geneva Conventions to fulfill their obligations under article (1) of the Convention to ensure respect for the Conventions under all circumstances, and under articles (146) and (147) to search for and prosecute those responsible for committing grave breaches of the Geneva Conventions to ensure justice and remedy for Palestinian victims, especially in light of the almost complete denial of justice for them before the Israeli judiciary.
9. PCHR calls upon the international community to speed up the reconstruction process necessary because of the destruction inflicted by the Israeli offensive on Gaza.
10. PCHR calls for a prompt intervention to compel the Israeli authorities to lift the closure that obstructs the freedom of movement of goods and 1.8 million civilians that experience unprecedented economic, social, political and cultural hardships due to collective punishment policies and retaliatory action against civilians.
11. PCHR calls upon the European Union to apply human rights standards embedded in the EU-Israel Association Agreement and to respect its obligations under the European Convention on Human Rights when dealing with Israel.
12. PCHR calls upon the international community, especially states that import Israeli weapons and military services, to meet their moral and legal responsibility not to allow Israel to use the offensive in Gaza to test new weapons and not accept training services based on the field experience in Gaza in order to avoid turning Palestinian civilians in Gaza into testing objects for Israeli weapons and military tactics.
13. PCHR calls upon the parties to international human rights instruments, especially the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR), to pressurize Israel to comply with its provisions in the oPt and to compel it to incorporate the human rights situation in the oPt in its reports submitted to the relevant committees.
14. PCHR calls upon the EU and international human rights bodies to pressurize the Israeli forces to stop their attacks against Palestinian fishermen and farmers, mainly in the border area.

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Public Document

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