Weekly Report On Israeli Human Rights Violations in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (27 Aug. – 02 Sep. 2015)

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

(27 August – 02 September 2015)

• Israeli forces continued to use excessive force against peaceful protests in the West Bank.
• 10 Palestinian civilians, including 3 children, were wounded.
• 4 others were wounded during an Israeli incursion in Tal village, southwest of Nablus.

• Israeli navy forces opened fire at Palestinian fishermen in the Gaza Strip sea,but no casualties were reported.

• Israeli forces conducted 57incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank and 2 limited ones in the northern Gaza Strip.
• 55Palestinian civilians, including 12 children,were arrested.
• 11of these civilians, including 4 children, were arrested in occupied East Jerusalem.
• A house was shelled and then completely levelled by an Israeli bulldozer in Jenin.

• Israel continued to impose a total closure on the oPt and has isolated the Gaza Strip from the outside world.
• Many checkpoints were established in the West Bank.
• 3 Palestinian civilianswere arrested at checkpoints.
• 8 shepherds were maltreated and an old woman was beaten by Israeli soldiers, east of Nablus.
• Israeli forces arrested two Palestinian traders at Beit Hanoun crossing.

• Israeli forces continued efforts to create Jewish majority in occupied East Jerusalem.
• Israeli forces demolished a residential community, northeast of occupied East Jerusalem, and expelled 94 Palestinians, including 69 children.

• Israeli forces continued to support settlement activities in the West Bank and Israeli settlers continued to attack Palestinian civilians and property.
• Israeli forces stopped rehabilitation works in an archaeological site in the vicinity of Bani Na’im village, east of Hebron.
• Settlers set fire to a bulldozer in al-Mazra’ah al-Qabaliyah village, northwest of Ramallah.

Summary

Israeli violations of international law and international humanitarian law in theoPt continued during the reporting period (27August – 02 September 2015).

Shooting:

During the reporting period, Israeli forces continued to use force against Palestinian civilians participating in peaceful protests in the West Bank. In the Gaza Strip,Israeli forces continued to open fire at areas along the border between the Gaza Strip and Israel, and attack and chasePalestinian fishermen in the sea. During the reporting period, Israeli forces wounded 14 Palestinian civilians, including 3 children, in the West Bank.

In the West Bank, Israeli forces wounded 14 Palestinian civilians, including 3 children; 4 of whom were wounded during an Israeli incursion in Tal village, southwest of Nablus, while the others were wounded during peaceful protests against the annexation wall and settlement activities.

On 29 August 2015, 4 Palestinian civilians were wounded when Israeli forces moved into Til village, southwest of Nablus.

Israeli forces continued to use excessive and systematic use of force against peaceful protests organized by Palestinian civilians and Israeli and international human rights activists in protest at the construction of the annexation wall and settlement activities in the West Bank and Israeli policies in the oPt. As a result, 9 civilians, including 3 children, were wounded in Kufor Qaddoum protest, northeast of Qalqilya; Silwad protest, northeast of Ramallah; and the vicinity of Ofer detention facility, southwest of the city.

In the Gaza Strip, in the context of targeting Palestinian fishermen, on 29 August 2015, Israeli gunboats stationed off al-Wahah shore, north of the Gaza Strip, sporadically opened fire at fishermen sailing within 2 nautical miles, but neither casualties nor material damage were reported.

Incursions:

During the reporting period,Israeli forces conducted at least 57 military incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank and 4 ones in East Jerusalem.During these incursions, Israeli forces arrested at least 55Palestinians, including 12 children. Eleven of these civilians, including 8 children and the woman, were arrested in East Jerusalem.

In a large-scale military operation that Jenin has not witnessed for years, Israeli forces moved into the city and its refugee camp on 31 August 2015 to arrest allegedly wanted Palestinians. They raided a house belonging to the secretary of the Jenin’s Mayor and took his family outdoors. Moreover, they arrested the aforementioned person, his brother, son and mother. Israeli forces afterwards fired 4 shells at the house. A bulldozer started demolishing the house, the fence around it and a well used for collection of rainwater. The child and his grandmother were released later.

In the Gaza Strip, on 01 September 2015, Israeli forces moved 200 meters into Nahal ‘Oz area along the border fence, east of al-Shija’iyah neighbourhood in the east of Gaza City.

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 1.8 million people. The Israeli authorities have established Karm Abu Salem (KeremShaloum) 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 38.8%, 21.1% of which suffer from extreme poverty. Moreover, the rate of unemployment increased up to 44%, which reflects the unprecedented economic deterioration in the Gaza Strip.

Efforts to create a Jewish demographic majority in Jerusalem

In the context of the forcible displacement policy applied in Area (C) in the West Bank for the interest of settlement projects, on 31 August 2015, Israeli forces demolished “al-Khdeirat” Bedouin community, northeast of occupied East Jerusalem near “Adam” settlement, rendering eleven Bedouin families homeless.According to investigations conducted by PCHR, at approximately 09:00 on Monday, 31 August 2015, Israeli forces, backed by military vehicles and accompanied by a force from the Construction and Organization Department in the Civil Administration and bulldozers, moved into al-Khdeirat Bedouin community near “Adam” settlement overlooking Mekhmas village and “Sha’er Benyamin” settlement, northeast of occupied East Jerusalem.  The Israeli bulldozers demolished a number of residential and livestock barracks (16 residential barracks and 7 livestock barracks) leaving 94 persons, including 69 children, homeless.

Settlement Activities

On 31 August 2015, Israeli forces backed by military vehicles and accompanied by an Israeli Civil Administration vehicle, moved into Msafer area in Bani Na’im village, east of Hebron. The Civil Administration officer asked the workers to stop working in the archaeological site and dismissed them. They informed them that work is suspended until a further notice.

On 29 August 2015, a group of settlers from “Kfar Tafouh” settlement, south of Nablus, closed the main road leading to Yasouf village, east of Salfit, and prevented Palestinian civilians from using the road for a while. In the meantime, Israeli forces arrived, reopened the street and returned the settlers back in the settlement.

On 31 August 2015, a group of settlers from ”Nahleil” and “Talmoun G” settlements near the eastern Mazra’a village, northwest of Ramallah, set fire to a bulldozer. The bulldozer belonging to Mo’taz Hassan Edris from Hebron was parking in Ni’lan area that is 2 kilometres to the north of the said village.

Details

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

Thursday, 27 August 2015

• At approximately 01:00, Israeli forces moved into Tulkarm. They patrolled the streets for some time and then moved to the east into ‘Ezbet al-Tayyah area. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Mo’emen Sa’id Isma’il Abu Daqqah (31). They arrested the aforementioned civilian and took him to an unknown destination.

• At approximately 01:30, Israeli forces moved into Beit Ummar village, north of Hebron. They stationed in the areas of al-Harah and al-‘Ein and then raided and searched a number of houses, from which they arrested 3 civilians: Jihad Yousif Hasan ‘Alqam (22); Muhanned Yousif Muhsen ‘Awad (22); and Nour Yousif Khdeir ‘Awad (22). A number of Israeli soldiers then took Muhanned ‘Awad by foot to “Kermi Yitsur” settlement established on Palestinian lands confiscated from the south of the village. The military vehicles left taking the other two detainees to an unknown destination.

• At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces backed by ten military vehicles moved into al-Thaheriyah village, south of Hebron. They raided and searched a number of houses after expelling the residents from them. The Israeli soldiers arrested six civilians and took them to an unknown destination: Akram Jamil Samamrah (35); Amjad Majed Hassan al-Hawarin (26); Hasan Musbah Hasan Wreidat (31); ‘Alaa’ Mohammed Ahmed al-Najjar (33); Rafe’a Majed Musbah Wreidat (32); and Isma’il Mohammed Ahmed al-Najjar (37).

• At approximately 02:30, Israeli forces moved into Sorif village, northwest of Hebron. They stationed in the southern area of the village and then raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Anas ‘Ali Hmeidat (21). Israeli forces arrested the aforementioned civilian and withdrew latertaking him to an unknown destination.

• At approximately 03:00, Israeli forces moved into ‘Anin village, northwest of Jenin. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Radi Yehia Hasan Khdour (41). They failed to arrest the house owner, who was not there at that moment. Israeli forces then raided and searched the house of his brother, Mohammed and Mahmoud, looking for Radi, who is wanted for the Israeli forces, but in vain. Israeli forces withdrewlater, and neither further incidents nor arrests were reported.

• At approximately 05:00, Israeli forces arrested Subhi Mansour ‘Obeid (14) and ‘Abdullah Helmi Ishteiwi (14), northeast of Qalqilya, when they referred to the Israeli intelligence in “Arayel” settlement police station, north of Salfit upon a summons they received previously. Next day afternoon, they were released on bail of 1,000 NIS for each of them.

• At approximately 14:30, Israeli forces moved into al-Mazra’ah al-Qabaliyah village, northwest of Ramallah. Meanwhile, a number of Palestinian youngsters and children gathered to throw stones at the Israeli vehicles. The Israeli soldiers in response fired tear gas canisters and sound bombs at the stone-throwers and chased them. As a result, a number of civilians suffered tear gas inhalation. At approximately 18:00, they arrested ‘Abdullah Hani Abu Qare’a (8) and withdrew latertaking him to the adjacent “Telmone” settlement with his mother who insisted to go with her son. Israeli forces then took him to “Benyamin” police station, northeast of occupied Jerusalem. At approximately 22:00, he was released after handing him over to the Palestinian Military Liaison.

• At approximately 19:30, Israeli forces arrested Ziad ‘Atallah Soliman al-Qarra (22) from Bani Suhaila, east of Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip while trying to sneak into Israel via the border fence. According to information obtained by PCHR field worker from the detainee’s family, the aforementioned young man left home and headed to the border fence, east of ‘Abasan. While trying to cross the aforementioned border fence, the Israeli soldiers arrested him and took him to an unknown destination. The brother of the aforementioned young man said that the family did not receive any call from the Israeli forces telling them that their son is arrested, but they knew from the residents and famers in the area.

• At approximately 20:05, Israeli forces moved into Amatin village, northeast of Qalqilya. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Yazid Ghassan ‘Obeid (22) and handed him a summons to refer to the Israeli intelligence.

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces carried out incursions in the following areas, but no arrests were reported: Yata, south of Hebron; Beit ‘Awwa village, southwest of Dura, southwest of the city; Qarawet Bani Zaid village, northwest of Ramallah; and Termes’iyah village, north of the city.

Friday, 28 August 2015

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces carried out incursions in the following areas, but no arrests were reported: villages of al-‘Aroub refugee camp, north of Hebron; Ethna village, west of the city; and Marj Na’ajah village, north of Jericho.

Saturday, 29 August 2015

• At approximately 01:00, Israeli forces moved into Tal village, southwest of Nablus. They gathered to throw stones and empty bottles at the Israeli vehicles. The Israeli soldiers in response fired rubber-coated metal bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters. As a result, 4 civilians were wounded. A 19-year-old young man was wounded with a metal bullet to the head; and another 21-year-old one was hit with a metal bullet to the right hand. Meanwhile, a 21-year-old one was hit with a metal bullet to the right foot and another 21-year-old one was hit with a metal bullet to the right thigh.

• In the early morning, Israeli forces moved into Bethlehem. They raided and searched a number of houses. They handed Ramzi ‘Abdullah al-Harimi (18) a summons to refer to the Israeli intelligence in “Gosh ‘Eztion” settlement bloc, south of the city.

• At approximately 22:00, Israeli forces moved into al-Zawiyah village, west of Salfit. They chased a Palestinian civilian car and due to which the car hit the wall and its driver identified as Suhaib Ibrahim Shuqeir (22) was injured. At approximately 00:00, Israeli forces withdrew from the village taking the aforementioned civilian to an Israeli hospital to receive medical treatment.

• At approximately 23:30, Israeli gunboats stationed of al-Wahah shore, northwest of Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip sporadically opened fire in the vicinity of Palestinian fishing boats sailing within two nautical miles. The shooting which continued for 20 minutes caused fear among fishermen who were forced to flee away. Neither causalities nor damages were reported.

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces carried out incursions in the following areas, but no arrests were reported:the villages of Amrish and Deir al-‘Asal al-Foqa, west of Dura, southwest of Hebron; Ya’abod village, southwest of Jenin; Yasouf village, east of Salfit; Qarawet Bani Zaid village, northwest of Ramallah; Bitounia village, west of the city; al-Samou’a village, south of Hebron; and Nuba village, west of the city.

Sunday, 30 August 2015

• At approximately 01:00, Israeli forces moved into Salfit. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Ahmed Sameh Abu Hajlah (23) and handed him a summons to refer to the Israeli intelligence.

• Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Deiristiyah village, northwest of Salfit. They raided and searched two houses belonging to the families of Samir Bassam ‘Abdel KArim Mansour (14) and Eyad Fawzi Mansour (15). They handed them summonses to refer to the Israeli intelligence and withdrewlater.

• At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into Selwad village, northeast of Ramallah. They stationed in al-Homah Valley neighbourhood near the village park. After breaking the main door with a sharp tool and locking the family members in one room, they raided and searched a house belonging to Mo’ayad Shokri Hammad, who has been detained in the Israeli jails since 2003. The force officer identified as Ra’ouf detained Belal (11), the prisoner’s son, in the bathroom at gunpoint. They then arrested the eldest child of the aforementioned prisoner, Hamzah (15), and took him to al-Maskoubiyah investigation centre in Jerusalem. The Israeli soldiers also confiscated 3 cell phones, two computer sets, two iPads and CDs belonging to the children and family.

• In the early morning, Israeli forces moved into Marah Rabah village, south of Bethlehem. They raided and searched a number of houses. They handed No’aman Ahmed Ibrahim al-Sheikh (20) and ‘Alaa’ Ahmed ‘Abdel Hay al-Sheikh (23) two summonses to refer to the Israeli intelligence in “Gosh ‘Etzion” settlement bloc, south of Bethlehem.

• At approximately 18:00, Israeli forces moved into al-‘Aroub refugee camp, north of Hebron. They patrolled the streets and then stationed at the western entrance of the camp. The Israeli soldier deployed on the road, and another military patrols arrived to comp the area after they heard the news of someone ran down an Israeli soldier at the intersection of “Beit Hajay” settlement, south of the city.A number of Palestinian youngsters gathered in the agricultural lands overlooking the street and threw stones and empty bottles at the Israeli soldiers who fired tear gas canisters in reqponse. As a result, a number of youngsters suffered tear gas inhalation.

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces carried out incursions in the following areas, but no arrests were reported: Hares village, north of Salfit’ Kherbtha al-Mesbah village, west of Ramallah; Beit Sira village, southwest of the city; ‘Aqbet Jaber refugee camp, southwest of Jericho; Fasayel village, north of the city; villages of ‘Azoun, al-Fondoq and Hejah, east of Qalqilya; and Kufor Qaddoum village, northeast of the city.

Monday, 31 August 2015

• In the early morning, Israeli forces moved into Romanah village, northwest of Jenin. They raided and searched a number of houses and handed four civilians summonses to refer to Salem Camp, northwest of the city: Zuhair Rashed al-Ahmad (21); Mohammed Ghazo Mahajnah (24); ‘Abdel Rahim ‘Amour (21); and ‘Abdel Rahim Abu Hammad (24). Israeli forces then raided and searched a house belonging to Muhanned Khairy Mousa Foqaha (22) and arrested him.

• Israeli soldiers then moved into ‘Aydah refugee camp, north of Bethlehem. They raided and searched a number of houses. They arrested Sa’ed and Mohammed ‘Issa ‘Ayyad and Saddam ‘Aqel Dar al-Haj, and withdrew latertaking them to an unknown destination.

• At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into ‘Aqbet Jaber refugee camp, southwest of Jericho. They raided and searched 3 houses, from which they arrested 3 civilians, including a man and his son: Mohammed Basem Hmeidat (20); Fakher ‘Abdel Hafez ‘Awadat (52) and his son, Saddam (20).

• At approximately 22:30, an Israeli undercover unit dressed in plain clothes sneaked into Jenin using a white Mercedes bus with a Palestinian registration plate. The bus stopped in al-Hadaf area, southwest of the city. A number of soldiers stepped out of the bus and raided a house belonging to Majdi Raja Mahmoud Abu al-Hayja (37), Secretary of the Jenin Mayor. Minutes after entering the house, Israeli forces backed by military vehicles and a bulldozer moved into the city and raided houses near Abu al-Hayja’s house and stationed on the roofs. The Israeli soldiers took Majdi and his son, Suhaib (13) and his mother outside the house to question them on the spot in the main street. They then took his wife and four children in addition to his brother’s wife, ‘Alaa’, and her two children, who were in a visit to Majdi’s family, outside the house as well. The Israeli soldiers then fired 4 shells from a shoulder-launched weapon at the house, and the bulldozer then demolished the house in addition to levelling the fence surrounding the house and a well for rainwater collection. The two-storey house is built on an area of 250 square meters. Israeli forces arrested Majdi Abu al-Hayja (37), and his son Suhaib (13) as well as his brother, ‘Alaa’ (29) and their mother, Kamlah Saleh ‘Abdel Karim Abu al-Hayja (60). At approximately 08:00, Israeli forces released Suhaib, ‘alaa’ and Kamlah but kept Majdi under arrest.

It should be mentioned that Majdi previously spent 9 years in the Israeli prisons and was released in 2008. He was not wanted by the Israeli forces. It is thought that the Israeli forces targeted in their operation a number of Palestinian civilians claiming that they are wanted for the Israeli forces and hiding in the targeted house. The Israeli media reported that the Israeli forces claimed that they were dealing with a precious target in Jenin without giving any details about it.

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces carried out incursions in the following areas, but no arrests were reported: Bir Zeit, north of Ramallah; villages of Deir Qeddis and Deir Nizzam, northwest of the city; villages of al-Jaftalak and Marj Ne’ajah, north of Jericho; villages of Sa’ir and al-shyoukh, east of Hebron; and Kharas village, west of the city.

Tuesday, 01 September 2015

• At approximately 01:30, Israeli forces moved into Zota village, northwest of Nablus. They raided and searched a number of houses, from which they arrested Shaddad Shaer Abu ‘Amshah (32) and Mohammed Thabet Abu ‘Amshah (40). Israeli forces withdrewlater taking him to an unknown destination.

• At approximately 01:45, Israeli forces moved into Kufor Qaddoum village, northeast of Qalqilya. They raided and searched 3 of houses belonging to Mohammed Shaker Mahmoud Shteiwi, Isma’il Yousif Shteiwi and Bashar Mahmoud ‘Abdel Qader Shteiwi (26). They arrested the latter and withdrew latertaking him to an unknown destination.

• At approximately 02:30, Israeli forces moved into Um al-Sharayet area in al-Bireh. They raided and searched a number of apartments in Abu al-Latif residential building and its vicinity near al-Wehdah Club. The Israeli force officer questioned the residents on the spot about someone called Qosay. Meanwhile, a number of young men gathered to throw stones at the Israeli vehicles. The Israeli soldiers in response fired sound bombs and tear gas canisters at the stone-throwers. As a result, a number of civilian suffered tear gas inhalation. Israeli forces later withdrew, and no arrests were reported.

• Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Beit Ummar, north of Hebron. They raided and searched a number of houses after detaining their residents. They arrested five civilians, including a child: Myasar Sadeq Abu Maria (34); Sharif Fathi Abu ‘Ayyash (33); Muhaned ‘eid ‘Arar (18); Mohammed Jamal Abu Hashem (16) and Mo’ayad Hasan al-Teet (19). Meanwhile, Israeli soldiers raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Ahmed Khalil Abu Hashem (48). They handed the aforementioned civilian a summons for his son, Hamzah (16) to refer to the Israeli intelligence in “Gosh ‘Etzion” settlement, south of Bethlehem. At approximately 04:00, Israeli forces withdrew taking the five arrested persons to an unknown destination.

• At approximately 09:30, Israeli forces backed by military vehicles and bulldozers moved 200 meters into Nahal ‘Oz area along the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel, east of al-Shija’iyah neighbourhood in the east of Gaza City. They levelled and combed the area and at approximately 16:00 redeployed along the aforementioned border fence.

Note:During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces carried out incursions in the following areas, but no arrests were reported: Deir Samit and al-Majd villages and Tafouh village in Hebron.

Wednesday, 02 September 2015

• At approximately 01:30, Israeli forces moved into Silet al-Haritheyah village, northwest of Jenin. They raided and searched a number of houses. They arrested Tahsin Hafez Zayoud (21) and withdrew latertaking him to an unknown destination.

• At approximately 02:30, Israeli forces moved into Selwad village, northeast of Ramallah. They raided and searched three houses. They arrested three civilians identified as Kayed Qaddourah Hammad (65), Ziyad ‘Abdel Jalil Hamed (52) and Mousa Yaser Mousa Hamed (23), and later withdrew taking them to an unknown destination.

• Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Beit Ummar village, north of Hebron. They stationed in the western area of the village and then raided and searched a house belonging to Bashir Azraq Abu ‘Ayyash (18). Israeli forces arrested the aforementioned civilian and withdrew later taking him to an unknown destination.

• At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into al-‘Aroub refugee camp, north of Hebron. They stationed in the vicinity of the UNRWA distribution centre and then raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Mahmoud Mohammed al-‘Adarbah (17). They arrested the aforementioned child and withdrew latertaking him to an unknown destination.

• Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into al-Jalazone refugee camp, north of Ramallah. They raided and searched a number of houses. Meanwhile, a number of Palestinian youngsters gathered to throw stones at the Israeli vehicles, and in response the Israeli soldiers indiscriminately fired sound bombs and tear gas canisters at the stone-throwers and houses. As a result, a number of civilians suffered tear gas inhalation, and some of whom were identified from members of Eyad ‘Abdullah Nakhlah’s family as a tear gas canister entered their house through a window. Israeli forces arrested four civilians, including 3 children, and withdrew latertaking them to an unknown destination: Osayd Rabah Nakhlah (17); ‘Adel Mohammed Saleh Hasounah (15); Mohammed ‘Abdel Naser al-Bayed (20) and Ahmed Mohammed al-Bayyari (17).

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

During the reporting period, Israeli soldiers used excessive force against peaceful demonstrations organized by Palestinian civilians, international and Israeli human rights defenders in protest at the construction of the annexation wall and settlement activities in the West Bank and Israeli policies in the Palestinian territory. As a result, ten Palestinian civilians, including 3 children were wounded; 6 of them were wounded in Kafor Kadoum demonstrations, northeast of Qaqilya and 3 others in Selwad village demonstration, northeast of Ramallah, while the third civilian was wounded in the vicinity of Ofer prison, southwest of Ramallah.

Demonstrations against the construction of the annexation wall and settlement activity

• Following the Friday prayer on 28 August 2015, dozens of Palestinian civilians and international and Israeli human rights defenders organized a peaceful demonstration in Bil’in, west of Ramallah, in protest against the annexation wall and settlement activities.protestors tried to sneak the fence. Israeli soldiers stationed behind the wall, fired live bullets, rubber-coated steel bullets, tear gas canisters and sound bombs and chased them into the olive fields and into residential houses in response. As a result, many civilians suffered tear gas inhalation and others sustained bruises as Israeli soldiers beat them. Moreover, Israeli forces arrested the head of the Popular Committee against the Annexation Wall and Settlement Activities in Bil’ein, Iyad Mohammed Yaseen Bournat, 43, after they beat him causing bruises to his chest, and a photographer of the Popular Committee, Hamza Suliman Yaseen Bournat, 23. The two were taken to Benjamin police station, east of occupied Jerusalem. They were released at midnight.

• On the same day, dozens of Palestinian civilians organized a peaceful demonstration in the center of Ni’lin village, west of Ramallah, in protest against the Annexation Wall and Settlement Activity. The demonstrators took the streets and headed to the annexation wall. Israeli forces prevented the demonstrators from crossing to the land behind the Annexation Wall, so they threw stones at them. Israeli soldiers fired live bullets, rubber-coated metal bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters at the civilians, and chased them into the village. As a result, many civilians suffered tear gas inhalation and others sustained bruises as Israeli soldiers beat them.

• Around the same time, dozens of Palestinian civilians and Israeli and international human rights defenders organized a peaceful demonstration in al-Nabi Saleh village, southwest of Ramallah, in protest against the annexation wall and settlement Activity. The demonstrators headed to the lands that the settlers are trying to rob by force near “Halmish” settlement. Israeli forces had closed all the entrances of the village since the morning to prevent them from participating in the demonstration. When they arrived at the aforementioned land, the demonstrators were met by live bullets, tear gas canisters, rubber-coated steel bullets, sound bombs and were chased into the village. . As a result, many civilians suffered tear gas inhalation and others sustained bruises as Israeli soldiers beat them after an Israeli soldier attempted to arrest a 12-year-old Palestinian child, Mohammed Basem Mohammed Tamemi, beating him on his broken left arm and hitting his head at a rock then eventually attempting to strangulate himviolently. Furthermore, the same Israeli soldier assaulted against a 14-year old, Tamemi’s sister and his mother, an activist, Nariman Tamemi, 40, and another woman Nawal Tamemi,46, when they tried to prevent the detention of Mohammed. In addition, Israeli forces arrested an 18-year-old Palestinian youngster, Mahmoud Shaker Mahmoud Yousif, and unidentified international solidarity activist.

• At approximately 13:30 on Friday afternoon, Palestinian civilians and international solidarity activists organized a protest in the center of Kufor Qaddoum village, northeast of Qalqilya, heading 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 they arrived at the entrance of the gate, the demonstrators were met by live bullets, tear gas canisters, rubber-coated steel bullets, sound bombs.As a result, five Palestinian civilians were wounded. The first civilian, 36, was hit by a bullet to the right foot; the second civilian,46, was hit by a bullet to the right leg; the third civilian, 45, was hit by the bullet to the left leg; the fourth civilian,46, was hit by the bullet to the arm; and the fifth civilian, 15, was hit by a bullet to the head.

• At approximately 17:00 on Saturday, 29 August 2015, Palestinian civilians and international solidarity activists organized a protest in the center of Kufor Qaddoum village, northeast of Qalqilya, heading 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 they arrived at the entrance of the gate, the demonstrators were met by live bullets, tear gas canisters, rubber-coated steel bullets, sound bombs.As a result, an 18-year-old youngster was wounded by a bullet to the right leg.

3. Continued closure of the oPt

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

Gaza Strip

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

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

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

Exports:

• On Thursday, 20 August 2015, Israeli forces allowed the exportation of 7.6 tons of tomatoes, and 20 tons of sweet.
• On Sunday, 23 August 2015, Israeli forces allowed the exportation of 30.04 tons of tomatoes; 61.76 tons of sweet potatoes; and 3.5 tons of eggplants.
• On Monday, 24 August 2015, Israeli forces allowed the exportation of 32 tons of tomatoes.
• On Tuesday, 25 August 2015, Israeli forces allowed the exportation of 34.18 tons of tomatoes; 37.36 tons of potatoes and 22.5 tons of eggplants.
• On Wednesday, 26 August 2015, Israeli forces allowed the exportation of 54.8 tons of sweet potatoes, and 0.5 tons of fish.

BeitHanoun (“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 BeitHanoun (“Erez”) crossing

26 August – 01 September 2015

Notes:

On Wednesday, 26 August 2015, Israeli authorities allowed 26 farmers to attend an agricultural training course in Israel.

On Friday, 28 August 2015, Israeli authorities allowed 280 Palestinian civilians from the Gaza Strip to perform prayers in al-Aqsa Mosque.

On Monday, 31 August 2015, Israeli authorities allowed 1 person working in Public Authority for Civil Affairs to attend a meeting in Israel.

Israeli authorities informed the Liaison and Coordination Office 5/5 of the Public Authority for Civil Affairs, which is located in the south of the crossing, its decision about closing the crossing on Tuesday morning, 01 September 2015, against all travelers except the humanitarian cases. The closure of crossing continued until 10:00, which led to preventing a number of categories from travel, especially traders.

Israeli Forces Arrest Trader at BeitHanoun “Erez” Crossing

• On Monday, 31 August 2015, Israeli forces arrested a 36-year-old Palestinian civilian, Tamer Ahmed Mohammed al-Bureim, from Bani Suhaila, east of Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip. Ahmed works as a trader. Israeli intelligence had summoned him for meeting in Beit Hanoun “Erez” crossing in northern Gaza Strip. The detainee’s family told a PCHR fieldworker that on Monday morning, Tamer al-Bureim, who is a father of 5 children, living in Bani Suhaila village, east of Khan Younis, and working as a construction materials trader, went to Beit Hanoun “Ezez” crossing after he was summoned by the Israeli intelligence at the crossing. Tamer has a permit which allows him to travel. Israeli forces arrested the aforementioned civilian so he lost contact with his family.At approximately 20:30, Tamer’s father received a phone call from a person who introduced himself as an Israeli officer and told the detainee’s father that his son Tamar was under arrest for 24 hours. Later, the detainee’s family checkedat the Palestinian liaison about the detention of their son.

• On the same day, Israeli forces arrested Kamal Salman Mohammed Barkah (50), from Bani Suhaila village, east of Khan Younis, while he was crossing Beit Hanoun “Erez” crossing. Kamal’s son, Ibrahim Baraka (20) said to a PCHR fieldworker, that his father who has 10 children, works as cars’ spare parts trader and lives in Bani Suhaila village, headed to Beit Hanoun “Erez” crossing traveling to Israel for trading. Kamal Barkah has a permit which allows him to travel. Israeli forces arrested the aforementioned civilian so he lost contact with his family. At approximately 19:00, Kamal’s son, Ibrahim, received a phone call from the Israeli police in Ashkelon prison informing him that his father was under arrest for 48 hour.

West Bank

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 12 checkpoints all over the city.

On Thursday, 27 August 2015, Israeli forces established 4 checkpoints at the eastern entrance of Sa’ier village, east of Hebron; at the northern entrance of Halhoul village ( Al-Nabi Younis), north of Hebron; at the entrance of Tarqumia village, west of Hebron; and at the southern entrance of Hebron.

At approximately 16:00 on Friday, 28 August 2015, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the entrance of Beit Awaa village, southwest of Dura village, southwest of Hebron.

On Saturday, 29 August 2015, Israeli forces established 2 checkpoints at the northern entrance of of Hebron, and at the entrance of Wad Abu Risha road, west of Athana village, west of Hebron.

At approximately 07:30 on Sunday, 30 August 2015, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the entrance of Tarqumia village, northwest of Hebron.

At approximately 08:30 on Monday, 31 August 2015, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the entrance of al-Aroub refugee camp, north of Hebron.

On Tuesday, 01 September 2015, Israeli forces established 2 checkpoints at the entrance of Sa’ier village, and at the entrance of Bani Na’iem village, east of Hebron.

At approximately 07:00 on Wednesday, 02 September 2015, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the southern entrance of Hebron.

Ramallah and al-Beireh:

Israeli forces established 10 checkpoints all over the city.

At approximately 20:30 on Thursday, 27 August2015, Israeli forces stationed on Atara checkpoint at the northern entrance of Ber Ziet village, north of Ramallah. On the same time, these forces established a checkpoint at the entrance of Deir Abu Mesh’al village, northwest of Ramallah.

On Friday, 28 August 2015, Israeli forces established 4 checkpoints at the entrance of al-Nabi Saleh village, northwest of Ramallah; at the entrance of Na’lin village, west of the city; at the entrance of Senjel village, north of the city; and under the bridge of Yabroud village, northeast of Ramallah.

On Saturday, 29 August 2015, Israeli forces established 2 checkpoints at the intersection of Beit Ur al-Fowka village, southwest of Ramallah, and at the intersection of Ofer settlement, northeast of the city.

On Sunday, 30 August 2015, Israeli forces established 3 checkpoints near the intersection of ‘Ein Sinaa village, on the road between Ramallah and Nablus; at the entrance of al-Nabi Saleh village, northwest of the city; and at the eastern entrance of al-Taiba village, northeast of the city.

At approximately 10:30 on Tuesday, 01 September 2015, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the eastern entrance of al-Nabi Saleh village, northwest of Ramallah, near the iron gate established in the aforementioned entrance. Israeli soldiers checked the cars and passengers’ IDs. When the car carrying the activist Nariman al-Tamimi,40, with her husband Mohammed al-Tamimi,44, arrived at the checkpoint, they were detained for one hour. Later, the checkpoint was removed and no detentions against civilians were reported.

Qalqilya:

Israeli forces established 7 checkpoints all over the city.

On Sunday, 30 August 2015, Israeli forces established 5 checkpoints at the entrance of Kafer Kadoum village; at the intersection of Jeit vilagr; at the intersection of Amatien village, northeast of Qalqilya; at the eastern entrance of Qalqilya; and at the intersection of Kafer al-Thoulth village, east of the city.

On Monday, 31 August 2015, Israeli forces established 2 checkpoints at the entrance of al-Fondoq village, and at the entrance of Ezbeit al-Tabib village, east of Qalqilya.

Jericho:

Israeli forces established 3 checkpoints all over the city.

On Friday, 28 August 2015, Israeli forces established 2 checkpoints at the entrance of Fasail village, and at the entrance of al-Zebidat village, north of Jericho.

On Sunday, 30 August 205, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the southern entrance of Jericho.

Tulkarm:

At approximately 11:00 on Thursday, 27 August 2015, Israeli forces stationed at Anab military checkpoint, on the main road between Tulkarm and Nablus, stressed their arbitrary measures against Palestinian civilians and restricted their movement over the checkpoint.

At approximately 15:00, Israeli forces established a checkpoint on the main road between Tulkarm and Nablus, near the intersection of Bazarya village, east of Tulkarm.

Jenin:

At approximately 19:00 on Thursday, 28 August 2015, Israeli forces established a checkpoint on the main road between Jenin and Ya’bod village, southwest of Jenin. Israeli soldiers stopped the vehicles which are travelling in both sides and checked the passengers’ IDs. Moreover, an eyewitness said to PCHR fieldworkers, Israeli forces arrested Jamel Abed al-Fatah Jamel Waked, 37, from al-Arka village, while he was crossing the checkpoint, then they later released him. After that, the checkpoint was removed and no detention operations were reported.

On Monday, 31 August 2015, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the intersection of Kaferit village, southwest of Jenin, and these forces closed Dotan military checkpoint established in the area.

Note: all the aforementioned checkpoints were later removed, after the inspection of the vehicle and its passengers and detained them for varying periods, and no arrests were reported.

Arrests and Maltreatment at Military Checkpoints

At approximately 15:00 on Monday, 31 August 2015, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the entrance of Beit Ummer village, north of Hebron. Israeli soldiers stopped the civilians’ vehicles and checked the passengers’ IDs. Before they removed the checkpoint, Israeli soldiers arrested a 21-year-old Palestinian civilian, Ashraf Khalid Sabarna, then transported him to “Karmi Tsur” settlement, south of the village.

At approximately 16:00 on Monday, Israeli forces stationed at al-Konteener checkpoint, north of Bethlehem, arrested a 24-year-old youngster, Thaeir Nizar Tamizy, and his 22-year-old brother, Mohammed, from Ethna village, west of Hebron. The two were taken to unknown destination.

Detention and maltreatment against eight shepherds, and beating an old woman .

At approximately 07:10 on Wednesday, 02 September 2015, Israeli forces arrested 8 shepherds in al-Roqraq area, east of Salem village, behind “Allon Moreh” Street, east of Nablus, and took them to “Allon Moreh” camp. Israeli forces detained the aforementioned shepherds until 15:00. The arrested shepherds were identified as Najeh Abed al-Kader Shateh, 31; Radad Ahed Shateh, 35; Yousef Shehada, 33; Fareed Bajas Shateh, 24; Sho’ib Hasan Shateh, 26; Handala Abed al-Razeq Shateh, 22; and Arafat Khader Shateh, 40.

Shareif Ma’rouf Shateh said to a PCHR fieldworker that:

“At approximately 06:30 on Wednesday, 02 September 2015, we were heading to al-Roqraq area, east of Salem village, behind ‘Allon Moreh’ Street, to graze sheep. An Israeli military liaison usually allows us to stay there from 07:00 to 12:00. After we arrived to the aforementioned area and sat to have breakfast, we were surprised by an Israeli military jeep coming from the bypass road and stopping near us. Four Israeli soldiers got out from the jeep and one of them asked us what we were doing here. We replied we are shepherds coming here to graze sheep, and we have a prior permit allowing us to stay here. The Israeli officer make a call and then told us that what we have told him is true. However, he did not allow us to stay there and he wanted to arrest us. They tied our hands and kpet Khadr Shateh with two Israeli soldiers and the military jeep near the sheep. After that, two other Israeli soldiers took us to the bypass roadwhich is about 400 meters away. They brought an Israeli armored personnel carrier, searched and put us in the armored personnel carrier, and hen took us to ‘Allon Moreh’camp. Furthermore, they put us near a concrete wall under the sun and prevented us from speaking or going to the bathroom. An hour later, they brought the aforementioned detainee, Khade. He told us that he contacted the village council and told them about what happened. The Head of the village council and number of civilians, including my mother came. While my mother was asking about me and the reason of the detention, Israeli soldiers beat her with gun butts. Immediately, a Palestinian ambulance came and took my mother to Rafidya Hospital in Nablus. At approximately 12:00, the Israeli military liaison came and transported us to the bypass road and then I asked the Israeli liaison officer about the reason of detention. He replied, when new Israeli soldiers come to the area they do not know the nature of area’s residents. We were detainedat the bypass road until 15:00.”

5. Efforts to create Jewish majority

Property demolitions

• On Monday, 31 August 2015, Israeli forces demolished al-Khdeirat Bedouin community near “Adam” settlement leaving 11 Bedouin families homeless.

According to investigations conducted by PCHR, at approximately 09:00 on Monday, 31 August 2015, Israeli forces, backed by military vehicles and accompanied by a force from the Construction and Organization Department in the Civil Administration and bulldozers, moved into al-Khdeirat Bedouin community near “Adam” settlement overlooking Mekhmas village and “Sha’er Benyamin” settlement, northeast of occupied East Jerusalem.  The Israeli bulldozers demolished a number of residential and livestock barracks (16 residential barracks and 7 livestock barracks) leaving 94 persons, including 69 children, homeless.

Israeli forces demolished the following:

2. A 50-square-meter residential barrack and another 40-square-meter one belonging to Mohammed ‘Ararah, whose family is comprised of 8 members, including 6 children;
3. A 50-square-meter residential barrack and 80-square-meter livestock barrack belonging to Mohammed Mansour Saray’ah, whose family is comprised of 8 members, including 6 children;
4. Three 50-square-meter residential barracks and an 80-square-meter livestock barrack belonging to Salem ‘Odah Soliman ‘Ara’arah, whose family is comprised of 13 members, including 9 children;
5. A40-square-meter residential barrack and 120-square-meter livestock barrack belonging to Salah ‘Ara’arah, whose family is comprised of 7 members, including 5 children;
6. A 50-square-meter residential barrack belonging to Fahmi ‘Arara, whose family comprises of 7 members, including 5 children;
7. A 50-square-meter residential barrack and a 70-square-meter livestock barrack belonging to Ibrahim Ali Salem ‘Arara, whose family is comprised of 8 members, including 6 children;
8. A 42-square-meter residential barrack belonging to Ra’ed ‘Arara, whose family comprises of 8 members, including 6 children;
9. A 40-sqaure-meter residential barrack and 60-square-meter livestock barrack belonging to Najeh ‘Arara, whose family comprises of 9 members, including 6 children;
10. A 40-square-meter residential barrack and 120-square-meter livestock barrack belonging to Ali Abed Salama Mlaihat, whose family comprises of 12 members, including 10 children;
11. A 40-square-meter residential barrack belonging to Khalil Abed Salam Mlaihat, whose family comprises of 12 members, including 10 children; and
12. A 30-square-meter residential barrack belonging to Abed Salam Mlaihat, whose family comprises of only 2 members.

It should be noted that al-Khdairat Bedouin community consists of 50 families counting 500 persons, the majority of whom are children. This community was established 25 years ago. However, a year and a half ago, houses of some of the residents from the al-Hatheleen and al-Jahaleen families were demolished. The community lacks water and electricity networks and students from the community attend schools of Jaba’ and al-Ram villages.

Incursions and arrests

• OnSunday morning, 30 August 2015, Israeli forces moved into al-Eisawiya village, northeast of Jerusalem. They raided and searched a number of houses from which they arrested Mahmoud Abdul Ra’ouf Mahmoud and Ameed Ebeid.

• On the same day, dozens of youngsters gathered on Suleiman al-Faresi Street in al-Tour village, east of Jerusalem. They threw stones at Israeli forces that fired rubber-coated metal bullets and sound bombs in response. Although no casualties were reported, Israeli forces arrested Ahmed Na’im Ashayer (17) and took him to an unknown destination.

• On Monday, 31 August 2015, Israeli forces raided and searched a number of houses in the old city in Jerusalem. They arrested Amir As’ad Qatina and took him to an interrogation facility in the city.

• On the aforementioned day early morning, Israeli forces raided and searched a number of houses in the Old City in East Jerusalem. They arrested Shadi Mousa Marqesto (15); Yousif ‘Abdel Mo’ati Hazinah (15) and Murad Abu Sbeih (16) and withdrew later taking them to an unknown destination.

• On the same day early morning, Israeli forces also moved into Sho’afat refugee camp, north of Occupied Jerusalem. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Ramzi al-Rajabi. They arrested the aforementioned civilian and withdrew latertaking him to an unknown destination.

• On Tuesday early morning, 01 September 2015, the Israeli police arrested 3 young men while trying to enter al-Aqsa Mosque in the Old city in Occupied East Jerusalem. The arrested persons were identified as ‘Obadah Najib; Mohammed al-Za’atari and ‘Abdel Karim al-Haddad.

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

Israel has continued its settlement activities in the oPt, a direct violation of international humanitarian law, and Israeli settlers have continued to attack Palestinian civilians and property.

• On Monday morning, 31 August 2015, Israeli forces backed by military vehicles and accompanied by an Israeli Civil Administration vehicle, moved into Msafer area in Bani Na’im village, east of Hebron. They stationed in the vicinity of an archaeological site that is being renovated by residents of the area in cooperation with the Endowments (Waqf) Ministry. The Civil Administration officer ordered the workers to stop working in the archaeological site and expelled them. He informed them that work was suspended until a further notice.

• At approximately 14:55 on Saturday, 29 August 2015, a group of settlers from “Kfar Tafouh” settlement, south of Nablus, closed the main street leading to Yasouf village, east of Salfit, and prevented the Palestinian civilian from passing on the street for a while. In the meantime, Israeli forces arrived, reopened the street and returned the settlers back into the settlement.

• At approximately 01:00 on Monday, 31 August 2015, a group of settlers from “Nahleil” and “Talmoun G” settlements near the eastern Mazra’a village, northwest of Ramallah, set fire to a bulldozer. The bulldozer belonging to Mo’taz Hassan Edris from Hebron was parking in Ni’lan area that is 2 kilometres to the north of the said village.

Mo’taz Edris said to PCHR’s fieldworker:

“At approximately 01:00, 7 workers and I were sleeping in a shed near the entrance of a stone-pit in Ni’lan area, 2 kilometres to the north of the Eastern Mazra’a village, northwest of Ramallah. We heard something like an explosion so we got up. When we looked towards where the sound came from, we saw the bulldozer caught fire. We hurried up to extinguish fire with water and sand. It took us an hour. We did not see who did it. In the morning, I noticed a slogan written in Hebrew on a rock near the bulldozer stating “Revenge”. I realized what it means later from my brother Ahmed who came from Hebron, as he knows Hebrew. This shows that settlers did it. The damage is estimated at NIS 60,000. At approximately 18:00, Israeli forces arrived,inspected the scene and took photos. We were also attacked on 22 June 2014,when 4 armed settlers opened fire at workers in the stone-out, but no casualties were reported then”.

• At approximately 09:00 on Wednesday, 02 September 2015, Israeli forces backed by a military vehicle and accompanied with a vehicle from the Israeli Organization and Construction Department in the Civil Administration moved into Sha’b al-Batem area, southeast of Yata, south of Hebron. The Civil Administration officer handed the school a notice to stop construction works in the school which was opened in the areathrough mobile caravans under the pretext of the lack of prior construction licence from the Israeli Civil Administration.

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 obligation to ensure the application of the Conventions, including extending the scope of their jurisdiction in order to prosecute suspected war criminals, regardless of the nationality of the perpetrator and the place of a crime, to pave the way for prosecuting suspected Israeli war criminals and end the longstanding impunity they have enjoyed;
6. PCHR calls on States that apply the principle of universal jurisdiction not to surrender to Israeli pressure to limit universal jurisdiction to perpetuate the impunity enjoyed by suspected Israeli war criminals;
7. PCHR calls upon the international community to act in order to stop all Israeli settlement expansion activities in the oPt through imposing sanctions on Israeli settlements and criminalizing trading with them;
8. PCHR calls upon the UN General Assembly to transfer the Goldstone Report to the UN Security Council in order to refer it to the International Criminal Court in accordance with Article 13(b) of the Rome Statute;
9. PCHR calls upon the United Nations to confirm that holding war criminals in the Palestinian-Israeli conflict is a precondition to achieve stability and peace in the regions, and that peace cannot be built on the expense of human rights;
10. PCHR calls upon the UN General Assembly and Human Rights Council to explicitly declare that the Israeli closure policy in Gaza and the annexation wall in the West Bank are illegal, and accordingly refer the two issues to the UN Security Council to impose sanctions on Israel to compel it to remove them;
11. PCHR calls upon the international community, in light of its failure to the stop the aggression on the Palestinian people, to at least fulfil its obligation to reconstruct the Gaza Strip after the series of hostilities launched by Israel which directly targeted the civilian infrastructure;
12. PCHR calls upon the United Nations and the European Union to express a clear position towards the annexation wall following the international recognition of the State of Palestine on the 1967 borders, as the annexation wall seizes large parts of the State of Palestine;
13. PCHR calls upon the European Union to activate Article 2 of the EU-Israel Association Agreement, which provides that both sides must respect human rights as a precondition for economic cooperation between the EU states and Israel, and the EU must not ignore Israeli violations and crimes against Palestinian civilians;

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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.