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

(28 April – 03 May 2016)

 

 

• Israeli forces continued to use excessive force in the oPt
• A Palestinian civilian was killed after he carried out a run-over attack in the west of Ramallah.
• Nine Palestinian civilians, including 3 children and 3 photojournalists, were wounded in the West Bank while a boy was wounded in the Gaza Strip.

• House demolitions on grounds of collective punishment.
• The walls of a house belonging to the family of the Palestinian prisoner Zaid Amer in Nablus were demolished.

• Israeli forces continued to open fire at the Gaza Strip border area, but no casualties were reported.

• Israeli forces conducted 54 incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank and 2 limited ones in the Gaza Strip.
• 40 civilians, including 11 children, were arrested.
• 15 of them, including 8 children, were arrested in occupied Jerusalem.

• Israeli forces continued to target Palestinian fishermen in the Gaza Strip Sea.
• A fishing boat sustained material damage off Khan Yunis shore in the south of the Gaza Strip.

• Israeli forces continued their efforts to create Jewish majority in occupied East Jerusalem.
• A family was obliged to self-demolish 3 storehouses in Silwan village.

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

 SummaryIsraeli violations of international law and international humanitarian law in the oPt continued during the reporting period (28 April – 03 May 2016).

 

Shooting:

Israeli forces have continued to commit crimes, inflicting civilian casualties. They have also continued to use excessive force against Palestinian civilians participating in peaceful protests in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, the majority of whom were youngsters. During the reporting period, Israeli forces killed a Palestinian civilian and wounded 9 others, including 3 children and 3 photojournalists, in the West Bank and a boy in the Gaza Strip.

In the West Bank, on 03 May 2016, Israeli forces killed Ahmed Riyadh Shehada (36), from Qalandia refugee camp, north of occupied Jerusalem, who used to live in Beitounia village, west of Ramallah. The aforementioned person was killed after he ran over a number of Israeli soldiers at a military checkpoint, west of Ramallah.

In the same context, on 28 April 2016, a 17-year-old male sustained a bullet wound to the left thigh when Israeli forces opened fire at dozens of Palestinian youngsters protesting against the Israeli forces’ incursion in Nablus to protect hundreds of settlers that raided “Joseph Tomb”, east of Nablus, to perform their Talmudic rituals.

On the same day also, 15-year-old Natalie Shokha, from Ramon village, northeast of Ramallah, sustained 2 bullet wounds to the chest and right shoulder. She was wounded when Israeli forces stationed at the military checkpoint between Beit Our al-Foqa and Beit Our al-Tahta, southwest of the city, opened fire at 2 Palestinian girls who attempted to stab a female soldier according to the Israeli narrative.

On 01 May 2016, a 22-year-old male sustained a bullet wound to the thigh when Israeli forces opened fire at dozens of Palestinian young men protesting against the Israeli incursion in al-Azza refugee camp, north of Bethlehem.

Concerning using force against peaceful protests, on 29 April 2016, a child sustained a bullet wound to the left leg when Israeli forces opened fire at dozens of Palestinian youngsters protesting at the southern entrance to al-Jalazoun refugee camp, north of Ramllah, against the Israeli attacks. In addition, 2 other civilians were wounded while participating in Kufor Qaddoum weekly protest, northeast of Qalqilya.

On 03 May 2016, dozens of Palestinian journalists gathered in front of Ofer prison, southwest of Ramallah, to protest against the arrest of Palestinian journalists on the World Press Freedom Day. Israeli forces immediately started firing tear gas canisters and sound bombs. As a result, 3 journalists were wounded.

In the Gaza Strip, concerning force employed against Palestinian civilians participating in protests against Israeli forces in the vicinity of the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel, on 29 April 2016, a boy sustained a bullet wound to the right leg near the fence, east of al-Bureij refugee camp, in the central Gaza Strip. He was then taken to al-Aqsa Martyrs’ Hospital in Deir al-Balah to receive the necessary medical treatment. His wound was classified as moderate.

As part of Israeli attacks on fishermen in the Gaza Strip Sea, on 01 May 2016, Israeli gunboats opened fire at Palestinian fishing boats sailing off Khan Yunis shore. As a result, the boat and fishing equipment sustained material damage.

Concerning Israeli attacks in the border area, on 30 April 2016, Israeli forces stationed at the border fence opened fire at agricultural lands near Sofa military site, southeast of Rafah, south of the Gaza Strip. No casualties were reported.

On 02 May 2016, Israeli forces stationed at the border fence, east of Gaza Valley, opened fire at Palestinian farmers and shepherds in the eastern area. As a result, they fled fearing for their lives, due to which no casualties were reported.

 

Incursions:

During the reporting period, Israeli forces conducted at least 54 military incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank and 3 ones in occupied East Jerusalem and its suburbs. During these incursions, Israeli forces arrested at least 40 Palestinian civilians, including 11 children.  Fifteen of them, including 8 children, were arrested in occupied Jerusalem.

In the Gaza Strip, on 02 May 2016, Israeli forces conducted 2 limited incursions in the northern and southern Gaza Strip. In the first incursion, Israeli forces moved about 50 meters towards Sofa military site in al-Shoka village, southeast of Rafah. In the second incursion, they moved about 200 meters into the east of Beit Hanoun, north of the Gaza Strip. They levelled and combed lands that were already levelled previously while opening fire sporadically. Israeli forces withdrew later and no casualties were reported.

 

House demolitions on grounds of collective punishment

In the context of house demolitions as a collective punishment, on 03 May 2016, Israeli forces demolished the walls of a house belonging to the family of the Palestinian prisoner Zaid Amer (26) which is located on the fifth floor in an 8-storey building. Israeli forces accuse the aforementioned person of being involved in the attack that took place in “Itmar” settlement on 01 October 2015 that resulted in the killing of a settler and his wife then.

 

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 (Kerem Shaloum) as the sole crossing for imports and exports in order to exercise its control over the Gaza Strip’s economy.  They also aim at imposing a complete ban on the Gaza Strip’s exports. The Israeli closure raised the rate of poverty to 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.

 

Jewish Majority

In the context of house demolitions, on 2 May 2016, the Israeli municipality obliged Abu Tayeh family to self-demolish 2 storehouses belonging to the family in Ein al-Louza neighbourhood in Silwan village, south of Jerusalem’s Old City.

In the same context, the Israeli municipality continued its campaign in Silwan neighbourhoods that started few days ago. The campaign included photographing facilities and buildings, distributing administrative demolition notices and imposing fines on drivers under several pretexts.

 

Details

 

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

 Thursday, 28 April 2016 

• At approximately 01:00, Israeli forces moved into Al-Jalazoun refugee camp, north of Ramallah. They raided and searched a house belonging to Izzidien Mohammed Ghazawi (31) and handed him a summons to refer to the Israeli intelligence service.

 

• At approximately 02:00, Israeli force accompanied with military jeeps moved into Nablus protecting hundreds of settlers who raided “Joseph’s Tomb” in the eastern part of the city. Settlers performed religious rituals in the place, while Israeli soldiers deployed in the streets and over the roofs of houses around the area. A group of children gathered and threw stones at the Israeli jeeps, especially those at the entrances to Balatah refugee camp and al-Zoyout Street, opposite to the camp. Moreover, Israeli forces fired tear gas canisters, sound bombs and live bullets at the children. As a result, a 17-year-old male from the camp was hit with a live bullet to his left thigh. He was transported to Rafidia Hospital in Nablus where he underwent an urgent surgery. Medical sources stated that the bullet caused laceration to the thigh and bones. His health condition was settled.

 

• Around the same time, Israel forces moved into Beitounia village, west of Ramallah. They raided and searched a house belonging to Said Mohammed Khaled Abu Bahaa’ (36), arrested him and took him to “Ofer” They also confiscated a hard desk form the house. Moreover, Israeli forces raided and searched a house belonging to Ahmed Najeeb Obaidullah Mafarjah (56), arrested him and took him to “Ofer” prison as well. At approximately 04:00, Israeli forces raided and searched a house belonging to the leader in Hamas Movement, Husain Abu Kwaik (58), arrested him and took him to “Ofer” prison. On Sunday, o1 March 2016, he was released.

 

• At approximately 03:40, Israeli forces moved into al-Tirah neighbourhood in Ramallah. They raided and searched a house belonging to Amro Nehad Abu Gosh (37), arrested him and took him to “Ofer” prison, west of Ramallah. On Sunday, 01 March 2016, he was released.

 

• At approximately 19:30, Israeli forces moved into Deir Qeddis village, northwest of Ramallah. They patrolled in the streets ad arrested Mu’in Abdul Hai Ezat Staih (24) and Jehad Mohammed Nathmi Qatusah (21) walking in the street. They took them to “Ofer” prison, west of Ramallah.

 

• At approximately 20:00, Israeli forces stationed at the checkpoint established on the crossroad of Beit Our al-Fuqah and Beit Our al-Tahtah villages, southwest of Ramallah, leading to road (443) that connects Jerusalem and Israel. They opened fire at Natalie Eyad Abdul Aziz Shokhah (15) and Tasneem Khalil Shukri Halabi (15), both from Ramon village, northeast of the city. As a result, Tasneem was hit with two live bullets to the chest and right shoulder. Israeli forces closed the area. After that, a Magen David Adom’s (MDA) ambulance arrived, offered her first aid and transported her to Sha’arei Tsedeq Hospital. Moreover, they arrested Tasneem and took her to “Hasharoon” They claimed that the two abovementioned children tried to stab a female soldier on the abovementioned checkpoint.

 Note:

During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (9) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: : Dora, Tafouh, Beit Awa, Beit Omrah al-Karmel villages in Hebron; Kafel Hares village, north of Salfit; and Kafer al-Deek village, west of the city; Ein al-Dayouk and al-Jaftalak villages, north of Jericho.

 

Friday, 29 April 2016

 

• At approximately 03:00, Israeli forces moved into Beit Fajjar village, south of Bethlehem. They raided and searched a number of houses in the village. They then handed three summonses to Nabel Husain Taqatqah (30), Nader Rebhi Taqatqah (39) and Salem Mohammed Taqatqah (44) to refer to “Gosh Etzion” settlement complex, south of the city.

 

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (6) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: Hebron, Beit Oula, Tafouh in Hebron; Beit Our village, southwest of Ramallah, Jammalah village, northwest of the city; Marj Ne’jah and Fasayel villages, north of Jericho.

 

Saturday, 30 April 2016

 

• At approximately 01:30, Israeli forces moved into neighbourhoods in Hebron. They raided and searched 3 houses from which they arrested Ezzat Abdul Aziz al-Natshah (36), Monther Mohammed al-Ju’bah (34) and Mazen Jamal al-Natshah (45).

 

• At approximately 14:30, Israeli forces stationed at the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel opened fire at agricultural lands near Sofa military site in al-Skhawkah village, southeast of Rafah, south of the Gaza Strip, but no casualties were reported.

 

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (6) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: Hebron and Halhoul; Tafouh, Sa’ir, al-Aroub refugee camp and al-Majd villages in Hebron; Selwad village, northeast of Ramallah and Tarmus’ayia village, north of the city.

 

Sunday, 01 March 2016

 

• At approximately 01:00, Israeli forces moved into al-Ezzah refugee camp, north of Bethlehem. They raided and searched a house belonging to Mohammed al-Barbari (28) and then arrested him. After that, dozens of Palestinians form the camp gathered and threw stones and Molotov cocktails at Israeli soldiers who immediately fired live bullets in response. As a result, a 22-year-old Palestinian was hit with a live bullet to the thigh and was then transported to Beit Jala Hospital to receive treatment.

 

• At approximately 01:30, Israeli forces moved into Beit Ommar village, north of Hebron, and stationed at al-Tarbiqah area. They raided and searched a house belonging to Ibrahim Sabri Awad (54) and arrested his son Yusuf (23). In the meantime, Israeli forces patrolled in the street and reached al-Khellah area in the village. They raided and searched a house belonging to Nayef Hammad al-Salebi (57), arrested his son Jalal (14) and forced the family to stay outdoors. At approximately 03:00, Israeli forces withdrew from the village and took the arrested civilians to an unknown destination.

 

• At approximately 03:00, Israeli forces moved into Beit Fajjar village, south of Bethlehem. They raided and searched several houses and then arrested Amen Ali Thawabtah (17) and Mousa Deriyah (28).

 

• At approximately 08:00, Israeli gunboats chased and opened fire at a Palestinian fishing boat sailing 8 nautical miles off Kha Yunis shore and manned by Mohammed Mesbah Shuhadah (35) and Nedal Haider Abu Oudah. As a result, the boat and the fishing equipment sustained material damage, but the two fishermen were able to run away on board of other fishing boats that were around.

 Note

: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (4) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: Surif, Nuba, al-Hadab and Taramah villages in Hebron.

 

Monday, 02 March 2016

 

• At approximately 01:00, Israeli forces moved into al-Shayoukh village, east of Hebron and stationed at the northern area of the city. They raided and searched a four-storey building belonging to al-Hasasnah family. They raided and searched the apartment of Walid Mahmoud al-Hasasnah (42), who was not home, locked the family in one of the house rooms and searched the house. In addition, they damaged the house content. Israeli forces searched the three floors in the same way and then withdrew. Moreover, Israeli forces raided a house belonging to Mohammed Abdul Rahem Halaiqah (33) and arrested him.

 

• At approximately 02:30, Israeli forces moved into Sa’ir village, east of Hebron, and stationed in al-Aroud area. They raided and searched a house belonging to Mohammed Abdul Halem Tafesh (21), arrested him and confiscated a laptop and a cell phone.

 

• At approximately 03:00, Israeli forces moved into Balatah refugee camp, east of Nablus. They raided and searched several houses, after which they arrested Basel Hasan Marshoud (23).

 

• At approximately 03:30, Israeli forces moved into Deir Samet village, southwest of Dura, southwest of Hebron, and stationed in al-Muthalath area. They raided and searched a house belonging to Shadi Riyad al-Haroub (25), forced his family to stay outdoors and then arrested Shadi.

 

• Around the same time, Israeli forces accompanied with six military jeeps moved into Surif village, northwest of Hebron, and stationed in al-Salam neighbourhood. They raided and searched a house belonging to Mustafa Awni Ghunaimat (29) and arrested him.

 

• At approximately 04:30, Israeli forces accompanied with four tanks and two bulldozers moved about 200 meters into al-Ahmer area, east of al-Na’aimah street, east of Beit Hanoun, north of the Gaza Strip. They levelled open areas while opening fire sporadically. At approximately 06:30, Israeli forces redeployed behind the border fence, but neither casualties nor damage were reported.

 

• At approximately 06:00, Israeli forces stationed at the border fence accompanied with a number of military jeeps moved about 50 meters towards Sofa military site in al-Shawkah village, southeast of Rafah. They levelled and combed the lands that were already levelled, after which they established sand barriers in the area. They then redeployed behind the abovementioned border fence.

 

• At approximately 07:30, Israeli forces stationed at the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel, east of Gaza Valley (Juhor al-Deek), opened fire at Palestinian farmers and shepherds in the eastern areas. As a result, the farmers were forced to leave fearing for their lives, but no casualties were reported.

 Note

: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (7) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported:, al-Samou’, Hadab al-Fawar and Sekkah villages in Hebron; Kharbatha Bani Hareth, Ras Karkar villages, west of Ramallah; Betin village, northeast of Ramallah and Azzoun village, east of Qalqiliyah.

 

Tuesday,03 March 2016

 

• At approximately 01:30, Israeli forces accompanied with military jeeps moved into Ya’bud, Barta’ah, Kherbet Yunis and Joret al-Daba’ah villages, southwest of Jenin. They combed the area around those villages while Israeli warplanes were flying overheads. At approximately 02:30, Israeli forces stationed at the gate of the annexation wall established at the entrance to eastern Barta’ah village, which is isolated form other villages. Eyewitnesses said to PCHR’s fieldworker that Israeli forces used loudspeakers in searching for a person called Tal. Moreover, the Israeli media stated that a settler form “Hananit” settlement had disappeared and the Israeli forces were searching for him. In the early morning, Israeli forces withdrew without reporting further incidents.

 

• Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Abu Katilah area, east of Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to Muhsen Mohammed al-Ju’bah (22) and then arrested him.

 

• At approximately 03:00, Israeli forces moved into Tarmas’iyah village, north of Ramallah. They raided and searched 3 houses form which they arrested Jamel Mostafa Taiyem (20), Mahmoud Methqal Saleh (20) and Mohammed al-Amen Kan’an (20).

 

• At approximately 04:30, Israeli forces moved into Saida village, north of Tulkarm. They raided and searched a house belonging to Montaser Bilal Nemer Ajaj (24) and arrested him.

 

• In a new crime of excessive use of lethal force, Israeli forces stationed at a military checkpoint between Betounia and Ein Arik, west of Ramallah, opened fire at a vehicle driven by a Palestinian and shot him dead. They claimed that the Palestinian ran over three Israeli soldiers form “Doleib” settlement in Dier Bazi’ village.

According to PCHR’s preliminary investigations, at approximately 18:50, Israeli soldiers, who established a checkpoint near al-Khawajah Petrol Station, between Betounia and Ein Arik villages, west of Ramallah, opened fire at a vehicle driven by Ahmed Riyad Shuhadah (36). As a result, he was hit with live bullets throughout his body. After that, Israeli soldiers got him out of the vehicle and threw him on the ground. Moreover, they did not allow a Palestine Red Crescent Society’s (PRCS) ambulance reach Ahmed. After 80 minutes, Ahmed died and was then transported via an Israeli ambulance to “Ofer” prison. At approximately 22:00, on the same day, Ahmed’s corpse was delivered to a PRCS ambulance to be transported then to Palestine Medical Complex in Ramallah. It should be noted that Ahmed is married and a father for three children.

 

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (3) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: Bani Naim, al-Mawriq villages in Hebron and Hawara village, south of Nablus.

 

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

 West Bank: 

• On Friday, 29 April 2016, dozens of Palestinian young men gathered at the southern entrance to al-Jalazoun refugee camp, north of Ramallah, near an UNRWA school for boys, 300 meters away from the fence of “Beit Eil” settlement, to organize a peaceful demonstration in protest against the Israeli attacks in the oPt. The demonstrators threw stones at the settlement fence, due to which, Israeli forces stationed in the area fired live ammunition, rubber-coated metal bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters at the protesters and then chased them into the camp. As a result, a 16-year-old male was hit with a live bullet to the left leg and was then taken to Palestine Medical Complex in Ramallah to receive medical treatment. Medical sources classified his injuries as moderate.
• Following the Friday prayer, dozens of Palestinian civilians organized protests against the Israeli policies in the oPt at the western entrance to Silwad village, northeast of Ramallah, and in the vicinity of “Ofer” prison, southwest of the city. Israeli forces used force to disperse the protestors by firing live bullets, rubber-coated metal bullets, tear gas canisters and sound bombs. As a result, many civilians suffered tear gas inhalation and others sustained bruises as Israeli soldiers beat them up.

 

• On the occasion of the World Press Freedom Day, at approximately 13:00, on Tuesday, 03 May 2016, dozens of Palestinian journalist gathered in front of “Ofer” prison, southwest of Ramallah, to organize a protest against the arrest of Palestinian journalists in the Israeli jails. Israeli soldiers immediately fired tear gas canisters and sound bombs at the protesters in response. As a result, 3 journalist sustained wounds and were then taken to Palestine Medical Complex to receive medical treatment. The wounded journalist were identified as :

1. Mohammed Abu Shoshah (33), who works as a photographer at Roya TV Channel, was hit with a sound bomb to the back and right hand.
2. Ali ‘Abidat (33), who works as a photographer at Emirates News 24, was hit with a sound bomb to the left thigh.
3. Zahir Abu Hussain (40), who works as a photographer of public relations’ UNHCR in the Fatah movement, was hit with a sound bomb to the right ankle.

 

Gaza Strip:

 

• At approximately 14:30, on Friday, 29 April 2016, dozens of Palestinian civilians headed to the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel, east of al-Burij refugee camp, in the centre of the Gaza Strip. The protesters threw stones at Israeli soldiers stationed along the fence. Israeli soldiers stationed behind sand barriers opened fire at the protesters in response. As a result, Mos’ab Fathi Mahmoud Washah (18) was hit with a live bullet that entered and exited the right leg and then taken to al-Aqsa Hospital in Deir al-Balah to receive medical treatment. Medical sources classified his injuries as moderate.

 

• Around the same time, Israeli forces stationed at Beit Hanoun “Erez” crossing, northwest of Beit Hanoun, north of the Gaza Strip, fired live bullets, rubber-coated metal bullets and tear gas canisters at dozens of Palestinian civilians, who were on the road between the Palestinian and Israeli sides of the crossing. The protesters threw stones at the soldiers in protest at the Israeli violations against Palestinian civilians in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. The clashes continued until 20:30, but no casualties were reported.

 Demonstrations against the annexation wall and settlement activities 

• At approximately 12:50, on Friday, 29 April 2016, Palestinian civilians and Israeli and international human rights defenders organized a protest in the centre of Kufor Qaddoum village, northeast of Qalqiliya, and then made their way to the eastern entrance of the village in protest against closing that entrance since the beginning of al-Aqsa Intifada with an iron gate. When the protesters approached the entrance, Israeli forces fired live bullets, rubber-coated metal bullets, tear gas canisters and sound bombs at them. As a result, many civilians suffered tear gas inhalation while others sustained wounds. Moreover, a 42-year-old male was hit with a rubber-coated metal bullet to the abdomen, while another 20-year-old male was hit with a rubber-coated metal bullet to the back.

 

• Following the Friday prayer, dozens of Palestinians and Israeli and international human rights defenders organised protests against the annexation wall and settlement activities in Bil’in and Nil’in villages, west of Ramallah and al-Nabi Saleh village, northwest of city. Israeli forces used force to disperse the protesters by firing live bullets, metal bullets, tear gas canisters and sound bombs and chased the protesters into the olive fields and between houses. As a result, many civilians suffered tear gas inhalation and others sustained bruises as Israeli soldiers beat them up.

 Note: PCHR keeps the names of the injured persons in the aforementioned demonstrations. Rubber-coated metal bullets are lethally if they hit the head of victim from a close range. House Demolitions on Grounds of Collective Punishment 

• At approximately 01:45, on Tuesday, 03 May 2016, Israeli forces moved into Nablus and stationed in the eastern side of the city. They surrounded an 8-storey building (al-‘Amer) near al-Fares intersection. They then raided the fifth floor belonging to the prisoner, Zaid Ziyad Jamil ‘Amer (26), who was accused of carrying out “Itmar” settlement operation on 01 October 2015. After that, Israeli forces put signs on the house internal At approximately 02:30, Israeli forces destroyed the house walls with demolition hammers and at approximately 05:15, they got out of the house and welded the fifth floor door shut. It should be mentioned that the abovementioned 150-square-meter house sheltered prisoner’s wife, who is 9-month pregnant. It should be noted that al-Amer family received a house demolition order on 15 December 2015, after which the family filed a petition before the Israeli Military Prosecution through Hamoked Centre to stop the demolition order. The petition was rejected, but the family and the building occupants presented an appeal through the same Center to the Israeli High Court. The Court rejected the appeal as well on 20 April 2016 and upheld the demolition order.

  

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, is designated for the movement of goods

 

Date	Imports
	Category	Amount
		Tons	Number	Liters
26 April	Various goods	2404
	Humanitarian aid	15143
	Cooking gas	199,290
	Benzene			187,002
	Diesel Diesel for UNRWA			517,029 38.015
	Industrial fuel			152,006
	Construction aggregates	13760
	Cement	1240
	Construction steel	30
27 April	Various goods	4822.9
	Humanitarian aid	15500
	Cooking gas	203,500
	Benzene			111,027
	Diesel			618,007
	Industrial fuel			152,011
	Construction aggregates	13720
	Cement	1600
	Construction steel	30
	Cooking gas	123,250
	Benzene			186,015
	Diesel			288,008
	Industrial fuel			190,010
01 March	Various goods	3246
	Humanitarian aid	16350
	Cooking gas	239,120
	Benzene			374,990
	Diesel Diesel for UNRWA			737,995 76,000
	Industrial fuel			265,997
	Construction aggregates	14720
	cement	1480
	Construction steel	150
02 March	Various goods	3137
	Humanitarian aid	13831
	Cooking gas	260,540
	Benzene			150,990
	Diesel Diesel for UNRWA			701,993 76,000
	Construction aggregates	11880
	Cement	1400
	Construction steel	270

 

Exports

 

• On Tuesday, 26 April 2016, Israeli forces allowed the exportation of 96 tons of tomatoes (6 truckloads); 3 tons of eggplants (a truckload); 10 tons of lemons (a truckload).
• On Wednesday, 27 April 2016, Israeli forces allowed the exportation of 18.5 tons of lemon (a truckload); 0.35 tons of Garlic; 0.48 tons of mint; 0.10 tons of Tarragon (a truckload) and 7 tons of clothes (a truckload).
• On Sunday, 01 March 2016, Israeli forces allowed the exportation of two truckloads of lemon and 10 truckloads of vegetables.

 

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

27 April – 02 March 2016

Category	27 April	28 April	29 April	30 April	01 March	02 March
Patients	74	20	–	–	79	56
Companions	64	17	–	–	67	48
Personal needs	75	5	–	–	60	87
Families of prisoners	–	–	–	–	–	81
Arabs from Israel	6	–	–	–	11	3
Diplomats	10	–	–	–	–	–
International journalists	–	–	–	–	–	–
International workers	90	2	–	–	8	5
Travelers abroad	39	2	–	–	–	2
Business people	298	–	–	2	523	305
Business meetings	–	–	–	–	–	–
Security interviews	5	–	–	–	–	7
VIPs	2	–	–	–	1	1
Ambulances to Israel	4	–	–	–	3	2
Patients’ Companions	3	–	–	–	3	2

 Notes:

• Israeli forces allowed 203 Christians on Wednesday, 27 April 2016; 139 Christians on Sunday, 01 March 2016; and 54 Christians on Monday, 02 March 2016, to travel to Bethlehem for holidays.
• Israeli forces opened the crossing for the movement of Palestinians on Wednesday, 27 April 2016, from 14:00 to 17:00. They then entirely closed the crossing on Thursday, 28 April 2016, with the exception to urgent cases until 17:00. Moreover, they entirely closed the crossing on Friday and Saturday, 29 and 30 April 2016.

 

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 (15) checkpoints all over the city.

On Thursday, 28 April 2016, Israeli forces established three checkpoints at the southern entrance to Hebron (al-Harayeq) and the entrances to Sa’ir and Ethnah villages.

On Friday, 29 April 2016, Israeli forces established two checkpoints at the entrance to Hebron (al-Fahes), and the entrance to al-Fawar refugee camp. On Saturday, 30 April 2016, Israeli forces established four checkpoints at the entrance to al-Aroub refugee camp, the entrances to Beit Kahel and Sa’ir villages and the northern entrance to Hebron.

On Sunday, 01 March 2016, Israeli forces established two checkpoints at the entrances to Sa’ir and Beit Awah villages. On Monday, 02 March 2016, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the southern entrance to Halhoul. On Thursday, 03 March 2016, they established three checkpoints at the northern entrances to al-Aroub refugee camp and Ethnah village.

 

• Qalqiliya: Israeli forces established (7) checkpoints all over the city.

On Thursday, 28 April 2016, Israeli forces established three checkpoints at the entrances to the following areas: the tunnel of Hablah village at the southern entrance to Qalqiliyah; the crossroad to Jeet village, northeast of the city and the entrance to Gensafut village, east of the city.

At approximately 19:45 on Friday 29 April 2016, Israeli forces established a checkpoint in the tunnel of Hablah area at the southern entrance of Qalqiliya. At approximately 22:00 on Saturday, 30 April 2016, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the entrance to Ematin village, northeast of the city.

At approximately 20:50 on Sunday, 01 March 2016, Israeli forces established checkpoint at the entrance to Ematin village, northeast of Qalqiliya. At approximately 19:05 on Monday, 02 March 2016, they established a checkpoint at the eastern entrance to the city.

 

• Salfit: Israeli forces established (4) checkpoints all over the city.

On Thursday, 28 April 2016, Israeli forces established three checkpoints at the western entrance to Kafer al-Deek village, the entrance to Deir Ballout village, west of Salfit and the entrance to Yasuf village, east of the city. At approximately 20:30 on Friday, 29 April 2016, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the entrance to Deir Estiya village, northwest of the city.

 

Tulkarm: At approximately 09:00 on Thursday, 28 April 2016, Israeli forces stationed at Enab checkpoint established on the main road between Tulkarm and Nablus, east of Tulkarm, tightened its arbitrary procedures against Palestinians and obstructed their way through the checkpoint. At approximately 18:00 on Thursday, and 08:00 on Saturday, this tightening has been re-imposed.

At approximately 10:30 on Friday, 29 April 2016, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the same site where the abovementioned checkpoint was established at the main road between Tulkarm and Qalqiliya near Jabarah village, south of Tulkarm.

 

• Jenin: At approximately 08:00, on Thursday, 28 April 2016, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the entrance to Kaferit village, southwest of Jenin. At approximately 17:00, Israeli forces established a similar checkpoint at the crossroad of Beit Qad village, northeast of the city.

At approximately 14:30 on Saturday, 30 April 2016, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the eastern entrance to Ya’bud village, southwest of Jenin. At approximately 13:30 on Monday, 2 March 2016, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the main road between Jenin and Nablus near the crossroad of Arabah village, south of Jenin.

 

Arrests at military checkpoints

 

• At approximately 16:00, on Friday, 29 April 2016, Israeli forces stationed at Jaber village in the Old City of Hebron. They arrested Emad Aref al-Ja’bari (14), took him to (Ja’barah) police station and released him few hours later. They claimed that he attacked one of the Israeli settlers.

 

• At approximately 16:00 on Sunday, 01 May 2016, Israeli forces stationed at al-Karama (Allenby) border crossing, east of Jericho, arrested Hassan al-Safadi (25) when he returned home. They detained him for hours and then transferred him to al- Mascoubiyah police station in Jerusalem to interrogate him. It should be mentioned that Hassan, who works for al-Dameer Association for Human Rights, is from Jerusalem.

 

• On Monday, 02 March 2016, Israeli forces stationed at al-Karama (Allenby) border crossing arrested Nedal Bassam Ibrahim Tharifah (40), from Tulkarm. They took him to Hawara detention center, south of Nablus.

 

• At approximately 17:30 on the same Monday, Israeli forces arrested two brothers from Bediya village, northwest of Salfit, when they were present in the vicinity of “Karni Shomron” settlement, east of Qalqiliya. At 06:30 on the next day, they released them on bail of about NIS 1,500. The arrested civilians were identified as Ayman Mousa Hasan Boulad (40) and his brother Tareq (35).

 

4. Efforts to Create Jewish majority

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

• Following the Friday prayer, on 29 April 2016, Israeli police officers deployed at al-Aqsa Mosque gates and denied worshipers access to the mosque. They also searched and arrested dozens of Palestinian young men, who were present in al-Aqsa Mosque. When the worshipers got out of the mosque, Israeli soldiers asked them about the stone-throwers. Few minutes later, some of the abovementioned civilians were released, while dozens of them were taken to “al-Qashlah” police station in West Jerusalem for interrogation. An eyewitness said that Israeli forces beat youngsters up when they got out of the mosque; in addition, clashes erupted due to the Israeli soldiers’ stationing at al-Magharbah Gate. As a result, many protesters threw stones in protest at raiding hundreds of Israeli settlers al-Aqsa Mosque’s yard during the Jewish Passover holiday. Mofeed al-Haj, a lawyer from the Palestinian Prisoner Club, stated that Israeli police released 35 persons, while 7 others, including 4 children, are still under arrest. The arrested persons were identified as Qusai Mohammed Khalil (17); Fadi Ahmed Met’ib (17); Ayoub Maher al-Hendi (18); Isma’il Tawfiq Muhasin (17); Ibrahim ‘Azmi Horiyat (18); Yousef Abdul Kareem al-‘Alami (22) and ‘Amar Abu Jibnah (23).

 

• At approximately 13:30 on Saturday, 03 April 2016, Israeli forces moved into “al-Rahmah Gate” cemetery, east of al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied East Jeruslem’s Old City during the funeral procession of Jamal Mohammed al-‘Abasi. They pepper-sprayed mourners, pushed them and beat them up under the pretext of burying in an area confiscated by the Israeli authorities. One of the mourners said to a PCHR’s fieldworker that Israeli forces moved into ” al-Rahmah Gate” cemetery after the funeral procession of al-‘Abasi and they were surprised that Israeli forces heavily fired tear gas canisters at them in the cemetery. They then prevented the mourners from getting out of the cemetery, pushed and beat them and pepper-sprayed them. As a result, dozens of mourners suffered tear gas inhalation and sustained bruises wounds. They were then taken to health centers to receive medical treatment. It should be noted that Israeli forces arrested Nasir al-‘Abasi (27) from the cemetery and arrested photographer Sa’id al-Rokun from al-Sahera gate and confiscated his camera under the pretext of photographing in banned areas. After attacking the mourners and the cemetery, Israeli forces raided al-‘Abasi house in ‘Ain al-Louza neighborhood in Silwad village, and took personal data from civilians present in the condolence house.

 

• At approximately 01:00 on Sunday, 01 May 2016, Israeli forces accompanied with dozens of bulldozers moved into al-‘Issawiyah village, northeast of occupied East Jerusalem, from its eastern entrance. They raided and searched many houses from which they arrested 3 children. The arrested children were identified as Majd Marwan Dary (15), Fadi Ra’fat al-‘Aisawiy (14), and Shadi Maher Hamdan ‘Odah (17).

 

• At approximately 13:00 on Monday, 02 May 2016, Israeli forces arrested Ahmed al-Shawish (26), while he was present in a condolence house in Hatah Gate neighborhood in East Jerusalem’s Old City. Ahmed was then taken to “al- Moscobiya” police station for interrogation.

 

• At approximately 16:00 on the same day, Israeli forces moved into al-‘Issawiyah village, northeast of occupied East Jerusalem. They made their way in the village streets and arrested Sami ‘Eid Abu Ermilah (15), while he was in the vicinity of his family house. He was then taken to “al-Bareed” police station for interrogation.

 

• At approximately 16:00, on Tuesday, 03 May 2016, Israeli forces arrested Tareq Abdullah al-‘Abasi (23), while he was in his work in East Jerusalem’s Old City.

 

 

      House demolitions and demolition notices:

 

• On Monday, 02 May 2016, Abu Tayih family demolished their 3 stores upon the Israeli municipality’s demolition decision in ‘Ain al-Louza neighborhood in Silwan village, south of East Jerusalem’s Old City. An eyewitness said that Abu Tayih family was forced to demolish their stores with hand tools upon the Israeli municipality’s demolition decision. The 75-square-meter targeted stores, which were built of bricks and roofed with tin plates, were built 7 years ago.

In the same context, the Israeli municipality continued its campaign in Silwan neighborhoods that started few days ago. The campaign included photographing facilities and buildings, distributing administrative demolition notices and imposing fines on drivers under several pretexts.

 

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

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