Israeli Forces Continue to
Perpetrate Crimes in the OPTs
· 8
Palestinian civilians were killed by Israeli forces
· 5
of the victims were killed during an extra-judicial assassination in Gaza city
· Israeli
forces conducted a series of incursions into the West Bank and Gaza Strip
· More
areas of agricultural land were razed in the Gaza Strip
· 7
houses and a school were demolished in the Gaza Strip
· Houses
were raided and a number of Palestinians were arrested
· Construction
of the “separation wall” in the West Bank has continued
· Indiscriminate
shelling of Palestinian residential areas continued and 2 Palestinian civilians
were killed and dozens were injured
· 3
Palestinian houses in Nablus were destroyed by Israeli forces as part of the
continuing campaign of retaliation against the families of Palestinians accused
of involvement in attacks against Israeli targets
· In
violation of international law and humanitarian law, a Palestinian detainee was
transferred from the West Bank to the Gaza Strip
· Israeli
settlers attacked Palestinian civilians and property in Hebron
· Israeli
occupying forces have continued to impose a total siege on the OPTs
· A
number of Palestinian civilians were injured or arrested by Israeli soldiers at
military checkpoints and 2 newly-born twins died at an Israeli military
checkpoint
Introduction
This week, Israeli occupying forces continued to
violate the human rights of Palestinian civilians in the Occupied Palestinian
Territories (OPTs). Human rights
violations included the use of extra-judicial assassinations and willful
killings. Throughout the week, the
Israeli occupying army also conducted incursions into Palestinian areas; shot
at Palestinian civilians, including children; indiscriminately shelled
residential areas; demolished houses; and leveled agricultural land. This
week, 8 Palestinian civilians were killed by Israeli occupying forces. Five of the victims were killed in an
extra-judicial assassination perpetrated by Israeli occupying forces in Gaza
city. Israeli occupying forces have also
continued construction of the “separation wall” inside the West Bank and have
continued to impose a tight siege on the OPTs.
In a continuation of the policy of extra-judicial
assassinations officially adopted by the Israeli political and security establishments
Israeli occupying forces carried out 2 assassination attempts this week. The attacks left 5 Palestinians dead,
including 3 civilian bystanders, and injured 30 others. On Thursday evening, 25 December 2003,
Israeli helicopter gunships fired 2 missiles at a civilian car in northern Gaza
city. 5 Palestinians, including 3 civilian bystanders, were killed in
this attack and 15 others were injured. According to medical sources and PCHR investigations, the missiles used
in this crime were similar to those used in the assassination committed in
Nuseirat refugee camp on 20 October 2003, which also resulted in numerous
casualties among civilian bystanders (see PCHR press release of 20 October
2003). Unlike most previous
Israeli assassinations carried out by helicopter gunships, which usually result
in the total burning of the body, the bodies were not burned in this attack.
On Tuesday evening, 30 December 2003, Israeli occupying forces carried out
another assassination attempt. The attack targeted a member of the
‘Ezziddin al-Qassam Brigade, the military wing of the Hamas movement. The
targeted individual and 13 Palestinians civilians were injured. Two
civilians sustained serious injuries.
In the Gaza Strip, Israeli occupying forces conducted
10 military incursions into Palestinian areas, during which they destroyed 7
houses and a school in Khan Yunis and Deir al-Balah and razed more than 100
donums[1] of
agricultural land. The main effects of
this destruction were in Deir al-Balah. They also raided Palestinian houses and arrested a number of
Palestinians.
Israeli occupying forces continued to shell
Palestinian residential areas using various kinds of weapons. This week, 2 Palestinian civilians were
killed by indiscriminate shelling from military establishments around Khan
Yunis, and dozens of other civilians were injured in various areas of the Gaza
Strip.
In the West Bank, Israeli occupying forces conducted
a series of incursions into Palestinian communities, especially Nablus. A Palestinian civilian was killed and dozens
of others were injured by Israeli attacks in Nablus throughout the week. From time to time, Israeli forces imposed a
curfew on the city and raided houses. Furthermore, the Israeli military operation in Nablus coincided with the
time of university and school exams.
Also this week, Israeli settlers launched several
attacks against Palestinian civilians and property, especially in Hebron. They also erected new mobile homes at a
number of settlement “outposts”.
In violation of international humanitarian law, in
particular the Geneva Convention Relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons
in Time of War of 1949, article 33 of which prohibits punishing any protected
person for “an offence he or she has not personally committed,” Israeli forces
took retaliatory measures against the families of Palestinians Israel alleges have ordered,
facilitated, or carried out attacks against Israeli targets. In this context, they destroyed 3 houses in
Nablus.
In a step that anticipates the consideration of the
case of the “separation wall” by International Court of Justice in accordance
of the UN General Assembly Resolution adopted on 8 December 2003, Israeli
occupying forces have continued construction of the wall, while the international
community, particularly the High Contracting Parties to the Fourth Geneva
Convention have failed to take any step to fulfill their legal obligations
under the Convention.
In addition, Israeli occupying forces have continued
to impose severe restrictions on movement of Palestinian civilians in the Gaza
Strip and the West Bank, including Jerusalem.
In the Gaza Strip, Israeli occupying forces have
continued to impose a strict siege on Palestinian communities and restrict
movement of Palestinian civilians. The
Israeli military has also maintained the closure of a number of main and branch
roads in the Gaza Strip by Israeli soldiers stationed at Israeli military
checkpoints. Such restrictions on
freedom of movement are in contravention of international human rights law to
which Israel is a state party, including the International Covenant on
Economic, Social and Cultural Rights.
Israeli occupying forces have also maintained the
siege imposed on the al-Sayafa area between “Dogit” and “Elli Sinai”
settlements in the northern Gaza Strip. On Friday, 26 December 2003, Israeli occupying forces closed the area
and denied movement of Palestinian civilians out and into the area. They closed the area again on Tuesday, 30
December 2003, claiming unspecified “security” concerns.
On Thursday, 25 December 2003, Israeli occupying
forces closed the Beit Hanoun crossing in the northern Gaza Strip, denying
access of more than 13000 Palestinian workers to their work places, as a
punitive measure following a bombing that occurred in Tel Aviv. On Sunday morning, 28 December 2003, Israeli
occupying forces reopened the crossing under new conditions, which included
that any person wishing to work in Israel must be married and over 35 years
old.
In the West Bank, following a bombing that occurred
in Betah Tekva town near Tel Aviv on Thursday, 25 December 2003, Israeli
occupying forces tightened the siege imposed on the OPTs. The closed most military checkpoints in the
West Bank and erected new ones. These Israeli
measures coincided with the Christmas celebrations, so thousands of Palestinian
Christians were not able to travel to Bethlehem to celebrate the
Christmas.
Shelling
of, and Encroachment into Palestinian Areas and Attacks on Palestinian
Civilians and Property
Thursday, 25 December 2003
At approximately 02:00, Israeli occupying forces,
reinforced by heavy military vehicles, moved into Ya’bad village in Jenin. They opened fire at houses. No casualties were reported, but Israeli
occupying forces arrested 3 Palestinians:
1. Sam
Khaled Khatib, 31;
2. ‘Ali
Rajeh ‘Asfour, 27; and
3. ‘Omar
Jamil Abu Baker, 26.
At approximately 06:30, Israeli occupying forces positioned
in the vicinity of “Kfar Darom” settlement, southeast of Deir al-Balah, opened
fire at a number of Palestinian school children who were standing near Sukaina
School at Salah al-Din Street, approximately 880m to the north. One of the children,
Yousef Rajaa’ Brghouth, 16, was wounded by a live bullet in the right
shoulder.
At approximately 09:15, Israeli soldiers positioned
in the vicinity of “Gani Tal” settlement, northwest of Khan Yunis, opened fire
at a number of Palestinian civilians who gathered near Mohammed Akram
al-Disouqi, a Palestinian who was killed during an armed clash with Israeli
soldiers in al-Rabwat area, to the east of the aforementioned settlement. Salah ‘Abdul Hai al-Astal, 18, was also wounded
by a live bullet in the right hand.
Approximately 2 hours later, Israeli occupying forces
moved approximately 150m into the area and razed areas of Palestinian
agricultural land. An Israeli military
vehicle dragged al-Disouqi’s body across the ground before the eyes of his
family members. Following are details of
the areas of agricultural land that were razed by Israeli occupying forces:
1. They
razed a 3-donum area of agricultural land planted with vegetables and destroyed
an irrigation network owned by ‘Abdul Hamid Mohammed al-Astal.
2. They
razed a 1-donum area of agricultural land planted with vegetables and destroyed
an irrigation network owned by Mohammed Hamdan Abu Nemer.
3. They
razed a 400-square-meter area of agricultural land planted with olives and
vegetables and destroyed an irrigation network owned by ‘Ali Mohammed Abu
Nemer.
4. They
demolished a 12-meter-long fence surrounding Mahmoud ‘Abdul ‘Aziz Mutawe’s
house.
5. They
razed a 20-meter-long row of wild-figs owned by Hassouna Mohammed
al-Astal.
At approximately 15:00, Israeli occupying forces,
reinforced by heavy military vehicles, moved approximately 500m into
Palestinian agricultural areas to the north of “Kfar Darom” settlement,
southeast of Deir al-Balah. They opened
fire at Palestinian houses, wounding Du’aa’ Rajab Mansi, 20, with a live bullet
in the right foot. They also razed areas
of agricultural land and destroyed some civilian facilities:
1. They
razed a 2-donum area of agricultural land planted with olives and palms and
destroyed a 48-square-meter agricultural pool and a 20-square-meter
agricultural room owned by Fatema Ahmed Khalil al-‘Azab.
2. They
razed a 1-donum area of agricultural land planted with olives owned by ‘Atiya
Mohammed Khalil al-‘Azab.
3. They
demolished an 80-square-meter, asbestos-roofed uninhabited house and destroyed
a 48-square-meter agricultural pool owned by Mohammed Hassan Bashir.
4. They
destroyed a 48-square-meter agricultural pool and a 16-square-meter room owned
by ‘Abdul ‘Aziz Mohammed al-‘Azaiza.
5. They
demolished a 130-square-meter, asbestos-roofed uninhabited house owned by
Joma’a Mohammed al-Louh.
6. They
demolished a 24-square-meter, iron-roofed garage owned by Nayef Mohammed
al-Louh.
At approximately 21:30, Israeli occupying forces
positioned in military locations in the vicinity of “Gush Qatif” settlement
block, northwest of Khan Yunis, opened fire at Palestinian houses in al-Satar
al-Gharbi area to the southeast. A live
bullet penetrated the wall of the bedroom of ‘Adnan ‘Abdul Rahman Salem
al-‘Adini, 27, and hit the cupboard. Immediately, al-‘Adini got out of the room towards the door of the
house, approximately 200m away from the source of fire. Another live bullet hit a pillar of the house
and then hit al-‘Adini in the chest. His
neighbors immediately evacuated him to Nasser Hospital in Khan Yunis, but
medical efforts made to save his life failed and he died at 11:30 on Friday, 26
December 2003.
Friday, 26 December 2003
At approximately 03:00, Israeli occupying forces,
reinforced by heavy military vehicles and 2 helicopters, moved approximately
100m into Wadi al-Salqa village, east of Deir al-Balah. They raided and searched a number of houses
belonging to the families of Abu Muaghassib and Al-Sattari. They arrested 5 Palestinians, 3 of whom, were
released later that day while the other 2 remained in custody. They are Yousef Abu Muaghassib, 33, and Khaled
Mahmoud Abu Muaghassib, 29. According to
eyewitnesses, Israeli soldiers blew up the door of Ahmed Hassin Abu
Muaghassib’s house before raiding it. The house was damaged.
At approximately 06:30, Israeli occupying forces
positioned in military locations in the vicinity of “Gani Tal”
settlement, northwest of Khan Yunis, opened fire at Palestinian houses in
al-Rabwat area and al-‘Araishia neighborhood to the east and south
respectively. A Palestinian child, Majed
Mahmoud Hussein Daoud, 10, was wounded by a live bullet in the right hand. The child was sleeping in his bedroom on the
third floor of his family’s house, approximately 400m away from the source of
fire, when he was hit by a live bullet.
After Israeli occupying forces had destroyed Kamal
Jamil Hanani’s home in Beit Fourik village, east of Nablus, early in the
morning, a number of Palestinian villagers gathered in the place and threw
stones towards Israeli soldiers. Immediately, Israeli soldiers fired at the villagers, wounding
21-year-old Rami ‘Adnan ‘Abdul Hadi Hanani with a live bullet in the left
leg. Israeli soldiers positioned at Beit
Fourik checkpoint obstructed his evacuation to the hospital for about an
hour. Israeli soldiers also arrested two
Palestinians: Fares Fawaz Fares Hanani, 24; and ‘Abdul Latif Saleh ‘Abdul Latif
Nasasra, 18.
At the same time, 25 Israeli military vehicles moved
into Nablus and its refugee camps. They
opened fire at Palestinian houses. Then,
they imposed a curfew and raided a number of houses. No casualties were reported.
In the morning, a number of Palestinian civilians,
Israeli peace activists and members of the International Solidarity Movement
(ISM) organized a peaceful march in Masha village, east of Qalqilya. They moved towards the “separation wall”,
which Israeli occupying forces have been constructing in the area. Immediately, Israeli soldiers fired live
ammunition and tear gas at the demonstrators. An Israeli peace activist, Gil Namati, was wounded by a live bullet in
the back. According to eyewitnesses, the
march was peaceful, but Israeli soldiers opened fire for no apparent reason.
At approximately 11:30, Israeli occupying forces
positioned at the Egyptian border, south of Rafah, opened fire at Palestinian
houses in Rafah refugee camp. A
Palestinian child, Mohammed Kamal Zannoun, 14, was wounded by a live bullet in
the right leg. PCHR’s field worker in
Rafah reported that the child was standing near his family’s homes,
approximately 300m away from the border, when he was hit by a live bullet.
At approximately 13:35, Israeli occupying forces in
military locations in the vicinity of “Neve Dekalim” settlement, west
of Khan Yunis, opened fire at a number of Palestinian boys who gathered in the
cemeteries area after the funeral procession of Mohammed Akram al-Disouqi. 5 boys were injured:
1. Khaled
‘Abdullah Abu Mousa, 18, injured by shrapnel in the left thigh;
2. Islam
Mustafa Wadi, 11, injured by shrapnel throughout the body;
3. Bilal
Ahmed ‘Abdul Karim Wadi, 12, injured by shrapnel in the right hand and thigh;
4. Ahmed
‘Eissa Buraik, 11, injured by shrapnel in the head; and
5. Nidal
Mustafa Wadi, 12, injured by shrapnel in the chest and the left hand.
At approximately 14:30, Israeli occupying forces,
reinforced by a tank and a military bulldozer, moved approximately 100m into
al-Qarara village, northeast of Khan Yunis. They razed areas of Palestinian agricultural land:
1. They
razed a 2-donum area of agricultural land planted with olives and vegetables
and destroyed an irrigation network owned by Sa’id ‘Atiya al-Farra.
2. They
razed a 1-donum area of agricultural land planted with olives and destroyed an
irrigation network owned by Bahaa’ Khalil ‘Omar al-Farra.
3. They
razed a 3-donum area of agricultural land planted with vegetables and destroyed
an irrigation network owned by ‘Abdul Hakim ‘Abdul Ra’ouf al-‘Abadla.
4. They
razed a 2-donum area of agricultural land planted with vegetables and destroyed
an irrigation network owned by ‘Omar Ahmed al-‘Abadla.
At approximately 20:00, Israeli occupying forces
positioned in military locations in the vicinity of “Neve Dekalim”
settlement, west of Khan Yunis, opened fire at Palestinian houses in Khan Yunis
refugee camp and al-Nimsawi neighborhood in the town. A Palestinian civilian, Wa’el Mustafa Abu
Rihal, 20, was wounded by a live bullet in the left thigh. PCHR’s field worker in Khan Yunis reported
that Abu Rihal was sitting with a number of his friends in al-Nimsawi
neighborhood, approximately 400m away from the source of fire, when he was hit
by a live bullet.
Saturday, 27 December 2003
At approximately 09:00, Israeli occupying forces,
reinforced by heavy military vehicles, including 2 bulldozers, moved
approximately 300m into the east of al-Boreij refugee camp in the central Gaza
Strip. Until 17:00, they razed large
areas of Palestinian agricultural land:
1. They
razed a 50-donum area of agricultural land planted with olives owned by the
heirs of ‘Obaid Mohammed Abu Jalal.
2. They
razed a 15-donum area of agricultural land planted with olives and destroyed a
300-meter-long water pipeline owned by Isma’il ‘Abdul Karim Yousef
al-Salfiti.
3. They
razed a 6-dobnum area of agricultural land planted with olives owned by Sami
Shihda Abu Khousa.
4. They
razed a 2-donum area of agricultural land planted with olives owned by Ward Mas’oud
Musa’ed Abu Jalal.
5. They
razed a 1.5-donum area of agricultural land planted with olives owned by
Isma’il ‘Omar Abu Jalal.
6. They
razed a 1.5-donum area of agricultural land planted with olives owned by Jalal
‘Omar Abu Jalal.
7. They
razed a 1.5-donum area of agricultural land planted with olives owned by ‘Abdul
Karim ‘Omar Abu Jalal.
8. They
razed a 1.5-donum area of agricultural land planted with olives owned by
Ibrahim ‘Omar Abu Jalal.
9. They
razed a 1.5-donum area of agricultural land planted with olives owned by ‘Abdul
Latif ‘Omar Abu Jalal.
10. They razed a 1.5-donum area of
agricultural land planted with olives owned by Mas’oud ‘Omar Abu Jalal.
11. They razed a 1.5-donum area of
agricultural land planted with olives owned by Saqer ‘Omar Abu Jalal.
At approximately 09:30, 3 Israeli military jeeps
moved into Jama’in village, south of Nablus. They opened fire at Palestinian houses while school children were
leaving schools after finishing final exams of the first term of this school
year. A schoolchild, Tariq Walid
al-Khawaja, 12, was seriously wounded by 2 live bullets in the right side and
leg.
At the same time, Israeli occupying force positioned
in military locations in the vicinity of “Kfar Darom” settlement,
southeast of Deir al-Balah, opened fire at Palestinian houses located
approximately 200m to the north of the settlement. A Palestinian civilian, Ibrahim Ahmed
al-Ta’ban, 20, was wounded by a live bullet in the right leg, while he was
working on the construction of a house in the area.
In the morning, a number of Palestinian civilians,
Israeli peace activists and member of ISM demonstrated near an Israeli military
checkpoint known as “checkpoint 422”, west of Qalqilya, protesting the
construction of the “separation wall” in the area. Israeli soldiers fired live ammunition and
tear gas at the demonstrators. More than
20 demonstrators suffered from tear gas inhalation and 2 Palestinian civilians
were wounded by the Israeli gunfire:
1. Salah
Jaber Hamad, 45, from Habla village, wounded by a rubber-coated metal bullet in
the head; and
2. Khalf
Hashem Zubaidi, 17, wounded by a live bullet in the right hand.
At approximately 10:00, Israeli soldiers on tanks and
armored personnel carriers that were patrolling in Nablus opened fire at
schoolchildren and passing Palestinian civilians. 4 schoolchildren and a passing civilian were
wounded:
1. Hisham
Suhail Farid Abu Zant, 17, wounded by a rubber-coated metal bullet in the left
leg;
2. Maha
Nasser Ahmed al-Masri, 13, wounded by a rubber-coated metal bullet in the right
leg;
3. Mosa’ab
Zafer Asa’ad al-‘Aassi, 15, wounded by a rubber-coated metal bullet in the left
leg;
4. Mustafa
‘Aatef Farid Nasasra, 15, wounded by a rubber-coated metal bullet in the head;
and
5. Muheeb
Anas Zaki ‘Eissa, 20, wounded by a rubber-coated metal bullet in the left
leg.
In an excessive use of force, Israeli occupying
forces shot dead a Palestinian civilian and wounded 2 when these forces opened
fire at a number of demonstrators in Nablus.
According to PCHR’s investigations, at approximately
12:00, a number of school children gathered in Salah al-Din Street in the east
of Nablus and threw stones at Israeli military vehicles that were positioned
near a school in the area. Immediately,
Israeli soldiers opened fire at the demonstrators. Raja’ei ‘Azmi Rayan, 19, from Balata refugee
camp, east of Nablus, was instantly killed by 2 live bullets in the head and
the left hand. 2 other demonstrators
were wounded:
1. Mohammed
Midhat al-Hun, 16, wounded by a live bullet in the right thigh; and
2. ‘Ammar
Yasser Ghazal, 19, wounded by a rubber-coated metal bullet in the left
leg.
In the afternoon, a number of Palestinian boys
gathered in the center of Nablus and threw stones at Israeli military vehicles
that were patrolling in the area. Immediately, Israeli soldiers opened fire at the boys, wounding 7:
1. Ahmed
Ussama ‘Adnan Mousa, 17, from Nablus, wounded by shrapnel in the chest;
2. Ra’ed
Mohammed Ahmed al-Khatib, 19, from ‘Ein Beit al-Maa’ refugee camp, wounded by a
rubber-coated metal bullet in the left leg;
3. Islam
Ibrahim Hamdi al-Kouni, 13, from Nablus, wounded by a live bullet in the right
leg;
4. ‘Abdullah
Ghassan Musbah Khader, 9, from Nablus, wounded by shrapnel in the right hand;
5. Kamel
Zakaria al-Zagha, 17, from Nablus, wounded by a rubber-coated metal bullet in the
right shoulder;
6. Hikmat
Qadri Khalil ‘Eissawi, 18, from Nablus, wounded by a live bullet in the left
side; and
7. Mohammed
Ibrahim Isma’il Asmar, 19, from Nablus, wounded by a live bullet in the left
side.
At approximately 13:30, Israeli soldiers in a military
location near “Neve Dekalim” settlement, west of Khan Yunis, opened
fire at Palestinian houses in Khan Yunis refugee camp. A Palestinian child, Hanin Sakeb Abu Zarqa,
3, was wounded by shrapnel in the neck. She was playing inside her family’s house, approximately 400m away from
the source of fire, when she was wounded.
At approximately 13:40, Israeli occupying forces
positioned in military locations in the vicinity of “Gani Tal”
settlement, northwest of Khan Yunis, opened fire at Palestinian houses in
al-Katiba area to the south. A
Palestinian civilian, Ahmed Darwish al-Kashef, 22, was wounded by a live bullet
in the left thigh. He was in a street in
the area, approximately 1000m away from the source of fire, when he was hit by
a live bullet.
Sunday, 28 December 2003
At approximately 01:30, an infantry unit of Israeli
occupying forces moved approximately 500m into Palestinian areas to the north
of “Kfar Darom” settlement, southeast of Deir al-Balah. Israeli soldiers raided and searched Mustafa
Khamis al-Louh’s house. Then, they
arrested the owner’s son, ‘Emad, 24, and withdrew from the area.
At approximately 15:30, Israeli occupying forces,
reinforced by heavy military vehicles, moved approximately 10m to the north of
“Kfar Darom” settlement, southeast of Deir al-Balah. They destroyed the fence and toilettes of an
UNRWA elementary school in the area. It
is worth noting that this school has been closed for about 3 years as it had
been subject to Israeli gunfire and shelling. It used to serve about 2000 refugee students in Deir al-Balah.
Monday, 29 December 2003
At approximately 02:00, Israeli occupying forces
moved into al-Tabaqa village, southwest of Hebron. They surrounded Mohammed al-Huribat’s house
and forced the family out. They beat and
arrested Mohammed and Fua’d al-Huraibat, 17 and 23 respectively.
At approximately 03:30, Israeli occupying forces
moved into Qalqilya. They surrounded
Sa’id Zaki Tawfiq al-Ju’aidi’s house in the western part of the town. A number of Israeli soldiers took position on
the roofs of neighboring houses, while others broke into the house, forced the
family out, and searched the residence. Then, they arrested the owner’s son, Shaher, 23. In similar circumstances, Israeli soldiers
also arrested Hisham ‘Abdul Latif Mahmoud al-Adel, 22.
At approximately 20:30, Israeli soldiers positioned
in military locations in the vicinity of “Neve Dekalim” settlement, west of
Khan Yunis, opened fire at Palestinian houses in Khan Yunis refugee camp. A Palestinian child, Nour al-Din Salah al-Din
Abu Mustafa, 8, was wounded by a live bullet in the chest.
Tuesday, 30 December 2003
At approximately 02:30,
Israeli occupying forces moved into al-Marzouq neighborhood in Hebron. They surrounded a house belonging to Mustafa
al-Qawasmi’s family. Israeli soldiers
used megaphones to order the family to leave the house. Then, they arrested the owner’s sons, Saqer
and Amin, 16 and 26 respectively. It is
worth noting that about 10 months ago, Israeli occupying forces arrested the
owner’s other two sons, Mohammed and Khalifa.
At the same time, Israeli occupying forces moved into
al-‘Arroub refugee camp, north of Hebron, and arrested Hamza Khader al-Jawabra,
28, from his house.
At approximately 03:00, Israeli occupying forces,
reinforced by heavy military vehicles and a helicopter, moved approximately 1km
into al-Shouka neighborhood in the southeast of Rafah. They surrounded 8
Palestinian houses and ordered their residents through megaphones to gather
outside. Then, they searched the houses
and blew up the door of one house. At
approximately 05:30, Israeli occupying forces withdrew towards Rafah Terminal
after they had arrested 14 Palestinians. Later, 10 of the detainees were released, while 4 remained in custody:
1. Sa’id
Sa’ad Mohammed Shallouf, 25, a teacher;
2. Mustafa
Sa’ad Salem Shallouf, 29, a farmer;
3. ‘Ayada
Mohammed Jarad, 32, a farmer; and
4. Fathi
‘Abdul ‘Aziz Mohammed Jarad, 35, an officer of the Palestinian Preventive
Security Service.
At approximately 09:00, Israeli occupying forces,
reinforced by heavy military vehicles, including 2 bulldozers, moved
approximately 700m into Abu Houli area in the south of Deir al-Balah. During this incursion, which continued until
17:00, Israeli occupying forces razed 25 donums of Palestinian agricultural
land:
1. They
razed a 15-donum area of agricultural land planted with guavas, citrus and figs
owned by ‘Abdul Qader Mutair Abu Houli and brothers.
2. They
razed a 10-donum area of agricultural land planted with guavas, citrus and figs
owned by ‘Emad Salem Abu Rezeq.
At approximately 10:00, a number of Israeli military
vehicles took position outside “Morag” settlement, south of Khan Yunis. They opened fire at Palestinian agricultural
areas to the north. They particularly
fired at an agricultural room, where 2 Palestinian farmers were present. A number of Palestinian civilians gathered
approximately 200m away from the aforementioned settlement to check what was
going on and to help the two farmers escape the attack. Israeli soldiers opened fire
indiscriminately. A Palestinian
civilian, Fadel Fawzi Mahmoud al-Najjar, 22, was seriously wounded by a live
bullet in the chest. He was evacuated to
the hospital, where medical efforts to save his life failed and he was
pronounced dead at approximately 13:00. According to eyewitnesses, the victim was hit by a live bullet while he
was near his house.
In the morning, Israeli occupying forces that were
patrolling in Nablus and its refugee camp opened fire at passing Palestinian
civilians. 6 civilians, including 2
children, were wounded:
1. ‘Alaa’
Mohammed Ahmed ‘Owais, 19, from Balata refugee camp, hit by a sound bomb in the
head;
2. Hassan
Samir Hassan ‘Eissa, 19, from Tulkarm, wounded by a rubber-coated metal bullet
in the genitals;
3. Bassem
Rashed Bassem Abu Salah, 27, from Yassouf village, south of Nablus, hit by a
rubber-coated metal bullet in the head;
4. Ahmed
Hussein Mohammed Abu Rowais, 14, from Balata refugee camp, hit by a
rubber-coated metal bullet in the right shoulder;
5. ‘Abdul
Nasser Mahmoud ‘Abdullah al-Dubaik, 36, from Nablus, hit by a live bullet in
the right thigh; and
6. Tha’er
Bassam Farid ‘Arboudi, 15, from Nablus, hit by a live bullet in the right
leg.
At approximately 14:15, Israeli soldiers positioned
in a military location known as “al-Nouria”, west of Khan Yunis, fired at a
number of Palestinian worker who were digging a channel for the disposal of
waste water. A Palestinian civilian,
Bassam Khalil ‘Abdul Rahman ‘Arram, 28, was seriously wounded by a live bullet
in the chest.
At approximately 15:00, an undercover unit of Israeli
occupying forces moved into Jaba’ village, south of Jenin, in an unmarked
vehicle with Palestinian registration plates. Israeli soldiers surrounded a café in the
center of the village. Soon, 15 Israeli
military jeeps, reinforced by a helicopter, arrived at the area and arrested 23
Palestinians.
At approximately 15:45, Israeli occupying forces
positioned in military locations at the Egyptian border, south of Rafah, opened
fire at Palestinian houses in Block O in Rafah refugee camp. A Palestinian civilian, Rubin Salah Abu Taha,
22, was injured by shrapnel in the face, while he was in the balcony of his
house.
At approximately 16:30, Israeli occupying forces
positioned in military locations in the vicinity of “Kfar Darom” settlement,
southeast of Deir al-Balah, opened fire at Palestinian residential areas to the
north and west. 2 Palestinian civilians
were wounded:
1. Saber
Jaber Shahin, 27, wounded by a live bullet in the right hand; and
2. Asmaa’
Ahmed ‘Abdul ‘Aal, 5, wounded by a live bullet in the right thigh, while she
was on the roof of her family’s house in Deir al-Balah refugee camp,
approximately 2500m away from the source of fire.
Wednesday, 31 December 2003
At approximately 08:30, Israeli occupying forces,
reinforced by 3 tanks and an armored military bulldozer, moved approximately
100m into Khan Yunis refugee camp. Under
the cover of indiscriminate gunfire, they demolished 5 Palestinian houses and
damaged a 6th one. The
Israeli bulldozer also damaged a car owned by Nayef Salem Mohammed Abu Mustafa
and razed an area of agricultural land:
1. They
totally demolished a 100-square-meter, asbestos-roofed house owned by Mohammed
Ibrahim Mahmoud al-Hindi, in which 10 people lived.
2. They
totally demolished an 80-square-meter, asbestos-roofed house owned by Bassam
Kamel Ahmed al-Hindi, in which 11 people lived.
3. They
totally demolished an 80-square-meter, asbestos-roofed house owned by ‘Adnan
Kamel Ahmed al-Hindi, in which 12 people lived.
4. They
totally demolished an 80-square-meter, asbestos-roofed house owned by Rami
Ibrahim Noufa, in which 12 people lived.
5. They
partially demolished a 100-square-meter, asbestos-roofed house owned by Majed
Abu ‘Ouda, in which 8 people live.
6. They
damaged a 100-square-meter, asbestos-roofed house owned by ‘Abdul Muhsen Ahmed
Hijab, in which 8 people live.
7. They
razed a 500-square-meter area of agricultural land planted with olives and
citrus and demolished a room owned by Ziad Mahmoud ‘Aamer.
Extra-Judicial Assassinations
In a continuation of the policy of extra-judicial
assassinations officially adopted by the Israeli political and security
establishments, this week, Israeli occupying forces carried out 2 assassination
attempts, which left dead 5 Palestinians, including 3 civilian bystanders, and
injured 30 others.
On Thursday evening, 25 December 2003, Israeli
helicopter gunships fired 2 missiles at a civilian car in northern Gaza
city. 5 Palestinians were killed in the attack and 15 others were injured.
According to investigations conducted by PCHR, around
17:45 on Thursday, 25 December 2003, Israeli helicopter gunships fired two
missiles at a Palestinian civilian vehicle. The vehicle, a white Subaru,
was moving on Saftawi Street in a busy part of Gaza city. The attack was
also very close to the headquarters of the General Federation of Trade
Unions. As the car moved down the street, two missiles were fired from
the Israeli helicopter gunships. The missiles hit the car directly, killing
two of three passengers immediately. The third passenger sustained severe
injuries. One of those killed was identified as Moqlid Humaid, 36, from
Jabalya refugee camp. Humaid was a leading figure in the military wing of
the Islamic Jihad Movement and had survived a similar assassination attempt on
1 December 2002, when Israeli helicopters gunships also fired at the car he was
driving. On that occasion, he and other passengers were able to escape
with light injuries. Nabil Shuraihi, 31 from Nuseirat refugee camp, was
also killed while he was riding in the vehicle with Humaid.
Three civilian bystanders in the area were also
killed. The civilians were all from the northern Gaza city neighborhood
where the attack occurred. Their names are:
1. Ashraf
Hasan Radwan, 18;
2. Wa’il Mohammed Daqran, 25; and
3. Sa’id
Awad Abu Rukab, 37.
Projectiles and shrapnel from the two missiles also
resulted in the injury of 15 other civilian bystanders. According to
medical sources at Shifa Hospital, where the injured were transferred, some
civilians sustained serious injuries from the attack. According to
medical sources and PCHR investigations, the missiles used in this crime were
apparently similar to those used in the assassination committed in Nuseirat
refugee camp on 20 October 2003, which also resulted in numerous casualties
among civilian bystanders (see PCHR press release of 20 October 2003).
Unlike most previous Israeli
assassination carried out by helicopter gunships, which usually result
in the total burning of the body, the bodies of Humaid and Shuraihi were not
burned. PCHR’s fieldworker who observed the dead bodies explained the
presence of dozens of small holes and lacerations. The missiles used in
these assassination attacks carry hundreds of small cubic projectiles which are
spread around the area upon impact. The projectiles are approximately 0.5
centimeters in length and can affect large distances around the targeted
area. The missiles fired this attack indiscriminately spread these projectiles,
seriously injuring many civilian bystanders.
On Tuesday evening, 30 December 2003, Israeli
occupying forces carried out another assassination attempt. The attack
targeted a member of the ‘Ezziddin al-Qassam Brigade, the military wing of the
Hamas movement. The targeted individual and 13 Palestinians civilians
were injured. Two civilians sustained serious injuries.
According to PCHR’s investigations at approximately
19:50 on Tuesday, 30 December 2003, a pair of Israeli helicopter gunships
launched two missiles at a civilian car in the center of Gaza City. The
vehicle (a white Peugeot 104) was moving north on al-Jalaa’ street in densely
populated area. Four persons were traveling in the car: Jamal ‘Abdullah
Jarrah, 38, who is allegedly wanted by Israeli occupying authorities for his
activities in Hamas movement, his brother Sa’id Jarrah and two other
persons. All are from Jabalya refugee camp north of Gaza City.
The two missiles went astray and hit the ground near
the vehicle. The four passengers immediately left the car and were able
to escape. According to medical sources, all four were lightly
injured. In addition, 10 Palestinian civilian bystanders were injured by
pieces of shrapnel from the two missiles. Medical sources report that two
of these civilians are in serious condition. A number of shops and
private residences in the area were also damaged.
Collective Punishment against Families of Wanted
Palestinians and Those Who Have Carried out Armed Attacks against Israeli
Targets
In violation of international humanitarian law, in
particular the Geneva Convention Relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons
in Time of War of 1949, article 33 of which prohibits punishing any protected
person for “an offence he or she has not personally committed,” Israeli forces
took retaliatory measures against the families of Palestinians Israel alleges have ordered,
facilitated, or carried out attacks against Israeli targets.
A few hours following a bombing in Betah Tekva town
inside the Green Line, Israeli occupying forces moved into Beit Fourik village,
east of Nablus, and destroyed a house belonging to the family of the
Palestinian who carried out the bombing.
According to PCHR’s investigations, at approximately
03:00 on Thursday, 25 December 2003, 10 Israeli military jeeps moved into Beit
Fourik village, east of Nablus. They
surrounded an 80-square-meter, 2-storey house owned by Kamal Jamil Hanani. They forced the eight residents of the house
(2 families) out and planted explosives inside the house. At approximately 06:30, Israeli soldiers
destroyed the house. 2 neighboring
houses were damaged. The owner is the
father of Tha’er Hanani, 17, who was killed while carrying out the
aforementioned bombing.
At approximately 01:00 on Sunday, 28 December 2003, Israeli
occupying forces surrounded a 120-square-meter, 2-storey house owned by Abu
Hamdan in Balata refugee camp, east of Nablus. They forced the six residents of the house out and planted explosives
inside. At approximately 03:30, they
destroyed the house. The owner’s son,
Hashem, 23, is allegedly wanted by Israeli occupying forces for his resistance
activities.
At approximately 02:30 on Monday, 29 December 2003,
Israeli occupying forces surrounded an 80-square-meter, 3-storey house owned by
Mahmoud Abu Lail in Balata refugee camp, east of Nablus. They forced the 11 residents of the house (2
families) out and planted explosives inside. At approximately 04:45, they destroyed the house. The owner’s son, Nader, 25, is allegedly
wanted by Israeli occupying authorities for his resistance activities.
Attacks against Palestinian Civilians by Israeli
Settlers
This week, Israeli settlers launched a number of
attacks against Palestinian civilians and property, especially in Hebron.
On Saturday, 27 December 2003, Israeli settlers
living in “Ma’oun” settlement, to the east of Yatta village south of Hebron,
made new attempts to re-establish a settlement center known as “Havat Ma’oun”,
which was dismantled by Israeli occupying forces following bloody clashes
between the owners of lands and settlers. They put new mobile homes in the area and denied access of Palestinian
farmers to their lands.
In the same context, Israeli settlers from “Avigal”
settlement, which was established on the lands of Um al-Shaqhan area, put 3 new
mobile homes in the area.
At approximately 18:00 on Sunday, 28 December 2003, a
number of Israeli settlers attacked Samir ‘Eissa Hunaihen, 34, from Halhloul
town, north of Hebron. PCHR’s field
worker in Hebron reported that 5 Israeli settlers, who were traveling at
Sa’ir-Haloul junction, east of Hebron, intercepted Hunaihen and severely beat
him. He sustained injuries and bruises
throughout the body.
At approximately 10:00 on Monday, 29 December 2003, a
number of Israeli settlers attacked Palestinian houses in Wadi al-Nassara
neighborhood in the south of Hebron and in al-Shuhada Street in the old
town. 2 Palestinian children were
injured: Shaher Mohammed Fathi al-Ja’bari, 15; and Anas Mohammed al-Bayed,
15.
According to eyewitnesses, a number of Israeli
settlers living in “Beit Hadasa” settlement center in the center of Hebron
attacked Palestinian civilians in al-Shuhada Street and al-Sahla Square with
stones and empty bottles. Other armed
Israeli settlers attacked Palestinian houses in Wadi al-Nasara neighborhood,
near “Kiryat Arba” settlement, with stones.
At approximately 10:00 on Tuesday, 30 December 2003, an
Israeli settler who was traveling in his car very fast attempted to run over
5-year-old Mustafa Raslan Mohammed Hussein, from Baqa al-Sharqia village, north
of Hebron. The settler hit the child,
who sustained fractures and bruises throughout the body.
Continued Construction of the “Separation Wall”
Israeli occupying forces have continued construction
of the “separation wall” this week. Israeli occupation authorities warned some Palestinians that their
houses and other facilities would be demolished. They also imposed more restrictions of the
movement of Palestinians who have been isolated behind the wall.
On Thursday morning, 25 December 2003, Israeli
occupying forces started to establish an iron gate at the entrance to Bardala
village in the northern Jordan Valley, in the context of plans of the
construction of the “separation wall” in the area. According to eyewitnesses, Israeli occupying
forces brought bulldozers and cement blocks to construct the wall near Bardala
village. Israeli occupying authorities
informed Palestinians living in this village that they would start to
confiscate areas of land, in accordance of an Israeli military order. There are serious concerns that the
construction of the wall in the area will isolate Bardala village from its
surrounding agricultural areas, and enhance Israeli control over the
northeastern aquifer. These agricultural
areas are estimated to comprise thousands of donums and are planted with
vegetables and irrigated by wells.
Also on Thursday, 25 December 2003, officers of the
so-called “Israeli Civil Administration” warned a number of Palestinians from
Masha village, east of Qalqilya, that their houses at the western edge of the
village would be demolished. These
houses are located approximately 300m away from the “separation wall.” It is worth noting that the first stage of
construction of the wall has isolated around 90% of the land of the
village. Israeli occupying forces have
also restricted access of Palestinian farmers to their agricultural land in the
area.
On Monday morning, 29 December 2003, Israeli
occupying forces razed areas of Palestinian agricultural land in Wad al-Ghorous
area near “Kiryat Arba” settlement, east of Hebron, to construct a part of the
“separation wall” near “Kiryat Arba” and “Kharsina” settlements. They razed about 100 donums of agricultural
land owned by ‘Eissa Mohammed Jaber, Ahmed Sa’id Jaber, Shaker Rubin Jaber,
‘Abdul Sami’ Mousa Jaber, ‘Awad ‘Abdul Jabbar Jaber, ‘Abdul Jawad Mohammed
Jaber and the al-Ashab family.
Also on Monday morning, Israeli occupying forces
informed the owners of 6 houses in al-Burj village, southwest of Hebron, that
their houses would be demolished claiming that they were built without
licenses. According to residents of the
village, these houses are located approximately 1km to the east of the Green
Line, where Israeli occupying forces plan to construct a part of the
“separation wall.” The affected houses
belong to: Rezeq ‘Eissa al-Talahma, Mahmoud Khalil ‘Abdul Nabi al-Masharqa,
Ra’ed ‘Abdul Nabi al-Masharqa and Khalil Isma’il al-Masharqa. It is worth noting that since the beginning
of this year, Israeli occupying forces have informed other families in the
village and in the nearby Beit Marsam village that their houses would be
demolished for the same reason. These
demolitions come in the context of a plan to expand the Green Line, as a step
towards the construction of the “separation wall” in the area.
Israeli occupying forces have also continued to
impose restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians who are isolated
behind the wall. They have continued to
close the iron gate at the entrance to Barta’a village since Thursday, 25
December 2003, denying movement of 4000 Palestinians living in the village.
In winter, there is a shortage of coal in local
markets as Israeli occupying forces have imposed restrictions on tree cutting
and coal manufacturing in Ya’bad village, southwest of Jenin, the main place
where coal is produced. According to
workers in coal factories, as a result of the construction of the “separation
wall”, more than 70% of the 120 coal factories in the area have been forced to
close, leaving hundreds of Palestinian workers unemployed. It is worth noting that a single coal factory
normally produces 150 tons of coal per annum, but presently the factories are
producing an average of only 40 tons a year.
A Palestinian Transferred from the West Bank to the
Gaza Strip
In another violation of international law and
humanitarian law, on Wednesday, 31 December 2003, Israeli occupying forces
transferred Mustafa Hassan al-‘Aabed, 40, from Nablus to the Gaza Strip. They dumped him over night near “Netzarim”
settlement, south of Gaza city. Al-‘Aabed is the last one of 18 Palestinian detainees, whom Israeli
occupying forces decided on 13 and 14 October 2003 to transfer from the West
Bank to the Gaza Strip, claiming that they were involved in hostile activities. These detainees have been transferred to the
Gaza Strip in stages. This transfer
constitutes a war crime under article 85 of the First Additional Protocol to
the Geneva Conventions.
Continued Siege on the OPT
Israeli occupying forces have continued to impose severe
restrictions on movement of Palestinian civilians in the Gaza Strip and the
West Bank, including Jerusalem.
Gaza Strip
Israeli occupying forces have continued to impose a
strict siege on Palestinian communities and restrict movement of Palestinian
civilians in the Gaza Strip. They have
also maintained the closure of a number of main and branch roads in the Gaza
Strip by Israeli soldiers stationed at Israeli military checkpoints. Such restrictions on freedom of movement are
in contravention of international human rights law to which Israel is a state
party, including the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural
Rights.
This week, Israeli occupying forces imposed more restrictions
on the movement of Palestinian civilians between the north and south of the
Gaza Strip. Israeli occupying forces
positioned at the Abu Houli and al-Matahen checkpoints on Salah al-Din Street,
the main road between the north and south of the Gaza Strip, continued to
obstruct movement of Palestinian civilians. The two checkpoints, which are open for a maximum of a few hours each
day, have become notorious for acts of humiliation and harassment by Israeli soldiers.
At approximately 09:00 on Thursday, 25 December 2003,
Israeli occupying forces closed the two checkpoints and held many Palestinian
vehicles in between. They forced a
number of vehicles to move into an enclosed area for searching. They ordered Palestinian civilians to get out
of the vehicles, checked their ID cards, and then forced them to wait for many
hours. This procedure continued until 16:00. Israeli occupying forces arrested 4
Palestinians.
At approximately 17:00 on Monday, 29 December 2003,
Israeli occupying forces closed the two checkpoints until 08:30, during which
they held and searched a number of Palestinian vehicles. The Israeli radio station reported that
Israeli forces arrested 3 Palestinians.
At approximately 19:30 on Tuesday, 30 December 2003,
Israeli occupying forces closed the two checkpoints again and held and searched
a number of Palestinian vehicles. Israeli soldiers ordered Palestinian civilians to get out of the
vehicles, checked their ID cards, and then forced them to wait for many
hours. The soldiers also severely beat
Humaid Yahia Wasfi Barbakh, 20. Hundreds
of Palestinian vehicles were forced to wait at the two checkpoints.
At approximately 09:15 on Wednesday, 31 December
2003, Israeli occupying forces closed the two checkpoints for no apparent
reason. The checkpoints were reopened 2
hours later.
Israeli occupying forces have also maintained the
siege imposed on the al-Sayafa area between “Dogit” and “Elli
Sinai” settlements in the northern Gaza Strip. On Friday, 26 December 2003, Israeli occupying
forces closed the area and denied the movement of Palestinian civilians out of, and into, the
area. They closed the area again on
Tuesday, 30 December 2003, for claiming “security’ concerns. Palestinian civilians moving into and out of
the area are now subjected to prolonged physical checks by Israeli soldiers
stationed at the only entry point to the area. They are allowed to move from and into the area only between the hours
of 06:30 to 8:30 and 14:00 to 16:15. Israeli soldiers force male Palestinians to reveal their upper part of
the body while going to the checking area. Female Palestinians area searched by female Israeli soldiers. Entry of foodstuffs into the area is allowed
twice a week. All foodstuffs are checked
by a trained dog. When the dog is
absent, entry of foodstuffs is not allowed. School children are forced to cross long distances on foot to reach
their schools. When they come back form
schools, they are not allowed to enter the area except during the entry
hours.
Israeli occupying forces have also continued to
impose a strict siege on al-Mawasi area in the southern Gaza Strip, restricting
movement into and out of the area. Israeli
occupying forces have increased restrictions on movement of Palestinian through
al-Tuffah checkpoint at the entrance to al-Mawasi area, west of Khan
Yunis. Male Palestinians under 35 years
old and females under 25 have been denied passage across the checkpoint.
On Thursday, 25 December 2003, Israeli occupying
forces closed Beit Hanoun crossing in the northern Gaza Strip, denying access
of more than 13,000 Palestinian workers to their work places, as a punitive
measure following a bombing that occurred in Tel Aviv. On Sunday morning, 28 December 2003, Israeli
occupying forces reopened the crossing under new conditions stipulating that
any worker wish to work in Israel must be married and over 35 years old. Thus, only 5,375 workers were able to go to
their places of employment.
Israeli occupying forces have continued to impose
restrictions on travel through Rafah Terminal on the Egyptian border, which has
been the only outlet of the Gaza Strip to the outside world since the beginning
of the current Intifada. The terminal is
opened between 09:00 and 18:00, and only 6 Palestinian employees are allowed to
work at the terminal. The number of
Palestinians traveling through the terminal is about 300-400 a day. They are subject to humiliation and prolonged
travel procedures. The Israeli
intelligence also summons a number of travelers for interrogation and arrests are
frequent. A number of travelers are also
denied travel permission for no apparent reasons. Furthermore, a number of Palestinian
travelers are often forced to spent the night on the Egyptian side of the
terminal waiting to be allowed to cross into the Gaza Strip.
The West Bank
Following a bombing that occurred in Betah Tekva town
near Tel Aviv on Thursday, 25 December 2003, Israeli occupying forces tightened
the siege imposed on the OPTs. They
closed most military checkpoints in the West Bank and erected new ones.
Nablus
Israeli occupying forces have closed all military
checkpoints around Nablus and denied movement of Palestinian civilians to and
from the city. They have also continued
to divide the city into two parts. PCHR’s
field worker in Nablus reported that Israeli occupying forces blocked the
entrances to Beit Fourik village, east of Nablus, with sand barriers and rocks,
isolating it from its surroundings.
Tulkarm
At approximately 09:30 on Saturday, 27 December 2003,
Israeli occupying forces closed all roads leading to Tulkarm, and denied
movement of Palestinian civilians to and from the town. They have also erected new checkpoints and
sand barriers at the entrances of some villages. They erected a checkpoint at the entrance of
al-Jarousha village, north of Tulkarm, a checkpoint to the east of Nour Shams
refugee camp, east of the town and a third checkpoint at the junction of
Far’oun village, south of the town.
Israeli occupying forces have also denied access of
Arabs living inside the Green Line to the West Bank without prior permission,
and warned them if they travel to the West Bank without permission, they will
be punished.
Jenin
Since Saturday, 27 December 2003, Israeli occupying
forces have tightened the siege imposed on Jenin. They have erected military checkpoints around
the town. They have also closed all roads
leading to the town and denied access of Palestinian residents from nearby
villages to the town. According to
eyewitnesses, Israeli occupying forces chased Palestinian civilians who
attempted to enter the town. They also
erected 3 military checkpoints at the entrances to the villages of Beer
al-Basha, ‘Anza and Jabaa’, south of the town.
*****
PCHR calls:
1. Upon the international community to
provide immediate and independent international protection for
the Palestinian people in the Occupied Palestinian Territories.
2. Upon the High Contracting Parties to
the Fourth Geneva Convention of 1949 to reconvene to take effective
measures to protect Palestinian civilians in the Occupied Palestinian
Territories, in accordance with their obligations under article 1 and article
146.
3. Upon the international community to
investigate and prosecute those responsible for grave breaches perpetrated in
the Occupied Palestinian Territories.
4. Upon the ICRC to enhance its presence,
expand its activities, and intensify its field operations throughout the
Occupied Palestinian Territories.
5. Upon the European Union to activate
Article 2 of the Euro-Israeli Association Agreement, which provides that Israel
must respect human rights.
6. Upon the international community to
provide humanitarian and medical assistance for the Palestinian people, whose
living conditions are continuing to deteriorate as a result of the continued
siege imposed by Israeli occupation forces on the entire Occupied Palestinian
Territories.
“END”
Public Document
**************************************
For more information please call PCHR office in Gaza, Gaza Strip, on
+972 8 2824776 – 2825893
PCHR, 29 Omer El Mukhtar St., El Remal, PO Box 1328 Gaza, Gaza Strip.
E-mail:pchr@pchrgaza.org, Webpage http://www.pchrgaza.org
