- 5 Palestinians, including a child, injured in excessive use of force against civilians in the West Bank
- 5 shootings reported against Palestinian agricultural lands in eastern Gaza Strip
- During 133 IOF incursions into the West Bank, including occupied East Jerusalem: 109 civilians arrested, including 17 children
- 6 tractors and a bulldozer confiscated in Nablus and Northern Jordan Valleys; 2 houses and a wall were self-demolished by their owner in occupied East Jerusalem; 7 dwellings dismantled in Jericho and 4 notices issued to halt construction works in Hebron
- IOF collective punishment policy: IOF notified a prisoner’s family to demolish their house for the second time
- Settlers attack civilian houses during an incursion into Kefel Hares village in Salfit, north of the West Bank
- IOF established 62 temporary military checkpoints in the West Bank, where 17 Palestinian civilians were arrested
Summary
This week, PCHR documented 219 violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law (IHL) by Israeli occupation forces (IOF) and settlers in the occupied Palestinian territory. They were as follows:
As part of the Israeli shooting and excessive use of force:
In terms of excessive use of force, IOF wounded 5 Palestinian civilians in separate incidents in the West Bank: two were shot and injured in IOF’s suppression of a peaceful assembly in Ramallah, another 2 were shot and injured during IOF incursion into Jericho. In addition, a child was shot, injured and arrested by IOF, the latter alleged that the boy attempted to carry out a stab attack, south of Bethlehem, without eyewitnesses to refute or confirm the Israeli claim. It should be noted that the Supreme National Authority of the Great March of Return (GMR) announced halting protests until 30 Mach 2020.
Furthermore, 5 shootings were reported at agricultural lands in eastern Gaza Strip; no casualties were reported.
Under IOF incursions and house raids in addition to arresting Palestinian civilians: IOF carried out 133 incursions into the West Bank, including occupied East Jerusalem. Those incursions included raids of civilian houses and shootings, enticing fear among civilians, arresting and/or injuring many others. During this week’s incursions, 109 Palestinians were arrested, including 17 children.
Under the settlement expansion activities in the West Bank, including occupied Jerusalem, PCHR documented 10 demolitions, land razing and demolition notices by IOF, including confiscating 6 tractors and a bulldozer in Nablus and northern valleys. IOF also seized a 500-square-meter land in Bethlehem and forced 3 civilians to self-demolish their houses in Jerusalem. Furthermore, 2 residential barracks were demolished and 7 caravans were dismantled in Jericho. In Hebron, IOF gave 4 notifications to halt construction works in a house, 2 rooms and a livestock barn and demolished 2 agricultural rooms and a water well in Hebron.
PCHR also documented one settler-attack against civilians in a settler raid into Kafel Hares village, north of Salfit, claiming to visit the religious sites. Settlers also raided 3 residential houses and attempted to attack their residents.
In terms of collective punishment policy, IOF made holes in the house of prisoner Qassam al-Bargouthi in Ramallah and informed his family that the house will be demolished for the second time.
In terms of the Israeli closure policy, the Gaza Strip still suffers the worst closure in the History of the Israeli occupation of the oPt as it has entered the 14th consecutive year, without any improvement to the movement of persons and goods, humanitarian conditions and bearing catastrophic consequences on all aspects of life. Furthermore, IOF uses Erez Crossing that is designated for movement of individuals as an ambush to arrest Palestinians who obtain permits to exit via Israel. Meanwhile, the West Bank is divided into separate cantons with key roads blocked by the Israeli occupation since the Second Intifada and with temporary and permanent checkpoints, where civilian movement is restricted and they are subject to arrest. In this week, IOF arrested 17 Palestinians.
- Violation of the right to life and to bodily integrity
- Excessive Use of Force against Protests in the West Bank
- At approximately 13:30 on Friday afternoon, 03 January 2019, a peaceful protest took off in Kufor Qaddoum village, northeast of Qalqiliyah, and marched towards the village’s eastern entrance, which has been closed for 15 years allegedly for the security of “Kedumim” settlement. The protestors chanted national slogans, demanded an end of the occupation and the Israeli forces’ crimes against Palestinians. The protestors threw stones at the Israeli soldiers stationed behind sand berms and the latter responded with sound bombs and tear gas canisters. As a result, a few people suffocated due to tear gas inhalation.
- The protest was repeated the following day, Saturday 04 January, and confrontations with IOF resulted in several civilians suffocating due to tear gas inhalation.
- Also on Friday, dozens of Palestinian civilians protested peacefully northwest of Ramallah against the Israeli attempts to confiscate their lands, in al-Mazra’a al-Gharbeya village and Ain Harasha area, for settlement expansion schemes. IOF stationed in the area fired live bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters at the protestors, causing many of them to suffocate due to tear gas inhalation.
- Simultaneously, a group of Palestinian civilians gathered in al-Sahel area after settlers raided it under IOF protection. They threw stones at settlers and IOF stationed in the area, adjacent to the eastern entrance to al-Mughair village east of Ramallah. IOF chased civilians and fired bullets, tear gas canisters and sound bombs at them arbitrarily. As a result, 3 civilians were injured, and dozens suffocated due to tear gas inhalation. The injured are: Qusai Najib al-Na’san (22), shot with a live bullet to the left leg; Na’san Fares al-Na’san (21), shot with a rubber bullet in the left leg; and Mohammed Tha’er Abu-Alia (24), shot with a rubber bullet in his right foot.
- Shooting and other violations of the right to life and bodily integrity
- At approximately 15:20 on Thursday, 02 January 2020, an Israeli soldier shot Hussain Mohammed Mousa Younis Abu-Daya (15) near “Gosh Etzion” settlement, south of Bethlehem, alleging that he attempted a stab attack. Abu-Daya sustained two live bullets in his foot and was transferred to Shaare Zedek Medical Center. According to IOF press release, a soldier spotted the boy approaching him with a knife, and that “The terrorist was neutralized.” Younis’ family said that eyewitnesses told them that they heard shooting then saw the boy fall to the ground, and the soldier shot him again in the foot. Abu-Daya underwent two surgeries in his foot and had to have platinum plates inserted in his foot.
- At approximately 16:00 on Thursday, 02 January 2020, IOF infantry unit moved into al-Thaher area, south of Beit Ummer village north of Hebron, alleging that they were attacked with stones near “Karmi Tsur” settlement. Young Palestinian locals gathered and threw stones at IOF soldiers who responded with gas and sound bombs. Many Palestinians suffocated due to tear gas inhalation. IOF later withdrew and no arrests were reported.
- At approximately 22:00 on the same Thursday, Israeli soldiers stationed along the border fence with Israel, east of khan Younis in southern Gaza Strip, sporadically opened fire and fired flare bombs in the sky of eastern ‘Abasan, east of the city. No casualties were reported.
- At approximately 23:00 on the same Thursday, IOF stationed near the border fence of Kafer Qaddoum village, east of the city, fired sound bombs and tear gas canisters at Palestinians protesting against closing the village entrance, alleging that they were attacked with stones.
- At approximately 15:20 on Friday, 4 January 2020, IOF stationed adjacent to Jaljoulia checkpoint, south of the eastern entrance to Qalqiliyah, fired sound bombs and tear gas canisters at a group of Palestinian civilians claiming that they were attacked with stones. As a result, many civilians suffocated due to tear gas inhalation.
- At approximately 23:30 on the same Friday, IOF stationed along the border fence, east of Khan Younis in southern Gaza Strip, fired flare bombs east of Khuza’a village, east of the city. No casualties were reported.
- At approximately 01:00 on Saturday, 04 January 2020, Israeli soldiers stationed along the border fence, east of Kahn Younis in southern Gaza strip, fired flare bombs in eastern al-Qararah village, northeast of the city. No casualties were reported.
- At approximately 18:00 on Monday, 06 January 2020, IOF stationed along the border fence, east of Gaza Strip, fired flare bombs at the Abu Qatroun area, northeast of al-Buraij. No casualties or material damage was reported.
- At approximately 16:00 on Tuesday, 07 January 2020, Israeli soldiers stationed along the border fence, northeast of al-Buraij, opened fire at agricultural lands adjacent to the abovementioned border fence. No casualties were reported.
- At approximately 04:30 on Wednesday, 08 January 2020, IOF moved into ‘Aqabet Jaber refugee camp, south of Jericho. A number of Palestinian young men gathered and threw stones at Israeli soldiers. The soldiers chased the protestors and fired rubber bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canister at them. As a result, Ahmed Hamed Hajjaj (22) was shot with 2 live bullets in the left foot, and Ayoub ‘Aasi Damrah (19) was shot with a live bullet in the upper side of his eye. Moreover, a number of civilians suffocated due to tear gas inhalation. They received medical treatment on the field.
- Incursions and arrests
Thursday, 02 January 2020
- At approximately 02:00, IOF moved into Soliman al-Nabulsi Street next to ‘Azmout village intersection, northeast of Nablus. They surrounded a house belonging to Mohammed ‘Ata Hasan Sharyfah and raided it. The female soldiers strip-searched Mohammed’s wife and 5 daughters; the eldest is 17 years old and the youngest is 3 years old. The Israeli soldiers also raided the commercial stores under the house that include a smithy belonging to Mohammed and a carpentry shop belonging to Mohammed Dweikat. IOF confiscated forges and carpentry tools and later withdrew, noting that Dweikat put the carpentry tools only 8 hours before the raid. It is noteworthy that on 25 July 2019, IOF also confiscated forges from Mohammed’s smithy that cost around 125,000 ILS while the currently confiscated tools cost around 56,000 ILS.
- At approximately 02:30, IOF moved into Beer al-Basha village, southwest of Jenin. They raided and searched several houses. Before, withdrawing, they arrested Hayel Sa’ed Hasan Ghababshah (24) and took him to an unknown destination.
- Around the same time, IOF moved into ‘Anabta village, east of Tulkarm. They raided and searched several houses. Before withdrawing, they arrested Mahmoud Hashem Mousa Abu Deir (23) and Mohammed Hani Jawabrah (25) and took them to an unknown destination in addition to confiscating his car.
- At approximately 04:30, IOF moved into Deir Ghasanah village, northwest of Ramallah. They raided and searched a house belonging to Ahmed Basim al-Barghouthi (19). They arrested him and later withdrew taking him to an unknown destination.
- At approximately 11:00, the Israeli authorities stopped a car belonging to the Ministry of Health and detained its staff of 3 doctors under the pretext of being in al-Masafer area, southeast of Yatta that is classified by IOF as a military zone. They took the 3 doctors to a military camp and later released them after the intervention of the Palestinian Military Liaison.
- At approximately 13:20, IOF moved into al-Moghayer village, east of Ramallah. They raided and searched a house belonging to Khalil Abu ‘Alya. They thourghouly searched the house and a tractor. Around half an hour later, they confiscated Khalil’s tractor and arrested his 3 sons, Nader (19), Hazem (20) and Rasem (22), and took them to an unknown destination.
- At approximately 17:55, IOF stationed near Elon Moreh settlement established on the lands of Salem, ‘Azmout and Deir al-Hatab villages, northeast of Nablus, arrested ‘Abdel ‘Aziz Ra’ed Abu Se’dah (17) and Amir Mahmoud Hasan ‘Ali Ahmed (17) from ‘Askar refugee camp, northeast of Nablus, and took them to an unknown destination.
- At approximately 18:00, IOF moved into al-Rahmah Gate area, east of al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied East Jerusalem’s Old City. They surrounded the area and prevented the worshippers from entering or exiting for minutes. They chased men and women in al-Aqsa yard and pepper-sprayed them, suffocating many of them. Later, IOF withdrew and stationed in the vicinity after arrested 3 civilians and taking them to an interrogation centre in the Old City. The arrestees were identified as Mohammed Jawdat al-Shawish (30); ‘Alaa’ Munir al-Bezrah (27) and ‘Omar Mohammed Muheisen (35).
- At approximately 19:00, IOF accompanied with Intelligence officers moved into ‘Ein al-Helweh area in the Northern Jordan Valley, east of Tubas. They raided a residential tent belonging to Qadri ‘Elian Zamel Daraghmah and searched it. IOF later withdrew, but no arrests were reported.
- At approximately 21:00, IOF moved into al-Samou’a village, south of Hebron. They raided a store belonging to Habes Isma’il Mahariq and searched it. They arrested Habes and his brother ‘Alaa’ (39) who were both inside the store. IOF later withdrew confiscating the surveillance cameras’ DVR.
- At approximately 22:00, IOF arrested Isma’il Hasan al-Najjar (25) from Sorah village, southwest of Nablus, while passing on the Nablus-Qalqiliyah main street, west of Nablus, and took him to an unknown destination.
Note: IOF carried out (11) incursions in Beit Oula, Sorif and al-Thaheriyah villages in Hebron; ‘Azoun and Jayous villages in Qalqiliyah; Deir Balout, Rafat and Yasouf villages in Salfit; and the villages of Deir Nizam, Kafr Ne’mah, Beit Rima. No arrests were reported.
Friday, 03 January 2020
- At approximately 03:00, IOF moved into al-‘Issawiyah village, northeast of occupied East Jerusalem. They raided and searched several houses. They arrested 6 civilians for breaching the night house arrest imposed on them. The arrestees are identified as Saleh Bader Abu ‘Asab (19); Adam Kayed Mahmoud (20); Nedal Ahmed Faroukh (21); Anwar Sami ‘Obeid (21); Fayez Mohammed Muheisen (23) and Nadim Mohammed al-Safadi (19).
Lawyer Mohammed Mahmoud said that IOF detained the 6 civilians for a couple of hours before referring them to the Magistrate’s Court Judge who decided to release them unconditionally. Mahmoud said that their release does not mean abolishment of the administrative night house arrest and is still valid as it is not of the the Magistrate’s Court’s jurisdiction to consider the administrative decision but it is the jurisdiction of the High Court.
It should be noted that those young men had received days ago decisions signed by the “Israeli Home Front Commander” to impose house arrest on them for months under the pretext of taking part in the clashes occurred in al-‘Issawiyah village and its threat to Israel’s security in accordance with the 1945 Defence (Emergency) Regulations. It should be noted that the night house arrest starts at 20:00 and end at 06:00 according to the decision.
- At approximately 14:00, IOF Special Units ” Mista’arvim” who operate undercover and dress like Palestinian civilians sneaked into the farms of Qabatia village, southeast of Jenin. They arrested ‘Oday Taysir Ghawadrah (29) from Beer al-Basha village, south of Jenin, and took him to an unknown destination, noting that IOF claims that ‘Oday has been wanted.
- Around the same time, IOF stationed at the entrance to al-‘Aroub refugee camp, north of Hebron, arrested 3 children who were on their way back home. The arrestees, who were taken by a military jeep to a detention centre in “Gosh ‘Etzion” settlement, south of Bethlehem, were identified as Ahmed Mohamed Daloul (17); Khaled al-Sharif (15); and Ahmed Mohammed Jawabrah (15).
- At approximately 02:50, IOF moved into ‘Azoun village, east of Qalqiliyah. They raided and searched a house belonging to Mohammed ‘Abdel Fattah ‘Othman Redwan (22). They arrested Mohammed and later withdrew taking him to an unknown destination.
- At approximately 15:00, IOF stationed at the military checkpoint “al-Container” established on al-Nar Valley Road, east of Bethlehem, arrested Soliman Habes Majariq (19) from al-Samou’a village, south of Hebron, and took him to an unknown destination.
- At approximately 16:00, IOF stationed at al-‘Amoud Gate in occupied East Jerusalem’s Old City, arrested 5 civilians after pushing and beating them in addition to shocking them with electric weapons.
Eyewitnesses said that IOF attacked a Palestinian who was on the stairs of al-‘Amoud Gate and held him inside the control room in the area, where they continued to beat him. They then started beating whoever was present and tried to stop the IOF from beating him. Five persons were arrested and taken to “Salah al-Deen Street” interrogation centre. The arrestees were identified as ‘Alaa’ Monther Najib (19); Jihad Naser Qos (24); Rami Salah al-Fakhouri (28); ‘Abdel Qader Hani Naser (23); and Ra’ed Ma’touq.
- At approximately 19:00, IOF moved into al-‘Issawiyah village, northeast of Jerusalem. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Mohammed Haitham Mahmoud (24). They arrested Haitham and later withdrew taking him to an unknown destination.
- On the same day, IOF stationed at Salem checkpoint, west of Jenin, arrested Nizar Mustafa Jarban (20) and Baker Amin Abu Baker (22) from Romanah village, west of Jenin, and took them to an unknown destination.
- On the same day, IOF established a checkpoint at Jeet village entrance, northeast of Qalqiliyah, and arrested Feras Nedal Ahmed ‘Aqel (26), a Palestinian General Intelligence officer, from Kafr Qaddoum village, north of Qalqiliyah.
- IOF carried out (4) incursions in al-‘Aroub refugee camp, al-Thaheriyah; al-Shoyoukh and Bani Na’im villages in Hebron. No arrests were reported.
Saturday, 04 January 2019
- At approximately 01:00, IOF moved into Beir Ummar village, north of Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to Monawar ‘Abdel Rahman Za’aqiq (40). They later withdrew, and no arrests were reported.
- At approximately 03:00, IOF moved into al-Samou’a village, south of Hebron, and raided and searched 2 houses belonging to Mousa Mohammed Rawashdah (44) and ‘Abdel Fattah Mahmoud Daghamin (50). IOF later withdrew, and no arrests were reported.
- On the same day, IOF stationed at Za’atarah checkpoint, east of Salfit, arrested Saddam Ahmed Shahin (27) from Tulkarm and released him 3 hours later.
- At approximately 19:00 on Friday, 03 January 2020, IOF moved into al-‘Issawya village, northeast of Jerusalem, and raided Mohammed Haytham Mahmoud’s (24) house and arrested him.
- IOF carried out (5) incursions in Hablah village in Qalqiliyah and the villages of al-Shayoukh, Tarqoumiah, Beit ‘Awwa and Yata in Hebron. No arrests were reported.
Sunday, 05 January 2019
- At approximately 01:00, IOF moved into Beit Ummar village, north of Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to Khaled Ibrahim Mo’ataz Sabarnah (22). They arrested Khaled and later withdrew taking him to where the military vehicles were stationed. Meanwhile, IOF raided and searched another house belonging to Monawar ‘Abdel Rahman Za’aqiq (40). They later withdrew, but no arrests at the house were reported.
- At approximately 01:30, IOF moved into Sorif village, northwest of Hebron. They stationed in several neighbourhoods in the village, where IOF raided and searched 3 houses. They arrested 3 civilians and later withdrew taking them to an unknown destination. The arrestees were identified as Khaled ‘Ali Ghneimat (30); Nour al-Deen ‘Anan al-Qadi (25) and Nour al-Deen Mohammed Haddoush (29).
- Around the same time, IOF moved into al-‘Issawiyah village, northeast of occupied East Jerusalem. They raided and searched several houses, from which 12 civilians were arrested and taken to an unknown destination. PCHR keeps the names of arrestees.
- At approximately 02:00, IOF moved into Qalqiliyah. They raided and searched several houses, from which they arrested Hussam Mahmoud al-Haji Hasan (19). IOF later withdrew taking him to an unknown destination.
- At approximately 02:30, IOF moved into Hebron and stationed in the University neighbourhood, where they raided and searched a house belonging to Meqdad Mohammed Qawasmah (28). IOF arrested Meqdad and later withdrew taking him to an unknown destination.
- At approximately 10:00, IOF moved into al-Qarmi neighbourhood in occupied East Jerusalem’s Old City. They raided and searched a house belonging to Rashid Rasmi al-Resheq (19). IOF arrested Rashid and later withdrew taking him to an unknown destination.
- At approximately 16:00, Israeli police officers stationed at al-Majles Gate; one of al-Aqsa mosque gates, in occupied East Jerusalem’s Old City, arrested ‘Emad Mohammed ‘Ali Abu Sneinah (24) and took him to an interrogation centre in the Old City.
- IOF carried out (11) incursions in Zita villaghe in northern Tulkarm; Faqou’ah, Beit Qad, Jalqamous, and Um al-Tout villages in Jenin; Talfit, Burin and ‘Iraq Burin villages in Nablus; and the villages of Tafouh, al-Mowareq and Beit ‘Awwa in Hebron.
Monday, 06 January 2019
- At approximately 01:30, IOF moved into al-Issawiyah village, northeast of occupied East Jerusalem. They raided and searched several houses. They arrested 5 civilians and later withdrew taking them to an unknown destination. The arrestees were identified as Saleh Bader Abu ‘Asab (19); Adam Kayed Mahmoud (20); Anwar Sami ‘Obeid (21); Fayez Mohammed (23) and Nadim Mohammed al-Safadi (19).
This is the third arrest for those civilians this week under the pretext of breaching their night house arrest order. They were referred to the Israeli Magistrate’s Court again, which released them unconditionally.
- At approximately 02:00, IOF moved into Beit Fajjar village, south of Bethlehem. They raided and searched several houses. They arrested 6 civilians, including 3 children, and later withdrew taking them to an unknown destination. PCHR keeps the names of the arrestees.
- At approximately 02:30, IOF moved into Ma’adma village, southeast of Nablus. They raided and searched several houses. IOF arrested ‘Aref Nafez ‘Aref Nassar (22) and later withdrew taking him to an unknown destination.
- Around the same time, IOF moved into ‘Azoun village, east of Qalqiliyah. They raided and searched several houses. They arrested Nedal Shaker Redwan (19) and Yasin ‘Emad Shbeitah (17) and later withdrew taking them to an unknown destination.
- At approximately 02:40, IOF moved into al-Bireh and stationed in Um al-Sharayet neighbourhood and al-Am’ari refugee camp, south of the City. The solidiers were deployed between houses and then raided and searched a number of them. They arrested Nedal Burhan Ghanayem (22) from Um al-Sharayet and Mahmoud ‘Issa ‘Abbas (19) from al-Am’ari refugee camp and later withdrew taking them to an unknown destination.
- At approximately 03:00, IOF moved into ‘Orif village, southeast Nablus. They raided and searched several houses. They arrested Saleh Kayed Sabbah (25) and later withdrew taking him to an unknown destination.
- At approximately 03:30, IOF moved into Northern ‘Asirah village, northwest of Nablus. They raided and searched several houses and arrested ‘Omer Nedal Doghlos Yasin (22). They later withdrew taking him to an unknown destination.
- Around the same time, IOF moved into Ethna village, west of Hebron. They stationed in ‘Aziz Valley area and raided and searched 2 houses. They later withdrew and no arrests were reported. The 2 houses belong to Lo’ay Sami Tmeizi (39) and his brother Sami (34).
- At approximately 10:00, the Israeli police arrested Anas Mohammed Abu al-Hummus (24) when he was near al-Rahmah Gate praying area, east of al-Aqsa Mosque in the Old City of occupied East Jerusalem.
- At approximately 17:30, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance to ‘Azoun village, east of Qalqiliyah, and arrested Khaled Isma’il Sweidan (22), taking him to an unknown destination.
- At approximately 23:00, IOF established a checkpoint on the main road to Nablus near Kedumim settlement intersection. They arrested 3 civilians from Qalqiliyah; one of them is a National Security officer. They were identified as ‘Abdullah Hamed Naser ‘Odwan (30) and his 2 brothers Naser (28) and Mahmoud (29).
- Around the same time, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance to ‘Azoun village, east of Qalqiliyah and arrested ‘Abdel Hamid ‘Abdel Latif Abu Haniyah (36), from ‘Azoun village, east of Qalqiliyah.
- IOF carried out (12) incursions in Dura and the villages of Taramah Abu al-‘Asjah and Kharsa in Hebron; the villages of al-Silah al-Harithiyah, Romanah and Ta’anak, west of Jenin; and Ya’bod village, southwest of Jenin; Tayasir village, east of Tubas; ‘Aqrabah village, southeast of Nablus; and Deir Nizam an Na’lin villages in Ramallah. No arrests were reported
Tuesday, 07 January 2020
- At approximately 01:00, IOF moved into al-‘Aroub refugee camp, north of Hebron. They raided and searched several houses. They arrested ‘Omar Jaser al-Sharif (23), ‘Ezz al-Deen Jamal al-Jondi (16) and Mohammed Ahmed al-Jabri (16).
They also confiscated 2000 ILS from Amjad ‘Abdel Rahman Jawabrah’s (45) house and handed him a list of the confiscated items to refer to the Israeli police.
- At approximately 00:20, IOF moved into Jenin. They raided and searched several houses. They arrested Rushdi al-Bath (54) and his 2 sons, ‘Odai (27) and Mohammed (21) from their house on Nablus-Jenin Street. IOF also took over a lathe workshop belonging to the family after blowing up its doors in the industrial area, northeast of Jenin under the pretext of supporting terrorism and hostilities. The arrestees and confiscated items were taken to an unknown destination.
- At approximately 02:50, IOF moved into Balatah refugee camp, east of Nablus. They raided and searched several houses. They arrested Jaber Mahmoud ‘Aweis (53) and later withdrew taking him to an unknown destination.
- At approximately 03:40, IOF moved into Ni’lin village, west of Ramallah. They raided and searched several houses. They arrested ‘Omer Talal Srour (25) and later withdrew taking him to an unknown destination.
- At approximately 11:00, IOF moved into Silwan village, south of occupied East Jerusalem’s Old City. They raided and searched the house of Jerusalem Mayor, ‘Adnan ‘Adel Ghaith (46). IOF handed him a summons to refer to the Israeli Intelligence Department in Moscovia Detention Centre in West Jerusalem. It should be mentioned that IOF has arrested Mayor Ghaith 14 times since he took office and has been denied entry to the West Bank for 6 months and his denial was renewed for another 6 months in addition to banning him from contacting with many persons.
- At approximately 13:00, the Israeli police moved into the upper yard of al-Rahmah praying area, east of al-Aqsa Mosque in the Old City of occupied East Jerusalem. They ordered all persons in the area to leave. When the latter refused, a supporting force arrived and forced women and men to leave, beating some of them severely. They arrested Asil Mohammed ‘Eid (17); Habib ‘Omer Abu Shoushah (16); Mohammed Abu Shoushah (19); Majd Kabha (18) and Islam Ghteit (22).
- At approximately 15:00, IOF stationed at a military checkpoint in the vicinity of Hebron’s Old City arrested Mo’az Ahmed Mousa (25) from Nablus and took him to an interrogation center in ” Kiryat Arba” settlement, east of Hebron.
- At approximately 16:00, IOF moved into al-Thawri neighbourhood, south of occupied East Jersualem. They raided and searched the houses of Nour Jamal Ghaith (17) and Ihab Khalil Iskafi (17). They arrested the 2 children and took them to an unknown destination.
- At approximately 19:00, IOF moved into al-Rahmah Gate praying area, east of al-Aqsa Mosque in the Old City of occupied East Jerusalem. They chased the worshippers who finished al-‘Isha prayer until they exited Hotah and al-Asbat Gates and were severely beaten up. IOF arrested Mai Bassam ‘Asaliyah (16); Nour Mahamid (27); Yazan Yousif Derbas (29); ‘Abdullah Khaled Abu Shoushah (27) and Yousif Abu Shoushah.
- IOF carried out (18) incursions in al-Zababdah village, southeast of Jenin, the villages of Jalboun, Deir Ghazalah, Beit Qad and Jalqamous, northeast of Jenin; Zaboubah village, west of Jenin; villages of Sorah, al-Laban al-Sharaqiyah, Yatma, ‘Orif and ‘Einabous in Nablus, Yata, Hebron and its villages of Kharsa and Shayoukh. No arrests were reported
Wednesday, 08 January 2020
- At approximately 01:00, IOF moved into Abu Dis village, east of occupied East Jerusalem. They raided and searched the houses of Jawad Mohamed ‘Ali Nawaflah (29) and Mohammed ‘Abdullah Muhsen (27). Both of them were arrested and taken to an unknown destination.
- At approximately 02:00, IOF moved into al-‘Aroub refugee camp, north of Hebron. They raided and searched Ahmed Hasounah al-Badawi (16). He was arrested and taken to an unknown destination.
- At approximately 03:20, IOF moved into ‘Atarah village, north of Ramallah. They raided and searched a house belonging to Jihad Hasan ‘Abdullah Dahadhah (28). He was arrested and taken to an unknown destination.
- At approximately 03:30, IOF moved into Beit Fajjar village, south of Bethlehem. They raided and searched several houses and arrested Mohammed ‘Issa Thawabtah (20); Dawoud Mohammed Thawabtah (19); and Mohammed Ahmed Deiriyah (19).
- At approximately 04:40, IOF moved into Beit Rima village, northwest of Ramallah. They raided and searched a house belonging to Akram Munir Irheimiyah al-Rimawi (18). He was arrested and then taken to an unknown destination.
- IOF carried out (4) incursions in Dura, al-Samou’a, Beit al-Rosh and Raboud villages in Hebron. No arrests were reported.
III. Settlement Expansion and settler violence in the West Bank, including occupied East Jerusalem
- Demolition and Confiscation of Civilian Property for Settlement Expansion Activities
- At approximately 14:20 on Thursday, 02 January 2020, IOF moved into al-Nasariyia village, northeast of Nablus. They confiscated Ayoub Ibrahim al-Tayib’s tractor and ordered him to stop working in his plot of land, which is classified as Area C.
- At approximately 18:20 on Thursday, IOF raided an agricultural land near Beit Foreek village, northeast of Nablus. They confiscated Salam Helal Khatatbah’s bulldozer under the pretext of working in Area C.
- At approximately 13:36 on Friday, 03 January 2020, IOF moved into Um al-Qabbah area in eastern Tubas. They confiscated 5 tractors while plowing agricultural lands and took them to Sa’orah military camp. The confiscated tractors belong to al-‘Aqaba Cooperative Society, Kamal Ghazi Daraghmah, Naseem ‘Ali Mahmoud Ghannam, Ibrahim Khader Mahmoud, and Ahmed Khader Mahmoud.
- On Sunday, 05 January 2020, IOF issued a military decision to seize a plot of land in Wadi al-Hendi area, in al-Khader village, south of Bethlehem, under security pretexts. Hasan Barijiyah, Head of the Wall and Settlement Resistance in Bethlehem, said that IOF handed the owners of 500-sqaure-meter land located in Wadi al-Hendi area in southern Bethlehem a seizure notice. Barijiyah clarified that the decision aims at establishing a military checkpoints or settlement outposts.
- At approximately 20:00 on Sunday, Tayseer Yallow demolished a concrete wall surrounding his plot of land near the eastern entrance to al-‘Issawiyia village, northeast of occupied East Jerusalem, under the pretext of building without license. Yallow said that the Israeli Municipality notified him a week ago to demolish the concrete wall. On Saturday morning, the Israeli police phoned him and ordered him to carry out the demolition or the municipality will do so and impose NIS 100,000 on him as demolition costs. Yallow clarified that the concrete wall cost him NIS 35,000.
- At approximately 11:00 on Monday, 06 January 2020, IOF backed by military construction vehicles moved into Ras al-‘Ojah area in northern Jericho. The bulldozer demolished Suliman Salem Nassar al-Najadah (44)’s barrack while he was inside it to prevent the demolition. As a result, al-Najadah sustained wounds and bruises throughout his body and was then taken to Jericho Governmental Hospital for treatment.
- Around the same time, IOF demolished a livestock barn of Salma Hussain Ka’abna and dismantled 7 residential caravans and confiscated them under the pretext of non-licensing and being in Area C. The barn and caravans belong to:
- Suliman Salem Nassar al-Najadah: a 60-sqaure-meter caravan sheltered 12 members, including 9 children and 2 women.
- Salma Hussain Ka’abnah: a 80-sqaure-meter barn.
- Rami Mohamed Hasan Hrizat: a 60-sqaure-meter caravan was dismantled and confiscated. The caravan sheltered 2 members, including a woman.
- Mohamed Hasan Murshed Hazirat: a 60-sqaure-meter caravan was dismantled and confiscated. The caravan sheltered 7 members, including 2 children and 4 women.
- Fadi Mohamed Salama Hazirat: a 60-sqaure-meter caravan was dismantled and confiscated. The caravan sheltered 5 members, including 3 children and a woman.
- Nayif Slama Mohamed Abu Kharbish: a 60-sqaure-meter caravan was dismantled and confiscated. The caravan sheltered 8 members, including 6 children and a woman.
- Jamal Hasan Murshed Hazirat: a 60-sqaure-meter caravan was dismantled and confiscated. The caravan sheltered 13 members, including 9 children and a woman.
- Fadi Salama Mohamed Abu Kharbish: a 60-sqaure-meter caravan was dismantled and confiscated. The caravan sheltered 3 members, including a child and a woman.
- ‘Ali Salama Mohamed Abu Kharbish: a 60-sqaure-meter caravan was dismantled and confiscated. The caravan sheltered 8 members, including 6 children and a woman
- At approximately 13:00 on Monday, 06 January 2020, two siblings Maher and Mohamed Nassar implemented the Israeli Municipality decision and self-demolished their houses in al-Mokaber Mount area, south of occupied East Jerusalem, under the pretext of non-licensing. Maher Nassar said that the municipality gave him and his brother 24 hours to self-demolish their houses or the municipality will impose a fine of NIS 80,000 on them. Maher clarified that he and his brother built their houses 8 years ago and the municipality imposed a fine of NIS 35,000 on them. He added that the municipality handed him a demolition decision2 weeks ago, so he appealed before the municipality court and freezed the decision until holding the hearing on Sunday. During the court hearing, the judge informed him about the final demolition decision and ordered him to implement it within 24 hours. It should be noted that the 2 houses sheltered 15 members, including 11 children.
- At approximately 14:00 on Monday, 06 January 2020, IOF and Israeli Civil Administration officers backed by military construction vehicles moved into Ma’een area in southern Hebron. The Israeli Civil Administration officers handed ‘Adel Mohamed Hamamdah (44) a notice to stop construction works in his 2-storey-house under the pretext of building in a heritage area. The notice ordered Hamamdah to submit legal documents for construction and inspections committee in “Beit Eill” settlement to complete the construction.
- At approximately 13:00 on Tuesday, 07 January 2020, IOF and Israeli Civil Administration officers backed by military construction vehicles moved into al-Tawana village in southern Hebron. The Israeli Civil Administration officers handed 3 notices for facilities to stop construction works under the pretext of non-licensing. These notices included:
- A 100-sqaure-meter barn and a 50-sqaure-meter room of Fadel Ahmed Reb’i.
- A 50-sqaure-meter under-construction room of Khader Suliman al-‘Amour.
- A 25-sqaure-meter room of Mofdi Ahmed Reb’i.
- At approximately 08:00 on Wednesday, 08 January 2020, IOF and Israeli Civil Administration officers backed by military construction vehicles moved into Um Balgha area, southwest of Hebron. The Israeli soldiers were deployed in the area and the bulldozers demolished 2 agricultural rooms built of bricks and stones and a water well under the pretext of non-licensing. Mofeed Isma’il ‘Odah Talahma (33) said to PCHR’s fieldworker that: “Few months ago, I received a notice to stop construction works in 2 agricultural rooms, a water well and a barn built of shed. I built these facilities, which cost me around NIS 28,000, 4 years ago and I live there with my wife. Fifteen days earlier, I received another 7-day notice. I headed to Sant Eve institution and submitted documents to license the facilities, but the demolition was implemented before challenge.”
Israeli Settler Violence
- At approximately 22:00 on Monday, 06 January 2020, a group of Israeli settlers, under the IOF protection, moved into Kefel Hares village, north of Salfit, to visit religious shrines. When they arrived there, they attacked cursed Palestinians and attacked their houses. Additionally, the settlers raided the houses of two siblings ‘Alaa and ‘Ali Saleh Hammad and attempted to attack their residents.
Collective Punishment Policy
- At approximately 01:30 on Thursday, 02 January 2020, IOF backed by 10 military construction vehicles and accompanied with a vehicle of the engineering unit moved into Kobar village, north of Ramallah. They raided and searched prisoner Qasem Nael al-Barghouthi (25)’s house, damaged its contents and detained the family members in one room after checking their IDs. The Explosives Engineering Department officers took the house measurements and made holes in the walls. The engineering unit staff took the house measurements and made holes in the walls to demolish it. IOF verbally informed the family that they will demolish the house and later withdrew. Al-Barghouthi was arrested on 26 August 2019, by IOF, who arrested him from his house and took him to “Ofer” prison where he was interrogated in al-Mascubiyah detention centre in Jerusalem. Al-Barghouthi was charged with participation in the attack at Ein Bubin near Deir Bzai’a village, west of Ramallah on 23 August 2019, which caused the killing of Israeli female settler and injuring her father and brother. This decision is part of the collective punishment policy adopted by IOF against families of Palestinian individuals accused of carrying out attacks against Israeli forces and/or settlers.
V. Closure policy and restrictions on freedom of movement of persons and goods
West Bank
- In addition to permanent checkpoints and closed roads, this week witnessed the establishment of more temporary checkpoints that restrict the goods and individuals movement between villages and cities and deny civilians’ access to their work. IOF established 62 temporary checkpoints, where they searched Palestinians’ vehicles, checked their IDs and arrested 17 of them.
The military checkpoints were as follows:
Bethlehem:
- On Thursday, 02 January 2020, IOF established 3 checkpoints at the entrance to Taqou’a village, in ‘Aqbet Hasnah area, and near the intersection of al-Nashash area.
- On Friday, 03 January 2020, IOF established 2 checkpoints at the entrance to Beit Jala village and in ‘Aqbet Hasnah area.
- At approximately 11:40 on Saturday, 04 January 2020, IOF established a checkpoint in ‘Aqbet Hasnah area.
- On Sunday, 05 January 2020, IOF established 3 checkpoints at the entrance to Taqou’a village, at the western entrance to Hosan village, and near the intersection of al-Nashash area.
- On Monday, 06 January 2020, IOF established 3 checkpoints at the entrances to Beit Fajjar, Taqou’a and Janata villages.
- On Tuesday, 07 January 2020, IOF established 2 checkpoints at the entrances to Beit Fajjar and ‘Aqabet Hasnah villages.
Hebron:
- On Thursday, 01 January 2020, IOF established 2 checkpoints at the entrance to Beit Ummer village and at the southern entrance to Halhoul village.
- On Friday, 03 January 2020, IOF established 3 checkpoints at the northern entrance to Hebron, at the entrance to Sureef village, and at the southern entrance to Halhoul.
- On Saturday, 04 January 2020, IOF established 2 checkpoints at the entrances to Ethan and al-Koum villages.
- On Sunday, 05 January 2020, IOF established 4 checkpoints at the entrances to al-Shayyoukh, Beit Kahel and Dura villages, and at the entrance to al-Fawar refugee camp.
- On Monday, 06 January 2020, IOF established 4 checkpoints at the southern entrance to Hebron, at the entrances to Beit Ola and Ethna villages, and at the entrance to al-‘Aroub refugee camp.
- On Tuesday, 07 January 2020, IOF established 3 checkpoints at the entrances to Beit Ummer, Sureef and Beit ‘Awaa villages.
- On Wednesday, 08 January 2020, IOF established 2 checkpoints at the southern entrance to Halhoul village and at the entrance to al-Fawar refugee camp.
Qalqiliyah:
- On Thursday, 02 January 2020, IOF established 2 checkpoints at the entrances to Izbit al-Tabeeb and Jeet villages.
- On Saturday, 04 January 2020, IOF established 3 checkpoints at the entrances to al-Nabi Iyyas, Qalqiliyah and ‘Azoun villages.
- On Monday, 06 January 2020, IOF established 2 checkpoints at the entrances to ‘Azoun and Izbit al-Tabeeb villages.
Salfit:
- On Thursday, 02 January 2020, IOF established 2 checkpoints at the entrances to Kefel Hares and Hares villages.
Tulkarm:
- At approximately 16:00 on Sunday, 06 January 2020, IOF stopped Palestinians’ vehicles and checked their IDs while passing through ‘Inab military checkpoint, east of Tulkarm. This happened following an Israeli settler claimed that he was exposed to a run-over attack in Hares village, north of Salfit.
Nablus:
- On Thursday, 02 January 2020, IOF established 2 checkpoints at the entrances to Bita and Surrah villages. IOF stationed at Shafi Shamroun and Beit Foreek checkpoints at the northeastern entrance to Nablus tightened their arbitrary restrictions against the Palestinian civilians who cross the checkpoint and undergo thorough searches before being allowed to cross.
- On Sunday, 05 January 2020, IOF established 2 checkpoints at the entrance to Qasrah village and at the entrance to Sabastiyia village. IOF stationed at Hawarah and Za’tarah checkpoints at the southeastern entrance to Nablus and at Beit Foreek checkpoint at the northeastern entrance to Nablus tightened their arbitrary restrictions against the Palestinian civilians who cross the checkpoint and undergo thorough searches before being allowed to cross.
- On Monday, 06 January 2020, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance to Laban al-Sharqiyia village, southeast of Nablus.
- On Tuesday, 07 January 2020, IOF established a checkpoint at the intersection of al-Moraba’a at the southeastern entrance to Tal village, south of Nablus.
Ramallah and Jericho:
- On Friday, 03 January 2020, IOF established 3 checkpoints at the entrances to Ras Karkar and al-‘Oja villages, and at the southern entrance to Jericho.
- On Saturday, 04 January 2020, IOF established a checkpoint at “Hemlish” settlement square, northwest of Ramallah.
- On Sunday, 05 January 2020, IOF established 3 checkpoints at the entrances to al-Nabi Salah, ‘Ain Sina and al-Jefletik villages.
- On Monday, 06 January 2020, IOF established 2 checkpoints at the intersection of Shaqba village and at the northern entrance to Jericho.
- On Tuesday, 07 January 2020, IOF established 2 checkpoints at “Helimish” settlement square, northwest of Ramallah; and at the northern entrance to Jericho.