Israeli forces continue systematic crimes in the occupied Palestinian territory (oPt) (03 – 09 September 2015) 

• Reham Dawabsha succumbed to her wounds to be the third victim in her family due an arson attack by Israeli settlers against the family’s house in Nablus.

 

• Israeli forces continued to use excessive force against peaceful protests in the West Bank.
• 5 Palestinian civilians, including a photojournalist and 2 children, were wounded.
• A girl was wounded in Silwan village, in occupied Jerusalem.

 

• Israeli warplanes raided a training site in the north of the Gaza Strip, but no casualties were reported.

 

• Israeli forces conducted 48 incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank and 4 limited ones in the northern Gaza Strip.
• 40 Palestinian civilians, including 4 children and a woman, were arrested.
• 15 of these civilians, including 3 children and a woman, were arrested in occupied East Jerusalem.

 

• Israel continued to impose a total closure on the oPt and has isolated the Gaza Strip from the outside world.
• Many checkpoints were established in the West Bank.
• 2 Palestinian civilians were arrested at checkpoints.
• A patient from Rafah was arrested by Israeli forces at Beit Hanoun (Erez) crossing, north of the Gaza Strip.
• 2 Palestinian civilians were arrested at the border fence, north of the Gaza Strip.

 

• Israeli navy forces opened fire at Palestinian fishermen in the Gaza Strip sea.
• A child was wounded, northwest of Beit Lahia village in the north of the Gaza Strip, while accompanying his father, who is a fisherman.

 

• Israeli forces continued efforts to create a Jewish demographic majority in occupied East Jerusalem.
• Ya’alon outlawed groups of Palestinian women “Morabetat” and men “Morabetoon” defending al-Aqsa Mosque.

 

• Israeli forces continued to support settlement activities in the West Bank and Israeli settlers continued to attack Palestinian civilians and property.
• Israeli forces delivered 5 demolition notices for 5 under-construction residential rooms, south of Hebron.
• Israeli forces submitted 2 notices to halt works in 2 water wells, south of Hebron.
• 3 civilians were wounded as stones were thrown at their vehicle, north of the West Bank.

Summary

 

Israeli violations of international law and international humanitarian law in the oPt continued during the reporting period (03 – 09 September 2015).

 

Shooting:

 

During the reporting period, Israeli forces continued to use force against Palestinian civilians participating in peaceful protests in the West Bank. In the Gaza Strip, Israeli forces continued to open fire at border areas along the Gaza Strip borderline and to attack and chase Palestinian fishermen in the sea. As a result, 7 Palestinian civilians, including 3 children and a girl, were wounded. Five of the wounded were participating in protests against settlement activities and the construction of the annexation all in the West Bank. The girl was wounded in occupied Jerusalem and the other child was wounded in the northern Gaza Strip.

 

In the West Bank, Israeli forces continued to use excessive and systematic use of force against peaceful protests organized by Palestinian civilians and Israeli and international human rights activists in protest at the construction of the annexation wall and settlement activities in the West Bank and Israeli policies in the oPt. As a result, 5 civilians, including a photojournalist and 2 children, were wounded.

 

In occupied Jerusalem, on 06 September 2015, an 18-year-old female was hit by a gas canister when clashes erupted between Palestinian youngsters and Israeli forces in the vicinity of Silwan club.

 

On the same day, Israeli warplanes launched 2 missiles at a training site belonging to al-Qassam Brigades (the armed wing of Hamas), southwest of Beit Hanoun crossing, north of the Gaza Strip. As a result, the site sustained serious damage, but no casualties were reported.

 

In the Gaza Strip, in the context of targeting Palestinian fishermen, on 03 September 2015, a 10-year-old child from al-Manshiya area in Beit Lahia town sustained a bullet wound to the left thigh when he was in company of his father, who was angling on the shore. Israeli forces stationed in watchtowers along the border fence, northwest of Beit Lahia in the north of the Gaza Strip, opened fire at a group of fishermen angling near the fence.

 

On the same day morning, Israeli gunboats stationed off al-Waha resort, northwest of Beit Lahia village in the north of the Gaza Strip, opened fire sporadically around fishing boats sailing within 3 nautical miles off the shore. As a result, the fishermen were terrified and sailed back to the shore, and neither casualties nor damage were reported.

 

Incursions:

 

During the reporting period, Israeli forces conducted at least 48 military incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank, 7 ones in East Jerusalem and 4 others in the Gaza Strip. During these incursions, Israeli forces arrested at least 40 Palestinians, including 4 children and a woman in the West Bank. Fifteen of these civilians, including 3 children and the woman, were arrested in East Jerusalem.

In the Gaza Strip, on 03 September 2015, Israeli forces conducted 2 limited incursions into the east of al-Qarara village, northeast of Khan Yunis, and east of Deir al-Balah, in the centre of the Gaza Strip. They levelled lands and withdrew later.

 

On 08 September 2015, Israeli forces moved about 150 meters into the east of Khan Yunis. They levelled lands along the border fence heading southwards. On the same day, Israeli forces conducted another incursion in al-Shouka village, southeast of Rafah. They levelled lands as well.

 

Restrictions on movement:

 

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

 

The illegal closure of the Gaza Strip, which has been steadily tightened since June 2007 has had a disastrous impact on the humanitarian and economic situation in the Gaza Strip. The Israeli authorities impose measures to undermine the freedom of trade, including the basic needs for the Gaza Strip population and the agricultural and industrial products to be exported. For 9 consecutive years, Israel has tightened the land and naval closure to isolate the Gaza Strip from the West Bank, including occupied Jerusalem, and other countries around the world. This resulted in grave violations of the economic, social and cultural rights and a deterioration of living conditions for 1.8 million people. The Israeli authorities have established Karm Abu Salem (KeremShaloum) as the sole crossing for imports and exports in order to exercise its control over the Gaza Strip’s economy. They also aim at imposing a complete ban on the Gaza Strip’s exports. The Israeli closure raised the rate of poverty to 38.8%, 21.1% of which suffer from extreme poverty. Moreover, the rate of unemployment increased up to 44%, which reflects the unprecedented economic deterioration in the Gaza Strip.

 

Efforts to create a Jewish demographic majority in Jerusalem

 

On 09 September 2015, Moshe Yaalon the Israeli Minister of Defense outlawed the groups of Palestinian women “Morabetat” and men “Morabetoon” defending al-Aqsa Mosque.

 

Settlement Activities

 

During the reporting period, a woman succumbed to her wounds she sustained on 31 July 2015, when settlers launched an arson attack on her house in Douma village, southeast of Nablus.

 

On 07 September 2015, Israeli forces handed 5 demolition notices for 5 under-construction residential rooms funded by the EU, south of Hebron.

 

On the same day, Israeli forces handed notices to halt works in 2 water wells belonging to al-Dababsa family, southeast of Yatta, south of Hebron.

 

On 09 September 2015, Israeli forces confiscated irrigation networks from a 3-dunum land, east of Hebron.

Details

 

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

 

Thursday, 03 September 2015

 

• At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into al-Am’ari refugee camp in al-Bireh. They patrolled the streets and then stationed near the customs office and Abu Shoushah villa near the western entrance of the camp. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Soliman Haboub and handed his sons, Dawoud (22) and Zain Haboub (20), summonses to refer to the Israeli intelligence.

 

• Around the same time, Israeli warplanes launched two missiles at Palestine Training site belonging to Izziddin al-Qassam Brigades (the armed wing of Hamas) located 500 meters away from the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel, southwest of Beit Hanoun “Erez” crossing, northeast of Um al-Nasser village “the Bedouin village” in the northern Gaza Strip. As a result, the site was heavily damaged, but no causalities were reported. The explosion rocked all over the northern Gaza Strip causing fear among residents of al-Nada, al-‘Odah, ‘Ezbet Beit Hanoun, al-Ghazalat areas, especially women and children.

 

• At approximately 03:00, Israeli forces moved into Kafr Ne’ameh village, west of Ramallah. They patrolled the streets and then raided and searched 3 houses. As a result, children and women were terrified. Israeli forces arrested Mohammed Ibrahim Khamis al-Sayes (30); ‘Alaa’ Hasan Mohammed Abu ‘Aadi (23) and ‘Abdullah Soliman Mahmoud Abu ‘Aadi (24) and later withdrew taking them to an unknown destination.

 

• At approximately 06:30, Israeli gunboats stationed off al-Wahah shore, northwest of Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip, opened fire sporadically in the vicinity of Palestinian fishing boats sailing within 3 nautical miles. The shooting which continued for 15 minutes caused fear among fishermen who were forced to flee. Neither causalities nor damages to property were reported.

 

• At approximately 07:30, Israeli forces stationed in Kisovim military site moved 100 meters into the west of the border fence with Israel, east of al-Qararah, northwest of Khan Younis. They levelled lands near the border and then headed to the north along the aforementioned fence to the east of Deir al-Balah in the east of the central Gaza Strip. They levelled until approximately 12:30 when they redeployed along the border fence.

 

• At approximately 11:00, Israeli forces moved into Zeita village, north of Tulkarm. They patrolled the streets, and clashes broke out between the young men from the village, who gathered to throw stones and empty bottles at the Israeli vehicles. The Israeli soldiers in response fired tear gas canisters and sound bombs randomly at the stone-throwers. As a result, a number of civilians suffered tear gas inhalation. Israeli forces later withdrew, and neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
• At approximately 18:00, Israeli forces stationed inside watchtowers located along the coastal border next to al-Seif area, northwest of Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip, opened fire at a group of fishermen fishing near the coastal border fence. As a result, Belal ‘Omer Yousif Abu ‘Amer (10) from al-Manshiyah Street in Beit Lahia was hit by a bullet to the left thigh when he was with his father who was on a fishing trip only 50 meters away from the fence. His father carried him and ran until an ambulance arrived to take him to receive medical treatment in Kamal ‘Odwan Hospital in the same village. His injury was described as moderate.

 

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces carried out incursions in the following, but no arrests were reported: Bani Na’im village, east of Hebron; Kharas village, west of the city; villages of al-Hadab and al-Kom, south of Dura, southwest of Hebron; Jenin; ‘Atil village, Eastern Baqah village, north of Tulkarm; Far’on village, south of the city.

 

Friday, 04 September 2015

 

• At approximately 11:30, Israeli forces moved into Qiffin village, north of Tulkarm. They patrolled the streets and then raided and searched a house belonging to the family of ‘Ali Mohammed ‘Ali Dawoud (24). They arrested the aforementioned civilian and withdrew later taking him to an unknown destination.

 

• At approximately 18:00, Israeli forces moved into Ya’bod village, southwest of Jenin. They patrolled the streets and then raided and searched the girls elementary school located in al-Maloul area in th southwest of the village. Meanwhile, a number of young men from the village gathered to throw stones at the Israeli soldiers, who in response opened fire and fired tear gas canisters and sound bombs at the stone-throwers. Israeli forces withdrew later, and no arrests were reported.

 

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces carried out incursions in the following areas, but no arrests were reported: Kafr ‘ein village, northwest of Ramallah; Barqah village, north of Ramallah; and al-‘Arqah village, west of Jenin.

 

Saturday, 05 September 2015

 

• At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into ‘Anebta village, east of Tulkarm. They patrolled the streets and then raided a petrol station and confiscated the DVR of its surveillance cameras. Meanwhile, a number of young men from the village gathered to throw stones at the Israeli soldiers who in response fired sound bombs and tear gas canisters at the stone-throwers. Israeli forces withdrew later, and no arrests were reported.

 

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces carried out incursions in the following areas, but no arrests were reported: Zabouba village, northwest of Jenin; al-Yamoun village, northwest of Jenin; and Tulkarm.

 

 

Sunday, 06 September 2015

 

• At approximately 01:30, Israeli forces moved into a number of neighbourhoods in the centre of Yata, south of Hebron. They patrolled the streets for some time and then stationed in Roq’ah area. A number of soldiers raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Fo’ad Mohammed al-Nawaj’ah (28). Israeli forces arrested al-Nawaj’ah and withdrew later taking him to an unknown destination.

 

• At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into Beit Ummar village, north of Hebron. They patrolled the streets and then stationed in al-Madabe’a are. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Ziad Ahmed al-‘Odah (30). They arrested the aforementioned civilian and withdrew later taking him to an unknown destination.

 

• At approximately 15:00, Israeli forces moved into Western Tourah village, southwest of Jenin. They patrolled the streets and then raided and searched a shop in the centre of the village. They detained Hasan Khaled Hasan Qobaha (14) and questioned him on the spot under the pretext of throwing stones at the Israeli soldiers. However, the Palestinian military Liaison secured his release, and the Israeli forces withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

 

• At approximately 09:00, Israeli forces moved into al-Thaheriyah village, south of Hebron. They patrolled the streets and deployed in the main streets, where they obstructed the civilians’ movement and searched their vehicles under the pretext of searching for an Israeli woman who was lost near the village. More than 40,000 civilians living in the village stayed under very difficult security situation for more than 6 hours when Israeli forces declared that they found the lost Israeli woman.

 Note:

During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces carried out incursions in the following areas, but no arrests were reported: Bani Na’im village, east of Hebron; Ethna village, west of the city; and Beit Kahel village, northwest of the city.

 

Monday, 07 September 2015

 

• At approximately 01:30, Israeli forces moved into Nablus. They patrolled in the neighbourhoods of the city and then raided and searched a number of houses. They arrested Majed Walid Daghlas (25), who is an engineering student at An-Najah National University in the city, from his house in al-Rayess building next to An-Najah Academy in Rafidia neighbourhood, west of the city. They also arrested ‘Omer Ziad Durgham al-Najjar (25), who is law student at An-Najah National University in the city, from his house in al-Makhfiyah neighbourhood, west of the city. At approximately 04:40, Israeli forces withdrew taking both of them to an unknown destination.

 

• At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into Beit Ummar village, north of Hebron. They patrolled the streets for some time and later stationed in the centre of the village in the vicinity of the Grand Mosque. They deployed between houses causing fear among residents and children. Israeli forces then raided and searched a house belonging to the family of ‘Amer Ahmed Abu Joudah (45) in al-Thohor neighbourhood. They arrested his son, Sami (22). Meanwhile, other Israeli soldiers raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Mohammed Hasan Meqbel (47) and arrested his son, Hasan (19). The Israeli soldiers also raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Yousif Soliman ‘Ali Abu ‘Ayyash (23) and arrested him. Israeli forces then raided and searched a house belonging to ‘Omer Jebra’il al-Sleibi. Israeli forces withdrew later taking the 3 arrested persons by foot after handcuffing them to “Kermi Tsour” settlement, which is one kilometer away to the south of the village.

 

• At approximately 04:00, Israeli forces moved into Jenin. They patrolled the streets for some time and then redeployed in al-Sekah neighbourhood, west of the city. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Sa’id Mohammed Ahmed after questioning its residents. Israeli forces withdrew later, and no arrests were reported.

 

• At approximately 05:00, Israeli forces moved into Jenin. They patrolled the streets for some time and then raided and searched 2 houses. They arrested Yousif ‘Abdullah ‘Abdel Karim Abu Na’asah (19), Qaysar Jarir Sa’id Jarir (18) and Ibrahim Mohammed Khalil ‘Antar (32). Israeli forces withdrew later taking the 3 arrested persons to an unknown destination

 

• Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces carried out incursions in the following areas, but no arrests were reported: Kafl Hares village, north of Salfit; Kufor Qaddoum village, northeast of Qalqilya; and Yata, south of Hebron.

 Tuesday, 08 September 2015 

• At approximately 00:30, Israeli forces moved into Marakah village, southwest of Jenin. They patrolled the streets for some time and then raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Ahmed Ra’ed Fawzi al-Sokhon (19). Israeli forces arrested the aforementioned civilian and withdrew later taking him to an unknown destination.

 

• At approximately 01:00, Israeli forces moved into al-Fawar refugee camp, south of Hebron. They patrolled the streets for some time and later stationed in the vicinity of the UNRWA schools. They deployed between houses causing fear among the residents and children. Israeli forces then raided and searched a house belonging to the family of ‘Abdullah Mohammed ‘Abdel Fattah Rasras (24). They arrested the aforementioned civilian and withdrew later taking him to an unknown destination.

 

• At approximately 01:30, Israeli forces moved into Abu al-‘Asja village, south of Dura, southwest of Hebron. They patrolled the streets and then stationed in the centre of the village. They deployed between the houses causing fear among the residents and children. They then raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Tha’er Jihad Abu Sondos (27). Israeli forces arrested the aforementioned civilian and withdrew later taking him to an unknown destination.

 

• At approximately 07:00, Israeli forces moved from the military gate adjacent to Abu Reidah neighbourhood, east of Khuza’ah village to the east of Khan Younis 150 meters into the west of the border fence with Israel, east of the village. They levelled land near the border and established sand barriers along the border fence heading to the south. After hours, they redeployed along the aforementioned fence.

 

• At approximately 09:00, Israeli forces backed by military vehicles and bulldozers moved 150 meters from the border fence into al-Shokah village, east of Rafah. They levelled and combed the area and at approximately 11:00 redeployed along the aforementioned border fence.

 

• At approximately 16:00, Israeli forces moved into Jalqamous village, southeast of Jenin. They patrolled the streets and then raided and searched a house belonging to the family of ‘Abdel Rahim Sami Soliman al-Haj (39). They handed him a summons to refer to the Israeli intelligence in Salem camp, north of Jenin, and withdrew later.

 

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces carried out incursions in the following areas, but no arrests were reported: al-‘Aroub refugee camp, north of Hebron, and Kufor al-Deek village, west of Salfit, north of the West Bank.

 

Wednesday, 09 September 2015

 

• At approximately 01:30, Israeli forces moved into Sorif village, west of Hebron. They stationed in the centre of the village and deployed between the houses causing fear among its residents and children. They raided and searched 3 houses and arrested ‘Ahed Khaled Ghneimat (25), Mahmoud Mohammed al-Qadi (36) and Mohammed Ahmed Ghneimat (25). Israeli forces withdrew later taking them to an unknown destination.

 

• At approximately 02:30, Israeli forces moved into al-Kom village, west of Dura. They patrolled the streets for some time and then stationed in the center of the village. They deployed between the houses causing fear among families and children. They then raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Naser Mohammed al-Rojoub (25) and arrested him. Meanwhile, Israeli forces raided and searched a house belonging to the family Hasan al-Rojoub (33), al-Aqsa TV Correspondent. They asked his family to bring him from his house, which is next to their house. They questioned him about his work in the channel and his brother who is deported to the Gaza Strip. At approximately 04:00 Israeli forces withdrew and took al-Rojoub to an unknown destination.

 

• At approximately 03:00, Israeli forces moved into ‘Atil village, north of Tulkarm. They patrolled the streets and then raided and searched a house belonging to Mo’sab (31). Israeli forces arrested the aforementioned civilian and withdrew later taking him to an unknown destination.

 Note:

During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces carried out incursions in the following areas, but no arrests were reported: al-‘Aroub refugee camp, north of Hebron, and Beit Ummar village, north of Hebron.

 

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

 

During the reporting period, Israeli soldiers used excessive force against peaceful demonstrations organized by Palestinian civilians, international and Israeli human rights defenders in protest at the construction of the annexation wall and settlement activities in the West Bank and Israeli policies in the Palestinian territory. As a result, five Palestinian civilians, including a journalist, were wounded.

 

Demonstrations against the construction of the annexation wall and settlement activity

 

• Following the Friday prayer on 04 September 2015, dozens of Palestinian civilians and international and Israeli human rights defenders organized a peaceful demonstration in Bil’in, west of Ramallah, in protest against the annexation wall and settlement activities. The protesters made their way in the streets raising the Palestinian flags and chanting slogans against the occupation. Since the morning, Israeli forces had closed all entrances of the village to prevent Palestinians, international activists, and journalists from joining the demonstration. Upon their arrival in the area, Israeli soldiers fired live ammunition, rubber-coated bullets, sound bombs, and tear gas canisters, chased the demonstrators into the village and sprayed them and civilian houses with waste water. As a result, many of Palestinians suffered tear gas inhalation and others sustained bruises.
• On the same day, dozens of Palestinian civilians organized a peaceful demonstration in the center of Ni’lin village, west of Ramallah, in protest against the Annexation Wall and Settlement Activity. The demonstrators took the streets and headed to the annexation wall. Israeli forces prevented the demonstrators from crossing to the land behind the Annexation Wall, so they threw stones at them. Israeli soldiers fired live bullets, rubber-coated metal bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters at the civilians, and chased them into the village. As a result, many civilians suffered tear gas inhalation and others sustained bruises as Israeli soldiers beat them up.

 

• Around the same time, dozens of Palestinian civilians and Israeli and international human rights defenders organized a peaceful demonstration in al-Nabi Saleh village, southwest of Ramallah, in protest against the annexation wall and settlement Activity. The demonstrators headed to the lands that the settlers are trying to rob by force near “Halmish” settlement. Israeli forces had closed all the entrances of the village since the morning to prevent them from participating in the demonstration. When they arrived at the aforementioned land, the demonstrators were met by live bullets, tear gas canisters, rubber-coated steel bullets, sound bombs and were chased into the village. As a result, a 48-year-old photojournalist, Bilal Abed al-Salam Tamimi, was injured to the face and the right arm by shrapnel from sound bombs, after the scattering of sound bomb’s shrapnel. Moreover, , many participants suffered tear gas inhalation and others sustained bruises. Additionally, Israeli forces arrested a 32-year-old journalist, who is a reporter in Palestine TV; and a 28-year-old activist, Lama Nazeh; a 45-year-old activist, Jameil Bar’othi; a 46-year-old activist, Mohammed Zawahra; and a 44-year-old activist, Mohammed al-Khateeb, and took them towards the iron gate and the military watchtower established at the entrance of the village, after insulting, beating and kicking  them with their hands and feet.

 Other Demonstrations

 

• On Friday afternoon, 04 September 2015, dozens of youngsters gathered in the southern entrance of Salwad village, northeast of Ramallah, on the road between Selwad and Yabroud, near Street (60) to organize a protest against Israeli policies. The protestors set fire to tires and threw stones at Israeli soldiers who fired live ammunition, rubber-coated metal bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters in response.As a result, many civilians suffered tear gas inhalation and others sustained bruises as Israeli soldiers beat them up.

 

• At approximately 01:30 on Friday, 04 September 2015, Palestinian civilians and international solidarity activists organized a protest in the center of Kufor Qaddoum village, northeast of Qalqilya, heading to the eastern entrance of the village in protest against closing that entrance since the beginning of al-Aqsa Intifada with an iron gate. When they arrived at the entrance of the gate, the demonstrators were met by live bullets, tear gas canisters, rubber-coated steel bullets, sound bombs. As a result, 4 civilians, including 2 children were wounded:
• A 42-year-old civilian was hit by 2 bullets to the right leg and arm.
• A 26-year-old civilian was hit by a bullet to the right leg.
• A 15-year-old child was hit by a bullet to the back.
• A 17-year-old chil was hit by a bullet to the chest.

 

In addition, Israeli forces disrupted the electricity transformers in all over the eastern neighborhood.

 

Note: PCHR keeps the names of the injured persons.

 

3. Continued closure of the oPt

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

Gaza Strip

 

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

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

 

Israeli forces have continued to impose a total ban on the delivery of raw materials to the Gaza Strip, except for very limited items and quantities. The limited quantities of raw materials allowed into Gaza do not meet the minimal needs of the civilian population of the Gaza Strip.

 

Israeli forces also continued to impose an almost total ban on the Gaza Strip exports, including agricultural and industrial products, except for light-weighted products such as flowers, strawberries, and spices. However, they lately allowed the exportation of some vegetables such as cucumber and tomatoes, furniture and fish.

 

Israel has continued to close the Beit Hanoun (“Erez”) crossing for the majority of Palestinian citizens from the Gaza Strip. Israel only allows the movement of a limited number of groups, with many hours of waiting in the majority of cases. Israel has continued to adopt a policy aimed at reducing the number of Palestinian patients allowed to move via the Beit Hanoun crossing to receive medical treatment in hospitals in Israel or in the West Bank and East Jerusalem. Israel also continued applying the policy of making certain civilian traveling via the crossing interviewed by the Israeli intelligence service to be questioned, blackmailed or arrested.

 

Movement at Karm Abu Salem (Kerem Shalom) crossing, southeast of Rafah

 

Date	Imports
	Category	Amount
		Tons	Number	Liters
27 August	Various goods	4365
	Humanitarian aid	16695
	Cooking gas	266.080
	Benzene			152.010
	Diesel			256.997
	Industrial fuel			685.648
	Construction aggregates	7,770
	Cement	4,440
	Construction steel	540
30 August	Various goods	4,477
	Humanitarian aid	16,953
	Cooking gas	273.110
	Benzene			38,000
	Diesel			215,000
	Industrial fuel			108,250
	Construction aggregates	1,920
	Cement	3240
31 August	Various goods	4,531
	Humanitarian aid	15,170
	Cooking gas	269.000
	Benzene			38,000
	Diesel			107,003
	Construction aggregates	7,000
	Cement	2,000
	Construction steel	450
01 September	Various goods	4,585
	Humanitarian aid	16,575
	Cooking gas	266.640
	Benzene	336.010		336.010
	Diesel Diesel for UNRWA			665,020 108,007
	Industrial fuel			367.012
	Cement Construction aggregate Construction steel	7,600 1,920 660
02 September	Various goods	3,568
	Humanitarian aid	18,330
	Cooking gas	266.290
	Benzene			266,000
	Diesel Diesel for UNRWA			668.011 107,996
	Industrial fuel			482.368
	Construction aggregate	9,520
	Cement	3,320
	Construction steel	480
03 September	Various goods	3,783
	Humanitarian aid	17,532
	Cooking gas	244.410
	Benzene			336,000
	Diesel Diesel			655.982 108,201
	Industrial fuel			424,984
	Construction aggregate	9,200
	Cement	2,320
	Construction steel	330
06 September	Various goods	3,534
	Humanitarian aid	16,900
	Cooking gas	261.430
	Benzene			263,000
	Diesel Diesel for UNRWA			743.989 140,209
	Industrial fuel			413,910
	Construction aggregate	8,480
	Cement	2,080
	Construction steel	540

 Exports:

 

• On Thursday, 27 August 2015, Israeli forces allowed the exportation of 14.4 tons of tomatoes and 15.36 tons of sweet potatoes.
• On Sunday, 30 August 2015, Israeli forces allowed the exportation of 36.72 tons of tomatoes; 69.48 tons of sweet potatoes; and 7.85 tons of eggplants.
• On Monday, 31 August 2015, Israeli forces allowed the exportation of 28.5 tons of tomatoes; 63 tons of sweet potatoes; 0.5 tons of fish; 0.26 tons of garlic leaves; 0.14 tons of mint; 5 tons of clothes and 2 tons of mats.
• On Tuesday, 01 September 2015, Israeli forces allowed the exportation of 63 tons of sweet potatoes.
• On Wednesday, 02 September 2015, Israeli forces allowed the exportation of 30 tons of tomatoes.
• On Thursday, 03 September 2015, Israeli forces allowed the exportation of 38.26 tons of tomatoes; 40.8 tons of sweet potatoes and 3.58 tons of eggplants.
• On Sunday, 06 September 2015, Israeli forces allowed the exportation of 14 truckloads of vegetables.

 

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

 

Movement at Beit Hanoun (“Erez”) crossing

02 – 06 September 2015

 

Category	02 September	03 September	04 September	05 September	06 September
Patients	86	57	–	–	66
Companions	80	59	–	–	63
Personal needs	165	141	30	–	46
Families of prisoners	–	–	–	–	–
Arabs from Israel	7	8	1	–	–
Diplomats	–	–	–	–	–
International journalists	–	–	–	–	–
International workers	78	57	12	–	–
Travelers abroad	9	7	–	–	2
Business people	585	329	2	–	301
Business meetings	–	–	–	–	–
Security interviews	1	–	–	–	–
VIPs	–	–	–	–	–
Ambulances to Israel	4	4	2	–	–
Patients’ Companions	4	4	2	–	–

 Notes:

On Friday, 04 September 2015, Israeli authorities allowed 292 Palestinian civilians from the Gaza Strip to perform prayers in al-Aqsa Mosque.

On Wednesday, 02 September 2015, Israeli authorities allowed 2 persons working in international organizations or foreigners to renew their permits. On Thursday, 03 September, they allowed 6 persons working in international organizations or foreigners to renew their permit.

On Sunday, 06 September 2015, Israeli authorities allowed 5 persons to go to the West Bank to attend a conference.

On Sunday, 06 September 2015, Israeli authorities allowed a person to enter Israel in order to appear before the court.

On Thursday, 03 September 2015, Israeli authorities allowed a farmer to attend an agricultural training course in Israel.

 

West Bank

 

Israel has imposed a tightened closure on the West Bank. During the reporting period, Israeli forces imposed additional restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians:

 

Hebron:

 

At approximately 07:30 on Thursday, 03 September 2015, Israeli forces established 2 checkpoints at the entrance of al-Jalajel village, east of Hebron, and at the southern entrance of the city.

 

On Sunday, 06 September 2015, Israeli forces established 3 checkpoints at the northern entrance of Yatta village, at the entrance of al-Fawaar refugee camp, and at the eastern entrance of Dura village, south of Hebron.

At approximately 07:30 on Monday, 07 September 2015, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the northern entrance of Hebron.

At approximately 07:00 on Wednesday, 09 September 2015, Israeli forces established 2 checkpoints at the entrance of Sa’ier village, east of Hebron, and at the northern entrance of Hebron.

 

Qalqilya:

 

At approximately 10:30 on Sunday, 06 September 2015, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the entrance of Kafer Kadoum village, east of Qalqilya, also they checked the civilians’ cars and IDs. The aforementioned checkpoint was removed at approximately 11:30 with no detentions against Palestinian civilians were reported.

 

At approximately 08:20 on the same day, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the eastern entrance of Qalqilya. Moreover, Israeli forces checked the civilians’ cars and IDs. Then the checkpoint was removed later with no detentions against civilians were reported.

 

At approximately 14:40 on Monday, 07 September 2015, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the entrance of al-Fondoq village, east of Qalqilya. Additionally, they checked the civilians’ cars and IDs, and the checkpoint later was removed with no detentions against civilians were reported.

 

At approximately 22:35 on the same day, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the eastern entrance of Qalqilya. They also checked the civilians’ cars and IDs. At approximately 24:00 at midnight, the aforementioned checkpoint was removed with no detentions against Palestinian civilians were reported.

 

Tulkarm:

At approximately 21:00 on Sunday 2015, 06 September 2015, Israeli forces stationed at Anab military checkpoint, on the main road between Tulkarm and Nablus, stressed their arbitrary measures against Palestinian civilians and restricted their movement over the checkpoint. Moreover, they deployed behind cement cubes, which were erected at the military checkpoint, and stopped the vehicles traveling in both directions and checked the passengers ‘ IDs. After 2 hours, the Israeli’s arbitrary measures ended and no detention operations against civilians were reported.

 

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

 

Arrests and Maltreatment at Military Checkpoints

 

• At approximately 19:00 on Friday, 04 September 2015, Israeli forces stationed at al-Jalama checkpoint between Jenin and Arab villages in Israel, northeast of Jenin, arrested a 20-year-old civilian, Mohammed Bilal Jarar, while crossing the checkpoint.

 

• At approximately 14:00 on Monday, 07 September 2015, Israeli forces stationed at Tarqumia crossing between west of the West Bank and Israel, west of Hebron, arrested a 18-year-old civilian, Malek Jamal Jawad Awad, while crossing the checkpoint with his

 

Detention of Palestinian civilians in the vicinity of border fence between Gaza Strip and Israel

 

• At approximately 18:30 on Monday, 07 September 2015, Israeli forces stationed at the border fence in adjacent of Abu Safiya area, east of Jabalia in the north of Gaza Strip, arrested a 22-year-old civilian, Mohammed Sabri Musaem Iq’aies , and a 21-year-old civilian, Fawaz Mahmoud Salama Abu Akerish, from Mashrou’ Amer area, south Jabalia, northern Gaza Strip, while trying to sneak the border fence in order to work inside Israel.

 

Detention of a Palestinian patient from Gaza Strip at Beit Hanoun (Erez) Crossing

• At approximately 17:30 on Monday, 07 September 2015, Israeli forces arrested a 23-year-old Palestinian patient, Fawzi Jawdat Ahmed Abed al-Aal, from Kherbet al-Adas neighborhood in the north of Rafah in the south of Gaza Strip, at Beit Hanoun (Erez) crossing, while he was heading to Saint John Hospital in the West Bank for medical treatment in the tear ducts of the right eye.

 

The patient’s father, Jawdat Ahmed Hussain Abed al-Aal, 54, stated to a PCHR fieldworker, at approximately 11:20, his son Fawzi was transported by an Israeli security officer to unknown destination at Beit Hanoun (Erez) crossing, and he was waiting his son at travellers hall until 15:30. After that, a security officer came to Jawdat and told him to leave the place and return to the Gaza Strip. When Jawat asked the security man about his son, he replied that they would release his son after questioning him. The patient’s father added that his son has a medical referral from the External Medical Treatment Department in the Palestinian Ministry of Health, and the approval to travel through Erez Crossing obtained through the Palestinian liaison.

 

5. Efforts to create Jewish majority

 

Incursions and arrests

 

• On Thursday, 03 September 2015, Israeli forces raided and searched a number of houses in al-Thawri neighbourhood in Silwan village in Jerusalem. They arrested Ekram Ghazzawi

(50) and handed a summons to her son’s wife.

 

According to investigations conducted by PCHR, Israeli forces raided a building belonging to the Ghazzawi family in al-Thawri neighbourhood in Silwan village. They detained Mrs. Ekram in her bedroom and searched the house. They then arrested her and took her to al-Qashala police station. Furthermore, they raided a house belonging to one of Ekram’s sons and handed his wife, Samah Ghazzawi (27), a summons to refer to al-Qashala police station to be questioned on the same day noon. In the afternoon, Ekram was released and was handed another summons to return on Sunday. She was also handed an order denying her access to al-Aqsa Mosque for 2 months.

 

• On the same day, Israeli forces arrested Ghadeer al-Ja’bari (20) outside al-Asbat gate leading to al-Aqsa Mosque. She was released later but given an order denying her access to al-Aqsa Mosque for 45 days from the morning until 12:00.

 

• On Friday, 04 September 2015, Israeli forces stationed in al-Wad street in the old city in Jerusalem, stopped Mohammed al-Taweel (24) and Mohammed al-Bibi (23). They harshly beat and arrested them.

 

• On Sunday, 06 September 2015, Israeli forces raided and searched a number of houses in Jabal al-Mukaber village in Jerusalem. They arrested Dergham Abu Sakran (30), who is an ex-prisoner.

 

• On the same day, Israeli forces arrested Abdul ‘Al al-Hadra (19) from al-Tour village. They took him to a detention facility after searching his house.

 

• On the same day afternoon, an Israeli police vehicle ran down Zaki al-Razem (34) while crossing the street in Ras al-Amoud area in Jerusalem. As a result, he sustained various bruises.

 

According to investigations conducted by PCHR, an Israeli accelerating police vehicle run down al-Razem while crossing the street, due to which he fell down. He was then beaten by 2 Israeli police officers and removed away from the street. Al-Razem fainted for about half an hour. An ambulance transported him to al-Maqased Hospital, where it was found that he sustained bruises in the leg, back and pelvis. Dozens of youngsters gathered in the area after the police vehicle attempted to drive away. The police arrived at the hospital and summoned al-Razem for interrogation.

 

Afterwards, clashes erupted between Palestinian young men and Israeli forces in the same village. The clashes extended to the vicinity of Selwan club, during which Israeli forces fired sound bombs and randomly sprayed pepper spray on the civilians. As a result, 5 civilians suffered tear gas inhalation. Moreover, Jehan Taha (18) sustained minor wounds as she was hit by a gas canister near the healthcare centre.

During the clashes, Israeli forces arrested Jehad al-Zughul from Ras al-Amoud neighbourhood and took him to Saladin police station.

 

• On Monday, 07 September 2015, Israeli forces moved into al-Eisawiya village, northeast of Jerusalem. They raided and searched a number of houses from which they arrested 3 civilians, including a child: Aziz Ghassan Elayan (12), Mahmoud Khaldoun Mostafa (21) and Mohammed Ibrahim Elayan (19).

 

• Around the same time, Israeli forces raided and searched a number of houses from which they arrested Essa Ferawi (13) and Nasri Ferawi (15).
• In the morning, Israeli forces arrested Hanadi al-Helwani near al-Qataneen gate to be questioned. They also imposed additional restrictions on the entry of Shari’a students into al-Aqsa Mosque. Furthermore, Israeli forces beat Mahmoud Edris (20) when he attempted to enter his house near al-Majles gate. As a result, his leg was broken.

 

• On Wednesday morning, 09 September 2015, Israeli forces moved into al-Tour village, east of occupied Jerusalem. They raided and searched a number of houses from which they arrested 3 civilians: Majdi al-Sayyad, Shadi Khweis and Mohammed Yasser Abu al-Hawa. They were taken to al-Masqoubiya detention facility. It should be noted they are all ex-prisoners.

 

• On the same day, Moshe Yaalon the Israeli Minister of Defence issued a decision considering the group of “Morabetat and Morabetoon” in al-Aqsa mosque as an outlaw group. According to Israeli media, The Minister of Defence signed this decision upon a recommendation from the Israel Security Agency ‘Shabak’ and a request from the Israeli Minister of Interior, Jilad Ardan. This decision would pave the way for banning a big number of Palestinians from entering al-Aqsa Mosque.”

 

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

 

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

 

A woman succumbed to her wounds after settlers burned her house,

 

• On Monday morning, 07 September 2015, Soroka Hospital in Israel announced that Reham Hussein Hassan Dawabsha (27) succumbed to her wounds she sustained on 31 July 2015, when a group of settlers deliberately set fire to her house in Douma village, southeast of Nablus. As a result of the same attack, Reham’s baby, Ali, was found burnt inside the house then and her husband Sa’ed died 2 weeks later.

 

• At approximately 10:00 on Tuesday, 07 September 2015, Israeli forces backed by military vehicles and accompanied by Civil Administration officers moved into Kherbet al-Halwa and Kherbet al-Markaz, southeast of Yatta, south of Hebron. The Civil Administration officer handed Palestinian civilians 5 demolition notices for 5 under-construction residential houses. The area of each of these houses is 35 square meters. It should be noted these houses were funded by the EU.

 

• At approximately 16:00, Israeli forces backed by military vehicles and accompanied by Civil Administration officers moved into Kherbet al-Dabe’, southeast of Yatta, south of Hebron. They submitted 2 notices to halt works in 2 water wells belonging to al-Dababsa family.

 

 

 

 

 

 

• At approximately 20:30 on the same day, a group of settlers near “Givat Gilad” settlement outpost threw stones at a Palestinian vehicle. As a result, the windshield was smashed and the three passengers, including the driver, sustained wounds and scratches throughout their bodies. The wounded were identified as: Borhan Mostafa al-Atrash (33); Tayseer Rashid Dawas (60); and Mohammed Hassan al-Atrash (30). They are all form Kufor Ra’i village, southeast of Jenin.

 

• At approximately 09:00, Israeli forces accompanied by military vehicles and Civil Administration officers moved into al-Qe’ah village, east of Hebron. Israeli soldiers deployed at the entrance of the village connecting bypass road (60), while the Civil Administration officers confiscated the irrigation network of a 3-dunum agricultural land belonging to Badran Mohammed Jaber (55).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Recommendations to the International Community

 

 

PCHR emphasizes the international community’s position that the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, are still under Israeli occupation, in spite of Israeli military redeployment outside the Gaza Strip in 2005. PCHR further confirms that Israeli forces continued to impose collective punishment measures on the Gaza Strip, which have escalated since the 2006 Palestinian parliamentary elections, in which Hamas won the majority of seats of the Palestinian Legislative Council. PCHR stresses that there is international recognition of Israel’s obligation to respect international human rights instruments and the international humanitarian law, especially the Hague Regulations concerning the Laws and Customs of War on Land and the Geneva Conventions. Israel is bound to apply the international human rights law and the law of war sometime reciprocally and other times in parallel in a way that achieves the best protection for civilians and remedy for victims.

 

In light of continued arbitrary measures, land confiscation and settlement activities in the West Bank, and the latest 51-day offensive against civilians in the Gaza Strip, PCHR calls upon the international community, especially the United Nations, the High Contracting Parties to the Geneva Convention and the European Union – in the context of their natural obligation to respect and enforce the international law – to cooperate and act according to the following recommendations:

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

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Public Document

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