Israeli forces continue systematic crimes in the occupied Palestinian territory
(oPt)
(04 – 10 August 2016)
Hebron: Israeli Forces Demolish Two Houses in Yatta Village in Hebron. (AFP)
- Israeli forces continued to use excessive force in the oPt
- 13 Palestinian civilians were wounded, including 3 children, in the West Bank and Gaza Strip.
- Israeli forces conducted 65 incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank and 5 ones in Jerusalem.
- 44 civilians, including 3 children, were arrested.
- 11 of them, including 2 children, were arrested in occupied Jerusalem.
- Israeli forces continued to impose collective punishment measures against Palestinian civilians.
- 2 houses were destroyed in Yatta, south of Hebron.
- Israeli forces continued their efforts to create Jewish majority in occupied East Jerusalem.
- A civilian was forced to self-demolish his house.
- Sa’ed Institution for Educational Consultations in the Old City was closed under the pretext of “supporting terrorism”.
- Settlement activities continued in the West Bank.
- 6 houses, 4 civilian facilities and a water pipeline were demolished.
- Israeli forces continued to target Palestinian fishermen in the Sea
- Israeli forces turned the West Bank into cantons and continued to impose the illegal closure on the Gaza Strip for the 9th
- Dozens of temporary checkpoints were established in the West Bank and others were re-established to obstruct the movement of Palestinian civilians.
- 4 Palestinian civilians, including a woman, were arrested at military checkpoints.
Summary
Israeli violations of international law and international humanitarian law in theoPt continued during the reporting period (04 – 10 August 2016).
Shooting:
Israeli forces have continued to commit crimes, inflicting civilian casualties. They have also continued to use excessive force against Palestinian civilians participating in peaceful protests in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, the majority of whom were youngsters. During the reporting period, Israeli forces wounded 13 Palestinian civilians; 7 of them in the West Bank and the 6 others in the Gaza Strip. In the Gaza Strip, Israeli forces continued to target Palestinian fishermen and chase them in the sea.
In the West Bank, on 05 August 2016, Mohammed Abu Alya (15) sustained a bullet wound to the leg when Israeli forces moved into al-Mughayer village, northeast of Ramallah and stationed at its entrance. A group of youngsters gathered and threw stones at Israeli soldiers who opened fire in response. As a result, the aforementioned child was wounded.
On the same day, Hassan Khaled Dabous, photographer at B’Tselem, was hit with a tear gas canister to the hand while covering Na’lin weekly protest, west of Ramallah. He was treated on the scene by the Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS) paramedics.
On 10 August 2016, 5 Palestinian civilians, including 2 children, were wounded when Israeli forces opened moved into al-Am’ari refugee camp in al-Bireh. They raided a number of houses looking for weapons. Three civilians were wounded with Two Two bullets, one sustained a live bullet wound and the 5th sustained a rubber-coated metal bullet wound to the left ear.
In the Gaza Strip, on 05 August 2016, 6 Palestinian civilians sustained live bullet wounds when dozens of youngsters headed to the border area, east of al-Shuja’iya neighbourhood, and threw stones at Israeli soldiers stationed behind the border fence. Israeli forces started opening fire sporadically. As a result, 6 civilians were wounded and then transported to Shifa Hospital in Gaza City. Their wounds were classified as moderate.
In the context of targeting Palestinian fishermen in the sea, on 07 August 2016, Israeli gunboats stationed off Khan Younis shore in the southern Gaza Strip opened fire heavily towards the Palestinian fishing boats sailing within the allowed area for fishing. As a result, the fishermen fled away for fear of being killed or wounded. However, no casualties were reported.
Incursions:
During the reporting period, Israeli forces conducted at least 65 military incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank and 5 ones in occupied East Jerusalem and its suburbs. During these incursions, Israeli forces arrested at least 44 Palestinian civilians, including 3 children. Eleven of them, including 2 children, were arrested in occupied Jerusalem.
Collective Punishment measures:
On 04 August 2016, Israeli forces moved into Yatta, south of Hebron. They raided a house belonging to the family of Mohammed Makhamrah, whose son Khaled (22) was arrested by Israeli forces after Khaled and his cousin Mohammed Ahmed Makhamrah had carried out an attack inside a restaurant in Tel Aviv and killed 4 Israelis on 08 June 2016. In the 2-storey house Khaled’s 9-member family resides on the second floor his his uncle’s 9-member family too resides on the first floor. The house was vacated and a digger then started demolishing the second floor.
An hour later, Israeli forces moved into Roqa’a area, west of the city and raided a house belonging to the family of Ahmed Makhamrah consisting of 3 floors and sheltering 7 members. Israeli forces vacated the house while the engineering team planted explosives on the third floor under the pretext it belongs to one of those who carried out Tel Aviv attack mentioned above. Half an hour later, the third floor was bombed, due to which the first and second floors sustained cracks.
Creating Jewish Majority in Occupied East Jerusalem:
Concerning house demolitions and demolition notices, on 08 August 2016, Wa’el Barakat from Ras al-Amoud neighbourhood, east of East Jerusalem, self-demolished his house to avoid paying for the demolition costs to the Israeli municipality. The aforementioned person said that he built his house 6 months ago over his old house that was built in 1967. He added that the new house cost him NIS 60,000 and he self-demolished the house to avoid paying expensive demolition costs to the municipality.
Regarding imposing strict measures on NGOs work in the city, on 08 August 2016, the Israeli police closed Sa’ed Institution for Educational Consultations in East Jerusalem’s Old City under the pretext of “supporting terrorism”. The police had summoned Jamil Hamami, member of the Islamic Higher Council, the executive director of al-Eman schools and member of the Islamic Culture Society. They handed him the closure decision that was signed by the Israeli police general inspector. It should noted that this is the second time the Institution is closed. The first time it was closed was 3 years ago.
Restrictions on movement:
Israel continued to impose a tight closure of the oPt, imposing severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including occupied East Jerusalem.
The illegal closure of the Gaza Strip, which has been steadily tightened since June 2007 has had a disastrous impact on the humanitarian and economic situation in the Gaza Strip. The Israeli authorities impose measures to undermine the freedom of trade, including the basic needs for the Gaza Strip population and the agricultural and industrial products to be exported. For 9 consecutive years, Israel has tightened the land and naval closure to isolate the Gaza Strip from the West Bank, including occupied Jerusalem, and other countries around the world. This resulted in grave violations of the economic, social and cultural rights and a deterioration of living conditions for 1.8 million people. The Israeli authorities have established Karm Abu Salem (Kerem Shaloum) as the sole crossing for imports and exports in order to exercise its control over the Gaza Strip’s economy. They also aim at imposing a complete ban on the Gaza Strip’s exports. The Israeli closure raised the rate of poverty to 38.8%, 21.1% of which suffer from extreme poverty. Moreover, the rate of unemployment increased up to 44%, which reflects the unprecedented economic deterioration in the Gaza Strip.
Settlement Activities
- On 04 August 2016, Israeli forces demolished a 300-square-meter barrack in al-Radeem area, south of al-Samou’ village, southwest of Hebron, belonging to mohammed Ahmed Mahareq (62).
- On 08 August 2016, Israeli force damaged a water pipeline between Tubas and Kherbet Yezra in the northern Jordan Valley.
- On the same day, Israeli forces demolished a residential tent belonging to Zaid Abu Kharbeesh and an under-construction barrack belonging to Mohammed Hussein al-Zayed in Fasayel village, north of Jericho.
- On 09 August 2016, Israeli forces demolished al-Qal’ah restaurant belonging to Na’el Aqel and a shed belonging to Ahmed Aqel in Sebastya village, northwest of Nablus.
- On the same day, Israeli forces demolished 5 residential structures belonging to al-Hathaleen family in Kherbet Um al-Khair, east of Yatta, south of Hebron. It should be noted the structures used to shelter 32 individuals, including 9 children.
In the same context, a group of settlers moved into Qatef valley near “Rimonim” settlement, east of al-Tibah village, northeast of Ramallah. The settlers attacked shepherds with knives and sharp tools. As a result, 3 sheep were killed and 10 others were wounded. The settlers also set fire to the weeds in the area.
Details
- Incursions into Palestinian Areas, and Attacks on Palestinian Civilians and Property in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip
Thursday, 04 August2016
- At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into Beit Ummer village, north of Hebron and stationed in al-‘Asidah area. They raided and searched a house belonging to Hamza Habis Abu Mariyah (23) and arrested him.
- On the same day morning, Malek Ahmed Abed al-Qadir ‘Obaid (27), from Far’oun village, south of Tulkam, surrendered to the Israeli forces in the Israeli Military Liaison office (DCO), southwest of the city, in order to stop harassing his family. On the previous day, Israeli forces raided Malek’s family house, damaged its contents and detained his brother Majdy (41), his sister Maha (45), his nephew Qutibah Majed (22), and his mother Wafiqah Dawoud Abdul Rahem ‘Obaid (60) in the Israeli military liaison office to pressurize Malek to surrender.
- At approximately 11:30, Israeli forces moved into Deir Abu Da’ief village, northeast of Jenin. They raided and searched a house belonging to Fayez Jamil Fayez Yaseen (22) and arrested him. Israeli forces later withdrew taking Fayez to an unknown destination.
- At approximately 18:00, Israeli forces accompanied with military vehicles moved into ‘Abood village, west of Ramallah. They raided and searched houses and fired tear gas canisters at civilians. As a result, many civilians suffered tear gas inhalation. At approximately 20:30, they withdrew, but no arrests were reported.
Note:
During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (4) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: Dura, al-Karmah, Beit ‘Omrah villages and al-Fawar refugee camp in Hebron.
Friday, 05 August 2016
- At approximately 00:30, Israeli forces accompanied with military vehicles moved into Kafur Qadoum village, northeast of Qalqiliya. They raided and searched many houses and fired sound bombs and tear gas canisters at the stone-throwers. Israeli forces later withdrew, but no arrests were reported.
- At approximately 00:40, Israeli forces moved into al-Bireh. They raided Top Company for Elevators belonging to Khattab al-Takrory and confiscated surveillance cameras’ DVRs. At approximately 06:00, they withdrew, but no arrests were reported.
- At approximately 01:30, Israeli forces moved into Silwad village, northeast of Ramallah. They raided and searched a house belonging to Mohamed al-‘Abid and handed him a summons to refer to the Israeli Intelligence Service. In the meantime, clashes erupted between stone-throwers and Israeli soldiers, who fired tear gas canisters and rubber-coated metal bullets at them. As a result, many civilians suffered tear gas inhalation.
- At approximately 06:30, Israeli forces moved into al-Moghir village, northeast of Ramallah, and stationed at the entrance to the village. A group of Palestinian young men threw rocks at the Israeli soldiers fired live bullets, rubber-coated metal bullets, and tear gas canisters at them. As a result, Mohamed Ameen Abu ‘Alia (15) was hit with a bullet to the leg while two other civilians suffered tear gas inhalation.
- At approximately 16:00, Israeli forces accompanied with 5 military vehicles moved into Hebron and stationed in al-Hawouz area. They raided al-Zaghal Stores for Construction Materials and arrested one of its workers, Yaseen Ali al-Zaghal (25).
- At approximately 23:00, Israeli forces moved into Marah Rabah village, south of Bethlehem. They raided and searched a house belonging to Isma’il al-Shaikh and handed his son Anas (26) a summons to refer to the Israeli Intelligence Service in “Gush Etzion” settlement, south of Bethlehem.
Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (5) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: Dura, Tafouh, Samou’a, Beit Kahel and Deir al-‘Asal village in Hebron.
Saturday, 06 August 2016
- At approximately 01:00, Israeli forces moved into al-Khadir village, south of Bethlehem. They raided and searched a house belonging to Ibrahim ‘Isaa and handed his son, Montasir (22) a summons to refer to the Israeli Intelligence Service in “Gush Etzion” settlement, south of the city.
- At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into al-‘Obaida village, east of Bethlehem. They raided and searched a house belonging to Ghasan Mas’oud al-‘Asa (38) and arrested him.
Note
: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (5) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: Dura, Yatta, Tarqumyia villages in Hebron, and Jayyous village, northeast of Qalqilyia.
Sunday, 07 August 2016
- At approximately 00:50, Israeli forces moved into Yasouf village, east of Salfit. They raided and searched houses. They confiscated s surveillance camera in a house belonging Mohamed Sameeh ‘Abayh and the camera in the village council. They then arrested ‘Abed al-Kareem Wasef ‘Abayah(18) and Yaseen ‘Ata Jouda (22). However, both of them were later released them..
- At approximately 01:00, Israeli forces moved into Beit ‘Awaa village, southwest of Dura, south west of Hebron. They raided and searched two houses belonging to Diyaa Isma’il Masalmah (22) and Montasir Nasir Masalmah (21) and arrested both of them.
- At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into the southern area of Hebron and stationed in al-Jouhar mount. They raided and searched a house belonging to Rajaei Nafez Jabir (25) and arrested him.
- Around the same time, Israeli forces accompanied with 3 military vehicles moved into Wad al-Heriya area, south of Hebron. They raided and searched two houses belonging to Nihad Mousa ‘Amr (26) and Mohamed Fareed al-Raj’ie (25) and arrested both of them.
- Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into al-Khadir village, south of Bethlehem. They raided and searched a house belonging to Yousef Sayil ‘Isaa (26) and arrested him.
- At approximately 03:00, Israeli forces moved into al-‘Obaidiyah village, east of Bethlehem. They raided and searched a house belonging to Monir Mohamed Shanaytah (33) and arrested him.
- At approximately 07:00, Israeli gunboats stationed off Khan Yunis shore, south of the Gaza Strip, heavily opened fire at Palestinian fishing boats sailing within the allowed fishing area. As a result, the fishermen were forced to flee for fear of being arrested or wounded.
- At approximately 20:20, Israeli forces moved into ‘Azoun ‘Itmah village, southeast of Qalqilya. They raided and searched a house belonging to Husam Mahdi Fawzi Saleh al-Shaiekh (22) and arrested him.
Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (7) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: Yasouf village, east of Salfit, al-Dahiryia, Beit Ola, and al-Shayoukh villages and al-‘Aroub refugee camp in Hebron; and Kafur al-Deek and Rafat villages, west of Salfit.
Monday, 08 August 2016
- At approximately 01:00, Israeli forces moved into Dura village, southwest of Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to Tha’er Kamil Nasar (24) and arrested him.
- At approximately 01:30, Israeli forces moved into Beit Ummer village, north of Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to Mohamed Nu’man Za’aqiq (22) and arrested him.
- At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into Beit ‘Awaa village, southwest of Dura village, southwest of Hebron. They raided and searched houses from which they arrested 4 civilians. The arrested persons were identified as Mohamed Ibrahim Abu Zrei’a (26), Ahmed Ibrahim Abu Zrei’a (27), Bilal Mohamed al-Sweiti (30) and ‘Alaa Yousef al-Sawiti (24).
Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (6) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: Bidiya and Qarawet Bani Hassan villages, west of Salfit; Ethna, al-Hada villages and Dairet al-Sir area in Hebron; and al-Zababdah village, south of Jenin.
Tuesday, 09 August 2016
- At approximately 01:20, Israeli forces moved into ‘Ain Dyouk village, northwest of Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to ‘As’ad Ali Faheidat and arrested him.
- At approximately 01:30, Israeli forces moved into Zita village, north of Tulkarm. Israeli vehicles then patrolled the streets, and a number of Palestinian young men gathered to throw rocks at the Israeli soldiers, who fired sound bombs and tear gas canisters at them. After that, Israeli forces raided and searched a house belonging to Ahmed Mofid Ahmed Zaghloul (35) and confiscated NIS 1800. They then raided and searched Ahmed’s brother house, Mahmoud (33), and confiscated electrical devices. Israeli forces later withdrew, but no further incidents or arrests were reported.
- At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into Beit Fajjar village, south of Bethlehem. They raided and searched houses from which they arrested Amjad Hashim Abu Rashid (15) and ‘Odai Khalid Taqatqah (19).
- Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Kharsa village, south of Dura, southwest of Hebron and stationed in al-Nawamis area. They raided and searched a house belonging to Loay Akram Masharqah (26) and arrested him.
- At approximately 02:30, Israeli forces moved into Sa’ir village, east of Hebron and stationed in the eastern neighbourhood. They raided and searched a house belonging to Najeeb Mohamed Kawazbah (21) and arrested him.
- At approximately 03:00, Israeli forces moved into al-Fawar refugee camp, south of Hebron and stationed in the vicinity of UNRWA schools. They raided and searched a house belonging to Monthir Mohamed Abu Warda and arrested him.
- At approximately 03:30, Israeli forces moved into ‘Ain ‘Areek village, west of Ramallah. They raided and searched a house belonging to Firas Abed al-Hamid Taha Mansour and arrested him.
Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (6) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: Deir al-‘Asal, al-Moureq, Samou’a villages in Hebron and Tulkarm and al-Berih.
Wednesday, 10 August 2016
- At approximately 01:00, Israeli forces moved into Silat al-Harithiya village, north of Jenin. They raided and searched a house belonging to a former prisoner, Fares Husni Suliman Shawahnah (38) and confiscated NIS 5000. Israeli forces later withdrew, but no further incidents or arrests were reported.
- At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into al-Am’ary refugee camp in al-Bireh city. They raided and searched houses under the pretext of looking for weapons. In the meantime, a number of Palestinian young men gathered to throw rocks at the Israeli soldiers, who fired rubber-coated metal bullets and live bullets at them. As a result, 5 civilians, including 2 children, were wounded. Three of them were hit with Two-Two bullets, one was hit with a live bullet and the 5th was hit with a rubber-coated metal bullet to the left ear. PCHR keeps the names of the wounded persons.
- At approximately 03:30, Israeli forces moved into Bal’aa village, northeast of Tulkarm. They raided and searched a house belonging to ‘Abed al-‘Aziz Qasem Tawfiq Zreiqi (31) and arrested him. After that, they raided and searched a house belonging to ‘Odai ‘Azmy Tawfiq Abu Ghaliya (26) and arrested him.
- At approximately 05:30, an Israeli undercover unit “al-Mosta’ribin”, who are Israeli soldiers dressed lime Palestinian civilians, sneaked into Qabatia village, south of Jenin. They raided and searched a house belonging to Ahmed Hasan Mahmoud Abu al-Rub (28) and arrested him.
- Use of excessive force against peaceful demonstrations protesting settlement activities and the construction of the annexation wall
West Bank:
- Following the Friday prayer, on 05 August 2016, Ni’lin weekly demonstration was organized under the title of “Commemorating the 8th anniversary of the death of Yousef Ahmed ‘Omairah” who was killed on 04 August 2008, and in solidarity with prisoner Bilal Kayid, who has been on hunger strike for 53 days respectively. Israeli forces fired sound bombs and tear gas canisters to disperse the protesters. As a result, many civilians suffered tear gas inhalation, while a cameraman, Hasan Khalid Nafi’ Dabus, from B’Tselem, was hit with a tear gas canister to the arm. Hasan was treated on the spot by a PRCS crew. In the same context, another demonstration was organized in Bil’in village in protest against the annexation wall. Israeli soldiers fired sound bombs and tear gas canisters at the protesters. As a result, many civilians suffered tear gas inhalation.
Gaza Strip:
- At approximately 13:30, on Friday, 05 August 2016, dozens of Palestinian young men headed to the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel, east of al-Shuja’iya neighbourhood. They approached the fence, set fire to tires and threw rocks at Israeli soldiers, who sporadically fired live bullets and tear gas canisters at them. As a result, 6 civilians were hit with live bullets. They were then taken by a PRCS ambulance to al-Shifa Hospital, where their wounds were classified as moderate. PCHR keeps the names of the wounded persons.
Note: PCHR keeps the names of the injured persons in the aforementioned demonstrations. Rubber-coated metal bullets are lethal if they hit the head of victim from a close range.
- 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 BeitHanoun (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 BeitHanoun crossing to receive medical treatment in hospitals in Israel or in the West Bank and East Jerusalem. Israel also continued applying the policy of making certain civilian traveling via the crossing interviewed by the Israeli intelligence service to be questioned, blackmailed or arrested.
Movement at Karm Abu Salem (Kerem Shalom) crossing, southeast of Rafah, is designated for the movement of goods
| Date |
Imports |
|
| Category |
Amount |
|
| Tons |
Number |
Liters |
|
| 01 August |
Various goods |
4269 |
|
|
|
| Humanitarian aid |
17685 |
|
|
|
| Cooking gas |
276.350 |
|
|
|
| Benzene |
|
|
420,019 |
|
| Diesel
Diesel for UNRWA |
|
|
665,991
76,000 |
|
| Industrial fuel |
|
|
304,007 |
| Construction aggregates |
12600 |
|
|
| Cement |
3650 |
|
|
|
| Construction steel |
570 |
|
|
| 02 August |
Various goods |
4464 |
|
|
|
| Humanitarian aid |
16105 |
|
|
|
| Cooking gas |
279.120 |
|
|
|
| Benzene
Benzene for UNRWA |
|
|
327,020
38,000 |
|
| Diesel
Diesel for UNRWA |
|
|
766,989
36,950 |
|
| Industrial fuel |
|
|
294,900 |
| Construction aggregates |
12120 |
|
|
| |
Cement |
2840 |
|
|
|
| Construction steel |
360 |
|
|
| 03 August |
Various goods |
4304,9 |
|
|
| Humanitarian aid |
18159 |
|
|
|
| Cooking gas |
259.200 |
|
|
|
| Benzene |
|
|
327,016 |
|
| Diesel
Diesel for UNRWA |
|
|
587,009
77,050 |
|
| Industrial fuel |
|
|
482,005 |
|
| Construction aggregates |
13400 |
|
|
|
| Cement |
2920 |
|
|
|
| Construction steel |
480 |
|
|
|
| 04 August |
Various goods |
3537 |
|
|
|
| Humanitarian aid |
17807 |
|
|
|
| Cooking gas |
277.710 |
|
|
|
| Benzene |
|
|
257,005 |
|
| Diesel
Diesel for UNRWA |
|
|
720,060
76,000 |
|
| Industrial fuel |
|
|
333,000 |
|
| Construction aggregates |
12880 |
|
|
|
| Cement |
3280 |
|
|
|
| Construction steel |
780 |
|
|
|
| 07 August |
Various goods |
4551,3 |
|
|
|
| Humanitarian aid |
19962 |
|
|
|
| Cooking gas |
276.110 |
|
|
|
| Benzene |
|
|
219,005 |
|
| Diesel
Diesel for UNRWA |
|
|
810,058
76,000 |
|
| Industrial fuel |
|
|
412,000 |
|
| Construction aggregates |
14960 |
|
|
|
| Cement |
3600 |
|
|
|
| Construction steel |
780 |
|
|
|
| 08 August |
Various goods |
3264 |
|
|
|
| Humanitarian aid |
18797 |
|
|
|
| Cooking gas |
278.600 |
|
|
|
| Benzene |
|
|
292,000 |
|
| Diesel
Diesel for UNRWA |
|
|
724,056
76,000 |
|
| Industrial fuel |
|
|
447,010 |
|
| Construction aggregates |
13800 |
|
|
|
| Cement |
3520 |
|
|
|
| Construction steel |
420 |
|
|
|
Exports:
- On Monday, 01 August 2016, Israeli forces allowed the exportation of 50 tons of iron scrap and 36 tons of aluminum scrap.
- On Tuesday, 02 August 2016, Israeli forces allowed the exportation of 10 tons of sweet potatoes, 54 tons of tomatoes, 13.10 tons of cucumber, 1.6 tons of eggplant and 1.5 tons of cabbage.
- On Wednesday, 03 August 2016, Israeli forces allowed the exportation of 50 tons of iron scrap and 54 tons of aluminum scraps.
- On Thursday, 04 August 2016, Israeli forces allowed the exportation of 28 tons of tomatoes, 2.8 tons of eggplants, 12.7 tons of cucumber, 6 tons of clothes and 3 tons of cabbage.
- On Sunday, 07 August 2016, Israeli forces allowed the exportation of 27 tons of tomatoes, 3.2 tons of eggplants, 33.8 tons of cucumber and 5 tons of cabbage.
- On Monday, 08 August 2016, Israeli forces allowed the exportation of 80 tons of iron scrap, 21 tons of aluminum scrap, 10 tons of furniture and 15 tons of stationary.
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
03- 10 August 2016
| Category |
03 August |
04 August |
05 August |
06 August |
07 August |
08 August |
09 August |
| Patients |
59 |
52 |
1 |
– |
60 |
61 |
66 |
| Companions |
57 |
50 |
1 |
– |
61 |
63 |
61 |
| Personal needs |
34 |
92 |
2 |
– |
52 |
40 |
49 |
| Families
of prisoners |
– |
– |
– |
– |
– |
43 |
– |
| Arabs from
Israel |
3 |
11 |
3 |
– |
17 |
14 |
5 |
| Diplomats |
4 |
7 |
– |
– |
1 |
3 |
5 |
| International journalists |
– |
– |
– |
– |
– |
– |
– |
| International workers |
25 |
69 |
4 |
– |
4 |
12 |
24 |
| Travelers
Abroad |
– |
1 |
– |
– |
5 |
1 |
55 |
| Business people |
296 |
322 |
4 |
2 |
502 |
357 |
307 |
| Business meetings |
– |
– |
– |
– |
1 |
– |
– |
| Security interviews |
2 |
6 |
– |
– |
4 |
2 |
6 |
| VIPs |
– |
– |
– |
– |
– |
3 |
– |
| Ambulances
to Israel |
3 |
5 |
4 |
– |
4 |
6 |
4 |
| Patients’ Companions |
5 |
6 |
4 |
– |
4 |
6 |
1 |
Notes:
- On Thursday, 04 August 2016, Israeli forces allowed 26 persons and on Friday, 05 august 2016, 241 persons from the Gaza Strip to perform prayers in al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem.
- On Sunday, 07 August 2016, Israeli forces allowed a corps to enter the Gaza Strip via the crossing.
- On Tuesday, 10 August 2016, Israeli forces allowed 5 persons and on Tuesday, 09 August 2016, and 5 persons to renew their permits.
Israel has imposed a tightened closure on the West Bank. During the reporting period, Israeli forces imposed additional restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians:
Hebron: Israeli forces established (13) checkpoints all over the city.
On Thursday, 04 August 2016, Israeli forces established 3 checkpoints at the entrances to al-Aroub refugee camp, Beit Ommar and Dier Razeh villages.
On Friday, 05 August 2016, Israeli forces established 2 checkpoints at the entrances to al-Fawar refugee camp and al-Kum village.
On Saturday, 06 August 2016, Israeli forces established 2 checkpoints at the entrances to Ethna and Deir al-Asal villages.
On Sunday, 07 August 2016, Israeli forces established 4 checkpoints at the entrances to Halhoul, Ethna, Tarama and Sa’ir villages.
On Monday, 08 August 2016, Israeli forces established 2 checkpoints at Abu Reshah road, west of Ethna village and the entrance to al-Shayoukh village.
Ramallah:
Israeli forces established (3) checkpoints all over the city.
At approximately 09:00 on Friday, 05August 2016, Israeli forces estabalished 3 checkpoints at the entrance to al-Nabi Saleh village, northeast of Ramallah, the entrance to intersection of Ein Yabrud villag and the entrance to al-Moghir village, northeast of the city.
Qalqiliyah:
At approximately 20:45 on Sunday, 07 August 2016, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the entrance to Jeet village, northeast of Qalqiliyah. At approximately 20:20, Israeli forces established a similar checkpoint at the entrance to Azzoun village, east of the city.
Salfit
At approximately 22:00 on Thursday, 04 August 2016, Israeli forces established a checkpoint near Burqin village, west of Salfit.
At approximately 15:35 on Friday, 05 August 2016, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at al-Ein area road that leads to Kafer al-Deek village, west of Salfit.
At approximately 21:50 on the same day, Israeli forces established a checkpoint under the bridge of Eskakah village, east of Salfit. The Israeli soldiers used to search cars and check the passengers ID cards.
Tulkarm:
At approximately 08:00 on Monday, 09 August 09 August 2016, Israeli forces stationed at Enab checkpoint established at the road that links between Tulkarm and Nablus, east of Tulkarm, has tightened its arbitrary measures against Palestinians and obstructed their way. The tightening has repeated at approximately 21:00 on Monday.
At approximately 13:45, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the road that links between Tulkarm and the other villages in the north of the city and known as (al-Sha’raawiyah) near al- Jarushiya village, north of Tulkarm. At approximately 19:00, Israeli forces established a similar checkpoint at the road that links between Tulkarm and Nablus near the crossroad of Beit Led village, east of Tulkarm.
Arrests at military checkpoints
- At approximately 09:00 on Thursday, 05 August 2016, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the intersection of Beit Qad village, northeast of Jenin. They stopped the cars traveling to and from the village and checked civilians’ ID cards. They then arrested Jameel Mohammed Najeeb Yaseen (27) from the village and took him to an unknown destination.
- At approximately 15:00, Israeli forces arrested Randah Mohammed al-Shahatit (31) from Dura village, southwest of Hebron while she was crossing the checkpoint, south of Bethlehem.
- At approximately 15:00 on Friday, 05 August 2016, Israeli forces stationed at ‘Inab checkpoint near Jbarah village, south of Tulkarm, arrested Malek Zeyad Khalil Tamuni (26) when he was passing via the abovementioned checkpoint.
- At approximately 15:00 on Sunday, 07 August 2016, Israeli forces stationed at the annexation wall gate (407) near Jabarah village, south of Tulkarm, arrested Ahmed Kahled Baranci (26) when he was passing through the gate as he had a permit to enter the agricultural lands behind the wall.
- Efforts to Create Jewish majority
Israeli forces escalated their attacks on Palestinian civilians and their property. They have also continued their raids on al-Aqsa Mosque and denied the Palestinians access to it: Arrests and Incursions:
- At approximately 01:30 on Thursday, 04 August 2016, Israeli forces moved into Qatanah village, northwest of East Jerusalem. They raided and searched a house belonging to Mahmud Mohammed Shamasnah (27) and then arrested him.
- At approximately 10:00, Israeli forces arrested 5 employees at the Reconstruction Committee of the Islamic Endowment (Waqf) Department as they were doing some repairs in the Dum of the Rock Mosque in the Old City in East Jerusalem. The arrested civilians were identified as Mohammed al-Dabagh, Motasem Karamah Mahmud al-‘Anati, Anas al-Dabagh and Suleiman Abdul Latif. It should be mentioned that the Israeli forces arrested Basam al-Halaq, head of the Reconstruction Committee, and 3 other employees on the day before for the same reason.
- At approximately 15:00 on Monday, 08 August 2016, Israeli forces raided and searched a house belonging to Jadallah al-Rajabi in Batn al-Hawa neighbourhood in Silwan village, south of the Old City in East Jerusalem. They checked his ID card looking for a weapon and then handed him a summons to question him at Salah Edin Street police station to investigate with him.
Al-Rajabi said to a PCHR’s fieldworker that Israeli forces accompanied with special force and the police raided his house, checked his ID cards and searched his house looking for weapon. They destroyed the house contents and provoked civilians near the house. They also attacked Jadallah and pepper-sprayed him. Moreover, the Israeli forces randomly fired tear gas canisters in the area. As a result, Jadallah’s 8-month-old child Asia suffered gas inhalation and was taken to a clinic to receive medical treatment.
- At approximately 03:00 on Tuesday, 09 August 2016, Israeli forces raided and searched a house belonging to Nedal Naim Abu Akar (51), a leader in the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) and then arrested him. The aforementioned served 15-year sentence in the Israeli prisons and his son Mohammed Abu Akar is on a hunger strike in solidarity with prisoner Bilal Kayed.
- At approximately 08:00, Ahmed Mohammed Sweilem (17) turn himself in to the administration of al-Ramlah prison to serve his 10-month sentence due to throwing roacks at the light rail in Sh’ufat neighbourhood, north of East Jerusalem. Ahmed’s mother said that he was arrested on November 2015 upon a summons eh received from the Israeli forces, which investigated and accused him of throwing rocks at the light rail in Sh’ufat. Ahmed moved between Mascobiyah police centre and Jef’uon prison. After 40 days, the Israeli decided to release him on bail on one condition that he is placed under house confinement and deported from his house in Shu’fat to Beit Hanenah. Ahmed’s mother added that at the beginning of the past month, the Central Court judge sentenced him to serve 10 months in prison and should turn himself in to al-Ramlah prison to serve his sentence.
- At approximately 07:30 on Sunday, 07 August 2016, Israeli forces arrested Loai Zyad Abu al-Sa’ad (25), a guard in al-Aqsa mosque, in front of al-Asbat Gate that is one of the mosque gates in Jerusalem’s Old City and took him to an unknown destination.
- At approximately 01:00 on Wednesday, 10 August 2016, Israeli forces raided and searched a house belonging to Hamzah Za’atrah in Habaiel neighbourhood in Abu Dis village, east of Jerusalem. They then arrested his son Eyad (23) and took him to an unknown destination.
- At approximately 18:00 on Wednesday, Israeli forces raided and searched a house belonging to Ayman Shuhadah in Ras al-Amoud neighbourhood, east of the Old City in Jerusalem. They then arrested his son Mesleh (15) and took him to an unknown destination.
Settlement activities and attacks by settlers against Palestinian civilians and property
Israeli forces Attacks:
- At approximately 11:00 on Thursday, 04 August 2016, Israeli forces accompanied with several military jeeps, a digger, a bulldozer, a car of the Organization and Constructions Department in the Civil Administration moved into al-Radim area, south of al-Samou’ village, southwest of Hebron. The bulldozers demolished a livestock barrack built of tin plates on an area of 300 square meters under the pretext of building without a permit. The barrack belongs to Mohammed Ahmed Yusuf Mahareq (62), whom Israeli authorities handed two notices to halt the construction works and demolition in 2013.
- At approximately 06:30 on Monday, 08 August 2016, Israeli forces accompanied with 5 military jeeps and vehicles belonging to the Organisation and Construction Department in the Israeli Civil Administration moved into Yarza area in the Northern Valley. The jeeps demolished part of the water pipes between Tubas and the abovementioned area. Israeli vehicles demolished about 3000 meters and confiscated 400 meters of the water line pipes and a 2-inch counter.
- On Monday morning, Israeli forces accompanied with several jeeps and cars of the Organization and Constructions Department in the Civil Administration and a bulldozer moved into Fasaiel village, north of Jericho. The bulldozer demolished a residential tent belonging to Zaid Mahmoud Abu Kharbish. Following that, they demolished an under construction livestock barrack that belongs to Mohammed Husain Hassan al-Zayed.
- At approximately 04:00 on Tuesday, 09 August 2016, Israeli forces accompanied with several vehicles belonging to the Organization and Construction Department in the Civil Administration and a bulldozer moved into the antiquities area in Sebastiyah village, northwest of Nablus. They demolished al-Qal’ah Restaurant that was established in 2004 on an area of 250 square meters and belongs to Nael Rezqallah Diyab Aqel under the pretext of building without a licence in Area (C). They also demolished a 40-square-meter shed belonging to Ahmed Diab ‘Aqel. It was established in 2010 to sell pottery.
- At approximately 06:00 on Tuesday, 09 August 2016, Israeli forces accompanied with several vehicles belonging to the Organization and Constructions Department in the Israeli Civil Administration and 2 bulldozers moved into Kherbet Um al-Khair, east of Yatta, south of Hebron. They deployed in the vicinity of the houses and forced civilians to leave them. At the same time, the 2 bulldozers demolished 5 houses belonging to al-Hathalin family under the pretext of building without a licence. The European Union donated these houses for a number of families that their houses were demolished on 06 April 2016. These houses are built of tin plates on an area of about 35 square meters. It should be mentioned that the Israeli authorities handed notices to the following families on 29 June 2016. These houses belonging to the following:
- Adel al-Hathalin family comprised of 6 members, including 4 children;
- Khadrah Suleiman al-Hathalin family comprised of 3 members, including 2 children;
- Suleiman Eid Yamen al-Hathalin family comprised of 12 members;
- Motasem Suleiman al-Hathalin family comprised of 6 members, including a child and
- Zayed Suleiman al-Hathalin family comprised of 5 members, including 3 children.
Israeli Settlers Attacks:
- At approximately 08:30 on Thursday, 04 August 2016, a group of Israeli settlers raided a valley near “Rimonim” settlement established on Palestinian lands in the eastern side of al-Tibah village, northeast of Ramallah. They attacked the Shepherds with knifes and sharp tools. As a result, 3 sheep were killed and ten others were wounded. The settlers also burnt the grass in the area.
House demolitions and demolition notices:
- At approximately 16:00 on Monday, 08 August 2016, Wael Barakat from Ras al-Amoud neighbourhood, east of East Jerusalem, self-demolished his house to avoid paying demolition costs to the Israeli municipality. Barakat said to a PCHR’s fieldworker that the municipality crews raided his house more than ones during last week and handed him a demolition notice of a house he built of metal sheets in the second floor of his house built, which was built in 1967. He mentioned that the self-demolition of his 125-square-meter house cost him NIS 60,000 to avoid paying the demolition costs to the municipality. Barakat added that he and his 8-member family live in the old family house.
Targeting NGOs Work:
- On Monday, 08 August 2016, Israeli forces closed the office of Sa’ed Institution for Educational Consultations in the Old City in East Jerusalem claiming that it supports terrorism. The Israeli police summoned Jameel Hamami, member of Higher Islamic Council, Executive Director of al-Eman schools, and Member of the Islamic Cultural Centre, to refer to Mascobiyah police center in West Jerusalem. They handed him a notice signed by Roni al-Shaikh, an Israeli Police Inspector General, to close the association. Hamami denounced the closure decision and confirmed that the institute is focused on providing educational counselling for teachers. He pointed out that this is the second time the institute gets closed as it was previously closed nearly three years ago.
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:
- 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;
- 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;
- 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;
- 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;
- 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;
- 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;
- 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;
- 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;
- 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;
- 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;
- 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;
- 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;
- PCHR calls upon the European Union to activate Article 2 of the EU-Israel Association Agreement, which provides that both sides must respect human rights as a precondition for economic cooperation between the EU states and Israel, and the EU must not ignore Israeli violations and crimes against Palestinian civilians;
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Public Document
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