Beit Hanina Village:
Under-construction Building Belonging to Hussein ‘Alqam was Demolished by
Israeli Forces Under the Pretext it was not Licensed.

Israeli forces continue systematic attacks against Palestinian civilians
and property in the occupied Palestinian territory (oPt)

 

 

Israeli forces wounded 18 Palestinian civilians,
including 4 children, in the West Bank and Gaza Strip.

 

Israeli forces continued to use excessive force
against peaceful protests in the West Bank.

9 protestors, including 2 children and 3
photojournalists, were wounded in protests in Kufor Qaddoum village and
al-Jalazoun refugee camp.

 

Israeli forces continued to open fire at border areas
in the Gaza Strip and chase fishermen in the sea.

4 fishermen were wounded in 3 shooting incidents off
Gaza and north Gaza shores.

A child sustained a serious wound, northwest of Beit
Lahia.

2 farmers were wounded, east of Jabalia.

 

Israeli forces conducted 58 incursions into Palestinian
communities in the West Bank and a limited one in the central Gaza Strip.

20 Palestinian civilians, including 5 children, were
arrested in the West Bank and a civilian in the central Gaza Strip.

 

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.

3 Palestinian civilians, including a child, were
arrested at checkpoints in Qalqilya, Jenin and Hebron.

 

Israeli forces continued to support settlement
activities in the West Bank and Israeli settlers continued to attack
Palestinian civilians and property.

About 30
electricity poles were damaged in the road leading to Om al-Sedrah and
al-Masamrah areas, southwest of Hebron.

Branches of 3 old olive trees were cut off in Kherbet
Sousya.

Settlers attacked houses of Palestinian civilians in
Tal al-Rumaida neighbourhood, in the center of Hebron, and denied them access
to their houses.

A house was raided after it was stoned and children
inside were attacked.

Shaikh Kamel tomb in Beit Dajan village, east of
Nablus, was demolished.

 

 

 

Summary

 

Israeli violations of international law and international
humanitarian law in the oPt continued during the reporting period (07– 13
May 2015).

 

Shooting:

During the reporting period, Israeli forces wounded 18
Palestinian civilians, including 4 children and 3 photojournalists, in the West
Bank and Gaza Strip. Eleven civilians were wounded in the West Bank, 9 of whom,
including 2 children and 3 photojournalists, were wounded during peaceful
protests, while the other 7 ones, including a child and 4 fishermen, were
wounded in the Gaza Strip.

In the West Bank, a 22-year-old civilian sustained
serious wounds to the chest and right thigh on 07 May 2015, when he was shot by
Israeli forces during an Israeli incursion in al-Fare’ah refugee camp,
southeast of Tubas. On 11 May 2015, a 16-year-old child sustained a bullet
wound to the left knee as Israeli forces fired at him during an Israeli
incursion in Sateh Marhaba area, east of al-Bireh city.

 

Israeli forces continued the use of excessive and
systematic force against peaceful protests organized by Palestinian civilians
and Israeli and international solidarity activists against the construction of
the annexation wall and settlement activities in the West Bank. As a result, 9
protestors, including 2 children and 3 photojournalists, were wounded, while
others suffered tear gas inhalation during peaceful protests.

 

In the Gaza Strip, on 08 May 2015, a 17-year-old child
sustained a serious wound to the head as Israeli forces stationed along the
border fence, northwest of al-Sayafa area in the north of the Gaza Strip, opened
fire at a group of youngsters who were present near the said fence.

 

On 09 May 2015, 2 farmers sustained shrapnel wounds
when Israeli forces stationed along the border fence opened fire at some
farmers and workers who were 300-500 meters away from the said fence in the
north of the Gaza Strip.

 

In
the context of targeting fishermen, Israeli forces opened fire several times at
fishermen. As a result, 4 fishermen were wounded, 2 others were arrested and
fishing equipment and nets were damaged. These attacks coincided with the sardine
season that starts in May until mid-June. Fishermen wait for this season to
compensate their losses due to Israeli attacks against them.

  

Incursions:

 

During the reporting period, Israeli forces conducted
at least 58 military incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank. During
these incursions, Israeli forces arrested at least 20 Palestinians, including 5
children.  They also arrested a civilian
in the Gaza Strip.

 

 

 

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 8 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. In many occasions lately, Israeli forces arrested Palestinian
patients and their companions and traders.

Settlement activities

 

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.

 

On
07 May 2015, Israeli forces damaged about 30 electricity poles on the road
leading to Om al-Sedrah and al-Masamrah areas, south of al-Ramadeen village,
southwest of Hebron. As a result, the 2 areas had power outage.

 

On
08 May 2015, 3 settlers from “Sousya” settlement, south of Yatta,
south of Hebron, cut off branches of 3 old olive trees belonging to Mohammed
al-Nawaj’ah in Kherbet Sousya.

 

On
09 May 2015, a group of settlers attacked a number of houses belonging to
Palestinian civilians in Tal al-Rumaida neighborhood in the center of Hebron,
and denied them access to their houses. They also threw stones at a house,
tried to raid it and attacked children in that house in front of Israeli
soldiers deploying in the area.

 

On
10 May 2015, Israeli forces demolished Shaikh Kamel tomb in Beit dajan village,
east of Nablus. They seized all stones of the tomb.

 

 

 

Israeli Violations Documented during the Reporting Period
(07 – 13 May 2015)

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

 

Thursday, 07 May 2015

At approximately 01:00, Israeli forces moved into
al-‘Aroub refugee camp, north of Hebron. 
They patrolled the streets for some time and then stationed near the
UNRWA Distribution Centre.  They deployed
between the houses causing fear among the residents and children.  They raided and searched two houses, from which
they arrested ‘Ezz al-Deen Mahmoud Abu Sel (17) and Mohammed Nayef al-Badawi
(17). 

 

At approximately 01:30, Israeli forces moved into
Qalqilya.  They patrolled the streets and
then raided and searched a house belonging to Tamer Merwan Saleh Abu ‘Asi
(30).  They arrested him and withdrew later
taking him to an unknown destination.

At approximately 02:30, Israeli forces moved into Beit
Ummar village, north of Hebron.  They
patrolled the streets for some time and then stationed in the vicinity of a house
belonging to Mohammed Hani ‘Abed (20). 
They raided and searched the aforementioned house after detaining its residents
in one room.  Israeli forces arrested the
aforementioned civilian and withdrew later taking him to an unknown
destination.

At approximately 03:30, Israeli forces moved into
al-Far’ah refugee camp, southeast of Tubas. 
They stationed in the vicinity of a house belonging to Sheikh Ahmed
Rashad Deif allah Sawalmah (41) near Abu Baqker al-Sedeeq in the centre of the
camp. Some of the Israeli soldiers raided Sawalma’s house while the others
stationed behind their vehicles to cover the soldiers in the house.  A number of boys gathered in the centre of
the camp to throw stones and Molotov cocktail at the soldiers and their
vehicles.  The Israeli soldiers in
response fired metal and live bullets at the stone-throwers to disperse them
and chased them until approximately 04:05. 
The Israeli soldiers then opened fire at one of the young men wounding
him to the left side of the chest.  As a
result, he sustained laceration in the kidneys, diaphragm and liver while he
sustained another bullet injury to the right thigh.  The wounded person was then taken to Turkish
Tubas Hospital and was identified later as Rabi’a Jamal Mohammed Mubarak
(22).  He was admitted into the emergency
department at the hospital and then transferred to al-Najah Medical Hospital in
Nablus due to his serious condition.  He
underwent a surgery and was admitted into the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) in the
aforementioned hospital.

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces carried out incursions in
the following areas, but no arrests were reported: the centre of Yata, south of
Hebron; Deir Qeddis village, west of Ramallah.

Friday, 08 May 2015

 

At approximately 17:30 on Friday, two Israeli gunboats
opened fire at a fishing boat belonging to Fahed Ziyad Baaker while sailing off
al-Soudaniyah shore, north of Gaza City, within 3 nautical miles.  The Israeli naval soldiers surrounded the boat
boarded by 4 fishermen and opened fire at it resulting in the injury of Ziyad
Fahed Baker (21) to the left leg.  He was
then taken to Shifa Hospital in Gaza City, and the medical sources described
his injury as moderate.

 

At approximately 19:00, Israeli forces stationed along
the border fence with Israel to the north of al-Ghoul land, northwest of
al-Seifa area, northwest of Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip, opened fire
at a group of young men and children who were near the aforementioned fence to
take a walk.  As a result, Nael Soliman
Salah Salah (17) from al-‘Atatrah neighbourhood in Beit Lahia was hit by a
bullet which entered and exited his head. 
The wounded child was taken by a civilian car to Martyr Kamal ‘Edwan
Hospital in Beit Lahia and then transferred to Shifa Hospital in Gaza City due
to his serious condition.  He underwent a
surgery and was admitted into the ICU.

 

At approximately 19:30, Israeli gunboats stationed off
al-Waha shore, northwest of Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip opened fire
at the Palestinian fishing boats.  As a
result, Sharif Mohammed ‘Abed al-Sultan (42) from al-‘Atatrah neighborhood in
Beit Lahia was hit with a rubber-coated bullet to the left leg while he was
sailing within 1 nautical mile with his son, Uranus (19).  The wounded fisherman was taken to Kamal
‘Edwan Hospital to receive medical treatment, and the medical sources described
his wounds as minor.  The shooting
damaged and cut off dozens of pieces of fishing nets belonging to other
fishermen.

 

Those new attacks
coincided with the beginning of sardine season from May to June.  Palestinian fishermen wait for this season to
sail in Gaza Sea in order to compensate their losses due to being exposed to
attacks by the Israeli navy forces and prevented from sailing even within the
allowed fishing area throughout the year.

 

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces carried out incursions in
the following areas, but no arrests were reported: the villages of Ya’bod and ‘Arrabah,
southwest of Jenin; Beit Leed village, east of Tulkarm; the villages of Sorif,
al-Shoyoukh and Tarqoumia, west and northeast and northwest of Hebron; the
villages of ‘Abawin, Western al-Laban, Kafr Malek and Deir Jarir in Ramallah;
and Marj Ne’jah village, north of Jericho.

Friday, 09 May 2015

At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into
Sorif village, west of Hebron.  They
patrolled the streets for some time and then stationed in the vicinity of Ahmed
‘Abdel Fattah al-hor (55).  They raided
and searched the aforementioned house and handed the son of the aforementioned
civilian, ‘Ali (19), a summons to refer to the Israeli Intelligence in
“Gosh ‘Etzion”, south of Bethlehem. 
Israeli forces later withdrew.

 

At approximately 09:00, Israeli forces stationed along
the border fence opened fire at the agricultural lands, east of Khuza’ah
village, east of Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip.  The shooting continued for around half an
hour and recurred in the same area at approximately 18:40.  No injuries were reported in both incidents.

 

At approximately 12:30, Israeli forces stationed along
the border fence opened fire at a group of farmers and workers who were
maintaining a tractor for harvesting wheat and barley in al-Zeini land, which
is only 300-500 meters away from the fence, south of al-Suhadaa’ Cemetery, east
of Jablia in the northern Gaza Strip.  As
a result, two farmers were wounded. 
However, the shooting continued in the area while evacuating the two
wounded persons by a civilian car targeting the tractor with many bullets
causing severe damage.  The two wounded
persons were then taken to Shifa Hospital in Gaza and then transferred in the
Gaza European Hospital in Khan Younis. 
The medical sources described as moderate.  The wounded persons were identified as Ra’ed
Soliman Mohammed al-Farra (41), who sustained bullet shrapnel wound in the left
eye, left hand, abdomen  and chest; and
Karam Salem Mohammed Abu Hadayed (33), who sustained shrapnel wounds to the
abdomen, chest and two legs.

 

At approximately 18:40, Israeli gunboats stationed in
al-Wahah shore, northwest of Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip, opened fire
at Palestinian fishing boats sailing within less than 1 nautical mile.  An Israeli gunboat approached a fishing boat
belonging to ‘Issa Nafez Abu Riyalah and Ra’ed Sa’id al-‘Ashi, both are from
al-Shati’ refugee camp in Gaza City.  The
fishing boat was boarded by Mohammed No’man Rabi’a al-Sultan (23) and Hatem
al-‘Abed ‘Ashour al-Sultan (29), both are from al-Salatin neighborhood in Beit
Lahia.  The Israeli naval soldiers forced
the fishermen to jump into the water and swim towards the Israeli gunboat.  The Israeli soldiers then arrested the two
fishermen and confiscated their boat. Additionally, 17 pieces of fishing nets
were lost.  It should be mentioned that
the area witnessed heavy shooting, which continued from 18:00 to 22:00 at the
Palestinian fishing boats.  At
approximately 05:00 on Monday, 11 May 2015, Israeli forces released the
aforementioned fishermen via Beit Hanoun “Erez” crossing.  It was found later that they are both wounded
as Mohammed al-Sultan sustained was hit by a rubber-coated metal bullet to the
left hand and the right feet, and Hatem al-Sultan was hit by bullet shrapnel to
the right hand.

 

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces carried
out incursions in the following areas, but no arrests were reported: Baqet
al-Hatab village,east of Qaqlilya.

 

Sunday, 10 May 2015

At approximately 01:00, Israeli forces moved into a
number of neighbourhoods in Hebron.  They
patrolled the streets for some time and then stationed in Abu Katilah area to
the west of the city, where the Israeli soldiers deployed causing fear among
their residents and children.  They
raided and searched two houses, from which they arrested Ahmed Rashid al-Jneidi
(22) and Naser al-Deen Fayyad Shabanah (23). 
Israeli forces later withdrew taking them to an unknown destination.

At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into
Selwad village, northeast of Ramallah. 
They stationed in the centre of the village and then raided and searched
a house belonging to the family of Thalji Majdi Hammad (20).  Israeli forces withdrew later after handing
the aforementioned civilian a summons to refer to the Israeli Intelligence.

 

At approximately 02:30, Israeli forces moved into
al-Nabi Saleh village, northeast of Ramallah. 
They stationed in the centre of the village and then raided and searched
two houses.  They handed ‘Abdel Hakim
Mohammed ‘Awad Tamimi (20) and Wisam eyad ‘Abdel Karim Tamimi (19) summonses to
refer to the Israeli intelligence.

 

At approximately 21:00, Israeli gunboats stationed off
al-Waha shore, northwest of Brit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip, opened fire
in the vicinity of Palestinian fishing boats in addition to chasing them.  The shooting at the boats sailing within 3
nautical miles continued for 20 minutes. 
This caused fear among Palestinian fishermen who fled leaving their nets
that they later lost.  Neither
causalities nor damages were reported.

 

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces carried
out incursions in the following areas, but no arrests were reported: Tulkarm
and Ezbet al-Tayyah area, east of the city; Beit ‘Oar al-Tahta,southwest of
Ramallah, Deir Debwan village, northeast of the city; Kafr ‘Ein village,
northwest of Ramallah; al-‘Oja village, north of Jericho; ‘Ein al-Sultan
refugee camp, west of Jericho; al-Samou’a village, south of Hebron; al-Tabqah
village, south of Dura, southwest of Hebron; al-‘Aroub refugee camp, north of
Hebron; Far’on village, south of Tulkarm; and Ethna village, west of Hebron.

 

Monday, 11 May 2015

At
approximately 01:30, Israeli forces moved into Mothalth al-Suhadaa’ village,
south of Jenin.  They patrolled the
streets and then raided and searched a house belonging to Ra’fat Basem Mahmoud
‘As’ous (23).  Israeli forces withdrew later
after handing the aforementioned civilian a summons to refer to the Israeli intelligence
in Salem Camp, northwest of Jenin. 
Neither further incidents nor arrests were reported.

 

At approximately 03:00, Israeli forces moved into
al-Jalazone refugee camp, north of Ramallah. 
They patrolled the streets for some time and then stationed in the
centre of it.  They raided and searched 4
houses, from which they arrested 5 civilians:

1. ‘Ahed riyad al-Tirawi (21);

2. His brother, Mahmoud (20);

3. Ahmed Khaled ‘Awad (17);

4. Ahmed Taysir Mohammed Zbeidi (19); and

5. Khaled Mohammed al-Remhi (18).

 

At approximately 03:30, Israeli forces moved into
‘Ezbet Salman village, south of Qalqliya. 
They patrolled the streets and then raided and searched a house
belonging to Ziyad ‘Omer Hasan Qezmar (49), an officer of the Palestinian
General Intelligence.  They withdrew later
after questioning the residents and confiscating a gun, a hunting rifle and a
home-made machine gun in addition to some ammunition.  The Israeli forces also arrested the son of
the house owner, ‘Omer (22), and took him to an unknown destination.

 

At approximately 04:00, Israeli forces moved into
Qabatia village, south of Jenin.  They
patrolled the streets and then raided and searched a house belonging to the
family of Saleh Mahmoud Saleh abu al-Rub (23). 
They questioned the residents and then handed the house owner a summons
to refer to the Israeli intelligence in Salem Camp, northwest of Jenin.  Israeli forces then raided and searched a
house belonging to Ahmed Nafe’a Najib Abu al-Rub (23).  Israeli forces withdrew later after handing
the aforementioned civilian a similar summons. 

 

At approximately 08:30, Israeli forces stationed along
the border fence, east of al-Bureij in central Gaza Strip, opened fire and
fired flash bombs while a helicopter was hovering overhead at al-‘Awawdah area,
east of the camp.  The Israeli soldiers
moved into the lands along the border fence and arrested Basel Shafiq Khaled
Abu Shawish (24) from al-Nussairat refugee camp when he was trying to cross the
border.  The shooting continued for two
hours while the flash bombs caused fires in the grass adjacent to the border
fence.  The Civil Defence arrived and
extinguished it after coordinating with the Red Cross.

 

At approximately 09:30, Israeli forces moved into
Sateh Marhaba area, east of al-Bireh. 
They patrolled the streets and deployed between houses.  Soon, a number of Palestinian young men
gathered to throw stones and empty bottles at the Israeli vehicles.  The Israeli soldiers in response fired tear
gas canisters and sound bombs at the civilians. 
As a result, Rafat ‘Ali ‘Arafat Abu Lebdah (16) sustained bullet injury
under the left knee, so he was taken to Palestine Medical Complex in Ramallah
to receive medical treatment.

 

At approximately 11:30, Israeli forces moved into
al-Fondoqmia village, southwest of Jenin. 
They patrolled the streets when young men from the village gathered to
throw stones and empty bottles.  Israeli
forces in response fired sound bombs and tear gas canisters. Israeli forces
withdrew later, and neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

 

Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into
al-Nabi Elias, southeast of Qalqilya. 
They patrolled the streets and then raided a number of shops and took a
look in the Digital Video Recorder (DVR) of the surveillance cameras. 

 

At approximately 15:00, Israeli forces arrested Ahmed
Usamah Mohammed Hassan (21) from Qalqilya. 
A security source said to a PCHR fieldworker that the Israeli forces
chased the car of the aforementioned civilian and arrested him at the eastern
entrance of Qalqilya.  They took him to
an unknown destination.

 

At approximately 21:00, Israeli gunboats stationed off
al-Waha shore, northwest of Brit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip, opened fire
in the vicinity of Palestinian fishing boats in addition to chasing them.  The shooting at the boats sailing within 2
nautical miles continued for 30 minutes. 
This caused fear among Palestinian fishermen who fled leaving their nets
that they later lost.  Neither
causalities nor damages were reported.

 

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces carried
out incursions in the following areas, but no arrests were reported: Tulkarm
and ‘Ezbet al-Tayyah area, east of the city; Beit ‘Oar village, southwest of
Ramallah; Deir Debwan village, northeast of the city and Ramin village,
northeast of Tulkarm.

 

Tuesday, 12 May 2015

 

At approximately 01:30, Israeli forces moved into
al-Yamoun, northwest of Jenin.  They
patrolled the streets and then raided and searched a number of houses and
handed the houses’ owners summonses to refer to the Israeli Intelligence in
Salem Camp, northwest of Jenin.  The
summoned persons were identified as Fadi Fawzi Yousif Abu Sefein (34); Hani
Ghassan Thib Abu Hasan (23) and Basel Faisal Salim Sa’id “Abu
al-Haija”.

 

At approximately 02:30, Israeli forces moved into
‘Aboud village, northwest of Ramallah. 
They patrolled the streets for some time and then stationed in the
centre of it.  They raided and searched
two houses, from which they arrested ‘Ali Hussein ‘Abdel Majid (23) and
‘Abdullah Mahmoud Barghuthi (22).  They
withdrew later taking to an unknown destination.

 

Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Beit
Ummar village, north of Hebron.  They
patrolled the streets and then stationed in the centre of the village.  They deployed between the houses causing fear
among their residents and children.  The
Israeli soldiers raided a house belonging to Kefah Ahmed ‘Ali Abu ‘Ayyash
(24).  Israeli forces arrested the
aforementioned civilian and withdrew later taking him to an unknown
destination.

 

At approximately 06:45, Israeli gunboats stationed off
al-Waha shore, northwest of Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip, opened fire
in the vicinity of Palestinian fishing boats in addition to chasing them.  The shooting targeted the boats sailing
within 3 nautical miles continued for 20 minutes.  This caused fear among Palestinian fishermen
who fled leaving their nets that they later lost.  Neither causalities nor damages were
reported.

 

At approximately 13:00, Israeli forces deployed in Tal
al-Ramidah neighbourhood in the centre of Hebron.  They stopped a number of civilians and
detained some of them after checking their ID cards.  Israeli forces arrested ‘Emad Saleh Abu Shamsiyah
(43) and his son, Saleh (10), and withdrew later taking both of them to the
Israeli forces’ camp in the “Ramati Yishai” settlement outpost
established on the neighbourhood lands. 
They were released later. 

 

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces carried out incursions in
the following areas, but no arrests were reported: Deir Abzigh village, west of
Ramallah.

 

Wednesday, 13 May 2015

 

At approximately 03:30, Israeli forces moved into Bir
Zeit village, north of Ramallah.  They
patrolled the streets for some time and then stationed in ‘Atarah Street.  They raided and searched a house belonging to
the family of Kamal Andrawos (36). 
Israeli forces arrested the aforementioned civilian and withdrew later
taking him to an unknown destination.

At approximately 07:30, Israeli gunboats stationed off
the west of Rafah City in the southern Gaza Strip opened fire heavily in the
vicinity of the Palestinian fishing boats sailing within 2 nautical miles.  Neither injuries nor damages to the boats
were reported.

 

At approximately 10:30, Israeli forces stationed along
the border fence, east of al-Shuhadaa’ Cemetery and east of Abu Safiyah area,
east of Jabalia in the northern Gaza Strip, opened fire sporadically at the
border area.  The shooting resulted in
fear among farmers, who were in the agricultural lands adjacent to the border
zone.  As a result, they fled for fear of
being wounded.  Neither injuries nor
damages to the property were reported. 
At approximately 14:00, the shooting was resumed in the same area.

 

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces carried out incursions in
the following areas, but no arrests were reported: al-‘Erqah village, west of
Jenin; Bir al-Basha village, south of Jenin; Seir village, southeast of
Qalqilya; and Deir ‘Ammar village, northwest of Ramallah.

 

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. As a result, a number of protestors suffered tear gas inhalation
and others sustained bruises as they were beaten up by Israeli soldiers.

 

In the same context, 9 civilians, including 2 children and 3 photojournalists,
were wounded during peaceful protests in Kufor Qaddoum village, northeast of
Qalqilya; and the southern entrance of al-Jalazoun refugee camp, while others
suffered tear gas inhalation during Selwad and Ofer protests, southwest of
Ramallah.  

 

(PCHR keeps the names of the wounded in
fear of being arrested by the Israeli forces within its policy to oppress the
peaceful protests and prevent Palestinian civilians from participating).

 

Demonstrations against the construction of the annexation wall and
settlement activity

    

Following the Friday prayer, on
08 May 2015, dozens of Palestinian civilians and international and Israeli
human rights defenders organized a peaceful demonstration in Bil’in, west of
Ramallah, in protest at the construction of the annexation wall and settlement
activities. The protestors marched by the annexation wall and tried to cross
the fence. Israeli soldiers stationed behind the wall, in the western area, and
a large number of soldiers deployed along it, fired live bullets, tear gas
canisters, rubber-coated metal bullets, sound bombs and wastewater at them and
chased them into the olive fields. As a result, a number of protestors suffered tear gas inhalation.  

 

Around the same time, dozens of Palestinian civilians
organised a peaceful demonstration in the centre of Ni’lin village, west of
Ramallah, in protest at the construction
of the annexation wall and settlement activities. The demonstrators took the streets and headed to the
annexation wall. Israeli forces closed the gates of the wall with barbwires and
prevented the demonstrators from crossing to the land behind it before they
responded by throwing stones. Israeli soldiers fired live ammunition,
rubber-coated metal bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters at the
civilians, and chased them into the village. As a result, a number of protestors suffered tear gas inhalation and
others sustained bruises as they were beaten up by Israeli soldiers.

 

Also following the Friday prayer, dozens of Palestinian civilians
and Israeli and international human rights defenders gathered in the center of
al-Nabi Saleh village, northwest of Ramallah, to start the weekly peaceful
protest against the construction of the annexation wall and settlement
activities. They made their way towards Palestinian lands that Israeli settlers
from the nearby “Halmish” settlement are trying to seize. Israeli
soldiers closed all the village’s entrances to prevent the Palestinian and
international solidarity activists and journalists from participating in the
protest. As a result, a number of protestors suffered tear gas inhalation and
others sustained bruises as they beaten up by Israeli soldiers.

 

Other protests:

   

Following the Friday prayer, on
08 May 2015, dozens of
Palestinian civilians organized a protest at the eastern entrance 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. The demonstrators threw stones at Israeli soldiers,
who fired sound bombs and tear gas canisters in response. As a result, 5
civilians, including 2 children and 3 photojournalists, sustained bullet wounds
and were hit by gas canisters. The 2 children, (14) and (10), sustained bullet
wounds to the left legs. The 3 photojournalists working in PalMedia, Palestine
TV and Wafa News Agency were hit by tear gas canisters in their upper parts.
Their wounds were moderate.

 

Also
following the Friday prayer, dozens
of Palestinians gathered at the western entrance of the Silwad village,
northeast of Ramallah, on the road between Silwad and Yabroud villages, near
Bypass road (60), in protest at the Israeli policies. The protestors set fire
to tires and threw stones and Molotov Cocktails at the aforementioned road and
Israeli soldiers. In response, Israeli soldiers stationed in the area fired
live ammunition, rubber-coated bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters at
the protestors. As a result, a number of protestors suffered tear gas
inhalation and others sustained bruises as they were beaten up by Israeli
soldiers.

 

On
Friday afternoon, dozens of youngsters gathered from different areas of
Ramallah and al-Bireh in the vicinity of Ofer detention facility, southwest of
Ramallah, in protest at Israeli attacks on Palestinian civilians and to mark
the Palestinian Prisoners Day. They headed towards the facility’s gate that was
closed by Israeli soldiers. They set fire to tires and threw stones and empty
bottles at the soldiers. Israeli forces deployed around the detention facility
and started firing live and rubber-coated metal bullets, sound bombs and tear
gas canisters. As a result, a
number of protestors suffered tear gas inhalation and others sustained bruises
as they were beaten up by Israeli soldiers.

 

Also
following the Friday prayer, dozens of children and young men gathered at the
southern entrance of al-Jalazoun refugee camp, north of Ramallah. They were
about 300 meters away from the fence of “Beit Eil” settlement.
Israeli forces stationed in the area fired live ammunition, rubber-coated metal
bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters. As a result, 4 civilians,
including 2 children, were wounded. They were taken to Palestine Medical Compound
in Ramallah. Moreover, a number of protestors suffered tear gas inhalation and
others sustained bruises as they were beaten up by Israeli soldiers. A
16-year-old child sustained a bullet wound to the chest, a 17-year-old child
sustained a bullet wound to the left ear, an 18-year-old civilian sustained a
bullet wound to the right ear and a 22-year-old civilian sustained a bullet
wound to the right side of the neck.

 

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.

 

The total closure of al-Mentar (“Karni”) crossing since
02 March 2011 has seriously affected the economy of the Gaza Strip. Following
this closure, all economic and commercial establishments in the Gaza Commercial
Zone were shut off. It should be noted that al-Mentar crossing is the biggest
crossing in the Gaza Strip, in terms of its capacity to absorb the flow of
imports and exports. The decision to close al-Mentar crossing was the
culmination of a series of decisions resulting in the complete closure of the
Sofa crossing, east of the Gaza Strip in the beginning of 2009, and the Nahal
Oz crossing, east of Gaza City, which were dedicated for the delivery of fuel
and cooking gas to the Gaza Strip, in the beginning of 2010.

 

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.

 

The cooking gas crisis has fluctuated due to the closure of Karm
Abu Salem for security claims. According to PCHR’s follow-up, Israeli
authorities only allow an average of 98 tons of cooking gas into Gaza per
day.  This limited quantity is less than half of the daily needs, which is
200 tons per day of the civilian population in the Gaza Strip during winter. 
The lack of diesel and benzene led to the aggravation of the crisis as a result
of using the gas cylinder for cars or as an alternative for benzene to run
generators.  As a result, the demand for gas further increased.

 

For almost 8 consecutive years, Israeli forces have continued to
prevent the delivery of construction materials to the Gaza Strip. Two years
ago, Israeli forces approved the delivery of limited quantities of construction
materials for a number of international organizations in the Gaza Strip. 
On 17 September 2013, they allowed the entry of limited quantities of
construction materials for the private sector.  However, on 13 October
2013, they re-banned it claiming that these materials are used for constructing
tunnels. Israeli forces allowed the entry of construction materials only for
UNRWA and UNDP projects.  As a result, construction works have completely
stopped impacting all sectors related to construction and an increase in
unemployment levels. During the 51-day Israeli offensive on the Gaza Strip in
July and August 2014, Israeli authorities did not allow the entry of any
construction materials. As a result, vital and infrastructure projects have
been obstructed so far.

 

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. 3 weeks ago, Israeli forces started to ban the entry of
wood  under the pretext is it used for constructing tunnels.

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 denied permission to access hospitals via the
crossing for new categories of patients from the Gaza Strip. It should be noted
that in the past weeks Israeli forces arrested a number of Palestinian traders
heading to Israel after they got permits or were requested to meet with the
Israeli intelligence service at the crossing. During the reporting period, a
patient was arrested at the crossing.  

 

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

29 April – 11 May 2015

 

 

Exports:

 

On Wednesday, 29 April 2015, Israeli forces allowed the
exportation of 0.6 tons of fish; 30 tons stationery
and 29 tons of furniture.

On Thursday, 30 April 2015, Israeli forces allowed the exportation
of 62.8 tons of tomatoes; 36 tons of furniture; 11 tons of clothes and 8 tons
of eggplants.

On Tuesday, 05 May 2015, Israeli forces allowed the exportation of
7.8 tons of eggplants and 169 tons of tomatoes.

On Thursday, 07 May 2015, Israeli forces allowed the exportation
of 1.1 tons eggplants and 64.3 tons of tomatoes.

On Monday, 11 May 2015, Israeli forces allowed the exportation of
0.55 tons of garlic and 0.15 tons of mints.

 

Other imports:

 

On Wednesday, 2 May 2015, Israeli forces allowed the entry of 160
tons of cement, 2120 tons of aggregate for the UNRWA; 2720 tons of aggregate;
2000 tons of cement and 60 tons of construction steel for the Gaza reconstruction;
400 tons of cement and 30 tons of construction steel for the Water Authority;
and 520 tons of aggregate for the UNDP. They also allowed the entry of 1015
tons of fodders and 805 tons of wheat.

On Thursday, 30 April 2015, Israeli forces allowed the entry of
680 tons of aggregate, 1680 tons of cement and 180 tons of construction steel
for the Gaza Reconstruction; 640 tons of cement for the Qatari Project; 80 tons
of cement for the Turkish Project.  They also
allowed the entry of 1295 tons of fodders and 595 tons of wheat.

On Tuesday, 05 May 2015, Israeli forces allowed the entry of 4000
tons of aggregate, 2120 tons of cement, and 180 tons of construction steel for
the Gaza reconstruction. They also allowed the entry of 875 tons of fodders and
525 tons of wheat.

On Wednesday, 06 May 2015, Israeli forces allowed the entry of
1760 tons of aggregate, 40 tons of cement and 150 tons of construction steel
for the UNRWA; 1080 tons of aggregate, 1800 tons of cement for the Gaza
Reconstruction; and 1280 tons of aggregate and 40 tons of cement for the UNDP.
They also allowed the entry of 805 tons of fodders and 490 tons of wheat.

On Thursday, 07 May 2015, Israeli forces allowed the entry of 1400
tons of aggregate, 1400 tons of cement and 120 tons of construction steel for
the Gaza Reconstruction; and 80 tons of cement for the Water Authority. They
also allowed the entry of 700 tons of fodders and 525 tons of wheat.

On Sunday, 10 May 2015, Israeli forces allowed the entry of 320
tons of aggregate, 360 tons of cement and 60 tons of construction steel for the
UNRWA; and 3160 tons of aggregate, 200 tons of cement and 60 tons of
construction steel for the Gaza Reconstruction. 
They also allowed the entry of 700 tons of fodders.

On Monday, 11 May 2015, Israeli forces allowed the entry of 1000
tons of aggregate, 320 tons of cement and 60 tons of construction steel for the
UNRWA; 3120 tons of aggregate for the Gaza Reconstruction; 60 tons of
construction steel and 80 tons of cement for the Water Authority; and 320 tons
of cement for the Qatari Project.  They
also allowed the entry of 910 tons of fodders and 280 tons of wheat.

 

Plastic Containers returned by Israeli forces via Karm Abu Salem:

 

On Wednesday, 29 April 2015, Israeli forces returned 8 truckloads
of empty containers.

On Thursday, 30 April 2015, Israeli forces returned 8 truckloads
of empty containers.

On Tuesday, 05 May 2015, Israeli forces returned 9 truckloads of
empty containers and a truckload of oxygen cylinders.

 

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

06 – 11 May 2015

 

 

Notes:

On Friday, 08 May 2015, Israeli forces allowed 183 civilians to
cross through Erez in order to perform prayers in the al-Aqsa Mosque in East
Jerusalem.  They also allowed an
international worker to renew his permit.

On Sunday, 10 May 2015, Israeli forces allowed a civilian who
holds a residence card in the West Bank to return there.

 

West Bank

 

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

 

· Hebron:
Israeli forces have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of
Palestinian civilians. At approximately 07:00 on Thursday, 07 May 2015, Israeli
forces established a checkpoint at the entrance of Beit Kahel village,
northwest of Hebron.  Around the same
time, another checkpoint was established at the entrance of Northern Yata,
south of Hebron.  Later, both checkpoints
were removed, and no arrests were reported.

At approximately 07:00 on Friday, 08 May 2015, Israeli forces
established a checkpoint at the entrance of Ethna village, west of Hebron.  Later, both checkpoints were removed, and no
arrests were reported.

 

At approximately 07:30 on Sunday, 10 May 2015, Israeli forces
established a checkpoint, at the entrance of al-Mowareq village, west of Dura,
southwest of Hebron.  At approximately
08:00, another checkpoint was established at Bani Na’im village, west of Hebron.  Later, both checkpoints were removed, and no
arrests were reported.

 

At approximately 17:00 on Tuesday, 12 May 2015, Israeli forces
established a checkpoint at the entrance of Beit ‘Awwa village, south of Dura,
southwest of Hebron, and closed the iron gate established at the entrance.  At approximately 19:30, another checkpoint
was established at the entrance of Beit Kahel village, northwest of
Hebron.  Later, the checkpoint was
removed, and no arrests were reported.

 

· Ramallah: Israeli
forces have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of
Palestinian civilians. At approximately 12:00 on Thursday, 07 May 2015, Israeli
forces established a checkpoint at the northern entrance of ‘Ein Sinia village,
north of the city.  Later, the checkpoint
was removed and no arrests were reported. 
At approximately 19:00, they re-established at ‘Atara checkpoint at the
northern entrance of Bir Zeit, north of the city.  They later withdrew, and no arrests were
reported.   Around the same time, another checkpoint was
established at the entrance of ‘Ein Sinia village, north of Ramallah.  Later, both checkpoints were removed and no
arrests were reported.

 

At approximately 10:00 on Friday, 08 May 2015, Israeli forces closed
the eastern entrance of al-Nabi Saleh village, northeast of Ramallah. Around
the same time, another checkpoint was established under the bridge of Yabrud
village, northeast of the city.  At
approximately 11:00, another checkpoint was established at the entrance of
Ni’lin village, west of Ramallah.  At
approximately 20:00, another checkpoint was established near the intersection
of “‘Ofrah” settlement, north of Ramallah.  Later, all checkpoints were removed, and no
arrests were reported. 

 

At approximately 10:30 on Saturday, 09 May 2015, Israeli forces
established a checkpoint at the entrance of Ras Karkar village, northwest of
Ramallah.  At approximately 13:30, a
similar checkpoint was established at Qebia village, west of Ramallah.  At approximately 17:30, another checkpoint
was established at the entrance of Beit ‘Oar al-Foqa, southwest of Ramallah.  At approximately 18:00, another checkpoint
was established at the entrance of Deir Abu Mesh’al village, northwest of
Ramallah.  All checkpoints were later,
and no arrests were reported.

 

At approximately 17:00 on Sunday, 10 May 2015, israeli forces stationed
at the entrance of al-Nabi Saleh village, northwest of Ramallah, and detained
Usamah Belal ‘Abdel Salam Tamimi (19) when he was on his way back home.  The force officer questioned him on the spot
about the pictures of the participants in the weekly peaceful protest organized
in the village.  He was released half an
hour later.

At approximately 11:30 on Monday, 11 May 2015, Israeli forces
established a checkpoint under the bridge of Yabrud village, northeast of
Ramallah.  They then detained Haitham Mohammed
Khalaf (24) from Selwad village while passing through the checkpoint and took
him to “She’ar Benyamin” police station, northeast of Occupied
Jerusalem.  He was released two hours
later, and the checkpoint was removed.

 

· Qalqilya:  Israeli forces have continued to impose
severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians.  At approximately 14:00 on Friday, 08 May
2015, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the entrance of ‘Azoun
Village, southwest of Qalqilya.  At
approximately 19:00, another checkpoint was established at the eastern entrance
of Qalqilya, southeast of the city.  Later,
both checkpoints were removed, and no arrests were reported.

 

At approximately 19:00 on Saturday, 09 May 2015, Israeli forces
established a checkpoint at the entrance of ‘Azoun Village, southwest of
Qalqilya.  Later, the checkpoint was
removed, and no arrests were reported.

 

At approximately 08:00 on Sunday, 10 May 2015, Israeli forces
established a checkpoint at the entrance of ‘Azoun Village, southwest of
Qalqilya.  At approximately 17:00,
another checkpoint was established at the entrance of Amatin Village, southeast
of Qalqilya.  At approximately 19:30,
another checkpoint was established at the entrance of Jeensa’fout, southeast of
Qalqilya.  Later, all checkpoints were
removed, and no arrests were reported.

 

At approximately 08:00 on Monday, 11 May 2015, Israeli forces
established a checkpoint at the eastern entrance of Qalqilya, southeast of the
city.  Later, the checkpoint was removed,
and no arrests were reported.

 

· Jenin:  Israeli forces have continued to impose
severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians.  At approximately 08:30 on
Monday, 11 May 2015, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the
intersection of Zaboubah village, northwest of Jenin.  At approximately 08:30, another checkpoint
was established on the main road between Jenin, Tulkarm and Nablus near al-Shuhadaa’
intersection, south of Jenin.  At
approximately 18:00, another checkpoint was established at the entrance of
Ya’bod village, southwest of Jenin. The checkpoint was later removed, and no
arrests were reported.

 

· Jericho:  Israeli forces have continued to impose
severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians.  At approximately 10:30 on Friday, 08 May
2015, Israeli forces established a checkpoint near the entrance of Fasayel
village, north of the city.  At
approximately 20:20, another checkpoint was established at the southern
entrance of Jericho.  Later, both
checkpoints were removed, and no arrests were reported.

 

At approximately 10:30 on Monday, 11 May 2015, Israeli forces established
a checkpoint near the entrance of Fasayel village, north of the city.  At approximately 20:20, another checkpoint
was established at the southern entrance of Jericho.  Later, both checkpoints were removed, and no
arrests were reported.

· Tulkarm:  Israeli forces have continued to impose severe
restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. At approximately 09:00
on Thursday, 07 May 2015, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the
entrance of Far’on village, south of Tulkarm. 
The checkpoint was later removed, and no arrests were reported.  At approximately 12:30, Israeli forces stationed
at ‘Annab military checkpoint which is established on the road between Tulkarm
and Nablus, east of the city, tightened their restrictions against civilians
and obstructed their movement. Later that day, the tightening ended and no
arrests were reported.

 

At approximately 19:00 on Saturday, 09 May 2015, Israeli forces established
a checkpoint at the entrance of Shofah village, southeast of Tulkarm.  The checkpoint was later removed, and no
arrests were reported.

 

At approximately 14:30 on Sunday, 10 May 2015, Israeli forces stationed
at ‘Annab military checkpoint which is established on the road between Tulkarm
and Nablus, east of the city, tightened their restrictions against civilians
and obstructed their movement. Later that day, the tightening ended and no
arrests were reported.  The tightening
recurred at approximately 19:30 on the same checkpoint, but no arrests were
reported.

 

At approximately 09:00 on Monday, 11 May 2015, Israeli forces
established a checkpoint at the entrance of Far’on village, south of
Tulkarm.  At approximately 10:00, another
checkpoint was established at the entrance of Shofah village, southeast of
Tulkarm.  Both checkpoints were later
removed, and no arrests were reported.

 

Arrests and Maltreatment at
Military Checkpoints

 

· At approximately 10:30 on Friday,
08 May 2015, Israeli forces stationed at gate No. 914 of the annexation wall
near Falamiyah village, east of Qalqilya, arrested Mokhles Rakez ‘Aqel Tobah
(17) from Kafr Jammal, northeast of Qalqilya. 
He was later taken to unknown destination.

 

· On Sunday afternoon, 10 May
2015, Israeli forces stationed at the gate of the annexation wall established
at the entrance of Eastern Barta’ah village, which is isolated from its
surroundings due to the annexation wall, west of Jenin, arrested Fayez Mohammed
Fayez Qobaha (23) from Western Tourah village, west of Jenin, while passing
through the checkpoint.  He was then
taken to an unknown destination.

 

· At approximately 10:00 on
Tuesday, 12 May 2015, Israeli forces stationed at the electronic gate leading
to al-Ibrahimi Mosque in the center of the old city in the center of Hebron
arrested ’emad Sa’di Soliman al-Tarwah (22) claiming that he had a knife.  They later took him to an unknown
destination.

 

 

 

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.

 

Settlement expansion, demolitions and
house demolition notices

 

· At approximately 06:00 on Thursday,
07 May 2015, Israeli forces accompanied by 2 vehicles of the Israeli Civil
Administration and 2 bulldozers moved into the south of al-Ramadeen village,
southwest of Hebron. They stationed between Om Sedrah and al-Masamrah areas and
damaged the electricity network between the 2 areas under the pretext it was in
area (C). As a result, 30 electricity poles were damaged and the abovementioned
areas had a power outage. When Palestinians tried to stop Israeli forces, the
soldiers fired sound bombs and tear gas canisters in response. As a result, a
number of Palestinians suffered tear gas inhalation and Moheeb Hassan Zagharnah
(17) was arrested.

It should
be noted that the 2 residential compounds in Om al-Sedrah and al-Masamrah are
30 meters away from the annexation wall and are inhabited by 250 persons. The
electricity network that was damaged was established there in 2008.

 

· At approximately 16:00, on
Sunday, 10 May 2015, Israeli forces demolished the tomb of Shaikh Kamel in Beit
Dajan village, east of Nablus. They also seized all the stones by which the
tomb was built.

 

· At approximately 10:00 on
Tuesday, 12 May 2015, Israeli forces accompanied by Civil Administration
vehicles moved into Sousya village, south of Yatta, south of Hebron. They
handed Khalil Afani al-Nawaj’a a summons to halt construction works in 2
residential tents under the pretext they were not licensed. It should be noted
that on 04 May 2015, Israeli authorities refused through the Israeli Supreme
Court to issue a temporary order to obstruct the decision that was issued to
demolish all the houses of the village, in which about 300 persons live, as the
court’ decision allows Israeli forces to implement the order anytime. In the
meantime, settlers seized control over 3,000 dunums of the village lands and
established “Sousya” settlement, 
to the east of the village.

 

Settlers’ attacks against
Palestinian civilians and their property

 

· At approximately 07:30 on
Friday, 08 May 2015, 3 settlers from “Sousya” settlement, south of
Yatta, south of Hebron, cut off branches of 3 old olive trees belonging to
Mohammed Mosallam al-Nawaj’a in Kherbet Sousya. Settlers’ attacks increased
after the Israeli court issued a decision allowing Israeli forces and Civil
Administration to evacuate Kherbet Sousya from its residents under the pretext
there is no infrastructure in the Kherbe.

 

 

· At approximately 19:00 on
Saturday, 09 May 2015, a group of settlers attacked a number of civilian houses
in Tal al-Rumaida neighborhood, in the center of Hebron. They stopped the
houses residents and denied them access to their houses. The settlers threw
stones at a house belonging to Yasser Abu Markhiya and attempted to raid the
house and attack his children in front of the Israeli soldiers who deployed in
the neighborhood. The residents are subjected to physical search and observed
by surveillance cameras fixed on the walls to protect settlers from “Ramat
Shai” settlement, in the center of the neighborhood. Moreover, there are
military checkpoints established at the eastern and western entrances of
neighborhood.

 

· On Tuesday early morning, 12
May 2015, Israeli forces accompanied by a bulldozer moved into agricultural
lands that are rented to cut off construction stones, east of Silwad village,
northeast of Ramallah. The bulldozer demolished a wall and tin plates belonging
to Abdullah Tawfiq Ahmed Hamed (63) for no apparent reason. It should be noted
that Israeli forces demolished a barrack belonging to the aforementioned person
on 16 March 2015 under the pretext of non-licensing. The barrack was used to
store work equipment and tools.  

 

 

 

 

 

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;

 

 

 

 

 

…………………………………………………………

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.