• Israeli forces continued to use excessive force against the peaceful protestors in the Gaza Strip.
• A woman and a child were killed during the 42nd week of the Return and Breaking the Siege March.
• 143 civilians, including 34 children, 3 women, 3 journalists, and 3 paramedics, were wounded; the injury of 3 of them were reported serious.

• Seven civilians, including 2 journalists and a paramedic, were wounded, in the West Bank.

• Israeli forces continued to open fire at the border areas in the Gaza Strip, but no casualties were reported.

• Israeli warplanes fired 9 missiles at checkpoints belonging to the Palestinian armed groups and empty lands.

• Israeli forces conducted 100 incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank and 2 limited incursions into the northern Gaza Strip.
• 73 civilians, including 10 children, were arrested.
• 11 of them, including a child, were arrested in Jerusalem.

• Israeli authorities continued to create a Jewish majority in occupied East Jerusalem.
• The Israeli Law Enforcement Department handed a notice to al-Sabbagh Family in order to evacuate their residential building, which shelters 5 families, including 45 members, in al-Shaiekh Jarrah neighborhood.

• Israeli authorities continued their settlement activities in the West Bank.
• Israeli forces demolished a house in al-Fasayil village, north of Jericho.
• 1200 forest tree seedlings were damaged, a civilian vehicle sustained damage and a human rights activist sustained wounds.

• Israeli Forces continued to open fire at the fishing boats in the sea.
• 2 Palestinian fishermen were arrested in addition to confiscating their fishing boats.

• Israeli forces turned the West Bank into cantons and continued to impose the illegal closure on the Gaza Strip for the 12th consecutive year.
• 103 permanent checkpoints, 103 temporary checkpoints and 14 closed roads obstruct the movement of Palestinian civilians in the West Bank.
• 15 civilians, including 2 children, were arrested at the military checkpoints in the West Bank.

 Summary

Israeli violations of international law and international humanitarian law in the oPt continued during the reporting period (10 – 16 January 2019).

Shooting:

In the Gaza Strip, the Israeli forces continued to use lethal force against the participants in the peaceful protests organized along the Gaza Strip borders, which witnessed the peaceful protests for the 42^nd week along the eastern and northern border area of the Gaza Strip.  In the Gaza Strip, the Israeli forces killed 2 Palestinian, including a child and woman, and wounded 143 civilians, including 34 children, 3 women, 3 journalists, and 3 paramedics.  The injury of 3 of those wounded was reported serious.  In the West Bank, the Israeli forces wounded 7 civilians, including 2 journalists and a paramedic in separate shooting incidents.

In the Gaza Strip, On 11 January 2019, the Israeli forces killed Amal al-Termasi (44) from al-Sheikh Redwan in Gaza City after she was hit with a bullet to the head at approximately 15:50.  At the time of being wounded, she was around 200 meters away from the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israeli in eastern Gaza City.

At approximately 05:00 on Monday, 14 January 2019, medical sources at al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City, declared the death of ‘Abdel Ra’ouf Salhah (13) from Block 8 Street in Jabalia refugee camp, succumbing to wounds he sustained in the northern Gaza Strip in 11 November 2019.  The above-mentioned child was directly hit to the left side of his head with a teargas canister, causing acute bleeding and laceration in the brain in addition to a swelling.  As a result, he was taken for treatment in al-Shifa Hospital, where he stayed in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) until his death was declared.

As part of using excessive force against the peaceful protesters along the Gaza Strip borders, during the reporting period, Israeli forces wounded 143 civilians, including 34 children, 3 women, 3 journalists, and 3 paramedics.  The injury of 3 of those wounded was reported serious.

Injuries in the Gaza Strip between 10 and 16 January 2019 According to the Governorate

Governorate	Injuries
	Total	Children	Women	Journalists	Paramedics	Critical Injuries
Northern Gaza Strip	23	8	0	0	1	1
Gaza City	70	16	0	1	0	0
Central Gaza Strip	14	3	3	1	0	0
Khan Younis	23	4	0	1	1	1
Rafah	13	3	0	0	1	1
Total	143	34	3	3	3	3

As part of targeting the Palestinian fishermen in the sea, the Israeli forces continued to escalate their attacks against the Palestinian fishermen, indicating the on-going Israeli policy to target their livelihoods.  During the reporting period, PCHR documented 6 incidents that resulted in the arrest of 2 sibling fishermen and confiscation of their boats.

As part of targeting the border areas, on 10 January 2019, Israeli soldiers opened fire at the border area adjacent to the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel in eastern al-Shija’iyah neighbourhood in eastern Gaza City.

On 11 January 2019, Israeli forces fired an artillery shell at a border control point belonging to al-Qassam Brigades in the vicinity of the Return Encampment in Malaka area in eastern Gaza City.

On 12 January 2019, Israeli soldiers opened fire at farmers and shepherds in eastern Deir al-Balah in central Gaza Strip and eastern Jabalia in the northern Gaza Strip.  Meanwhile, the Israeli forces fired artielly shells at a border control point belonging to al-Qassam Brigades in eastern Shija’iyah neighbourhood in estern Gaza City.

On 13 January 2019, Israeli forces sporadically opened fire at farmers and shepherds in the northern Gaza Strip.

On 16 January 2019, Israeli soldiers stationed along the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel opened fire at the agricultural lands in eastern al-Maghazi and Deir al-Balah in the central Gaza Strip, but no casualties were reported.

As part of the airstrikes, on 12 January 2019, Israeli warplanes carried out 4 airstrikes launching 7 missiles at vacant lands and a border control point belonging to the Palestinian armed groups in eastern al-Shija’iyah neighbourhood in eastern Gaza City in the vicinity of al-Rayes Mount in north-eastern al-Tofah neighbourhood.  However, no casualties were reported.

On 13 January 2019, Israeli drones fired 2 missiles at a border control point in eastern Khuza’ah village, east of Khan Younis City.  No casualties were reported.

In the West Bank, during the reporting period, Israeli forces wounded 7 Palestinian civilians, including 2 journalists and a paramedic, in separate shooting incidents.

Incursions:

During the reporting period, Israeli forces conducted at least 100 military incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank and 4 similar incursions into Jerusalem and its suburbs. During those incursions, Israeli forces arrested at least 62 Palestinians, including 9 children, in the West Bank.  Moreover, 11 others, including a child, were arrested in Jerusalem and its suburbs.

In the Gaza Strip, on 15 January 2019, Israeli forces moved 100 meters into Landfill area, north of the Agriculture School in northern Beit Hanoun in the northern Gaza Strip.  On 16 January 2019, they also moved 100 meters into the western side of the border fence with Israel opposite to the Memorial Site in the south-eastern side of Beit Hanoun in the northern Gaza Strip.  They levelled and combed lands that were previously levelled amidst sporadic shooting.  However, no casualties or damage to property was reported.

Israeli Forces Continued to Create a Jewish Majority in East Jerusalem City:

As part of Seizure of Palestinian Civilians’ property in favour of settlement assocaitions, On Thursday morning, 10 January 2019, the Israeli Law Enforcement Department handed al-Sabagh family a notice to evacuate their building, which shelters 5 families, including 45 persons. The Israeli Execution and Procedure Department gave the family until 21 January 2019 to evacuate the building. Mohammad al-Sabbagh (65) said that this notice came to implement Magistrate’s Court decision against al-Sabbagh family and in favor of settlers. This order came after the Israeli Supreme Court rejected the family’s lawyer request to open Sheikh Jarrah’s ownership file and request for a 5-judge panel instead of 3. Mohammad al-Sabbagh confirmed that 48 families are threatened to be expelled in Karm al-Ja’ouni area in Sheikh Jarrah, where al-Sabbagh family lives from 1956. Al-Sabbagh family is one of 19 others who have cases pending in the Israeli courts. The settlement associations seek to expel Palestinian civilians from the aforementioned neighborhood.

Israeli Forces continued their settlement activities, and the settlers continued their attacks against Palestinian civilians and their property

As part of settlement crimes and demolitions, 16 January 2016, Israeli forces demolished a house belonging to ‘Abed al-Hadi ‘Ali ‘Abiat (40), in Fasayil village, north of Jericho, under the pretext of non-licensing. ‘Abed al-Hadi said to PCHR’s fieldworker that the Israeli forces accompanied with military bulldozers moved into the village and surrounded his house without a prior warning. They forcibly got him and his children out of the house and then completely demolished the house. He added that his house was comprised of a 30-sqaure-meter room built with concrete and roofed with tin plates.

Following that, the Israeli forces moved into al-Nwei’amah village, north of Jericho, where they surrounded a house belonging to Soliman Abu Kharbeish and completely demolished it.  The house was comprised of 3 rooms, a kitchen and bathroom.

As part of the Israeli settlers’ attacks against the Palestinians civilians and their property, PCHR’s fieldworkers documented during the reporting period 6 attacks carried out by Israeli settlers.  As a result, 1200 forest tree seedlings were damaged, a civilian car sustained damage and a Fieldworker at “B’tselem'” sustained wounds to his left leg and right hand after he was attacked by one of the Israeli settlers’ dogs in Um al-‘Omar area, east of Yata in southern Hebron.

Details

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

Thursday, 10 January 2019:

• At approximately 00:30, Israeli forces moved into Kafur Qadoom village, north of Qalqilia. They raided and searched houses and then arrested three civilians, including two children. The arrested civilians were identifies as Mohammed ‘Amro Ishtewy (20), ‘Abed al-Rahman Dawod Ishtewy (16) and Hamza Mustafa Ishtewy (17).

• At approximately 01:30, Israeli forces moved into Ya’bod village, southwest of Jenin. They raided and searched a house belonging to Monadel Ya’qob ‘Abed al-Jabar Nfai’at (25) and then arrested him, taking them to an unknown destination.

• Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Jenin. They raided and searched a house belonging to Mohammad Yahya Abu Jhaisha (28) and then arrested him, taking him to an unknown destination.

• Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into ‘Azoon village, east of Qalqilia. They raided and searched a house belonging to ‘Abed al-Kareem Mohammed Hussain (22) and then arrested him, taking him to an unknow destination.

• At approximately 01:50, Israeli forces moved into Tulkarm. They raided and searched a house belonging to Ahmed Ibraheem Hussain Abu Dajy (24) and then arrested him, taking him to an unknown destination. 

• At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into Jenin. They raided and searched a house belonging to Nedal Amin Zeedan (23) and then arrested him, taking him to an unknown destination. 

• Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Jenin refugee camp, west of Jenin. They raided and searched several houses, from which they arrested Yahya Bassam al-Sa’dy (22) and Bahaa’ Hassan Abu Tabeekh (23), taking them to an unknown destination.

• Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into many neighbourhoods in Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to Mo’ath Tawfeeq al-Rejby (39) and no arrests among its residents were reported. Moreover, the Israeli forces raided and searched 2 houses belonging to Mohammed Redwan al-Hashlamon (33) and Isma’il Fawaz al-Qawasma (28) and then arrested both of them.

•  At approximately 02:30, Israeli forces moved into Kafur Ne’ma village, west of Ramallah. They raided and searched 2 houses belonging to Ayoub Ihsan Nasser (14) and Ass’ad Ahmed ‘Ataya (17) and then arrested them, taking them to an unknown destination.

• Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Dir Samet village, southwest of Dura, southwest of Hebron and then stationed in al-Simya neighbourhood. They raided and searched a house belonging to Isma’il Shaher al-Shrawna (40) and then arrested him, taking him to an unknown destination.
• At approximately 03:30, Israeli forces moved into Dura, southwest of Hebron, and then stationed in Abu al-Qomra neighbourhood. They raided and searched a house belonging to Ahmed Bassam al-Zeer (23) and then arrested him, taking him to an unknown destination. After that, Israeli forces moved into al-Shorfa neighbourhood, where they raided and searched a house belonging to Hassan Mahmoud Abu Znaid (30) and then arrested him, taking him to an unknown destination.

• At approximately 06:50, Israeli gunboats stationed off Rafah shore, south of the Gaza Strip, chased Palestinian fishing boats sailing within 4 nautical miles and opened fire at them, causing fear and panic among fishermen. As a result, the Palestinian fishermen fled for fear of their lives and no casualties were reported.

• At approximately 07:25, Israeli gunboats stationed off al-Sodaniyia shore, west of Jabalia, north of the Gaza Strip, heavily opened fire at Palestiniann fishing boats sailing within 4 nautical miles and chased them.  The shooting continued until 13:10, causing fear and panic among fishermen. As a result, the Palestinian fishermen fled for fear of their lives and no casualties were reported.

• At approximately 10:00, Israeli forces stationed along the border fence with Israel, east of Sjhuja’eya neighborhood, east of Gaza City, heavily opened fire at lands adjacent to the border fence and at Palestinian farmers. As a result, the farmers fled for fear of their lives, and no casualties were reported.

• At approximately 13:30, Israeli gunboats stationed off Beit Lahia Shore opened fire at Palestinian fishing boats sailing in the sea. The Israeli gunboats then surrounded a fishing boat sailing within 3 nautical miles. The fishing boat belongs to Khaled Mohamed Meqdad and was manned by Mohamed Mahmoud Ishkontana (22) and his brother, Mahmoud (21), who are both from al-Shati’ refugee camp in Gaza City. The Israeli naval soldiers then ordered the fishermen to take off their clothes, jump into the water and swain towards the gunboat. They were arrested in addition to detaining the fishing boat taking them to Ashdod Seaport. Zakariya Baker, Head of the Fishermen Union, said that Israeli forces arrested the fishermen while sailing within 3 nautical miles off shore and 2 km away from maritime borders with Israel. Some fishermen also said that due to the heavy Israeli shooting at the boat, it was set on fire while the two fishermen were on board. Despite all of that, the fishermen were arrested and their boat was confiscated. At approximately 19:00 on the same day, the Israeli authorities released the two fishermen after interrogating them through Beit Hanoun “Erez Crossing” while the boat is so far under custody.

• At approximately 19:30, Israeli forces backed by military vehicle moved into Ramallah from all its entrances and patrolled the city. They then raided houses and threw tear gas canisters and sound bombs around them. Moreover, the Israeli forces raided a number of shops in al-Mayssoon neighborhood and confiscated surveillance cameras. In the meantime, a number of Palestinian young men gathered and threw stones, empty bottles and Molotov cocktails at the Israeli soldiers, who fired rubber bullets and tear gas canisters at them. As a result, dozens of civilians, including a journalist namely Mo’tasem Saqf al-Hait, suffered tear gas inhalation. No arrests or injuries among civilians were reported.

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (6) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: Nahaleen and al-Kader villages in Bethlehem; Beit Ummar, Beit Kahel, Ethna, and Imraish villages in Hebron.

Friday, 11 January 2019:

• At approximately 03:00, Israeli forces moved into Kafur Ne’ma village, west of Ramallah. They raided and searched a house belonging to jabber Medhat ‘Abdo (26) and then arrested him, taking him to an unknown destination.

• At approximately 04:00, Israeli forces moved into Bi’lin village, west of Ramallah, where they carried out arrests. They patrolled the village’s streets and then raided and searched houses. Dozens of Palestinian young men gathered and threw stones and empty bottles at the Israeli soldiers, who immediately fired live and rubber bullets and tear gas canisters at them. As a result, Haitham al-Khateeb (30), a photojournalist, was hit with a rubber bullet to the right foot and was taken to Palestinian medical Complex in Ramallah to receive treatment. Doctors classified his wounds as moderate. During the incursion, the Israeli forces arrested Tariq Abu Rahma (33) and Mahdi Abu Rahma (26), taking them to an unknown destination.

• At approximately 17:15, Israeli forces stationed along the border fence with Israel, fired an artillery shell at a checkpoint belonging to al-Qassam Brigades (the armed wing of Hamas) in the vicinity of the Return camp in Malaka area, east of Gaza City. The checkpoint located around 200 meters to the west of the border fence was completely destroyed and no casualties were reported.

• At approximately 19:00, Israeli forces arrested B’Tselem Center’s fieldworker identified as Nasser Nawaj’a while he was along with a group of civilians and heads of Yatta village’s committees in Bir al-‘Ad area. Nasser was arrested while he was on his way to visit Zeyad Mkhamra after being beaten by a group of settlers while he was in his land.  Nasser was then taken to “Sosya” settlement and released near his village after few hours of arrest.  

• At approximately 23:35, Israeli gunboats stationed off al-Sodaniyia shore, west of Jabalia, north of the Gaza Strip, heavily opened fire at Palestinian fishing boats sailing within 4 nautical miles and chased them, causing fear and panic among fishermen. As a result, the fishermen fled for fear of their lives and no casualties were reported.

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (12) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: Bazarya village, northwest of Nablus; Sa’ir and Bani Na’im villages in Hebron;  Baqa al-Sharqeya, al-Nazla al-Sharqya, Nazlet ‘Issa, al-Nazla al-Gharbia, and al-Nazla al-Wosta villages; Nour Shams and Toolkarem refuge camps in Tulkarm; and ‘Azzoun village in eastern Qalqiliyia.

Saturday, 12 January2019:

• At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into ‘Erana village, northeast of Jenin. They raided and searched houses, from which they arrested ‘Abdallah (22) and his brother Mohammed Waleed Abu Hanana (26); and Rabee’ (20) and his brother Ahmed Tayseer al-‘Amry (22).

• At approximately 07:15, Israeli gunboats stationed off al-Waha resort shore, northwest of Beit Lahia, north of the Gaza Strip, heavily opened fire at Palestinian fishing boats sailing within 3 nautical miles and chased them. At approximately 11:40, they opened fire at Palestinian fishing boats, causing fear and panic among fishermen, who fled for fear of their lives and no casualties were reported.

• At approximately 10:50, Israeli forces stationed along the border fence with Israel, opened fire at shepherds, east of Deir al-Balah in the central Gaza Strip. As a result, the shepherds were forced to leave for fear of their lives and no casualties were reported.

• At approximately 16:00, Israeli forces stationed in military watchtowers in vicinity of al-Shuhada’ Islamic Cemetery, east of Jabalia, north of the Gaza Strip, heavily opened fire at the areas adjacent to the border fence with Israel and threw tear gas canisters at Palestinian farmers and shepherds. As a result, the farmers and shepherds were forced to leave for fear of their lives and no casualties were reported.

• At approximately 18:00, Israeli forces backed by 10 military vehicles moved into Ramallah and stationed in ‘Ain Monjed neighborhood. They fired sound bombs at shops and houses and confiscated surveillance cameras. In the meantime, Palestinian young men closed streets with stone barricades and vehicles tires. They also threw stones, empty bottles and Molotov cocktails at the Israeli soldiers, who heavily fired live and rubber bullets and tear gas canisters at them. As a result, 4 civilians, including a paramedic, were wounded. Moreover, a number of journalists and civilians suffered tear gas inhalation. The wounded civilians were taken to Palestine Medical Complex, where their injuries were classified as moderate. The wounded paramedic namely Hamza M’aly (29), was hit with a rubber bullet to the head.

• At approximately 23:05, an Israeli drone fired a missile at an empty land located in vicinity of al-Yarmook Site belonging to the Palestinian armed groups, east of al-Shuja’eya neighborhood, east of Gaza City. Five minutes later, the Israeli warplanes fired 2 missiles at the same site and no casualties were reported.

• At approximately 23:20, an Israeli tank stationed along the border fence with Israel, targeted a checkpoint belonging to al-Qassm Brigades (the armed wing of Hamas Movement) east of al-Shuja’eya neighborhood, east of Gaza City. The checkpoint was 200 meters away southern the border fence. Five minutes later, the Israeli warplanes fired a missile at the same checkpoint, destroying it completely. No casualties were reported.

• At approximately 23:30 Israeli warplanes fired 4 missiles at an empty land located in vicinity of al-Rayess Mount, northeast of al-Tuffah neighborhood, northeast of Gaza City and no casualties were reported.

• At approximately 23:40, Israeli forces moved into Dir al-Ghosson village, north of Toolkarem. They raided and searched a house belonging to Mowafaq ‘Abed al-Jabar Abu Zaytoon (54) and then arrested him, taking him to an unknown destination.

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (6) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: Tulkarem; Shwaika and al-Jaroshya villages and Tulkarem refugee camp in Tulkarem.

Sunday, 13 January 2019

• At approximately 01:00, Israeli forces moved into Taqquo’ village, southeast of Bethlehem. They raided and searched a house belonging to ‘Odai Mahmoud al-‘Omour (16) and then arrested him, taking him to an unknown destination. Moreover, they fixed warning posters on shops’ doors threatening the prisoners’ families of withdrawing the permits that allow them to work in Israel and imposing high fines if throwing stones is continued.

• Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Kharass village, west of Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to Sa’eed Mohameed Halahla (24) and then arrested him, taking him to an unknow destination.

• At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into Qalqilia. They raided and searched a house belonging to Islam Fayez Nazal (27) and then arrested him, taking him to an unknown destination.

• At approximately 02:30, Israeli forces moved into Beit Ummar village, north of Hebron.  They raided and searched houses and then arrested Qotaiba Nader al-‘Alamy (23) and Odai (21) and his brother Khaleel Bassam Z’ageed (24), taking them to an unknown destination.

• At approximately 08:00, Israeli forces stationed in military watchtowers to the east of Beit Hanoun Erez Crossing, northwest of Beit Hanoun, north of the Gaza Strip, sporadically opened fire at the areas adjacent to the border fence with Israel at Palestinian farmers and shepherds. As a result, the farmers and the shepherds were forced to leave for fear of their lives and no casualties were reported.

• At approximately 17:30, Israeli drones fired 2 missiles at a watchtower located 150 meters away from the field medical point in the Return camp, east of Khuza’a village, east of Khan Yunis. The watchtower was damaged and no casualties were reported. Moreover, the bombardment caused fear among civilians participating in the Return March.

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (14) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: al-Doha and Dar Saleh villages in Bethlehem; Yatta; Beit Ula village; al-Fawar refugee camp and Beit al-Roosh al-Tahta village in Hebron; ‘Eszbet Shofa, Rameen, Koor, Safareen, Kafr Sour, and Beit Leed villages in ToolKarem; Qalqilia and Jeet village northeast of Qalqilia.

Monday, 14 January 2019

• At approximately 01:00, Israeli forces moved into al-‘Aroub refugee camp, north of Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to Hamza Bassam Jawabrah (23) and then arrested him.

• Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Taqqou’a village, southeast of Bethlehem. They raided and searched a house belonging to Ahmed Suliman al-‘Amour (20) and then arrested him.

• At approximately 20:30, Israeli forces moved into Sureef village, northwest of Hebron and then stationed in al-Matniyia neighborhood. They raided and searched a house belonging to ‘Izz al-Deen Mohamed al-Hour (27) and then arrested him.

• Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into al-Tabaqah village, south of Dura, southwest of Hebron. They raided and searched houses, from which they handed 3 persons notices to refer to the Israeli Intelligence Service in “ Gush Etizon“ settlement, south of Bethlehem. Those persons were identified as Mohamed Salem Harbiyat (31), Ahmed Salama Abu Ras (36) and Monther Mohamed Abu ‘Atwan (49).

• Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Harmalah village, east of Bethlehem. They raided and searched a house belonging to Nasri Hamad al-Zair (50) and then handed his sons, Hamdi (22) and Firas (24) summonses to refer to the Israeli Intelligence Service in“ Gush Etizon“ settlement, south of Bethlehem.

• At approximately 03:00, Israeli forces moved into Ramallah and stationed in al-Tirah neighborhood. They raided and searched a house belonging to Rami Rezeq Fadayil (40) and then arrested him. It should be noted that Rami was a former prisoner and served a year in the Israeli jails.

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (8) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: Qabatia village, southeast of Jenin; Tarquimiyia, Beit Olah, Abu ‘Asjah, Raboud, and Dir ‘Asal villages in Hebron; and Ni’lin and Beit Rima villages in Ramallah and al-Bireh.

Tuesday, 15  January 2019

• At approximately 01:00, Israeli forces moved into Taqqou’a village, southeast of Bethlehem. They raided and searched a house belonging to Bahaa Khaled al-Badan (22) and then arrested him.

• Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Nablus. They raided and searched a house belonging to Bahaa ‘Etimad Qasrawi (25), from al-Hadaf neighborhood, west of the city, and then arrested him.

• Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Jenin refugee camp, west of Jenin. They raided and searched a house belonging to Ratib ‘Abed al-Kareem ‘Owais (23) and then arrested him.

• At approximately 01:30, Israeli forces moved into al-Doha village, west of Bethlehem. They raided and searched a house belonging to Mohamed Hasan Abu ‘Ajimah (15) and then arrested him.

• Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into ‘Askar camp, northeast of Nablus. They raided and searched a house belonging to Fadi Mohamed Abu Hadrous (28) and then arrested him.

• Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Hebron. They raided and searched houses, from which they arrested Hamza Hussni Naser al-Deen (19), Hasan ‘Abed al-Salam al’Owawi (20) and Ahmed Mohamed Mahfouz (25).

• At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into Beit Fujjar village, south of Bethlehem. They raided and searched houses, from which they arrested Mohamed Nabil Thawabtah (15) and Mohanad Bader Thawabtah (16).

• Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Balatah al-Balad village, east of Nablus. They raided and searched a house belonging to Sa’ied Ja’far ‘Issa Dowikat (27) and then arrested him. Following that, the Israeli forces raided Naser Allah residential building located in the abovementioned village, adjacent to al-Hisbah intersection. In the residential building, there is an auto repair workshop belonging to As’ad Faheem As’ad Naser Allah. The Israel forces confiscated machines from the workshop before fixing a notice on the workshop door. The confiscated items were identified as 5 lathes.

• Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Beit Ummer village, north of Hebron. They raided and searched 2 houses belonging to Mohamed Mahmoud ‘Awad (28) and Morshed Mohamed Za’aqeeq (26) and then arrested both of them.

• At approximately 02:15, Israeli forces moved into Ya’boud village, southwest of Jenin. They raided and searched houses, from which they arrested 6 civilians, including 2 siblings. The arrested civilians were identified as Majd Ahmed Ba’jawi (23), ‘Abdullah Maher Abu Baker (20), Jehad ‘Allam Abu Baker (19), Qaysar Ya’qoub Nafi’at (22), and ‘Adel Hitham ‘Amarnah (24).

• At approximately 02:30, Israeli forces moved into Balatah refugee camp, east of Nablus, and then stationed near an UNRWA office at the camp’s entrance.  They raided a house belonging to Ghazi ‘Izzat Saqer and then ordered his mother, Najah ‘Abed al-Salam al-Farran Saqer (62), to bring her sons into the living room. She brought her sons and they stayed in the living room. The soldiers then asked her to bring money and gold before searching the house. She brought money estimated at NIS 2750 and 3 rings, putting them on a table. After that, the Israeli soldiers searched the house and locked all the family members in the living room. At approximately 04:10, the Israeli forces confiscated money estimated at NIS 2702, left the rings and handed Ghazi’s mother a paper clarifying the confiscated money. No arrests among the family members were reported.  

• At approximately 02:40, Israeli forces moved into Abu Qarsh village, north of Ramallah. They raided and searched a house belonging to Mohamed Saher Qa’ied (28) and then arrested him.

• Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Kafur ‘Ain village, northwest of Ramallah. They raided and searched a house belonging to ‘Asef al-Refa’i (22) and then arrested him.

• At approximately 03:00, Israeli forces moved into al-‘Aroub refugee camp, north of Hebron. They raided and searched 3 houses belonging to Mohamed Mahmoud Hasaniyah (44); Murad Yousef Abu Ghazi (16), who was killed by the Israeli forces on 17 March 2017 during clashed occurred in the camp; and Khaled Mahmoud Jawabrah (19), who was killed by the Israeli forces on 26 November 2015. No arrests among civilians were reported.

• At approximately 08:00, Israeli forces backed by 2 tanks and 2 bulldozers moved 100 meters to a landfill area, north of the agriculture school, north of Beit Hanoun in the northern Gaza Strip. The Israeli bulldozers leveled lands amidst Israeli sporadic shooting. At approximately 11:00 on the same day, the Israeli vehicles redeployed along the border fence with Israel, and no injuries or damages were reported. The incursion caused fear among Palestinian farmers, who were working in their lands.

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (5) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: Beit Foreek village, east of Nablus; Tayaseer village, east of Tubas; and al-Fawar refugee camp, al-Hadab and al-Dahiriyia villages in Hebron.

Wednesday, 16 January 2019

• At approximately 00:30, Israeli forces moved into ‘Anza village, south of Jenin, in order to carry out arrests. A group of Palestinian young men gathered and threw stones and empty bottles at the Israeli soldiers, who fired live and rubber bullets at the Palestinians. As a result, a 24-year-old male was hit with a live bullet to the left thigh and was then taken to Khalil Suliman Governmental Hospital in Jenin to receive medical treatment. The injury of wounded civilian was classified as moderate.

• At approximately 01:30, Israeli forces moved into Yatta, south of Hebron, and then stationed in Roq’ah area. They raided and searched a house belonging to a prisoner Khalil Yousef ‘Ali Jebren (17), who was arrested on 16 September 2018, after the Israeli forces opened fire at him at the entrance to “Rami Lifi” market in “Gush Etzion” settlement, south of Bethlehem, under the pretext of carrying out a stabbing attack. The Israeli forces took photos of the house and later withdrew. No arrests among civilians were reported. It should be noted that the Israeli forces previously took measures of the house and handed its residents a demolition notice. The family submitted an appeal to the Israeli Supreme Court.

• Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Taqqou’a village, southeast of Bethlehem. They raided and searched houses, from which they arrested 3 civilians, including a child. The arrested civilians were identified as Hazem ‘Abdullah Sabbah (18), Mohamed Khaled al-‘Amour (15) and Mohamed Hashim al-Sha’ir (32).

• Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Hosan village, west of Bethlehem. They raided and searched a house belonging to Ibrahim Khaled Hamarah (21) and then arrested him.

• At approximately 04:30, Israeli forces moved into al-Bireh and then stationed in the education suburb located in the northern area of the city. They raided and searched a house belonging to Eyad Hasan Abu Subaieh (36) and then arrested him.

• At approximately 07:20, Israeli forces stationed along the border fence with Israel, east of al-Maghazi camp in the central Gaza Strip, sporadically opened fire at agricultural lands, east of al-Maghazi, and no injuries among civilians were reported.

• At approximately 08:20, Israeli forces stationed along the border fence with Israel, east of Dir al-Balah in the central Gaza Strip, sporadically opened fire at agricultural lands, east of Dir al-Balah, and no injuries among civilians were reported.

• At approximately 10:00, Israeli forces backed by 3 bulldozers and 2 tanks moved 100 meters into the west of the border fence with Israel, adjacent to the Memorial Statute, southeast Beit Hanoun, north of the Gaza Strip. The Israeli bulldozers leveled lands amidst Israeli sporadic shooting. At approximately 11:00 on the same day, the Israeli vehicles redeployed along the border fence with Israel, and no injuries or damages were reported.

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (3) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: ‘Ajjah village, south of Jenin; and Beit ‘Awaa and al-Moreq villages in Hebron.

Use of Force against Demonstrations in Protest against the U.S. President’s Decision to Recognize Jerusalem as the Capital of Israel:

Israeli forces continued its excessive use of lethal force against peaceful demonstration organized by Palestinian civilians in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, and it was named as “The Great March of Return and Breaking Siege.” The demonstration was in protest against the U.S. President Donald Trump’s declaration to move the U.S. Embassy to it. According to PCHR fieldworkers’ observations, the border area witnessed large participation by Palestinian civilians as the Israeli forces continued to use upon highest military and political echelons excessive force against the peaceful demonstrators, though the demonstration were fully peaceful. The demonstration was as follows during the reporting period:

Gaza Strip:

In the 42nd  week of the March of Return and Breaking Siege activities, Israeli forces killed 2 Palestinian civilians, including a woman and a child. They also wounded 143 civilians, including 34 children, 3 women, 3 journalists and 3 paramedics.  The injury of 3 of them were reported as serious. The incidents were as follows:

• Gaza City: Israeli forces killed Amal Mustafa al-Termassy (44) from al-Sheikh Redwan neighborhood in Gaza City after being hit with a live bullet to the head at approximately 15:50 while she was 200 meters away western the border fence with Israel. Moreover, the Israeli forces wounded 70 civilians, including 16 children and a journalist. Forty-nine civilians were hit with live bullets, 20 were directly hit with tear gas canisters and a civilian was hit with a rubber bullet. The wounded journalist namely Hussain ‘Abed al-Jawad Karssou’ (43) who works as a photojournalist at Global News, was hit with a tear gas canister to the head.

• Northern Gaza Strip: The Israeli shooting at Palestinian demonstrates resulted in the injury of 23 civilians, including 8 children and a paramedic. Six of them were hit with live bullets and shrapnel and 17 were directly hit with tear gas canisters. The injury of one of them namely ‘Abed al-Ra’oof Isma’il Mohammed Salha (13) from Jabalia refugee camp, was classified as critical. The wounded child was directly hit with a tear gas canister to the left side of the head, which resulted in severe bleeding and brain swelling and laceration. He was taken to al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza, where he was admitted to intensive care unit (ICU) until his death was declared at approximately 05:00 on Monday, 14 January 2019. The wounded paramedic, Anas ‘Abed al-Latif Salha (26), who works at the Palestinian Medical Relief Society, was hit with a tear gas canister to the left hand.

• Central Gaza Strip: Israeli forces firing live bullets and tear gas canisters, which continued until approximately 17:00, resulted in the injury of 14 civilians, including 3 children, 3 woman, and a journalist. One of them was hit with a live bullet, another one was hit with a rubber bullet and 12 others were directly hit with tear gas canisters.  The wounded journalist identified as Hossny Fouad Hossny Salah (26), from al-Buraij refugee camp, was directly hit with a tear gas canister to the face.  Hossny works as a cameraman at the Agence France-Presse (AFP)

• Khan Younis: The Israeli shooting at Palestinian demonstrates resulted in the injury of 23 civilians, including 4 children and a paramedic identified as Mustafa ‘Emad al-Senwar (22).  Mustafa is a volunteer at and was hit with a tear gas canister to the neck. He was then admitted to the ICU at the Gaza European Hospital due to his serious health condition. It should be noted that last week, he was also hit with a tear gas canister to the right thigh.

• Rafah: 13 civilians, including 3 children, were wounded.  3 of them were hit with live bullets and shrapnel and 10 were directly hit with tear gas canisters. Moreover, an ambulance belonging to the Ministry of Health was hit with a live bullet damaging its rear window. The injury of one of the wounded civilians was classified as serious.

West Bank:

• At approximately 13:30 on Friday, 11 January 2019, started from the center of Kafur Qaddoum village, northeast of Qalqiliyia, and then headed towards the eastern entrance to the village, which was closed from 15 days in favor of “Kedumim” settlement. The demonstrators chanted national slogans calling for ending occupation and condemning the Israeli forces‘crimes committed against Palestinian civilians in the Gaza Strip. The demonstrators threw stones at the Israeli soldiers stationed behind sand berms. The Israeli soldiers fired sound bombs, rubber bullets and tear gas canisters at them. As a result, a photojournalist J’afar Zahed Ishtaya (46) was hit with a tear gas canister to the right leg.

• Continued closure of the oPt

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

Gaza Strip

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

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

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

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

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

Movement at Karm Abu Salem (Kerem Shalom) crossing, southeast of Rafah, is designated for the movement of goods

• Note: Due to technical reasons, we could not obtain the official statistics from the department responsible for issuing the statistics

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

 (09-15 January 2019)

Category	09 January	10 January	11 January	12 January	13 January	14 January	15 January
Patients	69	41	3	–	97	75	84
Companions	71	29	4	–	86	69	73
Personal needs	23	23	12	–	34	19	28
Families of prisoners	–	–	–	–	–	–	5
Arabs from Israel	8	22	24	–	15	6	17
Diplomats	17	–	–	–	–	–	–
Meetings in Erez	–	–	–	–	2	7	–
International workers	33	44	11	–	5	6	33
Travelers Abroad	–	50	–	–	–	–	52
Business people	206	269	4	–	537	307	250
Business meetings	–	–	–	–	–	–	–
Security interviews	6	1	–	–	1	2	1
VIPs	–	1	–	–	–	1	–
Ambulances to Israel	1	4	2	–	5	4	3
Patients’ Companions	2	5	2	–	3	5	5

Notes:

• On Thursday, 10 January 2019, the Israeli authorities allowed 8 persons; on Sunday, 13 January 2019, 7 persons; and on Monday, 14 January 2019, 8 persons to return to the West Bank.
• On Wednesday, 09 January 2019, the Israeli authorities allowed 10 Christians; on Thursday 10 January 2019, 45 Christians; on Sunday, 13 January 2019, 27 Christians; on Monday, 14 January 2019, 39 Christians; and on Tuesday, 15 January 2019, 42 Christians; and on Tuesday, 08 January 2019, 23 Christians to travel via crossing in order to celebrate holidays in the West Bank.
• On Sunday, 13 January 2019, the Israeli authorities allowed 2 doctors; and on Monday, 14 January 2019, one doctor to travel via the crossing in order to attend a medical training course.
• On Monday, 14 January 2019, the Israeli authorities allowed 71 cancer’s patients to travel via the crossing in order to participate in an entertainment trip.

Following table illustrates temporary and permanent checkpoints and arrests at these checkpoints in the West Bank from 10-16 January 2019:

Governorate	Permanent temporary	Temporary checkpoints	Closed Roads	Arrested persons
Jerusalem	13	9	–	–
Nablus	10	13	2	4
Jenin	5	6	–	–
Ramallah	11	11	1	1
Tulkarm	7	3	1	1
Tubas	2	2	1	–
Salfit	3	3	2	2
Qalqiliyia	5	7	2	2
Hebron	31	33	3	1
Bethlehem	11	14	2	4
Jericho	5	2	–	–
Al-Karama Crossing	–	–	–	–
Total	103	103	14	16

Arrests at Military Checkpoints:

• At approximately 11:00 on Thursday, 10 January 2019, Israeli police arrested Ziyad Mohamed Yunis Makhamrah (57) after attacking him along with his son, Mohamed (24), by Israeli settlers while they were in his land in Bir al-‘Ad area, southeast of Yatta, south of Hebron. Ziyad was then taken to a police station in “ Kariyat Arba’” settlement, east of Hebron. Ziyad was released on bail estimated at NIS 1000 until attending acourt session on 07 February 2019.

• At approximately 15:35 on Thursday, Israeli forces stationed near “ “ settlement fence, north of Salfit, arrested Belal ‘Alaa Ghaleb al-Hareem (20), from Salfit, under the pretext of throwing stones.

• At approximately 17:00 on Thursday, Israeli forces stationed at Za’tarah checkpoint, south of Nablus, arrested Mahmoud Mohamed Mahmoud al-Aqra’ (29), from Qablan village, southeast of Nablus.

• At approximately 14:20 on Friday, 12 January 2019, Israeli forces stationed at the entrance ‘Azoun village, arrested Samer Sa’ied Redwan (16), from ‘Azoun village.

• At approximately 16:45 on Friday, Israeli forces stationed in the vicinity of “ Eyal” Crossing, north of Qalqialiyia, arrested Jaber Yaser Abu ‘Aqel (14).
• At approximately 18:20 on Friday, 11 January 2019, Israeli forces stationed at Za’tarah checkpoint, south of Nablus, arrested Omar ‘Atallah ‘Issa (22), from Balatah refugee camp, east of the city.

• At approximately 20:00 on Sunday, 13 January 2019, Israeli forces stationed near a military checkpoint near Badiyia village, west of Slafit, arrested Anas Mamdouh Khalil Hamad (22), from Qalqiliyia.

• At approximately 15:00 on Monday, 14 January 2019, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the intersection of ‘Ain Qiniyia village, northwest of Ramallah, and then arrested Sa’ied Jawdah Ya’qoub (22).

• At approximately 18:00 on Monday, 14 January 2019, Israeli forces stationed at Hawarah checkpoint, south of Nablus, arrested Sultan Ibrahim Abu Mostafa (21), from Balatah refugee camp, east of Nablus.

• On Monday, Israeli forces stationed at a military checkpoint near Tulkarm, arrested the artist, Mohamed Rashi Abu Hijjah (38), from al-Yamoun, west of Jenin, while returning from al-Fajer T.V. in Tulkarm.

• At approximately 12:00 on Tuesday, 15 January 2019, Israeli forces stationed at a military checkpoint near Dir Sharaf village, west of Nablus, arrested As’ad ‘issa As’ad Satiti (42), from Jenin refugee camp, west of Jenin.

• At approximately 14:00, Israeli forces stationed at al-Container checkpoint, northeast of Bethlehem, arrested Zaid Waleed ‘Abed al-Raheem Qawasmah (23), from Hebron.

• On Tuesday, 15 January 2019, Israeli forces stationed at al-Container checkpoint, northeast of Bethlehem, arrested 3 civilians, from Jenin. The arrested civilians were identified as ‘Amarah ‘Abed al-Latif Fashafsha (28), Murad Malishah (29) and ‘Alaa al-Deen Kamel Khalilah (40).

• Efforts to Create A 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 15:00, on Tuesday, 19 January 2019, Israeli Police raided and searched a house yard belonging to Kareem Dawoud Hussein (30), from Mukaber Mount village, south of occupied East Jerusalem, in search for surveillance cameras. When the aforementioned civilian refused to allow them to enter the house without a court order, the police officers hit him on the head. As a result, he sustained wounds and then fainted. He was then taken into the hospital, where he was diagnosed with a concussion. Kareem said that Ali Marwan lkalouti (26), his brother-in-law, who came to the house when he heard shouting, was arrested at 16:00 and released on bail at 22:00. The Israeli forces imposed a house arrest on ‘Ali for 3 days. Kareem also confirmed that his father Daoud Mohammad Hussein (70), was beaten when he tried to protect his son and refused to let them arrest him. Later, additional police officers were called for backup and they beat everyone in the yard. In addition, Kareem said that his wife Iman Abdul Latif Younis (28), a 3-month pregnant woman, was pushed when she was trying to reach her husband lying on the ground, unconscious and bleeding from the head. She was then taken to the hospital as she suffered a lot of pain and almost lost the child and remained for monitoring for 5 hours.

• At approximately 09:25, on Monday 14 January 2019, a police officer attempted to enter the Dome of the Rock wearing a kippah, which is a symbol of Judaism. When al-Aqsa guards attempted to prevent him, Israeli forces raided the Dome of the Rock, closed it for 5 hours, prevented the worshipers from performing prayers and locked several guards and worshipper inside after closing the gates. At approximately 12:30, while worshipers gathered to protest against what happened, Sheikh ‘Omar Kiswani, director of al-Aqsa mosque, was severely beaten and then taken to the hospital. At 15:30, Dome of the Rock’s gates were reopened and the worshipers were allowed to perform prayers. Following that, the Israeli forces arrested 4 guards belonging to the Islamic Endowment Department (Awqaf). The guards were identified as Loai Abu Sa’ed, Yahia Shehada, Ahmad Abu ‘Alia and Fadi ‘Elian; and the civilian ‘Awad al-Salaima.

• On Monday evening, Israeli forces moved into Baten al-Hawa neighborhood in Silwan village, south of occupied East Jerusalem’s Old City. They raided 2 houses belonging to Adam Abu Ramouz (15) and Baha’ Rajabi (19) and then arrested both of them, taking them to an investigation center in the city.

• At approximately 02:00, on Wednesday, 16 January 2019, Israeli forces moved into Qalandia Refugee Camp, north of occupied East Jerusalem. They raided and searched 2 houses belonging to Omar Zaied (26) and Mohammad Hammad and then arrested both of them.

• Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Qatanna village, northwest of occupied East Jerusalem. They raided and searched a house belonging to Rami Ossama ‘Eissa (21) and then arrested him.

Seizing Palestinian Civilians’ Property in Favor of Settlement Associations

On Thursday morning, 10 January 2019, the Israeli Law Enforcement Department handed al-Sabagh family a notice to evacuate their building, which shelters 5 families, including 45 persons. The Israeli Execution and Procedure Department gave the family until 21 January 2019 to evacuate the building. Mohammad al-Sabbagh (65) said that this notice came to implement Magistrate’s Court decision against al-Sabbagh family and in favor of settlers. This order came after the Israeli Supreme Court rejected the family’s lawyer request to open Sheikh Jarrah’s ownership file and request for a 5-judge panel instead of 3. Mohammad al-Sabbagh confirmed that 48 families are threatened to be expelled in Karm al-Ja’ouni area in Sheikh Jarrah, where al-Sabbagh family lives from 1956. Al-Sabbagh family is one of 19 others who have cases pending in the Israeli courts. The settlement associations seek to expel Palestinian civilians from the aforementioned neighborhood.

Settlement activities and attacks by settlers against Palestinian civilians and property

Israeli forces’ attacks:

• At approximately 10:00, on Monday, 14 January, Israeli forces backed by military vehicles and accompanied with a vehicle of the Israeli Civil Administration moved into Kherbit al-Jawaia, southeast of Yatta, south of Hebron. An Israeli Civil Administration officer handed Abdul Mutalib Hammad al-Nawaj’ a notice to stop construction works in an under-construction house built on an area of 100 square meters. Moreover, Moussa Hussein al-Shawaheen was handed a notice to stop construction works in a 60-sqaure-meter barrack and a water well, under the pretext of non-licensing. It should be noted that al-Jawaia area is located to the west of the bypass road (356) and adjacent to “Ma’oun” settlement established on civilians’ lands at the eastern side. Moreover, the Israeli authorities notify this area to stop construction works in addition to confiscating construction material as Khirbat al-Jawaia located within area classified as Area “C”.

• At approximately 06:00, on Wednesday, 16 January 2016, Israeli forces demolished a house belonging to ‘Abed al-Hadi ‘Ali ‘Abiat (40), in Fasayil village, north of Jericho, under the pretext of non-licensing. ‘Abed al-Hadi said to PCHR’s fieldworker that the Israeli forces accompanied with military bulldozers moved into the village and surrounded his house without a prior warning. They forcibly got him and his children out of the house and then completely demolished the house. He added that his house was comprised of a 30-sqaure-meter room built with concrete and roofed with tin plates.  ‘Abed al-Hadi pointed out that the Israeli forces handed him a demolition notice on 11 September 2018. He filed a case against the demolition decision, but he was surprised that the decision was carried out before the completion of legal procedures.

Israeli settlers’ attacks:

• At approximately 12:30, on Thursday, 10 January 2019, dozens of Israeli settlers, under the Israeli forces’ protection, moved into ‘Ortah village, southeast of Nablus. The settlers performed their religious rituals in al-‘Auzairat in al-Sharda neighborhood in the center of Awarta. They damaged several tombstones of graves and later withdrew.

• At approximately 16:00, on Friday, 11 January 2019, a group of Israeli settlers, from “Homesh” settlement, northwest of Nablus, threw stones at a taxi belonging to al-Qassam Travel Company and damaged to its front and right side. The car is owned by Ahmad Jarra, from Jenin, and driven by Fareed M’arouf Fareed Jaber (48), from ‘Arraba, southwest of Nablus. Meanwhile, the car was coming back from Deir Sharaf village, west of Nablus, and heading to ‘Arraba village. Fareed’s wife, Sondos Mohammad Fareed Jaber (42), and their children Anas (11) and Hala (11) were with him in the taxi. They were then surprised with an ambush set up by 3 settlers, who were hiding behind a dumpster on the road at the entrance of the aforementioned settlement. They then threw big stones at them, causing fear among them.  

• At approximately 11:00, on Saturday, 12 January 2019, Naser Nawaj’a, a fieldworker at B’Tselem Center for Human Rights, was wounded to the left leg and right arm after he was attacked by a settler’s dogs in Um ‘Ammer area, east of Yatta, south of Hebron. Naser was along with some activists of Coexistence Organization and members of Maraqa family, who were plowing the land near “Otniel” settlement. Later, Naser was then taken to Yatta Hospital to receive treatment. Naser Nawaj’a said to PCHR’s fieldworker:

“I headed to Um ‘Ammer area, near “otniel” settlement east of Yatta, with a group of civilians of Maraqa family who has around 4,000 dunams in the vicinity of the settlement, a part of which is suitable for winter planting. The families brought a tractor in order to till the land. At approximately 08:00, we arrived and found a group of activists of “Coexistence Organization” and Police, IDF and Civil Administration patrols in the area. The tractor started to till the land when the patrols left the place. At approximately 11:00, when the farmers were about to finish, Jay, an activist at “Coexistence Organization”, told me that a settler came towards us from the aforementioned settlement. Shortly after that, the settler arrived with 3 dogs. One of the dogs had a muzzle on. Later, the settler removed it and started to scream at Jay in Arabic, “Do not film me.” Jay stepped back and left the bag on the ground, and then the settler threw it at him. Meanwhile, one of the dogs attacked me and beat my right arm then the other attacked me and beat my left leg. Screaming, I took the dogs off me, while the settlers, with his dogs, left to the settlement. Within moments, the police patrols arrived and I saw one of them stopping and talking to the settler. The police officer asked me to file a complaint about happened while a Civil Administration officer said, “You are not allowed to be here and I should be arresting you.” After about 15 minutes, I left the area and headed to Yatta Governmental Hospital where I received treatment. At the same night, Jay, the land owner and I headed to the Israeli Police Station in “Kiryat Arba” east of Hebron and filed a complaint against the settlers. I still feel the pain in my leg and hand where my wounds are clear.”

• Around the same time, Israeli settlers, from “Homesh” settlement, damaged 1200 forest trees seedlings, which were handed in the Agriculture Ministry in Nablus, to the Council of Burqa village, northeast of Nablus, in order to plant them in al-Kubaibat area, northwest of Burqa village. The seedlings were damaged before planting them.

• At approximately 16:00, on Saturday, 12 January 2019, around 50 Israeli settlers gathered near the intersection of Taqqou’a village, southeast of Bethlehem. They then threw stones at the Palestinian vehicles. As a result, the Palestinian civilians were forced to stop at the entrance to Bethlehem until the settlers left late at night.

• At approximately 15:00, on Monday, 14 January 2019, 50 Israeli settlers, under the Israeli forces’ protection, moved into the western entrance to Taqqou’a village, southeast of Bethlehem,  and closed it while chanting racist slogans and holding Israel’s flags. The Israeli forces closed the area and prevented Palestinian vehicles from access. An hour and a half later, the settlers left the area and no other incidents were reported.

Recommendations to the International Community

PCHR warns of the escalating settlement construction in the West Bank, the attempts to legitimize settlement outposts established on Palestinian lands in the West Bank and the continued summary executions of Palestinian civilians under the pretext that they pose a security threat to the Israeli forces. PCHR reminds the international community that thousands of Palestinian civilians have been rendered homeless and lived in caravans under tragic circumstances due to the latest Israeli offensive on the Gaza Strip that has been under a tight closure for almost 11 years. PCHR welcomes the UN Security Council’s Resolution No. 2334, which states that settlements are a blatant violation of the Geneva Conventions and calls upon Israel to stop them and not to recognize any demographic change in the oPt since 1967.  PCHR hopes this resolution will pave the way for eliminating the settlement crime and bring to justice those responsible for it. PCHR further reiterates that the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, are still under Israeli occupation in spite of Israel’s unilateral disengagement plan of 2005.  PCHR emphasizes that there is international recognition of Israel’s obligation to respect international human rights instruments and international humanitarian law.  Israel is bound to apply international human rights law and the law of war, sometimes reciprocally and other times in parallel, in a way that achieves the best protection for civilians and remedy for the victims.

1. PCHR calls upon the international community to respect the Security Council’s Resolution No. 2334 and to ensure that Israel respects it as well, in particular point 5 which obliges Israel not to deal with settlements as if they were part of Israel.
2. PCHR calls upon the ICC this year to open an investigation into Israeli crimes committed in the oPt, particularly the settlement crimes and the 2014 offensive on the Gaza Strip.
3. PCHR Calls upon the European Union (EU) and all international bodies to boycott settlements and ban working and investing in them in application of their obligations according to international human rights law and international humanitarian law considering settlements as a war crime.
4. PCHR calls upon the international community 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.
5. PCHR calls upon the international community and United Nations to take all necessary measures to stop Israeli policies aimed at creating a Jewish demographic majority in Jerusalem and at voiding Palestine from its original inhabitants through deportations and house demolitions as a collective punishment, which violates international humanitarian law, amounting to a crime against humanity.
6. PCHR calls upon the international community to condemn summary executions carried out by Israeli forces against Palestinians and to pressurize Israel to stop them.
7. PCHR calls upon the States Parties to the Rome Statute of the ICC to work hard to hold Israeli war criminals accountable.
8. PCHR calls upon the High Contracting Parties to the Geneva Conventions to fulfill their obligations under article (1) of the Convention to ensure respect for the Conventions under all circumstances, and under articles (146) and (147) to search for and prosecute those responsible for committing grave breaches of the Geneva Conventions to ensure justice and remedy for Palestinian victims, especially in light of the almost complete denial of justice for them before the Israeli judiciary.
9. PCHR calls upon the international community to speed up the reconstruction process necessary because of the destruction inflicted by the Israeli offensive on Gaza.
10. PCHR calls for a prompt intervention to compel the Israeli authorities to lift the closure that obstructs the freedom of movement of goods and 1.8 million civilians that experience unprecedented economic, social, political and cultural hardships due to collective punishment policies and retaliatory action against civilians.
11. PCHR calls upon the European Union to apply human rights standards embedded in the EU-Israel Association Agreement and to respect its obligations under the European Convention on Human Rights when dealing with Israel.
12. PCHR calls upon the international community, especially states that import Israeli weapons and military services, to meet their moral and legal responsibility not to allow Israel to use the offensive in Gaza to test new weapons and not accept training services based on the field experience in Gaza in order to avoid turning Palestinian civilians in Gaza into testing objects for Israeli weapons and military tactics.
13. PCHR calls upon the parties to international human rights instruments, especially the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR), to pressurize Israel to comply with its provisions in the oPt and to compel it to incorporate the human rights situation in the oPt in its reports submitted to the relevant committees.
14. PCHR calls upon the EU and international human rights bodies to pressurize the Israeli forces to stop their attacks against Palestinian fishermen and farmers, mainly in the border area.

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Public Document

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