Israeli forces continue their offensive on the Gaza Strip and commit
more crimes against Palestinian civilians and property in the occupied
Palestinian territory (oPt)
·Israeli warplanes launched dozens of airstrikes on
civilian targets in the Gaza Strip.
– 22 Palestinians, including 19 civilians, were killed.
– The civilian victims include 8 children and 3 women.
– 14 houses were completely destroyed and dozens of
others were extensively damaged.
·6 Palestinian civilians, including 2 women, died of previous
wounds in the Gaza Strip.
·Israeli forces continued to use force against peaceful
protests in the West Bank.
– 13 Palestinian civilians, including 5 children, were
wounded in protests against the Israeli offensive on the Gaza Strip.
– A Palestinian child was wounded in the weekly protest
against the construction of the annexation wall in Nabi Saleh village,
northwest of Ramallah.
·Israeli forces conducted 63 incursions into
Palestinian communities in the West Bank.
– 90 Palestinians were arrested, including 48 ones, in
East Jerusalem.
– Israeli forces issued a decision forcibly transferring
MP Khalida Jarrar to Jericho for 6 months.
·Israel continued to impose a total closure on the oPt
and has isolated the Gaza Strip from the outside world.
– Israeli forces established dozens of checkpoints in
the West Bank.
– At least 3 Palestinian civilians, including 3 children
and a leader of Islamic Jihad, were arrested at military checkpoints in the
West Bank.
·Israeli authorities continued efforts to create a
Jewish majority in Jerusalem.
– Israeli forces demolished a house and a store in Jabal
al-Tour neighbourhood.
·Israeli forces continued to support settlement
activities in the West Bank and Israeli settlers continued to attack
Palestinian civilians and property.
– Israeli forces demolished 9 homes in Nablus and
Ramallah, rendering 63 Palestinian civilians, including 33 children, homeless.
– Israeli
settlers attacked Palestinian civilians in Jerusalem and Hebron.
Summary
Israeli violations of international law and
international humanitarian law in the oPt continued during the reporting period
(14
– 20 August 2014).
Shooting and Killing:
In the context of the Israeli offensive on the Gaza
Strip, Israeli forces killed 22 Palestinians, 19 of whom are civilians,
including 8 children and a woman, and wounded 89 others, including 31 children
and 19 women. Six Palestinian civilians,
including 2 women, died of previous wound, and the body of a Palestinian was
recovered from the debris. Israeli
warplanes launched dozens of airstrikes on the Gaza Strip, destroying 14 houses
and damaging dozens of others.
In the West Bank, Israeli forces wounded 14
Palestinian civilians, including 6 children, during peaceful demonstrations
organized by Palestinian civilians in the West Bank in protest against the
Israeli offensive on the Gaza Strip and the construction of the annexation wall
in the West Bank.
Incursions:
During the reporting period, Israeli forces conducted
at least 63 military incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank. During
these incursions, Israeli forces arrested at least 90 Palestinians, including 48
ones in Jerusalem.
Israeli forces issued a decision forcibly transferring
Ms. Khalida Jarrar, Member of the Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC), to
Jericho for 6 months.
Israeli forces destroyed 2 houses and closed a third
one belonging to 3 Palestinian accused of kidnapping and killing 3 Israeli
settlers in Hebron.
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 7 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 1.7 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.
Israeli forces have continued to impose severe
restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians throughout the West Bank,
including occupied East Jerusalem. Thousands of Palestinian civilians from the
West Bank and the Gaza Strip continue to be denied access to Jerusalem.
As part of using military checkpoints and border
crossings as traps to arrest Palestinian civilians under the pretext they are
wanted, Israeli forces arrested 3 Palestinian in the West Bank.
Efforts to Create a Jewish Demographic Majority in
Jerusalem
On
18 August 2014, Israeli forces demolished a house in al-Tour neighborhood in
East Jerusalem, claiming that it was built without a license.
During
the reporting period, Israeli forces waged several house raids in Jerusalem,
during which they arrests 48 Palestinians.
On
15 August 2014, a number of Israeli settlers violently beat 2 Palestinian
workers in a gas station in West Jerusalem.
Settlement activities
Israel has continued its settlement activities in the
oPt, in a direct violation of international humanitarian law, and Israeli
settlers have continued to attack Palestinian civilians and property.
Attacks Carried out by
Israeli Forces
On 20 August 2014,
Israeli forces, accompanied by 3 bulldozers, moved into Kherbat al-Tawil area,
southeast of Nablus. They demolished 3
houses for the third time since 19 April 2014, rending 27 civilians, including
19 children, homeless.
On the same day,
Israeli forces, accompanied by a bulldozer, moved into al-‘Aqaba area in the
northern Jordan Valley. They demolished
3 housing barracks, rendering 16 people, including 12 children, homeless.
On the same day,
Israeli forces, accompanied by 2 bulldozers, moved into the Bedouin community
to the east of al-Taybeh village, northeast of Ramallah. The Israeli bulldozers demolished 3 housing
barracks made of tin and wood and a barnyard.
As a result, 20 civilians, became homeless.
Attacks by Israeli
Forces
On 16 August 2014,
a number of Israeli settlers from “Beit Hadasa” settlement in the old
town in the center of Hebron, escorted by Israeli forces, threw stones at
Palestinian houses in al-Shuhada Street.
When Palestinian civilians attempted to defend themselves, Israeli
forces raided a house belonging to Mahmoud Maher Abu Haya and arrested him.
Israeli Violations Documented during the Reporting Period
(14 -2 0 August 2014)
1. Incursions into Palestinian Areas, and Attacks on Palestinian Civilians
and Property in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip
Thursday, 14 August 2014
· At
approximately 01:00, Israeli forces moved into al-‘Arroub refugee camp, north
of Hebron. They raided and searched a
house belonging to the family of Yasser Musallam Banat, 26, and arrested him.
· At
approximately 01:30, Israeli forces moved into Hebron. They took position in Abu Kataila
neighborhood in the west of the city, where they raided and searched 2 houses
and arrested Fareed Najib Zughayar, 24; and Ahmed Mohammed Zughayar, 26. At approximately 02:30, Israeli forces moved
into the University area in the center of the city, where they raided and
searched a house belonging to the family of Tariq Mohammed al-Qawasma and
arrested him. In the meantime, Israeli
forces raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Lu’ai ‘Omran
al-‘Owaiwi, 29, in Be’r al-Mahjar neighborhood and arrested him.
· At
approximately 02:00, medical sources at an Egyptian hospital declared that
Jihad ‘Ali Abu Zaid, 61, from Jabalya refugee camp, died of a wound he had
sustained when Israeli forces attacked a civilian car in al-Nasser neighborhood
in Gaza City on 29 July 2014.
· Also at
approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into Beit Ummar town, north of
Hebron. They raided and searched 2
houses and arrested 2 Palestinian civilians: Mohammed Radwan Ekhlil, 36; and
Ahmed Khader Abu Maria, 47.
· Also at
approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into Beit Luqya village, southwest of
Ramallah. They raided and searched a
house belonging to the family of Rassem ‘Abbas Dar ‘Aassi, 30, and arrested
him.
· At
approximately 02:30, an Israeli warplane launched a missile at the destroyed
Gaza International Airport in the southeast of Rafah. No casualties were reported.
· Also at
approximately 02:30, an Israeli warplane launched a missile at an agricultural
plot in Tabbet Zare’ neighborhood in the east of Rafah. No casualties were reported.
· At
approximately 03:00, Israeli forces moved into Yatta village, south of
Hebron. They raided and searched 2
houses belonging to Mohammed Yousef al-Harini, and Jamal Khalil Shaker, 20, and
arrested both of him.
· At the same
time, Israeli forces moved into Um al-Khair area to the east of Yatta village,
south of Hebron. They raided and
searched a house belonging to the family of Mohammed ‘Omar al-Hathalin and
arrested him.
· At
approximately 10:00, medical sources at an Egyptian hospital declared that
Sa’eda Hassan Siam, 31, died of a wound she had sustained when Israeli
warplanes bombarded her family’s house in Rafah on 21 July 2014.
· At
approximately 17:00, workers of Beit Hanoun Municipality found the body of
Ibrahim Ismail Abu ‘Ouda, 61, from al-Boura area in Beit Hanoun, buried under a
sand barrier established by Israeli military vehicles during their invasion
into the town. The body was decayed and he
was identified by a birth certificate in his pocket. There were a number of live bullets in the
body.
· During the day,
Israeli forces conducted 4 incursions into al-Far’a refugee camp, south of
Tubas, and the villages of Abu al-‘Asja, Beit Kahel and al-Zahiriya near Hebron.
Friday, 15 August 2014
· At approximately 01:30, Israeli forces moved into Dura
village, southwest of Hebron. They
raided and searched a house belonging to Islam Nemer Ghannam, 20, and delivered
to him a summons to refer to the Israeli intelligence.
· At
approximately 04:30, Israeli forces moved into Deir Estia village, northwest of
Salfit. They raided and searched a
number of houses and arrested 4 Palestinian civilians: Sharaf Mohammed ‘Obaid,
20; ‘Abdul Qader Sameeh Salman, 20; Muhannad Tayel Abu Fares, 19; and Mohammed
Tayel Abu Fares, 25.
· At
approximately 14:00, medical sources at an Egyptian hospital declared that ‘Ola
Mohammed Abu al-So’ud, 23, died of a wound she had sustained by Israeli
artillery shelling in al-Salam neighborhood in the south of Rafah on 20 July
2014.
· At
approximately 18:20, Israeli forces moved into Qalqilya. A number of Palestinian children gathered and
threw stones at them. Israeli soldiers
detained Nour ‘Adnan ‘Aamer, 14, and Wa’el Mohammed Nizar, 14, for some time
claiming that they threw stones. Israeli
forces withdrew from the town at approximately 20:30 and neither house raids
nor arrests were reported.
· During the day,
Israeli forces conducted 5 incursions into various areas in the West Bank, but
no arrests were reported.
Saturday, 16 August 2014
· At approximately 18:00, medical sources at Nasser
Hospital in Khan Yunis declared that Khaled Mahmoud Abu Jlaidan, 52, died of a
wound he had sustained when an Israeli drone attacked a house belonging to
Khalil Salam Abu Jlaidan in al-Salam neighbourhood in the south of Rafah on 01
August 2014. Two members of a
Palestinian armed group were killed in the attack.
· At
approximately 22:40, Israeli forces moved into Deir Estia village, northwest of
Salfit. They raided and searched a
number of houses and handed summonses to 2 Palestinian civilians, including a child, to refer to the Israeli intelligence:
Mohammed Tayseer ‘Abdullah, 17; and Mohammed Mustafa Mansour, 25.
· At
approximately 23:00, Israeli forces moved into the area located between
al-Jalama and ‘Arrana villages, north of Jenin, and patrolled the streets. A number of Palestinian youngsters gathered
and threw stones at Israeli military vehicles.
Immediately, Israeli forces fired live bullets, tear gas canisters and
stun grenades. A number of youngsters
suffered tear gas inhalation.
· During the day,
Israeli forces conducted 13 incursions into various Palestinian areas in the
West Bank, but no arrests were reported.
Sunday, 17
August 2014
· During the day,
Israeli forces conducted 4 incursions into various Palestinian areas in the
West Bank, but no arrests were reported
Monday, 18 August 2014
· At approximately 01:00, Israeli forces moved into
Seilat al-Zaher village, south of Jenin.
They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested 3 Palestinian
civilians: Shukri ‘Emad Za’rour, 24; Hursh Ameen Hantouli, 25; and Mahmoud
Ismail Hantouli, 39. They also summoned
2 Palestinians to the Israeli intelligence: As’ad Ameen Hantouli, 36; and Ayman
Tayseer Zbaidi, 24. They also questioned
a number of civilians on the spot.
· At
approximately 01:30, Israeli forces moved into Ya’bad village, southwest of
Jenin. They raided and searched a house
belonging to the family of Ayoub Ya’qoub Enfai’at, 20, and questioned him on
the spot.
· At
approximately 02:00, Israeli forces raided and searched 2 houses in the center
of Hebron and arrested 2 Palestinian civilians: Tha’er Sa’id Abu Ramouz, 21;
and Murad Sa’id ‘Amru, 14.
· Also at
approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into Baten al-Hawa neighborhood in
Ramallah. They raided and searched a
house belonging to Mohammed Khaled al-Houdali, 20, and arrested him.
· At
approximately 04:30, Israeli forces moved into Jenin refugee camp. They raided and searched a house belonging to
the family of Qussai Khader Wishahi, 28, an officer of the Palestinian National
Security Forces, and arrested him.
· At
approximately 14:50, medical sources declared that ‘Abdullah Jamal ‘Abed Rabbu,
23, from Jabalya, died at a Turkish hospital of a wound he had stained by
Israeli artillery shelling on 29 July 2014.
On that day, 15 Palestinian civilians were killed, including ‘Abed
Rabbu’s mother, 3 brothers, nephew and niece.
· During the day,
Israeli forces conducted 4 incursions into various Palestinian areas in the
West Bank, but no arrests were reported.
Tuesday, 19 August 2014
The Israeli Offensive on the Gaza Strip
Gaza City:
· At approximately
21:30 on Tuesday, 19 August 2014, Israeli warplanes launched 6 missiles at a
3-storey house belonging to Rabah Shihda al-Dalu, 51, in which 8 people live,
together with 2 leasing families – al-Daif and Abu Sharekh, near Sheikh Radwan
Cemetery in the northwest of Gaza City. As a result, the house was
destroyed and 5 Palestinian civilians, including the wife and child of Mohammed
al-Daif, the leader of the ‘Izziddin al-Qassam Brigades (the armed wing of
Hamas), were killed: Widad Mustafa ‘Asfour (al-Daif, 28; her child ‘Ali
Mohammed al-Daif, 7 months; Wafa’ Hussein ‘Aabed (al-Dalu), 47; and her sons:
Ahmed, 20; and Mustafa, 14. Additionally, 15 civilians, including 2
children and 2 women, were wounded. Additionally, 4 neighboring houses and Abu
‘Olba Transportation Company were extensively damaged. Six buses and a
jeep were also destroyed, and 30 buses were damaged.
The Central Gaza Strip:
· At
approximately 18:40, an Israeli warplane launched a missile at Wadi al-Salqa
village, east of Deir al-Balah, while an ambulance was present in the area to
evacuate potential wounded persons. As a result, the ambulance was
damaged, and a paramedic was shocked.
Khan Yunis:
· At
approximately 16:50, an Israeli warplane launched a missile at a poultry farm in
‘Abdul Ghafour quarter in al-Qarara village, northeast of Khan Yunis. The
farm was extensively damaged.
· At the same
time, an Israeli warplane launched a missile at an agricultural plot in
Khuza’aa village, east of Kahn Yunis.
· At
approximately 17:00, an Israeli warplane launched a missile at an agricultural
plot in al-Fukhari village, southeast of Khan Yunis.
· At
approximately 18:30, an Israeli warplane launched a missile at an agricultural
plot in al-Zanna area, east of Khan Yunis.
· At
approximately 19:20, an Israeli warplane launched a missile at an agricultural
plot in al-Qarara village, northeast of Khan Yunis.
· At
approximately 20:00, medical sources declared that ‘Omar Mohammed Jarghoun, 27,
died of a previous wound he sustained when an Israeli drone fired a missile at
a motorbike in Khan Yunis. Two civilians were killed then in the attack.
Rafah:
· At
approximately 16:50, an Israeli warplane launched a missile at the destroyed
Gaza International Airport, southeast of Rafah. As a result, 3 Palestinian
civilians, including 2 children, were wounded.
· At
approximately 17:05, an Israeli warplane launched a missile at the destroyed
Gaza International Airport, southeast of Rafah. As a result, 2
Palestinian civilians were wounded.
· At approximately
17:15, an Israeli warplane launched a missile at an agricultural plot in Tabbet
Zare’ neighborhood in the east of Rafah. No casualties were reported.
· At
approximately 18:00, an Israeli warplane launched a missile at an agricultural
plot in al-Shouka village, east of Rafah. No casualties were reported.
· At
approximately 18:15, an Israeli warplane launched a missile at an open area in
the northwest of Rafah. No casualties were reported.
· At
approximately 18:20, an Israeli warplane launched a missile at an open area in
the northwest of Rafah. No casualties were reported.
· At
approximately 20:05, an Israeli warplane launched a missile at Toyour al-Jannah
Kindergarten in al-Junaina neighborhood in Rafah. The kindergarten was
destroyed.
The West Bank
· At approximately 01:30, Israeli forces moved into Deir
Estia village, northwest of Salfit. They raided and searched a number of houses
and arrested 4 Palestinian civilians: Firas Tayel Abu Fares, 25; Yasser Rafiq
Shihada, 20; ‘Alaa’ Nazmi Abu ‘Ali, 21; and Fu’ad Mustafa Diab, 22.
· Also at
approximately 01:30, Israeli forces moved into Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to
the al-‘Owaiwi family in Dwairban area and arrested 2 brothers: Firas and Ahmed
Kafli al-‘Owaiwi, 24 and 22 respectively.
At approximately 02:30, Israeli forces
moved towards Sha’aba areas in the northeast of the city. They raided and searched a house belonging to
the al-Ja’bari family and arrested Mohammed Sa’id al-Ja’bari, 34, and his
sister Khitam, 30.
· Also at approximately 01:30, Israeli forces moved into
Til village, southwest of Nablus. They
raided and searched a number of houses and arrested Mohammed Mousa al-Hindi,
22.
· At
approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into Ussarin village, southeast of
Nablus. They raided and searched a
number of houses and arrested Rabeh Raslan ‘Adili, 19.
· At
approximately 02:30, Israeli forces moved into al-Zahiriya village, south of
Hebron. They raided and searched a house
belonging to the family of Mohammed Jamal Talab, 19, and arrested him.
· At
approximately 03:00, Israeli forces moved into Burqa village, northwest of
Nablus. They raided and searched a
number of houses and arrested Nafe’ Ahmed Salah, 23.
· At
approximately 03:30, Israeli forces moved into Shwaika suburb, north of
Tulkarm. They raided and searched a
house belonging to the family of ‘Emad ‘Abdullah ‘Abdu, 27, and arrested him.
· During the day,
Israeli forces conducted 5 incursions into various Palestinian areas in the
West Bank, but no arrests were reported.
Israeli Offensive on the Gaza Strip
The Northern Gaza Strip:
· At
approximately 00:30, an Israeli warplane launched a missile at a 2-storey house
belonging to Ahmed al-‘At’out in Jabalya. The house was destroyed and a
number of neighboring houses were damaged.
· At
approximately 00:40, Israeli warplanes launched 2 missiles at a 5-storey house
belonging to ‘Omar ‘Abdullah al-Hindi in Jabalya refugee camp. The house
was destroyed and a number of neighboring houses were extensively damaged.
· At
approximately 04:40, an Israeli warplanes bombarded a 2-storey house belonging
to Nassim al-Radi’ in al-Manshiya Street in Beit Lahia. The house was
destroyed and 2 Palestinian civilians, including a woman, were wounded.
· At
approximately 06:00, an Israeli warplane fired a missile at a well in an
agricultural plot belonging to Ahmed Rabi’ Abu Hmaidan in al-Sikka Street in
Jabalya.
· At
approximately 07:20, Israeli warplanes launched 2 missiles at a 5-sstorey house
belonging to ‘Awadallah Subhi al-‘Awadiya in Beit Lahia housing project.
The house was destroyed and a number of neighboring ones were damaged.
· At
approximately 12:15 on Wednesday, 20 August 2014, an Israeli drone attacked
Sofian Darwish Muhaisen, 48, and his son Mustafa, 29, from Jabalya refugee
camp, when they were in a hut on their land in Beit Lahia. The father and son were killed.
· At
approximately 15:00, Israeli forces positioned at the border between the Gaza
Strip and Israel fired dozens of artillery shells at agricultural plots and
open areas in the northern Gaza Strip.
The shelling continued until 23:00, damaging a number of houses.
· At
approximately 17:50, an Israeli drone fired a missile at a house belonging to
‘Abdullah al-Hajin in Beit Hanoun. The
house was extensively damaged.
· At
approximately 20:30, an Israeli warplane launched a missile at an agricultural
plot in ‘Assaliya Street in Jabalya. As
a result, 2 Palestinian civilians were wounded when they were inside their
house.
· At approximately
21:15, an Israeli drone fired a missile at a members of a Palestinian armed
group in al-Twam area in the west of Jabalya, killing 2 of them.
· Also at
approximately 21:15, an Israeli warplane launched a missile at a house
belonging to Mohammed Shihada in al-Boura area in the north of Beit
Hanoun. The house was destroyed and a
number of neighboring houses and the building of Ghassan Kanafani Society were
damaged.
· At
approximately 21:45, an Israeli warplane launched a missile at a 2-storey house
belonging to Mohammed Ahmed al-Hamadain in al-Na’ima Street in Beit
Hanoun. The house was destroyed.
Gaza City:
· At
approximately 11:00, an Israeli warplane fired a missile at members of a
Palestinian armed group near al-Maqqoussi buildings in the northwest of Gaza
City, killing one of them.
· At
approximately 11:30, an Israeli warplane fired a missile at a number of
Palestinian civilians who were near Hassan al-Banna Mosque in al-Zaytoun
neighborhood in the east of Gaza City. As a result, 3 civilians, including a
child, were killed: Sami Hassan ‘Ayad, 33; Nour Mahmoud Abu Hassira, 2; and
Zaki Suleiman al-Ra’ei, 60. Four
civilians were also wounded.
The Central Gaza Strip:
· At
approximately 03:00, an Israeli drones fired 2 missiles at a 2-storey house belonging
to Inshirah Fayez al-Hassanat, in which 13 people live, in Deir al-Balah.
A few minutes later, an Israeli warplane launched a missile at the house and
destroyed it.
· At
approximately 04:50, an Israeli warplane launched a missile at a tin-roofed house
belonging to Mustafa Mohammed al-Louh, in which 5 people live, in Deir
al-Balah. The house and a neighboring house belonging to owner’s son were
destroyed, and 7 members of the family were killed: Ra’fat Mustafa al-Louh, 32;
his wife Nabila ‘Eid al-Louh, 28, pregnant in the 9th months; their
three children: Mustafa, 10, Maisara, 8, and Farah, 6; Mohammed Mustafa
al-Louh, 22; and Ahmed Mustafa al-Louh, 22.
· At
approximately 06:30, Israeli drones fired 4 missiles at a 3-storey house
belonging to Hussein Ibrahim al-Jamal, in which 29 people live, in al-Nussairat
refugee camp. Half an hour later, an Israeli warplane launched a missile
at the house and destroyed it. A number of neighboring houses were
damaged.
· At
approximately 14:30, an Israeli drone fired a missile at a 3-storey house
belonging to Kamel ‘Abdullah Hamdan, in which 8 people live. A few minutes
later, an Israeli warplane launched a missile at the house and destroyed it.
· At
approximately 15:45, an Israeli drone fired a missile at Saher Mohammed
al-‘Abeet, 11, and his cousin, Mohammed ‘Ammar al-‘Abeet, 16, when they were
walking 50 meters awat from an UNRWA shelter in Deir al-Balah. The two children were killed, and 2 others
were wounded.
Khan Yunis:
· From
approximately 01:10 to 04:10, Israeli warplanes launched 10 airstrikes on
agricultural plots in al-Qarara and ‘Abassan villages and al-Zanna area.
· At
approximately 01:15, an Israeli warplane launched a missile at an agricultural
plot in al-Satar al-Sharqi area. As a result, a number of houses were
damaged and a Palestinian civilian was wounded.
· At
approximately 06:30, Israeli warplanes launched 3 airstrikes on agricultural
plots in al-Qarara village.
· At
approximately 06:40, an Israeli warplane launched a missile at an agricultural
plot in ‘Abassan village, east of Khan Yunis.
· At approximately 10:00, an Israeli warplane
launched a missile at an agricultural plot in al-Fukhari village, southeast of
Khan Yunis.
· At approximately 10:10, an Israeli warplane
launched a missile at an agricultural plot in ‘Abassan village, east of Khan
Yunis.
· At approximately 10:30, an Israeli warplane
launched a missile at an agricultural plot in ‘Abassan village, east of Khan
Yunis.
· At approximately 11:00, an Israeli warplane
launched 2 missiles at 2 house belonging to ‘Abdul Karim Abu Lihya and Mohammed
Suleiman Abu Jame’ in al-Zanna area, east of Khan Yunis.
· At approximately 12:05, an Israeli drone fired
a missile at the vicinity of a house belonging to the al-Agha family in
al-Satar al-Gharbi area, after Israeli forces had phoned a resident of the area
ordering its evacuation. A few minutes
later, an Israeli warplane launched 3 missiles at an adjacent open area. A house belonging to Bassam Nayef al-Agha was
damaged.
· At approximately 12:10, Israeli warplanes
launched 6 airstrikes on agricultural plots in various areas in Khan
Yunis. No casualties were reported.
· At approximately 14:05, an Israeli warplane
launched a missile at an agricultural plot in al-Fukhari village, southeast of
Khan Yunis.
· At approximately 15:10, an Israeli drone fired
2 missile at a garage in a house belonging to ‘Abdul Rahman Mohammed al-‘Abadla
in al-Qarara village. Half an hour
later, an Israeli warplane launched a missile at the place and destroyed
it. As a result, a nearby house
belonging to Wajeeh Mohammed al-‘Abadla, in which 8 people live, was destroyed.
· At approximately 15:15, an Israeli warplane
fired a missile at a garage in a house belonging to Haidar al-Agha, in which 18
people live, in al-Satar al-Sharqi area.
The garage was destroyed and the house was damaged.
· At approximately 18:00, an Israeli warplane
launched a missile at an agricultural plot in al-Satar al-Gharbi area. As a result, 3 Palestinian civilians were
wounded.
· At approximately 18:10, an Israeli drone fired
a missile at a balcony of a house belonging to Mohammed Karim al-Farra in Ma’an
area. The house was damaged. Soon after, an Israeli warplane launched a
missile at the yard of the house destroying it.
The electricity network in the area band a nearby house belonging to
‘Abdul Malik ‘Abdul Salam al-Farra were damaged. It is worth noting that the house was
bombarded by Israeli warplanes on 01 August 2014, an attack which killed 9
members of the family.
· At approximately 19:45, an Israeli warplane
launched a missile at ‘Abassan village, east of Khan Yunis. A number of nearby houses were damaged, but
no casualties were reported.
· At approximately 22:30, Israeli warplanes
launched 6 airstrikes on agricultural plots in various areas in Khan Yunis. As a result, a Palestinian civilian was
wounded.
Rafah:
· At
approximately 06:00, an Israeli drone fired 2 missiles at a 2-storey house
belonging to Mohammed Nazir Madhi, in which people live, in Madhi area in the
north of Rafah. A few minutes later, an Israeli warplane launched 2
missiles at the house and destroyed it. A number of neighboring houses
were also destroyed. As a result of this attack, 18 Palestinian
civilians, including 7 children and 6 women, were wounded.
· At
approximately 06:45, an Israeli drone fired a missile at a house belonging to
Fawzi Lafi ‘Aabdin, in which 20 people live, in al-Nasser village, northeast of
Rafah. A few minutes later, an Israeli warplane launched a missile at the
house and destroyed it.
· At approximately 07:30, an Israeli warplane launched a
missile at an agricultural plot near Rafah International Crossing Point,
southeast of Rafah. As a result, the
external travelling hall and a number of taxis were damaged.
· From 13:10 to
15:00, Israeli forces fired a number of artillery shells at houses and
agricultural areas in al-Shouka village, east of Rafah.
· At
approximately 13:50, an Israeli warplane launched 2 missiles at an open area
near the Swedish Village, southwest of Rafah.
· At
approximately 16:00, an Israeli warplane launched a missile at an agricultural
plot in Tabbet Zare’ neighborhood in the east of Rafah.
The West Bank
· At approximately 01:00, Israeli forces moved into Beit
Ummar town, north of Hebron. They raided
and searched 2 houses and arrested 2 Palestinian civilians: Muhab Joudi ‘Aadel,
18; and Sabri Ibrahim ‘Awadh, 19.
· Also at
approximately 01:00, Israeli forces moved into Seilat al-Zaher village, south
of Jenin. They raided and searched 2
houses and arrested 2 Palestinian civilians: Jameel Kamel Mousa, 17; and
Mamdouh ‘Aadel Mousa, 20.
· At
approximately 01:30, Israeli forces moved into al-Fawar refugee camp, south of
Hebron. They raided and searched 2
houses and arrested 2 Palestinian civilians: Muneer ‘Atallah al-Titi, 27; and
Yousef Khalil al-Sarahna, 21.
· At approximately 01:45, Israeli forces, accompanied by a police force,
an intelligence officer and female soldiers, raided the house of Ms. Khalida
Jarrar, Member of the PLC and Member of the PFLP Political Bureau, in Salam
Za’rour Street near the Continuous Education Center in the center of
Ramallah. An Israeli officer delivered
to her a military notice ordering her transfer from Ramallah to Jericho until
19 February 2015, claiming that “she poses a threat to the security of the
region, so she must be put under special monitoring.” Ms. Jarrar stated to PCHR that the notice was
written in Hebrew, but the officer read it to her in Arabic and requested her
to sign it, but she refused. The officer
then gave her a map that specifies her movement inside Jericho.
· At
approximately 02:30, Israeli forces moved into al-‘Arroub refugee camp, north
of Hebron. They raided and searched a
house belonging to the family of Hazem Hassan Jawabra, 20, and arrested him.
2. Demolition
of Houses as a Form of Collective Punishment
At
approximately 00:30 on Monday, 18 August 2014, Israeli forces moved into Abu
Ktaila area in Hebron. They surrounded a
2-storey house belonging to Hussam ‘Ali al-Qawasma, 41, in which 8 people live,
which had been evacuated as an order to demolish it was issued on 16 July
2014. Israeli forces raided a number of
neighboring houses and forced their residents out taking them to a nearby
mosque in Wad al-Nassas area. Israeli
soldier planted explosive devices inside al-Qawasma’s house and then blew it
up.
In
the meantime, Israeli forces surrounded a 3-storey house belonging to Sa’di
‘Abdul ‘Afu al-Qawasma behind the building of the Transportation Department,
whose third floor was destroyed by Israeli forces on 03 June 2014, claiming
that they were searching for the owner’s son, Marwan, who is allegedly accused
of killing 3 Israeli settlers in Hebron.
They brought concrete, barrels, iron nets and tin boards, which they
used to close Marwan’s flat. It is worth
noting that on 30 June 2014, Israeli forces blew up a flat on the third floor
of the same house belonging to Marwan’s brother, Bilal, and damaged the
house. The family was forced to evacuate
the house which became uninhabitable.
Israeli
forces also raided a house belonging to ‘Omar ‘Abdul Qader Abu ‘Eisha in
al-Dahdah opposite to the Transportation Department in Ras al-Joura areas in
the north of Hebron. They blew up a flat
on the second floor claiming that its owner is accused of kidnapping and
killing 3 Israeli settlers in Hebron. It
is worth noting that the same flat was subject to similar bombing on 30 June
2014, and since then the family had been forced to evacuate the house because
it became uninhabitable.
3. 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 Palestinian child was wounded and arrested
by Israeli forces, and several demonstrators suffered tear gas inhalation and
others sustained bruises as they were beaten up by Israeli soldiers.
Demonstrations against
the Construction of the Annexation Wall
· Following the Friday Prayer on 04 July 2014,
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
demonstrators took the streets raising the Palestinian flags and headed toward the
liberated areas near the annexation wall. Early in the morning, Israeli forces
closed all entrances to the village to prevent Palestinian civilians and
international and Israeli human rights defenders from participating in the
protest. 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 steel bullets, sound bombs and waste water at them and
chased them into the olive fields. As a result, several demonstrators suffered
tear gas inhalation and others sustained bruises as they were beaten up by
Israeli soldiers.
· At the same time, dozens of Palestinian
civilians organized a peaceful demonstration in Nil’in village, west of
Ramallah, in protest at the construction of the annexation wall and settlement
activities. The demonstrators made their way towards the annexation wall.
Israeli forces closed the wall gate with barbwire and, when the demonstrators
attempted to access the lands behind the barbwire, they were stopped by Israeli
soldier. The demonstrators threw stones at the Israeli soldier who responded
with live ammunition, rubber-coated metal bullet, sound bombs, tear gas
canisters, and waste water at them and chased them into the village. As a
result, several demonstrators suffered tear gas inhalation and others sustained
bruises as they were beaten up by Israeli soldiers.
· Around the same time,
dozens of Palestinian civilians and Israeli and international human rights
defenders organised a peaceful demonstration in Nabi Saleh village, southwest
of Ramallah, in protest at the construction of the annexation wall and
settlement activities. The demonstrators made their way in the streets raising
the Palestinian flags and chanting slogans against the occupation, and they then
headed to the lands that the settlers are trying to rob by force near “Halmish”
settlement. Israeli forces had closed all the entrances of the village since
the morning to prevent Palestinian and international activists and journalists
from participating in the demonstration. When they arrived at the
aforementioned land, the demonstrators were met by live bullets, tear gas
canisters, rubber-coated steel bullets, sound bombs and skunk water and were
chased into the village. As a result, Baha’ Ibrahim ‘Arar, 15, was wounded by a
live bullet to the left leg. He was
arrested by Israeli soldiers. An hour
later, a Palestinian ambulance received him and he was transferred to Ramallah
Hospital.
· At approximately 13:00 on the same day, dozens
of Palestinian civilians and international activists organized a peaceful
demonstration in the centre of Kufor Qaddoum village, northeast of Qalqilya, in
protest at the closure of the eastern entrance of the village with a metal gate
since the beginning of the second Intifada. The protestors threw stones at the
Israeli soldiers who fired live bullets, tear gas canisters, rubber-coated
steel bullets, and sound bombs in response. As a result, many civilians
suffered tear gas inhalation and others sustained bruises due to being beaten
up by Israeli soldiers.
Demonstrations
against the Israeli Offensive on the Gaza Strip
While
Israel is launching a bloody offensive on the Gaza Strip, Israeli forces used
excessive force against Palestinian civilians protesting crimes committed by
Israeli forces in the Gaza Strip. During the reporting period, 13 Palestinian
civilians, including 5 children, were wounded.
· Following the Friday Prayer on
15 August 2014, hundreds of Palestinian civilians organized a demonstration near
Beit Fourik village, east of Nablus, in protest against the Israeli offensive
on the Gaza Strip. They threw stones at
Israeli forces which responded by firing live and rubber-coated metal
bullets. As a result, 6 Palestinian
civilians, including 3 children, were wounded by live bullets.
· Also on Friday afternoon, a
number of Palestinian youngsters gathered near Qalandya checkpoint between
Jerusalem and Ramallah to organized a demonstration in protest against the
Israeli offensive on the Gaza Strip.
They set fire to tires and threw stones, empty bottles and fireworks at
Israeli forces, which responded by firing live and rubber-coated metal bullets,
tear gas canisters and stun grenades. As
a result, 3 protestors, including a child, were wounded.
· In the evening, dozens of Palestinian
civilians organized a demonstration at the entrance of Silwad village,
northeast of Ramallah, to organize a demonstration in protest against the
Israeli offensive on the Gaza Strip.
They threw stones at Israeli forces, which responded by firing live and
rubber-coated metal bullets, tear gas canisters and stun grenades. Israeli soldiers then raided a house
belonging to Na’im Mohammed ‘Ayad, 48, and took position atop the house. A skirmish erupted between the soldiers and
members of the family. An Israeli
soldier fired 7 live bullets and beat members of the family. As a result, 2 of ‘Ayad’s sons were wounded:
Mohammed, 22, wounded by 3 bullets to the right leg and foot and the left leg;
and Nidal, 25, injured in the head and sustained bruises to the head and the
chest.
· At the same time, dozens of
Palestinian youngsters gathered near Ofer Prison, southwest of Ramallah. They moved towards the gate of the
prison. They threw stones and empty
bottles at Israeli forces. Immediately,
Israeli soldiers closed the gate and fired live and rubber-coated metal
bullets, tear gas canisters and stun grenades.
As a result, a 16-year-old child was wounded by a rubber-coated metal
bullet to the head, and a 19-year-old civilian was wounded by a live bullet to
the left knee.
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 for 9 months 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
crisis has unprecedentedly aggravated for around six weeks due to cold weather
and overconsumption in addition to the power outage and using gas as an
alternative in many instances of electricity. 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 6 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. Last week, 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.
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.
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.
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
08:00 on Thursday, 14 August 2014, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at
the entrance of Yatta village, south of Hebron.
At approximately 16:00, they established a checkpoint at the entrance of
al-Fawar refugee camp, south of Hebron.
They stopped and searched Palestinian civilian vehicles, but no arrests
were reported.
At approximately 07:30 on
Friday, 15 August 2014, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the entrance
of Yatta village, south of Hebron. At
approximately 09:30, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the entrance of
Douma village, south of Hebron. They
stopped and searched Palestinian civilian vehicles, but no arrests were
reported.
At approximately 07:30 on
Saturday, 16 August 2014, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the
entrance of al-‘Arroub refugee camp, north of Hebron. They stopped and searched Palestinian
civilian vehicles, but no arrests were reported.
At approximately 07:00 on
Monday, 18 August 2014, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the entrance
of al-Fawar refugee camp, south of Hebron.
At approximately 08:00, Israeli forces established 2 checkpoints at the
entrance of Sa’ir village, east of Hebron, and at the entrance of Ethna
village, west of the city. In the
meantime, Israeli forces positioned in the vicinity of “Carmi Tsur”
settlement, north of Hebron, denied Palestinian farmers access to their lands
in the area.
At approximately 15:00 on
Tuesday, 19 August 2014, Israeli forces established a number of checkpoints at
the northern entrance of Hebron, bypass road #35, Halhoul Bridge; Ezone area,
the entrance of al-‘Arroub refugee camp, the entrance of Beit Ummar town and
the entrance of al-Fawar refugee camp.
They stopped and searched Palestinian civilian vehicles, but no arrests
were reported.
· Ramallah:
Israeli forces have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of
Palestinian civilians. At approximately
21:45 on Thursday, 14 August 2014, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at
the entrance of Nabi Saleh village, northwest of Ramallah. They stopped and searched Palestinian
civilian vehicles, but no arrests were reported.
· At approximately 10:30 on
Friday, 15 August 2014, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the entrance
of Nabi Saleh village, northwest of Ramallah.
At approximately 11:00, they established a checkpoint at the entrance of
Ni’lin village, west of the city. At
approximately 17:00, they re-established their presence at ‘Attara checkpoint
at the northern entrance of Bir Zeir village, north of the town. At approximately 20:30, they established a
checkpoint at the entrance of Turmos’iya village, north of the town. They stopped and searched Palestinian
civilian vehicles, but no arrests were reported.
At approximately 18:30 on
Saturday, 16 August 2014, Israeli forces established a checkpoint near Beit
‘Aur al-Fouqa intersection, southwest of Ramallah. At approximately 22:00, they established a
checkpoint under Kharabtha al-Misbah Bridge, southwest of the city. They stopped and searched Palestinian
civilian vehicles, but no arrests were reported.
At approximately 08:00 on
Monday, 18 August 2014, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the entrance
of Deir Abu Mash’al village. At
approximately 09:00, they established a checkpoint at the entrance of Nabi
Saleh village, northwest of Ramallah. At
approximately 19:30, they established a checkpoint at “Ofra”
settlement intersection, northeast of the town.
At approximately 20:45, Israeli forces established a checkpoint near
‘Ein Ayoub area, northwest of the town.
At approximately 21:30, they established a checkpoint at the entrance of
Bitillu village, northwest of Ramallah.
They stopped and searched Palestinian civilian vehicles, but no arrests
were reported.
At approximately 00:30 on
Tuesday, 19 August 2014, Israeli forces re-established their presence at
‘Attara checkpoint at the northern entrance of Bir Zeit village, north of
Ramallah. At approximately 17:30, they
established a checkpoint at the entrance of Ni’lin village, west of the
city. At approximately 20:30, they
established a checkpoint at the entrance of Sinjel village, north of the
city. At approximately 22:45, they
established a checkpoint under Kharabtha al-Misbah Bridge, southwest of the
city. They stopped and searched Palestinian
civilian vehicles, but no arrests were reported.
· Tulkarm: Israeli forces have continued to impose
severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. At approximately 15:30 on Saturday, 16 August
2014, Israeli forces established a checkpoint on Tulkram-Nablus road, east of
Tulkarm. At approximately 18:30, they
established a checkpoint at the entrance of Qiffin village, north of the
town. They stopped and searched
Palestinian civilian vehicles, but no arrests were reported.
At approximately 21:00 on
Sunday, 17 August 2014, Israeli forces established a checkpoint between ‘Izbat
Shoufa and Shoufa villages, southeast of Tulkarm. They stopped and searched
Palestinian civilian vehicles, but no arrests were reported.
· Jenin: Israeli
forces have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of
Palestinian civilians. At approximately
01:30 on Sunday, 17 August 2014, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the
entrance of al-Jalama village, north of Jenin.
They delivered a summons to Hisham ‘Awadh Jarrar, 27, while he was
passing by the checkpoint, to refer to the Israeli intelligence. At approximately 13:00, they established a
checkpoint at ‘Anza intersection, southwest of the town. They stopped and searched Palestinian civilian
vehicles, but no arrests were reported.
At approximately 17:30, they established a checkpoint at Jaba’
intersection, south of Jenin. They
stopped and searched Palestinian civilian vehicles, but no arrests were
reported.
· Qalqilya:
Israeli forces have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of
Palestinian civilians. At approximately 23:40 on Saturday, 16 August 2014, At
approximately 18:30 on Friday, 04 July 2014, Israeli forces established a
checkpoint at the entrance of ‘Azzoun village, east of Qalqilya. The
checkpoints were removed and no arrests were reported.
· Salfit: Israeli forces have continued to impose severe restrictions on the
movement of Palestinian civilians.
At approximately 14:30 on Sunday, 17 August 2014, Israeli forces
established a checkpoint at the northern entrance of Salfit. At approximately 20:40, they established a
checkpoint at the western entrance of Marda village, north of the town. They prevented the movement of Palestinian
civilian vehicles to and from the village until 21:35.
· Jericho:
Israeli forces have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of
Palestinian civilians. At approximately 10:30 on
Friday, 15 August 2014, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the entrance
of al-Jiftlek village, north of Jericho.
At approximately 20:00, they established a checkpoint at the entrance of
al-Nuai’ema village, north of Jericho.
They stopped and searched Palestinian civilian vehicles, but no arrests
were reported.
At approximately 20:30 on Sunday, 16
August 2014, Israeli forces at the southern entrance of Jericho. They stopped and searched Palestinian
civilian vehicles, but no arrests were reported.
At approximately 20:00 on Monday, 17
August 2014, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the entrance of Marj
Na’ja village, north of Jericho. They
stopped and searched Palestinian civilian vehicles, but no arrests were
reported.
Arrests
and Maltreatment at Military Checkpoints
· At approximately 10:00 on
Monday, 18 August 2014, Israeli forces arrested Hamza Ahmed al-Shawahin, 19,
and Ibrahim ‘Eissa al-Shawahin, 18, when they were grazing animals to the east
of Yatta village, south of Hebron.
· At approximately 16:00 on the
same day, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the entrance of Sabastia
village, northwest of Nablus. They
stopped and searched Palestinian civilian vehicles and arrested Ahmed ‘Arab
Daghlas, 23, from Burqa village northwest of the city.
4. Efforts to Create a
Jewish Demographic Majority in Occupied East Jerusalem
Attacks
carried out by settlers in the Occupied City
· At approximately 04:00 on
Thursday, 14 August 2014, Israeli forces moved into Silwad neighborhood to the
south of the Old Town of Jerusalem. They
raided and searched a number of houses and arrested 13 Palestinians: ‘Aamer
Zaidani; Mohammed Zaidani; ‘Aa’ed Khalil ‘Abbassi; ‘Ali Sabri Abu Diab; Na’im
Ibrahim Hadia; Lu’ai Sami al-Rajabi; Mahmoud Jamal Ghaith; Ziad Ahmed al-Qaq;
Mahmoud Jamal Ghaith; Tariq ‘Aadel Sarhan; and Mohammed ‘Ali Sarhan. During the house raids, Israeli soldiers
violently beat Khalil ‘Abdul Rahim ‘Abbassi, 67, and his son, Emad. They also beat Kahiriya al-Qaq.
· At approximately 05:00 on the
same day, Israeli forces raided and searched a number of houses in the Old Town
of Jerusalem and arrested 18 Palestinians: Khaldoun al-Ashmar; Mohammed
al-Arna’out; Mohammed al-Samman; Ameen
Jaber; Nemer al-Basti; Bassem al-Basti; Bassam al-Basti; Ragheb Abu Sunaina;
Ghaleb Abu Sunaina; Ussama al-Joulani; Khader al-Ba;rani; Wissam Noufal;
Mohammed Jaber; ‘Abdullah Abu Diab; Ramzi al-Resheq; Anas al-Afghani; Hamza
al-Afghani; and Tahaddi Toukhali.
· At approximately 05:30, Israeli
forces moved into Shu’fat neighborhood in the north of Jerusalem. They raided and searched a number of houses
and arrested 7 Palestinians: ‘Abed Saleh Abu Khudair; Ahmed Farouq Abu Khudair;
Mousa Sofian Abu Khudair; Yahia Zakaria Abu Khudair; ‘Abdul Rahman Abu Khudair;
‘Omar al-Falah Abu Khudair; and Radi Abu Khudair.
· At approximately 07:00, Israeli
forces moved into Silwan neighborhood to the south of the Old Town of
Jerusalem. They raided and searched a
house belonging to the family of Mahmoud ‘Atiya Qwaider and summoned him for
questioning.
· At approximately 15:00 on
Friday, 15 August 2014, Israeli forces moved into Wadi al-Jouz neighborhood to
the east of the Old Town of Jerusalem after a number of young men threw stones
at a police vehicle. They fired stun
grenades.
· At approximately 20:00 on the
same day, Israeli forces raided and searched a café at the entrance of al-Tour
neighborhood. They damaged some chairs
and tables. A number of Palestinian
youngsters gathered outside the café and threw stones and fireworks at the
Israeli forces. Immediately, Israeli
soldiers fired stun grenades. No
casualties or arrests were reported.
· At approximately 04:00 on
Monday, 18 August 2014, Israeli forces moved into Hazma village, northeast of
Jerusalem. They raided and searched a
number of houses and arrested 6 Palestinians: Mohammed Fadel Subaih; Ibrahim
‘Aatef al-Khatib; Shadi and Dawod Mohammed Najib; and Rabeh and Ramzi Nasri.
· At approximately 04:30 on the
same day, Israeli forces moved into Shu’fat refugee camp and Ras Khamis
neighborhood, north of Jerusalem. They
arrested 3 Palestinian children after raiding their houses: Mo’tassem Ahmed
al-Haddad, 17; Mohammed ‘Abdullah Diba, 17; and Ibrahim Tawfiq Tantas, 16.
· At approximately 05:00 on the
same day, Israeli forces arrested 3 Palestinians, including a child, after
raiding their houses in the Old Town of Jerusalem: ‘Omar Hassan Fairawi, 16; Ibrahim
Mohammed Abu Sunaina, 20; and Tha’er ‘Ossaila, 19.
· At approximately 10:00 on
Monday, 18 August 2014, bulldozers of the Israeli municipality of Jerusalem demolished
a 400-square-meter and a 20-square-meter store belonging to Tawfiq and ‘Aayed
Ghazzawi in al-Tour neighborhood without a prior warning. They did not allow the family to vacate their belongs. The Israeli municipality claimed that the house
was built without a license. It is worth noting that the family was forces to
pay several construction fines to the municipality.
· At approximately 04:00 on
Tuesday, 19 August 2014, Israeli forces raided and searched a house belonging
to the family of Ahmed Marwan al-Hashlamoun, 19, and arrested him.
Attacks
Carried out by Israeli Settlers
· At approximately 02:30 on
Friday, 15 August 2014, dozens of Israeli settlers violently beat and insulted
Shadi Saleem al-Tamimi, 23, and Hassan Qara’in, 20, while they were in their
work in a gas station in West Jerusalem.
4. 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.
Attacks Carried out by
Israeli Forces
· At
approximately 05:00 on Wednesday, 20 August 2014, Israeli forces, accompanied
by 3 bulldozers, moved into Kherbat al-Tawil area, southeast of Nablus. They demolished 3 houses for the third time
since 19 April 2014:
1. A
60-square-meter house belonging to Ussama Anas Bani Fadel, in which 10 people,
including 7 children, live;
2. A
60-square-meter house belonging to Anwar Sidqi Bani Fadel, in which 10 people,
including 7 children, live; and
3. A
60-square-meter house belonging to Mohammed Sidqi Bani Fadel, in which 7
people, including 5 children, live.
They also
confiscated 6 tents.
· At approximately 08:00 on the same day, Israeli
forces, accompanied by a bulldozer, moved into al-‘Aqaba area in the northern
Jordan Valley. They demolished 3 housing
barracks:
1. An
80-square-meter housing barrack belonging to Ziad Fayad Dabak, in which 7
people, including 5 children, lived;
2. A
60-square-meter housing barrack and a 40-square-meter one belonging to
Daifallah ‘Abed Zawahra, in which 9 people, including 7 children, lived.
· At approximately 09:30 on the same day, Israeli
forces, accompanied by 2 bulldozers, moved into the Bedouin community to the east
of al-Taybeh village, northeast of Ramallah.
At approximately 09:45, the Israeli bulldozers demolished 3 housing
barracks made of tin and wood and a barnyard:
1. A 16-square-meter barrack belonging to Yousef
Mousa Ka’aabna, in which 8 people lived;
2. An
8-square-meter barrack belonging to Mousa Yousef Ka’abna, in which 6 people
lives;
3. A
6-square-meter barrack belonging to Ayman Yousef Ka’abna, in which 6 people
lived; and
4. A
22-square-meter barnyard belonging to Yousef Mousa Ka’abna.
Attacks by Israeli Settlers
· At
approximately 16:00 on Saturday, 16 August 2014, a number of Israeli settlers
from “Beit Hadasa” settlement in the old town in the center of
Hebron, escorted by Israeli forces, threw stones at Palestinian houses in
al-Shuhada Street. When Palestinian
civilians attempted to defend themselves, Israeli forces raided a house
belonging to Mahmoud Maher Abu Haya and arrested him.
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 continued aggression 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;
14. PCHR calls upon the Palestinian leadership to sign and
accede to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court and the Geneva
Conventions, and calls upon the international community, especially the United
Nations, to encourage the State of Palestine to accede to international human
rights law and humanitarian law instruments.
…………………………………………………………
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.
