Jerusalem – Part of the destruction left
behind by Israeli bulldozers that demolished 3 commercial stores in Ein
al-Louza neighborhood in Silwan. Photo by: Mahmoud Elayan

Israeli forces continue systematic crimes in the occupied Palestinian
territory (oPt)

 

 

Israeli forces killed a Palestinian civilian in
occupied Jerusalem in excessive use of force.

 

Israeli forces wounded 40 Palestinian civilians in the
West Bank and Gaza Strip during peaceful protests.

Among the wounded were 11 children and 2
photojournalists, including an Italian journalist.

 

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

 

Israeli forces conducted 70incursions into Palestinian
communities in the West Bank anda limited one in the central Gaza Strip.

62 Palestinian civilians, including 19 children, were
arrested.

18 of these civilians, including 8 children, were
arrested in occupied Jerusalem.

 

Israel continued to impose a total closure on the oPt
and has isolated the Gaza Strip from the outside world.

Many checkpoints were established in the West Bank.

6 Palestinian children from Silwad village, northeast
of Ramallah, were detained for few hours and then released.

Israeli forces arrested a Palestinian civilian at Beit
Hanoun (Erez) crossing, north of the Gaza Strip.

 

Israeli forces continued their effort to create Jewish
majority in East Jerusalem.

A residential building that includes 8 apartments in
Ras al-Amoud neighbourhood, and 3 commercial stores in Silwan village, were
demolished

 

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

Settlers
damaged 4 civilian vehicles, south of Nablus.

800 olive seedlings, north of Hebron, were cut off and
16 dunums[1] of olive
trees, west of Bethlehem, were burnt.

 

 

 

Summary

 

Israeli violations of international law and international
humanitarian law in theoPt continued during the reporting period (14 –
20 May 2015).

 

Shooting:

Israeli forces escalated the policy of excessive use
of force against Palestinian civilians, including protestors in peaceful
protests in the oPt. During the reporting period, Israeli forces killed a
Palestinian civilian in occupied East Jerusalem and wounded 40 others,
including 11 children and 2 photojournalists; 37 of whom were wounded in the
West Bank and the 3 others were wounded in the Gaza Strip. In the Gaza Strip,
Israeli forces continued targeting fishermen and opening fire at border areas
along the Gaza Strip.

In the West Bank, on Wednesday morning, 20 May 2015,
Israeli forces killed a Palestinian civilian. Israeli soldiers opened fire at
the Palestinian when his car deviated in al-Tour neighbourhood intersection,
east of the old city in East Jerusalem, and hit 2 policewomen. Israeli forces
claimed that the Palestinian attempted to run over the 2 policewomen. PCHR
stresses that Israeli forces could have used less lethal force against him.

 

Additionally, 19 Palestinian civilians, including 8
children, were wounded; 10 of whom sustained live bullet wounds, 7 sustained rubber-coated
metal bullet wounds and the 2 others sustained shrapnel wounds. They were
wounded when Israeli forces moved into the eastern part of Nablus on Thursday,
14 May 2015, to allow dozens of settlers to enter the area.

 

Israeli forces continued the use ofexcessive and
systematic force against peaceful protests organized by Palestinian civilians
and Israeli and international solidarity activists against the construction of
the annexation wall and settlement activities in the West Bank and to mark the
67^th anniversary of the Palestinian Nakba (catastrophe). As a
result, 18 protestors, including 3 children and 2 photojournalists, were
wounded.

 

In the Gaza Strip, on 15 May 2015, 3 Palestinian
civilians were wounded, the wound of one of them was serious due to which he
was transferred to an Israeli hospital, when Israeli forces stationed along the
border fence, east of al-Shuja’iya neighbourhood, east of Gaza City, opened
fire at a group of Palestinian youngsters commemorating the Palestinian Nakba
(the uprooting of the Palestinian people from their land in 1948).

 

Moreover, Israeli forces stationed along the border
fence, east of al-Shuhada cemetery, east of Jabalia, north of the Gaza Strip,
opened sporadic fire twice at the said area, but no casualties were reported.

 

In
the context of targeting fishermen, Israeli forces opened fire 3 times at
fishermen sailing in the allowed area, but neither casualties nor material
damage were reported.

 

Incursions:

 

During the reporting period,Israeli forces conducted
at least 70 military incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank
and 9 ones in East Jerusalem.During these incursions, Israeli forces arrested
at least 62Palestinians, including 19 children. 
18 of these Palestinians, including 8 children, were arrested in East
Jerusalem.

 

In the Gaza Strip, on 20 May 2015, Israeli forces
moved into the east of al-Maghazi refugee camp, in the central Gaza Strip. They
levelled lands along the border fence and withdrew later.

 

Restrictions on movement:

 

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

 

The illegal closure of the Gaza Strip, which has been steadily
tightened since June 2007 has had a disastrous impact on the humanitarian and
economic situation in the Gaza Strip. 
The Israeli authorities impose measures to undermine the freedom of
trade, including the basic needs for the Gaza Strip population and the
agricultural and industrial products to be exported. For 8 consecutive years,
Israel has tightened the land and naval closure to isolate the Gaza Strip from
the West Bank, including occupied Jerusalem, and other countries around the
world. This resulted in grave violations of the economic, social and cultural
rights and a deterioration of living conditions for 1.8 million people.  The Israeli authorities have established Karm
Abu Salem (KeremShaloum) as the sole crossing for imports and exports in order
to exercise its control over the Gaza Strip’s economy.  They also aim at imposing a complete ban on
the Gaza Strip’s exports. The Israeli closure raised the rate of poverty to
38.8%, 21.1% of which suffer from extreme poverty. Moreover, the rate of
unemployment increased up to 44%, which reflects the unprecedented economic
deterioration in the Gaza Strip.

Efforts to create Jewish majority

House demolition

 

On 19 May 2015, Israeli bulldozers demolished 3
commercial stores in Ein al-Louza neighbourhood, in Silwan village, under the
pretext of non-licensing.

 

On 20 May 2015, Israeli bulldozers demolished a
residential building in Qaddoum valley area in Ras al-Amoud neighbourhood,
under the pretext of non-licensing too.

Settlement activities

 

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

 

On
14 May 2015, about 15 settlers gathered at the entrance of “Ytshar”
settlement, south of Nablus, and threw stones at Palestinian vehicles. As a
result, 4 vehicles sustained damage. It should be noted that the settlers used
2 vehicles with Palestinian registration plates from which they were throwing
stones.

 

On
17 May 2015, a number of settlers from “Asfar” settlement cut off 800
olive seedlings from Palestinian lands to the east of al-Shyoukh village,
northeast of Hebron.

 

On
18 May 2015, 5 settlers from “Beit Ein” settlement burnt 16 dunums of
olive trees aging over 60 years in HiletQeddis area, east of the village.

 

 

 

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

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

Thursday, 14 May 2015

At approximately 00:30, Israeli forces moved into Tulkarm.  They patrolled the streets for some time and
then stationed in Kafa area, south of the city. 
They raided and searched a house belonging to KefahTaleb Mohammed
‘Arafat (26).  They arrested him and
withdrew later taking him to an unknown destination.

At approximately 01:15, Israeli forces moved into
al-Far’ah Valley village, southeast of Tubas. 
They raided and searched a number of houses, from which they arrested 3
civilians: Bashar ‘Abdel JabbarSa’idBarahmah (46); Faris Ibrahim Salahat (33);
and Mohammed Fayez Janajzah (35).

 

At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into
‘EraqBorin, southeast of Nablus.  They
raided and searched a number of houses house, from which they arrested Ahmed
Hussam al-Faqih (22).

At approximately 03:00, Israeli forces moved into a
number of neighbourhoods in the centre of Hebron. They stationed in the
southern area of the city and then raided and searched a house belonging to the
family of Ahmed Fadel Abu Hammad (18). 
They arrested the aforementioned civilian and withdrew later taking him
to an unknown destination.

At approximately 04:00, Israeli forces moved into
Bitello village, northwest of Ramallah. 
They stationed in the centre of the village, and then raided and
searched two houses.  They arrested Basil
As’adSoliman al-Khatib (21) and Wasef Ismail Bazar (20) and withdrew later
taking them to an unknown destination.

At approximately 05:00, Israeli forces moved into
al-Khader village, south of Bethlehem. 
They stationed in al-Balou’a area in the centre of the village.  They raided and searched a number of houses,
from which they arrested Tariq Ahmed al-Jahalin (19) and ZiadWael ‘Issa
(19).  Israeli forces later withdrew
taking them to an unknown destination.

At approximately 05:30, Israeli forces moved into
al-‘Ezzah refugee camp, north of Bethlehem. 
They raided and searched a house belonging to Fadi Jihad ‘Adawin (22).  They handed him a summons to refer to the
Israeli intelligence in “Gosh ‘Etzion” settlement bloc, south of the
city.

At approximately 11:30, Israeli gunboats stationed off
al-Soudaniyah shore, west of Jabalia in the northern Gaza Strip, opened fire in
the vicinity of Palestinian fishing boats in addition to chasing them.  The shooting at the boats sailing within two
nautical miles continued for 20 minutes. 
This caused fear among Palestinian fishermen who fled leaving their nets
that they later lost.  No injuries were
reported.

At approximately 22:30, Israeli undercover units
infiltrated into Old ‘Askar refugee camp, northeast of Nablus, using a Mercedes
618 white car covered with a grey cloth and a Volkswagen-Caddy blue car with an
aluminium ladder looking like the Palestine Telecommunications Company
(Paltel)’s cars.  The two cars stopped in
the main street near a shop belonging to Saleh Sa’ed, and Israeli soldiers
stepped out from the cars and raided a barber shop belonging to Hamadah Bahr
al-Dam.  They immediately pointed their guns
at NaserMousa Hasan al-Naqib (40) who was in the shop and then arrested him
taking him to one of the cars.  They fled
away taking al-Naqib to an unknown destination. 
It should be mentioned that al-Naqib is member of the Palestinian
civilian police.

 

At approximately 23:00, Israeli forces moved into the
east of Nablus.  They deployed in the
vicinity of “Joseph’s Tomb” and ascended to a number of nearby roofs
to facilitate the entry of dozens of buses belonging to the settlers.  A number of buses then arrived at the place
and took more than 1500 settlers, who performed religious rituals and prayers
until 03:30 next day, 15 May 2015. 
Dozens of Palestinian young men and children gathered in the vicinity of
“Joseph’s Tomb”, ‘Amman Street and ‘Askar area and threw stones and
empty bottles at the Israeli forces and settlers.  The Israeli forces immediately fired in
response sound bombs, tear gas canisters, live bullets and rubber-coated metal
bullets at the demonstrators.  As a
result, 19 Palestinian civilians, including 8 children, were wounded; ten of
them were hit with live bullets, 7 of them were hit with metal bullets and two
of them were hit with shrapnel.  They
were all transferred to Rafidia Surgical Hospital to receive medical treatment.

 

(PCHR
keeps the names of the wounded persons)

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces carried out incursions in
the following areas, but no arrests were reported: the villages of Beit Marsam,
‘Abdah, Beit al-Rosh al-Foqa in Hebron; DeirQeddis, west of Ramallah; Jenin;
Silet al-Thaher village, south of the city; Faqou’ah village, northeast of the
city; Tulkarm; Bal’ah village, northeast; Deir al-Ghosoun village, north of the
city; and KafrQaddoum village, northeast of Qalqilya.

 

Friday, 15 May 2015

 

At approximately 01:00, Israeli forces moved into
Sanour village, south of Jenin.  They
raided and searched two houses handing their owners summonses to refer to the
Israeli intelligence in Salem camp, northwest of the city:LaithF’oadSadiqGharbiyah
(20); and Khalil Ibrahim Mahmoud Weld ‘Ali (21).

 

At approximately 13:20, Israeli forces stationed along
the border between the Gaza Strip and Israel opened fire at a group of young
men who were participating in a demonstration to commemorate the 67^th
anniversary of Nakbah near Nahal ‘Oz crossing to the east of al-Shija’iyah
neighbourhood in the east of Gaza City. 
As a result, three of them were wounded, and the medical sources at
Shifa Hospital described the injury of one of them as serious.  He was transferred to the Israeli hospital to
receive medical treatment.

The wounded persons were identified as:

1. Muhanad Mohammed ShehdahKhader Heles (21), who was
wounded with a bullet to the right thigh and transferred to receive medical
treatment in Israel;

2. AmjadAnwar Salman Shallah (20),who was wounded by a
bullet to the right leg; and

3. Mohammed Yosri Hasan al-Hattab (22), whowas wounded
with a bullet to the right leg.

 

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces carried out incursions in
the following areas, but no arrests were reported: the villages of ‘Abwein,
Kafr ‘Ein and KafrMalek in Ramallah and al-Bireh; and MarjNa’ajah village,
north of Jericho.

Saturday, 16 May 2015

At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into
Selwad village, northeast of Hebron. 
They stationed in the centre of the village and then raided and searched
a house belonging to ‘Abdel QaderBasemHamed (20).  They arrested the aforementioned civilian and
withdrew latertaking him to an unknown destination.

 

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces carried
out incursions in the following areas, but no arrested were reported: Yata,
Taramah village and al-Fawar refugee camp in Hebron; villages of DeirJarir,
Beit ‘Oar al-Tahta and DeirDebwan in Ramallah and al-Bireh; Far’on village,
south of Tulkarm; and ‘Azoun village, southeast of Qalqilya.

 

 

Sunday, 17 May 2015

At approximately 01:00, Israeli forces moved into
Sanour village, south of Jenin.  They
raided a house belonging to EyadFathi ‘Isah (22) and handed him a summons to
refer to the Israeli intelligence in Salem Camp, northwest of the city.

 

At approximately 02:30, Israeli forces moved into a
number of neighbourhoods in Hebron.  They
stationed in Nemrah neighbourhood and then raided and searched a house
belonging to UsamahNaji al-Hashlamon (23). 
Israeli forces arrested the aforementioned civilian and withdrew latertaking
him to an unknown destination.

 

At approximately 03:30, Israeli forces moved into
Bethlehem.  They raided and searched a
house belonging to ‘Omer Yousif Safi Hasasnah (23) handing him a summons to
refer to the Israeli intelligence in Gosh ‘Etzion settlement bloc, south of the
city.

 

At approximately 07:00, Israeli forces stationed along
the border fence, east of al-Shuhadaa’ Cemetery and east of Abu Safiyah area,
east of Jabalia in the northern Gaza Strip, opened fire sporadically at
Palestinian farmers in the area.  The
shooting resulted in fear among farmers, who were in the agricultural lands
adjacent to the border zone.  As a
result, they fled for fear of being wounded. 
Neither injuries nor damages to the property were reported.  At approximately 11:15 and 17:00, the shooting
was resumed in the same area.

 

At approximately 20:30, Israeli forces moved into
‘EzbetShofah village, southeast of Tulkarm. 
They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Mahmoud
Mohammed Hussein Shaf’ie (33) and arrested him. 
Israeli forces then raided and searched four other houses handing them
summonses to refer to the Israeli intelligence in the DCO building, southwest
of Tulkarm.  Israeli forces withdrew latertaking
the aforementioned civilian to an unknown destination.  The summoned persons were identified asAhmed
Hussein Mas’oudRihan (29); Nashat Mohammed Musatafa Hamad (26); ‘Anan Fathi
‘Abdullah Zgheib (39) and his brother, ‘Issam (28).

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces carried
out incursions in the following areas, but no arrests were reported: Halhoul
and Beit Ummar village, north of Hebron; Beit Leed village, east of Tulkarm;
and Shofah village, southeast of the city.

 

Monday, 18 May 2015

At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into
Selwad village, northeast of Jenin.  They
stationed in the centre of the village and then raided and searched a house
belonging to As’ad ‘Abdel Hamid Hamed (22). 
Israeli forces arrested the aforementioned civilian and later withdrew
taking him to an unknown destination.

 

Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into
al-Khader village, south of Bethlehem. 
They raided and searched a number of houses, from which they arrested 4
children, including 2 brothers.  Israeli
forces withdrew latertaking him to an unknown destination, and the arrested
persons were identified as Dawoud Mohammed Salah (17) and his brother ‘Omer
(15); Mohammed As’adSubeih (17) and Jihad ‘Omer Salah (17).

 

 

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces carried
out incursions in the following areas without reporting any arrests: al-‘Aroub
refugee camp, north of Hebron; Deir al-‘Asal al-Foqa, southwest of Dura,
southwest of Hebron; ‘Azoun village, east of Qalqilya and Ya’bod village,
southwest of Jenin.

 

 

Tuesday, 19 May 2015

At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into
Sorif village, northwest of Hebron.  They
stationed in the western area of the village and then raided and searched a
house belonging to Saber Mohammed Abu Khdeir (25).  Israeli forces arrested the aforementioned
civilian and withdrew latertaking him to an unknown destination.

 

At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into a
number of neighbourhoods in the centre of Hebron.  They stationed in KheletHadour area and then
raided and searched a house belonging to Eyad ‘Abdel Hafiz al-Hashlamon (28), Palestine
TV correspondent handing him a summons to refer to the Israeli intelligence in
“Gosh ‘Etzion” settlement, south of Bethlehem.  At approximately 02:30, Israeli forces
withdrew from the area and then stationed in Abu Katilah neighbourhood to the
west of the city.  They raided and
searched a house belonging to MonjedThiab al-Jneidi (26).  Israeli forces arrested the aforementioned
civilian and later withdrew taking him to where the vehicles were stationed.

 

At approximately 02:15, Israeli forces moved into
al-Far’ah refugee camp, southeast of Tubas. 
They raided and searched a number of houses, from which
SanadMo’atazSawalmah (22) and ‘Abdel Rahman Ibrahim Abu Shaqar (35) were
arrested.  Israeli forces withdrew latertaking
him to an unknown destination.

 

At approximately 02:30, Israeli forces moved into
al-‘Aroub refugee camp, north of Hebron. 
They stationed near the UNRWA Distribution Centre and then raided and
searched two houses.  Israeli forces
arrested Hazem Maher al-Ra’ie (15) and Mustafa ‘Eid Farah (26) and withdrew latertaking
him to an unknown destination.

 

At approximately 03:30, Israeli forces moved into
Ethna village, west of Hebron.  They
stationed in ‘Azi Valley area and then raided and searched two houses.  They arrested Ra’fatRa’ed Abu Jheishah (25)
and Ahmed Thib ‘Abdel HadiThib (30) and withdrew latertaking him to an unknown
destination.

 

At approximately 04:00, Israeli forces moved into Beit
Fajjar village, southeast of Bethlehem. 
They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested Ahmed Khalil
Thawabtah (26) and Mohammed Isma’ilMousa (17). 
They withdrew latertaking them to an unknown destination.

 

At approximately 04:30, Israeli forces moved into
Ya’bod village, southwest of Jenin.  They
raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Ibrahim Khalil Soliman
‘Amarnah (29) and then arrested him. 
Israeli forces later raided and searched a house belonging to the family
of ‘Ezz al-DeenFarouqKamelHerzallah (22) and arrested him as well.

 

At approximately 05:00, Israeli forces moved into
Jab’e, southwest of Jenin.  They raided
and searched 3 houses, from which they arrested 3 civilians:Ma’en ‘Emad Amin
Kan’an (22); Mohammed Fayez Mohammed Malayshah (34); and Mohammed
YousifMalayshah (35).

 

At approximately 17:15, Israeli forces stationed along
the border fence, east of al-Shuhadaa’ Cemetery and east of Abu Safiyah area,
east of Jabalia in the northern Gaza Strip, opened fire sporadically at
Palestinian farmers in the area.  The
shooting resulted in fear among farmers, who were in the agricultural lands
adjacent to the border zone.  As a
result, they fled for fear of being wounded. 
Neither injuries nor damages to the property were reported.  At approximately 11:15 and 17:00, the shooting
was resumed in the same area.

 

At approximately 22:30, Israeli gunboats stationed off
al-Soudaniyah shore, west of Jabalia in the northern Gaza Strip opened fire in
the vicinity of Palestinian fishing boats in addition to chasing them.  The shooting at the boats sailing within two
nautical miles continued for 20 minutes. 
This caused fear among Palestinian fishermen who fled leaving their nets
that they later lost.  No injuries were
reported.

 

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces carried out incursions in
the following areas, but no arrests were reported: villages of Fasayel,
MarjNa’ajah and al-Dyouk, north of Jericho; Senjel village, north of Ramallah;
Bitello village, northwest of Ramallah; villages of Zeitah and Qofein, north of
Tulkarm.

 

Wednesday, 20 May 2015

 

At approximately 01:00, Israeli forces moved into a
number of neighbourhoods in the centre of Yata, south of Hebron. They stationed
in al-Barakah and Roq’ah areas to the west of the city and then raided and
searched 2 houses using tracker dogs. 
They arrested RasmiJaber al-‘Adrah (30) and Nedal Sami al-‘Adrah and
later withdrew taking them to an unknown destination.

 

Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into
al-Khader village, west of Bethlehem. 
They raided and searched a number of houses, from which they arrested 4
children.  Israeli forces withdrew latertaking
them to an unknown destination.  The
arrested civilians were identified as Khaled Wael ‘Issa (14); MerwanBajesSubeih
(15); Mohammed Yousif ‘Atwan (14) and Amir Ra’ed Salah (14).

 

At approximately 01:30, Israeli forces moved into
DeirSamit village, west of Dura, southwest of Hebron.  They raided and searched a house belonging to
the family of Sanad Salem ‘Ezat al-Masalmah (20).  Israeli forces arrested the aforementioned
civilian and later withdrew taking him to an unknown destination.

 

At approximately 03:00, Israeli forces moved into Beit
Loqaya village, southwest of Ramallah. 
They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Rasem ‘Abbas
‘Asi (31) after breaking the main door and detaining the family members in one
room.  Meanwhile, other Israeli soldiers
raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Ma’enSaber Jamil
Mafarjah (27) after breaking the main house and the family shop’s door and
detaining the family members in one room. 
Israeli forces arrested the aforementioned civilians and withdrew latertaking
them to an unknown destination.

 

Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Kafr
‘Aqab village, north of Occupied Jerusalem. 
Israeli forces raided and searched a house belonging to Thaer Mohammed
Ahmed Bader (29) in apartment (16) on the fifth floor of al-Hayah Housing
project after breaking the main door of the aforementioned apartment with a
sharp tool and detaining the family members in one room.  Israeli forces arrested the aforementioned
civilians and later withdrew taking him to an unknown destination.  They also confiscated the arrested person’s
cell phone and two other cell phones and a laptop belonging to his wife as she
is a Hebrew Teacher in Tomorrow Scientists School in the aforementioned
village.

 

At approximately 06:00, Israeli gunboats stationed off
al-Waha shore, northwest of Brit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip, opened fire
in the vicinity of Palestinian fishing boats in addition to chasing them.  The shooting at the boats sailing within 3
nautical miles continued for 20 minutes. 
This caused fear among Palestinian fishermen who fled leaving their nets
that they later lost.  Neither
causalities nor damages were reported.

 

At approximately 06:30, Israeli forces backed by 5 military
vehicles moved 200 meters into the east of al-Maghazi refugee camp in the
central Gaza Strip and levelled the lands adjacent to the border fence between
the Gaza Strip and Israel to the west of Abu Mteibaq military site.  The incursion continued for 5 hours and then
at approximately 11:30, the Israeli forces redeployed along the border fence.

 

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

 

 

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

 

During the reporting period,
Israeli soldiers used excessive force against peaceful demonstrations organized
by Palestinian civilians, international and Israeli human rights defenders in
protest at the construction of the annexation wall and settlement activities in
the West Bank. Moreover, during the reporting period protests were organized to
mark the 67^th anniversary of the Palestinian Nakba. As a result, 18
civilians, including 3 children, a Palestinian photojournalist, an Italian
photojournalist and a political activist, were wounded.

 

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

 

Demonstrations against the construction of the annexation wall and
settlement activity

 

Following the Friday prayer, on
15May 2015, dozens of Palestinian civilians and international and Israeli human
rights defenders organized a peaceful demonstration in Bil’in, west of
Ramallah, in protest at the construction of the annexation wall and settlement
activities and in commemoration of the 67^th anniversary of the
Palestinian Nakba. The protestors marched by the annexation wall and tried to
cross the fence. Israeli soldiers stationed behind the wall, in the western
area, and a large number of soldiers deployed along it, fired live bullets, tear
gas canisters, rubber-coated metal bullets, sound bombs and wastewater at them
and chased them into the olive fields. As a result, a number of protestors suffered tear gas inhalation and
others sustained bruises as they were beat up.

 

Around the same time, dozens of Palestinian civilians
organised a peaceful demonstration in the centre of Ni’lin village, west of
Ramallah, in protest at the construction
of the annexation wall and settlement activitiesand in commemoration of the 67^th
anniversary of the Palestinian Nakba. The demonstrators took the streets and headed to the annexation wall.
Israeli forces closed the gates of the wall with barbwires and prevented the
demonstrators from crossing to the land behind it before they responded by
throwing stones. Israeli soldiers fired live ammunition, rubber-coated metal
bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters at the civilians, and chased them
into the village. As a result, a number of protestors suffered tear
gas inhalation and others sustained bruises as they were beat up by Israeli
soldiers.

 

Also following the Friday prayer, dozens of Palestinian civilians
and Israeli and international human rights defenders gathered in the center of
al-Nabi Saleh village, northwest of Ramallah, to start the weekly peaceful
protest against the construction of the annexation wall and settlement
activitiesand in commemoration of the 67^th
anniversary of the Palestinian Nakba. They made their way towards Palestinian lands that Israeli settlers
from the nearby “Halmish” settlement are trying to seize. Israeli
soldiers closed all the village’s entrances to prevent the Palestinian and
international solidarity activists and journalists from participating in the
protest. As a result, a number of protestors suffered tear gas inhalation and
others sustained bruises as they beat up by Israeli soldiers.

 

Also following the Friday prayer, there was the weekly protest
against the closure of the eastern entrance of KuforQaddoum village, which was
closed by Israeli forces since the Intifada. Once the protestors approached the
closed entrance, Israeli forces fired rubber-coated metal bullets, tear gas
canisters and sound bombs. They also sprayed skunk water other the protestors.
As a result, 4 civilians sustained various wounds.

 

Other protests:

 

Following
the Friday prayer, on
15 May 2015, dozens of youngsters gathered from different areas of Ramallah and
al-Birehin the vicinity ofOfer detention facility, southwest of Ramallah, to commemorate the 67^th anniversary
of the Palestinian Nakba. They headed towards the facility’s gate that was closed by
Israeli soldiers. They set fire to tires and threw stones and empty bottles at
the soldiers. Israeli forces deployed around the detention facility and started
firing live and rubber-coated metal bullets, sound bombs and tear gas
canisters. As a result, 4
Palestinian civilians sustained wounds and were taken to Palestine Medical
Compound in Ramallah. A 24-year-old civilian sustained a bullet wound to the
right thigh, a 19-year-old civilian sustained a bullet wound to the right knee,
a 24-year-old civilian sustained a bullet wound to the left knee and a
22-year-old civilian sustained a bullet wound to the belly.

 

Also
following the Friday prayer, dozens of children and young men gathered at the
southern entrance of al-Jalazoun refugee camp, north of Ramallah. They were
about 300 meters away from the fence of “Beit Eil” settlement.
Israeli forces stationed in the area fired live ammunition, rubber-coated metal
bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters. As a result, 5 civilians,
including a child, were wounded and then taken to Palestine Medical Compound. A
14-year-old child sustained a bullet wound to the right arm, a 21-year-old civilian
sustained a bullet wound to the forehead, an 18-year-old civilian sustained a
bullet wound to the left leg, an 18-year-old civilian sustained a bullet wound
to the left thigh as the bullet exited the left thigh and settled in the right
one, and a 24-year-old civilian sustained a bullet wound to the left leg.

 

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

 

Other protests marking the Palestinian Nakba:

On Thursday, 14 May 2015, dozens of Palestinian youngsters
gathered in al-Taweel Mount area adjacent to “Psagot” settlement in
al-Bireh city, to commemorate k the 67^th
anniversary of the Palestinian Nakba. They threw stones at the settlement fence. Israeli forces fired
rubber-coated metal bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters and chased
them. As a result, 2 children were wounded and then taken to Palestine Medical
Compound. A 15-year-oldchild  sustained a
bullet wound to the right leg and a 14-year-old child sustained a bullet wound
to the left thigh.

 

At approximately 11:00 on Saturday, 16 May 2015, a number of Palestinian
civilians gathered at al-Shuhada intersection in the center of Nablus upon an
invitation from the national and Islamic factions in the city to commemorate the
67^th anniversary of
the Palestinian Nakba. They raised the Palestinian flag and posters against the
Israeli policies. They then headed to Hawarah checkpoint, south of the city,
but they were surprised by a big number of Israeli soldiers positioning behind
the military vehicles and cement cubes. Once the protest approached, Israeli
soldiers fired rubber-coated metal bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters.
As a result, a Palestinian photojournalist, an Italian photojournalist and a
political activist were wounded. The wounded were identified as:

1. NidalShafiqIshtaya (46), a
photojournalist at the Chinese News Agency (Xinhua). He sustained a bullet
wound to the left eye, as the bullet penetrated the press helmet and hit him in
the eye.

2. SmanthaComizzoli (46), an
Italian photojournalist, sustained a bullet wound to the left arm and chest.

3. Khaled Hassan Hamad Soboh (57),
a member of the Political Bureau of the Palestinian People Party, sustained 3
bullet wounds to the right shoulder, left knee and right foot.

 

 

3. Continued
closure of the oPt

 

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

 

Gaza Strip

 

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

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

  

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

 

 

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

 

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

 

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

12 – 18 May 2015

 

Exports:

 

On Tuesday, 12May 2015, Israeli forces allowed the exportation of 167.4
tons of tomatoes, 32.8 tons of eggplants and 21 tons of furniture.

On Wednesday, 13 May 2015, Israeli forces allowed the exportation
of 2.5 tons of fish.

On Thursday, 14 May 2015, Israeli forces allowed the exportation
of 43.8 tons of tomatoes, 7 tons of clothes and 10.5 tons of eggplants.

On Sunday, 17 May 2015, Israeli forces allowed the exportation of
22.3 tons of eggplants, 109.5 tons of tomatoes and 34 tons of furniture.

On Monday, 18 May 2015, Israeli forces allowed the exportation of
0.6 tons of fish.

 

Other imports:

 

On Tuesday, 28 April 2015, Israeli forces allowed the entry of 400
tons of cement, 2,000 tons of aggregate and 30 tons of construction steelfor
the UNRWA; 2230 tons of aggregate; 1,160 tons of cement and 30 tons of
construction steel for the Gaza reconstruction; 120 tons of cement for the
Water Authority; and 400 tons of cement for the Qatari Project. They also
allowed the entry of 735 tons of fodders and 525 tons of wheat.

 

On Tuesday, 12 May 2015, Israeli forces allowed the entry of 200
tons of cement for the UNRWA; 2,160 tons of aggregate; 600 tons of cement and 240
tons of construction steel for the Gaza reconstruction. They also allowed the
entry of 840 tons of fodders and 455 tons of wheat.

 

On Wednesday, 13 May 2015, Israeli forces allowed the entry of 480
tons of aggregate, 400 tons of cement and 60 tons of construction steel for the
UNRWA; 2,160 tons of aggregate, 1,400 tons of cement and 150 tons of
construction steel for the Gaza Reconstruction; and 40 tons of cement and 240
tons of aggregate for the UNDP.  They
also allowed the entry of 665 tons of fodders and 315 tons of wheat.

 

On Thursday, 14May 2015, Israeli forces allowed the entry of 1,160
tons of aggregate, 640 tons of cement for the Gaza Reconstruction; 240 tons of
cement for the Qatari Project; and 80 tons of cement for the Water Authority.  They also allowed the entry of 770 tons of
fodders and 35 tons of wheat.

 

On Sunday, 17 May 2015, Israeli forces allowed the entry of 2,040
tons of aggregate, 480 tons of cement, and 90 tons of construction steel for
the UNRWA; 1440 tons of aggregate, 40 tons of cement and150 tons of
construction steel for the Gaza reconstruction; and 80 tons for the Qatari
Project. They also allowed the entry of 630 tons of fodders.

 

On Monday, 18 May 2015, Israeli forces allowed the entry of 2,110
tons of aggregate, 360 tons of cement and 90 tons of construction steel for the
UNRWA; 2,280 tons of aggregate, 200 tons of cement and 30 tons of construction
steel for the Gaza Reconstruction; and 60 tons of construction steel and 80
tons of cement for the Qatari Project. They also allowed the entry of 525 tons
of fodders and 105 tons of wheat.

 

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

12 – 18 May 2015

 

 

Notes:

On Friday, 15 May 2015, Israeli forces allowed 190 civilians to
cross through Erez in order to perform prayers in the al-Aqsa Mosque in East
Jerusalem.  They also allowed an
international worker to renew his permit on Monday, 18 May 2015.

On Tuesday, 12 May 2015, Israeli forces allowed 2 officers of the
Civil Affairs Department to meet with the Israeli side.

 

A civilian was arrested at the abovementioned crossing:

 

At approximately 10:00 on Sunday, 17 May 2015,
Israeli forces arrested Ahmed Mohammed HamdanLubbad (28) at Beit Hanoun (Erez)
crossing while heading to Sweden with his wife HanadiEqbaisi (27) and his
daughters Ritaj (6) and Wedad (4)in addition to five families comprised of 23
members.According to the field investigations and the father of Lubad, his son
used to live in Damascus in Syria for 6 years and he is married to a Syrian
woman.  He went back to the Gaza Strip
after 2012 following the current situation there and lived in the family house
in al-Qasasibneighborhood in Jabalia.  He
applied for asylum for his family and five other families living in the Gaza
Strip to the Representative Office of Sweden in Jordan 5 months ago.  He received a call from the Sweden Office a
week ago telling him that he and 26 others, including his wife and daughters
obtained approval on their application. 
Therefore, the Sweden office coordinated with the ICRC, who coordinated
with the Israeli authorities to get them out of the Gaza Strip on Sunday, 17
May 2015.  On the aforementioned day, all
of them headed to Beit Hanoun “Erez” Crossing and he was detained for
4 hours by the Israeli forces and then arrested while the rest were allowed to
travel.  They asked his wife to leave as
well telling her that he would follow her.

 

 

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 16:30 on Thursday, 14 May 2015, Israeli
forces established a checkpoint at the entrance of Ethna village, west of
Hebron.  Later, the checkpoint was
removed, and no arrests were reported.

 

At approximately 07:00 on Saturday, 06 May 2015, Israeli forces
established a checkpoint at the entrance of Sa’ir village, east of Hebron, and
another checkpoint at the entrance of al-Shyoukh village, northeast of the city.  No arrests were reported.

 

At approximately 07:30 on Sunday, 17 May 2015, Israeli forces
established a checkpoint, at the northern entrance of Hebron.  Later, the checkpoint was removed, and no
arrests were reported.

 

At approximately 06:30 on Monday, 18 May 2015, Israeli forces
established a checkpoint at the entrance of al-Ramadin village, south of
Hebron.  Later, the checkpoint was
removed, and no arrests were reported.

 

At approximately 07:00 on Tuesday, 19 May 2015, Israeli forces
established a checkpoint at al-NabiYounis entrance, north of Halhoul, north of
Hebron.  Around the same time another
checkpoint was established at the entrance of al-Jalajel village, east of
Hebron.  No arrests were reported.

 

· Ramallah:
Israeli forces have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of
Palestinian civilians. At approximately 11:00 on Thursday, 14 May 2015, Israeli
forces established a checkpoint at the entrance of ‘EinSinia village, north of
the city, and another one at the entrance of Deir Abu Mesh’al village,
northwest of Ramallah.  At approximately
17:30, they re-established at ‘Atara checkpoint at the northern entrance of
BirZeit, northwest of the city.

 

At approximately 09:30 on Friday, 15 May 2015, Israeli forces closed
the eastern entrance of al-Nabi Saleh village, northeast of Ramallah. At
approximately 20:00two checkpoints were established at the entrance of
Senjelvillafe, north of the city, and under the bridge of Yabrud village,
northeast of the city.

 

At approximately 18:30 on Saturday, 16 May 2015, Israeli forces
established a checkpoint at the entrance of Beit ‘Oar al-Foqa, southwest of
Ramallah.

 

At approximately 08:30 on Sunday, 17 May 2015, Israeli forces
established a checkpoint at the entrance of Deir Abu Mesh’al village, northwest
of Ramallah.  At approximately 11:30,
another checkpoint was established at the entrance of N’lin village, west of
the city.  At approximately 17:30, a
similar checkpoint was established under the bridge of Yabrud village,
northeast of the city.

 

· Qalqilya:  Israeli forces have continued to impose
severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians.  At approximately 23:30 on Thursday, 14 May
2015, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the entrance of Jeet village,
northeast of Qalqilya.  At approximately
11:00 on Saturday, 16 May 2015, they re-established the same checkpoint.

 

At approximately 22:30 on Sunday, 17 May 2015, Israeli forces
established a checkpoint at between the villages of Hejah and al-Fondq,
southwest of Qalqilya.

 

At approximately 19:00 on Monday, 18 May 2015, Israeli forces
established a checkpoint at the entrance of ‘Azoun Village, southwest of
Qalqilya.

 

· Jenin:  Israeli forces have continued to impose
severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians.  At approximately 09:30 on Sunday,
17 May 2015, Israeli forces established a checkpointon the main road between
Jenin, Tulkarm and Nablus near Jannat Park. 
At approximately 10:30, another checkpoint was established at the
intersection of Qabatia village, south of the city.

 

At approximately 21:00 on Monday, 18 May 2015, Israeli forces
established a checkpointon the main road between Jenin, Tulkarm and Nablus near
the entrance of Silet al-Thaer village, south of Jenin.

 

At approximately 15:00 on Tuesday, 19 May 2015, Israeli forces
established a checkpoint on the road between al-Zababdah and the American Arab
University Campus, southeast of Jenin. A t approximately 20:30, another
checkpoint was established on the road between the villages of al-Taram and
Kafiret, southwest of the city.

 

· Jericho:  Israeli forces have continued to impose
severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians.At approximately 09:30
on Friday, 15 May 2015, Israeli forces established a checkpoint near the
entrance of Fasayel village, north of the city. 
At approximately 20:00, another checkpoint was establishedat the
entrance of al-Zbeidatvillage, north of the city.  Later, both checkpoints were removed, and no
arrests were reported.

 

At approximately 17:30 on Sunday, 17 May 2015, Israeli forces
established a checkpoint at the southern entrance of Jericho.

 

· Tulkarm:  Israeli forces have continued to impose
severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. At approximately 11:30
on Thursday, 14 May 2015 Israeli forces stationed at ‘Annab military checkpoint
which is established on the road between Tulkarm and Nablus, east of the city,
tightened their restrictions against civilians and obstructed their movement.
the tightening recurred at approximately 12:30 and 17:30 on Friday, 15 May
2015, at approximately 21:00 on Sunday, 17 May 2015 and atapproximately 13:30
on Monday, 18 May 2015.

 

At approximately 08:30on Sunday, 17 May 2015, Israeli stationed at
the Gate No. (708) of the annexation wall near Far’on village,  south of Tulkarm.  Local sources said to a PCHR fieldworker that
the Israeli forces closed the gate in front of persons who hold permits for unknown
reasons. As a result, farmers gathered in front of the gate waiting for it to
open so they can reach their agricultural lands behind the wall.  Israeli forces then fired tear gas canisters
and sound bombs at the farmers to disperse them.  The gate was later re-opened as usual was
later removed, and no arrests were reported.

 

Note:
all the aforementioned checkpoints were later removed, and no arrests were
reported.

 

Arrests and Maltreatment at
Military Checkpoints

 

· At approximately 09:30 on
Thursday, 14 May 2015, Israeli forces stationed in the military tower at the
western entrance of Selwad village, northeast of Ramallah adjacent to the
bridge of Yabrud village, arrested 6 Palestinian children aged 11 years
old.  They detained them for three hours
and then released them.  The children
were identified as Mohammed Ahmed ‘Ammar; Salman Salim ‘Abdel Rahman; Mohammed
Ayman Hamed; Hamzah Saleh Hamed; NemerRa’edHamed and AnasYehia.

 

 

5. Efforts to create Jewish majority

 

Israeli forces killed Palestinian civilian

 

On Wednesday, 20 May 2015, in excessive
use of force, Israeli forces killed a Palestinian civilian when his car
deviated at al-Tour neighbourhood intersection, east of the old city in East
Jerusalem and hit 2 policewomen. The Palestinian sustained several bullet
wounds from a close range, due to which he was taken to
“Cha’riTsedeq” Hospital in West Jerusalem to receive the necessary
medical treatment. However, he passed away few hours after he was admitted to
the hospital. Israeli forces claimed that Abu Dhaim deliberately ran over the
2policewomen, but eyewitnesses who were present in the place confirmed that Abu
Dhaim was trying to drive through the intersection. Israeli forces could have
used less lethal force to arrest and question him.

 

According to investigations conducted by
PCHR and statements of eyewitnesses, at approximately 09:30, on the
abovementioned day, Omran Omer Abu Dhaim (41), from al-Mukaber Mount area, east
of East Jerusalem, was driving his Land Cruiser vehicle in al-Tour neighbourhood.
When he tried to drive through the intersection, his vehicle hit 2 policewomen
from the (border guards), who were present there. Israeli forces immediately
opened fire at him from a close range, due to which he sustained serious
wounds. In spite of his serious health condition, Israeli forces kept him for a
while and then transported him to “Cha’ariTsedeq” Hospital in West
Jerusalem to receive the necessary medical treatment. Israeli forces also
prevented anybody from approaching him. A medical source at the hospital
announced later that Abu Dhaim died of his serious wounds. It should be noted
that the 2 policewomen who were hit by the vehicle sustained minor wounds
according to the Israeli authorities.

 

House demolitions

 

· At
approximately 04:00 on Tuesday, 19 May 2015, Israeli bulldozers demolished3 commercial
stores in Ein al-Louza neighbourhood, south of the old city in East Jerusalem,
under the pretext of non-licensing.Owner of the stores, AnisKaramah, said to a
PCHRfieldworker that Israeli forces accompanied by bulldozers moved into Silwan
village. They surrounded and closed Abu Tayeh area in the above-mentioned
neighbourhood. Then, bulldozers started demolishing the stores. Karamah said
that he finished building the 200-square-meter stores 2 months ago and has not
used them yet. He added that Israeli bulldozers demolished the stores over
equipment and bricks inside them.

 

· On the
same day, Israeli municipality officers of Jerusalem and Israeli forces raided
a number of houses belonging to the family of Abu Khaled in Helwa valley
neighbourhood, in Silwan village, south of the old city in East Jerusalem. They
wanted to demolish 2 under-construction houses under the pretext they were not
licensed. Emad Abu Khaled said to a PCHR fieldworker that Israeli forces
surrounded his family house at approximately 06:30. The municipality officers
could enter the bulldozer into the house yard to demolish the house because
they did not want to damage a retaining wall built by the municipality. They
threatened to return the following week and removed a metal fence around the
house garden.

 

· At
approximately 07:00 on Wednesday, 20 May 2015, Israeli bulldozers demolished a
residential building in Qaddoum valley area in Ras al-Amoud neighbourhood, east
of the old city in East Jerusalem, belonging to Ahmed Fahmi Abu Snaina under
the pretext of non-licensing. Abu Snaina said to a PCHR fieldworker that
Israeli bulldozers demolished the building without prior notice or warning. He
added that the 650-square-meter building includes 8 apartments. Some of the
apartments are inhabited and the others were under-construction. The 3
storey-building also includes commercial stores. He said that he started
building it about a year ago and has been trying to obtain a construction
license, but could not for the complicated procedures imposed by Israeli
municipality.

 

Incursions and house raids

 

· At
approximately 04:30 on Thursday, 14 May 2015, Israeli forces raided and
searched a house belonging to Ibrahim Ramiya in al-Ram village, north of East
Jerusalem. They arrested his son Jehad (26) and took him to an unknown
destination.

 

· At
approximately 01:00 on Sunday, 17 May 2015, Israeli forces moved into al-Eisawiya
village, north of East Jerusalem. They raided a number of houses from which
they arrested ShadiElayan al-Sahouri (23) and Mohammed Saleh Mahmoud (21).

 

· At approximately
10:00 on Sunday, 17 May 2015, Israeli forces arrested Mohammed Ibrahim (36)
while being present in al-Aqsa mosque in the old city in East Jerusalem. They
took him to al-Qashala police station to be questioned. Ibrahim and dozens of
Palestinian worshipers were confronting settlers who stormed al-Aqsa yards and
started dancing and singing in the anniversary of the Israeli occupation of the
western part of Jerusalem.

 

· At
approximately 21:30, on the same day, Israeli forces raided and searched a
house belonging to Mahmoud al-Karaki in Silwan village, south of the old city
in East Jerusalem. They arrested his son Ameer (16) and took him to an unknown
destination.

 

· At
approximately 23:00, Israeli forces raided and searched a house belonging to
Hassan al-Sayyad in al-Tour neighbourhood, east of the old city in East
Jerusalem. They arrested his son Basel (16) and took him to an unknown
destination.

 

· At
approximately 04:00 on Monday, 18 May 2015, Israeli forces raided and searched
a house belonging to the family of Asma al-Shyoukhi (48) in Silwan village,
south of the old city in East Jerusalem. They arrested her 2 sons: Mos’ab (25)
and Mansour (23) and took them to an unknown destination.

 

· At
approximately 04:30, on the same day, Israeli forces raided a house belonging
to RamziSyouri in Ras al-Amoud neighbourhood, east of the old city in East
Jerusalem. They arrested his 2 sons: Omer (14) and Mohammed (16) and took them
to an unknown destination.

 

· At
approximately 05:00, Israeli forces raided and searched a house belonging to
the family of Ahmed al-Atrash in Sour Baher village, south of the old city in
East Jerusalem. They arrested his son Yaseen (16) and took him to an unknown
destination.

 

· At
approximately 16:00 on Tuesday, 19 May 2015, Israeli forces moved into al-Tour
neighbourhood, east of East Jerusalem. They raided and searched a number of
houses from which they arrested 3 children to be questioned Mohammed Naji Abu
Jom’a (14); Sultan Adel al-Sayyad (14); and Ahmed Ibrahim Radayda (14).

 

· At
approximately 19:00, on the same day, Israeli undercover units raided a
commercial store belonging to Abed Rabbu family in Beit Safafa village, south
of East Jerusalem. They attacked and arrested 3 brothers and attacked their
mother too. The detainees are: Talal (26), Abdullah (24) and Belal (23).

 

 

6. 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.

 

Settlers’ attacks against
Palestinian civilians and their property

 

· At
approximately 15:30 on Thursday, 14 May 2015, after Israeli forces announced
that settlers were run over near “Etzion” settlement compound, south
of Bethlehem, about 15 settlers gathered at the entrance of “Yitzhar”
settlement, south of Nablus. They rioted in the street and threw stones at
Palestinian vehicles in the street. As a result, 4 Palestinian vehicles
sustained damage. Eyewitnesses said to a PCHR fieldworker that the settlers
used 2 Skoda vehicles with Palestinian registration plates to throw stones at
the passing vehicles.

The damage included the
following:

1. The windshield of a vehicle belonging to Satco Electrical Company;

2. The left front light and body of a vehicle belonging to the
abovementioned company;

3. The right back window of a vehicle belonging to HananRajehAdili, a
school headmistress; and

4. The right front window, left back window, right mirror and body of
a vehicle belonging to Alaa Mohammed Deiriya.

· On Sunday morning, 17 May 2015,
a number of settlers from “Asfar” settlement and
“BaniKidam” settlement outpost cut off 800 olive seedlings from
Palestinian lands to the east of al-Shyoukh village, northeast of Hebron. The
attacked lands belong to the heirs of Mousa and Abdul Qader Mohammed al-Aidiya.
It should be noted that on 26 March 2015, settlers damaged and cut off 1,200
olive seedlings that were planted in a piece of that land.

 

· At approximately 08:00 on the
same day, a young settler from “Ramat Yshai” settlement outpost in
the center of Tal al-Rumaida neighborhood, in the center of Hebron, attacked
MirvatSa’di Mahmoud Abu Rmailah (34), from the said neighborhood. Abu Rmailah
went out of her house that was 10 meters away from the entrance of the outpost
to throw garbage away. As a result, she suffered severe bleeding and was taken
to Hebron Hospital.

 

· At approximately 13:00 on
Monday, 18 May 2015, 5 settlers from “Beit Ein” settlement, south of
al-Jaba’a village, west of Bethlehem, burnt 16 dunums planted with olives aging
over 60 years, east of the village. The olive field belongs to Na’imHamdan.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Recommendations to the International Community

 

 

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

 

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

 

1. PCHR calls upon the international community and the
United Nations to use all available means to allow the Palestinian people to
enjoy their right to self-determination, through the establishment of the
Palestinian State, which was recognized by the UN General Assembly with a vast
majority, using all international legal mechanisms, including sanctions to end
the occupation of the State of Palestine;

2. PCHR calls upon the United Nations to provide
international protection to Palestinians in the oPt, and to ensure the
non-recurrence of aggression against the oPt, especially the Gaza Strip;

3. PCHR calls upon the High Contracting Parties to the
Geneva Conventions to compel Israel, as a High Contracting Party to the
Conventions, to apply the Conventions in the oPt;

4. PCHR calls upon the Parties to international human
rights instruments, especially the Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and
the Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, to pressurize Israel to
comply with their provisions in the oPt, and to compel it to incorporate the
human rights situation in the oPt in its reports submitted to the concerned
committees;

5. PCHR calls upon the High Contracting Parties to the
Geneva Conventions to fulfil their obligation to ensure the application of the
Conventions, including extending the scope of their jurisdiction in order to
prosecute suspected war criminals, regardless of the nationality of the
perpetrator and the place of a crime, to pave the way for prosecuting suspected
Israeli war criminals and end the longstanding impunity they have enjoyed;

6. PCHR calls on States that apply the principle of
universal jurisdiction not to surrender to Israeli pressure to limit universal
jurisdiction to perpetuate the impunity enjoyed by suspected Israeli war
criminals;

7. PCHR calls upon the international community to act in
order to stop all Israeli settlement expansion activities in the oPt through
imposing sanctions on Israeli settlements and criminalizing trading with them;

8. PCHR calls upon the UN General Assembly to transfer
the Goldstone Report to the UN Security Council in order to refer it to the
International Criminal Court in accordance with Article 13(b) of the Rome
Statute;

9. PCHR calls upon the United Nations to confirm that
holding war criminals in the Palestinian-Israeli conflict is a precondition to
achieve stability and peace in the regions, and that peace cannot be built on
the expense of human rights;

10. PCHR calls upon the UN General Assembly and Human
Rights Council to explicitly declare that the Israeli closure policy in Gaza
and the annexation wall in the West Bank are illegal, and accordingly refer the
two issues to the UN Security Council to impose sanctions on Israel to compel
it to remove them;

11. PCHR calls upon the international community, in light
of its failure to the stop the aggression on the Palestinian people, to at
least fulfil its obligation to reconstruct the Gaza Strip after the series of
hostilities launched by Israel which directly targeted the civilian
infrastructure;

12. PCHR calls upon the United Nations and the European
Union to express a clear position towards the annexation wall following the
international recognition of the State of Palestine on the 1967 borders, as the
annexation wall seizes large parts of the State of Palestine;

13. PCHR calls upon the European Union to activate Article
2 of the EU-Israel Association Agreement, which provides that both sides must
respect human rights as a precondition for economic cooperation between the EU
states and Israel, and the EU must not ignore Israeli violations and crimes
against Palestinian civilians;

 

 

 

 

 

…………………………………………………………

Public
Document

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