Weekly Report On Israeli Human Rights Violations in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (14– 20 November 2019)

November 21, 2019

Israeli police shoots and kills Palestinian civilian in occupied East Jerusalem;

IOF excessive use of force in the West Bank: 10 Palestinian civilians, including a girl and two children, shot and injured

3 Palestinians shot and injured by IOF near the Gaza border fence; 4 shooting incidents documents in eastern Gaza. Great March of Return (GMR) protests were cancelled last Friday.

During 89 incursions into the West Bank, including occupied East Jerusalem: 73 civilians arrested, including 5 children and 1 woman

6 houses demolished in the West Bank: 3 in Jerusalem, 2 in Hebron and 1 in Ramallah

Israeli military orders to renew the confiscation of 2975 dunums of Palestinian civilians’ lands in the West Bank in favour of the Annexation Wall

IOF closes 5 institutions in Jerusalem, including the Education and Higher Education Directorate, a school, a mosque, a media office and a health facility

Settler attacks documented in Salfit in addition to raids to al-Aqsa mosque grounds

37 temporary checkpoints established in the West Bank: 7 Palestinian civilians arrested, including a woman.

Summary

After last weeks’ Israeli military aggression on the Gaza Strip that caused dozens of civilian casualties, Israeli occupation Forces (IOF) continued their violations of human rights and international law in the occupied Palestinian territory (oPt) this week as PCHR documented 157 violations by IOF and Israeli settlers.

In terms of Israeli violations of the right to life and bodily integrity, IOF continued their habitual excessive use of force, as Israeli police killed a Palestinian civilian in occupied East Jerusalem after chasing his vehicle, stopping him and having him step out of it, which proves he posed no danger to police officers. IOF also shot and injured 10 Palestinian civilians in separate incidents in the West Bank. Meanwhile in the Gaza Strip, IOF shot and injured 3 Palestinians while protesting east of Khan Younis. It should be noted that the Supreme National Authority of Great March of Return and Breaking the Siege decided to cancel all scheduled activities for Friday 15 November 2019 due to last week’s Israeli military aggression on Gaza. Also during the aggression, IOF carried out 5 airstrikes on the Gaza Strip, 4 near houses and agricultural lands causing damage; fortunately, no injuries were reported.

Under IOF incursions and house raids, 89 incursions into the West Bank were reported. Those incursions include raids of civilian houses and shootings, enticing fear among civilians, arresting and/or injuring many others. During this week’s incursions, 73 Palestinians were arrested, including 5 children and a woman.

In the Gaza Strip, IOF carried out a limited incursion in eastern Rafah and 4 shootings were documented in eastern Gaza.

Furthermore, IOF escalated their attacks on Palestinian institutions in the occupied East Jerusalem and closed 5 institutions, including the Education and Higher Education Directorate, a school for orphans, a mosque, al-Arz TV Production Company’s main office which hosts Palestine Satellite Channel and the Arab Health Centre.

Under the settlement expansion activities in the West Bank, PCHR documented 7 IOF violations as they issued military orders renewing the confiscation of 2975 dunums of Palestinian lands in Qalqiliya, Salfit and Tulkarem, under the pretext of security concerns, in favor of the Annexation Wall. The order is valid until 31 December 2022, which have been renewed every 3 years since construction started on the Annexation Wall in 2002. The orders included 7 houses in Qufor Lakef village, east of Qalqiliya. Also during the reporting period, IOF demolished 6 houses: 3 in Jerusalem, 2 in Hebron and 1 in Ramallah, and bulldozed a street and a barn. PCHR also documented 2 settler-attacks on civilian vehicles and vandalization in Salfit, as well as raids to al-Aqsa Mosque grounds.

In terms of the Israeli closure policy, the Gaza Strip still suffers the worst closure in the History of the Israeli occupation of the oPt as it has entered the 14th consecutive year, without any improvement to the movement of persons and goods, aggravating the humanitarian conditions and bearing catastrophic consequences on all aspects of life. Meanwhile, the West Bank is divided into separate cantons with key roads blocked by the Israeli occupation since the Second Intifada and with temporary and permanent checkpoints, where civilians’ movement is restricted, and others are arrested.

Violation of the right to life and to bodily integrity

1. Excessive Use of Force against Protests in the Gaza Strip

At approximately 15:00 on Friday, 15 November 2019, a group of Palestinians approached the border fence adjacent to GMR camps in Khuza’ah’a village, east of Khan Younis. IOF fired live and rubber bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters at them. As a result, 3 civilians were wounded tear gas canisters and were transferred to Gaza European Hospital. Moreover, a number of civilians sustained tear gas inhalation. It should be noted that the young men gathered in the area despite that the GMR’s Supreme National Authority cancelled the protests on the abovementioned day.

2. Excessive Use of Force against Protests in the West Bank

At approximately 11:00 on Tuesday, 14 November 2019, IOF suppressed a protest organized by students against the IOF’s offensive on the Gaza Strip. The participants launched their protest at the northern entrance to Bethlehem. When they approached Bilal Ben Rabah Mosque, Israeli soldiers fired rubber bullets and tear gas canisters at them and chased them. They arrested Yazan Mohammed Nawawrah (18). Palestinian Red Crescent Society (PRCS)’s branch in Bethlehem said that 30 civilians suffocated due to tear gas inhalation and they received medical treatment in the field.

At approximately 11 on Friday, 15 November 2019, dozens of Palestinian from Surif village, northwest of Hebron, organized a peaceful protest against IOF’s confiscation of hundreds of agricultural dunums in favour of settlement expansion, west of the city. After Friday prayer, an Israeli police force (border’s guard) arrived at the area and fired sound bombs and tear gas canisters at civilians. As a result, a number of civilians suffocated due to tear gas inhalation. Meanwhile, a number of young men gathered and threw stones at Israeli soldiers, who responded with live and rubber bullets. As a result, a 23-year-old (male) was shot with a live bullet in the right foot. Journalist Mo’ath Ibrahim ‘Atiyah al-‘Amarnah (30), from al-Duheishah refugee camp, south of Bethlehem, sustained serious wounds after being shot with a rubber bullet in his left eye. He was taken to Surif village where he was transferred via a PRCS ambulance to al-Ahli Hospital in Hebron. Al-‘Amarnah was then taken to Bethlehem Arab Society for Rehabilitation Hospital where he underwent medical examinations and later was referred to Hadassah Hospital in Jerusalem. Al-‘Amarnah underwent a surgery to remove the metal shrapnel that settled in his eye cavity, but doctors could not remove it fearing it would cause a haemorrhage near the brain. Al-‘Amaranah completely lost sight in his left eye due to his injury.

At approximately 14:00 on Saturday, 15 November 2019, IOF suppressed a protest organized by Students Council at Birzeit University against the IOF’s offensive on the Gaza Strip. When the protestors arrived at the northern entrance to al-Birah city, IOF used force to disperse them by firing live and rubber bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters at them. As a result, a 21-year-old was shot with a rubber bullet in the head. Soldiers attempted to arrest him and denied him first aid. The PRCS ambulance crews were able to take him to Palestine Medical Complex in Ramallah for treatment and his injury was classified as moderate.

At approximately 11:30 on Sunday, 17 November 2019, dozens of students from Palestine Technical University – Kadoorie, west of Tulkarm organized a peaceful protest in commemoration of the announcement of the Palestinian Declaration of Independence. When some students approached the Annexation Wall adjacent to university buildings, IOF fired live and rubber bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters at them. As a result, a 19-year-old Palestinian (female) was shot with a rubber bullet to the face; she suffered burns and fracture in the mouth and teeth in addition to an internal bleeding and was transferred to Thabet Thabet Hospital in the city and then transferred to Rafidiya Hospital in Nablus; from there she was referred to Istishari Hospital, north of Ramallah where she underwent an urgent surgery. Moreover, two 20-year-old Palestinians (males) were shot with rubber bullets: the first was shot the left leg (entered and settled in the leg) and the second was shot in the right knee.

3. Shooting and other violations of the right to life and bodily integrity

On Thursday, 14 November 2019, Israeli warplanes launched a missile that fell on the yard of Hamdan Abdul Rahman Fayad’s 300-square-meter house in al-Qararah village, northeast of Kahn Younis. As a result, the house windows and doors were damaged. The house is comprised of 3 floors; each floor has 2 apartments, and inhabited with 3 families of 18 individuals, including 2 persons with disabilities. Fayad said to PCHR’s fieldworker that they had to leave the house after the missiles fell on their house yard. He added that the house sustained material damage; no casualties were reported. Fayad emphasized that he found difficulties in evacuating his 2 sons with disabilities.

At approximately 00:15 on the same Thursday, Israeli drones fired a missile at an agricultural land in Abu Hadaf area in al-Qarara village, east of Khan Younis. The bombardment caused minor material damage to nearby houses; no casualties were reported.

At approximately 00:30 on the same Thursday, an Israeli warplane launched a missile at an agricultural near Gaza International Airport, east of al-Shoka village, east of Rafah, south of the Gaza Strip; no casualties were reported.

At approximately 09:00 on the same Thursday, IOF stationed adjacent to annexation wall, established in the north of Tulkarm, fired live and rubber bullets at Ahmed Abdullah Kahlil ‘Ammar (25), from Qifin village, north of the city. As a result, ‘Ammar was shot with a live bullet that penetrated hi legs while attempting to sneak into Israel for work. He was referred to Thabet Thabet Hospital in Tulkarm for treatment.

At approximately 06:45 on Saturday, 16 November 2019, IOF stationed along the border fence, east of Beit Hanoun in the northern Gaza Strip, sporadically opened fire at the area adjacent to the border fence. As a result, farmers, who were present in their agricultural lands panicked; neither casualties nor material damage was reported.

At approximately 14:00 on the same Saturday, IOF stationed along the border fence, east of Jabalia in northern Gaza Strip, opened fire at a group of civilians, who approached the border fence. The shooting continued for 10 minutes; neither casualties nor material damage was reported.

In a new crime of excessive use of lethal force, on Sunday, 17 November 2019, Israeli police killed a Palestinian civilian after they chased him on West Jerusalem streets. According to PCHR’s investigation, early on Sunday Israeli police force chased a vehicle with an Israeli registration plate in West Jerusalem. When the vehicle arrived at a checkpoint on al-Nafaq Street, southwest of the city, the driver stopped and stepped out from his vehicle. A police officer shot him, causing him severe wounds. The wounded civilian was transferred to Shaare Zedek Medical Center where he died after a short time of his arrival. Later, the killed person was identified as Fares Bassam Abu Nab (23), from Ras al-‘Amoud neighbourhood, in Silwan village, south of occupied West Jerusalem’s Old City.

Following this crime, the Israeli police spokesperson claimed that: “During the chase, police officers opened fire towards the car, wounding the driver critically, and was declared dead after attempts to revive him in the hospital failed.” Police retracted their statement later, announcing that preliminary investigations indicate that the victim did not pose danger to police officers and he was killed after he stepped out of the vehicle unlike their claims earlier in the morning. Investigation shown that the police officer targeted Abu Nab after both emerged of their vehicles, knowing that the police claimed that police officer had to open fire in a police chase.

Abu Nab’s father mentioned that he went to Salah Eden police station in the centre of East Jerusalem’s Old City and then went to al-Mascubiyah police detention centre in West Jerusalem, asking about his son, but inspectors refused to confirm his death of injury or even his medical condition or if he was arrested. Later, an Arabic-speaking police inspector said that the police officers suspected and opened fire at his son’s vehicle. Abu Nab’s father added that while being present in Rooms (4), he received a phone call from the investigation unite and the “Mahash” police informing him that his son was killed and asked him to attend and file a complaint in addition to approve on referring his son’s body to the Forensic Medicine to investigate the incident circumstances. However, Abu Nab’s father refused that. In the vehicle parking of Rooms (4), Abu Nab’s father was surprised that his son’s vehicle, which is detained by the Israeli police, did not have any shooting marks and its glass was not smashed, which refute the Israeli claims. The police could have used less force against him and arrest him since he did not pose any threat on the lives of the police officers.

At approximately 14:30 on the same Sunday, Israeli soldiers stationed near “Beit Eil” settlement established on lands of al-Jalazoun refugee camp, north of Ramallah, fired rubber bullets, sound bomb and tear gas canisters at students of al-Jalazoun Elementary School for Boys while they were leaving it. As a result, Amir Ihab Zubeidi (13) was shot with a rubber bullet to the left hand and Rami Raji al-Tayeh (14) was shot with a rubber bullet to the hand. The wounded children were transferred to Istishari Hospital in al-Rayhan suburb, north of the city. Tayeh underwent a surgery in his left hand and his injury was classified as settled. The IOF claimed that the soldiers were stoned in the abovementioned area.

At approximately 06:40 on Monday, 18 November 2019, IOF stationed north of Tulkarm, fired live and rubber bullets at Mo’ath Kathem Shukri (22). As a result, he was shot with a rubber bullet in the left foot while attempting to sneak into Israel .Shukri was referred to Thabet Thabet Hospital in Tulkarm for treatment.

At approximately 08:00, Israeli gunboats stationed in western Jabalia, north of the Gaza Strip, sporadically opened fire and chased Palestinian fishing boats sailing from 3 to 6 nautical miles. As a result, fishermen were forced to flee fearing for their lives; no casualties were reported. The shooting recurred at approximately 22:40; no casualties were reported.

At approximately 09:00 on the same Monday, IOF signed of guarding the annexation wall, opened fire at Mohammed Tahseen Mobdee ‘Ardah (22), from ‘Araba village, southwest of Jenin. As a result, ‘Ardah was shot with a live bullet to the left thigh, while attempting to sneak into Israel through lands of Thaher al-‘Abed village. ‘Ardah was transferred to Khalil Suleiman hospital in Jenin for treatment.

At approximately 09:30 on the same Monday, Israeli soldiers stationed along the border fence, adjacent to Sofa military site, east of al-Shoka village, east of Rafah, opened fire at agricultural lands; no casualties were reported.

At approximately 13:30 on Wednesday, 20 November 2019, Israeli soldiers stationed along the border fence, east if al-Shoka village, east of Rafah, fired tear gas canisters at a number of Palestinian farmers. As a result, they sustained tear gas inhalation and had to leave their lands.

Incursions and Arrests:

Thursday, 14 November 2019:

At approximately 00:30, IOF moved into Zeita village, north of Tulkarm. They raided and searched two houses belonging to Hadi Osama Asa’ad Abu al-Izz (20); and Qutaiba Eyad Abu Hamda (20), and arrested them.

At approximately 02:00, IOF moved into al-Aroub refugee camp, north of Hebron. They raided and searched two houses belonging to Rami Abed Jawabra (23) and Ehab Mohammed Jawabra (22), and arrested them.

Around the same time, IOF moved into Bethlehem and stationed in Jabal al-Mawaleh neighborhood in the city central. They raided and searched Hamza Osama al-Ajouri’s (26) house and arrested him.

At approximately 04:00, IOF moved into Abu Shkhedim village, north of Ramallah. They raided and searched Adham Mousa Ali Qindah’s (26) house and arrested him.
At approximately 04:30, IOF moved into al-Issaweya village, northeast of occupied East Jerusalem. They raided and searched Mohammed Abu Owais’s (28) house and arrested him.

Around the same time, IOF moved into al-Ama’ry refugee camp, south of al-Beira. They raided and searched two houses belonging to Mohammed Ghazi al-Sharqawi (21); and Khalil Mohammed al-Mokhtar (22), and arrested them.

At approximately 10:00, IOF arrested Mohammed Ghazal al-Shaweesh (21) while he was in the occupied East Jerusalem’s Old City. A video went viral on social media showed a group of IOF gave Mohammed several electric shocks until he fainted.

In the evening hours, IOF arrested Mohammed Abu al-Hams (51), a Member of the Follow-Up Committee in al-Issaweya village, northeast of occupied East Jerusalem. IOF arrested him while present at the village’s eastern entrance and took him to “al-Maskoubeya” investigation center in the Western Jerusalem. Abu al-Hams was left without treatment for hours before he was taken to the hospital for first aid only, late on Thursday. On Friday morning, he was brought before the Magistrate Court in Jerusalem where they issued a decision to release him, but the Military Prosecution appealed to cancel the decision and the court agreed to freeze the decision and kept Abu al-Hams arrested until 17 November 2019. On Sunday, IOF released him on a bail of (1,000) NIS. Abu al-Hams said that he was subjected to physical abuse throughout his transfer to al-Maskoubeya investigation center, bruising and injuring his back. It should be noted that during recent months, Abu al-Hams was arrested and expelled from his house, beaten and chased in order to prevent him from recording and documenting the IOF violations. On 09 November 2019, Abu al-Hams was severely beaten while documenting IOF raid to the village; he was wounded and transferred to al-Makassed Hospital for treatement.

At approximately 13:30, IOF, stationed in Za’tara checkpoint, south of Nablus, arrested Sarbreen Yaser Hanaysha (22) from Qabatya, southeast of Jenin, while passing through the military checkpoint and taken to an unknown destination.

At approximately 17:30, IOF, stationed at al-Kontener military checkpoint, northeast of Bethlehem, arrested Mohammed Jawdat Melhem (22) from Halhoul village, north of Hebron, while passing through the military checkpoint and taken to an unknown destination. It should be noted that Mohammed is a student at the Hebron University.

IOF carried out (8) incursions in al-‘Aroub refugee camp, Halhoul, north of Hebron; Harmala, Hindaza, Rakhma villages in Bethlehem; Berzait, Anabi Saleh, north of Ramallah, and Em al-Sharayet neighborhood in al-Beira.

Friday, 15 November 2019:

At approximately 01:20, IOF moved into al-Shwaika village, east of Tulkarm. They raided and searched ‘Asem Monther Akabreya’s (24) house and arrested him.

At approximately 01:30, IOF moved into al-Shawawra village, east of Bethlehem. They raided and searched two houses belonging to Munir al-Dira’awi (28); and Eyad Abdullah Ghawarna (44), and arrested them.

IOF carried out (5) incursions in Beit Umor, Sourif, al-Shoyoukh, al-Karmel villages in Hebron; Qarawet Bani Hassan, northwest of Salfit.

Saturday, 16 November 2019:

At approximately 01:00, IOF moved into al-Shoyoukh village, north of Hebron. They raided and searched Mohammed Yousif Warasna’s (30) house. Before they withdrew, they handed him summons to refer to the Israeli Intelligence Services in “Ghosh Etzion” settlement, south of Bethlehem.

IOF carried out (5) incursions in al-‘Aroub refugee camp, al-Majd village in Hebron; Sebastya village, northwest of Nablus; Azoun village, east of Qalqelya; and Baqa al-Sharqeya, north of Tulkarm.

Sunday, 17 November 2019:

At approximately 01:00, IOF moved into Beit ‘Alar village, north of Tulkarm. They raided and searched Aysar Mamdouh Shadid’s (47) house and arrested him.

At approximately 01:30, IOF moved into al-‘Aroub refugee camp, north of Hebron. They raided and searched Nadeem Mohammed Abu Jouda’s (27) house and arrested him.

At approximately 03:00, IOF moved into Solwad village, northeast of Ramallah. They raided and searched several houses and arrested (3) civilians including two children: Ahmed Ayed Fleah Hamed (13); Jawad Omar Abdul Ghani Hamed (13); and Wael Mousa Hamed (26).

At approximately 13:00, IOF arrested Yousef Tayseer al-Titi (30) after heading to the Israeli Intelligence Services “Shin Bet” in “Ghosh Etzion” settlement, south of Bethlehem, after summonsing him via a phone call, and then he was taken to an unknown destination.

At approximately 20:00, IOF, stationed in Beit Hanoun checkpoint “Erez”, north of the Gaza Strip, arrested Adel Mohammed Ali Husain (34) living in al-Karama Buildings. Adel is the owner of “Mega Power Store” for Solar Energy in al-Rimal neighborhood in the central Gaza City. His brother Ali (46) said that Adel received a phone call from the Ministry of Civil Affair on Saturday, 16 November 2019. They notify Adel to refer to Erez crossing on the next day for an interview with the Israeli Customs Official. At approximately 20:00, Ali received a phone call from the Palestinian Liaison to inform him that Adel was arrested with no reason for the arrest.
IOF carried out (5) incursions in Beit Kahel, al-Shoyoukh, al-Koum, Deir al-Asal villages, in Hebron; Kafr Laqif, east of Qalqiliya.

Monday, 18 November 2019:

At approximately 00:30, IOF moved into Tulkarm. They raided and searched two houses belonging to Hasan Hosny Abu Shanab (24); and Qassam Reyad Bdair (24), and arrested them.

At approximately 01:00, IOF moved into al-Fare’a refugee camp, south of Tubas. They raided and searched Zaid Mohammed Sarhan’s (56) house and arrested him.

At approximately 01:30, IOF moved into Ourif village, south of Nablus. They raided and searched Abdul Hafeez Mohammed Shihada’s (25) house and arrested him.

Around the same time, IOF moved into Beti ‘Awa village southwest of Dura, southwest of Hebron. They raided and searched two houses belonging to Ahmed Mohammed Masalma (29); and Qasem Samih Masalma (19), and arrested them.

At approximately 02:15, IOF moved into Sabastya village, northwest of Nablus. They raided and searched Azzam Abdulkarim Hamad’s (27) house and arrested him.

At approximately 02:30, IOF moved into Halhoul, north of Hebron. They raided and searched two houses belonging to Mohammed Essa al-Zama’ra (30); and Ghassan Hasan al-Sharif (28), and arrested them.

At approximately 03:00, IOF moved into Surif village, northwest of Hebron. They raided and searched Ma’rouf Mohammed Abu Fara’s (37) house and before the withdrawal they handed him a summons to refer to the Israeli Intelligence Services in “Gush Etzion” settlement, south of Bethlehem.

At approximately 03:30, IOF moved into al-Jalazoun refugee camp, north of Ramallah. They raided and searched Hazem Abu Khalifa’s (19) house and arrested him.

At approximately 04:50, IOF moved into Ramallah, and stationed in al-Irsal, al-Tira, and Ein Musbah neighborhoods. Meanwhile, dozens of young men gathered and threw stones at the soldiers, who responded with sound bombs and teargas canisters. As a result, many civilians sustained tear gas inhalation. Meanwhile, IOF raided and searched George Abu Ghazala’s (25) house in al-Tira neighborhood, and then took him to an unknown destination. It should be noted that the abovementioned civilian works as a Sport Arbitrator at the Palestinian Basketball Federation. They raided the city for (3) consecutive hours.

IOF carried out (9) incursions in Yeta, Hebron, Hadab al-Riheya, Beit Amro villages, in Hebron; Kafr Roman, east of Tulkarm; Far’oun village, south of the city; Kafr Ein, Qarwat Bani Zaid, and Bitounya in Ramallah and al-Beira.

Tuesday, 19 November 2019:

At approximately 00:30, IOF moved into al-‘Issawiyi village, northeast of occupied East Jerusalem. They raided and searched houses, from which they arrested 15 civilians and took them to an unknown destination. PCHR keeps the names of arrestees. Moreover, IOF handed 7 civilians notices to refer to the Israeli Intelligence Service. These civilians were identified as Mo’tasem Hamzah ‘Obaid, Hamed Shafiq ‘Obaid, Mohamed Ayman ‘Obaid, Mohamed al-Fakhouri, Mohamed Hitham Mahmoud, Mohamed ‘Awni ‘Atiyah, and Ameen Omar Hamed.

At approximately 01:00, IOF moved into al-‘Aroub refugee camp, north of Hebron. They raided and searched houses, from which they arrested 3 civilians, including a child. The arrestees were identified as Bahaa’ Kamal Jawabrah (18), Yousef Ashraf Jawabrah (18) and Saleem Mazen Jawabrah (17).

At approximately 02:45, IOF moved into Nablus. They raided and searched a house belonging to Majd ‘Abed al-Kareem ‘Azzam (32), from al-Masaken al-Sha’biyia neighborhood, northeast of the city. The IOF arrested him and confiscated money, 3 checks and other contents. ‘Azaam’s wife, Roaa’ Yehia Othman ‘Azzam (24), said to PCHR’s fieldworker “At approximately 02:45 on Tuesday, 19 November 2019, my husband and I were sleeping in our house in Nablus. I wake up after hearing a knock on the door. I woke my husband to open the door and he found 30 IOF in our living room after they damaged the house door. I got out of my room and found my husband lying on the ground and his hands were cuffed behind his back. IOF got me out of the house and one of them shouted at me, but I did not understand what he said in Hebrew. Another IOF Arabic-speaking officer came and told me that he wants my mobile phone. They confiscated my phone and ordered me to stand on the stairs for 10 minutes. During which, they searched our house. Afterwards, they took my husband to our bedroom and then took me to the living room. Twenty munities later, they brought my husband and he stayed next me. One of the soldiers asked me to bring money and weapons from the house. I told him that we do not have weapons or money. IOF continued to search the house and found my husband’s bag. They opened the bag and confiscated money, checks and other contents belonging to my husband’s work. They also confiscated NIS 3,400 of our personal money. All the confiscated items were written on a paper and my husband signed on it. IOF officer handed me the paper and ordered me to bring clothes to my husband because they want to arrest him”.

At approximately 03:00, IOF moved into Balata village, east of Nablus. They raided and searched a house belonging to Khalil Waleed Suliman (26) and then arrested him.
At approximately 03:00, IOF moved into Selwad village, east of Ramallah. They raided and searched a house belonging to Mohanad ‘Abed al-Haleem Shabrawi (20) and then arrested him.

Around the same time, IOF moved into Deir Nizam village, northwest of Ramallah. They raided and searched 2 houses of Mohamed Saleh Yehia al-Tamimi (14) and Ramiz Mohamed ‘Abed al-Rahman al-Tamimi (14) and then arrested both of them.

At approximately 04:20, IOF moved into Jenin refugee camp, west of Jenin. They raided and searched houses, from which they arrested 3 civilians, including 2 siblings. The arrestees were identified as Mohamed (24) and Saleh Sameer Saleh Abu Zinah (23), and Husam Hani al-Ghoul (25).

At approximately 18:00, IOF stationed at ‘Inab military checkpoint, east of Tulkarm, arrested Tareq Mahmoud Mohamed al-Dorsh (25) and Mahmoud ‘Abed al-Hameed Mohamed Sodani (23), from Tulkarm refugee camp, while passing through the checkpoint.
IOF carried out (3) incursions in Biet Ola, Samou’a and al-Moreq villages in Hebron.

Wednesday, 20 November 2019:

At approximately 02:00, IOF moved into Beit Fourik village, east of Nablus. They raided and searched Abdul Karim Shaher Malitat’s (39) house and arrested him.

Around the same time, IOF moved into al-‘Aroub refugee camp, north of Hebron. They raided and searched two houses belonging to Khaled Salim Roshdi (18); and Hasan Maher al-Sharif (29), and then arrested them.

At the same time, IOF stormed al-Rusasi Mosque, adjacent to Dar al-Aytam al-Islamiya School where one of the Directorate’s offices is present in occupied Jerusalem and detained civilians, who were inside it. After conducting a field investigation with the staff, IOF closed the mosque and confiscated its key.

Around the same time, an Israeli force of the police, Intelligence Service, and border guards stormed the head office of aL-ARZ Production Company, which include the head office of Palestine TV Channel in al-Sowana neighborhood in occupied East Jerusalem. They searched the offices, tampered with their contents and confiscated some of them before their withdrawal of the offices. They also fixed a notice issued by Israel’s Public Security Minister Gilad Erdan to close the head office for 6 months. Christine Renawi, a reporter at Palestine TV Channel, said that Israeli authorities stormed the head office of Palestine TV and seized its contents and handed summonses to her along with the Nizar Younis, the Director of al-Arz Company to refer to the Israeli Intelligence Service. Ayman Abu Romouz, a photographer was also arrested.

In the same context, IOF raided and searched the Arab Health Center on Sultan Suleiman Street in occupied East Jerusalem’s Old City. They confiscated files and surveillances cameras, and arrested Ahmed Srour, the Director of the Arab Health Center.

At approximately 06:30, IOF, backed by several military construction vehicles moved about 100 meters east of al-Shawka village, east of Rafah, south of the Gaza Strip. The vehicles leveled lands adjacent to the border fence between Israel and the Gaza Strip, they continued for a few hours before they were redeployed in the border fence.

At approximately 10:00, IOF arrested Mohammed Mohsen al-Qawasma (35) from Hebron, after heading to the Israeli Intelligence Services in “Ghosh Etzion” settlement, south of Bethlehem, after handing him a summons.

At approximately 15:00, IOF, who established a military tower on the eastern entrance of Beit Umor village, north of Hebron, arrested Qusai Zeyad al-Alama (22), and took him to an unknown destination.

At approximately 16:30, IOF, stationed in Za’atra checkpoint, south of Nablus, arrested Mousa Essa Mohammed Awad and his son Sa’ad from Yeta, south of Hebron while they ere passing through the abovementioned checkpoint from Nablus to their house. Mousa and his son were taken to an unknown destination.

At approximately 17:00, an Israeli force of the police, Intelligence Service, and border guards stormed the “Ambassador Hotel”, north of the occupied East Jerusalem. They surrounded a table in the hotel, searched their ID cards, then they took photos of those seated then they arrested Zeyad al-Shamaly and took him to the investigation center in the city. It should be noted that al-Shamaly is the Head of Students’ Parents Union in Jerusalem.
IOF carried out (3) incursions in Bani Na’em, Dura, Kharsa villages in Hebron.

IV. Settlement Expansion and settler violence in the West Bank, including occupied East Jerusalem

Demolition and Confiscation of Civilian Property for Settlement Expansion Activities

At approximately 10:00 on Sunday, 17 November 2019, IOF backed by military construction vehicles and accompanied with a vehicle of the Israeli Civil Administration moved into Ghzawi area in southern Hebron. The Israeli Civil Administration officers handed Mohamed Mousa Zain a notice to stop construction works in his 60-sqaure-meter house, under the pretext of non-licensing.

On Sunday, 17 November 2019, IOF issued several military decisions to seize 2975 dunums from Palestinians’ lands in Qalqiliyia and Salfit, under the pretext of security reasons and for constructing the annexation wall. The validity of extending these military orders continues until 31 December 2022. These orders included 7 houses belonging to ‘Abdullah Hasan ‘Assaf, Hussni Hasan ‘Assaf, ‘Aref Hasan ‘Assaf, Yousef Hasan ‘Assaf, Mohamed ‘Abed al-Qader Hussain Jaber, Jaber ‘Abed al-Qader Hussain Jaber, and Mostafa ‘Abed al-Qader Jaber in Kafur Laqef village in eastern Qalqiliyia. These orders mentioned that the houses ‘owners have the right to challenge during 7 days and this is not a sufficient time to prove their ownership.

On Monday, 18 November 2019, the representative of al-Baba Mount Bedouin Community, ‘Atallah Mazar’ah, said that IOF accompanied with a bulldozer moved into al-Baba Mount Bedouin Community in al-‘Izariyia village, southeast of occupied East Jerusalem, and demolished a dirt road leading to the community. He added that one of the village’s main water lines was damaged. It should be noted that Israel seeks to displace the community residents in order to establish a settlement project, connect “Ma’aleh Adumim“settlement with Jerusalem and carry out the (E1) Settlement Plan.

At approximately 07:00 on Tuesday, 19 November 2019, IOF accompanied with Israeli Municipality staff and military construction vehicles moved into al-Mokaber Mount area, southeast of occupied East Jerusalem. IOF surrounded a house belonging to Fatema al-‘Abasi to demolish it. Her neighbors phoned her and told her that her house was surrounded by IOF as a prelude to demolishing it. She quickly returned to her house and IOF allowed her to enter and take some contents. Then, the 150-sq.m house was demolished. The house sheltered 5 members and was built 10 years ago, during that time, the family attempted to license the house to no avail. It should be noted that the Israeli Court imposed a construction fine on the family of NIS 130,000, to be paid in full by 2021.

Following that, IOF headed to the house of Mousa ‘Awwad Khalilah in al-Moukaber Mount area to demolish it. Wadi al-Helwa Information Center in Silwan village stated that Khalilah was forced to rent a bulldozer to demolish his house and avoid paying a construction fine of NIS 100,000. Khalilah also said that the Israeli Municipality forced him to demolish his 130-year-old house, noting that he recently restored his house after getting a license from IOF. IOF gave him few minutes to demolish his house, or the Israeli bulldozer will do so. Khalilah added that the municipality staff accompanied with IOF stationed near the house until it was completely demolished. Then, they handed me a decision to transport the rubbles or they will fine me. Khalilah family clarified that they recently got a restoration license from the Israeli Municipality, but they were shocked when the Israeli Ministry of Interior hanged a demolition decision on their house, under the pretext of non-licensing. The family added that we began to fight in the Israeli Courts in order to cancel the demolition decision and we actually managed to bring a map from Survey and Mapping Office in Tel Aviv, which proves the presence of our house. The Ministry of Interior claimed that we exceeded the restoration license and the Israeli Supreme Court approved the demolition decision.

In the morning, IOF accompanied with Israeli Municipality staff and military construction vehicles moved into Beit Haninah village, north of occupied East Jerusalem, and stationed in al-Ashqarieh neighborhood. IOF surrounded Majdi Mostafa ‘Elwan’s 120-sq.m house and demolished it. The house was built 7 years ago and sheltered a family of 6. The family stated that the Israeli Municipality imposed a monthly construction fine on them of NIS 40,000.

At approximately 09:00 on Tuesday, IOF backed by military construction vehicles and accompanied with a vehicle of the Israeli Civil Administration, 2 excavators and a bulldozer moved into al-Bas area in northern Hebron. IOF were deployed in the area while the military vehicles demolished 2 under-construction houses, under the pretext of non-licensing. These houses belong to Khaled Mohamed Khannah (120 Sq.m) and Nabil Mohamed Khannah (180 Sq.m). It should be noted that on 18 November 2019, the Israeli authorities accompanied by the Israeli Civil Administration staff moved into the area and handed several civilians notices to stop construction works in their houses and shops, under the pretext of non-licensing. Khannah family was among those notified. The court’s hearing was set to 03 December 2014 to challenge the notices.

At approximately 10:00, IOF backed by military construction vehicles and accompanied with a vehicle of the Israeli Civil Administration and 2 bulldozers moved into Shaqbah village, northwest of Ramallah. The bulldozers demolished a 250-square-meter house of Mahmoud ‘Abed al-Jaber al-Masri (33), which sheltered 14 members. IOF also demolished a 100-square-meter livestock barn belonging to al-Masri. It should be noted that in October 2015, Israeli authorities handed al-Masri a demolition notice and in the morning he was shocked when IOF demolished his house without a prior warning.

Israeli Settler Violence

At approximately 04:50 on Thursday, 14 October 2019, Israeli settlers moved into Qarawet Bani Hasan village, northwest of Salfit, and punctured the tires of 21 vehicles. They vandalized houses and vehicles with racist slurs. These houses belong to Bahaa’ ‘Abed al-Kareem Samara, ‘Ali Hatem Rayan and Mostafa Ameen Mer’i. PCHR’s keeps the names of vehicles’ owners.

On Thursday, at least 200 settlers, under tight IOF protection, raided al-Aqsa Mosque yards in occupied East Jerusalem’s Old City from al-Maghareba Gate. The Islamic Endowment (Awqaf) Department stated that 99 settlers, 97 students from Israeli universities, 40 Israeli public servants, and 8 intelligence officers raided al-Aqsa mosque yards in the morning. The Endowment department added that settlers provocatively wandered in the mosques yards and performed prayers.

IV. Closure policy and restrictions on freedom of movement of persons and goods

Gaza Strip

On Sunday, 17 November 2019, the Israeli authorities re-opened Karm Abu Salem (Kerem Shalom) Crossing, southeast of the Gaza Strip, and Beit Hanoun (Erez) Crossing. The Media Office of Erez Crossing stated that the Israeli authorities opened Erez Crossing for all categories allowed to travel before the Israeli military escalation. They also opened Karm Abu Salem Crossing designated for goods after closing it for 4 days.

West Bank

In addition to permanent checkpoints and closed roads, this week witnessed the establishment of more temporary checkpoints that restrict the goods and individuals movement between villages and cities and deny civilians’ access to their work. IOF established 37 temporary checkpoints and arrested 7 civilians.

The military checkpoint were as follows:

Hebron:

On Thursday, 14 November 2019, IOF established 4 checkpoints at the northern entrance to Hebron, and at the entrances to Ethna, Beit al-Rosh al-Foqah, and Beit Olah villages.

On Friday, 15 November 2019, 6 similar checkpoints were established at the northern entrance to Hebron, at the entrances to Samou’a, Ethna, Beit Olah, and Tarama villages, and at the entrance to al-Fawar refugee camp.

On Saturday, 16 November 2019, IOF established 3 checkpoints at the southern entrance to Hebron, and at the entrances to Sa’ir and Beit ‘Awaa villages.

On Monday, 18 November 2019, 2 military checkpoints were established at the entrances to Sa’ir and Kharsa villages.

On Tuesday, 19 November 2019, IOF established 3 checkpoints at the southern entrance to Halhoul, at the northern entrance to Yatta village and at the entrance to al-‘Aroub refugee camp.

On Wednesday, 20 November 2019, 4 similar checkpoints were established at the entrance to al-Fawar refugee camp, and at the entrances to Ethna, Samou’a and Beit ‘Awaa villages.

Ramallah and al-Bireh:

On Friday, 15 November 2019, IOF established a checkpoint between Senjil and ‘Oyoun Haramiyiah intersection (on Ramallah-Nablus main street).

On Monday, 18 November 2019, a similar checkpoint was established at al-Taiba intersection ( on al-Mo’arajat road connecting between Ramallah and Jericho)

Qalqiliyah:

At approximately 21:30 on Thursday, 14 November 2019, IOF established a checkpoint between Jayyous and al-Nabi Iyyas villages, east of Qalqiliyia.

At approximately 12:50 on Friday, 16 November 2019, a similar checkpoint was established at the entrance to Izbit al-Tabeeb village, east of the city.

At approximately 12:50 on Friday, 15 November 2019, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance to Izbit al-Tabeeb village, east of Qalqiliyia.

At approximately 18:30 on Saturday, 16 November 2019, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance to Izbit al-Tabeeb village, east of Qalqiliyia.

At approximately 23:30 on Saturday, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance to ‘Azoun village, east of Qalqiliyia.

At approximate;y 16:50 on Sunday, 17 November 2019, IOF established a checkpoint at the eastern entrance to Qalqiliyia.

Salfit:

At approximately 16:15 on Thursday, 14 November 2019, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance to Qarawet Bani Hasan, northwest of Slafit.

At approximately 16:30, a similar checkpoint was established at the entrance to Dir Balout village, west of the city.

On Saturday, 16 November 2019, IOF established 4 checkpoints at the entrances to Burqeen, Kafur al-Deek, Dir Balout, and al-Zawiyia villages, west of Salfit.

Jenin:

On Tuesday, IOF established 2 checkpoints at the intersection of ‘Araba village, and at the entrance to Ya’boud village, southwest of the city.

On Wednesday, 20 November 2019, IOF established 4 checkpoints at the entrance to Silah al-Harithiyia village, at the intersection of ‘Araba village, on Jenin-Nablus Street, and on a bypass road.