• Israeli Forces Killed a Fisherman in the Northern Gaza Strip

• Israeli forces continued to use excessive force against unarmed civilians and peaceful protestors in the Gaza Strip

• 113 civilians, including 25 children, 3 women, 3 journalists, and 6 paramedics were wounded.

• Israeli forces continued to open fire at the border areas in the Gaza Strip
• 2 civilians were wounded and one of them was arrested

• Israeli forces wounded 15 Palestinian civilians, including 2 children and a journalist, in the West Bank, and the injury of one of them was reported serious.

• Israeli forces conducted 81 incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank, and 4 limited ones into the Gaza Strip.
• 70 civilians, including 16 children and a woman, were arrested in the West Bank.
• 22 of them, including 6 children and a woman, were arrested in Jerusalem.
• Among those arrested was Ahmed ‘Atoun, a PLC Member, and a whole family in al-Mukaber Mount.

• Israeli authorities continued to create a Jewish majority in occupied East Jerusalem.
• Three dwellings and 5 shops were demolished while a plot of land was levelled; all of them in occupied Jerusalem and its suburbs.
• The Israeli Municipality demolished 19 shops that support 60 families in Sho’afat refugee camp.

• Israeli forces continued their settlement activities in the West Bank.
• Israeli forces demolished an agricultural room in Douma village, southeast of Nablus.
• Israeli settlers caused severe damage to an ambulance belonging to the Palestine Crescent Society (PRCS).

• 7 shooting incidents were reported against the fishing boats in the sea, but no casualties were reported.

• Israeli forces turned the West Bank into cantons and continued to impose the illegal closure on the Gaza Strip for the 12^th consecutive year.

• 103 permanent checkpoints, 112 temporary checkpoints and 14 closed roads obstruct the movement of Palestinian civilians in the West Bank.
• 4 civilians, including a child and woman, were arrested at the military checkpoints in the West Bank.

Summary

Israeli violations of international law and international humanitarian law in the oPt continued during the reporting period (14 – 21 November 2018).

Shooting:

The Israeli forces continued to use lethal force against the participants in the peaceful protests organized within the activities of the “Great March of Return and Breaking the Siege” in the Gaza Strip, which witnessed for the 34^th week in a row peaceful demonstrations along the eastern and northern Gaza Strip border area.  During the reporting period, the Israeli forces killed a Palestinian fisherman and wounded 115 civilians, including 25 children, 3 women, 3 journalists and 6 paramedics.  Meanwhile in the West Bank, Israeli forces 15 Palestinian civilians, including 2 children and a journalist.

in the Gaza Strip, on 14 November 20188, Israeli forces killed Nawwaf al-‘Attar (23) when the Israeli soldiers opened fire at a group of fishermen near “Zikim” Military Base along the coastal border fence of the northern Gaza Strip.  As a result, he was hit with a bullet to the pelvis and died.  It should be mentioned that a group of amateur fishermen gathered for fishing in that area using nets that are known for catching mullets in their season which coincides this time of the year.

As part of using excessive force against the peaceful protests along the Gaza Strip borders, during the reporting period, the Israeli forces wounded 113 civilians, including 25 children, 3 women, 3 journalists and 6 paramedics.

As part of targeting the Palestinian fishermen in the sea, the Israeli forces continued to escalate their attacks against the Palestinian fishermen, indicating the on-going Israeli policy to target their livelihoods.  During the reporting period in addition to the abovementioned incident that resulted in the killing of one fisherman, PCHR documented 6 other incidents.

As part of targeting the border areas on 14 November 2018, Israeli forces stationed along the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel, northwest of Beit Lahia wounded Taher Matter (22) and arrested him.

On 17 November 2018, Israeli soldiers stationed along the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel, east of al-Bureij, opened fire at a 28-year-old man when he was on Jakar Street.  As a result, he was hit with a bullet to his lower limbs.

On 18 November 2018, Israeli soldiers stationed along the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel opened fire at the agricultural lands, eat of Johr al-Deek village.  However, no casualties were reported.

In the West Bank, during the reporting period, Israeli forces wounded 15 Palestinian civilians, including 2 children and a journalist, in separate shooting incidents.  The injury of one of those wounded was reported serious.

Incursions:

During the reporting period, Israeli forces conducted at least 81 military incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank and 4 similar ones into Jerusalem and its suburbs. During those incursions, Israeli forces arrested at least 48 Palestinians, including 10 children and the PLC Member for the Change and Reform Bloc, Ahmed ‘Atoun (50), who was arrested from his house in al-Bireh.  It should be mentioned that ‘Atoun was forcibly expelled him from his home in Jerusalem to Ramallah on 06 December 2011. Moreover, 22 other civilians were arrested, including 6 children and a woman, in occupied Jerusalem and its suburbs. 

In the Gaza Strip, Israeli forces conducted 4 limited incursions.  The first one on 15 November 2018 in eastern al-Qarah village, northeast of Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip; the second was on 17 November 2018 near al-Nemer Gate, east of Deir al-Balah in the centre Gaza Strip; the third was on 19 November 2018 into the south of “Zikim” military base along the northern coastal borders, northwest of Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip; and the fourth was on 20 November 2018 in eastern al-Maghazi in the central Gaza Strip.  In all the mentioned incursions, they levelled and combed lands in the above-mentioned areas before redeploying along the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel.

Israeli Forces continued to create a Jewish Majority in occupied East Jerusalem:

As part of the Israeli house demolitions and notices, on 19 November 2018, the Israeli municipality bulldozers levelled a plot of land belonging to Khaled al-Zeer in al-‘Abbasiyah neighbourhood in Silwan, south of Jerusalem’s Old City, claiming that the land is classifie within the green areas.  It should be mentioned that the Israeli Nature and Antiquities Authorities and the muncpality attempt to seize this 16-dunum land, claiming there are antiquities in it in addition to their plans to establish national parks.

On the same day, Israeli municipality bulldozers demolished 2 residential rooms, a cafeteria, and a storehouse built of steel and shed cloth, 2 carwashes, and a grocery store in al-Mukaber Mount, south of occupied East Jerusalem, under the pretext of building without a license.  They also demolished a mobile house donated by the EU in Qalendia village, north of the city.

On 21 November 2018, Israeli municipality staff accompanied with dozens of vehicles and bulldozers moved into Sho’afat refugee camp, north of occupied East Jerusalem.  They destroyed 19 shops, which support 60 families on the main street of the refugee camp under the pretext of building without a license.  Eyewitnesses said that the bulldozers demolished 3 gas station and 16 shops; restaurants, a bakery, clothes stores, shoes stores, and barbershops.) The eyewitnesses added that the Israeli authorities fixed demolition notices to the stores in the late afternoon of the day before and gave the shops’ owners 12 hours to take out their goods.

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

As part of the Israeli house demolitions and demolition notices, on 21 November 2018, Israeli forces demolished a 50-square-meter tin-roofed agricultural house built of cement and bricks in al-Marajem area, east of Douma village, south east of Nablus.  The house belonged to Sari Dawabshah.  They also demolished retaining walls of bricks “stone chains” established around the house under the pretext of unlicensed building in Area C.

As part of the Israeli settlers’ attacks against the Palestinians civilians and their property, during the reporting period, PCHR’s fieldworkers in the West Bank documented 4 incidents carried out by settlers.  As a result of those attacks, a PRCS ambulance sustained severe damage in addition to another civilian car parked in front of its owner’s house.

Details

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

Wednesday, 14 November 2018:

• At approximately 01:00, Israeli force moved into Yatta, south of Hebron, and stationed in Roq’ah neighbourhood. They raided and searched 3 houses belonging to Mohammed Mahmoud al-Najjar, ‘Azzam Khalil Makhamrah and Nafez Mohammed al-‘Amour. The Israeli forces withdrew later from the city.

• Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Deir al-Ghusoun  village, north of Tulkarm. They raided and searched a house belonging to Bari Zuhair Badran (24) and then arrested him.

• At approximately 07:00, Israeli forces stationed at the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel, north of al-Sefa area, northwest of Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip, arrested Taher Khamis Ahmed Matar (22), from Bloc No. (9) in Jabalia. Taher attempted to sneak  into Israel. At approximately 16:00 on the same day evening, Taher’s family informing them that Taher is under the Israeli forces arrest in Ashkelon. Taher’s brother, Mohammed said to PCHR’s fieldworker that the family contacted the International Red Cross, who confirmed that Taher is arrested and wounded  to the right hand.

• In the evening hours, a group of Palestinian amateur fishermen threw their fishing nets in the Beit Lahia Sea around hundred meters off the northern Gaza Strip shore in front of Israeli Zikim Military Base that is located at the end of the coastal border fence of the northern Gaza strip.  Meanwhile, Israeli soldiers opened fire at the fishermen, wounding Nawaf Ahmed

Mohammed al-‘Attar (23) with a bullet to the pelvis. As a result, a number of fishermen took him outside the water amidst a state of panic and fear and called an ambulance to transfer him to the hospital.  The ambulance arrived on the main road in front of the shore and took Nawaf, who passed away few minutes later after he bled so much. The ambulance then arrived at the Indonesian Hospital in Jabalia refugee camp, where his death was declared. It should be mentioned that the abovementioned group of fishermen who gathered to fish were only amateurs and not registered at the Fishermen’s Syndicate. They were fishing in that area using nets that are only for fishing mullets in its season that coincides this time of the year.

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (13) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: Ethna, al-Shuyoukh villages and al-‘Arroub refugee camp in Hebron; ‘Anabtah, Beit Led, Safarin, al-Jarushiyah villages, Shuweikah and Artah Suburbs in Tulkarm; ‘Azzoun and Jeet villages in Qalqiliyah; Salfit, Deir Estia village and northwest of the city.

Thursday, 15 November  2018:

• At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into Um al-Daliah neighborhood in the southern area in Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to ‘Arafat Samir Abu Husein (46) and then arrested him and his son Samir (21).

• At approximately 01:30, Israeli forces moved into Balatah refugee camp, east of Nablus from all entrances in order to carry out arrest campaigns. They raided and searched number of houses. Meanwhile, dozens of Palestinian young men and children gathered and threw stones, empty bottles and Molotov Cocktails at Israeli soldiers. The soldiers heavily fired live and rubber bullets and tear gas canisters at them. As a result, a 17-year-old child was hit with a live bullet to the right leg. The Israeli forces also arrested Mohammed Hasan Marshoud (25)

• At approximately 03:00, Israeli forces moved into Tubas. They raided and searched a house belonging to Qais Ziyad Amin Sawaftah (20) and then arrested him.

• At approximately 10:00, Israeli forces moved into Tal village, west of Nablus. They raided and searched several houses after which they arrested 4 children namely Ibrahim ‘Ali al-Saifi (16), ‘Ali Husein ‘Ali al-Saifi (17), Mohammed Mustafa ahmed Saleh Ramadan (17) and Mohammed Hasan Ismail al-Hendi (16). The Israeli forces later released 3 children and kept al-Hendi under arrest.

• Around the same time, Israeli forces accompanied with a number of military vehicles moved about 100 meters into the east of al-Qararah village, northeast of Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip. They leveled lands adjacent to the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel and then and redeployed along the border fence.

• At approximately 12:00, Israeli forces stationed along the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel, east of Deir al-Balah in the central Gaza Strip, opened fire at Palestinian shepherds and agricultural lands adjacent to the border fence. the shooting sporadically continued until approximately 18:00. As a result, the farmers were forced to flee fearing for their lives, but no casualties were reported.

• At approximately 13:00, Israeli forces moved into Beit al-Roush village, west of Dura, southwest of Hebron. They surrounded a 3-story house belonging to Mazen ‘Essa Taha Harbiyat (43) and locked the family members, who were about 3 women and 8 children in the first floor, searched the 3 houses and damaged the house contents. The search continued for about 3 hours as the Israeli soldiers claimed that they were searching for weapons. Before the soldiers withdrew from the house, they confiscated about half a million shekels, which are the salaries of a group of workers as Mazen works in contracting in Israel. The Israeli soldiers arrested Mazen and after 4 hours, they released him, but kept the confiscated money until they prove the source of the money.

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (8) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: Beit Ummer, Beit ‘Awa village and al-Fawar refugee camp in Hebron; Tulkarm, Shuweikah Suburb, Deir al-Ghusoun and al-Jarushiyah villages, north of the city; and Salfit.

Friday, 16 November 2018:

• At approximately 01:00, Israeli forces moved into Shuweikah Suburb, north of Tulkarm. They raided and searched 2 houses belonging to Majd ‘Ala’a Akabriyah (20) and Lafi Mohammed Lafi Na’alwah (21) and then arrested them.

• At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into Bier al-Basha village, south of Jenin. They raided and searched a house belonging to Husein Ghawadrah. The soldiers took photos of the second floor and took its measurements. It should be noted that Husein is sentenced to life imprisonment.

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (3) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: Halhoul and al-Mawreq village in Hebron; and Sebastiyah village,  northwest of Nablus.

Saturday, 17 November  2018:

• At approximately 07:20, Israeli forces accompanied with 6 military vehicles moved about 100 meters near al-Namer Gate, east of Deir al-Balah in the Central Gaza Strip. They leveled lands adjacent to the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel. Few hours later, the Israeli forces redeployed along the border fence.

•  At approximately 08:00, Israeli soldiers stationed along the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel, east of al-Buraij, opened fire at a 28-year-old young man while he was on Jakar Street, which is 250 meters away from the border fence. As a result, the young man was hit with a live bullet to lower limbs.

• At approximately 10:00, Israeli soldiers stationed at the military point in al-Safafir area and secure  “Yitzhar“ settlement, south of Nablus.  Dozens of Palestinian young men, who carried olive trees to plant them in the lands that are threatened of confiscation. Meanwhile, dozens of  young men gathered and threw stones and empty bottles at Israeli soldiers, who fired live and rubber bullets and tear gas canisters at them. As a result, 5 civilians, including a child, were wounded. Three of them were hit with live bullets to the lower limbs and one civilian was hit with a rubber bullet to the shoulder and the child was hit with a tear gas canister to the head. The Israeli forces also targeted an ambulance with a registration plate No. 675392 belonging to Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS) in Nablus with a rubber bullet that hit the front glass. The ambulance was driven by Mahmoud al-Az’ar (40), who is accompanied with the ambulance officer, Redwan Abu Hamdan (40). Eyewitnesses said to PCHR’s fieldworker that the Israeli soldiers fired sound bombs and tear gas canisters between houses. As a result, family members of Anas Shaher Abdul Hafith Shehadah suffered tear gas inhalation after a tear gas canister fell in their house. They were evacuated from the house and received medical treatment on the spot.

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (3) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: Nuba and al-Burj villages in Hebron; Howarah village, south of Nablus.

Sunday, 18 November  2018:

• At approximately 01:00, Israeli forces moved into al-Sahal Street in Beit Jala. They raided and searched a house belonging to Malek ‘Emad Slamah (22) and then arrested him.

• At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into ‘Aydah refugee camp, north Bethlehem. They raided and searched a house belonging to Dawoud Mahmoud al-Khatib (23) and then arrested him.

• At approximately 03:00, Israeli forces moved into the Hendazah area, east of Bethlehem. They raided and searched a house belonging to Mahmoud Yusuf ‘Obayat (22) and then arrested him.

• At approximately 10:00, Israeli forces stationed at Military Checkpoint (160) fired sound bombs and tear gas canisters at students of Hebron Elementary School in  Tareq Bin Ziyad area while they were at the school yard. As a result, many students suffered tear gas inhalation and received medical treatment on the spot. The Israeli soldiers claimed that the students threw stones at the abovementioned checkpoint.

• At approximately 08:30, Israeli soldiers stationed along the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel, opened fire at agricultural lands, east of Juhor al-Deek village, the shooting sporadically continued for 50 minutes, but no casualties were reported.

• In the evening hours, Israeli soldiers established a sudden military checkpoint at the main entrance to Deir Abu Mash’al village, northwest of Ramallah, opened fire at a car driven by 5 Palestinian civilians from the abovementioned village. As a result, 3 of them were wounded. Doctors classified a civilian’s injury as serious.

• According to PCHR’s investigations and statements of eyewitnesses, at approximately 23:30, Mahmoud Wajih Zahran (20) and 4 of his friends, from Deir Abu Mash’al village, northwest of Ramallah was driving a car with Israeli registration plate and moving to ‘Aboud village nearby. Mahmoud arrived at the main intersection of the village on (64) Settlement Street where he was surprised with an Israeli vehicle and a number of soldiers, who established a temporary checkpoint, 300 meters away from the car. Mahmoud immediately turned his car back to return. Meanwhile, the soldiers order Mahmoud to stop his car after they  suspected the car, but Mahmoud drove fast and left the village. The soldiers then heavily opened  fire at the car targeting the rear glass and the car side, which led to smashing the door. As a result, Mahmoud was hit with a live bullet to the left thigh and 2 of his friends were  wounded. They were admitted to Yasser Arafat Hospital in Salfit to receive medical treatment. Doctors classified Mahmoud’s injury as serious and then transferred to En-Najah National University in Nablus to carry out a surgery for Mahmoud.

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (4) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: Hebron, Yatta, Beit al-Roush al-Tahta village, and Deir al-Balah.

Monday, 19 November  2018:

• At approximately 01:20, Israeli forces moved into Nablus and Balatah refugee camp, east of the city. They raided and searched several houses and then arrested 3 civilians namely: Pharmacist Nasser Yusuf Shraim (41), a lecturer at En-Najah National University and brother in law of Ashraf Na’alwah, who is accused by the Israeli forces to carry out shooting attack in Barkan Industrial area, west of Salfit; and Mahmoud Faisal Qawariq (22), a student at the Faculty of Engineering at En-Najah National University; and ‘Ezz Eden Mohammed Zuhdi Marshoud (23).

• At approximately 01:30, Israeli forces moved into Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to Islam ‘Adnan Mojahed (20) and then arrested him.

• At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into Jenin refugee camp, west of Jenin. They raided and searched a number of houses and then arrested Jihad Fawzi Taleb (21) and Majd Ayman Mahmoud Barakat (22).

• At approximately 02:30, Israeli forces moved into Qarawet Bani Hassan village, northwest of Salfit. They raided and searched houses belonging to Abdullah Mahmoud ‘Asi (26), Yusuf Mahmoud ‘Asi (22) and Laith Abdullah Mar’ie (20) and then arrested them.

• At approximately 03:00, Israeli forces moved into Qalqiliyah. They raided and searched 2 houses belonging to Mahmoud Nabil Qashmar (25) and Sa’ed bilal Suweilem (26) and then arrested them.

• At approximately 04:00, Israeli forces accompanied with 2 military vehicles moved into al-Mazra’ah al-Gharbiyah village, northwest of Ramallah. They raided and searched 2 houses belonging to Yahiya ‘Aqel Rabea’a (21) and Basel Abdullah Ladadwah (19) and then arrested them.

• Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Deir Abu Mash’al village, northwest of Ramallah. They raided and searched a house belonging to Omer Mahmoud Rabea’a (25) and then arrested him.

• At approximately 04:30, Israeli gunboats stationed offshore, adjacent to al-Waha resort, northwest of Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip, sporadically opened fire at Palestinian fishing boats sailing within 4 nautical miles and chased them. the shooting recurred in the abovementioned area at approximately 08:55 on the same day. As a result, the fishermen were forced to flee fearing for their lives, but neither casualties nor material damage was reported.

• At approximately 06:50, following the withdrawal of Israeli settlers from the outskirts of ‘Ourif village, southeast of Nablus, Israeli forces moved into the abovementioned village to carry out arrest campaigns. They raided and searched sever houses after which they arrested Salah Saleh Mohammed al-Safadi (15) and Rani Moneer Suleiman al-Nuri (18). At approximately 02:00 on the next day, the Israeli forces released al-Safadi at Howarah checkpoint, south of Nablus and handed him to the Palestinian Military Liaison that moved him to Nablus City Police. The police transferred al-Safadi to Rafidiya Governmental hospital because he suffered pain at the left hand and bruises to the back and head as Israeli forces attacked him in Rani’s house. Doctors found out that al-Safadi suffered fracture in the left hand. He received medical treatment and then the police moved him to their office in Nablus. After that, al-Safadi’s family came and took their son with them.

• At approximately 08:00, Israeli forces accompanied with 4 military vehicles moved about 100 meters into the south of “Zikim” Military Base, adjacent to the northern coastal line borders, northwest of Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip. They leveled lands amidst sporadically opening fire.at approximately 09:30, the Israeli forces redeployed along the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel, and no casualties were reported.

• At approximately 19:00, Israeli forces moved into ‘Aslah village, south of Qalqiliyah. They raided and searched a house belonging to Hamzah Abdul Halim Husein (56) and then arrested him and his son Qusai (26).

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (8) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: Halhoul, Deir Estia and Sa’ir village in Hebron; Tulkarm and ‘Anabtah village, east of the city; ‘Azzoun and Joyous villages, east of Qalqiliyah, Bruqin village, west of Salfit.

Tuesday,  20 November  2018

• At approximately 01:00, Israeli forces moved into al-Fawar refugee camp, south of Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to Mohammed Mo’ati Ghatashah (24) and then arrested him.

• At approximately 01:20, Israeli forces moved into Kufor Qaddoum village, northeast of Qalqiliyah. They raided and searched several houses belonging to Khalid Murad Eshtiwi (13), ‘Awad Mansour Abdul Latif ‘Obaid (17), ‘Emad Ahmed Eshtiwi (26) and then arrested them.

• At approximately 02:30, Israeli forces moved into Beit Ummer village, north of Hebron, and stationed near the village Mosque in the central Gaza Strip. they raided and searched a house belonging to Ibrahim Hmaid Abu Maria (40) and then withdrew from the village.

• At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into al-Duheishah refugee camp, south of Bethlehem, using a civil bus. They stationed near Phoenix Charitable Society in the camp. They raided and searched a number of houses. Meanwhile, dozens of Palestinian young men and children gathered near the area and threw stones and empty bottles at Israeli soldiers. The soldiers fired live and rubber bullets at them. as a result, a young man was hit with a live bullet to the foot. At approximately 04:00, clashes between the Palestinian young men and the Israeli soldiers and reached al-Dawhah village. Large Israeli forces moved into the abovementioned village. They raided and searched several houses and then arrested Omer Mousa Qawar (17) after they beat heavily beat him.
• At approximately 06:15, Israeli gunboats stationed offshore, adjacent to al-Waha resort, north of Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip, heavily opened fire at Palestinian fishing boats sailing within 4 nautical miles and then chased them. The shooting recurred in the above-mentioned area at approximately 14:38  and 18:25 on the same day. As a result, the fishermen were forced to flee fearing for their lives, but neither casualties nor material damage was reported.

• At approximately 07:30, Israeli forces accompanied with 6 military vehicles moved about 100 meters into the east of al-Maghazi, west of the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel. They leveled lands adjacent to the border fence and then headed into the northeast of al-Buraij. The incursion continued until approximately 12:00. The Israeli forces redeployed along the border fence.

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (3) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: Sa’ir, Beit ‘Ainoun villages and al-Fawar refugee camp in Hebron.

Wednesday, 21 November 2018:

• At approximately 01:00, Israeli forces moved into Deir al-Ghusoun village, north of Tulkarm. They raided and searched several houses and then hanged posters in different places in the village in which the Israeli forces warned civilians from providing help to Ashraf Na’alwah. Zaher Mansour, Mayor of Deir al-Ghusoun Municipality, said to PCHR’s fieldworker that:

“At approximately 01:00 on Wednesday, 21 November 2018, Israeli forces moved into the village and conducted a wide-scale campaign to search for Ashraf Na’alwah. They raided and thoroughly searched tens of houses and damage their contents, including the houses’ knobs, causing fear among residents and children, the soldiers questioned the residents on the spot and fired tear gas canisters. The Israeli soldiers also hanged posters which threatening those who help Ashraf Na’alwah. At approximately 03:30, Israeli forces withdrew from the village, and no arrests were reported.”

• Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Surif village, west of Hebron, and stationed in al-Matinah neighborhood. They raided and searched a house belonging to Fadi Ibrahim Ghuneimat (38) and then arrested him.

• At approximately 01:30, Israeli forces moved into Tal village, west of Nablus. They raided and searched several houses and then confiscated a car belonging to Dr. Fadi Saqer Ahmed ‘Asidah, an Arabic language teacher at Tal School and an employee with a part time job at Birzeit University. The Israeli forces also confiscated about NIS 5,200 from a house belonging to Mohammed Saleh Shtiyah, an Islamic Studies teacher at Tal School. Dr. Fadi ‘Asidah (40) said to PCHR’s fieldworker that:

“At approximately 01:40 on the abovementioned day, I was home along with my wife and 3 children awake watching what was going on in the village as the Israeli forces were at the house of my brother Mohammed (32). I saw the soldiers from the window walking towards my house taking my brother with them. I waited for them to knock the door, but they didn’t, and rather they moved the door knob. I asked: who is there? and they said: “The Israeli forces, open the door.” I moved 2 steps to open the door, but the soldiers blew it up and raided the house. The soldiers searched me and then asked if I have money in the house and I answered: no. They ordered my wife and children to stay in my children’s bedroom and 2 soldiers stayed in front of the room to guard it. I went with the soldiers as they asked me to for searching the house. The soldiers found my car keys on the desk and then asked me if I have a car? And I said: yes. The soldiers then told me to go with them to search the car, so I did. After the search, the soldiers gave me back the keys and forced me to stay in the house yard.  They entered the house to search it for 2 hours and then a female soldier came and informed me that they will confiscate the car. The soldier then gave papers confirming the confiscation of the car and then one of the soldiers got into my car and drove it away.“

• At approximately 02:30, Israeli forces moved into Yatta, south of Hebron and stationed in al-Karmel neighborhood. They raided and searched a house belonging to Shehadah Mohammed Da’ajnah (50) and then arrested him.

• At approximately 03:00, Israeli forces moved into Beit Fajjar village, south of Bethlehem. They raided and searched a number of houses and then arrested Amir Murad Taqatqah (16) and Mohammed ‘Adel Taqatqah (16). It should be noted that Amir had a surgery 2 days ago and his health condition is still unstable.

• At approximately 04:30, Israeli forces moved into al-Birah and stationed in al-Shurfah area in the center of the city. They raided and searched a house belonging to Ahmed ‘Atoun (50), Member of the Palestinian Legislative Council representing the Change and Reform Bloc, and the arrested him. It should be noted that ‘Atoun was forcibly deported by the Israeli forces from Jerusalem to Ramallah  on 06 December 2011, and arrested more than once.

• Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into al-Am’ari refugee camp, south of Ramallah. They raided and searched a house belonging to Wajdi Abu Samrah (26) and then arrested him.

• Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Kufor Malek village, northeast of Ramallah. They raided and searched 2 houses belonging Jihad Fahed Ba’irat (26) and Oseid Ja’far Jamil (21) and then arrested them.

• At approximately 07:00, Israeli gunboats stationed offshore, adjacent to al-Sudaniyah area, west of Jabalia in the northern Gaza Strip, heavily opened fire at Palestinian fishing boats sailing within 4 nautical miles and chased them. As a result the fishermen were forced to flee fearing for their lives, but neither casualties nor material damage was reported.

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (5) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: Nablus, Sa’ir, Beit Ummer, al-Majd and Beit al-Roush villages in Hebron.

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

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

Gaza Strip:

In the Thirty-fourth week of the March of Return and Breaking Siege activities, Israeli forces wounded 113 civilians, including 25 children, 3 women, 3 journalists and 6 paramedics. Doctors classified 3 civilian’s injuries as serious. The incidents were as follows:

• The Northern Gaza Strip: 31 civilians, including 11 children, a woman, a deaf young man and 3 paramedics, and psychopath, were wounded. Sixteen of them were hit with live bullets and their shrapnel, 8 were hit with rubber bullets and 7 were hit with tear gas canisters. Doctors classified 3 civilians’ injuries as serious. The wounded paramedics were identified as:

1. Khetam Khamis Hasan Shalouf (20), a volunteer paramedic at the Palestinian Ministry of Health, was hit with a rubber bullet to the right foot.
2. Reham Rajab Jom’ah Abu Nasser (20), a volunteer paramedic at the Palestinian Ministry of Health, was hit with a rubber bullet o the head.
3. Rabab Mesbah Mohammed Halawin (22), was hit with bruises to the left arm due to her falling down when the Israeli forces heavily fired tear gas canisters.
4. Mohammed Ayman Mahmoud Saleh (25), a paramedic at the Military Medical Services, was hit with a tear gas canisters to the head.

• Gaza City: 21 civilians were wounded. Twelve two of them were hit with live bullets and their shrapnel and 4 were hit with rubber bullets.

• Central Gaza Strip: 7 civilians were wounded. Three of them were hit with live bullets and their shrapnel and 4 were hit with tear gas canisters.

• At approximately 14:15 on Monday, 19 November 2018, Israeli gunboats stationed offshore, and Israeli forces stationed along the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel, opened fire and fired sound bombs at dozens of Palestinian civilians who were at the Return camp along the border coastal, adjacent to adjacent to “Zikim” military base , northwest of Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip. It should be noted that this is the 13th time for Palestinian boats to sail for Breaking the Siege. As a result, 53 civilians, including 13 children, 2 women, 2 paramedics and 3 journalists, were wounded. Twenty four of them were hit with live bullets and their shrapnel, 18 were hit with rubber bullets and 11 were hit with tear gas canisters. the 2 paramedics were identified as:

1. Mohammed Ziyad al-‘Abed Abu Foul (26), a paramedic at PRCS, was hit with a rubber bullet to the right shoulder.
2. Mai Nasser Lubbad al-Lababdah (21), a paramedic at the Palestinian Ministry of Health was hit with a rubber bullet to the head.

The Wounded journalists were identified as:

1. Rashed Sa’ed Khalil Rashid (48), a photojournalist at Associated Press (AP) News Agency, was hit with a live bullet to the left leg.
2. Ahmed Khamis Jaser Hasaballah (24), a photojournalist at IMAGES LIVE Photo Agency, was hit with a rubber bullet to the left hand.
3. Tal’at Osamah Tal’at Mushtaha (21), a freelance journalist, was hit with a rubber bullet to the left leg.

• At approximately 15:00 on the same Monday, Israeli soldiers stationed along the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel, east of al-Buraij opened fire at a group of Palestinian children and youngsters, who approached the border fence. As a result, a 15-year-old child, form al-Buraij, was hit with a live bullet to the right foot.

West Bank:

• At approximately 13:30 on Friday afternoon, 16 November 2018, a group of Palestinian civilians moved from the center of Kufor Qadoum village, northeast of Qalqiliyah, into the eastern entrance to the village, which has been closed for 15 years in favor of the entrance to “Kedumim” settlement established on the village lands. The protestors chanted national slogans demanding end of occupation and condemning the Israeli forces’ crimes against Palestinian protestors along the eastern border of the Gaza Strip within “The Great March of Return and Breaking the Siege” activities. The protestors threw stones at Israeli forces stationed behind sand barriers. The Israeli forces fired rubber bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters at them. As a result, a 40-year-old civilian was hit with a rubber bullet to the chest and a 22-year-old civilian was hit with a rubber bullet to the chin.

• Following the Friday prayer on 09 November 2018, dozens of Palestinian civilians and international human rights defenders gathered on agricultural lands of “al-Resan” Mount area, west of Ras Karkar village, west of Ramallah in protest against the Israeli settlers’ attempt to seize and confiscate the land. When the civilians arrived at the abovementioned area, the Israeli soldiers fired live and rubber bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters at the protestors. As a result, a 19-year-old civilian was hit with a rubber bullet to the foot and a 21-year-old civilian was hit with a rubber bullet to the foot.
• 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.

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 – 17 November 2018)

Category	12 November	13 November	14 November	15 November	16 November	17 November
Patients	66	45	85	63	3	–
Companions	55	43	72	62	2	–
Personal needs	2	13	5	11	–	–
Families of prisoners	–	–	–	–	–	–
Arabs from Israel	3	2	15	5	18	–
Diplomats	–	–	23	–	–	–
Meetings in Erez	–	–	–	–	–	–
International workers	9	15	28	31	7	–
Travelers Abroad	–	4	–	–	–	–
Business people	–	1	8	5	–	–
Business meetings	–	–	–	–	–	–
Security interviews	–	–	–	–	–	–
VIPs	–	–	1	–	–	–
Ambulances to Israel	1	–	2	2	3	–
Patients’ Companions	2	–	2	1	3	–

Note:

• On Wednesday, 14 November 2018, the Israeli authorities allowed 3 persons to return to the West Bank.
• On Thursday, 15 November, the Israeli authorities allowed one doctor to travel via the crossing in order to attend a medical training course.

Movement at Beit Hanoun (“Erez”) crossing

(18 – 20 November 2018)

Category	18 November	19 November	20 November
Patients	100	1	75
Companions	80	1	68
Personal needs	24	–	21
Families of prisoners	–	12	–
Arabs from Israel	11	–	1
Diplomats	–	–	–
Meetings in Erez	–	–	–
International workers	15	–	21
Travelers Abroad	–	–	6
Business people	17	–	315
Business meetings	–	–	–
Security interviews	1	–	–
VIPs	–	–	–
Ambulances to Israel	3	–	3
Patients’ Companions	3	–	4

Following table illustrates temporary and permanent checkpoints and arrests at these checkpoints in the West Bank from 14 – 21 November 2018:

Governorate	Permanent temporary	Temporary checkpoints	Closed Roads	Arrested persons
Jerusalem	13	–	–	1
Nablus	10	11	2	3
Jenin	5	9	–	–
Ramallah	11	22	1	–
Tulkarm	7	6	1	–
Tubas	2	2	1	–
Salfit	3	9	2	–
Qalqiliyia	5	12	2	–
Hebron	31	33	3	–
Bethlehem	11	6	2	–
Jericho	5	2	–	–
Total	103	112	14	4

Arrests at Military Checkpoints:

On Wednesday, 14 November 2018, Israeli forces arrested Ma’moun Jameel (16), from ‘Amouriyia village, south of Nablus, while returning from al-Laban and al-Sawiyia Secondary School.

At approximately 15:00 on Monday, 19 November 2018, Israeli forces stationed at Qalandia military checkpoint, north of occupied East Jerusalem, arrested Iftikar Jamal Mohamed ‘Abed al-Fattah Kmail (25), from Qabatiyia village, south of Jenin, claiming that she had a knife. Iftikar’s father said that his daughter was in a family trip to al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem and she had some food, including fruit, so she needed a knife to slice them. He added that when his daughter approached the checkpoint, she was afraid and hid the knife .When the soldiers found the knife, they accused her of intending to carry out a stabbing attack at the checkpoint. It should be noted that Iftikar is the mother of 3 children and was intending to perform prayers at al-Aqsa Mosque.

Efforts to Create a Jewish majority

Arrests and Incursions:

• At approximately 09:30 on Thursday, 15 November 2018, Israeli forces raided a house belonging to ‘Ali Ahmed Abu Jamal in Abu Jamal neighborhood in al-Mokaber Mount area, south of occupied East Jerusalem. The family sai that the Israeli forces raided and searched the house and then arrested ‘Ali and his wife Yosra along with their children Mohamed, Mahmoud, Hanaa, Amani; his brothers Jamal and Yousef; and his nephew Anwar. On Thursday evening, all of them were released. Storming the house came following the Israeli forces’ declaration about a stabbing attack carried out by ‘Ali’s son, ‘Abed al-Rahman (17), in ” ‘Oz” Police Station in “Armon Hantsif” settlement established on al-Mokaber Mount lands at approximately 22:40 the day before.  As a result, the Israeli police opened fire and hit him with several live bullets. After that, he was taken to Sha’ari Tsediq Hospital in West Jerusalem to receive medical treatment. Moreover, the family doubted the Israeli forces’ claims about their son’s raiding the ‘Oz Police Station and carrying out a stabbing attack there. The family said that the police station is higly fortified that no one could raid it and is surrounded by several cameras which record any move near the police station. the family also said that the police has not acquainted them with ‘Abed al-Rahman’s heath condition, but the lawyer Razan al-Ja’bah informed them that ‘Abed al-Rahman is staying in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at the hospital, where she visited him. The family pointed out that the lawyer told them that ‘Abdel Rahman is under very intensive security by the Israeli police officers staying at the ICU door and inside it. The lawyer said that the Israeli police did not give her any information about ‘Abed al-Raham’s heath condition, place of his injury or reason behind his unconsciousness, pointing out that he is connected to many machines and suffers a very serious health condition.  At approximately 14:00 on Tuesday, 20 November 2018, the Israeli forces summoned ‘Ali Ahmed Abu Jamal to al-Maskobiyia Police Station and informed him that his son ‘Abed al-Rahman succumbed to his wounds. It should be noted that ‘Abed al-Rahman was a 12th grade student in al-Mokaber Mount High School. 

• At approximately 12:30 on Saturday, 17 November 2018, Israeli forces stationed at Qalandia military checkpoint, north of occupied East Jerusalem, suppressed a peaceful demonstration, where dozens of international and Palestinian journalists participated within the activities of media conference titled: “journalists under fire”. According to PCHR’s investigations and eyewitnesses statement, at approximately 11:00 on Saturday, dozens of international and Palestinian journalists gathered at the western entrance to Qalandia refugee camp in order to participate in a demonstration organized by the Palestinian Journalists Syndicate and titled as: ” Entering Jerusalem through Qalandia Checkpoint” and it was an activity of the international press conference ” Journalists under fire”, which was held in Ramallah. Few hours later, the journalists participated in the demonstration headed towards Qalandia checkpoint wearing the logo of the International Federation of  Journalists, raising the international press cards, and calling for the freedom of journalists’ moving. The demonstration included around 21 journalists from the International Federation of  Journalists and the Arab Federation of  Journalists, who participate in the press conference. When they approached the checkpoint, the Israeli forces fired sound bombs and tear gas canisters at them. As a result, many journalists suffered tear gas inhalation. Some of those journalists were identified as Adriana, member of the Executive Committee of the International Federation of Colombia;  Manal Khamis, member of the General Secretariat of the Palestinian Journalists Syndicate; and Nasser Abu Baker, Head of the Palestinian Journalists Syndicate, who sustained tear gas canister shrapnel wounds to right shoulder.

Head of the International Federation of  Journalists, Felib Lourth, said to media that the demonstration was fully peaceful and the Israeli forces attacked it. He added that: ” I has been working in press since many years and I did not expose to such tear gas canisters that fired by the Israeli forces at us, they could disperse us from the area. He added: ” they afraid of press and this a clear message from the Israeli forces to the whole world that they did not care to the freedom of press.

• At approximately 02:00 on Sunday, 18 November 2018, Israeli forces moved into Silwan village, south of occupied East Jerusalem. They raided and searched houses, from which they arrested 2 civilians, including a child. The arrested civilians were identified as Ameer ‘Abdullah Abu Subaieh (17) and Tareq Khaled ‘Odah (22).

• At approximately 04:00 on Monday, 19 November 2018, Israeli forces moved into Qalandia refugee camp, north of occupied East Jerusalem. They raided and searched houses, from which they arrested ‘Ammar Yaser Mutair (26) and Basem Ibrahim Zayid (19).

• At approximately 03:00 on Tuesday, 20 November 2018, Israeli forces moved into al-‘Issawiyia village, northeast of occupied E     ast Jerusalem. They raided and searched houses, from which they arrested 5 civilians, including a child. The arrested civilians were identified as Saleh Bader Abu ‘Asab (18), Mahmoud Sa’di al-Rajbi (19), Mahmoud Mar’I Derbas (18), Waseem Eyad Dari (16), and Hussain Yousef Jamjoum (20).

House Demolitions and Notices:

• At approximately 07:00 on Monday, 19 November 2018, Israeli vehicles leveled a plot of land belonging to Khalid al-Zair in al-‘Abasiyia neighborhood in Silwan village, south of occupied East Jerusalem’s Old City, under the pretext of “Green Land.” Khalid said that the Israeli Municipality staff and vehicles accompanied with the Israeli police raided his land in al-‘Abasiyia neighborhood and leveled parts of it.  He said that the Israeli authorities have attempted to seize his land for years and imposed tens of fines on him because of establishing many facilities and parking vehicles in his land. He pointed out that the Israeli authorities demolished those facilities 3 times under the pretext of non-licensing. It should be noted that Israeli authorities of Nature and Antiquities along with the Israeli Municipality attempt to seize Khalid’s 16-dunum land under the pretext that there are  antiquities in the area in addition to planning to build national parks.

• At approximately 10:00 on Monday, the Israeli Municipality bulldozers demolished 2 residential rooms and commercial facilities in al-Mokaber Mount area, south of occupied East Jerusalem, under the pretext of non-licensing. In al-Sal’ah neighborhood, the Israeli bulldozers demolished a canteen for sandwiches, a store for iron and sheds belonging to Eyad Ja’afrah. The demolished facilities were built on an area of 70 square meters. In al-‘Abidat neighborhood, the Israeli Municipality bulldozers demolished a car wash and a grocery belonging to Khader ‘Obidat and another car wash belonging to al-Mohtaseb Family. The Israeli bulldozers also demolished 2 residential rooms and offices built on an area of 80 square meters and stores for tools built on an area of 45 square meters. All of them belong to Mohamed ‘Ali Sorri. He said that the Israeli Municipality vehicles demolished two 80-sqaure- meter rooms used as a shelter for employees and built 5 years ago. He added that the Israeli Municipality vehicles also demolished a concrete floor built 30 years ago and a barrack used as store for tools. He clarified that he paid a fine estimated at NIS 100.000 for the Israeli Municipality and a decision was issued by the court to stop the demolition, but he was surprised that the Israeli bulldozers carried out the demolition without caring to the court decision.

• In the same context, the Israeli Municipality and Interior Ministry vehicles demolished a mobile dwelling donated by the European Union (EU) in Qalandia village, north of occupied East Jerusalem. The owner of the house dwelling, ‘Ali Mutair, said that he was surprised that the Israeli forces surrounded his house as a prelude to demolish it without a prior warning. He clarified that he received a notice from the Israeli forces 4 days ago and the notice gave him 15 days to appeal the decision, but the vehicles of the Israeli Interior Ministry did not wait and demolished the house. He added that the Israeli Municipality bulldozers demolished his house 7 months ago and the EU granted him the mobile dwelling to live in it with his family. The 45-sqaure-meter dwelling included 3 rooms and ‘Ali and with his wife and their children were living in it 2 months ago. He pointed out that he could not rent a house, so he will live in his father house.

• On Wednesday morning, 21 November 2018, Israeli municipality staffs accompanied with tens of vehicles and bulldozers moved into Sho’afat refugee camp, north of Jerusalem.  They demolished 19 commercial facilities on the main street of the camp, under the pretext of unlicensed building.

According to PCHR’s investigations, at approximately 08:00 on the abovementioned day, hundreds of Israeli soldiers moved into Sho’afat refugee camp and deployed along the main street, closing off the checkpoint and preventing vehicles and buses from entering and leaving the camp via “Ras al-Khamis” gate.  The soldiers also closed the vicinity of the rubble with iron barriers and red tapes, obstructing life in the refugee camp all day long due to the demolition.  Eyewitnesses said that the bulldozers demolished 3 gas stations and 16 shops (restaurants, a bakery, clothes stores, shoes stores, and barbershops) that support 60 families. The eyewitnesses added that the Israeli authorities fixed demolition notices to the stores in the late afternoon of the day before and gave the shops’ owners 12 hours to take out their goods.  Next day morning, the Israeli forces in large number accompanied with bulldozers starting demolishing all the shops and then unloaded the rubble in special trucks.  It should be noted that the Israeli forces arrested 4 children from the camp during the demolition and referred them to “‘Atarout” police station, north of Jerusalem.  Those arrested were identified as Mohammed ‘Issam al-Qawasmi (16), Ra’ed al-Rajabi (15); Mahmoud Daghmah (15); and Ahmed Hadib (16).

Seizing lands in Favor of Settlement Associations

On Sunday, 18 November 2018, the Israeli Supreme Court rejected the request of al-Sabbagh Family to allow them to appeal a decision to expel the family from their house in ” Karem al-Ja’ouni” area in al-Shaiekh Jarrah neighborhood, north of occupied East Jerusalem’s Old City. The court refused to discuss the ownership of the building, where the family live, and refused the appeal because the statute of limitations had expired. This means that around 40 members of the family, including 30 children and an infant, will forcibly leave their houses. It should be noted that al-Sabbgh family building is located on a plot of land, which is targeted by the Israeli authorities and includes 29 buildings sheltering over 100 families since 1950s. The Israeli authorities seek to evacuate it as a prelude to build a settlement neighborhood in the largest displacement operation witnessed by occupied Jerusalem since its occupation in 1967.  Thus, rejecting the appeal would affect tens of Palestinian families who are threatened of expulsion in “Karm al-Ja’ouni” area, including al-Sabbagh family, who filed the appeal.  Al-Sabbagh family has lived in al-Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood since 1956 and their suffering started in 2008 with the expulsion measures.  During that time, lawyers of the affected families; Sami Irashayed and Saleh Abu Hussein checked the Land registration file and found flaws in it.  Thus, they filed a suitcase before the District Court asking to open discussion about the ownership of the land.  Lawyer Sami Irshayed said “they have adequate evidence proving that this land does not belong to settlement associations saying that the Israeli claims are based on Turkish birth certificates, but when you look into the registration file, you see no birth certificates.  Moreover, the Deputy Land Registrar wrote months before the registration of the land that the alleged birth certificates were not presented to him.   Despite all of this, within only one month the land was registered under the name of the associations.”  Moreover, Lawyer Irshayed traveled to the Ottoman Archive in Istanbul and checked the numbers of birth certificates which were mentioned in the registration file to find out that there were no certificates with such numbers.  He added that he found certificates relevant to lands owned by Jews in al-Sheikh Jarrah but do not match with the place description and boundaries of the land.  The District Court refused to hear the evidence on the basis that the statute of limitations has expired as the land was registered many years ago.  The lawyer headed to the Supreme Court and asked for examination of the evidence, but the Court after short discussion decided to reject Sabbagh’s appeal and approve the District Court’s decision on the statute of limitations.  

Settlement activities and attacks by settlers against Palestinian civilians and property

Israeli forces’ attacks:

• At approximately 11:00 on Monday, 19 November 2018, Israeli soldiers attacked the family of Palestinian farmer ‘Ali Ahmed ‘Isaa Ba’rah, from al-Khadir village, south of Bethlehem, while he was working in his land, which is adjacent to ” Sdeh Bouaz” settlement, south of the city. Ahmed Salah, Coordinator of the Committee against the Wall and Settlements in al-Khader village, said that Israeli military forces raided ‘Ali land and deported him, his family, and other activists who came to help him, under the pretext of being within a military banned area. Ahmed Salah clarified that this land is targeted the Israeli settlers have desire to have this land, pointing out that they uprooted around 400 olive seedlings a year ago. Salah added that the Israeli forces prevented the family from entering the land and this proves their ambitions to seize the land and annex it to a settlement outpost.

• At approximately 08:30 on Wednesday, 21 November 2018, Israeli forces accompanied with a bulldozer and a jeep belonging to the construction and organization department in the Civil Administration moved into al-Marajem area, east of Madma village, southeast of Nablus.  They demolished a 50-square-meter agricultural house built of bricks and cement and roofed with tin plates.  They also demolished retaining walls “stone chains” established around the house and belonging to Sari ‘Omer Sari Dawabshah from the abovementioned village under the pretext of unlicensed building in Area C.

Israeli forces’ attacks:

• At approximately 03:00 on Wednesday, 14 November 2018, a group of Israeli settlers, from ” Yatizhar” settlement established on ‘Oreef village lands, south of Nablus, sneaked into the village outskirts from the eastern side. The settlers set fire to a Palestinian car belonging to Mahmoud Mahfouz Mahmoud Shehadah. The car was parking in the house yard and the settlers was managed to sneak and poured a flammable material on the car before setting fire to it. They also wrote slogans on the house wall. The car was full of fire before residents could extinguish the flames.

• On Saturday, 17 November 2018, Israeli settlers threw stones at Palestinian civilians while harvesting olive trees, east of Hebron. Rashid al-Zarou al-Tamimi said that while he and his family were harvesting olive trees from their land in al-Jales Mount, east of the city, he were surprised with a number of settlers, from ” Khafat Jal” settlement, approached them and threw stones at them, casing fear among children.

• On Saturday, a group of Israeli settlers attacked a PRCS ambulance on al-Shuhada closed street in the center of Hebron with stones and smashed the ambulance windshield. The ambulance officer, ‘Eid Abu Monshar, said that at approximately 21:00, the ambulance Services received a phone call, informing them about taking a patient from Tal al-Ramida to one of the village hospitals. After coordinating for the entry of the ambulance via the Palestinian Liaison, the settlers directly attacked them while passing by al-Shuhadah Street. Mohamed al-Zaghi, Spokesperson of the Youth Group against Settlement, said that while he was in a night field visit with 2 foreign solidarity activists, they noticed an ambulance passing on al-Shuhahdah Street and around 15 Israeli settlers attacked the ambulance with stones. 

• At approximately 06:00 on Monday, 19 November 2018, a group of Israeli settlers. From  Yatizhar” settlement, south of Nablus, sneaked into the outskirts of ‘Oreef village from the eastern side. They threw stones at Palestinian civilians’ houses. Meanwhile, a group of Palestinian young men gathered and confronted the settlers. No injuries were reported among the Palestinian civilians.

Recommendations to the International Community:

1. PCHR calls upon the international community to respect the Security Council’s Resolution No. 2334 and to ensure that Israel respects it as well, in particular point 5 which obliges Israel not to deal with settlements as if they were part of Israel.
2. PCHR calls upon the ICC to continue to investigate the Israeli crimes committed in the oPt, particularly the settlement crimes and grave violations in the Gaza Strip.
3. PCHR Calls upon the European Union (EU) and all international bodies to boycott settlements and ban working and investing in them in application of their obligations according to international human rights law and international humanitarian law considering settlements as a war crime.
4. PCHR calls upon the international community to use all available means to allow the Palestinian people to enjoy their right to self-determination through the establishment of the Palestinian State, which was recognized by the UN General Assembly with a vast majority, using all international legal mechanisms, including sanctions to end the occupation of the State of Palestine.
5. PCHR calls upon the international community and United Nations to take all necessary measures to stop Israeli policies aimed at creating a Jewish demographic majority in Jerusalem and at voiding Palestine from its original inhabitants through deportations and house demolitions as a collective punishment, which violates international humanitarian law, amounting to a crime against humanity.
6. PCHR calls upon the States Parties to the Rome Statute of the ICC to work hard to hold Israeli war criminals accountable.
7. PCHR calls upon the High Contracting Parties to the Geneva Conventions to fulfill their obligations under article (1) of the Convention to ensure respect for the Conventions under all circumstances, and under articles (146) and (147) to search for and prosecute those responsible for committing grave breaches of the Geneva Conventions to ensure justice and remedy for Palestinian victims, especially in light of the almost complete denial of justice for them before the Israeli judiciary.
8. PCHR calls for a prompt intervention to compel the Israeli authorities to lift the closure that obstructs the freedom of movement of goods and 1.8 million civilians that experience unprecedented economic, social, political and cultural hardships due to collective punishment policies and retaliatory action against civilians.
9. PCHR calls upon the European Union to apply human rights standards embedded in the EU-Israel Association Agreement and to respect its obligations under the European Convention on Human Rights when dealing with Israel.
10. PCHR calls upon the parties to international human rights instruments, especially the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR), to pressurize Israel to comply with its provisions in the oPt and to compel it to incorporate the human rights situation in the oPt in its reports submitted to the relevant committees.
11. PCHR calls upon the EU and international human rights bodies to pressurize the Israeli forces to stop their attacks against Palestinian fishermen and farmers, mainly in the border area.

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Public Document

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