Weekly Report On Israeli Human Rights Violations in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (16 – 22 March 2017)

March 23, 2017

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

(16-22 March 2017)

Israeli forces killed 2 Palestinian children in the West Bank and Gaza Strip.
3 civilians, including a child, and 2 Israeli activists, were wounded.

Israeli warplanes targeted two training sites for the Palestinian armed groups in the Gaza Strip, but no casualties were reported.

House Demolitions on grounds of collective punishment.

Israeli forces closed with cement the family house of Fadi Qunbor in al-Mukaber Mount, southeast of occupied Jerusalem.

Israeli forces continued to target the border areas in the Gaza Strip, resulting in the death of 4 sheep.

Israeli forces conducted 70 incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank and a limited one was conducted in the southern Gaza Strip.
58 civilians, including 8 children, were arrested in the West Bank.
5 of them, including 3 children, were arrested in occupied Jerusalem and its suburbs.
Among those arrested was a PLC Member.

Israeli forces continued their efforts to create Jewish majority in occupied East Jerusalem.
Two barracks for livestock and horses were demolished

Israeli forces continued their settlement activities in the West Bank.
Israeli settlers uprooted 75 olive seedlings, south of Nablus.

Israeli forces continued to target Palestinian fishermen in the Gaza Strip Sea.

Israeli forces turned the West Bank into cantons and continued to impose the illegal closure on the Gaza Strip for the 10^th

Dozens of temporary checkpoints were established in the West Bank and others were re-established to obstruct the movement of Palestinian civilians.
6 Palestinian civilians, including a child, were arrested at military checkpoints in the West Bank.

SummaryIsraeli violations of international law and international humanitarian law in the oPt continued during the reporting period (16-23 March 2017).

Shooting:

During the reporting period, Israeli forces killed two Palestinian children and wounded 3 others, including a child, in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. Meanwhile, they wounded two Israeli activists in the West Bank. In the Gaza Strip, Israeli forces continued to chase Palestinian fishermen in the sea and open fire at the farmers in the border areas. Moreover, the Israeli warplanes carried out many airstrikes against training sites belonging to the Palestinian armed groups.

In the West Bank, in a new crime of using excessive force, on 17 March 2017, Israeli forces stationed at the entrance to al-‘Aroub refugee camp, north of Hebron, a Palestinian child and seriously wounded another. The shooting occurred from a distance of 10 meters after two boys threw two Molotov Cocktails at an Israeli military vehicle stationed near the Israeli watchtower established at the entrance to the camp. The Israeli soldiers opened fire at the Palestinian civilians who hurried to rescue the two children in order to hinder saving their lives.

On the same day, Israeli forces wounded a Palestinian civilian when they raided Sebastia village, northwest of Nablus, so a number of Palestinian children and youngsters gathered to throw stones at the Israeli vehicles.

On the same day as well, two Israeli activists were wounded while participating in Kafr Qaddoum weekly protest, northeast of Qalqilya.

In the Gaza Strip, in a new crime of excessive use of force, on 22 March 2017, Israeli forces killed a Palestinian civilian and seriously wounded a young man after firing artillery shells at them when both civilians were near the border fence with Israel in al-Shokah village, east of Rafah City. PCHR’s investigations emphasized that the shelling incident violates the principle of necessity and distinction, the use of force was excessive, especially the victims were only civilians and unarmed.

In the context of airstrikes, on 16 March 2017, Israeli warplanes carried out 2 airstrikes against two training sites belonging to the Palestinian armed groups, north and west of the Gaza Strip. As a result, the two sites sustained damages. The airstrikes caused strong explosions that rocked the area, so civilians, especially women and children, were terrified. However, no casualties were reported.

In the context of targeting border areas, On 18 March 2017, Israeli forces stationed along the border fence between the Gaza Strip an Israel, fired an artillery shell at a vacant land, north of Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip. As a result, 4 sheep grazing in the area were killed.

On the same day, Israeli forces stationed along the border fence, east of Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip, opened fire at agricultural lands in the villages of Khuza’ah and ‘Abasan. No casualties were reported.

On 19 March 2017, Israeli forces stationed along the border fence opened fire at agricultural lands in al-Shokah village, east of Rafah City in the southern Gaza Strip. No casualties were reported.

In the context of targeting Palestinian fishermen in the sea, On 17 March 2017, Israeli gunboats stationed off Rafah shore opened fire at the Palestinian fishing boat sailing there. However, no casualties were reported.

On 22 March 2017, Israeli gunboats stationed offshore, northwest of Beit Lahia village in the northern Gaza Strip, sporadically opened fire at Palestinian fishing boats and chased them. However, neither casualties nor material damages were reported.

Incursions:

During the reporting period, Israeli forces conducted at least 70 military incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank and limited on into the Gaza Strip. During these incursions, Israeli forces arrested at least 58 Palestinian civilians, including 8 children. Five of them, including 3 children, were arrested in occupied Jerusalem. Among those arrested was a Member representing Hamas in the Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC) identified as Mohammed al-Tol (60).

In the Gaza Strip, on 22 March 2017, Israeli forces moved into the eastern side of al-Qararah village, northeast of Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip. They leveled the lands adjacent to the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel after which they redeployed along the border fence.

House Demolitions on grounds of collective punishment

On 22 March 2017, Israeli forces moved into al-Mukaber Mount village, southeast of occupied Jerusalem, and stationed in al-Qunbor neighborhood. They surrounded a house belonging to the family of Fadi Qunbor, and then a cement mixing truck arrived and poured cement inside the house. The 2-stroey house used to shelter his wife and 4 children. It should be mentioned that Israeli forces killed the aforementioned civilian on 08 January 2017 when he ran over a number of soldiers in a bus station near “Armon HaNetziv” settlement, which is established on the above-mentioned village lands. As a result, a number of the soldiers were killed while the Israeli authorities so far keep al-Qunbor’s body in custody and refuse to hand it for burial.

Creating Jewish Majority in Occupied East Jerusalem:

In the context of house demolitions, on 11 March 2017, the Israeli Municipality demolished two barracks for horses and livestock belonging to Ayoub Shkeirat and Bassam Shkeirat in the village of Al-Mukaber Mount under the pretext of building without a permit.

Settlement Activities and settlers’ attacks against Palestinian civilians and their property:

In the context of Israeli settlers’ attacks against Palestinian civilians and their property, on 16 March 2017, Israeli settlers from “Yitsihar” settlement and under the Israeli forces’ protection attacked Burin Secondary School, south of Burin village, south of Nablus village, and threw stones at the school outside walls and iron fence.

On 17 March 2017, Israeli settlers uprooted 75 olive seedlings from a land belonging to Haitham Abu Kafanah in al-Wad area in the north-western side of al-Sawiyah village, south of Nablus.

On 18 March 2017, Israeli settlers from “Kiryat Arba” settlement, east of Hebron, threw stones at a vehicle belonging to ‘Aref Jaber (48) from Jaber neighbourhood. As a result, the car’s windscreen was broken.

Restrictions on movement:

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

The illegal closure of the Gaza Strip, which has been steadily tightened since June 2007 has had a disastrous impact on the humanitarian and economic situation in the Gaza Strip. The Israeli authorities impose measures to undermine the freedom of trade, including the basic needs for the Gaza Strip population and the agricultural and industrial products to be exported. For 9 consecutive years, Israel has tightened the land and naval closure to isolate the Gaza Strip from the West Bank, including occupied Jerusalem, and other countries around the world. This resulted in grave violations of the economic, social and cultural rights and a deterioration of living conditions for 2 million people. The Israeli authorities have established Karm Abu Salem (Kerem Shaloum) as the sole crossing for imports and exports in order to exercise its control over the Gaza Strip’s economy. They also aim at imposing a complete ban on the Gaza Strip’s exports. The Israeli closure raised the rate of poverty to 65%. Moreover, the rate of unemployment increased up to 47% and youth constitutes 65% of the unemployed persons. Moreover, 80% of the Gaza Strip population depends on international aid to secure their minimum daily needs. These rates indicate the unprecedented economic deterioration in the Gaza Strip.

In the West Bank, Israeli forces continued to suffocate the Palestinian cities and village by imposing military checkpoints around and/or between them. This created “cantons” isolated from each other that hinders the movement of civilians. Moreover, the Palestinian civilians suffering aggravated because of the annexation wall and checkpoints erected on daily basis to catch Palestinians.

Details

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

Thursday, 16 March 2017

At approximately 00:30, Israeli warplanes targeted a site affiliated with Palestinian armed groups, southwest of Deir al-Balah in the central Gaza Strip. The attack rocked the area and resulted in material damages at the site. The attack also caused fear among children and women, but no casualties were reported.

At approximately 01:00, Israeli forces moved into Surif village, northwest of Hebron, and stationed in Baten al-Hawa area. They raided and searched a house belonging to Ahmed Sharif al-Hih (25) and then arrested him.

At approximately 01:30, Israeli forces moved into Tubas. They raided and searched a number of houses, after which they arrested 3 civilians namely Mo’ath Khaled Ahmed Daraghmah (27), Loai Rashed Abdul Razeq Daraghmah (28) and Mohammed ‘Azem Daraghmah (20). The soldiers also raided and searched a house belonging to Moneer Basel Sawaftah (24) to arrest him, but he was not at home. Therefore, the soldiers arrested his mother and brothers as hostages until Moneer turned himself in at “Tayasir” checkpoint, east of the city. Basel Theeb Abdullah Sawaftah (54), Moneer’s father, said to PCHR’s fieldworker that:

“At approximately 03:00 on Thursday, 16 March 2017, I walk up on the sound of footsteps around my house, so I went to the living room in the second floor. Suddenly the door was opened and I heard a voice telling me: IDF, raise your hands. A number of soldiers then entered the living room as I turned on the lights. A soldier asked me who is in the house and ordered me to call for them to come. They then gathered us in the living room and asked me about my son Moneer (24). When I told the soldier that Moneer was not at home, he said that I have 10 minutes to bring him or he will damage the house contents. I told him that Moneer’s cell phone is not with him, but he did not care. Only 10 minutes later, the soldiers brought my sons, Qassam (26) and Mohammed (22), handcuffed. The Israeli soldiers then started to search the house and damage its contents until 05:00. An officer threatened me to arrest my wife Ebtesam Fayez Daraghmah (42) and my son Mohammed, but I told him to arrest me because we have a 2-year-old toddler, who needs his mother. The officer did not care and then arrested my wife and sons and gave me until 06:00 to bring Moneer to the abovementioned checkpoint. Few minutes after the Israeli forces left, Moneer came back and I told him what happened. He decided to turn himself in for his mother. Moneer, his uncle and I went to the abovementioned checkpoint where the soldiers arrested him and released his mother.”

Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Tammon village, southeast of Tubas. They raided and searched a number of houses and then arrested Abullah Jehad Tawfiq Bani ‘Oudah (28).

At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into Zeta Jama’in village, southeast of Nablus. They raided and searched several houses after which they arrested Suleiman Eslam Saleh Zetawi (25).

At approximately 03:00, Israeli forces moved into Ethna village, west of Hebron, and stationed in ‘Aziz Valley area. They raided and searched a house belonging to Zaid Ahmed al-Masri (37) and then arrested him.

At approximately 04:30, Israeli forces moved into al-Am’ari refugee camp, south of Ramallah. They raided and searched a number of houses and then arrested 3 civilians namely Ayman Ahmed Abu ‘Arab (41), his son Ahmed (20) and Yazan Abu Shalabayah (20).

At approximately 12:15, Israeli warplanes fired 2 missiles at a training site for al-Qassam Brigades (the armed wing of Hamas Movement), opposite to the Equestrian Club, southwest of Beit Lahia village in the northern Gaza Strip. As a result, the attack that rocked the area in the northern Gaza Strip, caused fear among women and children, but no casualties were reported.

Note:

During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (7) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: ‘Azzoun village, east of Qalqiliyah; Birzeit village and al-Jalazoun refugee camp, north of Ramallah; al-Samou’i and Beit Ummer, al-Rayhiyah and Tawous villages in Hebron.

Friday, 17 March 2017

At approximately 08:50, Israeli gunboats opened fire at Palestinian fishing boats sailing off Rafah shore, but no casualties were reported.

At approximately 16:00, Israeli forces moved into Sebastia village, northwest of Nablus. A number of child youngsters gathered and threw stones at the Israeli soldiers. The soldiers fired lived bullets at the youngsters in response. As a result, a 20-year-old civilian sustained a live bullet wound to the right foot and was taken to Rafedia Hospital. His condition was classified as minor.

In a new crime of excessive use of force, Israeli forces stationed at al-‘Aroub refugee camp, north of Hebron killed a Palestinian child and seriously wounded another.

According to PCHR’s investigations and statements of eyewitnesses, at approximately 20:00, a number of children and youngsters were wandering in al-‘Aroub refugee camp, north of Hebron adjacent to Bypass Road (60) where an Israeli watchtower is established. Two children approached the watchtower and threw Molotov Cocktails at a military vehicle stationed there. In the meantime, 3 soldiers stationed in a tinplate cabin at the entrance to the camp. When the soldiers stepped out, the two children ran away. The soldiers then fired 4 live bullets at them. As a result, Murad Yusuf Mohammed Abu Ghazi (17) was hit with a bullet that entered his heart and exited his chest. Ghazi ran for more than 40 meter and then fell on the ground. Meanwhile, Saif Saleem Rushdi (14) was hit with a live bullet that entered the back and exited the chest. Saif ran about 200 meters until he fell on the ground. A number of the neighborhood residents rushed to save Abu Ghazi’s life, but the soldiers opened fire at them to prevent them from reaching Abu Ghazi. After that, Dr. Jawad Abu ‘Awad and another civilian were able to reach him and took him to Dr. Ismail Abu Mahfouth Clinic while Abu Ghazi was still bleeding. The doctors could not offer first aid, so they transferred him via a private car on the road leading to Sa’ir village. The entrance of the camp was closed, so they had to drive about 8 kilometers until they found a PRCS ambulance. The ambulance then transferred the two children to al-Ahli Hospital in Hebron. Abu Ghazi was announced dead, but Rushdi was admitted to the OR to undergo an urgent surgery. He is still in the intensive care unit. Eyewitnesses said to PCHR that the shooting was direct from less than 10 meters.

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (5) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: Qalqiliyah, Hablah, south of the city, al-‘Ouja village, north of Jericho, ‘Ein Yabrud village, northeast of Ramallah and al-Jalazoun refugee camp, north of the city.

Saturday, 18 March 2017

At approximately 09:50, Israeli forces stationed along the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel fired an artillery shell towards a vacant land adjacent to Abu Haloub agricultural land, north of Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip. The land is located about 2000 meters away to the southern side of the border fence. As a result, 4 sheep belonging to Mohammed Mat’an Suleiman Beli (60) died while grazing out of his farm, but neither casualties nor material damages were reported.

At approximately 14:00, following the funeral procession of Morad Abu Ghazi, who was killed the previous day by the Israeli forces, dozens of angry young men from al-‘Aroub refugee camp, north of Hebron, gathered and threw stones and empty bottles at the Israeli soldiers. The Israeli soldiers fired live bullets, rubber-coated metal bullets and tear gas canisters at the young men in response. As a result, a number of young men suffered tear gas inhalation. After that, the Israeli forces raided and searched the houses overlooking the camp and topped their roofs. Some of the houses’ owners were identified as Khader Sa’id Jawbrah, Ahmed Abdul Razeq Abu Kheiran, Na’im Hasan Jawabrah and Jawad Abdul Fattah Jawabrah.

At approximately 14:30, Israeli forces stationed along the border fence between the Gaza strip and Israel, east of Khan Yunis in the southern Gaza Strip, opened fire at agricultural lands in Khuza’a and ‘Abasan al-Kabirah, west of the abovementioned border fence. The shooting sporadically continued for more than an hour, but no casualties were reported.

Note

: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (9) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: Beit Dajan, ‘Ourta, Beit Furik and Beta villages in Nablus, al-Samou’i, al-Thaheriyah an Ethna villages in Hebron, Kufur Qadoum village, northeast of Qalqiliyah; Yasouf village, east of Salfit an Qarawet Bani Hassan village, west of the city.

Sunday, 19 March 2017

At approximately 01:00, Israeli forces moved into Beit Fajjar village, southeast of Bethlehem. They raided and searched a number of houses and then arrested Moayad Salah Taqatqa (22).

Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Husan village, west of Bethlehem. They raided and searched a number of houses and then arrested Hasan Ahmed Sabatin (22) and Yazan Mnawer Sabatin (21).

At approximately 01:30, Israeli forces moved into Um Salamonah village, south of Bethlehem. They raided and searched a house belonging after which they arrested Jamil Ibrahim Taqatqa (18)

Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into al-Jalazoun refugee camp, north of Ramallah. They raided and searched 3 houses belonging to Mohammed Khaled Abu Helwa (21), Ibrahim Nedal Ibrahim Hattab (21) and Mohammed Nedal Ibrahim Hattab (19) and then arrested them.

At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into the southern area of Hebron. They raided and searched 2 houses belonging to Ma’moun Husain Salah al-Natshah (17) and Mohammed Hesham al-Ja’bari (17) and then arrested them.

At approximately 02:30, Israeli forces moved into al-Samou’i village, south of Hebron, and stationed in Safi neighbourhood near Abu Baker al-Seddiq. They raided and searched a 4-story building inhabited by Mohammed Khader al-Hawamdah and his 3 sons. The Israeli soldiers forced the four families to leave the house while they searched and then started searching it. They then arrested Mohammed and his 4 children; Khalil (33), ‘Ali (29), Yusuf (25) and Ahmed (22).

At approximately 10:30, Israeli forces accompanied with 2 military jeeps moved into Beta village, southeast of Nablus. They stationed near Beta Secondary School for Boys. A number of students, who were in front of the school, rushed inside it except ‘Enad Raghed ‘Enad al-Jaghub (17), who was slowly walking. A soldier called him and ordered him to set on his knees and put his hands on his head as they approached him, put him on the ground, searched him and took him to a jeep where they handcuffed him. An officer called ‘Enad’s father and introduced himself as “Robin”. He informed ‘Enad’s father that his son is detained for throwing stones at the Israeli soldiers. After an argument between the officer and ‘Enad’s father, the officer beat up the child. After that, the officer re-called the father and ordered him to come to the entrance of the village to take his son. ‘Enad’s father and a group of the village residents went to the abovementioned entrance and took his son. He then transferred him to Rafidia Governmental Hospital in Nablus to receive medical treatment for the bruises throughout his body.

At approximately 15:00, Israeli forces stationed along the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel opened fire at agricultural lands in al-Shawkah village, east of Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip, but no casualties were reported.

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (3) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: Jenin; al-Thaheriyah an Ethna villages in Hebron.

Monday, 20 March 2017

At approximately 01:30, Israeli forces moved into Abu Sunienah neighbourhood, east of Jenin. They raided and searched a house belonging to Naser Mahmoud Abu Sunienah (30) and handed him a summons to refer to the Israeli Intelligence Service, the Shabak, in “Gush Etzion” settlement complex, south of Bethlehem.

Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into the ‘Ein al-Sultan refugee camp, west of Jericho. They raided and searched a house belonging to Wadi’ ‘Essa Jebril Manasrah (18) and then arrested him.

At approximately 02:30, Israeli forces moved into ‘Azoun village, east of Qalqiliyah. They raided and searched a house belonging to ‘Oudai Hasan Abu Haniyah (25) and then arrested him.

Round the same time, Israeli forces moved in Marj Na’jah village, north of Jericho. They raided and searched a house belonging to Saleh Ibrahim Nemr Sawarkah (23) and then arrested him.

At approximately 03:30, Israeli forces moved into Yatta, south of Tulkarm, and stationed in al-Karmel neighbourhood. They raided and searched a house belonging to Thaer ‘Ali Daqamesh (28) and handed him a summons to refer to the Israeli Service, the Shabak, in “Gush Etzion” settlement complex, south of Bethlehem.

At approximately 05:00, Israeli forces moved into Birzeit village, north of Ramallah. They raided and searched a house belonging to Estabraq Yahyah al-Tamimi (22) and then arrested her. It should be noted that Estabraq was a former member of the Student Union in Birzeit University.

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (6) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: Tarqumiya village and Halhoul in Hebron; Shaqba village in Ramallah; Bedia and al-Zawiyah villages, west of Salfit.

Tuesday, 20 March 2017

At approximately 01:30, Israeli forces moved into al-Thaheriyah village, south of Heron. They raided and searched a house belonging to Mohammed Ismail al-Tal (60), a PLC Member representing the Reform an Change Bloc of Hamas Movement, and then arrested him. They later withdrew taking him to an unknown destination.

Around the same time, Israeli forces move into Deir Abu Mash’al village, northwest of Ramallah. They raided and searched a number of houses and then arrested Murad Suleiman Ibrahim ‘Ata (17).

At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into Jenin. They raided and searched several houses and then arrested Abdul Rahman Fathi Zedan Khazem (22) and Mahmoud Saleh Shraim (20)

At approximately 02:30, Israeli forces moved into Yatta, south of Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to Ahmed Sharefi al-Najjar and then arrested his son Mokhles (16) and his wife Tamara al-Zain (44).

Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into ‘Aboud village, northwest of Ramallah. They raided and searched several houses after which they arrested Mohammed Rashad Husain al- Barghouthi (37), Mohammed ‘Essam al- Barghouthi (20)

At approximately 03:00, Israeli forces moved into al-Zababdah village, southeast of Jenin. They raided and searched several houses after which they arrested Mustafa Shrqawi (19) and Hammam Najeh Mur’i Sharqawi (19).

At approximately 05:30, Israeli forces moved into Kafel Hares village, north of Salfit. They raided and searched a number of houses after which they arrested Khalil Foad Khalil Abu Ya’qoub (22) and Ahmed ‘Ali Saleh (21). They also handed ‘Ali Mahmoud Abdul Hamid al-Qaq (24) a summons to refer to the Israeli Intelligence Service.

In the evening, Israeli forces moved into Silwad village, northeast of Ramallah. They raided and searched a number of houses and then arrested Bilal Abdul Majeed Ahmed Hammad (27) and Nader Abdul Ghani Mobarak (54).

At approximately 23:30, Israeli forces moved into Ni’lin village, west of Ramallah. They raided and searched a number of houses and then arrested Hasan Rebhi Nafe’a (23).

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (4) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: al-Samou’i, Surif, Deir al-‘Asal villages and al-‘Aroub refugee camp in Hebron.

Wednesday, 22 March 2017

In a new crime of excessive use of force, Israeli forces killed a Palestinian civilian and seriously wounded a young man after firing artillery shells at them when both civilians were near the border fence with Israel in al-Shokah village, east of Rafah City. PCHR’s investigations emphasized that the shelling incident violates the principle of necessity and distinction during which the use of force was excessive, especially the victims were only civilians and unarmed.

According to PCHR’s investigations and the testimony of an eyewitness, at approximately 00:00, Israeli forces stationed along the border fence off al-Nahdah neighborhood in al-Shokah village, east of Rafah City, fired around 15 artillery shells at 3 Palestinian civilians, who were only 300 meters away from the above-mentioned fence. According to the eyewitness, those civilians intended to sneak into Israel for work. The artillery shells directly hit one of them namely Yousif Sha’ban Ahmed Abu ‘Azrah (16), from al-Shabourah refugee camp in Rafah City, to the upper part of his body. Meanwhile, Mohammed Wahid ‘Atallah al-‘Akar (25), from Yibna refugee camp in Rafah, sustained shrapnel wounds to the chest and abdomen. The child died on the spot while al-‘Akar was transferred to the European Hospital in Khan Younis due to his serious wounds. The Palestinian Red Crescent Society (PRCS) said to PCHR’s fieldworker that the Palestinian Liaison told the PRCS they received information from the Israeli Liaison there is a dead body in the aforementioned area. The PRCS immediately headed to the scene to find the child’s dead body 300 meters away from the fence while they found al-‘Akar lying around 500 meters away from the fence.

At approximately 01:30, Israeli forces moved into Beit Sera village, west of Ramallah. They raided and searched a number of houses then arrested ‘Ali Ahmed Nemer Khetab (20).

At approximately 03:15, Israeli forces moved into Beit Sahour and stationed in the area of Engineers” Housing project. They raided and searched a 3-story building inhabited by 2 families of ‘Esam Qamisah (57) and Sami (60) after breaking the main doors. The soldiers locked the 2 families in one room and questioned them. The Israeli forces later withdrew, but no arrests were reported.

Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into al-Jalazone refugee camp, north of Ramallah. They raided and searched several houses and then arrested Mohammed Saleh Hassunah (50).

At approximately 05:30, Israeli forces moved into al-Jaftalak village, north of Jericho. They raided and searched a number of houses after which they arrested Abdullah Fouad Tariq (23). Seven hours later, the Israeli forces released him.

At approximately 06:30, Israeli forces accompanied with a car of the Civil Administration moved into Kherbet Bzaiq in the northern Jordan Valley, east of Tubas. They raided and searched a number of houses and then arrested Mahmoud Mohammed ‘Ali Nassrallah al-Haroub (24). They confiscated a tractor belonging to Mohammed al-Haroub. They also confiscated a car belonging to Hayel Husain Mahmoud Turkman and took both vehicles to “Nahal” military camp in al-Maleh area.

At approximately 07:15, Israeli gunboats stationed offshore, northwest of Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip, opened fire at Palestinian fishing boats sailing within 3 nautical miles and chased them. As a result, the fishermen were forced to flee for fear of their lives. The shooting recurred until 09:00, but no casualties were reported.

At approximately 07:20, Israeli forces accompanied with military jeeps moved about 100 meters into the east of al-Qararah, north east of Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip. They conducted leveling and digging along the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel for hours and then redeployed along the abovementioned border.

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

West Bank:

At approximately 12:40, on Friday, 17 March 2017, Palestinian civilians and Israeli and international human rights defenders organized a protest in the center of Kufor Qaddoum village, northeast of Qalqiliyah, and then made their way to the eastern entrance of the village in protest against closing that entrance since the beginning of al-Aqsa Intifada with an iron gate. When the protesters approached the entrance, Israeli forces fired live bullets, metal bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters at them. As a result, 2 Israeli activists (not identified) were hit with 2 metal bullets to the hand and face.

Following the Friday prayer, dozens of Palestinian civilians and Israeli and international human rights defenders organized demonstrations in Bil’in and Nil’in villages, west of Ramallah and al-Nabi Saleh, northwest of the city; at the entrance to al-Jaalzone refugee camp, north of the city; and in Kafer Qadoum village, northeast of Qalqiliyah, protesting against the annexation wall and settlement activities. Israeli forces forcibly dispersed the protests, firing live and metal bullets, tear gas canisters and sound bombs. They also chased the protesters into olive fields and between houses. As a result, many of the protesters suffered tear gas inhalation while others sustained bruises due to being beaten up by the Israeli soldiers.

House Demolition on Grounds of Collective Punishment

On Wednesday morning, 22 March 2017, Israeli forces accompanied with large numbers of border guards, police officers and Intelligence officers moved into al-Mukaber Mount village, southeast of Jerusalem and stationed in al-Qunbor neighborhood. The soldiers surrounded a house belonging to Fadi Ahmed Hamdan Qunbor and close the roads to it. They also prevented the vehicles and civilians from entering the main street in the neighborhood. Following that, the a cement mixer truck arrived at the area and began pouring the cement inside the abovementioned house. The house is comprised of two floors; the first of which is comprised of a room, bathroom and kitchen while the second is comprised of a living room in which Qanbar’s wife and 4 children (the eldest son is 7 years old and the youngest is 9 months) lived. It should be noted that on 08 January 2017, Israeli forces killed Fadi Qanabr (28) after he ran over Israeli soldiers, who were at a bus station near “Armon HaNetziv” settlement established on the lands of the abovementioned village. He killed a number of them, and his body is still under the Israeli custody.

The Israeli forces previously took punitive measures. In a dangerous precedent, on Tuesday, 10 January 2017, the family of Fadi al-Qunbar received orders to suspend their residencies (withdrawing the blue IDs), in addition to cancelling family reunion applications of other relatives following the run-over attack carried out by Fadi in “Armon Hanatziv” settlement. Fadi’s family said to PCHR’s fieldworker that Israeli forces raided Fadi’s family house and handed them 12 orders issued by the Israeli Interior Minister to suspend the residency and reunion applications of several family members, The people who received such orders are:

Menwa Qunbar- Fadi’s mother: A decision to suspend her residency in Jerusalem.
Suha Qunbar- Fadi’s sister: A decision to suspend her residency in Jerusalem.
Murad Aweisat- Suha’s husband: A decision to cancel his “reunion” application as well as cancelling the reunion applications and residency of their two children (Nagham 11, and Wadi’a, 17).
Dia’ Aweisat (21)-Fadi’s nephew (Hind’s son): A decision to suspend his residency and cancel his “reunion” application.
Manal Qunbar- Fadi’s sister in law (Sami’s wife): A decision to suspend her residency and cancel his “reunion” application.
Ahmad Hussein Qunbar- Fadi’s cousin.
Mohammad Hussein Qunbar- Fadi’s cousin.
Salah Hussein Qunbar- Fadi’s cousin.
Zakaria Hussein Qunbar- Fadi’s cousin.
Younes Hussein Qunbar- Fadi’s cousin.

Continued closure of the oPt

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

Gaza Strip

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

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

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

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

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

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

(14 – 19 March 2017)

15 March

Date	Imports
	Category	Amount
	Category	Tons	Number	Liters
14 March	Various goods	4483
	Humanitarian aid	22740
	Cooking gas	224,650
	Benzene			192,024
	Diesel Diesel for UNRWA			295,004 36,006
	Industrial fuel			490,975
	Construction aggregates	17,520
	Cement	4440
	Construction steel	510
15 March	Various goods	4,752
	Humanitarian aid	21,029
	Cooking gas	269,620
	Benzene			150,984
	Diesel Diesel for UNRWA			642,924 76,000
	Industrial fuel			303,959
	Construction aggregates	3,915
	Cement	510
	Construction steel	16,520
16 March	Various goods	5,143
	Humanitarian aid	20,820
	Cooking gas	252,870
	Benzene			152,015
	Diesel Diesel for UNRWA			640,995 37,985
	Construction aggregates	16,840
	Cement	3,840
	Construction steel	101
	Various goods	3,172
	Humanitarian aid	21,685
	Cooking gas	253,050
	Benzene			113,998
	Diesel Diesel for UNRWA			625,972 76,000
	Construction aggregates	3,996
	Cement	194
	Construction steel	16,880

Note:

On Monday, 13 March 2017, the Israeli authorities allowed the exportation of 139.1 tons of tomatoes; 37.2 tons of cucumbers; 21.6 tons of eggplants; 10.7 tons of pepper; 8.4 tons of bill pepper; 25.6 tons of squash; 0.8 tons of cabbages; 3.7 tons of strawberries; 0.15 tons of mint; 0.25 tons of garlic leaves; 20.8 tons of lemon and 0.6 tons of fish.

On Tuesday, 14 March 2017, the Israeli authorities allowed the exportation of 15.3 tons of lemon.

On Wednesday, 15 March 2017, the Israeli authorities allowed the exportation of 15 truckloads of tomatoes and 2 truckloads of cucumbers; 9.7 tons of eggplants; 7.3 tons of pepper; 7.2 tons of bill pepper; 19.2 tons of squash; 10.2 tons of cabbages; 1.5 tons of cauliflowers; and 60 tons of aluminum scrap.

On Thursday, 16 March 2017, the Israeli authorities allowed the exportation of 12 truckloads of tomatoes; 6 truckloads of cucumbers; 13.2 tons of eggplants; 4.4 tons of pepper; 4.4 tons of bill peppers; 7.6 tons of squash; 2.7 tons of cabbages; 5.5 tons of strawberries; and 13 tons of clothes.

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

(13-20 March 2017)

Category	13 March	14 March	15 March	16 March	17 March	18 March	19 March	20 March
Patients	58	65	57	44	2	–	95	46
Companions	56	65	53	43	2	–	82	36
Personal needs	4	88	98	70	19	–	44	31
Families of prisoners	–	–	–	–	–	–	–	60
Arabs from Israel	11	13	5	9	1	–	14	–
Diplomats	–	13	13	2	2	–	–	10
International journalists	–	–	–	–	–	–	–	–
International workers	27	30	29	67	4	–	10	10
Travelers Abroad	–	15	–	–	–	–	–	–
Business people	1	305	129	154	1	–	259	143
Business meetings	–	1	2	–	–	–	–	–
Security interviews	–	9	8	12	–	–	–	3
VIPs	1	1	–	1	–	–	–	–
Ambulances to Israel	–	2	2	4	–	–	1	3
Patients’ Companions	–	1	2	4	–	–	1	3

Israel has imposed a tightened closure on the West Bank. During the reporting period, Israeli forces imposed additional restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians:

Hebron: Israeli forces established (12) checkpoints all over the city.

On Thursday, 16 March 2017, Israeli forces established 2 checkpoints at the entrances to Bani Na’iem and al-Tabqa villages.

On Saturday, 18 March 2016, Israeli forces established 3 checkpoints at the entrance to Halhoul village, Wad al-Qumrah area, and Kharsa village’s road.

On Sunday, 19 March 2017, Israeli forces established 2 checkpoints at the entrances to Taramah and Sa’ir villages.

On Monday, 20 March 2017, Israeli forces established 2 checkpoints at the southern entrance to Hebron and at the entrance to al-Burj village.

On Tuesday, 21 March 2017, Israeli forces established 3 checkpoints at the entrance to al-Fawar refugee camp, at the entrance to al-Mureq villages and at the southern entrance to Halhoul village.

Ramallah and al-Bireh: Israeli forces established (16) checkpoints all over the city.

On Thursday, 16 March 2017, Israeli forces established 3 checkpoints at the entrance to ‘Aboud village, northwest of Ramallah; in ‘Atara village’s bridge, north of the city; and at the intersection of al-Taiba village ( al-Mo’arajat road between Ramallah and Jericho).

At approximately 16:00 on Friday, Israeli forces established 2 checkpoints in ‘Atara village’s bridge and at the entrance to Um Safa village, north of Ramallah.

On Saturday, 18 March 2017, 3 checkpoints were established at the entrance to al-Nabi Saleh village, northwest of Ramallah; in ‘Atara village’s bridge, north of the city; and at the entrance to Kherbit al-Musbah village, west of the city.

On Monday, 19 March 2017, Israeli forces established 3 checkpoints in ‘Atara village’s bridge, north of the city; and at the entrances to ‘Aboub and Abu Mish’al villages, northwest of the city.

On Monday, 20 March 2017, Israeli forces established 2 checkpoints in ‘Atara village’s bridge and at the intersection of al-Taiba village village ( al-Mo’arajat road between Ramallah and Jericho).

On Tuesday, 21 March 2017, Israeli forces established 3 checkpoints in ‘Atara village’s bridge, north of the city and at the entrances to ‘Aboub and Kherbitha Bani Harith villages, northwest of the city.

Jericho:

At approximately 18:00 on Thursday, 16 March 2017, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the southern entrance to Jericho, where the Israeli forces searched civilians’ vehicles and checked their IDs.

Qalqiliyia: Israeli forces established (18) checkpoints all over the city.

On Friday, 17 March 2017, Israeli forces established 4 checkpoints at the eastern entrance to Qalqiliyia; at the entrance to Hiblah village, south of the city; and at the entrance to ‘Ezbit al-Tabeeb village, east of the city.

On Saturday, 18 March 2017, Israeli forces established 6 checkpoints at the eastern entrance to the city; at the entrances to Hiblah, ‘Azoun and ‘Ezbit al-Tabeeb villages, east of the city.

On Sunday, 19 March 2017, Israeli forces established 5 checkpoints at the intersection of Jeet village, northeast of Qalqiliyia; at the eastern entrance to Qalqilyia (established twice); at the entrances to ‘Ezbit al-Tabeeb and ‘Azoun villages, east of the city. At the last checkpoint, the Israeli forces detained Ziyad Husain Saleh (25) and ‘Alaa ‘Isaa Dowari (26), both of them are from Qalqilyia, after checking their IDs. The checkpoints were removed later and no arrests were reported.

On Monday, 20 March 2017, Israeli forces established 3 checkpoints at the eastern entrance to Qalqilyia; at the entrance to ‘Ezbit al-Tabeeb village, east of the city; and at the entrance to Hiblah village, south of the city.

Arrests at military checkpoints:

At approximately 08:00 on Thursday, 16 March 2017, Israeli forces stationed at ‘Atara bridge checkpoint, at the northern entrance to Birzeit, north of Ramallah, arrested Thaier Mohamed ‘Awad (29), from Beit Ummer village, north of Hebron.
At approximately 09:00 on Thursday, Israeli forces stationed at al-Ibrahimi Mosque’s gates in Hebron’s Old City, arrested Basem Mohamed Qattam (20), from the city.
At approximately 11:00 on Saturday, 18 March 2017, Israeli forces stationed at Gelbert military checkpoint, which was established at the south-western entrance to Tal al-Rumaidah neighborhood, arrested Mohamed Hussain al-Natsha (18). Mohamed was then taken to “Kiryat Arba'” police station, east of the city.
At approximately 20:00 on Saturday, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the northern entrance to Jenin. They searched civilians’ vehicles and checked their IDs. At approximately 21:30, Saieb Nazmi ‘Alawnah (28), was arrested. It should be noted that Saeb is an officer in the Palestinian Preventive Security Service (PPS).

At approximately 14:00 on Sunday, 19 March 2017, Israeli forces arrested Sufian Abed al-Rahman Abu Hittah (11), from al-Salimah neighbourhood in Hebron’s Old City. Sufian was in al-Hariqah area with his family, who was invited to a relative’s house, playing with children in the street. After being arrested, Sufian was taken to “Kiryat ‘Arba'” settlement gate, which is few meters away from the neighborhood. Some women intervened and managed to rescue Sufian after the Israeli forces attacked him. Sufian’s mother said to PCHR’s fieldworker that:

“After few minutes, my children came and told me that the Israeli soldiers took Sufian to “Kiryat ‘Arba'” settlement. I immediately headed to the settlement, where I saw around 15 Israeli soldiers surrounding him; 2 of them were pulling him from his arms towards a gate leading to the settlement. I also saw a number of neighbors attempting to help Sufian. I then approached an Israeli soldier and asked him to hand me Sufian, but he refused and then told me if you want us to give your child to you, let him tell us about the names of stone-throwers. They then neglected me but continued to pull Sufian once towards the settlement and another towards Jouhar Mount area. Sufian was afraid and crying too much, so I knew that my child was either threatened or beaten. I was running after the Israeli soldiers to rescue my child. They then took him to Ashraf Abu Ghazalah house and then returned minutes later without finding any stone-throwers in the house. The Israeli soldiers pulled Sufian again; in the meantime, a number of women managed to rescue him from their hands. Sufian told me that one of the soldiers was kicking his body and head when they arrested him. Sufian could not sleepall night and had hallucinations. He still feels pain in his legs and the right side of his head.”

At approximately 22:00 on Sunday, Israeli forces established a checkpoint near ‘Ain Sinah village, north of Ramallah. They stopped civilians’ vehicles, searched them and checked their IDs. They then arrested Ajwad Mughirah Hamidat (23), from al-Jalazoun refugee camp, north of the city.

Efforts to Create Jewish majority

Israeli forces escalated their attacks on Palestinian civilians and their property. They have also continued their raids on al-Aqsa Mosque and denied the Palestinians access to it:

Arrests and Incursions:

On Thursday, 13 March 2017, Israeli forces moved into Silwan village, south of occupied Jerusalem’s Old City. They raided and searched houses from which they arrested ‘Arafat Abu al-Hamam (42) and Mohamed Ali Abu Tayieh (22).

On Monday, 20 March 2017, Israeli forces moved into al-‘Issawiyia village, northeast of occupied Jerusalem. They raided and searched houses from which they arrested Mohamed Ramzi Muhasin (13), Ahmed Nasir Muhasin and his twin brother Mohamed (13). The arrested children were then taken to Salah al-Deen Street police station for interrogation.

Houses Demolition:

On Monday, 20 March 2017, a large force of Israeli soldiers accompanied with the Israeli Municipality crews and 2 bulldozers moved into al-Mukaber Mount village, southeast of occupied Jerusalem. They stationed in Shuqirat neighbourhood and then surrounded two barracks. The two bulldozers demolished the barracks under the pretext of non-licensing. The first 80-square-meter barrack belongs to Ayoub Shuqairat and was built of tin plates 5 years ago. Ayoub said that on Wednesday, 15 March 2017, the Israeli Municipality crews hung a demolition notice to the barrack, and on 20 March 2017, the barrack was demolished. The second 150-square-meter barrack belongs to Basam Shuqirat and was built of tin plates 2 years ago. The two barracks were used for sheltering livestock and horses.

Settlement activities and attacks by settlers against Palestinian civilians and property

Israeli Settlers:

At approximately 10:30 on Thursday, 16 March 2017, a group of Israeli settlers made their way from “Yitzhar” settlement, under the Israeli forces’ protection, and headed to Burin Secondary School, south of Nablus. The settlers threw stones at the school’s walls and fence, causing fear among students. A number of the village residents then gathered to protect the students. Therefore, the Israeli settlers and forces withdrew from the village and no casualties were reported.

On Thursday, 16 March 2017, Israeli settlers attacked a Palestinian taxi driver while working south of occupied Jerusalem. The diver, Fadi ‘Abed (41), from Shurffat village in occupied Jerusalem, said that two Israeli settlers stopped him while driving in Talbeyout area and asked him to drive them to Herzl Mount in West Jerusalem. While on their way, the Israeli settlers told Fadi that they want to go to Kiryat Yovel. When they arrived there, one of them approached Fadi and hit him with a bottle on his head. Meanwhile, the other settler started to severely beat him, but Fadi could not defend himself due to the continuous beating, so he started bleeding. After that, Fadi noticed another driver in the area who saw him. The other driver intervened and managed to arrest one of the Israeli settlers while the other settler attempted to flee. The Israeli police then arrived at the area and arrested the runaway settler. Fadi added that he went to Tsh’ari Tsedeq Hospital, where he under medical test, which revealed that Fadi sustains fractures in the nose and bruises and wounds to the face and head.

On Friday, 17 March 2017, Israeli settlers uprooted around 75 olive seedlings from a land belonging to Hitham Ahmed Mohamed Abu Kafanah in al-Wad area, in the north-western side of al-Sawiah village, south of Nablus. They also damaged the fence surrounding the land. Abu Kafanah said to PCHR’s fieldworker that: ” At approximately 15:00 on Saturday, 17 March 2017, My family and I headed to my land in al-Wad area, in the north-western side of al-Sawiah village, which is 400 meters away from “Rahlim” settlement. We headed there to plough the land and take care of the olive seedlings which I planted 3 years ago. When we arrived at the land, which I have not visited it for 3 months; I was surprised that the olive seedlings were uprooted by the Israeli settlers. They also destroyed the fence surrounding the land and took it. My 12.5-dunum land was fully planted with around 75 olive seedlings.”

On Saturday, 18 March 2017, a number of Israeli settlers from “Kiryat ‘Arba’” settlement, east of Hebron, threw stones at a vehicle belonging to ‘Aref Jaber (48), from Jaber neighbourhood. As a result, the vehicle’s windshield was damaged. It should be noted that at the time of the assault, the Israeli settlers were under the Israeli protection.

On Sunday, 19 March 2017, Israeli settlers chased Mousa ‘Oyoyi, from al-Sawnah neighborhood in occupied Jerusalem. They also attempted to attack him while leaving his work in the Mahane Yehuda Market in West Jerusalem. Mousa said that:

“While leaving my work place at the Mahane Yehuda Market in West Jerusalem, I got in my car as usual. When I stopped at a traffic light in the area, one of the settlers gave me a strange look, may be because I looked like an Arab. I continued to drive, but noticed through the car’s mirror that the same settler was chasing me, so I tried to avoid him. However, I was stuck in a traffic jam in the area. Meanwhile, the settler approached me, so I took down the window and closed the doors of my car, and I asked him what you want from me, but he started insulting me. However, I neglected him and closed my car’s window again and then drove away as I felt something wrong will happen. Few minutes later, I arrived at al-Anbiyiaa’ Street in West Jerusalem and found again the same settler, accompanied with three other settlers, chasing me. Two of the three settlers were driving motorcycles and tried to open my car door while I was inside it. One of them then pointed a knife at me, so I panicked and my car collided with a bus in the area. The Israeli settlers then fled away. I miraculously survived, but sustained wounds due to the collision.”

At approximately 11:00 on Wednesday, 22 March 2017, a number of Israeli settlers from “Yitzhar” settlement, south of Nablus, attacked with stones a number of civilians identified as Musheer Reziq Qadous (35) and Akram Ibrahim ‘Emran (45). Musheer and Akram were ploughing Musheer’s land, which is 200 meters away from the abovementioned settlement using a tractor driven by As a result, Musheer was hit with a stone to his leg. The abovementioned 4-dunum land is planted with olive trees and within Areas classified as Area ©. The land’s owner could not enter his land without obtaining a permit from the Israeli forces. They usually get a permit for 2 days only in the year; a day for harvesting and the other for ploughing the land.

Recommendations to the International Community

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

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

PCHR calls upon the international community and the United Nations to use all available means to allow the Palestinian people to enjoy their right to self-determination, through the establishment of the Palestinian State, which was recognized by the UN General Assembly with a vast majority, using all international legal mechanisms, including sanctions to end the occupation of the State of Palestine;
PCHR calls upon the United Nations to provide international protection to Palestinians in the oPt, and to ensure the non-recurrence of aggression against the oPt, especially the Gaza Strip;
PCHR calls upon the High Contracting Parties to the Geneva Conventions to compel Israel, as a High Contracting Party to the Conventions, to apply the Conventions in the oPt;
PCHR calls upon the Parties to international human rights instruments, especially the Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, to pressurize Israel to comply with their provisions in the oPt, and to compel it to incorporate the human rights situation in the oPt in its reports submitted to the concerned committees;
PCHR calls upon the High Contracting Parties to the Geneva Conventions to fulfil their obligations to ensure the application of the Conventions, including extending the scope of their jurisdiction in order to prosecute suspected war criminals, regardless of the nationality of the perpetrator and the place of a crime, to pave the way for prosecuting suspected Israeli war criminals and end the longstanding impunity they have enjoyed;
PCHR calls upon States that apply the principle of universal jurisdiction not to surrender to Israeli pressure to limit universal jurisdiction to perpetuate the impunity enjoyed by suspected Israeli war criminals;
PCHR calls upon the international community to act in order to stop all Israeli settlement expansion activities in the oPt through imposing sanctions on Israeli settlements and criminalizing trading with them;
PCHR calls upon the United Nations to confirm that holding war criminals accountable in the Palestinian-Israeli conflict is a precondition to achieve stability and peace in the regions, and that peace cannot be built on the expense of human rights;
PCHR calls upon the UN General Assembly and Human Rights Council to explicitly declare that the Israeli closure policy in Gaza and the annexation wall in the West Bank are illegal, and accordingly refer the two issues to the UN Security Council to impose sanctions on Israel to compel it to remove them;
PCHR calls upon the international community, particularly the UN, in light of its failure to the stop the aggression on the Palestinian people, to at least fulfil its obligation to reconstruct the Gaza Strip after the series of hostilities launched by Israel which directly targeted the civilian infrastructure;
PCHR calls upon the United Nations and the European Union to express a clear position towards the annexation wall following the international recognition of the State of Palestine on the 1967 borders, as the annexation wall seizes large parts of the State of Palestine;
PCHR calls upon the European Union to activate Article 2 of the EU-Israel Association Agreement, which provides that both sides must respect human rights as a precondition for economic cooperation between the EU states and Israel, and the EU must not ignore Israeli violations and crimes against Palestinian civilians;

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Public Document

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