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

(17 – 23 March 2016)

• Israeli forces continued to use excessive force in the oPt
• 4 Palestinian civilians, including a child, were killed in the West Bank.
• 3 Palestinian civilians were wounded in the Gaza Strip.

• Israeli forces continued to target the border areas along the Gaza Strip, due to which, a shepherd was wounded.

• Israeli forces conducted 69 incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank and 3 limited ones in the southern Gaza Strip.
• 61 Palestinian civilians, including 7 children and a woman, were arrested. Thirty of them, including 2 children and the woman, were arrested in occupied Jerusalem.
• Israeli forces raided the Zakat Committee office in Qabatya and the Arab American University in Jenin.

• Israeli forces continued their efforts to create Jewish majority in occupied East Jerusalem.
• Israeli forces suspended the financial allocations (national insurance) of 3 Palestinian prisoners, whom were accused of the killing of a settler.
• 2 underconstruction houses were demolished by Israeli forces and a family was obliged to self-demolish its house.

• Settlement activities continued in the West Bank.
• 6 commercial stores in the central market in Beita village, south of Nablus, were demolished.
• The house of the only eyewitness to the arson attack against Dawabsha family in Douma village, southeast of Nablus, caught fire too.

• 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 9^th
• Dozens of temporary checkpoints were established in the West Bank and others were re-established to obstruct the movement of Palestinian civilians.
• 5 Palestinian civilians were arrested at military checkpoints.
• Israeli forces closed Beit Hanoun (Erez) crossing, north of the Gaza Strip, for Jewish Holidays.

 Summary

Israeli violations of international law and international humanitarian law in the oPt continued during the reporting period (17 – 23 March 2016).

 

Shooting:

Israeli forces have continued to commit crimes, inflicting civilian casualties. They have also continued to use excessive force against Palestinian civilians participating in peaceful protests in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, the majority of whom were youngsters. During the reporting period, Israeli forces killed 4 Palestinian civilians, including a child, in the West Bank and 4 others in the Gaza Strip.

In the West Bank, Israeli forces killed 4 Palestinian civilians, including a child. Two of them were killed at “Ariel” settlement intersection, north of Salfit; one was killed at “Gosh Etzion” settlement intersection, south of Bethlehem; while the child was killed at Abu al-Reesh military checkpoint in the centre of Hebron.

 

Killings committed by Israeli forces in the West Bank were as follows:

On 17 March 2016, Israeli forces opened fire at Ali Taqatqah (19) and Ali Thawabtah (20), both from Beit Fajjar, south of Bethlehem, who were present at “Ariel” settlement intersection, north of Salfit. As a result, they were immediately killed for alleged stabbing attack against a female settler in that area.

On 18 March 2016, Israeli forces deployed at “Gosh Etzion” settlement intersection, south of Bethlehem, killed Mahmoud Abu Fanouna (21), from Khellet al-Nafisah area, southeast of Hebron. The aforementioned person sustained several bullet wounds and was left bleeding to death for over an hour without being offered first aid. He was then transported by an Israeli military ambulance to an unknown destination. Israeli forces claimed that he attempted to carry out a stabbing.

On 19 March 2016, Israeli forces stationed at Abu al-Reesh military checkpoint at the western entrance to al-Shuhada Street, in central Hebron, killed Abdullah Ajlouni (16), from Jabal Johar area, south of the city. The child was left bleeding to death. Israeli forces claimed that the child was holding a knife and tried to attack an Israeli border Guard officer at the checkpoint. The family stated that their son had been shot with other 20 live bullets throughout his body.

In the Gaza Strip, Israeli forces wounded 4 Palestinian civilians; 3 of whom had participated in peaceful protests near the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel and the 4^th was wounded when Israeli forces opened fire at the border area.

In the context of targeting border areas along the Gaza Strip, on 18 March 2016, Israeli forces stationed behind a sand barrier at the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel, east of Khan Yunis, south of the Gaza Strip, opened fire at Wasim al-‘Emour (18), who was grazing the sheep to the west of the said fence. As a result, he sustained a bullet wound to the left leg and was then taken to the European Gaza Hospital in the city. His wound was moderate.

As part of shooting incidents against peaceful protests, on 18 March 2016, Israeli forces opened fire at Palestinian youngsters, who headed towards the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel, east of al-Shuja’iya neighbourhood, east of Gaza City. The Palestinian youngsters threw stones at Israeli soldiers stationed at the border fence; as a result, 3 Palestinian civilians were wounded.

In the context of targeting Palestinian fishermen in the Gaza Strip sea, on 19 March 2016, Israeli gunboats stationed off Khan Yunis shore, south of the Gaza Strip, opened fire sporadically at Palestinian fishing boats for over an hour. As a result, the fishermen were frightened and sailed back towards the shore, but no casualties were reported.

 

Incursions:

During the reporting period, Israeli forces conducted at least 79 military incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank and 7 ones in occupied East Jerusalem and its suburbs. During these incursions, Israeli forces arrested at least 61 Palestinian civilians, including 7 children and a woman.  Thirty of them, including 2 children and the woman, were arrested in occupied Jerusalem.

As part of the collective punishment measures taken against Palestinians carrying out attacks against Israelis, on 17 March 2016, Israeli forces moved into al-Jildah area in Hebron. They raided groceries, in which Ameer Jo’ba and Qasem Abu Ouda used to work before they were killed by Israeli forces on 14 March 2016 for a shooting attack at “Givat Kharsina” settlement, east of the city. Israeli forces destroyed the doors and then welded them. They then fixed military order shutting the stores down.

During the reporting period, Israeli forces raided the Arab American University’s campus in al-Zababda village, southeast of Jenin. They then raided the building of the Student Affairs and searched the offices of the student blocs. Moreover, Israeli soldiers confiscated some flags and posters. In addition, Israeli forces raided the central Zakat Committee in Qabatya village, southeast of Jenin. They destroyed the main gate and confiscated a PC set, a number of printers and some documents relevant to bank accounts and names of families receiving aid from the Committee.

In the Gaza Strip, Israeli forces carried out 3 limited incursions in the north and center of the Gaza Strip. On 21 March 2016, Israeli forces moved about 100 meters to the east of al-Ahmar area, east of Beit Hanoun village, north of the Gaza Strip. On 22 March 2016, they moved about 200 meters into Boret Abu Samrah, north of Beit Lahia, north of the Gaza Strip. Besides, on the same day, Israeli military bulldozers moved about 150 meters into the east of al-Salqa Valley, east of Deir al-Balah, in the central Gaza Strip. They levelled lands along the border fence and redeployed later.

 

Restrictions on movement:

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

The illegal closure of the Gaza Strip, which has been steadily tightened since June 2007 has had a disastrous impact on the humanitarian and economic situation in the Gaza Strip.  The Israeli authorities impose measures to undermine the freedom of trade, including the basic needs for the Gaza Strip population and the agricultural and industrial products to be exported. For 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 1.8 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 38.8%, 21.1% of which suffer from extreme poverty. Moreover, the rate of unemployment increased up to 44%, which reflects the unprecedented economic deterioration in the Gaza Strip.

 

Jewish Majority:

In the context of collective punishment measures, on 17 March 2016, 3 families from Sour Baher village, southeast of Jerusalem, received official letters from the Israeli National Insurance Institute informing them that national insurance allocations for their imprisoned sons were suspended. In last January, the Israeli Minister of Interior decided to withdraw the Israeli IDs from the 3 Palestinians, whom were accused by Israeli forces of the killing of a settler by throwing stones at his car in September 2015. It should be noted that the Israeli Home Front Command had issued a decision in February to close and confiscate the houses of the 3 prisoners’ families.

As part of house demolitions, on 21 March 2016, Israeli municipality bulldozers demolished the foundation of a building belonging to Sohaib Ja’abees in al-Mukaber Mount village, southeast of occupied Jerusalem, under the pretext of non-licensing.

On the same day, Abu Qalbain family was obliged to self-demolish its house in Ras al-Amoud neighbourhood, east of Jerusalem’s Old City, upon an order from the Israeli municipality. Asem Abu Qalbain said that the abovementioned house had been still under-construction.

In the same context, Israeli municipality bulldozers demolished on the same day also a house belonging to Ali Abu Soy in Ras al-Amoud neighbourhood, east of Jerusalem’s Old City without warning. The family said it was surprised by the demolition of their under-construction house.

 

Settlement activities:

On 17 March 2016, Israeli bulldozers demolished 6 commercial stores built of tin plates and a toilet that were located at the western entrance to Beita vllage, south of Nablus. Israeli forces surrounded the central market, after which, the bulldozers started demolitions under the pretext of non-licensing.

Concerning settler attacks against Palestinian civilians and their property, on 20 March 2016, a Molotov cocktail was thrown into the bedroom of Ibrahim Dawabsha (23) in Douma village, southeast of Nablu, while he and his wife Yaqin Dawabsha (20) were asleep. Their house is close to the house of Sa’d Dawabsha, whom along with his wife and baby were killed due to an arson attack by settlers on 31 July 2015. As a result, the house was set on fire and Ibrahim and his wife suffered smoke inhalation before they could get out of the house. A finger is pointed at the settlers regarding this arson attack, because Ibrahim is the only eyewitness of the previous arson against Dawabsha family.

On Tuesday, 22 March 2016, a group of settlers from “Yitzhar” settlement, south of Burin village, south of Nablus, attacked Ayman Soufan (34) with sticks and stones, due to which he fainted. Soufan was taken to Rafidya hospital in Nablus to receive medical treatment. Doctors said that he sustained bruises throughout his body.

 

 

Details

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

 Thursday, 17 March 2016 

• At approximately 01:30, Israeli forces moved into northern ‘Asirah village, north of Nablus. They raided and searched several houses, from which they arrested 3 civilians and took them to an unknown destination. The arrested civilians were identified as Obay Hasan Sa’id Hamadnah (31), Asem Jamal Dughlus Yasin (22) and Abdul Majid Mohammed Odah Sawalmah (22).

 

• Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Betounia village, west of Ramallah. They raided and searched several houses, from which they arrested 2 civilians and then took them to “Ofer” camp established in the southern side of the village lands. The arrested civilians were identified as Faisal Shahen Jom’ah (24) and Mohammed Ahmed Ahmed Abdul Fatah Mimi (27).

 

• Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into al-Jaldah village in Hebron. They raided and searched shops for vegetables and food stuff belonging to Amir Fouad al-Ju’bah (22) and Qasem Farid Abu ‘Oudah (31) who were both killed on 14 March 2016, in an allege of carrying out a shooting attack at the crossroad of “Givat Kharsina” settlement, east of the city. Israeli forces broke the doors, searched the place and welded the doors before they withdrew. They then affixed a military decision to shut down the shops. Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Eisah area, west of the city. They raided and searched a house belonging to Khalil Walid al-Geimari (28) and then arrested him.

 

• At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into Beit Loqya village, southwest of Ramallah. They raided and searched a house belonging to Eslam Saleh Sobhi Mousa (23) and arrested him.

 

• At approximately 11:00, Israeli forces moved into Jorat al-Sham’ah village, south of Bethlehem. They raided and searched a marble and stone Factory, from which they arrested Isa’a Ayman Fawaghrah (24) and Mahmoud Aref Fawaghrah (27).

 

• At approximately 11:20, Israeli forces opened fire at Ali Jamal Mohammed Taqatqah (19) and Ali Abdul Rahman Thawabtah (20), both form Beit Fajar village in Bethlehem. The aforementioned young men were at that time at the crossroad of “Ariel” settlement, north of Salfit. As a result, both of them were immediately killed claiming that they carried out a stab attack in a settlement.

An eyewitness said to a PCHR’s fieldworker (PCHR keeps the name) that:

“At approximately 11:20 on Thursday, 17 March 2016, I was selling as usual as well as my neighbour who owns a store, and most of the workers who enter “Ariel” settlement buy from us. We suddenly heard constant gunfire, so we rushed outside and saw two young men lying on the ground and Israeli soldiers were still shooting fire at them. Moreover, every soldier who arrived at the scene immediately opened fire at the two dead young men. The young men were about 150 meters away from us, but we were able to see the shooting. My neighbour told me that the two killed persons entered his shop a moment ago, bought cola and cigarettes and sat at the door of the shop and then he entered the shop. Two minutes later, he heard gunfire. We did not know if those young men came here by themselves or the Israeli police sent them  as it is familiar that every person who tries to enter “Ariel” settlement due to committing an infraction, the police orders him to sit next to our shops and then they transfer him. We know nothing about these two young men and why they sat at the door of our shops.”

 

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (10) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: Kharbatha al-Mesbah, southwest of Ramallah; Tarmaseya village, north of the city; Jeet village, northeast of Qalqiliya; Bedya village, northwest of Salfit; Dura, al-Fawar refugee camp, villages of al-Sura, Beit al-Roush and Deir al-‘Asal and al-Fawar refugee camp in Hebron.

 

Friday, 18 March 2016

 

• In the dawn, Israeli forces moved into Silet al-Harethiya, north of Jenin. They raided and searched 2 houses belonging to ‘Ameir Mahmoud Sa’id Azam (27) and Eslam Yosif Mahmoud Shawahnah (23) and arrested them.

 

• At approximately 01:50, Israeli forces moved into Hablah village, east of Qalqilya. They raided and searched a house belonging to Nedal Mahmuod Isma’el al-Haroub (21) and arrested him.

 

• At approximately 03:00, Israeli forces moved into Beit Fajar, south of Bethlehem. They raided and searched a house belonging to Ahmed Taqatqah and arrested his son Abdullah (20).

 

• Approximately 15:00, Israeli forces stationed at al-Dowar area opposite to “Gosh Etzion” settlement, south of Bethlehem, killed Mahmoud Mohammed Ahmed Abu Fanunah (21), from Khelah al-Nafesa area, southeast of Hebron. Abu Fanunah was shot in an alleged stabbing attack and was left bleeding to death for more than an hour in the area. No first aid was given to him. An Israeli ambulance then transferred him to an unknown destination. Following this, Israeli forces raided and searched Abu Fanunah’s house and informed his family of his death. It should be noted that Abu Fanunah’s father has been arrested and placed under administrative detention for 5 months. At approximately 13:00, Israeli forces handed his corpse to the Palestinian Red Crescent Society (PRCS) in the Israeli military liaison office “DCO”, south of Hebron.  He was then taken to al-Ahli Hospital in the city. Following the examination of the body, medical sources said that Fanunah was hit with several live bullets throughout his body.  One of the bullets directly hit his jaw directly causing laceration.

 

• At approximately16:00, Israeli forces stationed on a hill along the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel, east of Khan Yonis in the southern Gaza Strip. They fired several live bullets at a shepherd from a distance of 150 to 200 meters to the west of the abovementioned border. As a result, Wasem Abdullah al-‘Amour (18) was hit with a bullet to his left leg and then transported to Gaza European Hospital in the city. His health condition was classified as moderate.

 

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (12) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: Abuwen village, north of Ramallah; al-Laban al-Gharbi village, northwest of the city; Kafr Malek village, northeast of the city; al-Ouja and al-Zubeidat villages, north of Hebron; Hebron and Yata cities; Beit Ommar, Sa’ir, al-Moureq, Beit Awa and al-Karmel villages in Hebron.

 

Saturday, 19 March 2016

 

• At approximately 01:00, Israeli forces moved into several areas in Bethlehem. They raided and searched a number of houses, from which, they handed summonses to 9 civilians namely as Mo’ath Sulaiman al-Amour (20), Ibrahem Yahya Da’amsah (31), Samed Nemr al-Ateeq (22), Dawoud Qasem al-Azraq (21), Mohammed Jamal Abu Jalghef (27), Emad Abd al-Ghani Salhab (17), Bader Khaled Salahat (22), Morad Abd al-Rahim Salhab (42)and Aboud Khader Nowarah (21) to refer to the Israeli intelligence service in “Gosh Etzion” settlement complex, south of the city.

 

• At approximately 03:00, Israeli forces moved into Husan village, west of Bethlehem. They raided and searched several houses, from which, they arrested three children and took them to an unknown destination. The arrested children were identified as ‘Abdul Azez Basem Hamamrah (15), Soheil Mohammed Sebaten (16) and Mohammed Ali Shushah (15).

 

• At approximately 04:00, Israeli gunboats stationed off Khan Yonis shores, south of Gaza Strip, heavily opened fire in the vicinity of Palestinian fishing boats. Shooting fire continued for more than an hour causing fear among the fishermen, who were forced to sail back. No injuries were reported.

 

• At approximately 08:00, Israeli force stationed at Abu al-Rish checkpoint at the western entrance of al-Shuhada’a Street in the centre of Hebron. They killed Mohammed Ayed Fadel ‘Ajluni (16) from Jawhar Mount area, south of the city, and left him bleeding to death without offering him first aid. Israeli forces shot the abovementioned child claiming that he had a knife and attacked an Israeli Border Guard officer stationed at the checkpoint. As a result, the officer sustained minor wounds. Israeli forces brought members of his family, whose house is 1500 meters away from the checkpoint, to identify him.  ‘Abdullah’s body was then taken to an unknown destination. At approximately 13:00, Israeli forces handed his family the corpse in the Israeli Military Liaison office “DCO”, south of Hebron. His family said that ‘Abdullah sustained twenty live bullet wounds throughout his body. Following this crime, Israeli forces closed the area and prevented Palestinians to move there.

 

• At approximately 17:00, Israeli forces moved into Ya’bud village, south of Jenin. They patrolled in the streets when a group of young men gathered and threw stones and empty bottles at them. The Israeli soldiers in response fired live bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters. As a result, a number of civilians suffered gas inhalation. Israeli forces then arrested Ziyad Khaled Mohammed Qalawlah (32) from al-Jadedah village, south of Jenin, who was in the village and confiscated his van.

 

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (9) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: Shabiten village, northwest of Ramallah; al-Oujah village, north of Hebron; Yatta , Beit Ommar and Ethnah villages, al-Aroub refugee camp, al-Reheiya and al-Burj villages in Hebron and Salfit.

 

Sunday, 20 March 2016

 

• At approximately 01:00, Israeli forces moved into Dura, southwest of Hebron and then stationed in Haninah area in the southern area of the city. They raided and searched a house belonging to Mohammed Emteir al-Namourah (22) and then arrested him. At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces patrolled their troops toward Karisah area. They raided and searched a house belonging to Mo’tasem Zeyad al-Rajoub (27), but no arrests were reported.

 

• At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into Beit Ommar, north of Hebron. They raided and searched two houses belonging to Laith Nour al-‘Alami (21) and Moahmmed Moneer Ekhlaiel (35). They then handed two summonses to the above mentioned civilians to refer to Israeli intelligence services in “Gosh Etzion” settlement complex, south of Bethlehem.

 Note:

During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (9) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: Kafr Qaddoum village, northeast of Qalqilyia, Hebron , Beit Oula, Kharas, Tafouh, Deir Samet in Hebron; Ramin village, east of Tulkarm; Hares village, north of Salfit; and Kafr Qadoum, west of the city.

 

Monday, 21 March 2016

 

• At approximately 01:00, Israeli forces moved into al-Aroub refugee camp, north of Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to Karem Musalam Abu Sal (18) and arrested him.

 

• At approximately 03:00, Israeli forces moved into Beit Fajar village, south of Bethlehem. They raided and searched several houses from which they arrested Mohammed Abd al-Karem al-Kar (23) and Mohammed Akram Taqatqa (21).

 

• At approximately 07:00, Israeli forces accompanied with military bulldozers moved about 100 meters into Beit Lahia, north of the Gaza Strip. They began sweeping and levelling the lands near the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel. At approximately 13:00, Israeli forces redeployed along the abovementioned fence.

 

• At approximately 11:00, Israeli forces moved into Beit Led village, east of Tulkarm. They raided and searched a house belonging to Ismael Mohammed Yosif Sharaqah (25) and handed him a summons to refer to the Israeli intelligence service in the Israeli military Liaison office DCO, southwest of the city.

 

• At approximately 16:00, Israeli forces moved into Zeita village, north of Tulkarm. They patrolled in the streets when a number of youngsters gathered and threw stones at them. The Israeli soldiers then fired sound bombs and tear gas canisters at the stone-throwers in response. They then arrested the ‘Abdul Razeq Monther ‘Abdul Razeq Sharqiyah (16) who was on the main street. Israeli forces released the abovementioned child in midnight following the intervention of the Palestinian military liaison.

 

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (12) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: Ertah Suburb and Far’oun village, south of Tulkarm; al-Fandqumiyah village, south of Jenin; Qabatiya village, south of the city; Dura, Sa’ir, Tarqumiya, Roq’ah and Hadab al-Fawar villages in Hebron; Kafl Hares and Qirah villages, north of the city.

 

Tuesday, 22 March 2016

 

• At approximately 00:30, Israeli forces raided the campus of Arab American University near al-Zababdah village, southeast of Jenin. They then detained the University security guards in the guards’ room and forced them to turn off their cell phones. After that, Israeli forces raided the building of Student Affairs Deanship and searched the offices of student blocs. They then confiscated some flags and murals. Later, Israeli forces withdrew from the campus, and no further incidents were reported.

 

• At approximately 01:30, Israeli forces moved into Qabatyah, southeast of Jenin, and stationed opposite to Othman Bin ‘Affan Mosque. They closed the street leading to the mosque by military trucks. They raided Zakat Central Committee Office, broke the main doors and confiscated PCs, printers, papers related to the Committee’s Bank accounts and files of families supported by the Committee. The Committee Director said that the damages are estimated about NIS 30,000.

 

• At Approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into Tal village, southwest of Nablus. They raided and searched a house belonging to Naser Abdullah ‘Arayshi in the western area of the village near a primary school for boys. They confiscated his car, an LCD Television and computer. Israeli forces then raided a house belonging to Khaled ‘Abdul Rahman ‘Asidah in al-Lahf area in the south-eastern side of the village and confiscated a TV form his house.
• Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into northern ‘Asirah village, north of Nablus. They raided al-Fajer Bakery at the southern entrance of the village from which they arrested Shadi Mesleh al-Shuli (28), who works in the Bakery. They then raided and searched a house belonging to Sami Ahmed Derawi (27) in the eastern neighbourhood of the village and arrested him.

 

• At approximately 03:00, Israeli forces moved into al-Daheishah refugee camp, south of Bethlehem. They raided and searched a house belonging to Shadi Mohammed Mousa ‘Ajamiyah (34) and arrested him.

 

• At approximately 06:40, Israeli forces accompanied with four military bulldozers moved about 150 meters into the west of the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel, east of al-Salqah Valley village, east of Deir al-Balah in the centre of the Gaza Strip. They levelled the lands near the border fence, moved to the north to reach the east of al-Bureij. At approximately 16:00 on the same day, Israeli forces redeployed along the abovementioned fence.

 

• At approximately 07:00, Israeli forces accompanied with ten military bulldozers moved about moved about 200 meters into the east of Khaza’a village, east of Khan Yonis, south of Gaza Strip. They levelled and dug lands for several hours before they redeployed along the border fence between Gaza Strip and Israel.

 

• At approximately 19:30, Israeli forces moved into Ya’bud village, southwest of Jenin and stationed at al-Maloul neighbourhood, south of the village. They raided and searched a house belonging to Yahya Khaled Tawfeq Abu Shamlah (42) and heavily fired sound and flare bombs and live bullets in the air. Israeli forces then detained Abu Shamlah’s sons Ya’ish (18) and Laith (17) outside their home and questioned them on the spot. In the meantime, another Israeli force widely combed in the vicinity of Abu Shamlah’s house and outskirts of the neighbourhood. Israeli forces later withdrew, but neither further incidents nor arrests were reported.

                                                                                                             Wednesday, 23 March 2016 

• At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into Beit Fajar village, south of Bethlehem. They raided and searched several houses from which they arrested 3 civilians and took them to an unknown destination. The arrested civilians were identified as Amer Mohammed Taqatqah (24) and Mohammed Salem Thwabtah (28).

 

• Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Jenin and stationed in al-Hadaf neighbourhood. They raided and searched a house belonging to Ahmed Eyad Qar’awi (23) and arrested him.

 

• At approximately 02:30, Israeli forces moved into eastern Barta’ah village, which is isolated from its surroundings due to the annexation wall, west of Jenin. They raided and searched several houses from which they arrested 3 civilians, including a child. The arrested civilians were identified as Ameed Tareq Qabhah (18), Reda Ahmed Tawfiq Qabhah (16) and Mansour Abdullah Ahmed Masoud (22).

 

• At approximately 03:00, Israeli forces moved into Tulkarm. They raided and searched a house belonging to Mohammed Shaher Rezeq Allah (36) and arrested him.

 

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

 West Bank: 

• Following the Friday prayer, dozens of Palestinian civilians organized protests against the Israeli policies in the oPt, in the western entrance of Silwad village, northeast of Ramallah, the southern entrance of al-Jalazon refugee camp, north of Ramallah and in the vicinity of “Ofer” prison, southwest of the city. Israeli forces used force to disperse the protest and fired live bullets, metal bullets, tear gas canisters and sound bombs at the protesters. As a result, many civilians suffered gas inhalation and others sustained bruises as Israeli soldiers beat them up.

 

Gaza Strip:

 

• At approximately 13:30 on Friday, 18 March 2016, dozens of youngsters made their way to the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel, east of al-Shuja’iyah neighbourhood, east of Gaza City. The protesters threw stones at the Israeli soldiers stationed behind the sand barriers along the fence in “Nahel Oz” area. In response, Israeli forces opened fire at them and wounded three protesters with live bullets.

Demonstrations against the annexation wall and settlement activities

• Following the Friday prayers, on 18 March 2016, dozens of Palestinian civilians and Israeli and international human rights defenders organized demonstrations in Bi’in and Nil’in villages, west of Ramallah, and al-Nabi Saleh village, northwest of the city, and Kafr Qadum, northeast of Qalqilyia, in protest against the annexation wall and settlement activities. Israeli soldiers used force to disperse the protesters by firing live bullets, metal bullets, tear gas canisters and sound bombs and chased the protesters into Olive fields and houses. As a result, many civilians suffered tear inhalation and others sustained bruises as Israeli soldiers beat them up.

 Note: PCHR keeps the names of the injured persons in the aforementioned demonstrations. Rubber-coated metal bullets are lethally if they hit the head of victim from a close range. 

3. Continued closure of the oPt

 

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

 

Gaza Strip

 

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

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Date	Imports
	Category	Amount
		Tons	Number	Liters
08 March	Various goods	2768
	Humanitarian aid	15637
	Cooking gas	240,190
	Benzene			37,990
	Diesel Diesel for UNRWA			468,003 76,000
	Industrial fuel			431,370
	Construction aggregates	12120
	Cement	2200
	Construction steel	600
09 March	Various goods	3930.25
	Humanitarian aid	19155
	Cooking gas	235,760
	Benzene			261,970
	Diesel			652,595
	Industrial fuel			474,180
	Construction aggregates	14560
	Cement	2800
	Construction steel	660
10 March	Various goods	3829.03
	Humanitarian aid	17922
	Cooking gas	234,970
	Benzene			229,960
	Diesel			512,995
	Industrial fuel			442,754
	Construction aggregates	14000
	Cement	2240
	Construction steel	960
13 March	Various goods	3241
	Humanitarian aid	18288
	Cooking gas	235,830
	Benzene			115,970
	Diesel			656,989
	Industrial fuel			343,260
	Construction aggregate	14440
	Cement	2480
	Construction steel	510
14 March	Various goods	3760
	Humanitarian aid	17459
	Cooking gas	237,380
	Benzene			226,972
	Diesel Diesel for UNRWA			872,491 76,000
	Industrial fuel			324,466
	Construction aggregates	13160
	Cement	2640
	Construction steel	750
15 March	Humanitarian aid	12740
	Cooking gas	235,060
	Benzene			183,940
	Diesel Diesel for UNRWA			756,033 37,970
	Industrial fuel			228,000
	Construction aggregates	12320
16 March	Humanitarian aid	5145
	Cooking gas	234,730
	Benzene			188,990
	Diesel			519,509
	Industrial fuel			228,020
	Construction aggregates	5040
20 March	Various goods	4579.5
	Humanitarian aid	20710
	Cooking gas	238,440
	Benzene			222,000
	Diesel Diesel for UNRWA			706,020 39,050
	Industrial fuel			266,000
	Construction aggregates	15760
	Cement	2800
	Construction steel	810

 Exports:

 

• On Tuesday, 08 March 2016, Israeli forces allowed the exportation of 20.54 tons of tomatoes; 18.60 tons of cucumbers; 1.4 tons of eggplants; 1.44 tons of peppers; 1.8 tons of sweet peppers; 0.6 tons of fish and 9 tons of cloths.
• On Thursday, 10 March 2016, Israeli forces allowed the exportation of 24.48 tons of tomatoes; 23.4 tons of cucumbers; 8.2 tons of eggplants; 0.34 tons of garlic; 0.27 tons of mints; 0.48 tons of peppers; 8 tons of cloths; a ton of cabbage and 1.64 tons of zucchinis.
• On Sunday, 13 March 2016, Israeli forces allowed the exportation of 30 tons of tomatoes; 30 tons of cucumbers; 11 tons of eggplants; 4 tons of sweet peppers; 1.5 tons of cherry tomatoes; 3 tons of oranges and 22 tons of lemons.
• On Monday, 20 March 2016, Israeli forces allowed the exportation of 2 truckloads of lemons and 9 truckloads of vegetables.

 

BeitHanoun (“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

16-22 March 2016

 

Category	16 March	17 March	18 March	19 March	20 March	21 March	22 March
Patients	57	57	2	–	88	62	58
Companions	51	56	1	–	90	62	57
Personal needs	132	107	10	–	96	66	80
Families of prisoners	–	–	–	–	1	32	–
Arabs from Israel	5	3	9	–	11	1	1
Diplomats	10	–	–	–	–	–	1
International journalists	–	–	–	–	–	–	–
International workers	30	56	4	–	15	14	22
Travelers abroad	23	2	–	–	–	41	–
Business people	315	388	7	–	533	368	350
Business meetings	–	–	–	–	–	–	–
Security interviews	10	4	–	–	–	6	–
VIPs	2	–	–	–	1	–	1
Ambulances to Israel	3	5	2	–	2	2	2
Patients’ Companions	3	5	2	–	2	2	2

 Notes: 

• Israeli authorities allowed one person on Wednesday, 16 March 2016, and 6 persons on Thursday, 17 March 2016, and 10 other persons on Tuesday, 22 March 2016, to renew their permits.
• Israeli authorities allowed 28 Christians on Monday, 21 March 2016, and 48 Christians on Tuesday, 22 March 2016, to travel to Bethlehem for holidays.
• On Tuesday, 22 March 2016, Israeli authorities allowed 5 Palestinians, who work in the Civil Affairs Athurity, to attend a meeting in Israel.

 

West Bank

 

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

 

• Hebron: Israeli forces established (19) checkpoints all over the city.

On Thursday, 17 March 2016, Israeli forces established three checkpoints at the entrance to Sa’ir village, the northern entrance to Halhoul village and the southern entrance to Hebron (Al-Fahs).

 

On Friday, 18 March 2016, Israeli forces established four checkpoints at the entrances to Ethna and Beit ‘Awaa villages, the northern entrances to Hebron and the northern entrance to Halhoul village (al-Nabi Yunis).

 

On Saturday, 19 March 2016, Israeli forces established five checkpoints at the entrances to Bani Na’im, Samou’a and Sa’ir villages, the northern entrance to Hahoul village (Al-Hawawor) and the southern entrance to Hebron (Harayiq).

 

At approximately 14:00 on the same day, Israeli forces closed the entrances to Farsh al-Hawa road, west of Hebron, with cement cubes; al-Fahs road, south of Hebron, with iron gates and al-Kasarah road, east of Hebron.

 

On Sunday, 20 March 2016, Israeli forces established three checkpoints at the entrances to Beit Kahel, al-Moreq villages and al-Fawar refugee camp.

 

On Monday, 21 March 2016, Israeli forces established four checkpoints at the entrances to Ethna, al-Dahiryia, al-Koum villages and al-‘Aroub refugee camp.

 

• Ramallah and al-Bireh: Israeli forces established (9) checkpoints all over the village.

On Thursday, 17 March 2016, Israeli forces established two checkpoints at the entrance to ‘Aboud village, northwest of Ramallah and near the intersection of Beit ‘Ur al-Foqa village, southwest of Ramallah.

 

On Friday, 18 March 2016, Israeli forces established four checkpoints at the eastern entrance to al-Nabi Saleh village, northeast of Ramallah, and closed the aforementioned entrance with an iron gate; under the bridge of Yabroud village, northeast of Ramallah (this checkpoint was established twice), and at the entrance to Ni’lin village, west of Ramallah.

 

On Saturday, 19 March 2016, Israeli forces established three checkpoints at the entrances to Dir Abu Mish’al village, Beitilo village, northwest of Ramallah, and at the intersection f of al-Tayiba village, on al-Moarajat road between Jericho and Ramallah.

 

• Qalqiliya: Israeli forces established (17) checkpoints all over the city.

On Thursday, 17 March 2016, Israeli force established three checkpoints at the entrances to ‘Ezbit al-Tabib village, east of Qalqiliya; Jeet village, northeast of Qalqiliya; and at the eastern entrance to Qalqiliya.

 

On Friday, 18 March 2016, Israeli forces established four checkpoints between ‘Azoun and ‘Ezbit al-Tabib villages; at the intersection of Kufor Laqif village, between ‘Azoun and Kufor Thoulth villages, east of Qalqiliya; and at the eastern entrance of Qalqiliya.

 

On Saturday, 19 March 2016, Israeli forces established four checkpoints between Jayyious and ‘Azoun villages, east of Qalqiliya; at the eastern entrance to Qalqiliya; on Qanah valley road near Jinsafout village; and at the entrance to ‘Azoun village, east of Qalqiliya.

 

On Sunday, 20 March 2016, Israeli forces established two checkpoints at the eastern entrance to Qalqiliya and at the intersection of Jeet village, northeast of Qalqiliya.

 

On Monday, 21 March 2016, Israeli forces established two checkpoints on the main road between Qalqiliya and Nablus and at the entrance to Kufor Thulth, east of Qalqiliya.

 

On Tuesday, 22 March 2016, Israeli forces established two checkpoints at the eastern entrance to Qalqiliya and on the road between Jeet and Suraa villages, northeast of Qalqiliya.

 

• Jericho: At approximately 14:30, on Saturday, 19 March 2016, Israeli forces established a checkpoint near the entrance to al-‘Ojah village, north of Jericho.

 

• Tulkarm: At approximately 11:00, on Monday, 21 March 2016, Israeli forces stationed at ‘Inab checkpoint, established on the main road between Tulkarm and Nablus, east of Tulkarm, tightened their arbitrary measures against Palestinian civilians and obstructed their movement. Israeli soldiers, who were deployed behind cement cubes established at the checkpoint, stopped vehicles travelling from and into Tulkarm, and checked the passenger’s IDs. When Islam Khalid Abed al-Raheem Taqatqah (22), crossed the checkpoint, Israeli soldiers detained him for interrogation and then released him later. At approximately 18:00 on the same day, Israeli forces again tightened their arbitrary measures against civilians.

At approximately 17:00, on Monday, Israeli forces established a checkpoint on the main road between Tulkarm and Nablus, near the intersection of Beit Lid, east of Tulkarm.

 

• Jenin: At approximately 20:30, on Sunday, 20 March 2016, Israeli forces established a checkpoint on the main road between Jenin and Nablus, near the intersection of ‘Araba village, south of Jenin.

 

• Salfit: On Saturday, 19 March 2016, Israeli forces established two checkpoints at the entrances to Dirsityia village, northwest of Salfit, and Dir Balout village, west of Salfit.

 Arrests at military checkpoints 

• At approximately 16:30, on Thursday, 18 March 2016, Israeli forces stationed at Za’tarah checkpoint, south of Nablus, arrested Hamed Fares Hamed ‘Owasi (28), from Qalqiliya.
• At approximately 18:10 on the same day, Israeli forces arrested Tahsein Sa’oud Abed Ehlayil (27), from Burqin village, west of Salfit, while he was returning from “Borkan” settlement, west of Salfit.
• On Friday, 18 March 2016, Israeli forces arrested Shadi Mohammed Rushdi Jarar (37), a former prisoner, from Burqin valley village, southwest of Jenin. Shadi family stated that while Shadi was on his way to Nablus, Israeli soldiers stopped him at a military checkpoint and arrested him. It should be mentioned that the abovementioned civilian served 13 years in Israeli jails, due to his activities in the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP), and was released two years later.
• At approximately 18:00, on Tuesday, 22 March 2016, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the eastern entrance to Qalqiliya, and checked Palestinian civilians IDs and vehicles. Moreover, they arrested a civilian, who has been unidentified yet, claiming that he had an M16 rifle in his car. As a result, they confiscated the rifle and took the abovementioned civilian to an unknown destination.
• At approximately 20:00, on Wednesday, 23 March 2016, Israeli forces arrested ‘Imad Suliman Ahmed Kholi (30), from ‘Azoun village, east of Qalqiliya, while he was present near “Ma’ale Shomron” settlement adjacent to ‘Azoun village. Israeli forces claimed that ‘Imad had a homemade rifle and a knife according to the Israeli media.

 

 

4. 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 

• At approximately 02:00 on Thursday, 17 March 2016, Israeli forces moved into Beit Daqu village, northwest of occupied Jerusalem. They raided and searched several houses from which they arrested 4 civilians namely as Amen Yasen Rayan (27), Yosif Masuod Rayan (23) Mohammed Shaher Morar (24) and Sayel Salah Rayan (22).

 

• At approximately 03:00 on the same Thursday, Israeli forces moved into Beit Hanenah village, north of occupied Jerusalem. They raided and searched a house belonging to Ayman Najeb and arrested his son Sameh (21).

 

• At approximately 04:00 on Friday, 18 March 2016, Israeli forces moved into al-Eisawiya village, northeast of East Jerusalem. They raided a house belonging to Mohammed Abu al-Hommos, an activist and member of the Follow-up Committee in the They arrested him as he had been accused of planning for a Palestinian marathon in protest against a marathon organized by the Israeli Municipality. Abu al-Hommos stated that Israeli forces raided his house at 04:00 and arrested him and took him to Salah al-Din police station, in which, they interrogated him for organising a Palestinian marathon in Jerusalem coinciding with and Israeli one. However, he was released few hours later. It should be noted that for the sixth consecutive year, the Israeli Municipality organizes the marathon in Jerusalem for political reasons to show Jerusalem as unified capital of Israel.

 

• At approximately 01:00 on Monday, 21 March 2016, Israeli forces moved into many neighbourhoods in the Old City of East Jerusalem. They raided and searched several houses from which 4 civilians, including a child, were arrested and taken to an unknown destination. The arrested civilians were identified as Ahmed Sharif al-Sharbati (16), Hamzah Malhas (21), Omer Zaher Zgheir (20) and Ghaith Naser Ghaith (24).

 

• At approximately 02:00 on the same Monday, Israeli forces raided and searched a house belonging to Monther Basah in al-Eizareiyah village, east of occupied Jerusalem. They then arrested his son Zoheir (15).

 

• At approximately 04:00, Israeli forces raided and searched a house belonging to Husam Mohammed al-Sader (27) in Hetah Gate neighborhood, one of the Old City neighborhoods. They then arrested the aforementioned civilian and took him to an unknown destination.

 

• On the same Monday morning, Israeli forces arrested Sahar al-Natshah (43) and beaten her after she and a number of Palestinian women confronted the Knesset Member Shuli Mualem Rafaeli, who stormed al-Aqsa mosque yards through al-Magharbeh gate amidst restricted security measures.

 

• On Thursday morning, 22 March 2016, Israeli forces moved into several neighbourhoods in the Old City of East Jerusalem. They raided and searched dozens of houses from which they arrested 17 civilians; most of them are former prisoners. The arrested civilians were identified as Thaer Abu Sbeih, Thaer Zugheir, Laeith Gheith, Ahmed al-Shawesh, Nour al-Shalabi, Laeith al-Shalabi, Amjad Gharouf, Walid Tofahah, Amir Balbesi, Omar al-Zaa’nen, Mahmoud Najeb, Rawhi al-Kulghasi, Bassam Hijazi, Mohammed Abu Shushah, Abdullah Daa’na and Hamada Seyam.

 Collective Punishment Policy against Families of Palestinian accused of attacking Israelis

 

• On Thursday morning, 17 March 2016, three families from Sour Baher village, southeast of occupied Jerusalem, received official letters from the Israeli National Insurance Institute to suspend the national insurance of their imprisoned sons namely Mohammed Salah Abu Kaf (18), Walid Feras al-Atrash (19) and Abed Mahmoud Daweyat (20). In last January, the Israeli Minister of Interior decided to withdraw the Israeli IDs from the abovementioned civilians, who were accused of killing an Israeli settler after throwing stones at his car in September 2015. It should be noted that in last February, the Israeli Home Front commander issued a decision to shut down and confiscate the houses of the three prisoners’ families.

 House demolitions and demolition notices: 

• At approximately 10:00 of Monday, 21 March 2016, Israeli municipality bulldozers demolished the foundations of a building belonging to Sohaieb Ja’abes in al-Mokaber Mount village, southeast of occupied Jerusalem, under the pretext of building without a permit.

An eyewitness said to PCHR’s field worker that Israeli forces accompanied with the municipality crew and a bulldozer moved into al-Mokaber Mount village. They surrounded the foundation of a building belonging to Sohaieb Ja’abes, a brother of the prisoner Israa’, and began demolishing the building without a warning. The eyewitness added that the construction works started 8 months ago. He added that Israeli forces surrounded Ja’abese’s nearby houses during the demolition and prevented them from getting out.

 

• At approximately 11:00 on Monday morning, 21 March 2016, Abu Qalbein family demolished their house on their own in Ras al-Amoud neighbourhood, east of the Old City of occupied Jerusalem, upon a decision from the Israeli municipality under the pretext of building without a permit. Asem Abu Qalbein said that they were forced to self-demolish their under-construction 40-square-meter house. The house was built of bricks and roofed with tin plates a year ago during which the Israeli municipality crews raided the house several times and handed the family a demolition order, which was delayed several times. Abu Qablein added that in the previous day, the Israeli municipality handed the family a decision to self-demolish the house and gave the family 24 hours to apply the decision.

 

• On the same day, Israeli municipality bulldozers levelled a house belonging to Ali Abu Soy in Ras al-Amoud neighbourhood, east of the Old City in occupied Jerusalem, under the pretext of building without a permit. Abu Soy’s family said that they were surprised with the demolition of their house that was under construction. The family added the construction of the 200-square-meter house began two years ago.

 

• At approximately 11:00 on Tuesday morning, 22 March 2016, Israeli municipality crews guarded by the Israeli police raided two houses belonging to Abu Sal’oum family in al-Thawry neighbourhood, south of the Old City in occupied Jerusalem. They handed the owners of the houses demolition orders under the pretext of building without permits. Ahmed Abu Sal’oum said that Israeli municipality crews moved into al-Thawri neighbourhood and took photos of some streets and facilities. He added that they also handed demolition notices against Ismael Abu Sal’oum’s apartment in a 3-storey building and against a house belonging to his nephew Mohammed under the pretext of building without permits. Ahmed also mentioned that the families paid thousands of Israeli Shekels as building fines in addition to fees for attorneys and engineers but in vain. It should be noted that Ismael’s apartment is about 100 square meters in which 7 individuals live and Mohammed’s apartment is 45 square meters in which 4 individuals live. Both houses were built in 1995.

 

5. Settlement activities and attacks by settlers against Palestinian civilians and property

 

Israeli forces’ attacks:

 

• At approximately 01:00 on Thursday, 17 March 2016, Israeli forces accompanied with military jeeps, a bulldozer and jeeps belonging to the Construction and Organization Department in the Civil Administration moved into the western entrance of Beitah village, south of Nablus. They surrounded the central vegetables market and began demolishing six commercial stores built of tin plates, in addition to a toilet, under the pretext of non-licensing. It should be noted that those store belong to Mohammed Sulaiman Labeeb, Emad Helal Ahmed Bani Shamsah, Abd al-Razeq Aqtash, Mesbah Fayez Abu Ghuneim, Khaled Ebrahim Musalam and Tahsin Abd al-Qader al-Teibi.

 

• At approximately 19:00 on Monday, 21 March 2016, Israeli forces accompanied with a civilian vehicle with an Israeli registration plate belonging to the Construction and Organization Department in the Civil Administration moved into Far’oun village, south of Tulkarm. They distributed demolition notices and notices to halt construction works issued against a number of civilian objects. They also gave the village Council a notice not to use the football playground of the village. After that, Israeli forces stationed near the southern cemetery of the village, where the Civil Administration officers patrolled and took photos for some buildings. Israeli force withdrew later with no other incidents reported. The civilians who received notices about their property were identified as:

 

1. Tawfeq Zaki Mohammed Arafat (45) received a notice to halt construction works.
2. Samer Masoud Abd al-Rahem Fahmawi (42) received a notice to hold construction work, and
3. Ahmed Salem Hazahzah (59) received a notice to demolish a livestock barrack.

 

Settler Attacks

 

• At approximately 02:00 on Sunday, 20 March 2016, unknown persons climbed over the roof of a barrack and smashed the western window on the second floor of a house belonging to Ibrahim Mohammed Ibrahim Dawabshah (23) in Duma village, southeast of Nablus. They then threw a Molotov cocktail into Ibrahim’s bedroom while he and his wife Yaqen Abd al-Qader Dawabshah (20) were asleep. It should be noted that the above-mentioned house is in the center of the village and close to the house of Sa’ad Dawabsah who was killed along with his wife and baby in a previous an arson attack by settlers. As a result, the house caught fire and Ibrahim and his wife suffered smoke inhalation before leaving the house. The couple was transported to Rafidia Hospital in Nablus to receive treatment. A number of civilians then rushed to the place and tried to extinguish the fire that burnt everything before the civil defense vehicles arrived. At approximately 06:00, Israeli forces closed the area and Israeli experts began inspecting the place. A finger was pointed at settlers as the perpetrators, because Ibrahim is the only eyewitness of the settlers’ arson attack against Dawabsha family on 31 July 2015, which resulted then in the killing of Sa’ad, his wife and their son Ali.

 

• On Tuesday morning, 22 March 2016, a group of settlers moved from “Yitzhar” settlement established in the southern part of Burin village, south of Nablus. They attacked Ayman Atallah Abd al-Rahman Sofan (34) with stones and sticks until he was fainted.

 

Sofan said to PCHR’s field worker, “At approximately 14:30 on Tuesday, 22 March 2016, I was grazing my 40 sheep in al-Romanah area which is about 100 meters far from our house, behind the bypass road, south of Burin village. While my friend Yosif Qadous (51) and I were chatting, we were surprised with eight settlers covering their heads and dressing like civilians, coming from “Yitzhar” settlement. They threw stones and attacked us with sticks. My friend took the sheep and ran away, while settlers continued beating me throughout my body until I was fainted. When I woke up, I found myself in Rafidia Hospital in Nablus, having no idea who rescued me or how I was transported to the hospital. Doctors told me that I sustained bruises throughout my body”.

 

 

Recommendations to the International Community

 

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

 

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

 

1. PCHR calls upon the international community and the United Nations to use all available means to allow the Palestinian people to enjoy their right to self-determination, through the establishment of the Palestinian State, which was recognized by the UN General Assembly with a vast majority, using all international legal mechanisms, including sanctions to end the occupation of the State of Palestine;
2. PCHR calls upon the United Nations to provide international protection to Palestinians in the oPt, and to ensure the non-recurrence of aggression against the oPt, especially the Gaza Strip;
3. PCHR calls upon the High Contracting Parties to the Geneva Conventions to compel Israel, as a High Contracting Party to the Conventions, to apply the Conventions in the oPt;
4. PCHR calls upon the Parties to international human rights instruments, especially the Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, to pressurize Israel to comply with their provisions in the oPt, and to compel it to incorporate the human rights situation in the oPt in its reports submitted to the concerned committees;
5. PCHR calls upon the High Contracting Parties to the Geneva Conventions to fulfil their obligation to ensure the application of the Conventions, including extending the scope of their jurisdiction in order to prosecute suspected war criminals, regardless of the nationality of the perpetrator and the place of a crime, to pave the way for prosecuting suspected Israeli war criminals and end the longstanding impunity they have enjoyed;
6. PCHR calls on States that apply the principle of universal jurisdiction not to surrender to Israeli pressure to limit universal jurisdiction to perpetuate the impunity enjoyed by suspected Israeli war criminals;
7. PCHR calls upon the international community to act in order to stop all Israeli settlement expansion activities in the oPt through imposing sanctions on Israeli settlements and criminalizing trading with them;
8. PCHR calls upon the UN General Assembly to transfer the Goldstone Report to the UN Security Council in order to refer it to the International Criminal Court in accordance with Article 13(b) of the Rome Statute;
9. PCHR calls upon the United Nations to confirm that holding war criminals in the Palestinian-Israeli conflict is a precondition to achieve stability and peace in the regions, and that peace cannot be built on the expense of human rights;
10. PCHR calls upon the UN General Assembly and Human Rights Council to explicitly declare that the Israeli closure policy in Gaza and the annexation wall in the West Bank are illegal, and accordingly refer the two issues to the UN Security Council to impose sanctions on Israel to compel it to remove them;
11. PCHR calls upon the international community, in light of its failure to the stop the aggression on the Palestinian people, to at least fulfil its obligation to reconstruct the Gaza Strip after the series of hostilities launched by Israel which directly targeted the civilian infrastructure;
12. PCHR calls upon the United Nations and the European Union to express a clear position towards the annexation wall following the international recognition of the State of Palestine on the 1967 borders, as the annexation wall seizes large parts of the State of Palestine;
13. PCHR calls upon the European Union to activate Article 2 of the EU-Israel Association Agreement, which provides that both sides must respect human rights as a precondition for economic cooperation between the EU states and Israel, and the EU must not ignore Israeli violations and crimes against Palestinian civilians;

 

 

 

 

 

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Public Document

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