Weekly Report On Israeli Human Rights
Violations in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (12 – 18 March  2015)

Israeli forces continue systematic attacks against Palestinian civilians
and property in the occupied Palestinian territory (oPt)

 

 

 

A Palestinian civilian from al-Jalazoun refugee camp,
north of Ramallah, died of previous wounds.

 

Israeli forces continued to open fire at border areas
in the Gaza Strip, but no casualties were reported.

Three Palestinian
civilians were wounded in the east of Abasan village in the south of the Gaza
Strip.

 

Israeli forces continued to use excessive force
against peaceful protests in the West Bank.

A child was
wounded in Kufor Qaddoum weekly protest, northeast of Qalqilya.

Six
Palestinian civilians, including 4 children, were wounded in other protests.

 

Israeli forces conducted 77 incursions into Palestinian
communities in the West Bank, six ones in East Jerusalem and one in the
southern Gaza Strip.

67
Palestinian civilians, including 22 children and 10 women, were arrested.

Thirty-one
of these civilians, including 16 children and 10 women, were arrested in
occupied Jerusalem.

 

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

Israeli forces established dozens of checkpoints in
the West Bank.

Eight Palestinian civilians, including two children, were
arrested at military checkpoints in the West Bank.

 

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

Israeli
forces arrested 67 olive trees and demolished retaining walls, southeast of
Nablus.

An artesian
well was bridged, 10 olive trees were cut off and a retaining wall was
demolished, northwest of Jenin.

Israeli
municipality of Jerusalem issued administrative demolition notices in Silwan
village, south of East Jerusalem.

Settlers
opened fire at famers and cut off 65 olive seedlings in Termis’ya village,
north of Ramallah.

 

 

 

 

 

Summary

 

Israeli violations of international law and international
humanitarian law in the oPt continued during the reporting period (19 –
25 March 2015).

 

Shooting:

During the reporting period, a Palestinian civilian
died of wounds he sustained last week. Moreover, Israeli forces wounded 10
Palestinian civilians, including five children, in the West Bank and Gaza Strip;
seven of whom, including the five children, were wounded in the West Bank,
while the other three ones were in the Gaza Strip. Israeli forces also
continued to open fire at border areas in the Gaza Strip.

In the West Bank, a Palestinian civilian died of
wounds he sustained last week, while Israeli forces wounded seven Palestinian
civilians, including five children. One of the children was wounded during a
weekly protest against settlement activities and the construction of the
annexation wall. Furthermore, six civilians, including four children, were
wounded in other protests in the oPt.

 

On 25 March 2015, medical sources at Palestine Medical
Compound in Ramallah pronounced Ali Safi (20), from al-Jalazoun refugee camp,
north of Ramallah, dead of wounds he sustained earlier. 

Israeli forces continued the use of excessive and
systematic force against peaceful protests organized by Palestinian civilians
and Israeli and international solidarity activists against the construction of
the annexation wall and settlement activities in the West Bank. As a result, a
17-year-old child sustained a bullet wound to the left leg during Kufor Qaddoum
weekly protest, northeast of Qalqilya.

In the same context, six Palestinian civilians,
including four children, were wounded during other protests organized at the western
entrance of Selwad village, northeast of Ramallah, the southern entrance of
al-Jalazoun refugee camp, north of Ramallah, and around Ofer detention
facility, southwest of Ramallah.

 

In the Gaza Strip, on 20 March 2015, three Palestinian
civilians were wounded when Israeli forces stationed along the border fence,
east of Khan Yunis, opened fire and fired tear gas canisters at a group of
Palestinian civilians, who were present 150-500 meters away from the said
fence. As a result, the three civilians were wounded and were taken to Algeria
Hospital in Abasan hospital.  

 

In the context of opening fire at border areas, on 19
March 2015, Israeli forces stationed along the border fence, east of al-Shuhada
cemetery, east of Jabalia in the north of the Gaza Strip, opened fire at the
border area. Israeli forces opened fire also at approximately 13:00 on
Saturday, 21 March 2015, at approximately 16:30 on Sunday, 22 March 2015, and
at approximately 10:15 on Monday, 23 March 2015.

 

Furthermore, on 22 March 2015, Israeli forces stationed
along the border fence opened fire at agricultural lands in the east of Abasan
village, east of Khan Yunis in the south of the Gaza Strip.

 

On 23 March 2015, Israeli forces stationed along the
border fence also opened fire and fired tear gas canisters at agricultural
lands and shepherds, east of Deir al-Balah and al-Bureij refugee camp in the
east of the central Gaza Strip.

 

It should be noted that because of the abovementioned
shooting incidents, farmers were frightened, but neither casualties nor
material damage were reported.

    

Incursions:

 

During the reporting period, Israeli forces conducted
at least 77 military incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank, six
ones in East Jerusalem and a limited one in the Gaza Strip. During these
incursions, Israeli forces arrested at least 67 Palestinians, including 22
children and 10 women.  Thirty-one of
these Palestinians, including 16 children and 10 women, were arrested in Jerusalem.

 

Restrictions on movement:

 

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

 

The illegal closure of the Gaza Strip, which has been steadily
tightened since June 2007 has had a disastrous impact on the humanitarian and
economic situation in the Gaza Strip. 
The Israeli authorities impose measures to undermine the freedom of
trade, including the basic needs for the Gaza Strip population and the
agricultural and industrial products to be exported. For 8 consecutive years,
Israel has tightened the land and naval closure to isolate the Gaza Strip from
the West Bank, including occupied Jerusalem, and other countries around the
world. This resulted in grave violations of the economic, social and cultural
rights and a deterioration of living conditions for 1.8 million people.  The Israeli authorities have established Karm
Abu Salem (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.

Settlement activities and attacks by settlers against
Palestinian civilians and property

 

On
Thursday, 19 March 2015, Israeli forces raided al-Farisiya area, northern
Jordan Valley, east of Tubas. They confiscated two potable water tanks
belonging to al-Maleh valley council.

 

On
the same day, Israeli forces moved into Kufor Ataya area, in area (C), west of
Majdal Bani Fadel village, southeast of Nablus. They levelled agricultural
lands, cut off 300 olive trees aging about four years and demolished over 600
meters of retaining walls.

 

On
Monday, 23 March 2015, Israeli forces moved into al-Mantiqa area, northeast of
Beit Ommar village, north of Hebron. An Israeli Civil Administration officer
distributed notices to halt construction works in three houses and a facility
under the pretext of non-licensing.

 

On
Tuesday, 24 March 2015, Israeli forces moved into Ta’nak village, west of
Jenin. They bridged an artesian well belonging to Suleiman Abdul Rahman Sadeq
Zayoud (31), demolished a retaining wall and cut off 10 olive trees belonging
to the aforementioned person too.

 

On
Tuesday, 24 March 2015, Israeli forces moved into al-Koum village, west of
Hebron. An Israeli Civil Administration officer distributed three notices to halt
construction works in 2 houses and a water well under the pretext of
non-licensing too.

 

On
Thursday, 19 March 2015, Mohammed Ahmed Hezamah from Termes’yah village, north
of Ramallah found that 65 olive seedlings from his land were uprooted in al-Thahrat
area adjacent to “‘Aadi ‘Aad” settlement outpost established in the
eastern side of the village.

 

On
Saturday morning, 21 March 2015, around nine masked and armed settlers from
“‘Aadi ‘Aad” settlement outpost established in the eastern side of Termes’ayah
village fired two live bullets at Rabah ‘Ali Mohammed Hazamah (47), a farmer,
who was with four other farmers ploughing his land in al-Thahrat area near the
aforementioned outpost.  However, no
injuries were reported.

 

 

 

Israeli Violations
Documented during the Reporting Period (19 – 25 March
2015)

 

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

 

Thursday, 19 March 2015

At approximately 01:00, Israeli forces moved into Beit
Ummar village, north of Hebron.  They
stationed in Khelet al-‘Ein area, east of the village. They then raided and
searched a number of houses and arrested four Palestinian civilians: Mohammed
Sadeq Mohammed Akhlil (21); Anas Hazem Mohammed Akhlil (19); Mo’atasem Ibrahim
‘Ali Salibi (23); and ‘Ammar ‘Adel al-Sleibi. They also handed Muhanned Yousif
Muhsen ‘Awad (20) a summons to refer to the Israeli intelligence in “Gosh
‘Etzion” settlement, south of Bethlehem.

 

At approximately 01:30, Israeli forces moved into
Halhoul, north of Hebron.  They raided
and searched a house belonging to the family of Khalil Mohammed Zama’rah (25)
and arrested. 

At approximately 02:30, Israeli forces moved into
Dura, southwest of Hebron.  They raided
and searched two houses and arrested Ramzi Na’im al-Khatib (27) and Ahmed
Fo’aad Abu Dawoud (20).

At approximately 03:00, Israeli forces moved into
Jenin refugee camp adjacent to Jenin. 
They raided and searched a house belonging to Bassam ‘Omer Saleh Abu
Zeinah (27).  They arrested him and then
raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Mustafa Helal Mustafa
Sheta (35).  They arrested the
aforementioned civilian and later withdrew taking him to an unknown
destination.

At approximately 03:30, Israeli forces moved into
al-Janyah village, northwest of Ramallah. 
They raided and searched two houses, from which they arrested Jihad
‘Abdel Majeed ‘Abdel Mahdi Mathloum (22) and Mohammed Ahmed ‘Ali Abu Fkheitha
(20).

At approximately 08:00, Israeli forces moved around
150 meters into east of al-Shokah village, east of Rafah City in the southern
Gaza Strip.  They levelled the lands
along the border fence for a couple of hours. 
The Israeli forces then redeployed along the border fence between the
Gaza Strip and Israel.

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces carried out incursions in
the following areas, but no arrests were reported: Jeet village, northeast of
Qalqilya; ‘Azoun village, east of the city; al-Zababdah village, southeast of
Jenin; and Ya’abod village, southwest of the city.

 

Friday, 20 March 2015

At approximately 01:00, Israeli forces moved into a
number of neighbourhoods in the centre of Hebron.  They stationed in Ghneim area and then raided
and searched a house belonging to the family of Ma’moun Mohammed Salman
al-‘Awawdah (24).  They arrested the
aforementioned civilian and withdrew later taking him to an unknown
destination.

 

At
approximately 01:30, Israeli forces moved into Beit ‘Awwa village, west of
Dura, southwest of Hebron.  They
stationed in the centre of the village and then raided and searched a house
belonging to the family of Nayef ‘Abdel Fattah al-Masalmah (49).  They arrested his son, Mo’ataz (17), and
later taking him to an unknown destination.

 

Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into
Tulkarm.  They patrolled the streets for
some time and then re-stationed in Zanabah suburb, east of the city.  They raided and searched a house belonging to
Raed Mohammed Hussein ‘Abdullah (39) and arrested him.

 

At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into
Kharsa village, south of Hebron.  They
raided and searched a house belonging to Nihad Emteir “Isa al-‘Awawdah
(32).  They arrested the aforementioned
civilian and withdrew later taking him to an unknown destination.

 

At approximately 10:15, Israeli forces stationed along
the border fence, east of al-Shuhadaa’ Cemetery and east of Abu Safiyah area,
east of Jabalia in the northern Gaza Strip, opened fire sporadically at the
border area.  The shooting resulted in
fear among farmers, who were in the agricultural lands adjacent to the border
zone.  As a result, they fled for fear of
being wounded.  Neither injuries nor
damages to the property were reported.

 

At approximately 17:00, Israeli forces stationed along
the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel, east of Khan Younis in the
southern Gaza Strip, fired several bullets and tear gas canisters at a group of
Palestinian civilians who were only 150-500 meters away from the border in the
areas of al-Sonati and al-Farahin, esat of ‘Abasan al-Kabirah.  As a result, three civilians sustained bullet
and shrapnel injuries.  The wounded persons
were then taken to Algeria Hospital in ‘Abasan village and then transferred to European
Gaza Hospital in Khan Younis.  Medical
sources at the hospital described their condition as moderate. The wounded
persons were identified:

1. Shadi Naji ‘Abed Raboh Abu Daqqah (22), hit by a
bullet to the left leg;

2. Anas Hamdan Qudeih (20), hit by a bullet to the left
leg and shrapnel to the right leg.

3. Fawzi Samir Ahmed Qudeih (22), sustained shrapnel
wound to the left shoulder.

 

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces carried out incursions in
the following areas, but no arrests were reported: al-‘Aroub refugee camp,
north of Hebron; Qalqilya; Jeet village, northeast of the city; ‘Azoun village,
east of the city; Fahmah village, southwest of Jenin; Far’on village, south of
Tulkarm; and ‘Ezbet Shofah, southeast of the city.

Saturday, 21 March 2015

At approximately 01:40, Israeli forces moved into
Couper village, northwest of Ramallah. 
They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Mohammed
‘Asfour Barghouthi (55) and handed him a summons to refer to the Israeli intelligence.  No further incidents were reported.

 

At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into
several neighbourhoods in the centre of Hebron. 
They staioned in al-Sharif Mountain area and then raided and searched a
house belonging to the family of Mohammed ‘Aref al-Sharbati (25).  They arrested the aforementioned civilian and
withdrew later taking him to an unknown destination.

 

At approximately 13:00, Israeli forces stationed along
the border fence, east of al-Shuhadaa’ Cemetery and east of Abu Safiyah area,
east of Jabalia in the northern Gaza Strip opened fire sporadically at the
border areas.  The shooting resulted in
fear among farmers, who were in the agricultural lands adjacent to the border
zone.  As a result, they fled for fear of
being wounded.  Neither injuries nor
damages to the property were reported.

 

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces carried
out incursions in the following areas, but no arrests were reported: Kafr
Qaddoum village, northeast of Qalqilya; ‘Ezbet Salman, south of the city;
‘Azoun village, east of the city; al-Fawar refugee camp and al-Tabaqah village
in Hebron; and Shweikah Suburb, north of Tulkarm.

 

 

Sunday, 22 March 2015

At approximately 01:30, Israeli forces moved into ‘Arabah
village, southwest of Jenin.  They raided
and searched a house belonging to ‘Abdel Malek Mahmoud ‘Abed Abu Salah
(24).  They arrested the aforementioned
civilian withdrew later taking him to an unknown destination.

 

At
approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into Yata, south of Hebron.  They stationed in Roq’ah area and then raided
and searched a house belonging to ‘Abdel Kamel Abu Zahrah (39).  They arrested the aforementioned civilian
withdrew later taking him to an unknown destination.

 

At approximately 03:00, Israeli forces moved into
Ethna village, west of Hebron.  They
stationed in the centre of the village and then raided and searched a house
belonging to the family of Akram Yousif Mohammed Qaysiyah.  They handed him a summons for his brother,
Ahmed (22), to refer to the Israeli intelligence in “Gosh ‘Etzion”
settlement in Bethlehem.  Israeli forces
withdrew later, and no arrests were reported.

 

Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Kafr
Qaddoum village, northeast of Qalqilya. 
They raided a house belonging to the family of ‘Isa Ibrahim ‘Abeid and
handed him a summons to refer to the Israeli intelligence.  No arrests were reported.

 

Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Uma al-Sharayet
neighbourhood in al-Bireh.  They raided
and searched a house belonging to the grandmother of Usayd Mohammed Theeb Abu
‘Aadi (19).  They arrested the
aforementioned civilian and took him to the detention centre in Ashkelon.  It should be mentioned that the arrested
civilian is from Kafr Ne’amah village, west of the city and a student at
al-Quds Open University.

 

At approximately 08:30, Israeli forces stationed along
the border fence opened fire at the agricultural lands, east of ‘Abasan
al-Kabirah village to the east of Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip.  The shooting sporadically continued for half
an hour, but no injuries were reported.

 

At approximately 16:30, Israeli forces stationed along
the border fence, east of al-Shuhadaa’ Cemetery and east of Abu Safiyah area,
east of Jabalia in the northern Gaza Strip opened fire sporadically at the
border areas.  The shooting resulted in
fear among farmers, who were in the agricultural lands adjacent to the border
zone.  As a result, they fled for fear of
being wounded.  Neither injuries nor damages
to the property were reported.

 

At approximately 19:30, Israeli forces moved into
Bureen village, southeast of Nablus. 
They raided and searched a number of houses, from which Hussein Mohammed
al-Najjar (15) was arrested.  Israeli
forces withdrew later taking the aforementioned civilian to an unknown
destination.

 

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces carried
out incursions in the following areas, but no arrests were reported: Jayous
village, northeast of Qalqilya; the villages of Nuba, Kharas and al-Samou’a in
Hebron; villages of Bitounia, Deir Qeddis and Termes’ayah in Ramallah and
al-Bireh, north of Jericho; Tulkarm and Far’on villagem, south of the city; and
Zita village, south of the city.

 

Monday, 23 March 2015

At
approximately 00:30, Israeli forces moved into ‘Ein al-Sultan refugee camp,
west of Jericho.  They raided and
searched a house belonging to the family of Mohammed Hisham Hdeib (18) and
handed him a summons to refer to the Israeli intelligence. 

 

At approximately 01:30, Israeli forces moved into Hejah
village, east of Qalqilya.  They raided
and searched two houses belonging to Mohammed and ‘Ekremah ‘Abdel Karim Nofal.  Israeli forces confiscated two computers and
then arrested Mohammed Jamal Nofal (23). 
They withdrew later taking him to an unknown destination.

 

At
approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into ‘Ein Beit al-Maa’ refugee camp,
northwest of Nablus.  They raided and
searched a number of houses, from which they arrested Mohamed ‘Ali Khabbas (35)
and Taher Radi Rammahah (20) were arrested. 

 

At
approximately 02:30, Israeli forces moved into Bedia village, west of
Salfit.  They raided and searched a house
belonging to Mustafa Mohammed Sa’id Shatat (29).  They arrested the aforementioned civilian and
withdrew later taking him to an unknown destination.

 

At
approximately 03:00, Israeli forces moved into Beit Loqaya village, southwest
of Ramallah.  They patrolled the streets
for some time and then stationed in Bir al-Kheleh Square.  They then raided and searched a house
belonging to the family of Hani Jamal Mafarjah (23).  They arrested the aforementioned civilian and
withdrew later taking him to an unknown destination.

 

At
approximately 09:30, Israeli forces stationed along the border fence between
the Gaza Strip and Israel fired live bullets and tear gas canisters at the
agricultural lands and shepherds, east of Deir al-Balah and al-Bureij refugee
camp to the east of the central Gaza Strip. 
The shooting continued sporadically for half an hour, but no injuries
were reported.

 

At
approximately 10:15, Israeli forces stationed along the border fence, east of
al-Shuhadaa’ Cemetery and east of Abu Safiyah area, east of Jabalia in the
northern Gaza Strip opened fire sporadically at the border areas.  The shooting resulted in fear among farmers,
who were in the agricultural lands adjacent to the border zone.  As a result, they fled for fear of being
wounded.  Neither injuries nor damages to
the property were reported.

 

At
approximately 22:00, Israeli forces moved into ‘Ezbet al-Tabib village, east of
Qalqilya.  They raided a carpentry
workshop on the main street and checked the surveillance camera records.  At approximately 23:30, Israeli forces
withdrew, and no further incidents were reported.

 

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces carried
out incursions in the following areas, but no arrests were reported: al-Burj
village, southwest of Dura, southwest of Hebron; Bal’a village, northeast of
Tulkarm; Baqet al-Hatab village, east of Qalqilya; and Kafr al-Deek village,
west of Salfit.

 

 

Tuesday, 24 March 2015

At approximately 01:30, Israeli forces moved into
Tulkarm.  They patrolled the streets for
some time, and their infantry forces deployed in a number of neighbourhoods.
While they were patrolling in the southern neighbourhood near the old Directorate
of Education, they stopped a number of young men and checked their ID
cards.  They then arrested one of them
who was identified as Tariq Salim Fakhri al-Taneeb (27).  Israeli forces withdrew later from the city
taking the aforementioned civilian to an unknown destination.

 

Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into
Qaqlilya.  They raided and searched a
number of houses, from which they arrested Amir Mahmoud Khalil Dawoud
(26).  Israeli forces later withdrew
taking him to an unknown destination.

 

At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into
Bitounia village, west of Ramallah.  They
patrolled the streets for some time and then stationed near the
municipality.  They raided and searched a
house belonging to the family of Mohammed Mahmoud Mohammed ‘Eid (21).  They pushed and screamed at the family
members causing fear among children and women. 
Israeli soldiers deliberately burst the four doors with a sharp tool
when they raided the house.  Israeli
forces arrested the aforementioned civilian and took him to an unknown
destination.  It should be mentioned that
the arrested person suffers a disability in the right leg.

Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into
Bitounia town, west of Ramallah.  They
raided and searched a house belonging to Karim Nael Sa’id Qert (21).  Israeli forces arrested the aforementioned
civilian and took him to al-Maskoubiyah detention centre in Jerusalem.  It should be mentioned that the detainee is a
student at Birzeit University.

 

At approximately 04:30, Israeli forces moved into
al-‘Arqah village, west of Jenin. They raided and searched four houses and
questioned their residents.  The Israeli
soldiers later withdrew, and neither further incidents nor arrests were
reported.  The owners of the raided
houses were identified as Faris ‘Ali Yehia (62); ‘Ali Mohammed ‘Ali Yehia (38);
Hasan Sharif ‘Ali Yehia (39) and his brother, Fahd (44).

At approximately 10:00, Israeli forces moved into
Bal’a, northeast of Tulkarm.  They
patrolled the streets when dozens of Palestinian children and boys gathered to
throw stones and empty bottles at the Israeli vehicles.  The Israeli soldiers in response fired live
bullets, tear gas canisters and sound bombs indiscriminately.  Eyewitnesses said to a PCHR fieldworker that
one of the gas canisters fell near al-Zohour kindergarten resulting in gas
inhalation among children.  Israeli
forces withdrew later, and neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

 

At approximately 12:30, Israeli forces moved into
Selwad village, northeast of al-Bireh.  A
number of students gathered after they finished school and threw stones and
empty bottles at the Israeli military vehicles.   The Israeli soldiers fired sound bombs, tear
gas canisters and rubber-coated metal bullets at the boys, students and
civilian houses indiscriminately.  As a
result, some of civilians suffered tear gas inhalation.   While withdrawing from the village, the
Israeli soldiers arrested ‘Omer Nael Mohammed Hammad (15) and Rajeh Mahmoud
Hammad (15) and then took them to the Israeli camp in ‘Ofrah settlement
established on Palestinian lands adjacent to the village.  They beat the arrested civilians and insulted
them with bad words while being under arrest. 
At approximately 22:00, the two children were released after handing them
to the Palestinian Military Liaison.

 

At approximately 16:00, Israeli forces moved into
Termes’aya village, north of Ramallah. 
They raided and searched a house belonging to ‘Abdel Rahman Nabhan Salem
Jubarah (21).  Israeli forces arrested
the aforementioned civilian and withdrew later taking him to an unknown
destination.

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces carried out incursions in
the following areas, but no arrests were reported: Tulkarm and the villages of
Sa’ir, ezna and Bani Na’im in Hebron.

 

Wednesday 25 March 2015

At approximately 02:30, Israeli forces moved into Bir
Zeit village, north of Ramallah.  They
stationed in ‘Ein al-Hamam area and then raided and searched a house belonging
to Ibrahim Isma’il Yalo (28).  They
arrested the aforementioned civilian and took him to an unknown
destination.  Meanwhile, another Israeli
force raided and searched many university student residences.

 

At approximately 03:00, Israeli forces moved into ‘Anabta
village, east of Tulkarm.  They raided
and searched a house belonging to the family of Anas ‘Omer Mohammed Abu ‘Asal
(24). They arrested him and then raided and searched a house belonging to the
family of Jamal ‘Omer As’ad al-Qobaj (35). 
They handed him a summons to refer to the Israeli intelligence in the DCO
office, southwest of Tulkarm.  The
Israeli soldiers withdrew from the village taking him to an unknown
destination. 

 

At approximately 04:00, Israeli forces moved into the
industrial zone in al-Bireh.  They
stationed near the gas station and then raided and searched a house belonging
to the family of Saji ‘Ali Ahmed ‘Abed (17) after detaining the family members
in one room.  They arrested the
aforementioned child and confiscated a laptop and a hard disk belonging to the
family and an IPhone belonging to the arrested child.  Meanwhile, the Israeli soldiers raided and
searched a house belonging to the family of Mo’az Mousa Mohammed ‘Abed
(17).  They arrested the aforementioned
child after confiscating a laptop and hard disk belonging to the family.  The two children were later taken to ‘Ofer
Prison, southwest of Ramallah.

 

In the evening, the medical sources at Palestinian
Medical Complex in Ramallah declared the death of ‘Ali Mahmoud Safi (20) from
al-Jalazone refugee camp, north of Ramallah, of wounds he had stustained on 18
March 2015.

 

According to PCHR’s investigation, on Wednesday after
midday, 18 March 2015, dozens of Palestinian children and youngsters gathered
at the southern entrance of al-Jalazone refugee camp near an UNRWA school and
were only 300 meters away from the fence surrounding “Beit Eil”
settlement to organize a protest against the attacks carried out by Israeli
forces against the Palestinian civilians. 
The protesters threw stones at the settlement fence.  In response, the Israeli soldiers stationed
in the area fired live bullets and rubber-coated metal bullets in addition to
sound bombs and tear gas canisters at the protesters and chased them into the
camp. As a result, Safi was hit by a bullet between the abdomen and chest and
then taken to Palestine Medical Complex in Ramallah to receive medical
treatment.  His condition was described
as serious.  The live bullet harmed the liver,
pancreas and aorta and caused severe internal haemorrhage.  He underwent an urgent surgery to stop the
bleeding, and then admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) due to his serious
condition.  He stayed in the medical
complex until his death.

 

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces carried out incursions in
the following areas, but no arrests were reported: the villages of sorif,
Kharsa and Terqomia in Hebron; Deir al-Ghosoun village, north of Tulkarm and
Jenin.

 

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

 

During the reporting period,
Israeli soldiers used excessive force against peaceful demonstrations organized
by Palestinian civilians, international and Israeli human rights defenders in
protest at the construction of the annexation wall and settlement activities in
the West Bank. As a result, a 17-year-old child sustained a bullet wound to the
left leg in Kufor Qaddoum weekly protest, northeast of Qalqilya.   

 

In
the same context, six Palestinian civilians, including four children, were
wounded during protests at the southern entrance of al-Jalazoun refugee camp,
north of Ramallah, the western entrance of Silwad village, northeast of the
city, and around Ofer detention facility, southwest of Ramallah.

 

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

 

Demonstrations
against the construction of the annexation wall and settlement activity

    

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

 

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

 

Also following the Friday
Prayer, dozens of Palestinian civilians and Israeli and international human
rights defenders gathered in the center of Nabi Saleh village, northwest of
Ramallah, to start the weekly peaceful protest against the construction of the
annexation wall and settlement activities. The protesters walked towards the
gate erected by Israeli forces near the entrance of the village and leading to
Palestinian lands that Israeli settlers from the nearby “Halmish”
settlement are trying to seize. Israeli soldiers who had been extensively deployed
in the area and near all the entrances of the village since the morning, began
to confront the protesters who wanted to walk towards the affected lands.
Israeli soldiers fired live and rubber-coated bullets, sound bombs and tear gas
canisters at the protesters. As a result, a number of demonstrators suffered
tear gas inhalation and others sustained bruises as they were beaten up.

 

At
approximately 12:20, Palestinian civilians and international solidarity
activists organized a protest in the center of Kufor Qaddoum village, northeast
of Qalqilya, heading to the eastern entrance of the village in protest against
closing that entrance since the beginning of al-Aqsa Intifada with an iron
gate. The demonstrators threw stones at Israeli soldiers, who fired sound bombs
and tear gas canisters in response. As a result, a 17-year-old child sustained a
bullet wound to the left leg.

  

Other demonstrators:

   

Following the Friday prayer, 20 March 2015, dozens
of Palestinians gathered at the western entrance of the Silwad village,
northeast of Ramallah, on the road between Silwad and Yabroud villages, near
Bypass road (60), in protest at the Israeli policies. Protestors set fire to
tires and threw stones and Molotov Cocktails at the aforementioned road and
Israeli soldiers. In response, Israeli soldiers stationed in the area fired
live ammunition, rubber-coated bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters at
the protestors. Israeli soldiers raided a house belonging to Mo’amer Ayyad (38)
and turned it into a military barrack to fire at the protestors. As a result, three
civilians, including two children, were wounded and taken to Palestine Medical
Compound in Ramallah. A 15-year-old child sustained a bullet wound to the left
leg, a 16-year-old child sustained a bullet wound to the right leg and a
31-year-old child sustained a bullet wound to the right knee.

 

On Friday
afternoon, dozens of youngsters gathered from different areas of Ramallah and
al-Bireh in the vicinity of Ofer detention facility, southwest of Ramallah.
They headed towards the facility’s gate that was closed by Israeli soldiers.
They set fire to tires and threw stones and empty bottles at the soldiers.
Israeli forces deployed around the detention facility and started firing live
and rubber-coated metal bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters. As a
result, two civilians were
wounded and taken to Palestine Medical Compound in Ramallah. Yousef Mohammed
Hussein Joreesh (13) sustained a bullet wound to the left leg and 19-year-old civilian sustained a bullet wound to the right leg.

 

Also following
the Friday prayer, dozens of children and young men gathered at the southern
entrance of al-Jalazoun refugee camp, north of Ramallah. They were about 300
meters away from the fence of “Beit Eil” settlement. Israeli forces
stationed in the area fired live ammunition, rubber-coated metal bullets, sound
bombs and tear gas canisters. As a result, 15-year-old child sustained a bullet wound to the
head and was taken to Palestine Medical Compound in Ramallah.

 

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.

 

The
total closure of al-Mentar (“Karni”) crossing since 02 March 2011 has
seriously affected the economy of the Gaza Strip. Following this closure, all
economic and commercial establishments in the Gaza Commercial Zone were shut
off. It should be noted that al-Mentar crossing is the biggest crossing in the
Gaza Strip, in terms of its capacity to absorb the flow of imports and exports.
The decision to close al-Mentar crossing was the culmination of a series of
decisions resulting in the complete closure of the Sofa crossing, east of the
Gaza Strip in the beginning of 2009, and the Nahal Oz crossing, east of Gaza
City, which were dedicated for the delivery of fuel and cooking gas to the Gaza
Strip, in the beginning of 2010.

 

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.

 

The
cooking gas crisis has fluctuated due to the closure of Karm Abu Salem for
security claims. According to PCHR’s follow-up, Israeli authorities only allow
an average of 98 tons of cooking gas into Gaza per day.  This limited
quantity is less than half of the daily needs, which is 200 tons per day of the
civilian population in the Gaza Strip during winter.  The crisis has
unprecedentedly aggravated for around six weeks due to cold weather and
overconsumption in addition to the power outage and using gas as an alternative
in many instances of electricity.  The lack of diesel and benzene led to
the aggravation of the crisis as a result of using the gas cylinder for cars or
as an alternative for benzene to run generators.  As a result, the demand
for gas further increased.

 

For
almost seven consecutive years, Israeli forces have continued to prevent the
delivery of construction materials to the Gaza Strip. Two years ago, Israeli
forces approved the delivery of limited quantities of construction materials
for a number of international organizations in the Gaza Strip.  On 17
September 2013, they allowed the entry of limited quantities of construction materials
for the private sector.  However, on 13 October 2013, they re-banned it
claiming that these materials are used for constructing tunnels.  Last
week, Israeli forces allowed the entry of construction materials only for UNRWA
and UNDP projects.  As a result, construction works have completely
stopped impacting all sectors related to construction and an increase in
unemployment levels. During the 51-day Israeli offensive on the Gaza Strip in
July and August 2014, Israeli authorities did not allow the entry of any
construction materials. As a result, vital and infrastructure projects have
been obstructed so far.

 

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.

 

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 denied permission to access hospitals via the crossing for
new categories of patients from the Gaza Strip.

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

18 – 23 March 2015

 

 

 

Exports:

 

On
Thursday, 19 March 2015, Israeli forces allowed the exportation of 7.5 tons of eggplants,
14.2 tons of cucumbers, 8.25 tons of tomatoes, 4.3 tons of squash and 1.15 tons
of hot peppers.

 

On
Monday, 16 March 2015, Israeli forces allowed the exportation of 28 tons of furniture,
0.5 tons of mints and 0.5 tons of garlic.  

 

Other
imports:

 

On
Wednesday, 18 March 2015, Israeli forces allowed the entry of 3,600 tons of aggregates,
400 tons of cement and 72 tons of steel for UNRWA; 160 tons of aggregates, 400
tons of cement and 120 tons of limestone cement for Gaza reconstruction. They also
allowed the entry of 525 tons of fodders and 525 tons of wheat.

 

On
Thursday, 19 March 2015, Israeli forces allowed the entry of 2,000 tons of aggregates,
360 tons of cement and 150 tons of steel for UNRWA; 1,720 tons aggregates,
1,440 tons of cement and 40 tons of limestone cement for Gaza construction.
They also allowed the entry of 560 tons of fodders and 280 tons of wheat.

 

On
Monday, 23 March 2015, Israeli forces allowed the entry of 3,240 tons of
aggregates, 480 tons of cement, 121 tons of steel and 40 tons of white cement
for UNRWA; 640 tons of cement and 30 tons of steel for Gaza reconstruction; and
160 tons of cement for the Water Authority. They also allowed the entry of 735
tons of fodders and 210 tons of wheat.

 

 

Plastic
Containers returned by Israeli forces via Karm Abu Salem:

 

 

On
Wednesday, 18 March 2015, Israeli forces returned 12 truckloads of empty
containers.

 

On
Thursday, 19 March 2015, Israeli forces returned 13 truckloads of empty
containers.

 

On
Monday, 23 March 2015, Israeli forces returned 9 truckloads of empty
containers.

 

Note: Israeli forces closed the
abovementioned crossing on Tuesday, 17 March 2015, because of the Israeli
elections.

 

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

18 – 24 March 2015

 

Notes:

 

On
Friday, 20 March 2015, Israeli forces allowed 183 civilians to cross through
Erez in order to perform prayers in the al-Aqsa Mosque in East Jerusalem. On Monday,
23 March 2015, they allowed six civilians of personal needs or international
worker to renew their permit.

 

West
Bank

 

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

 

· Hebron:
Israeli forces have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of
Palestinian civilians. At approximately 14:00 on Thursday, 19 March 2015,
Israeli forces established at the entrance of Ethna village, west of the
city.  At approximately 16:00, another
checkpoint was established at the entrance of Beit Kahel village, west of
Hebron.  Later, the two checkpoints were
removed, and no arrests were reported.

 

At approximately 14:00 on Friday, 20 March 2015, Israeli forces
established a checkpoint at the entrance of Ethna village, west of Hebron.  Later, the checkpoint was removed, and no
arrests were reported.

 

At approximately 07:30 on Saturday, 21 March 2015, Israeli forces
established a checkpoint at the entrance of al-Majd village, west of Dura,
southwest of Hebron.  Later, the
checkpoint was removed and no arrests were reported.

 

At approximately 07:00 on Sunday, 22 March 2015, Israeli forces
established a checkpoint at the entrance of Deir Samit village, west of Dura,
southwest of Hebron.  Meanwhile, another
checkpoint was established at the entrance of Sa’ir village, east of
Hebro.  At approximately 07:30, Israeli
forces established a checkpoint at the entrance of al-Samou’a village, south of
the city.  At approximately 16:00,
another checkpoint was established at the southern entrance of Halhoul. Later,
all checkpoints were removed and no arrests were reported.

 

At approximately 08:00 on Tuesday, 24 March 2015, Israeli forces
established a checkpoint at the entrance of al-Samou’a village, south of the
city.  At approximately 15:00, another
checkpoint was established at the entrance of Beit Ummar village, north of the
city.  Later, both checkpoints were
removed, and no arrests were reported.

 

At approximately 07:00 on Wednesday, 25 March 2015, Israeli forces
established a checkpoint at the entrance of Beit Kahel, west of the city.  Later, the checkpoint was removed, and no
arrests were reported.

 

· Ramallah: Israeli
forces have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of
Palestinian civilians. At approximately 06:30 on Thursday, 19 March 2015,
Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the entrance of N’ilin, west of the
city. At approximately 16:30, Israeli forces established another checkpoint
under the bridge of ‘Ein Yabrud village, northeast of Ramallah.  At approximately 20:00, another checkpoint
was established between Jericho and Ramallah. 
Both checkpoints were removed and no arrests were reported.

 

At approximately 08:30 on Friday, 20 March 2015, Israeli forces
reestablished ‘Atarah checkpoint at the northern entrance of Bir Zeit, north of
the city.  At approximately 09:30, closed
the eastern entrance of al-Nabi Saleh village, northeast of the city with the
iron gate established at the aforementioned entrance and prevented civilians
from entering or leaving through it.  At
approximately 11:00, a similar checkpoint was established at the entrance of
N’ilin, west of the city.  At
approximately 15:30, they also established a checkpoint at the entrance of Deir
Nizam village, northwest of Ramallah. All checkpoints were removed and no
arrests were reported.

 

At approximately 10:30 on Saturday, 21 March 2015, Israeli forces
established a checkpoint under the bridge of ‘Ein Yabrud village, northeast of
Ramallah.  Later, the checkpoint was
removed and no arrests were reported.

 

At approximately 13:00 on Sunday, 22 March 2015, Israeli forces
established a checkpoint under the bridge of ‘Ein Yabrud village, northeast of
Ramallah.  Meanwhile, another checkpoint
was established at the entrance of Deir Abu Mash’al village, northwest of the
city.  At approximately 20:30, Israeli
forces established a checkpoint at the entrance of Termes’ayah village, north
of Ramallah.  Later, all checkpoints were
removed and no arrests were reported.

 

· Jericho: Israeli
forces have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of
Palestinian civilians. At approximately 10:30 on Sunday, 22 March 2015, Israeli
forces established a checkpoint near the entrance of Fasayel village, north of
the city.  At approximately 17:00,
another checkpoint was established at the southern entrance of Jericho. Later,
both checkpoints were removed and no arrests were reported.

 

· Tulkarm:
Israeli forces have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of
Palestinian civilians. At approximately 12:30 on Thursday, 19 March 2015, Israeli
forces stationed at ‘Annab military checkpoint which is established on the road
between Tulkarm and Nablus, east of the city, tightened their restrictions
against civilians and obstructed their movement. Later that day, the tightening
ended and no arrests were reported.  The
tightening renewed at approximately 08:00 on Saturday, 21 March 2015, at approximately
18:30 on Sunday, 22 March 2015, and at approximately 19:00 on Monday, 23 March
2015.

 

· Salfit:
Israeli forces have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of
Palestinian civilians.  At approximately 17:25
on Sunday, 22 March 2015, Israeli forces established a checkpoint near Arayel
settlement on “‘Aaber al-Samerah” main road, north of Salfit.  Later, the checkpoint was removed, and no
arrests were reported.

 

At approximately 20:00 on Monday, 23 March 2015, Israeli forces established
a checkpoint under the bridge of Iskaka village, east of Salfit.  At approximately 02:00 on Tuesday, 24 March
2015, the checkpoint was later removed, and no arrests were reported.

 

 

· Jenin:
Israeli forces have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of
Palestinian civilians.  At approximately 22:00
on Friday, 20 March 2015, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the
entrance of al-Jalamah village, north of Jenin. 
Later, the checkpoint was removed, and no arrests were reported.

 

At approximately 16:00 on Tuesday, 24 March 2015, Israeli forces
established a checkpoint on the main road between Jenin, Tulkarem and Nablus
near the intersection of al-Mansourah village, south of Jenin.  Later, the checkpoint was removed, and no
arrests were reported.

 

Arrests
and Maltreatment at Military Checkpoints

 

On
Thursday evening, 19 March 2015, Israeli forces stationed at the Western Tourah
village, southwest of Jenin, arrested Mo’ataz Mowafaq Ahmed Qobaha (20) from
Western Tourah village, when he was passing the checkpoint.  He was taken to an unknown destination.

  

At
approximately 07:00 on Monday, 23 March 2015, Israeli forces arrested three
civilians from al-Khader village, west of Bethelehm when he was on his way to
work in Occupied Jerusalem and took them to an unknown destination.  They were identified as: Karim Adam ‘Issa
(20); Mohammed Ibrahim Mousa (22); and Mohammed ‘Adel ‘Issa (22).

 

At
approximately 10:00 on the same day, Israeli forces stationed at the entrance
of “Gosh ‘Etzion” settlement, south of Bethlehem, arrested ‘Alaa’
Jihad ‘Ali Sabarnah (15) and Fadi Mohammed Fawzi al-Ja’ar (14) from Beit Ummar
village, north of Hebron, after they went to the Israeli Intelligence in the
aforementioned settlement.

 

At
approximately 16:00 on Tuesday, 24 March 2015, Israeli forces established a
checkpoint at the intersection of al-Zawiyah village, south of Jenin.  They arrested ‘Alaa’ ‘Omer Zakarnah (20) and
‘Adel Ghassan ‘Adel Qar’awi (24) and took them to an unknown destination.

 

4. Efforts
to create Jewish demographic majority in occupied East Jerusalem

 

House
demolitions and demolition notices

 

On
Sunday, 22 March 2015, Israeli municipal officers and special police units
distributed administrative demolition notices to houses in Ein al-Louza
neighborhood and Beer Ayoub in Silwan village, south of the old city in East
Jerusalem.

 

Ana
eyewitness said to a PCHR fieldworker that Israeli municipal officers moved
into Ein al-Louza neighborhood in Silwan village. They photographed the
entrances, streets and some buildings in the neighborhood. In addition, they
pinned out fove administrative demolition notices on five houses, one of which
was under-construction and another one has been occupied by Abdul Razeq family
since 45 years. The other three houses have been occupied since they were built
two years ago.  

 

Incursions
and arrests

 

At
approximately 10:00 on Thursday, 19 March 2015, Israeli officers beat Jihad
Mahmoud Mohammed Shweiki (42) after they raided his house in al-Thawri neighborhood,
south of East Jerusalem. Jihad Shweiki said to PCHR’s fieldworker that armed
officers raided his house in al-Thawri neighborhood to implement the Israeli
municipality decision under which the house furniture should be seized under
the pretext of the accumulation of debts “Arnona tax” that reached
NIS 50,000. Shweiki said to a PCHR filed workers that Israeli officers threatened
to forcibly seize the house furniture and then attacked him. It developed to a
quarrel and shouting. As a result, his wife and 3 children were frightened.
Al-Shweiki added that the Arnona tax was accumulated because he was in
detention, as he was arrested 17 times and had had no job for four years.
Moreover, he added that Israeli forces seized his house furniture 8 months ago
for the same reason.

 

At
approximately 13:00 on the same day, Israeli forces moved into Anabta village,
north of East Jerusalem. They raided and searched a number of houses from which
they arrested two civilians: Mohammed Hani Abu Haniya; and Sa’id Anas Ibrahim.

 

At
approximately 16:00, Israeli forces arrested four Palestinian women while being
present near al-Asbat gate, one of al-Aqsa Mosque gates. They took them to the
police station to be questioned. The detainee were: Ekram Ghazawwi, Mona Abu
Esbaitan, Randa Abu al-Hawa and Sana al-Rajabi.

 

At
approximately 05:00 on Sunday, 22 March 2015, Israeli forces raided al-Thawri
neighborhood, south of East Jerusalem. They raided a number of houses from
which they arrested two children: Ghassan Ahmed Assi (13) and Mohammed Amin
Abdul Razeq (14).

 

At
approximately 11:00, on the same day, Israeli forces arrested two Palestinian
civilians when they were present near al-Ghawanma gate, one of al-Aqsa Mosque’s
gates. They took them to Bab al-Selsela police station to be questioned. The detainees
were: Rebhi Mousa Abu al-Hommos (50); and Mohammed Abdul Rahman Abu Ghariba
(22).

 

At
approximately 17:00, Israeli special units and intelligence officers raided and
searched a house belonging to Ali al-Eisawi in al-Mukabber Mount neighborhood,
southeast of East Jerusalem. Monther al-Eisawi, Ali’s son, said that his family
was surprised when Israeli forces raided the house in a provocative manner. He
explained that they kept all the family members in a room and prevented them
from moving or talking. Israeli soldiers confiscated also their mobile phones.
It should be noted that Israeli soldiers thoroughly searched the family
2-storey building, the roof, parking and garden.  Israeli forces withdrew later and no arrests
were reported.

 

At
approximately 11:00 on Monday, 23 March 2015, Israeli forces arrested Ms. Noura
Khalil al-Sa’ou (31) while going out of al-Aqsa Mosque in East Jerusalem. They
took her to the police station to be questioned.

 

At
approximately 03:00, on the same day, Israeli forces moved into al-Eisawiya
village, north of East Jerusalem. They raided and searched a number of houses
from which they arrested Mohammed Amin Abu Romoz (16) Mohammed Hassan Sa’ida
(16).

 

At
approximately 12:00, Israeli forces arrested two Palestinian children while
playing around in Beit Hanina neighborhood, north of East Jerusalem: Ahmed
Sa’id al-Bakry (17); and Mohammed Nasser Baybars
(15).

 

At
approximately 14:00, Israeli forces moved into al-Jdeira village, northwest of
East Jerusalem. They raided and searched a number of houses from which they
arrested four children, the oldest of whom was less than 16. In the meanwhile,
a number of the village residents tried to prevent Israeli soldiers from
arresting the boy and threw stones at the soldiers. However, Israeli soldiers
called for backups, fired tear gas canisters and sprayed pepper spray over
them. As a result, Akram Barjas (65) and Sharif Akram (42) sustained burns in
the face. The detainees were identified as Mohammed Ashraf Akram Barjas (14),
Fathi Rebhi Majed Barjas (15), Mahmoud Nayef Suleiman (15) and Ouda Mohammed
Mostafa (16).

 

At
approximately 15:00, Israeli forces arrested Osama Hassan Hammad (21), from
Qalandya refugee camp, north of Jerusalem, when he referred to the Israeli
intelligence upon a summons sent to him earlier.

 

At
approximately 16:00, Israeli forces arrested six Palestinian children while
playing football in the al-Aqsa mosque yards in East Jerusalem. They harshly
beat them and took them to the police station to be questioned. The children
are: Tawfiq Najeeb (13); Abdullah al-Bakry (14); Mohammed Zakariya Awad (17);
Amir Mohammed al-Maleki (12); Bashar Najib (15); and Ayman Hashima (14).

 

At
approximately 11:00 om Tuesday, 24 March 2015, Israeli forces sprayed pepper
spray over the face of Hesham Harhash (24) while walking in Wadi al-Jouz
neighborhood, east of the old city in East Jerusalem.

 

An
eyewitness said to PCHR’s fieldworker that the Israeli police stopped Harhash
in a provocative way and without reason in Wadi al-Jouz neighborhood in
Jerusalem. When they were talking to him, they sprayed pepper on his face. He
added that Israeli soldiers tried to arrest Harhash, but other civilians
intervened and a quarrel erupted. The eyewitness said also that Israeli forces
fired sound bombs to disperse the Palestinian civilians. As a result, Mohammed
al-Sabbah (25) and Mostafa Harhash sustained wounds.

 

At
approximately 13:00, Israeli forces raided a house belonging to the family of
Ahmed Na’im Ashayer (18) in al-Khelleh area in al-Tour neighborhood, east of
the old city in East Jerusalem. They handed his father a summons for his son to
refer to al-Masqoubia detention facility to be questioned next Sunday. An
eyewitness said that Israeli forces raided the house of Ahmed Ashayer while his
mother was at home. They searched the house, damaged its contents and then
handed her a summons for her son to be questioned in al-Masqoubia facility. It
should be noted that Ashayer was arrested three times earlier and was released
2.5 months ago after he had served a year in an Israeli prison.

 

At
approximately 15:00 on the same day, Israeli forces arrested five Palestinian
women once they went out of al-Aqsa mosque. They took them to the police station
to be questioned. The detainees are: Somaya Taha (23); Rawand al-Abbasi (22);
Wesal Abu al-Hawa (24); Samar al-Sabbagh (26); and Maram Jouda (22).     

 

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

 

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

 

On
Thursday, 19 March 2015, Israeli forces raided al-Farisiya area, northern
Jordan Valley, east of Tubas. They confiscated two potable water tanks
belonging to al-Maleh valley council.

 

On
the same day, Israeli forces moved into Kufor Ataya area, in area (c), west of
Majdal Bani Fadel village, southeast of Nablus. They levelled agricultural
lands, cut off 300 olive trees aging about four years and demolished over 600
meters of retaining walls. It should be noted that the targeted lands were
rehabilitated and cultivated in 2011 as part of a project funded by the
Palestinian Ministry of Agriculture.

 

At
approximately 11:30 on Monday, 23 March 2015, Israeli forces moved into
al-Mantiqa area, northeast of Beit Ommar village, north of Hebron. An Israeli
Civil Administration officer distributed notices to halt construction works in three
houses and a facility under the pretext of non-licensing. The notices gave the
notified persons a period until 13 April 2015 to present the necessary papers
before the competent court in “Beit Eil” settlement, north of
Ramallah.

 

At
approximately 06:00, on Tuesday, 24 March 2015, Israeli forces moved into
Ta’nak village, west of Jenin. They bridged an artesian well belonging to
Suleiman Abdul Rahman Sadeq Zayoud (31), demolished a retaining wall and cut
off 10 olive trees belonging to the aforementioned person too. Zayoud said to a
PCHR fieldworker that a day earlier, Israeli forces photographed the well and
trees. Israeli forces withdrew later and no further incidents were reported.

 

At
approximately 09:30 on Tuesday, 24 March 2015, Israeli forces moved into
al-Koum village, west of Hebron. An Israeli Civil Administration officer
distributed three notices to halt construction works in two houses and a water
well under the pretext of non-licensing too.

 

On Thursday, 19 March 2015, Mohammed Ahmed
Hezamah from Termes’yah village, north of Ramallah found that 65 olive
seedlings from his land were uprooted in al-Thahrat area adjacent to
“‘Aadi ‘Aad” settlement outpost established in the eastern side of
the village.  These seedlings are 2 years
old and were uprooted by hands.

 

On Saturday morning, 21 March 2015, around
9 masked and armed settlers from “‘Aadi ‘Aad” settlement outpost
established in the eastern side of Termes’ayah village fired two live bullets
at Rabah ‘Ali Mohammed Hazamah (47), a farmer, who was with four other farmers
ploughing his land in al-Thahrat area near the aforementioned outpost.  However, no injuries were reported.

 

The aforementioned civilian said to a PCHR
fieldworker that:

“At approximately 10:00 on Saturday, 21
March 2015, I was with four workers ploughing my land in al-Tharat area, east
of Termes’ayah, north of Ramallah near the settlement outpost established on
the village’s lands.  When we were
ploughing the land, I noticed 9 masked settlers; some of them holding with
weapons and others with sharp tools, approaching us.  When they were 35 meters away from us, the
workers and I got into the car. 
Meanwhile, one of them fired two live bullets at us, but none was
injured and we left the area.”

  

 

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 continued
aggression 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;

14. PCHR calls upon the Palestinian leadership to sign and
accede to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court and the Geneva
Conventions, and calls upon the international community, especially the United
Nations, to encourage the State of Palestine to accede to international human
rights law and humanitarian law instruments.

 

 

 

 

 

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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 pchr@pchrgaza.org or telephone +972 08 282 4776 – 282 5893.