Members
of al-Sawahra family near their house demolished by Israeli forces in Selwan
village in Jerusalem

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

      

 

Israeli forces continued to open fire at border areas
in the Gaza Strip.

16 civilians were wounded in separate shooting incidents.

The wounded included 2 children, 2 journalists and a
member of the Interior Ministry.

 

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

2 Palestinian civilians were wounded in Bil’in protest.

8 civilians were wounded in other protests in the West
Bank, including 2 children, a journalist and a human rights activist.

 

Israeli forces conducted 59 incursions into Palestinian
communities in the West Bank.

3 civilians were wounded.

 41 civilians,
including 6 children were arrested.

Of the arrested were 4 employees from International
Tadamun (Solidarity) for Human Rights in Nablus, including a woman.

 

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.

At least 9 Palestinian
civilians, including 3 children, were arrested at checkpoints.

3
Palestinian civilians were arrested at the border fence between the Gaza Strip
and Israel.

 

Israeli navy forces continued targeting Palestinian
fishermen in the sea.

 

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

Lands were demolished in Kofur al-Deek, west of
Salfit, to expand a settlement outpost.

Israeli forces continued issuing house demolition
notices in area (C).

Some settlers attacked Palestinian farmers in the
north and south of the West Bank.

 

Summary

 

Israeli violations of international law and
international humanitarian law in the oPt continued during the reporting period
(20
– 26 February 2014).

 

Shooting:

 

During the reporting period, Israeli forces wounded 29
Palestinian civilians in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. Sixteen of whom were wounded
in the Gaza Strip and 13 were wounded in the West Bank. Of the wounded were 5
children, 3 journalists, a human rights activist, a paramedic and a member of
the Interior Ministry in Gaza. Israeli forces conducted 4 shooting incidents
along the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel and 2 shooting
incidents against fishermen in the sea.    

                       

In the Gaza
Strip, on 21 February 2014, 12 civilians, including 2 children and a
journalist, were wounded when Israeli forces opened fire at dozens of Palestinian
civilians, east of Jabalia, in the northern Gaza Strip.

 

On the same
day, Israeli forces stationed along the border fence near Sofa crossing,
northeast of al-Shouka village, northeast of Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip,
opened fire at 2 members of the Interior Ministry who were about 300 meters
away from the said fence.

 

On 22
February 2014, 2 Palestinian civilians were wounded when Israeli forces moved
into Nabi Saleh village, northwest of Ramallah.

 

On 24 February
2014, a Palestinian civilian was wounded in Taqou’ village, southeast of
Bethlehem, when Israeli forces moved into the village.

 

On 24
February 2014, Israeli forces positioned along the border fence, east of Khan
Yunis, in the southern Gaza Strip, opened fire at agricultural lands, east of
al-Qarara village, northeast of the city, but no casualties were reported.

 

On 25
February 2014, 2 civilians, including a journalist, were wounded during a
demonstration organized by the Intifada Coalition in the vicinity of Nahal Oz
crossing, east of al-Shuja’iya neighbourhood, east of Gaza City. A number of
demonstrators threw stones at Israeli soldiers, who fired sound bombs and tear
gas canisters in response.      

 

In the
context of targeting fishermen, on 20 February 2014, Israeli navy forces opened
fire at Palestinian fishing boats off Rafah shore, south of the Gaza Strip. Two
missiles landed on a site belonging to the Palestinian National Security
service, along the border fence between Egypt and the Gaza Strip. No casualties
were reported. The site sustained minor damage.

 

On the same
day, Israeli gunboats stationed off the shore northwest of Beit Lahia, in the
northern Gaza Strip, opened fire at fishing boats sailing within a nautical
mile.

 

In the West
Bank, 13 civilians, including 2 children, a paramedic, a journalist and a human
rights activist, were wounded; 10 of whom were wounded in peaceful
demonstrations and the 3 others were wounded during an Israeli incursion in
Nabi Saleh village, northwest of Ramallah, and Taqou’ village, southeast of
Bethlehem.

 

In the same
context, Israeli forces used excessive force against peaceful demonstrations
organised 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, 2 civilians, including a paramedic,
were wounded during Bil’in weekly protest. Moreover, a number of demonstrators
suffered tear gas inhalation and others sustained bruises as they were beaten
up by Israeli forces.

 

In the same
context, 8 Palestinian civilians, including 2 children, a journalist and a
human rights activist, were wounded during peaceful demonstrations organized at
the entrance of al-Jalazoun refugee camp, north of Ramallah; Selwad village,
northeast of the city; and the centre of Hebron.

 

Incursions:

 

During the reporting period, Israeli forces conducted
at least 59 military incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank. During
these incursions, Israeli forces arrested at least 41 Palestinians, including 6
children and a woman.

 

During the reporting period, 3 Palestinian civilians
were wounded throughout the West Bank. See section “shooting
incidents”.

 

On 25 February 2014, Israeli forces arrested 4
employees from the International Tadamun (Solidarity) for Human Rights in
Nablus. They searched their houses and the organizations office and confiscated
6 PC sets and some documents.

  

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
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 7
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 1.7
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.

 

Israeli forces have continued to impose severe
restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians throughout the West Bank,
including occupied East Jerusalem. Thousands of Palestinian civilians from the
West Bank and the Gaza Strip continue to be denied access to Jerusalem.

 

As part of using military checkpoints and border
crossings as traps to arrest Palestinian civilians under the pretext they are
wanted, Israeli forces arrested at least 2 civilians in the West Bank.

 

Settlement activities

 

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.

Attacks carried out by Israeli forces

 

On 20 February 2014,
Israeli forces handed civilians from Ezna village, west of Hebron, 3 notices to
halt construction work in their own structures under the pretext of having no
construction permit in the areas classified as “C” according to the 1993 Oslo
Agreement. The notices included an under-construction
house and 4 barracks used for collecting scrap.

 

On 25 February 2014, Israeli forces accompanied by an officer from the
Construction and Organization Department in the Israeli Civil Administration
handed Rami Shehadah ‘Asi (26) from Beit Loqaya village, southwest of Ramallah,
a notice bearing number 160428 to halt construction works in a 200-square-meter
barrack built of bricks and shaders and roofed with tin.  The barrack is used as a popular café.

 

On 26 February 2014, Israeli forces leveled Palestinian
lands belonging to Mesleh Nayef Soliman al-Deek in Kafr Deek village in Deir Abu Sam’aan area, west of Salfit, in order
to establish a road to “Lishim” outpost. 
Civilians managed to force the Israeli bulldozers to stop temporarily
working after skirmishing with the Israeli forces.  Israeli forces have been leveling the area for
four years.  However, in the evening of
the aforementioned day, Israeli bulldozers levelled this land in order to annex it to the
aforementioned outpost.  The owners of
the targeted lands in that area previously headed to the Israeli courts to
submit the papers proving their ownership, no decision has been issued in this
regard.

 

Attacks
carried out by settlers

 

On 22 February 2014, a number of
settlers from “Beit ‘Ein” settlement established on the Palestinian lands
confiscated from the west of Beit Ummar village, north of Hebron, threw stones
at and insulted Mohammed ‘Abdel Hamid al-Sleibi (78) and his sons while working
in their land in Abu al-Rish area, west of the village.  As a result, they were forced to flee fearing
for their lives.

 

On the same day, a group of settlers from “Jel’aad”
settlement attacked the residents of Jeet village, northeast of Qalqilya, after
the residents planted olive seedlings in their lands adjacent to the
aforementioned settlement.  According to
investigations conducted by PCHR, when farmers finished planting the seedlings,
around 100 settlers attacked the farmers and chased them into the village.  They smashed the windows of a house belonging
to the family of Mohammed Yousif al-Sakhen and the windows of a vehicle
belonging to ‘Awni Nassar.  They also
attacked a vehicle belonging to Nasim ‘Abdel Qader al-Sedah and smashed its
windows.  They then raided a house
belonging to the family of Sami Ahmed ‘Erman and attacked his family members
with sticks who as a result escaped from the house. 

 

At approximately 14:00 on the same
day, a group of settlers under intensive protection of Israeli forces stormed
the old city markets in central Hebron. 
The settlers threw stones at shops and verbally abused at the
civilians.  The old city in Hebron has
recently witnessed increasing violations by settlers living in the outposts of
“Beit Romamo” and “Beit Hadasa” in front of the Israeli forces and police.

 

On 23 February 2014, a group of
settlers headed by Baroukh Marzel from “Ramat Yishai” outpost established on
the lands confiscated from Tal al-Ramidah neighborhood in central Hebron
stormed the old city markets under heavy guard of the Israeli forces.  The settlers gathered near the intersection
of al-Sahlah Street and attempted to stop the Palestinian workers from carrying
out rehabilitation works in one of the shops, which belong to Ghassan ‘Ezz
al-Deen Abu Hadid.

Israeli Violations
Documented during the Reporting Period (20 – 26 February 2014)

 

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

Thursday, 20 February 2014

 

At approximately 00:20, Israeli gunboats fired live
ammunition and missiles at a number of Palestinian fishing boats off Rafah
shore, in the southern Gaza Strip. Two missiles landed on a site belonging to
the Palestinian National Security service, along the Egyptian borders. However,
no casualties were reported but minor damage afflicted the site.

  

At approximately 01:00, Israeli forces moved into several
neighbourhoods in Hebron. They raided a 
house belonging to the family of Abdullah Na’im Ezgheer (19). They
arrested the aforementioned person and took him to an unknown destination.

 

At approximately 01:30, Israeli forces moved into Beit
Awwa village, southwest of Doura, southwest of Hebron. They raided and searched
a house belonging to the family of Ibrahim Qandil Masalma (24). They arrested
the aforementioned person and took him to an unknown destination.

 

Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Doura,
southwest of Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family
of Mohammed Walid Amr (17). They arrested the aforementioned person and took
him to an unknown destination.

 

Also around the same time, Israeli forces moved into
al-Hejra village, east of Doura, southwest of Hebron. They patrolled the
streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were
reported.

 

At approximately 01:45, Israeli forces moved into
Kofur Qaddoum village, northeast of Qalqilia. They raided and searched a number
of houses from which they arrested 7 civilians, including a child and 2
brothers. They took them to “Qadumim” detention facility. The
arrested were:

1. Ayman Abdul Karim Ishtiwi (35);

2. Mo’tasem Abdil Mannan Jom’a (33);

3. Fares Nidal Ahmed Aqel (22);

4. Feras Nidal Ahmed Aqel (21);

5. Morad Mahmoud Ishtiwi (40);

6. Baha’ Majed Ishtiwi (17); and

7. Mo’een Abdul Latif Burhum (35).

 

At
approximately 08:00, Israeli forces released the last 4 ones after questioning
them. Eyewitnesses mentioned that Israeli forces attacked Fares Aqel and
damaged his house and other houses belonging to the families of Atta Sabri
Ishtiwi, Mo’tasem Abdul Mannan Jom’a and Ayman Abdul Karim Ishtiwi.

At
approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into several neighbourhoods in Yatta,
south of Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of
Nasser Mohammed Abu Sabha (21). They kept his family outdoors, arrested him and
took him to an unknown destination.

 

Around the
same time, Israeli forces moved into Sa’ir village, east of Hebron. They
patrolled the streets and withdrew later.  Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

 

At
approximately 03:00, Israeli forces moved into Tafouh village, southwest of
Hebron. They patrolled the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither
house raids nor arrests were reported.

 

At
approximately 06:00, Israeli gunboats stationed off the northwest of Beit
Lahia, in the northern Gaza Strip, opened fire at Palestinian fishing boats
within 1 nautical mile. The fishermen were frightened and sailed back fearing
of being wounded or arrested. However, neither casualties nor material damage
were reported.

 

At
approximately 12:10, Israeli forces moved into Deir Debwan village, northeast
of Ramallah. They patrolled the streets for some time and withdrew later.
Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

 

At approximately
16:00, Israeli forces moved into Mothallath al-Aqaba area, south of Doura,
southwest of Hebron. They patrolled the streets, where a number of boys
gathered and threw stones at Israeli soldiers, who fired sound bombs and tear
gas canisters. As a result, a number of civilians suffered tear gas inhalation.
No arrests were reported.

 

Around the
same time, Israeli forces moved into Senjal village, north of Ramallah. They
patrolled the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor
arrests were reported.

 

At
approximately 17:00, Israeli forces moved into al-Nabi Saleh village, northwest
of Ramallah. They patrolled the streets, where a group of young men threw
stones at Israeli soldiers, who fired tear gas canisters and sound bombs. Israeli
forces withdrew later, but neither house raids nor arrests were reported. 

 

Friday, 21 February 2014

 

At approximately 01:30, Israeli forces moved into
al-Ebeidiya village, northeast of Bethlehem. They raided a house belonging to
the family of Mahmoud Jamal Shanayta (22). They handed him a summons to refer
to the Israeli intelligence service at “Gosh Etzion” settlement,
south of the city.   

 

 

At
approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into several neighbourhoods in the
centre of Yatta, south of Hebron. They patrolled the streets for some time and
withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

 

At
approximately 02:10, Israeli forces moved into al-Dheisha refugee camp,
southwest of Bethlehem. They raided 2 houses belonging to the families of Yunis
Yusef al-Zeghari (22) and Ayman Ahmed Moheisen (23). They handed them summonses
to refer to the Israeli intelligence service in “Gosh Etzion”
settlement, south of the city.

 

At
approximately 03:00, Israeli forces moved into Tabaqa village, south of Doura,
southwest of Hebron. They patrolled the streets for some time and withdrew
later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

 

At
approximately 13:00, Israeli forces stationed along the border fence, east of
al-Shuhada’ cemetery, east of Jabalia, in the northern Gaza Strip, opened fire
at a group of boys and young men who approached the fence in an attempt to
throw stones at Israeli soldiers. As a result, 12 civilians, including 2
children and a photojournalist, were wounded. One of the children sustained
serious wounds. Six of whom, including a child, sustained live bullet wounds, 2
others sustained rubber-coated metal bullet wounds and the 4 others were hit by
gas canisters. Nine of the wounded were taken by PRCS ambulances to Martyr Kamal
Odwan hospital in Beit Lahia, while the 3 others were taken to Shifa hospital.
The wounded were identified as:

 

1. Ahmed Awad Helles (15), from al-Shuja’iya from Gaza
City, was hit by a gas canister to the head. As a result, he had a fracture in
the skull. His wound was described as serious;

2. Abdullah Mohammed Saleh al-Sherafi (17), from Jabalia
refugee camp, sustained a bullet wound to the left leg. His wound was moderate;

3. Jihad Essam Mohammed Zaqout (18), from Jabalia, was
hit by a gas canister to the right shoulder. His wound was moderate;

4. Ibrahim Kamal Ibrahim al-Hgandour (24), from Jabalia
refugee camp, sustained a bullet wound to the left leg. His wound was moderate;

5. Ahmed Yusef Shehada Abu Shari’a (21), from al-Sabra
neighbourhood in Gaza City, sustained a bullet wound to the left hand. His  wound was moderate;

6. Ahmed Kamal Salim al-Sakani (22), from al-Tuffah
neighbourhood in Gaza City, was hit by a gas canister to the head. His wound
was described as moderate;

7. ‘Ayed Emad Sa’id Battah (22), from Beit Lahia housing
project, sustained a live bullet wound to the left leg. His wound was described
as moderate;

8. Monther Nasser Ahmed al-Sahhar (21), from Jabalia
refugee camp, was hit by a gas canister to the left shoulder. His wound was
moderate;

9. Salim Hussein Ahmed al-Ghemari (23), from Jabalia,
sustained a bullet wound to the left leg. His wound was moderate;

10. Wa’el Omar Abdullah Inshasi (20), from Jabalia refugee
camp, sustained a bullet wound to the right leg. His wound was moderate;

11. Ahmed Yasser Mohammed Afana (19), from Jabalia refugee
camp, sustained a bullet wound to the right leg. His wound was moderate; and

12. Khaled Atef Hassan al-Sabbah (20), from al-Shati’
refugee camp, a photojournalist for many news agencies including Anatolia news
agency and the Tunisian al-Mashreq news agency. Al-Sabbah had put a press vest
and helmet and was filming 400 meters away from the clashes.

At
approximately 16:00, Israeli gunboats stationed along the border fence, near
Sofa crossing, northeast of al-Shouka village, northeast of Rafah in the
southern Gaza Strip, opened fire at 2 members of the Interior Ministry 300
meters away from the said fence. As a result, one of them sustained a bullet
wound to the right leg. The injured was taken to Gaza European hospital in Khan
Yunis, where his wound was described as moderate. Moreover, Fadel Mohammed Abu
Odwan (12) was wounded by a bullet that entered and exited his thighs and
caused him wounds in the testicles. In addition, his right leg was broken as he
fell down while he was searching for his brother Nidal (27), who was grazing
the sheep in the area. The child was taken to Abu Yusef al-Najjar hospital in
Rafah. Due to the seriousness of his wounds, he was transferred to Nasser
hospital in Khan Yunis. He stays in the intensive care unit after he underwent
a testectomy.

 

Saturday, 22
February 2014

 

At
approximately 01:00, Israeli forces moved into several neighbourhoods in the
centre of Halhoul, in the north of Hebron. They patrolled the streets for some
time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

 

At
approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into al-Aroub refugee camp, north of
Hebron. They patrolled the streets and deployed between the houses. Israeli
forces withdrew later, but neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

 

At
approximately 02:15, Israeli forces moved into Ayda refugee camp, north of
Bethlehem. They raided 2 houses belonging to the families of Sa’ed Khalil Abu
Akar (24) and Farouq Manoun al-Deir (15). They handed them summonses to refer
to the Israeli intelligence service in “Gosh Etzion” settlement,
south of the city.

 

At
approximately 15:00, Israeli forces moved into Mothallath al-Aqaba area, south
of Doura, southwest of Hebron. They patrolled the streets and stationed in
Oyoun Abu Saif area. A group of boys gathered and threw stones at Israeli
soldiers, who fired sound bombs and tear gas canisters in response. As a
result, a number of boys suffered tear gas inhalation. Israeli forces withdrew
later, but neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

 

  Sunday, 23
February 2014

At
approximately 01:30, Israeli forces moved into Tafouh village, southwest of
Hebron. They patrolled the streets and raided a house belonging to the family
of Hesham Yusef Erzeiqat. They handed him a summons to refer to the Israeli
intelligence service in “Gosh Etzion” settlement, south of Bethlehem.

 

At
approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into Kofur Qaddoum village, northeast
of Qalqilia. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Obai
Mofeed Ali Ishteiwi (20). They arrested the aforementioned person and took him
to an unknown destination.     

 

Around the
same time, Israeli forces moved into the centre of Halhoul, north of Hebron. They
patrolled the streets and raided a house belonging to the family of Mohammed
Amir Abu Rayan (17). They arrested the aforementioned person and took him to an
unknown destination. At approximately 02:30, Israeli forces patrolled the
streets in the eastern side of the city. They raided and searched a house
belonging to the family of Ahmed Omar Morshed Mansour (18). They arrested him
and took him to an unknown destination.

 

At
approximately 02:30, Israeli forces moved into Kharas village, west of Hebron.
They patrolled the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house
raids nor arrests were reported.

 

Around the
same time, Israeli forces moved into Nouba village, west of Hebron. They
patrolled the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor
arrests were reported.

 

At
approximately 03:00, Israeli forces moved into Bab al-Zawiya area, in the
centre of Hebron. They raided a house belonging to the family of Alaa Ahmed Abu
ajamiya. They handed him a summons to refer to the Israeli intelligence service
in “Gosh Etzion” settlement, south of Bethlehem.

 

At
approximately 11:35, Israeli forces moved into Bedya village, west of Salfit.
They raided a house belonging to the family of Jamal Zaid Aqel (22). They
handed him a summons to refer to the Israeli intelligence service.

 

At
approximately 15:00, Israeli forces with a special unit moved into al-Nabi
Saleh village, northwest of Ramallah. They patrolled the streets, where a group
of boys gathered and threw stones at Israeli soldiers who fired sound bombs,
tear gas canisters, rubber-coated metal bullet and live ammunition. As a
result, 2 civilians were wounded and were taken to Salfit hospital. Moreover, a
number of civilians suffered tear gas inhalation. A 19-year-old male sustained
a bullet wound to the left leg and a 25-year-old-male sustained a bullet wound
to the back of the head.   

 

At
approximately 16:30, Israeli forces moved into Kofur Tholoth village, east of
Qalqilia. They patrolled the streets and took photos of mosques in the village.
Israeli forces withdrew later, but neither house raids nor arrests were
reported.   

 

Monday, 24 February 2014

 

At
approximately 01:00, Israeli forces moved into several neighbourhoods in the
centre of Hebron. They patrolled the streets and raided and searched 2 houses
belonging to the family of Me’bed. Israeli forces arrested Baha’ Mohammed
Hassan (26) and Sari Mohammed Me’bed (25). At approximately 02:00, Israeli
forces moved into the western side of the city and raided and searched a house
belonging to the family of Yehia Mohammed Wa’el Qanibi (18). They arrested the
aforementioned person. In the meanwhile, Israeli forces moved into Eisa
neighbourhood and arrested Ahmed Waddah Shehada (22) and Sofyan Marwan Hadeeb
(16) from their houses. At approximately 03:00, Israeli forces withdrew and
took the 5 arrested to an unknown destination. Israeli forces moved into the
southern area of the city. They searched a store belonging to Metqal
al-Ja’bari.

At
approximately 01:30, Israeli forces moved into the west of Deir Estya,
northwest of Salfit. They stopped Sharaf Dawood Mohammed ‘Ebeid (22), attacked
him to take a photo of him. In addition, they detained his friend Ra’fat Emad
Abdul Majid Diab (18) and released both of them later. At approximately 01:50,
Israeli forces withdrew, but neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

Ra’fat Diab said to PCHR’s fieldworker:

“At
approximately 01:30 on Monday, 24 February 2014, I was sitting with some
friends near a supermarket on the main streets of Deir Estya village. He set
fire as usual and had chats together. One of our friends decided to go home, so
I went with my friend Sharaf Ebeid to get him home. When we returned, we heard
some people but saw nobody because it was dark. We kept walking. Suddenly, an
Israeli soldier appeared out of the dark and caught us while we were walking in
front of the supermarket. They detained me, obliged me to put my hands up and
turn me face against the wall. After a while, they ordered me to go home, but
started beating up my friend Sharaf with gun butts. They detained him for some
time, took a photo of him and released him later. On the following day, Sharaf
told me that he felt pain in the back. Israeli forces withdrew at 01:50 as
shown in the surveillance camera of the supermarket.”

 

Around the
same time, Israeli forces moved into Nablus and Askar refugee camp, northeast
of the city. They raided and searched a number of houses. They arrested Hassan
Ali Sweilem (22) from his family house in Ras al-Ein neighbourhood and took him
to an unknown destination.

 

Also around
the same time, Israeli forces moved into al-Shyoukh village, north of Hebron.
They patrolled the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house
raids nor arrests were reported.

 

At
approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into Sa’ir village, east of Hebron.
They patrolled the streets and raided and searched a house belonging to the
family of Amin Qasem Ed’eis. They handed his son Nidal a summons to refer to
the Israeli intelligence service in “Gosh Etzion” settlement, south
of Bethlehem.

 

At
approximately 02:30, Israeli forces moved into al-Koum village, south of Doura,
southwest of Hebron. They patrolled the streets for some time and withdrew
later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.   

 

At
approximately 03:00, Israeli forces moved into Beit Marsam village, south of Doura,
southwest of Hebron. They patrolled the streets for some time and withdrew
later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

 

At
approximately 07:30, Israeli forces moved into Azzoun village, east of
Qalqilia. They patrolled the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither
house raids nor arrests were reported.

 

At
approximately 08:15, Israeli forces stationed along the border fence, east of
Khan Yunis, in the southern Gaza Strip, opened fire at agricultural lands, east
of al-Qarara to the west of the said fence. However, no casualties were
reported.

 

At
approximately 12:10, Israeli forces moved into Termis’ya village, north of
Ramallah. They patrolled the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither
house raids nor arrests were reported.

 

At
approximately 13:15, Israeli forces moved into Taqou’ village, southeast of
Bethlehem. They patrolled the streets, where school students threw stones at
Israeli soldiers who fired rubber-coated metal bullets and gas canisters in
response. As a result, Khalaf Essa Khalaf Abu Mefreh (31) sustained a bullet
wound to the right leg when he was present around his house. The wounded was
taken to Beit Jala hospital, where medical sources described his wound as
moderate.

 

At
approximately 15:30, Israeli forces moved into al-Nabi Saleh village, northwest
of Ramallah. They patrolled the streets in a provocative manner, where some
boys gathered and threw stones at Israeli soldiers who fired sound bombs, tear
gas canisters and rubber-coated metal bullets in response. As a result, a
number of civilians suffered tear gas inhalation, but neither house raids nor
arrests were reported.

 

At
approximately 16:00, Israeli forces moved into Sheqba village, west of
Ramallah. They patrolled the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither
house raids nor arrests were reported.

 

At
approximately 16:50, Israeli forces moved into Azzoun village, east of
Qalqilia. They patrolled the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither
house raids nor arrests were reported.

Tuesday, 25 February 2014

 

At
approximately 01:00, Israeli forces moved into Nablus. They raided a house
belonging to the family of Osama Maqboul (32), a lawyer in charge of the
administrative detention file at the International Tadamun (Solidarity) for Human
Rights, and arrested him. Israeli forces raided a house belonging to the family
of Nirmeen Salem (39), a secretary at the same organization, and arrested her
as well. Journalist Abdul Rahman Omar Mostafa Awad from the organization said
that Israeli forces took the aforementioned secretary to the third floor of
al-Isra’ building in the centre of Nablus and obliged her to open the office of
the organization. Israeli soldiers searched the office, confiscated 6 PC sets
and documents relevant to Palestinian prisoners and withdrew later.

 

Around
the same time, Israeli forces moved into Rojeeb housing project, east of
Nablus. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of lawyer
Fares Riyadh Abu al-Hassan (47), director of the International Tadamun
(Solidarity) for Human Rights. They blew up the door and arrested the
aforementioned person.

Around the
same time, Israeli forces moved into al-Daheya suburb, southeast of Nablus.
They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of journalist Ahmed
Hamed Suleiman Khdeir (32), researcher at the International Tadamun
(Solidarity) for Human Rights. They blew up the house door and arrested the
aforementioned person as well.

 

At
approximately 01:30, Israeli forces moved into Beit Awwa village, south of
Doura, southwest of Hebron. They patrolled the streets for some time and
withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

 

At
approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into Beit Ummar village, north of
Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Yusef Abdul
Hamid Abu Mariya (39). They arrested the aforementioned person and took him to
an unknown destination.

 

At
approximately 02:30, Israeli forces moved into al-Samou’ village, south of
Hebron. They patrolled the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither
house raids nor arrests were reported.

 

Around the
same time, Israeli forces moved into Bani Na’im village, east of Hebron. They
patrolled the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor
arrests were reported.

 

At
approximately 03:00, Israeli forces moved into al-Ersal neighbourhood in
Ramallah. They patrolled the streets and raided and searched a house belonging
to the family of Mohammed Ahmed Mostafa Zaid (21). They arrested the aforementioned
person and took him to an unknown destination. It should be noted that the
arrested is a commerce student at Birzeit University.

 

Around the
same time, Israeli forces moved into Birzeit village, north of Ramallah. They
patrolled the streets and raided and searched a house belonging to the family
of Mohammed Saleh Ebeid (24). They arrested the aforementioned person and took
him to an unknown destination. It should be noted that the arrested is a media
student at Birzeit University.

 

At
approximately 12:00, a peaceful demonstration organized by young men in the
anniversary of the Ibrahimi mosque massacre in Hebron in 1994. They headed to
Nahal Oz crossing at the eastern borders of Gaza. About 150 persons approached
the access restricted area, east of Gaza City at approximately 13:30 and threw
stones at Israeli soldiers, who fired tear gas canisters and live ammunition in
response. As a result, 2 civilians were wounded:

1. Nasser Maher Rahma (24), a journalist of at Gaza Media
Youth Network. He sustained a bullet wound to the left leg; and

2. Yunis Ibrahim Ahmed al-Mughrabi (23), a media student
at al-Azhar university. He sustained 2 bullet wounds to the legs.

   

At
approximately 15:00, Israeli forces moved into Bab al-Zawiya area, in the
centre of Hebron. They patrolled the streets, where a group of boys gathered
and threw stones and empty bottles at Israeli soldiers who fired sound bombs
and tear gas canisters in response. As a result, a number of civilians suffered
tear gas inhalation. Israeli forces withdrew later, but no arrests were
reported.

 

At
approximately 17:00, Israeli forces moved into Qanoun neighbourhood, east of
Halhoul, north of Hebron. They patrolled the streets and raided and searched a
number of houses from which they arrested 6 civilians, including 2 children.
The arrested were:

1. Alaa’ Ibrahim Salama (27);

2. Mohammed Ali Qashish (26);

3. Emad Ibrahim al-Za’noun (23);

4. Mohammed Belal al-Za’noun (20);

5. Mohammed Khader Abu Raya (17); and

6. Mohammed Khalil Zama’ra (17).

 

At
approximately 18:50, Israeli forces moved into Deir Estya village, northwest of
Salfit. They patrolled the streets for some time and fired flare bombs. In
addition, they raided and searched a number of houses, but no arrests were
reported.

  

 

Wednesday, 26 February 2014

At
approximately 01:20, Israeli forces moved into Azzoun village, east of
Qalqilia. They raided and searched a number of houses. At approximately 03:00,
Israeli forces arrested 3 civilians and took them to an unknown destination.
The arrested were:

1. Hamza Hazem Mohammed Salim (19);

2. Yazan Isma’il Ibrahim Radi (19); and

3. Sinan Ahmed Mojahed Redwan (18).

 

They also
arrested Zaid Hosam Salim (26), but released him later because he suffers from
mental problem.

 

At
approximately 01:30, Israeli forces moved into Tubas. They patrolled the
streets and raided and searched a number of houses from which they arrested
Emad Ibrahim Mostafa Daraghma “al-Shamout” (22) and Omar Mohammed So’oud
Daraghma “Abu Nasser” (23).

 

At
approximately 01:50, Israeli forces moved into Bethlehem. They patrolled the
streets and raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Montaser
Abdul Karim Sadouq (29). They arrested the aforementioned person and took him
to an unknown destination.

 

At
approximately 02:30, Israeli forces moved into Ayda refugee camp, north of
Bethlehem. About 30 soldiers deployed between the houses and raided and
searched a house belonging to the family of Abdul Aziz Hussein Abu Srour (23).
They arrested the aforementioned person and took him to an unknown destination.

At approximately
16:30, Israeli forces moved into Nablus. They patrolled the streets and
arrested Abdul Rahman Mazen Hindiya (25), an engineering student at al-Najah
National university and a leader of the Islamic Bloc at the university. He was
arrested while he was walking in Faysal street in the centre of the city.

 

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 organised 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, 2 protestors, including a paramedic, were wounded during Bil’in protest.
In addition, dozens of civilians suffered tear gas inhalation and other
sustained bruises as they were beaten up by Israeli soldiers.

 

In the same context, 8 civilians, including a child, a
journalist and a human rights activists, were wounded during protests organized
at the entrance of al-Jalazoun refugee camp, north of Ramallah, Selwad village,
northeast of the city, and in the centre of Hebron.

    

 

(PCHR keeps the names of the wounded).

 

Demonstrations against the construction of the
annexation wall and settlement activity

 

Following the Friday Prayer, 21 February 2014, dozens
of Palestinian civilians and international and Israeli human rights defenders
organised a peaceful demonstration in Bil’in, west of Ramallah, in protest at
the construction of the annexation wall and settlement activities. Demonstrators
took the streets raising the Palestinian flags and headed to the liberated
territories near the annexation wall. Israeli forces had closed all the entrances
of the village since the morning in order to prevent Palestinian and
international activists and journalists from participating in the
demonstration. Demonstrators marched adjacent to the cement wall and tried to
cross the fence before Israeli forces that are 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 skunk
water at them and chased them into the olive fields. As a result, dozens of
demonstrators suffered tear gas inhalation, and others sustained bruises as
they were beaten up by Israeli soldiers. In addition, 2 civilians, including a
paramedic, were wounded. Paramedic Mohammed Ahmed Yassin (24) was hit by a gas
canister to the belly and a 20-year-old male sustained a bullet wound to the
right side of the head.

 

On the same day, 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. 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. As a result, many civilians suffered tear gas inhalation and
bruises as they were beaten up by Israeli soldiers.

 

Around the same time, dozens of Palestinian civilians
and Israeli and international human rights defenders organised a peaceful
demonstration, in protest at the construction of the annexation wall and
settlement activities, in Nabi Saleh village, southwest of Ramallah.
Demonstrators took to the streets raising Palestinian flags and chanting
slogans against the occupation and in support of the Palestinian unity
resistance, and then they headed to the lands that the settlers are trying to
gain by force near “Halamish” settlement. Israeli forces closed all the
entrances of the village since the morning to prevent Palestinian and
international activists and journalists from participating in the
demonstration. When they arrived at the land, demonstrators were met by live
bullets, tear gas canisters, rubber-coated steel bullets, sound bombs and skunk
water and were chased into the village. As a result, many civilians suffered
tear gas inhalation and bruises due to being beaten up by Israeli soldiers.

 

Following the Friday prayer, Palestinian civilians and
international activists organised a peaceful demonstration in the centre of Kufor
Qaddoum village, northwest of Qalqilia, and headed towards the eastern entrance
of the village, in protest at the continued closure of the entrance with an
iron gate, since the beginning of the Aqsa Intifada (2000). Clashes erupted between
the demonstrators and Israeli forces that fired sound bombs and tear gas
canisters to prevent them from reaching the aforementioned gate. As a result,
dozens of demonstrators suffered tear gas inhalation and others sustained
bruises as they were beaten up by Israeli soldiers.

 

Other demonstrations:

 

On Friday, 21 February 
2014, 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, 3 civilians, including a child, were wounded.
In addition, dozens of civilians suffered tear gas inhalation. A 21-year-old
male sustained a bullet wound to the right leg, a 20-year-old male sustained a
bullet wound to the right leg and a 16-year-old was hit by a gas canister to
the right hand.

 

On the same day, dozens of Palestinian young men
gathered at the western entrance of Selwad village, northeast of Ramallah on
the road between Selwad village and Yabrod village near Street (60) to throw
stones at the aforementioned street.  As
a result, Israeli soldiers stationed in the area fired live ammunition, rubber-coated
metal bullets, tear gas canisters and sound bombs at them and chased them to
the village.  A 23-year-old male
sustained 2 bullet wounds to the back of the head and right side of the pelvis
as a result.

 

At noon, dozens of Palestinian civilians, activists of
the Youth Forum against Settlement Activity and human rights activists gathered
in front of ‘Ali al-Baka’ mosque, in the center of Hebron, for a demonstration
calling for the opening of Shuhada Street, which has been closed since 1994,
following the Ibrahimi Mosque massacre of 1993 which was committed by Baruch Goldstein, an Israeli
settler, against Muslim worshipers.  The demonstrators headed towards the
entrance of Shuhada Street.  Israeli forces fired sound bombs and tear gas
canisters and arrested 2 demonstrators. They pulled them and attacked them. The
arrested were: Badee’ Mohammed Addeb Dweik (42), popular work activist; and
Wesam Fawzi Lafi al-Najjar (19).

 

In the meantime, a group of youngsters threw stones at
Israeli soldiers in Tale’t al-Zaheda and Bab al-Zawiya areas.  In
response, the Israeli soldiers fired rubber-coated metal bullets, live-bullets,
sound bombs and tear gas canisters at them.  As a result, 4 civilians were
wounded: Mousa Mahmoud Abu Hashhash (59), researcher at B’Tselem,
sustained a bullet wound to the head; Abdul Ghani al-Natcha (34), journalist at
Palmedia agency; sustained a bullet wound to the face; a 19-year-old male
sustained 2 bullet wounds to the left leg and right hand; and a 17-year-old
male sustained a bullet wound to the left leg. Al-Shuhada’ streets has been
closed for 5,000 Palestinians since the Ibrahim mosque massacre in 1994.

 

Journalist Abul Ghani al-Natcha said to PCHR’s
fieldworker:

 

“I was
standing at the entrance of Beersheba street opposite to al-Shuhada’ street. I
fixed my camera on the tripod and put on a press vest, helmet and a muzzle. At
approximately 17:30, Israeli forces started firing gas and smoke canisters in
the area and withdrew towards a checkpoint erected at the entrance of
al-Shuhada’ street. When the demonstration ended, I took off the muzzle. In the
meantime, Israeli soldiers were present about 15 meters away from me. I heard a
gunshot and something hit me in the face near my left eye. I was pushed 2
meters backwards as a result and fell to the ground. I fainted and then woke up
in Hebron hospital. The doctors stitched the wound, but still I cannot see with
my left eye.”

 

Mousa Abu Hashhash, researched at B’Tselem, said to
PCHR’s fieldworker:

 

“I was
standing near  clock square. I put on a
long vest with B’Tselem logo on it and held a camera. I tried to cross the
street heading to the other side, but I heard a gunshot. I felt something had
hit me in the left side of my head. Blood was covering my head. I was taken to
Hebron hospital, where they examined me and stitched the wound.”

 

 

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 for 9 months 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 tonnes of cooking gas into Gaza per day.  This limited quantity is less than half of
the daily needs, which is 200 tonnes 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
benzine led to the aggravation of the crisis as a result of using the gas
cylinder for cars or as an alternative for benzine to run generators.  As a result, the demand for gas further increased.

 

For almost 6 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.

 

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.

 

The Egyptian authorities allow the
population of the Gaza Strip to travel via Rafah International crossing, which
connects the Gaza Strip with the outside world. 
Only limited and specified categories are allowed, including patients,
students, persons that hold residencies in Egypt or abroad, men over 40 years,
females in all ages, children under 18, persons who hold Arab and foreign
nationalities, and members of Arab and international humanitarian
delegations.  Supposedly the crossing
opens seven days a week.  Nowadays, the
crossing is overcrowded due to the prolonged procedures from the Egyptian side,
particularly after closing it for several days over the past weeks due to
Egypt’s security conditions, which has affected the travellers’ movement in
both directions.

 

 

 

Movement at Karm Abu Salem (Kerem
Shalom) crossing

18 – 24 February 2014

 

 

Exports:

 

On
Wednesday, 19 February 2014, Israeli forces allowed the exportation of 137,000
flowers.

On
Sunday, 23 February 2014, Israeli forces allowed the exportation of 7.4 tonnes
of tomato cherries and 152,000 flowers.

On
Monday, 24 February 2014, Israeli forces allowed the exportation of 230
kilograms of garlic leaves and 180 kilograms of mint.

 

Other Imports:

 

 

On
Tuesday, 18 February 2014, Israeli forces allowed the entry of 490 tonnes of
construction aggregate and 236 tonnes of cement for the UNRWA; and 490 tonnes
of construction aggregate, 18 tonnes of construction steel, and 120 tonnes of
cement for the UNDP.  They also allowed
the entry of 97 tonnes of fodders and 546 tonnes of wheat.

On
Wednesday, 19 February 2014, Israeli forces allowed the entry of 160 tonnes of
cement for the UNRWA and allowed the entry of 741 tonnes of fodders and 741 tonnes
of wheat.

On
Thursday, 20 February 2014, Israeli forces allowed the entry of 160 tonnes of
cement the UNRWA and 41 tonnes of cement for the UNDP.  They also allowed the entry of 858 tonnes of
fodders and 273 tonnes of wheat.

On
Sunday, 23 February 2014, Israeli forces allowed the entry of 700 tonnes of
construction aggregate, 316 tonnes of cement and 27 tonnes of white cement for
the UNRWA.  They also allowed the entry
of 702 tonnes of fodders and 195 tonnes of wheat.

On
Monday, 24 February 2014, Israeli forces allowed the entry of 624 tonnes of
fodders and 156 tonnes of wheat

 

Empty Plastic
Containers Returned to Israel via Karm Abu Salem

 

 

On
Tuesday, 18 February 2014, Israeli forces allowed 5 truckloads of empty plastic
containers to be returned via Karm Abu Salem.

On
Wednesday, 19 February 2014, Israeli forces allowed 3 truckloads of empty
plastic containers to be returned via Karm Abu Salem.

On
Thursday, 20 February 2014, Israeli forces allowed 3 truckloads of empty
plastic containers and a truckload of oxygen tubes to be returned via Karm Abu
Salem.

On
Sunday, 23 February 2014, Israeli forces allowed 5 truckloads of empty plastic
containers and a truckload of cartons of wood to be returned via Karm Abu Salem.

On
Monday, 24 February 2014, Israeli forces allowed 3 truckloads of empty plastic
containers and a truckload of oxygen cylinders to be returned via Karm Abu
Salem.

 

 

Beit Hanoun (“Erez”)
crossing, in the north of the Gaza Strip, is dedicated for the movement of
individuals, and links the Gaza Strip with the West Bank.

 

Movement at Beit Hanoun (“Erez”)
crossing

19 – 24 February 2014

 

 

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 07:00 on Thursday, 20 February
2014, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the entrance of Beit Ummar
village, north of Hebron.  At
approximately 07:30, they established another checkpoint at the entrance of
Sa’ir village, northeast of Hebron.  At
approximately 15:00, another checkpoint was established at the northern
entrance of Hebron.  All checkpoints were
later removed, and no arrests were reported.

 

At
approximately 07:00 on Friday, 21 February 2014, Israeli forces established a
checkpoint at the northern entrance of Hebron. 
At approximately 17:00, another checkpoint was established at the
entrance of Ezna, west of Hebron.  The
two checkpoints were later removed, and no arrests were reported.

 

At
approximately 07:30 on Saturday, 22 February 2014, Israeli forces established a
checkpoint at the southern entrance of Halhoul, north of Hebron.  At approximately 15:00, another checkpoint
was established at the entrance of al-Fawwar refugee camp, south of the city.  The two checkpoints were later removed, and
no arrests were reported.

 

At
approximately 07:00 on Sunday, 23 February 2014, Israeli forces established a
checkpoint at the entrance of al-‘Arroub refugee camp, north of Hebron.  Around the same time, they established
another checkpoint at the entrance of Beit ‘Aynoun village, east of the city.  The two checkpoints were later removed, and
no arrests were reported.

 

At
approximately 07:30 on Monday, 24 February 2014, Israeli forces established a
checkpoint at the entrance of al-Fawwar refugee camp, south of the city.  Around the same time, another checkpoint was
established on the main road between Yatta and al-Samou’a village, south of the
city.  At approximately 16:00, they
established a similar checkpoint at entrance of Ezna village (al-Liyah
Triangle).  All checkpoints were later
removed, and no arrests were reported.

 

At
approximately 07:00 on Tuesday, 25 February 2014, Israeli forces established a
checkpoint at the entrance of al-‘Arroub refugee camp, north of Hebron.  At approximately 15:00, another checkpoint
was established at the entrance of Kharsa village, south of Dura southwest of
the city. The two checkpoints were later removed, and no arrests were reported.

 

Ramallah: Israeli forces have continued to
impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians.  At approximately 09:30 on Thursday, 20
February 2014, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the northern entrance
of Birzeit, north of Ramallah.  At
approximately 17:30, they established another checkpoint at the entrance of
Ni’lin village, west of Ramallah.  The
checkpoint was later removed, and no arrests were reported.

 

At
approximately 09:30 on Friday, 21 February 2014, Israeli forces established a
checkpoint at the entrance of ‘Abod village, northwest of Ramallah.  At approximately 11:00, a similar checkpoint
was established another checkpoint at the entrance of al-Tibah village,
northeast of the city.   At approximately
18:30, they established another checkpoint at the entrance of Beit ‘Aor al-Foqa
village, southwest of Ramallah.  All
checkpoints were later removed, and no arrests were reported.

 

At
approximately 10:00 on Saturday, 22 February 2014, Israeli forces established a
checkpoint at the entrance of Kafr ‘Ein village, northwest of Ramallah.  The checkpoint was later removed, and no
arrests were reported.

 

Qalqilya: 
Israeli forces have continued to impose severe restrictions on the
movement of Palestinian civilians.  At
approximately 13:30 on Thursday, 20 February 2014, Israeli forces established a
checkpoint at the western entrance of Amatin village, northeast of
Qalqilya.  At approximately 18:00, a
similar checkpoint was established at the entrance of Jeet village, northeast
of the city.  The Israeli soldiers stationed
at the checkpoint arrested Sa’adi Kamal Dawoud ‘Aqel, from Tulkarm and Rami
Shbeitah from ‘Azoun village, who are both military men at the Palestinian
Police and Intelligence, and later released them.  No other arrests were reported.

 

At approximately 14:50 on Friday, 21 February 2014, Israeli forces
established a checkpoint on Qalqilya-Tulkarm road.  At approximately 18:45, Israeli forces
established another checkpoint at the entrance of ‘Azoun village, east of the
city.  The two checkpoints were later
removed, and no arrests were reported.

 

At approximately 10:30 on Saturday, 22 February 2014, Israeli forces
established a checkpoint at the entrance of Jeet village, northeast of
Qalqilya.  At approximately 19:15,
another checkpoint was established at the eastern entrance of ‘Azoun village,
east of Qalqilya.  At approximately
21:30, they established a similar checkpoint between the villages of ‘Azoun and
Kafr Tholoth.  All checkpoints were later
removed, and no arrests were reported.

 

At approximately 15:50 on Monday, 24 February 2014, Israeli forces
established a checkpoint between the villages of ‘Ezbet Salman and ‘Azoun
‘Etmeh, southeast of Qalqilya.  The
checkpoint was later removed, and no arrests were reported.

 

At approximately 20:30 on Tuesday, 25 February 2014, Israeli forces
established a checkpoint at the entrance of Jinsafout village, east of
Qalqilya.  At approximately 15:00, they
established another checkpoint under the bridge of ‘Azoun village on Tulkarm-Qalqilya
Road.  The two checkpoints were later
removed, and no arrests were reported.

 

Salfit: 
Israeli forces have continued to impose severe restrictions on the
movement of Palestinian civilians.  At
approximately 14:00 on Monday, 24 February 2014, Israeli forces established a
checkpoint between the southern entrance of Kafl Haris and Haris village, north
of Salfit.  At approximately 16:40,
another checkpoint was established at the northern entrance of al-Zawiyah
village, northwest of Salfit.  The two
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 11:00 on Thursday, 20 February 2014, Israeli forces established a
checkpoint on al-Mo’arjat Road between Jericho and Ramallah.  The checkpoint was later removed, and no
arrests were reported.

 

At
approximately 09:00 on Friday, 21 February 2014, Israeli forces established a
checkpoint near the entrance of al-Zbeidat village, north of Jericho.  At approximately 17:00, another checkpoint
was established near the southern entrance of Jericho.  At approximately 18:30, a similar checkpoint
was established near the entrance of Marji Na’ajah village, north of the city.  All checkpoints were later removed, and no
arrests were reported.

 

At
approximately 09:30 on Saturday, 22 February 2014, Israeli forces established near
the entrance of Fasayel village, north of Jericho.  At approximately 15:30, another checkpoint
was established near the southern entrance of the city.  The two checkpoints were later removed, and
no arrests were removed.

 

Arrests near the borderline between
the Gaza Strip and Israel

 

On Thursday evening, 20 February 2014, Israeli forces stationed at the
borderline with Israel in the northern Gaza Strip arrested 3 Palestinian
civilians while they were trying to pass the border in order to enter into
Israel to work there.  The arrested were
identified as: ‘Atta Yousif Hasan Fayyad (18); Mohammed Subhi Hasan Fayyad
(20); and Yosri Ghassan Jebril al-‘Ajrami (19), all from Block 5 in Jabalia
refugee camp.  According to Yousif
Fayyad, he lost his son ‘Atta and his nephew Mohammed on the aforementioned
Thursday, and they did not come back home. 
They left in the early morning, and none knew where they were till he
received a call on his cell phone from the Israeli police telling him that his
son and his nephew are under arrest after passing the northern borders of the
Gaza Strip.  He added that they were
being held in Eshkol prison and that they needed legal assistance.  The family of al’Ajrami said that they
received a call from the Israeli police telling them that their son is arrested
by Israeli authorities and he is now in Eshkol prison, so they have to hire a
lawyer for him.

 

Arrests and Maltreatment at military
checkpoints

 

At approximately
14:00 on Friday, 21 February 2014, Israeli
forces stationed at the entrance of Beit Ummar village, north of Hebron,
arrested Sakher Hisham Khalil Abu Mariyah (23) after detaining the vehicle he
uses for public transportation at the checkpoint established at the entrance of
the village.  He was taken to a military
jeep and then to an unknown destination.

 

At approximately 14:00 on Saturday, 22 February
2014, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the entrance of Jeet village,
northeast of Qalqilya.  They arrested
Sharaf Dawoud ‘Aqel (25), a Palestinian police officer from Kafr Qadoum and
took him to an unknown destination.

 

At approximately
20:15 on the aforementioned day, Israeli forces established a checkpoint in the
centre of Beit Fojjar near the village clinic, southeast of Bethlehem.  They arrested two children while passing by
the area and took them to an unknown destination.  The arrested were identified as Mohammed
Anwar Taqatqa (16) and Shahin Mustafa Shahin (14). 

 

At approximately 15:00 on Sunday, 23 February
2014, Israeli forces deployed in the old city neighborhoods in central Hebron
arrested Ma’moun ‘Adel al-Fakhouri (29) claiming that he has a knife.  They took him to “Karyat Arbaa’” police
station, east of the city.

 

At approximately 13:00 Monday, 24 February 2014, Israeli
forces travelling in a military jeep near 
al-Sawiyah School on the main road, east of Nablus, arrested ‘Issa
Yousif Abu ‘Antar (18) and took him to an unknown destination.

 

At approximately 15:00 on the same day, Israeli forces
deployed in the old city neighbourhoods in Hebron arrested Bader Fadel Abu Madi
(25) and Tamer Mansour al-Rajabi (20) under the pretext of not obeying Israeli
soldiers’ orders and took him to an unknown destination.

       

At approximately 14:00 on Tuesday, 25 February 2014,
Israeli forces stationed at Checkpoint 160 established at the entrance of
al-Rajabi neighbourhood in the centre of the old city in central Hebron
arrested ‘Amer Wajih al-Rajabi (16) and took him to “Ja’abrah” police station
in the centre of the old city.

 

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

 

Attacks carried out by Israeli forces

 

At approximately
09:00 on Thursday, 20 February 2014, Israeli forces backed by 3 military
vehicles and accompanied by vehicles from the Construction and Organization
Department in the Israeli Civil Administration moved into Ezna village, west of
Hebron.  They stationed in Abu Rishah area,
west of the village, and the Construction and Organization officer handed
civilians 3 notices to halt construction work in their own structures under the
pretext of having no construction permit in the areas classified as “C”
according to the 1993 Oslo Agreement.

The notices included the following:

1.  A
   200-square-meter under-construction house comprised of 2 floors; a 150-square-meter
   tin barrack; and another 200-sqaure-meter barrack used for collecting
   scrap belonging to Mohammed ‘Azmi Abu Jheishah;
2.  A
   150-sqaure-meter tin barrack and another one of 250 square meters for
   collecting scrap belonging to ‘Arafat Yousif Abu Jheishah;
3.  A 300-square-meter
   tin barrack for grazing sheep belonging to Sofian Mohammed Abu Jheishah;
   and
4.  A
   60-square-meter tent for collecting scrap belonging to Sofian Mohammed
   Daraghmah.

 

At approximately 10:00 on Tuesday, 25 February 2014,
Israeli forces accompanied by an officer from the Construction and Organization
Department in the Israeli Civil Administration moved into Beit Loqaya,
southwest of Ramallah.  They stationed
near the field of Beit Loqaya Union Club and patrolled to take pictures for the
barracks, wedding hall and steel factory in the area.  The Israeli Civil Administration officer
handed a notice bearing number 160428 to halt construction in a
200-square-meter barrack built of bricks and shaders and roofed with tin.  The barrack is used as a popular café
belonging to Rami Shehadah ‘Asi (26).

At approximately 13:30 on Monday, 26 February 2014,
Israeli forces leveled Palestinian lands belonging to Mesleh Nayef Soliman al-Deek in Kafr Deek village in Deir Abu Sam’aan area, west
of Salfit, in order to establish a road to “Lishim” outpost.  Civilians managed to force the Israeli
bulldozers to stop temporarily working after skirmishing with the Israeli
forces.  Israeli forces have been
leveling the area for four years. 
However, in the evening of the aforementioned day, Israeli bulldozers levelled this land in order to annex it to the
aforementioned outpost.  The owners of
the targeted lands in that area previously headed to the Israeli courts to
submit the papers proving their ownership, no decision has been issued in this
regard.

 

 “Lishim”
outpost, west of Salfit, and established on the lands of Kafr al-Deek and Deir
Ballout, started with new settlement units surrounding the “Deir Sam’aan” archaeological
site, which is sculpted in rocks and a big part of it is located under
earth.  It’s been there for 1600 years
and belongs to the Byzantine civilization. 
The site also includes presses of oil and grape, water wells, arcs, and
mosaic as well as a Roman Church. 
Israeli forces ignored the Israeli courts’ decisions and levelled lands
confiscated by the court’s decision.  Of
these lands is a land belonging to Shuhrat Mustafa Salman al-Deek, and Israeli
forces kept working in it despite the decision issued for the interest of the
aforementioned civilian. Israeli forces till now have levelled around 4
kilometres between the villages of Kafr al-Deek and Deir al-Ballut for the
inetrest of “’Ali Zihaf” settlement and “Lishim” outpost, and they are still
working on annexing much more lands.

 

Attacks carried out by settlers

 

At approximately 08:00 on Saturday,
22 February 2014, a number of settlers from “Beit ‘Ein” settlement established
on the Palestinian lands confiscated from the west of Beit Ummar village, north
of Hebron, threw stones at and insulted Mohammed ‘Abdel Hamid al-Sleibi (78)
and his sons while working in their land in Abu al-Rish area, west of the
village.  As a result, they were forced
to flee for fear of their lives.

 

At approximately 13:50 on the same day, a group of
settlers from “Jel’aad” settlement attacked the residents of Jeet village,
northeast of Qalqilya, after the residents planted olive seedlings in their
lands adjacent to the aforementioned settlement.  According to investigations conducted by
PCHR, when farmers finished planting the seedlings, around 100 settlers
attacked the farmers and chased them into the village.  They smashed the windows of a house belonging
to the family of Mohammed Yousif al-Sakhen and the windows of a vehicle belonging
to ‘Awni Nassar.  They also attacked a
vehicle belonging to Nasim ‘Abdel Qader al-Sedah and smashed its windows.  They then raided a house belonging to the
family of Sami Ahmed ‘Erman and attacked his family members with sticks who as
a result escaped from the house.  The
village residents attempted to confront the settlers’ attack and get them out
of the village.  Meanwhile, Israeli
forces moved into the village and fired tear gas canisters and sound bombs at
the civilians forcing them to get in their houses in order to evacuate settlers
from the village. 

 

 

 

Merwan Yamin, from the Jeet village
council, said to a PCHR fieldworker:

 

“On Saturday afternoon, 22 February 2014, members of an
agricultural association in Nablus called to inform us that they will visit the
council.  At approximately 13:30, the
association members arrived carrying 50 olive seedlings and then we headed with
some civilians and distributed the seedlings in 3 areas.  Once we finished planting in the land of
Mahmoud Mohammed Nasser, which is about 200 meters away from Jel’ad settlement,
the settlers attacked us.  We immediately
fled away to avoid skirmishing with them, but they chased us in their vehicles.
They stormed the village and started attacking houses and vehicles.  They also smashed the windows of the houses
and cars and raided houses and attacked families so it was like war.  The civilians attempted to confront this
attack and held sticks.  They were
chasing settlers when Israeli forces arrived to support them and get them
safely out of the village.”

 

At approximately 14:00 on the same
day, a group of settlers under intensive protection of Israeli forces stormed
the old city markets in central Hebron. 
The settlers threw stones at shops and verbally abused civilians.  The old city in Hebron has recently witnessed
increasing violence perpetrated by settlers living in the outposts of “Beit
Romamo” and “Beit Hadasa”.

 

At approximately 11:00 on Sunday, 23
February 2014, a group of settlers headed by Baroukh Marzel from “Ramat Yishai”
outpost established on the lands confiscated from Tal al-Ramidah neighborhood
in central Hebron stormed the old city markets under heavy guard of the Israeli
forces.  The settlers gathered near the
intersection of al-Sahlah Street and attempted to stop the Palestinian workers
from carrying out rehabilitation works in one of the shops, which belong to
Ghassan ‘Ezz al-Deen Abu Hadid.  The
settlers pushed the workers and tried to attack them, and a number of them put
obstacles in front of the entrance of a shop to prevent the entry of the building
materials.

 

 

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.

 

 

 

 

…………………………………………………………

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.