Weekly Report On Israeli Human Rights Violations in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (22– 28 September 2016)

September 29, 2016

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

(22 – 28 September 2016)

Israeli forces continued to use excessive force in the oPt

– 6 Palestinian civilians, including a child, were wounded in the West Bank and Gaza Strip.

Israeli forces conducted 68 incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank and 15 ones in Jerusalem and its suburbs.
114 civilians, including 16 children, were arrested.
51 of them, including 9 children, were arrested in occupied Jerusalem.
Among the arrested was Jamal al-Natsha, a PLC member from Hamas’ Change and Reform Bloc.

Israeli forces continued their efforts to create Jewish majority in occupied East Jerusalem.
2 residential buildings, a structure attached to a house and a restaurant were demolished under the pretext of non-licensing.
2 civilians were obliged to self-demolish their houses in al-Ashqariya neighbourhood in Beit Hanina, north of occupied Jerusalem.

Israeli forces continued settlement activities in the West Bank.
Israeli forces demolish an old car garage in Hawarah and a livestock barn, east of Beit Dajan village in Nablus.
6 dwellings and 9 livestock barns were demolished in Kherbet al-Hamma in northern Jordan Valley. As a result, 26 civilians, including 14 children, were rendered homeless.

Israeli forces turned the West Bank into cantons and continued to impose the illegal closure on the Gaza Strip for the 9^th
Dozens of temporary checkpoints were established in the West Bank and others were re-established to obstruct the movement of Palestinian civilians.
6 Palestinian civilians were arrested at military checkpoints.

Summary

Israeli violations of international law and international humanitarian law in the oPt continued during the reporting period (22 – 28 September 2016).

Shooting:

Israeli forces have continued to commit crimes, inflicting civilian casualties. They have also continued to use excessive force against Palestinian civilians participating in peaceful protests in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, the majority of whom were youngsters. During the reporting period, Israeli forces wounded 6 Palestinian civilians, including a child, in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. Four of them were in the West Bank and 2 others in the Gaza Strip.

In the West Bank, Israeli forces wounded 3 Palestinian civilians, including a child.

On 22 September 2016, an 18-year-old male sustained a bullet wounded to the right thigh and another bullet wound to the right side, and another 17-year-old male sustained a bullet wound to the left leg when Israeli forces moved into the east of Nablus.

On 23 September 2016, Israeli forces stationed at the entrance to “Givat Kharsina” settlement, east of Hebron, opened fire at Anas Zaidat (14), from Bani Na’im village, east of Hebron, when he was present at a nearby car stop. As a result, he was wounded to the lower limbs and was then transported to an Israeli hospital.

On the same day, an 18-year-old male sustained a bullet wound to the right leg while participating in a protest organized at the western entrance to Silwad village, northeast of Ramallah, in protest against the Israeli policies. The wounded person was transported to Palestine Medical Complec in Ramallah to receive the necessary medical treatment. His wound was classified as moderate.

In the Gaza Strip, on 23 September 2016, Qais Mohammed Baker (40), from al-Shati refugee camp, was wounded when Israeli forces stationed at the border fence, east of al-Shuja’iya neighbourhood, east of Gaza City, opened fire at dozens of Palestinian youngsters who headed to Nahal Oz area in participation of activities supporting Jerusalem.

On the same day, Ayman al-Najjar, (25) sustained a bullet wound to the left leg when Israeli forces stationed at the border fence, southeast of al-Bureij refugee camp, opened fire at dozens of Palestinian youngsters who headed to the area in participation of activities supporting Jerusalem.

Incursions:

During the reporting period, Israeli forces conducted at least 68 military incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank and 15 ones in occupied East Jerusalem and its suburbs. During these incursions, Israeli forces arrested at least 114 Palestinian civilians, including 16 children. Fifty-one of them, including 9 children, were arrested in occupied Jerusalem. Among the arrested was Jamal al-Natsha, member of the Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC) from Hamas’ Change and Reform Bloc.

Creating Jewish Majority in Occupied East Jerusalem:

Concerning house demolitions, on 27 September 2016, the Israeli municipality vehicles demolished 2 residential buildings belonging to Abu al-Hawa family in al-Khelwa area in al-Tour village, east of occupied Jerusalem, under the pretext of non-licensing.

In the same context, Israeli municipality bulldozers demolished on the same day a restaurant in Beit Safafa village, south of East Jerusalem, under the pretext of non-licensing as well. It should be noted the restaurant was built over 20 years ago and offers income to 25 families.

In the evening, Israeli municipality bulldozers demolished parts of a house belonging to Sa’id al-Qassas near “Gilo” settlement under the pretext of non-licensing. It should be noted the demolished part was attached to al-Qassas’ house 18 years ago.

On 18 September 2016, Rami Elwan and Emad Jaber self-demolished their houses in al-Ashqariya neighbourhood in Beit Hanina, north of occupied Jerusalem, upon a decision from the municipality. They self-demolished their houses to avoid the expensive fines imposed on the demolition.

Settlement activities

On 26 September 2016, Israeli forces demolished a container used as an old car garage in southern Nablus.

On the same day, Israeli forces demolished a livestock barrack in the east of Beit Dajan village, east of Nablus, belonging to Sa’ed Abu Jaish.

On 27 September 2016, Israeli forces accompanied by Israeli Civil Administration crew moved into Kherbet al-Hamma in northern Jordan Valley, east of Tubas. They demolished dwellings and barns belonging to families of 5 brothers. As a result, 26 civilians, including 14 children, were rendered homeless.

On the same day, Israeli forces demolished 4 wells in Jouret al-Khail area, east of Sa’ir village, east of Hebron, under the pretext of building without license in area (C) according to Oslo Accords. It should be noted that on 16 August 2016, Israeli forces moved into the same area and demolished 5 houses, sheds and barracks under the pretext of non-licensing as well.

Concerning settler attacks against Palestinian civilians and their property, on 25 September 2016, a group of settlers set fire to an under-construction house in Burin village, south of Nablus, belonging to Dakheel Eid. Fire burnt the walls, wood and construction equipment before the Civil defence could extinguish it.

Restrictions on movement:

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

The illegal closure of the Gaza Strip, which has been steadily tightened since June 2007 has had a disastrous impact on the humanitarian and economic situation in the Gaza Strip. The Israeli authorities impose measures to undermine the freedom of trade, including the basic needs for the Gaza Strip population and the agricultural and industrial products to be exported. For 9 consecutive years, Israel has tightened the land and naval closure to isolate the Gaza Strip from the West Bank, including occupied Jerusalem, and other countries around the world. This resulted in grave violations of the economic, social and cultural rights and a deterioration of living conditions for 1.8 million people. The Israeli authorities have established Karm Abu Salem (Kerem Shaloum) as the sole crossing for imports and exports in order to exercise its control over the Gaza Strip’s economy. They also aim at imposing a complete ban on the Gaza Strip’s exports. The Israeli closure raised the rate of poverty to 38.8%, 21.1% of which suffer from extreme poverty. Moreover, the rate of unemployment increased up to 44%, which reflects the unprecedented economic deterioration in the Gaza Strip.

In the West Bank, Israeli forces continued to suffocate the Palestinian cities and village by imposing military checkpoints around and/or between them. This created “cantons” isolated from each other that hinders the movement of civilians. Moreover, the Palestinian civilians suffering aggravated because of the annexation wall and checkpoints erected on daily basis to catch Palestinians. During the reporting period, Israeli forces arrested 5 Palestinian civilians, including a child, while passing through those checkpoints.

Details

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

Thursday, 22 September 2016

At approximately 00:30, Israeli forces accompanied with military vehicles moved into the eastern side of Nablus to guard dozens of buses carrying settlers to Joseph Tomb. A number of Palestinian Young men gathered and threw stones at the buses. Israeli forces then fired live bullets and rubber-coated metal bullets at them. As a result, an 18-year-old male was hit with a live bullet to the right thigh and a rubber-coated metal bullet to the right side. Additionally, a 17-year-old male was hit with a rubber-coated metal bullet to the left leg. At approximately 02:30, the abovementioned wounded arrived at Rafidia Hospital in Nablus via 2 PRCS ambulances. They were then taken to Tubas’ Turkish Hospital due to lack of beds in the first hospital.

At approximately 01:30, Israeli forces moved into al-Far’a refugee camp, south of Tubas village. They raided and searched houses from which they arrested Sufian Abed al-Jawad al-Ghoul (19), Hamza Saleh Subeh (21), Saher Abdullah ‘Odah and Mohamed Salah Sawalmah (20).

At approximately 03:00, Israeli forces moved into al-Khadir village, south of Bethlehem. They raided and searched houses and then arrested Hussain ‘Odah ‘Isaa (31).

At approximately 03:30, Israeli forces moved into ‘Araba village, south of Jenin. They raided and searched houses from which they arrested Ja’far Fawzi Abu Salah (50) and Hassan Ramzi Abu Salah (39).

At approximately 04:00, Israeli forces moved into Nour Shams refugee camp, east of Tulkarm. They raided and searched houses. At approximately 04:30, they arrested Abed al-Rahman Nimer Khalid al-Ghoul and then withdrew.

At approximately 14:00, Israeli forces moved into al-Balou’ neighborhood in al-Bireh. They raided and searched houses and then arrested Hussain Ahmed Abed al-Mo’ti al-Akhras (42) and took him to Ashkelon prison. Hussain’s wife Eman al-Akhras said to PCHR’s fieldworker that her husband suffers from a work injury that resulted in amputation of his right hand year and a half earlier. He also underwent many surgeries and still receiving medications.

Note:

During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (3) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: al-Shayoukh village and al-‘Aroub refugee camp in Hebron; and Hawarah village, south of Nablus.

Friday,23 September 2016

At approximately 01:00, Israeli forces moved into Bethlehem and stationed in al-Karkafah neighbourhood. They raided and searched houses from which they arrested the two brothers Antoine (20) and George Hannah Abu ‘Atiya (29) and took them to an unknown destination. After that, Israeli forces raided a house belonging to Sameer al-Shantir in al-Saff neighbourhood in the center of the village. They handed Sameer’s son Samer (19) a summons to refer to the Israeli Intelligence Service in “Gosh Etzion” settlement, south of the city. They also raided a house belonging to the journalist Abed al-Rahman Hassan in al-Fawargha neighbourhood and handed him a similar summons.

At approximately 02:30, Israeli forces moved into al-Tabqah village, south of Dura, southwest of Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to Fadi Ali Abu ‘Atwan and handed him a summons to refer to the Israeli Intelligence Service in “Gosh Etzion” settlement, south of Bethlehem. Moreover, they handed Mohamed Abu ‘Atwan (47) a similar summons after raiding his house.

Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Kharsa village, south of Dura, southwest of Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to Abed al-Haleem Mohamed Talahmah (55) and handed his two sons Mohamed and Mahmoud summonses to refer to the Israeli Intelligence Service in “Gosh Etzion” settlement, south of Bethlehem.

At approximately 02:30, Israeli forces moved into al-Dahisha refugee camp, south of Bethlehem. They raided and searched houses from which they arrested Hidar ‘Izaat Abu Dayyah (21), Murad Mohamed al-Zaghawi (21), Sabir Ahmed Ma’ali (27), Foad Fisal Ma’ali (26), Mohamed Zuhair Sha’ban (25) and Mohamed Abed al-Kareem Hajajrah (17).

At approximately 03:30, Israeli forces moved into Sanour village, south of Jenin. They raided and searched houses and then arrested Ridah Jamal Habaybah (25) taking him to an unknown destination.

At approximately 09:00, Israeli forces stationed at the entrance to “Givat Kharsina” settlement, east of Hebron, opened fire at Anas Murad Jamil Zaidat (14), from Bani Na’im village, east of Hebron. They opened fire at Anas while he was present near a car stop. As a result, he was wounded in the lower part of his body and was then referred to a hospital in Israel.

At approximately 17:00, Israeli forces moved into Kafur Qalil village, south of Nablus. They raided and searched houses from which they arrested Ahmed and Mohamed ‘Atiya Mansour (27), (23); ‘Aziz Ma’zouz ‘Amir (19) and Montasir Saleh Mansour (22).

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (3) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: Ethna, Samou’a and Bani Na’iem villages in Hebron.

Saturday, 24 September 2016

At approximately 01:30, Israeli forces moved into Qarawat Bani Hassan village, northwest of Salfit. They raided and searched houses and damaged their contents. At approximately 04:00, they arrested 4 civilians, including a child. The arrested persons were identified as Jihad Rafat Adullah Rayan (16), Mujahid ‘Adnan Mar’I (23), ‘Esam Abed al-Raziq Rayan (40) and ‘Izz al-Deen Na’iem Mar’I (24). Moreover, Israeli forces raided and searched a house belonging to Shehada Abdullah Mahmoud Rayan (40) and damaged its content. Shehada said to PCHR’s fieldworker, “At approximately 01:30 on Thursday, 22 September 2016, I woke up and found Israeli forces had silently entered my house and were questioning my eldest son, while other Israeli soldiers had damaged the house content. We have a bridal shop downstairs; unarmed Israeli soldiers entered to the shop and damaged its content as well. They also damaged my car. After that, Israeli soldiers went to my brother’s house, arrested his son Jihad Rafat Abdullah Rayan (16) and damaged the house content.”

At approximately 02:30, Israeli soldiers moved into al-‘Arouj village, east of Bethlehem. They raided and searched a house belonging to former prisoner Ja’far Abdullah al-‘Arouj (30). They handed him a summons to refer to the Israeli Intelligence Service in “Gosh Etzion” settlement, south of the city.

At approximately 03:00, Israeli forces moved into al-‘Aubaydia village, east of Bethlehem. They raided and searched a house belonging to Majdy Mousa Radaydah (28). They handed him a summons to refer to the Israeli Intelligence Service in “Gosh Etzion” settlement, south of the city.

At approximately 03:20, Israeli forces moved into Bethlehem and stationed in Handaza area. They raided and searched a house belonging to Mohamed Kamel Sha’lan (55). They handed him a summons to refer to the Israeli Intelligence Service in “Gosh Etzion” settlement, south of the city.

At approximately 04:00, Israeli forces moved into al-‘Abiyat area, east of Bethlehem. They raided and searched a house belonging to Abdullah Fathi al-Harimy (23). They handed him a summons to refer to the Israeli Intelligence Service in “Gosh Etzion” settlement, south of the city.

At approximately 04:30, Israeli forces moved into al-‘Asakrah village, east of Bethlehem. They raided and searched a house belonging to former prisoner Khalid Mohamed Ahmed ‘Asakrah (44). They handed him a summons to refer to the Israeli Intelligence Service in “Gosh Etzion” settlement, south of the city.

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (5) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: Jeet village, northeast of Qalqilyia; and Samou’a, Beit Olah and Bani Na’im villages in Hebron.

Sunday, 25 September 2016

At approximately 01:30, Israeli forces moved into al-‘Aroub refugee camp, north of Hebron, and stationed near an UNRWA Distribution Office. They raided and searched houses from which they arrested 5 civilians, including two children. The arrested persons were identified as: Laith Mohamed Banat (16), Saif Saleem Rushdi (17), Anas Amjad Jawabrah (21), Mohamed Nidal Abu Ghazi (20) and Murad Yousef Abu Ghazi (19).

At approximately 03:00, Israeli forces moved into Bani Na’iem village, east of Hebron, and stationed in al-Matinah area. They raided and searched a house belonging to Mohamed Mahmoud al-Khour and arrested him.

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (3) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: Beit ‘Awaa and Deir Samet villages in Hebron and Bita village, south of Nablus.

Monday, 26 September 2016

At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into Nablus and ‘Ain Beit Maa’ camp, west of the city. They raided and searched houses and then arrested Marsail ‘Alaa Mahmoud al-Salhi (23).

Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into ‘Araba village, south of Jenin. They raided and searched houses and damaged their contents. They also arrested Ja’far Fawzi Abu Salah (49) and Hassan Ramazi Abu Salah (39).

Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Jenin. They raided and searched houses from which they arrested Mohamed Ameen Baker al-‘Omari (30), Ahmed Mohamed ‘Arafat ‘Assaf (48), Mohamed Abdullah Harb and Omar Bayan ‘Abed.

Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into ‘Ayidah refugee camp, north of Bethlehem. They raided and searched houses and then arrested Ibrahim Mohamed Hassan Abu Sorour (13).

Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Yatta village, south of Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to Yunis ‘Ayish Zain (56) and no arrests were reported. Moreover, they moved into Farsh al-Hawa area, where they searched a number of empty graves and leveled agricultural lands. They also arrested ‘Isaa Talab Abu Fanous (37) and ‘Atif Mahmoud Raba’ (43) and then withdrew.

At approximately 02:30, Israeli forces moved into al-Sawiya village, southeast of Nablus. They raided and searched houses and then arrested Dahman Foad Ahmed Salman Jazi (30).

Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into al-‘Aroub refugee camp, north of Hebron, and stationed near an UNRWA Distribution Office. They raided an searched houses belonging to Hassaniya and Jabreen families and no arrests were reported. After that, other Israeli soldiers raided and searched a house belonging to Jundiya family and arrested Wadee’ Nasir al-Jundi (17).

At approximately 03:00, Israeli forces moved into Bethlehem and stationed in al-Saff street in the center of the city. They raided and searched houses and then arrested Ahmed Bassam al-Shayikh (22).

Note:

During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (8) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: al-Dahiryia, Tafouh, Shoyoukh al-‘Aroub, Kherbit Faqiqis villages and al-Fawar refugee camp in Hebron; Badiya village, northwest of Salfit and Hares village, north of the city.

Wednesday, 27 September 2016

At approximately 01:00, Israeli forces moved into al-Dahiriya village, south of Hebron, and stationed in al-Mashrou’ area. They raided and searched a shop belonging to Mohamed Farouq al-Jabareen but no confiscations were reported.

At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into al-‘Ezza refugee camp, north of Bethlehem. They raided and searched a house belonging to former prisoner Mo’az Abed al-Jabar Abu Tarboush (30) and arrested him.

At approximately 03:00, Israeli forces accompanied with military vehicles moved into Qabatia village, south of Jenin, and raided and searched houses. At approximately 03:30, they raided and searched a shop belonging to Moayed Mahmoud Omar Zakarnah (34) and damaged its content. Zakarnah said to PCHR’s fieldworker, Israeli forces damaged the shop content that was estimated at NIS 10.000. At approximately 04:30, Israeli forces raided a house belonging to Ibrahim Mohamed Sowati (25) and arrested him.

Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into al-‘Aroub refugee camp, north of Hebron, and stationed near an UNRWA Distribution Office. They raided and searched two houses belonging to Mohamed Nabil al-Qieq (19) and Amr Amja al-Hadoush (20) and then arrested them.

Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into ‘Ayida refugee camp, north of Bethlehem. They raided and searched two houses belonging to Shadi Mohamed al-Badawnah (24) and ‘Amar Mostafa Abu ‘Akir (26) and then arrested them.

At approximately 04:00, Israeli forces moved into al-Khadir village, south of Bethlehem. They raided and searched a house belonging to former prisoner Yousef Sayil ‘Isaa (27) and then arrested him.

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (4) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: al-Zawyia village, northwest of Salfit; Ethna and Sureef villages and Wad al-Hariya area in Hebron.

Thursday, 28 September 2016

At approximately 01:00, Israeli forces moved into several neighbourhoods in Hebron. They raided and searched houses in ‘Ain Sarah, Abu Katilah and Namirah neighbourhoods from which they arrested 4 civilians. The arrested persons were identified as a Palestinian Legislative Council member (PLC) Jamal Mohamed al-Natsha; “Mohamed Kayid” As’ad Imam (54); Saied Mahmoud Zaghir and ‘Alaa Mohamed Abu Nijmah (44).

At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into al-‘Aroub refugee camp, north of Hebron, and stationed near an UNRWA Distribution Office. They raided and searched a house belonging to Abed al-Qadir al-Titi (28) and then arrested him.

At approximately 02:25, Israeli forces moved into Nour Shams refugee camp, east of Tulkarm. They raided and searched houses from which they arrested Samir ‘Odai Mahmoud Jabir (19) and Wisam Mohamed Ali (27).

At approximately 03:00, Israeli forces moved into Qabatia village, south of Jenin. They raided and searched houses from which they arrested Suhaib Abed al-Raouf Naji Kamil (20), Mohamed Basam Abed al-Raouf Kamil (23) and Suhaib Abed al-Hamid Mohamed Abu al-Rub (21).

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (4) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: Bani Na’iem ,Samou’a, Abu al-‘Asjah and al-Tabaqah villages in Hebron.

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

West Bank:

On Friday, 23 September 2016, dozens of Palestinian young men organized a protest against the Israeli policies in the oPt at the western entrance to Silwad village, northeast of Ramallah. Protesters set fire to tiers and threw stones and Molotov Cocktails at them. Israeli forces fired live bullets, rubber-coated metal bullets, tear gas canisters and sound bombs in response. As a result, an 18-year-old male was hit with a rubber-coated metal bullet to the right leg and was then taken to Palestine Medical Complex to receive medical treatment.

Following the Friday prayer, Palestinian civilians and Israeli and international human rights defenders organized protests in Bil’in and Ni’lin villages, west of Ramallah; al-Nabi Saleh village, northwest of the city and Kufor Qaddoum village, northeast of Qalqiliya. Israeli forces forcibly dispersed the protests, firing live and rubber-coated metal bullets, tear gas canisters and sound bombs. They also chased protesters into olive fields and between houses. As a result, some of the protesters suffered tear gas inhalation while others sustained bruises as Israeli soldiers beat them up.

At approximately 15:20 on Sunday, 25 September 2016, a demonstration headed to the lands in ‘Iraq al-Toutah in Deir Balout, west of Salfit, in protest against levelling those lands to annex to “Lishin” Settlement. The Israeli company, which works in the site, removed the barbed wires separating the settlement from other lands and levelled and confiscated new dumdums. These lands to be confiscated belong to Idris Jubarah Mahmoud ‘Abdullah; ‘Amer Yousif Mahmod ‘Abdullah; ‘Ahed Mousa Saleh ‘Abdullah; Mahmoud Hussein ‘Abdullah and Ahmed Hadrous ‘Abed Salman. The aforementioned civilians headed to where the bulldozers were levelling and stood in front of them in protest against the confiscation. Although there were identification papers proving the ownership in addition to an Israeli decision issued to prevent seizing them after the owners filed a case regarding previous attempts to annex these lands to the aforementioned settlement, the bulldozers continued their work in the site. The Israeli company then called in the Israeli forces and police. The Israeli forces arrived and fired sound bombs and tear gas canisters at the Palestinian civilians, causing gas inhalation. The Israeli forces also arrested ‘Amer Yousif Mahmoud ‘Abdullah (50) after protesting against the levelling and standing in front of the bulldozers and put him in a military vehicle. After the vehicle rolled over in the aforementioned site, ‘Abdullah was wounded and transferred to a hospital in Israel for treatment. At approximately 12:30 on the next day, he was released. The leveling is ongoing in the site.

Gaza Strip

At approximately 15:00 on Friday, 23 September 2016, Israeli forces stationed at the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel, east of al-Shuja’iya, east of a Gaza City, fired live bullets and rubber-coated metal bullets at Palestinian young men, while heading to Nahal ‘Oz area, east of al-Shuja’iya participating in activities to support Jerusalem. The activities continued until 18:00. At approximately 17:15, Qays Mohamed Abed al-Raouf Baker (40), from al-Shati camp, was hit with a live bullet to the thigh (entered and exited) and was then taken to al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City, where medical sources classified his wounds as serious.

At approximately 15:30, on Friday, dozens of Palestinian young men headed to the border fence between Gaza Strip and Israel, south of al-Burij refugee camp. They threw stones at Israeli soldiers, who fired live bullets and tear-gas canisters at them. As a result, Ayman Ali Hasan al-Najar (25) was hit with a live bullet to the left leg and was then taken to al-Aqsa Hospital, where medical sources classified his wounds as moderate.

Continued closure of the oPt

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

Gaza Strip

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

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

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

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

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

Note:

PCHR apologizes for not publishing the Karm Abu Salem crossing table this week and will publish it next week due to technical reasons

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

21 – 27 September 2016

Category	21September	22 September	23 September	24 September	25 September	26 September	27 September
Patients	60	50	2	–	84	47	47
Companions	53	45	2	–	76	75	67
Personal needs	40	103	20	–	35	33	42
Families of prisoners	–	–	–	–	–	38	–
Arabs from Israel	1	18	18	–	26	5	22
Diplomats	1	1	–	–	–	1	1
International journalists	–	–	–	–	–	–	–
International workers	44	58	16	–	7	37	33
Travelers Abroad	–	1	–	–	1	–	6
Business people	288	286	4	2	387	331	291
Business meetings	–	–	–	–	–	–	–
Security interviews	–	4	–	–	4	3	3
VIPs	1	2	–	–	1	5	5
Ambulances to Israel	7	7	1	–	6	3	1
Patients’ Companions	7	6	1	–	6	3	1

Notes:

On Friday, 23 September 2016, Israeli forces allowed 214 persons from the Gaza Strip to perform prayers in al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem.
On Wednesday, 21 September 2016, Israeli forces allowed one person to renew his permit.

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

Hebron: Israeli forces established (21) checkpoints all over the city.

On Thursday, 22 September 2016, Israeli forces established 3 checkpoints at the entrances to Beit Ommer and Sa’ir villages and al-Fawar refugee camp.

On Friday, 23 September 2016, Israeli forces established 4 checkpoints at the entrance to al-Fawar refugee camp, Ethna, al-Kum and Kharsa villages.

On Saturday, 24 September 2016, Israeli forces established 3 checkpoints at the entrances to Beit Kahel, al-Thaheriyah and Beit Ommer villages.

On Sunday, 25 September 2016, Israeli forces established 3 checkpoints at the entrances to Yatta, Halhoul and Ethna village.

On Monday, 26 September 2016, Israeli forces established 4 checkpoints Beit Awa road, the entrance to Rabud village, the entrance to Bani Na’im village, and the southern entrance to Hebron.

On Tuesday, 27 September 2016, Israeli forces established 4 checkpoints at the entrance to Sa’ir village, Farsh al-Hawa road, the southern entrance to Hebron (al-Haraieq) and Kharsa road.

Nablus:

At approximately 17:30 on Sunday, 25 September 2016, Israeli forces used a bulldozer to close the road that leads to Burin village that is near “Yitzhar” bypass road with sand barriers. At approximately 20:30, Israeli forces closed Hawarah checkpoint from both sides in front of Palestinian civilians and detained their cars until late hour. At approximately 22:30, Israeli forces closed again the main entrance to Beta village with sand barriers and cement cubes after civilians opened it at the afternoon of the abovementioned day. They also closed Awdala- ‘Ourta road after civilians opened it again.

Qalqiliyah: Israeli forces established (5) checkpoints all over the city

At approximately 19:30 on Thursday, 22 September 2016, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the entrance to ‘Azoun village east of Qalqiliyah. They prevented traffic by closing the main Iron Gate established on the abovementioned entrance claiming that some anonymous persons threw a Molotov cocktail at settlers’ cars passing through the main road linking between Qalqiliyah and Nablus. The checkpoint was removed later.

At approximately 18:00 on Friday, 23 September 2016, Israeli forces established a checkpoint under the bridge of Azoun village, east of Qalqiliyah on the road that link between Qalqiliyah and Tulkarm. At approximately 21:30, they established a similar checkpoint at the entrance to Jeet village, northeast of the city.

On Sunday, 26 September 2016, Israeli forces established 3 checkpoints at the eastern entrance to Qalqiliyah and the entrance to Azoun village, east of the city at the main road between Qalqiliyah-Tulkarm Road.

Salfit:

At approximately 20:30 on Thursday, 22 September 2016, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the northern entrance to Salfit.

At approximately 11:45, they established a similar checkpoint at the entrance to Bani Qarawet Bani Hassan village, northwest of the city.

Jenin:

At approximately 19:10 on Saturday, 24 September 2016, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the crossroad of ‘Arabah village, south of Jenin. At approximately 20:30, the checkpoint was removed and no arrests were reported.

Arrests at military checkpoints:

At approximately 11:00 on Thursday, 22 September 2016, Israeli forces deployed few days ago in the neighbourhoods of the southern area in Hebron, arrested Amjad Ali al-Rajbi (22) when he was near his house in Jahae Mount neighbourhood.

At approximately 03:00 on Saturday, 24 September 2016, Israeli forces stationed at Enab checkpoint established on the main road linking between Tulkarm and Nablus, east of Nabus, has tightened its arbitrary measures against Palestinians and obstructed their way through the checkpoint. They then arrested Mohammed Fayez Ahmed ‘Oufi (25) and ‘Adi Mahmud Abdullah (35).

At approximately 19:00 on Sunday, 26 September 2016, Israeli forces stationed at the container checkpoint, northeast of Bethlehem, arrested Emad Nael Erhimi (24) from Beit Rema village, northwest of Ramallah.

At approximately 15:00, Israeli forces established a checkpoint into the south of Qabatiyah village, southeast of Jenin. The soldiers stopped a car, searched it and checked the passengers ID card. They then arrested Tarrad Hashem Awad Salah (32). It should be mentioned that Tarrad is a member at the Palestinian police service. He was arrested in 2004 and spent 4 years in prison.

At approximately 16:00, Israeli forces arrested Motaz Adel Atiyah Abu Znaid (19) after they detained him at a checkpoint established at the entrance to Kharsa village, south of Dora, southwest of Hebron.

Maltreatment at Checkpoints:

At approximately 14:00 on Sunday, 25 September 2016, Mohammed Majli Abdul Jabbar Essa (50) from Qaryout village, southeast of Nablus, was maltreated by 4 Israeli border guard soldiers. He was found with a broken leg 20 meters away from the annexation wall from which he fell near ‘Azoun Etmah village, west of Qalqiliyah. Essa os staying at Rafidia Governmental Hospital in Nablus waiting for his surgery as he suffers from a fracture in his leg and laceration in the heel bone after falling off the wall and being beaten and maltreated.

Mohammed said to PCHR’s fieldworker that:

“At approximately 13:30 on Sunday, 25 September 2016, I arrived at Azoun Etmah village, west of Qalqiliyah. We stopped near a super market where Palestinian workers gather to cross the annexation, which is around 6 – 7 meters high, to work inside Israel. I headed along with 4 other workers and a guide to show us the way that would take about an hour on feet so that we can reach a point of which we go up to the wall. We arrived at the above-mentioned point, a man went up on a wooden ladder and then I went after him. When I was on the wall and began moving down to the other side via a smooth iron pipe, I could not control my movement as I weight around 105 kilograms. I fell off the wall and rolled and broke my leg. After that, I stayed on my back near a road where Israeli jeeps guarding the wall were patrolling in the area. Around 10 minutes later, a jeep arrived and 4 soldiers got off it. They pointed their weapons to my face, shouting “terrorist”. I said to them that I am a worker and fell off the wall to break my leg. They did not believe me and started beating me and shouting: where is the knife? They kicked me on my broken leg. I turned to my left side to protect my broken leg after I suffered severe pain. The soldiers then hit me with the riffle’s butt on my back after which they left me on the ground and withdrew.”

Following that, a car belonging to the settlements’ guards came and Mohammed told them what happened. They called for a military ambulance which took him to the West Bank. He was transported to another ambulance belonging to the Palestinian Red Crescent Society (PRCS) that took him to Rafidia Hospital in Nablus.

Efforts to Create Jewish majority

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

At approximately 01:00 on Thursday, 22 September 2016, large Israeli forces moved into Shu’fat refugee camp, north of Jerusalem’s Old City, through the annexation wall’s Gate in al-Harah al-Tahtah area in the camp. The soldiers stationed in Ras Shehadah and al-Harah al-Tahtah areas. They raided and searched several houses and attacked the inhabitants. They then arrested 4 civilians namely: Mohammed Jamal Salah (26), Sam Zeyad al-A’raj (23), Momen Mafarjah (22) and Nasser al-Tursh (21).

At approximately 04:00, Israeli forces moved into Abu Dese village, east of East Jerusalem. They raided and searched a number of houses after which they arrested Omer Salah Halabi (17).

At approximately 02:00 on Sunday, 25 September 2016, large Israeli forces moved into Shu’fat refugee camp, north of Jerusalem’s Old City through the Gate of the annexation wall in al-Harah al-Tahtah area in the camp. The soldiers stationed in Ras Khamis and al-Harah al-Tahtah areas where they raided and searched several houses. Young men of the camp threw fireworks at the soldiers, who immediately heavily fired fireworks in response. As a result, a number of cars’ windows were broken whereas fire broke out in al-Razi kindergarten. Moreover, Israeli forces arrested 3 civilians, including a child namely: Fayez Hamdan Masalmah (17), Ibrahim Omer Lutfi (19) and Anas al-Rajbi (22).

At approximately 01:00 on Monday, 26 September 2016, Israeli forces moved into Abu Dese village, east of East Jerusalem. They raided and searched several houses after which they arrested Khalil Mohammed ‘Eraiqat.

At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into al-Isawiyah village, northeast of Jerusalem. The soldiers stationed in Mahmud al-Sharqi neighbourhood. They raided and searched several houses after which they arrested 5 civilians namely: Mohammed Adnan Tutah (23), Mohammed Haitham Mahmud, Fayez Muhaisen, Mohmud Ali Obaid (23) and Ali Bader (22).

At approximately 04:00, Israeli forces moved into al-Mukaber Mount village, southeast of East Jerusalem. They raided and searched several houses after which they arrested Nader Naji (16).

At approximately 07:30, Israeli forces raided and searched a house belonging to Sufian Fakhri Abdu (37) in al-Mukaber Mount village, southeast of Jerusalem. The then handed him a summons to investigate with him on Wednesday, 28 September 2016. It should be noted that Sufian was lately released after spending 14 years in prison.

At approximately 02:00 on Tuesday, 27 September 2016, Israeli forces moved into Shu’fat refugee camp, north of Jerusalem’s Old City. They raided and searched several houses after which they arrested 3 civilians namely: Dawoud al-Rashq (51), Yusuf Ahmed Taha (27) and Mahmud Khalifah.

At approximately 04:00, Israeli forces moved into Hutta Gate neighbourhood in the Old City in East Jerusalem. They raided and searched a number of houses after which they arrested 3 civilians namely: Mohammed Akram Hazinah (19), Ahmed al-Shawish (20) and Rami al-Fakhuri (19).

At approximately 16:00, Israeli forces moved into al-Isawiyah village, northeast of East Jerusalem. They raided and searched a grocery shop belonging to Ayman Lutfi Dari (29) and then arrested him.

At approximately 17:00, Israeli forces moved into al-Mukaber Mount, east of East Jerusalem. They raided and searched a house belonging to Khaled ‘Ouaisat and then arrested his son Ali (16).

At approximately 01:00 on Wednesday, 28 September 2016, Israeli forces moved into Shu’fat refugee camp, north of the Old City in East Jerusalem. They raided and searched a number of houses after which they arrested 12 civilians, including 3 children (PCHR keeps the name of the arrested civilians).

At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into Qalandiyah refugee camp, north of East of Jerusalem. They raided and searched a number of houses after which they arrested 3 civilians namely: Ahmed al-Kesbah (24), Fares Aslan (25) and Husam al-Jamzawi. They also handed a summons to Khalil Qayalah (54) and his 3 sons (Omer, Mohammed and Yahia) to refer to the Israeli intelligence service for interrogation.

At approximately 03:00, Israeli forces moved into Abu Dis village, east of Jerusalem. They raided and searched several houses and then arrested Khalil Atah Qrai’ (18).

Settlement activities and attacks by settlers against Palestinian civilians and property

Israeli Forces Attacks:

At approximately 05:00 on Monday, 26 September 2016, Israeli forces accompanied with several military jeeps, a digger and bulldozer moved into Bita Intersection branching of Nablus-Ramallah Street, south of Nablus. They demolished a container that was used as an old car garage 7 years ago belonging to Salamah Mohammed Suleiman Saleem (45) and Osama Abdullah Shuhadah Khmous (44) from Hawarah village.

Salamah Mohammed Soliman Salim said to PCHR’s fieldworker that:

“At approximately 05:00 on Monday, 26 September 2016, I was near my house in Hawarah village, south of Nablus when I received a call from my neighbours, telling me that Israeli forces demolished the old car garage that I own located at Bita village intersection. I immediately went there to find a bulldozer and digger demolishing the garage, which is a tinplate container, over the equipment. I went near the soldiers and asked them why they demolished the garage, but they stopped me aside and checked my ID card. I told them that I own the garage and asked them again why they demolished it and they said it was located in area (C) where Palestinians are denied access.”

At approximately 06:00, Israeli forces accompanied with 6 military jeeps, a car belonging to the Civil Administration and 2 bulldozers moved into al-Hamamrah and Jeb al-Namer areas, east of Beit Dajan village, east of Nablus. The 2 bulldozers demolished a barrack belonging to Saed Ahmed Abdul Kareem Abu Jaish. The 250-square-meter barrack was used as a sheep barn and built of bricks and cement with a tinplate roof.

At approximately 11:00, a military bulldozer under the Israeli forces protection demolished about 2 meters along a land opposite to a military watchtower established at the entrance to Beit Ommer village, north of Hebron, claiming to widen the street. The land belonging to Mohammed Ahmed Yunis Abu ‘Ayash. It should be mentioned that the Israeli forces closed the entrance to the village for days and carried out widening works for the abovementioned tower. They also established high concrete walls, obstructing the movement of civilians.

At approximately 06:00 on Tuesday, 27 September 2016, Israeli forces accompanied with several military jeeps, a bulldozer and digger moved into Juret al-Khail area, east of Sa’ir village, east of Hebron. They stationed between houses while members of the border guard police and the Israeli forces deployed in the area. They demolished 4 water wells used for drinking and irrigation under the pretext of building without a license in area (c). Most of the wells were funded by The Youth Men Christians Association (YMCA) for civilians. It should be noted that the Israeli forces raided the abovementioned Kherbah on 16 August 2016 and demolished 5 houses, sheds and Barracks under the pretext of building without a license. These water wells belong to the following:

Zeyad Mahmud Abdul Mahdi Shalaldah (50), a 140-cubic-meter well.
Ahmed Mohammed Mustafa Shalaldah (53), a 150-cubic-meter well.
Nabil Shuhadah Abdul Hadi Shalaldah (50), a 80-cubic meter well.
Ibrahim Mohammed Mustafa Shalaldah (54), a 140-cubic-meter well.

At approximately, 08:30 on Tuesday, 27 September 2016, Israeli forces accompanied with 6 military jeeps, a car of the Civil Administration and 2 bulldozers moved into Kherbet al-Hammah in the northern valleys, east of Tubas. The 2 bulldozers demolished 6 dwellings and 9 sheep barns belonging to 5 brothers. As a result, 26 civilians, including 14 children, became homeless. The demolition was as follows:

Family of Mahmud ‘Awad Ayoub comprised of 8 members, including 5 children: 60-square-meter residential tent, 60-square-meter residential barrack built of tin plates, 300-square-meter livestock barrack, 500-square-meter sheep barn, animal’s feed store, mobile bathroom, 20-square-meter kitchen, oven and solar cell.
Family of Rasmi Mahmud ‘Awad Ayoub comprised of 6 members, including 3 children: 60-square-meter residential tent, 300-square-meter livestock barrack, 100-square-meter sheep barn, 60-square-meter animal’s feed store, 20-square-meter kitchen, 4 feeding equipment, 4 watering equipment and 10 barriers.

Family Mahmud ‘Awad Ayoub comprised of 6 members, including 4 children: A 60-square-meter residential tent, 100-square-meter sheep barn, bathroom and 5 barriers.
Family of Walid Mahmud ‘Awad Ayoub comprised of 4 members, including 2 children: 6-square-meter residential tent, 60-sqauar-meter sheep barn, bathroom, 15 barriers.
Family Basem Mahmud ‘Awad Ayoub comprised of 2 members. Israeli forces demolished: 60-square-meter residential tent, 60-square-meter sheep barn, bathroom and 10 barriers.

Israeli Settlers Attacks:

On Sunday, 25 September 2016, a group of settlers moved from “‘Arousah” settlement outpost established on the lands of Burin village, south of Nablus, set fire to an under-construction house belonging to Dakhil Abdullah Eid. The house is located in area “B” around 600 meters away from the settlement outpost. The fire caught the house walls, wooden planks and equipment for the construction before the civil defence crews could extinguish it.

House demolitions and demolition notices:

On Tuesday morning, 27 September 2016, Israeli municipality crews demolished 2 buildings belonging to Abu al-Hawa family in al-Khulwa area in al-Tur village, east of east Jerusalem, under the pretext of building without a licence. The 2 buildings belong to 3 brothers namely Tayseer, Ahmed and Jaser abu al-Hawa, and were built in 2010. The two buildings; each building comprised of 2 floors, were built on an area of around 180 square meters. Tayseer Abulhawa, Samir Ahmad Bassa and Tahseen Shweiki live in three apartments while a tenant was leasing the fourth apartment and left few months ago.

Abu al-Hawa family said to PCHR’s fieldworker that the municipality crews demolished the buildings without any prior warning. They moved into the area the previous day and checked the construction. Municipality crews were informed that the family’s lawyer was able to postpone the demolition order two months ago for 6 month. The lawyer had submitted a request to the municipality yesterday to hold an urgent session; it was scheduled for this morning but the municipality crews and Israeli forces raided the area and executed the demolition and displaced 13 individuals.

Abu al-Hawa family added that building violation fines were imposed on the two buildings. One was 150 thousand NIS while the other was 130 thousand NIS. The family was committed to paying the monthly payment in order to avoid demolishing the buildings while attempting to obtain a building permit at the same time.

Dr Tayseer Abulhawa and his family of 6 members lived in one apartment in the first building while the tenant who was leasing the second apartment moved out few months ago. Tahseen Shweiki, his wife and their child as well as Samir Ahmad Bassa and his family of 7 members lived in the second building; Shweiki and Bassa families have been living in the building for 4 years after renting it from Abu al-Hawa family.

In the same context, at approximately 14:00, Israeli municipality crews demolished the “Mediterranean Sea” restaurant in Beit Safafa village, south of East Jerusalem, under the pretext of building without a license. Emad Barqan, owner of the restaurant, said to PCHR’s fieldworker that the municipality crews accompanied with special forces raided emptied and demolished his restaurant without a prior warning. The 130-square-meter restaurant established 20 years ago was built of steel, brick and glass, and 25 families make their living of it. It should be mentioned that the municipality demolished parts of the restaurant at the beggining of this year under the pretext of building without a license.

At approximately 16:00, Israeli municipality bulldozers demolished parts of a house belonging to Saed al-Qassas near “Gilo” settlement established on lands of Beit Jala under the pretext of building without a license.

Saed said to a PCHR’s fieldworker that the municipality crews and bulldozers raided his house on Tuesday afternoon. They forced the family members to leave the house, take out some of the furniture and demolished the house over the rest of the furniture. He emphasized that the municipality bulldozers demolished 80-square-meter hall and room he attached to the house 18 years ago. The house sheltered 8 family members, including a child. Saed added that the municipality raided the house in 2014 and were after the family in courts to apply the demolition decision for the added structures and impose a construction fine of around NIS 21,000. The family was committed to paying the fine in order to avoid demolishing the house. The demolition decision was delayed, but during Ramadan, the municipality crews raided the area, took photos of the added structures and then demolished them on the abovementioned day without a prior warning.

On Wednesday evening, 28 September 2016, Rami Elwan and Emad Jaber self-demolished their houses in al-Ashqariyah neighborhood in Beit Hanenah neighborhood, north of Jerusalem, in implementation of the Israeli municipality decision and in order not to pay expensive demolition costs. Emad Jaber said to PCHR’s fieldworker that he had to rent a bulldozer to self-demolish his house as the given period of time by the municipality for applying the demolition ended. He mentioned that his 80-square-meter house, which was built in 2006, is comprised of 3 rooms, a kitchen and bathroom where he and his family comprised of his wife and 4 children (the eldest son is 12 years and the youngest is 6 years) used to live. When Emad finished building his house 10 years ago, the municipality crews raided the houses and summoned him to their office in West Jerusalem. They handed him an administrative demolition decision, but his lawyer was delaying the decision during the previous years. However, the Israeli court issued a decision 5 months ago to demolish his house and gave him a period of time until the abovementioned day to apply the demolition, or else, the municipality would demolish it and impose a financial fine of around NIS 70,000- 80, 000. Emad also said that the municipality imposed 2 construction fines; the first was of around NIS 45,000 while the second was around NIS 22,000.

As for Rami Elwan, he said to PCHR’s fieldworker that he self-demolished his house after the Israeli municipality gave him until the end of this month to apply the demolition decision. He said that his 350-square-meter house of 2 floors was built in 2013 where he and his wife and 7 children (the eldest son is 13 years while the youngest is 4 years) lived. Rami emphasized that the municipality imposed a construction fine on him of around NIS 117,000 as he attempted to obtain a construction license for his house, but the municipality rejected his appeal and issued a decision to demolish the house. The Magistrate Court, District Court and High Court approved the decision. Moreover, Rami suffered a fracture in his leg after a pillar of his house fell on his leg during the demolition.

Recommendations to the International Community

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

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

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

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Public Document

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