Jerusalem
– Israeli forces demolished 2 houses belonging to al-Salayma family in Beit
Hanina

 

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

      

 

 

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

 

3 civilians, including a Palestine TV driver, were
wounded during peaceful protests in Bil’in, west of Ramallah, and Kufor
Qaddoum, northeast of Qalqilia.

 

 

Israeli forces conducted 73 incursions into Palestinian
communities in the West Bank and 5 limited ones in the Gaza Strip.

 

41 Palestinian civilians,
including 5 children and a woman, were arrested in the West Bank.

 

Israel continued its efforts to create Jewish majority
in the occupied East Jerusalem.

A house and 5 barracks were demolished in Jerusalem
and its suburbs.

The settlers seized 2 commercial stores in the Old
Town and punctured tyres of a number of vehicles in al-Sheikh Jarrah area.

 

Israel has 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.

5 Palestinian civilians, including 2 children, were
arrested at checkpoints in the West Bank.

 

 

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

Israeli forces opened fire at the Palestinian fishing
boats 3 times during the reporting period, but no casualties were reported.

 

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

 

A room, a stockyard and a barrack were demolished in
al-Walaja village, west of Bethlehem.

A house and 2 barracks for sheep were demolished in
al-Jiftlek village, north of Jericho.

24 dunums were levelled in Hebron to establish a new
road for settlers.

The settlers set fire to 3 vehicles and a bus and
attempted to burn a tractor in Zbeidat village, north of Jericho.

 

 

Summary

 

Israeli violations of international law and
international humanitarian law in the oPt continued during the reporting period
23 – 29 May 2013.

 

Shooting:

 

During the reporting period, Israeli forces wounded 3
Palestinian civilians during peaceful protests in the West Bank.  In the Gaza Strip, Israeli forces levelled
lands and opened fire at the Palestinian fishing boats in the sea.

 

Israeli forces continued the systematic use of
excessive force against peaceful protests organised by Palestinian, Israeli and
international activists against the construction of the annexation wall and
settlement activities in the West Bank. As a result, 3 civilians were wounded;
2 of whom were wounded in Bil’in protest, west of Ramallah, and the third one was
wounded in Kufor Qaddoum protest, northeast of Qalqilia.

 

In the Gaza Strip, Israeli navy forces continued to
pursue the Palestinian fishermen in the sea. 
On 23, 26 and 27 May 2013, Israeli forces opened fire at Palestinian
fishing boats that were sailing within the 6 nautical mile limit off al-Waha
resort, in the north of the Gaza Strip.  Neither
casualties nor material damage were reported.

 

On 21 May 2013, the Israeli authorities allowed the
Palestinian fishermen to sail up to 6 nautical miles instead of 3 as had been
enforced since 21 March 2013 as a form of punishment against the Palestinian
civilians. 

  

 

Incursions:

 

During the reporting period, Israeli forces conducted
at least 73 military incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank.  During these incursions, Israeli forces
arrested at least 41 Palestinians, including 5 children and a woman.

 

In the Gaza Strip, Israeli forces conducted a limited
incursion in the northeast of Khan Yunis, in the south of the Gaza Strip on 24
May 2013, and 2 others in the same area on 26 May 2013.  They levelled lands and opened fire, but no
casualties were reported.

 

On 29 May 2013, Israeli forces conducted 2 limited
incursions in the central and southern Gaza Strip.  They levelled and combed lands and withdrew
later.

 

Restrictions on movement:

 

Israel continued to impose a tightened 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 illegal closure has
not only caused a humanitarian crisis, but also a human rights crisis and the
erosion of human dignity for the people of the Gaza Strip. Recently-declared
measures to ease the closure are vague, purely cosmetic, and fail to deal with
the root causes of the crisis. The root causes can only be addressed by an
immediate and complete lifting of the closure, including lifting the travel ban
into and out of the Gaza Strip and the ban on exports. Palestinians in Gaza may
no longer suffer from the same shortage of goods but, as long as the closure is
allowed to continue, they will remain economically dependent on Israel, unable
to care for themselves, and socially, culturally, and academically isolated
from the rest of the world.

 

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.

 

During the reporting
period, Israeli forces completely closed the commercial border crossings
between the Gaza Strip and Israel. They closed Karm Abu Salem crossing for 4
consecutive days because of Jewish holidays. This closure negatively affected
the entry of goods, construction materials and medical consignments in the Gaza
Strip. It also has a detrimental impact on the living conditions of Palestinian
civilians. As a result, thousands of Palestinian workers were denied access to
their work in Israel and occupied East Jerusalem. Moreover, Palestinian traders
were denied access to Israel and/or travel via the border crossings between the
Gaza Strip and West Bank.

 

Efforts to Create a Jewish Majority in the occupied East
Jerusalem

 

On 27 May 2013, Israeli settlers seized two
shops under the protection of Israeli police in al-Hakari neighbourhood in
‘Akabat al-Khaldia in the old city of Jerusalem. 

 

On the same day, Israeli settlers punctured
the tires of 15 cars in al-Shaikh Jarrah neighbourhood in the centre of the
occupied East Jerusalem.

 

On 29 May 2013, Israeli forces bulldozed a
mechanic’s garage in Hazma village, northeast of Jerusalem, under the pretext
of not obtaining a license.  Also,
Israeli forces bulldozed a house in Beit Hanina village under the pretext of
not obtaining a license.  In Beit Hanina
as well, Israeli forces bulldozed 4 barracks that are used as garages under the
pretext of not obtaining licenses, and seal waxed and closed 4 warehouses.

 

Also on 29 May 2012, Israeli settlers
attacked Palestinians’ property again in al-Shaikh Jarrah neighbourhood,
puncturing the tires of a number of vehicles belonging to Palestinians.

 

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.

 

 

Violations committed by Israeli forces

 

On Saturday, 25 May 2013, Israeli forces moved into
al-Walja village, in the west of Bethlehem and demolished a sheep barn (a
barrack).

 

On Monday, 27 May 2013, Israeli forces bulldozed a
house (made of tin, wood and bricks) and two barracks used as a sheep barn in
Abu-‘Ajaj area in al-Jaftalak village, north of Jericho.

 

Also on Monday, Israeli forces carried out large-scale
bulldozing in Palestinian civilians’ lands in al-Hussain valley area, in the
east of Hebron.  Such bulldozing is part
of a plan scheme to establish a new road for settlers that links “Kiryat
Arba” settlement, in the east of Hebron, to the Ibrahimi Mosque in the
centre of the old city.

 

Attacks carried out by settlers

 

On Wednesday, 29 May 2013, a group of settlers set
fire to 3 cars and a bus, and attempted to burn a tractor in Zbidat village, in
the north of Jericho.

 

 

 

 

Israeli violations documented during the reporting period
23– 29 May 2013

 

1. Incursions into Palestinian areas, and attacks
on Palestinian civilians and property in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip

 

 

Thursday, 23 May 2013

 

At approximately 00:20, Israeli forces moved into Beit
Leed, east of Tulkarm.  They patrolled
the streets for some time and withdrew later. 
Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.   

 

At approximately 01:30, Israeli forces moved into
Ramin village, northeast of Tulkarm. 
They patrolled the streets for some time and withdrew later.  Neither house raids nor arrests were
reported. 

 

At approximately 02:30, Israeli forces moved into
Ya’bad village, southwest of Jenin.  They
patrolled the streets and raided a number of houses, from which they arrested 3
civilians and summoned a fourth one to refer to the Israeli intelligence
service in Salem detention facility, northwest of Jenin.  The arrested persons were:

1. Sameeh Jamal Mohammed ‘Amarnah (28);

2. Abdul Majeed Sa’eed ‘Amarnah (23); and

3. Bara’ Mahmoud ‘Amarnah (24).

 

Mefleh Ahmed Abu Baker (21) was the summoned person.

 

Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into
al-Daheriya village, south of Hebron. 
They raided and searched a number of houses, from which they arrested 3
civilians:

1. Mohammed Isma’il Wreidat (27);

2. Baha’ Kayed al-Hawareen (23); and

3. Baha’ Sa’id al-Hawareen (26).

 

At approximately 03:00, Israeli forces moved into
Kharsa village to the south of Doura, southwest of Hebron.  They raided a house belonging to the family
of Ali al-Talahma (42) and arrested his two sons: Nihad (19) and Ahmed (18).  Meanwhile, Israeli forces raided a house
belonging to the family of Hassan al-Talahma and arrested his son, Sameeh (20).

 

Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into
Zabouba village, northwest of Jenin. 
They positioned themselves at the entrance of the village and in front
of a house belonging to the family of Abdul Fattah Mohammed Zyoud (56).  They raided the house and arrested Zyoud’s 2
sons: Mohammed (30); and Ahmed (29).

 

At approximately 10:00, Israeli forces moved into
Kufol Hares village, north of Salfit. 
They patrolled the streets for some time and withdrew later.  Neither house raids nor arrests were
reported.

 

At approximately 10:15, Israeli forces moved into Marda
village, north of Salfit. They patrolled the streets for some time and withdrew
later.  Neither house raids nor arrests
were reported.

 

At approximately 14:30, Israeli forces moved into Fasayel
village, northwest of Jericho.  They
patrolled the streets for some time and withdrew later.  Neither house raids nor arrests were
reported.

 

At approximately 15:00, Israeli forces moved into Mothallath
al-Aqaba area to the south of Doura village, southwest of Hebron.  They patrolled the streets, where a number of
boys gathered and threw stones at the Israeli forces which in response fired
sound bombs and tear gas canisters to disperse the stone throwers. As a result,
dozens suffered tear gas inhalation.  At
approximately 16:00, Israeli infantry forces deployed between the houses and
chased a number of boys.  They arrested
Ahmed Jamal ‘Arqoub (17) and withdrew.

 

At approximately 19:35, Israeli forces moved into Yasouf
village, east of Salfit.  They patrolled
the streets, stopped a number of civilians and questioned them on the
spot.  Israeli forces withdrew
later.  Neither house raids nor arrests
were reported.

 

At approximately 21:15, Israeli gunboats stationed off
al-Waha resort, northwest of Beit Lahia, in the north of the Gaza Strip.  They sporadically opened fire at the
Palestinian fishing boats that were sailing within the 6 nautical mile
limit.  The fishermen were frightened and
fled back fearing of being wounded or arrested. 
Neither casualties nor material damage were reported.

 

It should be noted that on Tuesday, 21 May
2013, the Israeli authorities allowed the Palestinian fishermen to sail within
6 nautical miles after this area was reduced to 3 nautical miles on 21 March
2013.

 

At approximately 23:55, 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.

 

Friday, 24 May 2013

 

At approximately 00:00, Israeli forces moved into al-Ouja
village, northeast of Jericho.  They
patrolled the streets for some time and withdrew later.  No arrests were reported.

 

At approximately 01:00, Israeli forces moved into
al-‘Arqa village, west of Jenin.  They
patrolled the streets for some time and later withdrew.  Neither house raids nor arrests were
reported.

 

At approximately 01:30, Israeli forces moved into
Faqou’a village, northeast of Jenin. 
They patrolled the streets for some time and withdrew later.  Neither house raids nor arrests were
reported.

At approximately 02:30, Israeli forces moved into Taqou’
village, southeast of Bethlehem.  They
patrolled the streets, and raided a house belonging to the family of Walid Ali
Hajahjah (19) and arrested him.

 

At approximately 05:30, Israeli forces moved 250
meters into the east of al-Qarara village, northeast of Khan Yunis, in the
south of the Gaza Strip.  They levelled
lands in the area and withdrew later.

 

At
approximately 10:00, Israeli forced moved into Rantis, northwest of Ramallah.  They patrolled the streets for some time and
withdrew later.  No arrests were
reported.

 

At approximately 11:00, Israeli forces moved into
Kharbatha al-Musbah, west of Ramallah. They patrolled the streets for some time
and withdrew later.  No arrests were
reported.   

 

At approximately 16:00, Israeli forces moved into
‘Asida area in the centre of Beit Ummar, north of Hebron.  They patrolled the streets, positioned
themselves at the main entrance of the area and deployed between the
houses.  A number of boys gathered and
threw stones at the Israeli forces which in response fired rubber coated metal
bullet, sound bombs and tear gas canisters. 
Dozens of civilians sustained tear gas inhalation.  The Israeli forces withdrew later and no
arrests were reported.

 

At approximately 19:30, Israeli forces moved into Beit
‘Our al-Tahta, southwest of Ramallah. 
They patrolled the streets for some time and withdrew later.  No arrests were reported.

 

At approximately 21:00, Israeli forces moved into
al-‘Aroub refugee camp, north of Hebron. 
They patrolled the streets and positioned themselves in the centre of
the camp. They also deployed between the houses, stopped some civilians and
checked their ID cards.  A number of boys
gathered and threw stones and empty bottles at the Israeli forces which in
response fired sound bombs, tear gas canisters and rubber-coated metal
bullets.  As a result, dozens suffered
tear gas inhalation.  The Israeli forces
withdrew later and no arrests were reported.

 

At approximately 23:30, Israeli forces moved into
Ya’bad village, southwest of Jenin.  They
patrolled the streets for some time and withdrew later.  Neither house raids nor arrests were
reported.   

 

Saturday, 25 May 2013

 

At
approximately 00:00, Israeli forces moved into al-‘Ouja village, northeast of
Jericho.  They patrolled the streets for
some time and withdrew later. No arrests were reported.     

 

At
approximately 00:30, Israeli forces moved into Kofur al-Deek village, west of
Salfit.  They patrolled the streets for
some time and withdrew later.  Neither
house raids nor arrests were reported.

 

At
approximately 01:00, Israeli forces moved into the vicinity of the Ibrahimi
mosque in the centre of the Old Town in Hebron. 
They raided a house belonging to the family of Fo’ad ‘Asem al-Batsh (16),
and arrested him. 

 

Around the
same time, Israeli forces moved into ‘Anin village, northwest of Jenin.  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 Yatta, south of Hebron.  They raided a house belonging to the family
of Anas Ibrahim Abu Awwad (18) and arrested him.

 

At
approximately 16:30, Israeli forces moved into Fahma village, southwest of
Jenin.  They patrolled the streets for
some time and withdrew later.  Neither
house raids nor arrests were reported.

 

At
approximately 19:00, Israeli forces moved into ‘Allar village, northeast of
Tulkarm. They patrolled the streets for some time and withdrew later.  Neither house raids nor arrests were
reported.

 

At
approximately 19:20, Israeli gunboats stationed off al-Waha resort, northwest
of Beit Lahia in the north of the Gaza Strip, opened fire at the Palestinian
fishing boats that were sailing 6 nautical miles off the shore.  The fishermen were frightened and fled
fearing for being arrested or wounded. 
However, neither material damage nor casualties were reported.

 

At
approximately 23:30, Israeli forces moved into Deir Jareer village, northeast
of Ramallah.  They patrolled the streets
for some time and withdrew later.  No
arrests were reported.  

 

Sunday, 26 May
2013

 

· At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into
Budrus village, west of Ramallah.  They
raided a house belonging to the family of Abdul Rahim Ahmed ‘Awad (20). They
attacked the aforementioned person with clubs and gun butts.  As a result, his two sisters were wounded:
Lina (29), sustained a fracture in the right hand; and Najla’ (26) sustained
wounds in the forehead.  They were taken
to Palestine Medical Complex in Ramallah to receive the necessary medical
treatment.  A number of boys gathered and
threw stones at the soldiers, who in response fired sound bombs, tear gas
canisters and rubber-coated metal bullets. 
Israeli forces arrested the abovementioned person and took him to
al-Masqoubiya detention facility in occupied Jerusalem.   

 

· Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Beit
Luqia, southwest of Ramallah.  They
positioned themselves in the village and raided a house belonging to the family
of Mohammed Ibrahim Dar Qeddis (33). 
They handed him a notice to refer to the Israeli intelligence service in
Ofer detention facility, southwest of the city.

· Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Kofur
al-Deek village, west of Salfit.  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 Tarama
village to the southeast of Doura, southwest of Hebron.  They patrolled the streets and raided a house
belonging to the family of Khaldoun Na’im Awlad Mohammed (22).  The arrested the aforementioned persons and
took him to an unknown destination.

 

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

 

· At approximately 06:00, Israeli forces moved 200
meters into the east of al-Qarara village, northeast of Khan Yunis, in the
south of the Gaza Strip.  They levelled
lands, opened sporadic fire and withdrew later.  No casualties were reported.

 

· At approximately 09:00, Israeli forces moved into
al-Yamoun village, northwest of Jenin. 
They patrolled the streets for some time and withdrew later.  No arrests were reported.

 

· At approximately 09:25, Israeli forces moved into
al-Hashemiya village, southwest of Jenin. 
They patrolled the streets for some time and withdrew later.  Neither house raids nor arrests were
reported.

 

· At approximately 10:00, Israeli forces moved into
al-Zababda village, south of Jenin.  They
patrolled the streets for some time and withdrew later.  Neither house raids nor arrests were
reported.

 

· At approximately 13:00, Israeli forces moved into Beit
Ummar village, north of Hebron.  They
patrolled the streets and raided a house belonging to the family of Ahmed Yunis
Abu Ayyash and climbed on top of his house. 
They withdrew later and no arrests were reported.  At approximately 14:00, Israeli forces moved
into Wardan area adjacent to Jerusalem-Hebron road, east of the city, and
established a tent on Palestinian lands. 
More back-up forces arrived and started combing the area.

 

· At approximately 17:30, Israeli forces moved 200
meters into the east of al-Qarara village, northeast of Khan Yunis, in the
south of the Gaza Strip.  They levelled
lands, opened sporadic fire and withdrew later.  No casualties were reported.

 

· At approximately 19:00, Israeli forces moved into
Ya’bad village, southwest of Jenin.  They
raided a house belonging to the family of Mohammed Ahmed Mitani (16) and
arrested him.

 

· At approximately 23:30, Israeli forces moved into
al-Jiftlek village, north of Jericho. 
They patrolled the streets for some time and withdrew later.  No arrests were reported.

· Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into
Jericho.  They patrolled the streets for
some time and withdrew later.  No arrests
were reported.

 

Monday, 27 May 2013

 

At approximately 02:10, Israeli forces moved into Koful
Hares, north of Salfit.  They patrolled
the streets and raided a number of houses, from which they arrested 4
civilians, including 2 brothers:

1. Saif Sulaiman Abu Ya’qoub (19);

2. As’ad Abdul Fattah As’ad (19);

3. Mahmoud Abdul ‘Aziz As’ad (22); and

4. His brother Mohammed (18).

 

They also handed Ma’moun Kayed Boziya (50) a notice to
refer to the Israeli intelligence service.

 

At approximately 03:00, Israeli forces moved into
Jenin.  They positioned themselves in the
Old Town and raided a house belonging to the family of Ali Ahmed al-Darbi
(60).  They arrested al-Darbi’s son Shadi
(32).  Israeli forces also raided another
house belonging to the family of Hassan Ali Mer’i (19) and arrested him.  Israeli forces moved then into Wadi Ezz
el-Din neighbourhood, west of the city, and raided a house belonging to the
family of Sulaiman Hatem As’ad (33); Wasim Adel ‘Awartani (38) and Ibrahim
Mohammed ‘Atari (20).  The Israeli forces
arrested the aforementioned 3 persons and took them to an unknown destination.

 

Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Hanina
area to the south of Doura village, southwest of Hebron.  They patrolled the streets and raided a house
belonging to the family of Tamer Ra’ed Shanan (20).  They arrested him and took him to an unknown
destination.

 

Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into
Tulkarm.  They positioned themselves in
the western neighbourhood, raided a house belonging to the family of Ali Essam
Qonbor (19) and arrested him.  Israeli
forces then raided a house belonging Derar Issa Haroun and arrested his
daughter, Dunya (35).

 

At approximately 03:30, Israeli forces moved into Abu
Dees village, southeast of Jerusalem. 
They raided a house belonging to the family of Nasser Dandan and
arrested his son, Jameel (15).

 

Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into
Jayyous village, northeast of Qalqilia. 
They patrolled the streets and raided 2 houses, from which they arrested
Ali Fawwaz Salim (17) and Ameer Abdul Rahman Khaled (17).

 

At approximately 04:00, Israeli forces moved into
al-Tabaqa to the south of Doura, southwest of Hebron.  They patrolled the streets and raided a house
belonging to the family of Oday Nimer Hreibat (25). They arrested Hreibat, who
is a volunteer in B’Tselem.

 

At approximately 11:00, Israeli forces moved into Ezbet
Shoufa village, southeast of Tulkarm. 
They patrolled the streets for some time and withdrew later.  Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

 

At approximately 14:50, 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.

 

At approximately 16:00, Israeli forces moved into
Ethna village, west of Hebron.  They
patrolled the streets, deployed between the stores and houses and denied the
Palestinian the freedom of movement.  A
number of civilian gathered in the area, where Israeli forces fired sound bombs
and tear gas canisters. As a result, dozens of civilians suffered tear gas
inhalation.  At approximately 17:30, the
Israeli forces withdrew.  Neither house
raids nor arrests were reported. 

 

At approximately 16:30, Israeli forces moved into
Sanour village, south of Jenin.  They
patrolled the streets and raided a house belonging to the family of Anas Najeh
Gharbiya (22).  They handed him a notice
to refer to the Israeli intelligence service at Salem detention facility,
northwest of Jenin.  They withdrew later.
Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

 

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

 

At approximately 18:30, Israeli gunboats stationed off
al-Waha resort, northwest of Beit Lahia, in the north of the Gaza Strip, opened
fire at the Palestinian fishing boats that were sailing 6 nautical miles off
the shore.  The fishermen were frightened
and fled fearing of being arrested or wounded. 
However, neither material damage nor casualties were reported.

 

At approximately 22:00, Israeli forces moved into
Beituniya village, west of Ramallah. They patrolled the streets and surrounded
an under-construction building, from which they arrested the building guard,
Sharhabeel Salman Hasouna (20).  They
took him to Ofer detention facility. 

 

At approximately 22:35, Israeli forces moved into
Housan village, west of Bethlehem.  They
patrolled the streets and raided a number of houses, but no arrests were
reported.

 

At approximately 11:30, Israeli forces moved into
Abween village, northwest of Ramallah. 
They patrolled the streets and withdrew later. No arrests were reported.

  

Tuesday, 28 May 2013

 

At approximately 01:00, Israeli forces moved into
al-Aroub refugee camp, north of Hebron. 
They patrolled the streets and deployed between the houses.  They raided a house belonging to the family
of Issa Abu Khairan and climbed on the top of the house.  They withdrew later and no arrests were
reported.

 

At approximately 10:30, Israeli forces moved into
‘Allar village, northeast of Tulkarm. 
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 Saida
village, northeast of Tulkarm.  They
patrolled the streets and withdrew later. 
Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

 

At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into
Kofur Qaddoum village, northeast of Qalqilia. 
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
al-Samou’ village, south of Hebron.  They
patrolled the streets and raided 2 houses belonging to the families of Mohanned
Mohammed al-Hurani and Isma’il Hawamda. The Israeli forces withdrew later and
no arrests were reported.

 

Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Arraba
village, southwest of Jenin.  They
patrolled the streets and raided a house belonging to the family of Baker
Mohammed Abu Ebeid (25).  They arrested
the aforementioned person and took him to an unknown destination.

 

At approximately 02:20, 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 02:30, Israeli forces moved into
Beituniya village, west of Ramallah. They patrolled the streets for some time
and withdrew later.  No arrests were
reported.

 

At approximately 11:00, Israeli forces moved into
Qabatya village, south of Jenin.  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
al-Zababda village, south of Jenin.  They
patrolled the streets for some time and withdrew later.  Neither house raids nor arrests were
reported.

 

At approximately 12:25, Israeli forces moved into
eastern Baqa village, north of Tulkarm. 
They patrolled the streets for some time and withdrew later.  Neither house raids nor arrests were
reported.

 

At approximately 20:20, Israeli forces moved into
Tulkarm.  They patrolled the streets for
some time and withdrew later.  No arrests
were reported.

 

At approximately 22:00, Israeli forces moved into
Jelgamous village, southeast of Jenin. 
They patrolled the streets for some time and withdrew later.  Neither house raids nor arrests were
reported.

 

At approximately 23:00, Israeli forces moved into
al-Tabaqa village to the south of Doura, southwest of Hebron.  They patrolled the streets for some time and
withdrew later.  Neither house raids nor
arrests were reported.

 

Wednesday, 29 May 2012

 

At
approximately 01:00, Israeli forces moved into al-Daheriya village, south of
Hebron.  They patrolled the streets and
positioned themselves in Shweika area. 
They raided a house belonging to the family of Hammad Faisal Hawareen
(24) and arrested him.

 

At
approximately 01:30, Israeli forces moved into Tubas.  They patrolled the streets and fired tear gas
canisters.  As a result, a gas canister
fell in a house in the village.  No
arrests were reported.

 

At
approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into Nablus and Balatah refugee
camp.  they patrolled the streets and
raided a number of houses, from which they arrested 4 civilians:

1. Yasser Ibrahim al-Badrasawi (47);

2. Ziad Nabih Mraish (50);

3. His son Nabih (27); and

4. Mousa al-Tanbour, 47.

 

Around the
same time, Israeli forces moved into al-Jalazoun refugee camp, north of
Ramallah.  They raided a house belonging
to the family of Sa’id Mahmoud Nakhla (50) and arrested him.

 

At
approximately 05:00, Israeli forces moved into the southeast of Gaza valley
(Johr al-Deek).  They levelled lands and
withdrew at approximately 09:30 of the same day.

 

At
approximately 08:00, Israeli forces moved into the east of al-Qarara village,
northeast of Khan Yunis, south of the Gaza Strip.  They levelled lands and withdrew later. No
casualties were reported.

 

 

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, 3 Palestinians
sustained wounds: an 18-year-old boy was hit with a tear gas canister in the
right hand; a 32-year-old man was hit by a tear gas canister in the right foot;
and Ayman Mohammed Tahseen Harsh (32) was hit in the right eye by a tear gas.

 

Demonstrations against the construction of the
annexation wall and settlement activity

 

Following the Friday Prayer, 24 May 2013, dozens of
Palestinian civilians and international and Israeli human rights defenders
organised a peaceful demonstration in Bil’in village, west of Ramallah, in
protest at the construction of the annexation wall and settlement
activity.  The demonstrators marched
through the streets of the village, chanting slogans calling for national
unity, raised Palestinian flags and pictures of prisoners, and made their way
towards the lands adjacent to the annexation wall.  Israeli forces had closed all entrances to the
village since early morning to prevent Palestinians, journalists, and
international activists from joining the protest. The demonstrators walked
along the wall and attempted to breach it.  Israeli forces were stationed in the area, and
dozens of soldiers who were deployed along the route of the wall, fired live
ammunition, rubber-coated metal bullets, sound bombs, tear gas canisters, and
waste water at the demonstrators, and chased them across olive fields.  As a result, two Palestinians sustained
wounds: an 18-year-old boy was hit by a tear gas canister in the right hand; a
32-year-old man was hit by a tear gas canister in the right foot.  Also, dozens of demonstrators suffered tear
gas inhalation and others sustained bruises. 
Furthermore, the firing of tear gas canisters at the demonstrators
caused fire in some farmlands planted with olive trees.

 

Also, following the Friday Prayer, dozens of
Palestinian civilians and international and Israeli human rights defenders
organised a peaceful demonstration in Ni’lin village, west of Ramallah, in
protest at the construction of the annexation wall, settlement activities and
in solidarity with the Palestinian prisoners on hunger strike inside Israeli
jails. The demonstrators made their way towards the annexation wall. Israeli
forces closed the wall gate with barbwire and, when the demonstrators attempted
to access the lands behind the barbed wire, they were stopped by Israeli
soldiers. The demonstrators threw stones at the Israeli soldiers who responded
with live ammunition, rubber-coated metal bullets, sound bombs, and tear gas
canisters, and chased them across fields of olive trees as far as the outskirts
of the village. As a result, dozens of demonstrators suffered tear gas
inhalation and others sustained bruises.

 

Around the same time on Friday, dozens of Palestinian
civilians, and Israeli and international human rights activists gathered
at the Martyrs Square in Nabi Saleh village, northwest of Ramallah, to hold a
weekly peaceful protest against the construction of the annexation wall and
settlement activities. The protesters walked towards Palestinian lands that
Israeli settlers from the nearby “Halmish” settlement are trying to
seize.  From the morning, Israeli forces
had closed all entrances to the village to prevent Palestinians, international
activists, and journalists from joining the demonstration.  Upon their arrival in the area, Israeli
soldiers fired live ammunition, rubber-coated bullets, sound bombs, and tear
gas canisters, chased the demonstrators into the village and sprayed them with
waste water. As a result, dozens of Palestinians suffered from tear gas
inhalation and others sustained bruises.

 

At approximately 13:25 on Friday, dozens of
Palestinian civilians and international human rights defenders organised a
peaceful demonstration in the centre of Kufor Kadoum village, northeast of
Qalqilya, in protest at the continuous closure of the eastern entrance of the
village which has been ongoing since the outbreak of al-Aqsa Intifada. Upon
their arrival in the area, Israeli soldiers fired sound bombs and tear gas
canisters; as a result, many demonstrators suffered from tear gas inhalation
and Ayman Mohammed Tahseen Harsh (32) was hit in the right eye by a tear gas.  Harsh is a driver for the Palestine Satellite
Channel crew, he was admitted to Dr. Darwish Nazal in Qalqilya for
treatment.  Also, the firing of tear gas
canisters caused a fire that burnt 20 olive trees belonging to Nasser Rushdi
‘Obaid from Kuffor Kadoum.

 

Following Friday Prayer, dozens of inhabitants of
al-Mas’ra village, south of Bethlehem, international and Israeli human rights
activists, and activists in the Popular Resistance Committees gathered for the
weekly peaceful demonstration against the construction of the annexation wall
and settlement activity.  The demonstration
was also organized in protest to the construction of a school for settlers in
the south of Bethlehem.  It started
outside Shomou’ Cultural Centre in the centre of the village.  The participants carried Palestinian flags,
roamed the streets of the village and closed the road leading to
“Afrat” settlement.  Upon their
arrival to the village’s entrance, Israeli soldiers were formed in a human shield
to prevent the demonstrators from reaching the wall, and beat them in order to
disperse them.

 

3. Continued closure of the oPt

 

Israel has continued to
impose a tightened 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

 

Israel has continuously closed all border crossings to
the Gaza Strip for more than 5 years. The illegal Israeli-imposed 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.

 

Israeli forces have tightened the closure
of the Gaza Strip, 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 at preventing economic development in the Gaza Strip, 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 was
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, which erupted last
November, has continued to affect the Gaza Strip. This crisis started on 04
January 2010, when Israeli authorities completely closed the Nahal Oz crossing,
which was dedicated for the delivery of fuel and cooking gas supplies to Gaza.
They then shifted the transport of fuel and cooking gas supplies to the Karm
Abu Salem crossing, which is not equipped to receive enough quantities of fuel
to meet Gaza needs. The Karm Abu Salem crossing, when operating at full
capacity, can receive only 200 tonnes of cooking gas per day.

 

Approximately 80% of the people living in
the Gaza Strip continue to depend on humanitarian aid provided by UNRWA and
other relief agencies. The number of families who are living below the poverty
line has continued to increase. Approximately 40% of Gaza’s manpower continues
to suffer from permanent unemployment as the majority of Gaza’s businesses have
closed down.

 

Israeli forces have continued to impose a
total ban on the export of products from the Gaza Strip, especially industrial
products, undermining any real chance of reopening businesses. The situation
has been aggravated since the Karm Abu Salem crossing was designated as Gaza’s
sole commercial crossing; the repeated closure of this crossing negatively
affects the quantity of products which are allowed to be exported from the Gaza
Strip.

 

For almost 6
consecutive years, Israeli forces have continued to prevent the delivery of
construction materials to the Gaza Strip. During the reporting period, Israeli
forces approved the delivery of limited quantities of construction materials
for a number of international organisations.

 

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.

 

Israel has imposed
additional access restrictions on traders, international diplomats,
journalists, and humanitarian workers seeking to enter the Gaza Strip.

 

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

22 – 27 May 2013

 

 

 

Movement at Rafah International Crossing Point

22 – 28 May 2013

 

 

 

 

 

Imports via Rafah International Crossing Point

26 – 28 May 2013

 

 

 

Movement at Karm Abu Salem (“Kerem Shalom”) crossing

22 – 28 May 2013

Imports:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Exports:

 

 

Between Wednesday 22 May 2013 and Sunday 26
May 2013, Israeli forces allowed 13 empty plastic containers to be returned via
Karm Abu Salem.

 

Other
Imports:

 

 

On Wednesday, May 2013, Israeli forces
allowed the entry of 770 tonnes of construction aggregates for the private
sector; 1680 tonnes of construction aggregates and 36 tonnes of cement for the
German Development Bank (GDB).  They also
allowed the entry of 963 tonnes of fodders and 390 tonnes of wheat.

 On Thursday,
23 May 2013, Israeli forces allowed the entry of 980 tonnes of construction
aggregates for the private sector, 663 tonnes of fodders and 273 tonnes of
wheat.

On Sunday, 26 May 2013, Israeli forces
allowed the entry of 224 tonnes of cement, 56 tonnes of white cement, 64 tonnes
of construction steel and 2,870 tonnes of construction aggregates for UNRWA;
and 980 tonnes of construction aggregates for the private sector.  They also allowed the entry of 46 tonnes of
fodders and 390 tonnes of wheat.

On Monday, 27 May 2013, Israeli forces
allowed the entry of 340 tonnes of cement, 42 tonnes of white cement, 29 tonnes
of construction steel and 1,400 tonnes of construction aggregates for UNRWA; 1,050
tonnes of construction aggregates for the private sector; and 700 tonnes of
construction aggregates for GDB.  They
also allowed the entry of 702 tonnes of fodders and 234 tonnes of wheat.

On Tuesday, 28 May 2013, Israeli forces
allowed the entry of 2,800 tonnes of construction aggregate for UNRWA; 1260
tonnes of construction aggregates for the private sector; 1,750 tonnes of
construction aggregates for UNDP; and 700 tonnes of construction aggregates for
GDB.  They also allowed the entry of 429
tonnes of fodders and 390 tonnes of wheat.

 

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:

 

Ramallah: Israeli
forces have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of
Palestinian civilians. At approximately 05:30 on Thursday, 23 May 2013, Israeli
forces established a checkpoint on the road between Beit Loqaya village and
Beit Sirah village, southwest of Ramallah. At approximately 18:30, they established another checkpoint at the
entrance of beit ‘Aor al-Tahta, southwest of the city. The two checkpoints were
later removed, and no arrests were reported.

 

At approximately 09:00 on Friday, 24 May 2013, Israeli
forces established a checkpoint at the eastern entrance of Tibah village,
northeast of Ramallah. At approximately 09:30, they established another
checkpoint at the entrance of al-Nabi Saleh village, northwest of the
city.   At approximately 19:30, they established another checkpoint at the
entrance of beit Loqaya village, southwest of the city.  All checkpoints were later removed,
and no arrests were reported.

 

At approximately 10:30 on Sunday, 26 May 2013, Israeli
forces established a checkpoint at the entrance of Senjel village, north of
Ramallah.  At approximately 16:00, they established
another checkpoint at the northern entrance of Beit Loqaya village, southwest
of the city.  At approximately 21:00, they established
another checkpoint at the entrance of Budrus village, west of Ramallah. All
checkpoints were later removed, and no arrests were reported.

 

At approximately 18:30 on
Monday, 27 May 2013, Israeli forces established a checkpoint under the bridge
of Kherbtha al-Mesbah village, southwest of Ramallah.  At approximately 21:30, they re-established
at ‘Atara checkpoint at the northern entrance of Birzeit, north of the city,
and prevented people from leaving and entering the aforementioned
checkpoint.  They withdrew later, and no
arrests were reported. 

 

Hebron: Israeli
forces have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of
Palestinian civilians. At approximately 07:30 on Thursday, 23 May 2013, Israeli
forces established a checkpoint at the eastern entrance of Yatta, south of
Hebron.  At approximately 15:00, another
checkpoint was established on the road between Yatta and al-Samou’a village,
south of the city.  The two checkpoints
were later removed, and no arrests were reported.

 

At approximately 14:30 on Saturday, 25 May 2013,
Israeli forces established a checkpoint on Fqeiqes Road between Dura and its
southern villages, south of Dura, southwest of Hebron.  The checkpoint was later removed, and no
arrests were reported. 

 

At approximately 14:30 on Monday, 27 May 2013, Israeli
forces established a checkpoint at the eastern entrance of Doura, southwest of Hebron.
After approximately one hour, the Israeli forces established a similar
checkpoint at the entrance of Bani-Naem, south of Hebron. They stopped the
vehicles and started to check the identities of the passengers. Both of the
checkpoints were later removed and no arrested were reported.

 

At approximately 15:00 on Tuesday, 28 May 2013,
Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the northern entrance of Halhul
City, as this entrance is connected with Bypass Road (60), al-Nabi Youniss
Road. At approximately 16:00 the Israeli forces established a similar
checkpoint at the entrance of al-Tabaqeh village, south of Dura, southwest of
the City. At approximately 19:00, the Israeli forces established a checkpoint
at the entrance of al-Fawar Refugee Camp, north of Hebron. They started to stop
the vehicles and inspect them. The checkpoints were later removed and no
arrests were reported.

 

Qalqilya: Israeli
forces have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of
Palestinian civilians. At approximately 09:00 on Thursday, 23 May 2013, Israeli
forces established a checkpoint at the entrance of Qalqilya.  At around the same time, another checkpoint
was established at the intersection of al-Nabi Elyas, east of the city.  The two checkpoints were later removed, and
no arrests were reported.

 

Tulkarm: Israeli
forces have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of
Palestinian civilians. At approximately 15:15 on Friday, 24 May 2013, the
Israeli forces established a checkpoint on the main road between Tulkarm and
the nearby villages, north of Tulkarm, in area known as “ al-Sha’araweyah” near
the intersection of ‘Ateel village, north of Tulakrm.  The checkpoint was later removed, and no
arrests were reported.

 

At approximately 11:00 on Tuesday, 28 May 2013, they
established a checkpoint at the crossroad of Alar village, northeast of
Tulkarm.  The checkpoint was later removed,
and no arrests were reported.

 

Jenin: Israeli
forces have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of
Palestinian civilians. At approximately 09:30 on Friday, 24 May 2013, Israeli
forces established a checkpoint at the entrance of Sanour village, south of
Jenin. The checkpoint was later removed, and no arrests were reported.

 

At approximately 14:30 on Saturday, 25 May 2013,
Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the entrance of ‘Arrabah village,
south of Jenin.  The checkpoint was later
removed, and no arrests were reported.

At approximately 09:30 on Sunday, 26 May 2013, Israeli
forces established a checkpoint at the entrance of al-‘Arqa village, west of
Jenin.  At approximately 10:00, they
established another checkpoint on the road between the villages of al-Silah
al-Haritheyah and al-Yamoun, northwest of the city.  The two checkpoints were later removed, and
no arrests were reported.

 

At approximately 21:00 on Monday, 27 May 2013, Israeli
forces established a checkpoint on the road between the villages of Jalqamous
and Um al-Tout, southeast of Jenin.  the
checkpoint was later 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, 23 May
2013, Israeli forces established a checkpoint on al-Mo’arajat Road between
Jericho and Ramallah.  The checkpoint was
later removed, and no arrests were reported.

 

At approximately 09:00 on Friday, 24 May 2013, Israeli
forces established a checkpoint near the entrance of al-Zbeidat village, north
of Jericho.  At approximately 17:00, they
established another checkpoint near the southern entrance of the city.  At approximately 19:30, they established a
checkpoint at the entrance of Marj Na’ajah, north of the city.  All checkpoints were later removed, and no
arrests were reported.

 

At approximately 09:30 on Sunday, 26 May 2013, Israeli
forces established a checkpoint near the entrance of Fasayel village, north of
Jericho.  At approximately 20:30, another
checkpoint was established near the southern entrance of the city.  The two checkpoints were later removed, and
no arrests were reported.

 

Arrests at military
checkpoints

 

At approximately 12:30 on Thursday, 23 May
2013, Israeli forces stationed at al-Jalmah crossing, northeast of Jenin,
closed the crossing to Palestinians.  At
around the same time, Israeli forces stationed in the vicinity of the crossing
area arrested 2 Palestinian children when they were in an area near the
crossing.  Palestinian local and security
sources stated to a PCHR fieldworker that Israeli forces arrested Ahmed Mofeed
Shafiq Khalaf (13) and Osamah Yaser Mohammed Suboh (15) both from Borqeen
village, west of Jenin, and transferred them to an unknown destination. 

 

At approximately 14:00 on Sunday, 26 May
2013, Israeli forces stationed at the entrance of al-‘Arroub refugee camp,
north of Hebron, arrested Shamekh Jaber ‘Ali al-Titi (22) while they were on
their way back home.  They then were
taken to an unknown destination.

 

At approximately 21:15 on Monday, 27 May
2013, Israeli forces accompanied with Israeli police officers and a unit of
border guards established a checkpoint at the western entrance of Beit Fajjar
village, southeast of Bethlehem.  They
later arrested Ahmed ‘Ali Ahmed Taqatqa (18) and took him to an unknown
destination.

 

 

At the afternoon on Tuesday, 28 May 2013,
Israeli forces stationed at Za’atrah checkpoint, south of Nablus arrested
‘Abdullah Samir Hourani (30) from Qalqilya and took him to an unknown
destination.

 

4. Efforts to Create a Jewish Majority in the occupied East Jerusalem

 

Bulldozing of houses and civilian facilities

 

On Wednesday morning, 29 May 2013, Israeli forces bulldozed a mechanic’s
garage, which is the property of Awad Hussain Sbaih from Hazma village,
northeast of Jerusalem, under the pretext of not obtaining a license.  According to Hazma village council, Sbaih did
not receive a prior evacuation notice and was surprised when the Israeli
vehicles cordoned his garage and started bulldozing it without giving him the
chance to evacuate it.  Sbaih said that
his loss estimated at approximately 90 thousand NIS.

 

In the early morning on Wednesday, 29 May 2013, Israeli forces and
police, accompanied by a bulldozer of the Israeli Municipality in Jerusalem,
moved into al-Akaba area in al-Dam valley in Beit Hanina village in
Jerusalem.  The forces cordoned Badwan
Abdul-Bary al-Salayma’s house and the bulldozed it without evacuating its
contents claiming that it was built without a permit.  The bulldozed house is of two stories and
established on an area of 280 square metres, and it was built 13 years ago and
was occupied by a family of 14 members.

 

Afterwards, the afore-mentioned forces bulldozed 4 barracks that are
used as garages, each barracks is approximately 200 square metres in area.  The bulldozed facilities are the property of:

1. Awad Hassan al-Khatib, two barracks of a total area of 400 square
metres, employs 20 workers.

2. Ghaleb Mohammed Salem Salah al-Din, two barracks of a total area of 400
square metres.

Israeli forces seal waxed and closed 3 warehouses that belong to Aziz
Shehada, and seal waxed another that belongs to Awad al-Qatnawy.

 

Settlers attacks on Palestinian civilians and their property

 

On 27 May 2013, settlers seized two shops under the protection of
Israeli police in al-Hakari neighbourhood in ‘Akabat al-Khaldia in the old city
of Jerusalem.  The Israeli Supreme Court
issued an order to confiscate Zaloum family’s house and shops in ‘Akabat
al-Khaldia in the in the old city, claiming that they are Jewish property
abandoned before 1948.  The shops are the
property of Ismail Wazwaz and have been closed for 10 years, since the death of
their owner and are of 35 square metres. 
According to Wadi Hilweh Information Centre, dozens “Aterat
Loshna” settlement raided the facility, evacuated it, changed its locks,
welded it and left the scene after the confiscation of its contents.

 

On the same date, settlers punctured the tires of 15 cars in al-Shaikh
Jarrah neighbourhood, in the centre of the occupied East Jerusalem.  According to eyewitness accounts, the owners
of the cars found a Jewish cap near the assaulted cars, and the local residents
confirmed that this attack is part of the campaign carried out by the Israeli
forces and settlers’ associations that aims to force the Palestinians to leave
their houses in the afore-mentioned neighbourhood.

 

On 29 May 2012, Israeli settlers attacked Palestinians’ property again
in al-Shaikh Jarrah neighbourhood, puncturing the tires of a number of vehicles
belonging to Palestinians.  The cars were
parked in al-Masharef Mountain. 
According to eyewitness’ accounts, the settlers vandalized the cars and
wrote “Death to Arabs” in Hebrew.

 

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

 

Violations committed by Israeli forces

 

At approximately 15:50 on Saturday, 25 May 2013,
Israeli forces, accompanied by military vehicles, a vehicle of the Israeli
Civil Administration and a bulldozer, moved into al-Walja village, in the west
of Bethlehem.  They demolished a sheep
barn (a barrack), which is the property of Tariq Daoud Ali Rabah (46),
established on an area of 400 square metres under the pretext of not obtaining
a permit.  In his testimony to a PCHR
fieldworker, Rabah said that he is now homeless, along with 66 sheep.

 

At approximately 07:00 on Monday, 27 May 2013, Israeli
forces bulldozed a house (made of tin, wood and bricks), two barracks used as a
sheep barn in Abu-‘Ajaj area, in al-Jaftalak village, in the north of
Jericho.  According to PCHR’s
investigations, at approximately 07:00 on Monday, Israeli forces, accompanied
by approximately 10 military vehicles, a bulldozer and an officer of the
Israeli Civil Administration, moved into Abu-‘Ajaj area.  The forces cordoned the area, which is
located near Street No. (90), and banned journalists and Palestinians from
approaching it.  At approximately 07:10,
the bulldozer started demolishing a house and two barracks.  Israeli forces had destroyed two houses, 3 tents
and 3 barns approximately 4 months ago in the same area and distributed
evacuation notices, claiming that these facilities are established in area (C)
which falls under Israeli jurisdiction according to the Oslo Accords of 1993.  At approximately 08:30, Israeli forces
retreated from the area after they finished the bulldozing.  The damaged facilities are:

 

1. A house, made of tin, wood and bricks, of 80 square
metres, which is the property of Rashid Salem Hraizat (30) and occupied by a
family of 4 members;

2. A barracks of 60 square metres, which is the property
of Mahmoud Ali Ka’abna (35);

3. A barracks of 60 square metres, which is the property
of Mousa Ali Ka’abna (40).

 

At approximately 08:00 on Monday, 27 May 2013, Israeli
forces carried out large-scale bulldozing in Palestinian civilians’ lands in
al-Hussain valley area, in the east of Hebron. 
Such bulldozing is part of the scheme to open a new road for settlers
that links “Kiryat Arba” settlement, in the east of Hebron, to the
Ibrahimi Mosque in the centre of the old city. 
The bulldozed lands are the property of al-Sa’afeen, Jaber and Da’na
families.  According to PCHR’s
investigations, Israeli authorities announced in May 2005 the confiscation of a
tract of land in order to open a road for settlers connecting “Kiryat
Arba” settlement with the Ibrahimi Mosque. 
At the time, Israeli forces handed Palestinians in al-Hussain valley,
near the afore-mentioned settlement, a military order signed by Aluf Avi Mizrahi – IDF commander in Judea
and Samaria.  The military orders were
titled: An order on the seizure of lands no. 10/17/T, and identified the area
of these lands to 750 square metres, which will be used for the road as in the
area that will be paved; however, the military order did not give consideration
to the required space needed for pathways, public areas, and the required space
between buildings.  This concludes that
Israeli military orders do not determine the exact confiscated area.  Additionally, Israeli forces claimed that the
confiscation of that tract was for “security reasons, and for establishing
a secure road.”  The damaged lands
are property of:

 

1. Jamil Suliman S’ifan: 7 dunums that are planted with
olives and almonds;

2. Kayed Sa’id Da’na: 11 dunums that are planted with
olives and almonds;

3. Munther Ahmed Sa’id Jaber: 5 dunums that are planted
with olives and almonds;

4. Abdul-Min’m Jaber: 1 dunums that is planted with
olives and almonds.

 

Thus, Israeli forces have destroyed approximately 24
dunums of agricultural land, where some of the trees were more than 30 years
old, denying their owners and their families of the harvest.  It should be noted that settlers from
“Kiryat Arba” use a dirt road, the goes across Palestinians’ lands,
that was confiscated in 2002 to access the Ibrahimi Mosque, and the planned
street will come in its place.

 

Attacks carried out by settlers

 

At approximately 01:45 on Wednesday, 29 May 2013, a
group of settlers set fire to 3 cars and a bus, and attempted to burn a tractor
in Zbidat village, in the north of Jericho. 
The settlers poured inflammatory substances on the vehicles and burnt
them.  Also, the settlers vandalized the
walls and wrote “Revenge for the killing of Avatar” the settler who
was killed by a Palestinian near Zatera checkpoint approximately a month ago,
and “Paying the price.”  They
burnt vehicles are as follows:

1. A 1983 Ford, property of Mohammed Hassan Zbidat;

2. A 2010 KIA, property of Eilan Mohammed Hassan Zbidat;

3. A 2011 BMW, property of Eyad Mohammed Abed Zbidat;

4. A 2009 Mercedes bus, property of Ziad Abed Mohammed
Zbidat.

 

 

 

 

Recommendations to the International Community

 

 

PCHR emphasizes the international community’s position
that the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, which is still
under the Israeli occupation, in spite of the Israeli military redeployment
outside the Gaza Strip in 2005. PCHR further confirms that Israeli force have
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 an 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, especially the latest offensive
that lasted for 8 days in November, 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 and victims;

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 directed 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 violation and crimes
against Palestinian civilians;

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

 

 

 

 

 

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Public Document

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