May 30, 2019
Weekly Report On Israeli Human Rights Violations in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (23– 29 May 2019)
Weekly Report On Israeli Human Rights Violations in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (23– 29 May 2019)
  • Israeli forces Kill Palestinian Child while attempting to enter al-Aqsa Mosque to perform prayers.
  • 17 civilians, including 6 children, were wounded in the West Bank.
  • Israeli forces continued to use excessive force against the peaceful proteters in the Gaza Strip.
  • Palestinian Ambulance Officer succumbed to his wounds.
  • 50 Palestinian Civilians, including 11 children and a paramedic, were wounded on the 60th Friday of the Great March of Return and Breaking the Siege.
  • Israeli forces conducted 83 incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank and 7 other incursions into Jerusalem in addition to a limited incursion into the southern Gaza Strip.
  • 82 Palestinian civilians, including 2 children and 4 women, were arrested in the West Bank.
  • 45 of them, including 3 women, were arrested in occupied Jerusalem.
  • Israeli authorities continued their settlement activities in the West Bank.
  • 80 dunums were confiscated to build a new settlement road in favour of Elon Moreh settlement, northeast of Nablus.
  • Settlers seized 4 dunums from the Beit Jala lands and set fire to 1000 olive trees in Nablus.
  • 550 trees were uprooted and 2 wells in Eastern Tubas.
  • A 2-story under-construction house was demolished in Hebron.
  • 3 dunums were confiscated in favour of settlement streets of Barakha in Nablus.
  • 5 residential tents and 5 tents for sheltering livestock were demolished in addition to other property.  Further, a well was backfilled in the northern Valley.
  • A tin-plate house of 30 square meters in Um al-Kheir village, southeast of Yata in southern Hebron.
  • A residential house and four barracks for sheltering livestock were demolished in Bir ‘Onah in northern Beit Jala, south of the West Bank.
  •  Israeli authorities continued to create Jewish majority in occupied East Jerusalem.
  • A Palestinian woman was forced to self-demolish her house in Sour Baher village, south of occupied East Jerusalem
  • An under-construction residential building was demolished in Sho’afat refugee camp, north of occupied East Jerusalem. 
  • A house and a residential building in addition to 2 commercial facilities were demolished in the villages of Sour Baher and al-Mukaber Mount, south of occupied East Jerusalem.
  • A residential building, 7 stores and a gas station were demolished in the vicinity of Qalendia checkpoint, north of occupied East Jerusalem.
  • Three Shooting incidents were reported against the fishing boats in the Gaza Strip Sea.
  • Israeli forces turned the West Bank into cantons and continued to impose the illegal closure on the Gaza Strip for the 13th consecutive year.
  • Israeli forces established 92 permanent checkpoints and 46 temporary checkpoints in the West Bank.
  • Seven Palestinian civilians were arrested at military checkpoints in the West Bank.

Summary

Israeli violations of international law and international humanitarian law in the oPt continued during the reporting period (30 May -12 June 2019).

Shooting:

During the reporting period, Israeli forces continued to use lethal force against the participants in the peaceful protests organized within the activities of “Great March of Return and Breaking the Siege” in the Gaza Strip, which witnessed the 60th Friday of the peaceful protests along the eastern and northern border area of the Gaza Strip. In the West Bank, the Israeli forces used force against civilians who participated in the demonstrations organized against the Israeli incursions into the West Bank cities and villages.  In the West Bank, the Israeli forces killed a Palestinian child and wounded 17 civilians, including 6 children, in separate incidents.  In the Gaza Strip, the Israeli forces wounded 50 Palestinian civilians, including 11 children and a paramedic, during their participation in the Great March of Return.

In the West Bank, on 31 May 2019, in a new crime of excessive use of force, Israeli forces killed ‘Abdullah Loay Ghaith (16) while attempting to enter al-Aqsa Mosque to perform the last Friday Prayer in Ramadan.  When he attempted to sneak into the city along with his cousin for not obtaining an entry permit, the Israeli police officers (Border Guard) opened fire at him, wounding him with 2 bullets to the lower back of the thorax.

In the same context, Israeli forces wounded 17 Palestinian civilians, including 6 children.  Ten of them, including 2 children, were wounded during their participation in Kafr Qaddoum weekly protest, northeast of Qalqiliya.  Six of them, including 4 children, were wounded while protesting against the Israeli forces’ incursion into Nablus to secure the entyry of hundreds of settlers into the eastern area of the city to perform rituals in Josef Tomb.  Moreover, a civilian was wounded in Romanah village, west of Jenin, with a bullet which was fired from the side of the annexation wall.

In the Gaza Strip, at approximately 13:00 on Monday, 10 June 2019, Palestinian medical sources announced the death of ambulance officer, Mohammed Sobhi Salamah al-Judaili (36), from al-Buraij refugee camp in the central Gaza Strip, succumbing to wounds he sustained at approximately 18:10 on Friday, 03 May 2019. Al-Jadili was hit with a rubber bullet to the nose, causing fractures to the nose and skull, while on duty within the Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS) team, east of Abu Safiyah Hill in the northern Gaza Strip. Mohammed attempted to put 2 wounded civilians in the Great March of Return inside an ambulance which was around 200 meters away from the western side of the border fence.

In the same context, the Israeli forces wounded 50 Palestinian civilians, including 11 children and a paramedic, in excessive use of force against the peaceful demonstrators on the 60th Friday of the Great March of Return in the eastern Gaza Strip.

As part of targeting the Palestinian fishermen in the Gaza Sea, the Israeli forces continued to escalate their attacks against the Palestinian fishermen, indicating an ongoing Israeli policy of targeting fishermen’s livelihoods.  During the reporting period, PCHR documented 3 incidents off the northern and southern Gaza shores.  It should be noted that the Israeli forces declared on 11 June 2019 that the allowed area for fishing decreased to 6 nautical miles under the pretext of incendiary balloons fired from the Gaza Strip.  Next day afternoon, the spokesperson of the Israeli Forces, Avichay Adraee, declared a total naval blockade off the Gaza Strip shore until further notice; thus, fishermen are not allowed to sail or fish in the sea.

Incursions:

During the reporting period, Israeli forces conducted at least 83 military incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank and 7 other incursions into Jerusalem and its suburbs. During those incursions, Israeli forces arrested at least 37 Palestinians, including 2 children and a woman, in the West Bank, while 45 other civilians, including 3 women, were arrested from Jerusalem and its suburbs.

In the Gaza Strip, on 04 June 2019, Israeli forces moved 100 meters into al-Shokah village, east of Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip.  They combed lands in front of the Return encampment before redeploying along the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel.

Israeli authorities continued to create a Jewish majority in occupied East Jerusalem.

As part of settlement expansion, demolitions and house demolition notices, on 10 June2019, Mervat Jamal Abu Kaf self-demolished her house in Qisan area in Surbaher village, south of occupied East Jerusalem, to implement the Israeli Municipality order, under the pretext of non-licensing. Mervat said that she was forced to demolish her house after a decision issued by the Israeli court because she could not pay demolition costs estimated at NIS 70,000 for the Israeli Municipality. She added that the court’s decision was issued after she paid a construction fine estimated at NIS 60,000.  Mervat lived in her 125-sqaure-meter house along with her 6 children.

On the Same day, the Israeli forces forced a Palestinian civilian to self-demolish his residential building, which was under-construction, in Sho’fat refugee camp, north of occupied East Jerusalem, under the pretext of non-licensing. 

On 11 June, the Israeli forces demolished a house and a residential building in addition to 2 commercial facilities in the villages of sour Baher and al-Mukaber Mount village, south of occupied East Jerusalem.

On 12 June 2018, Israeli bulldozers demolished a residential building, 7 stores and a gas station in the vicinity of Qalendia checkpoint, north of occupied East Jerusalem.

Settlement activities and settlers’ attacks against Palestinian civilians and their property

  • As part of the house demolitions and notices, The Israeli authorities issued a military order to confiscate 80 dunums belonging to Palestinian civilians in order to build a new settlement street for “Alon Moreh“ settlement established in northeast of Nablus. The street is 12 kilometers long and 13 meters wide.
  • On 11 June 2019, Israeli forces uprooted 550 forest trees and fruitful olive trees in addition to destroying 2 wells in Kherbet Abu Kbaish, east of Tamoun village, southeast of Tubas. Most of those trees were donated by the Brazilian Consulate.
  • On the same day, the Israeli forces destroyed an under-construction house comprised of 2 floors and 4 residential apartments in addition to a roof of 500 square meters.  They also backfilled a well of 150 cubic meters in Khelet al-Surbati area near Jabal Jawhar neighborhood in southern Hebron.  The demolition came under the pretext of non-licensing in Area C.
  • On the same day, the Israeli authorities issued 2 military orders; one to change the boundaries in order to seize Palestinian agricultural lands in ‘Asirah al-Qibliyah village, southeast of Nablus, and another to confiscate 1.5 dunums from the Palestinian agricultural lands in Burin village, southeast of Nablus.  This order was on grounds of building a new security street in favor of Barakha settlement established in northeastern Burin village, east of Nablus.  On the same day, the Israeli forces destroyed a residential room and 4 barracks for grazing sheep and horses in Beer ‘Onah village, north of occupied East Jerusalem.
  • On 12 June 2019, Israeli forces demolished 5 residential tents, 5 tents used for sheltering livestock, a tent used as a kitchen, livestock barn and water tanks in addition to backfilling a well in Kherbet al-Ras al-Ahmar in the northern Valleys in eastern Tubas.
  • On the same day, the Israeli forces demolished a tin-plate house of 30 square meters in Um al-Kheir village, southeast of Yata, south of Hebron, under the pretext of non-licensing.
  • On the same day, the Palestinian Civil Liaison handed the head of Burin village, southeast of Nablus, a military order which was given by the Israeli liaison about the confiscation of 1.5 dunums from the Palestinian agricultural lands in favor of building a new security street, which is 1.5 kilometers long, for Barakha settlement established in northeastern Burin village.

As part of settlers’ attacks against Palestinian civilians and their property, on 05 June 2019, Israeli settlers, from “Ahiya” settlement, which is established in the southern side of Jaloud village, southeast of Nablus, attacked the village outskirts from the southern side. The settlers threw stones at Jaloud Secondary School, broke 2 windows and set fire to olive fields. As a result, over 1000 olive trees planted 65 years ago were completely burned.

On 06 June 2019, Israeli settlers seized agricultural lands in al-Makhrour area in Beit Jala, under the pretext of owning them. Hasan Barijiyah, Head of the Wall and Settlement Resistance in Bethlehem, said that the settlement association “Kern Kemet” seized, reclaimed and planted 4 dunums from Palestinian lands in Beit Jalaand in addition to setting barbed wires around them to place mobile homes on them.

On 08 June 2019, settlers attacked a land belonging to the heirs of the late Ismael Mousa in Al-Khader village in southern Bethlehem. Maryam Mousa, one of the heirs, said that her family was surprised with raiding her 8-dunum land by settlers in Wad Abu Bajeer area in al-Khader village. She also added that the settlers placed water pipes and planted the land with hundreds of olive, apricot, and peach trees.

Details

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

Thursday, 30 May 2019:

  • At approximately 01:30, Israeli forces moved into southern area in Hebron. They raided and searched two houses belonging to Husain ‘Aadi Abu Sunaina (18) and Mousa Hamad Abu Quaider (19), and then arrested them.
  • At approximately 02:30, Israeli forces moved into Ethna village, west of Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to Saleh Mohammed Al-Nattah (40).  The Israeli forces later withdraw from the village and no arrests were reported.
  • Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Tubas. They raided and searched 2 houses belonging to Nader Mustafa Sawaftah (44) and Obaida Haitham ‘Anbousi (27), and then arrested them.
  • At approximately 22:00, Israeli forces moved into Nablus from the eastern and southern entrances, and stationed in the eastern area in the city in the vicinity of  “Joseph Tomb” to secure the entry of dozens of busses carrying hundreds of settlers. The settlers performed their rituals and Talmudic prayers in “Joseph Tomb” until the morning of the next day. Meanwhile, dozens of Palestinians gathered and threw stones and empty bottles at the Israeli forces. The Israeli forces immediately fired live bullets, rubber bullets, tear gas canisters, and sound bombs at the protestors. As a result, 6 civilians, including 4 children, were wounded. They then were taken to Rafidiya Hospital to receive medical treatment.

(PCHR keeps the names of the wounded civilians)

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (4) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: Yatta City, Bait Ummer village in Hebron;’Een Qinya village and al-Tirah neighborhood in Ramallah.

Friday, 31 May 2019:

  • In a new crime of excessive use of force, Israeli forces killed a Palestinian child while he was attempting to enter East Jerusalem to perform prayers in Al-Aqsa Mosque. According to PCHR’s investigations, at approximately 08:00, Lo’ay Mohammed Ramadan Ghaith (48) headed from Hebron to Jerusalem to perform the last Friday prayer in Ramadan in Al-Aqsa Mosque with his son Abdullah, his 3 daughters, and his nephew Abed al-Rahman (18). Lo’ay arrived with his car at Al-Hams Valley, east of Bethlehem, where there was a fence established, so that ‘Abed al-Rahman enter the city as the latter did not have an entry permit. Abed al-Rahman headed there and Abdullah followed him to check the road for him. Both of them crossed the fence through a gap in it and then reached the other fence, which is 8 meters away from the first one. When they arrived, they saw an Israeli police officer (Border Guards). ‘Abed al-Rahman withdrew, but Abdullah tried to climb the barbed-wire fence. When he saw another Israeli officer 10 meters away, he jumped and ran away for 2 meters. As a result, the police officers fired two bullets that penetrated his body and he fell. His father and some civilians ran towards him and put him in the father’s car to be taken to al-Hussain Hospital in Bethlehem, where the doctors tried to help him but he died. According to the medical sources, Abdullah was wounded with 2 bullets under his chest from the back; causing severe bleeding that led to his death.
  • At approximately 21:00, Israeli gunboats stationed offshore, west of Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip, opened fire at Palestinian fishing boats sailing within 5 nautical miles and chased them. As a result, the fishermen were forced to flee fearing for their lives, but neither casualties nor material damage was reported.

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (3) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: al-Samou’a, Beit Awla and Kharsa villages in Hebron.

Saturday, 01 June 2019:

  • At approximately 05:30, Israeli forces moved into ‘Abuwin village, northwest of Ramallah. They raided and searched a house belonging to Wajih Mohammed Sahwil (46) and then arrested him.

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (3) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported :al-‘Awaja village, northeast of Jericho; Sebastia village, northwest of Nablus; and Howarah village, south of the city.

Sunday, 02 June 2019

  • At approximately 01:00, Israeli forces moved  into al-Fawar refugee camp, south of Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to Feras Emad Hadib (17) and then arrested him.
  • At approximately 01:15, Israeli forces moved into al-Am’ari refugee camp, south of Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to Shadi Abed Abu al-Jallad (27) and then arrested him.
  • At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into the southern area in Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to Ya’qoub Yahiya al-Rajbi (20) and then arrested him.
  • At approximately 03:30, a group of Israeli special units “Mista’arvim” dressed like Palestinian civilians sneaked into Tubas, using a civilian van with Palestinian registration plate and the truck was covered with a shed. The van stopped in the vicinity of a house belonging to No’man Abdul Men’em Mahmoud Sawaftah (21) in the western neighborhood in the city. The “Mista’arvim” stepped out of the car truck, raided and searched the house of the abovementioned civilians and then arrested him taking him to an unknown destination.

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (4) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: Beit Ummer and Surif villages in Hebron; Beit ‘Our al-Tahta and Betunia villages, west of Ramallah.

Monday, 03 June 2019:

  • At approximately  02:30, Israeli forces moved into Beta village, southeast of Nablus. They raided and searched a house belonging to Abdul Rahman Hasan Abu Zaytoun (65) and then arrested him.

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (3) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: al-‘Aroub refugee camp, Shuyoukh village and Yatta in Hebron.  

Tuesday, 04 June 2019:

  • At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into ‘Ourta village, southeast of Nablus. They raided and searched a house belonging to Nada Sa’ed Shurrab (24) and then arrested him.
  • At approximately 02:15, Israeli forces moved into Tal village, southeast of Nablus. They raided and searched a house belonging to Mahmoud Mustafa ‘Asidah (28) and then arrested him.
  • At approximately 02:30, Israeli forces moved into al-Silah al-Harithiyh village, west of Jenin. They raided and searched a house belonging to No’man Tayseer Zuyoud (22) and then arrested him.
  • Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Beit Ummer village, north of Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to Shehdah Hasan Salibi (48) and then handed a summons to his son Fathi (20) to refer to the Israeli Intelligence Service in “Gush Etzion” settlement, south of Bethlehem. Meanwhile, another Israeli force raided and searched a house belonging to Karam Yusuf Hasan Ekhleil (19) and then arrested him.
  • At approximately 08:00, Israeli forces accompanied with a number of vehicles and bulldozers moved about 100 meters along the border fence with Israel into al-Shawkah village, east of Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip. The bulldozers leveled lands adjacent to the Return March. The Israeli forces later redeployed along the abovementioned border fence.
  • At approximately 04:15, Israeli forces moved into ‘Awourah village, northwest of Ramallah. They raided and searched a house belonging to Mohammed Basem al-‘Awouri (20) and then arrested  him.
  • At approximately 20:00, Israeli forces accompanied with a number of military vehicles and bulldozers moved about 100 meters from the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel into al-Shawkah village, east of Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip. The bulldozers leveled lands adjacent to the March of Return and then redeployed along the border fence.
  • At approximately 21:00, Israeli forces wounded Rushdi Zuhair Yusuf al-Ahmed (57), from Romanah village, west of Jenin, with a live bullet to the left shoulder. According to PCHR’s investigations, Rushdi was heading to perform the evening prayer (al-Esha’a prayer) in Romanah Mosque, and he heard sounds of shootings in the annexation wall area, west of the village around 500 meters away. When Rushdi was around 10 meters away from the mosque, he was hit with a live bullet to the left shoulder. He was taken via a civilian car belonging to his brother Mo’een (48) to Dr. Khalil Suleiman Governmental Hospital in Jenin to receive medical treatment. Doctors classified his injury as moderate.

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (4) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: Hadab and Tarqumiya villages in Hebron; Beta village, southeast of Nablus; Abuwin village, northwest of Ramallah.

Wednesday, 05 June 2019:

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (4) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: al-Samou’a, Beit ‘Omrah, al-Moreq villages and Wad Reshah area, west of Ethna in Hebron.

Thursday, 06 June 2019:

 Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (3) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: Beit Awla, al-Majd and Kharsah villages in Hebron.

Friday, 07 June 2019:

  • At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into the southern area in Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to Husein Nafeth al-Rajbi (15) and then arrested him.

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (3) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: al-Thaheriyah, Surif and Shuyoukh al-‘Arab villages in Hebron.

Saturday, 08 June 2019:

  • At approximately 19:30, Israeli gunboats stationed offshore, off al-Waha shore, northwest of Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip, chased and opened fire at Palestinian fishing boats sailing within 3 nautical miles. As a result, the fishermen were forced to flee fearing for their lives, but neither casualties nor material damage was reported.
  • At approximately 19:30, Israeli gunboats stationed offshore, west of Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip, opened fire and pumped water at Palestinian fishing boats sailing within 7 nautical miles and chased them. As a result, the fishermen were forced to flee fearing for their lives, but neither casualties nor material damage was reported.

   Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (4) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: Beit Awla, Dura, Yatta and Karza village in Hebron.

Sunday, 09 June 2019:

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (3) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: al-‘Aroub refugee camp, Shuyoukh village and Yatta in Hebron.

Monday, 10 June 2019:

  • At approximately 00:00, Israeli forces moved into Kufor al-Deek village, west of Salfit. They raided and searched a house belonging to Mohammed Khader Saleh Hamedan (22) and then arrested him.
  • At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into ‘Aydah refugee camp, north of Bethlehem. They raided and searched a house belonging to Saleh As’ad Faraj (24) and then arrested him.
  • At approximately 02:30, Israeli forces moved into Beit Ummer village, north of Hebron. They raided and searched a number of houses after which they arrested Rebhi Ibrahim Ekhleil (28), Suheib Ahmed Ekhliel (24) and Na’el Mohammed Ekhleil (24). The Israeli forces also handed summonses to ‘Ala’a Khalil ‘Alami (38) and Khaldoun Qasem Abu Maria (29) to refer to the Israeli Intelligence Service in “Gush Etzion” settlement complex, south of Bethlehem.
  • At approximately 04:00, Israeli forces moved into al-Khader village, south of Bethlehem. They raided and searched a house belonging to Khalid Nasser al-Wahsh (27) and then arrested him.
  • At approximately 23:40, Israeli soldiers  stationed along the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel, east of Rafah, fired flare bombs and opened fire at agricultural lands, but no casualties were reported.

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (4) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: Deir Samet, Beit ‘Awa, Tarousah villages and Yatta in Hebron.

Tuesday, 11 June 2019:

  • At approximately 01:00, Israeli forces accompanied with a number of military vehicles moved into al-Samou’a village, east of Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to Walid Mohammed Redwan (44) and then arrested him.
  • Around the same time, an Israeli force accompanied with a number of military vehicles moved into Deir Samet village, southwest of Dura, southwest of Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to Mohammed Mahmoud Masalmah (34) and then arrested him.
  • At approximately 01:50, Israeli forces moved into Tulkarm. They raided and searched a number of houses from which they arrested 3 civilians namely ‘Adnan Khader al-Husari (53), Aws Kamal ‘Awad (20) and Ra’fat Jamil Nasif (55), leader at Hamas Movement.
  • At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into Zeta village, north of Tulkarm. They raided and searched a house belonging to Mansour Hasan al-Labdi (22) and then arrested him.
  • Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Noor Shams refugee camp, east of Tulkarm. They raided and searched a house belonging to Eshaq Mohammed Mahamid (21) and then arrested him.
  • Around the same time, an Israeli infantry unit sneaked into al-Tour Mount area, south of Nablus, and surrounded the headquarter of the Palestinian Preventive Security Service (PPSS). Large number of Israeli soldiers moved into the city and opened fire at the headquarter, which is comprised of 5 floors, causing damage to the windows and doors from the eastern and northern sides. At approximately 05:30, the Israeli force withdrew from the area.
  • In the same context, Israeli forces moved into Nablus. They raided and searched a house belonging to Omer Fathi al-Aghbar (26) and then arrested him.
  • Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Beit ‘Ein al-Ma’a refugee camp, west of Nablus. They raided and searched a house belonging to Sameh Khalid Jabri (28) and then arrested him.
  • At approximately 19:00, Israeli gunboats stationed offshore, adjacent to al-Waha shore, northwest of Beit Lahia, west of al-Sudaniyah area, west of Jabalia in the northern Gaza Strip, chased and heavily opened fire at Palestinian fishing boats sailing within 6 to 10 nautical miles. As a result, the fishermen were forced to flee fearing for their lives, but neither casualties nor material damage was reported. That was following the Israeli authorities’ decision to reduce the fishing area from 10 to 6 nautical miles on the sae day evening.

Wednesday, 12 June 2019:

  • At approximately 03:00, Israeli  forces accompanied with a number of military vehicles moved into Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to Husam Zeyad Hassan (20) and then arrested him.
  • At approximately 04:00, Israeli forces accompanied with several vehicles moved into Sa’ir village, north of Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to Rashed Yusuf Jaradat (23) and then arrested him.
  • At approximately 05:30, Israeli forces moved into Jenin refugee camp, west of Jenin. They raided and searched several houses after which they arrested 2 civilians namely ‘Ezz Eden Ahmed Redwan Hardan (17) and Mahmoud Mohammed Reda al-Daba’I (20).

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (5) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: Deir Samet village, Hebron, Nuba, and Kharas villages in Hebron.

Use of Force against Demonstrations in Protest against the U.S. President’s Decision to Recognize Jerusalem as the Capital of Israel:

Israeli forces continued its excessive use of lethal force against peaceful demonstration organized by Palestinian civilians in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, and it was named as “The Great March of Return and Breaking Siege.” The demonstration was in protest against the U.S. President Donald Trump’s declaration to move the U.S. Embassy to it. According to PCHR fieldworkers’ observations, the border area witnessed large participation by Palestinian civilians as the Israeli forces continued to use upon highest military and political echelons excessive force against the peaceful demonstrators, though the demonstration were fully peaceful. The demonstration was as follows during the reporting period:

During the 60th week of the March of Return and Breaking Siege activities, Israeli forces killed a Palestinian civilian and wounded 48, including 11 children, two women, two journalists, and two paramedics. The incidents were as follows:

Gaza Strip:

  • Northern Gaza Strip: The Israeli shooting at Palestinian demonstrators, which continued from 16:30 until 19:00, resulted in the injury of 8 Palestinian civilians, including a child. Six of them were hit with rubber bullets and 2 were directly hit with tear gas canisters.
  • Central Gaza Strip: The Israeli shooting at Palestinian demonstrators resulted in the injury of 3 Palestinian civilians, who were directly hit with tear gas canisters.
  • Khan Younis: The Israeli shooting at the demonstrators, which continued from 16:30 until 19:00, resulted in the injury of 10 civilians, including a child. Two of them were hit with live bullets, one civilian was hit with rubber bullets, and 7 were directly hit with tear gas canister.
  • Rafah: The Israeli shooting at the demonstrators, which continued from 16:00 until 19:00, resulted in the injury of 23 civilians, including 9 children and a paramedic. Three of them were hit with live bullets and their shrapnel and 20 were hit with rubber bullets. The wounded paramedic was identified as Mohammed Yusuf Ibrahim Abu Zbaidah (24), who works at the Palestinian Civil Defense, was hit with a live bullet to the right leg.

Ambulance Officer Succumbed to his Wounds:

  • At approximately 13:00 on Monday, 10 June 2019, Palestinian medical sources announced the death of Mohammed Sobhi Salamah al-Judaili (36), from al-Buraij refugee camp, in the central Gaza Strip, succumbing to wounds he sustained at approximately 18:10 on Friday, 03 May 2019, while on duty east of the Return encampment, east of Abu Safiyah Hill, northeast of Jabalia in the northern Gaza Strip. Al-Jadili, who was an ambulance officer at Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS), was hit with a rubber bullet to the nose fired by Israeli soldiers. As a result, he suffered fracture to the skull while he was transferring 2 civilians wounded in the Return March inside the ambulance, which was around 200 meters into the west of the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel.

According to the testimony of his colleague, (Y. A), after Mohammed was injured, he was taken to the medical point belonging to the Ministry of Health and then transferred to al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City to receive medical treatment. Doctors found out that Mohammed suffered from fracture to the nose and skull. He was later transferred to al-Quds Hospital of the PRCS in Tal al-Hawa neighborhood in Gaza City. Mohammed stayed at al-Quds Hospital waiting a medical referral for treatment in a hospital in the West Bank. Mohammed left the hospital to spend Eid al-Feter holiday with his family on Sunday, 02 June, 2019. On the same day evening, Mohammed suffered a seizure and fainted and then his heart suddenly stopped. He was then taken to al-Aqsa Hospital in the central Gaza Strip where he stayed in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) until receiving a referral to al-Ahli Hospital in Hebron, West Bank. Mohammed death was announced at approximately 13:00 on Monday, 10 June 2019 succumbing to his wounds.

West Bank:

  • At approximately 13:30 on Friday afternoon, 31 May 2019, a group of Palestinians organized a peaceful demonstration from the center of Kufor Qaddoum village, northeast of Qalqiliyah, into the eastern entrance to the village, which has been closed for 15 years in favor of “Kedumim” The protestors threw stones at Israeli soldiers stationed behind sand barriers. The soldiers immediately fired rubber bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters at them. As a result, 4 civilians were wounded.

(PCHR keeps the names of the injured civilians)

  • At approximately 16:30 on Saturday, 01 June 2019, residents in Kufor Qaddoum village, organized a similar demonstration, northeast of Qalqiliyah. The Israeli shooting resulted in the injury of 5 civilians, including 2 children; one of them was identified as Mo’men Morad Eshtaiwi (8), was hit with a rubber bullet to the right leg.

(PCHR keeps the names of the injured civilians)

  • At approximately 13:30 on Friday afternoon, 07 June 2019, a group of Palestinians organized a peaceful demonstration from the center of Kufor Qaddoum village, northeast of Qalqiliyah, into the eastern entrance to the village, which has been closed for 15 years in favor of “Kedumim”. The protestors chanted slogans demanding the end of Israeli occupation, and condemning Israeli crimes against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip. The protestors threw stones at Israeli soldiers stationed behind sand barriers. The soldiers immediately fired rubber bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters at them. As a result, a 19-year-old civilian was hit with a rubber bullet to the right leg.
  • 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.

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

(05-11 June 2019)

Category05 June06 June07 June08 June09 June10 June 11 June
Patients3222147145
Companions2206114119
Personal needs21855226
Families of prisoners37
Arabs from Israel319416
Diplomats21
Meetings in Erez1
International workers3311112
Travelers Abroad1891
Business people+ BMC1041221123511
Economic and agriculture    interviews
Security interviews334
Death cases
Companions’ Deaths
Return to the West Bank5
Christians’ Holidays
Conferences and Training courses71
Permits’ renewal1
VIPs
Ambulances Patient42
Ambulances companion32

Note:

  • On Monday, 10 June 2019, Israeli forces allowed the entry of 2 Palestinian civilians to testify before Israeli courts.

Following table illustrates temporary and permanent checkpoints and arrests at these checkpoints in the West Bank between  23 May – 12 June 2019:

GovernoratePermanent temporaryTemporary checkpointsClosed RoadsArrested persons
Jerusalem132
Nablus1022
Jenin51
Ramallah11641
Tulkarm71
Tubas21
Salfit31
Qalqiliyia54
Hebron203815
Bethlehem112
Jericho52
Al-Karama Crossing1
Total9246307

Arrests at Military Checkpoints:

  • At approximately 13:00 on Thursday, 30 May 2019, Israeli forces established a checkpoint on al-Bathan-Nablus road at the northern entrance to the city. They then arrested Osaid Shafiq Tawfiq al-Kharraz (30), from Tubas.
  • At approximately 15:00, Israeli forces stationed at Qalandia checkpoint at the northern entrance to occupied East Jerusalem, arrested Osama Ibrahim al-Hussani (30), from Faqqou’a village, northeast of Jenin.
  • At approximately 16:50, Israeli forces arrested Ahmed Wa’d al-Khawaja (20) while passing through a military checkpoint established in al-Mohahel area in Ni’lin village, west of Ramallah.
  • At approximately 18:00, Israeli forces established a checkpoint on Jenin- Hifa Road, at the western entrance to Jenin. They then arrested Amjad Mostafa Saleh (18), from the city.
  • At approximately 18:30 on Thursday, Israeli forces stationed at Za’tarah checkpoint, south of Nablus, arrested Mohamed Mahmoud Lobada (26), from the city.
  • At approximately 11:00 on Saturday, 08 June 2019, Israeli forces stationed at Qalandia checkpoint, north of occupied East Jerusalem, arrested Azhar Yousef al-Sheikh Qassem (27) while passing though the checkpoint. The Israeli forces claimed that she had a knife and then took her to an unknown destination.
  • At approximately 10:00 on Monday, 03 June 2019, Israeli forces stationed at al-Karama crossing, arrested Lana Faisal Tawfiq Nazzal (30), from Qabatiyia village, southeast of Jenin. 
  • At approximately 13:20 on Sunday, 09 June 2019, Israeli forces stationed at “Ariel” settlement square, north of Salfit, arrested Mohamed Ma’zouz Mohamed Salama (23), from Bidiyia village, west of Salfit.

Efforts to Create A 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 03:00 on Saturday, 01 June 2019, Israeli forces moved into Ras al-‘Amoud neighborhood, east of occupied East Jerusalem. They raided and searched a house belonging to Mohamed Nadi al-Hashlamoun (20) and then arrested him.
  • On Saturday, 01 June 2019, in coincidence with Jerusalem Day, Israeli forces moved into occupied East Jerusalem’s neighborhoods and arrested around 27 Palestinians in varying period.  Amjad Abu ‘Asab, Head of the Prisoners’ Families Committee in Jerusalem, said that the arrest campaign was carried out coinciding with the settlers’ calls to raid al-Aqsa Mosque on Sunday, 02 June 2019. PCHR keeps the names of the arrested civilians.
  • On Sunday,  02 June 2019, Israeli forces along with hundreds of Israeli settlers raided al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied East Jerusalem’s Old City to commemorate the so-called “ Jerusalem’s Day”. Eyewitnesses said that at approximately 07:15, Special Forces units, Israeli police officers and Israeli intelligence officers raided al-Aqsa Mosque from al-Maghareba and al-Selselah Gates while dozens of Palestinian worshipers and Mo’takefeen, who are staying in the al-Aqsa Mosque for a certain number of days to perform prayers, were in the mosque’s yards. The eyewitnesses added that the Israeli forces suddenly and severely beat the Mo’takefeen and pursued them. Moreover, the Israeli forces surrounded dozens of them in al-Qibali Mosque after violated it with weapons and closed its gates with chains and steel tubes. Meanwhile, the Israeli forces threw sound bombs and fired rubber bullets at the Mo’takefee surrounded in the mosque. The Islamic Endowment Department (Awqaf) said that around 1179 Israeli settlers raided the mosque from al-Maghareba Gate and the Israeli forces deliberately allowed a large number of them to enter the mosque and protected them while wondering in the yards. After that, the settlers performed prayers, sang and danced. The al-Aqsa Mosque yards were full of Palestinian worshipers, who chanted slogans refusing the Israeli settlers’ raids and closure imposed on the mosque for several hours.  The eyewitnesses also said that the Special Forces units pursued the Palestinian young men, severely beat them and arrested 6 of them. The names of them are still unknown. Following the Israeli raids, which continued until 11:00, the Israeli forces withdrew from the al-Aqsa Mosque yards through al-Maghareba Gate and then gathered in al-Qibali Mosque yards. They then raided the mosque again and fired live bullets at the worshipers to prevent them from opening al-Qibali Mosque and releasing the worshipers. The Israeli forces attacked al-Aqsa Mosque guards and prevented them from practicing their work and moving into the mosque yards. The Israeli forces imposed a security cordon on the al-Qibali Mosque. 
  • At approximately 16:00 on Sunday, the so-called Flag March started to mark the unification of Jerusalem’s eastern and western sectors in the 1967. Thousands of Israeli settlers joint the Flag March and started their march from West Jerusalem streets towards al Buraq (Wailing Wall) in the center of occupied East Jerusalem’s Old City. They then passed through Hebron, al-Jadeed, al-‘Amoud, al-Asbat, and al-Maghareba Gates, where they violated the Old City and then the al-Buraq yard. The settlers performed prayers and celebrated this day. During which, they sang, danced, drummed, raised the Israeli flag, and chanted racist slogans against Palestinians. During the march, the Israeli authorities closed several main streets in Jerusalem and other streets adjacent to the Old City. They also prevented private vehicles and buses from passing and placed steel barriers to prevent Palestinians’ access to some streets. The Israeli forces pursued the Palestinian civilians on Nablus, al-Sultan Suliman and al-Mosrarah streets and ordered shops owners to close their shops. During the march, the Israeli forces arrested Hala Abu Gharbiyia due to raising the Palestinian flag in al-‘Amoud Gate area. Moreover, they arrested Sondos Sameer ‘Obaid (19) while she was on Nablus Street adjacent to al-‘Amoud Gate area. The Palestinian Red Crescent Society (PRCS) stated that its staff treated a 28-year-old girl after severely beating her at her head by the Israeli forces stationed in al-Sahera Gate area. She was then taken to al-Maqased Hospital.
  • At approximately 09:00 on Monday, 03 June 2019, Israeli forces moved into al-Thawri neighborhood, south of occupied East Jerusalem. They raided and searched a house belonging to Mahmoud ‘Adel Ghaith (24) and then arrested him.
  • At approximately 11:00 on Monday, Israeli forces moved into African Community neighborhood near al-Majles Gate, one of al-Aqsa Mosque’s gates, in occupied East Jerusalem’s Old City. They raided and searched a house belonging to Jehad Naser Quos (25) and then arrested him.
  • At approximately 01:00 on Thursday, 06 June 2019, Israeli forces moved into Hizma village, northeast of occupied East Jerusalem. They raided and searched a house belonging to ‘Issa Khaled Subeih (20) and then arrested him.
  • At approximately 18:00 on Friday, 07 June 2019, Israeli forces moved into schools’ street in al-Mukaber Mount area, southeast of occupied East Jerusalem. The Israeli soldiers deployed along the street, threw sound bombs, and indiscriminately fired rubber bullets in the area, causing verbal altercation between the soldiers and residents. The Israeli soldiers raided and searched houses, from which they arrested 5 civilians, including a girl. The arrested civilians were identified as Aseel Mohamed ‘Owisat (19), Karam Yousef ‘Abdo (21), Mohamed ‘Ataa ‘Owisat (23), ‘Ataa Mohamed ‘Owisat (46), and Mousa ‘Abdo (22).
  • At approximately 12:00 on Saturday, 08 June 2019, Israeli police arrested al-Aqsa Mosque guard, Mohanad Idrees (34), while working in Bab al-Rahma Mosque, east of al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied East Jerusalem’s Old City. They then took him after severely beating him up.

House Demolitions:

  • At approximately 14:00 on Monday, 10  June 2019, Mervat Jamal Abu Kaf self-demolished her house in Qisan area in Surbaher village, south of occupied East Jerusalem, to implement the Israeli Municipality order, under the pretext of non-licensing. Mervat said that she was forced to demolish her house after a decision issued by the Israeli court, because she could not pay demolition costs estimated at NIS 70.000 for the Israeli Municipality. She added that the court’s decision issued after paying a fine estimated at NIS 60.000. Mervat said that the demolition decision was unjust and deprived her of living in conditions of safety and stability with her 6 children. Mervat clarified: “ My blind husband, Hasan Khalil Abu Kaf, died after suffering from incurable disease and I paid the fine in installments and took care of  my children alone, but the Israeli Municipality did not take into account this”  Mervat added that she lives in her 125-sqaure-meter house along with her 6 children 6 years ago. Her house was comprised of 4 rooms, a living room, kitchen, and bathroom. She pointed out that she was forced to live in one room in her father- in-law house because she became homeless. Jaber ‘Omirah, Head of the organizing committee of Dir al-‘Amoud, al-Mentar and al-Qisan in Surbaher village, said that the abovementioned areas are located within the Jerusalem municipal boundaries, but their lands are not organized. He added that the Jerusalem municipality staff demolished several houses in these areas and around 250 Jerusalemites are suffering from paying construction fines, under the pretext of non-licensing. He clarified that  Dir al-‘Amoud, al-Mentar and al-Qisan areas are built on an area of 5000 dunums and around 5000 people are living in these areas. He pointed out that the committee called upon the Jerusalem Municipality years ago to organize these areas, but in vain.
  • On Monday, 10 June 2019, the Israeli Municipality forced ‘Imran ‘Alqam to self-demolish his residential building, which was under-construction, in Sho’fat refugee camp, north of occupied East Jerusalem, under the pretext of non-licensing. ‘Imran ‘Alqam said that he along with his relative started to demolish the building, but the municipality forced him to use a bulldozer while demolishing the building and he refused because his house is adjacent to his neighbor’s house. In this case, the neighboring houses will sustain damage and he will force to pay compensation for them. ‘Imran clarified that he was forced to stop self-demolition because the Israeli municipality insistence to use the bulldozer. The municipality warned him that it will demolish all the building by using a bulldozer within few days. He pointed out that in this case he will force to pay over NIS 70000 for the municipality staff. He added that the building is comprised of 4 apartments, each of them is built on an area of 300 square meters. ‘Imran emphasized that he attempted to license the building, but the municipality refused under the pretext of being close to the annexation wall. It should be noted that the building is adjacent to “Bazat Ze’ev“ settlement, which is established on Beit Hunina village’s lands, and settlers are allowed to build on it .
  • On Tuesday, 11 June 2019, Israeli vehicles demolished a residential house, an under-construction building and a commercial facility in Surbaher village and al-Mukaber Mount area, south of occupied East Jerusalem, under the pretext of non-licensing. Eyewitnesses said that the Israeli Municipality staff along with Israeli vehicles moved into Surbaher village, under the protection of dozens of infantry Israeli soldiers and police officers. They surrounded an under-construction building belonging to Wesam Jabbour and closed all streets leading to it before demolishing it. They then raided a house belonging to Ahmed ‘Afana and then demolished it. Wesam Jabbour said that the Israeli bulldozers raided his under-construction building and surrounded it without a prior warning. He pointed out that the Israeli Municipality staff raided the building 2 days ago and informed him to stop construction works. Jabbour clarified that the building was comprised of 2 floors, each of them built on an area of 350 square meters.

Ahmed ‘Afana said to PCHR’s fieldworker that he built the house 5 years ago and around 5 persons are living in it. He added that the Israeli forces prevented his family from vacating the house content and then demolished it. The Israeli bulldozers also demolished a commercial facility for selling Aluminum in al-Mukaber Mout area, under the pretext of non-licensing.  The 90-sqaure-meter facility, which belongs to ‘Esam Mohamed Ja’abees, built 7 years ago. ‘Esam said that the Israeli bulldozers demolished large part of the facility, noting that the municipality demolished it despite of giving him until the beginning of July to demolish it.

  • At approximately 07:00 on Wednesday, 12 June 2019, Israeli bulldozers along with dozens of infantry soldiers moved into the vicinity of Qalandia checkpoint, north of occupied East Jerusalem. They then demolished a residential building, a petrol station and 7 shops along the main street, adjacent to the checkpoint at the entrance to Qalandia refugee camp, under the pretext of non-licensing.

Settlement activities and attacks by settlers against Palestinian civilians and property

  • The Israeli authorities issued a military order to confiscate 80 dunums belonging to Palestinian civilians in order to build a new settlement street for “Alon Moreh“ settlement established in northeast of Nablus. At approximately 10:00 on Monday, 10 June 2019, ‘Azmout and Dir Hatab villages’ council received from the Palestinian Liaison a copy of the Israeli military order to confiscate 80 dunums belonging to Palestinian civilians in order to build a new settlement street. The street is 12 kilometers long and 13 meters wide and it belongs to “Alon Moreh“settlement, which is established in the southeastern side of ‘Azmout village and in northern Dir Hatab village.
  • At approximately 06:00 on Tuesday, 11 June 2019, Israeli forces backed by 2 bulldozers moved into Kherbet Abu Kbaish, east of Tamoun village, southeast of Tubas. The Israeli bulldozers uprooted 550 forest trees and fruitful olive trees in addition to destroying 2 wells. The uprooted trees planted 8 years ago. The Israeli authorities declared the area as a nature reserve. The demolition resulted in the uprooting of 240 olive trees belonging to Jehad, ‘Adullah and Mohanad Yousef Mostafa Bani ‘Odah, in addition to destroying an agricultural well belonging to Jehad Yousef Bani ‘Odah. Moreover, 310 forest trees were uprooted and an agricultural well was destroyed. Both of them are donated by the Brazilian Consulate.
  • At approximately 08:00, an Israeli force accompanied with a number of military vehicles, a vehicle of the Israeli Civil Administration and 3 diggers moved into Khelat al-Sharbati area near Jawhar Mount neighborhood, in the southern area in Hebron. The diggers demolished an under-construction house, 2 floors (4 apartments), a 500-square-meter roof, and a 150- cubic- meter well belonging to Lafi Zayed Jamal al-Rajbi (49). The demolition was under the pretext of non-licensing in Area classified (C). it should be noted that the Israeli authorities  handed Lafi a notice to halt construction in the house on 20 February 2019, a year after he began building the house.
  • On Tuesday, 11 June 2019, Israeli authorities issued 2 military orders; one of which was to change borders and seize agricultural lands belonging to Palestinian civilians in ‘Asirah al-Qabaliyah village, southeast of Nablus while the other order was to confiscate 1.5 dunums of agricultural lands belonging to Palestinian civilians in Burin village, southeast of Nablus. At approximately 11:00 on the same day, the Palestinian Liaison in Nablus handed the Head of ‘Asirah al-Qabaliyah village Council a military decision to change borders and seize around 5 dunums and 455 meters to expand the military camp established in al-Shaqa’eq area reaching al-kuroum area in Area classified (B) in favor of Yitzhak settlement in the southern area of the abovementioned village.
  • In the same context, Israeli forces demolished a residential room and 4 barracks to raise livestock and horses belonging to Mohammed Mousa Zarinah in Beir ‘Ounah area, north of Beit Jala under the pretext of non-licensing. Eyewitnesses said to PCHR’s fieldworker that the Israeli forces moved into Ber ‘Ounah area on the same morning, closed it and prevented civilians from reaching it. They then demolished 4 agricultural facilities and barracks, each of them was built on an area of 120 square meters in addition to a residential room belonging to Mohammed Mousa Zarinah. The eyewitnesses emphasized that the Israeli forces randomly fired rubber bullets during the demolition process. As a result, Mohammed Mousa was hit with a rubber bullet to the foot. the soldiers also attacked his family members. It should be noted that the Israeli forces demolished several houses belonging to Zarinah family in that area few months ago under the pretext of non-licensing.
  • At approximately 08:00 on Wednesday, 12 June 2019, Israeli forces accompanied with 3 jeeps of the Israeli Civil Administration and 2 bulldozers moved into Kherbit Ras al-Ahmar in northern Jordan Valley, east of Tubas. The bulldozers uprooted tents and demolished houses and barns belonging to 4 families. The damage were as follows:
 NameDamage
1. ‘’Allan ‘Izzat Bani ‘Odah2 residential tents2 tents for livestockA mobile bathroomA 200-sqaure-meter barn A water tank
2 .   Baker ‘Allan Bani ‘OdahA residential tentA tent for livestock
3.Jameel Suliman Mofdi Bani ‘OdahA residential tentA tent as a kitchen A 300-sqaure-meter barn 20 water tanks
4.Suliman Jameel Mostafa Bani ‘OdahA residential tentA tent for livestock10 water tanks
  • Following the demolition in Ras al-Ahmar area, the bulldozer headed to Kherbit Tayaseer and al-‘Aqabah in northern Jordan Valley, east of Tubas. The bulldozers demolished a water well.
  • At approximately 09:00 on Wednesday, 12 June 2019, Israeli forces backed by military vehicles and accompanied with a vehicle of the Israeli Civil Administration and a bulldozer moved into Um al-Khair village, southeast of Yatta, south of Hebron.  The bulldozer demolished a 30-sqaure-meter house built of tin plates and belong to ‘Ali Issa al-Tabni (39).  Ten persons, including 7 children, were living in the house. The house was demolished under the pretext of non-licensing.
  • Around the same time, Israeli forces backed by military vehicles and accompanied with a vehicle of the Israeli Civil Administration and a bulldozer moved into Kherbit Khashem al-Daraj, east of Yatta, south of Hebron. The Israeli Civil Administration staff uprooted and confiscated barbed wire and demolished a 30-sqaure-meter barn built of tin plates and sheds. The barn belongs to Ahmed ‘Odah al-Tebni (44).
  • At approximately 11:00, the Palestinian Liaison handed the council of Bureen village, southeast of Nablus, an Israeli military order to confiscate 1.5 dunums belonging to Palestinian civilians in order to build a security street for “Berkha “ settlement established in the northeastern side of Bureen village.
  • Israeli settlers’ attacks against Palestinian civilians and property
  • At approximately 13:00 on Sunday, 02 June 2019, Israeli forces closed the bypass roads and streets in the vicinity of Al-Walja, Al-Khader, Housan villages and leading to Nahaleen and Fouken villages in western Bethlehem and Bait Fajjar village, south of the city. Moreover, they closed a road near tunnels established on Beit Jala village’s lands. As a result, vehicles’ movement was obstructed for hours in order to secure Marathon organized by dozens of Israeli settlers, from settlements established in western, southern and northern Bethlehem. Eyewitnesses said that Israeli forces established many military checkpoints on streets to prevent the entry of vehicles and secure the Marathon. The eyewitnesses clarified that this Marathon caused a traffic jam and provoked Palestinian civilians because the Israeli participants raised political banners against Palestinians and called for expelling them from their lands.
  • At approximately 10:20 on Wednesday, 05 June 2019, coinciding with the first day of ‘Eid Al-Fitr, about 12 Israeli settlers, from “Ahiya “ settlement, which is established in the southern side of Jaloud village, southeast of Nablus, attacked the village outskirts from the southern side. The settlers threw stones at Jaloud Secondary School, broke 2 windows, and set fire to olive fields. As a result, over 1000 olive tree planted 65 years ago were completely burned. These trees belong to the heirs of the late Ibrahim ‘Abed Haj Mohammed, Tawfeeq ‘Abdullah Haj Mohammed, Ahmed ‘Abd Al-Hadi Hammoud, and Hamza Saeed Issa.
  • On Thursday, 06 June 2019, Israeli settlers seized an agricultural land in al-Makhrour area in Beit Jala, under the pretext of owning it. Hasan Barijiyah, Head of the Wall and Settlement Resistance in Bethlehem, said that the settlement association “Kern Kemet” seized, reclaimed and planted 4 dunums from Palestinian lands in Beit Jala, them, in addition to setting barbed wires around them to place mobile homes on them. Barijiyah added that this attack reflects the Israeli plans to target al-Makhrour and al-Qaysar areas, west of Bethlehem. He pointed out that the Israeli settlers claim that these lands are belonging to them, but they could not prove that. It should be noted that the Palestinian lands’ owners have all documents that prove their ownership.
  • On Saturday morning, 08 June 2019, settlers attacked a land belonging to the heirs of the late Ismael Mousa in Al-Khader village in southern Bethlehem. Maryam Mousa, one of the heirs, said that her family was surprised with raiding her 8-dunum land by settlers in Wad Abu Bajeer area in al-Khader village. She also added that the settlers placed water pipes and planted the land with hundreds of olive, apricot, and peach trees.

Recommendations to the International Community

PCHR warns of the escalating settlement construction in the West Bank, the attempts to legitimize settlement outposts established on Palestinian lands in the West Bank and the continued summary executions of Palestinian civilians under the pretext that they pose a security threat to the Israeli forces. PCHR reminds the international community that thousands of Palestinian civilians have been rendered homeless and lived in caravans under tragic circumstances due to the latest Israeli offensive on the Gaza Strip that has been under a tight closure for almost 11 years. PCHR welcomes the UN Security Council’s Resolution No. 2334, which states that settlements are a blatant violation of the Geneva Conventions and calls upon Israel to stop them and not to recognize any demographic change in the oPt since 1967.  PCHR hopes this resolution will pave the way for eliminating the settlement crime and bring to justice those responsible for it. PCHR further reiterates that the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, are still under Israeli occupation in spite of Israel’s unilateral disengagement plan of 2005.  PCHR emphasizes that there is international recognition of Israel’s obligation to respect international human rights instruments and international humanitarian law.  Israel is bound to apply international human rights law and the law of war, sometimes reciprocally and other times in parallel, in a way that achieves the best protection for civilians and remedy for the victims.

  1. PCHR calls upon the international community to respect the Security Council’s Resolution No. 2334 and to ensure that Israel respects it as well, in particular point 5 which obliges Israel not to deal with settlements as if they were part of Israel.
  2. PCHR calls upon the ICC this year to open an investigation into Israeli crimes committed in the oPt, particularly the settlement crimes and the 2014 offensive on the Gaza Strip.
  3. PCHR Calls upon the European Union (EU) and all international bodies to boycott settlements and ban working and investing in them in application of their obligations according to international human rights law and international humanitarian law considering settlements as a war crime.
  4. PCHR calls upon the international community 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.
  5. PCHR calls upon the international community and United Nations to take all necessary measures to stop Israeli policies aimed at creating a Jewish demographic majority in Jerusalem and at voiding Palestine from its original inhabitants through deportations and house demolitions as a collective punishment, which violates international humanitarian law, amounting to a crime against humanity.
  6. PCHR calls upon the international community to condemn summary executions carried out by Israeli forces against Palestinians and to pressurize Israel to stop them.
  7. PCHR calls upon the States Parties to the Rome Statute of the ICC to work hard to hold Israeli war criminals accountable.
  8. PCHR calls upon the High Contracting Parties to the Geneva Conventions to fulfill their obligations under article (1) of the Convention to ensure respect for the Conventions under all circumstances, and under articles (146) and (147) to search for and prosecute those responsible for committing grave breaches of the Geneva Conventions to ensure justice and remedy for Palestinian victims, especially in light of the almost complete denial of justice for them before the Israeli judiciary.
  9. PCHR calls upon the international community to speed up the reconstruction process necessary because of the destruction inflicted by the Israeli offensive on Gaza.
  10. PCHR calls for a prompt intervention to compel the Israeli authorities to lift the closure that obstructs the freedom of movement of goods and 1.8 million civilians that experience unprecedented economic, social, political and cultural hardships due to collective punishment policies and retaliatory action against civilians.
  11. PCHR calls upon the European Union to apply human rights standards embedded in the EU-Israel Association Agreement and to respect its obligations under the European Convention on Human Rights when dealing with Israel.
  12. PCHR calls upon the international community, especially states that import Israeli weapons and military services, to meet their moral and legal responsibility not to allow Israel to use the offensive in Gaza to test new weapons and not accept training services based on the field experience in Gaza in order to avoid turning Palestinian civilians in Gaza into testing objects for Israeli weapons and military tactics.
  13. PCHR calls upon the parties to international human rights instruments, especially the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR), to pressurize Israel to comply with its provisions in the oPt and to compel it to incorporate the human rights situation in the oPt in its reports submitted to the relevant committees.
  14. PCHR calls upon the EU and international human rights bodies to pressurize the Israeli forces to stop their attacks against Palestinian fishermen and farmers, mainly in the border area.

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Public Document

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