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

(25 February – 02 March 2016)

 

• Israeli forces continued to use excessive force in the oPt
• 4 Palestinian civilians, including 3 children, were killed in the West Bank.
• 18 Palestinian civilians, including 3 children were wounded in the West Bank and Gaza Strip.

• Israeli forces continued to target the border areas along the Gaza Strip, due to which 2 civilians were wounded in the east of Khan Yunis.

• Israeli forces conducted 67 incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank.
• 77 Palestinian civilians, including 13 children, were arrested.
• 10 of them, including 9 children, were arrested in occupied Jerusalem.
• 3 Palestinian civilians were arrested in the southern Gaza Strip while attempting to sneak into Israel to look for work.

• Settlement activities continued in the West Bank.
• 10 commercial and industrial stores were demolished in Ni’lin village, west of Ramallah.
• 4 residential tents, 2 livestock tents, 2 livestock barns in al-Farisiya area in the northern Jordan Valley were demolished.
• A school, 2 caves, 2 barracks, 10 residential tents and 6 livestock barns in Kherbet Tana, east of Nablus, were demolished.
• An underconstruction house in al-Shweika suburb, north of Tulkarm, was demolished.

• Israeli forces continued to target Palestinian fishermen in the Gaza Strip Sea.
• 9 fishermen were arrested off al-Sudaniya shore; 8 of whom were released later.

 

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

  SummaryIsraeli violations of international law and international humanitarian law in the oPt continued during the reporting period (25 February – 02 March 2016).

 

Shooting:

Israeli forces have continued to commit crimes, inflicting civilian casualties. They have also continued to use excessive force against Palestinian civilians participating in peaceful protests in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, the majority of whom were youngsters. During the reporting period, Israeli forces killed 4 Palestinian civilians, including 3 children, in the West Bank. One of them was killed in Qalandya refugee camp, north of occupied Jerusalem, another was killed at “Beit Eil” military checkpoint, north of Ramallah, while the 2 others were killed in “Eli” settlement, south of Nablus. Moreover, they wounded 20 civilians, including 3 children. Thirteen of them, including a child, were in the West Bank, and the 7 others, including 2 children, were in the Gaza Strip. Concerning the nature of injuries, 11 civilians were hit with live bullets, 6 were hit with rubber-coated metal bullets and 3 others were hit with sound bombs.

 

In the West Bank, Israeli forces killed 4 Palestinian civilians, including 3 children, and wounded 13 others, including a child. Seven of them were hit with live bullets and 6 others were hit with a rubber-coated metal bullet.

 

Killings committed by Israeli forces in the West Bank were as follows:

 

On 26 February 2016, in employment of lethal force, Israeli forces stationed at “Beit Eil” military checkpoint known as (DCO), north of al-Bireh, killed Mahmoud Sha’lan (16) holder of an American passport from Deir Dabwan village, northeast of Ramallah, under the pretext of carrying out a stabbing. According to PCHR’s fieldworker, Sha’lan arrived at the abovementioned checkpoint on foot, as he was heading to al-Bireh City. A soldier gestured with his gun to make Sha’lan step back, so he moved 4 steps backwards. The soldier then fired 3 bullets at Sha’lan who fell to the ground. An eyewitness said that the soldier approached Sha’lan and fired 2 other bullets at him at point blank range. As a result, Sha’lan was wounded to the chest and arm and was left bleeding to death.

 

On 01 March 2016, Israeli forces that moved into Qalandya refugee camp, north of Jerusalem, killed Eyad Sajdiya (22) when 2 Israeli soldiers entered the refugee camp with their vehicle and were discovered by young men in the camp. The Palestinian young men burnt the vehicle of the soldiers, who fled, due to which, large Israeli forces moved into the refugee camp to take the 2 soldiers out. However, a number of Palestinian armed men and protestors confronted them. As a result, the abovementioned civilian was killed and 10 others were wounded.

 

On 02 March 2016, Israeli forces killed Labeeb Azem (17) and Mohammed Zeghlawan (17), both from Qaryout village, southeast of Nablus, after they sneaked into “Eli” settlement in the village. Due to the location and time of the incident, there is no eyewitness to approve or disprove the Israeli narrative mentioned below in the report. However, PCHR believes that Israeli forces could have use less force against the 2 children based on dozens of similar crimes.

 

In the Gaza Strip, Israeli forces wounded 7 Palestinian civilians, including 2 children. Four of them were wounded during their participation in protests organized adjacent to the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel, east of Beit Hanoun, north of the Gaza Strip. In addition, a child was wounded during a similar protest, east of al-Bureij refugee camp, in the central Gaza Strip and 2 others were wounded in shooting incidents at border areas, east of Khan Yunis. Four of the wounded persons were hit with live bullets and 3 others were hit with sound bombs.

 

In the context of targeting border areas along the Gaza Strip, on 26 February 2016, Israeli forces stationed at the said fence, east of Khan Yunis, south of the Gaza Strip, opened fire at3 Palestinian civilians, who were walking in the east of al-Faraheen neighbourhood in Abasan village, 500 meters to the west of the fence. As a result, one of them sustained a bullet wound to the right leg.

 

Also on the same day, Israeli forces stationed at the border fence, east of Beit Hanoun village, north of the Gaza Strip, opened fire at the said area, but no casualties were reported.

 

On 28 February 2016, Israeli forces stationed at the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel, east of Khan Yunis, south of the Gaza Strip opened fire at a group of Palestinian farmers in their lands. As a result, a farmer sustained a bullet wound to the right leg. It should be noted that the farmers were present about 800 meters away from the fence.

 

In the context of targeting Palestinian fishermen in the Gaza Strip Sea, on 01 March 2016, Israeli gunboats opened fire at Palestinian fishing boats sailing off al-Sudaniya shore, north of Gaza City. They chased and surrounded 2 fishing boats on board of which were 9 fishermen. Israeli navy soldiers arrested all of them and took them to Ashdod Seaport. On the following day dawn, 01 March 2016, 8 of the 9 fishermen were released and one was kept in custody.

 

Incursions:  

 

During the reporting period, Israeli forces conducted at least 67 military incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank and 6 ones in occupied East Jerusalem and its suburbs. During these incursions, Israeli forces arrested at least 77 Palestinian civilians, including 13 children.  Ten of them, including 9 children.

 

In the Gaza Strip, on 27 February 2016, Israeli forces arrested 3 Palestinian civilians, who attempted to sneak into Israel through the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel, east of Rafah City, to look for work. They were taken to an unknown destination.

 

Restrictions on movement:

 

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

 

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

 

Jewish Majority:

 

On 26 February 2016, “Ateret Cohanim” organization delivered the heirs of Abdul Majeed al-Rajabi judicial notices to vacate their land in Batn al-Hawa neighbourhood, in Silwan village, south of East Jerusalem, on which 12 apartments are built. The organization claimed that the land belongs to 3 Jews from Yemen, who used to live in that land before 1948. It should be noted that the 12 apartments shelter 93 persons, including 64 children.

 

On 27 February 2016, officers from the Israeli municipality and police moved into Ein al-Louza neighbourhood, south of East Jerusalem. They photographed the streets and some buildings and then fixed a number of administrative demolition notices to some residential buildings.

 

Settlement activities:

 

On 25 February 2016, Israeli bulldozers demolished industrial and commercial facilities and confiscated a mobile house in al-Muhalel in Na’lin village, west of Ramallah. The demolition was carried out against 10 stores.

 

On 29 February 2016, Israeli bulldozers demolished 4 residential tents, 2 livestock tents and 2 livestock barns in al-Farisiya area, north of Jordan Valley, east of Tubas. It should be noted that these facilities were donated by the Palestine Red Crescent society (PRCS) after a demolition that was carried out in the same area on 11 February 2016.

 

On 02 March 2016, Israeli forces demolished Kherbet Tana, east of Beit Foreek village, east of Nablus. They demolished the only school in the Kherbeh, 2 caves, 2 barracks, 10 residential tents and 6 livestock tents. The demolished tents and other facilities belong to 12 families consisting of 68 individuals, including 29 children.

 

On the same day, Israeli forces demolished an underconstruction house in al-Shweika suburb, north of Tulkarm, belonging to Khalil Ahmed Mohammed Ali (44). It is worth noting that the house was 2 kilometres away from the electronic fence, which is part of the annexation wall.

 

 

Details

 

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

 Thursday, 25 February 2016 

• At approximately 01:00 in the morning, Israeli forces moved into Madama village, south of Nablus. They raided and searched several houses, from which, they arrested 3 civilians and then took them to an unknown destination. The three civilians were identified as Shahid Ghassan Abdul Karim Ziada (30), Mohammed Zahir Husien Qit (30) and Wahid Husam Abd-Alkarim Ziada (25).

 

• Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Inabous village, south of Nablus. They raided and searched several houses and then arrested Mohammed Mahdi Hija (25), took him to an unknown destination and withdraw later.

 

• Around the same time, the Israeli forces moved into Oarta village, south of Nablus. They raided and searched several houses, from which, they arrested two civilians and took them to an unknown destination. The two civilians were identified as Abd Alrahman Yasin Ajabali (28) and Walid Jarrah Abadat ( 27)

 

• At approximately 01:30, Israeli forces moved into many neighbourhoods in Hebron. They raided and searched several houses, from which, they arrested 5 civilians and took them to an unknown destination. The arrested persons were identified as Ihab Shafiq Alqawasma (22), Abd Alhadi Riad Abu Aisha (24), Mohammed Hilmi Abu Safia (28), Tamer Yahya Yaghmour (26) and Anas Abd Alghani Alsaid(44).

 

• At approximately 02:00, the Israeli forces moved into Tamon village, south of Tobas. They raided and searched several houses and then arrested Mansour Mostafa Mansour Bani-Ouda (24). They took the aforementioned person to an unknown destination.

 

• Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into al-Jalazon refugee camp, north of Ramallah. They raided and searched a houses belonging to Mohammed Fehmi Sbeih (25) who was arrested and then taken to an unknown destination.

 

• At approximately 02:30, the Israeli forces moved into al-Samou’ village, south of Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to Radi Mahmoud Zaarer (56), arrested his son Radi (29) and took him to an unknown destination.

 

• Around the same time, the Israeli forces moved into several neighbourhoods in the centre of Halhol village, north of Hebron. They raided and searched two houses, from which, they arrested two civilians and took them to an unknown destination. The two civilians were identified as Anan Mohammed Zamaara (23) and  Ayat Allah Ali Jubara (27).

 

• At approximately 03:00, Israeli forces accompanied with military jeeps and a bulldozer moved into al-Majd village, west of Hebron. One of the military jeeps stationed at the entrance of the village and the rest of the military jeeps stationed around a house belonging to Mamdouh Yusif Amr, who was arrested the previous day around “Ghosh Etzion” settlement’s intersection, south of Bethlehem, after he was wounded under the pretext of an alleged stabbing. It should be noted that the stabbing resulted in the killing of an Israeli soldier, who was shot in friendly fire incident. Israeli forces raided and searched the house, after which, the Israeli engineering unite took measurements and photographs of the house. Moreover, Israeli soldiers threatened the family to demolish the house and demanded them to vacate it. The military bulldozer closed all entrances of the village with sand barriers and withdrew later.

 

• At approximately 03:30, Israeli forces moved into al-Khader village, south of Bethlehem. They raided and searched a house belonging to Omar Marzouq Salah. They arrested his son Mohammed (25), took him to an unknown destination and withdrew later.

 

• Around the same time, Israeli forces accompanied with military jeeps moved into Beit Reema village, northwest of Ramallah. They raided the house of Mojahed Khader Ibrahim Asmar (32) who is a former prisoner and arrested him. The Israeli forces severely kicked and beaten up the eldest brother of the aforementioned person namely Ibrahim (35) with gun butts. As a result, he sustained bruises. In the meanwhile, a group of Palestinian youngsters gathered and threw stones towards the Israeli soldiers, who opened fire in response and wounded a child (17) with three bullets to the left hand and back. The aforementioned child was transported to Palestine Medical Complex in the Ramallah to receive medical treatment. It should be mentioned that Mojahed was taken to Ofar Prison, west of the city.

 

• At approximately 04:30, Israeli forces moved into Qabatia village, south of Jenin City. They raided and searched several houses, from which, they arrested 3 civilians and took them to an unknown destination. The arrested civilians were identified as Ibrahim Ahmed Omar Khuzamia Alzaghlul (18) and the two brothers Omran (29) and Zeidan Fadil Nezal (27).

 

• Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Abu al-Asjaa village, south of Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to Mostafa al-Bastanji (24), who was arrested and then taken to an unknown destination.

 

• At approximately 13:00, the Israeli forces moved into al-Fandoqomia village, south of Jenin. They raided the house of prisoner Husam Izzat Naief Dhon (38), who is the secretary of Fateh movement in the village, and confiscated his own vehicle. The Israeli forces withdrawn later and no arrests were reported.

 

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (5) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported:  Azoon village, south Qalqilia; and Dora, Sorif, al-Moreq and Beit Awwa villages in Hebron.

 

Friday, 26 February 2016

 

• At approximately 01:00, Israeli forces moved into al-Douha village, south of Bethlehem. They raided and searched a house belonging to Abd al-Razeq Hamza and handed his son Hamza (19) a summons to refer to the Israeli intelligence service in “Gosh Etzion” settlement complex, south of the city.

 

• At approximately 01:30, Israeli forces moved into Qabatia village, south of Jenin. They raided the house of prisoner Bilal Ahmed Adeeb Abu-Zeid (21) and took measurements and photographs of it. According to Israeli media, the aforementioned prisoner assisted the three killed persons (from his village), who carried out an attack at Damascus Gate in Jerusalem last month.

 

• Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into several neighbourhoods in Hebron. They raided and searched two houses, from which, they arrested Loai Muhbash Amr (26) and Ezz al-Deen Ali al-Zein (22) and took them to an unknown destination.

 

• At approximately 14:30, Israeli forces stationed at the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel, east of al-Ahmar area, east of Beit Hanoun village, north of the Gaza Strip, opened fire towards the aforementioned area. Sporadic gunfire continued untill about 17:00, with no injuries reported among civilians, who fled fearing for their lives. It should be noted that dozens of families go to the aforementioned area for a walk.

 

• At approximately 15:30, Israeli forces stationed at the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel, east of Khan Yunis, south of the Gaza Strip, and opened fire at three Palestinians, who were walking in the east of al-Farahen neighbourhood in Abasan about 500 meters to the west of the aforementioned fence. As a result, Mohammed Khalid Salem Abu Teir (25) was hit wounded with a bullet to the right leg, due to which, he was transported to the European Gaza Hospital. Medical sources stated that his injury is moderate.

 

• In a new crime of lethal force, Israeli forces stationed at “Beit Eil” military checkpoint known as (DCO), north of al-Bireh, killed Mahmoud Mohammed Ali Sha’lan (16), holder of an American passport from Deir Dabwan village, northeast of Ramallah, under the pretext of an alleged stabbing. According to PCHR’s investigations, at around 16:30 on the aforementioned day, Sha’lan reached “Beit Eil” checkpoint on foot, as he was heading to al-Bireh. When he reached the concrete cubes, a soldier, who was standing on the road leading to the city, gestured with his gun to the child ordering him to get back. The child moved four steps backwards, but the soldier immediately shot him directly with three live bullets, due to which, Sha’lan fell to the ground. According to eyewitness, the soldier approached Sha’lan and fired two other bullets at him at point blank range. As a result, the child was wounded in the chest and arm and was left bleeding to death. The Palestinian ambulance crews who reached the place tried to offer him first aid, but the Israeli forces prevented them at gunpoint. Furthermore, one of the soldiers threw a cup of coffee on one of the paramedics who was trying to offer medical assistance. An eyewitness told PCHR’s fieldworker that the Israeli ambulance crews, which reached the place, did not give the child first aid and left him bleeding to death for about two hours. At approximately 18:30, the Israeli forces delivered his corps to a PRCS ambulance, which transferred him to Palestine Medical Complex in Ramallah. According to the Israeli forces’ allegations, the soldiers stationed at the checkpoint shot a Palestinian who tried to stab soldiers at a checkpoint near Ramallah.

 

• Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (7) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: Kufor al-Deek village, south of Salfit, Tulkarm city, Sorif village, al-Aroub refugee camp, al-Fawar refugee camp, al-Reheia village and Beit Ola village in Hebron.

 

Saturday, 27 February 2016

 

• At approximately 01:00, Israeli forces moved into Hares village, northwest of Salfit They raided and searched several houses. They then arrested Ihab Yaqub Ouda Sultan (20) and took him to an unknown destination.

 

• At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into al-Dhaisha refugee camp, south of Bethlehem. They raided several houses and handed two summonses to Ismail Khalil Shahen (26) and Tareq Ismail Shahen (24) to refer to the Israeli intelligence service in “Gosh Etzion” settlement complex, south of the city.

 

• Around the same time, Israeli forces arrested three Palestinians, who were trying to sneak through the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel, west of Rafah city, south of the Gaza Strip, to find work in Israel. They were taken to an unknown destination. The arrested persons were identified as Saed Mohammed Ibrahim Shalouf (23), Baraa Khalil Sulaiman Abu Jalala (21) and Baker Jehad Mohammed al-Mahmoum (26) all from Rafah.

 

• At approximately 03:00, Israeli forces moved into Beit Fajar village, south of They raided several houses and handed summonses to four civilians, including one child, to refer to the Israeli intelligence service in “Gosh Etzion” settlement complex, south of the city.  The summoned persons were identified as Mahmoud Ahmed Taqatqa (22), Ahmed Jamil Thawabta (39), Iyad Nemr Taqatqa (47) and his son Ihab (17).

 

• In the morning, Israeli forces accompanied with military jeeps moved into Yabud village, southwest of Jenin. They reached al-Sahel Street and al-Malloul area and deployed into the olive fields, south of the village. They then patrolled in al-Baiara area, in the eastern neighbourhood of the village. Around the same time, Israeli soldiers arrested Amir Kamal Mahmoud al-Razi (16) as he was present in front of his house. After that, a group of Palestinian youngsters gathered and threw stones at the Israeli soldiers, who immediately fired sound bombs and tear gas canisters in response. A vehicle belonging to Yousif Ali al-Jadaa (41) caught fire and was partially damaged as to a sound bomb fell on it. The Israeli forces took the arrested child to an unknown destination and withdrew later.

 

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (6) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: Hebron and Halhoul cities; Tafouh, Beit al-Roush and Sikka villages in Hebron; and Kufor al-Deek village, west of Salfit.

 

Sunday, 28 February 2016

 

• At approximately 01:30, Israeli forces accompanied with military jeeps moved into Nablus. They raided and searched several houses, from which, they arrested three civilians and took them to an unknown destination. The arrested persons were identified as Mosab Habesha (26), Zakaria Ouda (26) and Seif al-Dbeik (23).

 

• At approximately 02:00, large Israeli forces accompanied with several military jeeps moved into Salwad village, northeast of the Ramallah. They stationed in al-Homa valley neighbourhood neat the municipal park and raided and searched a house belonging to Moayad Shokri Hammadm who has been imprisoned by Israeli forces since 2003. They also arrested the elder son of the aforementioned prisoner Hamza (15) and took him to an unknown destination. Around the same time, Israeli forces raided ad searched a house belonging to Abd-Alqader Kayed Hammad (32) and handed him a summons to refer to the Israeli intelligence service in “Ghosh Etzion” settlement complex, south of Bethlehem. The aforementioned person was arrested in the morning after his interview with the Israeli intelligence service. It should be mentioned that Abd-Alqader is a former prisoner who served 11-year-imprisonement in Israeli prisons and was released before five months.

 

• At approximately 14:00, Israeli forces stationed at the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel, east of Khan Yunis, south of the Strip, opened fire towards a group of farmers during their work in their lands near a landfill, east of al-Fokhari village, southeast of the city. As a result, Rimah Ismael Jarad al-Farra (26) sustained a bullet wound to the right leg, due to which, he was transported by a TokTok to Gaza European Hospital in Khan Yunis to receive medical treatment. His wound was classified as moderate. It should be mentioned that the farmers were present about 800 meters away from the aforementioned border fence.

 

Monday, 29 February 2016

 

• At approximately 00:20, Israeli forces moved into Azzon Etma village, southeast of Qalqilia city. They raided and searched several houses, from which, they arrested two civilians and took them to an unknown destination. The two arrested persons were identified as Naem Nazmi Hamouda al-Sheikh (20) and Hakim Nitham Hamouda al-Sheikh(21).

 

• At approximately 01:00, Israeli forces moved into Nablus. They raided and searched houses, from which, they arrested three civilians and took them to an unknown destination. The arrested persons were identified Mojahed Mohammed al-Qutob (48), Alaa Aiyad (27) and Maher Mostafa Husein Khattab (34).

 

• Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Beit Forik village, east of Nablus. They raided and searched several houses, from which they arrested two civilians and took them to an unknown destination. The arrested persons were identified as Naser Shaban Nasr-Allah Hanani (20) and Amir Ibrahim Bakir Nasasra (22).

 

• At approximately 01:30, Israeli forces moved into Surif village, northwest of Hebron. They raided and searched several houses, from which they arrested three civilians and took them to an unknown destination. The arrested persons were identified as Taqi Aldeen Jamal al-Hour (27), Mohammed Khalil Ghneimat (33) and Yousif Wahid Abu-Fara (25).

 

• At approximately 02:30, Israeli force accompanied with military jeeps moved into Hebron and stationed at al-Salam neighbourhood. They raided and searched two houses, from which they arrested two civilians and took them to an unknown destination. The arrested persons were identified as Mohammed Arafat Qawasma (22) and Shadi Asem al-Hashlamon (24).

 

• Around the same time, the Israeli forces moved into Beit Our al-Tahta village. They raided and searched several houses, from which, they arrested 2 civilians and took them to an unknown destination. The two arrested persons were identified as Ibrahim Misbah Sulaiman (20) and Mohammed Mahmoud Omar(20).

 

• Around the same time, the Israeli forces moved into Qabatia village, southeast of Jenin. They raided and searched several houses, from which, they arrested two civilians and took them to an unknown destination. The two arrested persons were identified as Ashraf Rajeh Ahmed Zakarna (28) and Mohammed Abd-Almenim Zakarna (21).

 

• At approximately 10:00, Israeli gunboats opened fire towards Palestinian fishing boats sailing off al-Sudanya shore. They surrounded the two boats on board of which were 9 fishermen.  The first boat was manned by five fishermen: Majed Fadil Hassan Baker (56), who is the owner of the boat, and his two sons Fadi (30) and Omran (31), Mohammed Ziad Hasan Fadil (30) and Khalil Jawher Khalil Baker (26). The other one was manned by it owner Soheil Fadil Baker (51), Fadi Soheil Fadil Baker(26) and his brother Khamis (17), Yosri Nafeth Ali al-Akhsham (22) and Mohammed Nezar Mostafa Baker (18).  The Israeli navy soldiers arrested the fishermen and took them to Ashdod Seaport. They released eight of them on the next day morning, 1 March 2016, while kept the ninth namely Omran Majed Baker in custody.

 

The fisherman Omran Majed Baker stated to PCHR’s fieldworker:

 

“While we were fishing within 4 nautical miles off al-Sudanya shore, we were surprised by three Israeli gunboats chasing the Palestinian fishing boats. They also heavily opened fire towards us. We were trying to sail back to the shore, but the Israeli gunboats opened fire at the two boats engines and damaged them. One of the soldiers started to verbally insult us. The soldiers then ordered us through loudspeakers to take of our clothes off, jump into the water and swim towards one of the gunboats. Later, we were arrested and our boats and all fishing equipment were confiscated. They took us to Ashdod Seaport, where they took our personal data and places of residence. We were told that we exceeded the permitted distance for fishing. At approximately 01:00, on Thursday 2016, the Israeli forces released eight of us at “Erez” crossing, while kept the Omran Majed Baker under arrest.”

 

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (5) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: Yatta and Halhoul cities, al-Majd and Deir al-Asal villages, and the southern area of Hebron.

 

Tuesday, 01 March 2016

 

• At approximately 02:15, Israeli forces moved into Qalqilia village. They raided and searched several houses, from which, they arrested three civilians, including a child, and took them to an unknown destination. The three persons were identified as Ahmed Hafeth Ahmed Saaeda (18), Ahmed Ayda Mohammed Samodi (16) and Sameh Hasan Yonus Samodi(16).

 

• At approximately 02:30, the Israeli forces moved into al-Yamoun village, northwest of Jenin. They raided and searched several houses from which, they arrested three civilians, including two children, and took them to an unknown destination. The three arrested persons were identified as Ahmed Hafeth Ahmed Saayda (18), Ahmed Ayed Mohammed Smodi (16) and Sameh Hasan Yunis Smodi(16).

 

• At Approximately 04:30, Israeli forces moved into Araba village, southwest of Jenin, where Palestinian youngsters gathered and threw stones towards the Israeli soldiers, who fired sound bombs and tear gas canisters in response. They then also raided and searched a house belonging to Allam Abd-alqader Sadeq al-Shaer (35) and beaten up the owner of the house, but no arrests were reported.

 Wednesday, 02 March 2016 

• At approximately 01:30, Israeli forces moved into Halhoul village, north of Hebron. They stationed in al-Jaib valley neighborhood and raided and searched a house of Saddam Ghaleb Albou (20). They arrested him and took him to an unknown destination.

 

• Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Maithaloun village, south of Jenin. They raided and searched a house of Gassan Mohammed Yosuf Nueirat (30), arrested him and took him to an unknown destination.

 

• Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Anabta village, east of Tulkarm. They raided and searched a house of Marwan Ahmed Abd Alkarem Anan (23) and arrested him.

 

• At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into Birzeit village, north of Ramallah. They raided and searched a house belonging to Mahdi George Atiq (28) and arrested him.

 

• Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Beit Reema village, northwest of Ramallah. They raided a house belonging to Faiez Yahia Arhemi (22) and handed him a summons to refer to the Israeli intelligence service.

 

• Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Beit Ommar village, north of Hebron. They stationed in Aseda neighborhood and raided and searched two houses, from which they arrested two children: Ahmed Akef Saed Awad (13) and Mohammed Nedal Abu Maria(17). Moreover, they handed Rashid Yosuf Bader Awad (17) a summons to refer to the Israeli intelligence service in “Goh Etzon” settlement complex, south of Bethlehem.

 

• At approximately 02:30, the Israeli forces moved into Sarees village, south of Jenin. They raided and searched a house belonging to Islam Bassam Ahmed AbuAli (26) and took him to an unknown destination.

 

• At approximately 16:30, Israeli forces moved into Yabod village, southwest of Jenin. They raided and searched several houses, from which, they arrested four civilians, including a child, and took them to an unknown destination. The arrested persons were identified as Mohammed Haas Abu Baker (19), Mohammed Hassan Abu Baker (19), Diaa Khaled Jamal Zeid (16) and Adham Khaled Ameen Badrana(21).

 

• Around the same time, the Israeli forces moved into Qabatia, southeast of Jenin. They raided and searched a house belonging to Mohammed Saleh Ali Hethnawi (19) and arrested him.

 

• In the early morning, Israeli forces killed two Palestinian children from Qaryot village, southeast of Nablus, who sneaked to “Eli” settlement. Israeli forces claimed that “At approximately 05:30, a settler was about to leave his house heading to the army reserve unit when he saw two young men in black. They reached him and attacked him with sticks, so he defended himself and prevented them from entering his house. He then called the Israeli forces that chased the two young men and shot them dead.” According to the crime scene and timing, no eyewitness was found to approve or disprove the Israeli story. However, PCHR believes that Israeli forces could have used less force according to dozens of similar killing crimes. According to PCHR’s information, at approximately 05:30, on the aforementioned day, Israeli forces announced the death of two children after they opened fire on them in “Eli” settlement in Qaryot village, southeast of Nablus. They alleged that the two children sneaked inside the settlement and stabbed one of its guards before they shot them dead. Later and according to the local sources of the village, it turned out that the two children were performing a prayer at Abu Baker al-Sedeeq Mosque before they disappeared. Their families started looking for them in the village and other villages, but in vain until the Israeli forces announced their death. The two dead children were identified as Labeb Khaldon Anwar Azem (17) and Mohammed Hashem Ali Zaghloul (17), both were students at Qaryot high school.

 

• At approximately 18:00, Israeli forces moved into in Yabod village, southwest of Jenin. They moved into the village for the second time that day. They patrolled the streets and arrested Baraa Riad Khamees Abu-Ayda (18) and Ibrahim Fathi Mohammed Amour (18) who were present on l-Sahal Street, south of the city.

 

• At approximately 21:00, Israeli forces moved into Yabod village, southwest of Jenin for the third time in few hours. They stationed in the western neighborhood of the village near to Abu-Shaqrawa Park. Moreover, they raided and searched a house belonging to Atef Khaled Tawfeq Abu-Shamla (34) and arrested him. Later, the Israeli forces raided and searched the house of Dawoud Sulaiman Mohammed Abu-Shamla (33) who was arrested by them as well.

  

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

 West Bank: 

• Following the Friday prayer, on 26 February 2016, a group of “Youth against Settlement” organized a peaceful demonstration to call for opening the closed al-Shuhada Street in central Hebron. The protesters raised Palestinian flags and held posters calling for opening al-Shuhada Street in commemoration of the 22^nd anniversary of the massacre perpetrated by Baruch Goldstein in 1994 against Muslim worshippers in the Ibrahimi Mosque. The protesters gathered in al-Ras area and then made their way to the road leading to the Old City. When the protesters approached the area, dozens of Israeli soldiers deployed and heavily fired sound bombs and tear gas canisters at the protesters. Moreover, they arrested a Palestinian lawyer, Fareed al-Atrash (40), Director of the Independent Commission for Human Rights in the south of the West Bank. Al-Atrash was then taken to “Gosh ‘Etzion” complex settlement, south of Bethlehem.
• Following the Friday prayer, dozens of Palestinian civilians organized demonstrations in protest at the Israeli polices in the oPt, at the western entrance to Selwad village, northeast of Ramallah; al-Taweel Mount, near “Psagot” settlement, east of al-Bireh; and at the southern entrance to al-Jalazoun refugee camp, north of Ramallah. Israeli soldiers used force to disperse the protesters by firing live bullets, rubber-coated metal bullets, tear gas canisters and sound bombs at them. As a result, many civilians suffered tear gas canisters and sustained bruises as Israeli soldiers beat them up.

 

Gaza Strip:

• At approximately 14:30 on Friday, 26 February 2016, Israeli forces stationed at Beit Hanoun (Erez) crossing, northwest of Beit Hanoun, north of the Gaza Strip, fired live bullets, rubber-coated metal bullets and tear gas canisters at dozens of young men, who were on the road between the Palestinian and Israeli sides of the crossing. The protesters threw stones at the soldiers in protest at the Israeli attacks against the Palestinian civilians in Jerusalem and the West Bank. As a result of the clashes which continued until 17:00, 4 civilians, including a child, were wounded. Two of them were hit with live bullets, while the others were directly hit with tear gas canisters. The wounded persons were then taken by a PRCS ambulance to the Indonesian Hospital and their injuries ranged between minor and moderate.

 

• Around the same time, dozens of Palestinian young men headed to the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel, east of al-Bureij refugee camp, in the center of the Gaza Strip. The protesters threw stones at the Israeli soldiers deployed along the border fence. The soldiers stationed behind sand barriers opened fire at the protesters in response. As a result, Mo’aaz Mohammed Ahmed (12) was hit with a tear gas canister to the chest. Medical sources classified his injuries as minor.

Demonstrations against the annexation wall and settlement activities

 

• Following the Friday prayer, on 26 February 2016, dozens of Palestinian civilians and Israeli and international human rights defenders organized protests in Bil’in and Nil’in villages, west of Ramallah; al-Nabi Saleh village, northwest of Ramallah and Kufor Qaddoum village, northeast of Qalqiliya.  Israeli forces used force to disperse the protesters by firing live bullets, rubber-coated metal bullets, tear gas canisters and sound bombs at them. As a result, many civilians suffered teas gas inhalation and others sustained bruises as Israeli soldiers beat them up.

 

• At approximately 15:15 on Saturday, 27 February 2016, Palestinian civilians and Israeli and international human rights defenders organized a protest in the centre of Kufor Qaddoum village, northeast of Qalqiliya, and then made their way to the eastern entrance of the village in protest against closing that entrance since the beginning of al-Aqsa Intifada with an iron gate. When the protesters approached the entrance, Israeli forces fired live bullets at them. As a result, Abed al-Muhdi Hikmat Ali (15) sustained bruises to the head due to falling on the ground when Israeli soldiers were chasing him. Abed al-Muhdi was immediately taken to the hospital to receive medical treatment, where he suffered from a short-term memory loss.

 Note: PCHR keeps the names of the injured persons in the aforementioned demonstrations. Rubber-coated metal bullets are lethally if they hit the head of victim from a close range.   

3. Continued closure of the oPt

 

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

 

Gaza Strip

 

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

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

 

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.

 

Movement at Karm Abu Salem (Kerem Shalom) crossing, southeast of Rafah, is designated for the movement of goods

 

 

 

Date	Imports
	Category	Amount
		Tons	Number	Liters
23 February	Various goods	4560
	Humanitarian aid	19867
	Cooking gas	211,930
	Benzene			111,000
	Diesel Diesel for UNRWA			409,991 38,000
	Industrial fuel			38,000
	Construction aggregates	15720
	Cement	2600
	Construction steel	910
24 February	Various goods	3954
	Humanitarian aid	19969
	Cooking gas	214,650
	Benzene Benzene for UNRWA			76,000 25,650
	Diesel Diesel for UNRWA			613,008 36.950
	Industrial fuel			460,000
	Construction aggregates	14160
	Cement	3160
	Construction steel	900
25 February	Various goods	3702.1
	Humanitarian aid	20866
	Cooking gas	218,750
	Benzene Benzene for UNRWA			298,000 12,350
	Diesel			928,001
	Diesel for UNRWA			1,050
	Industrial fuel			314,999
	Construction aggregates	15000
	Cement	3480
	Construction steel	994
28 February	Various goods	3633.4
	Humanitarian aid	21808
	Cooking gas	234,160
	Benzene			107,999
	Diesel			572,990
	Industrial fuel			306,000
	Construction aggregates	16200
	Cement	4080
	Construction steel	450
29 February	Various goods	3559.6
	Humanitarian aid	19920
	Cooking gas	231,380
	Benzene			35,000
	Diesel			911,054
	Industrial fuel			453,438
	Construction aggregates	14800
	Cement	3400
	Construction steel	270

 

• On Tuesday, 23 February 2016, Israeli forces allowed the exportation of 22.8 tons of tomatoes; 12.36 tons of cucumbers; 7.36 tons of eggplants; 6.4 tons of pepper and 1.536 tons of cherry tomatoes.
• On Wednesday, 24 February 2016, Israeli forces allowed the exportation of 30 tons of scrap and 7.64 tons of strawberries.
• On Thursday, 25 February 2016, Israeli forces allowed the exportation of 52 tons of tomatoes; 10.2 tons of cucumbers; 3 tons of eggplants; 0.35 tons of garlic; 0.25 tons of mints; 4 tons of peppers and 0.05 tons of parsley.
• On Sunday, 28 February 2016, Israeli forces allowed the exportation of 44 tons of tomatoes; 50.4 tons of cucumbers; 8.320 tons of eggplants; 0.558 tons of peppers; 8.402 tons of strawberries; 1.680 tons of squash and 3.360 tons of palms.
• Monday, 29 February 2016, Israeli forces allowed the exportation of 0.6 tons of fish; 29 tons of lemons and 14 tons of tomatoes.

 

BeitHanoun (“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

24 February – 01 March 2016

 

Category	24 February	25 February	26 February	27 February	28 February	29 February	01 March
Patients	42	53	1	–	85	61	97
Companions	38	46	1	–	86	53	86
Personal needs	16	165	32	–	128	74	89
Families of prisoners	–	–	–	–	–	50	–
Arabs from Israel	1	11	8	–	3	5	2
Diplomats	3	3	–	–	–	1	–
International journalists	–	–	–	–	–	–	–
International workers	10	84	5	–	15	17	32
Travelers abroad	9	10	–	–	25	7	13
Business people	323	385	2	–	552	407	350
Business meetings	–	–	–	–	–	–	–
Security interviews	9	14	–	–	17	10	16
VIPs	–	1	–	–	–	1	–
Ambulances to Israel	–	–	–	–	6	5	3
Patients’ Companions	–	–	–	–	6	5	3

 Notes: 

• On Friday, 26 February 2016, Israeli authorities allowed 190 civilians from the Gaza Strip to perform prayers in al-Aqsa Mosque in Occupied Jerusalem.
• On Wednesday, 24 February 2016, Israeli authorities allowed a person to renew his permits.

 West Bank

 

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

 

 

• Hebron: Israeli forces established (15) checkpoints all over the city. On Thursday, 25 February 2016, Israeli forces established three checkpoints at the northern entrance to Halhoul village; the entrance of Ethna village and at Abu Risha Valley, west of Ethna village.

On Friday, 26 February 2016, Israeli forces established two checkpoints at the entrances to Beit ‘Awaa village and Beit Kahel village.

On Sunday, 27 February 2016, Israeli forces established three checkpoints at the entrances to Beit Ummer village; and Deir al-‘Asal village leading to al-Majd village.

On Monday, 28 February 2016, Israeli forces established three checkpoints at the entrances to al-‘Aroub refugee camp; Samou’a village and Sa’ir village.

On Wednesday, 02 March 2016, Israeli forces established four checkpoints at the entrances to Soreef, Sa’ir, al-Moreq villages and on Farsh al -Hawa road.

 

Ramallah and al-Bireh:   Israeli forces established (7) checkpoints all over the city. On Friday, 26 February 2016, Israeli forces established two checkpoints at the entrance to al-Nabi Saleh village and under the bridge of Yabrud village, northeast of Ramallah.

On Saturday, 27 February 2015, Israeli forces established three checkpoint at the entrances to Deir Abu Mish’al village, northwest of Ramallah; Senjil village, north of Ramallah; and under the bridge of Yabrud village, northeast of Ramallah.

On Sunday, 28 February 2016, Israeli forces established two checkpoints at the entrance to al-Nabi Saleh village, northwest of Ramallah, and near the intersection of  Beit ‘Ur al-Foqa village, southwest of Ramallah.

 

• Jericho: On Saturday, 27 February 2016, Israeli forces established two checkpoints near the entrances to Fasayel and al-Zabidat villages, north of Jericho. At approximately 18:30, on Sunday, 28 February 2016, Israeli forces established a checkpoint near the southern entrance to Jericho.

 

• Qalqiliya: Israeli forces established (9) checkpoints all over the city. At approximately 16:40 on Thursday, 25 February 2016, Israeli forces established a checkpoint on the main road between Qalqiliya and Nablus.

On Friday, 26 February 2016, Israeli forces established two checkpoints at the entrance to Amatien village, northeast of Qalqiliya and on the main road between Qalqiliya and Nablus.

On Saturday, 27 February 2016, Israeli forces established two checkpoints at the entrances to Qalqiliya and ‘Azoun ‘Atmah village, southeast of Qalqiliya.

Om Sunday, 28 February 2016, Israeli forces established two checkpoints at the entrances to Jeet village, northeast of Qalqiliya, and ‘Azoun village, east of Qalqiliya.

 

Tulkarm: At approximately 15:30, on Friday, 26 February 2016, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the entrance to ‘Ezbit Shufah, southeast of Tulkarm.

At approximately 18:00, Israeli forces stationed at ‘Inab checkpoint, established on the main road between Tulkarm and Nablus, east of Tulkarm, tightened their arbitrary measures against Palestinian civilians and restricted their movement. At approximately 07:30 and 17:30 on Saturday, 27 February 2016, Israeli forces repeated their arbitrary measures against civilians.

At approximately 18:30 on Saturday, 27 February 2016, Israeli forces established a checkpoint on the main road between Tulkarm and villages in the north of Tulkarm between Qufeen and Baqet al-Sharqia villages, north of Tulkarm.

At approximately 14:00 on Sunday, 29 February 2016, Israeli forces established a checkpoint on the main road between Tulkarm and Qalqiliya near the entrance to Jabara village, south of Tulkarm.

 

• Jenin: At approximately 14:30 on Friday, 26 February 2016, Israeli forces established a checkpoint on the main road between Jenin and Nablus, near the intersection of Jabi’ village, south of Jenin.

At approximately 23:00 on Saturday, 27 February 2016, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the entrance to Kafreet village, southwest of Jenin.

At approximately 09:00 on Sunday, 29 February 2016, Israeli forces established a checkpoint near ” Haddad Tourist Village”, southeast of Jenin.

At approximately 13:00 on Tuesday, 01 March 2016, Israeli forces established a checkpoint on the main road between Jenin and Nablus near the intersection of al-Mansoura village, south of Jenin.

 

Arrests at checkpoints

 

• At approximately 13:40 on Saturday, 27 February 2016, Israeli forces established a checkpoint near Kufor Qaddom village, northeast of Qalqiliya. Israeli soldiers searched the passengers’ vehicles and checked their IDs. After that, Israeli forces arrested Ali Abed al-Rahman Rashid, from Odla village, east of Nablus and removed the checkpoint later.

 

• At approximately 14:00 on Saturday, Israeli forces established a checkpoint on the main road between Jenin and Nablus near al-Shuhada intersection, south of Jenin. Israeli soldiers stopped the vehicles travelling in both directions and checked the passengers’ IDs. In the meantime, a number of Palestinian young men gathered in the vicinity of the checkpoint and threw stones at the soldiers, who fired sound bombs and tear gas canisters at the protesters and arrested two of them in response. The arrested persons were identified as Ameen Mohammed Zakarna (23) and Nash’at Mohammed Hussain Hussain (32), both from Qabatia village.

 

• At approximately 19:00 on Saturday, Israeli forces established a checkpoint near al-Shuhada intersection, south of Bethlehem. Israeli soldiers stopped the vehicles travelling in both directions and checked the passengers’ IDs. At the meantime, a number of Palestinian young men gathered in the vicinity of the checkpoint and threw stones at the soldiers. The Israeli soldiers fired sound bombs and tear gas canisters at the protesters and arrested two of them in response. The arrested persons were identified as Mo’tasem ‘Emad Darwish (23) and ‘Odai Mahmoud Ali Doswki (20), both from Qabatia village.

 

• At approximately 15:30 on Sunday, 28 February 2016, Israeli forces deployed around the military watchtower established at the western entrance to Silwad village, northeast of Ramallah, arrested Suhaib Omar Sabi’ Kharaz (14) after kicking and beating him inside the military vehicle. At approximately 18:00, Suhaib was released near Termes’iya village, north of Ramallah and al-Bireh. As a result, he sustained bruises and felt frightened due to leaving him in an unknown area far away from Silwad village.

 Maltreatment at checkpoints  

• On Saturday, 27 February 2016, Mousa Ghasan Mousa Khadir Jaradat (23), from ‘Ateel village, north of Tulkarm, along with two brothers, ‘Odai (24) and Monther (22) who are both from Bani Na’im village, southeast of Hebron, and works in Israel, were taken to Thabet Thabet Hospital, after being attacked by Israeli soldiers stationed at Jubarah checkpoint. According to PCHR’s investigations, at approximately 15:00, the abovementioned civilians arrived at the hospital by a PRCS ambulance. They sustained bruises throughout their bodies due to being beaten by the Israeli forces stationed at Jubarah checkpoint between the southern area of Tulkarm and Israel. While the three civilians were crossing the checkpoint heading to Tulkarm, the Israeli soldiers asked them if they had permits and when the soldiers knew that they did not have permits, they kicked and hit them with gun butts.

 

• On Sunday, 28 February 2016, ‘Emad Saied Ahmed Khashan (22) from Silet al-Harithiya village, northwest of Jenin, was taken to Thabet Thabet Hospital after attacking him by Israeli soldiers at Jubarah checkpoint. According to PCHR’s investigations, at approximately 19:00, the abovementioned civilian arrived at the hospital by a PRCS ambulance. He sustained bruises throughout his body due to being attacked by Israeli soldiers stationed at Jubarah checkpoint between the southern area of Tulkarm and Israel. The wounded said to PCHR fieldworker that while he was crossing the checkpoint heading to Tulkarm, they asked him if he had a permit and when they knew that he did not have a permit, they kicked and beat him up with gun butts.

 

4. Efforts to Create Jewish majority

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

• At approximately 19:00 on Sunday, 28 February 2016, Israeli forces moved into Abu Riyalah neighbourhood in al-Issawiyah village, northeast of occupied Jerusalem. They deployed between houses and topped them, while other soldiers raided many houses amidst firing live bullets and rubber-coated metal bullets. As a result, Mohammed Waleed ‘Ubaid (20) was hit with a Two Two bullet to the thigh and was then taken to Hadassah Hospital to receive medical treatment. Mohammed Abu al-Hummus, Member of the Follow-up Committee in al-Issawiyah village said to a PCHR fieldworker that Israeli soldiers moved into Abu Riyalah neighbourhood as a daily habit to provoke the residents. They raided a house belonging to the family of Abu Gharbiyah and stationed in the balcony. In addition, they attempted to raid a house belonging to the family of Abu al-Humus in order to top the roof. Abu al-Humus added that clashes erupted in Abu Riyalah and Dari neighbourhoods as well, where Israeli forces heavily used Two Two bullets and tear gas canisters. As a result, Mohammed Waleed ‘Ubaid was wounded, while others sustained minor wounds. Moreover, Abu al-Humus stated that Israeli soldiers dragged and beat ‘Ubaid despite his wound and took him to Hadassah Hospital in West Jerusalem.
• On Tuesday, 01 March 2016, Israeli large forces moved into Qalandia refugee camp, east of occupied Jerusalem, and killed a Palestinian civilian and wounded ten others. According to PCHR’s investigations, at approximately 22:00 on Monday, 29 February 2016, Israeli forces accompanied with 1500 Israeli soldiers, dozens of military vehicles, bulldozers and Apache helicopters moved into Qalandia refugee camp, north of occupied Jerusalem. Meanwhile, dozens of Palestinian young men chased a jeep carrying two disguised Israeli soldiers. When the Palestinian young men knew that the jeep belongs to Israeli soldiers, they threw stones at the jeep and burned it. As a result, the two Israeli soldiers flee to the camp cemetery and hid there waiting Israeli forces to get them out of the camp. During that, Israeli forces imposed a tight cordon on the camp and turned it into a closed military zone after they completely closed Sarees and al-Jabal areas. Israeli snipers topped houses and buildings belonging to Midhat Jahajha; Ali Jahajha and Hasan ‘Awad. In the meantime, armed clashes erupted between the Palestinian young men and Israeli forces until 02:30. During these clashes, Israeli forces heavily used live bullets, rubber-coated metal bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters. As a result, Eyad Omar Sajdiya (22) was killed with a live bullet to the head while ten others were wounded. Four of them were hit with live bullets and the six others were hit with rubber-coated metal bullets. One of the injuries was classified as serious.

 

Incursions and arrests

 

• At approximately 00:30 on Thursday, 25 February 2016, Israeli forces moved into Shu’afat neighbourhood, north of occupied East Jerusalem. They raided and searched a house belonging to Nidal Abu Khudeir from which they arrested his son Mohammed (17).
• At approximately 01:00 on the same Thursday, Israeli forces moved into al-Mukabir Mount, southeast of occupied Jerusalem. They raided and searched a house belonging to Ayman ‘Abdo, from which they arrested his son Nader (17).
• At approximately 02:00 on the same day, Israeli forces moved into Silwan village, south of East Jerusalem’s Old City. They raided and searched a house belonging to Wael Abu Mayalah, from which they arrested his son Mohammed (16).
• At approximately 04:00, Israeli forces moved into al-Issawiyah village, east of occupied East Jerusalem. They raided and searched many houses from which they arrested many civilians. The arrested persons were identified as Mohammed Ali Dawoud Dirbas (12), ‘Emad Tareq Sarandah (12) and Ahmed ‘Awad Dirbas (13).
• At approximately 10:00, Israeli forces moved into Silwan village, south of East Jerusalem’s Old City. They raided and searched a house belonging to Wajdi al-Rishiq and handed his son Mohammed (17) a summons to refer to al-Qeshlah Police Station in West Jerusalem.
• At approximately 20:00, Israeli forces moved into ‘Ain al-Lozah neighbourhood, south of East Jerusalem’s Old City and stationed in al-Jabal area. They established a temporary checkpoint in the area and provocatively searched by-passers. Moreover, they arrested Mohammed Wesam Ya’qoub Shoaki (13); Amir Abdullah Ya’qoub Shoaki (10) and Mohammed Husam Ya’qoub Shoaki (10).
• At approximately 17:00 on Sunday, 28 February 2016, Israeli forces arrested Abdul Rahman Khalid al-‘Abasi (19) when he was on his way to his house in al-Wusta neighbourhood in Silwan village, south of East Jerusalem’s Old City. They severely beat him and took him to an unknown destination.

 

House demolitions and demolition notices:

 

• On Friday, 26 February 2016, ‏the “Ateret Cohanim” settlement organization handed sons of the late Abdul Majeed al-Rajji judicial summonses calling them to evacuate their plot of land in Baten al-Hawa neighbourhood in Silwan village, south of occupied East Jerusalem, where they own 12 apartments sheltering 93 persons. According to Ya’qoub al-Rajji, Member of Baten al-Hawa committee and one of the affected persons, stated that the abovementioned organization handed him and his brothers Fathi, Harbi and Talal judicial summonses calling them to evacuate the land and gave them 20 days to challenge it before the Israeli court. The organization claimed that the plot of land belongs to 3 Israelis from Yemen, who lived in and owned this land before 1948. Moreover, al-Rajji stated that the threatened residential apartments are located on land No. (96) and each apartment’s area ranged between 60 to 70 square meters and sheltered 93 persons, including 64 children. He added that his grandfather Abdul Majeed, his sons and grandsons live in their houses after buying the land in 1966, and they have all the verification documents.

 

Furthermore, al-Rajii said that most houses in Baten al-Hawa neighbourhood were threatened to be confiscated by “Ateret Cohanim” settlement organization, claiming that this land belongs to Israelis from Yemen. Additionally, the house owners were handed judicial summonses from the “Ateret Cohanim” settlement organization and fought before the Israeli courts to prove their property rights and refute the settlers’ allegations.  Al-Rajji pointed out that the “Ateret Cohanim” settlement organization handed members of al-Rajji family similar judicial summonses last week. It should be mentioned that the threatened buildings belonging to al-Rajji family are part of “Ateret Cohanim” project to seize 5 dunums and 200 square meters from al-Wusta neighbourhood in Baten al-Hawa area, claiming that this property belongs to Israelis from Yemen from 1881.  The aforementioned land is divided into 6 plots with numbers of (73,75,88,95,96 and 97).  The organization claims that the Israeli High Court approved that Baten al-Hawa land belongs to settlers from Yemen. It should be mentioned that around 30 to 35 residential buildings sheltering 80 families of 436 members were built on this land. Moreover, all the residents has been living in the neighbourhood for 10 years after buying these lands from their former owners with verification documents.

 

• On Saturday, 27 February 2016, crews from the Israeli municipality and police moved into ‘Ain Lozah neighbourhood, south occupied East Jerusalem. They took photos of the streets and some facilities and then pinned a number of administrative demolition orders to some residential facilities. Nihad al-‘Abasi, one of the affected persons, said that the municipality crews raided his family building and took photos of the building. They handed him an administrative demolition order under the pretext of “an expired building permit” without explaining what it means.

Al-‘Abasi added that the aforementioned building consists of four 110-square-meter apartments. These apartments were built in 2002 and belong to Nihad al-‘Abasi and his 6-member family; Jalal al-‘Abasi and his 5-member family; Yousef al-‘Abasi and his wife and a tenant and his 3-member family. Al-‘Abasi also said that the Israeli Municipality imposed construction fees of NIS140,000 on the family, who paid them. The family is trying to obtain a licence from the municipality but in vain.

 

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

 

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

 

Settlement activities

 

• At approximately 00:30 on Thursday, 25 February 2016, Israeli forces levelled industrial and commercial facilities and confiscated a mobile house in al-Mohalel area in Ni’lin village, west of Ramallah.

According to information obtained by a PCHR fieldworker from the facilities’ owners, at approximately 00:30, Israeli forces accompanied with 3 bulldozers, truck-mounted crane and two forklifts in addition to three vehicles belonging to the Construction and Organization Department in the Israeli Civil Administration moved into al-Mohalel area in N’ilin village, west of Ramallah.  They imposed a military cordon on the area and started levelling until 05:00 under the pretext of no permit.  Israeli forces levelled and confiscated the following:

1. A 120-square-meter garage for auto repair built of bricks and roofed with tin plates; 800-square-meter carwash built of steel and roofed with a shade cloth; 15-square-meter mobile house for selling car accessories. All of the aforementioned structres belong to Monther Reda Mohammed Hamdiyah (32);
2. A 200-square-meter store for glass belongs to Ghanem Jamal Hussein ‘Amirah. The main door of the store was broken and part of the walls was levelled. The owner was handed a notice which gave him 3 days to take the glass out of the store to demolish it.
3. A 250-square-meter carpentry built of bricks and roofed with tin plates. The carpentry is rented by Ahmed Mohammed Mahmoud Sarsour and Hamad Salah Rayyan.
4. A 50-square-meter shop for auto repair built of bricks and roofed with tin plates. The shop is rented by Ahmed Faisal.
5. A 200-square-meter shop for ceramic and sanitary ware built of bricks, concrete and roofed with tin plates. The shop belongs to ‘Alaa’ Rayyan.
6. A 200-square-meter shop for auto repair built of bricks and roofed with tin plates. The shop is rented by Hussein Salim ‘Aqel Andil.
7. A 300-square-meter barrack built of steel and tin plates for selling bricks and wood. The barrack is rented by Nabil Sarsour and a mobile house belonging to him was confiscated.
8. A 500-square-meter barrack built of steel and tin plates is used as fiberglass piscine factory and rented by Mohammed Mahmoud Mohammed al-Khatib.

It should be mentioned that the aforementioned rented shops belong to Mohammed ‘Ali ‘Awad Ghaythan.

 

• At approximately 16:00 on Sunday, 27 February 2016, Israeli forces and police officers accompanied with a mounted-crane truck moved into Beit Za’atah area to the east of Beit Ummar village, north of Hebron. They raided the yard of “Ghazal al-Masri Company” for construction materials that belongs to ‘Abdullah Taha Mohammed Mustafa “Ghazal al-Masri” and his brothers The soldiers and police officers deployed in the internal yard of the company and detained all the company workers. The Israeli soldiers confiscated an electronic machine used for reshaping steel.  Israeli forces claimed that the machine is illegal and were taken to the detention facility in “Gosh ‘Etzion” settlement complex, south of Bethlehem.

‘Abdullah Ghazal al-Masri said to a PCHR fieldworker that:

 

“We established this company in the beginning of June 2015.  We work in the field of construction steel and reshaping it upon the market demand.  After two months, we legally bought a machine from an Israeli company for reshaping the steel as our company is registered by the Palestinian Company Controller.  Since then, we have been assembling and preparing the machine to start using it.  The cost of buying and assembling the machine cost around NIS 1,000,000 and we were surprised that the Israeli police confiscated it under the pretext that it is not legal. When we showed the machine papers to the police officers, altercations happened between the police officers.  A police officer then told us to refer to the “Kiryat Arba” police station to file a complaint about what happed.  We knew from them that there was a complaint filed against us, so we hired a lawyer to follow up.  The police officer told is that we can few days later regain it, but the soldiers caused so much damage in it while transferring it with a crane.  We will file a complaint about what happened.”

 

• At approximately 06:00 on Monday, 29 February 2016, Israeli forces accompanied with a jeep belonging to the Construction and Organization Department in the Israeli Administration and a bulldozer moved into al-Farisiyah area in the Northern Valley, east of Tubas. The bulldozer levelled the following:

1. A residential tent and a shade cloth structure belonging to the family of Mohammed Tariq Sbeih;
2. A residential tent, tent used as a livestock pen, shade cloth structure and an open livestock pen belonging Hamed Rezeq ‘Abdullah Daraghmah;
3. A residential tent, tent used as a livestock pen, shade cloth structure and small generator belonging to ‘Allan Lafi Hamed Daraghmah; and
4. A residential tent, tent used as a livestock pen, shade cloth structure and an open livestock pen belonging to the family of Talal Yousif Mohammed ‘Aydah.

• At approximately 06:00 on Wednesday, 02 March 2016, Israeli forces accompanied with a jeep belonging to the Construction and Organization Department in the Israeli Administration and a bulldozer moved into Kherbet Tanah, east of Beit Foriq village, east of Nablus. The bulldozer levelled the following:

1. A residential tent and agricultural tent belonging to the 6-member family of Wasef Abu al-So’oud ‘Abdel Razeq Hanani;
2. A residential tent ad agricultural tent belonging to the 6-member family of Mohammed As’ad Hanani
3. A residential tent belonging to the 7-member family of Forsan Faris Hanani;
4. A residential tent, tabun oven and cave belonging to the 10-member family of Majed ‘Afif Hanani;
5. A residential tent, livestock tent and solar panels belonging to the 4-member family of Radi Mahmoud Hanani;
6. A residential tent belonging to the 6-member family of Ibrahim ‘Abdel Qader Hanani;
7. A residneital tent and livestock tent belonging to the 6-member family of Mahmoud Ahmed Nasasrah;
8. Barrack used for cows and built of shad cloth and tin plate and another one used for fodders and built of tin plates belonging to the 7-member family of Amjad ‘Abed Hanani;
9. A residential tent and livestock tent belonging to the 5-member family of Yousif Fayez Hanani;
10. A residential tent and cave belonging to the 2-member family of ‘Abdel Hafiz Hassan Hanani;
11. A residential tent belonging to the 7-member family of Ra’ed ‘Afif ‘Aref Hanani and
12. A residential tent and livestock tent belonging to the 2-member family of Fozan Mousa Nasasrah.

• Around the same time, Israeli forces accompanied with a vehicle belonging to the Construction and Organization Department in the Israeli Administration and a bulldozer moved into Shwikah Suburb, north of Tulkarm, and stationed in al-Mahawdah neighbourhood, west of the suburb. The bulldozer levelled an under-construction house belonging to the family of Khalil Ahmed Mohammed ‘Ali (44) under the pretext of building without a permit.  The 120-square-meter house is only 2 kilometres away from the electronic fence, which is part of the annexation wall.  The house owner said to a PCHR fieldworker that he previously received two notices.

 

• At approximately 14:00 on the aforementioned Wendesday, Israeli forces accompanied with a vehicle belonging to the Construction and Organization Department in the Israeli Administration and a bulldozer moved into Kherbet Khelet al-Mayeh, east of Yata, south of Hebron. The Civil Administration officer handed 3 civilians notices to stop the construction works in three houses belonging to Isma’il Jebril al-Najar; Khalil Haasn al-‘Amour and Mohammed ‘Ezzat Makhamrah.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Recommendations to the International Community

 

 

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

 

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

 

1. PCHR calls upon the international community and the United Nations to use all available means to allow the Palestinian people to enjoy their right to self-determination, through the establishment of the Palestinian State, which was recognized by the UN General Assembly with a vast majority, using all international legal mechanisms, including sanctions to end the occupation of the State of Palestine;
2. PCHR calls upon the United Nations to provide international protection to Palestinians in the oPt, and to ensure the non-recurrence of aggression against the oPt, especially the Gaza Strip;
3. PCHR calls upon the High Contracting Parties to the Geneva Conventions to compel Israel, as a High Contracting Party to the Conventions, to apply the Conventions in the oPt;
4. PCHR calls upon the Parties to international human rights instruments, especially the Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, to pressurize Israel to comply with their provisions in the oPt, and to compel it to incorporate the human rights situation in the oPt in its reports submitted to the concerned committees;
5. PCHR calls upon the High Contracting Parties to the Geneva Conventions to fulfil their obligation to ensure the application of the Conventions, including extending the scope of their jurisdiction in order to prosecute suspected war criminals, regardless of the nationality of the perpetrator and the place of a crime, to pave the way for prosecuting suspected Israeli war criminals and end the longstanding impunity they have enjoyed;
6. PCHR calls on States that apply the principle of universal jurisdiction not to surrender to Israeli pressure to limit universal jurisdiction to perpetuate the impunity enjoyed by suspected Israeli war criminals;
7. PCHR calls upon the international community to act in order to stop all Israeli settlement expansion activities in the oPt through imposing sanctions on Israeli settlements and criminalizing trading with them;
8. PCHR calls upon the UN General Assembly to transfer the Goldstone Report to the UN Security Council in order to refer it to the International Criminal Court in accordance with Article 13(b) of the Rome Statute;
9. PCHR calls upon the United Nations to confirm that holding war criminals in the Palestinian-Israeli conflict is a precondition to achieve stability and peace in the regions, and that peace cannot be built on the expense of human rights;
10. PCHR calls upon the UN General Assembly and Human Rights Council to explicitly declare that the Israeli closure policy in Gaza and the annexation wall in the West Bank are illegal, and accordingly refer the two issues to the UN Security Council to impose sanctions on Israel to compel it to remove them;
11. PCHR calls upon the international community, in light of its failure to the stop the aggression on the Palestinian people, to at least fulfil its obligation to reconstruct the Gaza Strip after the series of hostilities launched by Israel which directly targeted the civilian infrastructure;
12. PCHR calls upon the United Nations and the European Union to express a clear position towards the annexation wall following the international recognition of the State of Palestine on the 1967 borders, as the annexation wall seizes large parts of the State of Palestine;
13. PCHR calls upon the European Union to activate Article 2 of the EU-Israel Association Agreement, which provides that both sides must respect human rights as a precondition for economic cooperation between the EU states and Israel, and the EU must not ignore Israeli violations and crimes against Palestinian civilians;

 

 

 

 

 

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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 [email protected] or telephone +972 08 282 4776 – 282 5893.