Palestinian
fishermen are still subjected to attacks by Israeli forces while fishing

Israeli Forces Continue
Systematic Attacks against Palestinian Civilians and Property in the occupied
Palestinian territory (oPt)

 

 

42 Palestinian
civilians were wounded, including 8 children, in the West Bank.

36
of whom, including 6 children, were wounded in Tamoun village, southeast of
Tubas in the northern West Bank.

 

The
Israeli Forces continued to fire at the Palestinian farmers and rubble
collectors in the northern Gaza Strip.

A
Palestinian child was wounded while collecting rubbles and firewood in the
northwest of Beit Hanoun.

 

The
Israeli Forces conducted 83 incursions into Palestinian communities in the West
Bank. 

At
least 29 Palestinian civilians, including 10 children, were arrested.

 

The
Israeli Forces continued to target Palestinian fishermen in the sea.

The
Israeli gunboats targeted Palestinian fishing boats thrice during the reporting
period.

 

The
Israeli Forces continued to use excessive force against peaceful protests in
the West Bank.

Dozens
of Palestinian civilians suffered from tear gas inhalation.

 

Israel
has continued to impose a total closure on the oPt and has isolated the Gaza
Strip from the outside world.

The Israeli
Forces established dozens of checkpoints in the West Bank.

At
least 3 Palestinian civilians were arrested at checkpoints; 2 of whom were
arrested at military checkpoints in the West Bank, while the third one was
arrested at Beit Hanoun (Erez) crossing in the northern Gaza Strip.

 

Israel
has continued efforts to create Jewish majority in East Jerusalem.

2
houses were demolished; one of which was inhabited and the other was
under-construction.

 

The
Israeli Forces have continued settlement activities in the West Bank, and
Israeli settlers have continued to attack Palestinian civilians and property.

The
Israeli settlers cut off and damaged 302 olive seedlings in Qasra village,
southeast of Nablus.

A
car and a tractor were set to fire in Beit Ummar village, north of Hebron.

 

Summary

 

Israeli
violations of international law and international humanitarian law in the oPt
continued during the reporting period (27 December 2012 – 02 January 2013):

 

Shooting:

 

During the reporting period, the
Israeli forces wounded 43 Palestinian civilians, including 9 children. 42 of
the wounded, including 8 children, were wounded in the West Bank, while the
ninth child was wounded in the Gaza Strip.  

 

On 31 December 2012, 2 Palestinian civilians,
including a child, were wounded when the Israeli forces moved into Salfit and fired
at a group of boys who protested against the Israeli forces and threw stones at
them.

 

On 01 January 2013, 36 Palestinian civilians,
including 6 children, were wounded when the Israeli forces moved into Tamoun
village, southeast of Tubas, to arrest a wanted person. Clashes erupted between
the Israeli forces and dozens of Palestinians, during which the Israeli forces
used excessive force to disperse the protestors.

 

On the same day, a Palestinian
civilian was wounded when the Israeli forces moved into Oreef village,
southeast of Nablus, and fired at dozens of boys who gathered to protest
against the Israeli forces.

 

Also on the same day, 3 Palestinian
civilians, including a child, were wounded when the Israeli settlers moved into
Qasra village, southeast of Nablus. The settlers cut off 12 olive trees. As a
result, dozens of Palestinians gathered and threw stones at the settlers, but
the Israeli forces intervened to protect the settlers by firing tear gas
canisters and rubber-coated metal bullets.

 

In the same context, the Israeli
forces continued to systematically use excessive force against peaceful
protests organized by Palestinians and Israeli and international activists
against the annexation wall and settlement activities in the West Bank. As a
result, dozens of Palestinians suffered from tear gas inhalation or sustained
bruises.  They were all treated on the
spot.  

 

In the Gaza Strip, on 31 December
2012, a Palestinian child was wounded when the Israeli Forces stationed along
the border fence in the northern Gaza Strip opened fire at a group of rubble
and firewood collectors. The abovementioned child was wounded when he was about
500 meters away from the border fence.  

 

In the context of targeting
Palestinian fishermen in the sea, the Israeli gunboats positioned in the sea
opened fire at the Palestinian fishing boats thrice during the reporting
period. The 3 attacks were respectively conducted on 27, 28 and 29 December
2012. Israeli gunboats positioned off al-Waha resort in the northern Gaza Strip
opened fire for about 10 minutes at the Palestinian fishermen, who were sailing
6 nautical miles off the shore, and terrified them. As a result, they fled back
to the shore for fear of being arrested or wounded. Neither casualties nor
material damage were reported.

  

Incursions:

 

During
the reporting period, the Israeli forces conducted at least 83 military
incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank.  During these incursions, the IOF arrested at
least 29 Palestinian civilians, including 10 children.

 

The
cruelest incursion was conducted on 01 January 2012 in Tamoun village,
southeast of Tubas, when Israeli undercover units sneaked in the village to
arrest a Palestinian that was wanted to the Israeli forces. See the section
(Shooting) above.

 

Restrictions
on Movement:

 

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

 

The illegal Israeli-imposed closure
of the Gaza Strip, which has steadily tightened since June 2007, has had a
disastrous impact on the humanitarian and economic situation in the Gaza Strip.  The illegal closure has caused not only a
humanitarian crisis, but a crisis of human rights and human dignity for the
population of the Gaza Strip.  Recently-declared
measures to ease the closure are vague, purely cosmetic and fail to deal with
the root causes of the crisis; the root causes can only be addressed by an
immediate and complete lifting of the closure, including lifting the travel ban
into and out of the Gaza Strip and the ban on exports.  Palestinians in Gaza may no longer suffer from
the same shortage of goods but, as long as the closure is allowed to continue,
they will remain economically dependent, unable to care for themselves, and
socially, culturally and academically isolated from the rest of the world. 

 

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

 

Efforts
to create Jewish Majority in Occupied East Jerusalem:

 

In the context of efforts to create a Jewish Majority in
the Occupied East Jerusalem, the Israeli forces continued to confiscate lands,
demolish houses and built new settlement units. 
PCHR stresses that these measures come in the context of isolating East
Jerusalem and annexing it to Israeli according to the Israeli policy that is in
violation of the international humanitarian law.  PCHR calls upon the international community
to promptly take action and reiterates its call upon the High Contracting
parties to the Fourth Geneva Convention to fulfill their obligations under Article
1 of the Convention.

 

At the level of house demolitions, the israeli Forces
demolished 2 houses; the first of which was inhabited and the other was
under-construction. On 31 December 2012, the Israeli Forces demolished a house
belonging to the family of Mohammed Abed Shqeirat, 58, in Shqeirat
neighborhood, southeast of ocuppied Jerusalem, under the pretext of not
obtinaing a construction permit. The 1-storey house was built on 150 square
meters and resided by 23 members, including 12 children.

 

On 01 January 2013, the Israeli forces deolished a house
belonging to Ra’fat Tareq Ahmed al-Eisawi, 40, in al-Eisawiya village, east of
occupied Jerusalem, under the pretext of not obtaining a contrsution permit as
well. The 1-storey house bloging to the borther of Samer al-Eisawi, a
Palestinian detained in Israeli jails, was being built on 145 square
meters. 

 

Settlement
Activities:

 

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

 

On 27
December 2012, a group of Israeli settlers from “Yesh Koudesh”
settlement, southeast of Nablus, damaged 40 olive trees in Kamel area. The
trees’ ages ranged between 1 to 3 years.

 

On 28
December 2012, a group of Israeli settlers from “Beit
Hagai” settlement moved into the Palestinian lands in Kanar
area, southwest of Hebron. They wandered in the lands near the springs under
the Israeli forces’ protection.  

 

On 29
December 2012, a group of Israeli settlers from “Sousia” settlement,
south of Hebron, attacked farmers from al-Shamasti family, when they were
grazing their sheep and plowing their lands near the abovementioned settlement.
The settlers prevented the farmers from working in their lands and maltreated
then under the Israeli Forces’ protection.

 

On 01
January 2013, a group of settlers from “Kfar Etzion” settlement,
south of Bethlehem, set fire to a Toyota car and a tractor belonging to Soheil
Breighith, 49, in Beit Ummar village, north of Hebron.

 

On
the same day, the settlers cut off and damaged 250 olive trees, whose ages
range between 1 to 3 years, southeast of Nablus. The settlers moved again in
Basalta area on the same day and cut off 12 olive trees. Dozens of Palestinians
gathered and threw stones at the settlers, but the Israeli Forces intervened to
protect the settlers. They fired gas canisters and rubber-coated metal bullets at
the Palestinians. As a result, 3 Palestinians, including a child, was wounded.
See the section (Shooting) above.

 

On
02 January 2013, a group of Israeli settlers from “Efrat” settlement,
south of Bethlehem, broke into “al-Ahmadiya” Mosque in al-Faghour
area near the settlement. The settlers also topped the mosque and then
withdrew. 

 

 

 

Israeli
Violations Documented during the Reporting Period (27 December 2012 – 02 January
2013)

 

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

 

 

Thursday,
27 December 2012

 

At
approximately 01:00, the Israeli forces moved into Nour Shams refugee camp,
east of Tulkarm.  They patrolled in the
streets for a while and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were
reported.

 

At approximately
01:30, the Israeli forces moved into al-Bayada, al-Baq’a and Khelet al-Ein
villages, north of Hebron.  They raided and
searched a number of houses and arrested three Palestinian children:

 

1. Ahmed
Ayman Mohammed Ikhleil, 17;

2. Jihad
Nasser Mohammed Ikhleil, 16; and

3. Nasim
Taha Mohammed Abu Maria, 15.

 

Nasim’s father said to a PCHR fieldworker that the Israeli forces
raided his house savagely and terrified his wife and children. They arrested
his son and did not allow him to get dressed in spite of the cold weather. The
father also added that the Israeli forces fired a sound bomb into the house
yard when his wife tried to give her son some clothes.

 

At the same
time, the Israeli forces moved into the Old Town of Hebron.  They patrolled in the streets and raided and
searched a house belonging to Ahmed al-Muhtaseb, 24, and arrested him.

 

At the same
time, the Israeli forces moved into Ein al-Dyouk village, northwest of Jericho.
They patrolled in the streets for a while and withdrew later. No arrests were
reported.

 

At approximately
02:00, the Israeli forces moved into Tulkarm. They patrolled in the streets for
a while and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

 

At approximately
03:00, the Israeli forces moved into Beit Fajjar village, south of Bethlehem.
They patrolled in the streets and stationed in the center of the village. They raided
a number of houses and arrested 3 Palestinians:

 

1. Mohammed
Salem Hmeidan, 22;

2. Imad Sami
Taqatqa, 21; and

3. Mahmoud
Yusef Taqatqa, 22.

 

At
approximately 04:00, the Israeli forces moved into Ya’bad village, south of
Jenin. They patrolled in the streets and raided a house belonging to the family
of Heidar Mohammed Ibrahim Qabha, 20, Palestinian National Security officer,
and arrested him. The Israeli forces also raided and searched 2 houses
belonging to the family of Mohammed Heidar Mohammed Amarnah, 44, and his
brother Hassan, 51. They withdrew later transporting Qabha to an unknown
destination.

 

At
approximately 06:20, Israeli gunboats stationed off al-Waha resort, north of
the Gaza Strip, opened fire sporadically at the Palestinian fishermen for 10
minutes. As a result, the Palestinian fishermen, who were 6 nautical miles of
the shore, were terrorized and obliged to flee back to the shore for fear of
being arrested or wounded. Neither casualties no damage were reported.

 

At approximately
09:30, the Israeli forces moved into Sanjal village, north of Ramallah. They
patrolled in the streets for a while and withdrew later. Neither house raids
nor arrests were reported.

 

At approximately
10:00, the Israeli forces moved into Qebia village, west of Ramallah. They
patrolled in the streets for a while and withdrew later. Neither house raids
nor arrests were reported.

 

At
approximately 11:30, the Israeli forces moved into al-Janiya village, west of
Ramallah. They patrolled in the streets for a while and withdrew later. No
arrests were reported.

 

At approximately
13:00, the Israeli forces moved into Jalaboun village, east of Jenin. They
patrolled in the streets for a while and withdrew later.

 

At
approximately 16:30, the Israeli forces moved into Beit Our al-Tahta village,
west of Ramallah. They patrolled in the streets for a while and withdrew later.
No arrests were reported.

 

At
approximately 21:00, the Israeli forces moved into Faqou’a village, northeast
of Jenin. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Osama
Nassri Mohammed Abu Eid, 17, and arrested him. They then raided and searched a
house belonging to the family of Mohammed Ali Mahmoud Abu Eid, 17, and arrested
him and his brother Lo’ai, 19.

 

At
approximately 23:00, the Israeli forces moved into al-Jeftlik village, north of
Jericho. They patrolled in the streets for a while and withdrew later. No
arrests were reported.

 

Friday, 28 December
2012

 

At
approximately 01:00, the Israeli forces moved into Beit Fajjar village, south
of Bethlehem. They patrolled in the streets and stationed in the center of the
village. They raided a house belonging to the family of Ali Mostafa Ali al-Hajj
Taqatqa, 28, and submitted him a notice to refer to the Israeli Intelligence
Service in Kfar Etzion complex, south of Bethlehem.

 

At the same
time, the Israeli forces moved into al-Samou’ village, south of Hebron. They
patrolled in the streets for a while and withdrew later. Neither house raids
nor arrests were reported.

 

At the same
time, the Israeli forces moved into al-Aroub refugee camp, north of Hebron.
They patrolled in the streets for a while and withdrew later. Neither house
raids nor arrests were reported.

 

At approximately
03:00, the Israeli forces moved into Bani N’eim village, south of Hebron. They
patrolled in the streets for a while and withdrew later. Neither house raids
nor arrests were reported.

 

At
approximately 06:30, Israeli gunboats stationed off al-Waha resort in the
northern Gaza Strip opened fire heavily at the Palestinian fishing boats for about
10 minutes. As a result, the Palestinian fishermen, who were 6 nautical miles
of the shore, were terrified and forced to flee back to the shore for fear of
being arrests or wounded. Neither casualties nor material damage were reported.

 

At approximately
10:00, the Israeli forces moved into Dora al-Qare’ village, northeast of
Ramallah. They patrolled in the streets for a while and withdrew later. Neither
house raids nor arrests were reported.

 

At
approximately 11:00, the Israeli forces moved into Barqa village, northeast of
Ramallah. They patrolled in the streets for a while and withdrew later. No
arrests were reported.

 

At
approximately 13:00, the Israeli forces moved into Kerbatha al-Musbah village,
west of Ramallah. They patrolled in the streets for a while and withdrew later.
No arrests were reported.

 

At
approximately 17:00, the Israeli forces moved into Qufin village, north of
Tulkarm. They patrolled in the streets for a while and withdrew later. Neither
house raids nor arrests were reported.  

 

Saturday, 29
December 2012

 

At approximately 02:30, the Israeli forces moved into Marj Na’jah
village, north of Jericho. They patrolled in the streets for a while and
withdrew later. No arrests were reported.

 

At
approximately 03:30, the Israeli forces moved into al-Azza refugee camp, north
of Bethlehem. They raided a house belonging to the family of Ali Mohammed
Qaraqe’ and submitted his son Mo’taz Bellah, 19, a notice to refer to the
Israeli Intelligence Service in Kfar Etzion complex, south of Bethlehem.

 

At the same time, the Israeli forces moved into Ayda refugee camp, north
of Bethlehem. They raided a house belonging to the family of Mo’athe Eid Abu
‘Akar, 20, and submitted him a notice to refer to the Israeli Intelligence
Service in Kfar Etzion complex, south of Bethlehem.

 

At the same time, the Israeli forces moved into al-‘Ebayyat, east
of Bethlehe. They stationed in the vicinity of Othman Ben Affan mosque. They
raided a house belonging to the family of Alaa’ Mhoammed Awad ‘Ebayyat, 26, and
submitted him a notice to refer to the Israeli Intelligence Service in Kfar
Etzion complex, south of Bethlehem.

 

At approximately 06:45, the Israeli gunboats stationed off al-Waha
resort in the northern Gaza Strip opened fire heavily at the Palestinian
fishing boats for about 10 minutes. As a result, the Palestinian fishermen, who
were 6 nautical miles of the shore, were frightened and forced to flee back to
the shore for fear of being arrests or wounded. Neither casualties nor material
damage were reported.

 

At approximately 09:00, the Israeli forces moved into ‘Anabta
village, east of Tulkarm. They patrolled in the streets for a while and
withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

 

At the same time, the Israeli forces moved into Kober village,
northwest of Ramallah. They patrolled in the streets for a while and withdrew
later. No arrests were reported.

 

At approximately 10:30, the Israeli forces moved into Fasayel
village, north of Jericho. They patrolled in the streets for a while and
withdrew later. No arrests were reported.

 

At approximately 14:00, the Israeli forces moved into Deir Qeddis
village, northwest of Ramallah. They patrolled in the streets for a while and
withdrew later. No arrests were reported.

 

At approximately 17:00, the Israeli forces moved into al-Ouja
village, northeast of Jericho. They patrolled in the streets for a while and
withdrew later. No arrests were reported.

 

Sunday,
30 December 2012

 

 At approximately 01:00, Israeli
forces moved into Kherbet Abu Falah, northeast of Ramallah. They patrolled in
the streets for a while and withdrew later. No arrests were reported.

 

At
approximately 03:00, Israeli Forces moved into al-Dhaheriya village, south of
Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Mohammed
Jamal al-Tal, 19, and arrested him.   

 

At
approximately 05:00, the Israeli forces moved into Rumanna village, northwest
of Jenin. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Watheq
Mohammed Amin Abu Baker, 32, and arrested him.  

 

At approximately
09:30, the Israeli forces moved into al-Yamoun village, northwest of Jenin.
They patrolled in the streets, where some boys gathered and threw stones and
empty bottles at the Israeli soldiers. The Israeli soldiers in response fired
tear gas canisters and sound bombs at the boys to disperse them. They withdrew
later and no arrests were reported.

 

At
approximately 10:15, the Israeli forces moved into Ematin village, northeast of
Qalqilia. They patrolled in the streets and raided and searched a scraps’
store. At approximately 10:50, the Israeli forces withdrew with neither house
raids nor arrests.

 

At
approximately 11:30, the Israeli forces moved into Silet al-Harethiya village, north
of Jenin. They patrolled in the streets for a while and withdrew later. Neither
house raids nor arrests were reported.

 

At the same
time, the Israeli forces moved into al-Arqa village, west of Jenin. They
patrolled in the streets for a while and withdrew later. Neither house raids
nor arrests were reported.

 

At the same
time, the Israeli Forces moved into Beit Our al-Tahta village, southwest of
Ramallah. They patrolled in the streets for a while and withdrew later. No
arrests were reported.

 

At
approximately 12:35, the Israeli Forces moved into al-Nabi Elias village, east
of Qalqilia. They patrolled in the streets for a while and withdrew later.
Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

 

At
approximately 13:30, the Israeli forces accompanied by Civil Administration
vehicle and a number of settlers moved into al-‘Ebeidiya village, east of
Bethlehem. They patrolled in the streets and withdrew later. No further
incidents were reported.

 

At
approximately 14:00, the Israeli forces moved into ‘Anza village, south of
Jenin. They patrolled in the streets for a while and withdrew later.  Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

 

At the same
time, the Israeli forces moved into al-Mansoura village, south of Jenin. They
patrolled in the streets for a while and withdrew later. Neither house raids
nor arrests were reported.

 

At
approximately 15:30, the Israeli forces moved into Deir Jareer village,
northeast of Ramallah. They patrolled in the streets for a while and withdrew
later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

At
approximately 20:45, the Israeli forces moved into Arraba village, southwest of
Jenin. They patrolled in the streets for a while and withdrew later. No arrests
were reported.

 

At
approximately 21:00, the Israeli forces moved into Ya’bad village, southwest of
Jenin. They patrolled in the streets for a while and withdrew later. Neither
house raids nor arrests were reported.

 

At approximately
23:30, the Israeli forces moved into ‘Anza village, south of Jenin. They
patrolled in the streets for a while and withdrew later. Neither house raids
nor arrests were reported. It should be noted that this was the second
incursion within few hours on the same day.   

 

Monday,
31 December 2012

 

At
approximately 01:00, the Israeli forces moved into Ya’bad village, southwest of
Jenin. They patrolled in the streets and then stationed in the center of the
village. They fired flash bombs in the sky and combed the area. The Israeli forces
withdrew later and neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

 

At the same
time, the Israeli forces moved into Aqaba refugee camp, south of Jericho. They
patrolled in the streets for a while and withdrew later. No arrests were
reported.

 

At approximately
01:30, the Israeli forces moved into al-Koum village, south of Hebron. They
raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Yusef Mohammed ‘Eqeil
al-Awawda, 38, and submitted him a notice to refer to the Israeli Intelligence
Service in “Kfar Etzion” settlement, south of Bethlehem.

 

At the same
time, the Israeli forces moved into the Green Mountain area in the vicinity of
Deir Samit village. They patrolled in the streets for a while, but neither
house raids nor arrests were reported.

 

At
approximately 02:00, the Israeli forces moved into Sirees village, south of Jenin.
 They patrolled in the streets for
a while and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

 

At the same
time, the Israeli forces moved into Tulkarm. They patrolled in the streets for
a while and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

 

At the same
time, the Israeli forces moved into Na’lin village, west of Ramallah. They
patrolled in the streets for a while and withdrew later. Neither house raids
nor arrests were reported.

 

At
approximately 02:30, the Israeli forces moved into Beit Ummar village, southeast
of Nablus. They patrolled in the streets and raided and searched a number of
houses. They arrested Yasser Fawzi Othman Bani Shamsa, 19, and Mojahed Fayez
Labeeb Bani Shamsa, 20, and transported them to an unknown destination.

 

At
approximately 03:00, the Israeli forces moved into Kherbet Salama, south of
Hebron. They patrolled in the streets for a while and withdrew later. Neither
house raids nor arrests were reported.

 

At
approximately 04:00, the Israeli forces moved into ‘Anabta village, east of Tulkarm.
They patrolled in the streets for a while and withdrew later. Neither house
raids nor arrests were reported.

 

At approximately
05:00, the Israeli forces moved into the eastern Mazra’a village, northwest of
Ramallah.  They patrolled in the streets
for a while and withdrew later. No arrests were reported.

 

At
approximately 06:00, the Israeli forces moved into al-Yamoun village, northwest
of Jenin. They patrolled in the streets for a while and withdrew later. Neither
house raids nor arrests were reported.

 

At
approximately 11:15, the Israeli forces positioned along the border fence in
the northern Gaza Strip opened fire at a group of rubble and firewood
collectors. As a result, Ramzi Mohammed Rajab Ma’rouf, 17, from Beit Lahia, was
wounded by a bullet to the right leg. Ma’rouf was about 500 meters away from
the border fence when he was shot. He was transported by a tractor to the
Palestine Red Crescent Society’s (PRCS) ambulance that transferred him to
Martyr Kamal Odwan hospital in Beit Lahia. He was admitted to the hospital at 13:00
to receive the first aid needed. His wound was described as moderate.

 

At
approximately 13:00, the Israeli forces moved into Salfit. They patrolled in
the streets in a provocative manner and stationed near al-Quds Open University.
A number of boys threw stones at them, but the Israeli soldiers fired sound
bombs and rubber-coated metal bullets in response. As a result, 2 Palestinian
civilians, were wounded. The first one, 13, was wounded by a bullet to the
right hand; and the other, 20, was wounded by a bullet to the pelvis. At
approximately 17:00, the Israeli Forces withdrew.

 

At the same
time, the Israeli forces moved into Ya’bad village, south of Jenin. They
patrolled in the streets, raided a house belonging to the family of Ahmed Belal
Taysir Abu Baker, 17, and arrested him.

 

At
approximately 16:00, the Israeli forces moved into ‘Anabta village, east of
Tulkarm. They patrolled in the streets for a while and withdrew later. Neither
house raids nor arrests were reported.

 

At
approximately 19:00, the Israeli forces moved into al-Zababda village, south of
Jenin. They patrolled in the streets for a while and withdrew later. Neither
house raids nor arrests were reported.

At
approximately 21:00, the Israeli forces moved into Zabouba village, northwest
of Jenin. They patrolled in the streets and raided a number of houses. They
arrested 3 children:

 

1. Mohammed
Riadh Jaradat, 15;

2. Allam
Rafiq Maqalda, 16; and

3. Ahmed
Ali Amarana, 16.

 

They
were all transported to Salem detention facility, northwest of Jenin. They were
released after they had been questioned.

  

At
approximately 22:40, the Israeli forces moved into ‘Azzoun village, east of
Qalqilia. They patrolled in the streets for a while and withdrew later. Neither
house raids nor arrests were reported.

 

At
approximately 23:30 the Israeli forces moved into Sanour village, south of
Jenin. They patrolled in the streets for a while and withdrew later. Neither
house raids nor arrests were reported.  

 

Tuesday,
01 January 2013

 

At
approximately 12:30, the Israeli forces moved into Beer al-Jamal village, south
of Jenin. They patrolled in the streets for a while and withdrew later. Neither
house raids nor arrests were reported.

 

At
approximately 01:30, the Israeli forces moved into Khellet al-Ein village,
north of Hebron. They patrolled in the streets and raided and searched a number
of houses. they arrested Nour Yusef Awad, 18, and Mohanned Morshed Awad, 15,
and transported them to an unknown destination.

 

At
approximately 02:00, the Israeli forces moved into Sa’ir village, north of
Hebron. They patrolled in the streets and raided and searched a house belonging
to the family of Adham Jaradat, 27, and arrested him.

 

At
approximately 03:00, the Israeli forces moved into Beit Fajjar village, south
of Bethlehem. They patrolled in the streets and raided and searched a number of
houses.  They arrested Mosa Na’im Yusef
Taqatqa, 19; and Amer Mohammed Abu Rashid Taqatqa, 20, and transported them to
an unknown destination.

 

At
the same time, the Israeli forces moved into Anabta village, east of Tulkarm.
They patrolled in the streets for a while and withdrew later. Neither house
raids nor arrests were reported.

 

At
approximately 08:00, an Israeli undercover unit moved into Tamoun village,
southeast of Tubas. They used 2 blue civilian vehicles with Palestinian
registration plates. The unit positioned in the vicinity of a house belonging
to the family of Morad Sulaiman Bani Oda, 35, near the girls school in the
southern part of the village. They could arrest Bani Oda from his house before
the Israeli backup forces moved into the village and surrounded the house.
Dozens of boys and young men gathered and threw stones at the Israeli soldiers,
who fired rubber-coated metal bullets, tear gas canisters and sound bombs in
response. The clashed continued until 19:00 of the same day. As a result, 36
Palestinian civilians, including 6 children, were wounded; 5 of whom were
wounded by live bullets while the others were wounded by rubber-coated metal
bullets and hit by gas canisters and sound bombs.

 

At
approximately 10:00, the Israeli forces moved into Um al-Tout village,
southeast of Jenin. They patrolled in the streets for a while and withdrew
later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

 

At
the same time, the Israeli forces moved into Beit Etil village, north of
Tulkarm. They patrolled in the streets for a while and withdrew later. Neither
house raids nor arrests were reported.

 

At
approximately 10:30, the Israeli forces moved into Jelgamos village, southeast
of Jenin. They patrolled in the streets for a while and withdrew later. Neither
house raids nor arrests were reported.

 

At
approximately 12:00, the Israeli forces moved into Oreef village, southeast of
Nablus. A number of boys gathered and threw stones at the Israeli soldiers. The
Israeli forces fired live bullets and rubber-coated metal bullets in response.
As a result, Jehad Abdul Aziz Ahmed al-Safadi, 36, was wounded by a bullet to
the right leg. He was transported to Rafidya hospital to receive the necessary
medical treatment.

 

At
approximately 14:30, the Israeli forces moved into al-Arqa village, west of
Jenin. They patrolled in the streets, as some boys gathered and threw stones at
the Israeli vehicles. The Israeli soldiers fired sounds bombs at the protestors
and then withdrew. No arrests were reported.

 

At
approximately 18:00, the Israeli forces moved into Irtah suburb, south of
Tulkarm. They patrolled in the streets for a while and withdrew later. Neither
house raids nor arrests were reported.

 

At
approximately 23:00, the Israeli forces moved into Jaba’ village, south of
Jenin. They patrolled in the streets for a while and withdrew later. Neither
house raids nor arrests were reported.

 

At
approximately 23:30, the Israeli forces moved into al-Yamoun village, northwest
of Jenin. They patrolled in the streets for a while. An eyewitness said to
PCHR’s fieldworker that the Israeli Forces combed Wadi al-Hassan area, south of
al-Yamoun. They withdrew later and no arrests were reported.

 

At
approximately 00:30, the Israeli forces moved into Tulkarm. They patrolled in
the streets for a while and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests
were reported.

 

 Wednesday, 02 January 2013

 

At approximately 00:45, the Israeli forces moved into Beit Leed,
east of Tulkarm.  They patrolled in the
streets for a while and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were
reported.

 

At approximately 01:00, the Israeli forces moved into Ramin
village, northeast of Tulkarm. They patrolled in the streets for a while and
withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

 

At approximately 02:30, the Israeli forces moved into Beit Ummar
village, north of Hebron. They patrolled in the streets and between houses, as
a result, the residents were terrified. They arrested Ihab Omar Mesleh, 18;
Iyad Omar Khalil Sabarna, 19, an ex-prisoner; Mohammed Hassan Zohdi ‘Adi, 20;
and Yusef Abdul Hamid Ahmed Maria, 40, an ex-prisoner.

 

Mohammed Awad, member of the Popular Committee against Settlement
Activities, said to PCHR’s fieldworker that the Israeli Forces moved into the
village in the early morning and searched a number of houses. They arrested 4
Palestinian civilians. They also raided Bahar bakery and detained its workers
inside. They were identified as: Zuhair Moqbel; Yusef Bahar; and Mahmoud Jom’a.
The Israeli Forces attempted to attack them and confiscated their cell phones
and ID cards. They fired also tear gas canister in front of the village’s
mosque and in the main street and then withdrew.

 

2. Use of
Excessive Force against Peaceful Demonstrations Protesting Settlement
Activities and the Construction of the Annexation Wall

 

During
the reporting period, Israeli forces used force against peaceful demonstrations
organized by Palestinian civilians and international and Israeli human rights
defenders in protest at the construction of the wall and settlement activities
in the West Bank. As a result, dozens of demonstrators suffered from tear gas
inhalation and others sustained bruises.

 

Following the Friday Prayer on 28 December 2012, dozens of
Palestinian civilians and international and Israeli human rights defenders
organized a peaceful demonstration in Bil’ein village, west of Ramallah, in
protest to the construction of the annexation wall.  The demonstrators gathered in the streets of
the village, chanting slogans calling for national unity.  The protesters aimed to stress the need to
adhere to national principles and the right of return, to resist the occupation
and to call for the release of all Palestinian prisoners.  The protesters raised Palestinian flags and
made their way towards the wall.  They
called through megaphones for Israeli settlers in “Mitityahu” settlement to
leave Palestinian land.    Israeli
soldiers stationed in the area fired rubber-coated metal bullets, sound bombs
and tear gas canisters at the demonstrators. 
As a result, dozens of demonstrators suffered from tear gas inhalation
and others sustained bruises.

 

Also following the Friday Prayer on 28 December 2012, dozens of
Palestinian civilians and international and Israeli human rights defenders
organized a peaceful demonstration in Ne’lin village, west of Ramallah, in
protest at the construction of the annexation wall and settlement
activities.  The demonstrators moved
towards areas of the annexation wall.   
Immediately, Israeli soldiers stationed in the area fired rubber-coated
metal bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters at the demonstrators.  As a result, some demonstrators suffered from
tear gas inhalation and others sustained bruises.   

 

Around the same time on Friday, 28 December 2012, dozens of
Palestinian civilians and Israeli and international human rights defenders
gathered in the Martyrs Square in Nabi Saleh village, northwest of Ramallah, to
hold a weekly peaceful protest against the construction of the annexation wall
and settlement activities, title.  The
protesters walked towards the gate erected by Israeli forces near the entrance
of the village, which leads to Palestinian lands that Israeli settlers from the
nearby “Halmish” settlement are trying to seize.  Israeli soldiers fired live and rubber-coated
bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters at the protesters.  As a result, dozens of demonstrators suffered
from tear gas inhalation and others sustained bruises.

 

Also following the Friday Prayer, dozens of Palestinian civilians
and international human rights defenders organized a peaceful demonstration in
the center of al-Ma’sara village, south of Bethlehem, in protest at the ongoing
construction of the annexation wall, titled. 
As the protestors moved towards the gate of the village, the Israeli
forces closed it to prevent the demonstration from gaining access to the
confiscated land and attacked the participants; as a result, some demonstrators
suffered from tear gas inhalation and others sustained bruises.

 

At approximately 09:00 on Saturday, 29 December 2012, dozens of
Palestinian civilians and activists from Ta’ayush, an Israeli peaceful
movement, gathered at the entrance of Susiya village, southeast of Yatta, south
of Hebron. The demonstration was organized in protest to the closing of the
road that links the village with Yatta and al-Samou’ village on Thursday, 27
December 2012. The Israeli forces used force to disperse the demonstrators. No
injuries were reported.

 

At approximately 10:00 the same Saturday, dozens of Palestinian
civilians, international and Israeli human rights defenders, gathered in the
Center of Bait Ummar village, north of Hebron, for the weekly peaceful
demonstration organized against the settlement expansion policy, the wall and
the arrest of children. The demonstrators headed towards the confiscated
farmlands  near the security fence of
“Kermi Tsour” settlement, east of the village. A group of Israeli
soldiers surrounded the demonstrators and started a hand fight with them. No
injuries or arrests were reported.

 

 

 

 

 

3. Continued
Closure of the oPt

 

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

 

Gaza
Strip

 

Israel has
continuously closed all border crossings to the Gaza Strip for nearly 5 years.  The illegal Israeli-imposed closure of the
Gaza Strip, which has steadily tightened since June 2007, has had a disastrous
impact on the humanitarian and economic situation in the Gaza Strip. 

 

The IOF
have tightened the closure of the Gaza Strip, making Karm Abu Salem crossing the
sole commercial crossing of the Gaza Strip, although it is not suitable for
commercial purposes, in terms of its distance and operational capacity. 

 

The IOF
have continued to apply their policy aimed at tightening the strangulation of
the commercial movement in the Gaza Strip, including imposing total control
over the flow of imports and exports. 

 

The
total closure of al-Mentar “Karni” crossing on 02 March 2011 has
created a terrible situation that has seriously affected the Gaza Strip.  Following this closure, all economic and
commercial establishments in Gaza Commercial Zone were shut off.  It should be noted that al-Mentar crossing is
the biggest crossing in the Gaza Strip, in terms of its operational capacity to
absorb the flow of imports and exports.  The
decision to close al-Mentar crossing was the culmination of a series of
decisions resulting in the complete closure of the Sofa crossing, east of the
Gaza Strip in the beginning of 2009, and the Nahal Oz crossing, east of Gaza
City, which was dedicated for the delivery of fuel and cooking gas to the Gaza
Strip, in the beginning of 2010. 

 

The IOF
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 in the Gaza Strip. 

 

The
cooking gas crisis, which erupted last November, has continued to affect the
Gaza Strip.  This crisis was created on
04 January 2010, when Israeli occupation authorities totally closed the Nahal
Oz crossing, which used to be dedicated to the delivery of fuel and cooking gas
supplies to Gaza.  They shifted fuel and
cooking gas supplies to the Karm Abu Salem crossing, which is not equipped to
receive Gaza’s fuel needs.  The Karm Abu
Salem crossing, with its maximum absorptive capacity, can receive only 200 tons
of cooking gas per day. 

 

Approximately
80% of Gaza civilians continue to depend on humanitarian aid provided by UNRWA
and other relief agencies, the number of families who are living below the
poverty line has continued to increase, and approximately 40% of Gaza’s
manpower continues to suffer from permanent unemployment as a result of
shutting down the majority of Gaza’s economic establishments. 

 

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

 

For approximately 6 consecutive years, the IOF have continued to
ban the delivery of construction materials to Gaza.  During the reporting period, the IOF approved
the delivery of limited quantities of construction materials for a number of
international organizations.

 

Israel has continued to close the Beit Hanoun (Erez) crossing for
Palestinian civilians from the Gaza Strip. 
The IOF only allow the movement of limited groups amidst severe
restrictions, including long hours of waiting in the majority of cases.  The IOF have also 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 Jerusalem.  The IOF
denied new categories of Gazan patients permission to access hospitals via the
crossing.   

 

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

 

Movement at
Border Crossings during the Reporting Period:

 

Movement
at Rafah International Crossing Point

16
December 2012 to 01 January 2013

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Movement
at Karm Abu Salem (Kerem Shalom) Crossing

26
to 30 December 2012

Imports:

 

 

 

Exports:

 

On Wednesday, 26 December 2012, Israeli forces allowed the
exportation of 5.3 tons of strawberry and 5 truckloads of plastic.

On Thursday, 27 December 2012, Israeli forces allowed the
exportation of 8.2 tons of strawberry, a truckload of 70,000 carnation flowers
and 300 kilograms of basil. They also allowed the exportation of 26 tons of
furniture and 4 truckloads of plastics.

On Sunday, 30 December 2012, Israeli forces allowed the exportation
of 4 tons of strawberry, 60,000 carnation flowers and 5 truckloads of plastics.

 

Other Imports:

 

On Tuesday, 11 December 2012, Israeli forces allowed the entry of
80 tons of cement, 186 tons of construction steel and 2380 tons of construction
aggregate for UNRWA; 1680 tons of construction aggregate for the Palestinian
Water Authority; and 1400 tons of construction aggregate and 40 tons of
construction steel for the German Development Bank (GDB); 980 tons of
construction aggregate and 40 tons of cement for UNDP. They also allowed the
entry of 546 tons of fodders and 546 tons of wheat.

 

On Wednesday, 26 December 2012, the Israeli forces allowed the
entry of 100 tons of cement, 84 tons of construction steel and 2940 tons of
construction aggregate for UNRWA. They also allowed the entry of 507 tons of
fodders.

 

On Thursday, 27 December 2012, the Israeli forces allowed the entry
of 380 tons of cement, 179 tons of construction steel, 3333 tons of
construction aggregate for UNRWA. They also allowed the entry of 468 tons of
fodders and 78 tons of wheat.

 

On Sunday, 30 December 2012, the Israeli forces allowed the entry
of 300 tons of cement, 90 tons of construction steel, 6720 tons of construction
aggregate for UNRWA; 980 tons of construction aggregate for the Palestinian
Water Authority; and 910 tons of construction aggregates for the Private Sector.  They also allowed the entry of 546 tons of
fodders and 234 tons of wheat.

 

On Monday, 17 December 2012, Israeli forces allowed the entry of
160 tons of cement, 70 tons of construction steel and 5320 tons of construction
aggregate for UNRWA; 2520 tons of construction aggregates for the Palestinian
Water Authority.  They also allowed the
entry of 702 tons of fodders and 468 tons of wheat.

 

Note: Beit Hanoun Crossing “Erez”, north of the Gaza
Strip, links the Strip with the West Bank, and it is designed for the movement
of individuals.

 

Movement
at the Beit Hanoun (Erez) Crossing

26
December 2012 to 01 January 2013

 

 

 

Note: The Israeli forces allowed 58 relatives of prisoners to visit 44
prisoners in Israeli Jails on Monday, 31 December 2012.

 

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

 

Ramallah:
Israeli forces have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of
Palestinian civilians. At approximately 10:00 on Thursday, 27 December 2012,
Israeli forces established a checkpoint on the road between Kherebtha al-Mesbah
and Beit Sira villages, southwest of Ramallah, and it was later removed. No
arrests were reported. At approximately 18:00, they repositioned at ‘Atarah
checkpoint at the northern gate of Beirzeit, north of Ramallah, and prevented
people from leaving or entering through the aforementioned checkpoint. At
approximately 08:30 on Friday, 28 December 2012, Israeli forces established a
checkpoint at the entrance of Nabi Saleh village, northwest of Ramallah.  At approximately 16:00, they established a
similar checkpoint at the entrance of Beit ‘Aor al-Foqa village, southwest of
the city.  At approximately 17:00, they
established a checkpoint near the entrance of Deir Ghasana village, northwest
of Ramallah.  The checkpoints were later
removed and no arrests were reported. At approximately 11:30 on Saturday, 29
December 2012, Israeli forces established a checkpoint near the entrance of
Deir Nizam village, northwest of Ramallah while, at approximately 19:30, they
established a similar checkpoint at the ‘Ayoun al-Haramiya intersection. At
approximately 20:00, they also established a checkpoint at the entrance of Beit
Loqya village, west of Ramallah.  The
checkpoints were later removed and no arrests were reported.  At approximately 21:30 on Sunday, 30 December
2012, Israeli forces reestablished at ‘Atarah checkpoint at the northern
entrance of Birzeit, north of Ramallah, and prevented people from entering and
leaving through the aforementioned checkpoint. 
At approximately 11:00, they also established a checkpoint near the
entrance of al-Nabi Saleh village, northwest of Ramallah.  At approximately 11:30, they established a
similar checkpoint near the entrance of al-Mazra’a al-Sharqiya village,
northeast of the city.  The checkpoints
were later removed and no arrests were reported.  At 14:00 on Monday, 31 December 2012, Israeli
forces established a checkpoint near the entrance of al-Nabi Salah village,
northwest of Ramallah, and prevented people from entering and leaving from the
village.   Dozens of children and boys
gathered to throw stones at the Israeli forces who fired in response rubber-coated metal bullets, tear gas canisters, and stun grenades.  As a result, dozens of demonstrators
suffered from tear gas inhalation.

 

Qalqilya:
Israeli forces have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of
Palestinian civilians. At approximately 19:20, on Thursday, 27 December 2012,
Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the entrance of ‘Azoun village, east
of Qalqilya.  It was later removed and no
arrests were reported.  At approximately
14:50 on Friday, 28 December 2012, they also established a checkpoint at the
entrance of ‘Azoun village, east of the city. 
The checkpoint was later removed and no arrests were reported.  At approximately 18:00, they established a
smiliar checkpoint at the entrance of Jeet village, northeast of the city. On
Sunday, 30 December 2012, Israeli forces established 3 checkpoints in different
parts of the city.  At approximately 09:45,
they established the first checkpoint at the entrance of Amateen village and at
approximately 15:30, established the second one at the entrance of ’Azoun
village.  At approximately 18:30, the
third checkpoint was established at the entrance of Habla tunnel. The 3
checkpoints were later removed and no arrests were reported.  On Monday, 31 December 2012, Israeli forces
established 5 checkpoints in different parts of the city.  At approximately 15:05, they established the
first checkpoint at the eastern entrance of ‘Azoun village and at approximately
15:40, established the second one at the northern entrance of Qalqilya.  At approximately 16:30, the third checkpoint
was established at the northern entrance of ‘Azoun village and at approximately
20:45, the forth one was established between ‘Azoun village and al-Nabi Elias
villages.  At approximately 20:55, a
similar checkpoint was established at the entrance of Jeet village.  The 5 checkpoints were established on Nablis-
Qalqilya Street to be later removed and no arrests were reported.

 

Jericho:
Israeli forces have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of
Palestinian civilians.  At approximately
09:00 on Thursday, 27 December 2012, Israeli forces established a checkpoint
near the entrance of al-Zbeidat village, north of Jericho while, at
approximately 11:30, they established a similar checkpoint near the southern
entrance of Jericho.  At approximately
19:30 on Sunday, they also established a checkpoint on al-Mo’arajat road
between Jericho and Ramallah.  The
checkpoints were removed and no arrests were reported. At approximately 13:00 on
Friday, 28 December 2012, they established a checkpoint near the southern
entrance of Jericho and prevented civilians from entering and leaving through
the aforementioned entrance.  The
checkpoint was later removed and no arrests were reported.  At approximately 11:40 on Saturday, 29
December 2012, Israeli forces, they established a checkpoint near the southern
entrance of Jericho and prevented civilians from entering and leaving through
the aforementioned entrance. The checkpoint was later removed and no arrests
were reported. At approximately 15:00, Israeli forces reestablished the
checkpoint.  At approximately 19:00 on
Sunday, 30 December 2012, Israeli forces established a checkpoint near the
southern entrance of Jericho.  At
approximately 20:30, Israeli forces established a similar checkpoint near the
entrance of Marj Na’aja village, north of the city.  The 2 checkpoints were later removed and no
arrests were reported.

 

Jenin:  Israeli forces have continued to impose
severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians.  At approximately 09:00 on Thursday, 27
December 2012, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at Faqou’a village,
northeast of Jenin.  At approximately 12:00,
they also established a checkpoint on the eastern entrance of Ya’abod village,
southwest of Jenin. The checkpoint was later removed and no arrests were
reported.  At approximately 07:30 on
Saturday, 29 December 2012, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at Faqou’a,
northeast of Jenin.  At approximately
17:30, they also established a checkpoint at the northern entrance of
Jenin.  The 2 checkpoints were later
removed and no arrests were reported.  At
approximately 10:00 on Sunday, 30 December 2012, Israeli forces established a
checkpoint at the entrance of Yamoun village, northwest of Jenin.  The checkpoint was later removed and no
arrests were reported.  At approximately
17:30 on Monday 31 December 2012, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at
the intersection of ‘Arabah village, south of Jenin while, at approximately
19:00, they established a similar checkpoint at the entrance of Msaliya
village, south of Jenin. The 2 checkpoints were later removed and no arrests
were reported.  At approximately 08:00 on
Tuesday, 1 January 2013, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the
intersection of Zabouba and Romanah villages, northwest of Jenin.  The checkpoint was later removed and no
arrests were reported.

 

Tulkarm:  Israeli forces have continued to impose
severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. At approximately 18:30
on Thursday, 27 December 2012, Israeli forces stationed at ‘Aenab checkpoint,
established on the main road between Tulkarm and Nablus, east of Tulkarm,
intensified its arbitrary restrictions against the Palestinians civilians and
obstructed their movement through the checkpoint. The tightened restrictions
were over in around 1 hour and no arrests were reported.  At approximately 23:00 on Friday, 28 December
2012, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the entrance of al-Nazleh
al-Gharbiya village, north of Tulkarm. 
The checkpoint was later removed and no arrests were reported.  At approximately 19:00 on Saturday, 29
December 2012, Israeli forces established a checkpoint on the western street
known as (Natania Street) which leads to the Israeli (Jeshori) factory area,
which is built on Palestinian lands, west of Tulklarm.  The checkpoint was later removed and no
arrests were reported.  It should be
noted that the aforementioned checkpoint, which has become a daily phenomena,
is built on (A) zone in accordance with Oslo agreement and which is under
Palestinian security control.  At
approximately 10:00 on Sunday, 30 December 2012, Israeli forces on the main
road between Tulkarm and Nablus, near the intersection of Beit Leed village, in
Abu Martein area, east of Tulkarm.  At
approximately 10:30, they established a similar checkpoint at the western
entrance of Safareen, southeast of Tulkarm. 
At approximately 18:30 on Monday, 31 December 2012, Israeli forces
established a checkpoint on the main road between Tulkarm and Nablus, near the
intersection of Beit Leed village, east of Tulkarm.  The checkpoint was later removed and no
arrests were reported.

 

Hebron:  Israeli forces have continued to impose
severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians.  At approximately 16:00 on Thursday, 27
December 2012, Israeli forces closed the western entrance of Yatta, south of
Hebron, near “Sousia” settlement camp, which is built on the Palestinian lands,
with concrete blocks and placed signs prevent people from entering. The closure
came shortly after opening it.  Rateb
al-Jbour, Member of the Popular Comitte against Wall and Settlements, said to a
PCHR fieldworker that Isralei forces stormed the area and closed the road with
concrete blocks.  At approximately 16:30
on the aforementioned Thursday, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the
area of Halhoul Bridge, north of Hebron while they established a similar
checkpoint at the entrance of Ezna village, west of Hebron.  At approximately 18:00, they also established
on the road between al-Tawani and Yatta villages, south of the city.  The checkpoint was later removed and no
arrests were reported.  At approximately
08:00 on Friday, 28 December 2012, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at
the entrance of Sa’air village, northeast of Hebron.  The checkpoint was later removed and no
arrests were reported.

 

Salfit:
Israeli forces have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of
Palestinian civilians.  At approximately
15:40 on Thursday, 27 December 2012, Israeli forces established a checkpoint
between the villages of Borqin and Kafr al-Deek, west of Salfit.  At approximately 16:10, the checkpoint was
removed and no arrests were reported. At approximately 17:35 on Friday, 28
December 2012, Israeli forces established a checkpoint under the bridge of
Askaka village, east of Salfit.  The
checkpoint was later removed and no arrests were reported.

 

Detention at Military Checkpoints

 

At approximately 15:30 on Thursday, 27 December 2012, Israeli
forces stationed at one of the checkpoints at Yatta entrance, south of Hebron,
arrested Firas Abu ‘Aziza, (27), when he was on his way back from work and took
him to an unknown destination.

 

On Saturday afternoon, 29 December 2012, Israeli forces, stationed
at al-Konteir checkpoint, east of Bethlehem, arrested Omar Habib Mohammed,
(27), who was on his way back from Ramallah to his house in Bethlehem.

 

At approximately 17:00 on Tuesday, 1 January 2013, the family of
Rafiq ‘Aayesh Mahmoud Abu Harbid, (38), from Beit Hanoun in the northern Gaza
Strip, who is a patient suffering from Chondritis, was informed that their son
was arrested by Israeli Authorities in Beit Hanoun (Eirez) crossing, Northern
Gaza Strip.  According to investigations
conducted by PCHR, Abu Harbid needs intensive physiotherapy in orthopedic ward
at al-Maqassed Hospital in occupied Jerusalem as he suffers from disk in the
back.  Although the aforementioned
received several appointments for treatment at al-Maqassed hospital by the Department of External Medical Treatment, his coordination request, which was submitted by
the medical coordination department in the Ministry of Civil Affairs, west of
Gaza, was rejected by the Israeli Authorities. On Monday, 31 December 2012, the
patient was informed by the Medical Coordination Department that the Israeli
Intelligence wanted to interview him at the crossing.  So, at approximately 09:00 on Thursday, he
went there and did not come back.  At
approximately 17:00, his family received a call from someone who did not
introduce himself to tell them that their son is arrested by Israeli
forces.  Abu Harbid is still arrested up
to the reporting period.

 

At approximately 19:30 on Sunday, 30 December 2012, Israeli forces
stationed at “Mafoudotan” checkpoint, which is built on the main bypass road
between Jenin and the northern villages of Tulklarm, southwest of Jenin,
detained Mo’atasim Tawfiq Mustafa Yehia, (29), from al-‘Arqa village, west of
Jenin.  The aforementioned civilian was
detained while passing through the checkpoint for hours.  He was later released and handed a notice to
appear before the Israeli Intelligence headquarter in Salim Camp, west of
Jenin.  No more incidents were reported.

 

At approximately 10:00 on Monday, 31 December 2012, Israeli forces
detained a number of teachers at the entrance of Sousia village, southeast of
Yatta, south of Hebron, after the entrance was closed with concrete
blocks.  The teachers were detained under
the pretext of having transit permits for the village.  They were identified as: Mohammed Jabir
al-Nawaj’aa, Ahmed Fayiz Mokhamrah, and Hayni Mohammed Abed Raboh.  In his testimony to a PCHR fieldworker, Rateb
al-Jbour, coordinator of the local committee against settlement activities,
said that Israeli forces closed the entrance of the aforementioned village with
concrete blocks to prevent people from moving. Israeli forces then stipulated
that teachers should obtain transit permits for the village as they are
dividing the villages, east of Yatta, into small cantons in order to control it
and displace its people for the purpose settlement expansion.

 

4. Efforts
to Create a Jewish Majority in Occupied East Jerusalem

 

Bulldozing of Houses and Stores

 

On Monday, 31 December 2012, Israeli forces bulldozed a house
belonging to Mohammed Abed Shuqairat (58) in al-Shuqairat neighborhood in
al-Mukabber Mountain, southeast of occupied Jerusalem, under pretext that it was
built without a license. According to investigations conducted by PCHR, at
approximately 08:00 on Monday, 31 December 2012, a group of the Israeli
“Border Guards,” Israeli Police and Special Forces, accompanied by
officers from the Israeli Municipality in Jerusalem and a bulldozer, moved into
al-Shuqairat neighborhood in al-Mukabber Mountain, south east of the occupied
city. The forces surrounded Mohammed Abed Shuqairat’s house and forced its
residents to evacuate. Immediately, the bulldozer started destroying the house
over its contents. The house is a one-storey house established on an area of
150 square meters, occupied by a family of 23 individuals, including 12
children. According to Mr. Shuqairat, his house was destroyed over its
contents, and the demolition was not preceded by any form of warning. He also
mentioned that he had been trying to obtain a construction license since 1997;
however, the Israeli Municipality in occupied Jerusalem does not consider the
natural growth in Palestinian population in the city.

 

On 01 January 2013, Israeli forces bulldozed Ra’fat Tariq Ahmed
al-Issawy’s house (40), which is still under construction in al-Issawya
village, east of occupied Jerusalem, under the pretext that it was built
without permit. According to the investigations conducted by PCHR, at
approximately 08:00 on Tuesday, 01 January 2013, a group of the Israeli
“Border Guards,” Israeli Police and Special Forces, accompanied by
officers from the Israeli Municipality in Jerusalem and a bulldozer, moved into
al-Issawya neighborhood, east of the occupied city. It is a one-storey house,
established on an area of 145 square meters.

 

4. Settlement Activities and Attacks by Settlers against
Palestinian Civilians and Property

 

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

 

At early
morning hours on Thursday, 27 December 2012, a group of settlers coming from
“Aish Kodesh” settlement, established in the southern side of Qassra
village, southeast of Nablus, destroyed 40 olive trees in Kamel area, south of
the village. The trees are between 1 and 3 years old, belonging to Ali Abdel
Hamid Hassan and Bahjat Fawzi Abdel Hamid Hassan. They reported the incident to
the village council who informed the Palestinian military liaison. Later that
day, an Israeli force arrived at the scene and photographed the trees before
leaving.

 

At
approximately 09:00 on Friday, 28 December 2012, a group of settlers from
“Beit Hagai” settlement, established on Palestinian civilians’ lands
in Hebron, attacked the Palestinian lands in Kannar area, east of Doura,
southwest of Hebron.  The settlers
patrolled the farmlands near the water springs by the Islamic Charity
Association, under the Israeli forces’ protection. No more incidents were
reported.

 

At
approximately 08:00 on Saturday, 20 December 2012, a group of settlers from
“Susiya” settlement, established on Palestinian lands, southeast of
Yatta, south of Hebron, attacked Palestinian farmers of al-Shamasti family. The
attack occurred while the farmers were plowing their lands, located near the
aforementioned settlement. The settlers prevented the farmers from working and
attacked them under the protection of the Israeli soldiers.  In his testimony to a PCHR fieldworker, Rateb
al-Jabour, coordinator of the Popular movement against settlement activity in
Yatta, said that the settlers targeted the Palestinian farmers and their lands
in an attempt to confiscate them, it should be mentioned that this is the
second attack against the al-Shamasti family.

 

At
approximately 00:00 on Tuesday, 01 January 2012, Palestinian civilian,
Abdel-Majid Tawfiq Hassan awoke to the sound of rock being thrown at the roof
of his house, located on the southern side of Qassra village, southeast of
Nablus. Mr. Hassan was certain that the noise and attack were caused by Israeli
settlers coming from “Aish Kodesh” settlement outpost, established in
the southern side of the village. Immediately, he called the Head of the
Village Council, Abdel-Azim Ahmed Mohammed Oda, and informed him of the
situation. The latter called a number of the villagers and went along with them
to protect Mr. Hassan’s house. Mr. Oda also called the Palestinian Military
Liaison, who called the Israeli Military Liaison. Following that, the Israeli
Police and Military Liaison arrived at the scene after the settlers had already
left. The civilians stayed around the house until the early morning hours when
they discovered that the settlers had cut and uprooted 250 olive trees in Kamel
area, aged between 1 and 3 years. The destroyed olive trees belong to: Jabali
Issa Abu Rayda; Abdel-Azim Ahmed Mohammed Oda; Ni’man Abdel Rahim Ahmed
Abu-Rayda; Samir Mustafa Hassan; Adli Mohammed Abdallah Hassan; and Anwar
Taysir Daoud Oda.

 

At
approximately 01:00 on Tuesday, 01 January 2013, a group of settlers from
“Gush Etzion” settlement, established on Palestinian lands, south of
Bethlehem, attacked Thagret al-Shabak area, east of Beit Ummar village, north
of Hebron. the settlers burnt a Toyota car and a tractor belonging to Suhail
Mohammed Barighith (49). They also scribbled racist slogans on the walls, such
as: Death for the Arabs. Revenge! In his testimony to a PCHR fieldworker, Mr.
Barighith said:

 

“At
approximately 01:00 on Tuesday, 01 January 2013, I was sleeping in my house, in
Thagret al-Shabak area. I heard a violent explosion in our surrounding.
Immediately, I ran outside, found my car and tractor ablaze. I returned to the
house, woke my wife and kids and we tried to put the fire out; however, the
water had run out. I called the former mayor and informed him of what had
happened. Minutes later, he arrived at the scene accompanied by an officer of
the Water Department in the Municipality. They connected the water lines; thus,
we put the fire out. Nevertheless, the car had already been completely burnt.
At that moment, a large unit of Israeli forces and police arrived at the scene.
I filed a complaint on the incident. I would like to point out that the settlers
had already burnt 3 cars in our area, which is less than 400 meters from the
security fence of “Gosh Etzion” settlement, on 09 November 2012.
After the forces left, we saw slogans written in Hebrew on the walls, such as:
Death to Arabs; and Revenge!”

 

At
approximately 09:00 on Tuesday, dozens of settlers from “Aish Kodesh”
settlement outpost headed towards Basltta area, in the southern side of Kassra
village, southeast of Nablus. The attack occurred under protection of the
Israeli forces who supervised them from the top of the hill where the
settlement is established. The settlers attacked Adli Mohammed Abdallah’s
farmland and uprooted 12 olive trees. The Palestinian civilians gathered to
protect the olive trees and threw rocks at the settlers to force them out of
the area. The Israeli forces interfered to protect the settlers, firing tear
gas canisters and rubber-coated metal bullets. As a result, 3 civilians
sustained wounds, including a child.

 

At
approximately 11:00 on Wednesday, 02 January 2012, a group of settlers coming
from “Afrat” settlement, established on al-Khader village, south of
Bethlehem, raided al-Ahmadya mosque in al-Faghour area in the village, near the
aforementioned settlement. According to Ahmed Salah, coordinator of the Popular
Committees, the settlers stormed the mosque with their shoes, climbed to its
roof and stayed a while before leaving.

 

Recommendations to the International
Community

 

 

1. PCHR calls upon the High Contracting Parties to the Fourth Geneva
Convention to fulfill their legal and moral obligations under Article 1 of the
Convention to ensure Israel’s
respect for the Convention in the Occupied
Palestinian Territory.  PCHR believes that the conspiracy of silence
practiced by the international community has encouraged Israel to act as if it
is above the law and encourages Israel continue to violate international human
rights and humanitarian law.

 

2. PCHR calls upon the High Contracting Parties to the Fourth Geneva
Convention to convene a conference to take effective steps to ensure Israel’s
respect of the Convention in the OPT and to provide immediate protection for
Palestinian civilians.

 

3. PCHR calls upon the High Contracting Parties to the Fourth Geneva
Convention to comply with their legal obligations detailed in Article 146 of
the Convention to search for and prosecute those responsible for grave
breaches, namely war crimes.

 

4. PCHR calls for the immediate implementation of the Advisory Opinion
issued by the International Court of Justice, which considers the construction
of the Annexation Wall inside the West Bank
illegal.

 

5. PCHR recommends that international civil society organizations,
including human rights organizations, bar associations and NGOs, participate in
the process of exposing those accused of grave breaches of international law
and urge their governments to bring the perpetrators to justice. 

 

6. PCHR calls upon the European Union to activate Article 2 of the
Euro-Israel Association Agreement, which provides that Israel must respect human rights as a
precondition for economic cooperation between the EU states and Israel.  PCHR further calls upon the EU states to
prohibit import of goods produced in illegal Israeli settlements in the OPT. 

 

7. PCHR calls on the international community to recognize the Gaza disengagement plan,
which was implemented in September 2005, for what it is – not an end to
occupation but a compounding of the occupation and the humanitarian crisis in
the Gaza Strip. 

 

8. In recognition of ICRC as the guardian of the Fourth Geneva
Convention, PCHR calls upon the ICRC to increase its staff and activities in
the OPT, including the facilitation of family visitations to Palestinian
prisoners in Israeli jails.

 

9. PCHR appreciates the efforts of international civil society,
including human rights organizations, bar associations, unions and NGOs, and
urges them to continue their role in pressuring their governments to secure
Israel’s respect for human rights in the OPT and to demand Israel end its
attacks on Palestinian civilians.

 

 

10. PCHR calls upon the international community to pressure Israel
to lift the severe restrictions imposed by the Israeli government and its
occupation forces on access for international organizations to the OPT.

 

11. PCHR reiterates that any political settlement not based on
international human rights law and humanitarian law cannot lead to a peaceful
and just solution of the Palestinian question. 
Rather, such an arrangement can only lead to further suffering and
instability in the region.  Any peace
process or agreement must be based on respect for international law, including
international human rights and humanitarian law.

 

 

 

…………………………………………………………

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 (0)8
282 4776 – 282 5893).