Weekly Report On Israeli Human Rights Violations in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (27 December 2018 – 02 January 2019)

January 3, 2019

Israeli forces continued to use excessive force against the peaceful protestors in the Gaza Strip

A Palestinian with disability was killed in eastern Khan Younis.
25 civilians, including 5 children, a woman, a journalist, and 2 paramedics, were wounded; the injury of one of them was reported serious.

3 civilians were wounded, and the injury of one of them was reported serious in the West Bank.

19 shooting incidents were reported at the border areas of the Gaza Strip, but no casualties were reported.

Israeli warplanes carried out one airstrike, but no casualties were reported.

Israeli forces conducted 68 incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank and one limited incursion into the central Gaza Strip.
68 civilians, including 11 children, were arrested in the West Bank.
14 of them, including 2 children, were arrested in Jerusalem.

Israeli authorities continued their settlement activities in the West Bank.
Israeli forces uprooted and confiscated 50 olive trees in southern Hebron.
A mobile room was confiscated from Kherbet Khelet al-‘Adas, north of Bethlehem.
Settlers beat up a civilian in Hebron.

Israeli Forces continued to open fire at the Palestinian fishing boats in the sea.
A fisherman and his son were arrested while their boat was confiscated.

Israeli forces turned the West Bank into cantons and continued to impose the illegal closure on the Gaza Strip for the 12^th consecutive year.

103 permanent checkpoints, 104 temporary checkpoints and 14 closed roads obstruct the movement of Palestinian civilians in the West Bank.
4 civilians were arrested at the military checkpoints in the West Bank.

Summary

Israeli violations of international law and international humanitarian law in the oPt continued during the reporting period (27 December 2018 –02 January 2019).

Shooting:

In the Gaza Strip, the Israeli forces continued to use lethal force against the participants in the peaceful protests organized along the Gaza Strip borders, which witnessed the peaceful protests for the 40^th week along the eastern and northern border area of the Gaza Strip. In the Gaza Strip, the Israeli forces killed a Palestinian civilian with a disability, and wounded 25 civilians, including 5 children, a woman, a journalist, and 2 paramedics. The injury of 1 of those wounded was reported serious. In the West Bank, the Israeli forces wounded 3 civilians; one of them sustained serious wounds.

In the Gaza Strip, on the 40^th Friday, 28 December 2018, the Israeli forces killed a Palestinian civilian with a disability in excessive use of force against Palestinian protestors in eastern Gaza Strip, though the demonstrations scaled back for the ninth week in a row and most means usually used during the demonstrations were almost absent since the beginning of the Return and Breaking the Siege March 8 months ago. According to PCHR’s documentation, the civilian killed was the 8th one of the persons with disabilities, who were killed by the Israeli forces during those demonstrations.

As part of using excessive force against the peaceful protesters along the Gaza Strip borders, during the reporting period, Israeli forces wounded 25 civilians, including 5 children, a woman, a journalist, and 2 paramedics. The injury of 1 of those wounded was reported serious.

Injuries in the Gaza Strip between 27 December 2018 – 02 January 2019 According to the Governorate

Governorate	Injuries
Governorate	Total	Children	Women	Journalists	Paramedics	Critical Injuries
Northern Gaza Strip	0	0	0	0	0	0
Gaza City	10	2	0	1	0	0
Central Gaza Strip	8	1	1	0	2	0
Khan Younis	8	1	1	0	2	0
Rafah	6	2	0	0	0	1
Total	25	5	1	1	2	1

As part of targeting the Palestinian fishermen in the sea, the Israeli forces continued to escalate their attacks against the Palestinian fishermen, indicating the on-going Israeli policy to target their livelihoods. Those attacks during the reporting period resulted in the arrest of 2 fishermen and confiscation of their boat.

As part of targeting the border areas, on 31 December 2018, Israeli soldiers stationed along the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel opened fire at the agricultural lands in eastern Deir al-Balah and al-Maghazi in the central Gaza Strip. While no farmers were reported wounded, they had to leave their work behind in their lands.

During the reporting period, Israeli soldiers stationed along the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel, east of Rafah, opened fire at the shepherds and agricultural lands 17 times, forcing the farmers to leave their agricultural lands. However, no casualties were reported.

As part of the airstrikes, on 29 December 2018, Israeli helicopters fired a missile at a military site belonging to the Palestinian armed groups, southwest of Deir al-Balah in the central Gaza Strip. As a result, the site sustained damage, but no casualties were reported.

In the West Bank, during the reporting period, Israeli forces wounded 3 Palestinian civilians, including one of them sustaining serious wounds, in separate shooting incidents.

Incursions:

During the reporting period, Israeli forces conducted at least 68 military incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank and 8 similar incursions into Jerusalem and its suburbs. During those incursions, Israeli forces arrested at least 54 Palestinians, including 9 children, in the West Bank. Moreover, 14 others, including 2 children, were arrested in Jerusalem and its suburbs.

In the Gaza Strip, on 28 December 2018, Israeli forces moved 100 meters into the western side of border fence with Israel in eastern al-Bureij in the central Gaza Strip.

Israeli forces continued to create a Jewish Majority in occupied East Jerusalem:

As part of house demolitions and demolition notices, on 02 January 2018, Israeli munipality bulldozers demolished a house belonging to Hamzah al-Mughrabi in Qalendia village, north of occupied Jerusalem, under the pretext of building without a license. The 1-storey house that is built on an area of 100 square meters was rented by al-Mughrabi Family of 6 members, including a person with a disability. It should be noted that the house was built 5 years ago and its owner managed to delay the demolition many times, attempting to obtain a license from the competent authorities. Moreover, the Israeli municipality imposed on him a construction fine of NIS 35,000 and another NIS 30,000 as expenses for the municipal teams.

Israeli Forces continued their settlement activities, and the settlers continued their attacks against Palestinian civilians and their property

As part of settlement crimes and demolitions, on 31 December 2018, Israeli forces uprooted 50 olive trees planted 3 years ago and iron beams fixed in the vicinity of the land and confiscated them. The olive trees belonging to Sa’id al-‘Amour (55), from Kherbet al-Rakiz in eastern Yata, south of Hebron, were uprooted claiming that the land which was reclaimed and planted with trees is classified within the State Lands where any work is banned unless there was a prior authorization from the Israeli authorities.

On 02 January 2019, Israeli forces confiscated a mobile room (caravan) belonging to Belal Fanoun (50) from Kherbet Khelet ‘Adas in northern Bethlehem.

As part of the Israeli settlers’ attacks against the Palestinians civilians and their property, on 28 December 2018, an Israeli settler from “Ramat Yishai” settlement outpost attacked Hatem Muhtaseb (25), from Tal al-Rumeidah neighborhood in central Hebron, when he was on his way to buy medicine from a pharmacy in Bab al-Zaweyah area. As a result, al-Muhtaseb sustained bruises and one of his teeth was broken.

Details

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

Thursday, 27 December 2018

At approximately 01:30, Israeli forces moved into Tulkarm Refugee Camp, east of Tulkarm. They raided and searched two houses belonging to Mossab ‘Adnan al-Hossary (28) and Haitham Nour al-Deen Blaidi (29) and then arrested them. They later withdrew and took them to an unknown destination.

At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into Balata Camp, east of Nablus. They raided and searched a house belonging to Mohammad Ahmad Sa’oudi and then arrested him. They later withdrew and took him to an unknown destination.

Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into northern ‘Assira village, north of Nablus. They raided and searched a house belonging Ahmad Abed al-Hadi Hamadna and then arrested him. They later withdrew and took him to an unknown destination.

At approximately 11:20, Israeli forces backed by 6 military vehicles moved around 100 meters to the west of the border fence with Israel, east of Bureij in the Central Gaza Strip.

At approximately 13:35, Israeli forces stationed along the border fence with Israel, east of Shawka, east of Rafah, opened fire at Palestinian shepherds. As a result, the shepherds fled for fear of their lives and no casualties were reported.

At approximately 20:00, Israeli forces raided al-Fawwar Petrol Station, adjacent to a military watchtower established there by the Israeli forces. They then arrested Majdi Mohammad Khamees Rasras (22), from al-Fawwar Refugee camp, south of Hebron, while working in the station. They later withdrew and took him to an unknown destination.

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (5) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: Beit al-Roush, Moureq and Beit Ummer villages in Hebron; and Battir village and Dahisha Refugee Camp in Bethlehem.

Friday, 28 December 2018

At approximately 01:50, Israeli forces moved into Qalqiliyah. They raided a farm belonging to Zakria al-Shanti Family and then arrested his son as he was there. They later withdrew and took him to an unknown destination.
At approximately 13:35, Israeli forces stationed along the border fence with Israel, near al-Motabbeq Gate, east of Shawka, east of Rafah, opened fire at shepherds. As a result, the shepherds fled for fear of their lives and no casualties were reported.
At approximately 14:15, Israeli forces stationed within the perimeter of Eyal crossing point, north of Qalqilya, fired sound bombs at a number of protestors present there, chased them and then arrested Karam Ihab Suliman Abu Shehab (15) under the pretext of throwing stones. They later withdrew and took him to an unknown destination.

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (4) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: Beit Olah and Taffouh villages, al-Fawwar Refugee Camp and Dura in Hebron.

Saturday, 29 December 2018:

At approximately 01:00, Israeli forces moved into Faqqua village, east of Jenin. They raided and searched a house belonging to Yasser Jameel Abu Khamis and then arrested him. Moreover, the Israeli forces raided and searched Yasser’s brothers’ houses identified as Mohammed and Loai along with their father.

At approximately 01:30, Israeli forces moved into Beit Ummar village, north of Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to Ibraheem ‘Abd al-Hameed Abu Maria (40) and then arrested him along with his son Mahdi (15).

At approximately 02:00, Israeli warplanes fired a missile towards a site belonging to Palestinian armed groups, southwestern of Deir al-Balah in the central Gaza Strip. The site sustained a great damage and no casualties were reported.

At approximately 10:00, Israeli forces stationed along the border fence with Israel, close to al-Btabeq gate, east of Showkah village, east of Rafah, opened fire at Palestinian shepherds. As a result, the shepherds fled from the area for fear of their lives and no casualties were reported.

At approximately 11:35, Israeli forces stationed along the border fence with Israel, east of Showkah village, east of Rafah, opened fire at shepherds. As a result, the shepherds fled from the area for fear of their lives and no casualties were reported.

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (4) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: Sa’ir and Bani Na’iem villages in Hebron; and Sabstiyia and Hawarah villages in Nablus.

Sunday, 30 December 2018

At approximately 02:30, Israeli forces moved into Beit Ummar village, north of Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to Nasser ‘Abd al-Hameed (43) and then arrested Nasser’s son Rakan (15).

At approximately 10:00, Israeli forces moved into Nahalin village, west of Bethlehem, and stationed in vicinity of Nahalin Secondary School for boys. They then stopped students and arrested Ahmed Mohammed Shakarna (15).

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (9) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: al-Shayyoukh, Bani Na’ieem and Sa’ir villages in Hebron; al-‘Abidiyia village and ‘Aiydah refugee camp in Bethlehem; Beit Lid and ‘Izbit Shofah villages in eastern Tulkarm; and ‘Azoun village in eastern Qaliqliyia.

Monday, 31 December 2018

At approximately 01:00, Israeli forces backed by 30 military vehicles and a bulldozer moved into Kobar village, north of Ramallah. They stepped out of their vehicles and patrolled on the villages’ streets and among the houses. They raided and searched the houses after breaking their doorknobs. Moreover, the bulldozer leveled the side street connecting between the village and the nearby Burham village. The Israeli forces heavily threw sound and smoke bombs on the streets and among the houses, which led to a state of tension among civilians, especially women and children. At approximately 07:00, the Israeli forces arrested 12 civilians, including 3 brothers. PCHR keeps the names of the arrested civilians. Moreover, at approximately 10:00, the Israeli forces moved into the village, completely surrounded it and closed with sand berms its main entrance.

At approximately 01:30, Israeli forces moved into Ya’bod village, southwest of Jenin. They raided and searched two houses belonging to Osama Khaleel ‘Amarna and Mohammed Jehad Abu baker and then arrested both of them.

At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into Yatta, east of Hebron, and stationed in al-Karmel neighborhood. They raided and searched a house belonging to Mohammed Mahmoud al-Najar (44) and handed him a summons to refer to the Israeli Intelligence Service in “Gush Etzion” settlement, south of Bethlehem. At approximately 10:00, Mohamed was arrested after referring to the Israeli Intelligence Service and detained in a detention facility in the settlement.

At approximately 03:00, Israeli forces moved into al-Bireh and stationed in al-Shourfa neighborhood. They raided and searched houses and then arrested Mahmoud al-Khafsh (32) and Abdallah Jouda Abu Shalbak (50) who is a former prisoner served 20 years in the Israeli jails.

At approximately 04:20, Israeli forces moved into eastern al-Mazra’a village, northeastern of Ramallah. They raided and searched a house belonging to Ashraf Deeb Sa’d (25), and then arrested him.

Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Kafur Ni’ma village, west of Ramallah. They raided and searched a house belonging to Jaber Mamdoh Abdo (30) and then arrested him, taking him to an unknown destination.

Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Ras Karkar village, west of Ramallah, raided and searched a house belonging to Ahmed Mohammed Abu Fkhaida (29) and then arrested him, taking him to an unknown destination.

At approximately 06:30, Israeli forces moved into Silwad village, northeastern of Ramallah. They raided and searched houses, from which they arrested Hamed Reyad Hamed (28) and Sae’d Dahess Hamed (37), who is a former prisoner served 12 years in the Israel prisons.

Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Ramallah and stationed in al-Masayef neighborhood from its northern side. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of the journalist, ‘Alaa Hassan al-Remawy, who works as a General Director of al-Quds TV in the West Bank. The Israeli forces confiscated money estimated at NIS 7000 and a PC set. No arrests among civilians were reported.

At approximately 7:30, Israeli forces stationed along the border fence with Israel, opened fire at agricultural lands, east of Deir al-Balah in the central Gaza Strip. As a result, Palestinian farmers were forced to leave their lands for fear of their lives and no casualties were reported.

At approximately 8:15, Israeli forces stationed along the border fence with Israel, opened fire at agricultural lands, east of Maghazi in the central Gaza Strip. As a result, Palestinian farmers were forced to leave their lands for fear of their lives and no casualties were reported

At approximately 10:30, Israeli forces stationed along the border fence with Israel, east of al-Showkah village, east of Rafah, opened fire at shepherds. As a result, Palestinian farmers were forced to leave their lands for fear of their lives and no casualties were reported.

At approximately 11:00, Israeli forces stationed along the border fence with Israel, close to sofa site, east of Showkah village, east of Rafah, opened fire at Palestinian shepherds. As a result, Palestinian farmers were forced to leave their lands for fear of their lives and no casualties were reported.

At approximately 13:10, Israeli forces stationed along the border fence with Israel, east of Showkah village, east of Rafah, opened fire at Palestinian shepherds. As a result, Palestinian farmers were forced to leave their lands for fear of their lives and no casualties were reported

At approximately 14:55, Israeli forces stationed along the border fence with Israel, east of Showkah village, east of Rafah, opened fire at shepherds. As a result, Palestinian farmers were forced to leave their lands for fear of their lives and no casualties were reported

At approximately 15:30, Israeli forces stationed along the border fence with Israel, east of Showkah village, east of Rafah, opened fire at Palestinian shepherds. As a result, Palestinian farmers were forced to leave their lands for fear of their lives and no casualties were reported

At approximately 16:50, Israeli forces stationed along the border fence with Israel, east of Showkah village, east of Rafah, opened fire at field border control officers and no casualties were reported

At approximately 17:10, Israeli forces stationed along the border fence with Israel, east of Showkah village, east of Rafah, opened fire at Palestinian shepherds. As a result, Palestinian farmers were forced to leave their lands for fear of their lives and no casualties were reported.

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (8) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: Beit Rimah village, northwest of Ramllah; Beit Olah, Taffouh and Tarqumiyia villages, and al-‘Aroub refugee camp in Hebron; al-Showikah suburb in Tulkarm; and Jayyous village, northeast of Qalqiliyia.

Tuesday, 01 January 2019

At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into Beit Ummar village وd into al-Ma’ajin neighborhood ces , north of Hebron and stationed in al-Bayada neighborhood. They raided and searched a house belonging to Yousef Alkam (46) and then handed him a summons to refer to the Israeli Intelligence Service in “Gush Etzion” settlement, south of Bethlehem. After that, they arrested Yousef’s two sons Kathem (19) and Ahmed (17) and then took them to where the Israeli vehicles were stationed. Meanwhile, another Israeli force raided and searched a house belonging to Kareem Yousef al-Khaleel (22) and then arrested him.

At approximately 7:55, Israeli forces stationed along the border fence with Israel, close to al-Nahda neighborhood, east of Showkah village, east of Rafah, opened fire and threw tear gas canisters at Palestinian farmers; 3 of them suffered tear gas inhalation.

At approximately 10:00, Israeli gunboats stationed off the northwestern of al-Waha resort, northwest of Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip, opened fire at the Palestinian fishing boats sailing within 6 nautical miles. An Israeli gunboat surrounded a fishing boat manned by ‘Issa Ahmed Jameel al-Shrafy (68) and his son Bassel (28 from al-Shati’ camp, west of Gaza City. The Israeli soldiers ordered them to take off their clothes, jump into the water and swim towards the gunboat. The two fishermen were arrested and taken to Ashdod Seaport and their fishing boat was confiscated. At approximately 22:00, the 2 fishermen were released through Erez Crossing after investigating them while the fishing boat is still kept in custody.

At approximately 13:40, Israeli forces stationed along the border fence with Israel, east of Showkah village, east of Rafah, opened fire at Palestinian shepherds. As a result, Palestinian farmers were forced to leave their lands for fear of their lives and no casualties were reported.

Wednesday, 02 January 2019

At approximately 01:00, Israeli forces moved into Jenin camp, west of Jenin city, to carry out arrest campaigns. They then raided houses, meanwhile, dozens of Palestinian young men gathered and threw stones, empty bottles, and Molotov Cocktails towards the Israeli soldiers, who fired rubber and live bullets and smoke bombs at them. As a result, a 21-year-old male civilian was hit with a live bullet to the left leg. The Israeli forces then arrested Ahmed ‘Abd ‘Allah Bani Ghorah (23) and Ahmed Nedal al-Nobany (18), taking them to an unknown destination.

Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Jenin, where they raided and searched 2 houses belonging to Nour al-Deen Ali al-Kaldy (25) and Mohammed nedal Makhzomy (26). They then arrested Nour al-Deen Ali al-Khaldy (25) and Mohammed nedal Makhzomy (26), taking them to an unknown destination.

At approximately 01:30, Israeli forces moved into Nablus, where they raided and searched houses, from which they arrested Ameer Mohammed Shtayeh (29) and Alaa’ Sameeh Mustafa al-A’raj (30), taking them to an unknown destination.

At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into ‘Askar camp, northeastern of Nablus. They raided and searched a house belonging to Omar Ibraeem al-Tarteer (18) and then arrested him.

Around the same time, Israeli forces backed by 3 military vehicles moved into al ‘Aroub Refugee Camp, north of Hebron and stationed at the camp’s entrance. They raided and searched a house belonging to Bashar Ya’qoub al-Badawi (21). They then arrested him and later withdrew.

Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Sa’ir village, northeast of Hebron. They raided and searched many houses, from which they arrested Qossai Nemir al-Faroukh (23), Yazan Ragheb al-Faroukh (24) and Mohammad Moussa Jaradat (30).

Around the same time, Israeli forces backed by 4 military vehicles moved into Beit Ummar village, north of Hebron and stationed in al-Torbiqa neighborhood. They raided and searched a house belonging to Ward Ibrahim Yousif ‘Awad (18). They then handed him a summons to refer to the Israeli Intelligence Service in “Gush Etzion” settlement, south of Bethlehem.

At approximately 02:30, Israeli forces moved into Beit Dajan, east of Nablus. They raided and searched a house belonging to Nedal Khalaf Haj Mohammed (47) and then arrested him.

Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Ethna village, west of Hebron and stationed in Wad ‘Aziz neighborhood. They raided and searched the house of Jamal al-Tamizi (38). They later withdrew and no arrests were reported.

At approximately 03:00, Israeli forces moved into Tubas, where they raided and searched a house belonging to Khaled Raed Na’eem Draghma (22) and then arrested him.

At approximately 10:15, Israeli forces stationed along the border fence with Israel, east of Rafah, opened fire at Palestinian shepherds. As a result, the shepherds were forced to leave the area for fear of their lives and no causalities were reported.

At approximately 11:45, Israeli forces stationed along the border fence with Israel, near “Sofa” site, east of Showkah village, east of Rafah, opened fire at Palestinian shepherds. As a result, the shepherds were forced to leave the area for fear of their lives and no causalities were reported.

At approximately 13:30, Israeli forces stationed along the border fence with Israel, east of Showkah village, esat of Rafah, opened fire at Palestinian shepherds. As a result, the shepherds were forced to leave the area for fear of their lives and no causalities were reported.

At approximately 15:00, Israeli forces stationed along the border fence with Israel, east of Showkah village, east of Rafah, opened fire at Palestinian shepherds. As a result, the shepherds were forced to leave the area for fear of their lives and no causalities were reported.

At approximately 19:00, Israeli forces backed by military vehicles and accompanied with around 100 Israeli soldiers moved into Kafur Qaddum village, northeast of Qalqilya amid Israeli shooting. They raided and searched houses belonging to Yazan Montasser Darwish Burham (21) and Diaa’ Rajab (29) and then arrested both of them. It should be noted that on Tuesday, 01 January 2019, Burham sustained a live bullet shrapnel wounds while participating in a demonstration organized at the eastern entrance of the village, which was closed 15 years ago.

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (8) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: Qablan village, southeast of Nablus; Nuba, al-Shayyoukh and Dir al-‘Asal villages in Hebron; Taqqou’, Battir and Dar Salah villages in Bethlehem; and Kobar village, north of Ramallah.

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

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

Gaza Strip:

In the Forty week of the March of Return and Breaking Siege activities, Israeli forces killed a Palestinian civilian with disabilities and wounded 25 others, including 5 children, a woman, a journalist, and a paramedic. Doctors classified a civilian’s injuries as serious. The incidents were as follows:

Gaza City: Israeli forces wounded 10 civilians, including 2 children and a photojournalist. Two of them were hit with live bullets, 7 with rubber bullets, and another civilian was with a tear gas canister to the back. The wounded photojournalist was identified as Mohammad Emad Mohammad al-Zanoun, who lives Gaza city and works as a freelance photojournalist.

Central Gaza Strip: Israeli forces firing live bullets and tear gas canisters, which continued until approximately 17:00, resulted in the injury of two protestors with live bullet shrapnel.

Khan Younis: Israeli forces firing live bullets, which continued until approximately 17:00, resulted in the killing of Karam Mohammad No’man Fayad (26), from Khan Younis Camp. At approximately 16:00, Karam sustained a live bullet wound to the right side of his head while he was 150 meters away from the border fence with Israel, east of Khusa’a, east of Khan Younis. He was then taken to the Gaza European Hospital in Khan Younis, where his death was declared at approximately 18:00, noting that he suffered from a mental disorder. Moreover, 8 civilians, including a children and 2 paramedics, were wounded. The wounded paramedics were identified as:

Ahmad Saleh al-Naqa (32), who works as a paramedic and a journalist, was hit with a tear gas canister to the chest; and
Dalia Bassam Ahmad Abu Reeda (20), who works as a volunteer paramedic at Rawad Medical Team, was hit with a tear gas canister to the back.

Rafah: 6 civilians, including 2 children, were wounded. Two of them were hit with live bullets and 4 of them were directly hit with tear gas canisters. Doctors classified a civilian’s injuries as critical.

West Bank:

At approximately 15:00 on Tuesday, 01 January 2019, a peaceful demonstration, organized by Fateh Movement in commemoration for its anniversary, started from the center of Kafur Qaddoum village, northeast of Qalqiliyia, and then headed towards the eastern entrance to the village, which was closed from 15 days in favor of “Kedumim” settlement. The demonstrators chanted national slogans calling for ending occupation and condemning the Israeli forces‘ crimes committed against Palestinian civilians in the Gaza Strip. The demonstrators threw stones at the Israeli soldiers stationed behind sand berms. The Israeli soldiers fired sound bombs, rubber bullets and tear gas canisters at them. As a result, 2 demonstrators were injured; one of them sustained critical wounds. Moreover, the Israeli forces arrested 4 civilians, including 3 children, from the demonstration and then took them to an unknown destination. Those arrested were identified as Fadel Mohammad Eshtewi (17) and his brother ‘Alaa (27); Qossai Hassan Eshetewi (16) and Tariq Nabeel Ali (17).

Continued closure of the oPt

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

Gaza Strip

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

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

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

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

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

Note: Due to technical reasons, we could not obtain the official statistics from the department responsible for issuing the statistics

Beit Hanoun (“Erez”) crossing, in the north of the Gaza Strip, is designated for the movement of individuals, and links the Gaza Strip with the West Bank.

Movement at Beit Hanoun (“Erez”) crossing

(26 December 2018- 01 January 2019)

Category	26 December	27 December	28 December	29 December	30 December	31 December	01 January
Patients	79	45	2	–	76	48	42
Companions	82	36	3	–	66	42	38
Personal needs	13	24	1	–	18	9	12
Families of prisoners	–	–	–	–	–	36	–
Arabs from Israel	1	1	1	–	8	5	9
Diplomats	28	2	–	–	–	–	–
Meetings in Erez	–	–	–	–	–	–	2
International workers	7	20	1	–	7	3	5
Travelers Abroad	–	48	–	–	1	–	25
Business people	280	270	–	–	511	280	248
Business meetings	–	–	–	–	–	–	–
Security interviews	1	–	–	–	2	–	3
VIPs	1	–	–	–	–	–	–
Ambulances to Israel	1	4	2	–	2	2	1
Patients’ Companions	1	4	2	–	3	3	1

Notes:

On Thursday, 27 December 2018, the Israeli authorities allowed 4 persons; and on Monday, 31 December 2018, one person to return to the West Bank.
On Wednesday, 26 December 2018, the Israeli authorities allowed 16 Christians; on Thursday 27 December 2018, 12 Christians; on Sunday, 30 December 2018, 15 Christians; on Monday, 31 December 2018, 19 Christians; and on Tuesday, 01 January 2019, 33 Christians to travel via crossing in order to celebrate holidays in the West Bank.
On Monday, 31 December 2018, the Israeli authorities allowed a doctor to travel via the crossing to attend a medical training course.

Following table illustrates temporary and permanent checkpoints and arrests at these checkpoints in the West Bank from 26 December 2018- 01 January 2019:

Governorate	Permanent temporary	Temporary checkpoints	Closed Roads	Arrested persons
Jerusalem	13	8	–	–
Nablus	10	17	2	1
Jenin	5	6	–	–
Ramallah	11	16	1	–
Tulkarm	7	3	1	1
Tubas	2	3	1	1
Salfit	3	3	2	–
Qalqiliyia	5	6	2	–
Hebron	31	28	3	–
Bethlehem	11	13	2	1
Jericho	5	1	–	–
Al-Karama Crossing	–	–	–	–
Total	103	104	14	4

Arrests at Military Checkpoints:

On Thursday, 27 December 2018, Israeli forces stationed at al-Container checkpoint, northeast of Bethlehem, arrested Mohamed ‘Atif Bannat (21), from al-Dehisha camp, south of the city.
On Friday afternoon, 28 December 2018, Israeli forces stationed at ‘Inab checkpoint, east of Tulkarm, arrested Ayman Rabah Gharib (24), from Tammoun village, south of Tubas.
At approximately 05:00 on Tuesday, 01 January 2019, Israeli forces stationed at Tayaseer checkpoint, east of Tubas, arrested Ahmed Jehad Sawaftah (22), from Tubas, and then took him via a military vehicle to an investigation center for interrogation.
At approximately 17:30 on Tuesday, Israeli forces stationed at Za’tarah checkpoint, south of Nablus, arrested Saleh Sa’di Mohamed ‘Amer (22), from Kafur Qalil village, east of the city.

Efforts to Create A Jewish majority

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

Arrests and Incursions:

At approximately 01:30 on Thursday, 27 December 2018, Israeli forces moved into Silwan village, south of occupied East Jerusalem’s Old City. They raided and searched a house belonging to Adam al-Reshiq (17) and then arrested him.
At approximately 01:30 on Sunday, 30 December 2018, Israeli forces moved into Silwan village, south of occupied East Jerusalem’s Old City. They raided and searched houses, from which they arrested 2 civilians, including a child. The arrested civilians identified as Yazan Mohamed al-Froukh (16) and Zuhair Khadir al-Rajbi (48) were taken to an investigation center for interrogation.
At approximately 01:00 on Monday, 31 December 2018, Israeli forces moved into al-Mukaber Mount area, south of occupied East Jerusalem. They raided and searched a house belonging to Ashraf Salem ‘Owisat and then arrested him.
Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into occupied East Jerusalem. They raided and searched a house belonging to Mohamed Kamal Gharablah and then arrested him.
At approximately 01:30, Israeli forces moved into Sho’fat refugee camp, north of occupied East Jerusalem. They raided and searched 2 houses belonging to Diyaa Mohamed ‘Ali and Ayman ‘Adwi Da’ajnah and then arrested both of them.
Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into many neighborhoods in occupied Eat Jerusalem’s Old City. They raided and searched houses, from which they arrested ‘Alaa al-Haddad, Marwan Najeeb and Subhi Najeeb.
At approximately 02:00 on Monday, Israeli forces moved into al-Zaytoun Mount area ( al-Tour), east of occupied East Jerusalem. They raided and searched houses, from which they arrested Yousef Sami Abu al-Hawa, Hisham Abu al-Hawa and Ameen Khadir Abu al-Hawa.
Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into al-‘Issawiyia village, northeast of occupied East Jerusalem. They raided and searched a house belonging to Mohamed Halaiqah and then arrested him, taking him to an unknown destination.

House Demolitions and Notices:.

At approximately 06:00 on Wednesday, 02 January 2019, Israeli forces backed by military vehicles and police officers and accompanied with the Israeli Municipality staff and a digger moved into Qalandia village, north of occupied Jerusalem. They surrounded a house belonging to Hamza al-Moghrabi and gave him few minutes to vacate the house content. After that, the Israeli bulldozer completely demolished the house under the pretext of non-licensing. The 100-sqaure-meter house, which was comprised of 1 floor and rented by al-Moghrabi Family, was sheltering 6 members, including a child with disabilities. It should be noted that the abovementioned house was built 5 years ago and his owner managed to delay the demolition many times. He was also attempting to license the house from the component authorities. The Israeli Municipality imposed a fine on him estimated at NIS 35.000 and he paid NIS 30.000 for the municipality staff as demolition costs.

Settlement activities and attacks by settlers against Palestinian civilians and property

Israeli forces’ attacks:

At approximately 10:00 on Monday, 31 December 2018, Israeli forces backed by military vehicles and accompanied with a vehicle of the Israeli Civil Administration moved into Kherbit al-Rakeez, east of Yatta, south of Hebron. The Israeli soldiers deployed in the vicinity of al-Kherbah while the Israeli Civil Administration officers uprooted around 50 olive trees planted 3 years ago, damaged iron beams fixed on the plot of land and then confiscated them. The uprooted trees belong to Sa’ied Mohamed Rabba’ al-‘Imour (55). The trees were uprooted, claiming that that land, which was reclaimed and planted with trees, is classified as “ State Land” and working in it is forbidden without taking a prior permit from the Israeli authorities.
At approximately 08:00 on Wednesday, 02 January 2018, Israeli forces backed by 3 military vehicles and accompanied with a vehicle of the Israeli Civil Administration and a mounted-crane truck moved into Kherbit Khelet al-‘Adas, north of Bethlehem. The soldiers deployed in the southern area of al-Kherbah and then confiscated a mobile room (caravan) from a plot of land belonging to Belal hmed Fanoun (50).
Around the same time, Israeli forces backed by 3 military vehicles and accompanied with a vehicle of the Israeli Civil Administration moved into Nahaleen village, west of Bethlehem. They stationed in the western area of the village, where the Israeli Civil Administration officers handed Samer Fayiz Shakarnah notices to stop construction work in his 130-sqauremeter an under-construction house, under the pretext of non-licensing. Moreover, Shareef Musallam Najajrah received a notice to stop construction work in an agricultural room under the pretext of non-licensing.

Israeli settlers’ attacks:

At approximately 18:30 on Friday, 28 December 2018, an Israeli settler, from “ Ramat Yashai’” settlement outpost, attacked Hatem Sameeh Moussa Mohtasseb (25), from al-Ramadiah neighborhood in central Hebron, while he was heading to a pharmacy in Bab al-Zawya area to buy medicine. As a result, Hatem sustained bruises and some of his teeth got broken. The aforementioned civilian said to PCHR’s fieldworker that:

“At approximately 18:25 on Friday, 28 December 2018, I was in my house that is located in al-Ramidah neighborhood in central Hebron, classified as area (h2), and then headed on foot to checkpoint (56) which leads to Bab al-Zawia area in order to buy medicine from the pharmacy. Forty meters away from my house, when I turned left to the intersection, I saw 12 settlers in their thirties. I recognized the extremist “Baruch Marzel”, who is well-known in the neighborhood. The other settlers were also holding rifles. I wanted to return home for fear of attacking me, but they were already 4 meters away from me. Meanwhile, I went to the right side of the road to get away from them, but they followed me and stopped in the middle of the way. I stopped on the side of the road near Abu ‘Aisha’s family stores. After that, one of them approached me, punched me in the mouth and slapped me several times on the face. I ran in the opposite direction where several Israeli soldiers stood still at the checkpoint watching what was happening to me. I talked to them in Arabic, but nobody cared to what I said. The settlers went on their way to “‘Ramat Yashai”’. I called my father and told him what happened. Few minutes after my father arrived, several civilians gathered around while I was bleeding from the mouth. The settler “Marzel” came back and seemed unaware of what happened then followed the other settlers.”

Recommendations to the International Community:

PCHR calls upon the international community to respect the Security Council’s Resolution No. 2334 and to ensure that Israel respects it as well, in particular point 5 which obliges Israel not to deal with settlements as if they were part of Israel.
PCHR calls upon the ICC to continue to investigate the Israeli crimes committed in the oPt, particularly the settlement crimes and grave violations in the Gaza Strip.
PCHR Calls upon the European Union (EU) and all international bodies to boycott settlements and ban working and investing in them in application of their obligations according to international human rights law and international humanitarian law considering settlements as a war crime.
PCHR calls upon the international community to use all available means to allow the Palestinian people to enjoy their right to self-determination through the establishment of the Palestinian State, which was recognized by the UN General Assembly with a vast majority, using all international legal mechanisms, including sanctions to end the occupation of the State of Palestine.
PCHR calls upon the international community and United Nations to take all necessary measures to stop Israeli policies aimed at creating a Jewish demographic majority in Jerusalem and at voiding Palestine from its original inhabitants through deportations and house demolitions as a collective punishment, which violates international humanitarian law, amounting to a crime against humanity.
PCHR calls upon the States Parties to the Rome Statute of the ICC to work hard to hold Israeli war criminals accountable.
PCHR calls upon the High Contracting Parties to the Geneva Conventions to fulfill their obligations under article (1) of the Convention to ensure respect for the Conventions under all circumstances, and under articles (146) and (147) to search for and prosecute those responsible for committing grave breaches of the Geneva Conventions to ensure justice and remedy for Palestinian victims, especially in light of the almost complete denial of justice for them before the Israeli judiciary.
PCHR calls for a prompt intervention to compel the Israeli authorities to lift the closure that obstructs the freedom of movement of goods and 1.8 million civilians that experience unprecedented economic, social, political and cultural hardships due to collective punishment policies and retaliatory action against civilians.
PCHR calls upon the European Union to apply human rights standards embedded in the EU-Israel Association Agreement and to respect its obligations under the European Convention on Human Rights when dealing with Israel.
PCHR calls upon the parties to international human rights instruments, especially the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR), to pressurize Israel to comply with its provisions in the oPt and to compel it to incorporate the human rights situation in the oPt in its reports submitted to the relevant committees.
PCHR calls upon the EU and international human rights bodies to pressurize the Israeli forces to stop their attacks against Palestinian fishermen and farmers, mainly in the border area.

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Public Document

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