Ethna
village – Hebron: Israeli forces demolish stone barriers, a greenhouse and
concrete walls; cut off and seize trees and level about 20 dunums of
agricultural lands. 

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

 

 

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

Four protestors, including a child, were wounded in protests
in Kufor Qaddoum, al-Jalazoun refugee camp, Selwad village and around Ofer
detention facility.

 

Israeli forces continued to open fire at border areas
in the Gaza Strip and chase fishermen in the sea.

Several shooting incidents in the east of Rafah and
Jabalia in the south and north of the Gaza Strip respectively.

Several shooting incidents at fishermen off the
northern and southern shores of the Gaza Strip.

Six civilians, including five children, were arrested
by Israeli forces at the border fence, east of Khan Yunis, Rafah and Johr
al-Deek.

 

Israeli forces conducted 61 incursions into Palestinian
communities in the West Bank and 10 others in East Jerusalem.

65 Palestinian civilians, including five children,
were arrested.

18 of these civilians, including six children, were
arrested in occupied Jerusalem.

 

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

Israeli
forces established a number of checkpoints in the West Bank.

A Palestinian civilian was arrested at the Container
checkpoint, north of Bethlehem.

 

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

Stone barriers, a greenhouse and 20 dunums[1],
west of Hebron, were demolished.

 

 

Summary

 

Israeli violations of international law and international
humanitarian law in the oPt continued during the reporting period (29
April – 06 May 2015).

 

Shooting:

During the reporting period, Israeli forces wounded 5
Palestinian civilians, including a child, in the West Bank and Jerusalem. In
the Gaza Strip, Israeli forces continued to target Palestinian fishermen and
open fire at farmers at border areas along the Gaza Strip.

In the West Bank, Israeli forces continued the use of excessive
and systematic force against peaceful protests organized by Palestinian
civilians and Israeli and international solidarity activists against the
construction of the annexation wall and settlement activities in the West Bank.
As a result, four protestors, including a child, were wounded.

In Jerusalem, on 04 May 2015, a 35-year-old
Palestinian was wounded when the light rail guards opened fire at him in the
French Hill area, north of the old city in East Jerusalem. He was taken to
Hadasa Hospital in Israel to receive medical treatment.

 

In the Gaza Strip, as part of targeting border areas,
on 01 May 2015, Israeli forces stationed along the border area opened fire at
agricultural lands in al-Shouka village, east of Rafah in the south of the Gaza
Strip, but no casualties were reported. A similar shooting incident occurred on
02 May 2015 at lands to the east of al-Shuhada cemetery in the north of the
Gaza Strip, but no casualties were reported too.

 

In
the context of targeting fishermen, on 02 May 2015, Israeli gunboats stationed
off al-Waha resort, northwest of Beit Lahia, north of the Gaza Strip, chased
and opened fire at Palestinian fishing boats. As a result, fishermen sailed
back to the beach fearing for their lives. Similar incidents occurred 3 times
in the north of the Gaza Strip, while on 06 May 2015, a shooting incident occurred
off Khan Yunis shore in the south of the Gaza Strip.

 

On
02 May 2015, Israeli forces arrested a Palestinian civilian while attempting to
infiltrate into Israel via the border fence, east of Khan Yunis. On the
following day, Israeli forces arrested two children at Johr al-Deek area, east
of Gaza, but released them the day after. On 04 May 2015, three children were
arrested while sneaking into Israel in al-Shouka village, east of Rafah in the
south of the Gaza Strip.

  

Incursions:

 

During the reporting period, Israeli forces conducted
at least 61 military incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank
and 10 ones in East Jerusalem. During these incursions, Israeli forces arrested
at least 65 Palestinians, including 15 children.  Eighteen of these Palestinians, including six
children, were arrested in Jerusalem.

 

 

Restrictions on movement:

 

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

 

The illegal closure of the Gaza Strip, which has been steadily
tightened since June 2007 has had a disastrous impact on the humanitarian and
economic situation in the Gaza Strip. 
The Israeli authorities impose measures to undermine the freedom of
trade, including the basic needs for the Gaza Strip population and the
agricultural and industrial products to be exported. For 8 consecutive years,
Israel has tightened the land and naval closure to isolate the Gaza Strip from
the West Bank, including occupied Jerusalem, and other countries around the
world. This resulted in grave violations of the economic, social and cultural
rights and a deterioration of living conditions for 1.8 million people.  The Israeli authorities have established Karm
Abu Salem (Kerem Shaloum) as the sole crossing for imports and exports in order
to exercise its control over the Gaza Strip’s economy.  They also aim at imposing a complete ban on
the Gaza Strip’s exports. In many occasions lately, Israeli forces arrested Palestinian
patients and their companions and traders.

Settlement activities

 

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

 

On
06 May 2015, Israeli forces demolished stone barriers, a greenhouse and cement
walls, cut off and seized a number of trees and levelled 20 dunums in Souba
area, east of Ethna, west of Hebron.

 

 

Israeli Violations Documented during the Reporting Period
(29 April – 06 May 2015)

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

 

Wednesday, 29 April 2015

At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into Beit
Ummar village, north of Hebron.  They
patrolled the streets for some time and then stationed in a number of
neighbourhoods.  They deployed between
the houses causing fear among children and residents.  The Israeli soldiers raided and searched a
number of houses.  Theye arrested 9
Palestinian civilians:

1. Nasim Taha Mohammed Abu Mariah (17);

2. Yousif Mohammed Kamel ‘Awad (24);

3. Nour Yousif Ekhdeir ‘Awad (23);

4. Ayam Khalil ‘Abdel Fattah Sabarnah (21);

5. Hassan Adam Salem Akhlil (20);

6. Ma’en Ahmed Mohammed Abu ‘Ayyash (25);

7. Yehia Mohammed Kamel Za’aqiq (18);

8. Muhanned ‘abdel Fattah Hasan ‘Arar (16); and

9. Mahdi Ziad Mahmoud Ikhmayes (19). 

At approximately 09:00, Israeli forces accompanied
with a vehicle belonging to the Organization and Construction Department in the
Israeli Civil Administration, moved into Kherbet al-Fakhit, east of Yata, south
of Hebron.  They stationed on the
agricultural lands surrounding the area, and the Civil Administration officer
handed two civilians notices to stop the construction works in two wells used
for irrigation and drinking.  These wells
belong to the Mohammed family and were constructed and funded by Action against
Hunger (ACF) organization to provide potable water for the residents of Yata.

At approximately 09:00, Israeli gunboats stationed off
al-Soudaniyah shore, west of Jabalia in the northern Gaza Strip opened fire in
the vicinity of Palestinian fishing boats in addition to chasing them.  The shooting at the boats sailing within
three nautical miles continued for 40 minutes. 
This caused fear among Palestinian fishermen who fled leaving their nets
that they later lost.  No injuries were
reported.

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces carried out incursions in
the following areas, but no arrests were reported: the villages of Bani Na’im
and Sa’ir, east of Hebron.

 

 

 

 

Friday, 30 April 2015

 

In the early dawn, Israeli forces moved into Western
Torah village, southwest of Jenin and patrolled the village streets. They then
raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Nizar Wasef Mohammed
Qobaha (19) and arrested him.  Israeli
forces then raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Amir Mahmoud
Khader Qobaha (21) and arrested him as well. 

 

At approximately 01:00, Israeli forces moved into Jama’een
village, southeast of Nablus.  They
patrolled the streets and then raided a number of houses. They arrested Sheikh
Jihad Dawoud Shehadah (46), the Imam of the village’s mosque, and withdrew later
taking him to an unknown destination.

 

Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Beit
Ummar village, north of Hebron.  They
patrolled the streets for some time and later stationed in the eastern area of
the village.  They deployed between the
houses causing fear among children and residents.  The Israeli soldiers then raided and searched
a house belonging to Yousif Mohammed ‘Awad (55) after detaining the family
members outside the house.  Israeli
forces arrested his son, Mohammed (26), and withdrew later taking him to an
unknown destination.

 

At approximately 13:30, Israeli forces arrested three
children who were in Mahfouriyah area, south of ‘Aqraba, southeast of
Nablus.  Israeli forces claimed that the
children threw stones at Israeli cars. 
The children were taken to Tafouh settlement near Za’atarah checkpoint
and were then held in the interrogation room for two hours.  Israeli forces then drove them in a military
vehicle to Mahfouriyah area and released them. 
The three children were identified as Tariq Majdi Deiriyah (12),
Mohammed Bell ‘Ezzat Deiriyah (12) and Usamah Ahmed Bani Maniyah (14).

 

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces carried out incursions in
the following areas, but no arrested were reported: the villages of Deir
Qeddis, west of Ramallah; Deir al-‘Asal al-Tahta, west of Dura, southwest of
Hebron; and a number of neighbourhoods in central Hebron.

Friday, 01 May 2015

At approximately 01:00, Israeli forces moved into
‘Atil village, north of Tulkarm.  They
patrolled the streets for some time and then raided and searched a house
belonging to Ma’moun Saqer ‘Abdel Rahman Ghanem (20).  They confiscated his cell phone and Ipad.  Israeli forces later withdrew, and no arrests
were reported.

 

At approximately 01:30, Israeli forces moved into
Hawarah village, southeast of Nablus. 
They patrolled the streets and then raided and searched a number of
houses.  They arrested Muhanned Jihad
Mefdi Abu Gharib (46) and withdrew later taking him to an unknown destination.

 

Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into ‘Iraq
Burin village, southeast of Nablus.  They
patrolled the streets and then raided and searched a number of houses.  Israeli forces arrested Mahran and Muhanned
Mousa Qadous (17) and (16) and withdrew later taking them to an unknown
destination.

 

At approximately 06:00, Israeli forces stationed along
the border fence with Israel opened fire at the agricultural lands in al-Shokah
village, east of Rafah City in the southern Gaza Strip.  No causalities were reported.

 

At approximately 14:00, Israeli forces arrested three
shepherds while grazing their sheep near the already evacuated “Homash”
settlement on Palestinian lands near Jabe’a village, south of Jenin.  The Israeli soldiers questioned the shepherds
on the spot and released them after the Palestinian Military Liaison
intervened.  The shepherds were
identified as Mohammed Yousif mohammed Abu ‘Oan (13); Ismail Helmi Ken’an (39);
and Yousif Hammad Khalil Abu ‘Oan (45).

 

Around the same time, Israeli forces deployed in Tal
al-Ramidah in the center of Hebron arrested ‘Awni ‘Emad Abu Shamsiyah (16) and
Nizar Ibrahim Salhab (16) when they were near Abu Shamsiyah house.  The two children were taken to “Karayat
Arba’a” police station and then to the detention centre in in “Ghosh
‘Etzion” settlement, south of Bethlehem. 
They was then released on bail of 500 NIS pending his hearing.

A PCHR fieldworker said that the family of ‘Emad Abu
Shamsiyah, who lives in the neighbourhood and whose house is surrounded with barbwires,
suffers from the daily violations committed by the Israeli soldiers and
settlers as the house is only 50 meters away from the Israeli “Gilbert”
checkpoint.  The house residents suffer
from frequent attacks by settlers especially those living in “Ramati Yishai”
settlement outpost, which is only 200 meters away from their house.

 

At approximately 19:30, Israeli forces moved into
‘Azoun village, southeast of Qalqilya. 
They patrolled the streets and then re-stationed in the eastern part of
the village.  Meanwhile, the Israeli
soldiers detained three children and questioned them on the spot.  Around half an hour later, the children  were released, and Israeli forces withdrew
from the area.  No further incidents were
reported.  The children were identified
as Bahaa’ Ghaleb Mahmoud Redwan (14); Hasan Salim Nayef Redwan; and Samer Sa’id
Ismail Redwan (14).

 

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces carried
out incursions in the following areas, but no arrests were reported: the villages
of ‘Abwain and Western al-Laban, northwest of Ramallah; the villages of Kafr
Malek village and Deir Jair, northeast of the city; Marj Na’ajah village, north
of Jericho and Jabe’a village, south of Jenin.

 

Saturday, 02 May 2015

At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into
Selwad village, northeast of Ramallah. 
They stationed in the centre of the village and then raided and searched
three houses.  A number of young men
gathered to throw stones at the Israeli vehicles while the Israeli soldiers in
response fired sound bombs and tear gas canisters at the young men.  As a result, a number of civilians suffered
tear gas inhalation.  Israeli forces
handed Malek Ziad Hamed (19), Mohammed Basam Hamed (20) and Usamah Bseiso (19) to
refer to the Israeli intelligence.

 

At approximately 02:30, Israeli forces moved into
al-Samou’a village, south of Hebron. 
They patrolled the streets for some time and then stationed in al-Simia
area, where they deployed between the houses causing fear among children.  They raided and searched a house belonging to
the family of Ismail Khalil Hawamdah (27). 
Israeli forces arrested the aforementioned civilian and withdrew later taking
him to an unknown destination.

 

At approximately 03:00, Israeli forces moved into a
number of neighbourhoods in the centre of Dura, southwest of Hebron.  They patrolled the streets and then stationed
in Abu Helal area, where they deployed between the houses causing fear among
children.  They raided and searched a
house belonging to the family of Thaer Taleb ‘Amer (21).  Israeli forces arrested the aforementioned
civilian and withdrew later taking him to an unknown destination.

 

At approximately 09:00, Israeli forces arrested ‘Atef
‘Adel al-‘Abed al-Shami (22) from Bani Suheila, east of Khan Younis, while
trying to infiltrate through the border fence with Israel, east of al-Farahin
neighbourhood in ‘Abasan to the east of the city.  He was taken to an unknown destination.

 

At approximately 10:30, Israeli gunboats stationed off
al-Waha shore, northwest of Brit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip, opened fire
in the vicinity of Palestinian fishing boats in addition to chasing them.  The shooting at the boats sailing within one
nautical mile continued for 20 minutes. 
This caused fear among Palestinian fishermen who fled leaving their nets
that they later lost.  Neither
causalities nor damages were reported.

 

At approximately 11:15, Israeli forces stationed along
the border fence, east of al-Shuhadaa’ Cemetery and east of Abu Safiyah area,
east of Jabalia in the northern Gaza Strip, opened fire sporadically at the
border area.  The shooting resulted in
fear among farmers, who were in the agricultural lands adjacent to the border
zone.  As a result, they fled for fear of
being wounded.  Neither injuries nor
damages to the property were reported. 
At approximately 14:00, the shooting was resumed in the same area.

 

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces carried
out incursions in the following areas, but no arrests were reported: Beit ‘Oar
al-Tahta village, southwest of Ramallah; Deir Debwan village, northeast of the
city; Deir Samit village, west of Dura, southwest of Hebron; Tulkarm and Kafr
Qaddoum village, southeast of Qalqilya.

 

 

 

Sunday, 03 May 2015

At
approximately 01:00, Israeli forces moved into a number of neighbourhoods in
the centre of Hebron.  They patrolled the
streets and then stationed in a number of neighbourhoods in the centre of the
city.  They then raided and searched a
house belonging to Fadel ‘Abdeen (60). 
They then took the aforementioned civilian and his sons to their
currency exchange shops in the city. 
They searched the shops but did not take any money or papers.  Israeli forces withdrew later and no arrests
were reported.

 

At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into a
number of neighbourhoods in the centre of Dura, southwest of Hebron.  They patrolled the streets and then stationed
in Haninah area, where they deployed between the houses causing fear among
children.  They raided and searched a
house belonging to the family of ‘Alaa’ ‘Issa Rib’ie (22).  Israeli forces arrested the aforementioned
civilian and withdrew later taking him to an unknown destination.

 

At
approximately 16:00, Israeli forces stationed along the border fence with
Israel to the east of Gaza Valley village arrested ’emad Jihad Abu ‘Eyadah (13)
and Mohammed Khaled al-‘Oudat (16) from the aforementioned village while they
were near the aforementioned border in an attempt to infiltrate into
Israel.  The Israeli soldiers ordered
them to take off their clothes and took them to a military site, where they
were questioned and detained for a few hours. 
At approximately 04:00 on Monday, 04 May 2015, they were released via
Beit Hanoun “Erez” crossing.

 

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces carried
out incursions in the following areas, but no arrests were reported: Bani Na’im
village; al-Fawar refugee camp in Hebron; Tulkarm; Fr’on village, south of
Tulkarm.

 

Monday, 04 May 2015

At approximately 09:45, Israeli gunboats stationed off
al-Waha shore, northwest of Brit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip, opened fire
in the vicinity of Palestinian fishing boats in addition to chasing them.  The shooting at the boats sailing within one
nautical mile continued for 20 minutes. 
This caused fear among Palestinian fishermen who fled leaving their nets
that they later lost.  Neither
causalities nor damages were reported.

 

At approximately 16:00, Israeli forces stationed along
the border fence arrested three children while trying to infiltrate to Israel
near al-Motabeq gate in al-Shokah village, east of Rafah in the southern Gaza
Strip.  Eyewitnesses living in that area
said that the Israeli forces opened fire in the vicinity of the children before
arresting them.  The children were
identified as Ahmed ‘Atiyah Abu al-Hussein (16); Mohammed ‘Abdullah Abu
al-Hussein (16) and Wael Salman Abu al-Hussein (17).  All of them are from al-Naser village, east
of Rafah.

 

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces carried out incursions in
the following areas, but no arrests were reported: Hawarah village, southeast
of Nablus; Qarawet Bani Zaid village, northwest of Ramallah; Beit Sira village,
southwest of Ramallah; Bitounia village, west of Ramallah; villages of
al-Jaftalak and Marj Ne’ajah, north of Jericho and ‘Azoun village, southeast of
Qalqilya.

 

Tuesday, 05 May 2015

At approximately 00:30, Israeli forces moved into
Jenin.  They patrolled the streets and
then stationed in the German neighbourhood, east of the city.  They raided and searched a house belonging to
Majd Amjad Mohammed ‘Arouq (23) and then arrested him.  They re-stationed in Jenin refugee camp and
then raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Jaber Sa’id
Shalabi.  They confiscated the ID cards
of his sons, Ahmed (26) and Mahmoud (22). 
Israeli forces then raided and searched a tailoring shop belonging to
the family of Deceased Hisham al-Rokh and confiscated the digital video recorder
of the surveillance cameras.  Israeli
forces then raided and searched a house belonging to Ayman Sami Ahmed al-Rokh
(34) and arrested him.  The Israeli
forces also raided a house belonging to the family of Nemer Mohammed Qasem Abu
Qandil (66) and the house of his son, prisoner Yousif (28), after blowing up
the outside doors of the houses and questioned their residents.  Israeli withdrew later taking the arrested
persons to an unknown destination.

 

At approximately 01:00, Israeli forces moved into
Nablus.  They patrolled the
neighbourhoods of the city and then raided and searched a number of
houses.  They arrested Mohammed Yousif Turkman
(32) from al-Namsawi neighbourhood in the Northern Mountain in the city and withdrew
later taking him to an unknown destination.

 

At approximately 01:15, Israeli forces moved into Bita
village, southeast of Nablus.  They
patrolled the streets for some time and then raided and searched a number of
houses.  They arrested Soboh Ahmed
Hamayel (21) and withdrew later taking him to an unknown destination.

 

At approximately 01:30, Israeli forces moved into
‘Aqraba village, southeast of Nablus. 
They patrolled the streets for some time and then raided and searched a
number of houses.  They arrested Amjad
Mohammed Yousif Deiriyah (47) and withdrew later taking him to an unknown
destination.

 

Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into
‘Aynabous village, southeast of Nablus. 
They patrolled the streets for some time and then raided and searched a
number of houses.  They arrested Ayham
Harbi Hamad (21) and withdrew later taking him to an unknown destination.

 

Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Qablan
village, southeast of Nablus.  They
patrolled the streets for some time and then raided and searched a number of
houses.  They arrested Mohammed Qasem
Joudah (45) and confiscated his cell phone and two laptops from his house.  Israeli forces later withdrew taking him to
an unknown destination.

 

At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into Tal
village, southeast of Nablus.  They
patrolled the streets for some time and then raided and searched a number of
houses.  They arrested Khaldoan ‘Abdel
Rahman ‘Asidah (39) and withdrew later taking him to an unknown destination.

 

At approximately 03:00, Israeli forces moved into Bir
Zeit village, north of Ramallah.  They
patrolled the streets for some time and then stationed in the centre of the
village.  They deployed between the
houses causing fear among their residents and children.  They then raided and searched a number of
houses, from which they arrested 10 civilians: 

 

1. Belal Mohammed Yalo (18);

2. ‘Abdel Rahman Ya’qoub al-Sheikh (25);

3. Mohammed Najib Mohammed Hasan al-Sheikh (23);

4. Mohammed Taysir Ghanem (22);

5. Khalil Naser Soliman Salman Washhah (23);

6. Fadi ‘abdel Rahman Washhah (18);

7. Ahmed Kamal Muhanna (24);

8. Basel Ra’fat Jameel (19);

9. Tariq Ziad Washhah (24); and

10. Amjad Samhan (22), a student at Bir Zeit University.

 

At approximately 16:00, Israeli forces severely beat
up Ahmed Hafiz Soliman Dweikat (44), Colonel in the Palestinian Preventive
Security from Rojib village, southeast of Nablus, with gun butts and their
hands when he was in his land in Ras al-Kena area overlooking the bypass road
and Howarah camp.

 

Dweikat said to a PCHR fieldworker that while he was
taking care and ploughing his land, three Israeli military vehicles stopped in
front of him.  After talking with the
soldiers, one of them pushed him to the Jeep while six other soldiers attacked
him.  One of the soldiers hit him on his
head and right shoulder with a gun butt. 
He then shouted as his face was covered with blood, so young men and
women from the village rushed to rescue him from the Israeli soldiers.  The Israeli forces withdrew heading to the
village but then came back to arrest him. 
However, residents of the village gathered and prevented them from doing
so.  He was later taken to Rafidia
Hospital to received medical treatment.

 

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces carried out incursions in
the following areas, but no arrests were reported: al-Koan village, west of
Dura, southwest of Hebron; Dura al-Qare’a village, northeast of Ramallah; and
‘Ein Ayoub area, west of Ras Karkar village, northwest of the city.

Wednesday, 06 May 2015

 

At approximately 01:30, Israeli forces moved into Beit
Ummar village, north of Hebron.  They
patrolled the streets and then stationed in the western area of the
village.  They deployed between the
houses causing fear among the village residents and children.  The Israeli soldiers raided and searched a
house belonging to the family of Rafiq Mohammed Hasan ‘Alamah (49).  Israeli forces withdrew from the house, and
no arrests were reported.  Israeli forces
then raided and searched a house belonging to Shawkat ‘Abdel Rahman ‘Alqam
(55).  They arrested his son, Amir (18.  At approximately 02:30 when the Israeli
forces were withdrawing from the village, a number of Palestinian boys gathered
to throw stones and empty bottles at the Israeli soldiers, who in response
fired sound bombs and gas canisters at the boys and houses.  As a result, a number of civilians suffered
tear gas inhalation.

 

At approximately 01:00, Israeli forces moved into
Tarqoumia village, west of Hebron.  They
patrolled the streets for some time and then stationed in the vicinity of a
house belonging to the family of Ahmed Amjad J’afrah (18).  They raided and searched the aforementioned
house.  Israeli forces arrested the
aforementioned civilian and withdrew later taking him to an unknown
destination.

 

Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Beit
‘Awwa village, southwest of Dura, southwest of Hebron.  They patrolled the streets for some time and
then stationed in the centre of the villages. 
They deployed between houses and then raided and searched a house
belonging to the family of Yosri Mohammed Masalmah (24).  Israeli forces arrested the aforementioned
civilian and withdrew later taking them to an unknown destination.

 

At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into
Sorif village, west of Hebron.  They
patrolled the streets for some time and then stationed in the vicinity of a
house belonging to Mos’ab Salem Ghneimat (49). 
They raided and searched the aforementioned house.  Israeli forces arrested his son, Ahmed (19),
and withdrew later taking him to an unknown destination.

 

Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Bil’in
village, west of Ramallah.  They
patrolled the streets for some time and then stationed in the centre of the
village.  They deployed between the
houses causing fear among their residents and children.  The Israeli soldiers raided and searched two
houses while Palestinian young men gathered to throw stones at the Israeli
soldiers.  The Israeli soldiers then
fired sound bombs and tear gas canisters at the stone-throwers.  As a result, a number of civilians suffered
tear gas inhalation.  Israeli forces
arrested Mohammed Hussein Hamad (18) and Wael Shawkat al-Khatib (18) and
withdrew later taking them to an unknown destination.

 

At approximately 09:00, Israeli gunboats stationed off
al-Soudaniyah shore, west of Jabalia in the northern Gaza Strip opened fire in
the vicinity of Palestinian fishing boats in addition to chasing them.  The shooting at the boats sailing within
three nautical miles continued for 20 minutes. 
This caused fear among Palestinian fishermen who fled leaving their nets
that they later lost.  No injuries were
reported.

At approximately 17:00, Israeli gunboats stationed off
Deir al-Balah and al-Nussairat shore in the central Gaza Strip opened fire in
the vicinity of Palestinian fishing boats sailing within allowed fishing area
in addition to chasing them.  Israeli
forces damaged a number of net belonging to the fishermen, but no injuries were
reported.

 

At approximately 21:00, Israeli gunboats stationed off
Khan Younis shore in the southern Gaza Strip opened fire in the vicinity of
Palestinian fishing boats in addition to chasing them.  The shooting at the boats sailing within
three nautical miles continued for 15 minutes. 
This caused fear among Palestinian fishermen who fled leaving their nets
that they later lost.  No injuries were
reported.

 

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

 

During the reporting period,
Israeli soldiers used excessive force against peaceful demonstrations organized
by Palestinian civilians, international and Israeli human rights defenders in
protest at the construction of the annexation wall and settlement activities in
the West Bank. As a result, four protestors, including a child, were wounded
and other protestors suffered tear gas inhalation.

 

(PCHR keeps the names of the wounded in
fear of being arrested by the Israeli forces within its policy to oppress the
peaceful protests and prevent Palestinian civilians from participating).

 

Demonstrations against the construction of the annexation wall and
settlement activity

    

Following the Friday prayer, on
01 May 2015, dozens of Palestinian civilians and international and Israeli
human rights defenders organized a peaceful demonstration in Bil’in, west of
Ramallah, in protest at the construction of the annexation wall and settlement
activities. The protestors marched by the annexation wall and tried to cross
the fence. Israeli soldiers stationed behind the wall, in the western area, and
a large number of soldiers deployed along it, fired live bullets, tear gas
canisters, rubber-coated metal bullets, sound bombs and wastewater at them and
chased them into the olive fields. As a result, a number of protestors suffered tear gas inhalation.  

 

Around the same time, dozens of Palestinian civilians
organised a peaceful demonstration in the centre of Ni’lin village, west of
Ramallah, in protest at the construction
of the annexation wall and settlement activities. The demonstrators took the streets and headed to the
annexation wall. Israeli forces closed the gates of the wall with barbwires and
prevented the demonstrators from crossing to the land behind it before they
responded by throwing stones. Israeli soldiers fired live ammunition,
rubber-coated metal bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters at the
civilians, and chased them into the village. As a result, a number of protestors suffered tear gas inhalation and
others sustained bruises as they were beaten up by Israeli soldiers.

 

Also following the Friday prayer, dozens of Palestinian civilians
and Israeli and international human rights defenders gathered in the center of
al-Nabi Saleh village, northwest of Ramallah, to start the weekly peaceful
protest against the construction of the annexation wall and settlement
activities. They made their way towards Palestinian lands that Israeli settlers
from the nearby “Halmish” settlement are trying to seize. Israeli
soldiers closed all the village’s entrances to prevent the Palestinian and
international solidarity activists and journalists from participating in the
protest. As a result, a number of protestors suffered tear gas inhalation and
others sustained bruises as they beaten up by Israeli soldiers.

 

Other protests:

   

Following the Friday prayer, on
01 May 2015, dozens of
Palestinian civilians organized a protest at the eastern entrance of Kufor
Qaddoum village, northeast of Qalqilya, heading to the eastern entrance of the
village in protest against closing that entrance since the beginning of al-Aqsa
Intifada with an iron gate. The demonstrators threw stones at Israeli soldiers,
who fired sound bombs and tear gas canisters in response. As a result, a
protestor sustained a bullet wound to the legs, due to which he was taken to
Qalqilya Hospital, where his wound was described as moderate.

 

On
Friday afternoon, dozens of youngsters gathered from different areas of
Ramallah and al-Bireh in the vicinity of Ofer detention facility, southwest of
Ramallah, in protest at Israeli attacks on Palestinian civilians. They headed
towards the facility’s gate that was closed by Israeli soldiers. They set fire
to tires and threw stones and empty bottles at the soldiers. Israeli forces
deployed around the detention facility and started firing live and
rubber-coated metal bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters. As a result, a 21-year-old civilian sustained a bullet wound to
the right thigh, due to which he was taken to Palestine Medical compound in
Ramallah. Moreover, a number of protestors suffered tear gas inhalation and others
sustained bruises as they were beaten up by Israeli soldiers.

 

Also
following the Friday prayer, dozens of children and young men gathered at the
southern entrance of al-Jalazoun refugee camp, north of Ramallah. They were
about 300 meters away from the fence of “Beit Eil” settlement.
Israeli forces stationed in the area fired live ammunition, rubber-coated metal
bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters. Israeli soldiers topped a house
belonging to the family of Mahmoud Dar Shaikha and opened fire at the
youngsters. As a result, 17-year-old child sustained a bullet wound to the
right thigh, due to which he was taken to Palestine Medical Compound in
Ramallah. Moreover, a number of
protestors suffered tear gas inhalation and others sustained bruises as they
were beaten up by Israeli soldiers. 

 

Also
following the Friday prayer, dozens
of Palestinians gathered at the western entrance of the Silwad village,
northeast of Ramallah, on the road between Silwad and Yabroud villages, near
Bypass road (60), in protest at the Israeli policies. The protestors set fire
to tires and threw stones and Molotov Cocktails at the aforementioned road and
Israeli soldiers. In response, Israeli soldiers stationed in the area fired
live ammunition, rubber-coated bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters at
the protestors. As a result, a 20-year-old civilian sustained a bullet wound to
the left thigh, due to which he was taken to Palestine Medical Compound in
Ramallah. Moreover, a number of protestors suffered tear gas inhalation.  

 

3. Continued
closure of the oPt

 

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

 

Gaza Strip

 

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

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

 

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

 

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

 

The cooking gas crisis has fluctuated due to the closure of Karm
Abu Salem for security claims. According to PCHR’s follow-up, Israeli
authorities only allow an average of 98 tons of cooking gas into Gaza per
day.  This limited quantity is less than half of the daily needs, which is
200 tons per day of the civilian population in the Gaza Strip during winter. 
The lack of diesel and benzene led to the aggravation of the crisis as a result
of using the gas cylinder for cars or as an alternative for benzene to run
generators.  As a result, the demand for gas further increased.

 

For almost 8 consecutive years, Israeli forces have continued to
prevent the delivery of construction materials to the Gaza Strip. Two years
ago, Israeli forces approved the delivery of limited quantities of construction
materials for a number of international organizations in the Gaza Strip. 
On 17 September 2013, they allowed the entry of limited quantities of
construction materials for the private sector.  However, on 13 October
2013, they re-banned it claiming that these materials are used for constructing
tunnels. Israeli forces allowed the entry of construction materials only for
UNRWA and UNDP projects.  As a result, construction works have completely
stopped impacting all sectors related to construction and an increase in
unemployment levels. During the 51-day Israeli offensive on the Gaza Strip in
July and August 2014, Israeli authorities did not allow the entry of any
construction materials. As a result, vital and infrastructure projects have
been obstructed so far.

 

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. 3 weeks ago, Israeli forces started to ban the entry of
wood  under the pretext is it used for constructing tunnels.

Israel has continued to close the Beit Hanoun (“Erez”) crossing
for the majority of Palestinian citizens from the Gaza Strip. Israel only
allows the movement of a limited number of groups, with many hours of waiting
in the majority of cases. Israel has continued to adopt a policy aimed at
reducing the number of Palestinian patients allowed to move via the Beit Hanoun
crossing to receive medical treatment in hospitals in Israel or in the West
Bank and East Jerusalem. Israel denied permission to access hospitals via the
crossing for new categories of patients from the Gaza Strip. It should be noted
that in the past weeks Israeli forces arrested a number of Palestinian traders
heading to Israel after they got permits or were requested to meet with the
Israeli intelligence service at the crossing. During the reporting period, a
patient was arrested at the crossing.  

 

Movement at Karm Abu Salem
(Kerem Shalom) crossing, southeast of Rafah

26 April – 04 May 2015

 

Exports:

 

On Sunday, 26 April 2015, Israeli forces allowed the exportation
of 8 tons of eggplants; 0.8 tons of cucumbers; 7.5 ton of hot peppers and 4
tons of tomatoes, 35 tons of tomatoes and 17 tons of furniture.

On Monday, 27 April 2015, Israeli forces allowed the exportation
of 0.50 ton of garlic, and 0.15 tons of mints.

On Sunday, 03 May 2015, Israeli forces allowed the exportation of
11.3 tons of eggplants, 88 tons of tomatoes and 44 tons of tomatoes.

On Monday, 04 May 2015, Israeli forces allowed the exportation of
0.55 tons of garlic, 0.15 tons of mints and 0.6 tons of fish.

 

Other imports:

 

On Sunday, 26 April 2015, Israeli forces allowed the entry of 2,560
tons of aggregate, 360 tons of cement and 60 tons of construction steel for the
UNRWA; 2,520 tons of aggregate, 960 tons of cement and 30 tons of steel for
Gaza reconstruction; 360 tons of aggregate for the Water Authority. They also
allowed the entry of 104 tons of fodders and 295 tons of wheat.

On Monday, 27 April 2015, Israeli forces allowed the entry of 1,360
tons of aggregate, 400 tons of cement and 30 tons of steel for the UNRWA; 2,360
tons of aggregate, 1,720 tons of cement and 120 tons of steel for Gaza
reconstruction; 200 tons of cement for the Qatari project; and 80 tons of
cement for the Water Authority; and 440 tons of aggregate and 80 tons of cement
for the UNDP. They also allowed the entry of 1,400 tons of fodders and 595 tons
of wheat.

On Sunday, 03 May 2015, Israeli forces allowed the entry of 3,200
tons of aggregate, 120 tons of cement and 30 tons of steel for the UNRWA; 2,200
tons of aggregate and 2,560 tons of cement for Gaza reconstruction; 80 tons of aggregate
and 30 tons of steel for Turkish project; and 400 tons of cement for the Qatari
project. They also allowed the entry of 875 tons of fodders and 525 tons of
wheat.

On Monday, 04 May 2015, Israeli forces allowed the entry of 2,080
tons of aggregate, 120 tons of cement, 60 tons of steel and 40 tons of white
cement for UNRWA; 1,840 tons of aggregate, 1,280 tons of cement and 240 tons of
steel for Gaza reconstruction; and 120 tons of cement and 560 tons of aggregate
for UNDP. They also allowed the entry of 1,050 tons of fodder and 385
tons of wheat.

 

Plastic Containers returned by Israeli forces via Karm Abu Salem:

On Monday, 27 April 2015, Israeli forces returned 12 truckloads of
empty containers.

On Monday, 04 May 2015, Israeli forces returned a truckload of
empty containers.

 

 

 

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

28 April – 05 May 2015

 

 

Notes:

On Friday, 01 May 2015, Israeli forces allowed 185 civilians to
cross through Erez in order to perform prayers in the al-Aqsa Mosque in East
Jerusalem.

On Thursday, 30 April 2015; and Friday, 01 May 2015, they allowed 183
farmers and one farmer respectively to attend a training course in Israel.

On Sunday, 03 May 2015, Israeli forces allowed a corpse to enter
Gaza.

On Thursday, 30 April 2015, Israeli forces allowed a worker at
international organization to renew his permit.

On 03 May 2015, Israeli forces allowed a corpse to enter Gaza.

 

West Bank

 

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

 

· Hebron:
Israeli forces have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of
Palestinian civilians. At approximately 07:30 on Wednesday, 29 April 2015,
Israeli forces established a checkpoint at al-‘Aroub refugee camp, north of
Hebron.  Later, the checkpoint was
removed, and no arrests were reported.

 

At approximately 15:00 on Saturday, 02 May 2015, Israeli forces
established a checkpoint at the entrance of Beit ‘Awwa village, southwest of
Dura, southwest of Hebron.  At
approximately 16:00, another checkpoint was established at the entrance of
al-Fawar refugee camp, south of Hebron. 
Later, both checkpoints were removed, and no arrests were reported.

 

At approximately 07:00 on Sunday, 03 May 2015, Israeli forces
established a checkpoint, southwest of Hebron. 
At approximately 07:30, another checkpoint was established at Beit Kahel
village, west of Hebron.  Later, both
checkpoints were removed, and no arrests were reported.

 

At approximately 07:00 on Tuesday, 05 May 2015, Israeli forces
established a checkpoint at the entrance of al-Jalajel village, east of
Hebron.  Later, the checkpoint was
removed, and no arrests were reported.

 

At approximately 07:30 on Wednesday, 06 May 2015, Israeli forces
established a checkpoint at the entrance of Beit ‘Awwa village, southwest of
Dura, southwest of Hebron.  At
approximately 07:00, another checkpoint was established at the entrance of Beit
Ummar village, north of Hebron.  At
approximately 17:00, another checkpoint was established at the northern
entrance of Yata, south of Hebron. 
Later, all checkpoints were removed, and no arrests were reported.

 

· Ramallah: Israeli
forces have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of
Palestinian civilians. At approximately 09:30 on Wednesday, 29 April 2015,
Israeli forces established a checkpoint the entrance of Deir Abu Mesh’al
village, northwest of the city.  At
approximately 13:00, they re-established at ‘Atara checkpoint at the northern
entrance of Bir Zeit, north of the city. 
They later withdrew, and no arrests were reported.   Around
the same time, another checkpoint was established at the entrance of ‘Ein Sinia
village, north of Ramallah.  Later, both
checkpoints were removed and no arrests were reported.

 

At approximately 17:30 on Thursday, 30 April 2015, Israeli forces
established a checkpoint under the bridge of Kherbtha al-Mesbah, southwest of
Ramallah.  At approximately 20:00, another
checkpoint was established near the intersection of “‘Ofrah” settlement,
north of Ramallah.  Israeli forces later
withdrew, and no arrests were reported. 

 

At approximately 09:30 on Friday, 01 May 2015, Israeli forces
established a checkpoint at the entrance of al-Nabi Saleh village, northwest of
Ramallah.  Around the same time, a
similar checkpoint was established under the bridge of Yabrud village,
northeast of the city.  At approximately
20:00, another checkpoint was established at the entrance of Senjel village,
north of Ramallah.  All checkpoints were
later, and no arrests were reported.

At approximately 16:00 on Monday, 04 May 2015, Israeli forces
established a checkpoint at the entrance of ‘Ein Sinia village, north of
Ramallah.  At approximately 20:30,
another checkpoint was established at the entrance of Senjel village, north of
Ramallah.  Around the same time, another
checkpoint was established under the bridge of Yabrud village, northeast of the
city.  All checkpoints were later
removed, and no arrests were reported.

 

At approximately 00:30 on Tuesday, 05 May 2015, Israeli forces
established a checkpoint near the intersection of Beit ‘Oar al-Foqa village,
southwest of Ramallah.  At approximately
17:30, another checkpoint was established at the eastern entrance of al-Tibah,
northeast of Ramallah.  Later, both
checkpoints were reported, and no arrests were reported.

 

· Qalqilya:  Israeli forces have continued to impose
severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians.  At approximately 11:30 on Thursday, 30 April
2015, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the entrance of al-Nabi Elias
Village, southwest of Qalqilya.  At
approximately 23:00, another checkpoint was established at the entrance of Kafr
Qaddoum village, southwest of Qalqilya.  Later,
both checkpoints were removed, and no arrests were reported.

 

At approximately 13:30 on Sunday, 03 May 2015, Israeli forces
established a checkpoint at the entrance of ‘Azoun Village, southwest of
Qalqilya.  Later, the checkpoint was
removed, and no arrests were reported. 
At approximately 17:00, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the
entrance of Kafr Qaddoum village, southwest of Qalqilya.  Around the same time, a similar checkpoint
was established at the entrance of ‘Ezbet al-Tabib village, southwest of
Qalqilya.  When Ashraf ‘Abdel Salam Ahmed
Redwan (26) and ‘Abdel Rahman Yousif Mohammed Shbeitah (27), who are both from
‘Azoun village, southwest of Qalqilya, the israeli soldiers stationed at the
checkpoint handed them summonses to refer to the israeli Intelligence in the
Israeli D. C. O office, west of Qalqilya. 
All checkpoints were later removed, and no arrests were reported.

 

At approximately 11:30 on Monday, 04 May 2015, Israeli forces
established a checkpoint at the entrance of Amatin Village, southeast of
Qalqilya.  At approximately 17:00,
another checkpoint was established at the eastern entrance of Qalqilya,
southeast of the city.  Later, both
checkpoints were removed, and no arrests were reported.

 

At approximately 10:30 on Monday, 27 April 2015, Israeli forces
established a checkpoint on the road between the villages of Hejah and
al-fondoq, east of Qalqilya.  At
approximately 19:00, another checkpoint was established at the eastern village
of Qalqilya.  All checkpoints were
removed, and no arrests were reported.

 

· Jenin:  Israeli forces have continued to impose
severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians.  At approximately 07:30 on
Thursday, 30 April 2015, Israeli forces established a checkpoint on the main
road between Jenin, Tulkarm and Nablus near ‘Arabah village intersection, south
of Jenin. The checkpoint was later removed, and no arrests were reported.

 

at approximately 15:00 on Sunday, 26 April 2015, israeli forces
established a checkpoint at the entrance of ‘Anzah village, southwest of
Jenin.  At approximately 23:00, another
checkpoint was established on the main road between Jenin,
Tulkarm and Nablus near ‘Arabah village intersection, south of Jenin.  Later, all checkpoints were later removed,
and no arrests were reported.

Jericho:  Israeli
forces have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of
Palestinian civilians.  At approximately
10:30 on Friday, 01 May 2015, Israeli forces established a checkpoint near the
entrance of Fasayel village, north of the city. 
At approximately 21:00, another checkpoint was established near the
entrance of al-Zbeidat village, north of Jericho.  Later, both checkpoints were removed, and no
arrests were reported.

 

At approximately 19:30 on Saturday, 02 May 2015, Israeli forces
established a checkpoint a similar checkpoint as established at the southern entrance of
Jericho.  Israeli forces later
withdrew, and no arrested were reported.

 

At approximately 09:30 on Tuesday, 05 May 2015, Israeli forces
established a checkpoint at the entrance of al-Jaftalak village, north of
Jericho.  They later withdrew, and no
arrests were reported.

 

· Tulkarm:  Israeli forces have continued to impose severe
restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. At approximately 08:30
on Sunday, 30 April 2015, Israeli forces established a checkpoint on the main
road between Tulkarm and Nablus near the intersection of Bal’ah village, east
of Tulkarm.  The checkpoint was later
removed, and no arrests were reported. 
At approximately 18:30, Israeli forces stationed at ‘Annab military
checkpoint which is established on the road between Tulkarm and Nablus, east of
the city, tightened their restrictions against civilians and obstructed their
movement. Later that day, the tightening ended and no arrests were reported.

 

At approximately 19:00 on Monday, 04 May 2015, Israeli forces established
a checkpoint on the main road between Tulkarm and Qalqilya near the entrance of
Jubarah village, south of Tulkarm.  The
checkpoint was later removed and no arrests were reported.

 

Arrests and Maltreatment at
Military Checkpoints

 

· At approximately 08:00 on Saturday,
02 May 2015, Israeli forces stationed at al-Container checkpoint, north of
Bethlehem arrested Ahmed Yosri al-‘Awei’ie (29) from Hebron. 

 

 

4. Efforts
to create a Jewish demographic majority in occupied East Jerusalem

 

Shooting incidents:

 

At approximately 13:00
on Thursday, 30 April 2015, Israeli forces supressed a peaceful protest
organized by dozens of al-Tour village residents in protest at the closure of a
street by cement cubes as a collective punishment for the neighbourhood
residents following the killing of Ali Abu Ghannam on Saturday, 25 April 2015.
An eyewitness said to a PCHR fieldworker that Israeli soldiers pushed and beat
the protestors and fired sound bombs at them. Moreover, they arrested Yusef
Khweis (25) and Amjad al-Shami (23) and took them to an unknown destination.

It should be noted
that Suleiman al-Faresi Street was closed on Monday, 27 April 2015 by cement
cubes.

 

On Monday, 04 May
2015, an Israeli guard at the light rail opened fire at Palestinian young man
while being present in the rail in the “French Hill”, north of the
old city in East Jerusalem. As a result, the Palestinian sustained a bullet
wound to the leg, due to which he was taken to Hadasa Hospital to receive
medical treatment.

According to
investigations conducted by PCHR, at approximately 11:30, on the abovementioned
day, Hatem Salah (35), from Shu’fat refugee camp, northeast of East Jerusalem,
sustained a minor bullet wound to the leg as an Israeli guard of the light rail
in the “French Hill” near al-Shaikh Jarrah neighbourhood opened fire
at him. Israeli forces claimed that the guard opened fire to prevent the
Palestinian’s stabbing attempt. On the following day, during a hearing held by
the Israeli Magistrate’s Court in Jerusalem, it was found out that Hatem Salah
did not intend to stab anybody or the like and did not have any sharp tools,
but he was only holding his belt in his hand after he was searched. Besides,
there was no reason to fire at and wound him. As Salah was interrogated, it was
also found that the rail guards had attacked him the previous day and he came
to rail on Monday to identify them only. He denied the guards’ claims on his
stabbing attempt. It should be noted that Salah is still at Hadasa Hospital
receiving medication and the hearing was held in absentia.

 

Incursions and
arrests:

 

At approximately 03:00 on Thursday, 30 April 2015, Israeli forces
raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Ezzeddin Barbar in Ras
al-Amoud neighborhood, east of the old city in East Jerusalem. They arrested
his son Abdul Rahim (17) and took him to an unknown destination.

 

At approximately 04:00, on the same day, Israeli forces raided a
house belonging to the family of Rabee’. 
They arrested his 2 sons: Mohammed (21) and Hamzah (17).

 

At approximately 04:30, Israeli forces raided and searched a house
belonging to Mousa Es’ayed in Anata village, north of East Jerusalem. They
arrested his son Mohammed (24) and took him to an unknown destination.

 

At approximately 05:00, Israeli forces moved into al-Tour neighborhood,
east of East Jerusalem. They raided and searched a number of houses from which
they arrested Sa’id Mohammed Abu al-Hawa (23) and Basel Khalil al-Sayyad (24).

 

At approximately 10:00, on the same day too, Israeli forces raided
a building belonging to al-Za’tari family in Wadi al-Jouz neighborhood, east of
the old city in East Jerusalem. They raided a number of apartments in the building
from which they arrested four children under the pretext they threw stones at
an Israeli bus. The children were identified as Ahmed Ehab al-Za’tari (7),
Mohammed Mahdi al-Za’tari (12), Alaa Majdi al-Za’tari (15) and Barakat Mahdi
al-Za’tari (15).

 

At approximately 19 on Friday, 01 May 2015, Israeli forces moved
into Wadi al-Jouz neighborhood, east of the old city in East Jerusalem. They
positioned at Harhash intersection and established a military checkpoint.
Dozens of youngsters gathered around the checkpoint and threw stones at Israeli
soldiers, who immediately fired sound bombs in response in response and chased
the youngsters in the neighborhood. Moreover, Israeli soldiers arrested
Mohanned Yehya al-Sharabati (21) and took him to an unknown destination.

 

At approximately 05:00 on Monday, 04 May 2015, Israeli forces
moved into al-Eisawiya village, north of East Jerusalem. They raided and
searched a number of houses from which they arrested Sofyan Mahmoud (21) and
Walid Nemer Attiyah (20).

 

At approximately 11:00 on Tuesday, 05 May 05
May 2015, Israeli forces beat and arrested three women who were present in
al-Aqsa Mosque in the old city. They took them to Beit
Eliyahu interrogation facility. The women were identified as Ma’ali
Seyam, Fatenah Hassan and Danya Fadel.

 

At approximately 15:00 on the same day,
Israeli forces arrested Mahmoud Nasser Abu Tayeh (31) while walking on Ein
al-Louza Street in Selwan village, south of the old city in East Jerusalem.
They beat him and took him to an unknown destination.

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

 

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

 

At
approximately 07:00 on Wednesday, 06 May 2015, Israeli forces accompanied by five
vehicles of the Israeli Civil Administration, two diggers, three
bulldozers  and a truck moved into Souba
area, east of Ethna, west of Hebron. Israeli forces deployed in the area and
closed the road leading to that area. The vehicles demolished stone barriers, a
greenhouse and cement walls; cut off and seized a number of trees; and levelled
20 dunums of agricultural lands under the pretext they are located in area (C).
The lands belong to the Ehreiz, al-Za’tari and al-Qaqsmah families. 

 

 

 

Recommendations to the International Community

 

 

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

 

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

 

1. PCHR calls upon the international community and the
United Nations to use all available means to allow the Palestinian people to
enjoy their right to self-determination, through the establishment of the
Palestinian State, which was recognized by the UN General Assembly with a vast
majority, using all international legal mechanisms, including sanctions to end
the occupation of the State of Palestine;

2. PCHR calls upon the United Nations to provide
international protection to Palestinians in the oPt, and to ensure the
non-recurrence of aggression against the oPt, especially the Gaza Strip;

3. PCHR calls upon the High Contracting Parties to the
Geneva Conventions to compel Israel, as a High Contracting Party to the
Conventions, to apply the Conventions in the oPt;

4. PCHR calls upon the Parties to international human
rights instruments, especially the Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and
the Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, to pressurize Israel to
comply with their provisions in the oPt, and to compel it to incorporate the human
rights situation in the oPt in its reports submitted to the concerned
committees;

5. PCHR calls upon the High Contracting Parties to the
Geneva Conventions to fulfil their obligation to ensure the application of the
Conventions, including extending the scope of their jurisdiction in order to
prosecute suspected war criminals, regardless of the nationality of the
perpetrator and the place of a crime, to pave the way for prosecuting suspected
Israeli war criminals and end the longstanding impunity they have enjoyed;

6. PCHR calls on States that apply the principle of
universal jurisdiction not to surrender to Israeli pressure to limit universal
jurisdiction to perpetuate the impunity enjoyed by suspected Israeli war
criminals;

7. PCHR calls upon the international community to act in
order to stop all Israeli settlement expansion activities in the oPt through
imposing sanctions on Israeli settlements and criminalizing trading with them;

8. PCHR calls upon the UN General Assembly to transfer
the Goldstone Report to the UN Security Council in order to refer it to the
International Criminal Court in accordance with Article 13(b) of the Rome
Statute;

9. PCHR calls upon the United Nations to confirm that
holding war criminals in the Palestinian-Israeli conflict is a precondition to
achieve stability and peace in the regions, and that peace cannot be built on
the expense of human rights;

10. PCHR calls upon the UN General Assembly and Human
Rights Council to explicitly declare that the Israeli closure policy in Gaza
and the annexation wall in the West Bank are illegal, and accordingly refer the
two issues to the UN Security Council to impose sanctions on Israel to compel
it to remove them;

11. PCHR calls upon the international community, in light
of its failure to the stop the aggression on the Palestinian people, to at
least fulfil its obligation to reconstruct the Gaza Strip after the series of
hostilities launched by Israel which directly targeted the civilian
infrastructure;

12. PCHR calls upon the United Nations and the European
Union to express a clear position towards the annexation wall following the
international recognition of the State of Palestine on the 1967 borders, as the
annexation wall seizes large parts of the State of Palestine;

13. PCHR calls upon the European Union to activate Article
2 of the EU-Israel Association Agreement, which provides that both sides must
respect human rights as a precondition for economic cooperation between the EU
states and Israel, and the EU must not ignore Israeli violations and crimes
against Palestinian civilians;

 

 

 

 

 

…………………………………………………………

Public
Document

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