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

(29 December 2016 – 04 January 2017)

  

• A Palestinian woman was wounded and arrested at Qalendia Checkpoint, north of occupied Jerusalem

• Israeli forces continued to target the Gaza Strip border areas, but no casualties were reported.

• Israeli forces conducted 74 incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank and a limited one in the Gaza Strip.
• 67 civilians, including 10 children, were arrested.
• 10 of them, including 6 children, were arrested in occupied Jerusalem.

• Israeli forces continued their efforts to create Jewish majority in occupied East Jerusalem.
• 11 dwellings were demolished, rendering 87 members of al-Jahalin Bedouin family homeless in al-Khan al-Ahmar area, east of the city
• 4 dwellings were demolished in Beit Hanina and Sho’fat, rendering 4 families comprised of 22 members, including 11 children.
• Settlers seized a building in al-Hilweh Valley neighbourhood in Silwan.

• Settlement activities continued in the West Bank.
• 14 dwellings and 22 other facilities were demolished in Kherbet Tana, east of Nablus, rendering 86 individuals homeless, including 33 children.

• Israeli forces continued to target Palestinian fishermen in the Sea
• Israeli gunboats hit a fishing boat and a fisherman was then missed in the northern Gaza Strip.

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

 SummaryIsraeli violations of international law and international humanitarian law in the oPt continued during the reporting period (29 December 2016– 04 January 2017).

 

Shooting:

During the reporting period, Israeli forces wounded a Palestinian woman at Qalendia checkpoint, north of occupied Jerusalem, and then arrested her.  In the Gaza Strip, Israeli forces continued to chase Palestinian fishermen off shore and shoot at farmers in the borders areas.

In the West Bank, Israeli forces stationed at Qalendia checkpoint at the northern entrance to occupied Jerusalem opened fire at Jihan Hashimah (35) from al-‘Issawiya village, northeast of the city.  As a result, she was hit with 3 bullets to the leg and then arrested.  The aforementioned woman was walking near the cars track when she was shot.  Israeli forces claimed she had a knife.

In the Gaza Strip, in the context of targeting fishermen in the Sea, on 01 January 2017, Israeli gunboats opened fire at Palestinian fishermen, northwest of Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip, and chased them.  The shooting recurred in the same area on 03 January 2017 and on 04 January 2017 in the western side of Jabalia.  The boats were sailing in those incidents within 3 nautical miles.  However, neither causalities nor damages to the boats were reported.

 

On 04 January 2017, an Israeli gunboat hit a fishing boat manned by Mohammed al-Hessi (33) from al-Shati’ refugee camp.  As a result, the boat capsized and the fisherman is so far missed.  The boat was sailing within 5 nautical miles off al-Soudaniyah shore in the northern Gaza Strip.

 

In the context of targeting the border areas, on 01 January 2017, Israeli forces stationed along the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel opened fire at agricultural fields to the west of the fence.  The shooting recurred on 01 January 2017. No casualties were reported.

 

Incursions:

 

During the reporting period, Israeli forces conducted at least 74 military incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank. During these incursions, Israeli forces arrested at least 67 Palestinian civilians, including 10 children. Ten of them, including 6 children, were arrested in occupied Jerusalem.  Moreover, two civilians were arrested while participating in Kufor Qaddoum weekly protest in addition to arresting the wounded woman at Qalendia checkpoint.  Therefore, during this week, the number of arrested civilians mounted to 70, including 10 children and a wounded woman.

 

Efforts to create Jewish majority

 

On 02 January 2017, in light of the cold and rainy weather during these days, Israeli forces and their heavy equipment demolished 11 dwellings built of tin plates belonging to al-Jahalin Bedouin family in Sneisel Valley area in al-Khan al-Ahmar, east of occupied Jerusalem, rendering 87 individuals homeless.  Most of them were children and women.

On 04 January 2017, Israeli municipality bulldozers demolished a house comprised of two apartments belonging to ‘Adnan Shweiki in Sho’afat neighbourhood, north of occupied Jerusalem.  The 300-square-meter house sheltered two families comprised of 14 members, including 10 children, with a rental contract.

 

On the same day, Israeli municipality bulldozers demolished a house belonging to the family of ‘Amer ‘Ebeido in Beit Hanina village, north of the city.  The two-storey house sheltered two families of 8 members, including a child.

 

Settlement activities:

On 03 January 2017, Israeli forces and its heavy equipment demolished 14 dwellings and 22 other facilities in Kherbet Tana, east of Beit Foriq village, east of Nablus.  Those facilities belong to 15 families comprised of 86 members, including 33 children.  It should be mentioned that the Israeli forces demolished dwellings in Kherbet Tana 4 times before in 2016 in order to Empty them of their original inhabitants and seize them under the pretext that they are located within Area C.

 

Restrictions on movement:

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

 

The illegal closure of the Gaza Strip, which has been steadily tightened since June 2007 has had a disastrous impact on the humanitarian and economic situation in the Gaza Strip.  The Israeli authorities impose measures to undermine the freedom of trade, including the basic needs for the Gaza Strip population and the agricultural and industrial products to be exported. For 9 consecutive years, Israel has tightened the land and naval closure to isolate the Gaza Strip from the West Bank, including occupied Jerusalem, and other countries around the world. This resulted in grave violations of the economic, social and cultural rights and a deterioration of living conditions for 2 million people.  The Israeli authorities have established Karm Abu Salem (Kerem Shaloum) as the sole crossing for imports and exports in order to exercise its control over the Gaza Strip’s economy.  They also aim at imposing a complete ban on the Gaza Strip’s exports. The Israeli closure raised the rate of poverty to 65%. Moreover, the rate of unemployment increased up to 47% and youth constitutes 65% of the unemployed persons.  Moreover, 80% of the Gaza Strip population depends on international aid to secure their minimum daily needs. These rates indicate the unprecedented economic deterioration in the Gaza Strip.

 

In the West Bank, Israeli forces continued to suffocate the Palestinian cities and village by imposing military checkpoints around and/or between them. This created “cantons” isolated from each other that hinders the movement of civilians. Moreover, the Palestinian civilians suffering aggravated because of the annexation wall and checkpoints erected on daily basis to catch Palestinians.

 

Details

 

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

 Thursday, 29 December 2016 

• In the early morning, Israeli forces moved into Betounia village, west of Ramallah. They raided and searched a house belonging to Mahmud Noah Harish (26) and Ahmed Noah Harish (22) and then arrested them.

 

• At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into Beit Awa village, southwest of Dura, southwest of Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to Omer Yusuf al-Suweiti (40). They later withdrew, but no arrests were reported.

 

• At approximately 17:00, Israeli forces moved into al-Tabaqah village, southwest of Dura, southwest of Hebron, and stationed at the village entrance. They then moved into al-Baid neighborhood and patrolled in the area. Israeli forces then announced the abovementioned village as a closed military zone, preventing the cars movement. The soldiers also searched cars and checked the civilians’ ID cards and then detained a number of young men. After that, The soldiers moved into al-Madrasah neighborhood and searched several houses belonging to Monther Mohammed Abu ‘Atwan (55), Majed Mohammed Abu ‘Atwan (60), Ayman Mahmud Abu ‘Atwan (56), Monadel Mohammed Abu ‘Atwan (39) and Nasser Hamad Abu ‘Atwan (58), but no arrests were reported. In the meantime, an infantry unit raided several houses in al-Baid neighborhood. They detained a number of children claiming they threw stones at the soldiers patrolling on the street adjacent to the village from the eastern side leading to “Negohot” other soldiers raided and searched houses belonging to Moneer Abdul Rahman Abu Za’nunah, Ziyad Badawi Hamdan, Yasser Badawi Hamdan, Ahmed Ibrahim al-Atrash, Jamil Mohammed al-Hrebat, Rezeq Badawi Hrebat, Fayez Shehdah Hamdan (30), who was arrested, and Badawi Mohammed Hamdan, whose son Saleh was detained on the street for two hours before releasing him. Israeli forces also raided a house belonging to Kamel Taha al-Atrash and then arrested his sons Qusay (23) and Mohammed (19). Israeli forces later withdrew from the village towards “Egohot” military camp, east of Dura, where they released the 3 arrested civilians without interrogation.

 

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (9) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: al-Samou’i, al-Thaheriyah, Ethna, Deir Samet and Nuba villages in Hebron; Jenin; Qabatiya village, south of the city; al-Taibah village adjacent to the annexation wall, west of the city and Qaryout village, southeast of Nablus.

 

Friday, 30 December 2016

 

• At approximately 15:00, Israeli infantry units moved into al-Tabaqah village, south of Dura, southwest of Hebron. They raided and searched a number of houses belonging to Hamdan family looking for stone throwers. At approximately 17:00, they withdrew from the village, but no arrests were reported.

 

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (10) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: al-‘Aroub refugee camp, al-Kum, dura and Bani Na’im villages in Hebron; al-Sawiyah, Qaryout, and Beit Furik villages in Nablus; Birzeit, Beit Rema and Kafer ‘Ein villages in Ramallah and al-Birah.

 

Saturday, 31 December 2016

 

• At approximately 17:30, Israeli forces moved into Kafer Qadoum village, east of Qalqiliyah. They patrolled in the village streets and then detained Hekmat Abdul Mahdi ‘Ali (21). They released the aforementioned civilian and later withdrew from the village, but neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

 

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

 

Sunday, 01 January 2017

 

• At approximately 01:00, Israeli forces moved into Beit ‘Awa village, southwest of Dura, southwest of Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to Bajes Hasan al-Suwaiti (30) and then arrested him. Israeli forces claimed they were looking for weapons in the area.

 

• Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into al-Fawar refugee camp, south of Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to Mohammed Abdul Raman Ehdeeb (47) and then arrested his son Rani (15).

 

• At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into Ya’bod village, south of Jenin. They raided and searched several houses and then arrested 3 civilians, including a child, namely Mohammed Fares Abu Baker (17), Yusuf Qusai ‘Amarnah (19) and Hazem Mohammed Salem ‘Amarnah (19). They also attacked and beat Hadi Nour Eden ‘Amarnah (19), causing him bruises throughout his body. He was admitted to Dr. Khalil Suleiman Hospital in Jenin to receive medical treatment. At approximately 17:30, Israeli forces withdrew taking the abovementioned arrested civilians to an unknown destination.

 

• At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces raided and searched a house belonging to Zaid Zaidan al-Rajbi (23) in the Hebron’s Old City and then arrested him.

 

• At approximately 07:15, Israeli gunboats stationed offshore, northwest of Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip, opened fire at Palestinian fishing boats sailing within 3 nautical miles and chased them. As a result, the fishermen were forced to flee for fear of being arrested or wounded. Neither casualties nor damages were reported.

 

• At approximately 15:00, Israeli forces stationed at the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel, east of Khuza’a village, east of Khan Yunis in the southern Gaza Strip, randomly opened fire for an hour and half towards agricultural fields, west of the abovementioned border fence, but no casualties were reported.

 Note:

During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (3) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: Jeet village, northeast of Qalqiliyah and Dura and Deir Samet villages in Hebron.

 

Monday, 02 January 2017

 

• At approximately 01:00, Israeli forces moved into Balata refugee camp, east of Nablus. They raided and searched a number of houses and then arrested Ahmed Riyad al-Saheli (21).

 

• At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into Beit Ummer village, north of Hebron, and stationed in Khelet al-‘Ein neighbourhood. They raided and searched 2 houses belonging to Yusuf Mohammed Kamel Za’aqiq (26) and Anwar Yusuf Khdair ‘Awad (22) and then arrested them. The Israeli forces then took the arrested civilians to a detention centre in “Gush Etzion” settlement complex, south of Bethlehem.

 

• At approximately 03:00, Israeli forces moved into the southern area in Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to Naser Rab’i Abu Suneinah (25).

 

• At approximately 07:00, Israeli forces stationed at the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel, east of Khuza’a village, east of Khan Yunis in the southern Gaza Strip, opened fire for an hour and half at agricultural fields, west of the abovementioned border fence, but no casualties were reported.

Note:

During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (8) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: Jayyous village, northeast of Qalqiliyah; Bruqin and Kafer al-Deek villages, west of Salfit; Hares village, north of the city; al-Shayuokh, al-Kun and Karza villages and al-‘Aroub refugee camp in Hebron.

 

Tuesday, 03 January 2017

 

• At approximately 00:20, Israeli forces moved into Qarawet Bani Hassan village, northwest of Salfit. They raided and searched a house belonging to Ibrahim Amin Mar’i and handed him a summons to refer to the Israeli Intelligence. They later withdrew, but no arrests were reported.

 

• At approximately 01:00, Israeli forces moved into Abu Suneinah neighbourhood, south of Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to Abdullah Mohammed ‘Arif al-Atrash (45), damaged the house contents and then beat Abdullah with their riffles. They also searched a car workshop belonging to Abdullah and damaged cars spare parts for. They also damaged a NIS6000 machine used for welding and pulling cars. Moreover, Israeli forces questioned Abdullah’s son Ahmed (4) claiming they search for weapons. As a result, the child panicked. They also questioned Abdullah’s eldest son Mohammed (17) who was then handcuffed and taken to an abandoned store where Israeli forces severely beat him. Israeli forces later withdrew from the house, but no arrests were reported. However, Abdullah missed NIS 10,000 and was not given any document of the confiscation.

 

• At approximately 01:30, Israeli forces moved into Nablus Balatah camp, east of the city. They raided and searched several houses from which they arrested 6 civilians namely Safwat Jamal Safwat al-‘Asi (19), Eyad Naser Hashash (24), Isma’il Mohammed Zuhdi Marshoud (40), Mohammed ‘Ata ‘Essa Masimi (19), Mohammed Khamis Farhan Mustafa (24) and Mohammed Isma’il Sharai’ah (26) from Balata refugee camp. They arrested Mohammed Sharai’ah from a shop located at the northern entrance to Balata camp. They also confiscated the device of the DVR from the shop. Moreover, Israeli forces raided and searched a house belonging to Nasser Sbaitan in the abovementioned camp and handed summonses to his sons Ehab and Diyaa’ to refer to the Israeli Intelligence in Hawarah military camp, south of the city.

 

• Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Silwad village, northeast of Ramallah. They raided and searched houses belonging to Jehad Khaled Ghalyoun (32), Mohammed Abdul Nasser Hamed (20), Ayman Na’im Mar’I (33), Khalil Hasan Mar’I (35) and ‘Awni Abdul Ghani Ibrahim Fares (41) and then arrested them. Israeli forces later withdrew taking all arrested persons to an unknown destination.

 

• Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Qalqiliyah. They raided and searched a number of houses and then arrested 3 civilians namely Haitham Nabil Hasanin (26), Aans Mamdouh Maskawi (25) and Anas Jamal al-Haj Hasan (26). At approximately 03:15, Israeli withdrew taking them to an unknown destination.

 

• Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Ethna village, west of Hebron, and stationed in ‘Aziz neighbourhood, west of the village. They raided and searched 2 houses belonging to Rezeq Khalil Tamizi (38), Ghassan Abdul ‘Athim al-Qaisi (33) and then arrested them.

 

• Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Yatta, south of Hebron, and stationed in Ruq’aah neighbourhood. They raided and searched a house belonging to Murad Ahmed Nawaj’ah (29) and then arrested him.

 

• Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Hebron and stationed in al-Ja’abari neighbourhood, south of the city. They raided and searched a house belonging to ‘Ali Saber al-Ja’abari (30) and then arrested him.

 

• At approximately 02:30, Israeli forces moved into Tal village, southwest of Nablus. They raided and searched a number of houses after which they arrested Nemer Khalid Nemer Hendi (27) and Asid Khalid Mohammed Rehan (23) and took them to an unknown destination.

 

• Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into ‘Einabus village, south of Nablus. They raided and searched a number of houses and then arrested Suhieb Kayed Abdul Rahim Rashdan (21), a student at Najah National University.

 

• At approximately 03:00, Israeli forces moved into Ya’bud village, south of Jenin. They raided and searched several houses and then arrested Mohammed Mahmud Khalid ‘Amarnah (20). At approximately 04:30, they withdrew taking him to an unknown destination.

 

• Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Bani Na’im village, east of Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to Sayel Abdul Mahdi Zaidat (36) and then arrested him and his brother Ziyad (25).

 

• Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Hebron and stationed in Khelet Nafisah neighbourhood. They raided and searched a house belonging to Mohammed Ahmed Abu Fonunah (50) and then withdrew, but no arrests were reported. It should be noted that on 18 March 2016, Israeli forces killed Mohammed’s son Mahmud (22) who was near Bypass Road (60) claiming he attempted to carry out a run-over attack.

 

• At approximately 04:00, Israeli forces moved into Hebron and stationed in al-Sharif Mount neighbourhood. They raided and searched a house belonging to Fathi Zakaryah Maswadah. It should be noted that on 07 December 2015, Israeli forces killed the abovementioned civilian, Fathi (19), on al-Shuhadaa’ Street in Hebron, claiming he carried out a stab attack.

 

• At approximately 08:30, Israeli gunboats stationed offshore, northwest of Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip, opened fire at Palestinian fishing boats sailing within 3 nautical miles and chased them. As a result, the fishermen were forced to flee for fear of being arrested or wounded, but neither casualties nor damages were reported.

 Note:

During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (4) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: al-Thaheriyah, al-Samou’i, al-Haab and Imrish villages in Hebron.

 

Wednesday, 04 January 2017

 

• At approximately 01:00, Israeli forces moved into Burin village, south of Nablus. They patrolled the streets amidst Israel firing sound bombs. They raided and searched several houses and then beat Osayed Ahmed Mohammed ‘Omran (17) while questioning him in his house. They also attacked Hasan ‘Ali Taher Najjar (18) during investigation. Israeli forces questioned the abovementioned civilians about throwing stones at the Israeli soldiers and threatened to arrest them. The Israeli forces later withdrew from the village, but no arrests were reported.

 

• Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into al-Fawar refugee camp, south of Hebron. They raided and searched 4 houses from which they arrested Ahmed Mahmud Abu Wardah (35), Mustafa Jawad Selmi (19), Mohammed Akram Jouah (17) and Basel Saber Joudah (17).
• Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Sa’ir village, east of Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to Yusuf Kawazbah (40) and then arrested him.

 

• At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into Tulkarm. They raided and searched a number of houses and then arrested 4 civilians namely Fahed Osama Yaseen (24), Husain Helmi Abu Shanab (24), Mohammed Abdul Karim (26) and Osayd Kamal Mahmud ‘Awad (21). At approximately 05:30, Israeli forces withdrew taking them to an unknown destination.

 

• Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Kharsa village, south of Dura, southwest Hebron. They raided and searched a number of houses and then arrested 3 civilians namely Omer Abdul Halim al-Talahmah (26), his brother Mahmud (19) and Hamzah ‘Ayed Shahatit (22).

 

• Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Beit Ummer village, north of Hebron, and stationed in ‘Asidah neighborhood. They raided and searched a house belonging to Anas Khalil al-‘Alami (22) and then arrested him.

 

• At approximately 03:00, Israeli forces moved into Um al-Raihan village, southwest of Jenin. They raided and searched several houses and then arrested 4 civilians, including 2 brothers, namely Saleh Mohammed Manasrah (43), his brother Jeha (45), Na’el Muhannad Manasrah (24) and Husam Jamal al-Khatib (28).

 

• At approximately 04:00, Israeli forces moved into Ya’bud village, southwest of Jenin. They raided and searched a number of houses and then arrested Yusuf Mahmud ‘Amarnah (18). At approximately 05:00, they withdrew taking him to an unknown destination.

 

• At approximately 06:30, Israeli gunboats stationed offshore, west of Jabalia in the northern Gaza Strip, opened fire at Palestinian fishing boats sailing within 3 nautical miles and chased them. As a result, the fishermen were forced to flee for fear of being arrested or wounded, but no casualties were reported. However, the fishermen lost some fishing nets. This attack recurred in different periods until 11:00.

 

• At approximately 22:00, Israeli gunboats stationed off al-Sudaniyah shore, west of Jabalia in the northern Gaza Strip, opened fire at Palestinian fishing boats sailing within 5 nautical miles and chased them. An Israeli gunboat hit a fishing boat belonging to Rashad al-Hessi. The boat was manned by Mohammed Ahmed Mohammed Jamil al-Hessi (33) form al-Shati’ refugee camp. As a result, the fishing boat capsized in the water, and Mohammed was missed in the water. Following this, some fishermen attempted to look for him, but to no avail. Zakariyah Baker, member of the Palestinian Union of Agricultural Work Committees, stressed that the search for Mohammed is continuous as he is so far missed.

 

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (3) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: Salfit, Halhoul and al-Shayoukh  village in Hebron.

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

 

West Bank:

 

• Following the Friday prayer, on 30 December 2016, dozens of Palestinian civilians and Israeli and international human rights defenders organized demonstrations in Bil’in and Ni’lin villages, west of Ramallah, and al-Nabi Saleh village, northwest of the city, protesting against the annexation wall and settlement activities. Israeli forces forcibly dispersed the protests, firing live and metal bullets, tear gas canisters and sound bombs. They also chased the protesters into olive fields and between houses.  As a result, many of the protesters suffered tear gas inhalation while others sustained bruises as Israeli soldiers beat them up. Israeli forces also arrested Jamil al-Barghuthi (45) from Deir Abu Mash’al, northwest of Ramallah, and Ghaleb Helmi Shtaiwi (25) from Kafer Qadoum village, while both were participating in the weekly demonstration of Kafer Qadoum village.

 

2. Continued closure of the oPt

 

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

 

Gaza Strip

 

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

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

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

 

(18-24 December 2016)

 

Date		18 December	19 December	20 December	21 December	22 December	23 December	24 December
Total Imports		556	563	464	548	485	–	–
Various goods	truckloads	179	210	168	215	192	–	–
Humanitarian aid	truckloads	117	118	111	139	114	–	–
Cooking gas	tons	245.030	262.350	244.250	268.820	203.140	–	–
Benzene	liters	266.928	151.982	225.963	295.927	186.973	–	–
Diesel & Diesel for UNRWA	liters	932.204	1029.235	955.974	1040.827	665.912	–	–
Industrial fuel	liters	300.941	295.251	296.443	403.987	408.265	–	–
kerosene	liters	–	–	–	–	–	–	–
Cement	Tons	2920	3560	3643	3755	4133	–	–
Bulk cement	Tons	105	105	–	209	–	–	–
Construction aggregates	Tons	14560	12808	9422	9404	9464	–	–
Construction steel	truckloads	12	20	18	23	11	–	–

 

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

(27 December 2016 – 03 January 2017)

 

Category	27 December	28 December	29 December	30 December	31December	01 January	02 January	03 January
Patients	54	39	18	8	–	35	32	53
Companions	48	36	20	8	–	30	32	47
Personal needs	13	59	40	6	–	7	9	24
Families of prisoners	–	–	–	–	–	–	–	–
Arabs from Israel	7	1	6	9	–	11	12	1
Diplomats	5	6	5	–	–	–	–	1
International journalists	–	–	–	–	–	–	–	–
International  workers	6	2	19	3	–	–	5	18
Travelers Abroad	42	–	–	–	–	–	–	56
Business people	168	165	214	2	1	228	126	142
Business meetings	–	–	–	–	–	–	–	–
Security interviews	4	5	7	–	–	9	5	10
VIPs	1	–	–	1	–	–	1	–
Ambulances to Israel	5	5	4	5	–	–	–	–
Patients’ Companions	6	4	2	5	–	–	–	–

 

 

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

 

• Hebron: Israeli forces established (17) checkpoints all over the city.

 

On Thursday, 29 December 2016, Israeli forces established 2 checkpoints at al-Simiya road and at the entrance to al-Fawar refugee camp.

 

On Friday, 30 December 2016, Israeli forces established 3 checkpoints at the entrances to al-Fawar refugee camp; Ethna village; and the southern entrance to Halhoul village.

 

On Saturday, 31 December 2016, Israeli forces established 2 similar checkpoints at the entrances to Beit Ummer and al-Shayyoukh villages.

 

On Sunday, 01 January 2017, Israeli forces established 3 checkpoints at the entrances to al-Fawar and al-‘Aroub refugee camps and Ethna village.

 

On Monday, 02 January 2017, Israeli forces established 3 similar checkpoints at the northern entrance to Hebron; Beit ‘Awaa village and Raboud village.

 

On Tuesday, 03 January 2017, Israeli forces established 2 checkpoints at the entrances to al-Fawar refugee camp and Beit Ummer village.

 

On Wednesday, 04 January 2017, Israeli forces established similar checkpoints at the entrances to Sa’ir and Ethna villages.

 

• Ramallah and al-Bireh: Israeli forces established (16) checkpoints all over the city.

 

On Thursday, 29 December 2016, Israeli forces established 4 checkpoints at the entrances to al-Moghir village; Termas’iya intersection, northeast of Ramallah; Khirbitha al-Mosbah village; and Ni’lin village, west of the city.

 

On Saturday, 31 December 2016, Israeli forces established 4 checkpoints at the entrances to Beit ‘Or al-Tahtah, southwest of Ramallah; Deir Abu Mish’al village, northwest of the city; ‘Atara village’s bridge; and Um Safa village, north of the city.

 

On Sunday, 01 January 2017, Israeli forces established 4 checkpoints at the entrances to ‘Aboud, al-Nabi Saleh and Deir Abu Mish’al villages, northwest of Ramallah; and Shakbah village, west of the city.

 

On Monday, 02 January 2017; Israeli forces established 4 checkpoints at the entrances to al-Taibah village ( al-Mo’arajat road between Ramallah and Jericho), east of Ramallah; ‘Ain Yabroud village; northeast of the city; near al-Khawajah Petrol Station in Bitouniya village, west of the city; and al-Nabi Saleh village, northwest of the city.

 

Salfit: Israeli forces established (6) checkpoints all over the city.

 

On Thursday, 29 December 2016, Israeli forces established 3 checkpoints at the entrances to Hares, Kafur al-Deek and Askaka villages.

At approximately 18:30 on Saturday, 31 December 2016, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the northern entrance to Salfit. At approximately 20:30, they established a similar checkpoint at the western entrance to Kafur al-Deek village, west of the city.

 

At approximately 09:15 on Monday, 02 January 2017, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the western entrance to Kafur al-Deek village, west of Salfit.

 

Qalqiliya: Israeli forces established (5) checkpoints all over the city.

 

At approximately 16:40 on Thursday, 29 December 2016, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the entrance to Jeet village, northeast of Qalqiliya.

 

At approximately 16:40 on Saturday, Israeli forces established a checkpoint near the entrance to Kedumim settlement, east of the city. At approximately 19:35, they established a similar checkpoint near al-Fondouq village, east of the city.

 

At approximately 21:50 on Monday, 02 January 2017, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the eastern entrance to Qalqiliya.

 

At approximately 23:20, they established a similar checkpoint at the entrance to al-Nabi Iyyas village, east of the city.

 

Nablus:

 

At approximately 21:30 on Friday, 30 December 2016, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the eastern entrance to Qaryout village.

 

At approximately 14:00 on Saturday, 31 December 2016, Israeli forces established a similar checkpoint at the intersection of Deir Sharaf village, west of the city. They stopped a bus coming from Jenin and arrested one of the passengers without knowing his name. Israeli forces claimed that they found a knife with him.

 

Jenin:

At approximately 10:00 on Monday, 02 January 2017, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the southern entrance to Jenin. They searched the civilians’ vehicles and checked their IDs. The abovementioned checkpoint was removed at approximately 11:30, and no arrests were reported.

 

Arrests at military checkpoints:

 

• On Thursday, 29 December 2016, Israeli forces stationed under Yabroud village’s bridge, northeast of Ramallah, arrested Mohamed ‘Awad Hamad (20), from Silwad village, and was then taken to an unknown destination.

 

• At approximately 12:00 on Monday, 02 January 2017, Israeli forces arrested Ahmed Mahmoud ‘Isaa Khadour (16), while he was near Ofer checkpoint in Bitounia village, west of Ramallah. It should be noted that Ahmed suffers from many health problems identified as leukemia, partial epilepsy, and disability in his right hand.

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

 

• Hebron: Israeli forces established (17) checkpoints all over the city.

 

On Thursday, 22 December 2016, Israeli forces established 2 checkpoints at the entrance to Tarama village and the northern entrance to Halhoul village.

 

On Friday, 23 December 2016, Israeli forces established 3 checkpoints on the road of Beit ‘Aynoun village and at the entrances of Beit Ummer village and al-Fawar refugee camp.

 

On Saturday, 24 December 2016, Israeli forces established 3 checkpoints at the eastern entrance to Dura village; and at the entrances to Sa’ir village and al-Fawar refugee camp.

 

On Monday, 26 December 2016, Israeli forces established 4 checkpoints at the entrances to Samou’a, al-Jalajil and Beit ‘Awaa villages and on the road of Wad al-Jouz area.

 

On Tuesday, 27 December 2016, Israeli forces established 3 checkpoints at the entrances to Beit ‘Awaa, Beit Ummer and Halhoul villages.

 

On Wednesday, 28 December 2016, Israeli forces established similar checkpoints at the entrances to Beit ‘Aynoun and Ethna villages.

 

• Ramallah and al-Bireh: Israeli forces established (12) checkpoints all over the city.

 

On Thursday, 22 December 2016, Israeli forces established 3 checkpoints near the bridge of ‘Atara village; near the intersection of ‘Ain Sinaa village, north of Ramallah; at the intersection of al-Tayiba village (on al-Mo’arajat road between Ramallah and Jericho).

 

At approximately 15:00 on Friday, 23 December 2016, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the intersection of al-Taiba village, east of Ramallah.

 

On Saturday, 24 December 2016, Israeli forces established 4 checkpoints at the entrance to Ni’lin village, west of Ramallah; ‘Atara bridge, north of the city; between Ras Karkar and Kafur Ne’mah villages; and at the entrance to Senjel village, north of the city.

 

On Sunday, 25 December 2016, Israeli forces established 3 checkpoints at the entrances to ‘Aboud, al-Nabi Saleh and Yabroud villages. In the evening, Israeli forces closed a road leading to al-Jalazoun refugee camp and closed a road between Ras Karkar and Deir Bziegh villages, west of Ramallah.

 

At approximately 18:00 on Monday, 26 December 2016, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the entrance to ‘Aboud village, west of Ramallah.

 

• Salfit: Israeli forces established (4) checkpoints all over the city.

 

At approximately 17:30 on Thursday, 22 December 2016, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the southern entrance to al-Zawiyia village, west of Salfit. At approximately 17:55, they established a similar checkpoint at the entrance to Deir Balout village, west of the city.

 

At approximately 20:00 on Wednesday, 23 December 2016, Israeli forces established a checkpoint under the bridge of Sakaka village, east of Salfit. At approximately 21:25, they established a similar checkpoint at the entrance to Kaful Hares village, north of the city.

 

Arrests at military checkpoints:

 

• At approximately 17:00 on Thursday, 22 December 2016, Israeli forces stationed at Hawarah checkpoint, south of Nablus, arrested Zahir Mohamed Wahdan (24), from Tamoun village, southeast of Tubas village. Eyewitnesses said that Israeli forces stopped a vehicle carrying the abovementioned civilian and checked his ID. They then ordered him at gunpoint to step out of the vehicle.

 

• At approximately 20:00 on Saturday, 24 December 2016, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the northern entrance to Salfit. They checked the civilians’ IDs and searched the vehicles. They then arrested Rida Taysir Madi (26) and Nidal Ra’fat Ali al-Rimal (25). Both of them are from Salfit.

 

• At approximately 19:00 on Monday, 26 December 2016, Israeli forces arrested Thiraa Mohamed al-Barghouthi (20), from Beit Rima village, northwest of Ramallah. Thiraa was arrested while crossing a checkpoint established by Israeli forces near the entrance to ‘Aboud village.

 

Maltreatment at Military Checkpoints:

 

• At approximately 16:00 on Thursday, 22 December 2016, Israeli forces stationed at al-Karama crossing severely beat Hamza Abed al-Hakeem Hamdi Abu Zahra (22), from Nablus. Hamza was beaten when he put his suitcase for searching and then headed to the crossing hall to deliver his passport. Hamza was returning from Jordan. He said to PCHR’s fieldworker that he did not do anything and when he entered the waiting hall, a number of Israeli soldiers stationed in the hall hit him until he fainted. He woke up and found himself at Jericho Governmental Hospital. After he underwent medical examination, medical sources clarified that he sustained bruises to the face, head and chest.

 

3. Efforts to Create Jewish majority

 

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

 

Shooting incidents:

 

• On Friday, 30 December 2016, Israeli forces stationed at Qalandia checkpoint at the northern entrance to occupied East Jerusalem, fired 3 live bullets at a Palestinian female and wounded her to the leg. Eyewitnesses said to PCHR’s fieldworker that while the abovementioned female was walking by the cars track, Israeli soldiers opened fire at her and she was then taken to Hadasah Hospital. The wounded female was then identified as Jihan Mohamed Hashimah (35), from al-‘Issawiyah neighbourhood, northeast of the city. Israeli forces claimed that she had a knife and they extended her detention until Thursday, 05 January 2017, to question her.

Arrests and Incursions: 

• On Monday, 02 January 2017, Israeli forces moved into al-‘Issawiyah village, north of occupied Jerusalem. They raided and searched houses from which they arrested Saleh Badir Abu ‘Asab (16); Adam Fadi Mostafa (16); Husam Sameeh ‘Aliyan (16); and Amir Othman Darwish (14).

 

• On Monday, 02 January 2017, Israeli forces arrested 4 Palestinian young men from occupied Jerusalem’s Old City. The arrested civilians were identified as Omar Ibrahim, Nasir Ibrahim, Mohamed Abu Farha and Mo’min Hashimah.

 

• On Tuesday, 03 January 2017, Israeli forces moved into al-‘Issawiya village, north of occupied Jerusalem. They raided and searched houses from which they arrested ‘Eid Faisal Abu Rimilah (17) and ‘Adil Nasir Dawoud Mahmoud (16).

 

House demolitions and demolition notices:

 

• On Monday, 02 January 2017, Israeli forces accompanied with military vehicles, Civil Administration vehicles and bulldozers moved into the Bedouin communities in Senisil Valley area, east of occupied Jerusalem. They demolished 11 houses built of tin plates belonging to al-Jahaleen family. As a result, 87 civilians were displaced; most of them are women and children. Dawoud al-Jahaleen, Representative of the Bedouin Communities, said that house demolitions came without a prior warning under the pretext of non-licensing. He also said that Israeli authorities seek to displace the Jahaleen Bedouin in favor of a settlement project known as (E1). The abovementioned project aims to displace the Palestinian Bedouin for the interest of the settlement expansion.

 

• At approximately 04:00 on Wednesday, 04 January 2017, Israeli forces accompanied with Israeli municipality crews and 2 bulldozers moved into Sho’fat neighbourhood, north of occupied Jerusalem. They surrounded a house comprised of 2 apartments belonging to ‘Adnan al-Showiki. The families of Fadi al-Faqeeh and Mohamed al-Masalmah, who rent the abovementioned apartments, were forced to vacate their apartments. Israeli bulldozers demolished the aforementioned house, which was built on an area of 300 square meters. Al-Showiki said that the abovementioned families live in his house with a rental contract and the house demolition came without any warning. Israeli municipality issued a decision to delay the demolition until 01 January 2017, during which the family attempted to get a license for the apartments, but the Israeli forces raided the house without warning and demolished it. It should be noted that the house was built 15 years ago and during the past years Israeli municipality imposed construction fines of around NIS 335,000 that were previously paid. Al-Showeiki added that Israeli forces raided the house 7 years ago to demolish it, but he managed to postpone the decision. At that time, Israeli municipality fined him with NIS 80,000.

 

• In the evening, Israeli municipality bulldozers demolished a house belonging to ‘Amer ‘Obaido in al-‘Aqabah neighbourhood in Beit Haninah village, north of the city. The house was built 16 years ago and comprised of 2 floors. The first 35-square-meter floor was used as a store while the second 120-square-meter floor was used as an abode.

Building seized in Wad Helwa neighborhood in Silwan.

 

On Friday, 30 December 2016, settlement associations seized a building in Wad Helwa neighbourhood in Selwan village, south of occupied East Jerusalem’s Old City. The 2-sotrey building was built on an area of 160 square meters. Local sources in the village said to PCHR’s fieldworker that the ownership of the property has been shifted among several families in the neighbourhood.  It should be mentioned that when the settlers raided the building accompanied with Israeli forces, it was empty.

 

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

 

• On Saturday, 01 January 2017, Israeli forces handed the Munciplaity Council in ‘Aboud village, northwest of Ramallah, a military order to renew the confiscation of lands already confiscated. These 34.363-dunum lands are located near the eastern entrance to the village and belong to civilians from ‘Aboud village. This order was issued on 28 December 2016 and emphasized on the right to challenge the order after three days of its issuance.  The Council was informed on 01 January 2017, so the affected persons were deprived of their right to challenge the order.

 

• On Tuesday, 03 January 2017, Israeli forces accompanied with military vehciles and staffs from the Civil Adminisrtation and backed by 3 bulldozers moved into Kherbet Tana, east of Beit Foriq, east of Nablus. The Israeli bulldozers immediately demolished 14 dwellings, 22 other facilities and sheep barns belonging to 15 families of 86 members, including 33 children, in addition to confiscating two cars.  it should be mentioned that the Israeli forces had demolished dwelings in the same area 4 times before during 2016 in order to empty the area of its original inhabitants and seize it, caliming it is located within Area C. The demolished dwellings belong to the following persons:

 

Owner	Family members	Number of children	Demolition
Farsan Fares Hussein Hanani and his son Fayez	9	4	The entrance, tent, barn and mobile bathroom
Qosay Mustafa ‘Abdel Rahman Hanani	5	2	The entrance
Helmi Soliman Helmi Mansour and his son Soliman	10	5	2 barns, tent and mobile bathroom
Muneer Mohammed Mahmoud Hanani	8	4	Tin-plate barrack, barn and mobile bathroom
Ibrahim ‘Abdel Qder Hanani	6	2	A tent, barn, and a bathroom in addition to confiscating his Ford car
As’ad Mohammed As’ad Hanani	4	–	A tent
Mohammed Tawifq ‘Adel Nasasrah	8	–	2 sheep barns and 2 tents
Mohie al-Deen Mohammed Tawfiq ‘Adel	4	2	A residential tent, sheep tent and bathroom
Majed ‘Afif Majed Hanani	7	2	A residential tent and oven
Mohammed As’ad ‘Abdel Razeq Hanani	5	2	A tent, mobile bathroom and sheep barn
Yousif Fayez Yousif Hanani	3	–	Two residential and sheep barn tents
As’ad Mohammed As’ad Hanani	6	4	Two residential and sheep barn tents
Wasef Abu al-So’ud Hanani	1	–	A residential tent
Ra’ed ‘Afif Ra’ed Hanani	10	6	A2 sheep barns, mobile bathroom and confiscation of a car

 

 

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 obligations 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 upon 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 United Nations to confirm that holding war criminals accountable 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;
9. 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;
10. PCHR calls upon the international community, particularly the UN, 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;
11. 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;
12. PCHR calls upon the European Union to activate Article 2 of the EU-Israel Association Agreement, which provides that both sides must respect human rights as a precondition for economic cooperation between the EU states and Israel, and the EU must not ignore Israeli violations and crimes against Palestinian civilians;

 

 

 

 

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Public Document

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