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

(29 September – 05 October 2016)

 

 

• Israeli forces continued to use excessive force in the oPt

• A Palestinian civilian was killed at Qalandia checkpoint, north of occupied Jerusalem.
• 7 civilians, including 4 children, were wounded in the Gaza Strip.

• A Palestinian armed group’s checkpoint in the northern Gaza Strip was shelled, but no casualties were reported.

• Israeli warplanes carried out a number of air raids on open lands and training sites in the Gaza Strip. No casualties were reported.

• Israeli forces conducted 48 incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank and 6 ones in Jerusalem and its suburbs.
• 46 civilians, including 7 children and a woman, were arrested.
• 29 of them, including 3 children and the woman, were arrested in occupied Jerusalem.

• Israeli forces continued their efforts to create Jewish majority in occupied East Jerusalem.
• The Israeli municipality obliged a Palestinian civilian to self-demolish structures attached to his house in al-Sa’diya neighbourhood in the Old City.

• Israeli forces continued settlement activities in the West Bank.
• 30 olive trees in Silwad village, northeast of Ramallah, were burnt.
• A settler attacked a Palestinian vehicle in Qalqilya.

• 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.
• 3 Palestinian civilians, including a child, were arrested at military checkpoints.

  SummaryIsraeli violations of international law and international humanitarian law in the oPt continued during the reporting period (29 September – 05 October 2016).

 

Shooting:

Israeli forces have continued to commit crimes, inflicting civilian casualties. They have also continued to use excessive force against Palestinian civilians participating in peaceful protests in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, the majority of whom were youngsters. During the reporting period, Israeli forces killed a Palestinian civilian in the West Bank and wounded 7 others, including 4 children, in the Gaza Strip.

 

In the West Bank, Israeli forces killed on 30 September 2016, Nasib Abu Maizer (28), from Kufor Aqeb village, north of occupied Jerusalem. The aforementioned person was killed when Israeli forces stationed at Qalandya military checkpoint, north of the city, opened fire at him, due to which he sustained 5 bullet wounds throughout his body. He was left bleeding for over an hour as the Israeli forces denied medical crews from the Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS) access to the scene until he died. Israel forces then kept his corpse. They claimed that Abu Maizer had stabbed a soldier and caused him moderate wounds.

 

In the Gaza Strip, on 30 September 2016, 5 Palestinian civilians, including 4 children, were wounded when Israeli forces stationed at the border fence between Israel and the Gaza Strip, east of al-Shuja’iya neighbourhood, east of Gaza City, opened fire at dozens of Palestinian youngsters who headed to Nahal Oz area, east of al-Shuja’iya neighbourhood to participate in activities supporting Jerusalem.

 

On 30 September also, 2 Palestinian civilians were wounded when Israeli forces stationed at the border fence, east of al-Bureij refugee camp, opened fire at dozens of youngsters who headed to that area supporting Jerusalem. The first was wounded by a bullet that entered and exited the left thigh while the other was hit by a gas canister to the chest. They were both taken to al-Aqsa hospital in Deir al-Balah, where their wounds were classified as moderate.

 

On the level of land attacks, on 05 October 2016, Israeli forces stationed at the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel fired an artillery shell at a checkpoint for al-Qassam Brigades (the armed wing of Hamas movement), north of the Gaza Strip. As a result, the checkpoint sustained serious damage but no casualties were reported.

 

While concerning air raids, on 05 October 2016, Israeli warplanes carried out a number of air strikes on open area and training sites of Palestinian armed groups in the Gaza Strip. The attacks resulted in material damage but no casualties were reported.

 

Incursions:

 

During the reporting period, Israeli forces conducted at least 48 military incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank and 6 ones in occupied East Jerusalem and its suburbs. During these incursions, Israeli forces arrested at least 46 Palestinian civilians, including 7 children and a woman. Twenty-nine of them, including 3 children and the woman, were arrested in occupied Jerusalem.

 

Creating Jewish Majority in Occupied East Jerusalem:

 

Concerning house demolitions, on 03 October 2016, Samer Edkeidek (43) self-demolished part of his house in al-Sa’diya neighbourhood in Jerusalem’s Old City upon a decision from the Israeli municipality. The aforementioned person said that he built a second floor a year and a half ago, but the Israeli municipality crew raided his house in June and handed him over an administrative demolition notice under the pretext of non-licensing the structure.

 

Settlement activities

 

On 01 October 2016, fire broke out in Sharif valley, west of Silwad village, northeast of Ramallah. Over 30 trees belonging to Mohammed Baker Hamed caught fire. Eyewitnesses said that they saw Israeli forces patrolling the aforementioned are had fired sound bombs in the place. As a result, the weeds caught fire that burnt the olive trees as well.

 

On 02 September 2016, Israeli forces handed Mohammed al-Azazma, from Khellet al-Hajar area, east of Yatta, south of Hebron, a notice to halt construction works in his house under the pretext of non-licensing.

 

Concerning settler attacks against Palestinian civilians and property, on 02 October 2016, a settler from “Karnei Shomron” settlement attacked a vehicle belonging to Samih Nazzal, Police Chief of Qalqilya. It should be noted that Nazzal had parked his vehicle and went to his family that was reaping the olives. As a result of the attack, the windshield and tires were damaged. Nazzal estimated the damage at around NIS 1,000.

 

Restrictions on movement:

 

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

 

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

 

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. During the reporting period, Israeli forces arrested 3 Palestinian civilians, including a child, while passing through those checkpoints.

 

 

Details

 

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

 Thursday, 29 September 2016 

• At approximately 01:30, Israeli forces moved into Beit ‘Awaa village, southwest of Dura, southwest of Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to Mohamed Qasem Shalash (24) and arrested him.

 

• At approximately 03:00, Israeli forces moved into Nour al-Shams refugee camp, east of Tulkarm. They raided and searched several houses. At approximately 04:00, they arrested ‘Ali Yousef Foudah (34) and later withdrew taking him to an unknown destination.

 

• At approximately 04:00, Israeli forces moved into Silwad village, northeast of Ramallah. They raided and searched two houses belonging to Ameen Saleh Hamad (60) and his son ‘Abed al-Hadi (30) and arrested both of them. Journalist Shaza Hamad said to PCHR’s fieldworker, Israeli forces violently raided the abovementioned houses and burst the main doors. They also locked all the family members in one room, while women were searched by female Israeli soldiers. Moreover, the house contents were damaged. Hamad said that the Israeli forces raided Abdullah Hamad’s house, brother of Ameen, after bursting the main doors and searching all the vehicles in the neighborhood. They then confiscated a vehicle belonging to the arrested ‘Abed al-Hadi, which was used to distribute gas cylinders. It should be noted that Ameen Hamad suffers from chronic diseases and a former prisoner, who served several years in the Israeli jails. Additionally, he is father of prisoner, Akram Hamad, who was sentenced to 17 years in Israeli prisons.

 

• Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into al-Bireh. They raided and searched a house belonging to Majd Majed Hamad (23) and arrested him.

 

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (4) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: Beit Foreek village, east of Nablus; and al-Shayyoukh, al-Soura villages and al-‘Aroub refugee camp in Hebron.

 

Friday, 30 September 2016

 

• Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (7) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: ‘Azoun village, east of Qalqilyia; Mardah village, west of Salfit; and al-Dahiriya, Bani Na’iem, and Dura villages in Hebron.

 Saturday, 01 October 2016 

• At approximately 13:45, Israeli forces moved into Derstiyia village, northwest of Salfit. They raided a house belonging to Jihad Nihad al-Shayikh Abdullah and handed him a summons to refer to the Israeli Intelligence Service. No arrests were reported.

 

• Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (4) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: Bita village, southeast of Nablus; and al-Dahiryia and al-Burj villages and al-Fawar refugee camp in Hebron.

 

Sunday, 02 October 2016

 

• At approximately 01:20, Israeli forces accompanied with 7 military vehicles moved into the southern neighborhood of ‘Azoun village, east of Qalqilyia. They raided and searched a house belonging to Ziyad Mohamed Saleem (22) and arrested him.

 

• At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into Nahalin village, west of Bethlehem. They raided and searched a house belonging to Maher Abed al-Majeed Shakarnah (48) and arrested him.

 

• At approximately 03:00, Israeli forces moved into ‘Aida refugee camp, north of Bethlehem. They raided and searched houses from which they arrested 3 civilians, including 2 children. The arrested persons were identified as Tamer Mahmoud Abu Salem (21); Tareq Abu Sarour (17) and Tareq Basam Abu ‘Aker (17).

 

• Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (9) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: Sabastyia village, northwest of Nablus; ‘Atayil village, north of Tulkarm; Kafur Qaddoum village, northeast of Qalqilyia; Mardah, Hares and Kaful Hares villages, north of Salfit; and Beit Kahel village, northwest of Hebron.

 

Monday, 03 October 2016

 

• Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (3) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: Dura and Ethna villages in Hebron; and Abu Shakhidim village, northwest of Ramallah.

 

• Tuesday, 04 October 2016

 

• At approximately 02:30, Israeli forces moved into Sabastyia village, northwest of Nablus and prevented civilians from entering al-Bayadir Yard to offer protection for Israeli settlers, who were performing Talmudic prayers in the archeological area. No more incidents were reported.

 

• Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (7) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: Deir al-Hatab village, east of Nablus and Qaryout village, southeast of the city; Kafur al-Deek village, west of Salfit; Yatta, Beit Kahel and al-Burj villages in Hebron and al-Simah area, west of Samou’a village in Hebron.

 

Wednesday, 05 October 2016

 

• At approximately 01:00, Israeli forces moved into Sorif village, northwest of Hebron, and stationed in al-Matianah area. They raided and searched a house belonging to Abdullah Ghuneimat (60) and arrested his two sons Fadi (20) and Shadi (30).

 

• At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into ‘Ayida refugee camp, north of Bethlehem. They raided and searched houses and then arrested Dawoud Jamal Radi (27).

 

• Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Beit Ummer village, north of Hebron, and stationed in the center of the village. They raided and searched two houses belonging to Ahmed Samir Abed al-Rahman Abu ‘Ayish (16) and Waseem Taha Abu Maryia (16) and arrested them.

 

• At approximately 02:15, Israeli forces moved into Nablus and stationed in al-Ma’ajeen neighbourhood, northwest of the city. They raided al-Najah National University dorms and arrested ‘Alaa Salam al-Tirawi (41). At approximately 04:00, they withdrew taking the aforementioned civilian to an unknown destination.

 

• At approximately 03:00, Israeli forces moved into Tarqumyia village, northwest of Hebron, and stationed in al-Wad area. They raided and searched a house belonging to Jum’a Zaki al-‘Atal (29) and arrested him.

 

• At approximately 11:00, Israeli forces stationed in the border area between the Gaza Strip and Israel fired an artillery shell at a checkpoint belonging to al-Qasam Brigades (armed wing of Hamas Movement) in al-Bourah area, northeast of Beit Hanoun, north of the Gaza Strip. As a result, the checkpoint sustained damage, but no casualties were reported.

 

• At approximately 14:58, an Israeli warplane launched one missile at al-Qadisyia military training site belonging to al-Qasam Brigades (armed wing of Hamas Movement), west of Khan Yunis, south of the Gaza Strip. As a result, the checkpoint sustained damage, but no casualties were reported.
• Between 15:00 and 18:00, Israeli warplanes carried out several airstrikes at vacant agricultural fields and military training sites in various areas, east of Gaza City. The Israeli warplanes carried out over 25 airstrikes and specifically targeted with missiles al-Tofah area in the vicinity of al-Rayyes Mount, east of the city. Moreover, Israeli warplanes carried out 15 airstrikes against Malikah area in al-Zaytoun neighborhood, east of Gaza City.  Among the targeted training sites were Tunis, Badir and al-Qadisyia sites. As a result, the above-mentioned sites sustained damage, but no casualties were reported.

 

• At approximately 15:30, Israeli warplanes launched two missiles at al-Wahah military site belonging to al-Qasam Brigades (armed wing of Hamas Movement), northwest of Beit Lahia, which is located around 2000 meters to the south of the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel. As a result, the above-mentioned site sustained damage, but no casualties were reported. Moreover, the bombing caused fear among civilians, especially women and children.

 

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

 

West Bank:

 

• Following the Friday prayer, 30 September 2016, Palestinian civilians and Israeli and international human rights defenders organized protests in Bil’in and Ni’lin villages, west of Ramallah; al-Nabi Saleh village, northwest of the city and Kufor Qaddoum village, northeast of Qalqiliya. Israeli forces forcibly dispersed the protests, firing live and rubber-coated metal bullets, tear gas canisters and sound bombs. They also chased protesters into olive fields and houses.  As a result, some of the protesters suffered tear gas inhalation while others sustained bruises as Israeli soldiers beat them up. The coordinator of Nilin Nonviolent Resistance Committee, Mohamed Amirah said to PCHR’s fieldworker that Israeli forces arrested an Israeli activist, but released him two hours later.

 

Gaza Strip

 

• At approximately 14:00 on Friday, 30 September 2016, Israeli forces stationed at the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel, east of al-Shuja’iya, east of Gaza City, fired live bullets and rubber-coated metal bullets at Palestinian young men, while they were on their way to Nahal ‘Oz area, east of al-Shuja’iya participating in activities held in solidarity with Jerusalem. The activities continued until 18:00. As a result, 5 civilians, including 4 children, were hit with live bullets. Among the wounded persons was Mohamed Osama Ziyad Helis (17), who was hit with a live bullet to the knee, and was then taken along with 2 others wounded to al-Shifa Hospital, where medical sources classified his wounds as serious and he is so far in the hospital. The wounds of the 2 other civilians were classified as moderate. Helis stated that he and a group of civilians headed to Nahal ‘Oz site, raising 2 flags and using secateurs to cut the barbed wires. They also threw stones at Israeli soldiers, who opened fire at them. (PCHR keeps the names of the wounded persons).

 

• Around the same time, dozens of Palestinian young men headed to the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel, south of al-Burij refugee camp, to Support Jerusalem. They threw stones at the Israeli soldiers, who fired live bullets and tear-gas canisters at them. As a result, Jihad ‘Atyia al-Qernawi (22) was hit with a live bullet to the left thigh (entered and exited), while Omar Khalid al-‘Aryian was hit with a tear gas canister to the chest. Both of them were taken to al-Aqsa Hospital, where their wounds were classified as moderate.

 

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.

 

Note:

 

PCHR apologizes for not publishing the Karm Abu Salem crossing table this week and will publish it next week because the data was not prepared by the competent bodies at the Ministry of Economy and Petroleum Department. It will be published next week.

 

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 September – 04 October 2016

 

Category	28September	29 September	30 September	01 October	02 October	03 October	04 October
Patients	55	41	3	–	51	–	–
Companions	55	43	3	–	47	–	–
Personal needs	53	93	9	–	15	–	–
Families of prisoners	–	–	–	–	–	–	–
Arabs from Israel	11	11	6	–	3	–	–
Diplomats	16	4	2	–	–	–	–
International journalists	–	–	–	–	–	–	–
International workers	40	78	11	–	8	–	–
Travelers Abroad	70	3	–	–	–	–	–
Business people	313	301	2	–	5	–	–
Business meetings	–	–	–	–	–	–	–
Security interviews	6	6	–	–	–	–	–
VIPs	1	–	–	–	2	–	–
Ambulances to Israel	3	1	1	–	3	–	–
Patients’ Companions	2	1	1	–	3	–	–

 

Notes:

 

• On Monday, 03 October 2016, and on Thursday, 04 October 2016, Israeli forces closed the crossing due to the Jewish holidays. On Sunday, 02 October 2016, Israeli forces opened the crossing from 07:30 to 13:00, while allowed travellers to return to the Gaza Strip until 15:00 on the same day.

 

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 September 2016, Israeli forces established 3 checkpoints at the entrances to Beit Ommar and Sa’ir villages and al-Fawar refugee camp.

On Friday, 30 September 2016, Israeli forces established 3 checkpoints at the entrances to Ethna, al-Samou’ and Karzah villages.

On Saturday, 01 October 2016, Israeli forces established 2 checkpoints at the northern entrance to Halhoul and the entrance to Tafouh village.

On Sunday, 02 October 2016, Israeli forces established 3 checkpoints at the entrances to Kharsah, Taramah and Arab al-Ramadin village.

On Monday, 03 October 2016, Israeli forces established 3 checkpoints at the entrances to Kharsah, al-Kum and Bani Na’im villages and established 3 checkpoints at the entrances to Deir Samet, Beit Ommar villages and al-Aroub refugee camp.

 

• Nablus: Israeli forces established (3) checkpoints all over the city.

At approximately 16:00 on Friday, 30 September 2016, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at Ousarin village, southeast of Nablus, which is the sole entrance to ‘Aqrabah and Ousarin villages. As a result, the two villages were isolated from each other.

At approximately 23:00 on Saturday, 01 October 2016, Israeli forces established a checkpoint near al-Sairafi resort on al-Bathan-Nablus Road, northeast of Nablus. At approximately 08:00 on Sunday, 02 October 2016, Israeli forces established a similar checkpoint at the entrance to Sebastiyah village, northwest of Nablus.

 

• Qalqiliyah: Israeli forces established (6) checkpoints all over the city

At approximately 20:00 on Thursday, 29 September 2016, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the entrance to ‘Azoun village east of Qalqiliyah.

At approximately 18:30 on Saturday, 01 October 2016, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the entrance to Azoun village, east of the city. At approximately 20:45, they established a similar checkpoint under the bridge of Azoun village on the main road of Qalqiliya-Tulkarm Street.

On Monday, 03 October 2016, Israeli forces established 3 checkpoints; the first of which was between Jayous and Azoun villages, east of Qalqiliyah and the second at the entrance to Jeet village, northeast of the city, while the third was on the road of Qana Valley the connects Qalqiliyah and Salfit.

 

• Salfit: Israeli forces established (8) checkpoints all over the city.

At approximately 18:00 on Thursday, 29 September 2016, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the entrance to al-Zawiyah village, west of Salfit.

At approximately 14:30 on Friday, 30 September 2016, they established a similar checkpoint at the western entrance to Kafer al-Deek village, west of the city.

At approximately 18:30 on Saturday, 01 October 2016, Israeli forces established a checkpoint near the bridge of Eskakah village, east of Salfit. At approximately 22:30, they established a similar checkpoint at the eastern entrance to Maradah village, north of the city.

At approximately 17:10 on Sunday, 02 October 2016, Israeli forces established a checkpoint near the bridge of Eskakah village, east of Salfit. At approximately 22:30 they established a similar checkpoint at the entrance to Maradah village, north of the city.

On Monday, 03 October 2016, Israeli forces established 2 checkpoints at the entrance to Qarawet Bani Hassan village, northwest of Salfit, and the entrance to Kafel Hares village, north of the city.

 

• Jenin:

At approximately 22:00 on Sunday, 02 October 2016, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the southern entrance to Jenin.

 

Arrests at military checkpoints:

 

• At approximately 08:00 on Friday, 30 September 2016, Israeli forces stationed at Za’tarah checkpoint, south of Nablus, arrested Hamzah Emad Abu ‘Errah (23) from ‘Aqabah village, northwest of Tubas. Eyewitnesses said to PCHR’s fieldworker that Israeli soldiers stationed at the abovementioned checkpoint stopped a car driven by Hamzah, checked the passengers’ ID cards, demanded Hamzah to get out of the car and arrested him.

 

• At approximately 14:00, Israeli forces arrested Feras Mhfouth Talahmah (15) from Kharsah village, south of Dore, southwest of Hebron, after they stopped him in al-Muthalath area near the village. The Israeli soldiers claimed that Feras attempted to stab an Israeli officer, who was among a group of soldiers patrolling the area along with Civil Administration patrols.

 

• On Sunday, 02 October 2016, Israeli forces arrested Walid Suleiman Sabarnah (35) from Beit Ommar village, north of Hebron. It should be noted that Walid was travelling to Jordan through al-Karama crossing when he was arrested.

 

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: 

• At approximately 22:40 on Friday, 30 September 2016, Israeli soldiers stationed at Qalandiya checkpoint, north of Jerusalem, opened fire at Nasib Omran Mohammed Abu Meizar (28) from Kafer Aqab village, north of the city. As a result, Nasib sustained 5 live bullet wounds throughout his body and was left bleeding to death for more than an hour. Israeli forces also prevented a PRCS ambulance that arrived at the place to offer him first aid until he died. After that, Israeli soldiers held Nasib’s corpse in custody. Israeli forces claimed that Nasib stabbed an Israeli soldier after he walked towards the Israeli soldiers, who were stationed at the abovementioned checkpoint.

Israeli forces and intelligence officers raided and searched later the house of Abu Meizar’s family in Kafer ‘Aqab village. They arrested his brother Najib. Abu Meizar’s family said that Nasib did not attempt to carry out a stabbing and he was killed due to a fight erupted between him and a soldier at the checkpoint. Nasib beat the soldier on his head after which the soldiers shot him dead.

 

Arrests and Incursions:

 

• At approximately 02:00 on Thursday, 29 September 2016, Israeli forces moved into Qalandiya refugee camp, north of East Jerusalem. They raided and searched a house belonging to Fawzi Mtair and then arrested his son Mohammed (22).

 

• At approximately 04:00, Israeli forces moved into al-‘Ezariya village, east of East Jerusalem. They raided and searched a house belonging to Walid Abu Rumi. They then arrested his son Yusuf (22).

 

• At approximately 14:00 on Friday, 30 September 2016, Israeli forces arrested Mesbah Sbaih Mesbah Abu Sbaih (39) when he was present near al-Asbat Gate in the Old City in East Jerusalem.

 

• At approximately 01:00 on Sunday, 02 October 2016, Israeli forces moved into al-Tour village, east of the Old City in East Jerusalem. They raided and searched a number of houses after which they arrested 3 civilians, including a child. The arrested civilians were identified as Mahmud Ahmed Halabi (18), Mohammed Naji Abu Jom’ah (15) and Saifedin Abu Jom’ah (21).

 

• At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into a number of neighbourhoods in the Old City in East Jerusalem. They raided and searched dozens of houses in the area. They then arrested 14 civilians, including a woman, and took them to al-Qishlah police station for interrogation. Later on, the police released them on condition that they do not enter al-Aqsa mosque for two weeks. (PCHR keeps the name of the arrested civilians).

 

• Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Silwan village, south of the Old City in East Jerusalem. They raided and searched the house of Jaber al-Abasi. They then arrested his son Mohammed (16).

 

• At approximately 13:00, Israeli forces arrested Rebhi Khader Abu al-Hummus (72) from al-‘Isawiyah village, northeast of Jerusalem, while passing through Za’im checkpoint, east of the city.

 

• At approximately 03:00 on Wednesday, 05 October 2016, Israeli forces moved into Ayoub Well neighbourhood in Silwan village, south of the Old City in East Jerusalem. They raided and searched a number of houses after which they arrested Mohammed Mousa al-‘Abasi (25).

 House demolitions and demolition notices

 

• On Monday, 03 October 2016, Samer Khalil Edkedak (43) self-demolished part of his house in al-Sa’diah neighborhood in the Old City in East Jerusalem in implementation of the Israeli municipality decision under the pretext of building without a license.

Samer Edkedak said to PCHR’s fieldworker that a year and half ago, he built a second floor of tin plates over his house. He emphasized that he added the building after he and his wife and 3 children used to live in one room in the first floor that is of around 10 meters. Samer added that the municipality crew raided his house last June and handed him an administrative demolition decision under the pretext of building without a license. He also pointed that the municipality threatened him to impose construction fines in addition to paying demolition costs for the crews if he did not implement the demolition himself. Samer said: “I had to implement the demolition myself because the municipality imposes expensive construction fines on civilians. I work in a factory whereas two of my sons are college students. I will not be able to pay dozens of thousands of shekels if the municipality implemented the demolition”.

 

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

 

Israeli Forces Attacks:

 

• On Sunday, 01 October 2016, a fire broke out in Sharif Valley area in the western side of Silwad village, northeast of Ramallah. More than 30 olive trees belonging to Mohammed Baker Hamed caught fire. Eyewitness said to PCHR’s fieldworker that they saw Israeli soldiers patrolling Sharif Valley area, which is an agricultural area, had fired sound bomb that caused the fire. Shathah Hammad (27), Journalist at Jerusalem News Network from Silwad village said that fire continued from Saturday afternoon until 23:00 in the evening despite attempts of the Civil Defence to extinguish the fire. She also mentioned that on Sunday morning, 02 October 2016, she and her colleague Sandi Khalil (25), a reporter at Arab 48 official website, went to document the effects of the attack. However, Israeli soldiers attacked them and erased the photos from their cameras. She emphasized that a soldier pulled their cameras by force and erased all photos and then returned them.

 

• At approximately 10:00 on Sunday, 02 October 2016, Israeli forces accompanied of a military jeep and a car belonging to the Civil Administration moved into Khelet al-Hajar area, east of Yatta, south of Hebron. An officer of the Civil Administration handed Mohammed Mohammed al-‘Azazmah a notice to halt construction works in his under construction house that is built on an area of around 100 square meters under the pretext of building without a license.

 Israeli Settlers Attacks:   

• At approximately 17:10 on Sunday, 02 October 2016, an Israeli settler from “Karnei Shomron” settlement attacked a car belonging to Samih Abdul Karim Nazal, Police Chief of Qalqiliyah, after the latter parked his car on the main road that links Qalqiliyah and Nablus, and had gone to his family that was reaping the olives in the abovementioned area. As a result, the windscreen and tires were damaged as the settler used a sharp tool. The damage was estimated at around NIS 1,000.

Samih said to PCHR’s fieldworker: “At approximately 17:10 on Sunday, 02 October 2016, my wife and children needed some stuff as they were reaping olives in a place near Azoun village opposite to Qalqiliyah-Nablus street. I brought the stuff and parked the car near the land, after which I heard something happening around and saw a speeding car with a yellow registration plate driven by a settler fleeing. When I checked my car, I found that the settler had broken the windscreen and damaged the side of the car and then fled. The damage was estimated at around NIS 1,000”.

 

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