Jerusalem
– Israeli forces impose additional restrictions in occupied Jerusalem
Israeli forces continue systematic attacks against Palestinian civilians
and property in the occupied Palestinian territory (oPt)
·Israeli forces killed 2 Palestinian civilians in
occupied East Jerusalem.
Israeli forces continued to use force against peaceful
protests in the West Bank.
2 Palestinian civilians, including a child, were
wounded during al-Nabi Saleh protest, northwest of Ramallah.
11 civilians, including 3 children, were wounded
during other protests.
3 civilians, including headmistress of al-Mukabber
Secondary School and a student, were wounded in occupied East Jerusalem.
Israeli forces conducted 45 incursions into
Palestinian communities in the West Bank.
50 Palestinian civilians, including 10 children and 2
women, were arrested
35 of those civilians, including 8 children and a woman,
were arrested in occupied Jerusalem.
3 Palestinian civilians, including 2 children, were
arrested by Israeli forces in the Gaza Strip while sneaking into Israel via the
border fence.
Israel continued to impose a total closure on the oPt
and has isolated the Gaza Strip from the outside world.
Israeli
forces established dozens of checkpoints in the West Bank.
At Palestinian civilian was arrested at a military
checkpoint in the West Bank.
Efforts to create Jewish majority in occupied East
Jerusalem.
Al-Aqsa mosque was completely closed for the first
time since the city was occupied, but it was partially opened later.
3 houses were demolished in Selwan village and al-Tour
neighbourhood.
Israeli government decided to impose a 20-year-imprisonment
against Jerusalemite children throwing stones at Israeli soldiers.
Israeli forces continued to support settlement
activities in the West Bank and Israeli settlers continued to attack
Palestinian civilians and property.
A bulldozer and digger were confiscated under the
pretext they worked in area (C).
3 sheds, 2 tents and 5 dunums planted with almonds and
olive trees were demolished.
Summary
Israeli violations of international law and international
humanitarian law in the oPt continued during the reporting period (30
October – 05 November 2014).
In a
serious development, during the reporting period, Israeli forces closed the
gates of al-Aqsa Mosque and allowed dozens of thousands of settlers and
extremist settler groups led by Israeli ministers and members of the Knesset
into the mosque’s yards to perform Talmudic prayers. The Israeli government
also threatens to divide the mosque like the division of the Ibrahimi Mosque in
Hebron since Baruch Goldstein committed a massacre on 25 February 1994, when 29
Palestinian worshipers were killed. PCHR confirms the legal status of East
Jerusalem as an occupied city and stresses that such decisions and measures are
part of the Israeli government’s schemes to fully creating a Jewish demographic
majority in the city.
Shooting:
During the reporting period, Israeli forces killed 2
Palestinian civilians in occupied East Jerusalem and wounded 16 civilians,
including 5 children and 2 women; 3 of whom were wounded in occupied East Jerusalem,
including a child and a woman.
In the West Bank, in
excessive use of force, on 30
October 2014, Israeli forces killed a Palestinian civilian in al-Thawri
neighbourhood in East Jerusalem. They claimed that he attempted to assassinate
Rabbi Yehuda Glick on the previous night.
On 05 November 2014, in excessive use of force as
well, Israeli forces killed a Palestinian civilian, who drove his van into a
group of persons waiting at a light rail in al-Sheikh Jarrah neighbourhood,
north of the Old City of East Jerusalem. As a result, an Israeli officer was
killed and 13 others sustained various wounds. It should be noted that Israeli
forces could wound the attacker and arrest him, especially as he was not armed.
Israeli forces used excessive force against peaceful
protests organised 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, a 12-year-old male sustained
a bullet wound to the right leg and a 27-year-old male sustained a (toto)
bullet wound to the right leg also during al-Nabi Saleh weekly protest,
northwest of Ramallah.
In the same context, 11 Palestinian civilians,
including 3 children and an elderly woman, were wounded during other protests against
attacks by the Israeli forces and settlers in al-Aqsa Mosque. On 30 October
2014, a 17-year-old male was hit by a gas canister to the head during a protest
organized by dozens of school students near Attara checkpoint, north of Bir Zeit
village, north of Ramallah. Moreover, on the same day, a 19-year-old male
sustained a bullet wound to the left leg during a protest, east of Abween village,
northwest of the city. On 31 October 2014, 6 civilians, including 3 children
and an elderly woman were wounded during a protest around Qalandya checkpoint,
north of occupied Jerusalem. On 02 November 2014, 3 civilians were wounded
during a protest organized around Qalandya checkpoint too.
In East Jerusalem, on 31 October 2014, a 43-year-old
male sustained shrapnel wound to the head when Israeli forces raided the
condolences tent of Mo’taz Hejazi in al-Thawri neighbourhood, east of East
Jerusalem, and fired sound bombs and tear gas canisters at mourners in the
tent.
On 03 October 2014, Israeli special forces wounded
headmistress of al-Mukabber Secondary School and a student when Israeli forces
raided the school under the pretext of looking for “young men who threw
stones at them and fled”.
Incursions:
During the reporting period, Israeli forces conducted
at least 45 military incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank. During
these incursions, Israeli forces arrested at least 50 Palestinians, including 10
children and 2 women. Thirty-five of
these civilians, including 8 children and a woman, were arrested in East Jerusalem.
In the Gaza Strip, Israeli forces arrested a child and
a young man while attempting to sneak into Israel in search for work via the
border fence, east of Johr al-Deek, in the central Gaza Strip.
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 7 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. During the reporting period, Israeli forces arrested
a Palestinian patient who obtained a permit to travel to the West Bank for
medical treatment, while another civilian accompanying his father was arrested
while the father was denied travel for medical treatment.
Israeli forces have continued to impose severe
restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians throughout the West Bank,
including occupied East Jerusalem. Thousands of Palestinian civilians from the
West Bank and the Gaza Strip continue to be denied access to Jerusalem.
Efforts to Create a Jewish Majority in Jerusalem
Israeli forces killed a
Palestinian civilian in al-Thawri neighborhood, east of the Old City in
Jerusalem. They claimed that the aforementioned shot at Rabbi Yehuda Glick the
night before.
Hundreds of Palestinians
gathered at the entrance of Wadi al-Jouz neighborhood near al-Asbat Gate in the
Old City in Jerusalem to organize a demonstration in protest and condemnation
of the killing of Mutaz Hijazi. Israeli forces arrested Tawfiq Ibrahim al-Kherbawi
(23) and took him to an unknown destination.
Furthermore, Israeli forces raided a
condolences tent for Mutaz Hijazi in al-Thouri neighborhood. They fired sound
bombs and tear gas canisters at the people. As a result, Attya Shabanah (43) sustained shrapnel wounds
after he was hit a sound bomb to his head.
Israeli forces killed a
Palestinian civilian when he stormed the light train station with his
commercial car in Shimoun Street, in al-Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood, north of
the Old City in Jerusalem, and ran over a group of people who were standing
there.
On30 October 2014, Israeli
authorities closed all gates of the al-Aqsa Mosque for the first time since the
city was occupied in 1967. Moreover, Israeli forces besieged the mosque and
denied Palestinian worshippers access to it to perform their 5 daily prayers.
Moreover, the employees of the
Islamic Endowments (Waqef) in Jerusalem discovered a hole leading to al-Aqsa Mosque
from a tomb in al-Rahma Gate cemetery. They discovered that an anonymous person
or more tried to raid the mosque through the hole which was dug under an
archeological site.
In the context of a policy of
destroying civilian’s homes, Israeli forces destroyed two houses belonging to
Khalil Abu Rajab and Isam Abu Sbeih in Yasoul neighborhood in Silwan village,
south of the Old City in Jerusalem.
Moreover, an Israeli bulldozer
destroyed a house under construction belonging to Hasan Shueib al-Hidra in the
New Street area under the pretext of building in a “C” area according to Oslo
Accords without a prior license from the Israeli authorities.
During the reporting period,
Israeli forces arrested 3 Palestinian civilians, including a woman and a child,
in East Jerusalem.
As part of the Israeli policies
aiming to suppress protests against the Israeli practices in the city, in which
children participate, on Sunday, 02 November 2014, the Israeli government
approved a bill to impose additional penalties on Palestinian children, who
throw stones at Israeli soldiers, mounting to 20-year imprisonment sentences.
Settlers’ Attacks:
An Israeli settler deliberately
ran down Yahya Ahmed Darwich (36) from al-Isawiah village, north of Jerusalem
when he was riding his motorcycle in Street No. 1 near al-Sheikh Jarrah
neighborhood. Moreover, another Israeli settler deliberately ran down Ali al-Sahwish
(21) from the Old City in Jerusalem.
Settlement activities
Israel has continued its settlement activities in the
oPt, in a direct violation of international humanitarian law, and Israeli
settlers have continued to attack Palestinian civilians and property.
On 30 October 2014, Israeli
forces moved into al-Zghfan area in al-Shiukh village, northeast of Hebron.
They stationed near al-Taqadum Company for Marble and confiscated a digging
machine and a saw. They also confiscated a bulldozer belonging to Adnan Nimer Taqatqa
under the pretext of building in a “C” area according to Oslo Accords without a
prior license from the Israeli authorities.
On 02 November 2014, Israeli
forces backed by military vehicles and a vehicle belonging to the Construction
and Organization Department in the Civil Administration moved into Atouf area,
east of Tubas. They confiscated digging machines.
Furthermore, Israeli forces
backed by military vehicles and a vehicle belonging to the Construction and
Organization Department in the Civil Administration and 3 GCB bulldozers moved
into Khilat Abu Nakhla area in the southern side of Doura. They also moved into
Kherbat Um al-Kheir, east of Yatta, south of Hebron.
Israeli Violations Documented during the Reporting Period
(30 October 05 November 2014)
1. Incursions into Palestinian Areas, and Attacks on Palestinian Civilians
and Property in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip
Thursday, 30 October 2014
· At approximately 01:30, Israeli forces moved into
Sorif village, west of Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to
Ahmed Mohammed Hasan al-Namourah. They arrested his brother, Mahmoud (24) and
later withdrew taking him to an unknown destination.
· At approximately 02:45, Israeli forces moved into Deir
Abu Mash’al, northwest of Ramallah. They
raided and searched 3 houses from which they arrested 3 civilians, including a
child, and took them to an unknown destination.
The arrested persons were identified as ‘Oday Yehia Barghouthi (23);
Hasan Kamal Hasan Zahran (19) and Khamis Nasser Khamis Hbeis (17).
· At approximately 04:30, Israeli forces moved into
Jenin refugee camp adjacent to Jenin.
They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Osayd
Haitham ‘Awad Abu Zeinah (24) and arrested him.
· Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into
al-‘Arqah village, west of Jenin. They
raided and searched a house belonging to the family of ‘Ezz al-Deen Jameel
Mohammed Saleh (25) and arrested him.
Note: During the aforementioned day,
Israeli forces carried out incursions in the following areas, but no arrests
were reported: al-Summou’a village, south of Hebron and Bir al-Basha, south of
Jenin.
Friday, 31 October2014
· At approximately 01:00, Israeli forces moved into
Dura, southwest of Hebron. They
stationed in Kena neighbourhood, east of Dura, and then raided and searched a
house belonging to the family of Mohammed Ibrahim al-Fasfous, whom they
arrested.
· Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into
al-Zababdah village, southeast of Jenin.
They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Aysar
Ibrahim Khalil Turkman (30) and arrested him.
· At approximately 03:00, Israeli forces moved into Beit
Leed village, east of Tulkarm. They
raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Samir Ahmed ‘Abdel Jalil
Hmeidah (22) and arrested him. They then
raided and searched a house belonging to his uncle, from which they arrested
his cousin Yazan Mphammed ‘Abdel Jalil Hmeidah (19).
· At approximately 02:30, Israeli forces moved into
Sorif village, northwest of Hebron. They
stationed in al-Za’amout area, west of the village, and then raided a number of
houses and took cell phone numbers of the owners. Israeli forces later withdrew, and no further
incidents happened.
Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces carried out incursions
in the following areas, but no arrests were reported: al-‘Arroub refugee camp,
north of Hebron; al-Mowareq village, south of Dura, southwest of the city;
Ya’bod village, southwest of Jenin; the villages of Beit ‘Oar al-Tahta,
southwest of Ramallah; and Deir Debwan, northeast of the city.
· At approximately 00:30, Israeli forces stationed on
the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel, east of Gaza Valley (Johr
al-Deek) arrested a child and a young man when they tried to corss the
aforementioned border fence. The
arrested persons were identified as Mohammed Mustafa Soliman al-Sawarkah (17)
and Mahmoud Mohammed ‘Atallah al-Sawarkah (22).
Ahmed Mohamed al-Sawarkah, Mahmoud’s brother, said that one of his
relatives saw Mohammed and Mahmoud trying to cross the border fence, east of
the village and that the Israeli forces arrested them.
Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces
carried out incursions in the following areas, but no arrests were reported: Yasouf
village, east of Salfit; Beit Loqaya village, southwest of Ramallah; Borin
village, south of Nablus; al-Shyoukh village and al-Fawar refugee camp in
Hebron.
Sunday, 02 November 2014
· At approximately 01:00, Israeli forces moved into Beit
Ummar village, north of Hebron. They
raided and searched a house belonging to Mahmoud Mohammed Mesleh ‘Awad (26),
Member of Beit Ummar Sport Club, and arrested him.
· At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces backed by
military vehicles moved into Beitin village, northeast of Ramallah. They stationed in the center of the village and then raided and searched a house
belonging to the family of Ahmed Kayed Hussein Hamed (22), whom they
arrested.
· At approximately 02:30, Israeli forces moved into Beit
Loqia village, southwest of Ramallah.
They stationed in the western neighbourhood and then raided and searched
a house belonging to the family of Mamdouh Mofid Mahmoud ‘Asi (28), whom they
arrested. It should be mentioned that ‘Asi
is an officer in the Palestinian General Intelligence.
· Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into
several neighbourhoods in the centre of Hebron.
They stationed in al-Dahdah area and then raided and searched a house
belonging to ‘Omer ‘Abdel Qader Abu ‘Eishah (55). They handed him a summons to refer to the
Israeli Intelligence in “Gosh ‘Etzion” settlement, south of Bethlehem. Meanwhile, Israeli forces raided and searched
a house belonging to Sa’ed ‘Abdel ‘Afw al-Qawasmah (65), whom they handed a
summons as well. At approximately 03:00,
Israeli forces patrolled the streets to Be’r al-Mahjar area and then raided and
searched a house belonging to the family of Islam Abu ‘Eishah, whom they also
handed a summons to refer to the Israeli Intelligence. They also raided and searched the house of
Mo’ataz Taysir al-Natsheh (25), whom they arrested.
· Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Beit
Oula village, south of Hebron. They
stationed in the centre of the village and then raided and searched a house
belonging to the family of Raed ‘Abdel ‘Afw al-‘Emlah (35). They arrested the aforementioned person.
· At approximately 16:00, Israeli forces stationed along
the border fence, east of al-Bureij in the central Gaza Strip, arrested Akram
Mohammed al-‘Awawdah (15) while trying to pass the border fence between the
Gaza Strip and Israel. The child’s uncle,
Ayman Mohammed al-‘Awawdah (40), said that he received a call on his cell phone
from a person who introduced himself as
an Israeli police officer in the “Ofkim” area. He told him that his nephew is arrested and
will be transferred to the court.
Ibrahim talked to his uncle and told him that he is fine and under
arrest and then hung up.
Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces
carried out incursions in the following areas, but no arrests were reported:
the villages of ‘Abwin, Kherbtha al-Mesbah and Beit Sira in Ramallah; Far’on
village, south of Tulkarm; Kisan village, east of Bethlehem; and Beit Kahel
villaghe, north of Hebron.
Monday, 03 November 2014
· In the dawn, Israeli forces moved into al-Jalamah
village, north of Jenin. They raided and
searched a house belonging to Yasmin Taysir ‘Abdel Rahman Sha’ban (31), whom
they arrested.
· At approximately 02:30, Israeli forces moved into
al-Tabaqah village, south of Dura, southwest of Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to
the family of Mahmoud ‘Abdel Muhsen Abu Ras (55), and arrested his son, Seif
(17). At approximately 03:00, Israeli
forces patrolled the streets to al-Beid area and then raided and searched a
house belonging to the family of Taysir Khalil Hamdan (60), but no arrests were
reported. Meanwhile, two Israeli
vehicles arrived at Kharab Abu al-Rub, west of the village, and surrounded a
house belonging to the family of Haitham Yousif Hamad Abu ‘Atwan (47). They raided and searched the house and then
handed his son, Yousif (17), a summons to refer to the Israeli intelligence in
“Gosh Etzion” settlement, south of Bethlehem.
· Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Dura
al-Qare’a village, northeast of Ramallah.
They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Amjad
Mohammed Hasan al-Rebei’i (26), whom they arrested.
Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces
carried out incursions in the following areas, but no arrests were reported: Kafr
al-Deek village west of Salfit; and al-Majd village, north of Hebron.
Tuesday, 04 November 2014
· At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into Beit
Ummar village, north of Hebron. They
raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Mohammed ‘Ayyad ‘Awad
(50) and handed his son, Ahmed (17), a summons to refer to the Israeli intelligence
in “Gosh Etzion” settlement, south of Bethlehem. Meanwhile, Israeli forces raided and searched
a house belonging to Nadeem Samir Ekhlayel (22), whom they arrested d. They also raided and searched a house
belonging to Mohammed Khalil Salman Sabarnah (19), whom they arrested. At approximately 03:30, Israeli forces withdrew
taking the arrested persons to an unknown destination.
· At approximately 02:30, Israeli forces backed by
military vehicles moved into Ni’lin village, west of Ramallah. They raided and searched a house belonging to
the family of Jom’ah Hasan al-Khoja (30), whom they arrested. .
· At approximately 05:00, Israeli forces moved into
Jenin refugee camp adjacent to Jenin.
They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Mojahed
Ahmed ‘Ali Abu al-‘Ezz (19), whom they arrested.
Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces carried out incursions
in the following areas, but no arrests were reported: the villages of al-Sorah
and Kharas in Hebron.
Wednesday, 05 November 2014
· At approximately 02:30, Israeli forces moved into
several quarters in Selwad village, northeast of Ramallah. They raided and searched
a house belonging to the family of Mohammed Hazem ‘Ali Hammad (18), whom they
arrested. Meanwhile, Israeli forces
raided and searched a house belonging to ‘Abdel Rahman Saleh Saleh. An Israeli officer questioned him on the spot
about the place of his son, Majd (17).
According to Saleh, his son was arrested after he received a summons to
refer to the Israeli police in “Benyamin”, north Occupied Jerusalem,
on Wednesday, 29 October 2014.
· At approximately 03:00, Israeli forces moved into
‘Atil village, north of Tulkarm. They
patrolled the streets when dozens of Palestinian boys and young men gathered to
throw stones and empty bottles at the Israeli vehicles. The Israeli forces in response fired sound
bombs and gas canisters at the stone-throwers to disperse them. Israeli forces then raided and searched a
house belonging to the family of ‘Abdel Khaleq Hashem ‘Abdel Karim Masimi (22)
and arrested him.
Note: During the
aforementioned day, Israeli forces carried out incursions in the following
areas, but no arrests were reported: al-‘Arroub refuee camp and al-Tabaqah
village in Hebron.
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, 2 Palestinian civilians, including a child, were
wounded during al-Nabi Saleh weekly protest, northwest of Ramallah.
In the same context, 11 Palestinian civilians, including 3
children, were wounded during protests organized against the Israeli forces’
and settlers’ attacks in al-Aqsa mosque in Jerusalem.
(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 31 October
2014, 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 demonstrators took the streets raising the Palestinian flags
and headed to the liberated territories near the annexation wall. Early in the
morning, Israeli forces closed all entrances to the city to prevent Palestinian
civilians and international and Israeli human rights defenders from
participating in the protests. 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 steel bullets, sound bombs and waste
water at them and chased them into the olive fields. As a result, dozens of civilians suffered tear gas
inhalation and others sustained bruises as they were beaten up by
Israeli soldiers.
· On the same day, 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, many civilians suffered tear gas inhalation and sustained
bruises as they were beaten up by Israeli soldiers.
· Around the same time,
dozens of Palestinian civilians and Israeli and international human rights
defenders organised a peaceful demonstration in al-Nabi Saleh village,
southwest of Ramallah, in protest at the construction of the annexation wall
and settlement activities. Demonstrators made their way in the streets raising
the Palestinian flags and chanting slogans against the occupation and in support
of the Palestinian unity resistance, and then they headed to the lands that the
settlers are trying to rob by force near “Halmish” settlement. Israeli forces
had closed all the entrances of the village since the morning to prevent
Palestinian and international activists and journalists from participating in
the demonstration. When they arrived at the aforementioned land, demonstrators
were met by live bullets, tear gas canisters, rubber-coated steel bullets,
sound bombs and skunk water and were chased into the village. As a result, 12-year-old
Mohammed Basem Mohammed Tamimi sustained a bullet’s shrapnel wound to the right
leg and a 27-year-old male sustained a (toto) bullet wound to the right leg
too. He was taken to Yasser Arafat Hospital in Salfit for medical treatment.
· Also at approximately 13:20,
Palestinian civilians and international solidarity activists organized a
protest in the center 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, several protestors suffered tear gas inhalation. Moreover,
Israeli forces sprayed skunk water at civilians and houses around and used
bulldozers to gather stones in front of houses in the main road, but no further
incidents were reported.
· At approximately 11:00 on
Saturday, 01 November 2014, Palestinian civilians and participants from the
popular committee against the annexation wall and settlement activities in the
southern West Bank made their way in the streets from Sourif village, northwest
of Hebron, to al-Jab’a checkpoint, northwest of the city. Israeli forces
arrived at the area and surrounded the protest. In the meantime, members of the
popular committee damaged the metal gate and removed the cement cubes away from
the road. In response, Israeli forces heavily fired gas canisters and harshly
beat the participants, but no arrests were reported.
Other Demonstrations
· On Thursday afternoon, 30 October
2014, dozens of Palestinian school students
gathered neat Attara checkpoint, north of Birzait village, north of Ramallah.
They set fire to tires and threw stones and empty bottles at Israeli soldiers,
who fired live ammunition, rubber-coated metal bullets, sound bombs and tear
gas canisters in response. As a result, a 17-year-old male was hit by a gas
canister to the head and many others suffered tear gas inhalation.
· On Thursday afternoon, dozens of
Palestinians youngsters gathered in the east of ‘Abween village, northwest of
Ramallah, overlooking street (60), and threw stones at the street. Due to
which, Israeli forces deployed in the area fired live ammunition, rubber-coated
metal bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters. As a result, a 19-year-old male
sustained a bullet wound to the left leg and many others suffered tear gas
inhalation.
· Following the Friday prayer, on
31 October 2014, dozens of Palestinians
gathered at the entrances
of Qalandya refugee camp, north of occupied Jerusalem, to organize a protest at
the Israeli forces’ and settlers’ attacks in al-Aqsa mosque. Israeli heavily
armed forces were deployed in the area. The protestors set fire to tires and
threw stones and empty bottles at Israeli soldiers, who fired live ammunition,
rubber-coated metal bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters in response. As
a result, 6 civilians, including 3 children and an elderly woman, were wounded.
63-year-old Zaina Ibrahim Yusef Jadallh was hit by a sound bomb to the left
knee, while a 14-year-old male sustained a bullet wound to the left thigh, a
16-year-old male sustained a bullet wound to the abdomen causing holes in the
intestines, a 17-year-old male sustained a bullet wound to the right leg, an
18-year-old male sustained 2 bullet wounds to the right and left ankles and a
23-year-old male sustained a bullet wound to the right eye.
· On Friday afternoon, dozens of Palestinian civilians
gathered at the western entrance of Selwad village,
northeast of Ramallah, on Selwad-Yabroud road near street (60) to organize a
protest against Israeli policies. The protestors set fire to tires
and threw stones and empty bottles at Israeli soldiers, who fired live
ammunition, rubber-coated metal bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters in
response. As a result, a number of protestors suffered tear gas inhalation and
others sustained bruises as they were beaten up by Israeli soldiers. Moreover,
Israeli soldiers arrested Ali Dar Ali (29), a reporter of Palestine TV, and
detained him for an hour near the military watchtower. He was then taken “Benjamin”
police station, north of Jerusalem. At approximately 20:15, he was released
from the Israeli military liaison office in “Beit Eil” camp and submitted
to the Palestinian liaison office, but Israeli forces confiscated his press
vest.
· Also on Friday afternoon, dozens of Palestinian young
men gathered from different areas in Ramallah and
al-Bireh around Ofer detention facility, southwest of Ramallah, in protest at
the Israeli practices in al-Aqsa mosque. They made their way towards the
facility’s gate, which was closed by Israeli soldiers. The protestors set fire
to tires and threw stones and empty bottles at Israeli soldiers, who
fired live ammunition, rubber-coated metal bullets, sound bombs and tear gas
canisters in response. As a result, a number of protestors suffered tear gas
inhalation and others sustained bruises as they were beaten up by Israeli
soldiers.
· At approximately 02:00, on the abovementioned day, dozens of Palestinians organized a protest at the western
entrance of Taqou’ village, southeast of Bethlehem, in protest at the Israeli
measures to create Jewish majority in Jerusalem. The protestors threw
stones and empty bottles at Israeli soldiers, who fired live ammunition,
rubber-coated metal bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters in response. As
a result, a number of protestors suffered tear gas inhalation.
· At approximately 13:00 on Sunday, 02 November 2014,
dozens of Palestinians and human rights activists gathered in front of Qalandya
refugee camp, north of Jerusalem, in protest at the Israeli settlers’ and
forces’ attacks in al-Aqsa mosque and marking the 97th anniversary
of Balfour Declaration. They headed towards Qalandya checkpoint between
Jerusalem and Ramallah, where Israeli heavily armed forces were deployed. The
protestors set fire to tires and threw stones and empty bottles at Israeli soldiers, who
fired live ammunition, rubber-coated metal bullets, sound bombs and tear gas
canisters in response. As a result, 3 civilians were wounded: an 18-year-old
male sustained a bullet wound to the left knee; an 18-year-old male sustained a
bullet wound to the left knee too; and a 19-year-old male sustained a bullet
wound to the right leg.
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 for 9 months 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 crisis has unprecedentedly aggravated for around six weeks
due to cold weather and overconsumption in addition to the power outage and
using gas as an alternative in many instances of electricity. 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 6 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. Last week, 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.
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.
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: At approximately 07:00 on
Thursday, 30 October 2014, Israeli forces established two checkpoint; the first
one was at the northern entrance of Hebron and the second was at the entrance
of Sa’ir village, east of the city. Later, the two checkpoints were removed and
no arrests were reported.
At approximately 07:30 on Friday, 31 October 2014, Israeli forces
established a checkpoint at the entrance of Beit ‘Awa village, south of Dura,
southwest of the city. Later the checkpoint was removed and no arrests were
reported.
At approximately 07:30 on Saturday, 01 November 2014, Israeli
forces established a checkpoint at the entrance of Beit ‘Awa village, south of
Dura, southwest of the city. Later the checkpoint was removed and no arrests
were reported.
At approximately 04:30 on Sunday, 02 November 2014, Israeli force
established a checkpoint at the entrance of ‘Aroub refugee camp, north of
Hebron. The checkpoint was later removed, and no arrests were reported.
At approximately 03:30 on Monday, 03 November 2014, Israeli forces
established a checkpoint at the entrance of Taramah village, south of Dura,
southwest of Hebron. The checkpoint was
later removed , and no arrests were reported.
At approximately 03:30 on Tuesday, 04 November 2014, Israeli
forces established a checkpoint at the entrance of al-Tabaqah village, south of
Dura, southwest of the city. The
checkpoint was later removed, and no arrests were reported.
At approximately 07:00 on Wednesday, 05 November 2014, Israeli
forces established a checkpoint at the northern entrance of Hebron. The checkpoint was later removed, and no
arrests were reported.
· Ramallah: On Thursday dawn, 30 October
2014, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the entrance of Nil’in
village, west of the city. At approximately 18:30, another checkpoint was established
under Kharbtha al-Misbah Bridge, southwest of the city. All checkpoints were removed.
At approximately 10:30 on Friday, 31 October 2014, Israeli forces
established a checkpoint at the entrance of al-Nabi Saleh village, south of the
city. At approximately 18:00, another
checkpoint was established at the intersection of Beit ‘Oar al-Foqa village,
southwest of Ramallah. At approximately
20:30, they established a similar checkpoint under the bridge of Yabrod village,
northeast of Ramallah. All checkpoints
were removed and no arrests were reported.
· Jericho: At approximately 10:30 on
Thursday, 30 October 2014, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the
entrance of Fasail viilage, north of the city.
Later, the checkpoint was removed and no arrests were reported.
At approximately 20:00 on Friday, 31 October 2014, Israeli forces
established a checkpoint at the southern entrance of the city. The checkpoint was later removed and no
arrests were reported.
· Jenin: At approximately 12:30 on
Thursday, 30 October 2014, Israeli forces established a checkpoint on the main
road between Jenin , Tulkarm and Nablus near the intersecftion of ‘Arrabah
village, south of Jenin. Later, the checkpoint was removed and no arrests were
reported.
At approximately 19:30 on Friday, 31 October 2014, Israeli forces
stationed at Barta’ah Checkpoint, which is established at the eastern entrance
of Bart’ah village isolated from its surrounding due to the annexation wall,
southwest of Jenin, closed the checkpoint under the pretext that a number of
boys threw stones at the Israeli forces stationed at the checkpoint. Israeli forces later re-established their
presence at the checkpoint and opened it again.
It should be mentioned that the aforementioned checkpoint is the only
passing point for the village residents with outside world. Therefore, if it was closed the village turns
into a big prison.
At approximately 17:00 on Tuesday, 04 November 2014, Israeli
forces established a checkpoint at the entrance of Kfeiret village, southwest
of Jenin. The checkpoint was later
removed, and no arrests were reported.
· Salfit: At approximately 22:30 on
Saturday, 01 November 2014, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the
electronic entrance of Salfit near “Arayel” settlement established
north of the aforementioned city. The checkpoint was later removed and no
arrests were reported.
At approximately 07:10 on Monday, 03 November
2014, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the northern entrance of
Salfit. At approximately 18:00, they established a similar checkpoint at the
western entrance of Deir Istayyah village, northwest of the city. At
approximately 22:00, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the western
entrance of Haris village, northwest of the city. No further incidents were
reported.
· Qalqilya: At approximately 16:10 on
Thursday, 01 November 2014, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the
intersection of Jeet village, northeast of Qalqilya. They detained Rajaa’I Hamed Jaber Msalam and
released him at approximately 16:50. No further incidents were reported.
At approximately 09:00 on Saturday, 01 November 2014, Israeli
forces established a checkpoint near Jeet village, northeast of Qalqilya. At
approximately 11:00, the checkpoint was removed, and no arrests were
reported. At approximately 16:00,
another checkpoint was established between Jayous and ‘Azoun villages, north of
Qalqilya. At approximately 17:00, the
checkpoint was removed, and no arrests were reported. At approximately 19:45, Israeli forces
established a checkpoint at ‘Azoun village entrance, east of Qalqilya. The
checkpoint was removed, and no arrests were reported.
· Tulkarm: At approximately 04:00 on
Thursday, 30 October 2014, Israeli forces established a checkpoint on the main
road between Tulakrm and Nablus near the intersection of Beit Leed village,
east of Tulkarm. The checkpoint was
later removed, and no arrests were reported.
At approximately 19:00, Israeli forces stationed at ‘Inab checkpoint,
which is established on the main road between Tulkarm and Nablus, east of
Tulkarm, tightened it restriction against Palestinian civilians and obstructed
their movement. The tightening later was
ended, and no arrests were reported.
At approximately 17:00 on Friday, 31 October 2014, and at
approximately 19:00 on Saturday, 01 November 2014, they re-tightened restrictions at the
aforementioned checkpoint.
At approximately 20:00 on Sunday, 02 November 2014, Israeli forces
established a checkpoint on the main road between Tulkarm and Nablus near the
intersection of Beit Leed village, east of Tulkarm. The checkpoint was later removed, and no arrests
were reported.
At approximately 17:00 on Tuesday, 04 November 2014, Israeli
forces stationed at ‘Inab checkpoint established on the main road between
Tulkarm and Nablus, east of Tulkarm, tightened its restrictions against
Palestinian civilians. The tightening
later ended, and no arrests were reported.
At approximately 07:00 on Wednesday, 05 November 2014, Israeli
forces established a checkpoint on the main road between Tulkarm and Qalqilya
near the eastern entrance of Jubarah village.
The checkpoint was later removed, and no arrests were reported. It should be mentioned that Jubarah village
has been isolated from its surrounding for 10 years since al-Aqsa Intifada due
to the annexation wall, south of Tulkarm.
However, lately the course of the wall was changed to be passing west of
the village. As a result, the village
was re-merged with the nearby villages.
Arrests and Maltreatment at Military Checkpoints
· At approximately 18:00 on
Tuesday, 04 November 2014, Israeli forces established a checkpoint on the main
road between Tulkarm, Nablus and Jenin near the intersection of ‘Arrabah
village, south of Jenin. When a car, in
which Feras ‘Ali Hussein Sharidah (24) from ‘Arrabah village, south of Jenin,
was passing through the checkpoint, they forced him to get out of the car. He was then arrested and taken to an unknown
destination. The checkpoint was later removed, and no further incidents were
reported.
4. Efforts
to create a Jewish demographic majority in occupied East Jerusalem
· On Thursday, 30 October 2014,
Israeli forces killed a Palestinian civilian in al-Thawri neighborhood, east of
the Old City in Jerusalem. They claimed that the aforementioned shot at Rabbi
Yehuda Glick the night before.
According to investigations conducted
by PCHR, on the aforementioned day, Israeli forces moved in al-Thouri
neighborhood and surrounded the area. They went up the roofs of houses next to
that of Mutaz Ibrahim Hijazi (32) and opened fire at him on the roof of his
house. As a result, he was hit by 20 bullet wounds. They then threw the solar
panel over his body to make sure he’s dead. Muhammad Mahmoud, lawyer for
al-Damir Association for Human rights, said that the judge of the Magistrate
Court issued a decision to hand the victim’s body to his family after it was
held by Israeli soldier. He was buried in al-Sahera Gate cemetery.
· Following the Friday prayer of
31 October 2014, hundreds of Palestinians gathered at the entrance of Wadi al-Jouz
neighborhood near al-Asbat Gate in the Old City in Jerusalem to organize a
demonstration in protest and condemnation of the killing of Mutaz Hijazi. When the demonstration arrived at al-Maqdisi
Street, Israeli forces fired tear gas canisters and rubber-coated metal bullets
to disperse them. As a result, many civilians suffered tear gas inhalation.
Furthermore, Israeli forces arrested Tawfiq Ibrahim al-Kherbawi (23) and took
him to an unknown destination.
· At approximately 17:00, Israeli forces raided
a condolences tent for Mutaz Hijazi in al-Thouri neighborhood. They fired sound
bombs and tear gas canisters at the people. Later, Palestinian youths threw
stones at Israeli soldiers so they open fire in response. As a result, Attya Shabanah (43)
sustained shrapnel wounds after he was hit a sound bomb to his head.
· On Wednesday, 05 November 2014,
Israeli forces killed a Palestinian civilian after he raided the light train
station with his commercial car in Shimoun Street, in al-Sheikh Jarrah
neighborhood, north of the Old City in Jerusalem, and ran down a group of
people who were standing there. He was shot form a short distance and was
killed on the spot.
According to investigations conducted by PCHR, at approximately
13:00, Ibrahim Muhammad Dawoud Akkari (48) raided the light train station with
his white Ford Transit car and ran down a number of people standing there. He
then got off his car and started beating up the people who were passing there.
Immediately, Israeli border guards opened fire and killed him. The accident
resulted in the killing of an Israeli officer and the wounding of 13 others.
· At approximately 06:00 on Thursday, 30 October
2014, Israeli authorities closed all gates of the al-Aqsa Mosque for the first
time since the city was occupied in 1967. Moreover, Israeli forces besieged the
mosque and denied Palestinian worshippers access to it to perform their 5 daily
prayers.
According to investigations
conducted by PCHR and statements of eyewitnesses, on the abovementioned day,
Israeli forces closed all gates of the al-Aqsa Mosque for worshippers from all
ages, erected checkpoints and deployed troops around. Moreover, Israeli forces
denied even students of al-Aqsa Shari’a Schools access to their school inside
(about 500 male and female students), and denied muezzins and Imams access to
the mosque. Only 8 persons, including Omar al-Kiswani, director of Al-Aqsa
Mosque, and some guards were able to get into the mosque. On the following day,
31 October 2014, thousands of Palestinian worshippers performed the Friday
prayer in the city streets, as males aged less than 50 were denied access to
the mosque for prayer. It should be noted that Friday was the fourth
consecutive Friday that young men were denied access to the mosque. According
to estimates of Mr. al-Kiswani, the number of those who performed the Friday
prayer in the mosque did not exceed 4,000 worshippers, and they were all
elderly men and women. Furthermore, Israeli forces closed the gates of the
mosque for students at al-Aqsa school for two consecutive days, arrested Hanadi
al-Helwani (31) on Sunday, 02 November 2014, and attacked and arrested Abdul
Rahman Sharif (34), a guard of the mosque.
· At approximately 14:00 on Tuesday, 04 November
2014, the employees of the Islamic Endowments (Waqef) in Jerusalem discovered a
hole leading to al-Aqsa Mosque from a tomb in al-Rahma gate cemetery. They
discovered that an anonymous person or more tried to raid the mosque through
the hole which was dug under an archeological site.
· At approximately 06:00 on Tuesday, 04 November
2014, Israeli forces destroyed two houses belonging to Khalil Abu Rajab and
Isam Abu Sbeih in Yasoul neighborhood in Silwan village, south of the Old City
in Jerusalem.
Abu Sbeih told PCHR that he
moved with his family of 5 persons to live in his house recently. He finished
preparing the first floor a week ago. He said the first floor had 3 furnished
rooms while the second floor was still under construction. Abu Rajab added that
he built his house 5 months ago and he lives with his family (8 persons) and
his mother on the first floor. The second floor of the house belongs to his
brother Ahmed. Israeli forces forcefully kicked his family out of the house and
did not give them a chance to evacuate their belongings.
· At approximately 07:00 on Wednesday, 05
November 2014, Israeli bulldozer destroyed a house under construction belonging
to Hasan Shueib al-Hidra in the New Street area under the pretext of building in a “C” area according to
Oslo Accords without a prior license from the Israeli authorities. Al-Hidra
told PCHR that Israeli Special Forces and bulldozers raided al-Tour
neighborhood and destroyed his house which was under constructed since 4 moths.
Al-Hidra mentioned that the destruction of his house was not preceded by a
warning or a destruction notice.
· At approximately 16:00 on
Thursday, 30 October 2014, Israeli forces moved into a house belonging to Musa
al-Qadi in the African neighborhood, which is close to the walls of al-Aqsa
mosque. They arrested his son Habib (21) after beating him up then took him to
an unknown destination.
· At approximately 14:00 on the aforementioned
day, Israeli forces moved into a house belonging to Tawfiq Abul Hawa in al-Tour
neighborhood in the Old City in Jerusalem. They arrested his son Naser (18) and
took him to an unknown distention.
· At approximately 19:00 on the
aforementioned day, Israeli forces moved into a house belonging to Muhammed
Ramadi in al-Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood in the Old City in Jerusalem. They
arrested his son Majed (19) and took him to an unknown distention.
· At approximately 19:00 on the
aforementioned day, Israeli forces moved into a building belonging to Jaber
al-Yasini in Silwan village, south of Jerusalem, claiming they were searching
for the stone throwers. They tried to arrest two children: one is two years old
and the other is nine. After searching,
it turned out that Mimati Asad Jaber was with his mother on the roof of their
house and accidently dropped a stone when Israeli soldiers were in the
area.
The child’s father said that the grandfather and the mother were
in the house during the raid and one of the soldiers told the grandfather that
they should raise their children not to throw stones. He added that they
searched his child Izz al-Dein al-Qassam Haber (9) after knowing his name and
tried to arrest him claiming he had colored stones in his pocket. After
searching him, it turned out that the colored stones were actually candy.
· At approximately 16:00 on
Saturday, 01 November 2014, Israeli forced arrested Yazan Muhammad al-Razem
when he was in al-Amoud gate in the Old City in Jerusalem after beating him up
and took him to the investigation center in Salah al-Dein Street.
· At approximately 20:00 on the
aforementioned day, Israeli forces moved into a house belonging to Ahmed
al-Bahar in Wadi al-Jouz neighborhood in the Old City in Jerusalem. They
arrested his son Yousif (15).
· At approximately 23:00, Israeli
forces moved into al-Thouri neighborhood and raided and searched a number of
houses. They arrested 4 civilians, including a child, and took them to an
unknown destination. The arrested civilians were identified as: Tareq Mahmoud
Sulaiman (19); Iyad Nouh Edkeik (22); Hamza Hijazi (21); and Suhaib Yousif
al-Rajbi (16).
· At approximately 05:00 on Sunday, 02 November
2014, Israeli forces moved into al-Iswaia village and raided and searched a
number of houses. They arrested 3 civilians, including a child, and took them
to an unknown destination. The arrested civilians were identified as: Ahmed
Atef Obeid (19); Shaker Mustafa (22); and Ali al-Karki (22).
· At approximately 11:30, Monday,
03 November 2014, Israeli forces moved into Jabal al-Mukabber Girls high school
in Jabal al-Mukaber village, southeast of Jerusalem. They attacked the teachers
and headmistress and the students.
According to eyewitness testimonies, Israeli Special forces moved
into the area two times within minutes. The first time was under the pretext of
looking for boys who threw stones at the school and ran towards it. Israeli
forces left the school after not finding the boys, however, the officer told
them to move into it back again. During the second time, they threw sound bombs
and tear gas canisters. As a result, Dima Eliyan the headmistress and one of
the students sustained shrapnel wounds. Moreover, 3 students suffered tear gas
inhalation.
· At approximately 16:00 on the
aforementioned day, Israeli forces moved into a house belonging to Walid
Dandash in Ras al-Amoud neighborhood in the Old City in Jerusalem. They
arrested his son Muath (16) and took him to an unknown distention.
· At approximately 19:00 on the
aforementioned day, Israeli forces moved into a house belonging to Muahmmed
Ghannam (29) in Silwan village. They arrested him and took him to an unknown
distention.
· At approximately 15:00, Israeli
forces arrested two children near their houses in al-Wad neighborhood in the
Old City in Jerusalem then took them to al-Qishla investigation center. They
were identified as: Abdullah Isamil Abu Sulb (11) and Muahmmed Ibrahim Asila
(12).
· At approximately 05:00 on
Tuesday, 05 November 2014, Israeli forces moved into al-Thouri neighborhood,
east of the Old City in Jerusalem. They
raided and searched a number of houses and arrested 13 persons, including a
child: Kathem Anous (16); Fadi Abu Sbeih; Sualiman al-Sayyad; Yousif Dari;
Ayyoub Abu al-Hawa; Mahmoud Shweiki; Badi Ghaith; Muahmmed Joulani; Yousif
Eskafi; Mahmoud Obeid; Mahmoud al-Jayyar; Muath Jayyar; Muath al-Rqazem; and
Alaa al-Razem.
· At approximately 19:00 on the
aforementioned day, Israeli forces moved into a house belonging to Muhammed
al-Qaq in Silwan village. They arrested his son Fuad (18).
· At approximately 19:00 on the
aforementioned day, Israeli forces moved into Wadi al-Jouz neighborhood and
raided and searched a number of houses. They arrested 3 civilians, including a
child, and took them to an unknown destination. The arrested were identified
as: Mutaz Akram al-Kilghasi (17); Muahmmed Naser Abu Dalou (19); and Zakaryya
Amin Hirbawi (22).
· As part of the Israeli policies
aiming to suppress protests against the Israeli practices in the city, in which
children participate, on Sunday, 02 November 2014, the Israeli government
approved a bill to impose additional penalties on Palestinian children, who
throw stones at Israeli soldiers, mounting to 20-year imprisonment sentences.
Office of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the government approved
the amendment of the bill in its weekly meeting. This amendment is supposed to
be discussed at the Knesset to be approved. According to the statement,
“New items will be added to the Penal Code in a way allowing the
imposition of penalties mounting to 20 years of imprisonment for those who
throw stones or objects at vehicles”.
Settler Attacks:
· At approximately 16:00 on
Friday, 31 October 2014, an Israeli settler deliberately ran down Yahya Ahmed
Darwich (36) from al-Isawiah village, north of Jerusalem when he was riding his
motorcycle in Street No. 1 near al-Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood. The
aforementioned civilian was moved to Hadasha Ain Karem hospital for treatment.
· At approximately 19:00 on the
aforementioned day, an Israeli settler deliberately ran down Ali al-Sahwish
(21) from the Old City in Jerusalem. The aforementioned was moved to Hadasha
Ain Karem hospital for treatment.
5. Settlement activities and attacks
by settlers against Palestinian civilians and property
· At approximately 09:00 on
Thursday, 30 October 2014, Israeli forces backed by military vehicles and a
vehicle belonging to the Construction and Organization Department in the Civil
Administration moved into al-Zghfan area in al-Shiukh village, northeast of
Hebron. They stationed near al-Taqadum Company for Marble and confiscated a
digging machine and a saw. They also confiscated a bulldozer belonging to Adnan
Nimer Taqatqa under the pretext of building in a “C” area according to Oslo
Accords without a prior license from the Israeli authorities.
· At approximately 11:30 on
Sunday, 02 November 2014, Israeli forces backed by military vehicles and a
vehicle belonging to the Construction and Organization Department in the Civil
Administration moved into Atouf area, east of Tubas. They confiscated a digging
machine carrying a Palestinian license of (6019939) belonging to al-Taimaa
Company for Construction. The digging machine was confiscated during repair
works on a bridge that was destroyed during the previous day rainfall in
al-Baqia area without declaring the reasons calling for this procedure.
· At approximately 06:00 on
Monday, 03 November 2014, Israeli forces accompanied by 2 bulldozers moved into
Kherbat al-Tawil area, southeast of Nablus. The 2 bulldozers destroyed the
flowing:
– Two residential sheds of an
area of 60 square meters belonging to Osama Anas Bani Fadhel, in which 11
persons, including 7 children, reside;
– A residential shed of an area
of 100 square meters belonging to Bahaa Marouf abdel Ghani Maragedah, in which
7 persons, including a child, reside;
– A base course road connecting
houses with the school; 16 holes were dug in the ground, and;
– Two bridges and a water
network funded by the Palestinian Hydrology Association.
It should be noted that the
houses which were destroyed date back to over 100 years and were rebuilt three
times since 19 April 2014 till today. In 29 September 2014, Israeli forces
destroyed the power network to force the residents to evacuate the area in
order to facilitate the expansion of “Etimar” settlement.
· At approximately 09:00 on the
aforementioned day, Israeli forces backed by military vehicles and a vehicle
belonging to the Construction and Organization Department in the Civil
Administration and 3 GCB bulldozers moved into Khilat Abu Nakhla area in the
southern side of Doura. They bulldozed an agricultural land in which more than
70 olive and almond trees are grown and destroyed the walls that surrounded it.
The land belongs to Yasser Abdel Minim Abdel Rahman al-Fakhouri (54) and his
brother Naser (50). Israeli claimed they were part of Absentees’ property.
· At approximately 09:00 on
Wednesday, 05 November 2014, Israeli forces backed by military vehicles and a
vehicle belonging to the Construction and Organization Department in the Civil
Administration moved into Kherbat Um al-Kheir, east of Yatta, south of Hebron.
They deployed and destroyed two tents then confiscated them. It should be noted
that the two tents were presented by the Red Cross to the residents of the area
after their houses had been demolished several days earlier.
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 continued aggression 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;
14. PCHR calls upon the Palestinian leadership to sign and
accede to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court and the Geneva
Conventions, and calls upon the international community, especially the United
Nations, to encourage the State of Palestine to accede to international human
rights law and humanitarian law instruments.
…………………………………………………………
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.
