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

(31 March – 06 April 2016)

 

• Israeli forces continued to use excessive force in the oPt
• 11 Palestinian civilians, including 3 children, were wounded in the West Bank and Gaza Strip.

• Israeli forces continued to target the border areas along the Gaza Strip.
• 2 Palestinian civilians were wounded in the east of Rafah, south of the Gaza Strip.

• House demolitions on grounds of collective punishment.
• 4 houses, north and south of the West Bank, were demolished.
  

• Israeli forces conducted 77 incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank and a limited one in the central Gaza Strip.
• 64 Palestinian civilians, including 8 children. Fifteen of them, including 4 children, were arrested in occupied Jerusalem.

• Israeli forces continued to target Palestinian fishermen in the Gaza Strip Sea.
• A boat was fully burnt off Rafah shore, but the fishermen on board survived certain death.

• Israeli forces continued their efforts to create Jewish majority in occupied East Jerusalem.
• A house in al-Mukaber Mount, southeast of the city, was demolished.
• Israeli forces raided al-Quds University’s campus in Abu Dees and damaged some of the contents inside.

• Settlement activities continued in the West Bank.
• 9 houses, 3 commercial barracks, a poultry slaughterhouse and an agricultural road were demolished.

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

 Summary

Israeli violations of international law and international humanitarian law in the oPt continued during the reporting period (31 March – 06 April 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 wounded 13 Palestinian civilians, including 3 children, 4 of them, including a child, were in the West Bank and the 9 others, including 2 children, were in the Gaza Strip.

In the West Bank, 4 Palestinian civilians, including a child, were wounded. One of them was wounded during a peaceful protest, another was wounded when Israeli forces carried out an incursion, a third was wounded when Palestinians confronted Israeli forces at the entrance of Madama village, southeast of Nablus and the child was wounded in occupied Jerusalem.

On 02 April 2016, a Palestinian child sustained a bullet wound to the head when he was heading to his school in Ras al-Amoud neighbourhood, east of Jerusalem’s Old City. As a result, he was taken to Hadassa-Ein Karem Hospital to receive medical treatment.

 

On the same day, a Palestinian civilian sustained a bullet wound to the chest while participating in Kufor Qaddoum protests, northeast of Qalqilya, in protest at the closure of the villages’ entrance with an iron gate since the beginning of al-Aqsa Intifada.

 

On 03 April 2016, a Palestinian boy was wounded when Israeli forces moved into Qabatya village, southeast of Jenin, to demolish 3 houses belonging to the families of Palestinians, who carried out shooting attacks in the centre of East Jerusalem on 03 February 2016. During the incursion, dozens of youngsters gathered and threw stones at Israeli soldiers, who opened fire in response. As a result, the boy sustained a bullet wound to the lower part of his body.

 

On 05 April 2016, a Palestinian civilian sustained a bullet wound to the right ear by Israeli forces that were protecting dozens of settlers at the entrance of Madama village, southeast of Nablus. The settlers were performing religious rituals, due to which, dozens of Palestinian civilians gathered and threw stones at the soldiers and settlers. Therefore, Israeli soldiers opened fire in response.

 

In the Gaza Strip, Israeli forces wounded 9 Palestinian civilians, including 2 children. Seven of them, including 2 children, were wounded while participating in peaceful protests and the 2 others were wounded in the context of shooting incidents at the border area.

 

Concerning shooting incidents during peaceful protests, on 31 March 2016, Israeli forces wounded a Palestinian civilian in his right leg when they opened fire at dozens of young men who were present near the border fence, northwest of Um al-Nasser Bedouin village, north of the Gaza Strip, throwing stones at the Israeli soldiers.

 

On 01 April 2016, Israeli forces wounded 2 Palestinian civilians, who were participating in a peaceful protest, north of the Gaza Strip. The first was hit with a gas canister to the face and the second was hit with a gas canister to the head.

 

On the same day, 4 civilians, including 2 children, were wounded while participating in a peaceful protest near the border fence, east of al-Bureij refugee camp, in the central Gaza Strip. Three of them sustained live bullet wounds while the fourth was hit with a gas canister to the right leg. Two of the wounded were transported by a Palestine Red Crescent Society’s (PRCS) ambulance to al-Aqsa Martyrs’ Hospital in Deir al-Balah and the 2 others were treated on the scene.

 

In the context of targeting border areas along the Gaza Strip, on 02 April 2016, 2 Palestinian civilians were wounded when Israeli forces stationed at the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel, east of al-Shouka village, east of Rafah, south of the Gaza Strip, opened fire at agricultural lands. Each of them sustained a bullet wound to the right leg. They were both transported to Abu Yusef al-Najjar Hospital in the city to receive the necessary medical treatment. Their wounds were moderate.

 

As part of Israeli attacks on fishermen in the Gaza Strip Sea, on 02 April 2016, Israeli gunboats deployed in the sea off Rafah shore, south of the Gaza Strip, opened fire at a fishing boat sailing about half a nautical mile off the fishermen port. As a result, the boat was completely burnt, while the 2 fishermen on board survived certain death.

 

Incursions:

 

During the reporting period, Israeli forces conducted at least 83 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 76 Palestinian civilians, including 27 children and 2 women.  Fifteen of them, including 9 children and a woman, were arrested in occupied Jerusalem.

 

In the Gaza Strip, on 29 March 2016, Israeli forces conducted a limited incursion, east of al-Bureij refugee camp, in the central Gaza Strip. They levelled lands adjacent to the border fence and withdrew later.

 

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.

 

House demolitions on grounds of collective punishment

 

On 31 March 2016, Israeli forces used hand tools to destroy the internal and external walls of a house belonging to the family of Fathi Zakariya Maswadi in al-Sharif Mount neighbourhood, south of Hebron. The aforementioned person is the father of Ehab (22), who was killed by Israeli forces near the Ibrahimi mosque in Hebron’s Old City after he carried out a stabbing and killed a settler according to the Israeli forces narrative.

 

On 03 April 2016, Israeli forces demolished 3 houses in Qabatya village, southeast of Jenin, belonging to the families of Palestinians, who carried out a shooting attack at al-Amoud (Damscus) Gate in the centre of East Jerusalem on 03 February 2016 and killed a female soldier. The houses belong to the families of Ahmed Nassar Zakarna, Ahmed Najeh Abu al-Rub and Mohammed Ahmed Kmail.

 

Jewish Majority:

 

In the context of house demolitions, on 04 April 2016, Israeli forces demolished a house belonging to the family of Abdul Baset Abu Irmaila in al-Farouq neighbourhood in al-Mukaber Mount village, south of East Jerusalem, under the pretext of non-licensing.

 

On 05 April 2016, Israeli forces raided the campus of al-Quds University in Abu Dees village, northeast of the city. They also raided a number of buildings and detained the university security guards and smashed their mobile phones. Moreover, they damaged some contents. It should be noted that this is the third raid on the university from the beginning of the year.

 

Settlement activities:

 

On 04 April 2016, Israeli forces demolished 2 houses and a barrack in Kharbet al-Marajem that is located in area (C) according to Oslo Accords, south west of Douma village, southeast of Nablus. During the demolition, Israeli Border Guard officers chased the journalists, who attempted to approach, and fired about 10 tear gas canisters towards them. As a result, the journalists moved back about a kilometre away from the scene.

 

On the same day, Israeli forces demolished an agricultural road in al-Sahlat area on the outskirts of Qaryout village, southeast of Nablus, that was established almost a year ago. They then closed the road with sand barriers, denying the Palestinian farmers access to their farms between “Shilo” and “Eli” settlements. It should be noted that the village council had received a decision 10 days ago for the confiscation of 1,200 dunums from those farms to connect the 2 abovementioned settlements.

 

On 05 April 2016, Israeli forces demolished an underconstruction house in Sourif village, northwest of Hebron, belonging to the family of Majdi Ghunaimat.

 

On the same day also, Israeli forces demolished a storehouse and confiscated another mobile store in al-Jenab area in Beit Sahour. After that, they demolished a poultry slaughterhouse in Beit Sahour also.

 

On 06 April 2016, Israeli forces moved into Kherbet Um al-Khair, southeast of Yatta, southwest of Hebron. They deployed between the tents and tin-made houses and then started demolishing 6 tin-made houses.

 

Details

 

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

 Thursday, 31 March 2016 

• At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into al-Amari refugee camp in al-Birah. They raided and searched a house belonging to Khamis Abu Lafah and arrested his sons Hesham (24) and Sami (22). Israeli forces later withdrew taking them to “Ofer” prison in Betounia village, west the city.

 

• At approximately 08:00, Israeli forces accompanied with military jeeps moved about 100 meters into the east of al-Fakhari village to the southeast of Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip. They levelled and dug the lands along the border fence for hours. They then headed to the north to the east of Khuza’ah village before they redeployed along the border fence.

 

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (7) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: Kafil Hares and Hares villages, north of Salfit; Halhoul, Yatta, al-Samou’a, al-Mawreq and al-Majd villages in Hebron.

 

Friday, 01 April 2016

 

• At approximately 01:30, Israeli forces moved into Madma village, south of Nablus. They raided and searched 2 houses form which they arrested Mahmoud Abdullah al-Qet (25) and Jehad Edres al-Qet (24).

 

• At approximately 02:30, Israeli forces moved into al-Dahiyah neighbourhood and Balatat al-Balad Street, south and east of Nablus. They raided and searched 2 houses form which they arrested Rafeq Yazed al-Tambour (26) form al-Dahiyah neighbourhood and Jaber Fayez al-Ji’aan (25) from Balatet al-Balad Street. Israeli forces later withdrew taking them to an unknown destination.

 

• At approximately 04:00, Israeli forces moved into al-Khader village, from the side of the Old City “‘Aqabet Hasanah”, southwest of Bethlehem. They stationed in front of a shop and then raided and searched a number of houses. They then arrested Nabil ‘Ali Naim al-Zaiyah (28), Ahmed Mohammed Marzouq (22) Amer Ra’fat al-Zaiyah (22) and Mohammed Saber Shhadah (25).

 Note

: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (3) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: Bani Na’im, al-Shoyoukh and al-Hadab villages in Hebron.

 

Saturday, 02 April 2016

 

• At approximately 01:30, Israeli forces moved into al-Thaheriyah village, south of Hebron and stationed in Abu Njeim area. They raided and searched a house belonging to Sameh Mohammed Sha’aban Zebdiyah (25) and arrested him. Israeli forces later withdrew taking him to an unknown destination.

 

• At approximately 03:00, Israeli gunboats stationed off Rafah shore, south of the Gaza Strip opened fire and shells at a fishing boat sailing within a half nautical mile opposite to the fishermen port. As a result, the boat completely was burnt while the two fishermen who were on the boat survived.

 

• At approximately 17:40, Israeli forces stationed along the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel opened fire at the agricultural lands, east of al-Shawkah village, east of Rafah, south of the Gaza Strip. As a result, two civilians were wounded and transported to Abu Yousif al-Najar Hospital in the city for medical treatment. the wounded persons were identified as
• ‘Abdul Rahman Qasem Yousif Abu Samhadanah (27) was hit with a live bullet to his right leg.
• Salah Edin Taha Mansour (25) was hit with a live bullet to his right leg.

 

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (8) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: al-Hadab, Emrish, Sorif and Tafouh villages in Hebron; Hejah village, east of Qalqiliya; and Burqeen village, west of Salfit; Beit Leed village, east of Tulkarm and Faroun village, south of the city.

 

Sunday, 03 April 2016

 

• At approximately 00:15, Israeli forces moved into al-Zawiyah village, west of Salfit. They raided and searched a house belonging to Jamil Abdul Rahma Mawqidi (22) and handed him a summons to refer to Israeli intelligence service. However, no arrests were reported.

 

• At approximately 01:00, Israeli forces moved into Budrus village, west of Ramallah. They raided and searched a house belonging to Abdullah Mohammed Abdullah Awad (21) and handed him a summons to refer to the Israeli intelligence service.

 

• Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Qarawet Bani Zaid village, northwest of Ramallah. They raided and searched a house belonging to Sohaib Rakez A’rar (22) and handed him a summons to refer to Israeli intelligence services.

 

• At approximately 01:30, Israeli forces moved into al-Dahiyah neighbourhood, south of Nablus. They raided and searched a house belonging to Tawfiq Sabti Dweikat (25) and then arrested him.

 

• At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into al-Duhaishah refugee camp, southwest of Bethlehem. They raided and searched a house belonging to Anas Tareq al-Adam (24) and handed him a summons to refer to “Gosh Etzion ” settlement complex, south of the city.

 

• At approximately 03:00, Israeli forces moved into Beit Fajar, south of Bethlehem. They raided and searched a house belonging to Mohsen Asa’ad Thawabtah (20) and then arrested him.

 

• At approximately 03:30, Israeli forces moved into several neighbourhoods in Hebron. They raided and searched 4 houses from which they arrested Hamadah Khaled al-Ja’abari (20), Yousif ‘Obaid al-Karim al-Ja’abari (19) Ahmed Khaled Shehdah al-Dudi (22) and Mohammed Shokri Shahin (16).

 

• At approximately 04:00, Israeli forces moved into Marah Rabah, south of Bethlehem. They raided and searched  a house belonging to Mahmoud Khalil Ahmed (23) and then arrested him.

 

• At approximately 09:00, Israeli forces moved into the main street in Huwarah village, south of Nablus. They forced the shop owners at gunpoint to close their shops as there were 400 shops on both sides of the street. An eyewitness said that whoever asked the Israeli forces for the reason behind the closure, the Israeli forces threw a sound bomb at their shop, forcing them to close.

 

• At approximately 12:00, Israeli forces moved into Azoun Atmah village, southeast of Qalqiliya. They raided and searched a house belonging to ‘Amer Ismael al-Shaikh (22) from Seneiriyah village and arrested him. They then confiscated a vehicle belonging to Mohammed Rashed A’amor as he was accused of smuggling Palestinian workers into Israel. They also raided a number of shops on the main street and confiscated the surveillance cameras of the shops.

 Note:

During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (5) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: Dora, Beit Oula, al-Shoyoukh villages and al-Aroub refugee camp in Hebron and Ras ‘Ateiyah village, south of Qalqilyah.

 

Monday, 04 April 2016

 

• At approximately 00:30, Israeli forces moved into al-Thaheriyah village, south of Hebron and stationed in ‘Ali Valley area in the western side of the village. They raided and searched a house belonging to Moneer Suleiman Oudah al-Tal (35) and then arrested him.
• At approximately 01:00, Israeli forces moved into ‘Aydah refugee camp, north of Bethlehem. They raided and searched several houses and then arrested Mohammed Ra’fat Abu Suror (23) and Mazen Basam Abu Khdair (25).

 

 

• At approximately 01:25, Israeli forces moved into Qalqiliya. They raided and searched a house belonging to Hsan Talal Jaser Taha (38) and then arrested him.

 

• At approximately 01:30, Israeli forces moved al-Ma’aajin and al-Makhfiyah neighbourhoods in Nablus. They raided and searched 2 houses from which they arrested 3 civilians and took them to an unknown destination. The arrested civilians were identified as Dr Mustafa Ali al-Shunar (53) and his son engineer Montaser (26) form al-Ma’ajeen neighbourhood, west of the city, and Adnan Ahed Sa’ed Asfour(50), a leader in Hamas Movement from al-Makhfeiyah neighbourhood, west of the city.

 

• At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into Madma village, south of Nablus. They raided and searched a house belonging to Wesam Husain Hasan Dawabshah (23) and then arrested him. It should be noted that the arrested civilian is the brother of Reham Dawabshah who was killed with her husband and child Ali when Israeli settlers put their house on fire on 31 July 2015.

 

• Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Silwad village, north of Ramallah. They raided and searched a house belonging to Abdul Rahim Basam Hamad (19) and arrested him.

 

• At approximately 02:30, Israeli forces moved into Bedyah village, west of Salfit. They raided and searched a house belonging to Karam Mohammed Mesleh Da’as (22) and handed him a summons to refer to the Israeli intelligence services.

 

• At approximately 03:00, Israeli forces moved into Taquo’a village, southeast of Bethlehem. They raided and searched several houses from which they arrested Loay Habes al-Amour (17) and Malek Jameel Abu Mefreh (16).

 

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (6) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: Azoun Etmah village, southeast of Qalqiliyah; Yatah, Karesah, al-Burj Kharsa and Ethnah villages in Hebron.

 

Tuesday, 05 April 2016

 

• At approximately 01:20, Israeli forces moved into Derastiyah village, northwest of Salfit. They raided and searched a house belonging to Jehad Tawfeq Mohammed Khaled (25) and then arrested him.

 

• At approximately 01:30, Israeli forces moved into Beit Ummar village, north of Hebron and stationed in al-Thohur neighbourhood. They raided and searched a house belonging to Wasem Hammad Bahar (21) and then arrested him.

 

 

• At approximately 02:30, Israeli forces moved into Dura, southwest of Hebron and stationed in al-‘Abaher neighbourhood. They raided and searched a house belonging to Mahmoud Fawzi Amro (40) and arrested him. At approximately 03:00, they moved into Ghunaim area and raided and searched a house belonging to Mahmoud Bedwan Beryoush (27).

 

• Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Jabaa’ village, south of Jenin. They raided and searched a house belonging to the leader of Hamas Movement, Nazih Sa’id Abdul Qader Abu ‘Own (54) and then arrested him.

 

• At approximately 03:00, Israeli forces moved into Tulkarm. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of former prisoner Mo’men Abdul Latif Fared Abu Safaqah (28) and questioned him on the spot. They then stationed in al-Shuhadaa’ neighbourhood, west of Tulkarm refugee camp near the city. They raided and searched a house belonging to Adnan Ahmed Hasan Khader al-Husary (53), a leader in Hamas Movement. They arrested the aforementioned civilian and confiscated his vehicle. Israeli forces then stationed in Nour Shams refugee camp, east of Tulkarm. They raided and searched a house belonging to Omer Tarif Abdullah Ghannam (62). They also raided and searched 3 houses belonging to Haitham Mer’ie Saleh Shhadah (32); Basem Abdul Rahem Abdullah al-Shawish (29) and Ahmed al-Khateeb (41) and handed them summonses to refer to the Israeli intelligence services in the Israeli military liaison headquarters (DCO), southwest of Tulkarm.

 

• Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into al-Duhaishah refugee camp, south of Bethlehem. They raided and searched several houses form which they arrested Abdullah Naief Ramadan.

 

• At approximately 03:30, Israeli forces moved into Surif village, northwest of Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to Mahmoud Mohammed Hmaidat (25) and then arrested him.

 

• At approximately 09:00, for the sixth day in a row, Israeli forces continued to close the shops on the main street in Huwarah village, south of Nablus. They arrested Mohammed Ibrahim al-Nabali (45) and his son Raed (16) form the Arabic Bakery owned by the family. Israeli forces claimed that Raed threw stones at the Israeli settlers’ vehicles. It should be noted that al-Nabali is from al-Jalazoun refugee camp, north of Ramallah.

 

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (5) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: Halhoul and Karazah villages and al-Aroub refugee camp in Hebron; Kifr Thulth village, east of Qalqiliya and Yabud village, southwest of Jenin.

 

Wednesday, 06 March 2016

 

• At approximately 01:00, Israeli forces moved into Bani Naem village, east of Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to Otair Ali Husain lahjouj (22) and then arrested him.
• At approximately 01:30, Israeli forces moved into Dura village, southwest of Hebron, and stationed in Haninah neighbourhood. They raided and searched a house belonging to Ali Taleb Ahmed Amro (24) and then arrested him.

 

• Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Beit Ommar village, north of Hebron and stationed in the centre of the village. They raided and searched a house belonging to Saleem Jamal Abdul Majeed Wahadin (23) and then arrested him.

 

• At approximately 01:45, Israeli forces moved into Nablus. They raided and searched several houses from which they arrested 5 civilians, including 4 students in al-Najah National University, and took them to an unknown destination. The arrested civilians were identified as

 

1. Abdullah Jehad Bani Oudah (23) from Tamoun village who was arrested from the student accommodation in al-Talawi building opposite to al-Najah Academy;
2. Adul Rahman Mohammed al-Bashtawi (22);
3. Hatem Basam al-Zaghah (21);
4. Bara’ Ghasan Thuqan (21); The three latter are students at al-Najah National University
5. Engineer Abdul Rahman al-Wadi (25).

It should be noted that those civilians were arrested from their homes.

 

• At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into Nablus. They raided and searched several houses and handed summonses to Zain Saiel Issa (21) and Qasem Yasen Essa (19) to refer to “Gosh Etzion” settlement complex, south of the city.

 

• At approximately 02:30, Israeli forces moved into Surif village, northwest of Hebron and stationed in the centre of the city. They raided and searched a house belonging to Anas Omar Muhaisen Ghunaimat (30) and arrested him. Meanwhile, another Israeli force raided and searched a family house belonging to Mosa’ab Mohammed Ghunaimat (16) who was arrested on 23 October 2015 after Israeli forces shot him to his leg claiming that he carried out a stab attack. They took measurements of the house and handed the family a decision to demolish and confiscate the house.

 

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (6) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: al-Fawar refugee camp, Tarqumiya, al-Samou’, al-Zawiya villages, south of Jenin and Tulkarm.

 

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

 West Bank: 

• Following the Friday prayer, on 01 April 2016, dozens of Palestinian civilians organized protests against the Israeli policies in the oPt at the western entrance of Silwad village, northeast of Ramallah, and in the vicinity of “Ofer” prison, southwest of the city. Israeli forces used force to disperse the protestors and fired live bullets, rubber-coated metal bullets, tear gas canisters and sound bombs. As a result, many civilians suffered tear gas inhalation and others sustained bruises as Israeli soldiers beat them up.

 

Gaza Strip:

 

• At approximately 16:30 on Thursday, 31 March 2016, Israeli forces stationed in military watchtowers, northwest of Um al-Naser Bedouin village in the northern Gaza Strip, opened fire at dozens of Palestinian young men stationed near the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel. The protesters threw stones at Israeli soldiers and military watchtowers. As a result of clashes, which continued until 20:00, Mohammed Ihssan Hassan Abu Jarad (22), from Um al-Naser village, was hit with a live bullet to the right leg. Mohammed was then taken to the Indonesian Hospital in Jabaliya refugee camp, where medical sources classified his injuries as moderate.

 

• At approximately 14:30 on Friday, 01 April 2016, Israeli forces stationed at Beit Hanoun” Erez” crossing, northwest of Beit Hanoun village, north of the Gaza Strip, fired live bullets, rubber-coated metal bullets and tear gas canisters at dozens of young men, who were at that time along the road connecting the Israeli and Palestinian sides of the crossing. The protesters threw stones at Israeli soldiers in protest at the Israeli violations against Palestinians in occupied Jerusalem and the West Bank. Clashes continued until 18:00 and resulted in injuring two civilians, who were identified as:
• Basem Ramzi Isaa al-Habil (20), from Beit Lahia, who was directly hit with a tear gas canister to the face; and
• ‘Ahed Naser Mohammed al-Za’aneen (21), from Beit Hanoun, who was directly hit with a tear gas canister to the head.

The abovementioned wounded persons were then taken by PRCS ambulances to the Indonesian Hospital in Jabaliya refugee camp. Medical sources classified al-Habil’s injuries as moderate, so he was taken to the Optical Hospital in Gaza City, while al-Za’aneen’s injuries were classified as minor.

 

• Around the same time, dozens of Palestinian young men headed to the border fence between Gaza Strip and Israel, east of al-Buraij refugee camp, in the centre of the Gaza strip. The protesters threw stones at Israeli soldiers stationed behind sand barrios inside the abovementioned border fence, due to which, Israeli soldiers opened fire at the protesters. As a result, four protesters, including two children, were wounded. Three of them were wounded with live bullets, while the 4^th was hit with a tear gas canister to the right leg. Two of the abovementioned persons were taken by PRCS ambulances to al-Asqa Martyrs’ Hospital in Deir al-Balah, while the two others were treated on the spot. The wounded persons were identified as:

1. Khalid Majed al-Nabaheen (15), who was hit with a live bullet to the right leg.
2. Mohammed Mohammed al-‘Asawy (21), who was hit with a tear gas canister to the right leg.
3. Mohammed Mahmoud Abu Naser (17), who was hit with a live bullet to the right leg.
4. Mohammed Yousef Abu Thuraiya (35), who was hit with a live bullet to the left buttock.

Demonstrations against the annexation wall and settlement activities

 

• Following the Friday prayers, on 01 April 2016, dozens of Palestinians and Israeli and international human rights defenders organised protests against the annexation wall and settlement activities in Bil’in and Nil’in villages, west of Ramallah; al-Nabi Saleh village, northwest of city; and Kufor Qadoum village, northeast of Qaqliyia. Israeli forces used forces to disperse the protesters and fired live bullets, metal bullets, tear gas canisters and sound bombs and chased the protesters into the olive fields and between houses. As a result, many civilians suffered tear gas inhalation and others sustained bruises as Israeli soldiers beat them up. Moreover, a number of Israeli settlers, who were present near a water spring in Rayia valley area, insulted the crew of Roya TV Channel and tools their equipment under the Israeli protection. However, they then returned the tools few minutes later.

 

• At approximately 18:00, on Saturday, 02 April 2016, dozens of Palestinian civilians and international activists organized protests in the centre of Kafr Qadoum village, northeast of Qalqiliya near the eastern entrance of the village, in protest against the closure of that entrance since the beginning of al-Aqsa Intifada with an iron gate. When the protesters approached the abovementioned entrance, Israeli soldiers fired live bullets, rubber-coated metal bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters at the protesters. As a result, many civilians suffered tear gas inhalation, while a Palestinian civilian, ‘Akef Abdul Raouf Jom’a (55) was hit with a rubber-coated metal bullet to the chest. However, no arrests were reported.

 Note: PCHR keeps the names of the injured persons in the aforementioned demonstrations. Rubber-coated metal bullets are lethally if they hit the head of victim from a close range. House Demolitions on Grounds of Collective Punishment 

• At approximately 00:30, on Thursday, 31 March 2016, Israeli forces moved into al-Sharif Mount area, south of Hebron. They raided a house belonging to the family of Fathi Zakaria Maswadi whose son Ihab (22) was killed by Israeli forces near “Mafia” checkpoint in the vicinity of al-Ibrahimi mosque in the Old City. Israeli soldiers gave the family just 15 minutes to vacate their house. After that, they destroyed the inside and outside walls of the house with hand tools. It should be mentioned that Israeli authorities handed an administrative demolition decision to the family one day after Ihab carried out a stabbing attack resulting in the killing of an Israeli person according to the Israeli claims. However, the court refused the appeal filed by HaMoked Center for the Defence of the Individual and issued a final demolition decision on 05 February 2016.

 

• At approximately 22:00, on Sunday, 03 April 2016, Israeli forces moved into Qabatia village, southeast of Jenin. They raided 3 houses belonging to the families of Palestinians, who carried out a shooting attack at al-‘Amoud Gate area in occupied East Jerusalem on 03 February 2016, resulting in the killing of an Israeli female soldier. At approximately 01:00, on Monday, 04 April 2016, Israeli forces and 4 bulldozers moved into Qabatia village to demolish the abovementioned houses, which were identified as:

 

1. A 2-storey house established on an area of on 150 square meters, belonging to the family of Ahmed Naji’ Isma’il Nasar “Zakarnah”;
2. A one-storey house established on an area of 130 square meters, belonging to the family of Ahmed Naji’ Abdul Latif Abu al-Rub; and
3. A 3-storey house established on an area of 130 square meters, belonging to the family of Mohammed Ahmed Mohammed Kmail.

 

During the demolition, dozens of Palestinian young men gathered in the vicinity of the destroyed houses and at the village’s entrances. They then threw stones and empty bottles at the Israeli vehicles, due to which, Israeli soldiers fired tear gas canisters, sound bombs, live bullets and rubber-coated metal bullets at the protesters. As a result, an-18-year-old male was hit with a live bullet to the lower limbs. He was then taken to the Khalil Suliman Hospital in Jenin to receive medical treatment.

 

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.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

 

Date	Imports
	Category	Amount
		Tons	Number	Liters
29 March	Various goods	4612
	Humanitarian aid	16708
	Cooking gas	240,050
	Benzene			180,970
	Diesel			830,046
	Industrial fuel			190,026
	Construction aggregates	12000
	Cement	2920
	Construction steel	690
30 March	Various goods	3749.95
	Humanitarian aid	17953
	Cooking gas	238,160
	Benzene			256,960
	Diesel			893,028
	Industrial fuel			152,001
	Construction aggregates	13310
	Cement	2680
	Construction steel	960
31 March	Various goods	4964
	Humanitarian aid	16527
	Cooking gas	257,990
	Benzene			283,469
	Diesel			901,534
	Industrial fuel			303,020
	Construction aggregates	11640
	Cement	3040
	Construction steel	630
03 April	Various goods	4543
	Humanitarian aid	14644
	Cooking gas	251,230
	Benzene			146,000
	Diesel Diesel for UNRWA			511,733 76.000
	Industrial fuel			152,020
	Construction aggregate	12880
	Cement	200
	Construction steel	870
04 April	Various goods	4546.18
	Humanitarian aid	15486
	Cooking gas	254,420
	Benzene			297,990
	Diesel Diesel for UNRWA			439,994 38.000
	Industrial fuel			152,030
	Construction aggregate	13.160
	Cement	1080
	Construction steel	570

 

Exports

 

• On Tuesday, 29 March 2016, Israeli forces allowed the exportation of 65.35 tons of tomatoes; 10.08 tons of cucumbers; 8.40 tons of eggplants; 1.12 tons of peppers; 1.05 tons of sweet peppers; and 12 tons of lemons.
• On Wednesday, 30 March 2016, Israeli forces allowed the exportation off 18 tons of furniture and 105 tons of scrap.
• On Thursday, 31 March 2016, Israeli forces allowed the exportation of 96.52 tons of tomatoes; 3.92 tons of cucumbers; 8.4 tons of eggplants 5.32 tons of peppers; 404 tons of sweet peppers; 13.44 tons of lemons; 7.28 tons of Valencia orange; 0.6 tons of garlic; 0.3 tons of mints; and 0.05 tons of parsley.
• On Sunday, 03 April 2016, Israeli forces allowed the exportation of 98.32 tons of tomatoes; 3.6 tons of cucumbers; 12.16 tons of eggplants; 3.34 tons of sweet peppers; 11.5 tons of orange; 20.48 tons of lemons; 17 tons of furniture; 1.8 tons of zucchinis; and 4.8 tons of peppers.
• On Monday, 04 April 2016, Israeli forces allowed the exportation of 19 tons of lemons; 70 tons of scrap; and 0.5 tons of fish.

 

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

30 March 2016 to 05 April 2016

 

Category	30 March	31 March	01 April	02 April	03 April	04 April	05 Aril
Patients	57	41	1	1	84	84	69
Companions	50	36	2	–	80	85	66
Personal needs	57	104	13	–	93	97	62
Families of prisoners	–	–	–	–	–	42	–
Arabs from Israel	1	2	6	–	4	5	12
Diplomats	4	–	1	–	–	3	2
International journalists	–	–	–	–	–	–	–
International workers	14	61	11	–	11	33	25
Travelers abroad	17	–	3	–	1	31	–
Business people	362	371	–	–	481	361	380
Business meetings	–	–	–	–	–	–	–
Security interviews	11	8	–	–	6	9	15
VIPs	2	2	1	–	3	1	–
Ambulances to Israel	3	7	1	–	5	5	4
Patients’ Companions	3	3	1	–	5	5	4

 Notes: 

• Israeli authorities allowed 7 Christians on Wednesday, 30 March 2016; 44 Christians on Thursday, 31 March 2016; 23 Christian on Friday, 01 April 2016; 74 Christian on Sunday, 03 April 2016; 20 Christian on Monday, 04 April 2016; and 14 Christian on Tuesday, 05 April 2016; to travel to Bethlehem for holidays.
• Israeli authorities allowed 6 persons on Thursday, 31 March 2016, and 2 persons on Sunday, 03 April 2016, to renew their permits.

 

West Bank

 

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

 

• Hebron: Israeli forces established (21) checkpoints all over the city.

On Thursday, 31 March 2016, Israeli forces established three checkpoints at the entrance to Beit Kahel village, the northern entrance to Halhoul village, and the northern entrance to Yatta village.

On Friday, 01 April 2016, Israeli forces established two checkpoints at the entrance to Tarama village and the southern entrance to Hebron.

On Saturday, 02 April 2016, Israeli forces established three checkpoints at the entrances to Beit ‘Omra village and al-Fawar refugee camp, and the southern entrance to Halhoul village.

On Sunday, 03 April 2016, Israeli forces established three checkpoints at the entrances to Sureef and Noba villages, and at the entrance to Hebron.

On Monday, 04 April 2016, Israeli forces established five checkpoints at the entrances to Sureef, Beit Ummer, Ethna, Tafouha villages and al-‘Aroub refugee camp.

On Tuesday, 05 April 2016, Israeli forces established two checkpoints at the entrances to al-Daheriya and Sa’ir villages.

On Wednesday, 06 April 2016, Israeli forces established three checkpoints at the entrances to Ethna village and al-‘Aroub refugee camp; and at the northern entrance to Halhoul village.

 

• Ramallah and al-Bireh: Israeli forces established (4) checkpoints all over the village.

On Friday, 01 April 2016, Israeli forces established four checkpoints at the entrances to al-Nabi Saleh village, northwest of Ramallah; ‘Ain Sinaa village; Senjil village, north of Ramallah; and under the bridge of Yabrood village, northeast of Ramallah.

At approximately 15:00, on Saturday, 02 April 2016, Israeli forces established a checkpoint near the intersection of Beit ‘Ur al-Foqa village, southwest of Ramallah.

 

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

On Thursday, 31 March 2016, Israeli forces established two checkpoints at the eastern entrance to Qalqiliya and at the intersection of Jeet village, northeast of Qalqiliya.

On Sunday, 03 April 2016, Israeli forces established three checkpoints at the entrances to Ras ‘Atyia village, south of Qalqiliya; Jeet village, northeast of Qalqiliya; and under the bridge of ‘Azoun village, on the main road between Qalqiliya and Nablus.

At approximately 20:55, on Monday, 04 April 2016, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the entrance to Jeet village, northeast of Qalqiliya.

 

• Tulkarm: At approximately 18:30, on Saturday, 02 April 2016, Israeli forces established a checkpoint on the main road between Tulkarm and other villages located in the north of Tulkarm (al-Sha’rawiya), between Qufeen and eastern Baqah villages, north of Tulkarm.

 

At approximately 19:00, on Tuesday, 05 April 2016, Israeli forces stationed at ‘Inab checkpoint, which was established on the main road between Tulkarm and Nablus, east of Tulkarm, tightened their arbitrary measures against Palestinian civilians and obstructed their movement. Around the same time, Israeli forces established a checkpoint on the main road between Tulkarm and Nablus, near the intersection of Bazayia village, east of Tulkarm.

 

• Jenin: On Saturday, 02 April 2016, Israeli forces established two checkpoints at the eastern entrance to Ya’bood village and on the main road between Jenin and Nablus, near the intersection of ‘Araba village, south of Jenin.

At approximately 11:30, on Tuesday, 05 April 2016, Israeli forces established two checkpoints at the entrance to Masliya village and on the road between al-Jarba and Sanour villages, south of Jenin.

 

Arrests at military checkpoints

 

• At approximately 11:30, on Thursday, 31 March 2016, Israeli Border Guard officers stationed at the checkpoint that was established under the bridge of Kherbitha al-Mosbah village, southwest of Ramallah, arrested Saqer Waleed ‘Asi (22), from Beit Loqiya village, adjacent to the abovementioned village.

 

• At approximately 20:20 on Monday, 04 April 2016, Israeli forces arrested Mohammed Baseem Abdul Fatah Mansour (10) in the vicinity of the annexation wall, adjacent to ‘Azoun village, east of Qalqiliya. They released him later after the intervention of the Palestinian Liaison.

 

4. 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 07:30 on Saturday, 02 April 2016, Israeli forces opened fire at Hatem Yaseen Abu Mayalah (13) when he was on his way to school in Ras al-Amoud neighbourhood, east of Jerusalem’s Old City. As a result, the child was hit with a metal bullet in his head and was transported to Hadassah-Ein Kerem Hospital to receive medical treatment. Abu Mayalah said that he and his twin brother got out of the bus to buy from the nearby grocery. When he crossed the street to look for his brother, one of the Israeli soldiers fired a metal bullet at him from a close range. As a result, he fell on the ground. He added that after he was wounded, six soldiers surrounded him and heavily beat him. He was also hit on his head causing it to bleed. They then took him to another area in Ras al- A’muod neighbourhood where a soldier called for an ambulance to transfer him to Hadassah-Ein Kerem Hospital.

 

Arrests and Incursions

 

• At approximately 18:00 on Thursday, 23 March 2016, Israeli forces raided and searched a house belonging to Naser Sa’ed Rukon in the Old City in Jerusalem. They then arrested Ahmed (19) and took him to “al-Qashlah” Police station where the Israeli intelligence officers interrogated him. They then handed him a decision issued by the Israeli commander “Yoel Strick” to deport him from Jerusalem for 4 months starting from the abovementioned date until 30 July 2016.
• At approximately 03:00 on 04 April 2016, Israeli forces moved into al-Issawiyah village, northeast of occupied Jerusalem. They raided and searched a house belonging to Darwish Aziz Essa and then arrested his son Mohammed (15).
• At approximately 04:00 on the same Monday, Israeli forces raided and searched a house belonging to Sameer al-Alami (51), Imam of al- Sahabah Mosque in al-Suwanah neighbourhood, east of the Old City of Jerusalem. They confiscated PCs, cell phones, papers, files and NIS 9,000 and then arrested al-Alami. The wife of the aforementioned said that Israeli forces accompanied with intelligence officers raided and searched the house while al-Alami was in the mosque. They also confiscated a PC, two iPads, cell phones, papers and files. She added that they insisted to confiscate NIS 9,000 belonging to her ill son though she showed them papers proving that the money is a disability allowance for him. She also said the Israeli forces used ladders to raid the house and arrested her husband when he arrived.
• On Tuesday morning, 05 April 2016, Israeli forces accompanied with 12 military jeeps raided al-Quds University campus in Abu Dis village, northeast of Jerusalem. They detained the University guards and smashed their cell phones to prevent them from calling the University Administration. They then raided the building of Student Affairs Deanship and destroyed and confiscated its contents. They targeted the halls where a book exhibition was held and ruptured and damaged the books exhibited within the cultural and scientific book section. The exhibition, which was organized by female students, was supposed to be held for the Palestinian women and planned to be opened on the abovementioned day morning. They then destroyed the Christmas tree carrying pictures of some Palestinian victims. They also raided the Student bloc offices, broke the doors and destroyed the office. Moreover, they raided the Faculty of Dawa and Fundamentals of Religion and smashed its contents. It should be noted that this raid is the third of its kind since the beginning of the year.
• At approximately 01:00 on Tuesday morning, 05 April 2016, Israeli forces moved into Hazmah village, northeast of Jerusalem. They raided and searched several houses from which they arrested Adel Khader Jom’aa, Abd Raboh Ziyad Kan’an, Oudah Abdullah Oudah, Sofian Khaled Kan’an and Abd Fares Kan’an.
• At approximately 02:00 on the same Tuesday, Israeli forces moved into al-Issawiyah village, northeast of Jerusalem. They raided and searched several houses and arrested Abdul Qader Mohammed Dari (16); Abdullah Bader Abu Asab (14) and Mohammed Ahmed Ahmed Abu Riyalah (18).

 

• Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Abu Dis village, east of Jerusalem. They raided and searched several houses and then arrested Ahmed Jameel Dandan (31).

 

• At approximately 03:00, Israeli forces moved into al-Mukaber Mount village, southeast of Jerusalem. They raided and searched several houses and arrested Eyad Ata Ouwaisat(28) and Ahmed Azez Ouwaisat (25).

 

• At approximately 05:00, Israeli forces moved raided and searched a house belonging to Omran Yosif in al-Issawiyah village, northeast of Jerusalem. They then arrested his son ‘Oudai (17) and took him to an unknown destination.

 

• At approximately 16: 00 on the same Tuesday, Israeli forces raided and searched a house belonging to journalist Dialah Juwaihan in al-Thawri neighbourhood, south of Jerusalem. They then handed her a summons to refer to “al-Mascoubiyah” police office to interrogate her. It should be noted that the abovementioned journalist is a reporter at al-Hayat al-Jadidah newspaper and its website in Jerusalem.

 House demolitions and demolition notices: 

• At approximately 06:00 on Monday,04 April 2016, Israeli municipality bulldozers demolished a house belonging to Abdul Baset Abu Ermelah in al-Farouq neighbourhood in al-MUkaber Mount village, southeast of East Jerusalem in an allege of building without a licence.

Abu Armelah said to a PCHR’s field worker that Israeli forces accompanied with bulldozers surrounded his house in al-Farouq neighbourhood and forced him to get out while the municipality crews emptied the house of furniture and demolished it. He added that the 120-square-meter house inhabited by 6 members.

 

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

 

Israeli forces’ attacks:

 

• At approximately 08:00 on Monday, 04 April 2016, Israeli forces accompanied with 4 vehicles belonging to the Construction and  Organization  Department in the Civil Administration, two bulldozers and a digger moved into Kherbet al-Marajem classified within Area (C), southwest of Duma village, southeast of Nablus. They closed the entire area and prevented the press crews and Human rights activists and civilians to approach it or take photos. The bulldozers began levelling 2 houses and a livestock barrack. During the levelling, the Israeli border guards chased journalists trying to approach the area and fired tear gas canisters at them.  They made the journalists stay one kilometre away from the outskirts  of the closed area and ordered them to move their vehicles from the area.

They levelled the following:

• Jamal Mohammed Abdul shakour: an 80-square-meter house inhabited by 10 members, including 4 children, two-meter retaining walls surrounding 4 dunums belonging to the abovementioned civilian.
• Hesham Mohammed Hamdan Jathrawi: a 100-square-meter house inhabited by five members, including 3 children, and a 160-square-meter livestock cement barrack used for raising cows. Two-meter retaining walls built on 9 dunums owned by Jathrawi in the land where the house was demolished.
• At approximately 14:00 on the same Monday, Israeli forces accompanied with military jeeps, a bulldozer and a jeep belonging to the Construction and Organization Department in the Civil Administration moved into al-Sahlat area on the outskirts of Qaryout village from the south-western side, southeast of Nablus. The bulldozer began levelling base course agricultural roads built a year ago and funded by the International Aid Organization and closed them with sand barriers.  These roads are 1 kilo meter long and when closing it the Israeli forces denied farmers access to their lands between “Chilo” and “Eli” settlements. It should be noted that the village Council received a decision ten days ago to confiscate 1200 dumums of these lands in order to connect the two above-mentioned settlements together.

 

• At approximately 05:00 on Tuesday, 05 April 2016, Israeli forces accompanied with military jeeps and a vehicle belonging to the Construction and Organization Department in the Civil Administration, a bulldozer and digger moved into Surif village, northwest of Hebron. They stationed in al-Qarnah area to the east of the village and deployed inthe vicinity of an under-construction 170-square-meter house belonging to Majdi Mahmoud Mohammed Ghunaimat (31). The house owners were denied access to their house by the Israeli soldiers. Meanwhile, the Israeli vehciles started demolishing it claiming that the construction process is within area (C) and without a construction license. It should be noted that the house which was built in 2012 received an order to stop building while establishing the concrete base. Ghunaimat submitted all the necessary papers through a lawyer to open a licence file before the Beit Eil Court, but the Civil Administration did not wait for the period given by the court to Ghunaimat and demolished the house. Damages were estimated about NIS 170,000.

 

• At approximately 08:00 on Tuesday, 05 April 2016, Israeli forces accompanied with military jeeps, a vehicle belonging to the Construction and Organization Department in the Civil Administration, a bulldozer, a digger and a truck with a crane moved into Beit Sahour and stationed in al-Janab area. They closed the road leading to the area and began demolishing a sanitary ware store built in December 2015. The 400-square-meter house belonging to Essa Hanah Habib Kher (54) in an allege of building without a licence in Area (C). They also confiscated a 24-square-meter container full of goods priced at NIS 100,000 imported by the aforementioned civilian from Italy months ago in addition to the facility losses estimated around NIS 100,000. Essa said to PCHR’s field worker that the Israeli soldiers did not allow him to remove the goods out of the facility but they took some of it out by workers with them.

 

• At approximately 10:00, Israeli forces moved about 400 meters to the west where there was a 300-square-meter slaughterhouse comprised of 6 stores built in 2010. It cost about NIS 140,000 and has been leased to Shadi Abdul Hadi Ahmed Shaa’lan (40) on 08 March 2011. The Israeli soldiers prevented Shaa’lan and his 5 workers to remove any of the goods. The Israeli forces demolished the slaughterhouse. Shaa’lan said to PCHR’s fieldworker that his losses were estimated at about NIS 180,000 in addition to daily losses he will face after slaughterhouse was destroyed. Israeli forces had delivered a notice to halt works in the slaughterhouse under the pretext of non-licensing. In the meantime, the municipality began the procedures of submitting a file to the Civil Administration. It should be noted that Kher’s slaughterhouse and facilities are 300 meters away from the annexation wall in the area.

 

• At approximately 06:00 on Wednesday, 06 April 2016, Israeli forces accompanied with 10 military jeeps, 4 vehicles of Construction and Organization Department in the Civil Administration and 2 bulldozer moved into Kherbet Um al-Khair, southeast of Yatta, southwest of Hebron. They deployed between tin-made houses and camps and began demolishing 6 tin-made houses that GVC had funded. They used force against those who tried to prevent them from demolishing their houses and attacked Sulaiman Eid al-Hathalin (64). The demolition happened under the pretext of non-licensing in area (C) according to the Oslo Accords. It should be noted that Israeli forces handed the abovementioned civilians notices to stop work on March 2015 and when they submitted files to the Israeli court, it suspended the case and notified the lawyer that lands were considered among absentee property. Therefore, the case was closed. Members of al-Hathalin Bedouin community residing in Kherbet Um al-Khair said they own the legal papers that prove they possessed the land and they inhabited the area before “Carmiel” settlement was established around their area. The demolitions were as follows:

 

Owner of property		Age	Facility	Space	Family numbers	Children	Demolition Times	Built by
Adel Sulaiman Eid al-Hathalin		35	Tinplate house	40 meters	6	4	2	The owner
Khedrah Sulaiman Marzouq Hathalin		50	Tinplate house	50 meters	3	2	1	GVC
SulaimanEid Yamen al-Hathalin		64	Tinplate house	40 meters	10	0	3	The owner
MotasemSulaiman al-Hathalin		28	Tinplate house	50 meters	5	1	1	The owner
Khair Allah Sulaiman Eid al-Hathalin		26	Tinplate house	50 meters	5	3	2	GVC
Eid Sulaiman Eid Hathalin	31		Tinplate house	50 meters	5	3	1	GVC

 

Settler Attacks

 

• At approximately 15:00 on Tuesday, 05 April 2016, dozens of Israeli settlers protected by Israeli forces gathered on the main entrance of Duma village, which is branched from Alwan settlement street, southeast of Nablus, and started performing religious rituals. As a result, dozens of Palestinians from the abovementioned village gathered to protect it from the settlers’ attacks. Israeli soldiers chased them and fired tear gas canisters, due to which dozens of Palestinians suffered tear gas inhalation. After that, Palestinian young men threw stones at Israeli soldiers who immediately fired live bullets, rubber-coated metal bullets. As a result, a Palestinian civilian (23) was hit with metal bullet to his right ear and was then transported to Rafidia Hospital in Nablus to receive treatment. Medical sources classified his injury as moderate.

 

 

 

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;

 

 

 

 

 

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Public Document

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