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Terrorisme israélien en Palestine occupée - Période du 2 au 7 janvier 2014

Weekly Report On Israeli Human Rights Violations in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (02- 08 January 2014)

Dimanche, 12 janvier 2014 - 9h06 AM

Sunday 12 January 2014

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Nablus – Israeli forces arrest Palestinian young man near "Kedumim" settlement

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

Israeli forces have continued to open fire at border areas in the Gaza Strip.

A Palestinian child was killed in the northern Gaza Strip.
3 civilians were wounded in different shooting incidents.

Israeli forces launched 2 airstrikes on the Gaza Strip, but no casualties were reported.

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

A Palestinian child was wounded in Bil’in weekly protest, west of Ramallah.

Israeli forces conducted 71 incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank.

At least 23 Palestinians, including a child, were arrested.

Israel has 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.
A patient was arrested at Beit Hanoun (Erez) crossing.
At least 3 Palestinian civilians were arrested at checkpoints in the West Bank.

Israeli navy forces have continued targeting Palestinian fishermen at sea.
Israeli naval forces opened fire 4 times at Palestinian fishing boats in the northern Gaza Strip, but no casualties were reported.

Israeli forces have continued to support settlement activities in the West Bank and Israeli settlers have continued to attack Palestinian civilians and property.
A project was initiated to build 272 new settlement units in settlements in the West Bank.
Israeli forces levelled an agricultural area in the centre of Hebron and uprooted 50 almond and grape trees.
The settlers continued their attacks against the Palestinian civilians and their property.
Fire was set to 2 vehicles in Madama village, south of Nablus.

Summary

Israeli violations of international law and international humanitarian law in the oPt continued during the reporting period (02 – 08 January 2014).

Shooting:

During the reporting period, a Palestinian child died of wounds he sustained a day earlier, while 3 other civilians were wounded in the Gaza Strip. Israeli forces carried out 2 airstrikes, 4 shooting incidents along the border fence and 4 shooting incidents at Palestinian fishing boats in the Gaza Strip. In the West Bank, a Palestinian child was wounded during peaceful protests organized by Palestinians and international and Israeli activists in protest at the construction of the annexation wall and settlement activities.

In the Gaza Strip, on 03 January 2014, medical sources at Shifa hospital in Gaza City pronounced Adnan Jamil Abu Khater (17), from Jabalia, dead of wounds he sustained a day earlier.

On the same day, Israeli forces stationed along the border fence, north of Beit Hanoun, opened fire at Nahez Jamal Abdul Dayem (29), an iron collector, from Ezbet Beit Hanoun. As a result, he sustained a bullet wound to the right leg and was taken to Kamal Odwan hospital in Beit Lahia.

On 03 January 2014 also, 2 Palestinian civilians were wounded in the northern Gaza Strip when Israeli forces positioned along the border fence opened fire at a group of civilians in 2 separate incidents.

On the same day, Israeli warplanes launched 2 airstrikes on the central and northern Gaza Strip. However, neither casualties nor material damage were reported.

In the context of targeting fishermen in the sea, Israeli forces targeted fishermen on 04, 05 and 06 January 2014, but neither casualties nor material damage were reported.

In the West Bank, Israeli forces continued the systematic use of excessive force against peaceful protests organised by Palestinian, Israeli and international activists against the construction of the annexation wall and settlement activities in the West. As a result, a 16-year-old civilian was wounded by a Tutu bullet in Bil’in weekly protest, west of Ramallah.

Incursions:

During the reporting period, Israeli forces conducted at least 71 military incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank. During these incursions, Israeli forces arrested at least 23 Palestinians, including a child.

Restrictions on movement:

Israel continued to impose a tightened 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 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 a grave violation of the economic, social and cultural rights and a deterioration of living conditions for 1.7 million people. The Israeli authorities have turned Karm Abu Salem (Kerem Shaloum) into the sole crossing for imports and exports and therewith continue to exercise its control over the Gaza Strip’s economy. They also aim at imposing a complete ban on the Gaza Strip’s exports.

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.

As part of using military checkpoints and border crossings as traps to arrest Palestinian civilians under the pretext they are wanted, Israeli forces arrested at least 16 civilians, including 4 children, in the West Bank.

Settlement activities

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

On 05 January 2014, Israeli forces backed with military vehicles and accompanied with a vehicle belonging to the Israeli Civil Administration (the construction and organization department), moved into Tal al-Ramidah neighbourhood in central Hebron. Israeli soldiers deployed in the area prevented civilians’ movement. A military bulldozer levelled a 2300m2 tract of land and uprooted almond trees rented by Abu Haykal Family since 1949 from “the enemy’s property guard” at that time. They denied civilians access into it.

On 05 January 2014, Israeli forces denied civilians in Kherbet Um al-Kheir, east of Yatta, south of Hebron, access into the farmlands surrounding the village where there are water wells. Meanwhile, Israeli authorities allow the urban expansion in “Kermaeil” settlement established on Palestinian lands in the surrounding village.

Regarding the new settlement construction projects, on 06 January 2014, the Israeli “Peace Now” movement against settlements, revealed a project to build 272 new settlement units in the West Bank. This was approved on the eve of U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry’s departure. The movement said in its statement that a project to build 250 new settlement units in “’Ofrah” settlement and 22 others in “Kerni Shamrone” settlement was approved.

On 08 January 2014, an Israeli Infantry force backed with 3 military vehicles and accompanied with a vehicle belonging to the Israeli Civil Administration (the construction and organization department), moved into Deir Samit village, west of Dura, southwest of Hebron. They stationed at the intersection leading to the village and deployed in the area. The Civil Administration officer handed 4 notices to stop construction works under the pretext of no permit.

Attacks carried out by settlers

On 04 January 2014, a group of settlers from the settlements established on Palestinians lands, east of Hebron, moved into the old city markets, Shalalah Street in central Hebron. They threw stones and empty bottles at the shops, and a number of them destroyed some stands belonging to peddlers.

On the same day in the afternoon, settlers from “Beit Hadasa” outpost in the centre of the old city in central Hebron attacked a house belonging to Mofid al-Sahrbati in al-Shuhadaa’ Street, which has been closed for 12 years.

On 06 January 2014, a group of settlers from “Metsebi Ya’ir” settlement established on Palestinian lands, east of Yatta, south of Hebron, attacked farmers while working in their lands in the area of al-‘Ad well, southeast of Yatta.

At approximately 20:00 on Tuesday, 07 January 2014, a number of settlers from “Sousia” settlement established on Palestinian lands, south of Yatta, south of Hebron, destroyed an 8m2 tent belonging to ‘Ezz al-Din Ghaith al-Da’ajnah (44) in al-Rakhim Valley Mountain near Kherbet Sousia.

On 08 January 2014, a group of settlers from “Yitshar” settlement established on part of Madma lands, south of Nablus, set fire to two cars in the centre of the aforementioned village and wrote hostile slogans against Arabs and residents.

Israeli Violations Documented during the Reporting Period (01[K1] – 08 January 2014)

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

Thursday, 02 January 2014

At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into Yatta, south of Hebron. They patrolled the streets and stationed in al-Karmel area, west of the city. They raided and searched a house belonging to Rateb al-Jbour (50). They handed him a summons to refer to the Israeli intelligence service in "Gosh Etzion" settlement, south of Bethlehem.

Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Wad al-Hariya neighbourhood in the centre of Hebron. They patrolled the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

At approximately 11:00, Israeli forces moved into al-Yamoun village, northwest of Jenin. They patrolled the streets for some time and withdrew later. No arrests were reported.

Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into al-Arqa village, west of Jenin. They patrolled the streets and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

At approximately 14:00, Israeli forces stationed along the border fence, north of Beit Hanoun, in the northern Gaza Strip, opened fire at Nahez Jamal Abdul Dayem (29), from Ezbet Beit Hanoun. As a result, he sustained a bullet wound to the right leg. Nahez was about 300 meters away from the Israeli forces when he was shot. He was taken to Kamal Odwan hospital in Beit Lahia, where medical sources described his wound as moderate.

At approximately 15:00, Israeli forces moved into Mothallath al-Aqaba, south of Doura, southwest of Hebron. They stationed at a road connecting al-Tabaqa village and Oyoun Abu Seif Street. They deployed between the houses. A number of boys gathered and threw stones and empty bottles at Israeli soldiers, who fired sound bombs and tear gas canisters in response. As a result, a number of civilians suffered tear gas inhalation, but no arrests were reported.

At approximately 23:00, Israeli forces moved into al-Aroub refugee camp, north of Hebron. They patrolled the streets and stationed on bypass road (60). They deployed between the houses and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

At approximately 23:30, Israeli forces moved into Beit Awwa village, southwest of Doura, southwest of Hebron. They deployed between the houses. A number of boys gathered and threw stones and empty bottles at Israeli soldiers, who fired sound bombs and tear gas canisters in response. As a result, a number of civilians suffered tear gas inhalation, but neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

Friday, 03 January 2014

At approximately 00:20, an Israeli warplane launched a missile at an agricultural area, east of al-Mussadar village, in the central Gaza Strip. The missile left a big crater, but no casualties were reported.

At approximately 00:30, Israeli forces moved an Israeli warplane launched a missile at the entrance of Beit Hanoun on Saladin street, in the northern Gaza Strip, but neither casualties nor material damage were reported.

At approximately 01:00, Israeli forces moved into al-Shyoukh village, east of Hebron. They patrolled the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into al-Aroub refugee camp, north of Hebron. They patrolled the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

At approximately 02:30, Israeli forces moved into Beit Luqia village, southwest of Ramallah. They patrolled the streets and raided and searched 2 houses. They arrested Baker Na’im Khaled Assi (22) and took him to Ofer detention facility, southwest of the city.

At approximately 03:00, medical sources at Shifa hospital in Gaza City pronounced Adnan Jamil Shehda Abu Khater (17), from Jabalia, dead of wounds he sustained on Thursday, 02 January 2013. Abu Khater sustained wounds while he was present near the border fence, east of Jabalia.

According to investigations conducted by PCHR, at approximately 13:00 on Thursday, 02 January 2014, Abu Khater and some of his friends went to al-Shuhada’ cemetery, east of Jabalia, after school. They were about 500 meters away from the border fence. With no reason, Israeli forces opened fire at them, as a result, Abu Khater sustained a bullet wound to the pelvis. His friends pulled him about 200 meters to the west and called the ambulance. He was losing blood for about an hour before the ambulance took him to Kamal Odwan hospital in Beit Lahia. Due to the seriousness of his wound, he was transferred to Shifa hospital in Gaza City, but he was pronounced dead on the abovementioned Friday.

Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into al-Fawwar refugee camp, south of Hebron. They patrolled the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

At approximately 10:00, Israeli forces moved into Sheqba village, northwest of Ramallah. They patrolled the streets for some time and withdrew later. No arrests were reported.

At approximately 11:00, Israeli forces moved into Kherbatha al-Musbah village, west of Ramallah. They patrolled the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
At approximately 11:30, Israeli forces moved into Arraba village, southwest of Jenin. They patrolled the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

At approximately 15:15, Israeli forces stationed along the border fence, north of Beit Hanoun, north of the Gaza Strip, opened fire at a group of civilians who were present about 200 meters away from the fence, east of al-Shuhada cemetery, east of Jabalia. As a result, Khaled Ibrahim Ouda (21) sustained a bullet wound to the right leg. He was taken to Kamal Odwan hospital, where medical sources described his wound as moderate.

At approximately 16:00, Israeli forces moved into Beit Ummar village, north of Hebron, after they heard a sound of an explosion near the watchtower that is established at the entrance of the village. They patrolled the streets and stationed in Asida area, east of the village. They also fired sound bombs and tear gas canisters at civilians. As a result, a number of civilians suffered tear gas inhalation. Israeli forces withdrew later, but no arrests were reported.

At approximately 16:45, Israeli forces stationed along the border fence, east of Jabalia, in the northern Gaza Strip, opened fire at a group of civilians who were present in an agricultural land belonging to Shamiya family, about 300 meters away from the fence. As a result, Tha’er Mohammed Rab’a (25) sustained a bullet wound on the left side (the bullet exited via the back). He was taken to Kamal Odwan hospital in Beit Lahia, where medical sources described his wound as moderate.

At approximately 18:00, Israeli forces moved into Silet al-Harithiya village, north of Jenin. They patrolled the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Rummana village, northwest of Jenin. They patrolled the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

At approximately 23:00, Israeli forces moved into Jaber neighbourhood, in the centre of the old town of Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Mohammed Fawzi al-Fakhouri (30). They arrested the aforementioned person and took him to an unknown destination.

Saturday, 04 January 2014

At approximately 00:30, Israeli forces moved into al-Ouja village, northeast of Jericho. They patrolled the streets for some time and withdrew later. No arrests were reported.

At approximately 01:30, Israeli forces moved into Nouba village, west of Hebron. They patrolled the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

At approximately 02:30, Israeli forces moved into Deir Samet village, southwest of Doura, southwest of Hebron. They patrolled the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

At approximately 09:30, Israeli forces moved into Kherbatha Bani Hareth village, northwest of Ramallah. They patrolled the streets for some time and withdrew later. No arrests were reported.

At approximately 16:00, Israeli forces moved into Mothallath al-Aqaba, south of Doura, southwest of Hebron. They stationed at the entrance of a dirt road connecting al-Tabaqa village, and Oyoun Abu Seif Street. They deployed between houses of al-Shahateet family. A number of boys gathered and threw stones and empty bottles at Israeli soldiers, who fired sound bombs and tear gas canisters in response. As a result, a number of civilians suffered tear gas inhalation, but no arrests were reported.

At approximately 17:30, Israeli forces moved into Beit Ummar village, north of Hebron. They patrolled the streets and stationed in Beit Za’ta area, west of the village. They deployed between the houses, during which they arrested Mohammed Zohdi Sharif Awad (9) while playing football with other boys. Israeli soldiers tried to push the boy into a military jeep, but a number of civilians hurried as they heard the boy crying and shouting. Quarrels erupted between the residents of the area and Israeli soldiers and the boy was not arrested as a result. In the meantime, the boy’s father Zohdi Sharif Awad (37) came as he heard the news of his son’s arrest. The soldiers learnt that he was the father of the boy, so they arrested him. The father was released 2 hours later.

At approximately 19:50, Israeli gunboats stationed off Khan Yunis shore, in the southern Gaza Strip, opened fire at Palestinian fishing boats that were sailing within the 3 nautical mile limit. The fishermen sailed back fearing of being wounded or arrested, but neither casualties nor material damage were reported.

At approximately 21:30, Israeli forces moved into Beit Our al-Tahta village, southwest of Ramallah. They patrolled the streets in a provocative manner. A number of boys gathered and threw stones at Israeli soldiers, who fired rubber-coated metal bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters. As a result, a number of civilians suffered tear gas inhalation, but neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

At approximately 22:00, Israeli forces moved into al-Aroub refugee camp, north of Hebron. They patrolled the streets, where a number of boys gathered and threw stones at Israeli soldiers, who fired sound bombs and tear gas canisters. However, neither casualties nor material damage were reported.

At approximately 23:30, Israeli forces moved into Aboud village, northwest of Ramallah. They patrolled the streets for some time and withdrew later. No arrests were reported.

Sunday, 05 January 2014

At approximately 00:45, Israeli forces moved into Hares village, northwest of Salfit. They patrolled the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

At approximately 01:00, Israeli forces moved into the centre of Doura, southwest of Hebron. They patrolled the streets and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into the centre of Yatta, south of Hebron. They patrolled the streets and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Bani Na’im village, east of Hebron. They patrolled the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

At approximately 06:30, Israeli forces moved into Farkha village, southwest of Salfit. They patrolled the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

At approximately 12:20, Israeli forces moved into Salfit. They patrolled the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

At approximately 12:30, Israeli forces moved into Farkha village, southwest of Salfit. They patrolled the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

At approximately 13:00, Israeli forces moved into al-Shallala area, in the centre of Hebron. They deployed between the houses, where a number of boys gathered and threw stones and empty bottles at Israeli soldiers, who fired sound bombs in response. As a result, a number of civilians suffered tear gas inhalation, but no arrests were reported.

At approximately 14:30, Israeli forces moved into Beit Leed village, east of Tulkarm. They patrolled the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

At approximately 15:30, Israeli forces moved into Ramin village, northeast of Tulkarm. They patrolled the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

At approximately 15:40, Israeli gunboats stationed off al-Waha resort, northwest of Beit Lahia, in the northern Gaza Strip, opened fire at Palestinian fishing boats that were sailing within the 3 nautical miles limit. The fishermen sailed back fearing of being wounded or arrested, but neither casualties nor material damage were reported.

At approximately 17:30, Israeli gunboats stationed off al-Waha resort, northwest of Beit Lahia, in the northern Gaza Strip, opened fire at Palestinian fishing boats that were sailing within the 3 nautical miles limit. The fishermen sailed back fearing of being wounded or arrested, but neither casualties nor material damage were reported.

Monday, 06 January 2014

At approximately 01:00, Israeli forces moved into Tulkarm. They patrolled the streets heading eastwards to Nour Shams refugee camp. In the meantime, a number of young men gathered and threw stones at Israeli soldiers who fired sound bombs and tear gas canisters in response. Israeli forces withdrew later and no arrests were reported.

At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into al-Daheriya village, south of Hebron. They patrolled the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

At approximately 02:30, Israeli forces moved into Kofur Ne’ma village, west of Ramallah. They patrolled the streets and raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Mohammed Omar al-Deek (23), they arrested the aforementioned person and took him to an unknown destination.

At approximately 03:00, Israeli forces moved into al-Fawwar refugee camp, south of Hebron. They patrolled the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

In the early morning, Israeli forces moved into Bruqin village, west of Jenin. They patrolled the streets and raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Mohammed Emad Ali Khaloud (23). They arrested the aforementioned person and confiscated a PC set and a hunting rifle belonging to him.

At approximately 09:00, Israeli gunboats stationed off Deir al-Balah shore, in the central Gaza Strip, opened fire at about 30 Palestinian fishing boats that were fishing within the 6 nautical miles limit. The fishermen sailed back fearing of being wounded or arrested. However, neither casualties nor material damage were reported.

At approximately 10:40, Israeli forces moved into Zaita village, north of Tulkarm. They patrolled the streets for some time and withdrew later. neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

At approximately 11:30, Israeli forces moved into Kherbatha al-Musbah village, west of Ramallah. They patrolled the streets for some time and withdrew later. No arrests were reported.

At approximately 12:30, Israeli forces moved into Jawhar mountain and al-Masharqa al-Fouqa neighbourhoods. They attacked students while going out of Tareq Bin Ziad school and fired sound bombs. As a result, a number of civilians suffered tear gas inhalation.
At approximately 19:00, Israeli forces moved into Kherbet Safa, south of Beit Ummar, north of Hebron. They patrolled the streets and fired sound bombs. Some bombs fell into a house belonging to Mohammed Ahmed Adi (55), due to which, the family members suffered tear gas inhalation. In the meantime, a number of boys gathered and threw stones and empty bottles at Israeli soldiers, who fired rubber-coated metal bullets and sound bombs in response. As a result, windows of a mosque were smashed and water tanks on top of the mosque were damaged. Israeli forces withdrew later, but neither house raids nor arrests were reported. This incursion is part of the attack launched by Israeli forces against Kherbet Safa as a punishment to prevent its residents from working in their own lands that are adjacent to "Beit Ein" settlement.

At approximately 21:00, Israeli forces moved into the old town of Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Ali Subaih Abu Turkey (22). They arrested the aforementioned person and took him to an unknown destination.

Tuesday, 07 January 2014

At approximately 01:30, Israeli forces moved into Nablus and Balata refugee camp. they patrolled the streets and raided a number of houses from which they arrested 3 civilians:

1. Mohammed Deeb Maraheel (33), from Balata refugee camp;
2. Mohammed Sameeh Eleiwi (25), from Rafidia neighbourhood, west of the city; and
3. Hurra Sireen Khdeir (27), from al-Tuffah valley, west of the city.

Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into al-Maleh valley, in the northern Jordan valley, east of Tubas. They patrolled the streets and raided and searched a tent belonging to the family of Khairi Burhan Lafi Daraghma (35). They arrested the aforementioned person and withdrew later.

At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into al-Tira neighbourhood, west of Ramallah. They patrolled the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into the centre of Doura, southwest of Hebron. They patrolled the streets and raided and searched a number of houses from which they arrested 4 civilians:

1. Khaled Mohammed Mahmoud al-Namoura (24);
2. Abdul Rahman Shehda Khalil al-Namoura (22);
3. Mohammed Shehda al-Darabee’ (23); and
4. Samer Mohammed Khallaf (22).

Also around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Tulkarm. They patrolled the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

In the early morning, Israeli forces moved into Ezbet al-Jarad area, east of Tulkarm. They patrolled the streets and raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Baha’ Emad Hamed Qa’dan (26). They arrested the aforementioned person and took him to an unknown destination.
At approximately 10:00, Israeli forces moved into Allar village, northeast of Tulkarm. They patrolled the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

At approximately 11:00, Israeli forces moved into Saida village, northeast of Tulkarm. They patrolled the streets, where a number of boys gathered and threw stones and empty bottles at Israeli soldiers, who fired sound bombs and tear gas canisters. As a result, a number of civilians suffered tear gas inhalation. Israeli forces withdrew later and no arrests were reported.

Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into al-Yamoun village, northwest of Jenin. They patrolled the streets for some time and withdrew later. No arrests were reported.

At approximately 12:30, Israeli forces moved into Qufin village, north of Tulkarm. They patrolled the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

At approximately 22:00, Israeli forces moved into Beitellou village, northwest of Ramallah. They patrolled the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

At approximately 23:30, Israeli forces moved into al-Aroub refugee camp, north of Hebron. They patrolled the streets and stationed at the entrance of bypass road (60). They deployed between the houses, where a number of boys gathered and threw stones and empty bottles at Israeli soldiers, who fired sound bombs and tear gas canisters. As a result, a number of civilians suffered tear gas inhalation. Israeli forces withdrew later, but neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

At approximately 21:00, Israeli forces moved into Bruqin village, west of Jenin. They patrolled the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

Wednesday, 08 January 2014

At approximately 01:00, Israeli forces moved into al-Samou’ village, south of Hebron. They patrolled the streets for some time and stationed in the centre of the village. They deployed between the houses and raided and searched a number of houses from which they arrested 5 civilians:
1. Ameen Abdul Karim al-Taweel (19);
2. Ma’moun Mohammed Khlayla (20);
3. Ahmed Mousa Khlayla (19);
4. Khalil Abdul Aziz Khlayla (20); and
5. Alaa’ Mohammed al-Badareen (22).

Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into al-Aroub refugee camp. They patrolled the streets and raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Shadi Ahmed Ayesh Abu Raya (21). The arrested the aforementioned person and took him to an unknown destination.

At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into Nablus. They patrolled the streets and raided and searched a number of houses. They also arrested Ahmed Fat’hi Steitiya (30), from Ras al-Ein neighbourhood, south of the city, and took him to an unknown destination.

Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Burin village, southeast of Nablus. They patrolled the streets and raided and searched a number of houses. Israeli forces withdrew later, but no arrests were reported.

At approximately 02:30, Israeli forces moved into the centre of Yatta, south of Hebron. They patrolled the streets and raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Hamada Mahmoud Muheisen al-Badawi. They arrested the aforementioned person and took him to an unknown destination.

At approximately 02:40, Israeli forces moved into Bethlehem. They patrolled the streets and raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Ahmed Awad Sweis (15). They arrested the aforementioned person and took him to an unknown destination.

At approximately 03:00, Israeli forces moved into Shweika suburb, north of Tulkarm. They patrolled the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

At approximately 11:00, Israeli forces moved into al-Karmel area, west of Yatta, south of Hebron. They patrolled the streets and closed the road connecting Yatta and al-Karmel village. They stopped vehicles and checked ID cards of their passengers. They also handed Azmi Shaher al-Jundi (44) and his son Nepal (13) 2 summons to refer to the Israeli intelligence service in "Gosh Etzion" settlement, south of Bethlehem.

At approximately 12:00, Israeli forces moved into the vicinity of Tareq Ben Ziad school, south of Hebron, in a provocative manner. Students while going out of school gathered and threw stones at Israeli soldiers, who fired sound bombs and tear gas canisters in response. A number of students and civilians suffered tear gas inhalation, but no arrests were reported.

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

During the reporting period, Israeli soldiers used excessive force against peaceful demonstrations 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 16-year-old civilian was wounded by a Tutu bullet to the legs during Bil’in weekly protest, west of Ramallah.

(PCHR keeps the names of the wounded).

Demonstrations against the construction of the annexation wall and settlement activity

In spite of the cold weather, following the Friday Prayer, 03 January 2014, dozens of Palestinian civilians and international and Israeli human rights defenders organised a peaceful demonstration in Bil’in, west of Ramallah, in protest at the construction of the annexation wall and settlement activities, supporting the al-Aqsa mosque and the Islamic and Christian religious sites. Demonstrators took the streets raising the Palestinian flags and headed to the liberated territories near the annexation wall. Israeli forces had closed all the entrances of the village since morning to prevent the Palestinian and international activists and journalists from participating in the demonstration. Demonstrators marched adjacent to the cement wall and tried to cross the fence before Israeli forces that are 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 skunk water at them and chased them in olive fields. As a result, a 16-year-old civilian sustained a Tutu bullet wound to his legs. Moreover, dozens of demonstrators 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. 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 passing to the land behind it before they responded by throwing stones. As a result, many civilians suffered tear gas inhalation and bruises as they were beaten up by Israeli soldiers.

Following the Friday prayer, dozens of Palestinian civilians and international and Israeli human rights defenders organised a peaceful demonstration in Ma’assara village, in protest at the construction of the annexation wall and settlement activities. The demonstration started in front of the Candles Cultural Centre in the centre of the village. Demonstrators moved in the streets raising the Palestinian flag. When they arrived at the area where the annexation wall is established, Israeli forces started firing tear gas canisters in an attempt to disperse them and prevented them reaching the annexation wall.

At approximately 12:30 on the same day, Palestinian civilians and international activists organised a peaceful demonstration in the centre of Kufor Qaddoum village, northwest of Qalqilia, and headed towards the eastern entrance of the village, in protest at the continued closure of the entrance with an iron gate, since the beginning of the Aqsa Intifada. Clashes erupted between the demonstrators and Israeli forces that fired sound bombs and tear gas canisters to prevent them from reaching the aforementioned gate. As a result, a number of civilians suffered tear gas inhalation. Israeli forces also arrested Aqel Mahmoud Abdul Qader Ishteiwi (24) and took him to an unknown destination.

3. Continued closure of the oPt

Israel has continued to impose a tightened 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 tightens the closure of the Gaza Strip and closes 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 was 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 ranged between the ebb and flow 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 tonnes of cooking gas into Gaza per day. This limited quantity is less than half of the daily needs, which is 200 tonnes 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 uses of electricity. The lack of diesel and benzene further aggravated 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 on gas increased despite lack of it.

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 the UNRWA and UNDP projects. As a result, construction works have completely stopped leaving negative impact on manpower and all sectors that are directly related with construction works leading to the increase of levels of poverty and unemployment.

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.

The Egyptian authorities allow the population of the Gaza Strip to travel via Rafah International crossing, which connects the Gaza Strip with the outside world. Only limited and specified categories are allowed, including patients, students, persons that hold residencies in Egypt or abroad, men over 40 years, females in all ages, children under 18, persons who hold Arab and foreign nationalities, and members of Arab and international humanitarian delegations. It should be mentioned that the crossing opens seven days a week. Nowadays, the crossing is overcrowded due to the prolonged procedures from the Egyptian side, particularly after closing it for several days over the past weeks due to Egypt’s security conditions, which has affected the travellers’ movement in both directions.

Movement at Karm Abu Salem (Kerem Shalom) crossing
31 December 2013 – 05 January 2014

Date
Imports
Category
Amount
Tons
Number
Litres
31 December 2013
Foodstuffs
1,190

Agricultural materials
1,547

Various goods
Cartons of clothes
Refrigerators
Washing machines
Cartons of shoes
Gas cylinders
Ovens
Photocopiers
Electricity poles
Cartons of computer accessories
Carpentry machines
1,214

436
59
535
1,358
243
1,300
21
170
1,318
20

Humanitarian aid
826

Cooking gas
129,360

Benzene

38,000
Diesel

209,020 for UNRWA

Industrial fuel

209,020
01 January 2014
Foodstuffs
1,284

Agricultural materials
1,334

Various goods
Cartons of shoes
Cartons of clothes
Washing machines
Gas cylinders
Refrigerators
Photocopiers
Cartons of telecommunication supplies
Electricity poles
Marble boards
Car tires
Solar boards
Generators
1,000
520
1,625
1,448
360
172
7
160

100
1,142
2,625
528
11

Cooking gas
137,860

Benzene

111,000
Diesel

111,018

Industrial fuel

447,043
02 January 2014
Foodstuffs
1,414

Agricultural materials
1,880

Various goods
Cartons of clothes
Cartons of computer accessories
Cartons of bicycles
Cartons of sweepers
Refrigerators
Sheep
Cows
Televisions
Electricity poles
Cars
Generators
Washing machines
1,026

119
3,024
1,152
1,520
96
456
351
180
54
35
7
354

Humanitarian aid
1,347

Cooking gas
152,960

Benzene

259,984
Diesel

290,014

Industrial fuel

404,955
05 January 2014
Foodstuffs
1,127

Agricultural materials
2,227

Various goods
Cartons of clothes
Washing machines
Gas cylinders
Glass boards
Electricity poles
Air conditioners
Ovens
Marble boards
Cartons of shoes
Solar boards
Batteries
714
1,157
275
886
520
200
25
250
775
675
278
295

Humanitarian aid
497

Cooking gas
199,020

Benzene

287,019
Diesel

401,056
Industrial fuel

407,932

Exports:

On Tuesday, 31 December 2013, Israeli forces allowed the exportation of 6 tonnes of strawberries and 15,000 flowers.
On Wednesday, 01 January 2014, Israeli forces allowed the exportation of 4.7 tonnes of strawberries.
On Thursday, 02 January 2014, Israeli forces allowed the exportation of 11.8 tonnes of strawberries and 53,000 flowers.
On Sudnay, 05 January 2014, Israeli forces allowed the exportation of 5 tonnes of cherry tomatoes; 3 tonnes of strawberries; 17,000 flowers; 480 kilograms of garlic leaves; 330 kilograms of basil; 330 kilograms of mint; and 50 kilograms of coriander.

Other Imports:

On Tuesday, 31 December 2013, Israeli forces allowed the entry of 160 tonnes of cement and 420 tonnes of construction aggregate for the UNRWA. They also allowed the entry of 1,014 tonnes of fodders and 312 tonnes of wheat.
On Wednesday, 01 January 2014, Israeli forces allowed the entry of 936 tonnes of fodders and 156 tonnes of wheat.
On Thursday, 02 January 2014, Israeli forces allowed the entry of 320 tonnes of cement and 700 tonnes of construction aggregate for the UNRWA. They also allowed the entry of 936 tonnes of fodders and 624 tonnes of wheat.
On Sunday, 05 January 2014, Israeli forces allowed the entry of 858 tonnes of fodders and 507 tonnes of wheat.
Empty Plastic Containers Returned to Israel via Karm Abu Salem

On Tuesday, 31 December 2013, Israeli forces allowed 4 truckloads of empty plastic containers to be returned via Karm Abu Salem.
On Wednesday, 01 January 2014, Israeli forces allowed 5 truckloads of empty plastic containers to be returned via Karm Abu Salem.
On Thursday, 02 January 2014, Israeli forces allowed 5 truckloads of empty plastic containers to be returned via Karm Abu Salem.
On Sunday, 05 January 2014, Israeli forces allowed 8 truckloads of empty plastic containers to be returned via Karm Abu Salem.

Beit Hanoun ("Erez") crossing, in the north of the Gaza Strip, is dedicated for the movement of individuals, and links the Gaza Strip with the West Bank.

Movement at Beit Hanoun (“Erez”) crossing
01 – 07 January 2013

Category
01 January
02 January
03 January
04 January
05 January
06 January
07 January
Patients
36
28
3

88
44
58
Companions
34
22
5

82
45
59
Personal needs
15
31
4

63
45
20
Families of prisoners

90

Arabs from Israel
23
11
8

62
10
3
Diplomats

International journalists
8
-
-

International workers
1
1
2

7
6
9
Deceased

Travelers abroad

4

11

Businesspeople
106
100

112
109
115
Business meetings

1

7

Security interviews

2
1
5
VIPs

1

Ambulances to Israel
1
2
1

2
3
3
Ambulances from Israel

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:

Ramallah: Israeli forces have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. At approximately 21:30 on Thursday, 02 January 2014, Israeli forces re-established at ’Atara checkpoint at the northern entrance of Birzeit, north of Ramallah. They prevented people from leaving or entering through the aforementioned checkpoint. Israeli forces later withdrew, and no arrests were reported.

At approximately 17:00 on Friday, 03 January 2014, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the eastern entrance of al-Tibah village, northeast of Ramallah. The checkpoint was later removed, and no arrests were reported.

At approximately 15:30 on Saturday, 05 January 2014, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the intersection of Beit ’Or al-Foqa, southwest of Ramallah. At approximately 19:30, they established another checkpoint near the intersection of “Ofrah” settlement, north of Ramallah. The two checkpoints were later removed, and no arrests were reported.

Hebron: Israeli forces have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. At approximately 08:00 on Thursday, 02 January 2014, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the entrance of Sa’ir village, northeast of Hebron. At approximately 17:00, they also established a checkpoint at the entrance of Kharsa village, south of Dura, southwest of the city. At approximately 18:00, they established another checkpoint at the northern entrance of Hebron. All checkpoints were later removed, and no arrests were reported.

At approximately 15:00 on Saturday, 04 January 2014, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the entrance of Amrish village, south of Dura, southwest of Hebron. At approximately 17:00, another checkpoint was established at the entrance of Kharsa village, south of Dura, southwest of Hebron. Around the same time, another checkpoint was established at the entrance of Ezna village, west of Hebron. At approximately 20:00, they established a similar checkpoint on Tarousa Road between Dura and its western villages, southwest of Hebron. All checkpoints were later removed, and no arrests were reported.

At approximately 08:00 on Sunday, 05 January 2014, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the northern entrance of Yatta, south of Hebron. At approximately 15:00, they established another checkpoint at the entrance of Kharsa village, south of Dura. At approximately 16:00, a similar checkpoint was established at the entrance of al-‘Arroub refugee camp, north of Hebron. At approximately 17:00, another checkpoint was established at the northern entrance of Hebron, as this entrance is connected with Bypass Road (60). All checkpoints were later removed, and no arrests were reported.

At approximately 07:00 on Monday, 06 January 2014, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the eastern entrance of Dura, southwest of the city. At approximately 07:30, they established another checkpoint at the southern entrance of Halhoul, north of the city. The two checkpoints were later removed, and no arrests were reported.

At approximately 16:00 on Tuesday, 07 January 2014, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the northern entrance of Yatta, south of the city. Around the same time, they established another checkpoint at the entrance of al’Arroub refugee camp, north of Hebron. The two checkpoints were later removed, and no arrests were reported.

At approximately 07:00 on Wednesday, 08 January 2014, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the northern entrance of Yatta, south of the city. At approximately 07:30, another checkpoint was established at the entrance of Sa’ir village, east of Hebron. At approximately 08:00, they established another checkpoint at the northern entrance of Hebron. All checkpoints were later removed, and no arrests were reported.

Jenin: Israeli forces have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. At approximately 15:30 on Thursday, 02 January 2014, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the entrance of Ya’abod village, southwest of Jenin. The checkpoint was later removed, and no arrests were reported.

At approximately 15:00 on Friday, 03 January 2014, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the entrance of Ya’bod, southwest of Jenin. The checkpoint was later removed, and no arrests were reported. At approximately 17:00, they re-established the checkpoint in the same place. At approximately 21:00, they re-established the checkpoint in the same place.

At approximately 15:30 on Saturday, 04 January 2014, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the entrance of Ya’abod village, southwest of Jenin. The checkpoint was later removed, and no arrests were reported.

At approximately 15:30 on Sunday, 05 January 2014, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the entrance of Te’anak village, northwest of Jenin. The checkpoint was later removed, and no arrests were reported.

At approximately 13:30 on Monday, 06 January 2014, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the entrance of ‘Arrabah village, south of Jenin. At approximately 23:00, another checkpoint was established at the entrance of ‘Arrabah village, south of the city. The two checkpoints were later removed, and no arrests were reported.

Qalqilya: Israeli forces have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. At approximately 19:00 on Thursday, 02 January 2014, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the entrance of ‘Azoun village, east of Qalqilya. The checkpoint was later removed, and no arrests were reported.

At approximately 21:15 on Friday, 03 January 2014, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the eastern entrance of Qalqilya. The checkpoint was later removed, and no arrests were reported.

Tulkarm: Israeli forces have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. At approximately 15:30 on Thursday, 02 January 2014, Israeli forces stationed at ’Inab Checkpoint, which is established on the main road between Tulkarm and Nablus, east of Tulkarm, tightened its restrictions against Palestinian civilians and obstructed their movement to the checkpoint. The tightening later ended, and no arrests were reported.

At approximately 01:30 on Saturday, 04 January 2014, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the entrance of ‘Ezbet Shofah village, southeast of Tulakarm. The checkpoint was later removed, and no arrests were reported. At approximately 11:00, they 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 noted that Jubarah village has been isolated from its surroundings since the Al-Aqsa Intifada form more than 10 years due to the annexation wall, south of Tulkarm. The route of the wall was changed to pass through the west of the village a couple of weeks ago. As a result, the village was re-integrated with the neighboring villages.

Jericho: Israeli forces have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. At approximately 09:30 on Friday, 03 January 2014, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the entrance of Fasayel village, north of Jericho. The checkpoint was later removed, and no arrests were reported.

Arrests and Maltreatment at military checkpoints

At approximately 18:00 on Thursday, 02 January 2014, Israeli forces stationed at ’Inab Checkpoint, which is established on the main road between Tulkarm and Nablus, east of Tulkarm, tightened its restrictions against Palestinian civilians and obstructed their movement to the checkpoint. While ‘Abdel Rahim Fayyad ‘Abdel Rahim al-Qarout (22) from Tulkarm via the checkpoint, Israeli forces arrested him and took him to an unknown destination.
At approximately 01:10 on Monday, 06 January 2013, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the western entrance of Beit Fojar, southeast of Bethlehem. They arrested 3 young men after detaining them and checking their ID cards. They later removed the checkpoint taking the arrested to an unknown destination. The arrested persons were identified as Mohammed Fahed Taqatqah (18); Ahmed Sami Taqatqah (19); and Mohyi al-Deen Walid Taqatqah (18).

At approximately 15:00 on Monday, 06 January 2014, Israeli forces stationed at Hawarah checkpoint, south of Nablus, arrested Shadi Nayef Abu Sharekh (18) from Nablus while passing via the checkpoint heading to Ramallah. Eyewitnesses said that the soldiers stopped the car Abu Sharekh was driving and checked his ID card. They then ordered him under weapon threat to get out of the car and took him to an unknown destination.

Israeli Forces Arrest a Patient at Beit Hanoun “Erez” Crossing

At approximately 09:00 on Monday, 06 January 2014, Israeli forces stationed at Beit Hanoun “Erez” crossing arrested Yousif Khalaf Ibrahim Abu al-Jedyan (28) from al-Bussah area in Deir al-Balah, when he was on his way to the “Sergie Care” Hospital in Ramallah in the West Bank to undergo a surgery in the cornea of his left eye due to the laceration of the iris. Abu al-Jedyan had gone for treatment in Egypt after the Israeli authorities refused giving him a passing permit to receive medical treatment at Saint John Hospital in Occupied Jerusalem in March 2013. However, the patient’s health condition did not improve despite going to Egypt for treatment.
Salwa Mohammed ‘Abdullah Abu al-Jedyan (67), the patient’s mother, from al-Bussah area in Deir al-Balah, stated to a PCHR fieldworker that:

“At approximately 07:00 on Monday, 06 January 2014, my son and I arrived at Beit Hanoun “Erez” crossing. At approximately 09:00 and after the Palestinian Liaison officer at the crossing had completed the necessary procedures to allow us to enter the crossing, where we stepped into a body-scanning device and our luggage wase searched. We then went to get our ID cards and passing permits, but a female soldier asked us to wait in the waiting room. Around 10 minutes later, two persons dressed in civilian clothes asked my son Yousif for the cell phone, so he gave them the two cell phones he had as well as mine. One of them asked my son to read the number on his cell phone, but Yousif answered that he cannot see. I then told him that my son will undergo a cornea transplant in his eye. He asked me to wait in my place and ordered Yousif to come with him to a nearby room, which is 4 meters away from me. I waited for an hour till approximately 11:00 when an armed soldier dressed in blue police uniform called my name and told me that there is no passing permit for me. He ordered me to take my luggage to go back to Gaza. I went to the Palestinian side of the crossing, where I waited till 17:00. I went back home and my son Hazim (35) told me that someone who introduced him as a member of the Israeli intelligence service informed us that Yousif was under arrest and was transferred to Ashkelon prison.”

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

Attacks carried out by Israeli forces

· At approximately 08:00 on Sunday, 05 January 2014, Israeli forces backed with military vehicles and accompanied with a vehicle belonging to the Israeli Civil Administration (the construction and organization department), moved into Tal al-Ramidah neighbourhood in central Hebron. Israeli soldier deployed in the area and prevented civilians’ movement. A military bulldozer levelled a 2300m2 tract of land and uprooted almond trees rented by Abu Haykal Family since 1949 from “the enemy’s property guard” at that time. They denied civilians access into it.

It should be noted that the family of Ratib Salim Abu Haykal rented two tracts of land holding no. (25) and (53) in the lands of Tal al-Ramidah neighbourhood from “the guard of the enemy’s property”. After 1967 occupation, the family kept paying the rent to the so-called “the Absentee Property Guard” without any obstacles till 1980, when the Absentee Property Guard Department refused to receive the rent of land from the family, and they submitted a request to stop the rent. In 1984, a group of settlers headed by “Baroukh Marzel” established an outpost called “Ramat Shay” while Israeli forces were prospecting for archaeological sites and archaeological excavations in the area. Israeli forces also established a camp in the area under the claim of protecting settlers, and a part of it was established on the land of Abu Haykal family. The attacks on civilians by settlers increased. In 2000, the Absentee Property Guard Committee and Abu Haykal family signed a new agreement as they paid what has been owed from the land rent since 1984. This situation continued till 20 August 2001 when a shooting incident took place in the area against settlers. The Absentee Property Guard claimed that they would establish a wall of barbed wires around the land to protect settlers. The family was informed that they will hand the keys of the gates leading to the two tracts of lands to the family when the fence is completed. On 20 February 2013, the fence was completed and the Absentee Property Guard refused to hand them the keys, as Abu Haykal family headed to the Absentee Property committee to renew the contract, but they refused so. Thus, the situation stayed as it was, and a decision was issued declaring the land a closed military zone and Palestinians and settlers are denied access to it. Settlers’ violations increased especially after moving into a land adjacent to a house belonging to ‘Abdel ‘Aziz Abu Haykal, destroying the stone walls in it, and breaking down trees.

Feryal Abu Haykal (68) stated to a PCHR fieldworker that:

“At approximately 08:00 on Sunday, 05 January 2014, Israeli forces accompanied with police patrols and the Civil Administration arrived at the area. After deploymentd in the vicinity of our house and the adjacent land, a military bulldozer arrived and levelled the soil. They uprooted 5 grape vineyards and around 45 almond trees. Around an hour later, a truck bearing a caravan arrived at the area and entered the land. I immediately headed to the land and informed the police that this is our rented land, but they refused to deal with. As a result, I skirmished with the Israeli soldiers while my husband’s nephew Sami ‘Emad Abu Haykal (20), attempted to enter the land. However, the soldiers prevented him and sprayed pepper spray at his face, so he fell down. The soldiers severely beat him, tightened his hands, and arrested him though he is sick and with one kidney. His mother tried to rescue him from them, but soldiers sprayed pepper spray at her. I then went home and brought the contract papers and receipts of the rented land to one of the police officer, but he said that the contract expired in 2002 and the rent of the land has not been paid for 12 years. At approximately 13:00, the Israeli soldiers entered another caravan to land. I then went to “Ja’abrah” police station to file a complaint against those who attacked the land. When I came back home, I found out that the soldiers put warning signs on the fence surrounding my land and others saying that the place belongs to the Israeli Antiquities Authority. On the next day, a bulldozer arrived at the land and more than 30 workers and specialists in archaeology, including a person who has been in the area for year and carries out archaeological excavation works. Around an hour after his arrest, Sami was released.”

· At approximately 09:30 on Sunday, 05 January 2014, Israeli forces denied civilians in Kherbet Um al-Kheir, east of Yatta, south of Hebron, access into the farmlands surrounding the village where there are water wells. Meanwhile, Israeli authorities allow the urban expansion in “Kermaeil” settlerment established on Palestinian lands in the surrounding village.

· Regarding the new settlement construction projects, on 06 January 2014, the Israeli “Peace Now” movement against settlements, revealed a project to build 272 new settlement units in the West Bank settlements was approved on the Eve of John Kerry’s departure, U.S. Secretary of State. The movement said in its statement that a project to build 250 new settlement units in “’Ofrah” settlement and 22 others in “Kerni Shamrone” settlement was approved on Sunday, 05 January 2014 according to an official document published on the Israeli Military Administration Website in charge of settlement saying that “the construction process may start soon.” The “Peace Now” movement considered that “a government, who is seeking a two-state solution, does not deepen the conflict more through constructing in settlements, especially in those area that do not have any opportunity to be under the Israeli control.” It also emphasized that it is only about “two isolated settlements in the heart of the West Bank.”
· At approximately 11:00 on Wednesday, 08 January 2014, an Israeli Infantry force backed with 3 military vehicles and accompanied by a vehicle belonging to the Israeli Civil Administration (the construction and organization department), moved into Deir Samit village, west of Dura, southwest of Hebron. They stationed at the intersection leading to the village and deployed in the area. The Civil Administration officer handed 4 notices to stop construction works under the pretext of no permit. These notices include:

1. 100m2 Commercial stores belonging to Hussein ‘Abdel Rahmanal-Sharhah;
2. A 2-dunum Barrack constructed of barbed wires and tin and used for collecting scrap. It belongs to Ibrahim Khalil ‘Odah al-Horoub;
3. A 120m2 under-construction house belonging to Hasan ‘Azmi al-Sharhah; and
4. A 120m2construction house belonging to Hasan ‘Azmi al-Sharhah

Attacks carried out by settlers

At approximately 11:00 on Saturday, 04 January 2014, a group of settlers from the settlements established on Palestinians lands, east of Hebron, moved into the old city markets, Shalalah Street in central Hebron. They threw stones and empty bottles at the shops, and a number of them destroyed some stands belonging to peddlers. All this happened under the intensive guard of the Israeli forces, who closed the markets and prevented people’s movement.

At approximately 13:00, settlers from “Beit Hadasa” outpost established in the centre of the old city in central Hebron attacked a house belonging to Mofid al-Sahrbati in al-Shuhadaa’ Street, which has been closed for 12 years. The settlers insulted the aforementioned civilian and his family members with bad words without any intervention from the Israeli forces to subject them to the law.

At approximately 09:00 on Monday, 06 January 2014, a group of settlers from “Metsebi Ya’ir” settlement established on Palestinian lands, east of Yatta, south of Hebron, attacked farmers while working in their lands in the area of al-‘Ad well, southeast of Yatta. They threw stones at them, insulted them with bad words, and quarrelled with hands. Meanwhile, Israeli forces moved into the area and attacked the farmers. They arrested four of them who were identified as Ismail al-‘Adrah; Khaled Mohammed Hamamdah; Saleh Ismail al-‘Adrah; and Mousa Mohammed al-‘Adrah. These attacks by settlers are part of their attempt to expel civilians from their lands and seizure of them for the interest of the settlement expansion in the east of Yatta.

It should be mentioned that al-Da’ajnah family lives in a tent comprised of shader and surrounded by bricks on a mountain in al-Rakhim Valley area, near “Sousia” settlement, where settlers entered their sheep and cows into the lands of al-Da’ajnah family. As a result, 8 dunums of lands planted with grains were damaged, and 6 dunums of lands planted with barely were as well damaged in 2013. The guards of settlements let the dogs out towards ‘Ezz Ghaith while grazing sheep in their lands adjacent to Sousia settlement.

On Wednesday early morning, 08 January 2014, a group of settlers from “Yitshar” settlement established on part of Madma lands, south of Nablus, set fire to two cars in the centre of the aforementioned village and wrote hostile slogans against Arabs and residents. A car, identified as white Opel belong to Lawyer Wael ‘Abdel Rahim Mohammed Qot, and the other one, identified as 2013 white Mitsubishi belong to Dr. Rami Mohammed ‘Awad Nassar.

Wael’Abdel Rahim Qot said to a PCHR fieldworker:

“At approximately 03:00 on Wednesday, 08 January 2014, when I was asleep our house in the centre of Madma village, south of Nablus near the main road, I woke up to the sound of a speeding car and big fuss in the street. I immediately got up of my bed when someone was strongly knocking on the house door. I thought it was the Israeli forces, so I did not open the door until I heard someone shouting “open the door, your car is on fire.” I opened the door to find Bashar Faysal Nassar, the owner of a small restaurant in the village, and told me that my neighbour’s car and mine are both on fire. I then looked at my car to see flames devouring the front of it. I immediately went to extinguish the fire in my 2005 white Skoda car, and the 2013 white Hyundai car of my neighbour Rami Nassar. It took us 15 minutes to put the fire out, and the fire devoured the front part of the two cars and their engines. After finishing extinguishing fire, Bashar told the neighbours and I that while he was on his way to his restaurant, which is near the house, he witnessed 3 masked persons holding a middle-size gallon filled with burning material, which they spilled on both cars and burnt them. When they saw Bashar, they immediately got in their blue Seat car and went towards the bypass road. While Bashar was telling us about the car descriptions, a lot of people said that this car always carries out such vandal actions in the village. They added that there is a video tape of this car, when they set fire to an under-construction house in the village a couple of days ago. In the morning, I saw slogans written in yellow in Hebrew on the walls beside the car saying that this is revenge for what happened with settlers from “Yash Qodush” outpost near Qasrah village.”

Recommendations to the International Community

PCHR emphasizes the international community’s position that the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, which is still under the Israeli occupation, in spite of the Israeli military redeployment outside the Gaza Strip in 2005. PCHR further confirms that Israeli forces have 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 an 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 to account 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 and victims;
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 directed 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.

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Public Document

Weekly Report On Israeli Human Rights Violations in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (02- 08 January 2014)

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