Weekly Report On Israeli Human Rights Violations in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (25 Aug. – 07 Sep. 2011)

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Damage caused by an arson attack launched by Israeli settlers against Bain al-Nourain Mosque in Qasra village, southeast of Nablus

Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) Continue Systematic Attacks against Palestinian Civilians and Property in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT)

5 Palestinians were killed by Israeli air strikes in the Gaza Strip.
Two of the victims are civilians.

Bodies of 3 workers who were missing in a tunnel in the southern Gaza Strip that had been bombarded by Israeli warplanes were found.

A Palestinian child died of a previous wound in the Gaza Strip.

28 Palestinians, including 13 children, 7 women and an old man, were wounded by IOF the Gaza Strip, and one civilian was wounded in the West Bank.

IOF continued to use force against peaceful protests in the West Bank.
Dozens of demonstrators suffered from tear gas inhalation.

IOF conducted 68 incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank.
IOF arrested 28 Palestinians, including two children and two members of the Palestinian Legislative Council.

Israel has continued to impose a total siege on the OPT and has isolated the Gaza Strip from the outside world.
IOF arrested at least 7 Palestinians, including a member of the Palestinian Legislative Council, at military checkpoints in the West Bank.

IOF have continued settlement activities in the West Bank and Israeli settlers have continued to attack Palestinian civilians and property.
Israeli settlers set fire to a mosque in Qasra village near Nablus.
IOF ordered the demolition of more Palestinian civilian facilities.
IOF razed large areas of agricultural land and uprooted 88 trees in al-Walaja village near Bethlehem.
Israeli settlers uprooted 20 olive trees in Qalqilya and burnt 100 trees southeast of Bethlehem.

Summary

Israeli violations of international law and humanitarian law in the OPT continued during the reporting period (25 August – 07 September 2011) :

Shooting :

During the reporting period, IOF killed 5 Palestinians, including two civilians (in the Gaza Strip. A child also died of a previous wound. Additionally, rescue team found the body of 3 Palestinian workers in a tunnel in the southern Gaza Strip, which had been bombarded by Israeli warplanes. IOF also wounded 28 Palestinian civilians, including 13 children, 7 women and an old man in the Gaza Strip, and one civilian in the West Bank.

In the Gaza Strip, on 25 August 2011, two Palestinian civilians were killed when Israeli warplanes bombarded al-Salama Sports Club in the northern Gaza Strip town of Beit Lahia. Additionally, 25 civilians, including 11 children and 7 women, were wounded. A number of houses and civilian facilities were also damaged.

On the same day, two Palestinian resistance activists were killed, when an Israeli warplane bombarded a motorcycle they were traveling on in the northern Gaza Strip.

On the same day, rescue teams found the bodies of 3 Palestinian workers in a tunnel in the southern Gaza Strip that had been bombarded by Israeli warplanes.

On 29 August 2011, medical sources declared that a Palestinian child from Beit Lahia town dies of a previous wound.

On 6 September 2011, IOF killed a Palestinian resistance activist and wounded an old man and his two children by an air strike during an incursion into the southern Gaza Strip.

On 06 September 2011, Israeli warplanes bombarded and destroyed an uninhabited house in the central Gaza Strip.

In the West Bank, a Palestinian civilian was wounded by IOF in Qasra village, southeast of Nablus.

During the reporting period, IOF used excessive force to disperse peaceful demonstrations organized in protest to Israeli settlement activities and the construction of the annexation wall in the West Bank. As a result, dozens of Palestinian civilians and international human rights defenders suffered from tear gas inhalation.

Incursions :

During the reporting period, IOF conducted at least 68 military incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank, during which they arrested 28 Palestinian civilians, including two children and two members of the Palestinian Legislative Council.

Restrictions on Movement :

Israel had continued to impose a tightened siege on the OPT and imposed severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including occupied East Jerusalem.

Gaza Strip

Israel has continuously closed all border crossings to the Gaza Strip for over three years. The illegal Israeli-imposed 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.

IOF have tightened the closure of the Gaza Strip and practically made Karm Abu Salem crossing as the sole commercial crossing of the Gaza Strip although it is not proper for commercial purposes in terms of its distance and operational capacity.

IOF have continued to apply their policy aimed at tightening the strangulation of the commercial movement in the Gaza Strip, including imposing total control over the flow of imports and exports.

The total closure of al-Mentar "Karni" crossing on 02 March 2011 has created a bitter situation that has seriously affected the Gaza Strip. Following this closure, all the economic and commercial establishments in 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 operational capacity to absorb the flow of imports and exports. The decision of al-Mentar crossing was the culmination of a series of decisions to totally close Soafa crossing, east of the Gaza Strip, in the beginning of 2009, and 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.

These statistics which were made available to PCHR by the Border and Crossings Department indicate a continued drop in the number of truckloads of Gaza imports and exports.

IOF have continued to impose total ban on the delivery of raw materials to the Gaza Stri, 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 in the Gaza Strip.

The cooking gas crisis which has erupted last November has continued to affect the Gaza Strip. This crisis was created when the Israeli occupation authorities totally closed, on 04 January 2010, Nahal Oz crossing, which used to be dedicated for the delivery of fuel and cooking gas supplies to Gaza, and shifted fuel and cooking gas supplies to Karm Abu Salem crossing which is not technically equipped to receive Gaza’s needs of fuel. Karm Abu Salem crossing, with its maximum absorptive capacity, can receive only 200 tons of cooking gas per day.

Approximately 80% of Gaza civilians have continued to depend on alimentary aid provided by UNRWA and other relief agencies, rates of families who are living below poverty line have continued to be on the rise and approximately 40% of Gaza’s manpower has continued to suffer from permanent unemployment as a result of shutting down the majority of Gaza’s economic establishments.

IOF have continued to impose a total ban on the exportation of Gaza’s products, especially industrial products, leading to undermining any real chances to rerun economic establishments. The situation has been aggravated especially after making Karm Abu Salem crossing as Gaza sole commercial crossing and the repeated closure of this crossing which negatively affected the quantity of Gazan products which were allowed to be exported during last April.

IOF have continued to prolong the implementation of their decision to allow 60 cars into Gaza weekly although more than 11 months have passed since they announced this decision after three years of ban imposed on the delivery of cars to Gaza. As a result, the prices of cars in Gaza have been on the rise and local markets experience serious shortage in spare parts.

For approximately four consecutive years, IOF have continued to ban the delivery of construction materials to Gaza. During the reporting period, IOF approved the delivery of limited quantities of construction materials for a number of international organizations.

Israel has continued to close Beit Hanoun (Erez) crossing for Palestinian civilians from the Gaza Strip. IOF only allow the movement of limited groups amidst severe restrictions, including long hours of waiting in the majority of cases. IOF have also continued to adopt a policy aimed at reducing the number of Palestinian patients allowed to move via Beit Hanoun crossing to receive medical treatment in hospitals in Israel or in the West Bank and Jerusalem. IOF denied new categories of Gazan patient permission to have access to hospitals via the crossing.

Israel has imposed additional access restrictions on international diplomats, journalists and humanitarian workers seeking to enter the Gaza Strip.

For approximately 48 months, IOF have continued to deny approximately 700 Palestinian prisoners from Gaza detained in Israeli jails their visitation rights without providing any justification to this measure, which violates the rules of the international humanitarian law.

West Bank

IOF 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.

IOF have established checkpoints in and around Jerusalem, severely restricting Palestinian access to the city. Civilians are frequently prevented from praying in the al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem.

There are approximately 585 permanent roadblocks, and manned and unmanned checkpoints across the West Bank.

When complete, the illegal annexation wall will stretch for 724 kilometers around the West Bank, further isolating the entire population. 350 kilometers of the wall have already been constructed. Approximately 99% of the wall has been constructed inside the West Bank itself, confiscating more Palestinian land.

At least 65% of the main roads that lead to 18 Palestinian communities in the West Bank are closed or fully controlled by IOF.

There are approximately 500 kilometers of restricted roads across the West Bank. In addition, approximately one third of the West Bank, including occupied East Jerusalem, is inaccessible to Palestinians without permits issued by IOF. Such permits are extremely difficult to obtain.

IOF continue to harass and assault demonstrators who hold peaceful protests against the construction of the annexation wall.

Palestinian civilians continue to be harassed by IOF in Jerusalem, and across the West Bank, including being regularly stopped and searched in the streets by IOF.

Settlement Activities :

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

On 25 August 2011, at least 10 Israeli settlers from “Ramat Magharon” settlement, which stands in the southeast of Mikhmas village, southeast of Ramallah, set fire to olive trees in al-Hilwa area in the village. At least 100 olive trees were burnt before villagers were able to extinguish fire.

On 27 August 2011, 7 Israeli settlers from “Ramat Yishai” settlement outpost in Tal Rumaida neighborhood in the center of Hebron attacked a Palestinian civilians when he was in front of his house. They violently beat him in the presence of Israeli soldiers. As a result, he sustained bruises to the upper part of the body.

On 28 August 2011, a number of Israeli settlers from “Beit Hadassa” settlement outpost in al-Shuhada Street in the center of Hebron attacked a number of Palestinian houses using stones and empty bottles. A number of houses were damaged.

On 30 August 2011, a number of Israeli settlers from “Shilo” settlement, north of Ramallah, gathered at Nablus-Ramallah road and threw stones at Palestinian civilian vehicles. No injuries were reported.

On 01 September 2011, Nidal Ahmed ‘Aqel, 48, from Kufor Qaddoum village northeast of Qalqilya, was informed that Israeli settlers attacked his land. When he went to his land, he found that 20 olive trees had been cut.

On 04 September 2011, IOF moved into Jeet village, northeast of Qalqilya. They handed notices to 3 Palestinian civilians ordering them to stop the construction of their houses allegedly for the lack of licenses.

On 05 September 2011, a number of Israeli settlers from “Yish Kudesh” settlement near Qasra village, southeast of Nablus, broke windows of the first floor of Thu al-Nourain Mosque in the southwest of the village. They then pushed two tires into the mosque and set fire to them. The mosque was damaged. Before leaving the area, the settlers wrote slogans on walls insulting Prophet Mohammed.

On the same day, IOF and the Israeli police, accompanied by a number of armed Israeli settlers, moved into ‘Ein Jwaiza area in al-Walaja village, west of Bethlehem. They uprooted 88 trees. IOF denied Palestinian civilians access to the area.

On the same day, a number of Israeli settlers attacked ‘Edwan Nemer ‘Edwan, 41, from Zawata village west of Nablus, a lecturer at Bethlehem University, when he was on his way to his work. He was injured.

On the same day, a number of Israeli settlers from “Bitar Elite” settlement, west of Bethlehem, pumped waste water into the lands of the nearby Houssan and Nahalin villages. As a result, hundreds of trees were damaged.

On the same day, at least 25 Israeli settlers, escorted by IOF, stormed a house garden and agricultural lands belonging to ‘Ata ‘Abdul Jawad Jaber in al-Baq’a area near bypass road #60, east of Hebron. They then attacked Jaber’s house and demanded IOF to expel him. They left the area at approximately 19:00, threatening to come back again.

On 06 September 2011, a number of Israeli settlers from “Qidoumim” settlement threw stones at Palestinian civilian vehicles traveling on Qalqilya-Nablus road. As a result, a number of vehicles were damaged.

Israeli Violations Documented during the Reporting Period (25 August – 07 September 2011)

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

Thursday, 25 August 2011

At approximately 00:05, Israeli warplanes launched a missile on al-Salama Sports Club near Beit Lahia project’s market in the northern Gaza Strip. The attack resulted in the full destruction of the 3-storey building ; the first floor includes a gym, the second floor includes the administration offices and a multi-use hall, while the third one includes a football and volleyball field established on a 1,000-square-meter area. Additionally, two Palestinian civilians were killed due to the attack, as they were in the garden of an adjacent house belonging to Abdul Rahman Mohammed al-Masri in the northwestern side of the club. The victims are : Salama Abdul Rahman al-Masri, 18, the son of the house’s owner, who died immediately ; and Alaa ’Adnan Mohammed al-Jakhbeer, 22, from Jabalya, who was accompanying al-Masri. Al-Jakhbeer suffered from a hemorrhage in the pelvis because of shrapnel and was transferred to the hospital, but he died two hours later. Additionally, 25 Palestinian civilians, including 11 children and 7 women, sustained wounds and bruises due to the falling of smashed glass and stones at them. Moreover, extensive damages were caused to al-Huda Children Complex in Beit Lahia to the north of the club. The Complex established on an area of 1600 square meters consists of a kindergarten and a primary school. Dozens of houses surrounding the Club, 3 stores and 3 vehicles were damaged.

At approximately 14:00, civil defense crews found the bodies of ‘Emad Jamal ‘Abdul Raziq Abu Harb, 21, and Mahmoud Rajaa’ Sa’id al-Sibakhi, 20. Two hours later, they found the body of Mohammed Khaled Mohammed Tafish, 22. The victims are all from al-Shaboura refugee camp in Rafah. The three workers were missing when Israeli warplane bombarded a tunnel in al-Brazil neighborhood in the south of Rafah on Wednesday evening, 24 August 2011. As a result of the bombardment, a worker was instantly killed and 3 others and a security officer were wounded, while the above victims were missing.

At approximately 15:00, IOF moved into al-Swaitat neighborhood in the east of Jenin. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

At approximately 18:30, an Israeli warplane fired a missile at two activists of the al-Quds Brigades (the armed wing of Islamic Jihad), who were traveling on a motorcycle near al-Khuzondar gas station the northern Gaza Strip town of Jabalya. The two activists were instantly killed. They were identified as :

1- ‘Alaa’ Nabil Hamdan, 22 ; and
2- Saleem Khaled al-‘Arabid, 27.

At approximately 19:00, IOF moved into Brouqin village, west of Salfit. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

At approximately 22:30, IOF moved into Deir Abu Da’if village, east of Jenin. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

Also at approximately 22:30, IOF moved into Deir Ghazala village, northeast of Jenin. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

Also at approximately 22:30, IOF moved into Beit Qad village, east of Jenin. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

Friday, 26 August 2011

At noon, IOF willfully wounded a Palestinian civilian in Qasra village, southeast of Nablus.

According to the victim’s brother, Nidal ‘Adli Hassan, 24, following the Friday Prayer, he heard loudspeakers of mosques in the village appealing as Israeli settlers attempted to uproot olive trees in al-Wa’ar area in the south of Qasra village. Immediately, Nidal and his brother, Jamal ‘Adli Hassan, 23, drove their car towards the affected area. When they got as close as to 700 meters from the area, they stopped their car and went to the area on foot. When they arrived at the area, they saw at least 150 villagers being prevented by 9 Israeli soldiers from moving forward. At least 20 Israeli settlers were nearly 20 meters away from the soldiers sitting on a plot belonging to Hilal Yousef Hassan. A young man moved forward and sat on a rock in front of Israeli soldiers telling them that villagers would not leave the area unless the settlers left it. An Israeli soldier pushed him and another one fired a tear gas canister at the villagers. Jamal picked the canister and threw it back towards Israeli soldiers. Immediately, a soldier fired at him from a close range. He was wounded by a bullet to the thighs.

At approximately 18:10, IOF moved into Kufor al-Dik village, west of Salfit. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

Sunday, 28 August 2011

At approximately 00:30, IOF moved into Zeita village, north of Tulkarm. They patrolled in the streets and then established a checkpoint at the western entrance of the village. They stopped and searched Palestinian civilian vehicles. They withdrew from the village later and no arrests were reported.

At approximately 01:00, IOF moved into al-Yamoun village, northwest of Jenin. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

Monday, 29August 2011

At approximately 03:00, IOF moved into Zeita village, north of Tulkarm. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

At approximately 03:45, IOF moved into al-Yamoun village, west of Jenin. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

At approximately 09:00, Palestinian medical sources declared that Haitham Ahmed Mustafa Ma’rouf, 13, from al-Amal neighborhood in the northern Gaza Strip town of Beit Lahia, died of a wound he had sustained on 21 August 2011. According to PCHR’s documentation, at approximately 10:50 on Sunday, 21 August 2011, an Israeli drone attacked a number of Palestinian resistance activists after they had launched a home-made rockets into Israeli towns near al-Shaimaa’ School in the north of Beit Lahia. As a result, the child, who was working on his father’s land in the area, was seriously wounded by shrapnel throughout the body. He was evacuated to Kamal ‘Edwan Hospital in Beit Lahia, and from there he was transferred to Shifa Hospital in Gaza City, where he was admitted into the ICU. At approximately 20:30 on Wednesday, 24 August 2011, he was transferred to an Israeli hospital where he underwent several surgeries. Nevertheless, he died of his wound at approximately 09:00 on Monday, 29 August 2011. His body was transferred to the Gaza Strip at approximately 17:00 on the same day.

At approximately 09:30, IOF moved into Deir Ebzi’ village, west of Ramallah. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. No arrests were reported.

At approximately 17:00, IOF moved into al-Jiftlek village, north of Jericho. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. No arrests were reported.

At approximately 21:00, IOF moved into Zeita village, north of Tulkarm. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

At approximately 22:40, IOF moved into al-‘Ouja village, northeast of Jericho. They patrolled in the streets for some and withdrew later. No arrests were reported.

Tuesday, 30 August 2011

At approximately 09:00, IOF moved into Beit ‘Aur al-Tahta village, southwest of Ramallah. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. No arrests were reported.

At approximately 11:00, IOF moved into Kufor ‘Ein village, northwest of Ramallah. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. No arrests were reported.

At approximately 11:30, IOF moved into Fassayel village, north of Jericho. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. No arrests were reported.

At approximately 18:00, IOF moved into Rantis village, west of Ramallah. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. No arrests were reported.

Wednesday, 31 August 2011

At approximately 01:00, IOF moved into Beit Liqya village, southwest of Ramallah. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. No arrests were reported.

At approximately 02:30, IOF moved into Bir Zeit village, north of Ramallah. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. No arrests were reported.

At approximately 09:30, IOF moved into Qabatya village, south of Jenin. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

At approximately 19:00, IOF moved into al-‘Araqa village, west of Jenin. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

At approximately 19:30, IOF moved into ‘Arraba village, southwest of Jenin. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

Thursday, 01 September 2011

At approximately 05:15, IOF moved into al-‘Ouja village, northeast of Jericho. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. No arrests were reported.

At approximately 06:25, IOF moved into Silwad village, northeast of Ramallah. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

At approximately 11:30, IOF moved into Deir Dibwan village, northeast of Ramallah. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

Friday, 02 September 2011

At approximately 01:00, IOF moved into Jourat Bahlas neighborhood in the north of Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Yazid Shaker al-Jnaidi, 26, and arrested him.

At approximately 03:00, IOF moved into Qabatya village, south of Jenin. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

At approximately 10:00, IOF moved into Beit ‘Aur al-Tahta village, west of Ramallah. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

At approximately 10:30, IOF moved into Deir Jarir village, northeast of Ramallah. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

Also at approximately 10:30, IOF moved into Marj Na’ja village, north of Jericho. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

At approximately 22:30, IOF moved into Kfiret village, southwest of Jenin. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

Also at approximately 22:30, IOF moved into Qiffin village, north of Tulkarm. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

Also at approximately 22:30, IOF moved into Eastern Baqa village, north of Tulkarm. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

Saturday, 03 September 2011

At approximately 00:30, IOF moved into Nabi Saleh village, northwest of Ramallah. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

At approximately 00:30, IOF moved into Faqqou’a village, northeast of Jenin. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

At approximately 01:30, IOF moved into Beit Leed village, east of Tulkarm. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

At approximately 02:00, IOF moved into al-‘Araqa village, west of Jenin. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

At approximately 02:30, IOF moved into Dura town, southeast of Hebron. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested 3 Palestinian civilians :

1- ‘Eissa Younis al-‘Awawda, 30 ;
2- Khalil Mohammed Nammoura, 22 ; and
3- Mohammed Yousef al-Darabi’, 21.

At approximately 03:00, IOF moved into al-Bireh. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

Also at approximately 03:00, IOF moved into Jourar Bahlas neighborhood in the north of Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of ‘Abdullah Waleed al-Swaiti, 21, and arrested him.

At approximately 13:00, IOF moved into Bal’a village, northeast of Hebron. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

At approximately 17:00, IOF moved into al-‘Araqa village, west of Jenin. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

At approximately 17:30, IOF moved into al-Kfair village, southeast of Jenin. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

Also at approximately 17:30, IOF moved into the area located between Sirris and Mithaloun villages, south of Jenin. They searched the area and withdrew later. No arrests were reported.

At approximately 18:00, IOF moved into ‘Aqqaba village, south of Jenin. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

At approximately 23:30, IOF moved into Beet al-Jmal area near the southern entrance of Jenin. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

Sunday, 04 September 2011

At approximately 00:30, IOF moved into Ya’bad village, southwest of Jenin. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

At approximately 00:45, IOF moved into Kufor al-Labad village, east of Tulkarm. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

At approximately 01:30, IOF moved into Zeita village, north of Tulkarm. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

At approximately 02:00, IOF moved into al-Qazzazin quarter in the center of the old town of Hebron. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested two Palestinian civilians :

1- Tha’er Nidal al-‘Owaiwi, 19 ; and
2- Samer Mohammed al-Hih, 20.

At approximately 11:00, IOF moved into Qibya village, west of Ramallah. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

At approximately 17:00, IOF moved into Beit ‘Aur al-Tahta village, southwest of Ramallah. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

Monday, 05 September 2011

At approximately 00:30, IOF moved into al-Sammou’ village, south of Hebron. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested 3 Palestinian civilians, including two brothers :

1- Suleiman ‘Abdul Rahman Daghamin, 20 ;
2- Younis ‘Abdul Rahman Daghamin, 30 ; and
3- ‘Ali Mohammed Daghamin, 25.

At approximately 01:00, IOF moved into ‘Askar refugee camp and the Public Residence, northeast of Nablus. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested 3 Palestinian civilians, including two brothers :

1- ‘Abdul Karim Fakhri Mahfouz, 24 ;
2- Khalil Fakhri Mahfouz, 28 ; and
3- Shadi Fawzi Bashkar, 34.

Also at approximately 01:00, IOF moved into Nrothern ‘Assira village, north of Nablus. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested Adham and Mohammed Tahseen al-Shouli, 24 and 23 respectively.

At approximately 01:20, IOF moved into Qarawat Bani Hassan village, northwest of Salfit. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

At approximately 01:30, IOF moved into al-Zawia village, northwest of Salfit. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

At approximately 02:00, IOF moved into Beit Reema village, northwest of Ramallah. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Mahmoud ‘Izzat Stouf, 21, and arrested him.

At approximately 02:40, IOF moved into Bedya village, northwest of Salfit. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

At approximately 06:30, Israeli gunboats stationed opposite to Beit Lahia and Jabalya beaches in the northern Gaza Strip opened fire at Palestinian fishing boats. Palestinian fishermen were forced to sail back to the beach and no casualties were reported.

At approximately 10:00, IOF moved into Sirris village, south of Jenin. They raided a a number of houses and summoned a number of Palestinian civilians for interrogation.

Tuesday, 06 September 2011

At approximately 00:05, an Israeli warplane fired a missile at a 120-square-meter, tin-roofed uninhabited house to the west of Khabib Bin ‘Adi (al-Da’wa) Mosque, north of al-Nussairat refugee camp in the central Gaza Strip. The house was completely destroyed and two neighboring ones belonging to al-Ghefari and Ghazal families were damaged. Additionally, Ibtissam ‘Abdul Fattah al-Ghefari, 43, was injured by stone to the neck.

At approximately 00:30, IOF moved into ‘Azzoun village, east of Qalqilya. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested 4 Palestinian civilians, including a child :

1- Hussam Younis Saleem, 17 ;
2- Yousef Ghassan Saleem, 18 ; and
3- Lu’ai Anwar Mash’al, 20.

At approximately 01:20, IOF moved into Kufor Qaddoum village, northeast of Qalqilya. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested 3 Palestinian civilians :

1- Khader Fat’hi Jom’a, 20 ;
2- Ma’awia Mohammed ‘Aamer, 17 ; and
3- Qais Mohammed Qaddoumi, 24.

They also confiscated the ID card of Bilal Fat’hi Jom’a, 22.

At approximately 04:15, IOF moved into Kufor ‘Aqab village, southeast of Ramallah. They raided and searched a house belonging to Mohammed Mahmoud Abu Tair, 60, Member of the Palestinian Legislative Council who had been deported from Jerusalem, and arrested him.

At approximately 15:00, IOF moved into ‘Anabta village, east of Tulkarm. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

At approximately 16:00, IOF moved nearly 300 meters into al-Zanna area in Bani Suhaila and ‘Abassan village, east of Khan Yunis. They searched the area, while helicopters were hovering over it. At approximately 18:30, an Israeli drone fired a missile at a number of Palestinian resistance activists in Mazen Market area, who attempted to confront IOF. As a result, one of the activists, Khaled Ussama Ibrahim Abu Sahmoud, 21, from Bani Suhaila, was instantly killed by shrapnel throughout the body. Additionally, 3 civilian bystanders (an old man and his two children) were wounded :

1- As’ad ‘Abdul Karim al-Shami, 65, wounded by shrapnel to the back and the abdomen ;
2- ‘Omat As’ad al-Shami, 10, wounded by shrapnel to the right arm ; and
3- Ahmed As’ad al-Shami, 9, wounded by shrapnel to the face.

IOF withdrew from the area at approximately 19:30.

Wednesday, 07 September 2011

At approximately 05:00, IOF moved into Tulkarm refugee camp. They raided and searched a house belonging to ‘Adnan Ahmed al-Hussari, 47, and arrested him.

Use of Excessive Force against Peaceful Demonstrations Protesting Settlement Activities and the Construction of the Annexation Wall

During the reporting period, IOF used force against peaceful demonstrations organized by Palestinian civilians and international and Israeli human rights defenders in protest to the construction of the Wall and settlement activities in the West Bank. As a result, dozens of Palestinian civilians and human rights defenders suffered from tear gas inhalation and others sustained bruises.

Following the Friday Prayer on 26 August 2011, dozens of Palestinian civilians and international and Israeli human rights defenders organized a peaceful demonstration in Bil’ein village, west of Ramallah, in protest to the construction of the annexation wall. They moved towards areas of Palestinian land, which the Israeli High Court ordered to be returned to their Palestinian owners. The demonstrators also used megaphones to call on Israeli settlers living in “Mitityaho Mizrach” settlement to leave it. Israeli soldiers stationed in the area fired rubber-coated metal bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters at the demonstrators. As a result, a number of demonstrators suffered from tear gas inhalation.

Also following the Friday Prayer on 26 August 2011, dozens of Palestinian civilians and international and human rights defenders organized a peaceful demonstration in Ne’lin village, west of Ramallah, in protest against the construction of the annexation wall. They clashed with Israeli troops positioned near the annexation wall. Israeli soldiers fired rubber-coated metal bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters at demonstrators. As a result, a number of demonstrators suffered from tear gas inhalation.

On Friday noon, 26 August 2011, dozens of Palestinian civilians and international and Israeli human rights defenders organized a peaceful demonstration near Qalandya checkpoint, south of Ramallah, in protest to the construction of the annexation wall and settlement activities. IOF closed the checkpoint and reinforced their presence in the area. They presented the demonstrators from heading to Jerusalem for the Friday Prayer in al-Aqsa Mosque. Consequently, clashes erupted between the two sides, during which Israeli soldiers fired rubber-coated metal bullets, tear gas canisters and sound bombs at the demonstrators. As a result, dozens of demonstrators suffered from tear gas inhalation. IOF also arrested Ashraf Ibrahim Abu Rahma, 30, and Bassel Mansour Mansour, 34, but released them at midnight.

Also following the Friday Prayer on 26 August 2011, Palestinian civilians and human rights defenders organized a peaceful demonstration in al-Ma’sara village, south of Bethlehem. They moved towards the western entrance of the village. IOF closed the entrance of the village and prevented the demonstrators from moving forward. Israeli soldiers violently beat an arrested Khaled Mahmoud Zawahra, 9, and Nahmoud ‘Alaa’ al-Din, 24, but released them 20 minutes later. Israeli soldiers also fired tear gas canisters and sound bombs at the demonstrators. As a result, a number of demonstrators suffered from tear gas inhalation.

Following the Friday Prayer on 02 September 2011, dozens of Palestinian civilians and international and Israeli human rights defenders organized a peaceful demonstration in Bil’ein village, west of Ramallah, in protest to the construction of the annexation wall. They moved towards areas of Palestinian land, which the Israeli High Court ordered to be returned to their Palestinian owners. The demonstrators also used megaphones to call on Israeli settlers living in “Mitityaho Mizrach” settlement to leave it. Israeli soldiers stationed in the area fired rubber-coated metal bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters at the demonstrators. As a result, a number of demonstrators suffered from tear gas inhalation.

Also following the Friday Prayer on 02 September 2011, dozens of Palestinian civilians and international and human rights defenders organized a peaceful demonstration in Ne’lin village, west of Ramallah, in protest against the construction of the annexation wall. They clashed with Israeli troops positioned near the annexation wall. Israeli soldiers fired rubber-coated metal bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters at demonstrators. As a result, a number of demonstrators suffered from tear gas inhalation.

Also following the Friday Prayer on 02 September 2011, dozens of Palestinian civilians and international and Israeli human rights defenders organized a peaceful demonstration in Nabi Saleh village, northwest of Ramallah, in protest against land confiscations in the Wad al-Raya area between the villages of Nabi Saleh and Deir Nizam. When the demonstrators attempted to reach areas of land seized by Israeli settlers near "Halmish" settlement, Israeli troops fired rubber-coated metal bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters at them. As a result, a number of demonstrators suffered from tear gas inhalation.

2- Continued Closure of the OPT

Israel has continued to impose a tightened closure of the OPT and imposed severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including occupied East Jerusalem.

Gaza Strip

Israel has continuously closed all border crossings to the Gaza Strip for over three years. The illegal Israeli-imposed 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 illegal closure has caused not only a humanitarian crisis but a crisis of human rights and human dignity for the population of the Gaza Strip. Measures declared recently to ease the blockade are vague, purely cosmetic and fail to deal with the root causes of the crisis, which can only be addressed by an immediate and complete lifting of the closure, including lifting the travel ban into and out of the Gaza Strip and the ban on exports. PCHR is concerned that the new Israeli policy is simply shifting Gaza to another form of illegal blockade, one that may become internationally accepted and institutionalized. Palestinians in Gaza may no longer suffer from the same shortage of goods, but they will remain economically dependent and unable to care for themselves, and socially, culturally and academically isolated from the rest of the world.

The West Bank

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

Jerusalem : IOF have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians to and from the city. Thousands of Palestinian civilians from the West Bank and the Gaza Strip have been denied access to the city. IOF have established many checkpoints around and inside the city. Restrictions of the movement of Palestinian civilians often escalate on Fridays, preventing Muslim Palestinians from praying at al-Aqsa Mosque. On the eve of the last Friday of the Holy Ramadan, IOF imposed severe restrictions on access to the city. They only allowed male Palestinians aged over 50 and female ones aged over 30 from the West Bank to pray in the al-Aqsa Mosque on Friday.

Ramallah : IOF have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of the Palestinian civilians in Ramallah. At approximately 17:00 on Monday, 29 August 2011, IOF re-established their presence at ‘Attara checkpoint, north of Ramallah. At approximately 20:00 on the same day, IOF established a checkpoint at ‘Oyoum al-Haramiya intersection on Ramallah-Nablus road. At approximately 10:00 on Tuesday, 30 August 2011, IOF established a checkpoint under Kharabtha al-Misbah Bridges, southwest of Ramallah. At approximately 09:30 on Wednesday, 31 August 2011, IOF established a checkpoint at Beit ‘Aur al-Fouqa intersection, southwest of Ramallah. At approximately 10:30, IOF established a checkpoint on Bitounia – Beit ‘Aour al-Fouqa road, west of Ramallah. At approximately 09:00 on Friday, 02 September 2011, IOF established a checkpoint near the entrance of Nabi Saleh village, northwest of Ramallah. At approximately 09:50 on Sunday, 04 September 2011, IOF established a checkpoint near the entrance of Nabi Saleh village, northwest of Ramallah. At approximately 10:00 on the same day, IOF established a checkpoint at al-Taibeh intersection, northeast of Ramallah. At approximately 11:00, IOF established a checkpoint on the road leading to Surda village, north of Ramallah. At approximately 18:55, IOF re-established their presence at ‘Attara intersection, north of Ramallah. At approximately 19:00, IOF established a checkpoint at Silwad intersection, northeast of Ramallah. At approximately 10:30 on Monday, 05 September 2011, IOF established a checkpoint under Kharabtha al-Misbah Bridge, southwest of Ramallah.

Qalqilya : IOF have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. At approximately 09:10 on Sunday, 04 September 2011, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance of Ematin village. At approximately 10:15 on the same day, they established a checkpoint at the entrance of Kufor Laqef village. At approximately 16:00, they established a checkpoint between ‘Azzoun and ‘Izbat al-Tabib villages. On Monday, 05 September 2011, IOF established 4 checkpoints near Qalqilya.

Tulkarm : IOF have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. At approximately 09:00 on Thursday, 25 August 2011, IOF established a checkpoint in Tulkarm-Qalqilya road. On Sunday and Monday, 28 and 29 August 2011, IOF established a checkpoint in the same area. At approximately 00:30 on Tuesday, 30 August 2011, IOF established a checkpoint on ‘Attil-Deir al-Ghossoun road, north of Tulkarm. At approximately 10:00 on the same day, IOF established a checkpoint on Tulkarm-Qalqilya road. At approximately 10:00 on Wednesday, 31 August 2011, IOF established a checkpoint on Tulkarm-Qalqilya road. At approximately 11:45 on the same day, they established a checkpoint at the entrance of Safarin village, east of Tulkarm. At approximately 23:00, they established a checkpoint at Bazaria intersection, east of Tulkarm. At approximately 10:00 on Friday, 02 September 2011, IOF established a checkpoint on the road leading to Ramin village, northeast of Tulkarm. At approximately 08:00 on Sunday, 04 September 2011, IOF established a checkpoint at Bazaria intersection, east of Tulkarm. At approximately 10:30 on the same day, IOF established a checkpoint on Tulkarm-Qalqilya road. At approximately 20:00, IOF reclosed the road between Shoufa and ‘Izbat Shoufa villages, southeast of Tulkarm, with cement blocks and sand barriers. At approximately 11:50 on Monday, 05 September 2011, IOF established a checkpoint on Beit Leed – Kour road, south of Tulkarm. At approximately 10:30 on Tuesday, 06 September 2011, IOF established a checkpoint on ‘Anabta – Bazaria road, east of Tulkarm.

Jenin : IOF have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. At approximately 19:30 on Thursday, 25 August 2011, IOF established a checkpoint at Deir Abu Da’if intersection, east of Jenin. At approximately 01:00 on Friday, 26 August 2011, IOF established a checkpoint on Deir Ghazala – Faqqou’a road, northeast of Jenin. At approximately 15:00 on the same day, IOF established a checkpoint at al-Hashimiya intersection, southwest of Jenin. At approximately 00:00 on Friday, 02 September 2011, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance of al-Yamoun village, northwest of Jenin. At approximately 01:45, IOF established a checkpoint at ‘Arraba intersection, southwest of Jenin. At approximately 11:00 on Monday, 05 September 2011, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance of Sirris village, south of Jenin. At approximately 11:50 on Tuesday, 06 September 2011, IOF established a checkpoint at Kfiret intersection, southwest of Jenin. At approximately 15:00 on the same day, IOF closed “Mavo Dutan” checkpoint, south of Jenin. The closure of the checkpoint continued until the following day morning.

Jericho : IOF have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. At approximately 10:00 on Monday, 29 August 2011, IOF established a checkpoint near at the southern entrance of Jericho. At approximately 11:00 on Monday, 05 September 2011, IOF established a checkpoint at the southern entrance of Jericho.

Salfit : IOF have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. At approximately 20:00 on Thursday, 25 August 2011, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance of Deir Estia village, northwest of Salfit. At approximately 13:30 on the same day, IOF established a checkpoint under Eskaka Bridge, east of Salfit. At approximately 22:00 on Friday, 02 September 2011, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance of Deir Ballout village, west of Salfit.

Arrests at Military Checkpoints

At approximately 18:00 on Friday, 26 August 2011, IOF arrested Mahdi Hassan Salah, 31, and Mohammed Ahmed Souqiya, from Jenin. An Israeli undercover unit intercepted the car in which the two Palestinians, who are members of Hamas, were traveling together with their wives to the south of Jenin.

At approximately 16:30 on Monday, 29 August 2011, Israeli soldiers positioned at a checkpoint established at ‘Arraba intersection, southwest of Jenin, arrested Yazan Nasfat Jarrar, 23, from Jenin.

At approximately 12:00 on Thursday, 01 September 2011, Israeli soldiers patrolling in the old town of Hebron arrested Hamad ‘Ali Taqatqa, 21, from Beit Fajjar village south of Bethlehem.

At approximately 16:40 on the same day, Israeli soldiers positioned at a checkpoint on Ramallah-Nablus road, south of Nablus, arrested Hassan Yousef Dar Khalil, Member of the Palestinian Legislative Council representing the Change and Reform Bloc affiliated to Hamas, from Bitounia town west of Ramallah. According to his wife, they held him for 3 hours and searched his car. He refused to sign some papers. They then arrested him.

At approximately 00:00 on Saturday, 03 September 2011, Israeli soldiers positioned at the Container checkpoint near Bethlehem arrested Mo’tassem Ziad Nazzal, 22, from Qabatya village near Jenin.

At approximately 16:30 on Monday, 05 September 2011, Israeli soldiers positioned at a checkpoint established at the entrance of ‘Allar village, north of Tulkarm, arrested Ahmed Mohammed Hamdan, 20, from Saida village north of Tulkarm.

3- Settlement Activities and Attacks by Settlers against Palestinian Civilians and Property

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

At approximately 11:40 on Thursday, 25 August 2011, at least 10 Israeli settlers from “Ramat Magharon” settlement, which stands in the southeast of Mikhmas village, southeast of Ramallah, set fire to olive trees in al-Hilwa area in the village. At least 100 olive trees were burnt before villagers were able to extinguish fire.

At approximately 17:00 on Saturday, 27 August 2011, 7 Israeli settlers from “Ramat Yishai” settlement outpost in Tal Rumaida neighborhood in the center of Hebron attacked Mohammed Tayseer Abu ‘Eisha, 21, when he was in front of his house. They violently beat him in the presence of Israeli soldiers. As a result, he sustained bruises to the upper part of the body.

At approximately 17:40 on Sunday, 28 August 2011, a number of Israeli settlers from “Beit Hadassa” settlement outpost in al-Shuhada Street in the center of Hebron attacked a number of Palestinian houses using stones and empty bottles. A number of houses were damaged.

At approximately 14:00 on Tuesday, 30 August 2011, a number of Israeli settlers from “Shilo” settlement, north of Ramallah, gathered at Nablus-Ramallah road and threw stones at Palestinian civilian vehicles. No injuries were reported.

At approximately 15:00 on Thursday, 01 September 2011, Nidal Ahmed ‘Aqel, 48, from Kufor Qaddoum village northeast of Qalqilya, was informed that Israeli settlers attacked his land. When he went to his land, he found that 20 olive trees had been cut.

At approximately 11:50 on Sunday, 04 September 2011, IOF moved into Jeet village, northeast of Qalqilya. They handed notices to 3 Palestinian civilians ordering them to stop the construction of their houses allegedly for the lack of licenses :

1- ‘Abdul Salam Jamal ‘Arman ;
2- Jom’a Hussein al-Sakhen ; and
3- Nidal Khaled al-Sidda.

On Monday morning, 05 September 2011, a number of Israeli settlers from “Yish Kudesh” settlement near Qasra village, southeast of Nablus, broke windows of the first floor of Thu al-Nourain Mosque in the southwest of the village. They then pushed two tires into the mosque and set fire to them. The mosque was damaged. Before leaving the area, the settlers wrote slogans on walls insulting Prophet Mohammed.

At approximately 05:00 on Monday, 05 September 2011, IOF and the Israeli police, accompanied by a number of armed Israeli settlers, moved into ‘Ein Jwaiza area in al-Walaja village, west of Bethlehem. At approximately 07:00, they started razing areas of Palestinian agricultural land. They uprooted 88 trees. IOF denied Palestinian civilians access to the area. The Mayor of al-Walaja village stated that the Israeli Supreme Court has not considered a petition filed by Palestinian civilians against the confiscation of their lands in the area for the purpose of the construction of the annexation wall.

At approximately 07:30 on Monday, 05 September 2011, a number of Israeli settlers attacked ‘Edwan Nemer ‘Edwan, 41, from Zawata village west of Nablus, a lecturer at Bethlehem University, when he was on his way to his work. ‘Edwan stated to PCHR that when he was on his way to his work, he was surprised by a number of Israeli settlers setting fire to tires on Nablus-Ramallah road, near “Shilo” settlement. He stopped his car nearly 180 meters away from the tires, but he was by an Israeli settler positioning on an opposite hill throwing a stone at him. He turned around and attempted to drive back to Nablus, but he collided with another Palestinian car. Soon, the settlers got close to the car and threw a stone at ‘Edwan hitting him in the left elbow. Another stone was also thrown at ‘Edwan from the other side, which hit his head and left shoulder. When the settlers went to collect stones, he was able to turn on the car and left the area traveling to Nablus, where he received medical treatment.

On the same day noon, a number of Israeli settlers from “Bitar Elite” settlement, west of Bethlehem, pumped waste water into the lands of the nearby Houssan and Nahalin villages. As a result, hundreds of trees were damaged.

At approximately 17:30 on the same day, at least 25 Israeli settlers, escorted by IOF, stormed a house garden and agricultural lands belonging to ‘Ata ‘Abdul Jawad Jaber in al-Baq’a area near bypass road #60, east of Hebron. They then attacked Jaber’s house and demanded IOF to expel him. They left the area at approximately 19:00, threatening to come back again.

At approximately 13:30 on Tuesday, 06 September 2011, a number of Israeli settlers from “Qidoumim” settlement threw stones at Palestinian civilian vehicles traveling on Qalqilya-Nablus road. As a result, a number of vehicles were damaged.

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Recommendations to the International Community

1- PCHR calls upon the High Contracting Parties to the Fourth Geneva Convention to fulfill their legal and moral obligations under Article 1 of the Convention to ensure Israel’s respect for the Convention in the Occupied Palestinian Territory. PCHR believes that the conspiracy of silence practiced by the international community has encouraged Israel to act as if it is above the law and encourages Israel continue to violate international human rights and humanitarian law.

2- PCHR calls upon the High Contracting Parties to the Fourth Geneva Convention to convene a conference to take effective steps to ensure Israel’s respect of the Convention in the OPT and to provide immediate protection for Palestinian civilians.

3- PCHR calls upon the High Contracting Parties to the Fourth Geneva Convention to comply with their legal obligations detailed in Article 146 of the Convention to search for and prosecute those responsible for grave breaches, namely war crimes.

4- PCHR calls for the immediate implementation of the Advisory Opinion issued by the International Court of Justice, which considers the construction of the Annexation Wall inside the West Bank illegal.

5- PCHR recommends that international civil society organizations, including human rights organizations, bar associations and NGOs, participate in the process of exposing those accused of grave breaches of international law and urge their governments to bring the perpetrators to justice.

6- PCHR calls upon the European Union to activate Article 2 of the Euro-Israel Association Agreement, which provides that Israel must respect human rights as a precondition for economic cooperation between the EU states and Israel. PCHR further calls upon the EU states to prohibit import of goods produced in illegal Israeli settlements in the OPT.

7- PCHR calls on the international community to recognize the Gaza disengagement plan, which was implemented in September 2005, for what it is - not an end to occupation but a compounding of the occupation and the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip.

8- In recognition of ICRC as the guardian of the Fourth Geneva Convention, PCHR calls upon the ICRC to increase its staff and activities in the OPT, including the facilitation of family visitations to Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails.

9- PCHR appreciates the efforts of international civil society, including human rights organizations, bar associations, unions and NGOs, and urges them to continue their role in pressuring their governments to secure Israel’s respect for human rights in the OPT and to demand Israel end its attacks on Palestinian civilians.

10- PCHR calls upon the international community to pressure Israel to lift the severe restrictions imposed by the Israeli government and its occupation forces on access for international organizations to the OPT.

11- PCHR reiterates that any political settlement not based on international human rights law and humanitarian law cannot lead to a peaceful and just solution of the Palestinian question. Rather, such an arrangement can only lead to further suffering and instability in the region. Any peace process or agreement must be based on respect for international law, including international human rights and humanitarian law.
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Public Document