Weekly Report On Israeli Human Rights Violations in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (12- 18 January 2012)

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Thursday, 19 January 2012 00:00

Israeli troops use force to disperse a peaceful demonstration in Nabi Saleh village, northwest of Ramallah

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

Two Palestinian resistance activists were killed by IOF in Beit Hanoun, north of the Gaza Strip.
Two Palestinian resistance activists were wounded by IOF in the east of al-Boreij refugee camp in central Gaza.

IOF have continued to use force against peaceful protests in the West Bank.
Many Palestinian civilians suffered from tear gas inhalation in the West Bank.

IOF conducted 56 incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank and 3 limited ones into the Gaza Strip.
IOF arrested 37 Palestinians, including 4 children, in the West Bank.
IOF arrested 2 Palestinians from al-Shoka village in the south of the Gaza Strip.
IOF raided the house and office of Abu Warda, a journalist, in Nablus and confiscated computers and a camera memory.

Israel has continued to impose a total closure on the OPT and has isolated the Gaza Strip from the outside world.
Israeli soldiers arrested 6 Palestinian civilians, including a child, at various checkpoints in the West Bank.

Israel has continued efforts to create a Jewish majority in East Jerusalem.
IOF demolished a Palestinian house in Shu’fat, bulldozed a warehouse and barracks in Sur Baher.

IOF have continued settlement activities in the West Bank and Israeli settlers have continued to attack Palestinian civilians and property.
Israeli settlers continued their attacks in Hebron and burnt out a car.

Summary

Israeli violations of international law and humanitarian law in the OPT continued during the reporting period (12 – 18 January 2012):

Shooting

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During the reporting period, IOF killed 2 Palestinian resistance activists and wounded another two resistance activist in the Gaza Strip. In the West Bank, many Palestinians suffered from tear gas inhalation in peaceful demonstrations.

In the Gaza Strip, on 18 January 2012, two Palestinian resistance activists were killed when IOF positioned at the border in the southeast of Beit Hanoun, in the north of the Gaza Strip, fired 8 consecutive artillery shells at two Palestinian resistance activists while on mission near the border area. Israeli aircrafts also flew in the sky and opened heavy fire at the two activists. IOF also fired two artillery shells at PRCS ambulances while trying to evacuate the bodies. IOF declared that they targeted a group of Palestinians who were trying to plant explosives near the boarder.

On 12 January 2012, two Palestinian resistance activists were wounded when IOF positioned at the border between the Gaza Strip and Israel, to the east of al-Boreij refugee camp, in the central Gaza Strip, fired two artillery shells at them. The wounded were transferred to the al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in Deir al-Balah and their wounds were described to be moderate.

In the West Bank, 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, many participants in the demonstrations suffered from tear gas inhalation. IOF also arrested 5 Palestinian civilians, including a woman.

Incursions:

During the reporting period, IOF conducted at least 56 military incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank, during which they arrested 37 Palestinian civilians, including 4 children and a university professor.

During the reporting period, IOF raided the house of Amin Abdul Aziz Abu Warda, 46, a journalist and lecturer in the journalism department in An-Najah National University, in the third floor in Abu Warda building in al-Quds Street, east of Nablus. They held the five member family of Abu Warda and, his brother and his brother’s wife in a room in the house. They withdrew one hour later and confiscated a laptop, a hard desk, papers from Abu Warda’s work and mobile numbers’ including Abu Warda’s number. IOF also destroyed the door of Abu Warda’s office in the third floor in al-Takrouri building, in the western compound in Nablus. They raided and searched the office. They confiscated a laptop, 2 hard desks and a camera memory and then withdrew. It should be noted that on 28 December 2011, IOF arrested Abu Warda and transferred him to an interrogation center in Petah Tikva. On 04 January 2012, Abu Warda was presented before a judge in the Israeli Military Court in Salem Camp, west of Jenin. The judge issued a decision to extend the detention of Abu Warda for 12 days pending investigation.

In the Gaza Strip, IOF conducted 3 limited incursions on 18 January 2008. The first incursion was conducted at around 02:00 into al-Shoka village, in the southeast of Rafah, in the south of the Gaza Strip, and arrested two Palestinians.

The second incursion took place at around 11:55 after IOF killed two Palestinian resistance activists in the southeast of Beit Hanoun in the north of the Gaza Strip. IOF conducted scanning works and then withdrew over the border.

IOF conducted the third incursion at around 12:30; they moved around 400 meters into the north of Beit Lahia, in the north of the Gaza Strip, while conducting intensive shooting at Palestinian farms located around 700 meters form the borders, following which they conducted scanning works. At around 14:00, IOF drove to the east along the border and positioned themselves at the Bedouin Village. They continued firing and conducting scanning works. Later, they drove to the site of the ex-settlement of Nisanit, northwest of Beit Hanoun. IOF withdrew at around 16:00 and neither casualties nor damages to civilian property were reported.

Restrictions on Movement

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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 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 Sofa 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 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 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 continue to depend on elementary aid provided by UNRWA and other relief agencies, rates of families who are living below the poverty line continue 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 run local business. 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 55 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.

Efforts to Create a Jewish Majority in East Jerusalem

On 16 January 2012, IOF, supported by bulldozers and the Israeli municipality officers moved into Shu’fat neighborhood, north of occupied Jerusalem. They surrounded the house of Mohammed Ibrahim Abu Khdeir and prevented its residents from getting out. The municipality officers started cutting metal poles. Abu Khdeir said that he established those poles 20 days ago to build a third floor made of aluminum, wood and bricks. The house is built on an area of 278 meters. He added that an inspector from the municipality has come 4 times within 10 days and took photos of the house. On 9 January 2012, the municipality officers sent us a notice stating that the poles had to be removed within a week, otherwise, the municipality would do so and oblige him to pay 150,000 NIS as a fine.
On the same day, IOF bulldozed a warehouse and barracks used to house sheep in Sour Baher village, south of occupied Jerusalem. The warehouse and barracks of 2,220 meters belong to Mostafa Ali Mostafa Dabash.

Settlement Activities

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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 13 January 2012, a group of settlers guarded by Israeli soldiers moved into the center of Hebron under the pretext visiting the grave of a Rabbi there according to agreements signed between the Palestinian Authority and Israel. The settlers chanted slogans against the Palestinians.

On 15 January 2012, a number of settlers residing in Ramat Yishai settlement that, in Tal al-Rmeida neighborhood in the center of Hebron, set fire to a civil vehicle belonging to Hana’ Jameel Abu Haikal, 55, due to which the car was completely burnt. Abu Haikal said that her white Hyundai Intra car was completely burnt, noting that this was the fifth time that vehicles owned by her family had been burnt by the settlers to force them to leave their house adjacent to the said settlement.

Israeli Violations Documented during the Reporting Period (12 – 18 January 2012)

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

Thursday, 12 January 2012

At approximately 01:00, IOF moved into Nablus. They raided the house of Amin Abdul Aziz Abu Warda, 46, a journalist and lecturer in the journalism department in An-Najah National University, in the third floor of Abu Warda building in al-Quds street, east of Nablus. They held the five member family of Abu Warda, his brother and his brother’s wife in a room in the house. They withdrew one hour later and confiscated a laptop, a hard desk, papers from Abu Warda’s work and mobile numbers’ including Abu Warda’s number.

In the same time, another IOF force destroyed the door of Abu Warda’s office in the third floor in al-Takrouri building, in the western compound in Nablus. They raided and searched the office. They confiscated a laptop, 2 hard desks and a camera memory and then withdrew.

It should be noted that on 28 December 2011, IOF arrested Abu Warda and transferred him to an interrogation center in Petah Tikva. On 04 January 2012, Abu Warda was presented before a judge in the Israeli Military Court in Salem Camp, west of Jenin. The judge issued a decision to extend the detention of Abu Warda for 12 days pending investigation.

Also at approximately 01:00, IOF moved into Nour Shams refugee camp, east of Tulkarm. They patrolled in the streets for some time and then stationed in al-Mansheya neighborhood, east of Nour Shams refugee camp. They raided and searched the house of Ayman Fouad Ghannam Knouh, 26. They withdrew later after arresting Knouh.

Also at approximately 01:00, IOF moved into Thanaba suburb, east of Tulkarm. They patrolled in the streets for some time and then stationed in the east area of Thanaba suburb. They raided and searched the house of Ibrahim Ahmed Ali Abu Zahra, 26. They withdrew later after arresting Abu Zahra who is the friend of Ayman Fouad Ghannam Knouh who was arrested from Nour Shams refugee camp nearly in the same time.

At approximately 01:30, IOF moved into Madama village, south of Nablus. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested 3 Palestinian civilians:

1. Dmohammed Sadeq Qet, 22;
2. Ahmed Atef Zeyada, 21; and
3. Mahmoud Abdulla Qet, 23.

Also at approximately 01:30, IOF moved into al-Farea refugee camp, south of Toubas. They patrolled in the streets for some time. They raided and searched a number of houses. They arrested 5 Palestinians and withdrew at around 04:30:

1. Mohammed Shehada Saleh Subuh, 20;
2. Hazem Mahmoud Sabri Awad, 24;
3. Muath Mohammed Abdullah al-Ghoul, 23;
4. Ahmed Jaber Abu Seyam, 21; and
5. Ahmed Fayez Khalil Ghazlawi, 21, a student in al-Quds Open University.

At approximately 02:00, IOF moved into Anata village, northeast of Nablus. They raided and searched the house of Ammar Ahmed Abdul Latif al-Refa’I, 21. They arrested al-Refa’I and they withdrew.

At approximately 09:00, IOF moved into Dier 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 09:00, IOF moved into Fasayel village, north of Ramallah. 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 Shaqba village, west of Ramallah. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

Also at approximately 10:00, IOF moved into Baqa al-Sharqeya village, north of Tulkarm. They patrolled in the streets for some time. They withdrew later and neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

Also at approximately 10:00, IOF moved into ‘Atil village, north of Tulkarm. 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 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 15:15, IOF moved into Zabbuba village, northwest of Jenin. As they were patrolling in the streets, a number of boys gathered and threw stones and empty bottles at IOF who responded by firing sound bombs and tear gas canisters at the boys. IOF withdrew later and neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

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

At approximately 19:15, IOF moved into Ya’abad village, southwest of Jenin. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

At approximately 20:00, IOF moved into Kafl Hares village, north of Salfit. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later at approximately 20:30. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

At approximately 20:40, IOF moved into al-‘Oja village, northeast of Jericho. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

At approximately 23:00, IOF moved into Bir Zeit illage, north of Ramallah. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

At approximately 23:30, IOF positioned at the border between the Gaza Strip and Israel to the east of al-Boreij refugee camp in the central Gaza Strip fired two artillery shells at a group of resistance activists, wounding two of them. The wounded were transferred to the al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in Deir al-Balah and their wounds were described to be moderate.

Friday, 13 January 2012

At approximately 02:00, IOF moved into Nabi Saleh village, northwest of Ramallah. They had sniffer dogs and they raided and searched many houses. They also took positions on the tops of some houses including those belonging to Helmi al-Tamimi and Faraj al-Tamimi. They withdrew later after arresting 3 Palestinians, including a child:

Khaled Atallah al-Tamimi, 30, who was released at approximately 17:00 on the same day;
Mahdi Abdul Wahhab al-Tamimi, 21; and
Adnan Naji al-Tamimi, 17.

At approximately 08:40, IOF moved into Silwad village, northeast of Ramallah. They provocatively patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. No arrests were reported.

At approximately 15:00, IOF moved into Beit ‘Aur al-Tahta village, west of Ramallah. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. No arrests were reported.

At approximately 22:30, IOF moved into Jericho. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. No arrests were reported.

At approximately 23:00, IOF moved into al-Jeftlik village, north of Jericho. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. No arrests were reported.

Also at approximately 23:00, IOF moved into Jalabon village, east of Jenin. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

Saturday, 14 January 2012

At approximately 10:00, IOF moved into Jafna village, north of Ramallah. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. No arrests were reported.

At approximately 10:30, IOF moved into Deir al-Sudan village, north of Ramallah. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. No arrests were reported.

At approximately 13:00, IOF moved into Jalabon 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 13:00, IOF moved into ‘Arana village, north of Jenin. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

Also at approximately 13:00, IOF moved into Deir Ghazala village, north of Jenin. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

At approximately 14:00, IOF moved into Rummana village, northwest of Jenin. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

At approximately 20:00, IOF moved into Artah suburb, south 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-Bireh. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. No arrests were reported.

Sunday, 15 January 2012

At approximately 01:30, IOF moved into al-Mazra’a al-Gharbeya village, northwest of Ramallah. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. No arrests were reported.

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

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

At approximately 12:20, IOF moved into Yasouf village, east of Salfit. They patrolled in the streets for some time and held a number of Palestinian civilians, placed them under interrogation and released them later. They withdrew at approximately 13:00 and neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

At approximately 15:30, IOF moved into al-Zababda village, south of Jenin. 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-Arqa village, west of Jenin. As they were patrolling in the streets, a number of boys gathered and threw stones and empty bottles at IOF who responded by firing sound bombs and tear gas canisters at the boys. IOF withdrew later and neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

At approximately 19:00, IOF moved into Ya’abad village, southwest of Jenin. As they were patrolling in the streets, a number of boys gathered and threw stones and empty bottles at IOF who responded by firing sound bombs and tear gas canisters at the boys. IOF withdrew later and neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

Monday, 16 January 2012

At approximately 01:45, IOF moved into Azzoun, east of Qalqilya. They kicked in the main doors of a number of houses and raided them. As they were arresting some Palestinians, they severely beat a number of Palestinian civilians:
IOF beat Mohammed Rashid Rodwan, 26, who was in Israeli jails and who was released in the recent prisoner exchange deal. Rodwan sustained fractures in his right hand he was transferred to hospital.
IOF severely beat Yousef Ahmed Ibrahim Salim, 22, while arresting his minor brother, Ghaleb, 16. Yousef told IOF soldiers that he recently underwent a surgery in his right leg but they concentrated the beating on this leg. They also pushed Yousef’s mother to the ground and severely beat Ghaleb before arresting him.
IOF severely beat Ayman Abdul Fattah Rodwan, 19, in from of his parents’ eyes. Before arresting him, they did not allow him to wear clothes suitable for the current cold weather. They even did not allow him to wear his shoes.

IOF confiscated the ID cards of Yusra Said Abu Haneya and Qassem Ahmed Salim.

They withdrew at approximately 06:35 after arresting 14 Palestinians, including a child:

Mohammed Imad Khalil Rodwan, 19, who was released at around 11:00 on the same day. Mohammed was severely beaten by IOF;
Ali Khalil Rodwan, 26, who was also released at around 11:00 on the same day. Ali was severely beaten by IOF;
Yousif Basim Shbeita, 18;
Mohammed Ali Rodwan, 19;
Ayman Abdul Fattah Rodwan, 19;
Ghaleb Ahmed Ibrahim Salim, 16;
Majdi Samer Suleiman, 19;
Jihad Ali Rodwan, 26;
Mohammed Imad Rodwan, 20;
Adnan Imad Rodwan, 19;
Mohammed Rashid Rodwan, 25;
Wisam Rashid Rodwan, 19;
Issam Rashid Rodwan, 22; and
Ahmed Fakher Ibrahim Howwari, 19.

Rashi Shaker Rodwan is the father of four of the arrested Palestinians. He told the PCHR fieldworker the following:

“At approximately 01:30 on Monday, 16 January 2012, we were awoken by stones hitting the main door of our house. We lit the house and opened the door to find Israeli occupation soldiers surrounding our house. The officer ordered me to get all of my sons out. My sons, their wives and children left the house and nobody remained inside. The immediately handcuffed Wisam, 20, Mahmoud, 28, who was released in the recent prisoner exchange deal, Issam, 22 and Mohammed, 26. They then started beating Mahmoud and the officer asked him ‘you were released recently?’ and Mahmoud replied ‘Yes’. The officer told him “I will drive you crazy’. The officer started to severely beat Mahmoud in front of our eyes. His right hand was fractured as a result. They then took my four sons with them and they beat them near our house. They destroyed everything in the house and withdrew at around 05:00. Some hours later, they released Mahmoud and Issam who told me that the soldiers maltreated my son Wissam and severely beat him. They told me that they do not know what happened to him”.

At approximately 02:30, IOF moved into Nablus and Ein Beit al-Maa refugee camp in the west of Nablus. They patrolled in the streets for some time and they raided and searched a number of houses. They withdrew at around 04:30 after arresting 2 Palestinians from Ein Beit al-Maa refugee camp:

1. Mohammed Khaled Mahmoud Ma’arouf, 19; and
2. Wasim Mohammed Ramadan Shahin, 19.

At approximately 03:00, IOF moved into Jenin. They patrolled in the streets for some time and then positioned themselves in the eastern neighborhood in Jenin. They raided the house of Jamal Mahdi Awwad Amr, 42. They questioned him about a Subaru Impreza with an Israeli registration plate that was parked in the yard of his house. Amr told them that he bought this car from a Palestinian from Um al-Fahem. IOF called the Command to examine the car and they were told that this car was stolen from Israel. Amr’s son reported that IOF asked his father to drive that car to al-Jalama crossing in the north of Jenin. Amr drove the car behind IOF vehicles but he has not returned home. According to Amr’s son, he was taken to Hadarim prison and then to Beersheba prison.

At approximately 11:00, IOF moved into Shweika suburb, north of Tulkarm. 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 Jet village, northeast of Qalqilya. They patrolled in the streets for some time. They held a number of Palestinians and placed them under interrogation and released them later. IOF withdrew and neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

At approximately 12:30, IOF moved into Bala’a village, northeast of Tulkarm. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

At approximately 13:30, IOF moved into Zita village, northeast of Tulkarm. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

At approximately 16:45, IOF moved into Jinsafout village, east of Qalqilya. They patrolled in the streets for some time and erected a checkpoint near the entrance of Jinsafout village. IOF withdrew later and neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

At approximately 23:30, IOF moved into Far’on village, south of Tulakarm. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

Tuesday, 17 January 2012

At approximately 01:00, IOF moved into Jaba’a village, south of Jenin. They patrolled in the streets for some time and positioned themselves in the western neighborhood. They raided and searched the house of Farid Mohammed Abdul Rahman Alawna, 42, which is adjacent to Jenin Municipality. They arrested Alawna and confiscated his mobile and withdrew.

At approximately 09:30, IOF moved into Thanaba suburb, east of Tulkarm. They patrolled in the streets for some time. Before withdrawing, they stopped near groundwater wells. Persons in civilian clothes stepped down from the military vehicles and examined these wells. No further incidents were reported.

At approximately 14:30, IOF moved into Shweika suburb, north of Tulkarm. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

Wednesday, 18 January 2012

At approximately 00:30, IOF moved into Dora, southwest of Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to al-Sharha family. Before withdrawing, they arrested Mohammed Ahmed Abdul Rahman al-Sharha, 35, and transferred him to “Kfar Etzion” detention center in the southwest of Bethlehem.

At approximately 01:00, IOF moved into Beit ‘Orta village, southeast of Nablus. They raided the house of Shadi Salim Said Shurrab, 33, in the center of Beit ‘Orta village, near Beit ‘Orta Girls Secondary School. They knocked at the door of the house and asked about Shadi. They took him outside the house and questioned him. Then they handcuffed him and transferred him to “Hawara” detention center, southeast of Nablus.

At approximately 02:00, IOF moved into Beit Ummar village, north of Hebron. They raided many houses in the neighborhoods of al-Torbeiqa, Wadi al-Sheikh and Beit Zaata in the east and south east of Beit Ummar. They forced the residents of the raided houses to go out and they searched these houses. They beat and maltreated some of the residents. Before withdrawing, they arrested Firas Ibrahim Humeid Abu Maria, 21, and Mamdouh Bassem Khader al-Allami, 19, and transferred them to “Kfar Etzion” detention center, in the southwest of Bethlehem.

According to investigations conducted by PCHR, IOF raided the house of Firas Ibrahim Humeid Abu Maria in al-Torbeiqa neighborhood. They threw him to the ground in front of his father’s eyes. They severely beat him throughout the body using gun butts, their hands and their legs. Firas bled from his nose and mouth before the soldier took him to one of their military jeeps.

In the same time, IOF threw sound bombs and tear gas canisters at the house of Mamdouh Bassem Khader al-Allami. They used microphones to order the residents of the house to go out. Mamdouh and his brother Khader were ordered to hold their hands up and they were held in the outdoors. They were forced to take off all of their clothes and shoes. They confiscated the ID card of Khader and arrested Mamdouh.

Spokesman of the Popular Resistance Committee in Beit Ummar, Mohammed Ayad Awad, told the PCHR fieldworker that IOF also raided the house of Bassem Khader al-Allami, 44, who is Mamdouh’s father, in Beit Zaata neighborhood. They forced the residents of the house to get out and they held them in the outdoors for some time. They searched the house and then beat Bassem using gun butts. Khawla, 38, who is Bassem’s wife, intervened as IOF soldiers were beating her husband but the soldiers pushed her to the ground before her children’s eyes. Bassem sustained bruises throughout the body as a result of the beating.
Also at approximately 02:00, IOF moved dozens of meters in al-Shoka village, southeast of Rafah in the south of the Gaza Strip. Before withdrawing, they arrested Akram Hussein Mohammed al-Sufi, 24, from the Bedouin village, in the north of the Gaza Strip. The father of Akram al-Sufi stated that Akram is a member of the al-Quds Brigades, the military wing of the Islamic Jihad, and that he may be arrested while on mission.

At approximately 02:15, IOF moved into Tima village, southeast of Nablus. They raided two houses in the center of Tima village, near the old mosque of Tima village. Before withdrawing, they arrested two children from the village and transferred them to “Hawara” detention center, southeast of Nablus. They two boys were placed under interrogation and were accused of throwing stones at IOF military vehicles. The two boys are:

Abdul Menem Mohammed Mohammed Abdul Menem Sonober, 17; and
Abdul Aziz Shaker Ateya al-Najjar, 17.

At approximately 11:05, IOF positioned at the border in the southeast of Beit Hanoun, in the north of the Gaza Strip, fired 8 consecutive artillery shells at two Palestinian resistance activists while on mission near the border area. Israeli aircrafts also flew in the sky and opened heavy fire at the two activists. One of them, Mohammed Shaker Ahmed Abu Oda, 22, from Beit Hanoun, was killed immediately as he sustained shrapnel wounds in the lower part of his body and in the abdomen and the chest. The other activist, Ahmed Khaled Mohammed al-Zaanin, 18, from Beit Hanoun, sustained wounds in the head and shrapnel wounds throughout the body. The firing continued for around 45 minutes. At around 11:55, IOF moved into the targeted area and conducting scanning works till 12:20.

The Palestinian Red Crescent Society (PRCS) reported that at approximately 11:20, two PRCS ambulances drove to the targeted area. The ambulances arrived at the targeted area at around 11:40 and stopped around 150 meters far from the borders. They two resistance activists were only 50 meters from the two ambulances and one of the ambulances tried to drive towards them but IOF fired two artillery shells at the proximity of the ambulances. At around 12:25, PRCS managed to evacuate the body of Abu Oda and al-Zaanin who was still alive and transferred them to Beit Hanoun Public Hospital. Al-Zaanin was referred to al-Shifa Hospital at around 13:15 for treatment but he was pronounced dead at around 14:15.

None of the Palestinian resistance groups has announced its responsibility for sending the two resistance activists.

IOF declared that they targeted a group of Palestinians who were trying to plant explosive near the border.

At approximately 12:30, IOF moved around 400 meters into the north of Beit Lahia, in the north of the Gaza Stripamid intensive firing at Palestinian farms located around 700 meters form the border, IOF conducted scanning works. Palestinian farmers were forced to flee the area in fear for sake of their safety. At around 14:00, IOF drove to the east along the border and they stationed off the Bedouin Village. They continued firing and their scanning works. Later, they drove to the site of the ex-settlement Nisanit, northwest of Beit Hanoun. IOF withdrew at around 16:00 and neither casualties nor damages to civilian property were reported.

2.

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, and in protest to the establishment of a buffer zone in the Gaza Strip. As a result, dozens of Palestinian civilians and human rights defenders suffered from tear gas inhalation.

Following the Friday Prayer on 13 January 2012, 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 and support for efforts to achieve national reconciliation between Hamas and Fatah movements. They raised the Palestinian flag and called for ending the political division. They then moved towards areas of Palestinian land, which the Israeli High Court ordered to be returned to their Palestinian owners. Israeli soldiers stationed in the area fired rubber-coated metal bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters at the demonstrators. As a result, dozens of Palestinian civilians suffered from tear gas inhalation.

Also following the Friday prayer on 13 January 2012, dozens of Palestinian civilians and Israeli and international human rights defenders gathered in the center of al-Nabi Saleh village, northwest of Ramallah, to start the weekly peaceful protest against the construction of the annexation wall and settlement activities. The protesters walked towards the gate erected by IOF near the entrance of the village and leading to Palestinian lands that Israeli settlers from the nearby "Halmish" settlement are trying to seize. Israeli soldiers, who had been extensively deployed in the area and near all the entrances of the village since the morning, began to confront the protesters who wanted to walk towards the affected lands. Israeli soldiers fired live and rubber-coated bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters at the protesters. As a result, dozens of civilians suffered from tear gas inhalation and sustained bruises.

Also following the Friday Prayer, at approximately 12:30 on the same day, dozens of Palestinian civilians and international human rights defenders organized a peaceful demonstration in Kafr Qaddoum village, northeast of Qalqilya, in protest against closing the eastern entrance of the village. The demonstrators headed towards that entrance, while the Israeli soldiers topped the house of ’Adnan Abdul Mohdi and turned it into a military site after its residents had been detained in a room. Israeli soldiers fired sound bombs and tear gas canisters at demonstrators. As a result, a number of demonstrators suffered from tear gas inhalation.

At approximately 12:10 on Tuesday, 17 January 2012, IOF positioned at the border fence, northeast of Beit Hanoun in the northern Gaza Strip, intermittently fired at the Palestinian demonstrators and international activists. In his testimony, the Beit Hanoun Local Initiative coordinator, Saber al-Za’aneen, said that at approximately 11:00 on the same day, about 50 demonstrators, including 3 international activists, headed towards the border fence demonstrating against the Israeli-imposed buffer zone. The demonstrators gathered near a fence that was established by IOF in the Palestinian lands. The fence is approximately 70 meters far from the border fence. At approximately 12:05, an Israeli jeep arrived and 4 soldiers stepped out of it. They started intermittently firing at the demonstrators for about 20 minutes. As a result, the demonstrators were terrorized and fled; however, no injuries were reported.

3. 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.

Ramallah: IOF have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. At approximately 08:30 on Saturday, 14 January 2012, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance of al-Nabi Saleh village, northwest of Ramallah. At approximately 09:00, IOF established a checkpoint under Kharabtha al-Misbah Bridge, southwest of Ramallah. At approximately 11:00 on the same day, IOF re-established their presence at ’Attara checkpoint, north of Ramallah.
At approximately 22:00 on Sunday, 15 January 2012, IOF established a checkpoint at the intersection of Beit ’Aur al-Fouqa, southwest of Ramallah. At approximately 11:00, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance of Deir Abu Mash’al village, northwest of Ramallah.
At approximately 10:00 on Monday, 16 January 2012, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance of on Beit ‘Aur al-Tahta – Beit ‘Aur al-Fouqa road, west of Ramallah. At approximately 10:10, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance of Beit Liqya village, west of Ramallah. At approximately 17:00, on the same day, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance of Kafr Malik, northeast of Ramallah.

Qalqilya: IOF have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. On Thursday, 12 January 2012, IOF established 4 checkpoints around Qalqilya. At approximately 09:45 on Sunday, 15 January 2012, IOF established a checkpoint at the intersection of Jeet village, northeast of Qalqilya. At approximately 21:15 on the same day, IOF established a similar checkpoint at the eastern entrance of Qalqilya.
At approximately 12:30 on Monday, 16 January 2012, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance of ’Azzoun ’Etma, southeast of Qalqilya. At approximately 12:50 on the same day, IOF established a checkpoint at the intersection of Jeet village, northeast of Qalqilya.
Besides, the same checkpoint was re-established at 18:40.

Jenin: IOF have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. At approximately 03:30 on Thursday, 12 January 2012, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance of Zabbouba village, northwest of Jenin. At approximately 07:00 on Saturday, 14 January 2012, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance of Zabbouba village, northwest of Jenin. The same checkpoint was re-established at approximately 16:00 on the same day. At approximately 17:30 on the same day, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance of Ya’bad village, southwest of Jenin.
At approximately 08:00 on Sunday, 15 January 2012, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance of Zabbouba village, northwest of Jenin.
At approximately 08:30 on Monday, 16 January 2012, IOF established a checkpoint at at the entrance of Ya’bad village, southwest of Jenin. At approximately 10:00, on the same day, IOF established a checkpoint at the intersection of Deir Abu Da’eef village, east of Jenin.
At approximately 16:00 on Tuesday, 17 January 2012, IOF at the entrance of Jalaboun village, east of Jenin.
At approximately 07:30 on Wednesday, 18 January 2012, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance of Ya’bad village, southwest of Jenin.

Tulkarm: IOF have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. At approximately 06:30 on Saturday, 14 January 2012, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance of ’Allar village, northeast of Tulkarm. At approximately 10:00 on the same day, IOF stationed at ’Ennab checkpoint, east of Tulkarm, imposed more restrictions on the movement of Palestinians. At approximately 14:30, on Tuesday, 17 January 2012, IOF established a checkpoint at the intersection of al-Jaroushiya village, north of Tulkarm. At approximately 20:30 on the same day, IOF established a checkpoint at the intersection of Beit Leed village, east of Tulkarm.

Jericho: IOF have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. At approximately 09:00 on Saturday, 14 January 2012, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance of al-Zbaidat village, north of Jericho. At approximately 10:00 on the same day, IOF established a checkpoint at the southern entrance of Jericho. At approximately 14:00 on the same day, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance of ‘Ein al-Dyouk village, north of Jericho.
At approximately 10:30 on Sunday, 15 January 2012, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance of Fassayel village, north of Jericho.
At approximately 09:30 on Monday, 16 January 2012, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance of al-Zbaidat village, north of Jericho. At approximately 16:00 on the same day, IOF established a checkpoint on Jericho-Ramallah road.

Salfit: IOF have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. At approximately 09:30 on Thursday, 12 January 2012, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance of Iskaka village, east of Salfit. At approximately 18:00 on the same day, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance of Deir Estia village, northeast of Salfit.
At approximately 07:00 on Tuesday, 17 January 2012, IOF established a checkpoint between Salfit and Bruqin village.

Arrests at Military Checkpoints

On Thursday, 15 January 2012, IOF stationed at Nabi Yunis intersection, north of Hebron, arrested Anas Ibrahim Halayqa, 21, from al-Shyoukh village, east of Hebron. Eyewitnesses said that the Israeli soldiers stopped a public vehicle coming back from al-Quds University in Abu Dis village, southeast of Jerusalem, to Hebron. Halayqa, who is a student in the said university, was arrested and transported to an unknown destination.

On Monday, 16 January 2012, Israeli soldiers stationed at Salem checkpoint, west of Jenin, arrested Khalil Kayed Hashash, 18, and Montaser Zeyad Khaled, 18, from Balata refugee camp, east of Nablus, while they were passing through the checkpoint. It should be noted that IOF arrested 4 Palestinian children from Balata refugee camp at the said checkpoint under the pretext that they were carrying home-made grenades and knives.

At approximately 17:30 on Tuesday, 17 January 2012, IOF positioned and patrolled in the southern area of Hebron arrested ’Ala’ Ghassan Hamza Shaheen, 18, after he had detained by an Israeli patrol near the Ibrahimi mosque. Shaheen was arrested under the pretext that he did not listen to the Israeli soldiers’ orders and was carrying a knife. He was transported to Kiryat Arba settlement, southeast of Hebron. He had been charged of "trying to stab an Israeli soldier" before he was transferred to Kfar Etzion detention center, southwest of Bethlehem.
At approximately 08:00 on Wednesday, 18 January 2011, IOF positioned and patrolled in the southern area of Hebron arrested the two brothers: Rabee’, 22; and Wa’el Mohammed al-Rajabi, 17. IOF detained them at Tareq Bin Ziyad street claiming that they did not listen to the soldiers’ orders. The two brothers were transported to the Israeli police station near Kiryat Arba settlement, southeast of Hebron. They have remained in detention until now.

4.

Efforts to Create a Jewish Majority in East Jerusalem

Israeli occupation authorities have continued to make persistent efforts to create a Jewish majority in East Jerusalem and expel Palestinian civilians in the city.

On Monday morning, 16 January 2012, IOF supported by bulldozers and Israeli municipality officers moved into Shu’fat neighborhood, north of occupied Jerusalem. They surrounded the house of Mohammed Ibrahim Abu Khdeir, 32, and prevented its residents from getting out. The municipality officers started cutting metal poles that were established by the house owner to build another floor made of aluminum, wood and bricks. Abu Khdeir said that he established those poles 20 days earlier to build a third floor. The house is built on an area of 278 meters. He added that an inspector from the municipality had come 4 times within 10 days and had taken photos of the house. On 9 January 2012, the municipality officers sent him a notice stating that the poles have to be removed in one week; otherwise the municipality would do so and oblige him to pay 150,000 NIS as a fine. On Monday morning, 16 January 2012, Abu Khdeir went to bring construction workers in order to remove the poles. In the meanwhile, he received a phone call from his family informing him that the Israeli municipality came and started to cut the poles.

On the same day, IOF supported by bulldozers and Israeli municipality officers moved into Sour Baher village, south of occupied Jerusalem. They started bulldozing a warehouse and Barracks belonging to Mostafa Ali Mostafa Dabash, used to house sheep. The area of the warehouse and barracks reaches 2,220 meters.

2.

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.

· On Friday, 13 January 2012, a group of settlers guarded by Israeli soldiers moved into the center of Hebron under the pretext of visiting the grave of a Rabbi there according to agreements signed between the Palestinian Authority and Israel. The settlers chanted slogans against the Palestinians.
According to investigations conducted by PCHR, at approximately 04:30 on Friday, 13 January 2012, over 250 settlers residing in Hebron settlements moved into Beer Sheba street and part of the Rahma Mountain neighborhood in the center of Hebron. The settlers were under the protection of the Israeli forces that declared the two areas as security areas. The settlers visited the grave of Rabbi ’Etna’eel Bin Kuter and performed their biblical rituals in the first floor of a dwelled house, 200 meters to the northwest of Bab al-Zawiya square. They chanted slogans against Palestinians, while the Israeli soldiers were positioned on top of many houses and imposed restrictions on the movement of Palestinians. They also closed part of Beer Sheba street and Bab al-Zawiya intersection and fired sound bombs on the Palestinian by passers-by.

On Sunday morning, 15 January 2012, a number of settlers residing in Ramat Yishai settlement that is established on Tal al-Rmeida neighborhood in the center of Hebron set fire to a civil vehicle belonging to Hana’ Jameel Abu Haikal, 55, as a result of which the car was completely burnt out.
According to investigation conducted by PCHR and testimony of Abu Haikal, who lives with her family in the said neighborhood, at approximately 00:30, the settlers moved onto a square near the neighborhood that is used as a temporary car park. They smashed the vehicle’s windows and set fire to it before they fled. As a result, the vehicle was burnt and many houses in the neighborhood were stoned by the settler at the same.
Abu Haikal said that her white Hyundai Intra car was completely burnt, noting that this was the fifth time that vehicles owned by her family had been burnt by the settlers, to force them to leave their house adjacent to the said settlement.

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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 policy 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
For further information please visit our website (www.pchrgaza.org) or contact PCHR’s office in Gaza City, Gaza Strip by email ( pchr@pchrgaza.org ) or telephone (+972 (0)8 282 4776 – 282 5893).