Weekly Report On Israeli Human Rights Violations in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (26 April – 02 May 2012)

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Thursday, 03 May 2012 00:00

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

IOF use force to disperse peaceful protest organized by Palestinian civilians in the West Bank.
10 Palestinian civilians were wounded.
Dozens of civilians suffered from tear gas inhalation.

IOF opened fire at Palestinian communities in the Gaza Strip.
Two Palestinian civilians were wounded.
Some areas of agricultural land in the southern Gaza Strip were burnt.

IOF conducted 60 incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank and 9 limited ones into the Gaza Strip.
IOF arrested 29 Palestinian civilians, including 4 children, in the West Bank.

IOF continued to attack Palestinian fishermen in the Gaza Strip.
IOF arrested 6 fishers, including a child, and confiscated their boat.

Israel has continued to impose a total closure on the OPT and has isolated the Gaza Strip from the outside world.
IOF arrested two Palestinian civilians at various checkpoints in the West Bank.

IOF have continued efforts to create a Jewish demographic majority in East Jerusalem.
Israeli occupation authorities plan to establish hotels in “Givat Hamatos” settlement neighborhood in Jerusalem.
Israeli occupation authorities ordered the demolition of 7 houses in al-Bustan quarter in Silwan village to the south of the old town of Jerusalem.

IOF have continued settlement activities in the West Bank and Israeli settlers have continued to attack Palestinian civilians and property.
IOF demolished two animal farms and an agricultural pool in Hebron.
IOF demolished an under-construction house and ordered demolition of another 6 houses in Qalqilya.
Israeli settlers attacked a school on ‘Ourif village, south of Nablus.

Summary

Israeli violations of international law and humanitarian law in the OPT continued during the reporting period (26 April – 02 May 2012) :

Shooting :

In the West Bank, IOF wounded 10 Palestinian civilian during the dispersion of peaceful demonstrations organized in protest to the construction of the annexation wall and settlement activities in the West Bank, and in solidarity with Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails who have been on hunger strikes. They also wounded two Palestinian civilians in the Gaza Strip.

In the West Bank, 10 Palestinian civilians were wounded when IOF used force to disperse peaceful demonstration organized in protest to the construction of the annexation wall and settlement activities in the West Bank, and in solidarity with Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails who have been on hunger strike. IOF also detained Abdullah Abu Rahma, Coordinator of the Public Committee against the Annexation Wall in Bil’ein village, west of Ramallah, for an hour.

In the Gaza Strip, two Palestinian civilians were wounded when IOF positioned at the border between the Gaza Strip opened fire at Palestinian areas in the southern Gaza Strip towns of Rafah and Khan Yunis. Also as a result of the Israeli gunfire, some areas of Palestinian agricultural land were burnt.

On 29 April 2012, Israeli naval troops arrested 6 Palestinian fishers, including a child, and confiscated their boat in the northern Gaza Strip. Five of the fishers were released later, but the sixth one and the boat have remained in custody.

Incursions :

During the reporting period, IOF conducted at least 60 military incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank. During these incursions, IOF arrested 29 Palestinian civilians, including 4 children.

In the Gaza Strip, IOF conducted 9 limited incursions into Palestinian communities, during which they leveled areas of Palestinian land which they had already razed. They also opened fire at agricultural land and burnt some areas.

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.

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. 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.

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.

Efforts to Create a Jewish Demographic Majority in East Jerusalem :

The Israeli daily Haaretz reported on Tuesday, 01 May 2012, that the organization and construction committee in the Israeli municipality of Jerusalem deposited plans to establish hotels in “Givat Hamatos” settlement neighborhood in the south of Jerusalem. According to the newspaper, these hotels, which will be comprised of 1,100 rooms, will be constructed on a hill located between Beit Safafa village and Hebron road. It should be noted that the Israeli district committee of organization and construction had already approved the construction of 2,610 housing units as a first stage in the area and the construction will be initiated soon. The committee will also approve the construction of another 1,400 housing units, and the construction of the hotels will be in the fourth stage.

On the same say, IOF, accompanied by officials from the Israeli municipality of Jerusalem, moved into al-Bustan quarter in Silwan village to the south of the old town of Jerusalem. They delivered house demolition notices issued by an Israeli court to 7 Palestinian civilians. They also photographed and measured some houses.

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 26 April 2012, a number of Israeli settlers from “Yits’har” settlement, south of Nablus, escorted by IOF, threw stones at ‘Ourif Secondary School in ‘Ourif village, south of Nablus. Palestinian civilians gathered and attempted to stop the settlers. Immediately, IOF fired tear gas canisters at these civilians.

On the same day, dozens of Israeli settlers gathered near Za’tara checkpoint, south of Nablus. They closed Nablus-Ramallah road for more than one hour.

On the same day, a number of Israeli settlers, escorted by IOF, stormed agricultural areas in Ematin village, northeast of Qalqilya. Two Palestinian shepherds attempted to stop the settlers. Immediately, Israeli soldiers arrested the two shepherds.

On 30 April 2012, IOF moved into Kufor Qaddoum village, northeast of Qalqilya. They handed notices to 7 Palestinian civilians ordering the demolition of 6 houses and a barrack, claiming that they were built without licenses.

On 01 May 2012, IOF, accompanied by bulldozers, moved into al-Ballouta area near bypass road #60, east of Hebron. They demolished two cow farms and two rooms belonging to the al-Rajabi family, claiming that they were built without licenses.

On the same day, IOF, accompanied by two bulldozers, moved into ‘Izbat al-Tabib village, east of Qalqilya. They demolished an under-construction house.

On 02 May 2012, IOF, accompanied by a bulldozer, moved into al-Baq’a area, east of Hebron. They destroyed an agricultural pool. It should be noted that the area is close to “Kiryat Arba” settlement.

Israeli Violations Documented during the Reporting Period (26 April – 02 May 2012)

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

Thursday, 26 April 2012

At approximately 03:40, IOF moved into Jericho and the neighboring ‘Aqabet Jaber refugee camp. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

At approximately 05:30, IOF moved into al-‘Ouja village, northeast of Jericho. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

At approximately 08:20, IOF moved into Bitin village, northeast of Ramallah. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

At approximately 08:45, 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.

At approximately 11:30, IOF positioned at the border between the Gaza Strip and Israel to the southeast of Rafah opened fire at Palestinian houses and agricultural areas in the town. As a result, Ahmed Salama Abu Sha’ar, 27, was wounded by a bullet to the right leg, when he was nearly 1,000 meters away from the border.

Friday, 27 April 2012

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

At approximately 06:40, IOF moved into al-Lubban al-Gharbi village, northwest of Ramallah. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

At approximately 09:30, IOF moved into Deir al-Sudan village, north of Ramallah. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

At approximately 15:40, IOF moved into ‘Azzoun village, east of Qa ;lqilya. They raided a shop near the northern entrance of the village and arrested 3 Palestinian children claiming that the children were planning to throw stones at Israeli military vehicles :

‘Abdul Rahman Muhannad Dahbour, 16 ;
Baraa’ Qaher Abu Haniya, 15 ; and
Mohammed Muthanna Hussein, 16.

At approximately 16:30, IOF moved into ‘Arbouna village, north 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 Shaqba village, northwest of Ramallah. They patrolled in the streets and provoked Palestinian civilians. Soon, a number of Palestinian boys gathered and threw stones at Israeli military vehicles. Immediately, Israeli soldiers fired rubber-coated metal bullets, tear gas canisters and sound bombs at the boys. As a result, a number of Palestinian civilians suffered from tear gas inhalation.

Also at approximately 17:30, IOF moved into Budros village, northwest of Ramallah. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

Saturday, 28 April 2012

At approximately 08:20, 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.

At approximately 09:30, IOF moved into al-Zbaidat village, north of Jericho. 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 Kharabtha al-Misbah village, southwest 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 ‘Obwin village, northeast of Ramallah. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

At approximately 15:50, IOF moved into Burqa village, northeast of Ramallah. 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 Zabbouba village, northwest of Jenin. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

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

Sunday, 29 April 2012

At approximately 01:30, IOF moved into Jericho and the neighboring ‘Ein al-Sultan refugee camp. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

At approximately 07:30, IOF moved into Kufor ‘Ein village, northwest of Ramallah. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

At approximately 09:30, the Israeli naval troops arrested 6 fishermen while they were fishing nearly 2 nautical miles opposite to Gaza seashore. These troops fired at the fishing boat and forced the fishermen to take their clothes off and swim towards an Israeli gunboat. The Israeli troop handcuffed and blindfolded the fishermen and transferred them to the Israeli harbor of Ashdod, where the fishermen were interrogated. At approximately 21:00, 5 fishermen were released at Beit Hanoun (Erez) crossing : Ahmed, Amjad, who was wounded in the right leg, Ashraf and Bilal Isma’il al-Sherafi, 18, 33, 30 and 20 respectively ; and Yasser Mohammed al-Sherafi, 17. The sixth fisherman, al-Sadat ‘Abdul Mo’ti Hassanain, 33, an Egyptian citizen, remained in custody. Israeli navel troops also confiscated the fishing boat, which belongs to Amjad al-Sherafi.

Also at approximately 09:30, 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 10:00, IOF moved into ‘Attil 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 Bitilu village, northwest 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 al-‘Ouja village, northeast of Jericho. 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 Beer al-Basha village, south of Jenin. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

At approximately 11:00, IOF moved into Surda village, north of Ramallah. 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 al-Zabaidat village, north of Jericho. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

At approximately 13:50, IOF moved into Qalqilya. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

At approximately 15:00, IOF moved into the area located between ‘Azzoun village and Qalqilya. They searched the area and withdrew later.

At approximately 17:00, IOF moved into Shwaika suburb, north of Tulkarm. They patrolled in the streets and stopped and questioned a number of passing Palestinian civilians. They withdrew later and neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

At approximately 18:00, IOF moved into Deir al-Ghossoun village, north of Tullkarm. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

Also at approximately 18:00, IOF moved into Bal’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 20:45, IOF moved into Ematin village, northeast of Qalqilya. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

At approximately 21:30, IOF moved into Ne’lin village, west of Ramallah. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

At approximately 21:50, IOF moved into Kufor Qaddoum village, northeast of Qalqilya. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

Monday, 30 April 2012

At approximately 01:00, IOF moved into Beit ‘Anoun area and the old town of Hebron. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested two Palestinian civilians :

1. Majdi Ahmed al-Ja’bari, 28 ; and
2. Bassam Jaber, 20.

Also at approximately 01:00, IOF moved into Jenin. They raided and searched two houses and arrested two Palestinian civilians :

1. Ashraf Jameel Aqhash, 35 ; and
2. Samer Husni Abu al-Haija, 25.

Also at approximately 01:00, IOF moved into Buqa village, east of Ramallah. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

Also at approximately 01:00, IOF moved into Beer al-Basha village, south 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 ‘Awa village, southwest of Hebron. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested 4 Palestinian civilians :

1. ‘Othman Badawi Shalash ;
2. Bahaa’ ‘Abdul Qader Shalash ;
3. Mohammed Suleiman ‘Ammar ; and
4. Mohammed Ghaleb Shalash.

At approximately 02:00, IOF moved into Tammoun village, south of Tubas. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of ‘Abdullah ‘Ersan Bani ‘Ouda, 21, and arrested him.

At approximately 06:00, IOF moved nearly 300 meters into the northwestern area of Beit Hanoun town in the northern Gaza Strip. They leveled areas of Palestinian land which they had already razed.

At approximately 07:00, IOF moved nearly 400 meters into the east of Beit Hanoun town in the northern Gaza Strip. They leveled areas of Palestinian land which they had already razed.

At approximately 07:50, IOF moved nearly 300 meters into the east of al-Boreij refugee camp in the central Gaza Strip. They leveled areas of Palestinian land which they had already razed. They moved back to the border between the Gaza Strip and Israel at approximately 16:00.

At approximately 08:00, IOF moved into Turmos’iya village, north of Ramallah. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

Also at approximately 08:00, IOF moved into Deir al-Ghossoun village, north of Tulkarm. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
At approximately 09:00, IOF moved into Fassayel village, north of Jericho. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

At approximately 09:20, IOF moved into Koubar village, west of Ramallah. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

At approximately 10:00, IOF moved into al-Hfaira village, southwest 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 Sanour village, south of Jenin. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

At approximately 15:50, IOF moved into Beit Siera village, southwest of Ramallah. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

At approximately 18:50, IOF moved into ‘Assala village, south of Qalqilya. 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 Kufor Qaddoum village, northeast of Qalqilya. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

At approximately 20:30, IOF moved into Shwaika suburb, north of Tulkarm. 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 Tulkarm. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

Tuesday, 01 May 2012

At approximately 00:10, IOF moved into ‘Azzoun village, east of Qalqilya. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

At approximately 01:00, IOF moved into Bourin village, south of Nablus. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested 9 Palestinian civilians :

1. Bashar Jebril Qadous, 43 ;
2. Basheer Jebril Qadous, 38 ;
3. Castro Rezeq Qadous, 40 ;
4. Muntasser Mahmoud ‘Eid, 22 ;
5. Mohammed Nasser ‘As’ous, 18 ;
6. Yasser Mohammed ‘Eid, 41 ;
7. Bilal Dakhil ‘Eid, 45 ;
8. Ra’ed Fat’hi al-Zeben, 20 ; and
9. ‘Emad Khaled ‘Omran, 21.

Also at approximately 01:00, IOF moved into al-Yamoun village, northwest of Jenin. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested 4 Palestinian civilians :

1. ‘Abdul Ra’ouf Ibrahim Khamaisa, 39, members of the local council of the village ;
2. Salama Bassam Khamaisa, 39 ;
3. Rateb Tayseer Houshiya, 31 ; and
4. Ahmed Ghazi Ghanama, 44 ;

At approximately 03:00, IOF moved into Jericho. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested two Palestinian civilians :

1. Muntasser Yahia al-Akhras, 19 ; and
2. Mohammed Fat’hi Damu, 20.

At approximately 07:30, IOF moved nearly 400 meters into the east of al-Qarara village, northeast of the southern Gaza Strip town of Khan Yunis. They leveled areas of Palestinian land which they had already razed.

Also at approximately 07:30, IOF moved into the east of ‘Abassan village, east of Khan Yunis. They leveled areas of Palestinian land which they had already razed. At approximately 11:30, an Israeli helicopter gunship opened fire at agricultural areas in the village. As a result, fire broke out on a wheat field. IOF also moved into the east of Khuza’a village and opened fire indiscriminately. As a result, fire broke out in some agricultural areas. At approximately 16:20, Hamada Fa’thi Qudaih, 33, was wounded by a bullet to the back. Two hours later, IOF moved back to the border between the Gaza Strip and Israel.

Wednesday, 02 May 2012

At approximately 00:50, an Israeli warplane fired a missile at an open area in al-Amal neighborhood in the northern Gaza Strip town of Beit Hanoun. The missile made a large crater, but no casualties were reported.

At approximately 06:30, IOF moved nearly 300 meters into the east of Juhor al-Dik village in the central Gaza Strip. They leveled areas of Palestinian land which they had already razed. At approximately 14:00, IOF moved back to the border between the Gaza Strip and Israel.

At approximately 07:45, IOF moved nearly 300 meters into the east of Khuza’a village, east of the southern Gaza Strip town of Khan Yunis, amidst indiscriminate shooting. Some bullets hits two schools in the village, so school children were forced to go home.

At approximately 08:30, IOF moved into al-Jiftlek village, north of Jericho. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

At approximately 09:00, IOF moved into Marj Na’ja village, north 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 Jericho. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

At approximately 11:20, an Israeli helicopter gunship opened fire at Palestinian agricultural areas in Khuza’a village, east of the southern Gaza Strip town of Khan Yunis. No casualties were reported. It should be noted that 4 Italian solidarity activists were in the area when IOF opened fire.

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. As a result, 3 demonstrator were wounded, and dozens of others suffered from tear gas inhalation and other sustained bruises.

Following the Friday Prayer on 27 April 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 in solidarity with Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails who have been on hunger strike. The demonstrators raised the Palestinian flag and portraits of a number of Palestinian prisoners detained in Israeli jails and called for ending the political split. They then moved towards areas of annexation wall. Israeli soldiers stationed in the area fired rubber-coated metal bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters at the demonstrators. As a result, a demonstrator was wounded by two rubber-coated metal bullets to the right hand and leg (PCHR keeps his name). Dozens of demonstrators suffered from tear gas inhalation.

Also following the Friday Prayer on 27 April 2012, dozens of Palestinian civilians and international and Israeli human rights defenders organized a peaceful demonstration in Ne’lin village, west of Ramallah, in protest to the construction of the annexation wall and settlement activities. The demonstrators moved towards areas of the annexation wall. Immediately, 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 demonstrators suffered from tear gas inhalation.
Also following the Friday prayer on 27 April 2012, dozens of Palestinian civilians and Israeli and international human rights defenders gathered in the center of 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. A result, a demonstrator was hit by a tear gas canister to the abdomen (PCHR keeps his name) and other demonstrators suffered from tear gas inhalation.

At approximately 13:50 also on Friday, 27 April 2012, Palestinian civilians and international human rights defenders organized a peaceful demonstration in Kufor Qaddoum village, northeast of Qalqilya, in protest to the continued closure of the eastern entrance of the village. Once they moved towards the entrance, IOF fired tear gas canisters and sound bombs at them. As a result, We’am Waleed Barham, 18, was hit by a tear gas canister to head. Medical sources described his health condition as serious. Israeli soldiers also attacked Bashar Mahmoud Nazzal, 33, a cameraman of Palestine Television.

On Saturday noon, 28 April 2012, IOF attacked dozens of Palestinian civilians and international and Israeli human rights defenders who organized a peaceful demonstration in Beit Ummar town, north of Hebron, and attempted to reach Killat al-Kutla area located neat “Kari Tsur,” protesting plans to expand the settlement. They also violently beat an Israeli human rights defender, when he accused the Israeli government of racism.

Other Peaceful Demonstrations

At approximately 13:00 on Thursday, 26 April 2012, dozens of Palestinian civilians, including members of the family of Tha’er Halahla, a Palestinian prisoner in Israeli jails who has been on hunger strike, peacefully demonstrated in front of Oufar Prison, southwest of Ramallah, in solidarity with Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails who have been on hunger strike. Israeli soldiers fired at the demonstrators, wounding 4 of them (PCHR keeps their names). They also arrested ‘Abdullah Abu Rahma, 40, Coordinator of the Public Committee against the Annexation Wall in Bil’ein village, but released him an hour later.

At approximately 13:00 on Tuesday, 01 May 2012, dozens of Palestinian civilians, peacefully demonstrated in front of Oufar Prison, southwest of Ramallah, in solidarity with Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails who have been on hunger strike. Israeli soldiers fired at the demonstrators, wounding 3 of them (PCHR keeps their names). A number of demonstrators also suffered from tear gas inhalation.

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 nearly 5 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 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.

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 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.

For approximately five 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 traders, international diplomats, journalists and humanitarian workers seeking to enter the Gaza Strip. On Wednesday evening, 14 March 2012, IOF arrested Ahmed Subhi al-Kahlout, 40, a trader from Gaza City, when he was traveling via Beit Hanoun crossing.

For approximately 58 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.

Movement at Border Crossings during the Reporting Period :

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.

There are approximately hundreds of 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.

Many of the main roads that lead to Palestinian communities in the West Bank are closed or fully controlled by IOF.

IOF have continued to restrict access of Palestinian civilians from the West Bank to East Jerusalem, through a strict system of permits and a network of checkpoints.

IOF have completed controlled access to the Jordan Valley through 4 permanent checkpoints established at its entrances. Palestinians living outside the area are not allowed to enter it without permits.

Settlement activities and expansion of settlements impose additional restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians.

IOF have continued to restrict access to gunfire areas and natural reserves, which constitute about 26% of the total area of the West Bank.

Israeli military checkpoints restrict the movement of goods throughout the West Bank.

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

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 young Muslim Palestinians from praying at al-Aqsa Mosque

Ramallah : IOF have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. At approximately 10:30 on Thursday, 19 April 2012, IOF re-established their presence at ‘Attara checkpoint, north of Ramallah. At approximately 11:30, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance of al-Lubban al-Gharbi village, northwest of Ramallah. At approximately 15:40, IOF established a checkpoint under Kharabtha al-Maisbah Bridge, southwest of Ramallah. At approximately 08:40 on Friday, 27 April 2012, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance of Nabi Saleh village, northwest of Ramallah. At approximately 10:30, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance of Budros village, northwest of Ramallah, and another one at the entrance of Ne’lin village, west of the town. At approximately 14:20, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance of Beit Liqya village, west of Ramallah. At approximately 10:00 on Saturday, 28 April 2012, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance of Dura al-Qare’ village, northeast of Ramallah. At approximately 10:30, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance of Koubar village, northwest of Ramallah. At approximately 18:30, IOF established a checkpoint at ‘Oyoun al-Haramiya intersection on Ramallah-Nablus road, northeast of Ramallah.

Qalqilya : IOF have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. On Thursday, 26 April 2012, IOF established 6 checkpoints around the town. At approximately 09:35 on Friday, 27 April 2012, IOF established a checkpoint at the western entrance of Kufor Qaddoum village, east of Qalqilya. At approximately 11:15, IOF established a checkpoint between ‘Azzoun and ‘Izbat al-Tabib villages, east of Qalqilya. On Saturday, 28 April 2012, IOF established 4 checkpoints around Qalqilya. On Sunday, 29 April 2012, IOF established 5 checkpoints around the town. At approximately 12:30 on Monday, 30 April 2012, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance of ‘Azzoun village, east of Qalqilya. At approximately 16:10, IOF established a checkpoint at Jeet intersection, northeast of Qalqilya.

Jenin : IOF have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. At approximately 16:30 on Thursday, 26 April 2012, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance of al-‘Araqa village, west of Jenin. At approximately 17:00, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance of Deir Abu Da’if village, east of Jenin. At approximately 23:40 on Sunday, 29 April 2012, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance of Deir Abu Da’if village, east of Jenin. At approximately 17:30 on Monday, 30 April 2012, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance of ‘Arrana village, north of Jenin.

Tulkarm : IOF have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. At approximately 16:30 on Thursday, 26 April 2012, Israeli soldiers positioned at Ennab checkpoint on Tulkarm-Nablus, east of Tulkarm, impose additional restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. At approximately 20:30 on Friday, 27 April 2012, IOF established a checkpoint at the western entrance of Shwaika suburb, north of Tulkarm. At approximately 11:00 on Sunday, 29 April 2012, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance of Qiffin village, north of Tulkarm. At approximately 13:00, Israeli soldiers positioned at Ennab checkpoint on Tulkarm-Nablus, east of Tulkarm, impose additional restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. At approximately 18:00, IOF established a checkpoint at Bal’a intersection, east of Tulkarm. At approximately 09:30, IOF established a checkpoint at Beit Leed intersection, east of Tulkarm.

Jericho : IOF have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. At approximately 09:00 on Thursday, 26 April 2012, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance of al-Zbaidat village, north of Jericho. At approximately 11:00, they established a checkpoint at the southern entrance of Jericho. At approximately 17:30, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance of Fassayel village, north of Jericho. At approximately 19:30, IOF established a checkpoint on Jericho-Ramallah road. At approximately 13:00 on Friday, 27 April 2012, IOF established a checkpoint at the southern entrance of Jericho. At approximately 15:30, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance of al-Jiftlek village, north of Jericho. At approximately 11:40 on Saturday, 28 April 2012, IOF established a checkpoint at the southern entrance of Jericho. At approximately 16:00, IOF established a checkpoint on Jericho-Ramallah road.

Arrests at Military Checkpoints :

On Saturday evening, 28 April 2012, Israeli soldiers positioned at Hawara checkpoint, south of Nablus, arrested Mohammed ‘Abdul Latif Shaibani, 35, from ‘Arraba village southwest of Jenin.

On Tuesday afternoon, 01 May 2012, Israeli soldiers positioned at a checkpoint near Sarra village, southwest of Nablsu, arrested Qais Mo’ayda Eshtaiwi, 20, from Kufor Qaddoum village northeast of Qalqilya.

Harassment at Military Checkpoints

At approximately 06:00 on Thursday, 26 April 2012, Israeli soldiers positioned at al-Hamra checkpoint, southeast of Tubas, stopped, detained and violently beat Majd Mohammed Bisharat, 20, from Tammoun village south of Tubas. They released him two hours later.

4. Efforts to Create a Jewish Demographic Majority in East Jerusalem

Israeli occupation authorities have continued efforts aimed at creating a Jewish demographic majority in East Jerusalem.

The Israeli daily Haaretz reported on Tuesday, 01 May 2012, that the organization and construction committee in the Israeli municipality of Jerusalem deposited plans to establish hotels in “Givat Hamatos” settlement neighborhood in the south of Jerusalem. According to the newspaper, these hotels, which will be comprised of 1,100 rooms, will be constructed on a hill located between Beit Safafa village and Hebron road. It should be noted that the Israeli district committee of organization and construction had already approved the construction of 2,610 housing units as a first stage in the area and the construction will be initiated soon. The committee will also approve the construction of another 1,400 housing units, and the construction of the hotels will be in the fourth stage. Khalil Toufakji, a settlement expert, stated to Maan News Agency that 9 hotels comprised of 1,100 rooms would be built in the first stage, and that Israeli occupation authorities would make “Givat Hamatos” settlement neighborhood compete Bethlehem at the levels of economy and tourism because it is closer to religious sites. He pointed out that there are tenders to build 632 housing unit in “Har Homa” settlement (Jabal Abu Ghunaim) and 180 units in “Givat Ze’ev” settlement.

On Tuesday morning, 01 May 2012, IOF, accompanied by officials from the Israeli municipality of Jerusalem, moved into al-Bustan quarter in Silwan village to the south of the old town of Jerusalem. They delivered house demolition notices issued by an Israeli court to 7 Palestinian civilians : Jebril al-Tawil ; Hisham Sa’id Hamdan ; ‘Aayed Hamdan ‘Aayed ; Nader Khalil Abu Diab ; Fayez Abu Diab ; Shihada Ahmed al-Qara’in ; and Sa’id Radi. They also photographed and measured some houses.

5. 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 11:30 on Thursday, 26 April 2012, a number of Israeli settlers from “Yits’har” settlement, south of Nablus, escorted by IOF, threw stones at ‘Ourif Secondary School in ‘Ourif village, south of Nablus. Palestinian civilians gathered and attempted to stop the settlers. Immediately, IOF fired tear gas canisters at these civilians.

At approximately 13:45 also on Thursday, dozens of Israeli settlers gathered near Za’tara checkpoint, south of Nablus. They closed Nablus-Ramallah road for more than one hour.

At approximately 14:10 also on Thursday, a number of Israeli settlers, escorted by IOF, stormed agricultural areas in Ematin village, northeast of Qalqilya. Two Palestinian shepherds attempted to stop the settlers. Immediately, Israeli soldiers arrested the two shepherds : Ibrahim Mohammed Barri, 14 ; and Mo’tassem Hassan Khalil, 28.

At approximately 09:45 on Monday, 30 April 2012, IOF moved into Kufor Qaddoum village, northeast of Qalqilya. They handed notices to 7 Palestinian civilians ordering the demolition of 6 houses and a barrack, claiming that they were built without licenses :

1. A house belonging to Mousa ‘Abdullah Barham ;
2. A house belonging to Hamad ‘Abdullah Barham ;
3. A two-storey house belonging to ‘Abdul Nasser Fahmi Barham ;
4. A two-storey house belonging to Bassem Hassan Qassem ;
5. A two-storey house belonging to Shaher ‘Abdul Rahim Barham ;
6. An under-construction house belonging to Mujahed Subhi Barham ; and
7. A barrack belonging to ‘Omar Waleed Barham.

At approximately 07:00 on Tuesday, 01 May 2012, IOF, accompanied by bulldozers, moved into al-Ballouta area near bypass road #60, east of Hebron. They demolished two cow farms and two rooms belonging to the al-Rajabi family, claiming that they were built without licenses.

At approximately 09:00 on Tuesday, 01 May 2012, IOF, accompanied by two bulldozers, moved into ‘Izbat al-Tabib village, east of Qalqilya. They demolished an under-construction house belonging to Zaidan Yasser Tabib. It should be noted that on 01 May 2011, IOF delivered a notice to Tabib ordering his to stop the construction of the house, and in July 2011, they delivered another notice to him ordering demolition of the house.

On Wednesday morning, 02 May 2012, IOF, accompanied by a bulldozer, moved into al-Baq’a area, east of Hebron. They destroyed an agricultural pool belonging to Yahia Sa’id Jaber. It should be noted that the area is close to “Kiryat Arba” settlement.

Recommendations to the International Community

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.