Weekly Report On Israeli Human Rights Violations in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (05 - 12 June 2013)
The Palestinian Centre for Human Rights (PCHR)
Israeli forces dismantle a tent set up by Palestinian civilians on a plot of land that is threatened to be confiscated in Canaan village near Hebron
June 13, 2013
June 13, 2013
Israeli forces continue systematic attacks against Palestinian civilians and property in the occupied Palestinian territory (oPt)
Israeli forces have continued to open fire at the Palestinian civilians in the Gaza Strip border area.
A Palestinian worker was wounded, east of Khan Yunis in the south of the Gaza Strip.
5 Palestinian civilians, including a child, were wounded during an Israeli incursion in al-Far'ah refugee camp, south of Tubas.
Israeli forces have continued to use excessive force against peaceful protesters in the West Bank.
A protester was wounded during a peaceful protest in Bil'in village, west of Ramallah.
Israeli forces conducted 67 incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank and 2 limited ones in the Gaza Strip.
51 Palestinian civilians, including 3 children, were arrested.
Among the arrested is Abdul Jaber Foqaha', Member of the Palestinian Legislative Council for the Change and Reform Bloc.
Israel has continued to impose a total closure on the oPt and has isolated the Gaza Strip from the outside world.
7 Palestinian civilians, including 3 children, were arrested at checkpoints in the West Bank.
One of the detainees is 12 years old.
Israeli navy forces continued to target Palestinian fishermen in the Gaza Strip sea.
Israeli forces opened fire at the Palestinian fishing boats in the northern Gaza Strip, but no casualties were reported.
2 fishermen were arrested and a fishing boat was confiscated.
Israeli forces have continued to support settlement activities in the West Bank and Israeli settlers have continued to attack Palestinian civilians and property.
A house and a barrack in eastern Barta'a village in Jenin were demolished.
Israeli forces continued to pursue the Palestinian farmers and shepherds, south of Hebron.
The settlers continued their systematic attacks against the Palestinian civilians and their property.
Summary
Israeli violations of international law and international humanitarian law in the oPt continued during the reporting period 05 – 12 June 2013.
Shooting:
During the reporting period, Israeli forces wounded 7 Palestinian civilians, including a child. 6 civilians were wounded in the West Bank while the 7th was wounded in the Gaza Strip. 5 of these civilians were wounded during an Israeli incursion in al-Far'ah refugee camp, south of Tubas.
In the West Bank, Israeli forces continued the systematic use of excessive force against peaceful protests organised by Palestinian, Israeli and international activists against the construction of the annexation wall and settlement activities in the West Bank. As a result, Amr Hesham Bernat (25) was wounded during a peaceful protest in Bil'in village, west of Ramallah, on 07 June 2013. Moreover, dozens suffered tear gas inhalation and others sustained bruises.
On 12 June 2013, 5 civilians, including a child, sustained bullet wounds when Israeli forces moved into al-Far'ah refugee camp, south of Tubas.
In the Gaza Strip, on 10 June 2013, Israeli forces stationed on watchtowers along the border fence, east of Khan Yunis in the southern Gaza Strip, opened fire at 3 brothers working as gravel collectors 80 meters away from the border fence. As a result, Amer Mazen Abu Hadayed (20) was wounded and taken to the European Gaza Hospital in Khan Yunis.
Israeli navy forces continued to pursue Palestinian fishermen in Gaza sea. On 05, 06 and 08 June 2013, Israeli forces opened fire at Palestinian fishing boats that were sailing within the 6 nautical mile limit off al-Waha resort in the north of the Gaza Strip. No casualties were reported. However, a fishing boat belonging to Taha Sa'dAllah (30) sustained damage and 2 fishing nets were torn by the Israeli navy forces.
In the same context, on 07 June 2013, Israeli navy forces arrested 2 fishermen from the central Gaza Strip, confiscated their boat and released them later at Beit Hanoun (Erez) crossing.
Incursions:
During the reporting period, Israeli forces conducted at least 67 military incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank. During these incursions, Israeli forces arrested at least 44 Palestinians, including 2 children. Among the arrested was Abdul Jaber al-Foqaha' (47), Member of the Palestinian Legislative Council.
In the Gaza Strip, on 11 June 2013, Israeli forces conducted a limited incursion in the east of Deir al-Balah in the central the Gaza Strip. They levelled lands and withdrew later. The second incursion was conducted on 12 June 2013, northeast of Gaza valley (Johr al-Deek).
Restrictions on movement:
Israel continued to impose a tightened closure of the oPt, imposing severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including occupied East Jerusalem.
The illegal closure of the Gaza Strip, which has steadily tightened since June 2007, has had a disastrous impact on the humanitarian and economic situation in the Gaza Strip. The Israeli authorities impose measures to undermine the freedom of trade, including the basic needs for the Gaza Strip population and the agricultural and industrial products to be exported. For 7 consecutive years, Israel has tightened the land and naval closure to isolate the Gaza Strip from the West Bank, including occupied Jerusalem, and other countries around the world. This resulted in a grave violation of the economic, social and cultural rights and a deterioration of living conditions for 1.7 million people. The Israeli authorities has established Karm Abu Salem (Kerem Shaloum) as the sole crossing for imports and exports in order to exercise its control over the Gaza Strip’s economy that has been aggravating for years due to the shortage of imports. They also aim at imposing a complete ban on the Gaza Strip’s exports.
Israeli forces have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians throughout the West Bank, including occupied East Jerusalem. Thousands of Palestinian civilians from the West Bank and the Gaza Strip continue to be denied access to Jerusalem.
Settlement activities:
Israel has continued its settlement activities in the oPt, a direct violation of international humanitarian law, and Israeli settlers have continued to attack Palestinian civilians and property.
Violations committed by Israeli forces
On Wednesday, 05 June 2013, Israeli forces moved into al-Thagra area, near "Neve Daniel" settlement, south of al-Khader village, in the south of Bethlehem and destroyed an arbor under the pretext of not obtaining a permit.
On Thursday, 06 June 2013, Israeli forces handed a Yatta municipal employee a notice to halt work in a street that is being paved in Mothalath Zeif area, at the eastern entrance of Yatta, which is linked to Bypass Road (60), south of Hebron.
On Saturday, 08 June 2013, Israeli forces uprooted a tent in al-Jab'a area to the west of Sourif village, northwest of Hebron that was established by Palestinians, member of Popular Committees against the Settlement Activities and a number of international and Israeli human rights activists, under the name Kan'an village. Also on Saturday, Israeli forces bulldozed and closed an agricultural road, which leads to 50 dunums of farmlands in the area of Salem Valley, in the west of the village, with rocks and piles of dirt. The 50-dunum-land is planted with grapevines.
On Sunday, 09 June 2013, Israeli forces chased farmers and shepherds of the Hathaleen family while present in the surroundings of Kherbat Uml-Khair area to the east of Yatta, south of Hebron, under the pretext that these lands are confiscated and are restricted to them. It should be mentioned that the Israeli forces have been trying to evacuate the inhabitants of the area of the Hathaleen family for several years for expansion schemes of "Carmiel" settlement, which is established on the lands of the Uml-Khair.
Also on Sunday, Israeli forces denied farmers from Beit Ummar village, north of Hebron, access to their lands, which are located within the security fence of "Kermi Tsour" settlement, which is established on Palestinian civilians' lands in the north of Hebron. The farmers waited for more than an hour before a soldier approached them and ordered them to leave at gunpoint. It should be noted that Israeli forces confiscated many agricultural dunums of Beit Ummar village and Halhoul for the expansion of the afore-mentioned settlement. In al-Buq'a area in the east of Hebron, Israeli forces placed a notice to halt construction works near an under construction water well, which is the property of Atta Abdel-Jawad Mohammed Jaber (44).
On Wednesday, 12 June 2013, Israeli forces bulldozed an occupied house and an under construction barrack in East Barta'a village, which is isolated from its Palestinian surroundings due to the construction of the annexation wall in the west of Jenin. The house is of two floors, each of 170 square metres, and is the property of Ahmed Omar Qubha (29), and the barrack is the property of Ali Mohammed Qubha (47).
Attacks carried out by settlers
On Thursday, 06 June 2013, a group of settlers from "Bat Ayin" settlement, which is established on Palestinian lands in the west of Beit Ummar village, north of Hebron, cut and destroyed 20 3-year-old olive trees in Abul-Reish valley area, near the afore-mentioned settlement. It should be mentioned that this attack is the third of its kind to be carried out by settlers in al-Saliby's land in 2013. Also on Thursday, a group of settlers from "Maon" settlement, established on Palestinian land in the east of Yatta attacked a group of farmers from the Awad family while working in their farmlands in Qwayweis and Um al-'Arayes areas, in the east of the afore-mentioned area, and banned from working on their land at gunpoint.
On Thursday as well, dozens of settlers from "Najohout settlement," which is established on Palestinian lands, in the south of Doura, southwest of Hebron, patrolled the streets of Kharsa valley area, under strict protection of the Israeli forces. No incidents were reported. And later on Thursday, a group of settlers, under the protection of Israeli forces, moved into Kufol Hares village, north of Salfit. The settlers chanted anti-Arab slogans and made graffiti in Hebrew inside the historical and religious landmarks, and on the houses of Palestinians as well, such as "Death to Arabs."
On Tuesday, 11 June 2013, a number of settlers' children from "Beitar Illit," established on the lands of Houssan, Nahalin and Fouqin Valley villages, in the western countryside of Bethlehem, set fire in lands in Kherbat al-Deir area in the west of Nahlain village. As a result, approximately 10 trees and other crops caught on fire. The inhabitants of the village put out the fire.
Israeli Violations Documented during the Reporting Period 30 May– 05 June 2013
1. Incursions into Palestinian Areas, and Attacks on Palestinian Civilians and Property in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip
Wednesday, 05 June 2013
At approximately 01:00, Israeli forces moved into Beit Ummar, north of Hebron. They patrolled the streets and positioned themselves in the centre of the village. They deployed between the houses and raided, with the company of undercover units, a house belonging to the family of Khaled Nayef Akhlail. They arrested Akhlail's son Mahmoud (19) and took him to a white vehicle carrying a Palestinian registration plate. Meanwhile, Israeli forces raided a house belonging to the family of Abdul Aziz Zamel Qouqas Akhlail (47) in Khellet Rous al-Jazoun, east of the city. They arrested Abdul Aziz and took him to a white vehicle to pressurize his son Mohammed (18) to surrender to them. At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into Saffa area, west of the city, and raided a house belonging to the family of Jehad Nasser Ikhlail. They handed him a notice for his son Jehad (18) to refer to the Israeli intelligence service in "Gosh Etzion" settlement, south of Bethlehem.
At approximately 09:55, Israeli forces moved into al-Khader village, south of Bethlehem. They positioned themselves around schools in the Old Town. A number of students gathered and threw stones at the Israeli soldiers, who in response fired rubber-coated metal bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters. As a result, a number of students suffered tear gas inhalation and were treated on the spot. The Israeli forces arrested the student Hamza Mahmoud al-Wahesh (15) and took him to "Gosh Etzion" settlement, south of the city. When al-Wahesh's father went to ask about his son, the Israeli forces released him after 2 hours.
At approximately 16:00, Israeli forces moved into Ramin village, northeast of Tulkarm. They patrolled the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
At approximately 17:00, Israeli forces moved into Kofur Sour village, south of Tulkarm. They patrolled the streets, questioned a number of civilians on the spot and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
At approximately 21:30, Israeli gunboats stationed off al-Waha resort, northwest of Beit Lahia in the north of the Gaza Strip, opened fire sporadically at the Palestinian fishing boats that were sailing within the 6 nautical mile limit. As a result, the fishermen fled back fearing of injury or arrest. However, neither casualties nor material damage were reported.
Thursday, 06 June 2013
At approximately 00:30, Israeli forces moved into Saffa area to the west of Beit Ummar, north of Hebron. They raided a house belonging to the family of Mohammed Hassan Issa 'Adi (21) and arrested him.
At approximately 01:00, Israeli forces moved Req'a area to the southwest of Yatta, south of Hebron. They raided a house belonging to the family of 'Amer Rashid Reb'i (21) and arrested him.
Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Sekka village to the west of Doura, southwest of Hebron. They patrolled the streets and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
At approximately 01:30, Israeli forces moved into Ein Menjed neighbourhood, west of Ramallah. They raided a house belonging to the family of Abdul Jaber Foqaha' (47), Member of the Palestinian Legislative Council for the Change and Reform Bloc. They arrested him and took him to Ofer detention facility, southwest of Ramallah.
At approximately 02:30, Israeli forces moved into al-Aroub refugee camp, north of Hebron. They raided a house belonging to the family of Mohammed Yusef Jawabra (22) and arrested him.
At approximately 03:00, Israeli forces moved into Tulkarm. They patrolled the streets and raided a house belonging to the family of Majdi Omar Sa'ada (31). They arrested him and his 2 brothers: Amjad (43) and Alaa (26). They also confiscated some documents and a cell phone. The Israeli forces withdrew later.
At approximately 09:00, Israeli forces moved into Beit Nuba complex, to the southwest of Beit Luqia, southwest of Ramallah. They patrolled the streets for some time and withdrew later.
At approximately 09:25, Israeli forces moved into Salfit. They patrolled the streets and raided a number of stores. They withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
At approximately 16:00, Israeli forces moved into al-Mutella village, southeast of Jenin. They patrolled the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into al-Mughair village, southeast of Jenin. They patrolled the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Jelqamous village, southeast of Jenin. They patrolled the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
At approximately 16:30, Israeli forces moved into Jenin. They patrolled the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
At approximately 20:00, Israeli forces moved into Raboud village to the south of Doura, southwest of Hebron. They patrolled the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
At approximately 21:10, Israeli gunboats stationed off al-Waha resort, northwest of Beit Lahia in the north of the Gaza Strip, opened fire sporadically at the Palestinian fishing boats that were sailing within the 6 nautical mile limit. As a result, the fishermen fled back fearing of injury or arrest. However, neither casualties nor material damage were reported.
At approximately 23:45, Israeli forces moved into Kofur al-Labad, east of Tulkarm. They patrolled the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Anabta village, east of Tulkarm. They patrolled the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
Friday, 07 June 2013
At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into al-Tabaqa village to the south of Doura, southwest of Hebron. They patrolled the streets and positioned themselves in al-Beid neighbourhood. They raided a house belonging to the family of Mo'athe Jamil al-Hreibat (19) and arrested him.
Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Beit Reema village, west of Ramallah. They patrolled the streets and raided 4 houses, from which they arrested 4 civilians and took them to Ofer detention facility:
1. Ja'fer Mo'tadel Rimawi (22);
2. Feras Rasem Rimawi (29);
3. Mahmoud Aziz Rimawi (30); and
4. Abdullah Deeb Rimawi (22).
At approximately 02:30, Israeli forces moved into Budrus village, west of Ramallah. They patrolled the streets for some time and withdrew later. No arrests were reported.
At approximately 03:00, Israeli navy forces arrested 2 Palestinian fishermen: Hassan Ali Murad (27) and Khader Marwan al-Sa'idi (25), who were on board a boat belonging to Marwan 'Awad al-Sa'idi (52), within the 6 nautical mile limit. The 2 arrested were taken to Ashdod seaport and were questioned. Moreover, the boat was confiscated. At approximately 18:00 on the same day, the arrested were returned to the Gaza Strip via Beit Hanoun (Erez) crossing.
At approximately 15:00, Israeli forces moved into al-Muqefa area, to the south of Doura, southwest of Hebron. They patrolled the streets, where some boys gathered and threw stones at the Israeli soldiers, who in response fired rubber-coated metal bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters. Neither casualties nor arrests were reported.
At approximately 21:00, Israeli forces raided a house belonging to the family of Jawad Abu Aisha (39), an activist against settlement activities, in the south of Hebron. They arrested Abu Aisha and withdrew later.
At approximately 21:30, Israeli forces moved into Burhum village, northwest of Ramallah. They patrolled the streets for some time and withdrew later. No arrests were reported.
At approximately 22:30, Israeli forces moved into Ras Karkar village, northwest of Ramallah. They patrolled the streets for some time and withdrew later. No arrests were reported.
Saturday, 08 June 2013
At approximately 00:40, Israeli forces moved into Azzoun village, east of Qalqilia. They patrolled the streets and raided a number of houses. They handed notices to 6 civilians to refer to the Israeli intelligence service. The summoned persons were:
1. Ghaleb Mohammed Mesh'el (44);
2. Khaled Sabri Badwan (38);
3. Yusef Saqer Salim (17);
4. Alaa' Samir Othman (24);
5. Abdul Hadi Ahmed Radwan (23); and
6. Fadi Jawdat Radwan (24).
At approximately 01:30, Israeli forces moved into Krisa area, to the east of Doura, southwest of Hebron. They patrolled the streets and raided a house belonging to the family of the PLC member, Nayef al-Rjoub. They handed his son Hutheifah (26) a notice to refer to the Israeli intelligence service in "Gosh Etzion" settlement, south of Bethlehem.
At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into Tubas. They patrolled the streets and raided a number of houses. They arrested Mo'athe Khaled Daraghma (18) and took him to an unknown destination.
At approximately 21:00, Israeli gunboats stationed off al-Waha resort, northwest of Beit Lahia, in the northern Gaza Strip, opened fire at the Palestinian fishing boats and surrounded them. As a result, damage was caused to the fishing boat of Taha Mohammed Sa'dAllah (30) due to the Israeli fire. Moreover, the Israeli naval forces damaged Sa'dAllah's fishing net and another fishing net belonging to Mostafa Ahmed al-Sultan (62). However, no casualties were reported.
At approximately 23:55, Israeli forces moved into Hajjah village, east of Qalqilia. They patrolled the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
Sunday, 09 June 2013
At approximately 01:25, Israeli forces moved into Taqou' village, southeast of Bethlehem. They patrolled the streets and raided a house belonging to the family of Mohammed Mahmoud Abu Mefreh (26). They handed him a notice to refer to the Israeli intelligence servicein "Gosh Etzion" settlement, south of the city.
At approximately 01:55, Israeli forces moved into Kufor Qaddoum village, northeast of Qalqilia. They patrolled the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into Tafouh village, west of Hebron. They patrolled the streets and raided a house belonging to the Karim Essam Erzeiqat (20). They arrested him and took him to an unknown destination.
At approximately 03:00, Israeli forces moved into Yatta village, south of Hebron. They patrolled the streets and raided a house belonging to the family of Mohanned Tayseer Rab'i (23). They arrested him and handed his father a notice to refer to the Israeli intelligence service in "Gosh Etzion" settlement, south of the city.
At approximately 09:30, Israeli undercover units sneaked into al-Syoul area, south of Nablus. They used 2 civilian vehicles carrying Palestinian registration plates. Once a taxi driven by Nafe' Othman Sa'ada arrived from Tal village, south of the city, Sa'ada was surprised to see a vehicle intercepting him. Over 20 Israeli soldiers stepped out of the vehicle in their military uniform in addition to 4 other masked persons in civilian clothes holding 2 bog dogs. The soldiers surrounded the taxi and the masked persons ordered the taxi driver to stop the car. One of them took the car keys, when another masked man opened the other door and ordered the passenger in the back seat, Mohammed Nimer Asida (28), from Tal village, to get out of the car. As soon as Asida stepped out of the car, the soldier handcuffed and blindfolded him and pushed him into the soldiers' vehicle. A soldier pulled the taxi driver out of the car and drove the taxi with the passengers 5 meters away from the scene. The Israeli soldiers confiscated all the cell phones of the driver and passengers and let them travel to Nablus.
Monday, 10 June 2013
At approximately 01:00, Israeli forces moved into Hanina area, to the south of Doura, southwest of Hebron. They raided a number of houses, from which they arrested Islam Sa'ed Shanan (20) and Abdullah Maher Abu Sharar (20).
At approximately 01:30, Israeli forces moved into al-'Aroub refugee camp, north of Hebron. They patrolled the streets and raided a house belonging to Nedal Jamal al-Balasi (24). Around the same time, Israeli forces raided a house belonging to the family of Maher Jamal Abu Warda (19). They withdrew later and no arrests were reported.
At approximately 01:40, Israeli forces moved into al-'Ebeidiya village, east of Bethlehem. They raided a house belonging to the family of Mohammed Dawood Radaydah (55) and handed him a notice to refer to the Israeli intelligence service in "Gosh Etzion", south of the city.
At approximately 02:30, Israeli forces moved into al-Tabaqa village, to the south of Doura, southwest of Hebron. They patrolled the streets and raided a number of houses, from which they arrested Ghadanfer Ikhman Abu Atwan (21) and Mo'taz Monther Abu Atwan (22).
Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Jaba' village, south of Jenin. They patrolled the streets for some time and raided a house belonging to the family of Kamal Ahmed Fakhoury (25). They also questioned its occupants. They then raided another house belonging to the family of Emara Abdul Latif Fashafsha (23). Dozens of young men gathered and threw stones and empty bottles at the Israeli soldiers, who in response fired gas canisters. As a result, some residents were forced to evacuate their houses. The Israeli forces withdrew later and no arrests were reported.
At approximately 03:00, Israeli forces moved into al-Majd village to the west of Doura, southwest of Hebron. They patrolled the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
At approximately 03:30, Israeli forces moved into Tulkarm. They patrolled the streets and raided a house belonging to the family of Ammar Abdul Latif Zaidan (46). They arrested his son, Yasser (21). Israeli forces raided another house belonging to the family of Iyad Amin Abu Zaina (46) and arrested his son Mohammed (22).
At approximately 07:00, Israeli forces stationed along the border fence, east of Khan Yunis, on the southern Gaza Strip, opened fire at 3 brothers working in gravel collecting 80 meters away from the fence. As a result, Amer Mazen Abu Hadyed (20), from al-Fokhary area, was wounded by a bullet that entered into his left shoulder and exited from the chest. The wounded was taken to the Gaza European hospital in Khan Yunis and was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit. His wound was described as serious.
Amer's brother, Saher Mazen Abu Hadyed, (18) said that at approximately 07:00, he was with his 2 brothers: Amer (20), married and has a child, and Yasser (19) in Soufa area, east of Khan Yunis. They were about 80 meters away from the border fence and were collecting gravel. Suddenly, an Israeli jeep arrived and 4 soldiers stepped out of it. A soldier ordered us to leave. Amer added:
"We were about to leave and I was the first one to go the toktok that we used to go to that area. The Israeli soldiers opened fire at us and wounded my brother Amer, who fell to the ground. We returned to carry him and I noticed him bleeding from the left shoulder because his t-shirt was stained with blood. We carried him to the toktok and took him to the Gaza European hospital in Khan Yunis. He was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit, where doctors informed us that his wound is serious."
At approximately 09:30, Israeli forces moved into Shabteen, west of Ramallah. They patrolled the streets for some time and withdrew later. No arrests were reported.
Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Deir al-Ghusoun village, north of Tulkarm. They patrolled the streets and checked the artesian wells in the village. They withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
At approximately 13:00, Israeli forces raided a house belonging to the family of Fat'hi Hejazi al-Ja'bari, from al-'Ein al-Hamra area, in the centre of the Old Town in Hebron. They searched the house and intimidated its occupants. They also arrested al-Ja'bari's son, Samer (27) and confiscated 3 cell phones from the house.
Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Shoufa village, southeast of Tulkarm. They patrolled the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
At approximately 19:30, Israeli forces moved into Kherbatha al-Musbah village, southwest of Ramallah. They patrolled the streets for some time and withdrew later. No arrests were reported.
Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Jelqamous village, southeast of Jenin. They patrolled the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
At approximately 21:00, Israeli forces moved into al-Rafada village, to the east of Doura, southwest of Hebron. They patrolled the streets for some time and withdrew later.
At approximately 22:30, Israeli forces moved into Ni'lin village, west of Ramallah. They patrolled the streets for some time and withdrew later. No arrests were reported.
Tuesday, 11 June 2013
At approximately 01:00, Israeli forces moved into Nablus. They patrolled the streets and raided a number of houses. They arrested Sa'd Sa'di Darwazah (35) and took him to an unknown destination.
Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Ethna village, west of Hebron. They patrolled the streets, raided a house belonging to the family of Khader Ibrahim al-Jiyawi (40) and arrested him.
At approximately 01:30, Israeli forces moved into Salem village, east of Nablus. They patrolled the streets, raided a number of houses and arrested Rabee' Abdul Karim Issa (21).
At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into Ourif village, south of Nablus. They patrolled the streets and raided a number of houses, from which they arrested 8 civilians:
1. Montaser Mostafa al-Safadi (25);
2. As'ad Najm al-Din al-Safadi (21);
3. Amir Tayseer al-Safadi (20);
4. Sa'd Saber Ouda (19);
5. Hosam Rajeh Sabbah (26);
6. Abdul Latif Mostafa Sabbah (27);
7. Sohaib Ayed Sabbah (19); and
8. Lo'ay Nafez Issa (20).
Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Zaif area, east of Yatta, south of Hebron. They patrolled the streets and raided a house belonging to the family of Jawad Mohammed al-'Etairi (29). They kept his family out of the house and arrested him.
At approximately 04:00, Israeli forces moved into 'Anabta village, east of Tulkarm. They raided a house belonging to the family of Omar Abdul Qader Abu Asal and arrested his Ahmed (16).
Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Jenin. They patrolled the streets, raided a house belonging to the family of Zeyad Mohammed Omar (32) and arrested him. Israeli forces also raided a house belonging to the family of Iyad Husam Dabaya (28), the brother of Haytham Dabaya, who was arrested a day before at a checkpoint, south of Jenin. They arrested him and withdrew later.
At approximately 05:00, Israeli forces moved about 100 meters in the west of Deir al-Balah, in the central Gaza Strip. They levelled lands and withdrew later.
At approximately 10:00, Israeli forces moved into Beit al-Roush village, to the west of Doura, southwest of Hebron. They patrolled the streets and deployed near a school. They detained Wasim Hreibat (14) for few hours and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrested later.
At approximately 21:00, Israeli forces moved into al-Rafada village, southwest of Hebron. They patrolled the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
At approximately 23:00, Israeli forces moved into Shyoukh al-Aroub village, north of Hebron. They patrolled the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
At approximately 23:00, Israeli forces moved into al-Tabaqa village, southwest of Hebron. They patrolled the streets, raided a house belonging to the family of Ahmed Abu Atwan and arrested his son Sa'eb (22), and arrested him. Around the same time, Israeli forces raided a house belonging to the family of Nasser Hamad Abu Atwan. At approximately 05:00 on Wednesday, 12 June 2013, they withdrew.
Wednesday, 12 June 2013
At approximately 01:30, Israeli forces moved into al-Far'ah refugee camp, south of Tubas. They patrolled the streets, where some boys gathered and threw stones and empty bottles at the Israeli soldiers, who in response fired sound bombs, tear gas canisters and rubber-coated metal bullets. As a result, 5 civilians, including a child, sustained bullet wounds. 2 of whom were taken by a PRCS ambulance to Dr. Khalil Salman governmental hospital in Jenin. The 3 others were treated on the spot. The first one (18) was wounded by a bullet to the head and the second (20) was wounded by a bullet to the left side of the face were taken to Dr. Khalil Salman hospital in Jenin. The third civilian (18) was wounded by a bullet to the foot; the fourth (21) was wounded by a bullet to hand and the fifth (17) was wounded by 2 bullets to the leg and hand.
(PCHR keeps the names of the wounded)
Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Hanina area, to the south of Doura, southwest of Hebron. They raided 2 houses belonging to the family of al-Daraweesh, from which they arrested Mahmoud Hassan al-Daraweesh (24) and Hassan Ahmed al-Daraweesh (24).
At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into Beit Awwa village, to the southwest of Doura, southwest of Hebron. They raided a house belonging to the family of Mohammed Masalma, but no arrests were reported.
At approximately 02:10, Israeli forces moved into Jabal al-Mawaleh in Bethlehem. They raided a house belonging to the family of Awwad Mousa Awwad and arrested his son Mohammed (17).
At approximately 02:30, Israeli forces moved into Beit Luqia village, southwest of Ramallah. They raided 2 houses, from which they arrested Montaser Hamad Baddar (23) and Hani Jamal Mafarjah (22).
At approximately 03:00, Israeli forces moved into al-Namous neighbourhood, southwest of Hebron. They raided a house belonging to the family of Zeyad Yusef Abu Hlayel. They arrested his son Mousa (24) and took him to an unknown destination.
At approximately 08:00, Israeli forces moved about 100 meters into the northeast of Gaza vally. They levelled lands and withdrew later.
2. Use of excessive force against peaceful demonstrations protesting settlement activities and the construction of the annexation wall
During the reporting period, Israeli soldiers used excessive force against peaceful demonstrations organised by Palestinian civilians, international and Israeli human rights defenders in protest at the construction of the annexation wall and settlement activities in the West Bank. As a result, Amro Hisham Bernat (25) was hit in the right leg by a tear gas canister. Also, dozens of demonstrators suffered from tear gas inhalation and others sustained bruises.
Demonstrations against the construction of the annexation wall and settlement activity
Following the Friday Prayer, 07 June 2013, dozens of Palestinian civilians and international and Israeli human rights defenders organised a peaceful demonstration in Bil'in village, west of Ramallah, in protest at the construction of the annexation wall and settlement activity and in commemoration of the 1967 war. The demonstrators marched through the streets of the village, chanting slogans calling for national unity, raised Palestinian flags and made their way towards the lands adjacent to the annexation wall. Israeli forces had closed all entrances to the village since the early morning to prevent Palestinians, journalists, and international activists from joining the protest. The demonstrators walked along the wall and attempted to breach it. Israeli forces stationed behind the western side of the wall, and dozens of soldiers who were deployed along the route of the wall, fired live ammunition, rubber-coated metal bullets, sound bombs, tear gas canisters, and waste water at the demonstrators, and chased them across olive fields. As a result, Amro Hisham Bernat (25) was hit in the right leg by a tear gas canister. Furthermore, the shooting of tear gas canisters at the demonstrators caused fire in a tract of land that is planted with olive trees.
Also, following the Friday Prayer, dozens of Palestinian civilians and international and Israeli human rights defenders organised a peaceful demonstration in Ni’lin village, west of Ramallah, in protest at the construction of the annexation wall and settlement activities. The demonstrators made their way towards the annexation wall. Israeli forces closed the wall gate with barbed wire and, when the demonstrators attempted to access the lands behind the barbed wire, they were stopped by Israeli soldiers. The demonstrators threw stones at the Israeli soldiers who responded with live ammunition, rubber-coated metal bullets, sound bombs, and tear gas canisters, and chased them across fields of olive trees as far as the outskirts of the village. As a result, dozens of demonstrators suffered tear gas inhalation and others sustained bruises.
Around the same time on Friday, dozens of Palestinian civilians, and Israeli and international human rights activists gathered at the Martyrs Square in Nabi Saleh village, northwest of Ramallah, to hold a weekly peaceful protest against the construction of the annexation wall and settlement activities. The protesters walked towards Palestinian lands that Israeli settlers from the nearby "Halmish" settlement are trying to seize. From the morning, Israeli forces had closed all entrances to the village to prevent Palestinians, international activists, and journalists from joining the demonstration. Upon their arrival in the area, Israeli soldiers fired live ammunition, rubber-coated bullets, sound bombs, and tear gas canisters, chased the demonstrators into the village and sprayed them and civilian houses with waste water. As a result, dozens of Palestinians suffered from tear gas inhalation and others sustained bruises. The firing of the tear gas canisters caused a fire in a tract of land which is planted with olive trees. Also, Israeli forces arrested two brothers, from the neighbouring Deir Nezam village, while they were in a supermarket in al-Khawaja station and took them to Ofer prison in the southwest of Ramallah. At approximatel 00:00 on Monday, 10 June 2013, they were released on a bail of 2000 Israeli shekels each. The arrested persons are: Tamim Ahmed Faraj Mezher (19); and Mo'men Ahmed Faraj Mezher (19).
Following Friday Prayer, dozens of inhabitants of al-Mas'ra village, south of Bethlehem, international and Israeli human rights activists, and activists in the Popular Resistance Committees gathered for the weekly peaceful demonstration against the construction of the annexation wall and settlement activity. The demonstration was also organized in protest to the construction of a school for settlers in the south of Bethlehem. It started outside Shomou' Cultural Centre in the centre of the village. The participants carried Palestinian flags, roamed the streets of the village. Upon their arrival to the village's entrance, Israeli forces, backed-up by Israeli police and border guards, fired tear gas canisters at them in order to disperse them. Many demonstrators suffered due to tear gas inhalation.
At approximately 13:20 on Friday, dozens of Palestinian civilians and international human rights defenders organised a peaceful demonstration in the centre of Kufor Kadoum village, northeast of Qalqilya, in protest at the continuous closure of the eastern entrance of the village which has been ongoing since the outbreak of al-Aqsa Intifada. Israeli soldiers denied them access to the gate and fired sound bombs and tear gas canisters; as a result, many demonstrators suffered from tear gas inhalation.
3. Continued closure of the oPt
Israel has continued to impose a tightened closure on the oPt, imposing severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including occupied East Jerusalem.
Gaza Strip
Israeli forces continuously tightens the closure of the Gaza Strip and closes all commercial crossings , making the Karm Abu Salem crossing the sole commercial crossing of the Gaza Strip, although it is not suitable for commercial purposes in terms of its operational capacity and distance from markets.
Israeli forces have continued to apply the policy, which is aimed to tighten the closure on all commercial crossings, by imposing total control over the flow of imports and exports.
The total closure of al-Mentar ("Karni") crossing since 02 March 2011 has seriously affected the economy of the Gaza Strip. Following this closure, all economic and commercial establishments in the Gaza Commercial Zone were shut off. It should be noted that al-Mentar crossing is the biggest crossing in the Gaza Strip, in terms of its capacity to absorb the flow of imports and exports. The decision to close al-Mentar crossing was the culmination of a series of decisions resulting in the complete closure of the Sofa crossing, east of the Gaza Strip in the beginning of 2009, and the Nahal Oz crossing, east of Gaza City, which was dedicated for the delivery of fuel and cooking gas to the Gaza Strip, in the beginning of 2010.
Israeli forces have continued to impose a total ban on the delivery of raw materials to the Gaza Strip, except for very limited items and quantities. The limited quantities of raw materials allowed into Gaza do not meet the minimal needs of the civilian population of the Gaza Strip.
The cooking gas crisis, which erupted last November, has continued to affect the Gaza Strip due to the closure of Karm Abu Salem for long periods per month and also due to limited quantities recently allowed by the Israeli authorities. According to PCHR’s follow-up, Israeli authorities only allow around 98 tonnes of cooking gas into Gaza per day. This limited quantity is less than half of the daily needs, which is 200 tonnes per day, of the civilian population in the Gaza Strip during the winter.
For almost 6 consecutive years, Israeli forces have continued to prevent the delivery of construction materials to the Gaza Strip. During the reporting period, Israeli forces approved the delivery of limited quantities of construction materials for a number of international organisations in the Gaza Strip. Israeli forces also continued to impose almost total ban on the Gaza Strip exports, including agricultural and industrial products, except for light-weighted products such as flowers, strawberries, and spices.
Israel has continued to close the Beit Hanoun ("Erez") crossing for the majority of Palestinian citizens from the Gaza Strip. Israel only allows the movement of a limited number of groups, with many hours of waiting in the majority of cases. Israel has continued to adopt a policy aimed at reducing the number of Palestinian patients allowed to move via the Beit Hanoun crossing to receive medical treatment in hospitals in Israel or in the West Bank and East Jerusalem. Israel denied permission to access hospitals via the crossing for new categories of patients from the Gaza Strip.
For around a year, Israeli forces have allowed Palestinian detainees’ families to visit their sons in the Israeli jails according to special and unfair conditions after more than 5 years of deprivation in violation of international humanitarian law.
The Egyptian authorities allow the population of the Gaza Strip to travel via Rafah International crossing, which connects the Gaza Strip with the outside world. Only limited and specified categories are allowed, including patients, students, persons that hold residencies in Egypt or abroad, men over 40 years, females in all ages, children under 18, persons who hold Arab and foreign nationalities, and members of Arab and international humanitarian delegations. It should be mentioned that the crossing opens seven days a week.
Movement at Erez (Beit Hanoun crossing)
Note: PCHR’s fieldworkers were unable to retrieve details on the movement in Beit Hanoun "Erez" crossing due to a technical fault in the Liaison Office at the mentioned crossing. PCHR apologizes for not publishing the movement table in this weekly report.
Movement at Rafah International Crossing Point
05 – 11 June 2013
Day
|
Date
|
Travelling abroad
|
Coming into Gaza
|
Returning to Gaza
|
Wednesday
|
05 June 2013
|
793
|
736
|
0
|
Thursday
|
06 June 2013
|
982
|
1106
|
84
|
Friday
|
07 June 2013
|
689
|
821
|
35
|
Saturday
|
08 June 2013
|
1078
|
861
|
70
|
Sunday
|
09 June 2013
|
645
|
721
|
44
|
Monday
|
10 June 2013
|
1069
|
893
|
55
|
Tuesday
|
11 June 2013
|
1377
|
893
|
155
|
Imports via Rafah International Crossing (Qatar projects)
29 May – 01 June 2013
Day
|
Date
|
Category
|
Number of trucks
|
Amount
|
Wednesday
|
29 May 2013
|
Base Course
|
14 trucks
|
350 tonnes
|
Thursday
|
30 May 2013
|
Base Course
|
13 trucks
|
325 tonnes
|
Saturday
|
01 June 2013
|
Base Course
|
5 trucks
|
125 tonnes
|
Movement at Karm Abu Salem (Kerem Shalom) crossing
29 May - 11 June 2013
Date
|
Imports
| |||
Category
|
Amount
| |||
Tons
|
Number
|
Litres
| ||
29 May 2013
|
Foodstuffs
|
1019
| ||
Agricultural materials
|
1,326
| |||
Various goods
Cartons of clothes
Cartons of shoes
Refrigerators
Cows
Cars
Bricks
Washing machines
Fans
Glass boards
Air conditioner
|
931
|
671
1,912
101
272
27
1,000
109
2,160
1,560
130
| ||
Humanitarian aid
|
5,446
| |||
Cooking gas
|
174,320
| |||
30 May 2013
|
Foodstuffs
|
664
| ||
Agricultural materials
|
1,172
| |||
Various goods
Cartons of clothes
Refrigerators
Cows
Bricks
Washing machines
Cartons of shoes
Glass boards
Air condition
|
1,121
|
1,360
78
340
1,360
101
1,182
1,060
132
| ||
Humanitarian aid
|
4,022
| |||
Cooking gas
|
148,180
| |||
02 June 2013
|
Foodstuffs
|
821
| ||
Agricultural materials
|
1,144
| |||
Various goods
Cartons of clothes
Fans
Refrigerators
Cartons of shoes
Glass boards
Generators
Solar tanks
|
1,138
|
1,383
585
415
2,136
520
5
258
| ||
Humanitarian aid
|
3,270
| |||
Cooking gas
|
171,260
| |||
03 June 2013
|
Foodstuffs
|
758
| ||
Agricultural materials
|
1,054
| |||
Various goods
Cartons of clothes
Refrigerators
Cartoons of shoes
Water tanks
Cars
Glass boards
|
1,068
|
828
184
1,347
120
35
520
| ||
Humanitarian aid
|
6,624
| |||
Cooking gas
|
84,180
| |||
04 June 2013
|
Foodstuffs
|
881
| ||
Agricultural materials
|
1,175
| |||
Various goods
Birds
Refrigerators
Cartoons of shoes
Fans
Washing machines
Glass boards
Tyres
|
1,221
|
70
104
1,446
2,374
186
530
2,430
| ||
Humanitarian aid
|
4,056
| |||
Cooking gas
|
146,380
| |||
05 June 2013
|
Foodstuffs
|
632
| ||
Agricultural materials
|
964
| |||
Various goods
Cartons of clothes
Refrigerators
Cartoons of shoes
Trucks
Cars
Glass boards
|
1,274
|
673
92
1,131
2
25
530
| ||
Humanitarian aid
|
5,528
| |||
Cooking gas
|
150,900
| |||
06 June 2013
|
Foodstuffs
|
515
| ||
Agricultural materials
|
1,125
| |||
Various goods
Cartons of clothes
Refrigerators
Cartoons of shoes
Fans
Tyres
Air condition
Glass boards
|
1,492
|
790
271
5,295
2,130
1,935
230
1,060
| ||
Humanitarian aid
|
5,586
| |||
Cooking gas
|
151,730
| |||
09 June 2013
|
Foodstuffs
|
520
| ||
Agricultural materials
|
880
| |||
Various goods
Cartons of clothes
Refrigerators
Cartoons of shoes
Fans
Washing machines
Water tanks
|
882
|
1,105
243
806
1,404
82
154
| ||
Humanitarian aid
|
3,320
| |||
Cooking gas
|
173,900
| |||
10 June 2013
|
Foodstuffs
|
268
| ||
Agricultural materials
|
919
| |||
Various goods
Cartons of clothes
Refrigerators
Cartoons of shoes
Air condition
Glass boards
Fans
Cars
Washing machines
|
1,216
|
465
277
300
254
1,060
1,191
35
384
| ||
Humanitarian aid
|
5,795
| |||
Cooking gas
|
172,020
| |||
11 June 2013
|
Foodstuffs
|
468
| ||
Agricultural materials
|
960
| |||
Various goods
Cartons of clothes
Refrigerators
Cartoons of shoes
Televisions
Tyres
Washing machines
|
1,319
|
1,555
104
2,751
224
1,392
300
| ||
Humanitarian aid
|
7,750
| |||
Cooking gas
|
169,030
| |||
Exports:
On Thursday, 30 MAy 2013, Israeli forces allowed the export of a truckload containing 30 kilogram of basil, 100 kilograms of mint and 200 kilograms of chives.
Other Imports:
On Wednesday, 29 May 2013, Israeli forces allowed the entry of 980 tonnes of construction aggregates for the private sector; and 4270 tonnes of construction aggregates, 112 tonnes of cement for UNDP. They also allowed the entry of 741 tonnes of fodders and 390 tonnes of wheat.
On Thursday, 30 May 2013, Israeli forces allowed the entry of 840 tonnes of construction aggregates for the private sector; and 3080 tonnes of construction aggregates, 32 tonnes of construction steel for UNDP. They also allowed the entry of 273 tonnes of fodders and 624 tonnes of wheat.
On Sunday, 02 June 2013, Israeli forces allowed the entry of 220 tonnes of cement, 62 tonnes of construction steel and 1,820 tonnes of construction aggregates for UNRWA; and 1,120 tonnes of construction aggregates for the private sector. They also allowed the entry of 702 tonnes of fodders and 234 tonnes of wheat.
On Monday, 03 June 2013, Israeli forces allowed the entry of 238 tonnes of cement, 40 tonnes of white cement, 34 tonnes of construction steel and 2,030 tonnes of construction aggregates for UNRWA; 980 tonnes of construction aggregates for the private sector; 2380 tonnes of construction aggregates and 66 tonnes of cement for UNDP; and 700 tonnes of construction aggregates, 40 tonnes of cement and 35 tonnes of construction steel for the German Development Bank (GDB). They also allowed the entry of 663 tonnes of fodders and 195 tonnes of wheat.
On Tuesday, 04 June 2013, Israeli forces allowed the entry of 80 tonnes of cement, 27 tonnes of construction steel and 1,960 tonnes construction aggregates for UNRWA; 910 tonnes of construction aggregates for the private sector; 840 tonnes of construction aggregates and 64 tonnes of cement for GDB. They also allowed the entry of 780 tonnes of fodders and 156 tonnes of wheat.
On Wednesday, 05 June 2013, Israeli forces allowed the entry of 1,330 tonnes of construction aggregates for the private sector and 4,480 tonnes of construction aggregates for UNDP. They also allowed the entry of 663 tonnes of fodders and 78 tonnes of wheat.
On Sunday, 09 June 2013, Israeli forces allowed the entry of 410 tonnes of cement, 35 tonnes of construction steel, and 1540 tonnes of construction aggregates for UNRWA; and 980 tonnes of construction aggregates for the private sector. They also allowed the entry of 624 tonnes of fodders and 78 tonnes of wheat.
On Monday, 10 June 2013, Israeli forces allowed the entry of 472 tonnes of cement, 54 tonnes of white cement and 30 tonnes of construction steel for UNRWA; 980 tonnes of construction aggregates for the private sector; 2,870 tonnes of construction aggregates for UNDP; and 980 tonnes of construction aggregates and 96 tonnes of cement for GDB. They also allowed the entry of 468 tonnes of fodders and 234 tonnes of wheat.
On Tuesday, 11 June 2013, Israeli forces allowed the entry of 910 tonnes of construction aggregates for the private sector, 4760 tonnes of construction aggregates for UNDP; and 1960 tonnes of construction aggregates for GDB. They also allowed the entry of 663 tonnes of fodders and 156 tonnes of wheat.
Returned Empty Plastic Containers to Israel via Karm Abu Salem
Between Wednesday 29 May 2013 and Monday 10 June 2013, Israeli forces allowed 18 truckloads of empty plastic containers to be returned via Karm Abu Salem.
Israel has imposed a tightened closure on the West Bank. During the reporting period, Israeli forces imposed additional restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians:
Ramallah: Israeli forces have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. At approximately 11:30 on Thursday, 06 June 2013, Israeli forces re-established at 'Atara checkpoint at the northern entrance of Bir Zeit, north of the city, and prevented people from leaving or entering via the aforementioned checkpoint. They later withdrew, and no arrests were reported.
At approximately 09:30 on Friday, 07 June 2013, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the entrance of al-Nabi Saleh village, northwest of Ramallah. At approximately 10:00, they established another checkpoint at the entrance of Beit Loqya village, southwest of Ramallah. At approximately 20:30, Israeli forces re-established the checkpoint in the aforementioned area. All checkpoints were later removed and no arrests were reported.
At approximately 10:30 on Saturday, 08 June 2013, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the entrance of Beit Loqaya village, southwest of Ramallah. At approximately 19:30, they established another checkpoint at the entrance of Beit 'Aor al-Tahta village, southwest of the city. The two checkpoints were later removed, and no arrests were reported.
At approximately 10:00 on Sunday, 09 June 2013, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the entrance of Deir Nizam village, northwest of Ramallah. The checkpoint was later removed, and no arrests were reported.
Hebron: Israeli forces have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. At approximately 07:30 on Wednesday, 05 June 2013, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the entrance of al-Koum village, west of Dura, southwest of Hebron. The checkpoint was later removed, and no arrests were reported.
At approximately 16:00 on Thursday, 06 June 2013, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the eastern entrance of Beit Ummar village, north of Hebron. The checkpoint was later removed, and no arrests were reported.
At approximately 07:30 on Friday, 07 June 2013, Israeli forces established on Wad Abu Rishah Road, west of Ezna, west of Hebron. The checkpoint was later removed, and no arrests were reported.
At approximately 08:00 on Monday, 09 June 2013, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the entrance of Beit Ummar, north of Hebron. At approximately 14:00, they established a checkpoint at the entrance al-'Arroub refugee camp, north of Hebron. At approximately 16:00, they established another checkpoint at the eastern entrance of Halhoul, as this entrance is connected with Bypass Road 60. All checkpoints were later removed, and no arrests were reported. At approximately 17:00, Israeli forces stationed at the checkpoint, which is established in the centre of Tal al-Ramidah area in the centre of Hebron, denied 3 brothers belonging to Abu 'Aysha family access to their grandfather’s house near "Ramat Yashai", which is built on Palestinian lands confiscated in the area. Israeli forces claimed that their names are not mentioned in the list of people allowed to enter the aforementioned area.
At approximately 07:00 on Tuesday, 10 June 2013, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the entrance of al-Samou’a village, south of Hebron. At approximately 08:00, they established a checkpoint at the entrance of al-Riheyah village, south of the city. At approximately 19:00, they established another checkpoint at the entrance of Noba village, west of Hebron. All checkpoints were later removed, and no arrests were reported.
At approximately 13:00 on Wednesday, 12 June 2013, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the entrance of Beit Ummar village, north of Hebron. The checkpoint was later removed, and no arrests were reported.
Qalqilya: Israeli forces have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. At approximately 08:30 on Saturday, 09 June 2013, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the entrance of 'Azoun village, east of Qalqilya. At approximately 17:30, another checkpoint was established between al-Fondq village and Amateen, northeast of the city. The two checkpoints were later removed, and no arrests were reported.
Tulkarm: Israeli forces have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. At approximately 10:30 on Thursday, 06 June 2013, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the entrance of Far’aon village, south of Tulkarm. At approximately 19:30, Israeli forces established at 'Inab checkpoint on the main road between Tulkarm and Nablus, east of Tulkarm, tightened the restrictions on movement of the Palestinian civilians through it. At approximately 20:30, they established another checkpoint on the road between the villages of 'Ezbet Shofah and Shofah, southeast of Tulakrm. The checkpoint was later removed, and no arrests were reported. It should be mentioned that at the beginning of June, Israeli forces closed this road with concrete blocks and sand barriers and re-opened shortly after the closure on one condition that Palestinian security officers stationed at the entrance of 'Ezbet Shofah village do not allow cars with an Israeli registration plate from entering the aforementioned village to guarantee preventing them from passing through the bypass road that leads to the o1948 occupied territories. Israeli forces allow Palestinians in Israel to enter Tulkarm from certain entrances and in certain hours and they do not allow them to take the road of te villages of 'Ezbet al-Shofah and Shofah.
At approximately 19:00 on Friday, 07 June 2013, Israeli forces stationed at 'Inab checkpoint on the main road between Tulkarm and Nablus, east of Tulkarm, tightened the restrictions on movement of the Palestinian civilians through it. At approximately 20:30, they established a checkpoint on the road between the villages of 'Ezbet al-Shofah and Shofah, southeast of Tulkarm. They started checking cars’ registration plates to prevent cars with Israeli plates and return them back to Tulkarm.
At approximately 16:30 on Saturday, 08 June 2013, Israeli forces established a checkpoint on the main road between Tulkarm and Qalqilya near the eastern entrance of Jubarah village. The checkpoint was later removed, and no arrests were reported. At approximately 19:00, Israeli forces stationed at 'Inab checkpoint on the main road between Tulkarm and Nablus, east of Tulkarm, tightened the restrictions on movement of the Palestinian civilians through it.
At approximately 18:30 on Monday, 10 June 2013, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the intersection of 'Ezbet al-Shofah, south of Tulakrm. They prevented Palestinian cars from passing for 2 hours. The checkpoint was later removed, and no arrests were reported.
Jenin: Israeli forces have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. At approximately 10:30 on Thursday, 06 June 2013, they established a checkpoint at the entrance of al-Yamoun village, northwest of Jenin. The checkpoint was later removed, and no arrests were reported.
At approximately 19:00 on Friday, 07 June 2013, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the entrance of Zabouba village, northwest of Jenin. The checkpoint was later removed, and no arrests were reported.
At approximately 20:30 on Saturday, 08 June 2013, Israeli forces established a checkpoint on the road between Ya’abod and Zebda village, southwest of Jenin. The checkpoint was later removed, and no arrests were reported.
At approximately 19:00 on Monday, 10 June 2013, Israeli forces established a checkpoint on the road between Ya’abod and Zebdah village, southwest of Jenin. The checkpoint was later removed, and no arrests were reported.
Jericho: Israeli forces have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. At approximately 09:00 on Friday, 07 June 2013, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the entrance of al-Zbeidat village, north of Jericho. At approximately 19:30, they established a checkpoint Marj Na’aja, north of the city. The two checkpoints were later removed, and no arrests were reported.
At approximately 09:30 on Sunday, 09 June 2013, Israeli firces established a checkpoint near the entrance of Fasayel village, north of Jericho. At approximately 15:30, they established another checkpoint at the southern entrance of Jericho. They prevented people from leaving or entering through the aforementioned entrance. The two checkpoints were later removed, and no arrests were reported.
At approximately 18:00 on Monday, 10 June 2013, Israeli forces established a checkpoint on al-Mo’arajat between Jericho and Ramallah. The checkpoint was later removed and no arrests were reported.
Salfit: Israeli forces have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. At approximately 09:20 on Sunday, 09 June 2013, Israeli forces established a checkpoint between Salfit and Borqin village, west of Salfit. At approximately 12:10, the checkpoint was later removed, and no arrests were reported.
Arrests at military checkpoints
At approximately 07:30 on Wednesday, 05 June 2013, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the entrance of Ezna village, west of Hebron, and detained a vehicle belonging to the Palestinian police services while it was on its way out of the village. They then arrested Ratib 'Abdel Fattah Ahmed Jubran (60) and took him to an unknown destination. The checkpoint was later removed.
At approximately 15:00 on the same day, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the southern entrance of Halhoul, north of Hebron. They arrested Ibrahim Issa 'Ali al-Kdour (20) from Bani Na’aim village, east of Hebron, and took him to an unknown destination. The checkpoint was later removed, and no arrests were reported.
At approximately 13:00 on Friday, 07 June 2013, Israeli forces stationed near the main street in Wad al-Hsein area, east of Hebron, arrested Hamzah Jaber (16) and Mustafa Ghaith (16) and took them to Ja’abrah police station in the centre of the old city in the centre of Hebron. Israeli forces claimed that the aforementioned children threw stones at them.
On Monday afternoon, 10 June 2013, Israeli forces established a checkpoint on the main road that connects Jenin with Tulkarm and Nablus, south of Jenin. Israeli soldiers stationed at the checkpoint arrested Haitham Hussam Hussein Dabaya (31) from Jenin refugee camp adjacent to Jenin city when he was on his way back from work in Ramallah and took him to an unknown destination.
At approximately 21:00 on the same day, Israeli forces stationed in the watchtower near the cemetery of 'Aydah refugee camp, north of Bethlehem, arrested Hussam 'Omer Khalifah (12) from al-Saf Street in the centre of Bethlehem while he was passing near the cemetery. They then took him to Checkpoint 300, north of the city, after they had summoned his father, who accompanied him till approximately 02:30, and took him to an unknown destination. The child’s father said to a PCHR fieldworker that a court session was supposed to be held at "Ofer" jail on Tuesday, 11 June 2013, but the family was surprised about Hussam’s absence and they were told that he was transferred to "Hadasa" Hospital in Jerusalem.
At approximately 16:00 on Tuesday, 11 June 2013, Israeli forces established a checkpoint on the main road between Tulkarem and Qalqilya near the intersection of Jubarah village, south of Tulkarm. The Israeli forces stationed at the aforementioned checkpoint arrested Muhanned Ahmed Kamel Ghorab (23) from Tulkarm refugee camp and took him to an unknown destination. The checkpoint was later removed, and no arrests were reported.
At approximately 18:00 on Tuesday, 11 June 2013, Israeli forces stationed at the entrance of Beit Ummar village, north of Hebron, arrested Mohammed Khalil Abu Dayyah (24) from Kherbet Safa, west of the aforementioned village, when he was on his way back from work.
Mohammed 'Awad, Media spokesman of the Popular Committee against Settlements, said to PCHR fieldworker that Mohammed Khalil Abu Dayyah was on his way back from work while he was passing in front of a watchtower established at the village entrance. Israeli forces stopped him and took him inside the tower and asked him about names of young men, who participate in protests against Israeli forces in the village. After he was not responsive, Israeli soldiers called an intelligence officer, known in the area as "Captain Sedqi", who asked him a number of questions and showed him some names forcing him to identify them. As Abu Dayya insisted on not telling any information, the officer put a gun to his head from the back and forced him under the gun threat to drink a wine bottle. As a result, he passed out for around an hour, during which he was on the ground inside the watchtower. Israeli forces then woke him up and took him to the main street that leads to the village. He was then transferred by Palestinians to his house. 'Awad confirmed that the aforementioned civilian was arrested before by the Israeli forces and was summoned more than once to refer to the Israeli intelligence services
5. Settlement activities and attacks by settlers against Palestinian civilians and property
Violations committed by Israeli forces
In the early morning on Wednesday, 05 June 2013, Israeli forces, accompanied by officers of the Israeli Civil Administration, moved into al-Thagra area, near "Neve Daniel" settlement to the south of al-Khader village, south of Bethlehem. The forces destroyed an arbor, which was the property of Anas Othman Jaber (35) under the pretext of not obtaining a permit. In Jaber's testimony to a PCHR fieldworker, he said that the arbor was built with the help of an international organization in order to support his resistance after the Israeli forces demolished his agricultural room earlier. The arbor was used as a shelter for him and his family from the heat while farming the land, and for storing seeds and farming tools.
At approximately 09:00 on Thursday, 06 June 2013, Israeli forces, accompanied by a vehicle of the Israeli Civil Administration, moved into Mothalath Zeif area, at the eastern entrance of Yatta, which is linked to Bypass Road (50), south of Hebron. The soldiers were deployed in the area, and the Civil Administration officer handed an employee of Municipality of Yatta a notice to halt construction works (street paving) and forced the workers to remove what was already accomplished at gunpoint. In his testimony to a PCHR fieldworker, Rateb Jabour said that the Municipality of Yatta, along with Save the Children, implemented this project in order to secure a safe route for students in order to reduce the settlers' attacks, especially the hit-and-runs they are subjected to every once in a while.
At approximately 10:00 on Saturday, 08 June 2013, dozens of Palestinian civilians, members of the Popular Committees against Settlement Activities, a number of international and Israeli human rights activists established a tent under the name Kan'an village, in al-Jab'a area to the west of Sourif village, northwest of Hebron. Israeli forces moved into the area, cordoned it while soldiers uprooted the tent and confiscated it. A skirmish started between the participants and the Israeli soldiers, who attacked them with punches and kicks. Of those, Youssef Abu-Maria, Younis 'Arar and Alaa Brijia were identified. Israeli soldiers also fired sound bombs and tear gas canisters; as a result, a number of Palestinians suffered from tear gas inhalation, and a fire started in the surrounding farmlands.
At approximately 12:30 on Saturday, Israeli forces, accompanied by a vehicle of the Israeli Civil Administration and a bulldozer, moved into al-Khader village, southwest of Bethlehem. The bulldozer closed an agricultural road, which leads to 50 dunums of farmlands in the area of Salem Valley, in the west of the village, with rocks and piles of dirt. The 50-dunum-land is the property of Yahya Ebrahim Subaih (45), and it is planted with grapevines.
At approximately 08:00 on Sunday, 09 June 2013, Israeli forces, accompanied by a number of military vehicles, moved into lands in the area surrounding Kherbat Um al-Khair area, in the east of Yatta, in the south of Hebron. The soldiers chased farmers and shepherds of the Hathaleen family while present in the surroundings of the raided area, under the pretext that these lands are confiscated and are of restricted-access to them. It should be mentioned that the Israeli forces have been trying to evacuate the inhabitants of the area of the Hathaleen family for several years now, for expansion schemes of "Carmiel" settlement, which is established on lands of the Um al-Khair.
In his testimony to a PCHR fieldworker, Suliman Eid al-Hathaleen said that his family bought the land, upon which Kherbat Um al-Khair is established, from other families that live in Yatta in 1965 and the family settled in this land since then. In 1980, the family started building houses (tents and tin-roofed) in it for the first time, and Israeli authorities informed the tribal elders in Yatta that this tract of land is confiscated and is "State priority," knowing that the Hathaleens have official papers proving their ownership of it. In November 1980, Israeli forces bulldozed an area of the lands in Kherbat al-Jabalia area where they established the first control point and a place for military trainings. Months later, the control point was removed and the foundations of the "Carmiel" settlement were established in its place by 3 settlers, who built the first house in the mentioned settlement. In June 1982, the inhabitants of the area objected at Israeli courts through the Municipality of Hebron, which estimated the area of the land at 180 dunums at the time, as the construction in the settlement was expanding and the Israeli forces started stifling the farmers by handing them notices to halt work, demolish their houses and barns under the pretext of not obtaining a permit and for working in state property. By the beginning of 2012 the expansion of the south-eastern side of the settlement started, and a group of settlers built 3 shade arbores, planted olive seedlings and confiscated approximately 70 dunums of the lands of the Hathaleens. Since the beginning of 2013, the rate of Israeli forces and settlers' attacks and harassments intensified, the last of which is banning shepherds to enter what is left of their land, 50-dunums, for starting expansion and construction in "Carmiel" settlement, as the area witnesses constant digging and works in the Palestinians' lands.
At approximately 08:00 on Sunday, Israeli forces banned denied farmers from Beit Ummar village, in the north of Hebron, access to their lands, which are located within the security fence of "Kermi Tsour" settlement, which is established on Palestinian civilians' lands in the north of Hebron. The farmers waited for more than an hour before a soldier approached them and ordered them to leave at gunpoint. It should be noted that Israeli forces confiscated many agricultural dunums of Beit Ummar village and Halhoul for the expansion of the afore-mentioned settlement.
They year 2001 witnessed an expansion in an area far from "Kermi Tsour" settlement, as settlers established a new outpost of caravans and established houses and called "Tsour Shalom." In 2012, the settlers expanded the afore-mentioned outpost and seized control of a tract of land, which is the property of Khalil Mohammed Abd-Raboh Abu-Dayyeh. They built a house with cement near the caravans; in addition to the bulldozing near the established house and the uprooting of a number of olive trees. Also, 7 caravans and 1 established house were built in the first few months of 2013.
At approximately 09:00 on Sunday, Israeli forces, accompanied by a vehicle of the Israeli Civil Administration, moved into al-Buq'a area, in the east of Hebron. Its members were deployed in the area between civilian houses and the Civil Administration officer placed notices to halt construction work near an under construction water well, which is the property of Atta Abdel-Jawad Mohammed Jaber (44). The notice held the number 143733 and said that the building was constructed without obtaining a permit from the concerned Israeli authorities. It should be mentioned that al-Buq'a area is witnessing an unprecedented escalation by the Israeli forces as many farmlands were destroyed, irrigation systems were confiscated and evacuation notices and others to halt construction work in water wells and water collection pools were distributed.
At approximately 06:00 on Wednesday, 12 June 2013, Israeli forces, accompanied by a number of military vehicles and 2 bulldozers, moved into the eastern Barta'a village, which is isolated from its Palestinian surroundings due to the construction of the annexation wall in the west of Jenin. The forces announced the village a closed military area. Afterwards, the soldiers bulldozed 2 establishments . They withdrew later; no more incidents were reported. The bulldozed establishments were as follows:
1. A two-storey house, each of 170 square metres. The house is occupied and is the property of Ahmed Omar Qubha (29). Also, he was allowed to evacuate a limited number of the contents of the house, while the rest of the contents of the house were destroyed along with it.
2. An under-construction barrack for raising cattle, which is the property of Ali Mohammed Qubha (47).
Attacks carried out by settlers
In the early morning on Thursday, 06 June 2013, a group of settlers, coming from "Bat Ayin" settlement, which is established on Palestinians' lands in the west of Beit Ummar villages, in the north of Hebron, cut and destroyed 20 3-year-old olive trees in Abul-Reish valley area, near the afore-mentioned settlement. The assaulted trees are the property of Hammad Jaber al-Saliby (78). It should be mentioned that this attack is the third of its kind to be carried out by settlers in al-Saliby's land in 2013.
At approximately 08:00 on Thursday, a group of settlers from "Maon" settlement, established on Palestinians' land in the east of Yatta, attacked a group of farmers of Awad family while working in their farmlands in Qwayweis and Um al-'Arayes areas, in the east of the afore-mentioned area, and banned from working in their land at gunpoint. It should be mentioned that Ismail Ali Awad, one of the owners of the assaulted lands obtained an order of the Supreme Israeli Court to remove the arbores that were established by settlers on his lands.
At approximately 15:00, dozens of settlers from "Najohout settlement," which is established on Palestinian civilians' lands, in the south of Doura, southwest of Hebron, patrolled the streets of Kharsa valley area, under strict protection of the Israeli forces. No incidents were reported.
At approximately 21:00 on Thursday, a group of settlers, under the protection of Israeli forces, moved into Kufol Hares village, in the north of Salfit. The forces forced the Palestinian civilians to close the shops while the settlers visited religious and historical landmarks in the village and performed some Talmudic rituals. The settlers chanted anti-Arab slogans and made graffiti in Hebrew inside the historical and religious landmarks, and on the houses of Palestinians as well, such as "Death to Arabs." At approximately 04:00 the next morning, Friday 07 June 2013, the settlers and Israeli forces retreated from the village. No other incidents were reported.
At approximately 16:30 on Tuesday, 11 June 2013, a number of settlers' children from "Beitar Illit," established on the lands of Houssan, Nahalin and Fouqin Valley villages, in the western countryside of Bethlehem, set fire in lands in Kherbat al-Deir area in the west of Nahlain village. As a result, approximately 10 trees and other crops caught on fire. The inhabitants of the village put out the fire.
Recommendations to the International Community
PCHR emphasizes the international community’s position that the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, which is still under the Israeli occupation, in spite of the Israeli military redeployment outside the Gaza Strip in 2005. PCHR further confirms that Israeli force have continued to impose collective punishment measures on the Gaza Strip, which have escalated since the 2006 Palestinian parliamentary elections, in which Hamas won the majority of seats of the Palestinian Legislative Council. PCHR stresses that there is an international recognition of Israel’s obligation to respect international human rights instruments and the international humanitarian law, especially the Hague Regulations concerning the Laws and Customs of War on Land and the Geneva Conventions. Israel is bound to apply the international human rights law and the law of war sometime reciprocally and other times in parallel in a way that achieves the best protection for civilians and remedy for victims.
In light of continued arbitrary measures, land confiscation and settlement activities in the West Bank, and the continued aggression against civilians in the Gaza Strip, especially the latest offensive that lasted for 8 days in November, PCHR calls upon the international community, especially the United Nations, the High Contracting Parties to the Geneva Convention and the European Union – in the context of their natural obligation to respect and enforce the international law – to cooperate and act according to the following recommendations:
1. PCHR calls upon the international community and the United Nations to use all available means to allow the Palestinian people to enjoy their right to self-determination, through the establishment of the Palestinian State, which was recognized by the UN General Assembly with a vast majority, using all international legal mechanisms, including sanctions to end the occupation of the State of Palestine;
2. PCHR calls upon the United Nations to provide international protection to Palestinians in the oPt, and to ensure the non-recurrence of aggression against the oPt, especially the Gaza Strip;
3. PCHR calls upon the High Contracting Parties to the Geneva Conventions to compel Israel, as a High Contracting Party to the Conventions, to apply the Conventions in the oPt;
4. PCHR calls upon the Parties to international human rights instruments, especially the Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, to pressurize Israel to comply with their provisions in the oPt, and to compel it to incorporate the human rights situation in the oPt in its reports submitted to the concerned committees;
5. PCHR calls upon the High Contracting Parties to the Geneva Conventions to fulfil their obligation to ensure the application of the Conventions, including extending the scope of their jurisdiction in order to prosecute suspected war criminals, regardless of the nationality of the perpetrator and the place of a crime, to pave the way for prosecuting suspected Israeli war criminals and end the longstanding impunity they have enjoyed;
6. PCHR calls on States that apply the principle of universal jurisdiction not to surrender to Israeli pressure to limit universal jurisdiction to perpetuate the impunity enjoyed by suspected Israeli war criminals;
7. PCHR calls upon the international community to act in order to stop all Israeli settlement expansion activities in the oPt through imposing sanctions on Israeli settlements and criminalizing trading with them;
8. PCHR calls upon the UN General Assembly to transfer the Goldstone Report to the UN Security Council in order to refer it to the International Criminal Court in accordance with Article 13(b) of the Rome Statute;
9. PCHR calls upon the United Nations to confirm that holding war criminals in the Palestinian-Israeli conflict is a precondition to achieve stability and peace in the regions, and that peace cannot be built on the expense of human rights and victims;
10. PCHR calls upon the UN General Assembly and Human Rights Council to explicitly declare that the Israeli closure policy in Gaza and the annexation wall in the West Bank are illegal, and accordingly refer the two issues to the UN Security Council to impose sanctions on Israel to compel it to remove them;
11. PCHR calls upon the international community, in light of its failure to the stop the aggression on the Palestinian people, to at least fulfil its obligation to reconstruct the Gaza Strip after the series of hostilities launched by Israel which directed targeted the civilian infrastructure;
12. PCHR calls upon the United Nations and the European Union to express a clear position towards the annexation wall following the international recognition of the State of Palestine on the 1967 borders, as the annexation wall seizes large parts of the State of Palestine;
13. PCHR calls upon the European Union to activate Article 2 of the EU-Israel Association Agreement, which provides that both sides must respect human rights as a precondition for economic cooperation between the EU states and Israel, and the EU must not ignore Israeli violation and crimes against Palestinian civilians;
14. PCHR calls upon the Palestinian leadership to sign and accede to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court and the Geneva Conventions, and calls upon the international community, especially the United Nations, to encourage the State of Palestine to accede to international human rights law and humanitarian law instruments.
…………………………………………………………
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 08 282 4776 – 282 5893.
Source
Source
No comments:
Post a Comment