The Palestinian Centre for Human Rights
Consultative Status with the ECOSOC of the United Nations
Affiliate of the International Commission of Jurists - Geneva
Member of the International Federation for Human Rights - Paris
The Euro-Mediterranean Human Rights Network
Continued Israeli War Crimes in the
OPT and the International Community Remains Silent
- 13 Palestinians, mostly civilians, including
5 children, killed by Israeli forces
- Israeli occupying forces invade Hebron
and take retaliatory measures against Palestinian civilians and their property
- 7 Palestinian civilians killed in 3
extra-judicial assassinations in the West Bank
- A series of Israeli incursions into
Palestinian areas, and indiscriminately shelling of residential areas
- Continued Israeli retaliatory campaign
against families of wanted Palestinians and those who carried out armed
attacks against Israeli targets
- Israeli forces use Palestinian civilians
as human shields during military operations
- A number of Palestinians arrested
- Continued strict siege of the OPT
Introduction
Israeli occupying forces have perpetrated more human rights violations against Palestinian civilians, including willful and extra-judicial killings, shelling of, and incursion into Palestinian areas and agricultural land leveling. This week, 14-20 November 2002, 13 Palestinians, mostly civilians, including 5 children, a woman and an old man, were killed by Israeli forces. This number does not include Palestinians who were killed while carrying out attacks against Israeli tartgets.
After the attack carried out by 3 Palestinian fighters on Friday evening near "Kiryat Arba'" settlement, southeast of Hebron, which left 12 Israeli soldiers and armed settlers dead, Israeli occupying forces invaded Hebron. They seized complete control over the town and imposed a curfew. They arrested dozens of Palestinians and demolished the houses of fighters who have carried out attacks against Israeli targets or are wanted by the Israeli forces. Israeli occupying forces have also continued its military campaign against Nablus, which began last week. Israeli forces shelled houses and civilian facilities and fired at Palestinian civilians killing 2 boys and a woman.
In a continuation of the policy of extra-judicial assassination, officially adopted by the Israeli political and military establishments, the Israeli military this week committed 3 extra-judicial assassinations in the West Bank, killing 7 Palestinians. On Tuesday evening, 19 November 2002, Israeli occupying forces assassinated Tariq Helmi al-Zaghal, 20, an activist of the Fatah Movement from Tulkarm, and killed 4 Palestinian civilians. On Friday, 15 November 2002, Israeli occupying forces shot at Mahmoud 'Abbas Mustafa 'Obeid, 37, from 'Anza village in Jenin, before the eyes of his father. They later arrested him and shot him dead. On Sunday, 17 November 2002, an undercover unit of Israeli forces attempted to assassinate Riadh 'Abdul Rahman 'Abdul Ghani, 30, from Saida village in Tulkarm. Israeli soldiers shot at 'Abdul Ghani's two brothers, killing one brother and wounding the other, while he Ghani himself survived the attempt.
This week, the Gaza Strip was subjected to various kinds of attacks by the Israeli occupying forces. This morning, dozens of Israeli heavy military vehicles, reinforced with combat helicopters and covered by intense shelling, moved approximately 4km into Khuza'a and 'Abasan villages. They destroyed the house of Talal Abu Zharifa, who is wanted by the forces. Israeli forces used a number of Palestinian civilians as human shields when searching houses. They also fired at Palestinian ambulances wounding 2 paramedics and damaging 3 ambulances.
On Sunday, 17 November 2002, Israeli combat helicopters shelled the headquarters of the Palestinian Preventive Security in Tal al-Hawa neighborhood in the south of Gaza City. Meanwhile, more than 30 Israeli heavy military vehicles moved from "Netzarim" settlement south of the city, 2 km into the city. The incursion continued until 03:00 on the following day, when Israeli forces withdrew to "Netzarim" settlement. A number of buildings inside the headquarters of the Preventive Security were destroyed, and a number of houses - al-Quds Hospital of Palestine Red Crescent Society, two ambulances and a number of private cars - were damaged. The electricity and telephone networks in the area were also damaged. In addition, a Palestinian journalist was wounded by shrapnel while he was filming the Israeli incursion. On Saturday, 16 November 2002, Israeli combat helicopters destroyed an industrial workshop in a residential area in the center of Gaza City. A number of neighboring houses and civilian facilities were severely damaged.
On Sunday, 17 November 2002, Israeli combat helicopters destroyed an industrial workshop in Khan Yunis. A number of neighboring houses were damaged. This week, Israeli forces also razed more areas of Palestinian agricultural land in Deir al-Balah and Beit Lahia in the Gaza Strip.
In violation of international humanitarian law, which prohibit collective punishment, Israeli forces continued their retaliatory campaign against families of wanted Palestinians and those who carried out attacks against Israeli targets. In this context, they destroyed a house in Tulkarm and 3 houses in Balata refugee camp, east of Nablus, in addition to the houses that were destroyed in Hebron. In addition, the Israeli forces have maintained the total siege imposed on the OPT and have partitioned Palestinian areas, transforming them into cantons. Futhermore, they have imposed curfews on several areas.
Shelling of, and Encroachment into Palestinian Areas
Israeli Offensive on Hebron
After the, attack near "Kiryat Arba'" settlement southeast of Hebron on Friday, 15 November 2002, that left 12 Israeli soldiers and armed settlers dead, Israeli occupying forces invaded Hebron. They seized complete control over the town and imposed a curfew.
According to information available to PCHR, at approximately 18:00 on Saturday, 16 November 2002, Israeli forces, reinforced with dozens of heavy military vehicles, invaded the parts of Hebron that are under the control of the Palestinian National Authority. They imposed a curfew and seized a number of houses, transforming them into military sites. On Sunday morning, 17 November 2002, the Israeli forces furthermore destroyed 5 Palestinian houses:
1. They destroyed a 250-square-meter, 2-story house, located near the place of the attack in Wadi al-Nasara neighborhood, owned by Mohammed Shukri Jaber, claiming that the fighters who carried out the attack had shelter in it.
2. They destroyed a 200-square-meter, 2-story house, located in Wadi al-Karam neighborhood, owned by the family of D'iab al-Muhtasseb, one of the fighters who carried out the attack.
3. They destroyed a 2-story house in Qaizoun neighborhood owned by Mohammed Ayoub Seder who is wanted by them for his activities in the Islamic Jihad. Seder was subjected to a failed assassination attempt by Israeli occupying forces one year ago.
4. They destroyed a 200-square-meter house in Abu Ekteila neighborhood owned by Mohammed Musbah al-Haimouni, claiming that his sons are members of Islamic Jihad.
5. They destroyed 150-square-meter house in Yatta village, south of Hebron, owned by Khalil Yousef Abu 'Arram who has been detained by the Israeli military for his activities.
At approximately 06:00, Israeli occupying forces, accompanied by a bulldozer, moved into Wadi al-Nasara area. They razed 50 donums of Palestinian agricultural land owned by the families of Da'na and Jaber. They also started establishing a new settlement center in the area by placing 2 mobile homes, a service tent, an electricity generator, 2 water tanks and 2 escort points. The Israeli bulldozer also initiated the establishment of a new settlement road to connect "Kiryat 'Arba'" settlement with the Ibrahimi Mosque. The road is expected to be 1km long and 25m wide.
At approximately 10:00 on Wednesday, 20 November 2002, Israeli occupying forces surrounded the house of the family of Akram 'Abdul Muhsen al-Hanini, who participated in the Friday attack on Israeli soldiers, located in al-Jawazat neighborhood in the center of Hebron. They forced the 7 residents of the 200-square-meter house out and destroyed it.
Thursday, 14 November 2002
At approximately 01:00, Israeli occupying forces in military locations in the vicinity of "Neve Dekalim" settlement, west of Khan Yunis, shelled Palestinian houses in Khan Yunis refugee camp. A Palestinian civilian, Shadi Manar Abu 'Obaida, was wounded by shrapnel in the left hand, while he was inside his house, approximately 300m away from the source of fire.
At approximately 10:00, Israeli occupying forces, reinforced with 3 tanks and a military bulldozer, moved approximately 300m into Boba' area in the south of Deir al-Balah. They razed areas of Palestinian agricultural land:
1. They razed a 5-donum area of agricultural land, on which 5 greenhouses planted with tomatoes stood, and destroyed an irrigation network owned by Jamal 'Abdul Salam Yousef al-Masri.
2. They razed a 3-donum area of agricultural land, on which 3 greenhouses planted with tomatoes and peppers stood, and destroyed an irrigation network, a 100-meter-long fence, a 240-square0-meter animal farm, a 24-square-meter store and 12 palm trees owned by 'Faisal 'Abdul Salam Yousef al-Masri.
3. They razed a 3-donum area of agricultural land, on which 3 greenhouses planted with tomatoes stood, and destroyed an irrigation network, a well and a water pump owned by 'Abdul Ra'ouf Hassan Sakher.
At approximately 16:30, Israeli occupying forces moved into the same area again and razed more areas of agricultural land:
1. They razed a 4-donum area of agricultural land, on which 4 greenhouses planted with peppers stood, and destroyed a well, a water pump, a 400-meter-long fence, a 30-square-meter store and 3 palm trees owned by Mohammed 'Abdul 'Aziz Bashir.
2. They razed a 3-donum area of agricultural land planted with eggplants and destroyed an irrigation network owned by Yousef 'Abdul 'Aziz al-'Aklouk.
3. They destroyed a 100-meter-long fence that surrounded a tract of land owned by Bassem Mohammed Abu Qureinat.
4. They uprooted 10 olive trees owned by Hafezh Suleiman Baraka.
5. They uprooted 3 olive trees owned by Jamil Jaber Baraka.
At approximately 12:00, Israeli occupying soldiers on tanks and armored personnel carriers opened fire at a number of Palestinian boys who gathered in the al-Sheikh Musallam area in the old city of Nablus. Jalal Mohammed Taher 'Oweijan, 17, was seriously wounded by a live bullet in the chest. He succumbed to his wound upon arrival at hospital.
At approximately 15:30, around 100 Israeli soldiers, accompanied by military vehicles and dogs, moved from "Kfar Darom" settlement, east of Deir al-Balah, and raided the house of Ahmed Khalil Abu Samra, approximately 20m northeast of the settlement. Israeli soldiers called on residents of the house to get out, but they refused. Soon, more than 30 Israeli soldiers broke into the house. They held its 17 residents in the hall while they searched the house and severely damaged its furniture. An hour later, they withdrew from the house back to "Kfar Darom" settlement. The same house was raided by Israeli occupying forces on 12 November 2002, when they arrested the owner's son.
Friday, 15 November 2002
At approximately 12:00, Israeli forces, reinforced with heavy military vehicles, moved approximately 800m into the north of Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip. Two Israeli armored military bulldozers demolished site (6) of the Palestinian National Security Force, which was partially destroyed earlier this year. They also demolished 3 buildings:
1. A 15-square-meter, iron-roofed store owned by Nabil Mohammed Sa'id al-'Attar.
2. A 100-square-meter, 2-story building that included a well, a store and a summer resort.
3. A 110-square-meter building that included a well and a store.
At approximately 18:00, a number of Palestinian children gathered in Koroum 'Aashour area in the old town of Nablus and threw stones at Israeli military vehicles. Immediately, Israeli soldiers opened fire at the stone throwers, killing 15-year-old 'Emran Isma'il al-Shilla with a live bullet in the chest.
At approximately 21:00, 8 Israeli soldiers moved from "Kfar Darom" settlement, east of Deir al-Balah, into Boba' area in the south of the town. They raided the house of Fadhel Yahia Fadhel al-Qedra and held the 7 residents of the house and 2 guests in one room while they searched the house. They then closed the windows and stayed in the house hiding. On Saturday morning, 16 November 2002, 4 Palestinian farmers went to their farms in the area. Israeli soldiers arrested them and held them in the house. At approximately 22:00, an Israeli tank came and took the 4 detainees to "Kfar Darom" settlement. The detainees are:
1. Riadh Tawfiq Baraka, 22;
2. Marzouq Hamed Baraka, 38;
3. 'Arafa Hamdi Baraka, 25; and
4. 'Abdullah Mousa Abu Jazar, 35.
Monday morning, 18 November 2002, an Israeli tank and a bulldozer arrived at the area. The tanks stopped in the front of the house, while the bulldozer razed areas of Palestinian agricultural land:
1. It razed a 7-donum area of agricultural land planted with palms and olives owned by Nabil Yousef al-Qedra.
2. It razed a 2-donum area of agricultural land, on which 2 greenhouses planted with vegetables stood, destroyed an irrigation network and a 16-square-meter store, and uprooted 3 palm trees.
Saturday, 16 November 2002
At approximately 02:25, two Israeli combat helicopters launched 4 missiles at a turnery workshop in al-Daraj neighborhood in the southeast of Gaza City. The 200-square-meter workshop, owned by Hisham Sa'id Younis al-Masri, was completely destroyed. A neighboring store owned by Khaled Sa'id Younis al-Masri was also completely destroyed. In addition, a metal formation workshop owned by Tawfiq Sa'id Younis al-Masri, 12 houses and electricity and telephone services were severely damaged.
At approximately 07:30, Israeli occupying forces, reinforced with heavy military vehicles, moved into Jenin refugee camp. They surrounded a number of houses in the center of the refugee camp, including the house of Sheikh Bassam Ragheb al-Sa'di, wanted by the Israeli forces for alleged activities in Islamic Jihad. Israeli soldiers noticed al-Sa'di's son Ibrahim, 17, passing near a house with a gun in his hands. Immediately, they fired at him without warning. He was killed by a live bullet in the chest. According to eyewitnesses, the son passed by the area accidentally and he did not fire at the Israeli soldiers, rather he was trying to get away from them. The victim's brother, 'Abdul Karim, was killed by Israeli soldiers in similar circumstances on 5 September 2002.
In addition, two Palestinian civilians were wounded:
1. Wasim Mohammed Saleh Hawashin, 16, critically wounded by a live bullet that entered the left shoulder and exited the neck; and
2. Asa'ad 'Abdul Hafizh Hassan Abu 'Aabed, 35, wounded by a live bullet in the right hand.
At approximately 08:00, Israeli occupying forces, reinforced with heavy military vehicles, moved approximately 300m into al-Mughraqa area, south of Gaza City. Soon, an Israeli military bulldozer razed a 2-donum area of agricultural land planted with olives owned by Nafez 'Azzam. An electricity transmitter was also hit by Israeli gunfire, so electricity was cut from the whole area.
At approximately 11:00, the Israeli forces, that had already seized complete control over Nablus, opened fire at Palestinian houses in al-Quds Street. An artillery shell hit the house of the Shara'ab family. Samar Mahmoud Shara'ab, 21, was killed by shrapnel from the shell, while she was on the balcony. According to her family, they heard the sound of an explosion in their house. Later they found their daughter dead on the balcony.
At approximately 21:00, while Mousa Radhi al-Mahariq, 65, from al-Sammou' village in Hebron, was in a tent he had set up in the 'Azzoun village, south of Qalqilya, where he worked as an animal grazer. He heard noise outside and thought that thieves were stealing his animals. When he looked through the opening in his tent, a number of gunmen fired at him. He was seriously wounded and bled to death. Later, it was revealed that the gunmen were Israeli soldiers who guard the vehicles used in the construction of the "security fence" separating between the West Bank and Israel. Late at night, the body of the old man was evacuated to hospital. According to medical sources, he was shot by 3 live bullets in the chest and the abdomen.
Sunday, 17 November 2002
At approximately 01:00, 3 Israeli combat helicopters launched 4 missiles at a metal formation workshop in Khan Yunis. The 500-square-meter workshop, owned by Mohammed Khalil Fureina was severely damaged. About 7 minutes later, the Israeli helicopters launched 3 missiles at the workshop, completely destroying it. A number of neighboring houses and the electricity network in the area were also damaged in the attack. The Israeli helicopters also launched an 8th missile at a tract of agricultural land on Jorat al-Lout area in the south of Khan Yunis, owned by Yahia Salim Qeshta. The missile did not explode. The affected workshop was also shelled by Israeli occupying forces on 6 September 2002, but had been repaired.
At approximately 15:00, a number of Palestinian boys gathered at the main road in Nour Shams refugee camp, east of Tulkarm. They threw stones at Israeli tanks and armored personnel carriers which had already invaded the camp. Immediately, Israeli soldiers fired at the stone throwers, wounding 2:
1. Mohammed 'Aadel Abu Talal, 16, seriously wounded by a live bullet in the right side; and
2. Qaisar Kamal Suleiman, 15, wounded by shrapnel in the shoulder.
At approximately 16:20, Israeli occupying soldiers on observation towers in the vicinity of "Netzarim" settlement, south of Gaza City, opened fire at the coastal road in the west. A Palestinian civilian, Fares Mohammed al-Weheidi, 52, from Gaza City, was wounded by a live bullet in the right arm, while he was traveling towards Gaza City.
At approximately 22:40, Israeli combat helicopters launched 3 missiles and opened fire at the headquarters of the Palestinian Preventive Security in Tal al-Hawa neighborhood in the south of Gaza City. Meanwhile, more than 30 Israeli heavy military vehicles, accompanied by military bulldozers moved from "Netzarim" settlement, south of the city, towards the area, which is approximately 2km away from the settlement, through the coastal road. A number of tanks took position near the southwestern gate of the headquarters, while a bulldozer demolished the gate and parts of the fence. Then, Israeli tanks broke into the headquarters opening fire indiscriminately. Israeli forced destroyed the internal doors of the building. The incursion and destruction of the buildings continued until 03:00 on the following day, when Israeli forces withdrew back to "Netzarim" settlement. A number of buildings inside the headquarters of the Preventive Security were destroyed, and a number of houses - al-Quds Hospital of Palestine Red Crescent Society, two ambulances and a number of private cars - were damaged. The electricity and telephone networks of the area were also damaged. In addition, Shams 'Abdul Rahman 'Oudetallah, a cameraman of Reuters news agency, was wounded by shrapnel in the left hand, while he was filming the Israeli incursion, approximately 1km away from the Israeli forces.
Monday, 18 November 2002
At approximately 05:30, Israeli occupying forces moved approximately 400m into the north of Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip. They razed areas of Palestinian agricultural land:
1. They razed a 1-donum area of agricultural land, on which a greenhouse planted with tomatoes stood, owned by 'Abdul Salam Abu Jarad.
2. They razed a 1.5-donum area of agricultural land, on which a greenhouse planted with tomatoes stood, owned by Wahba Abu Rabi'.
3. They razed a 1-donum area of agricultural land, on which a greenhouse planted with tomatoes stood, owned by Ibrahim al-Maslami.
4. They razed a 2-donum area of agricultural land planted with strawberries owned by 'Abdul 'Alim Abu Jarad.
5. They razed a 3-donum area of agricultural land planted with potatoes owned by Nasser al-Baddi.
Tuesday, 19 November 2002
At approximately 15:30, Israeli occupying forces demolished a number of Palestinian houses in Sheikh 'Ejlin area, north of 'Netzarim" settlement, south of Gaza City. Residents of the houses had already evacuated them due to regular Israeli attacks against them. Following are details of the houses:
1. Israeli forces demolished a 150-square-meter, asbestos-roofed house, in which 7 persons used to live, owned by Mohammed Kamal Mas'oud.
2. They demolished a 300-square-meter, asbestos-roofed house, in which 18 persons used to live, owned by the heirs of Yahia Subhi al-Daya.
3. They demolished a 120-square-meter, 1-story house, in which 7 persons used to live, which stood on a 1000-square-meter area of agricultural land planted with olives, grapes and figs, owned by Ahmed 'Ali Mohammed al-Nu'eizi.
4. They demolished a 60-square-meter, asbestos-roofed house, which stood on a 1000-square-meter area of agricultural land planted with olives, lemons and guavas, owned by Yassin 'Ali Salem al-Hattab.
5. They demolished a 70-square-meter, iron-roofed house, which stood on a 1500-square-meter area of agricultural land planted with olives, grapes and figs, owned by Kamal Mohammed 'Ata Lafi.
6. They demolished a 150-square-meter, asbestos-roofed house, which stood on a 1270-square-meter area of agricultural land planted with olives, grapes, figs and fruits, owned by Fathi 'Ateya Mohammed Lafi and brothers.
7. They demolished a 120-square-meter, 1-story house, which stood on a 1000-square-meter area of agricultural land planted with olives, grapes and figs, owned by Bassem al-Hilu.
8. They demolished a 60-square-meter, iron-roofed house, which stood on a 1000-square-meter area of land, owned by Jihad Jindia.
9. They demolished a 50-square-meter, asbestos-roofed house, which stood on a 1000-square-meter area of land planted, owned by Maher al-Turk and Mohammed al-Sawafiri.
Wednesday, 20 November 2002
In the morning, school children organized protests against the extra-judicial assassination committed by Israeli forces in Tulkarm on Tuesday evening, 19 November 2002, which left 5 Palestinian dead. A number of school children gathered near al-Asma'ei School in the center of the town and threw stones at Israeli military jeeps. Israeli soldiers fired at them and one of the soldiers pointed his gun at 14-year-old 'Amru Suleiman Fayeq al-Qudsi, who was on the roof of a nearby house throwing stones. The soldier shot him dead with a live bullet that entered the back and exited the abdomen.
At approximately 13:00, Israeli heavy military vehicles, covered by intense shelling, moved approximately 100m into Um al-Qurreis area in the north of Rafah. They razed areas of Palestinian agricultural land:
1. They razed an 8-donum area of agricultural land planted with olives owned by 'Abdul Ghani Hassan Abu Jazar.
2. They razed a 3-donum area of agricultural land planted with olives owned by 'Abdullah Salim Abu Jazar.
Extra-Judicial Assassinations
In a continuation of the policy of extra-judicial assassination officially adopted by the Israeli political and military establishments, Israeli forces this week carried out 3 assassination attempts, which left 7 Palestinians dead.
At approximately 16:45 on Friday, 15 November 2002, the time when people start eating in the holy Ramadan Month, Israeli occupying forces, reinforced with more than 30 military vehicles surrounded the house of 'Abbas Mustafa 'Obeidin 'Anza village, south of Jenin. About 30 Israeli soldiers got out of the military vehicles. Then, an Israeli soldier fired a live bullet in the air. Immediately, the owner of the house got out. When he saw Israeli soldier, he told them that his son Mahmoud was at home and that he would surrender. When the son got out of the kitchen, Israeli soldiers fired at him, wounding him with 2 live bullets in the legs. Then, Israeli soldiers ordered the father to pull his son out of the house which he then did. When they came near an Israeli military jeep, an Israeli officer ordered the father to go back home and shut the door. When the father shut the door, he heard sounds of shooting. Then, Israeli forces withdrew from the area. At approximately 21:45, the son's body was evacuated to hospital in Jenin. According to Palestinian medical sources, the victim was shot by 5 live bullets in the mouth, the neck and the legs. Israeli occupying forces claimed that 'Obeid was a member of the al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigade, the military wing of the Fatah Movement. Upon their withdrawal from the village, Israeli forces arrested Anwar Saleh 'Ammour, 21.
On Sunday, 17 November 2002, shortly before the time of eating in the holy Ramadan Month, an Israeli undercover unit in civilian clothes stole into Saida village, north of Tulkarm. Israeli soldiers surrounded the house of 'Abdul Rahman Yousef 'Abdul Ghani in the center of the village. Soon, other units of the Israeli forces, reinforced with heavy military vehicles, arrived at the area to sustain the undercover unit. Then, an Israeli officer called on the owner's son, Riadh, 30, through loudspeakers to get out of the house and surrender. When his brothers Mohammed, 25, and 'Emad, 29, came out, Israeli soldiers opened fire at them without prior warning. Mohammed was killed by several live bullets throughout the body, while Emad was wounded by 2 live bullets in the legs. Israeli forces held the 2 brothers for 2 hours before allowing an ambulance of Palestine Red Crescent Society to evacuate the wounded son to hospital. Israeli occupying forces claimed that they came to arrest the eldest son, Riadh, who is allegedly a member of al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigade, but he attempted to escape, so Israeli soldiers fired at him, wounding his two brothers. However, eyewitnesses refuted this claim and asserted that Riadh was not at home when Israeli forces surrounded the house and fired at his two brothers.
At approximately 16:40 on Tuesday, 19 November 2002, an Israeli undercover unit traveling in civilian cars with