Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) Continue to Attack Civilians and Annex Land Across the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT)
- 4 Palestinian civilians were killed by IOF, including a child who was run down by an Israeli settler vehicle.
- 19 Palestinians were injured among them a mother and child and a further 7 children.
- IOF conducted 34 incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank and one into the Gaza Strip (a total of 35 incursions conducted during the reporting period).
- Houses were raided and 33 Palestinian civilians were arrested by IOF.
- IOF have continued to impose a total siege on the OPT; IOF isolated the southern Gaza Strip; IOF have prevented Palestinian civilians aged 16-35 from traveling through Rafah International Crossing Point; IOF have resumed a special checking machine at the crossing point; and IOF arrested 12 Palestinian civilians, including 2 women and a child, at military checkpoints in the West Bank.
- IOF have continued to construct the Annexation Wall in the West Bank; in Wad Rahhal and Jourat al-Sama'a areas, south of Bethlehem, that 603 donums of agricultural land was seized for the purpose of the construction of the Wall; and IOF starting razing dozens of donums of agricultural land near Tarqumea, west of Hebron city.
- Israeli settlers have continued to attack Palestinian civilians and property in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip; a Palestinian child was run down by an Israeli settler and a number of houses and civilian facilities were demolished by IOF in the West Bank.
Summary
Israeli violations of international law continued in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT) during the reporting period (21 -- 27 July 2005):
Killing and Shooting: On 22 July 2004, IOF killed a Palestinian civilian in the old town of Hebron as they opened fire indiscriminately after a Palestinian gunman fired at an Israeli military post in the area. IOF left the victim to bleed to death. On the same day, a Palestinian civilian died from an injury he had sustained last week when IOF extra-judicially killed four members of Hamas in Gaza City. On 27 July 2005, IOF killed another Palestinian civilian in Jenin city who was throwing stones against IOF soldiers who had incurred into the city, surrounded a house and were demolishing the external wall of the house. Also during the reported period, 16 Palestinian civilians, including a mother and her child and six other children, were injured in the West Bank. Three others civilians, including a child, were injured in Rafah, southern Gaza Strip after IOF shelling in the area.
Incursions: IOF conducted 35 military incursions into Palestinian areas (34 in the West Bank and one in the Gaza Strip). During these incursions, IOF raided houses and arrested 33 Palestinian civilians.
Restrictions on Movement: IOF have continued to impose a tightened siege on the OPT, including Jerusalem. IOF have continued to close Erez crossing for the third consecutive week. IOF have also continued to prevent Palestinian civilians aged 16-35 from traveling through Rafah International Crossing Point. On 22 July 2005, IOF resumed using a controversial checking machine. In the West Bank, IOF have continued to impose a tightened siege on Tulkarm and closed Za'tra checkpoint, south of Nablus. They also erected a number of checkpoints and arrested at least 12 Palestinian civilians, including two women and a child. In the West Bank PCHR field workers documented five case of inhumane treatment at military checkpoints.
Annexation Wall: IOF have continued to construct the Annexation Wall inside the West Bank territory. IOF have continued to construct a section of the Wall to the northeast of East Jerusalem. They have also continued to establish a military post near Qalandya checkpoint, south of Ramallah. The Israeli government decided to intensify the construction of the Wall around occupied Jerusalem. On Friday, 22 July 2005, IOF informed residents of Wad Rahhal and Jourat al-Sama'a areas, south of Bethlehem, that 603 donums of their agricultural land would be seized for the purpose of the construction of the Wall. On Wednesday, 27 July 2005, IOF started razing dozens of donums of agricultural land near Tarqumea, west of Hebron city. In addition, IOF used force to disperse peaceful demonstrations organised by Palestinian civilians and international solidarity activists in protest to the construction of the Wall. Seven Palestinian civilians suffered from tear gas inhalation.
Illegal Settler Activities: Israeli settlers in breach of international humanitarian law continue to reside in the OPT and have launched a series of attacks against Palestinian civilians and property. A Palestinian child was killed after he was run down by an Israeli settler in Hebron. A Palestinian civilian was also injured in another attack by settlers. IOF also razed areas of Palestinian land in Kufor Qaddoum village near Qalqilya. They also demolished seven houses and shop of furniture in other areas of the West Bank.
Israeli Violations Documented during the Reporting Period (21-27 July 2005)
1. Incursions into Palestinian Areas and Attacks on Palestinian Civilians and Property
Thursday, 21 July 2005
At approximately 01:00, IOF moved into Yatta village, south of Hebron. They raided and searched a number of houses and nearby caves, and arrested Khalil Bajes Abu Sabha, 18.
At approximately 02:00, IOF moved into Beit Kahel village, northwest of Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Yousef D'iab al-'Asafra, 40, and arrested him.
Also at approximately 02:00, IOF moved into al-Sammou' village, south of Hebron. They raided and searched a number of houses, but no arrests were reported.
At approximately 03:00, IOF moved into 'Aaida refugee camp, north of Bethlehem. They raided and searched a number of houses belonging to the Abu 'Aker family. According to eyewitnesses, IOF requested householders to hand over their sons, allegedly wanted by the IOF.
Also at approximately 03:00, IOF moved into Kufor 'Ayoush village, northeast of Qalqilya. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Mohammed al-Saifi, 24, and arrested him.
At approximately 04:15, IOF, reinforced by two helicopters, moved into Wadi al-Salqa village, southeast of Deir al-Balah. They patrolled in the streets and opened fire indiscriminately. They withdrew an hour later with no casualties or arrests reported.
At approximately 12:00, IOF moved into Jenin through its southern entrance. They took position in Be'r al-Jammal area on Jenin -- Nablus road. They stopped and searched Palestinian civilian vehicles.
Friday, 22 July 2005
At approximately 01:00, IOF moved into Jenin town and refugee camp. They raided a number of houses. They also fired live bullets and sound bombs at a number of houses. A Palestinian woman and her child were injured:
1. Ikhlas Suleiman Abu Na'sa, 37, injured by shrapnel to the head and the hand; and
2. Maram 'Abdul Nasser Abu Na'sa, 1, injured by shrapnel to the head and the left ear.
According to 'Abdul Nasser Abu Na'sa, IOF blew up the door of his house before they raided it. They also fired two live bullets inside the house.
Also during this incursion, IOF arrested Ahmed Anis Lahlouh, 20.
At approximately 00:00, IOF moved into Qabatya village, southeast of Jenin. They raided and searched two houses and arrested two Palestinian civilians:
1. Ussama Ghaleb Abu al-Rub, 33; and
2. Mohammed Yahia Abu al-Rub, 28.
In the evening, IOF killed a Palestinian civilian in the old town of Hebron. IOF opened fire indiscriminately when a Palestinian gunman fired at an Israeli military post in the area. The civilian victim was seriously wounded and he bled to death.
According to investigations conducted by PCHR, at approximately 19:30, a Palestinian gunman fired at an Israeli military post near "Beit Rumano" settlement post in the old town f Hebron and escaped. Immediately, IOF opened fire indiscriminately at houses and streets. A Palestinian civilian, 18-year-old Ihsan Mohammed 'Atiya Abu Hamdiya, was wounded by several live bullets. IOF surrounded him and prevented an ambulance of Palestine Red Crescent Society from attending him. They allowed the ambulance to evacuate him only 50 minutes later but he was already dead. His body was evacuated to al-Ahli Hospital in Hebron. According to medical sources, the victim was hit by several live bullets to the head, the chest and the abdomen. According to eyewitnesses, the victim was passing by the area when he was shot.
In the evening, medical sources at Shifa Hospital in Gaza City declared that Hamed Mohammed al-Dah, 24, from al-Daraj neighborhood in Gaza City, died from a wound he had sustained last week.
According to PCHR's documentation, al-Dah was wounded on 15 July 2005 by shrapnel from a missile fired by an Israeli helicopter gunship at a civilian car in which four members of Hamas were traveling. The four members of Hamas were killed and five civilian bystanders, including al-Dah, were wounded. He was evacuated to the intensive care unit at Shifa Hospital where he received medical treatment until his death.
Saturday, 23 July 2005
At approximately 02:00, IOF moved into Balata refugee camp, east of Nablus. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Tariq al-'Aassi, 25, and arrested him.
At approximately 07:00, IOF moved into Bethlehem. They patrolled in Khalael al-Louz and Hindaza areas. They withdrew at approximately 08:30 with no arrests were reported.
At approximately 12:00, IOF moved into Bethlehem. They patrolled in al-Saf and al-Maslakh streets and the yard of the Church of the Nativity. IOF withdrew later with no arrests were reported.
At approximately 19:00, IOF moved into 'Azzoun village, east of Qalqilya. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested two Palestinian civilians:
1. Jabri Swaidan, 50; and
2. Mohammed Sa'id Badwan, 40.
Sunday, 24 July 2005
At approximately 02:00, IOF moved into Dura village, southwest of Hebron. They raided and searched four houses. At approximately 05:00, IOF arrested Mohammed Mahmoud 'Amru, 26.
Also at approximately 02:00, IOF moved into al-Zahiriya village, southwest of Hebron. They raided and searched a number of houses with no arrests reported.
Also at approximately 02:00, IOF moved into Nablus and the neighboring Balata refugee camp. They opened fire at houses. Then, they raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Taha Qatanani, 30, and arrested him.
At approximately 12:30, IOF positioned in military posts at the Egyptian border, south of Rafah, opened fire at Palestinian house in Yibna refugee camp. A Palestinian child, 14-year-old Mohammed Ameen Qeshta, was wounded by a live bullet to the left hand, when he was more than 600 metres away from the border.
At approximately 15:00, three Israeli military jeeps moved into Sa'ir village, northeast of Hebron. IOF stopped and checked Palestinian civilians. Dozens of Palestinian children gathered and threw stones at IOF. Immediately, IOF fired at the children. Ma'ath Nader al-Faroukh, 14, was seriously wounded by a rubber-coated metal bullet to the head. According to eyewitnesses, the child was riding his bike and did not participate in the stone throwing.
Monday, 25 July 2005
At approximately 01:00, IOF moved into Balata refugee camp, east of Nablus. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of 'Alaa' al-Najmi, 19, and arrested him.
At approximately 02:00, IOF moved into Seilat al-Harthiya village, west of Jenin. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested two Palestinian civilians:
1. Ragheb 'Abdul Mon'em Shalabi, 20; and
2. Miqdad Jaradat, 21.
Also at approximately 02:00, IOF moved into Bourqin village, west of Jenin. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested two Palestinian civilians:
1. Ra'd 'Atallah Sabbah, 18; and
2. Mazen Mohammed 'Ateeq, 23.
At approximately 02:30, IOF moved into al-Yamoun village, west of Jenin. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Ahmed Nader Khamaisa, 36, and arrested him.
At approximately 06:00, IOF moved into Bethlehem. They took position near the hospital for people with mental disabilities in Jerusalem -- Hebron road. They surrounded a house in the area and ordered its residents through megaphones to leave it. They fired heavy caliber bullets on it and then raided it. They searched the house and arrested two Palestinian civilians who were inside:
1. 'Aayed Khalil Saffi, 33, from Yatta village near Hebron; and
2. Mohammed Rasheed al-Qadi, 29, from Sourfi village near Hebron.
At approximately 22:00, IOF moved into Hebron. They raided and searched a number of houses in Abu Sunaina neighborhood in the south of the town and arrested Ra'ed Fu'ad al-Atrash, 21 and transferred him to an unknown area.
At approximately the same time, Tal a Sultan quarter, west of Rafah city, was indiscriminately shelled by IOF from the military position that surround the Quarter. This resulted in the injury to Osma Jamal Shalah, 24. He was injured by a live bullet to the left hand while he was standing near his house (at distant of approximately 500 metres from the Israeli military checkpoint which leads to al Mawasi area in Rafah). Shalah was transferred to the Abu Yousef al Najar hospital and classified as medium.
Tuesday, 26 July 2005
At approximately 02:00, IOF moved into Hebron. They surrounded a house belonging to the family of Mohammed Saufian Qannibi, 35, in al-Hawouz area. They opened fire at the house and neighbouring houses. Qannibi escaped from his house and IOF chased them. At approximately 04:00, IOF fired at Qannini and wounded him when he was nearly 200 metres away from his house. Then, IOF arrested him.
Also at approximately 02:00, IOF moved into 'Azoun village, east of Qalqilya. They surrounded an animal farm belonging to Samer Salim Badwan, 35, and his brother Hamed, 25. They searched the farm and arrested the two brothers.
At approximately 03:00, IOF moved into Thinnaba area in the east of Tulkarm, and imposed a curfew. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested ten Palestinian civilians:
1. Jamal Ahmed al-Bada, 22;
2. Fadi Fathi al-Bada, 28;
3. Mohammed Ahmed al-Bada, 24;
4. Mohammed Fathi al-Bada, 24;
5. Majdi Hamed Majdoubi, 23;
6. Sa'ed Hamed Majdoubi, 20;
7. Hisham Shawqi Harb, 18;
8. Yassin 'Abdul Latif Abu 'Asba, 28;
9. Samer 'Abdul Latif Abu 'Asba, 26; and
10. Majdi 'Abdul Latif Abu 'Asba, 20.
At approximately 21:00, the IOF opened fired from the military location Tal Zurob, south west of Rafah city. IOF opened fire at civilians home in Zurob square and resulted in the injury of Hana Ahmed Hujazi, 21 with shrapnel to the right thigh when she was in her house. She was transferred to Abu Yousef el Najar hospital in Rafah city.
Wednesday, 27 July 2005
At approximately 13:00, the IOF killed a Palestinian civilian, Yousef Khalil Sadek Hases, 18, and injured 12 other civilians in Jenin city. The Palestinian was killed when the IOF opened fire when they incurred into the city and were shooting against dozens of Palestinians who were demonstrating.
According to PCHR’s investigations and eyewitnesses, at approximately 13:00, IOF conducted an incursion with approximately 20 tanks and a bulldozer. The IOF indiscriminately shot at homes and other civilian properties, concentrating in the eastern quarter of the city. Military tanks were in Wahdi Azidin, Jenin Anazara street and el Marah quarter. The IOF surrounded the house of the family of Hamda Salem Mahmound Kakour, in Wahdi Azidin. Other soldiers used the roofs of the surrounding houses of Aawze al Sadi, Abdul Latif al Sadi, Abu Soror family and Atiq family. They forced each family into one room of their house and held them there. IOF ordered through microphones the family of Kakour to leave its house which they did. Later, the bulldozer started approaching the external wall of the house and dozens of Palestinian children gathered and began throwing stones at the IOF. Immediately, IOF fired at them and injured Yousef Khalil Sadek Hases, 18, by a gun shot to the head. Hases was transferred to the government hospital in Jenin city. The serious nature of his injury resulted in him being transferred to the Rafedia hospital in Nablus. At approximately 17:30 medical resources announced his death.
Another six civilians were injured in the same incident:
1. Rami Khalil al Sadi, 14, injured by shrapnel throughout the body;
2. Loua al Sajher, 15, injured by shrapnel to both feet;
3. Ahmel Walid Jaradat, 15, injured by shrapnel throughout the body;
4. Rami Ahmed al Sadi, 15, injured by live bullet to the leg;
5. Iyad Fathi Stete; 17, injured by shrapnel throughout the body; and
6. Mohammad Ersaan Salme, 20, injured by shrapnel throughout the body.
After the declaration of the killing of Hases a number of Palestinian militants tried to evacuate the IOF and resulted in the injury of six of them.
2. Continued Siege on the OPT
IOF have continued to impose tightened siege on the OPT and imposed severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including occupied East Jerusalem.
Gaza Strip
IOF have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians in the Gaza Strip, especially at border crossings.
Internal Movement: On Saturday and Sunday, 23 and 24 July 2005, IOF closed al-Matahen and Abu Houli checkpoints on Salah al-Din Street (the main road between the north and south of the Gaza Strip). Following this closure, IOF reopened the two checkpoints for a few hours and then closed them again. IOF then opened the two checkpoints partially. The checkpoints were closed again on 26 July 2005 and only partially reopened since the 27 July 2005 (since this time they have reverted to the old system which allowed the movement for only 12 hours a day under slow and complicated rules). Palestinian civilians were prevented from moving from one zone to another. Thousands of Palestinian civilians were not able to travel back to their homes, including those coming back from Egypt and wishing to travel to the north of the Gaza Strip.
IOF have also continued to close a number of roads inside the Gaza Strip since the beginning of the current Intifada, such as the western Rafah -- Khan Yunis road in the southern Gaza Strip, Abu al-'Ajeen road between the villages of al-Qarara and Wadi al-Salqa in the central Gaza Strip and Salah al-Din Street at "Netzarim" and "Kfar Darom" junctions in the central Gaza Strip. Furthermore, IOF have continued to prohibit Palestinian civilians from using "Kissufim", "Morag" and al-Mentar roads in the southern and central Gaza Strip, which have been devoted for the movement of IOF and settlers. IOF have continued to close Gaza International Airport for the fourth consecutive year.
Enclaves: IOF have continued to impose a strict siege on Palestinian communities located near Israeli military posts and settlements:
- Al-Mawasi: approximately 5,800 Palestinians live in al-Mawasi situated within the Israeli "Gush Katif" settlement bloc in the southern Gaza Strip. Restrictions imposed on the movement of residents include: (1) Male Palestinians aged 16-35 have been prohibited from crossing al-Tuffah checkpoint at the entrance to the area; (2) IOF allow the entry of foodstuffs into the area on Saturdays and Sundays, and allow the entry of other goods on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. On other days, they allow the transportation of agricultural products out of the area. IOF and settlers in the area have continued to attack Palestinian civilians and property; (3) Education continues to be drastically affected: 1430 schoolchildren study at one school in the area, which lacks electricity and water. The school also lacks teachers of a number of subjects, such as mathematics, physics and chemistry. Only one teacher from outside the area is allowed to teach at this school and he is sometimes prevented from entering the area. As a result of such conditions, the school was forced to cancel science classes and students who wish to study science have to go to Khan Yunis; and (4) IOF troops frequently close al-Tuffah checkpoint at the entrance to the area:
- Al-Sayafa: approximately 200 Palestinians civilians live in al-Sayafa, an area located between "Dogit" and "Elli Sinai" settlements in the northern Gaza Strip. Restrictions imposed on the movement of residents include: (1) Palestinian civilians under the age of 30 are prohibited from moving out and into the area without prior coordination; (2) A limited number of farmers are allowed to enter the area but only following prior coordination. Farmers face extreme difficulties in marketing their products or bringing agricultural equipment into the area. ; (3) University students have been forced to live outside the area due to the prohibition imposed on the movement of those who are under 30; (4) the area lacks paved roads, which makes transportation extremely difficult, so residents of the area have to move on foot; (5) IOF open the iron gate at the entrance of the area between 07:00 to 09:00 and 14:00 to 15:30 only; (6) The area lacks basic services, such as electricity, as IOF have prevented establishing an electricity network in the area; and (7) Medical patients have to walk or use animal cart as ambulances are not allowed to enter the area without lengthy prior coordination.
- Al-Ma’ni: IOF have continued to impose a strict siege on al-Ma'ni area near "Kfar Darom" settlement in the central Gaza Strip where approximately 140 Palestinians reside. The area has lacked water and telephone networks for three years after IOF destroyed this infrastructure. According to residents of the area, they obtain water from a well in the area or bring it from Deir al-Balah.
External movement:
- Rafah International Crossing Point: IOF have continued to impose severe restrictions on the travel of Palestinian civilians through Rafah International Crossing Point on the Egyptian border, in violation of their economic, social and cultural rights, under security claims. The crossing point has been the only outlet for Palestinian civilians living in the Gaza Strip to the outside world. IOF often close the crossing point and prevent young men from traveling. Contrary to recent Israeli claims regarding easing restrictions on movement at crossing roads, since the beginning of June, IOF have imposed more restrictions on travel through the crossing point. The crossing point is open between 09:00 and 17:00 everyday. For the second consecutive week, IOF have continued to prevent Palestinian civilians aged 16-35 from traveling abroad. IOF had allowed this large segment of Palestinian civilians to travel abroad since 20 February 2005 following nearly one year of prohibition. On 22 July 2005, IOF resumed using a controversial special checking machine. IOF stopped using this machine on 18 May 2005 as its use was widely criticised.
- Beit Hanoun (Erez) crossing: IOF have closed the crossing since Wednesday, 13 July 2005 following the bombing in Netanya. As a result, 6,825 Palestinian workers who have work permits have not been able to travel to their work places inside Israel, and 843 others have not been able to work in the Erez industrial zone. Hundreds of patients have been also prevented from traveling to hospitals in the West Bank and Israel. The crossing was reopened for Palestinian workers in January 2005 following a six-month closure.
- Al-Mentar (Karni) commercial crossing: IOF have continued to impose severe restrictions on commercial transactions at al-Mentar (Karni) commercial crossing, east of Gaza City. This is despite the IOF declaration that they have eased such restrictions. During the reporting period they allowed only 30-35 trucks to enter Israel and 270 to enter the Gaza Strip from Israel. These restrictions have caused goods to perish and large losses to Palestinian traders.
- Sofa crossing: IOF have also continued to prevent Palestinian workers from entering Israel through Sofa crossing, northeast of Rafah. This crossing has been closed for people for more than one year and only raw construction materials are allowed to be enter.
The West Bank
IOF have continued to impose a strict siege on Palestinian communities in the West Bank Territory. They have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians and imposed curfews on a number of Palestinian communities.
Jerusalem: On Saturday morning, 23 July 2005, IOF positioned at a checkpoint in East Jerusalem arrested two Palestinian women:
1. Paula Mohammed Abu Daya, 47; and
2. Hanaa' Khamis 'Allan, 50, both from al-Jeep village near Jerusalem.
Hebron: On Friday, 22 July 2005, IOF imposed a curfew on the old town of Hebron after an Israeli military post was fired at. IOF were intensively deployed in the area. They prevented a number of Palestinian civilians from going back homes. They also held and checked dozens of civilians. These measures by IOF remained in effect on Saturday, 23 July 2005. IOF also raided and searched a number of houses. In the beginning of the week, IOF closed entrances of a number of villages located to the south of Hebron with sand barriers and cement blocks.
At approximately 10:00 on Monday, 25 July 2005, IOF positioned at a checkpoint in the old town of Hebron arrested Sameer 'Abdul Hameed al-Dwaik, 22.
On Thursday morning, IOF positioned at a checkpoint in Tarousa area to the west of Dura village stopped a Palestinian taxi. They forced the driver, Ibrahim Fu'ad Rayan, to get out of the taxi and take off his clothes. Then, they handcuffed and violently beat him for an hour. He sustained bruises throughout the body.
Nablus: IOF have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians in and around the city. IOF have continued to close for the second consecutive week, Za'tara checkpoint, south of Nablus, which links between the north and south of the West Bank. They have allowed only physicians to cross the checkpoint. On Thursday noon, 21 July 2005, IOF erected a checkpoint on al-Bathan road, north of Nablus. They stopped and searched dozens of Palestinian civilian vehicles. On Saturday morning, 23 July 2005, IOF positioned at Beit Eiba checkpoint, west of Nablus, held and checked a number of students of an-Najah National University for several hours.
At approximately 15:00 on Friday, 22 July 2005, IOF positioned at a checkpoint near "Shavi Shomron" settlement, northwest of Nablus, arrested three Palestinian civilians:
1. Bassem Subeh, 30;
2. Bassel Subeh, 37; and
3. Hussein Hubaisha, 34, all from al-Fara'a refugee camp near Jenin.
On Sunday evening, 24 July 2005, IOF positioned at Beit Eiba checkpoint, west of Nablus, violently beat Mohammed 'Abdul 'Aziz Radwan, 2, from 'Azzoun village near Qalqilya, and prevented him from traveling to Nablus.
Tulkarm: IOF have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians since 13 July 2005. They have continued to close 'Enab gate, east of the town. On Thursday morning, 21 July 2005, IOF closed all roads leading to Eaktaba village. On Saturday, 23 July 2005, IOF closed all dirt roads leading to 'Attil village, north of the town, and erected a checkpoint at its entrance. They also closed the road that links between Kufor al-Labad and 'Anabta village, east of the town. On Sunday, 24 July 2005, IOF erected a checkpoint at Far'oun crossroads, south of Tulkarm. They held dozens of Palestinian civilians fro several hours. They also erected a checkpoint on 'Attil -- Deir al-Ghosoun road, north of the town, and prohibited the movement of Palestinian civilians. They further erected a checkpoint at Bala'a crossroads, east of the town, and imposed restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. Also on Sunday, IOF erected a checkpoint between the villages of Bala'a and 'Atara, east of Tulkarm, and obstructed the passage of Palestinian civilians. On the same day, IOF closed all roads leading to Shoufa village, south of the town.
On Monday afternoon, 25 July 2005, IOF positioned at a checkpoint at 'Attil crossroads, north of Tulkarm, arrested Majdi 'Attili, 21.
Also on Monday, an undercover unit of IOF stopped and violently beat 'Abdul Latif Mustafa al-Haj, 70, when he was on his way to his land at Bala'a -- 'Atara road. When his two sons came to the area and intervened to protect their father. IOF beat them and the driver who transported them.
On Tuesday, 26 July 2005, IOF positioned at a checkpoint at the northern entrance of Deir al-Ghosoun village arrested Sidqi Ahmed Fayad, 38.
Jenin: On Thursday noon, 21 July 2005, IOF erected a checkpoint on Tubas -- al-Fara'a road, southeast of Jenin, and two other checkpoints to the north of Tubas village. They imposed restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. On in the afternoon, IOF erected five checkpoints on Jenin -- Nablus road. On Friday morning, 22 July 2005, IOF erected a checkpoint at the northern entrance to Tubas village and another one at the entrance to Tammoun village. They stopped and searched Palestinian civilians vehicles. On Saturday, 23 July 2005, IOF erected a checkpoint at the entrance to 'Aqaba village, southeast of Jenin. They stopped dozens of Palestinian civilian vehicles. IOF also erected a checkpoint on Ya'bad -- Jenin road. They stopped and searched Palestinian civilian vehicles. On Monday morning, 25 July 2005, IOF positioned at Tayaseer checkpoint, east of Tubas village, prevented dozens of Palestinian civilian vehicles from crossing the checkpoint even though their drivers had valid permits.
Qalqilya: On Friday morning, 22 July 2005, IOF erected a checkpoint on the road that links between Qalqilya and Jeet village to the east. They also erected a checkpoint on the road between the villages of al-Tabeeb and 'Azzoun to the east of Qalqilya, and another checkpoint at the entrance of Kufor Thuluth village. IOF stopped and searched Palestinian civilian vehicles. On Monday, 25 July 2005, IOF erected a checkpoint at the entrance to Jayous village, northeast of Qalqilya. They prohibited movement to and from the village from 06:00 until 13:00. On Tuesday, 26 July 2005, IOF erected a checkpoint on Qalqilya -- Nablus road near 'Azzoun village. They obstructed the passage of Palestinian civilian vehicles.
At approximately 10:00 on Thursday, 21 July 2005, IOF positioned at a checkpoint at the eastern entrance to Qalqilya arrested Ibrahim Mahmoud Selmi, 24.
On Friday evening, 22 July 2005, IOF positioned at a checkpoint at the eastern entrance to Qalqilya arrested Ramadan 'Abed Nazzal, 28.
At approximately 10:00 on Tuesday, 26 July 2005, IOF positioned at al-Zawia checkpoint, south of Qalqilya, violently beat Ayman Ahmed al-Ashqar, 28. He sustained injuries throughout the body.
On Wednesday 27 July 2005, IOF who control the gate which is established on the Wall at the village Azoun, south of Qalqilya city, humiliated Abdel Rahem Ibrahim Omar, 43. Eyewitnesses described to PCHR that soldiers beat him when he tried to pass which resulted in injuries to his chest. Omar was transferred to the hospital in Qalqilya city for treatment.
Bethlehem: On Tuesday morning, 26 July 2005, IOF positioned at the Container checkpoint, northeast of Bethlehem, arrested 'Abdul Fattah Khaled al-'Azza, 18, from al-'Azza refugee camp north of Bethlehem.
Al-Karama International Crossing Point: This week, IOF prevented six Palestinian civilians from traveling through al-Karama International Crossing Point on the Jordanian border.
On Tuesday noon, 26 July 2005, IOF positioned at al-Karama International Crossing Point on the Jordanian border arrested Mohammed Sameeh Sawalma, 15, from 'Assira village near Nablus. The child is a member of a folklore band that was traveling to Europe.
3. Construction of the Annexation Wall
IOF have continued to construct the Annexation Wall inside the West Bank territory.
- This week, IOF continued to construct another section of the Wall near Qalandya refugee camp, south of Ramallah. According to eyewitnesses, on Thursday morning, 21 July 2005, Israeli trucks transported huge cement blocks to the southeast of the camp. In the meantime, IOF continued to establish a border crossing near Qalandya checkpoint.
- This week, the Israeli government decided to intensify the construction of the section of the Wall around East Jerusalem, which will isolate thousands of Palestinian civilians from the city. The Deputy Israeli Defense Minister Ze'ev Puaim claimed that the Israeli government would "do its best to ease the situation for Palestinians from Jerusalem who will remain behind the Wall." He further claimed that "11 crossing points with highly developed equipment are being established to ensure freedom of movement for Palestinians," and that those crossing points would "provide these Palestinians with the municipal services which they deserve."
- On Friday, 22 July 2005, IOF informed residents of Wad Rahhal and Jourat al-Sama'a areas, south of Bethlehem, that 603 donums of their agricultural land would be seized for the purpose of the construction of the Wall.
- On Wednesday, 27 July 2005, IOF started razing dozens of donums of agricultural land near Tarqumea, west of Hebron city. Razing concentrated in the south and west of the Israeli Settlement (Al Doura), beside the bypass road No. 35. Local resources said that total targeted land for building the Wall in this area is estimated to be approximately 200 donums. This land is owned by the Palestinians residents.
- On the same day, IOF started razing land near al Daqou, northwest of Jerusalem city. Local sources stated that the IOF declared the area a closed military area which prevented the arrival of Palestinians residents to their land. IOF evacuated farmers grazing their sheep on the land and threatened the farmers with confiscation of their sheep if they did not move.
- At approximately 10:00 on Friday, 22 July 2005, dozens of Palestinian civilians and international solidarity activists organized a peaceful demonstration in Bal'ein village, west of Ramallah, in protest to the construction of the Wall. IOF fired rubber-coated metal bullets and tear gas canisters at the demonstrators. Seven Palestinian civilians suffered from tear gas inhalation.
4. Settlement Activities and Attacks by Settlers against Palestinian Civilians and Property
Israeli settlers (living in the OPT in violation of international humanitarian law) have continued their attacks against Palestinian civilians and property:
- On Thursday morning, 21 July 2005, Israeli military bulldozers razed five donums of Palestinian agricultural land belonging to Hassan Mousa Eshtaiwi and Ahmed Khader 'Abbas in Kufor Qaddoum village, east of Qalqilya. According to eyewitnesses, the bulldozers also uprooted dozens of olive trees.
- Also on Thursday morning, IOF erected a military observation tower at the southern entrance to al-Khader village, south of Bethlehem. According to local sources, the tower was erected at the crossroads that leads to bypass road No. 60 which links between the Tunnel area and "Kfar Etzion" settlement.
- Also on Thursday morning, IOF issued a military order confiscating 8.1 donums of land in Bourin village, south of Nablus. The land is located near an Israeli military post to the northwest of the village.
- On Friday evening, 22 July 2005, Israeli settlers living in "Avraham Avino" settlement post in the old town of Hebron launched a series of attacks on Palestinian civilians and property. According to eyewitnesses, dozens of settlers rushed into the streets and threw stones at Palestinian houses.
- Also on Friday evening, a number of Israeli settlers moved from "Yitshar" settlement and attacked a number of Palestinian houses in 'Ourif village, southeast of Nablus. According to eyewitnesses, the settlers attacked houses and tried to break their doors in the east of the village. Soon, IOF arrived at the area and fired tear gas canisters at Palestinian civilians who gathered to protect their houses.
- On Sunday evening, 24 July 2005, a number of Israeli settlers from "Ramat Yishai" settlement post in Tal Rumaida neighbourhood in the centre of Hebron threw stones and empty bottles at a house belonging to Tayseer Abu 'Eisha. The owner sustained bruises to the left hand.
- On Monday, 25 July 2005, IOF seized two donums of land belonging to Sa'dallah 'Amru in Tal Rumaida neighborhood in Hebron. IOF set up tents on the seized land. It is worth noting that the land is located nearly 800 metres away from "Ramat Yishai" settlement post.
- On Monday, 25 July 2005 at midday, a number of Israeli settlers from "Halmish" settlement, north of Ramallah, raided a tract of agricultural land belonging to Wasfi Hamdan, 60, from Beitillo village, west of Ramallah. They damaged five planted donums of land, destroyed irrigation networks and uprooted some olive trees.
- At approximately 20:00 on Monday, IOF, accompanied by bulldozers, moved into al-Sala'a neighborhood in Jabal al-Mukabber village, southeast of Jerusalem. They demolished a 120-square-metre house belonging to 'Aatef Abu Hassan.
- At approximately 10:00 on Tuesday, 26 July 2005, IOF, accompanied by a bulldozer, moved into Brouqin village, southeast of Qalqilya. They demolished a 160-square-metre, two-storey uninhabited house belonging to Sati Jameel 'Aamer.
- Also at approximately 10:00 on Tuesday, IOF, accompanied by a bulldozer, moved into al-Fundoq village, east of Qalqilya. They demolished a 250-square-metre, two-storey uninhabited house belonging to Yasser Salama Rei'. They also demolished a room in a house belonging to Akram Tayseer Rei'.
- Also at approximately 10:00 on Tuesday, IOF, accompanied by a bulldozer, moved into Jeinsafout village, east of Qalqilya. IOF demolished a shop of furniture belonging to 'Abdul Hafiz Kamel Shuraim and confiscated a mobile room used by Muneer Sayel Rezeq as an office in a granite factory. They also requested Shuraim to pay the expenses of the demolition of his shop, and Rezeq to pay 1000 NIS (approximately US$ 225) in exchange for the transportation of the confiscated mobile room.
- On Tuesday evening, 26 July 2005, an Israeli settler ran down a Palestinian child from Beit Ummar village, north of Hebron.
According to investigations conducted by PCHR, at approximately 22:00, Mousa Jamal Ibrahim al-'Alama, 14, was driving his motorcycle near an Israeli military post at the eastern entrance of Beit Ummar village. An Israeli civilian car that was traveling very fast ran the child down. Israeli solders positioned in the neighboring military post called for an Israeli ambulance, which evacuated the child to a clinic in the neighboring "Efrat" settlement. At approximately 23:30, medical sources of Palestine Red Crescent Society declared that the child died from his injury. It is worth noting that the place of the incident usually witness active transportation of settlers. It also links between Bet Ummar village and al-'Arroub refugee camp, which are densely populated areas.
At approximately 08:00 on Wednesday 27 July 2005, the IOF with a number of jeeps and military bulldozers incurred into al Khader village, south of Bethlehem city. The bulldozer started demolishing three houses that are located in the south-east of the village, close to an Israeli settlement (Afrat) which was established on the village lands. These houses are owned by:
1. Raja Hassan Dado, 2 floors, 150 square metres, 3 persons;
2. Jafaer Yakoub Dado, 1 floor of 100 square metres, 7 persons; and
3. Hasan Yakoub Dado, 150 square metres, 3 families consisting of 9 persons.
Recommendations to the International Community
1. PCHR calls upon the High Contracting Parties to the Fourth Geneva Convention to fulfill their legal and moral obligations under Article 1 of the Convention to ensure Israel's respect for the Convention in the Occupied Palestinian Territory. PCHR believes the conspiracy of silence practiced by the international community has encouraged Israel to act as if it is above the law and encourages Israel continue to violate international human rights and humanitarian law.
2. PCHR calls upon the High Contracting Parties to the Fourth Geneva Convention to convene a conference to take effective steps to ensure Israel's respect of the Convention in the OPT and to provide immediate protection for Palestinian civilians.
3. PCHR calls upon the High Contracting Parties to the Fourth Geneva Convention to comply with its legal obligations detailed in Article 146 of the Convention to search for and prosecute those responsible for grave breaches, namely war crimes.
4. PCHR recommends international civil society organizations, including human rights organizations, bar associations and NGOs to participate in the process of searching for Israeli those accused of grave breaches of international law and to urge their governments to bring these people to justice.
5. PCHR calls upon the European Union to activate Article 2 of the Euro-Israel Association Agreement, which provides that Israel must respect human rights as a precondition for economic cooperation between the EU states and Israel. PCHR further calls upon the EU states to prohibit import of goods produced in illegal Israeli settlements in the OPT.
6. PCHR calls upon the member States of the EU, and all other states, to adopt a voting pattern at the UN bodies, particularly the General Assembly, Security Council and Commission on Human Rights which is keeping with international law.
7. PCHR demands that the International Court of Justice Advisory Opinion be immediately implemented by the international community.
8. PCHR calls on the international community to recognize the proposed Gaza disengagement plan for what it is - not an end to occupation but compounding the occupation and the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip.
9. In recognition of ICRC as the guardian of the Fourth Geneva Convention, PCHR calls upon the ICRC to increase its staff and activities in the OPT, including for facilitating family visitations to Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails.
10. PCHR appreciates the efforts of international civil society, including human rights organizations, bar associations, unions and NGOs, and urges them to continue their role in pressuring their governments to secure Israel's respect for human rights in the OPT and to end its attacks on Palestinian civilians.
11. In light of the severe restrictions imposed by the Israeli government and its occupying forces on access for international organizations to the OPT, PCHR calls upon European countries to deal the same way with Israeli citizens.
12. PCHR reiterates that any political settlement not based on international human rights law and humanitarian law cannot lead to a peaceful and just solution of the Palestinian question. Rather, such an arrangement can only lead to further suffering and instability in the region. Any peace agreement or process must be based on respect for international law, including international human rights and humanitarian law.
For further information please visit our website (http://www.pchrgaza.org) or contact PCHR’s office in Gaza City, Gaza Strip by email (pchr@pchrgaza.org) or telephone (+972 (0)8 2824776 -- 2825893).