Weekly report on Israeli human rights violations in the Occupied Palestinian Territories 25 Sep - 1 Oct 2003

Israeli Forces continue to commit human rights violations in the OPT

• 9 Palestinians, including a child, were killed by Israeli forces.
  
  
• Israeli forces conducted a series of incursions into Palestinian areas in the West Bank and Gaza Strip.
  
  
• 18 houses were destroyed by Israeli forces in Rafah.
  
  
• Houses were raided and a number of Palestinian civilians were arrested
  
  
• More areas of agricultural land were razed in the Gaza Strip
  
  
• 2 houses in Jenin and Hebron were destroyed by Israeli forces as part of the continued campaign of retaliation against the families of wanted Palestinians and those who allegedly carried out armed attacks against Israeli targets
  
  
• Construction of the separation wall in the West Bank continued
  
  
• Indiscriminate shelling of Palestinian residential areas continued and a number of Palestinian civilians were injured
  
  
• Israeli forces have imposed a comprehensive closure on the West Bank and Gaza Strip

On Monday, 29 September 2003, the al-Aqsa Intifada entered its 4th year, during which time hundreds of Palestinians have been killed and thousands have been wounded. The al-Aqsa Intifada erupted following Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's provocative visit to al-Aqsa Mosque (the Holy Sanctuary) in occupied Jerusalem, which provoked outrage among Palestinians, Arabs and Muslims around the world. Over the last three years, Israeli occupying forces have perpetrated grave breaches of international law, including war crimes, against Palestinian civilians, in a manner unprecedented since 1967. The third year of the Intifada witnessed an increasing escalation in Israeli war crimes as the international community remained silent and the High Contracting Parties to the Fourth Geneva Convention of 1949 failed to meet their obligations to ensure respect for the Convention in the Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPTs) and provide protection for Palestinian civilians. The international silence has served to encourage the Israeli government and its occupying forces to perpetrate more war crimes with impunity against Palestinian civilians. Over the last 12 months, Israeli occupying forces have stepped up illegal operations in the OPTs, including:

• Incursions and redeployment into Palestinian Authority controlled areas
  
  
• Destruction of houses and civilian property.
  
  
• Using Palestinian civilians as human shields during military operations in the OPTs
  
  
• The escalation of the collective punishment of the families of Palestinians who carried out, planned or facilitated attacks against Israeli targets
  
  
• Willful killing of Palestinian civilians
  
  
• Indiscriminate shelling using various forms of weaponry, including warplanes, tanks and machine guns
  
  
• Collective punishment of Palestinian civilians
  
  
• Extra-judicial assassinations against Palestinian activists
  
  
• Arbitrary arrests and placing Palestinians in administrative detention
  
  
• Closure of border crossings
  
  
• Isolating Jerusalem from its Palestinian surroundings and denying access to the city's holy sites
  
  
• Attacks on journalists and medical personnel
  
  
• Construction of the separation wall in the West Bank, which will cause the de facto annexation of large areas of the West Bank to Israel
  
  
• Continued siege of the Palestinian presidential compound in Ramallah and the recent preliminary decision to deport the Palestinian President

This week, Israeli occupying forces have perpetrated more violations of human rights against Palestinian civilians in the (OPTs), including extra-judicial and willful killings, indiscriminate shelling of residential areas, incursions into Palestinian areas, house demolitions, land leveling and arrests. Israeli authorities also seized more Palestinian land for the purpose of the construction of the separation wall while maintaining a total siege on the OPTs. This week, 9 Palestinians, including a child, were killed and more than 30 others were wounded by Israeli occupying forces.

In a continuation of the policy of extra-judicial assassinations officially adopted by the Israeli political and security establishments, Israeli occupying forces carried out two assassinations in the West Bank this week. Four Palestinians were killed in these operations, including one non-targeted person.

On Thursday morning, 25 September 2003, Israeli occupying forces extra-judicially assassinated two Palestinians in the West Bank town of Hebron. They also wounded the brother of one of the victims as he was arrested. Israeli occupying forces claimed that they exchanged fire with the two victims, however, eyewitnesses denied this claim.

On Wednesday afternoon, 1 October 2003, an undercover unit of Israeli occupying forces assassinated a Palestinian in Tulkarm refugee camp, claiming that he was wanted for being a member of the Islamic Jihad Movement. In addition, 5 Palestinian civilians were wounded, one of whom died at hospital one hour later.

In the Gaza Strip, Israeli occupying forces conducted 5 incursions into Palestinian areas, destroying a number of Palestinian houses. The largest incursion was in Rafah refugee camp near the Egyptian border on 1 October 2003. During this incursion, Israeli occupying forces destroyed 13 Palestinian houses completely and 5 others partially. About 270 Palestinian civilians were left homeless. On Thursday morning, 25 September 2003, Israeli occupying forces encroached into al-Bureij refugee camp in the central Gaza Strip. The incursion left 3 Palestinians dead, including a 3-year-old child who died from a heart attack. 6 other civilians were wounded, including a 13-year-old child.

This week, Israeli occupying forces shelled Palestinian residential areas in Rafah and Khan Yunis, injuring 11 Palestinian civilians, including 5 children.

Israel continues to implement plans to annex even more Palestinian land in violation of international law. In one example, Israeli occupying forces continue construction of the separation wall in the West Bank. According to Israeli media reports, on Monday, 29 September 2003, Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon informed the Likud Party block in the Knesset that the tract of the separation wall currently being planned will be built east of "Ariel" settlement (south of Nablus) and east of "Qidumim" settlement (southwest of Nablus). This tract of the separation barrier encroaches approximately 30km into Palestinian territory in the West Bank. The result is inevitable Israeli annexation of large areas of Palestinian land in Tulkarm and Qalqilya Districts as these areas are cut off from the rest of the West Bank. In the meantime, the UN Special Rapporteur, John Dougard, issued his report on the human rights situation in the OPTs. The report states that Israel is determined to create a situation on the ground that can result in the de facto annexation of Palestinian land, and that the separation wall will isolate about 210,000 Palestinians living in areas between the wall and the Green Line from their lands, schools, work places and hospitals.

Israeli archaeologists warned of the damage to historical sites incurred by land leveling for the purpose of the construction of the wall. According of inhabitants of al-Sawahra village, southeast of Jerusalem, on Friday, 26 September 2003, they saw staff members of the Israeli archaeologist authority removing a number of ancient monuments from the area. While PCHR remains concerned for the consequences of the construction of the wall, it calls upon the international community, particularly the UNESCO to immediately intervene to protect Palestinian historical sites from destruction and robbing by Israeli occupying forces.

In violation of international humanitarian law, in particular the Geneva Convention Relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War of 1949, article 33 of which prohibits punishing any protected person for "an offence he or she has not personally committed," Israeli forces continued to take retaliatory measures against the families of Palestinians Israel alleges have ordered, facilitated, or carried out attacks against Israeli targets. In this context, they destroyed 2 Palestinian houses in Jenin and Hebron.

Israeli occupying forces have maintained a strict siege on the OPTs, particularly in the West Bank, restricting movement of Palestinian civilians. In the Gaza Strip, this week, Israeli occupying forces at Abu Houli and al-Matahen checkpoints, north of Khan Yunis, on Salah al-Din Street (the main road between the north and south of the Gaza Strip) restricted movement of Palestinian civilians traveling between the north and south of the Gaza Strip. They also obstructed travel procedures at Rafah Terminal on the Egyptian border.

In the West Bank, Israeli occupying forces continued to tighten their military siege on Palestinian communities. They have denied Palestinian farmers attempting to access their agricultural lands in order to cultivate their olives and other crops. Also this week, a Palestinian woman died from a heart attack as ambulances were not able to attend her on time.

Shelling of, and Encroachment into Palestinian Areas and Attacks on Palestinian Civilians and Property:

Thursday, 25 September 2003

In the morning, Israeli occupying forces encroached into al-Bureij refugee camp in the central Gaza Strip. The incursion left 3 Palestinians dead, including a 3-year-old child who died from a heart attack. 6 other civilians were wounded, including a 13-year-old child.

According to PCHR's investigations, at approximately 02:45, Israeli occupying forces reinforced with military vehicles, moved into block 1 of al-Breij refugee camp in the central Gaza Strip. Israeli forces advanced 4 kilometers into the area from nearby "Netzarim" settlement and surrounded the homes of 2 allegedly wanted Palestinians. The first house belongs to Nour 'Abdul Qader Saji' Abu 'Armaneh, 20 and was home to 9 people, while the second house belongs to Faris Ibrahim Khalil Shaheen, 27. Israeli occupying forces claimed that both men were wanted.

Shaheen and his family were not at home at the time of the incident, however Abu 'Armaneh managed to escape from his house after it was surrounded by Israeli occupying forces and fled to a neighboring house belonging to an uncle, Hatem. Israeli forces followed him and surrounded his uncle's house, but he managed to flee again to the home of another uncle, Ashraf. Israeli occupying forces followed Abu 'Armaneh and raided the second house, detaining 11 residents together in one room. Abu 'Armaneh was killed following an exchange of fire with Israeli soldiers on the second floor of the house.

Israeli occupying forces took both of Abu 'Armaneh's uncles to the Nahal 'Oz area for interrogation. Both men were assaulted before they were released and are currently receiving medical attention.

During the Israeli incursion into al-Bureij refugee camp, a number of Palestinians confronted the Israeli occupying forces. The confrontation resulted in the killing of Mohammad Basheer Mohammad 'Aqel, 25, from Nusseirat refugee camp. 6 other Palestinians sustained various injuries. The incursion was accompanied by heavy and indiscriminate shelling from Israeli helicopter gunships, which damaged a number of electricity transmitters and severed the flow of electricity to large portions of the southern Gaza Strip.

At approximately 06:00, upon the withdrawal of Israeli occupying forces from the refugee camp, medical sources declared that Lina Hassan Hamoudeh 'Essa, 3, died from a heart attack following heavy Israeli shelling in the area.

Those wounded were:

1. Saleh 'Abdul Halim Noufal, 13, wounded by a live bullet in the left hand;

2. Mohammed Saleh al-Tawil, 23, wounded by a live bullet in the left foot;

3. Hussam Jihad Farajallah, 22, wounded by 2 live bullets in the left shoulder and side;

4. Eihab Ali Shaheen, 21, wounded by a live bullet in the left hand;

5. Shadi Jaber Afana, 21, wounded by a live bullet in the left foot; and

6. 'Abdul Halim Saleh Noufal, 37, wounded by shrapnel in the feet.

At approximately 18:00, Israeli occupying forces positioned in military locations between "Gani Tal" and "Neve Dekalim" settlements, west of Khan Yunis, opened fire at Palestinian houses in al-Nimsawi neighborhood and Khan Yunis refugee camp. Two Palestinian civilians were wounded near their houses:

1. Mustafa Mohammed 'Awadh, 12, wounded by shrapnel in the right thigh; and

2. Joma'a 'Abdul Hadi Dahlan, 19, wounded by a live bullet in the right foot.

At approximately 21:00, Israeli occupying forces positioned in military locations in the vicinity of "Neve Dekalim" settlement, west of Khan Yunis, opened fire at Palestinian houses in Khan Yunis refugee camp. Two Palestinian civilians were wounded:

1. Mohammed Sufian 'Aabdin, 17, wounded by a live bullet in the right shoulder; and

2. Yousef Zayed Abu Mukhaimer, 42, wounded by shrapnel in the left hand.

At approximately 23:00, medical sources at Shifa Hospital in Gaza city declared that 'Ezzat Salem Abu Swaireh, 68, from Nusseirat refugee camp in the central Gaza Strip, died from an injury he sustained on 18 September 2003. According to PCHR's investigation, Abu Swaireh was seriously wounded when Israeli occupying forces encroached into Nusseirat refugee camp and shelled the house of his son, Jihad, allegedly wanted by Israeli forces. Jihad was killed, while his father and brother were wounded.

Friday, 26 September 2003

At approximately 07:00, Israeli occupying forces positioned in military locations along the Egyptian border, south of Rafah, opened fire at a number of Palestinian children who were playing in the street in Yibna refugee camp. One of the children, Ayman Na'im Barhoum, 11, was wounded by a live bullet in the pelvis.

At approximately 14:30, medical sources at al-Maqassed Hospital in Jerusalem declared that Ibrahim Khalil Abu al-Rub, 23, from Jenin, died from an injury he sustained last week. According to PCHR's documentation, on 19 September 2003, Israeli occupying forces that had moved into Jenin on the preceding day opened fire at Palestinian houses and markets in the town. Abu al-Rub was seriously wounded by a live bullet in the neck. Five other Palestinians were also wounded by Israeli gunfire. Abu al-Rub was first evacuated to Rafidya Hospital in Nablus and was transferred to al-Maqassed Hospital on 23 September 2003.

Saturday, 27 September 2003

At approximately 06:15, Israeli occupying forces positioned in military locations in the vicinity of "Neve Dekalim" and "Gadid" settlements, west of Khan Yunis, opened fire at Palestinian houses in Baten al-Samin and al-Amal neighborhoods to the east. 9-year-old Amani Fu'ad Barbakh was wounded by a live bullet in the right foot. She was wounded while she was near her house, approximately 700m away from the source of fire.

At approximately 10:20, Israeli occupying forces positioned in military locations along the Egyptian border, south of Rafah, opened fire at Palestinian houses in Yibna refugee camp, adjacent to the border. 10-year-old Mohammed Hamdan Barhoum, 10, was wounded by a live bullet in the right thigh.

At approximately 15:40, Israeli occupying forces positioned in a military location at the entrance to "Morag" settlement, north of Rafah, opened fire at nearby Palestinian houses. A Palestinian civilian, Mohammed Mahmoud Badawi, 30, was wounded by a live bullet in the left thigh.

Sunday, 28 September 2003

At approximately 09:00, Israeli occupying forces, reinforced by heavy military vehicles, including 2 bulldozers, moved approximately 1km into al-Mughraqa village, south of Gaza city. They destroyed a 700-meter-long road that links between the village and a number of civilian facilities and leads to 8 houses, in which 60 people live. They also uprooted 15 olive trees, and destroyed a 500-meter-long water pipeline owned by Khalil 'Abed Dalloul.

At approximately 10:00, Israeli soldiers in a tank and a military jeep opened fire at a number of Palestinian civilians who were walking on a muddy road northeast of Nablus. Mohammed Taher Ibrahim al-Saleh, from al-Bathan village, northeast of Nablus, was wounded by shrapnel from live bullets in the right hand.

At approximately 13:00, Israeli occupying forces, reinforced by 2 tanks and a bulldozer, moved approximately 100m into the eastern portion of al-Maghazi refugee camp in the central Gaza Strip. They razed a 2.5-donum area of agricultural land planted with citrus and olives owned by Jamal Hassan Yousef Abu Shanab.

At approximately 13:30, an Israeli military jeep moved into Beit Fourik village, east of Nablus. It parked on the main road and Israeli soldiers began provoking Palestinian civilians. A number of school children who were leaving their schools at the end of the school day gathered and threw stones at the soldiers. Immediately, Israelis soldiers fired at the children, wounding 12-year-old Mohammed Yousef Sari Nasasra with a rubber-coated metal bullet in the left leg.

At approximately 20:00, an infantry unit of Israeli occupying forces moved from "Netzarim" settlement, south of Gaza city, into Palestinian farms in Sheikh 'Ejlin area in the south of the city. Then the Israeli soldiers ambushed a Palestinian civilian, Hamed Shehada Abu 'Awad, 17, while he was going back home. They stopped Abu 'Awad, beat him and interrogated him. When he protested against such practices, the officer of the unit poured an unknown liquid into his mouth, which numbed his face and made it impossible to speak. The effects of the liquid lasted for two hours. After the ordeal, Abu awad partially lost his consciousness. The Israeli soldiers took him to his house, searched the entire structure and threatened to demolish the home if "Netzarim" settlement was ever attacked. In addition, the soldiers denied an ambulance access to the area in order to evacuate Abu 'Awad to the hospital. Instaed, they forced him to walk approximately 200m to the main road in the area. The Israeli occupation forces withdrew from the area at approximately 04:00 on the following day.

Monday, 29 September 2003

At approximately 11:00, an Israeli force comprised of a tank, an armored personnel carrier and 3 military jeeps moved into al-Sabbat neighborhood in the eastern region of Jenin. A number of Palestinian civilians gathered and threw stones towards the Israeli military vehicles. Immediately, Israeli soldiers began firing at the stone throwers and surrounding houses. A woman and a child were wounded:

1. Tarab Taja Zarai'a, 45, wounded by a live bullet in the left foot; and

2. 'Omar 'Abdul Latif Masharqa, 13, wounded by a live bullet in the right foot.

At approximately 13:45, an Israeli military force of an armored personnel carrier and 2 military jeeps moved into al-Hisba area in the east of Nablus. A number of Palestinian school children gathered and threw stones towards the Israeli military force. Immediately, Israeli soldiers opened fire at the children, wounding 2:

1. Sharif Majdi Hassan Ghouri, 10, wounded by a rubber-coated metal bullet in the head; and

2. Mo'taz Maher 'Abdul Jawad Salhab, 12, wounded by a rubber-coated metal bullet in the right leg.

At the same time, Israeli occupying forces positioned in military locations between "Neve Dekalim" and "Gani Tal" settlements, west of Khan Yunis, opened fire at Palestinian houses in al-Sad al-'Aali area in Khan Yunis refugee camp. Two Palestinian civilians were wounded while they were inside their houses:

1. Kulaiba Mohammed 'Ouda Abu Mustafa, 55, wounded by a live bullet in the left hand; and

2. Eyad Fayez 'Arram, 25, wounded by a live bullet in the right shoulder.

At approximately 17:15, Israeli occupying forces positioned in military locations along the Egyptian border, south of Rafah, opened fire at Palestinian residential areas in the town. A Palestinian civilian, Ibrahim Suleiman Qeshta, 25, was seriously wounded by a live bullet in the head. Qeshta was near his shop, approximately 900m north of the border.

Tuesday, 30 September 2003

This morning there was another attack on Palestinian educational institutions by the Israeli occupation forces. According to eyewitness testimony, Israeli soldiers positioned in military locations along the Egyptian border, south of Rafah, opened fire at a UNRWA female preparatory school, approximately 400m to the north of the border. One of the school children, 15-year-old Islam Jamal Abu Hamra was wounded by shrapnel in the head. Walls of the school were also damaged.

Wednesday, 1 October 2003

In the morning, Israeli occupying forces demolished 18 houses in Block L of Rafah refugee camp in the southern Gaza Strip. The demolition operation took place while Israeli occupation forces opened fire indiscriminately and intensely shelled the area. The incursion was followed by further shelling as Israeli forces withdrew. The demolitions left 270 Palestinians homeless. Ost of those affected were children. The 270 homeless civilians adds to the thousands of other Palestinians whose homes have been demolished in similar Israeli military operations throughout the Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPT). In Rafah alone, Israeli occupying forces have demolished hundreds of Palestinian homes during similar operations since the beginning of the al-Aqsa Intifada in September 2000. Such demolitions are justified by Israeli authorities for "security" reasons. However, the facts on the ground strongly suggest that these demolitions represent a strategic policy to clear a large area of Palestinian land near the border with Egypt. Israeli land clearing operations facilitate a wide "buffer zone" along the border and greatly increase Israeli military control in the area. In addition, Israeli forces have begun construction of a concrete and metal wall parallel to the border with Egypt. Construction is occurring on land cleared of Palestinian homes in demolition operations similar to that which occurred today.

According to PCHR's investigations, at approximately 01:00, Israeli occupying forces, accompanied by tanks and 4 bulldozers, invaded the area and moved 200m inside Block L of Rafah refugee camp, located adjacent to the Palestinian border with Egypt. Under heavy shelling, and without any prior warning, bulldozers started to demolish houses inside the camp. Israeli occupying forces did not allow residents to remove belongings from their homes before destroying the structures. The military operation continued until 05:00, during which time 18 homes were demolished (13 completely and 5 partially).

As a result of the operation, 44 Palestinian families comprising 270 people (most of whom are children) were made homeless. During the invasion, Israeli occupying forces raided the home of Ahmed Jaber, using it as a military post from which they shot at Palestinian civilians in the area. 2 Palestinians were injured during the attack, 1 seriously:

1. Kamal 'Ezziddin al-Bashiti, 47, sustained serious shrapnel wounds to the head; and

2. Khairi 'Abed Barhoum, 37, shrapnel wound to the right hand.

Following are details of the houses that were demolished:

1. Israeli occupation forces totally demolished a 100-square-meter house owned by Mousa Joma'a Hassan Abu Jazar, in which 2 families (16 people) lived;

2. Israeli occupation forces totally demolished a 220-square-meter, asbestos-roofed house owned by Hamda Ahmed 'Abdul Karim 'Abdul 'Aal, in which 3 families (18 people) lived;

3. Israeli occupation forces totally demolished a 200-square-meter, asbestos-roofed house owned by Suleiman Hamdan Yousef Abu Jazar, in which 2 families (12 people lived;

4. Israeli occupation forces totally demolished a 125-square-meter, asbestos-roofed house owned by Nazmia Mohammed Khalil Abu Jazar, in which 2 families (11 people) lived;

5. Israeli occupation forces totally demolished a 100-square-meter house owned by Younis Mohammed Salem al-'Arja, in which 12 people lived;

6. Israeli occupation forces totally demolished a 150-square-meter, asbestos-roofed house owned by Saleh Mohammed Salem al-'Arja, in which 10 people lived;

7. Israeli occupation forces totally demolished a 156-square-meter, asbestos-roofed house owned by Khader 'Abdul Hamid Abu Ghali, in which 5 people lived;

8. They totally demolished a 170-square-meter, asbestos-roofed house owned by Sarah Ibrahim Shehada Radwan, in which 4 families (32 people) lived;

9. They totally demolished a 100-square-meter, asbestos-roofed house owned by 'Aadel 'Abdul Rahman Mohammed Abu Leila, in which 5 people lived;

10. They totally demolished a 100-square-meter, asbestos-roofed house owned by Fathi Shafiq Saqer, in which 7 people lived;

11. They totally demolished a 130-square-meter house owned by Amin Khalil 'Omar Shaqfa, in which 10 people lived;

12. They totally demolished a 90-square-meter, asbestos-roofed house owned by Ahmed 'Ali Khalil Shaqfa, in which one person lived;

13. They totally demolished a 200-square-meter, asbestos-roofed house owned by Khader Mohammed Hussein al-Habibi, in which 9 people lived;

14. They partially demolished a 150-square-meter house owned by Shafiq 'Omar Saleh 'Eissa, in which 6 families (30 people) live;

15. They partially demolished a 300-square-meter, asbestos-roofed house owned by Rezeq 'Abdul 'Aziz 'Ali al-'Absi, in which 6 families (32 people) live;

16. They partially demolished a 120-square-meter, asbestos-roofed house owned by Mahmoud 'Abdul Hamid Salama Abu Ghali, in which 2 families (13 people) live;

17. They partially demolished a 140-square-meter, asbestos-roofed house owned by 'Abdullah Ibrahim Mohammed 'Omran, in which 2 families (6 people) live;

18. They partially demolished a 250-square-meter, asbestos-roofed house owned by Ahmed 'Abdul Latif Jaber Jaber, in which 4 families (4 people) live.

At approximately 14:00, Israeli occupying forces, reinforced by 2 tanks and a military bulldozer, moved approximately 100m into al-Satar al-Gharbi area in the northwest of Khan Yunis, and began razing areas of Palestinian agricultural land:

1. They razed a 5-donum area of agricultural land planted with olives and destroyed an irrigation network owned by Mustafa 'Olayan al-Astal.

2. They razed a 3-donum area of agricultural land planted with peppers and destroyed an irrigation network and a water pump owned by Mahmoud Ahmed Zaida.

Extra-Judicial Assassinations

In a continuation of the Israeli policy of extra-judicial assassinations officially adopted by the Israeli political and security establishments, Israeli occupying forces carried out two assassinations in the West Bank, which left 4 Palestinians dead, including one non-targeted person.

On Thursday morning, 25 September 2003, Israeli occupying forces extra-judicially assassinated two Palestinians in the West Bank town of Hebron, and also wounded the bother of one of the victims upon arrest. Israeli occupying forces claimed that the two victims fired on them, but eyewitnesses denied this claim.

According to investigations conducted by PCHR, at approximately 00:10, an undercover unit of Israeli occupying forces in civilian cars, reinforced by infantry, more than 10 military jeeps, two tanks and an ambulance, infiltrated into the southwestern part of 'Eissi neighborhood in the west of Hebron. At approximately 01:00, these forces deployed in the area in a combat position. They surrounded a cave located in a vineyard of the area. After raiding a number of civilian houses and confining the residents of these houses to a single room, several Israeli snipers took positions on the roofs of the appropriated buildings. At approximately 01:30, residents of the area heard sounds of intense gunfire. At approximately 01:45, they heard Israeli soldiers ordering a person to raise his hands and take off his clothes, while the targeted individual repeatedly yelled: "I am 'Ammar." Approximately an hour after "Ammar" surrendered and was taken into custody, residents in the area heard sounds of 3 live bullets being fired from the local where "'Ammar" was being held by Israeli soldiers, approximately 50m away from the cave. According to eyewitnesses, Israeli soldiers fired at 'Ammar Shwaiki, 19, who immediately shouted that he was wounded. Israeli soldiers handcuffed and arrested him. He was taken to a hospital in occupied Jerusalem and was treated for 3 bullets wounds in the right shoulder. At approximately 06:50, Israeli soldiers removed the bodies of two Palestinians who were killed by Israeli shooting during the operation:

1. Diab 'Abdul Rahim 'Abdul Rahman Shuwaiki, 30, allegedly wanted by Israeli authorities for being the leader of al-Quds Brigade, the military wing of the Islamic Jihad in Hebron; and

2. 'Abdul Rahman 'Abdul Aziz al-Qeeq al-Talahmi, 27, from Dura, west of Hebron, allegedly wanted for being a member of the Islamic Jihad.

It is worth noting that Israeli occupying forces attempted to assassinate Shwaiki in the north of Hebron approximately 18 months ago, however, he survived the attempt. On 25 September 2002, Israeli occupying forces destroyed his house and the house of his parents' in the west of Hebron. 'Azzam Shwaiki, 42, the elder brother of Dian Shwaiki, has been detained by Israeli occupying forces since 10 April 2003.

On Wednesday afternoon, 1 October 2003, an undercover unit of Israeli occupying forces assassinated a Palestinian in Tulkarm refugee camp, claiming that he was wanted for being a member of the Islamic Jihad. In addition, 5 Palestinian civilians were wounded, one of whom died at a hospital one hour later.

According to PCHR's investigations, at approximately 13:45, a number of young Palestinian men were in the house of their friend Sami Suleiman Tarabil Hilal, 24, located near the center of Tulkarm refugee camp. While they were sitting in a room on the ground floor, overlooking the main street, a civilian car with a Palestinian registration number stopped near the house. 4 persons, armed with machine guns and wearing civilian clothes, got out of the car. They opened fire at the room from a distance of 5 meters. Immediately, Mazen Yousef Mubarak al-Badawi, 32, from Shwaika neighborhood in the north of Tulkarm, was killed by 2 live bullets to the head and the chest. In addition, 5 civilians were wounded, including Rabah Ibrahim Abu Daqqa, 23, from Khan Yunis, who was seriously wounded by a live bullet in the chest. He died one hour following his evacuation to the hospital. Abu Daqqa, who was a member of the Palestinian National Security Force in Jericho, was visiting his friend Sami Hilal. PCHR's field worker in Tulkarm reported that an Israeli military force of 2 armored personnel carriers and 4 military jeeps came to the area to evacuate the undercover unit. The whole operation was carried out in only 7 minutes.

The others who were wounded were:

1. Sami Suleiman Trabil Hilal, 23, from Tulkarm refugee camp, wounded by a live bullet in the left leg;

2. Latifa Saleh Abu Miriam, 50, from Tulkarm refugee camp, wounded by shrapnel in the left forearm;

3. Mahmoud Hassan Marzouq Thulthia, 22, from Kufor al-Labad, wounded by shrapnel in the left forearm; and

4. Salah Fu'ad al-Zaita, 35, from Tulkarm refugee camp, wounded by shrapnel in the left leg.

It is worth noting that al-Badawi survived an assassination attempt carried out by Israeli occupying forces 3 months ago, which left dead Hani Kharioush.

Collective Punishment against Families of Wanted Palestinians and Those Who Have Carried out Armed Attacks against Israeli Targets

In violation of international humanitarian law, in particular the Geneva Convention Relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War of 1949, article 33 of which prohibits punishing any protected person for "an offence he or she has not personally committed"' Israeli forces took retaliatory measures against the families of Palestinians Israel alleges have ordered, facilitated, or carried out attacks against Israeli targets.

At approximately 01:00 on Thursday, 25 September 2003, an Israeli military force of 3 armored personnel carriers and 10 military jeeps moved into Seilat al-Zhaher village, southwest of Jenin. They surrounded a 140-square-meter, 2-storey house owned by Subhi 'Othman Mousa. They gave the two families (8 people) living in the house 10 minutes to evacuate it. Then, Israeli soldiers planted explosives inside the house. At approximately 02:00, they blew it up while the family's belongings were still inside. The owner's son, 'Ammar Mousa, 21, has been detained by Israeli occupying forces since 19 August 2003, when he was arrested between Fahma and 'Arraba village, north of his village, while he was allegedly on his way to carry out a bombing inside the Green Line.

At approximately 18:00 on Monday, 29 September 2003, an Israeli military force of 5 military jeeps and an armored personnel carrier moved into al-Tabaqa village, southwest of Hebron. They raided the consolation tent of the deceased Mahmoud Nassar Yousef Hamdan. They attacked the family and expelled them out of the tent. At approximately 18:40, they burnt the tent. As a result, 6 Palestinian civilians sustained bruises, burns and injuries. Israeli soldiers denied access of ambulances to the area. At approximately 03:50 on the following day, 31 September 2003, an Israeli military force of 7 military jeeps and an ambulance moved into the village again. They surrounded a 150-square-meter, 2-story house belonging to the family of the deceased Hamdan. They forced the 7 residents of the house, including 3 women and 3 children, out into the street. Israeli soldiers then planted explosives inside the house. At approximately 05:30, they destroyed the house. During this Israeli military operation, at approximately 04:00, Israeli occupying forces arrested the mother of the deceased Hamdan, Nadia Mohammed al-Talahma, 65, and 5 of his sisters: Fatema, 27; Miriam, 25; Najah, 23; Najma, 21; and 'Aalia, 19. According to eyewitnesses, Israeli soldiers insulted the 6 women verbally and beat them. Then, they took the women to the "Kfar Etzion" detention facility, north of Hebron. Approximately 12 hours later, one of the daughters, who is pregnant, was released due to the deterioration of her health.

Israeli occupying forces also arrested Salama Rashed al-Huraibat, 60, and his daughter-in-law, Rania, 23. Al-Huraibat's son, 'Adel had been arrested the previous day.

At approximately 16:30, Israeli occupying forces raided and burnt a tent that was set up to shelter the Hamdan family. They also arrested a neighbour, Yasser Badawi Abu Za'nouna, 38 and opened fire at Palestinian civilians and houses. A Palestinian woman, Latifa Shaker Mohammed 'Amru, 52, was wounded by a live bullet in the left leg.

Continued Siege on the OPT

Israeli occupying forces continue to impose a strict military siege throughout the OPT, particularly in the West Bank. This week, which coincided with the celebration of the Jewish New Year, Israeli occupying forces enforced complete closure on the OPT (see introduction), which added to the suffering of Palestinian civilians, who have been enduring internal closures for the past 3 years.

Gaza Strip

Israeli occupying forces continue to employ harsh tactics at the checkpoints throughout the Gaza Strip. Israeli forces have maintained the closure of al-Shuhadaa' junction, south of Gaza City; in addition to Jamal 'Abd al-Nasser Street between Rafah and Khan-Younis; Abu 'Ajeen road, between Wadi al-Salka village and al-Karara in Khan-Younis; as well as a number of roads connecting al-Karara and Wadi al Salka villages with Salah al-Din Street. Israeli occupying forces also continued to impose a complete siege on the Mawasi area in the southern Gaza Strip, and al-Sayafa area between the Israeli settlements of Eli Sinai and Dugit, in the northern Gaza Strip.

In the context of ongoing Israeli violations of the rights of Palestinian civilians to move freely between towns and villages, Israeli occupying forces closed the Abu Houli and Matahen checkpoints on Monday and Tuesday, 29 and 30 September 2003. Israeli soldiers held many cars between the 2 checkpoints and subjected them to thorough searches. On Monday, 29 September, a Palestinian man was detained and taken to an unknown destination and on the following day, cars and civilians were held between the 2 checkpoints until 22:00, forcing a number of Palestinian civilians to spend the night there. During this time, Israeli occupying forces arrested Islam Mahmoud Mohammad Shahwan, 23, a university student from Khan-Younis.

On Friday 26 September 2003, Israeli occupying forces tightened the siege and comprehensive closure of the Gaza Strip and West Bank. Israeli forces re-closed the Erez crossing, in the northern Gaza Strip. The closure lasted for 3 days, until Monday, 29 September 2003 and when it was finally re-opened, new restrictions were imposed whereby only workers over the age of 35 were permitted to cross the border. As a result, only 8397 out of the tens of thousands of Palestinian workers were eligible to reach their work places.

This week, Israeli occupying forces once again sought to deliberately impede movement across the Rafah crossing linking the Gaza Strip with Egypt. Since the beginning of the Intifada, the Rafah border has been the only location through which Palestinians can leave the Gaza Strip. Hundreds of Palestinian civilians, including women and children were left stranded on the Egyptian side of the crossing in appalling conditions.

West Bank

Occupied Jerusalem

On Thursday 25 September 2003, Israeli occupying forces closed the Dahiat al-Bareed checkpoint at the northern entrance to the city, for a number of hours, despite civilians and vehicles trying to enter. Israeli soldiers placed metal barriers on either sides of the checkpoint, preventing Palestinian civilians, including those holding Jerusalem ID cards, from entering or leaving the city. Israeli soldiers positioned at the Jaba', 'Anata and Shu'fat refugee camp checkpoints northeast and east of the city tightened searches of both civilians and cars. A number of Palestinians working in those areas were detained.

Hebron

On Monday evening, 29 September 2003 Samah Ahmad Shahin, 25 and mother of two, died at a checkpoint north of the village of Halhoul, north of Hebron. Shahin, who had a heart attack due to extreme fatigue, was unable to reach the hospital owing to the closure of roads with sand barriers and rocks. At approximately 15:00 on the aforementioned day, Shahin was on her way home to Hebron from a hospital in Bethlehem, where she was being treated for rheumatism, accompanied by her father and her husband Ayman Kafieshah. Shahin, who was exhausted from the long periods at closed checkpoints, began to experience sharp pains in her chest. Transporting the patient to the hospital proved difficult upon reaching the entrance to Halhoul, and the ambulance called on her behalf was unable to reach her. An hour later, Shahin died in a taxi on the way to the hospital.

Nablus

On Thursday 30 September 2003, Israeli occupying forces closed the Wadi al-Hamam road between Wadi al-Bathan village and Nablus from the northeast. Eyewitnesses informed PCHR's fieldworker that Israeli occupying forces had placed a barbed wire fence on the mountain road in that area to prevent Palestinians from reaching Nablus and its northern villages. This route is normally taken by Palestinians travelling from Jenin to Nablus. Arbitrary measures taken by Israeli forces against Palestinian civilians at the checkpoints at the town entrances continued as before.

Jenin

On Friday evening, 26 September 2003, Israeli occupying forces closed Tayaseer checkpoint in the northern valleys and al-Hamraa checkpoint in the middle valleys, preventing Palestinians from passing through. Both checkpoints are outlets from the northern West Bank to the middle and southern West Bank and Jordan. This week, dozens of teachers were unable to reach their schools in the northern and middle valleys. PCHR's fieldworker reported that Israeli measures severely disrupted schools in the villages of: Bardalah, Kardalah, 'Ein al-Baida, al-Zubaidat, Marj Na'jih, Marj al-Ghazal, al-Jaftalak and al-Fayasil. Eyewitnesses reported that Israeli soldiers prevented them from crossing the checkpoint and ordered them to return. Israeli soldiers positioned at Tayaser checkpoint, east of Tubas, also prevented Palestinian farmers from passing through the checkpoint in order to reach their lands and farms.

Tulkarm

On Saturday morning, 27 September 2003, Israeli soldiers closed the metal gate on the eastern entrance to Khirbat Jbara, south of Tulkarem. As a result, 80 students were prevented from passing through the gate and reaching their schools outside Khirbat Jbara, where there are no schools, health clinics or public transport. On Tuesday morning, 30 September 2003, Israeli soldiers prevented farmers from reaching their lands that lie beyond the separation wall. A number of farmers reported that Israeli soldiers prevented them from passing through the gate, forcing them to walk 15 kilometers to al-Kafriyat checkpoint, south of the town in order to reach their lands. This occurred despite the fact that the gate is built on the Palestinians' lands and separates them from the rest of their lands by a few meters. Al-Kafriyat checkpoint continues to be the source of severe suffering for the residents of the area both physically and financially, as they are forced to pay extra expenses for additional transportation.

Qalqilya

On Thursday morning, 25 September 2003, Israeli occupying forces closed the metal gate built in the section of the separation wall passing through the village of Kofor Tholoth, east of the town. Farmers were unable to reach their lands that lie on the other side of the wall. Accordingly, farmers are threatened not to harvest their olives. It is noted that more than 2000 dunoms of the village now lies on the other side of the wall and can only be reached through the metal gate.

PCHR calls:

1. Upon the international community to provide immediate and independent international protection for the Palestinian people in the Occupied Palestinian Territories.

2. Upon the High Contracting Parties to the Fourth Geneva Convention of 1949 to reconvene to take effective measures to protect Palestinian civilians in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, in accordance with their obligations under article 1 and article 146, to ensure respect for the Convention.

3. Upon the international community to investigate and prosecute before international courts those believed to have committed war crimes in the Occupied Palestinian Territories.

4. Upon the ICRC to enhance its presence, expand its activities, and intensify its field operations throughout the Occupied Palestinian Territories.

5. Upon the European Union to activate Article 2 of the Euro-Israeli Association Agreement, which provides that Israel must respect human rights.

6. Upon the international community to provide humanitarian and medical assistance for the Palestinian people, whose living conditions are continuing to deteriorate as a result of the continued siege imposed by Israeli occupation forces on the entire Occupied Palestinian Territories.

Footnote

¹ Those who remained inside Israel following the 1948 war

For more information please call PCHR office in Gaza, Gaza Strip, on +972 8 2824776 - 2825893

PCHR, 29 Omer El Mukhtar St., El Remal, PO Box 1328 Gaza, Gaza Strip. E-mail:pchr@pchrgaza.org, Webpage www.pchrgaza.org