Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) Perpetrate More Violations of Human Rights against Palestinian Civilians in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT)
- A number of Palestinian civilians, including four children, were injured by IOF.
- IOF conducted 40 incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank and opened fire at Palestinian residential areas in the southern Gaza Strip.
- Houses were raided and 36 Palestinian civilians, including children and women, were arrested by IOF.
- IOF have continued to impose a total siege on the OPT; IOF have imposed severe restrictions on travel through Rafah International Crossing Point; IOF have imposed more restrictions on movement in East Jerusalem; IOF have continued to close a number of roads and border crossings in the Gaza Strip since the beginning of the current Intifada; and IOF arrested 8 Palestinian civilians at military checkpoints in the West Bank.
- IOF have continued to construct the Annexation Wall in the West Bank; IOF attacked Palestinian civilians and international solidarity activists who demonstrated in protest to the construction of the Wall and arrested a number of them. Nearly 40,000 Palestinian civilians living in Shu'fat refugee camp and al-Salam area will be isolated from Jerusalem upon the completion of the wall.
- Israeli settlers have continued to attack Palestinian civilians and property in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip; a number of Palestinian civilians were injured; and 428 donums1 of land in the north of the West Bank were confiscated for the purpose of settlement expansion.
Summary
Israeli violations of international law continued in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT) during the reporting period (23 -- 29 June 2005):
Incursions and Shelling: IOF conducted 40 military incursions into Palestinian areas in the West Bank. During these incursions, IOF fired at Palestinian civilians and injured two, including a child. They also raided houses and arrested 36 Palestinian civilians, including three girls and three children. IOF also seized 25 houses and transformed them into military sites. In the Gaza Strip, IOF opened fire at Palestinian residential areas in Khan Yunis, wounding two children. Flash bombs fired by IOF burnt a room in a house in Khan Yunis. On 29 June 2005, IOF aircrafts fired two missiles at a water-well in Beit Hanoun, destroying it.
Restrictions on Movement: IOF have continued to impose a tightened siege on the OPT, including Jerusalem. Even though IOF eased the restrictions imposed on the movement of Palestinian civilians through Abu Houli and al-Matahen checkpoints on the main road, they have continued to impose severe restrictions at checkpoints erected at the entrances to Palestinian communities located near Israeli settlements. 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 remains 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. Thousands of Palestinian civilians have faced extreme difficulties while traveling back to the Gaza Strip. For instance, on Thursday, 22 June 2005, approximately 2000 Palestinian civilians, mostly children, were held at the Egyptian side of the crossing point in an 800-square-meter hall as IOF did not allow their passage to the Gaza Strip. They spent the night there. Some civilians, including patients, were forced to spend three or four days under severe conditions waiting to be allowed to cross towards the Gaza Strip.
In the West Bank, IOF have imposed severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. Since Friday evening, 24 June 2005, IOF have imposed a strict siege on Hebron district. They imposed severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians and severely beat five of them. IOF positioned at checkpoints arrested eight Palestinian civilians in the OPT. They also imposed a curfew on a number of Palestinian communities.
Annexation Wall: IOF have continued to construct the Annexation Wall inside the West Bank territory. For this purpose, they razed more areas of Palestinian land, especially in 'Anata village, northeast of East Jerusalem and the villages of Munaizel and Arab al-Ramadin, south of Hebron. At least 40,000 Palestinian civilians living in Shu'fat refugee camp and the neighboring al-Salam area will be isolated from Jerusalem upon the completion of the construction of a new section of the wall in the area. In addition, IOF used force to disperse peaceful demonstrations organized by Palestinian civilians and international and Israeli solidarity activists in protest to the construction of the Wall. A number of demonstrators were injured, and 16 others, including 15 Israeli and international solidarity activists were arrested.
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, especially in Hebron. In one of these attacks, the settlers threw a hand grenade at a house in Hebron. A Palestinian child was seriously injured. This week, IOF issued military orders confiscating 428 donums of land in the north of the West Bank, In the Gaza Strip, Israeli settlers launched a series of attacks against Palestinian civilians and property in al-Mawasi area in Khan Yunis. Five civilians, including a child, were injured. IOF also demolished eight buildings in the area, which were seized by settlers.
Israeli Violations Documented during the Reporting Period (09 -- 15 June 2005)
1. Incursions into Palestinian Areas and Attacks on Palestinian Civilians and Property
Thursday, 23 June 2005
At approximately 01:00, IOF moved into Kufor al-Dik village, southwest of Nablus. They patrolled in the streets and erected a number of checkpoints at its eastern and western entrances. No arrests were reported.
Also at approximately 01:00, IOF moved into Tammoun village, east of Jenin. They patrolled in the streets and erected a checkpoint at its western entrance. They stopped and checked Palestinian civilian vehicles, but no arrests were reported.
At approximately 02:00, IOF moved into Ethna village, west of Hebron. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested five Palestinian civilians:
1. Ziad 'Abdul 'Aziz al-Batran, 28;
2. Malek Rashed al-Batran, 16;
3. 'Omar 'Abdul 'Aziz al-Batran, 19;
4. Majed Yousef al-Batran, 26; and
5. Mahmoud Rashed al-Batran, 26.
At approximately 03:00, IOF moved into Seer village, south of Jenin. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Ja'far Abu al-wafa, 21, a university student, and arrested him.
At approximately 18:00, IOF moved into 'Azzoun village, east of Qalqilya. They opened fire at houses. Then, they raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Ahmed Mohammed Radwan, 16, and arrested him.
Friday, 24 June 2005
At approximately 00:00, IOF moved into 'Attil village, north of Bethlehem. They raided 11 houses and expelled their residents. Then, they transformed these houses into military sites. Later, IOF left four of these houses. During this incursion, IOF planted explosives into a well belonging to Sha'ban Hamdan Abu Madi and destroyed it.
Also at approximately 00:00, IOF moved into Saida village, north of Tulkarm. They raided two houses and transformed them into military sites. Then, they raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Safwat Mahmoud 'Ouda, 19, and arrested him.
In the evening, IOF initiated a wide scale military operation that included imposing a strict siege on a number of villages located to the south and southwest of Hebron. They also arrested a number of Palestinians.
According to investigations conducted by PCHR, at approximately 17:00, IOF, reinforced by dozens of military vehicles and two helicopters, moved into villages located to the south and southwest of Hebron and declared them a closed military zone. IOF patrolled in the streets and chased Palestinian civilians during their movement from one place to another. They also closed dozens of main and branch roads.
At approximately 18:00, IOF, reinforced by dozens of military vehicles and a helicopter, moved into al-Fawar refugee camp and the villages of al-Hadb, al-Hajri, al-Rihiya, al-Sammou' and Yatta. They patrolled in the streets and imposed a curfew. Then, they raided and searched houses. According to eyewitnesses, IOF raided Women's Development Center in al-Fawar refugee camp. They held and beat a number of Palestinian civilians. At approximately 23:30, IOF arrested four Palestinian civilians during house raids:
1. Tha'er Mohammed al-Titi, 22;
2. Mohammed Ibrahim Abu Warda, 21;
3. Ahmed Majed al-Titi, 19; and
4. Ibrahim 'Abdul Qader al-Bayed, 21.
Saturday, 25 June 2005
At approximately 00:30, IOF moved into Jabal Abu Rumman neighborhood in the southwest of Hebron. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested two Palestinian civilians:
1. 'Abdul Karim Ibrahim al-'Owaiwi, 22; and
2. Ya'qoub Hassan 'Eissa, 20.
At approximately 01:00, IOF moved into Dura village, southwest of Hebron. They raided a number of houses and public building and fired rubber-coated metal bullets and tear gas canisters. A Palestinian civilian, 18-year-old Salam Mohammed Reb'ei, was wounded by a rubber-coated metal bullet to the right shoulder. IOF also arrested a Palestinian woman, 25-year-old Ghizlan Suleiman Hijja.
Also at approximately 01:30, IOF moved into Sourif village, northwest of Hebron. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested a Palestinian woman, 25-year-old Suhad 'Awadallah al-Heeh.
At approximately 01:30, IOF moved into Beit Kahel village, northwest of Hebron. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested two Palestinian civilians:
1. Lu'ai Mohammed Baryoush, 24; and
2. Khalil Ahmed al-'Asafra, 29.
Also at approximately 01:30, IOF moved into Kharas village, southwest of Hebron. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested 'Aziz Mahmoud Halahla, 23..
Also at approximately 02:30, IOF moved into Burqa village, northwest of Nablus. They raided and searched Sheikh Ahmed al-Barqawi, 42, and arrested him.
At approximately 04:00, IOF moved into Kufor Ne'ma village, west of Ramallah. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested two Palestinian civilians:
1. Ahmed Nasser, 40; and
2. Ahmed Hassan, 28.
Sunday, 26 June 2005
At approximately 01:00, IOF moved into al-'Obaidiya village, east of Bethlehem. They raided and searched two houses and arrested two Palestinian civilians:
1. 'Eissa Radaida, 40; and
2. Jamal Mohammed Hassasna, 25.
Also at approximately 01:00, IOF moved into al-Duhaisha refugee camp, south of Bethlehem. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Ibrahim Hassan al-'Azz, 22, and arrested him.
At approximately 02:00, IOF moved into Kharsa village, southwest of Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Youse Isma'il Awlad Hamdan, 30, and arrested him.
At approximately 02:30, IOF moved into al-Hawuz area in the south of Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Areej Mohammed Bader, 27, and arrested her.
At approximately 12:15, IOF moved into Saffa village, west of Ramallah, and imposed a curfew.
At approximately 13:00, an IOF jeep moved into Abu Qash village, north of Ramallah. IOF opened fire at a truck that with an Israeli registration plate and deliberately collided with it. The truck turned upside down. The driver got out of the truck and escaped to a neighboring building. IOF chased and arrested him. They severely beat him. Soon, another IOF jeep and an Israeli ambulance arrived at the area. According to eyewitnesses, IOF arrested the driver who was taken on a litter to the ambulance. He has not been identified. IOF claimed that he was driving a car loaded with stolen electrical tools.
At approximately 15:00, IOF moved into Janata village, east of Bethlehem. They raided and searched a house belonging to Mohammed Kamel 'Asakra, 38, deputy head of the local council of the village, and arrested him together with his brother, 27-year-old Kamel.
At approximately 19:00, IOF moved into 'Azzoun village, east of Qalqilya. They opened fire at houses, wounding 18-year-old Majd Saber Radwan with a live bullet to the foot.
Monday, 27 June 2005
At approximately 01:30, IOF positioned in military posts between "Gani Tal" and "Neve Dekalim" settlements, west of Khan Yunis, opened fire at Palestinian houses in Khan Yunis refugee camp. They also fired flash bombs. One of these bombs fell onto of a bedroom in Ashraf Kamel Abu Nemer, where he, his wife and their child were sleeping. The furniture burnt, and the wife, 21-year-old Miriam Kamal Abu Nemer, 21, suffered from smoke inhalation. Neighbors were able to extinguish fire.
Also at approximately 02:30, IOF moved into Said village, north of Tulkarm. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested two Palestinian civilians:
1. Mo'men Suleiman Abu Samaha, 17; and
2. Salah 'Awni 'Abdul Ghani, 19.
Also at approximately 02:30, IOF moved into 'Allar village, north of Tulkarm. They raided and searched a number of houses and transformed two of them into military sites.
At approximately 03:00, IOF moved into Yatta village, south of Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Ahmed Khalil al-Harini, 28, and arrested him.
At approximately 04:00, IOF moved into al-Khader village, south of Bethlehem. They patrolled in the streets and raided and searched Daoud 'Abdullah Salah's house. No arrests were reported.
At approximately 08:00, IOF moved into 'Aaida refugee camp, north of Bethlehem. They fired live ammunition and tear gas canisters. A number of Palestinian civilians suffered from tear gas inhalation.
Tuesday, 28 June 2005
At approximately 01:00, IOF moved into Be'r al-Mahjar neighborhood, northwest of Hebron. They raided four houses belonging to the al-Qawasmi family near bypass road (35) and transformed one of them into a military site.
At approximately 02:00, IOF moved into Dura village, southwest of Hebron. They raided a house belonging to Mousa Ibrahim al-Raj'ei. They held the 17 residents in one room and transformed the house into a military site.
At approximately 04:00, IOF moved into 'Attil village, north of Tulkarm. They raided Hussam Ragheb Nemer's house. They forced residents of the house out transformed it into a military site.
Also at 04:00, IOF moved into Zeita village, north of Tulkarm. They raided three houses belonging to Sa'id Raddad, Hassan Abu Zahra and Jamil D'iab. They forced the residents out and transformed the house into military sites.
At approximately 10:00, IOF moved into al-'Arroub refugee camp, north of Hebron. They raided a number of houses in al-'Awda area and arrested two Palestinian civilians, including a child:
1. Salah Ibrahim Abu Raya, 15; and
2. Hazem Hassan 'Ajarin, 18.
At approximately 16:30, IOF raided and searched 'Abdullah Ishaq al-Ja'bari's house in al-Masharqa neighborhood in the southeast of the old town of Hebron. They transformed its roof into a military site and imposed severe restrictions.
At approximately 20:30, IOF moved into Hebron through its northern and southwestern entrance. They stopped and searched Palestinian civilian vehicles. They held and checked dozens of Palestinian civilians, including women. They beat three of these civilians:
1. 'Alaa' Asa'ad Shahin, 23;
2. Qussai 'Abdul Hamid al-Ja'bari, 19; and
3. Nader Ahmed al-Jamal, 20.
Wednesday, 29 June 2005
At approximately 04:00, IOF moved into 'Attil village, north of Taulkarm. They raided and searched 'Abdul Latif al-Daqqa's house. They forced the family out and transformed the house into a military site.
Also at approximately 04:00, IOF moved into 'Allar village, north of Tulkarm. They raided Hassan 'Abdul Rahim 'Aamer's house and transformed it into a military site.
At approximately 05:00, IOF moved into Dar Salah village, east of Bethlehem. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Eyad 'Abdullah al-Ghawarna, 29, and arrested him.
At approximately 21:00, IOF positioned in military posts in the vicinity of "Gani Tal, Neve Dekalim and Gadid" settlements, west of Khan Yunis, opened fire at al-Amal neighborhood and Khan Yunis refugee camp. Two Palestinian children were wounded:
1. Mohammed Khaled Khurais, 15, wounded by shrapnel to the head; and
2. D'iaa' 'Abdul Karim Abu Hatab, 5, wounded by a live bullet to the left thigh.
At approximately 22:40, IOF aircrafts fired two missiles at a well on an area of agricultural land belonging to Subhi Hussein al-Kafarna in the east of the northern Gaza Strip town of Beit Hanoun. The well was destroyed and Palestinian civilians were extremely terrified. IOF claimed that they targeted a store of weapons.
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 Jerusalem.
Gaza Strip
IOF have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians in the Gaza Strip, especially at Rafah International Crossing Point on the Egyptian border.
Internal Movement: IOF have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians through al-Matahen and Abu Houli checkpoints on Salah al-Din Street (the main road between the north and south of the Gaza Strip), even though they have increased the hours of opening the two checkpoints. They often close the two checkpoints and hold and check Palestinian civilians in between. At approximately 08:00 on Tuesday, 28 June 2005, IOF closed the two checkpoints for several hours. The closure continued until 14:30.
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: o 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:
At approximately 13:00 on Monday, 27 June 2005, IOF positioned at al-Tuffah checkpoint held and interrogated for five hours Anwar Hamad al-Sha'er, 17, when she was on her way back home in al-Mawasi area.
At approximately 10:00 on Wednesday, 29 June 2005, IOF closed al-Tuffah checkpoint in the face of Palestinian civilians who were on their way to al-Mawasi area.
Al-Sayafa: approximately 180 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 17:00 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. Thousands of Palestinian civilians have faced extreme difficulties while traveling back to the Gaza Strip. For instance, on Thursday, 22 June 2005, approximately 2000 Palestinian civilians, mostly children, were held at the Egyptian side of the crossing point in an 800-square-meter hall as IOF did not allow their passage to the Gaza Strip. They spent the night there. Some civilians, including patients, were forced to spend three or four days under severe conditions waiting to be allowed to cross towards the Gaza Strip. All calls by international humanitarian agencies and the Palestinian National Authority for the Israeli side to ease the suffering of Palestinian civilians have gone in vain. IOF allow only 400-500 Palestinian civilians daily to travel through the crossing point, which is a very small number, taking into consideration that many Palestinian civilians who work or study abroad travel back to the Gaza Strip for summer vacation. Some of these civilians changed their minds and decided not to travel back to the Gaza Strip. In the past three days, IOF allowed only six busses daily to cross towards the Gaza Strip. At least 120 Palestinian civilians are put in each bus, which can only absorb 50 travelers. IOF often summon and interrogate Palestinian civilians for no apparent reasons.
Beit Hanoun (Erez) crossing: IOF have allowed only approximately 5,000 Palestinian workers out of 25,000 workers who used to hold work permits before the current Intifada, to continue to enter Israel. These workers are subject to prolonged checking and humiliation by the IOF when the crossing is open. With regard to patients, IOF allow less a few patients daily to enter Israel to receive medical treatment. Patients have to walk a very long distance between the checking points which cause stresses on their already ill health. Further, Palestinian ambulances are prevented from entering Israel, so patients travel to Israeli hospitals in private cars. Many patients have been prevented from entering Israel for security claims. o 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. IOF also closed this crossing on Sunday and Monday, 12 and 13 June 2005. o 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. IOF closed the crossing on Sunday and Monday, 12 and 13 June 2005.
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.
Ramallah: On Friday morning, 24 June 2005, IOF imposed severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians in villages located to the west of Ramallah. They erected a number of checkpoints at the entrances to the villages of Shaqba, Shabtin, Rantis, Budros and Ne'lin.
On Thursday morning, IOF positioned at al-Karama International Crossing Point on the Jordanian border arrested Sheikh D'iaa' Sammour, 42, a staff members of the Palestinian Ministry of Religious Endowments from al-Ama'ari refugee camp near Ramallah, when he was traveling towards Saudi Arabia.
Hebron: IOF have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. On Friday morning, 27 May 2005, IOF imposed severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. Hundreds of Palestinian civilians were not able to reach the Ibrahimi Mosque for the Friday Prayer, due to the severe restrictions imposed by IOF on the roads leading to it. Once again, the IOF were extensively deployed in the area and they stopped and checked Palestinian civilians and held some of them for a long time. At approximately 17:30 on the same day, IOF declared areas located to the south and southwest of Hebron a closed military zone. They closed dozens of roads and prohibited the movement to and from these areas. They also erected a number of checkpoints. In the same context, IOF prevented a number of Palestinian civilians from traveling from al-Fawar refugee camp towards their homes in Hebron. These civilians, including a member of the Palestinian Legislative Council, Rafiq al-Natsha, were forced to a dirt road. On Saturday and Sunday, 25 and 26 June 2005, IOF continued to impose a tightened siege on Hebron district. They held hundreds of Palestinian civilians at military checkpoints.
At approximately 19:00 on Friday, 24 June 2005, IOF positioned at a military checkpoint at the northern entrance to al-Fawar refugee camp, southwest of Bethlehem, held two Palestinian civilians and severely beat them:
1. Waleed Mohammed al-Hamouz, 27; and
2. Tariq Asa'ad al-Titi, 22.
At the same time, IOF positioned at a military checkpoint at al-Birka -- Yatta crossroads, south of Hebron, heald and severely beat Musallam Rashed Abu Sabha, 33.
At approximately 09:00 on Saturday, 25 June 2005, IOF positioned at the northern entrance of Hebron, arrested 'Abdullah Mohammed Ghunaimat, 22, a university student from Sourif village northwest of Hebron.
On Monday noon, 27 June 2005, IOF positioned at a military checkpoint in al-Fahs area, south of Hebron, stopped and severely beat Mohammed Hassan 'Aashour, 32, when he was on his way back home in 'Aqabat Nuzaila.
On Monday afternoon, IOF positioned at a checkpoint at the northeastern entrance to the old town of Hebron stopped, checked and interrogated three Palestinian civilians or three hours. When one of them, 34-year-old Muhannad 'Abdul Jalil al-Qumairi, protested, IOF severely beat him. He sustained bruises throughout the body.
At approximately 17:00, IOF positioned at a military checkpoint in al-Fahs area at the southern entrance to Hebron stopped, checked and interrogated a number of Palestinian civilians. They severely beat one of these civilians, 32-year-old Mohammed Hassan 'Aashour. He sustained bruises throughout the body.
Bethlehem: On Sunday, 26 June 2005, IOF closed the entrances to the town and prohibited the movement of Palestinian civilians between the town and Hebron. IOF also closed bypass road (60) and prevented Palestinian civilians from traveling to al-Khader village.
At approximately 21:00 on Thursday, 23 June 2005, IOF positioned at the Container checkpoint, northeast of Bethlehem, arrested Ahmed 'Abed Abu 'Aker, 19, from al-'Azza refugee camp near Bethlehem.
At approximately 09:00 on Tuesday, 28 June 2005, IOF positioned at a military checkpoint near "Kfar Etzion" settlement, southwest of Bethlehem, arrested Dirar al-'Azza, 37, from al-'Azza refugee camp north of Bethlehem.
Nablus: IOF have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians in and around the city. On Thursday morning, 23 June 2005, IOF erected a checkpoint oat Surra crossroads, southwest of Nablus. They stopped and searched dozens of Palestinian civilian vehicles. They held dozens of young men in a trench at the roadside. On Sunday, 26 June 2005, IOF completed placing electric gates at Beit Eiba checkpoint, west of Nablus. IOF also adopted new measures of checking, under which Palestinian civilians are checked at three stages that make them wait for a long time. This checkpoint links between Nablus and the neighboring towns of Jenin, Tulkarm and Qalqilya. On Tuesday morning, 28 June 2005, IOF erected a checkpoint near Bourin crossroads, south of Nablus, only 300 meters away from Hawara checkpoint. They stopped dozens of Palestinian civilian vehicles that were traveling out of Nablus.
At approximately 17:00 on Friday, 24 June 2005, IOF positioned at Beit Eiba checkpoint, west of Nablus, arrested three Palestinian civilians from 'Ein Beit al-Maa' refugee camp, west of Nablus:
1. Lu'ain Barakat, 18;
2. Majdi Barakat, 20; and
3. Ahmed Khabbas, 19.
Tulkarm: On Thursday morning, 23 June 2005, IOF erected a checkpoint at Qiffin crossroads, north of Tulkarm, and prohibited movement to and from Qaiffin village. On Friday morning, 24 June 2005, IOF erected a checkpoint at Baqa al-Shaqiya crossroads. They held dozens of young men for at least three hours. In the meantime, IOF closed al-Kafriyat checkpoint, south of Tulkarm, until 09:00. When they reopened the checkpoint, they obstructed the passage of Palestinian civilian vehicles. At approximately 06:00 on Saturday, 25 June 2005, IOF erected a checkpoint at al-Jarousha crossroads, north of Tulkarm, and prohibited the movement of Palestinian civilians towards Tulkarm. At the same time, IOF erected a checkpoint at Baqa al-Sahrqiya crossroads and prohibited movement to and from the villages of Baqa al-Sahrqiya, Zeita and 'Allar. On Sunday morning, 26 June 2005, IOF closed the main road between the villages of 'Attil and Baqa al-Sahrqiya with sand barriers. They opened fire in the air to prevent Palestinian civilians from crossing the sand barriers. On Monday morning, 27 June 2005, IOF imposed severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians through 'Ennab checkpoint. They obstructed the passage of dozens of Palestinian civilian vehicles. Also on Monday morning, IOF closed the main entrances of the villages of 'Allar and Saida, north of Tulkarm, with sand barriers.
Jenin: On Friday morning, 24 June 2005, IOF closed the main road that links Jenin with Tubas village. According to eyewitnesses, IOF erected a number of checkpoints on the road. on Tuesday morning, 28 June 2005, IOF erected two checkpoints on Jenin -- Nablus road near the villages of al-Zawia and Wadi Da'ouq. They also erected a checkpoint between the villages of 'Aqqaba and al-Kufair, ad obstructed the passage of Palestinian civilian vehicles.
Qalqilya: On Thursday morning, 23 June 2005, IOF erected a checkpoint at the southern entrance to Kufor Thuluth village, east of Qalqilya. They stopped and searched dozens of Palestinian civilian vehicles.
3. Construction of the Annexation Wall
IOF have continued to construct the Annexation Wall inside the West Bank territory.
At approximately 12:00 on Friday, 24 June 2005, hundreds of Palestinian civilians and dozens of international solidarity activists organized a peaceful demonstration in Munaizel area to the east of Yatta village, south of Hebron, in protest to the construction of the section of the Wall in the area. IOF beat the demonstrators and fired tear gas canisters at them. Five Palestinian civilians sustained bruises throughout the body:
1. Saber Sa'id al-Harini, 33;
2. Mohammed 'Abdul Qader Abu 'Ali, 41;
3. Sha'ban Mohammed Abu Sabha, 29;
4. Fatema al-Harini, 40; and
5. Aamena al-Harini, 40.
In addition, five civilians suffered from tear gas inhalation.
At approximately 13:00 on Friday, 24 June 2005, hundreds of hundreds of Palestinian civilians and dozens of international and Israeli solidarity activists organized a peaceful demonstration in Bal'ein village, west of Ramallah, in protest to the construction of a section of the Wall in the village. IOF beat the demonstrators and fired tear gas canisters and sound bombs at them.
As a result, 15 demonstrators sustained bruises and IOF arrested 13 Israeli solidarity activists and two international ones.
Also at approximately 13:00 on Friday, 24 June 2005, hundreds of hundreds of Palestinian civilians and dozens of international solidarity activists organized a peaceful demonstration in Marda village, southwest of Nablus, in protest to the construction of a section of the Wall in the village. IOF fired rubber-coated metal bullets at the demonstrators, wounding 18-year-old Mohammed Ahmed Najeh with a rubber-coated metal bullet to the foot.
On Sunday morning, 26 May 2005, IOF started to raze areas of Palestinian land in the west of 'Anata village, northeast of East Jerusalem, to construct a new section of the Wall around Jerusalem. The new section will separate "Pisgat Ze'ev" settlement from Shu'fat refugee camp. The construction of this section of the Wall will separate at least 40000 Palestinian civilians living in Shu'fat refugee camp and al-Salam area from East Jerusalem.
On Monday noon, 27 June 2005, approximately 13:00 on Friday, 24 June 2005, hundreds of hundreds of Palestinian civilians and dozens of international solidarity activists organized a peaceful demonstration in Munaizel area to the east of Yatta village, south of Hebron, in protest to the construction of a section of the Wall in the village. IOF beat the demonstrators and fired tear gas canisters and sound bombs at them. Three demonstrators, including two children, sustained bruises:
1. 'Emad Salem Huraizat, 12;
2. 'Udai Mousa al-Harini, 15; and
3. Jahtad Mahmoud Huraizat, 20.
On Tuesday morning, 28 June 2005, IOF resumed razing land and uprooting trees in Munaizel area to the east of Yatta village, south of Hebron. They uprooted at least 70 olive trees belonging to Musallam Salama Rashid.
On Tuesday afternoon, 27 June 2005, hundreds of Palestinian civilians organized a peaceful demonstration in Arab al-Ramadin village, south of Hebron. IOF attacked and severely beat the demonstrators. As a result, three demonstrators sustained bruises throughout the body.
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:
This week, IOF issued a number of military order confiscating 428 donums of Palestinian land in the north of the West Bank, where IOF will be allegedly redeployed in conjunction with the implementation of the disengagement plan in the Gaza Strip.
According to investigations conducted by PCHR, IOF issued two military orders confiscating 20 donums in 'Aaba village, northeast of Jenin, and 15 donums of land in Sabah al-Khair area, north of the town.
In the mean time, IOF issued a number of military orders confiscating 383 donums of land in the north of the West Bank: o 205.707 donums of Palestinian land belonging to 62 Palestinian in Sartasa area near "Homesh," settlement, which IOF claim that they would dismantle in the context of the disengagement plan. o 78.66 donums of Palestinian land belonging to 277 Palestinian in Mouras al-Hawabir area. o 98.86 donums of Palestinian land belonging to 266 Palestinians also in Mouras al-Hawabir area.
At approximately 15:00 on Saturday, 25 June 2005, dozens of Israeli settlers from "Hagai" settlement, southwest of Hebron, established a new settlement post close to their settlement. They brought mobile homes to the area.
At approximately 09:40 on Saturday, 25 June 2005, a number of Israeli settlers who were traveling in a civilian car on settler road (60) threw a hand grenade at Khalil Mohammed Abu Fannouna's house, where eight individuals live, in al-Hrayiq neighborhood in the southwest of Hebron, which is located nearly 200 meters away from "Beit Hagai" settlement. As a result, the owner's child, 13-year-old was seriously injured by shrapnel to the head and the chest.
On Sunday morning, 26 June 2005, a number of Israeli settlers fortified inside two building belonging to Khan Yunis Municipality near the fishing port in al-Mawasi area in Khan Yunis, which has been under a strict Israeli siege since the beginning of the current Intifada. The two buildings are among a number of tourist buildings owned by the municipality and rented by a number of Palestinians civilians, who were forced to close them due to the siege imposed by IOF on the area. The settlers surrounded the two buildings with barbwire. At approximately 13:30, IOF, accompanied by bulldozers, arrived at the areas and started to demolish these buildings. Soon, hundreds of settlers gathered in the area and attempted to stop the demolition of the buildings, which they consider as their own even though they are belonging to Khan Yunis Municipality. The debate between IOF and settlers continued until 17:30, during which time IOF demolished eight buildings. Only one building and a clinic remained in the area. On its web page, the Israeli official claimed according to Israeli military sources that the demolition of these buildings aimed at preventing rightists and families from "Gush Qatif" settlement bloc from fortifying inside these building at the time of the implementation of the disengagement plan. During this state of chaos, the settlers attacked a Palestinian ambulance and destroyed an irrigation network on Palestinian agricultural land.
At midnight, dozens of settlers attacked a three-storey uninhabited building owned by Mansour Hussein al-Bayouk, opposite to the demolished buildings, and settled there. They also set up two tents and declared the establishment of a new settlement post called "Tal Yam." In the following morning, settlers gathered in the area and threw stones at the clinic. They also seized two uninhabited houses belonging to the al-Agha family. The settlers also threw stones at Mohammed 'Abdul Majid al-Astal's house, where ten individuals live, and ordered the family to leave the house, but they refused to do. Due to the presence of settlers in the area, the clinic was not opened on that day. There are serious concerns that the settlers may launch more attacks on Palestinian civilians and property as long as they are positioned in the area.
At approximately 12:30 on Sunday, 26 June 2005, IOF positioned at a military checkpoint in al-Shuhada Street in Hebron, stopped Fares Hijazi al-Batash, 37. They held him for some time and then released him. As he moved a few meters away from Israeli soldiers, seven armed Israeli settlers surrounded and severely beat him, using sticks and pistols. He was seriously injured in the head and the face. He was evacuated in an Israeli ambulance to an Israeli hospital. According to eyewitnesses, IOF did not intervene to stop this attack no did they take any measure against the settlers.
At approximately 16:30 on Sunday, 26 June 2005, a number of Israeli settlers from "Avraham Avino" settlement in the old town of Hebron set fire to a neighboring Palestinian shop belonging to Mohye al-Din 'Abed al-'Owaiwi. IOF positioned in the area prevented fire engines from extinguishing fire and the contents of the shop were totally burnt. It is worth noting that the shop had been closed by an Israeli military order.
At approximately 18:00 on Sunday, 26 June 2005, dozens of Israeli settlers from "Beit Hagai" settlement, southwest of Hebron, launched a series of attacks on Palestinian houses in al-Harayiq neighborhood to the north. Under escort by IOF, the settlers fired and threw stones and Molotov cocktails at these houses. These attacks continued until 20:00, during which a number of houses were damaged.
At approximately 15:00 on Monday, 27 June 2005, a number of Israeli settlers from "Kiryat Arba" settlement, southeast of Hebron, threw stones and Molotov cocktails at a house and farm belonging to 'Abdul Hafez Younis Da'na in Wad al-Husain neighborhood. A number of almond trees were burnt and some windows of the house were broken.
On Tuesday, 28 June 2005, Israeli settlers launched more attacks on Palestinian civilians and property in al-Mawasi area in Khan Yunis. At approximately 11:00, dozens of settlers gathered and moved towards houses belonging to the families of al-Astal, al-Lahham, al-Majaida and al-Agha and attempted to seize one of these houses. Palestinian civilians got out of their houses to prevent settlers from seizing their houses. Soon, clashes erupted between the two sides, which continued for one hour and a half. IOF intervened and drove the settlers away from the houses, but not from the whole area as the settlers maintained their control over there uninhabited buildings at the main road. At approximately 19:30, an Israeli settler attempted to run down a number of Palestinian civilians who were near their houses, but their resisted him. Immediately, dozens of settlers gathered and exchanged stone throwing with Palestinian civilians. IOF and the settlers fired at Palestinian civilians, but no casualties were reported.
At approximately 12:00 on Wednesday, 29 June 2005, IOF launched new attacks against Palestinian civilians in al-Mawasi area in Khan Yunis. Palestinian civilians clashed with Israeli settlers who gathered near Mohammed 'Abdul Majid al-Astal's house in an attempt to break into it. The clashes continued for several hours, during which the settlers swore onto Prophet Mohammed. The settlers also fired at Palestinian civilians, while IOF fired in the air. During these clashes, IOF held Hilal Ziad al-Majaida, 18, and the settlers attacked him. He was seriously injured. Four other Palestinian civilians were also injured by stones:
1. Khaled Mohammed al-Astal, 16;
2. Tamim Musbah al-'Aqqad, 45;
3. Ahmed Hani al-Lahham, 19; and
4. 'Ammar Mohammed al-Astal, 33.
At approximately 19:00, IOF vacated settlers who seized Mansour al-Bayouk's house in al-Mawasi area, and transported them from the area in buses. However, IOF remained in the area.
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.
Public Document
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Palestinian Centre for Human Rights,
29 Omer El Mukhtar St., El Remal, PO Box 1328 Gaza, Gaza Strip tel/fax: +972 (0)8 282 4776 -- 282 5893 www.pchrgaza.org
Note:
(1)1 donum is equal to 1000 square meters.