Incursions by the Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) and Settler Attacks Increase in a Week of Violence
- A number of Palestinian civilians, including five children, were injured by IOF.
- IOF conducted 38 incursions into Palestinian communities in the OPT, including 3 incursions into the Gaza Strip.
- Eight Palestinian civilians were wounded by the Israeli gunfire in the West Bank territory.
- Houses were raided and 20 Palestinian civilians, including 4 children, were arrested by IOF.
- 19 houses were transformed by IOF into military sites.
- IOF have continued to impose a total siege on the OPT; in Gaza IOF have imposed severe restrictions on travel through Rafah International Crossing Point and continued to close a number of roads and border crossings since the beginning of the current Intifada; IOF have imposed more restrictions on movement in East Jerusalem; and IOF arrested 10 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; 22 demonstrates including 20 Palestinians and one Israeli and one British national were injured; 5 journalists were beaten; and 19 civilians, including one journalist, were arrested.
- Israeli settlers have continued to attack Palestinian civilians and property in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip; an old Palestinian woman was ran over by an Israeli settler vehicle and 33 houses were demolished in the context of settlement activities.
Summary
Israeli violations of international law continued in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT) during the reporting period (30 June -- 06 July 2005):
Shooting at Palestinian Civilians: During the reported period, 10 Palestinian civilians (8 in the West Bank territory and 2 in the Gaza Strip), including 5 children, were wounded by the Israeli gunfire. Five of these were wounded during an Israeli military incursion into Nablus on Thursday, 30 July 2005.
Incursions: Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) conducted 35 military incursions into Palestinian areas in the West Bank and 3 incursions into the Gaza Strip (in total 38 incursions were conducted into the OPT). During these incursions, IOF raided houses and arrested 20 Palestinian civilians, including 4 children. IOF also seized 19 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, southern Gaza Strip. 30 Palestinians from the village of Ein a’Beida to the east of the city of Jenin were forcefully evicted from their homes to an unknown area on 05 July 2005.
Restrictions on Movement: IOF have continued to impose a tightened siege on the OPT, including Jerusalem. In the Gaza Strip, 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, since Thursday, 22 June 2005, approximately 2000 Palestinian civilians, mostly children, have been held at the Egyptian side of the crossing point in an 800-square-metre 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. At the same time IOF continued to impose further restrictions on the entry of Palestinians workers into Israeli resulting in further economic crisis in 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 residents. IOF positioned at checkpoints arrested 10 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 the second consecutive week, IOF have continued to level Palestinian land between Shu'fat refugee camp and "Psgat Ze'ev" settlement, east of Jerusalem, for the purpose of the construction of a section of the Wall in the area. According to local sources, the construction of this new section of the Wall will likely lead to the destruction of at least 115 houses in the nearby refugee camp. 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. 22 demonstrates including 20 Palestinians and one Israeli and one British national were injured, a further 5 journalists were beaten and 19 civilians, including one journalist, were arrested.
Illegal Settler Activities: Israeli settlers in breach of international humanitarian law continue to reside in the OPT on mass and have launched a series of attacks against Palestinian civilians and property. In one of these attacks, an Israeli settler ran down an old Palestinian woman in a vehicle. She was seriously injured. IOF also demolished 33 houses in Jerusalem (7), Hebron (6) and Nablus (19) in the context of settlement activities.
Israeli Violations Documented during the Reporting Period (30 June -- 06 July 2005)
1. Incursions into Palestinian Areas and Attacks on Palestinian Civilians and Property
Thursday, 30 June 2005
At approximately 01:00, IOF moved into 'Attil village, north of Tulkarm and imposed a curfew. They raided a two houses belonging to Ihsan Hussein Abu al-Ragheb and Mohammed 'Awni Sabhaa. They forced the residents out and transformed the two houses into military sites.
At approximately 02:00, IOF moved into 'Aaida refugee camp, northwest of Bethlehem. They raided and searched a house belonging to Ibrahim Mohammed Zarrina, 55. They forced the family out and arrested two of the owner's sons: Hamza, 22; and Ahmed, 24.
Also at approximately 02:00, IOF moved into Tarqoumia village, west of Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Mohammed Yousef Abu Saif, 17, and arrested him. Half an hour later, IOF raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Sami Yousef Tannina, 21, and arrested him.
At approximately 03:00, IOF moved into Beit Kahel village, northwest of Hebron. They raided and searched a number of houses in the north of the village. Some of these houses were damaged and some documents were confiscated by IOF. Further, IOF beat Nidal D'iab al-'Asafra, 43. They also arrested four Palestinian civilians:
1. Mu'ayad Mohammed 'Asafra, 22;
2. Samer Muneer 'Asafra, 21;
3. Mahmoud Anwar 'Asafra, 23; and
4. Hassan 'Ali Abu Sawan, 21.
Also at approximately 03:00, IOF moved into 'Allar village, north of Tulkarm. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Mohammed Sati Abu Hafiza, 20, and arrested him.
At approximately 03:15, IOF moved into Beit Fajjar village, south of Bethlehem. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Mohammed Mahmoud Taqatqa, 20, and arrested him.
At approximately 07:00, IOF positioned in a military site to the west of "Dogit" settlement in the northern Gaza Strip opened fire at a Palestinian fishing boat that was sailing opposite to the northern Gaza Strip. A Palestinian fisherman, 20-year-old Mohammed Yousef al-'Attar, was wounded by a live bullet to the right leg.
At approximately 13:00, IOF, reinforced by nearly 25 military vehicles and a helicopter, moved into Nablus and neighboring refugee camps. IOF also closed all military checkpoints around the town. They claimed that they were searching for two Israelis who lost their way and entered the city, but this claim proved to be untrue. During this incursion, IOF opened fire at Palestinian civilians wounding five, including three children:
1. Nemer Hisham Sharaf, 8, wounded by a live bullet to the right hand and one of his fingers was cut;
2. Muhannad Sadiq Abu Sama'an, 11, wounded by a rubber-coated metal bullet to the head;
3. Mo'taz Ziad Suleiman, 16, wounded by shrapnel to the face and the left eye;
4. Mahmoud Mohammed Hassanain, 18, wounded by a rubber-coated metal bullet to the right hand; and
5. Ahmed Qassem al-Qassas, 28, wounded by a rubber-coated metal bullet to the right foot.
At approximately 20:00, IOF moved into Dura village, southwest of Hebron. They patrolled in the streets and erected a number of checkpoints. They stopped and checked Palestinian civilians and beat a number of them. IOF also chased and fired a number of Palestinian children who were playing on the yard of the cultural center of the village. One of the children, 15-year-old Hazem Saleh Qazzaz, sustained burst and a fracture to the right foot. IOF also arrested two Palestinian civilians:
1. Majdi Isma'il Talahma, 17; and
2. Mohammed Rebhi al-Swaiti, 18.
Friday, 01 July 2005
At approximately 02:00, IOF moved into 'Allar village, north of Tulkarm. They raided a house belonging to Mohammed Ahmed Muneeb and informed him that his house would be seized for three days. Then, they forced the five residents of the house to gather on the first floor and transformed the second floor into a military site.
Also at approximately 02:00, IOF moved into 'Attil village, north of Tulkarm. They raided a house belonging to the family of Lu'ai Jihad al-Sa'di, who is allegedly wanted by the IOF. They forced his parents and sister to stay on the first floor and transformed the second floor into a military site.
At approximately 02:15, IOF moved into 'Aaba village, east of Jenin. They raided Jamal 'Abdul Karim 'Azamta's house and transformed it into a military site.
At approximately 19:00, IOF moved into Deir Estia village near Salfit and imposed a curfew. They patrolled in the streets and held a number of Palestinian residents who were on their way back homes in the village. They also fired at Palestinian civilians. No casualties or arrests were reported.
Saturday, 02 July 2005
At approximately 02:00, IOF moved into Tubas village, southeast of Jenin. They patrolled in the streets. No arrests were reported.
Also at approximately 02:00, IOF moved into Tammoun village, southeast of Jenin. They erected a checkpoint in Ras al-Matalla area. No arrests were reported.
At approximately 03:00, IOF moved into 'Allar village, north of Tulkarm. They raided 5 houses and forced their 50 residents out. Then, IOF transformed the five houses into military sites.
At approximately 07:00, IOF moved into Far'oun village, south of Tulkarm. They raided and searched a number of houses but no arrests were reported. IOF left the village at approximately 09:00.
At approximately 09:00, IOF moved in Solomon Pools area to the south of Bethlehem. They erected a checkpoint on the road leading to Artas village. They stopped and searched dozens of Palestinian civilian vehicles. They also held and interrogated a number of Palestinian civilians. No arrests were reported.
At approximately 10:00, IOF moved into the southeastern part of Hebron. They raided and searched a number of houses in Wdi al-Husain and Wadi al-Nasara neighbourhoods and transformed three of them into military sites.
At approximately 16:00, IOF moved into al-Heela area to the north of Yatta village, south of Hebron. They raided Mahmoud Jibril Abu al-Debes' house and transformed the second floor into a military site.
At approximately 18:00, IOF moved into the southwestern part of Hebron. They patrolled in the streets and erected a number of checkpoints. They stopped and searched a number of Palestinian civilian vehicles. No arrests were reported.
At approximately 19:00, IOF moved into Dura village, southwest of Hebron. They opened fire at houses. A Palestinian civilian, 21-year-old Nabil Abu Zunaid, was wounded by a live bullet to the right foot.
Sunday, 03 July 2005
At approximately 01:00, IOF positioned in military posts to the west of Rafah opened fire at Palestinian houses in Tal al-Sultan neighborhood to the east. The Israeli gunfire continued sporadically until 05:30. As a result of the gunfire a Palestinian civilian, 24-year-old 'Essam Mohammed al-'Aabed was injured by shrapnel to the right thigh and foot.
At approximately 14:00, IOF moved nearly 100 metres in Tal Zo'rob area near the Egyptian border, southwest of Rafah. They uprooted a number of wooded trees and destroyed 10 graves of the Zo'rob family, for the purpose of the construction of a cement wall along the Egyptian border. IOF moved back at approximately 16:00.
At approximately 23:00, IOF moved into Beit Fourik village, east of Nablus. They patrolled in the streets and fired at houses. A number of Palestinian children gathered and threw stones at IOF. Immediately, IOF fired rubber-coated metal bullets at the children, wounding two:
1. 'Alaa' Sami Hanani, 17, wounded by a rubber-coated metal bullet to the forehead; and
2. Hamada 'Aaref Hanani, 17, wounded by a rubber-coated metal bullet to the back.
Monday, 04 July 2005
At approximately 01:00, IOF moved into 'Ein Beit al-Maa' refugee camp, west of Nablus. They closed the entrances to the camp and raided and searched a number of houses. No arrests were reported.
At approximately 02:00, IOF moved into Qabatya village, southeast of Jenin. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested three Palestinian civilians:
1. 'Ali Mahmoud Abu al-Rub, 27;
2. Mahmoud Ahmed Kumayel, 29; and
3. Mohammed Husni Zakrna, 30.
Also at approximately 02:30, IOF moved into al-Zahiriya village, south of Hebron. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested two Palestinian civilians, including a child:
1. Nayef Ahmed al-Battat, 17; and
2. Bilal Rajeh aal-Tal, 21.
Also at approximately 03:00, IOF moved into Ethna, west of Hebron. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested Tariq 'Abdul 'Aziz al-Batran, 19.
Almost at the same time, Israeli soldiers mounted a ground incursion in the village of Al Moghraqa, south of Gaza City. They entered approximately 300 metres outside of the settlement and searched the house of Raafat Sulieman Shaheen, 43. They forced the 12 residents of the house into one room and soldiers searched the house and took position on the second storey and turned it into a military site for the next 24 hours.
Tuesday, 05 July 2005
At approximately 02:00, IOF moved into Ramallah. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Ibrahim Tamliya, 20, in al-Shurafa area and arrested him.
At approximately the same time, IOF soldiers approximately 300 metres into Zeitoun neighbourhood, south-east of Gaza City to the house of Mohammad Abdul Karim Dahrouj. The house is a two storey house of approximately 180 square metres. The six residents of the house were forced into the first storey and the house and property searched. Soldiers took position in the second storey and turned it into a military site until late in the evening. During the course of the incident, the residents were only allowed to use the bathroom under guard.
At approximately 03:00, IOF moved into 'Arraba village, southwest of Jenin. They patrolled in the streets. No arrests were reported.
At approximately 04:00, IOF moved into Kufor Ra'ei village, southwest of Jenin. They patrolled in the streets. No arrests were reported.
At approximately 11:00, IOF moved into al-Balou' area in the north of Ramallah. They raided and searched the municipality building and arrested Ibrahim Yousef Ibrahim, 23.
At approximately 19:00, IOF moved into 'Aaida refugee camp, north of Bethlehem. They fired live bullets, tear gas canisters and sound bombs. A number of Palestinian civilians suffered from tear gas inhalation. No arrests were reported.
At approximately 21:00, IOF moved into 'Ein al-Baida village, east of Jenin, and imposed a curfew. Early the next day, 06 July 2005, IOF started to carry out incursions into many houses and arresting all people who were not residents of the village and marshaled into the yard of the local school. At approximately 12:00, the detainees were put into military vehicles and taken to an unknown area. Eyewitnesses testified to PCHR that almost 30 people from the villages of Toubas, Tammoun and Hebron who were workings as farmers and shepherds were detained in this incident.
Wednesday, 06 July 2005
At approximately 03:00, IOF forces launched an incursion into the village of Yatta, south of Hebron. Several houses were searched and soldiers took position in three houses and turned them into military sites. In each of these houses residents were locked into one room. The houses were owned by Mohammad Ismail Awad, Dr. Iyad Al Sader and Mohammad Abu Aisha.
2. Continued Siege on the OPT
IOF have continued to impose a 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 Rafah International Crossing Point on the Egyptian border.
Internal Movement: IOF have continued to impose 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.
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 or encircled by 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:
On Thursday, 30 June, and Friday, 01 July 2005, IOF continued to close al-Tuffah checkpoint. The checkpoint was not reopened on Saturday morning, 02 July 2005.
- 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 2005, 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. Since 22 June 2005 many Palestinian civilians, mostly children, were held at the Egyptian side of the crossing point in an 800-square-metre hall as IOF did not allow their passage to the Gaza Strip and were forced to spend 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 often summon and interrogate Palestinian civilians for no apparent reasons.
- Beit Hanoun (Erez) crossing: IOF have allowed only approximately 6,000 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Hebron: IOF have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. On Friday morning, 01 July 2005, IOF imposed severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians inside thee town. 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.
On Friday morning, 01 July 2005, IOF positioned at a military checkpoint to the south of Hebron severely beat five Palestinian civilians who were traveling to Yatta village. Then, they arrested two of these civilians: Yousef 'Abdul Rahman Qarra, 23; and Fu'ad 'Adnan al-Yamani, 19.
At approximately 11:00 on Sunday, 3 July 2005, IOF positioned at a military checkpoint in the old town of Hebron arrested two Palestinian civilians:
1. 'Abdullah Mohammed al-Qawasmi, 25; and
2. Ra'ed 'Eissa Jwailes, 18.
On Wednesday 06 July 2005, IOF imposed more restrictions on the freedom of movement inside the city, especially around the Old City. More checkpoints were erected on crossroads and main entries to the city. The main north eastern entry was blocked with sand dunes while an IOF checkpoint was erected in the north-western entry.
Bethlehem: IOF have continued to close, for the third consecutive week, the Iron Gate established at the entrance to al-Khader village, south of Bethlehem. IOF positioned at the gate also fired at Palestinian civilians who tried to use alternative roads. IOF established this gate last May behind sand barriers that had closed the entrance to the village for four years.
At approximately 10:00 on Saturday, 02 July 2005, IOF stopped severely beat Fadi Hamdan, 16, from Beit Jala, for no apparent reason when he was walking near his house.
On Monday noon, 04 July 2005, IOF positioned at the ‘Container Checkpoint’, northeast of Bethlehem, arrested Mohammed Hussein Turkman, 23, from Jenin refugee camp.
Nablus: IOF have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians in and around the city. At approximately 14:30 on Thursday, 30 June 2005, IOF closed all military checkpoints around the city. IOF positioned at various checkpoints humiliated Palestinian civilians who wanted to leave the city after IOF had launched an incursion into the area. Many of these civilians were forced to resort to alterative muddy roads. This week, IOF continued to impose severe restriction at military checkpoints and erected a number of sudden checkpoints.
On Monday morning, 04 July 205, IOF positioned at Za'tara checkpoint, south of Nablus, arrested Ibrahim Naji Khuriasha, 26, from Jayous village near Qalqilya.
Tulkarm: IOF have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians in this area. On Thursday morning, 30 June 2005, IOF erected a checkpoint at Far'oun crossroads, south of Tulkarm. They obstructed the passage of Palestinian civilians towards Tulkarm and prohibited movement to and from Qaiffin village. On Friday morning, 01 July 2005, IOF erected a checkpoint at 'Allar-'Attil crossroads, north of Tulkarm. They obstructed the passage of Palestinian civilians. In the meantime, IOF imposed more restrictions at 'Enab checkpoint, east of the town. On Saturday, 02 July 2005, IOF erected a checkpoint at Far'oun crossroads, south of the town. They held a number of Palestinian civilians for several hours.
On Thursday noon, 30 June 2005, IOF positioned at a checkpoint on 'Attil -- Deir al-Ghousoun road, north of Tulkarm, held five Palestinian civilians, including three brothers, for several hours.
At approximately 15:00 on Thursday, 30 June 2005, IOF positioned at Ennab checkpoint, east of Tulkarm, arrested 'Adnan Ibrahim al-Hafi, 32, a member of the Palestinian National Security Force.
Jenin: On Thursday afternoon, 30 June 2005, IOF erected a checkpoint on Wadi al-Sinan road, southeast of Jenin. They stopped and searched dozens of Palestinian civilian vehicles.
On Monday morning, 04 July 2005, IOF erected a checkpoint on the main road that links Tubas village with Jenin. They stopped and searched Palestinian civilian vehicles. No arrest were reported.
Also Monday morning, 04 July 2005, IOF positioned at a military checkpoint at Tammoun crossroads, southeast of Jenin, arrested Ayman Mustafa Bisharat, 22.
At noon on Tuesday, 05 July 2005, IOF positioned at a military checkpoint at 'Arraba crossroads, south of Jenin, arrested Tariq Zuhdi Shadid, 20, from 'Allar village near Tulkarm.
On Tuesday morning, 05 July 2005, IOF positioned at al-Karama International Crossing Point on the Jordanian border arrested Akram 'Adnan 'Owainat, 19, from al-Fundoq village near Qalqilya, when he was traveling to Jordan.
3. Construction of the Annexation Wall
IOF have continued to construct the Annexation Wall inside the West Bank territory.
For the second consecutive week, IOF have continued to level Palestinian land between Shu'fat refugee camp and "Psgat Ze'ev" settlement, east of Jerusalem, for the purpose of the construction of a section of the wall in the area. According to local sources, the construction of this new section of the Wall will likely lead to the destruction of at least 115 houses in the refugee camp. A Palestinian civilian, Muhsen 'Omar al-Natsha, said that IOF placed signs close to his house where 11 family members reside. He further said that IOF came to his house on Thursday, 30 June 2005, and informed him to go the municipality on Sunday, 03 July 2005. He went as instructed by the IOF and Israeli authorities offered him compensation if he would leave his house, but he refused
At approximately 12:30 on Thursday noon, 30 June 2005, dozens of Palestinian civilians and international solidarity activists organized a peaceful demonstration in Arab al-Ramadin village, southwest of Hebron, in protest to the construction of the section of the Wall in the area. IOF fired tear gas canisters and sound bombs at the demonstrators. Then, they attacked the demonstrators. Four demonstrators, including a Scottish solidarity activist, were injured. In addition, four journalists were also injured, including: Hussam Abu 'Allan; Nayef al-Hashlaamoun; Ma'moun Wazwaz; and 'Abdul Hafiz al-Hashlamoun. It is worth noting that the construction of the section of the wall to the south of Hebron will confiscate and isolate at least 10000 donums of Palestinian land in the villages of Yatta, al-Sammou', al-Zahiriya, al-Burj and al-Ramadin.
At approximately 13:00 on Friday, 01 July 2005, dozens of Palestinian civilians and international and Israeli solidarity activists organized a peaceful demonstration in Munaizel 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. As a result, three demonstrators, including an Israeli solidarity activist were injured.
Also at approximately 13:00 on Friday, 01 July 2005, dozens of Palestinian civilians and dozens of international 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 fired tear gas canisters and sound bombs at the demonstrators. Then, they attacked the demonstrators. As a result, 14 demonstrators sustained bruises and 4 others were arrested.
At approximately 10:00 on Monday, 04 July 2005, dozens of Palestinian farmers moved towards their agricultural land which was being razed for the purpose of the construction of the Wall in Marda village, west of Nablus. IOF fired tear gas canisters and sound bombs at the farmers and chased them towards the village. Then, IOF fired live and rubber-coated metal bullets at the farmers. As a result, three farmers were injured. IOF also arrested seven Palestinian civilians:
1. Mohammed Ameen Khuffash, 22;
2. 'Aadel Fawaz Khuffash, 21;
3. 'Abdul Hafez Bassam Khuffash, 25;
4. Na'el Ahmed Khuffash, 22;
5. 'Udai 'Essam Suleiman, 20;
6. Saif Jamal Abu al-Haija, 22; and
7. Muhannad Ahmed Ebdah, 24.
On Tuesday, 5 July 2005, the Israeli Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz ordered the escalation of the construction of the Wall in the upcoming weeks, giving priority to the section of the Wall around Jerusalem. He also requested the judicial bodies to solve judicial problems as soon as possible. According to available information, 213 kilometers of the Wall have been constructed, extending from "Teirat Tsvi" in the north to "Alkanah" in Salfit area. Another 190 kilometers of the Wall are now being constructed between "Alkanah" and Jerusalem. The construction of the main section of the Wall between "Alakanah" and Jerusalem is likely to be completed between December 2005 and March 2006. So far, 80 out of 100 kilometers of this section of the Wall have been constructed.
At approximately 18:00 on Tuesday, 5 July 2005, dozens of Palestinian civilians gathered in the cemetery area in Qutna village, north of Jerusalem, and attempted to stop Israeli bulldozers from razing their land for the purpose of the construction of the Wall. Immediately, IOF fired at these civilians and wounded two children:
1. Ibrahim salah Houshiya, 17, wounded by a live bullet to the leg; and
2. 'Alaa' Ahmed Taha, 16, wounded by a rubber-coated metal bullet to the hand.
IOF also arrested four civilians, including a child:
1. Rafiq Taha, 24;
2. Murad Yousef, 15;
3. Mousa 'Abdullah, 26; and
4. Diaa' al-Sheikh, 27.
At approximately 13:00 on Wednesday, 06 July 2005, dozens of Palestinians civilians were observing a peaceful sit-in on lands that were targeted for razing for construction of the Wall in the village Menazel, south of Hebron. Israeli soldiers immediately attacked the protestors with stakes, butts of their weapons and tear gas. Two people were injured: Ahmed Ibrahim Al Harini, 60, and Abdul Hafeez Al Hashlamoun, 32 (photographer with German News Agency). The two injured persons together with three other protestors were then arrested. The other three arrested persons were: Mahmoud Ahmed Abu Ali, 32; Ahmed Abdul Qader Abu Ali, 37; and Azmi Al Sheukhi, 36.
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:
At approximately 13:30 on Thursday, 30 June 2005, a number of Israeli settlers from the "Gush Qatif" settlement bloc in the southern Gaza Strip broke into a tent where Palestinian traders and farmers were waiting near al-Tuffah checkpoint at the entrance to al-Mawasi area, west of Khan Yunis. They tried to attack these traders and farmers but they escaped and IOF intervened to disperse the settlers.
At approximately 15:00 also on Thursday, 30 June 2005, five Israeli settlers threw stones at a Palestinian taxi that was traveling towards Jenin near "Yitshar" settlement, south of Nablus. The driver, 42-year-old 'Adnan Wishahi, put his hands onto his head to protect himself, so he lost control over the taxi, which consequently turned over. The settlers escaped. IOF helped the driver and the seven occupants to get out of the taxi but did not set after the settlers. Soon, a Palestinian ambulance arrived at the area and evacuated the injured to a hospital in Nablus.
At approximately 06:00 on Friday, 01 July 2005, IOF moved into Qaizoun area, northeast of Hebron. They demolished a 120-square-metre, uninhabited house owned by Ma'moun Mohammed Ahmaru near "Kiryat Arbaa" settlement.
At approximately 07:00 also on Friday, 01 July 2005, a civilian car that had an Israeli registration plate ran down Miriam 'Ali 'Eissa, 69, when she was at the road side of bypass road (No. 60) waiting to cross the road. She was seriously injured. An Israeli ambulance evacuated her to an Israeli hospital.
At approximately 09:00 also on Friday, 01 July 2005, IOF moved into Jabal Jouhar neighborhood and al-Baqa'a area in the southeast of Hebron. They demolished an 80-square-metre house owned by Mahmoud Hassan Abu 'Arram, and a 90-square-metre house owned by Fadi Jawad Jaber. The two houses were located near "Kharsina” settlement.
At the same time, IOF demolished three houses belonging to Isma'il Ibrahim al-'Adra and his sons in al-Deerat area to the southeast of Yatta village, south of Hebron. They also destroyed a well that served these houses. As a result, 14 individuals (three families) have become homeless. These houses were located near "Karme'il" settlement.
On Saturday evening, 02 July 2005, a number of Israeli settlers from "Alkanah" settlement attacked Hani 'Aamer's house in Masha village near Salfit. According to 'Aamer, the settlers threw stones at his house and that IOF did not intervene to stop this attack. 'Aamer's house has been isolated behind the wall, and he and his family are allowed to leave their house only through a gate established on the wall at a limited period everyday.
Also on Saturday evening, 02 July 2005, a number of Israeli settlers from "Kfar Qidoumim" settlement closed the dirt road that links between the village of Kufor Qaddoum and Hijja, east of Qalqilya. They threw stones at Palestinian civilians and their vehicles. IOF closed the main road between the two villages four years ago.
On Monday morning, 04 July 2005, IOF moved into Beit Hanina village, north of Jerusalem. They demolished three Palestinian houses claiming that they were built without licenses:
1. A 150-square-metre house owned by Nour al-Dumairi;
2. A 200-square-metre house owned by Eihab al-Tawil; and
3. A 150-square-metre house owned by Bassam al-Ramlawi.
At the same time, IOF moved into Jabal al-Mukabber area, east of Jerusalem. They demolished a 90-square-metre house owned by Munawer Mohammed Joma'a, in which four people lived.
Also on Monday morning, IOF moved into al-'Eissawiya village, northeast of Jerusalem. They surrounded a fuel station belonging to Saleh Mustafa al-Asmar. Soon, they poured concrete into fuel machines to make them unusable. Al-Asmar estimated his losses at 130000 NIS (approximately US$29,000). He further added that the establishment of the station cost more than 1,140,000 NIS (approximately US$250,000).
At approximately 07:00 on Tuesday, 5 July 2005, IOF moved into Beit Hanina village, north of Jerusalem. They demolished three houses without allowing the families to vacate their belongings:
1. A 220-square-metre house owned by Fawzi Radwan Abu Sunaina, in which 9 individuals lived;
2. A 50-square-metre house owned by 'Eissa Hassan Jaradat, in which 8 individuals lived; and
3. A 130-square-meter house owned by Shihada Ahmed Jabarin, in which 7 individuals lived.
At approximately 07:30 on Tuesday, 05 July 2005, IOF moved into Kherbat Tana area to the east of Beit Fourik village, east of Nablus. They demolished 17 houses and a school. As a result, at least 200 Palestinian civilians, mostly children, have become homeless. The houses were located a few kilometres away from "Makhoura" settlement.
At around 08:00 on Wednesday, 06 July 2005, IOF launched at an incursion into the village of al Lobban al Sharqi, south of Nablus. Two houses were seized and then demolished with bulldozers. IOF claimed that the houses were built without a license but a PCHR fieldworker observed that the two houses were close to the “Shelo” settlement. The details of the two houses were:
1. 90-square-metre house owned by Mohammad Ahmed Owais, in which 6 family members lived; and
2. 100-square-metre house owned by Kamal Abdul Rahman Khader, in which 5 family members lived.
PCHR Fieldworkers also noted that soon after the two houses were demolished the same IOF team continued to the nearby village of Sawya and then demolished one room annexed to the house of Ibrahim Al Tabel.
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
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).