Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) Perpetrate More Violations of Human Rights against Palestinian Civilians in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT)
- 4 Palestinians, including 2 children, were killed by IOF and a fifth Palestinian was pronounced clinically dead at the time this report was issued.
- IOF conducted 27 incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank including the IOF re-impose it’s full control in Tulkarm.
- Houses were raided and 30 Palestinian civilians, including 3 children, were arrested by IOF.
- 6 houses were transformed by IOF into military sites.
- IOF have continued to impose a total siege on the OPT through comprehensive closures; IOF have continued to close a number of roads and border crossings in the Gaza Strip since the beginning of the current Intifada; IOF arrested 5 Palestinian civilians at military checkpoints in the West Bank and another Palestinian civilian was arrested at the Rafah International Crossing on the Egyptian border; IOF imposed curfews on some areas; and PCHR continued to document cases of humiliation and harassment at checkpoints.
- IOF have continued to construct the Annexation Wall in the West Bank (despite the one year anniversary of the International Court of Justice Advisory Opinion on 09 July 2005); IOF attacked Palestinian civilians and international solidarity activists who demonstrated in protest to the construction of the Wall; and a number of demonstrators were injured or arrested.
- Israeli settlers have continued to attack Palestinian civilians and property in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip; IOF demolished two houses in East Jerusalem and a number of houses were damaged in Hebron.
Summary
Israeli violations of international law continued in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT) during the reporting period (7 -- 13 July 2005):
Willful Killing: During the reported period, Israel Occupation Forces killed four Palestinians, including two children, in the West Bank. A fifth Palestinian was pronounced clinically dead at the time this report was issued. Two Palestinian civilians, including a child, were also injured by IOF in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip. On Thursday, 07 July 2005, IOF killed two Palestinians, including a child, during an incursion into Balata refugee camp, east of Nablus. On Friday, 08 July 2005, IOF positioned near the ‘Annexation’ Wall shot dead a Palestinian child in Beit Leqia village, southwest of Ramallah. On Wednesday, 13 July 2005, IOF killed a member of the Palestinian National Security Force and injured another during a largescale incursion into Tulkarm. The latter was later pronounced ‘clinically dead’ at the time this report was issued. On Saturday, 09 July 2005, a Palestinian child was injured by IOF in Khan Yunis refugee camp in the southern Gaza Strip.
Incursions: IOF conducted 27 military incursions into Palestinian areas in the West Bank, the widest of which was into Tulkarm on Wednesday, 13 July 2005. During these incursions, IOF raided houses and arrested 27 Palestinian civilians, including 3 children. IOF also seized six houses and transformed them into military sites. This week, IOF also arrested three Palestinian civilians while they were attempting to infiltrate into Israel to search for jobs.
Restrictions on Movement: IOF have continued to impose a tightened siege on the OPT, including Jerusalem. On Wednesday, 13 July 2005, IOF imposed a comprehensive closure on the OPT, following a bombing inside Israel. In the West Bank, IOF closed all military checkpoints and erected some new ones. In the Gaza Strip, IOF closed Beit Hanoun (Erez) crossing and imposed severe restrictions on the internal and external movement of Palestinian civilians.
Annexation Wall: 09 July 2005 marked the one year anniversary of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) Advisory Opinion which found the Annexation Wall illegal under international law. Despite this, during the reporting period the IOF have continued to construct the Annexation Wall inside the West Bank territory. On Sunday, 10 July 2005, the Israeli government approved the route of the Wall around occupied Jerusalem. According to the Israeli plans, the Wall will isolate at least 55,000 Palestinian civilians in Jerusalem and its suburbs from the city and 3655 students from their schools. The Israeli Cabinet also ordered the accerated completion of this section of th Wall by 01 September 2005. 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. Four Palestinian demonstrators were wounded by the Israeli gunfire and at least 65 other demonstrators, including an Israeli solidarity activist, sustained bruises or suffered from tear gas inhalation.
Illegal Settler Activities: Israeli settlers in breach of international humanitarian law continue to reside in the OPT and have launched a series of attacks against Palestinian civilians and property. IOF also demolished two houses in East Jerusalem for the purpose of settlement activities.
Israeli Violations Documented during the Reporting Period (07 -- 13 July 2005)
1. Incursions into Palestinian Areas and Attacks on Palestinian Civilians and Property
Thursday, 07 July 2005
In the early morning, IOF killed a Palestinian gunman and wounded another one in Nablus. They also seriously wounded a child. On Saturday morning, 9 July 2005, the child was pronounced ‘clinically dead’ and passed away the next day.
According to investigations conducted by PCHR, at approximately 00:30, IOF moved into the southern and eastern part of Nablus coming from Hawara military post, south of the city. They escorted a group of Israeli settlers who came to pray at Joseph Tomb. IOF patrolled in 'Amman and al-Quds streets and near the entrance of Balata refugee camp, east of the city. They opened fire indiscriminately at Palestinian residential areas. A Palestinian child, 16-year-old Nour Fares Nejem, from Balata refugee camp, was seriously wounded by a live bullet to the head. He was evacuated to Women's Union Hospital in Nablus, where he was pronounced clinically dead on Saturday morning, 9 July 2005 and died the next evening. Several hours later, IOF initiated a withdrawal from the area through Balata refugee camp. During their withdrawal, IOF noticed two Palestinian gunmen in the alleys and immediately opened fire at the two gunmen. One of the gunmen, 18-year-old Khaled Mohammed al-Musaimi, was killed instantly by a live bullet to the head. The other gunman, 18-year-old Ahmed Mohammed Sanakra, was wounded by shrapnel to the abdomen. According to eyewitnesses, the two gunmen did not fire at IOF.
At approximately 01:00, IOF moved into Abu Katila and Khellat Hadour neighborhoods in Hebron. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested three Palestinian civilians, including a child:
1. 'Abdul Ghaffar Mohammed al-Dwaik, 29;
2. Mustafa 'Abdul Karim Najjar, 18; and
3. Mohammed Sadiq al-Qawasmi, 15.
At approximately 02:00, IOF moved into Yatta village, south of Hebron. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested a Palestinian civilian, 42-year-old Mohammed Khalil Huraizat.
At approximately 04:00, IOF moved into al-Shioukh village, northeast of Hebron. They raided and searched a number of houses and transformed two of them belonging to Mousa Mohammed al-Halaita and Mousa al-Haddad into military sites.
At approximately 07:00, IOF moved into 'Aatouf area to the northeast of Tammoun village, southeast of Jenin. They stopped and a number of Palestinian shepherds. Then, they arrested Jamil Suleiman Bani Ouda, 46, and his son Suleiman, 16. At approximately 22:00, IOF moved into al-Burj village, southwest of Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Nahed Hussein Fuqayat, 24, and arrested him.
At approximately 12:00, IOF moved into Beit Ummar village, north of Hebron. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested a Palestinian civilian, 24-year-old Mohammed Mahmoud Abu 'Ayash.
Friday, 08 July 2005
At approximately 02:30, IOF, reinforced by at least 30 military vehicles and two helicopters, moved into Jenin town and refugee camp. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested three Palestinian civilians, including a child:
1. Mohammed Tayseer al-Jabali, 21;
2. Majdi Mustafa Qarini, 25; and
3. Tawfiq Saber Jarbou', 17.
At approximately 05:00, IOF moved into al-Fundoq village, east of Qalqilya, and imposed a curfew. They patrolled in the streets. No arrests were reported.
At approximately 11:00, IOF moved into Palestinian agricultural areas in Ethna village, west of Hebron. They arrested two Palestinian civilians who were on their agricultural land to the east of the Annexation Wall:
1. Mohammed Younis 'Asfour, 21; and
2. Jamal Fadel 'Asfour, 20.
In a case of apparent willful killing, IOF shot dead a Palestinian child in Beit Leqia village, southwest of Hebron. IOF declared that they arrested the soldier who shot the child, confiscated his gun and initiated a probe into the incident but PCHR has learnt that they released him the following day.
According to investigations conducted by PCHR, at approximately 16:00, 5 Palestinian children were in al-Sorouj area in the southeast of Beit Leqia village, southwest of Ramallah. The children were near a grape field owned by Ahmed Nemer 'Aassi, approximately 300 metres away from the Annexation Wall. IOF positioned near the Wall opened fire at the children. 'Assi's son, 15-year-old Muheeb, was wounded by a live bullet to the chest. The other children escaped and told his father that his child was wounded. He contacted a number of villagers and called for an ambulance. Then, he and the children moved towards the area, where they found the child bleeding on the ground and four Israeli soldiers surrounding him. Later, the four soldiers left the area. About 30 minutes later, an ambulance of Palestine Red Crescent Society arrived at the area but the child was already dead. His body was evacuated to Ramallah Hospital. According to medical sources, he was hit by a live bullet to the heart. According to eyewitnesses, the area was completely quiet when the child was shot.
Saturday, 9 July 2005
At approximately 00:00, IOF positioned at the border between the Gaza Strip and Israel, east of al-Boreij refugee camp in the central Gaza Strip fired flash and sound bombs at two young Palestinian men who were attempting to infiltrate into Israel to search for a job. IOF arrested the two young men:
1. Mahmoud Abu Ziad, 18; and
2. Suleiman Abu Halal, 22.
At approximately 05:00, IOF moved into 'Allar village, north of Tulkarm. They raided and searched a number of houses and transformed a house belonging to Lu'ai Nour al-Din Shadid into a military site after having held its 10 residents in one room.
Also at approximately 05:00, IOF moved into Saida village, north of Tulkarm. They raided Mufeed Rashed Raddad's house. They forced the 10 residents of the house out and transformed it into a military site.
At approximately 09:00, IOF positioned in military posts between "Gani Tal" and "Neve Dekalim" settlements, west of Khan Yunis, fired at a number of Palestinian children who were playing on ruins of houses that had been already demolished by IOF. One of the children, 11-year-old Ghazi Zaki Abu Zarqa, was wounded by a live bullet to the neck.
At approximately 22:00, IOF moved into Housan village, west of Bethlehem. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested two Palestinian civilians:
1. Khalil Mohammed Sabatin, 18; and
2. Saber 'Abdullah Hamamra, 18.
Sunday, 10 July 2005
At approximately 01:00, IOF moved into al-Fawar refugee camp, south of Hebron. They raided and searched dozens of Palestinian houses and arrested three Palestinians:
1. Dirar Taleb al-Titi, 35;
2. Rustom Jihad al-Khatib, 19; and
3. Ya'qoub 'Atiya Abu Warda, 19.
According to al-Titi's brother, he suffers from a number of diseases including diabetes. During the incursion, IOF also transformed 'Abdul 'Aziz Yousef al-Hulaiqawi's house into a military site.
At approximately 01:30, IOF moved into Dura village, southwest of Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of 'Abdul Qader Mohammed al-Sharawna, 21, and arrested him.
Also at approximately 01:30, IOF moved into al-Zahiriya village, west of Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Ibrahim Khalil al-Samamra, 22, and arrested him.
At approximately 02:00, IOF moved into Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Shadi Mohammed al-Zagheer, 21, and arrested him.
At approximately 03:00, IOF moved into Seilat al-Harthiya village, west of Jenin. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Ahmed Yousef, 27, to attempt to arrest him. The IOF were not able to arrest Yousef. .
At approximately 07:00, IOF moved into Saida village, north of Tulkarm. They raided and searched a number of houses but no arrests were reported.
At approximately 10:00, IOF moved into 'Aaida refugee camp, north of Bethlehem. They raided Mustafa Abu 'Aker's house and transformed it into a military site. According to eyewitnesses, IOF violently beat two of Abu 'Aker's relatives who were in the house:
1. Mohammed Wajeeh Abu 'Aker, 24; and
2. Mohammed 'Aayed Abu 'Aker, 26.
Monday, 11 July 2005
At approximately 02:00, IOF moved into Qalqilya. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested four Palestinian civilians:
1. Ahmed Sameer Hilal, 26;
2. Nour Sharif Ju'aidi, 20;
3. Mohammed Ahmed 'Owaisi, 18; and
4. Mohammed Sameeh Abu 'Asab, 18.
At approximately 04:00, IOF positioned at the border between the Gaza Strip and Israel, east of Khan Yunis, fired at two young Palestinian men who were attempting to infiltrate into Israel. Then, they moved a few metres into Palestinian areas and arrested one of the young men, 22-year-old Mohammed Musallam Qudaih.
At approximately 05:00, IOF moved into al-Mughayar area, northeast of Ramallah, and imposed a curfew. Then, they closed the eastern and western entrances of the village with sand barriers.
Tuesday, 12 July 2005
At approximately 03:00, IOF moved into Jenin. They raided and searched a number of houses in al-Marah and al-Almaniya neighborhoods and the eastern part of the town and arrested two Palestinian civilians:
1. Mohammed 'Allam Abu 'Ali, 18; and
2. Aybak 'Allam Abu 'Ali, 17.
At approximately 21:00, IOF moved into Beit Fajjar village, south of Bethlehem. They raided and searched a number of houses and interrogated relatives of a number of allegedly wanted Palestinians. They also summoned a number of civilians to be questioned by the Israeli intelligence.
Wednesday, 13 July 2005
At approximately 02:00, IOF, reinforced by dozens of military vehicles and a number of helicopters moved into Tulkarm through its western entrance. They opened fire at a roadblock of the Palestinian National Security Force (NSF). One member of NSF, 19-year-old Mohammed Fawzi Yousef Shihada, was killed by several live bullets throughout the body, and another member, 22-year-old Mohammed Musbah Hassan Ghannam, was seriously wounded by a live bullet in the head. Ghannam was later pronounced clinically dead at the hospital. It is worth noting that IOF were redeployed around Tulkarm on 20 March 2005.
Also at approximately 02:00, IOF moved into 'Attil village, north of Tulkarm, and imposed a curfew. No arrests were reported.
At approximately 03:00, IOF moved into Housan village, west of Bethlehem. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested three Palestinians:
1. Isma'il Lafi Shousha, 26;
2. Mohammed Nasser Sabatin, 24; and
3. Isma'il Ahmed Sabatin, 28.
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. On 13 July 2005, IOF imposed a comprehensive closure on the OPT following a bombing that occurred inside Israel.
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.
-On Tuesday morning, 12 July 2005, IOF closed the two checkpoints and prohibited movement of Palestinian civilians. This closure continued until the afternoon.
IOF have also continued to close a number of roads inside the Gaza Strip since the beginning of the current Intifada, such as the western Rafah -- Khan Yunis road in the southern Gaza Strip, Abu al-'Ajeen road between the villages of al-Qarara and Wadi al-Salqa in the central Gaza Strip and Salah al-Din Street at "Netzarim" and "Kfar Darom" junctions in the central Gaza Strip. Furthermore, IOF have continued to prohibit Palestinian civilians from using "Kissufim", "Morag" and al-Mentar roads in the southern and central Gaza Strip, which have been devoted for the movement of IOF and settlers. IOF have continued to close Gaza International Airport for the fourth consecutive year.
Enclaves: IOF have continued to impose a strict siege on Palestinian communities located near Israeli military posts and settlements:
- Al-Mawasi: approximately 5,800 Palestinians live in al-Mawasi situated within the Israeli "Gush Katif" settlement bloc in the southern Gaza Strip. Restrictions imposed on the movement of residents include: (1) Male Palestinians aged 16-35 have been prohibited from crossing al-Tuffah checkpoint at the entrance to the area; (2) IOF allow the entry of foodstuffs into the area on Saturdays and Sundays, and allow the entry of other goods on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. On other days, they allow the transportation of agricultural products out of the area. IOF and settlers in the area have continued to attack Palestinian civilians and property; (3) Education continues to be drastically affected: 1430 schoolchildren study at one school in the area, which lacks electricity and water. The school also lacks teachers of a number of subjects, such as mathematics, physics and chemistry. Only one teacher from outside the area is allowed to teach at this school and he is sometimes prevented from entering the area. As a result of such conditions, the school was forced to cancel science classes and students who wish to study science have to go to Khan Yunis; and (4) IOF troops frequently close al-Tuffah checkpoint at the entrance to the area:
- Al-Sayafa: approximately 200 Palestinians civilians live in al-Sayafa, an area located between "Dogit" and "Elli Sinai" settlements in the northern Gaza Strip. Restrictions imposed on the movement of residents include: (1) Palestinian civilians under the age of 30 are prohibited from moving out and into the area without prior coordination; (2) A limited number of farmers are allowed to enter the area but only following prior coordination. Farmers face extreme difficulties in marketing their products or bringing agricultural equipment into the area. ; (3) University students have been forced to live outside the area due to the prohibition imposed on the movement of those who are under 30; (4) the area lacks paved roads, which makes transportation extremely difficult, so residents of the area have to move on foot; (5) IOF open the iron gate at the entrance of the area between 07:00 to 09:00 and 14:00 to 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. On Wednesday, 13 July 2005, IOF raided and searched three houses in the area for no apparent reason.
- 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. The crossing point is open between 09:00 and 17:00 everyday.
On 10 July 2005 IOF arrested Mohammad Said Shaqqura, 32, from Beit Lahia. He was arrested why he was traveling to Egypt.
- 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 second 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.
On Wednesday, 13 July 2005, IOF closed the crossing.
- al-Mentar (Karni) commercial crossing: IOF have continued to impose severe restrictions on commercial transactions at al-Mentar (Karni) commercial crossing, east of Gaza City. This is despite the IOF declaration that they have eased such restrictions. During the reporting period they allowed only 30-35 trucks to enter Israel and 270 to enter the Gaza Strip from Israel. These restrictions have caused goods to perish and large losses to Palestinian traders.
- Sofa crossing: IOF have also continued to prevent Palestinian workers from entering Israel through Sofa crossing, northeast of Rafah. This crossing has been closed for people for more than one year and only raw construction materials are allowed to be enter.
The West Bank
IOF have continued to impose a strict siege on Palestinian communities in the West Bank Territory. They have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians and imposed curfews on a number of Palestinian communities.
Ramallah: IOF have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. On Sunday afternoon, 10 July 2005, IOF erected a checkpoint at Surda crossroads, north of Ramallah. They stopped and searched Palestinian civilian vehicles. Dozens of Palestinian civilians were not able to travel to Ramallah. This week, IOF erected a number of checkpoints on Nablus-Ramallah road. They stopped and searched Palestinian civilian vehicles. During the reporting period the IOF closed the entrance to Senjel village, north of Ramallah, with cement blocks.
Hebron: IOF have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. On Friday morning, 08 July 2005, IOF imposed severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians inside the 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. At approximately 08:00 on Saturday, 09 July 2005, IOF erected a checkpoint at the crossroads leading to the villages of Kharas Nouba and Tarqoumia, west of Hebron. They stopped and searched Palestinian civilian vehicles. They also interrogated a number of Palestinian civilians. In the meantime, IOF have continued to close the western and northern entrances of Hebron near bypass road 60 with sand barriers.
Nablus: IOF have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians in and around the city. On Saturday afternoon, 09 July 2005, IOF closed Beit Eiba checkpoint, west of Nablus, for four hours. They prevented Palestinian civilians from crossing the checkpoint. It is worth noting that IOF have recently established three iron gates at Beit Eiba checkpoint. The first gate leads to a second checking gate while a third gate leads to a room where Israeli soldiers are present. Israeli soldiers check identity cards of Palestinian civilians through computers. Only one or two civilians are allowed to cross these gates at each time.
On Saturday noon, 09 July 2005, IOF positioned at Beit Eiba checkpoint, west of Nablus, arrested 'Alaa' Ahmed Abu Qasidu, 22, from Nour Shams refugee camp east of Tulkarm.
Tulkarm: On Friday, 08 July 2005, IOF erected a checkpoint at Far'oun crossroads, south of Tulkarm. They stopped and searched Palestinian civilian vehicles. At approximately 06:00 on Saturday, 09 July 2005, IOF erected a checkpoint at Qiffin -- Ras Rummana crossroads, north of Tulkarm. They held and checked dozens of Palestinian civilians. In the meantime, IOF imposed more restrictions at al-Kfriyat checkpoint, south of Tulkarm. They also intensively patrolled near the checkpoints. On Sunday, 10 July 2005, IOF erected a checkpoint at Baqaal-Sahqiya crossroads, north of Tulkarm, and closed it for two hours. On Monday, 11 July 2005, IOF erected a checkpoint at 'Allar -- Zeita crossroads, north of Tulkarm. They obstructed the passage of Palestinian civilian vehicles. In the meantime, IOF positioned at al-Kafriyat checkpoint, south of Tulkarm, imposed more restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. On Monday, 11 July 2005, IOF erected a checkpoint at 'Allar-Zeita crossroads, north of Tulkarm. They obstructed the passage of Palestinian civilian vehicles. They also imposed more restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians through al-Kafriyat checkpoint, south of the town. At approximately 07:00 on Tuesday, 12 July 2005, IOF erected a checkpoint at 'Attil crossroads, north of Tulkarm. They stopped and checked Palestinian civilians. In the evening, IOF closed al-Kafriyat checkpoint, south of the town. At the same time, IOF erected a checkpoint to the east of 'Anabta village, east of Tulkarm, and prohibited the movement of Palestinian civilians to and from the town.
Jenin: This week, IOF prohibited the movement of Palestinian civilian vehicles on road No. 90, which links the northern Jordan Valley with Jericho. Palestinian civilians also use this road to move from Nablus and Jenin to al-Karama International Crossing Point on the Jordanian border.
On Saturday evening, 09 July 2005, IOF positioned at a checkpoint between the villages of 'Arraba and Kufor Ra'ei, southwest of Jenin, arrested Na'im Mustafa 'Ezziddin, 25, from 'Arraba village.
On Monday, 11 July 2005, IOF positioned at Tayaseer checkpoint, east of Tubas village, forced a number of Palestinian boys who were traveling to Tubas to get out of their cars. They humiliated them and forced them to stand under the sun for several hours.
Qalqilya: On Friday morning, 08 July 2005, IOF erected a checkpoint at the northern entrance of 'Azzoun-'Atma village. They were also intensively deployed in the area.
On Saturday morning, 09 July 2005, IOF positioned at an iron gate at the entrance of 'Azzoun-'Atma village, south of Qalqilya, violently beat Zahran 'Ali Zahran, 19. He sustained bruises and injuries throughout the body. When his brother, 18-year-old Mahran, protested, IOF arrested him.
On Sunday morning, 10 July 2005, IOF positioned at a checkpoint to the east of Qalqilya arrested 'Essam Mohammed Jaber, 57, from Kufor Laqef village.
Ramallah: On Monday, 11 July 2005, IOF positioned at Bitounia checkpoint, west of Ramallah, arrested Ahmed Mohammed Ja'ar, 27, from 'Allar village north of Tulkarm.
A Palestinian Patient Dies Due to the Obstruction of His Passage by IOF
On Sunday evening, 10 July 2005, IOF positioned at a military checkpoint at the sole entrance to Tal Rumaida neighborhood in the centre of Hebron prevented an ambulance that was transporting Jamil Rateb Abu Haikal, 75, from the hospital to his house for a long time. He died at his house a few hours later.
According to the victim's daughter, Hanaa' Abu Haikal, at approximately 16:50, IOF positioned at the aforementioned checkpoint stopped the ambulance that was transporting her father. They searched the ambulance and checked her, her father and the medical crew. IOF conducted prolonged checking and held a long discussion with the medical crew and her. A number of armed Israeli settlers from "Ramat Yishai" settlement also tried to prevent the ambulance from entering the area. Nearly an hour later, IOF allowed the ambulance to enter the neighbourhood as observers of Temporary International Presence in Hebron and representative of the ICRC intervened. At approximately 20:30, the patient's health condition deteriorated and he soon died. The settlers celebrated his death as he was one of the Palestinian civilians who refused to vacate their houses under the pressure of settlers.
3. Construction of the Annexation Wall
9 July 2005 marked the one year anniversary of the ICJ Advisory Opinion on the legal consequences on the West Bank Wall. Despite this, the clear decision which found the Wall being constructed in the West Bank as illegal on year on construction continues.
On Sunday, 10 July 2005, the Israeli government approved the route of the Wall in occupied Jerusalem. According to the Israeli plans, the Wall will isolate at least 55,000 Palestinian civilians in Jerusalem and its suburbs from the city, and 3,655 students from their schools. The Israeli Cabinet also ordered the accelerated completion of this section of the Wall by 01 September 2005. They declared that the sections of the Wall being constructed around Jerusalem, known as "Jerusalem Cover" would include 12 crossing points, and that a number of schools and branched of the National Insurance Institution would be established on the other side of the Wall. The new sections of the Wall will isolate Shu'fat refugee camp in the east of Kufor 'Aqab village in the north from Jerusalem, and will incorporate all settlements in East Jerusalem, where at least 30,000 Israeli settlers live.
At approximately 10:00 on Thursday, 07 July 2005, dozens of Palestinian civilians organised a peaceful demonstration Ematin village, east of Qalqilya, in protest to the construction of the section of the Wall in the area. IOF fired rubber-coated metal bullets and tear gas canisters at the demonstrators. Four demonstrators were wounded:
1. Ameer Fu'ad Sawan, 18, wounded by a rubber-coated metal bullet to the left foot;
2. Lu'ai Rebhi Barri, 20, wounded by a rubber-coated metal bullet to the buttocks;
3. Wajeeh Nasser Ghane,17, wounded by a rubber-coated metal bullet to right shoulder; and
4. Fadi Sadiq Sawan, 16, wounded by a rubber-coated metal bullet to the right foot.
A number of demonstrators also suffered from tear gas inhalation.
At approximately 10:00 on Friday, 08 July 2005, dozens of Palestinian civilians and international solidarity activists organised a peaceful demonstration in Masha village near Qalqilya in protest to the construction of the Wall in the village. IOF fired tear gas canisters and sound bombs at the demonstrators. As a result, 22 demonstrators suffered from tear gas inhalation.
On Friday noon, 08 July 2005, dozens of Palestinian civilians and international solidarity activists organized a peaceful demonstration in Bal'ein village, west of Ramallah, in protest to the construction of the Wall in the village. IOF attacked the demonstrators and fired tear gas canisters and sound bombs at them. As a result, 17 demonstrators sustained bruises or suffered from tear gas inhalation.
At approximately 10:00 on Saturday, 10 July 2005, dozens of Palestinian civilians and international and Israeli solidarity activists organized a peaceful demonstration near gate 24 on the Wall between the villages of 'Azzoun and Kufor Thuluth, east of Qalqilya. IOF positioned at the gate fired rubber-coated metal bullets, tear gas canisters and sound bombs at the demonstrators. 20 demonstrators suffered from tear gas inhalation. Four demonstrators also sustained bruises as they were beaten by IOF:
1. Uded Efrati, and Israeli solidarity activist, sustained bruises to the face;
2. Wassef Mohammed Abu Haniya, 7, sustained bruises to the face and the feet;
3. Yousef Saqer Salim, 24, sustained bruises throughout the body; and
4. Mustafa Thabet 'Aabed, 60, sustained bruises throughout the body.
At approximately 17:00 on Saturday, 09 July 2005, IOF closed 'Azzoun-'Atma gate, south of Qalqilya, and prohibited movement of Palestinian civilians. Dozens of Palestinian civilians, including women and children, were forced to wait for six hours to be allowed to cross the gate towards their village.
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 14:30, a number of Israeli settlers moved from "Avraham Avino" settlement post in the old town of Hebron and attacked Palestinian houses in al-Sahla Street and near the Ibrahimi mosque with stones and empty bottles. A number of houses belonging to the families of Abu Hadid, al-Muhtasseb, al-Salaima and Sayed Ahmed were damaged.
This week, IOF continued to establish a tunnel at the entrance to the villages of al-Kafriyat area, south of Tulkarm. According to local sources, the establishment of the tunnels aims at providing an alternative road for Palestinian civilians other than a neighboring bypass road that serves Israeli settlers living in "Enab" and "Avni Heivetz" settlements, east of Tulkarm. The tunnel will be 150 metres long and 75 metres wide, which means the seizure of at least 75 donums[1] of land. Palestinian farmers will be denied access to their agricultural land located neat the bypass road.
On Monday, 11 July 2005, IOF issued a military order seizing 3000 donums of Palestinian agricultural land planted with olives in Nabi Elias village, east of Qaqlilya. According to local sources, this area of land is belonging to Mahmoud Saleh Ramadan, from 'Azzoun village.
At approximately 07:00 on Tuesday, 12 July 2005, IOF, accompanied by a bulldozers and officials of the Municipality of West Jerusalem, moved into Wadi Qassem area in al-'Eissawiya village, northeast of Jerusalem. They demolished a 90 square-metre house owned by Yusri Riad al-'Eissawi, in which 10 individuals lived, claiming that it was built without a license. It is worth noting that the municipality plans to establish a number of educational institutions and a hospital in the area to serve Israeli settlers living in neighboring settlements.
At approximately 08:00 on Tuesday, 12 July 2005, IOF, accompanied by a bulldozers and officials of the Municipality of West Jerusalem, moved into Silwan village, south of Jerusalem. They demolished an 80-square-metre house owned by Samer al-Mandoub, in which six individuals lived, claiming that it was built without licenses.
It is worth noting that it is almost near impossible for Palestinian civilians to obtain licenses to build houses in Jerusalem, and residents are concerned that if they build houses outside the boundaries of the city, they would be deprived by Israeli authorities of their residency permits.
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).
Note:
[1] 1 donum is equal to 1000 square meters.