Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) Escalate Attacks on Palestinian Civilians in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT)
- 14 Palestinians, including two children, were killed by IOF.
- 8 of the victims, who were members of Hamas, were extra-judicially killed by IOF.
- IOF conducted 45 incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank and 2 into the Gaza Strip.
- Houses were raided and 78 Palestinian civilians were arrested by IOF in the West Bank and 1 in the Gaza Strip.
- Two Palestinian civilians were used by IOF as a human shields to raid houses.
- 21 houses were transformed by IOF into military sites.
- IOF have continued to impose a total siege on the OPT; IOF divided the Gaza Strip into 3 separate zones; IOF shot dead a Palestinian child near a checkpoint in the Gaza Strip; IOF have prevented Palestinian civilians aged 16-35 from traveling through Rafah International Crossing Point; IOF arrested 6 Palestinian civilians at military checkpoints in the West Bank and injured a seventh one.
- IOF have continued to construct the Annexation Wall in the West Bank; IOF attacked Palestinian civilians and international and Israeli solidarity activists who demonstrated against the construction of the Wall; 7 Palestinian civilians and an Israeli solidarity activist were wounded and 3 Israeli solidarity activists were arrested.
- 3 Palestinian civilians were injured and IOF razed more areas of Palestinian land for the purpose of settlement expansion.
Summary
Israeli violations of international law continued in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT) during the reporting period (14-20 July 2005):
Willful Killing: During the reported period, IOF killed 14 Palestinians (eight in the West Bank and six in the Gaza Strip, including two children.
In the West Bank, on 14 July 2005, IOF shot dead a Palestinian civilian in Nablus. On 15 July 2005, IOF extra-judicially killed three Palestinians in Salfit village near Nablus and killed a child during the clashes that followed this attack. On 19 July 2005, two Palestinians were killed in al-Yamoun village near Jenin when they exchanged fire with IOF. On 20 July 2005, a Palestinian died from a wound he sustained last week during an Israeli incursion into Tulkarm.
In the Gaza Strip, on 15 July 2005, IOF extra-judicially executed 4 Palestinians in Gaza City. They also extra-judicially executed a 5th Palestinian in Khan Yunis on 17 July 2005. On 18 July 2005, IOF positioned at a checkpoint in the central Gaza Strip killed a Palestinian child, when they opened fire at a number of Palestinian civilians who were waiting at the checkpoint.
Shelling: During the reported period, in addition to using aircrafts in the aforementioned extra-judicial killings, IOF launched nine aerial attacks at civilian targets in the Gaza Strip. They fired 14 missiles at these targets, destroying them. In addition, at least 10 Palestinian civilians, including 3 children, were injured as a result.
Incursions: IOF conducted 47 military incursions into Palestinian areas (45 in the West Bank and two in the Gaza Strip), the widest of which was into Tulkarm. During these incursions, IOF injured 20 Palestinian civilians. They raided houses and arrested 79 Palestinian civilians. In addition, IOF seized 21 houses and transformed them into military sites.
Restrictions on Movement: IOF have continued to impose a tightened siege on the OPT, including Jerusalem. IOF divided the Gaza Strip into three separate zones. They have also continued to close Erez crossing for the second consecutive week. IOF have decided to prevent Palestinian civilians aged 16-35 from traveling through Rafah International Crossing Point. In the West Bank, IOF erected a number of military checkpoints. They arrested six Palestinian civilians, including two children. They also imposed curfews on a number of Palestinian communities. In addition, a Palestinian civilian was injured by IOF near a military checkpoint.
Annexation Wall: IOF have continued to construct the Annexation Wall inside the West Bank territory. IOF have continued to construct a section of the Wall to the northeast of East Jerusalem. They also established a military post near Qalandya checkpoint, south of Ramallah. During the reported period, IOF continued to raze areas of Palestinian agricultural land in Amatin village near Qalqilya to construct a section of the Wall in the area. On 19 July 2005, IOF issued three military orders confiscating 15 donums[1] of Palestinian land near Qalqilya to establish roads that will link a number of settlements with the Wall. In addition, IOF used force to disperse peaceful demonstrations organized by Palestinian civilians, international and Israeli solidarity activists in protest at the construction of the Wall. Seven Palestinian civilians and an Israeli solidarity activist were wounded and three Israeli 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. Three Palestinian civilians, including a child, were injured. IOF also razed areas of Palestinian land in Shoufa village near Tulkarm for the purpose of settlement expansion.
Israeli Violations Documented during the Reporting Period (09 -- 15 June 2005)
1. Incursions into Palestinian Areas and Attacks on Palestinian Civilians and Property
Thursday, 14 July 2005
In the early morning, IOF killed a young Palestinian man when he attempted to escape from his house when IOF surrounded it to arrest him. IOF shot him from close range.
According to investigations conducted by PCHR, at approximately 23:10 on Wednesday, 13 July 2004, IOF moved into Nablus using a bus that has a Palestinian registration plate. The bus stopped near a house in al-Marrij Street in Rafidya neighborhood. IOF surrounded the house, which belongs to the Jaber family, and is rented by a British woman called Anne. At approximately 23:00, 12 Israeli military vehicles, covered by a drone, moved into the city and surrounded the area. IOF knocked the door of a house belonging to Eyad al-Bizra. They brought two persons out and used them as human shields to break into the first house. IOF found Mo'tassem Estaitiyah, 25, inside the house. They interrogated him and the British citizen about Mohammed Safwat Khalil 'Aassi, 24, from Balata refugee camp. At approximately 00:30 on Thursday, IOF fired flash bombs in the area. A few minutes later, they saw a young man jumping into the garden of a house belonging to 'Abdul Qader al-Jouhari and rented by Maher al-Bolissi, five meters away from the first house. The al-Bolissi family heard an Israeli soldier saying: 'Stop.' He said it three times. Then, IOF opened fire at the young man from several directions. He was instantly killed by several live bullets throughout the body. At approximately 02:00, IOF withdrew from the area taking his body. At approximately 04:00, IOF delivered the body to the Palestinian liaison. It was 'Aassi's body. According to eyewitnesses, the victim was able escape from the house through the balcony and jumped into the garden. IOF could have arrested them. IOF claimed that 'Aassi had been wanted for two years for being a member of the Islamic Jihad.
At approximately 00:30, IOF moved into 'Attil village, north of Tulkarm. They raided and searched a number of houses and transformed five of them into military sites after holding each family in one room of their house.
Also at approximately 00:30, IOF moved into Saida village, north of Tulkarm. They raided a house belonging to the family of Ashraf 'Awni Mustafa 'Abdul Ghani, who had been already killed by IOF. They forced his wife and four children out and transformed it into a military site. According to the wife, an Israeli soldier stole US$4623 from the house paying no attention to her protests.
Also at approximately 00:30, IOF moved into al-'Asakra village, southeast of Bethlehem. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested Khaled 'Ali 'Asakra, 21.
At approximately 01:00, IOF moved into al-Zahiriya village, south of Hebron. They raided and searched at least 20 houses in the eastern part of the village, claiming that they were searching for banned materials. They also searched a number of residents of these houses. IOF withdrew from the village at approximately 10:00 and no casualties or arrests were reported.
At approximately 02:00, IOF moved into the southern part of 'Assira village, south of Nablus. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Sa'ad Mahmoud Abu Hamad, 21, and arrested him.
Also at approximately 02:00, IOF moved into al-Majd village, southwest of Hebron. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested Bashir Ibrahim Masharqa, 18.
At approximately 03:00, IOF moved into Qabatya village, southeast of Jenin. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of 'Abed Mustafa Tazaz'a, 26, and arrested him.
At approximately 04:00, IOF moved into Fahma village, southwest of Jenin. They raided and searched a number of houses, but no arrests were reported.
Also at approximately 04:00, IOF moved into Kufor Ra'ei village, southwest of Jenin. They raided and searched a number of houses, but no arrests were reported.
At approximately 18:00, IOF moved into Hebron. They erected a number of checkpoints in the north and east of the town. They stopped and searched civilian vehicles and checked Palestinian civilians. They interrogated and beat a number of these civilians. One of these civilians, 20-year-old Nafez al-Ja'bri, sustained bruises throughout the body.
Friday, 15 July 2005
At approximately 00:30, the Israeli Air Force (IAF) fired two missile at the al-Sahwa Islamic Society in a densely populated area in the northern Gaza Strip town of Jabalya. The society is based in a two-storey building belonging to Ahmed Fu'ad Sirdah, which is rented by the Hamas movement. The building and two neighboring houses were damaged, and Palestinian civilians, especially children, were extremely terrified.
At approximately 00:40, IAF fired three missiles at the Martyr’s Cemetery near "Neve Dekalim" settlement, west of Khan Yunis. A number of graves were damaged.
Also at approximately 00:40, IAF fired a missile that fell into the sea opposite to a site of the Palestinian National Security Force in Deir al-Balah. No casualties were reported.
At approximately 01:20, IAF fired two missiles at a workshop located under a house in the east of Deir al-Balah. The workshop was totally destroyed and the house, two neighboring shops and three neighboring houses were damaged. No casualties were reported.
At approximately 01:40, IAF fired two missiles at the al-Astal family compound in the center of Khan Yunis. A water pump was destroyed and Palestinian civilians were extremely terrified. No casualties were reported.
At approximately 02:00, IOF moved into al-'Obaidiya village, east of Bethlehem. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested Zaid Mousa al-'Assa, 23.
In the evening, IOF wounded and arrested a Palestinian child in Salfit village, southwest of Nablus. At night they announced his death.
According to investigations conducted by PCHR, after IOF had extra-judicially killed three Palestinians in Salfit (see below), IOF moved into the village, opening fire. They patrolled in the streets and surrounded the Emergency Hospital searching for a Palestinian who was targeted by the extra-judicial killing operation. At approximately 18:00, dozens of Palestinian children gathered in the center of the village and threw stones at IOF positioned near the aforementioned hospital. Immediately, IOF opened fire at the children. One of the children, 17-year-old Ma'ath Jamal Sulaima, was wounded by several live bullets, including one to the head. IOF arrested him. Several hours later, IOF announced that he was dead.
At approximately 19:20, IAF fired a missile at a member of the Palestinian resistance who was near a number of children who were playing near a school in the southwest of Khan Yunis. The resistance member was injured. Three of the children were also injured:
1. Mahmoud 'Aaref al-Faqa'awi, 17, injured by shrapnel to the left hand;
2. Isma'il Khaled Gannan, 13, injured by shrapnel to the abdomen; and
3. Mustafa Zuhair al-Nabris, 15, injured by shrapnel to the left hand.
Saturday, 16 July 2005
At approximately 00:15, IAF fired a missile at a workshop belonging to Ra'fat Kazem 'Anan in al-Daraj neighborhood in Gaza City. The workshop was totally destroyed.
At approximately 00:25, IAF fired a missile at a workshop for maintenance of motorcycles belonging to Mustafa Khader al-Daya in the west of Gaza City. The workshop was totally destroyed.
At approximately 00:30, IAF fired a missile at a workshop for maintenance of agricultural equipment belonging to Wa'el Hassan Sabbah in al-Satar al-al-Sharqi area in the northeast of Khan Yunis. The workshop was totally destroyed.
At approximately 01:00, IOF moved into Beit Fajjar village, south of Bethlehem. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested four Palestinian civilians:
1. Mousa Mohammed Taqtqa, 22;
2. Jawad Mahmoud Taqatqa, 18;
3. Murad Mohammed Taqatqa, 28; and
4. 'Emad Mohammed Taqatqa, 18.
At approximately 01:15, IOF moved into Yatta village, south of Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Majes Mahmoud al-Najajra, 22, and arrested him.
Also at approximately 01:15, IOF IOF moved into al-Fawar refugee camp, south of Hebron. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested three Palestinian civilians:
1. Hussein Isma'il Tubaish, 33;
2. Ahmed 'Atiya Abu Warda, 24; and
3. Mustafa Hassaniya Abu Shamiya, 38.
At approximately 01:30, IOF moved into al-Sammou' village, southwest of Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of 'Abdullah Jamil al-Daghamin, 22, and arrested him.
Also at approximately 0:30, IOF moved into Dura village, southwest of Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Fares Fawzi al-Tubasi, 23, and arrested him.
At approximately 01:45, IOF moved into Hebron. They raided and searched a number of houses in al-Muqata'a, Wadi al-Hariya and Beir al-Mahjar neighborhoods. They arrested seven Palestinian civilians:
1. Nadim Mohammed Abu Khalaf, 22;
2. Jawad Mohammed al-Qawasmi, 26;
3. 'Aassem 'Aadel al-Qawasmi, 23;
4. 'Emad Hisham al-Khatib, 27;
5. 'Abdul Karim Asa'ad al-Qawasmi, 24;
6. Ibrahim Hisham Abu Esnaina, 27; and
7. Khaldoun Humaidan al-Sharbati, 29.
At approximately 02:00, IOF moved into 'Aaida refugee camp, north of Bethlehem. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested 'Alaa' 'Ayad Abu 'Aker, 22.
Also at approximately 02:00, IOF moved into Taqqou' village, south of Bethlehem. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested Ziad Ahmed Jibril, 24.
At approximately 02:15, IOF moved into the northern 'Assira village, north of Nablus. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested four Palestinian civilians:
1. Nasser 'Ayad Jarara'a, 22;
2. Samer 'Abdullah Sawalha, 25;
3. Nayef Hamed Hamadna, 23; and
4. 'Alaa' Hassan al-Shouli, 24.
At approximately 03:00, IOF moved into Tamoun village, southeast of Jenin. They raided and searched a number of houses belonging to the family of Mohammed Nihad Bani 'Ouda, 24, and arrested him.
At approximately 09:30, IOF moved nearly 100 meters into al-Mughraqa village, south of Gaza City, near "Netzarim'' settlement. They leveled areas of land along the road leading to the settlement. Then, an infantry unit of IOF raided two houses belonging to 'Ata Sa'id al-Hilu and Saqer 'Eid Abu Leila. IOF held residents of the houses in one room in each. They also forced the family of Khader Abu Leila to stay for two hours outside their house. Before withdrawing from the area, IOF threatened to demolish the houses if their military posts in the area were fired at.
At approximately 23:00, IOF moved into Tubas village, southeast of Jenin. They patrolled the streets and chased Palestinian civilians. They also fired tear gas canisters and sound bombs at these civilians.
Sunday, 17 July 2005
At approximately 01:15, IOF moved Nablus and neighboring refugee camps, opening fire indiscriminately. They patrolled the streets, however, no casualties or arrests were reported.
At approximately 02:45, IOF moved into 'Attil village, north of Tulkarm. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of 'Emad 'Allam Daqqa, 17, and arrested him.
Also at approximately 02:45, IOF moved into IOF moved into 'Allar village, north of Tulkarm. They raided Ra'fat Jaibat's house and threatened to kill him if his son Mohammed, 23, who is wanted by IOF, did not surrender.
Also at approximately 03:00, IOF moved into Kufor Ne'ma village, west of Ramallah. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Anwar Jaber 'Aabdi, 30, and arrested him.
At approximately 03:30, IOF moved into Beit Leqia village, southwest of Ramallah. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested five Palestinian civilians;
1. Samer Subhi Bader, 22;
2. Adib Mohammed Jamal, 23;
3. Najib Ahmed Najib, 25;
4. Adham Fawaz Hussein, 22; and
5. Mohammed Rabah Shukri, 23.
At approximately 04:00, IOF, accompanied by an undercover unit, moved into al-Duhaisha refugee camp and Arats village, south of Bethlehem. They raided and searched a number of houses and broke windows of a number of cars parking near these houses.
Also at approximately 04:00, IOF moved into Qalqilya. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested four Palestinian civilians:
1. Yousef Waddah 'Enaya, 17;
2. Ghassan Asa'ad Daoud, 33;
3. Bassem Hassan Daoud, 21; and
4. Suhail Mahmoud al-Ghazzawi, 19.
At approximately 12:00, IOF, accompanied by an undercover unit, moved into al-Haras neighborhood in the north of Hebron. They raided a shop of electrical sets and arrested its owner, 42-year-old 'Omar 'Abdul Qader al-Qawasmi.
At approximately 15:30, IOF positioned in military posts in the vicinity of "Neve Dekalim" settlement, west of Khan Yunis, fired an artillery shell at Palestinian houses in Baten al-Samin area in the southwest of Khan Yunis. A Palestinian child and a woman were injured when they were near their houses:
1. Khader Sa'di Zo'rob, 14, injured by shrapnel to the left side; and
2. Jawaher Hamdi Zo'rob, 8, injured by shrapnel to the right thigh.
Monday, 18 July 2005
At approximately 0:00, IOF moved into Harmala village, southeast of Bethlehem. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Jamal Ibrahim Abu Nassar, 22, and arrested him.
At approximately 02:00, IOF moved into Shaqba village, north of Ramallah. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Husni 'Awad Hassan, 23, and arrested him.
Also at approximately 02:00, IOF moved into Wadi al-Salqa village, southeast of Deir al-Balah. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Ussama Mohammed al-Sawarka, 20, and arrested him.
At approximately 04:45, IOF positioned in Saida village, north of Tulkarm, arrested Mohammed Mahmoud Raddad, 26, when he exited the mosque following the Dawn Prayer.
At approximately 07:00, IOF moved into Qiffin village, north of Tulkarm. They opened fire at houses. Then, an Israeli military bulldozer closed the entrances of the village with sand barriers.
At approximately 07:30, IOF moved into Palestinian agricultural land to the west of 'Azzoun village, east of Qalqilya. They surrounded a number of Palestinian farmers and arrested three of them for no apparent reason:
1. Marwan Rashid Radwan, 25;
2. Nassar Mohammed Dahbour, 22; and
3. Mo'taz 'Aaref Dahbour, 22.
At approximately 09:30, IOF moved into Ramallah, opening fire indiscriminately. They broke into al-Baitouni commercial center in the center of the town and raided Afaq Center for Student Services, which belongs to Yousef al-Fuqaha who has been detained by IOF for several months for being a member of the Islamic Jihad. IOF confiscated three computer sets and a number of mobile phones and arrested six Palestinian civilians. Three of the detainees were identified as:
1. 'Abdullah Fayad, 30, from Nour Shams refugee camp near Tulkarm;
2. Eyad Hassan, 27, from Qasra village near Nablus; and
3. Bilal Shalash, 25, from Shaqba village near Ramallah.
Also at approximately 09:30, IOF moved into Um al-Sharayet neighborhood in al-Bireh. They raided a house in the area and arrested four Palestinian civilians. These civilians have not been identified.
At approximately 15:30, IOF moved into 'Aaida refugee camp, north of Bethlehem. A number of Palestinian children gathered and threw stones at IOF. Immediately, IOF chased the children and arrested one of them, 10-year-old Laith 'Abbas.
At approximately 17:20, IOF positioned at Abu Houli checkpoint, south of Deir al-Balah, opened fire at Palestinian civilians who were waiting at the checkpoint, which was closed, to prevent them from crossing it. A Palestinian child, 14-year-old Ragheb 'Abdul Rahman Ahmed al-Masri, from Deir al-Balah, was killed by a live bullet that entered the back and exited the chest. A PCHR field worker reported that the child was not waiting to cross the checkpoint, but was offering help to many civilians who had waited at the checkpoint for a number of days.
At approximately 19:00, IOF moved into Jayous village, east of Qalqilya. They opened fire at houses. No casualties were reported.
At approximately 21:00, IOF moved into Dura village, southwest of Hebron. They took position in the center of the village and provoked passing Palestinian civilians. A number of Palestinian children gathered and threw stones at IOF. Immediately, IOF fired the children wounding two:
1. 'Awad 'Omar al-Fasfous, 11, wounded by a rubber-coated metal bullet to the right foot; and
2. Nizar Mousa al-Sayed Ahmed, 17, wounded by a rubber-coated metal bullet to the right foot.
Tuesday, 19 July 2005
At approximately 02:00, IOF moved into al-Yamoun village, west of Jenin. They surrounded a 170-square-meter, two-storey house belonging to Tamer Bassam Sammar at the northern entrance of the village. They ordered, using megaphones, all those who were inside the house, including Ibrahim Zaher Mohammed 'Abahra, 29, to get out. Sammar's family left the house. Then, IOF opened fire at the house. 'Abahra exchanged fire with IOF. At approximately 06:00, an Israeli military bulldozer moved towards the house and uprooted a number of olive trees around it. At approximately 06:45, IOF started to demolish the house. It demolished more than half of it. In the meantime, 'Abahra's nephew, 27-year-old Warrad Mohammed Zaher 'Abahra, arrived at the area and exchanged fire with IOF. He was killed by ten live bullets throughout the body. At approximately 10:30, IOF withdrew from the village. Immediately, ambulances and civil defense crews arrived at the area to search for the uncle who was inside the house. They found him dead. The two victims were members of the al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades, the military wing of Fatah movement. During this operation, IOF also arrested two Palestinian civilians:
1. Ra'ed Saleh Abu al-Hassan, 30; and
2. 'Azmi Saleh Abu al-Hassan, 32.
At approximately 05:00, IOF moved into Hebron. They raided a sewing workshop in al-Marzouq area and arrested Mohammed Khalil Helmi Yaghmour, 18. They also raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Bilal Ahmed al-Zaghir, 23, in Abu Ghannam Street and arrested him.
Also at approximately 05:00, IOF moved in Shwaika neighborhood in Tulkarm. They raided and searched a number of houses. No arrests were reported.
At approximately 11:00, an undercover unit of IOF moved into Bethlehem. Israeli soldiers moved towards al-Munawara area in the center of the town and surrounded a bookshop. Soon, more reinforcements of IOF arrived at the area. They raided the bookshop and arrested Hassan Abu Hulayel, 40.
Wednesday, 20 July 2005
At approximately 06:00, medical sources at Rafidya Hospital in Nablus declared that Mohammed Musbah Hassan Ghannam, 22, from Nour Shams died from a wound he had sustained on Wednesday, 13 July 2005.
According to PCHR's documentation, at approximately 02:00 on Wednesday, 13 July 2005, IOF 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. The latter was later pronounced clinically dead at the hospital. He remained at Rafidya Hospital in Nablus until his death.
Israeli Offensive on Tulkarm
On Wednesday morning, 13 July 2005, IOF invaded Tulkarm town and the neighboring Tulkarm and Nour Shams refugee camps and imposed a curfew. This invasion continued until Sunday evening, 17 July 2005. During this offensive, IOF killed a member of the Palestinian National Security Force and wounded another (see the previous report). The latter was pronounced dead on Wednesday, 20 July 2005. IOF also perpetrated a series of human rights violations.
- Shooting at Palestinian Civilians: IOF fired at Palestinian civilians who broke the curfew or gathered and threw stones at IOF. As a result, 22 Palestinian civilians were wounded by live and rubber-coated metal bullets (PCHR has a list of their names).
- Arrests: IOF raided and searched dozens of houses and arrested 13 Palestinian civilians:
1. Riad 'Abdullah 'Abdul Ghani, 26;
2. Jasser Rasmi 'Ouda, 25;
3. Wadee' Ibrahim Shadid, 28;
4. Mohammed Ahmed Hamad, 25;
5. 'Omar Mohammed Bashir, 22;
6. Nabils Khader Abu Khalil, 17;
7. Maher Burhan Haidar, 21;
8. Nasser Hussein Shaf'ei, 37;
9. Salah 'Ezziddin Edhailiya, 18;
10. Firas 'Abdullah Khalifa, 30;
11. Anas Ahmed 'Ajaj, 18;
12. Amjad Ibrahim al-Hamshari, 20; and
13. Mohammed 'Ali al-Hamshari, 26.
IOF also held and interrogated a number of Palestinian civilians for several hours.
- Seizure of Houses: IOF seized 15 houses and apartment and commercial buildings and transformed them into military sites.
1. Extra-Judicial Execution
This week, IOF resumed the policy of extra-judicial execution after a halt of a few months. This policy is officially adopted by the Israeli political and military establishments. This escalation followed a bombing in the Israeli town of Netanya last week. IOF committed three extra-judicial executions and failed in a fourth one. These attacks left eight Palestinians dead. The victims were all members of Hamas. Two of these killings were committed in less than an hour.
At approximately 15:00 on Friday, 15 July 2005, two Israeli helicopter gunships fired six missiles at three Palestinians who were on agricultural land in Wadi al-Sha'er area in the southeast of Salfit, southwest of Nablus. Palestinian ambulances immediately arrived at the area and they found the body of one of the three Palestinians. Another Palestinian was found seriously injured. The ambulances evacuated the body and the injured one to the Emergency Hospital in Salfit. The dead person was identified as Mohammed Ahmed Salama Mar'ei, 20, from Qarawat Bani Hassan village. As the injured person, Mohammed Yousef 'Abdul Fattah 'Ayash, 30, from Rafat village southwest of Nablus, was in a serious condition, medical crews decided to transfer him to Ramallah Hospital. Soon, IOF moved into the village and intercepted the ambulance that transported him and arrested him. IOF broke into the Emergency Hospital searching for a third Palestinian who accompanied the aforementioned persons. At approximately 20:20, Palestinian medical crews found his body. He was identified as Samer 'Abdul Hadi Mohammed Dawahqa, 26, from Salfit. On Saturday evening, 16 July 2005, IOF declared that 'Ayash died from his injury at an Israeli hospital. IOF claimed that the three victims were activists of 'Izziddin al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Hamas.
At approximately 16:00 on Friday, 15 July 2005, IAF fired a missile at a civilian vehicle, a Volks Wagen microbus, near the crossroads of the Palestinian Ministry of Finance in a densely populated area in Gaza City. Four Palestinians who were traveling in the vehicle were killed;
1. 'Assem Marwan Abu Ras, 24, from al-Daraj neighborhood in Gaza City;
2. 'Aadel Nahed Haniya, 28, from al-Shati refugee camp;
3. Amjad Anwar 'Arafat, 26, from Gaza City; and
4. Saber Abu 'Aassi, 25, from al-Zaitoun neighborhood in Gaza City.
In addition, five civilian bystanders were injured, one of whom was in a serious condition. A number of buildings in the area were damaged. IOF admitted responsibility for the attack.
At approximately 09:00 on Sunday, 17 July 2005, an Israeli sniper positioned in a military post near "Gani Tal" settlement, northwest of Khan Yunis, fired one live bullet at Sa'id 'Eissa Jaber Siam, 32, from al-Amal neighborhood in Khan Yunis, when he was at the door of his house, nearly 150 meters away. The live bullet hit Siam to the neck and killed him. Shrapnel from the bullet also injured Siam's father, 60, to the right thigh. Siam was an activist of Hamas, who was wanted by IOF.
At approximately 17:15 on Sunday, 17 July 2005, IAF fired a missile at two cars that were parked near al-Misbah Kindergarten in the northern Gaza Strip town of Beit Lahia. A number of members of 'Izziddin al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Hamas, were standing near the two cars. The missile hit the front of one of the cars and injured one of those who was standing near it, while the others escaped. The car was severely damaged. Three minutes later, IAF fired another missile, which fell near the other car. Two civilian bystanders were injured by shrapnel.
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 border crossings.
Internal Movement: On Thursday morning, 14 July 2005, IOF closed al-Matahen and Abu Houli checkpoints on Salah al-Din Street (the main road between the north and south of the Gaza Strip). They reopened them in the evening. However, at night, they closed the two checkpoints again and closed the costal road between Gaza City and the central Gaza Strip; thus dividing the Gaza Strip into three separate zones. This closure continued until Tuesday morning, 19 July 2005. Palestinian civilians were prevented from moving from one zone to another. Thousands of Palestinian civilians were not able to travel back home. On Saturday evening, 16 July 2005, a number of Palestinian civilians who were not able to endure the suffering of waiting at Abu Houli and al-Matahen checkpoints tried to cross the two checkpoints. Immediately, IOF fired at them. Six civilians were wounded.
IOF have also continued to close a number of roads inside the Gaza Strip since the beginning of the current Intifada, such as the western Rafah -- Khan Yunis road in the southern Gaza Strip, Abu al-'Ajeen road between the villages of al-Qarara and Wadi al-Salqa in the central Gaza Strip and Salah al-Din Street at "Netzarim" and "Kfar Darom" junctions in the central Gaza Strip. Furthermore, IOF have continued to prohibit Palestinian civilians from using "Kissufim", "Morag" and al-Mentar roads in the southern and central Gaza Strip, which have been devoted for the movement of IOF and settlers. IOF have continued to close Gaza International Airport for the fourth consecutive year.
Enclaves: IOF have continued to impose a strict siege on Palestinian communities located near Israeli military posts and settlements:
- Al-Mawasi: approximately 5,800 Palestinians live in al-Mawasi situated within the Israeli "Gush Katif" settlement bloc in the southern Gaza Strip. Restrictions imposed on the movement of residents include: (1) Male Palestinians aged 16-35 have been prohibited from crossing al-Tuffah checkpoint at the entrance to the area; (2) IOF allow the entry of foodstuffs into the area on Saturdays and Sundays, and allow the entry of other goods on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. On other days, they allow the transportation of agricultural products out of the area. IOF and settlers in the area have continued to attack Palestinian civilians and property; (3) Education continues to be drastically affected: 1430 schoolchildren study at one school in the area, which lacks electricity and water. The school also lacks teachers of a number of subjects, such as mathematics, physics and chemistry. Only one teacher from outside the area is allowed to teach at this school and he is sometimes prevented from entering the area. As a result of such conditions, the school was forced to cancel science classes and students who wish to study science have to go to Khan Yunis; and (4) IOF troops frequently close al-Tuffah checkpoint at the entrance to the area:
- Al-Sayafa: approximately 200 Palestinians civilians live in al-Sayafa, an area located between "Dogit" and "Elli Sinai" settlements in the northern Gaza Strip. Restrictions imposed on the movement of residents include: (1) Palestinian civilians under the age of 30 are prohibited from moving out and into the area without prior coordination; (2) A limited number of farmers are allowed to enter the area but only following prior coordination. Farmers face extreme difficulties in marketing their products or bringing agricultural equipment into the area. ; (3) University students have been forced to live outside the area due to the prohibition imposed on the movement of those who are under 30; (4) the area lacks paved roads, which makes transportation extremely difficult, so residents of the area have to move on foot; (5) IOF open the iron gate at the entrance of the area between 07:00 to 09:00 and 14:00 to 15:30 only; (6) The area lacks basic services, such as electricity, as IOF have prevented establishing an electricity network in the area; and (7) Medical patients have to walk or use animal cart as ambulances are not allowed to enter the area without lengthy prior coordination. 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, IOF have imposed more restrictions on travel through the crossing point. The crossing point is open between 09:00 and 17:00 everyday. On Saturday, 16 July 2005, IOF decided to prevent Palestinian civilians aged 16-35 from traveling abroad. IOF had allowed this large segment of Palestinian civilians to travel abroad since 20 February 2005 following nearly one year of prohibition.
- Beit Hanoun (Erez) crossing: IOF have closed the crossing since Wednesday, 13 July 2005 following the bombing in Netanya. As a result, 6,825 Palestinian workers who have work permits have not been able to travel to their work places inside Israel, and 843 others have not been able to work in the Erez industrial zone. Hundreds of patients have been also prevented from traveling to hospitals in the West Bank and Israel. The crossing was reopened for Palestinian workers in January 2005 following a six-month closure.
- Al-Mentar (Karni) commercial crossing: IOF have continued to impose severe restrictions on commercial transactions at al-Mentar (Karni) commercial crossing, east of Gaza City. This is despite the IOF declaration that they have eased such restrictions. During the reporting period they allowed only 30-35 trucks to enter Israel and 270 to enter the Gaza Strip from Israel. These restrictions have caused goods to perish and large losses to Palestinian traders.
- Sofa crossing: IOF have also continued to prevent Palestinian workers from entering Israel through Sofa crossing, northeast of Rafah. This crossing has been closed for people for more than one year and only raw construction materials are allowed to be enter.
The West Bank
IOF have continued to impose a strict siege on Palestinian communities in the West Bank Territory. They have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians and imposed curfews on a number of Palestinian communities.
Jerusalem: As IOF imposed a comprehensive closure on the OPT on Wednesday, 1 July 2005, they isolated Jerusalem from the rest of the West Bank and prevented Palestinian civilians, including those who have permits, from entering the city. IOF also imposed more restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians inside the city. They erected several checkpoints in the streets, especially near the old town. They stopped and searched Palestinian civilian’s vehicles.
Ramallah: On Thursday noon, 14 July 2005, IOF erected a checkpoint in 'Oyoun al-Haramiya area on Ramallah -- Nablus road. They stopped and checked dozens of Palestinian civilians. On Saturday morning, 16 July 2005, IOF positioned at Qalandya checkpoint, south of Ramallah, prevented Palestinian civilians coming from the north of the West Bank, including patients and women, from crossing the checkpoint. According to eyewitnesses, IOF chased Palestinian civilians who resorted to alternative roads.
Hebron: IOF have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. On Friday morning, 15 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 15:00 on Thursday, 14 July 2005, IOF positioned at a checkpoint in Qaizoun neighborhood in the east of Hebron stopped D'ib Falah al-'Ashi, 24, when he was on his way back home from his work. They violently beat him. He sustained bruises and injuries throughout the body.
At approximately 13:10 on Saturday, 16 July2005, IOF positioned at the entrances of the Ibrahim Mosque arrested 'Obaida Farah Ghaith, 18. They claimed that they found a knife in her bag and that she intended to stab an Israeli soldier. Ten minutes later, IOF arrested Maisaa' Mohammed Wazwaz, 17, claiming that she was behaving suspiciously. According to eyewitnesses, the two girls did not do any thing that could have necessitated their arrest and they did not have any sharp tools, contrary to Israeli claims.
On Tuesday morning, 19 July 2005, IOF erected a checkpoint at Sa'ir crossroads, northeast of Hebron. They stopped and searched dozens of Palestinian civilian vehicles and arrested two Palestinian civilians:
1. Mousa Mohammed Salalha, 22; and
2. Samer Ibrahim Salalha, 24, both from Kharas village.
Bethlehem: On Sunday morning, 17 July 22005, IOF closed the Container checkpoint, northeast of Bethlehem, which links between the north and south of the West Bank. This closure continued until noon. On Monday morning, 18 July 2005, IOF closed bypass road (60) near al-Khader village, and prohibited the movement of Palestinian civilians. They also closed the road that links the Tunnels area with "Kfar Etzion' settlement and prohibited the movement of Palestinian civilians.
Nablus: IOF have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians in and around the city. On Saturday morning, 16 July 2005, IOF closed Za'tara checkpoint, south of Nablus, which links between the north and south of the West Bank. IOF positioned at various checkpoints have continued to stop and check Palestinian civilians. IOF also erected a number of sudden checkpoints around the city.
At approximately 17:00 on Monday evening, 18 July 2005, IOF positioned at a checkpoint to the east of Nablus fired at a Palestinian civilian, Ahmed Sa'id Mohammed 'Eissa, 50, from Salem village. He was injured by shrapnel from a live bullet to the legs. According to 'Eissa, he arrived at the checkpoint together with his wife who had given birth at a hospital in Nablus. They were on their way back home. IOF was closing the checkpoint. He went towards an Israeli military jeep that stopped in the area to explain to Israeli soldiers the condition of his wife to be allowed to cross the checkpoints. However, Israeli soldiers ordered him to move back. When he turned back, they fired a live bullet. He was injured by shrapnel to the legs.
Jenin: At approximately 07:00 on Friday, 16 July 2005, IOF erected a checkpoint at the entrance of Tammoun village, southwest of Jenin. They stopped and searched Palestinian civilian vehicles. No arrests were reported. On Saturday morning, 17 July 2005, IOF positioned at Tayaseer and al-Hamra checkpoints in the northern Jordan Valley imposed severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. According to eyewitnesses, IOF conducted prolonged searches of Palestinian civilian vehicles. They also prevented many Palestinian civilians from crossing the two checkpoints, claiming that they did not have permits. On Monday morning, 18 July 2005, IOF erected a checkpoint on Tubas -- Jenin road. They stopped and searched Palestinian civilian vehicles.
At approximately 17:00 on Saturday, 17 July 2005, IOF erected a sudden checkpoint at the entrance to al-Fara'a refugee camp, southeast of Jenin. They stopped a civilian car and checked Palestinian civilians who were traveling in it. Then, they arrested one of these civilians, 20-year-old Amin Salim Abu 'Olayan. A few minutes later, IOF stopped a taxi and arrested Ashraf Farid Shihab, 24.
Tulkarm: At approximately 10:00 on Thursday, 14 July 2005, after having invaded Tulkarm, IOF re-erected an iron gate to the east of 'Anabta village, east of the town. IOF dismantled the gate four months ago when they handed control over Tulkarm to the Palestinian National Authority. IOF have also closed al-Kafriyat checkpoint, south of Tulkarm. On Friday, 15 July 2005, IOF erected a number of checkpoints at the entrances of villages located to the north of Taulkarm. On Sunday, 17 July 2005, IOF erected two checkpoints at the entrances to Bala'a village and Nour Shams refugee camp, east of Tulkarm. On Monday evening, 18 July 2005, IOF closed all branch roads that link Tulkarm with neighbouring villages.
Qalqilya: At approximately 08:00 on Sunday, 17 July 2005, IOF erected a checkpoint between the villages of 'Azzoun and Kufor Thuluth, east of Qalqilya. They prohibited the movement of Palestinian civilians between the two villages.
3. Construction of the Annexation Wall
IOF have continued to construct the Annexation Wall inside the West Bank territory.
This week, IOF established a new military post near Qalandya checkpoint, south of Ramallah. According to eyewitnesses, IOF brought raw construction materials to continue the construction of a section of the Wall to the east of the aforementioned checkpoint. IOF also started to pave new roads in al-Kassarat area near the Wall. In the meantime, Israeli workers placed lights on both sides of the Wall to the west of al-Ram village, north of East Jerusalem.
This week, IOF continued to raze areas of Palestinian agricultural land in Amatin village, east of Qalqilya, for the purpose of the construction of a section of the Wall around the neighboring "Emanuel'' settlement. According to local sources, at least 300 donums of agricultural land in the village are expected to be razed and at least 1000 donums will be isolated behind the Wall.
At approximately 10:00 on Thursday, 14 July 2005, dozens of Palestinian civilians and international and Israeli peace activists organized a peaceful demonstration in Amatin village, east of Qalqilya, in protest to land leveling in the area for the purpose of the construction of the Wall. IOF fired rubber-coated metal bullets and tear gas canisters at the demonstrators. Seven Palestinian civilians and an Israeli solidarity activist were wounded by rubber-coated metal bullets. An Israeli military jeep chased Bahaa' Farouq Ghane, 22, and attempted to run him down. He sustained a fracture to the right leg. IOF also arrested 3 Israeli solidarity activists:
1. Jonathan Pulak;
2. Elli Paphebrican; and
3. Kerli Kitskawiski.
On Sunday morning, 17 July 2005, IOF informed two Palestinian civilians in al-Burj village, southwest of Hebron, that their houses would be demolished. According to local sources, IOF informed Mohammed Salem Masharqa that his 130-square-meter house, in which eight individuals live, would be demolished. They also informed 'Ali Mohammed Masharqa that his 150-square-meter house, in which 12 individuals live, would be also demolished. The two houses are located a few meters away from the Wall. IOF claimed that the two houses were built without licenses.
On Tuesday morning, 19 July 2005, IOF issued three military orders confiscating nearly 15 donums of Palestinian land in the villages of Habla, Kufor Thuluth, Seneeria and Masha near Qalqilya. According to the first order, nine donums of land in Habla village, south of Qalqilya, would be confiscated for military purposes and for establishing a road between "Matan Yarheiv" settlement inside the Green Line and the Wall. According to the second order, 1,500 square meters of land would be confiscated in Kufor Thuluth village, east of Qalqilya, to establish a road between "Nireit" settlement inside the Green Line and the Wall. According to the third order, four donums of land would be confiscated in the villages of Seneeria and Masha, southeast of Qalqilya, to establish a road between "Eitz Efraim" settlement and the Wall. IOF gave the owners seven days to appeal against the orders.
4. Settlement Activities and Attacks by Settlers against Palestinian Civilians and Property
Israeli settlers (living in the OPT in violation of international humanitarian law) have continued their attacks against Palestinian civilians and property:
On Thursday morning, 14 July 2005, a number of armed Israeli settlers from "Kiryat Arba" settlement, southeast of Hebron, threw stones at the car of Ahmed Isma'il Jaber, 23, from Hebron, when he was traveling in al-Jalajel area near the eastern entrance of the aforementioned settlement. Windows of the car were broken and Jaber was injured in the head and sustained bruises to the shoulders. Jaber was traveling from Hebron to the neighboring Bani Na'im village.
At approximately 17:00 on Friday, 15 July 2005, a number of Israeli settlers moved from "Ramat Yishai" settlement in Tal Rumaida neighborhood in the center of Hebron and attacked Palestinian houses using stones and empty bottles. A number of houses were damaged and a Palestinian child, 16-year-old Rajaa' Abu 'Eisha, sustained bruises to the back and the right hand.
On Tuesday morning, 19 July 2005, dozens of Israeli settlers living in "Kerni Shomron" settlement, east of Qalqilya, gathered at the entrance of the settlement and threw stones at Palestinian civilian vehicles traveling on Nablus -- Qalqilya road. A driver of a bus, 45-year-old Mahdi Hassan Dwaikat, was injured in the face and the bus was damaged.
On Tuesday morning, 19 July 2005, IOF bulldozers started to raze areas of Palestinian agricultural land in Shoufa village, southeast of Tulkarm, to expand and establish a fence around ''Evni Heifetz" settlement. In April 2005, IOF confiscated at least 6,000 donums of Palestinian land in the villages of Shoufa, Kafr al-Labd, Beit Leed, Safarin and Ramin to expand and establish a fence around the neighboring "Evni Heifetz" and "'Ennab" settlements.
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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Note:
[1] 1 donum is equal to 1000 square meters.