Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) Extra-Judicially kill a Palestinian and injure others in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT)
- A Palestinian was extra-judicially killed by IOF.
- 8 Palestinian civilians, including five children and two women, were injured by IOF.
- IOF conducted 35 incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank and one incursion into the Gaza Strip.
- Houses were raided and 36 Palestinian civilians were arrested by IOF.
- IOF have continued to impose a total siege on the OPT; IOF have prevented Palestinian civilians aged 16-35 from traveling through Rafah International Crossing Point; IOF have resumed a special checking machine at the crossing point; and IOF arrested 10 Palestinian civilians at military checkpoints in the West Bank.
- IOF have continued to construct the Annexation Wall in the West Bank; IOF confiscated at least 800 donums(1) of Palestinian land in Hebron and Qalqilya for this purpose.
- Israeli settlers have continued to attack Palestinian civilians and property in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip; a number of Palestinian civilians were injured and two houses were demolished.
Summary
Israeli violations of international law continued in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT) during the reporting period (28 July -- 03 August 2005):
Extra-Judicial Killing: On 28 July 2005, Israeli Occupation Forces extra-judicially killed a Palestinian civilian in Shoufa village, south of Tulkarm. They also mutilated his body. During the reported period, 8 Palestinian civilians, including 5 children and two women, were wounded by the Israeli gunfire.
Incursions and Shelling: IOF conducted 35 military incursions into Palestinian areas in the West Bank and one incursion into the Gaza Strip. During these incursions, IOF raided houses and arrested 36 Palestinian civilians. IOF also seized two houses and transformed them into military sites.
Restrictions on Movement: IOF have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians through al-Matahen and Abu Houli checkpoints on Salah al-Din Street (the main road between the north and south of the Gaza Strip). During the reported period, IOF closed the two checkpoint several times and for several hours. On 31 July 2005, IOF partially reopened Beit Hanoun (Erez) crossing following three weeks of closure and issued permits for only 100 traders. They cancelled nearly 7000 work permits issued for Palestinian workers before this latest closure. According to the Palestinian Ministry of Labor, on 01 August 2005, IOF issued 1924 work permits for Palestinian workers, who are over 40. For the third consecutive week, IOF have continued to prevent Palestinians aged 16-35 from traveling through Rafah International Crossing Point. In the West Bank, IOF have continued to close Za'tra checkpoint, south of Nablus, and Enab gate, east of Tulkarm, for the third consecutive week. They also erected a number of checkpoints and arrested at least 10 Palestinian civilians. In the West Bank PCHR field workers documented two cases of inhumane treatment by IOF at military checkpoints.
In the West Bank, IOF have imposed severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. Since Friday evening, 24 June 2005, IOF have imposed a strict siege on Hebron district. They imposed severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians and severely beat five of them. IOF positioned at checkpoints arrested eight Palestinian civilians in the OPT. They also imposed a curfew on a number of Palestinian communities.
Annexation Wall: IOF have continued to construct the Annexation Wall inside the West Bank territory, especially to the north of occupied East Jerusalem. For this purpose, they confiscated at least 800 donums of Palestinian land in Hebron and Qalqilya. In addition, IOF used force to disperse peaceful demonstrations organized by Palestinian civilians and international solidarity activists in protest to the construction of the Wall. Five demonstrators were wounded by rubber-coated metal bullets and dozens of others 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, especially in Hebron. Ten Palestinian civilians were injured. Settlers also attacked an Italian solidarity activist, who was later arrested by IOF. In addition, IOF demolished two houses in Bethlehem and Jerusalem.
Israeli Violations Documented during the Reporting Period (28 July -- 03 August 2005)
1. Incursions into Palestinian Areas and Attacks on Palestinian Civilians and Property
Thursday, 28 July 2005
At approximately 03:00, IOF moved into Sabastia village, west of Nablus. They opened fire at houses and patrolled in the streets. No arrests were reported.
Also at approximately 03:00, IOF moved into al-Naqoura village, west of Nablus. They opened fire at houses and patrolled in the streets. No arrests were reported.
At approximately 11:00, IOF moved into Budros village, west of Ramallah. They fired live bullets, tear gas canisters and sound bombs at Palestinian civilians. A Palestinian woman, 80-year-old Ne'ma Khalifa, was injured by a sound bomb to the leg. IOF also arrested her grandson, 18-year-old Rakan Tayseer Khalifa.
At approximately 21:00, IOF moved into Marda village, southwest of Nablus. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Wajdi Ahmed Ebdah, 20, and arrested him.
Friday, 29 July 2005
At approximately 00:00, IOF, Israeli heavy military vehicles, moved nearly 300 metres into Abu Houli area in the south of Deir al-Balah. They stopped near al-Matahen road and 50 Israeli soldiers, accompanied by dogs, got out of them and surrounded the area. They called on residents of the area to get out of their houses. Israeli soldiers fired sound bombs at the houses and the residents were forced out. Israeli soldiers forced men to take off their upper clothes and held them in the Abu Houli family divan. They also held women in one of the houses. Israeli soldiers interrogated men and then raided and searched houses. They also arrested three Palestinian civilians; one of them was released later. Those who remained in custody are:
1. Mohammed Ahmed Abu Houli, 16; and
2. Nour al-Din 'Aadel Abu Houli, 18.
At approximately 02:00, IOF moved into Qabatya village, southeast of Jenin. They raided and searched a house belonging to Subhi Najib Abu al-Rub. They told him to hand over his son Rami, 18. They also arrested his other son, 20-year-old Rabei'.
At approximately 03:00, IOF moved into Bourqin village, west of Jenin. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested three Palestinian civilians:
1. 'Abdul Hadi Nasser Murtada, 21;
2. Mahmoud Nasser Murtada, 18; and
3. Fadi Mustafa Murtada, 20.
At approximately 03:15, IOF moved into Beit Kahel village, northwest of Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of 'Alaa' Mohammed 'Asafra, 22, and arrested him.
Also at approximately 03:15, IOF moved into Yatta village, south of Hebron. They raided and searched a number of houses and transformed a house belonging to Dr. Nayef 'Atiya into a military site.
Saturday, 30 July 2005
At approximately 01:00, IOF moved into Dura village, southwest of Hebron. They raided and searched two houses and arrested two Palestinian civilians:
1. Maher 'Abdul 'Aziz al-Rajoub, 27; and
2. Ma'ath Mohammed Kitlu, 22.
At approximately 02:00, IOF moved into Qabatya village, southeast of Jenin. They raided and searched two houses and arrested two Palestinian civilians:
1. Asa'ad Rashed Abu al-Rub, 55; and
2. Mahmoud Khaled Saba'na, 18, who had only left the hospital one week earlier as he was injured in the abdomen when IOF extra-judicially killed a Palestinian civilian on 07 June 2005.
Also at approximately 02:00, IOF moved into 'Attil village, north of Tulkarm. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested two Palestinian civilians:
1. Jibril Fahmi Sirrees, 28; and
2. Khader Rasmi Abu Khalil, 18.
At approximately 09:00, IOF moved into Bala'a village, east of Tulkarm. A number of Palestinian children gathered and threw stones at IOF. Immediately, IOF fired at the children and wounded three of them and a passing woman:
1. 'Anan Marwan al-Haj, 16, wounded by a rubber-coated metal bullet to the face;
2. Ibrahim Jamal Jeetawi, 15, wounded by a rubber-coated metal bullet to the back;
3. Ahmed Akram Zuraiqi, 17, wounded by a rubber-coated metal bullet to the leg; and
4. Huda Ziad Shahrour, 32, wounded by a rubber-coated metal bullet to the face.
At approximately 19:00, IOF moved into Beit Kahel village, northwest of Hebron. They patrolled in Khellat al-'Ein area. They stopped and arrested Faisal Ahmed 'Awad al-'Atawna, 40, and his son 'Alaa', 15.
At approximately 20:00, IOF moved into 'Aaida refugee camp, north of Bethlehem. They fired live bullets and sound bombs indiscriminately. They stopped and checked dozens of Palestinian civilians, but no casualties were reported.
At approximately 21:30, IOF moved into Bedia village, southwest of Nablus. They surrounded a number of young men in the centre of the village and arrested two of them:
1. Tariq Wassef Mefleh, 20; and
2. Bahaa' Khaled Mohammed Ibrahim, 22.
At approximately 23:00, IOF moved into Bani Na'im village, east of Hebron. They raided and searched a number of houses in al-Humaidat and al-Ziadat areas in the east of the village. A number of Palestinian children gathered and threw stones at IOF. Immediately, IOF fired at the children wounding two of them:
1. Ibrahim Mahmoud al-Manasra, 12, wounded by two rubber-coated metal bullets to the pelvis; and
2. Mahmoud Yousef Humaidat, 11, wounded by a rubber-coated metal bullet to the shoulder.
Also at approximately 23:00, IOF moved into Deir Estia village, southwest of Nablus. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested four Palestinian children:
1. Farid Jamal D'iab, 14;
2. Ahmed 'Abdul Rahman Khalaf, 16;
3. 'Ali Sa'id Zaidan, 15; and
4. Firas Tayseer Sheikh 'Abdullah, 14.
Sunday, 31 July 2005
At approximately 01:00, IOF moved into Yatta village, south of Hebron. They raided and searched a number of houses but no casualties were reported.
At approximately 03:00, IOF moved into Nour Shams refugee camp, east of Tulkarm. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Ibrahim Fayad, 28, a leader of the Islamic Jihad in the West Bank, and arrested him.
At approximately 03:30, IOF moved into 'Attil village, north of Tulkarm. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of 'Alaa' Mohammed Abu Khalil, 18, and arrested him.
At approximately 04:00, IOF moved into Kufor Qddoum village, east of Qlaqilya. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Muhannad Eshtaiwi, 20, and arrested him.
At approximately 05:00, IOF moved into Saida village, north of Tulkarm. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested two Palestinian civilians:
1. Eihab Mustafa Raddad, 29; and
2. Tha'er Jamal 'Abdul Ghani, 19.
Also at approximately 05:00, IOF moved into Seilat al-Harthiya village, west of Jenin. They raided and searched a number of houses. They withdrew from the village at approximately 10:00 and no arrests were reported.
At approximately 20:00, IOF moved into 'Azzoun village, east of Qalqilya. They patrolled in the streets and erected a checkpoint at its northern entrance. They stopped and searched Palestinian civilian vehicles. No arrests were reported.
Monday, 01 August 2005
At approximately 02:30, IOF moved into al-Bireh. They raided and searched a house belonging to Fathallah al-Sa'di, 24, from 'Attil village north of Tulkarm, and arrested him. The detainee is the brother of Lu'ai al-Sa'di's brother, the leader of al-Quds Brigade, the military wing of the Islamic Jihad, in the West Bank.
At approximately 03:00, IOF moved into al-'Obaidiya village, east of Bethlehem. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Anwar Mahmoud al-'Asa, 24, and arrested him.
At approximately 04:15, IOF moved into Qalandya refugee camp, south of Ramallah. They raided a deserted house in the north of the camp and arrested two Palestinians. The two detainees have not been identified.
At approximately 05:00, IOF moved into al-Sheikh neighborhood in Hebron. They raided Faraj Sidqi Abu Rumaila's house. They forced the owner and his son to leave the house, held the women and children in one room and transformed the house into a military site.
Also at approximately 05:00, IOF raided and searched offices of the Alms Committee in the centre of Hebron. They confiscated three computer sets.
Tuesday, 02 August 2005
At approximately 02:00, IOF moved into Halhoul village, north of Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to 'Abdul Majid Mohammed Tumaizi and arrested his two sons: Ghader, 23; and Mohammed, 21.
At approximately 09:00, IOF moved into Rafidya neighborhood in Nablus. They patrolled in the streets but later withdrew from the area and no arrests were reported.
At approximately 10:00, IOF moved into the villages of 'Allar and Saida, north of Tulkarm. They patrolled in the streets. No arrests were reported.
At approximately 11:00, IOF moved into Jenin. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Anas Salem Qa'qour, 18, and arrested him.
At night, IOF moved into al-Kurkoffa neighborhood in Bethlehem. They raided and searched 'Ali Salem Zawahra's house and arrested his two children: Murad, 14; and Sufian, 12.
Wednesday, 03 August 2005
At approximately 01:00, IOF moved into Tulkarm. They raided and searched a number of houses in the southern part of the town and arrested 15 Palestinian civilians. Later, they released 14 civilians, while the 15th one, 52-year-old 'Adnan Mohammed Bualidi, remained in custody.
At approximately 21:00, IOF moved into Shwaika area, north of Tulkarm. They opened fire at houses. A Palestinian civilian, 20-year-old Majd 'Ammar Sarhan, was wounded by a live bullet to the right foot.
2. Extra-Judicial Killing
On Thursday, 28 July 2005, IOF extra-judicially killed Mo'ayad Fathi Rashid Mousa, 29, from Shoufa village south of Tulkarm. IOF claimed that the victim transported the Palestinian who carried out a bombing in the Israeli town of Netanya on 14 July 2005 from the West Bank to Israel, and that he was an activist of the Islamic Jihad. His family refuted this claim and asserted that he had no political activities. IOF used the victim's brother as a human shield to break into a house where the victim hid.
According to investigations conducted by PCHR, at approximately 13:30 on Thursday, 28 July 2005, an undercover unit of IOF moved into Shoufa village, south of Tulkarm, using a civilian car. The car stopped near a house belonging to Fathi Rashid Mousa. Soon, IOF moved into the village and surrounded the house and a neighbouring house belonging to Mousa'd son, Ma'zouz. Israeli soldiers took the two civilians, who were in their farm, to the father's house. They held the two together with another son, 'Alaa' near the house. Israeli soldiers asked the father and his two sons whether there is anyone inside the house and they asserted that no one was there. Then, Israeli soldiers ordered Ma'zouz to enter the house to make sure that no one was there. He entered the house and when he came back he asserted that no one was there. Soon after, Israeli soldiers broke into the house. A sound bomb was heard inside the house, and a few minutes later intense shooting was heard. Five minutes later, Israeli soldiers got out of the house and ordered Ma'zouz to go back inside. He found a body on the ground and identified him as his brother Mo'ayad. The IOF stayed in the house and did not withdraw from the area until approximately 15:30. After this another brother entered the house and found his brother’s body. The body had been mutilated and he found a bloody knife and pieces of flesh on a drill in the room. The body had been so badly mutilated that the brother was not able to identify his brother; his skull was smashed in and he had been hit by several live bullets throughout his body.
3. Continued Siege on the OPT
IOF have continued to impose tightened siege on the OPT and imposed severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including Jerusalem.
Gaza Strip
IOF have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians in the Gaza Strip, especially at Rafah International Crossing Point on the Egyptian border.
Internal Movement: IOF have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians through al-Matahen and Abu Houli checkpoints on Salah al-Din Street (the main road between the north and south of the Gaza Strip). During the reported period, IOF closed the two checkpoint several times and for several hours.
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 180 Palestinians civilians live in al-Sayafa, an area located between "Dogit" and "Elli Sinai" settlements in the northern Gaza Strip. Restrictions imposed on the movement of residents include: (1) Palestinian civilians under the age of 30 are prohibited from moving out and into the area without prior coordination; (2) A limited number of farmers are allowed to enter the area but only following prior coordination. Farmers face extreme difficulties in marketing their products or bringing agricultural equipment into the area. ; (3) University students have been forced to live outside the area due to the prohibition imposed on the movement of those who are under 30; (4) the area lacks paved roads, which makes transportation extremely difficult, so residents of the area have to move on foot; (5) IOF open the iron gate at the entrance of the area between 07:00 to 09:00 and 14:00 to 17:00 only; (6) The area lacks basic services, such as electricity, as IOF have prevented establishing an electricity network in the area; and (7) Medical patients have to walk or use animal cart as ambulances are not allowed to enter the area without lengthy prior coordination.
Al-Ma’ni: IOF have continued to impose a strict siege on al-Ma'ni area near "Kfar Darom" settlement in the central Gaza Strip where approximately 140 Palestinians reside. The area has lacked water and telephone networks for three years after IOF destroyed this infrastructure. According to residents of the area, they obtain water from a well in the area or bring it from Deir al-Balah.
External movement:
Rafah International Crossing Point: IOF have continued to impose severe restrictions on the travel of Palestinian civilians through Rafah International Crossing Point on the Egyptian border, in violation of their economic, social and cultural rights, under security claims. The crossing point has been the only outlet for Palestinian civilians living in the Gaza Strip to the outside world. IOF often close the crossing point and prevent young men from traveling. Contrary to recent Israeli claims regarding easing restrictions on movement at crossing roads, since the beginning of June, IOF have imposed more restrictions on travel through the crossing point. The crossing point is open between 09:00 and 17:00 everyday. For the second consecutive week, IOF have continued 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. On 22 July 2005, IOF resumed using a controversial special checking machine. IOF stopped using this machine on 18 May 2005 as its use was widely criticised.
Beit Hanoun (Erez) crossing: On 31 July 2005, IOF partially reopened the crossing following three weeks of closure. IOF issued permits for only 100 traders. They cancelled nearly 7000 work permits issued for Palestinian workers before this latest closure. According to the Palestinian Ministry of Labor, on 1 August 2005, IOF issued 1924 work permits for Palestinian workers, who are over 40.
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 entered.
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: IOF have isolated East Jerusalem from the rest of the West Bank since 13 July 2005 when they imposed a comprehensive closure on the OPT. Palestinian civilians, including those who have permits, have been prevented from entering the city. IOF have also imposed more restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians inside the city. They have erected more checkpoints and stopped and checked Palestinian civilians.
Ramallah: On Saturday morning, 30 July 2005, IOF erected a checkpoint at the entrance of Bir Zeit village, north of Ramallah. They stopped Palestinian civilian vehicles and checked identity cards of Palestinian civilians. They prevented dozens of civilians from entering the town. IOF positioned at 'Atara checkpoint often stop and check Palestinian civilians.
At approximately 19:00, IOF positioned at Qalandya checkpoint, south of Ramallah, violently beat and arrested Nihad 'Ali Gharouf, 30, from al-Bireh. Gharouf was traveling with his parents and when Israeli soldiers refused to allow his father to cross the checkpoint he debated with them. They violently beat him and then arrested him.
Hebron: IOF have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. On Friday morning, 29 July 2005, many 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. On Monday morning, 01 August 2005, IOF closed a number of roads in the old town with cement blocks. On Wednesday, 03 August 2005, IOF closed four entrances to the old town with iron gates.
At approximately 16:00 on Friday, 29 July 2005, IOF positioned in al-Kassara area on Hebron - Bir al-Saba road stopped and violently beat Salah Ibrahim al-Shawamra, 35, when he was on his way back home from his work. He sustained a fracture to the right hand and bruises throughout the body.
At approximately 12:00 on Thursday, 28 July 2005, IOF positioned near "Kiryat Arba" settlement, east of Hebron, stopped, checked and violently beat Mohammed Fadi al-Ja'bari, 23. He sustained bruises throughout the body.
On Tuesday evening, 02 August 2005, IOF positioned at a checkpoint in Al-Fahes area, south of Hebron, arrested two Palestinian civilians:
1. Amjad al-Yise' Ghaith, 28; and
2. Jalal Mohammed Ghaith, 20.
Bethlehem: IOF have imposed severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. On Saturday morning, 30 July 2005, IOF positioned at ‘Container checkpoint’, northeast of Bethlehem, imposed severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. They stopped and checked Palestinian civilians.
Nablus: IOF have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians in and around the city. On Thursday afternoon, 28 July 2005, IOF established an iron gate at the crossroads of "Shavi Shomron" settlement, northwest of Nablus. On the following day, IOF replaced the gate with cement blocks. IOF positioned at Za'tara checkpoint, south of Nablus, have prevented Palestinian civilians from Tulkarm and Jenin from entering Nablus. IOF also erected a checkpoint on al-Bathan road to the east of Nablus and imposed severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians to and from the city. On Saturday evening, 30 July 2005, IOF positioned at Hawara checkpoint, south of Nablus, closed the checkpoint.
On Thursday, 29 July 2005, IOF positioned at Beit Eiba checkpoint, west of Nablus, arrested Nasser Fahmi Hannoun, 18, from 'Anabta village east of Tulkarm, as he was being evacuated to Rafidya Hospital. Hannoun was seriously injured by shrapnel from the explosion of a mysterious object.
On Monday morning, 01 August 2005, IOF positioned at Hawara checkpoint, south of Nablus, arrested Tha'er Bassam Nassar, 21, from Madama village south of the city.
At approximately 15:00 on Monday, IOF positioned at Za'tara checkpoint, south of Nablus, arrested two Palestinian civilians from 'Attil village north of Tulkarm:
1. Baher Mohammed Hadrab, 20; and
2. 'Aamer Sami Saddouq, 23.
Tulkarm: IOF have continued to close Enab gate on Nablus -- Ramallah road for the third consecutive week. On Saturday, 30 July 2005, IOF erected a checkpoint at Shwaika crossroads, north of Tulkarm. They stopped and searched Palestinian civilian vehicles. On Monday, 01 August 2005, IOF erected a checkpoint al-Jaroushiya crossroads, north of Tulkarm. Palestinian civilians were forced to resort alternative dirt roads. On Tuesday morning, 02 August 2005, IOF erected three checkpoints on Nablus -- Tulkarm. They stopped and searched Palestinian civilian vehicles.
Jenin: On Saturday morning, 30 July 2005, IOF erected a checkpoint at the entrance of al-Fara'a refugee camp, southeast of Jenin. They stopped and searched Palestinian civilian vehicles. On Tuesday evening, 02 August 2005, IOF erected a checkpoint on al-Judaida -- al-Fara'a road, southwest of Jenin. They stopped and searched Palestinian civilian vehicles. On Wednesday morning, 03 August 2005, IOF erected a checkpoint on al-Swaitat road, which links Jenin with villages located to the east. They imposed restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians.
On Monday morning, 01 August 2005, IOF positioned at a checkpoint at Barta'a crossroads, southwest of Jenin, arrested Eihab 'Aayed al-Ashqar, 57, from Baqa al-Sharqiya village north of Tulkarm.
On Monday evening, IOF positioned at al-Karama International Crossing Point on the Jordanian border arrested 'Abdullah Jamil Abu Hadwan, 34, from Tayaseer village near Jenin, when he was on his way back to the West Bank from Jordan.
4. Construction of the Annexation Wall
IOF have continued to construct the Annexation Wall inside the West Bank territory.
This week, IOF completed the establishment of a military post near Qalandya checkpoint between Ramallah and Jerusalem. According to eyewitnesses, IOF established a number of routes designated for the passage of Palestinian civilians and others for the passage of Israelis. IOF also completed preparing the infrastructure of the military post.
IOF have continued to raze areas of Palestinian agricultural land in the villages of 'Azzoun and Kufor Thuluth, east of Qalqilya, for the purpose of the construction of the Wall. According to local sources, IOF would raze 241 donums of agricultural land and isolate at least 500 donums behind the wall.
At approximately 10:00 on Thursday, 28 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 area. IOF fired rubber-coated metal bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters at the demonstrators injuring two.
On Friday, 29 July 2005, dozens of Palestinian civilians and international solidarity activists organized a peaceful demonstration in Bal'ein village. IOF violently beat the demonstrators. As a result, three of the demonstrators sustained bruises.
At approximately 11:00 on Monday, 01 August 2005, Palestinian civilians and international solidarity activists organized a peaceful demonstration in Kufol Hares village, southwest of Nablus, in protest to the construction of the Wall. IOF fired live and rubber-coated metal bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters at the demonstrators. As a result, four civilians, including a child, were wounded:
1. 'Ammar Saleh Abu Hammad, 35, wounded by a tear gas canister to the chest;
2. Ahmed 'Abdul Qader Shaqqour, 25, wounded by a rubber-coated metal bullet to the mouth;
3. 'Abdul Hamid Zuhdi 'Obaid, 65, wounded by a rubber-coated metal bullet to the foot; and
4. Sojoud 'Ouda Shaqqoura, 7, suffered from tear gas inhalation.
IOF also arrested an Austrian solidarity activist.
On Tuesday, 02 August 2005, IOF issued two military orders confiscating at least 466 donums of Palestinian land in Beit Ummar village, north of Hebron, and 112 donums in Sourif village, northwest of the town, for the purpose of the construction of new sections of the Wall near the two villages.
5. 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 10:00 on Thursday, 28 July 2005, IOF moved into Housan village, west of Bethlehem. They demolished a 70-square-metre house owned by Khalil 'Awad al-Mousani. The house was used for agricultural purposes.
On Friday morning, 29 July 2005, dozens of Israeli settlers, accompanied by Israeli soldiers, moved from "Sousia" settlement into the east of Yatta village, south of Hebron. They attacked four Palestinian farmers. Three farmers sustained bruises throughout the body:
1. Nasser al-Nawaja'a, 24;
2. Hammad Jaber al-Nawaja'a, 26; and
3. Ahmed Jaber al-Nawaja'a, 19.
IOF also arrested the fourth farmer, 'Abdul Muhsen Nasser al-Nawaja'a, 34.
At approximately 08:00 on Monday, 01 August 2005, IOF moved into Bashir area in Jabal al-Mukabber village, south of occupied Jerusalem. They demolished a 130-square-meter house owned by Mohammed Daoud Shuqairat.
On Monday morning, 01 August 2005, dozens of Israeli settlers moved from "Ma'oun" settlement, south of Hebron, and attacked Palestinian farmers and international solidarity activists in Yatta village. Three farmers, including a woman, sustained bruises:
1. Khadra Salman Reb'ei, 60;
2. Na'im Salem al-'Adra, 45; and
3. Nasser Salem al-'Adra, 34.
Soon after, IOF arrived and declared the areas located near the aforementioned settlement a closed military zone and forced Palestinian farmers to leave their land. IOF also arrested a Palestinian civilian, 32-year-old Nasser al-'Adra, and an Italian solidarity activist.
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.
Note:
(1) 1 donum is equal to 1000 square metres.
For more information please call: +972 8 2824776 -- 2825893.*
*Office Hours are between 08:00 -- 16:00 hours (05:00 GMT -- 13:00 GMT) Sun -- Thurs.
Palestinian Centre for Human Rights
29 Omer El Mukhtar St., El Remal, PO Box 1328 Gaza, Gaza Strip
tel/fax: +972 (0)8 282 4776 -- 282 5893
email: pchr@pchrgaza.org
website: www.pchrgaza.org