Weekly Report On Israeli Human Rights Violations in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (23 - 29 June 2016)

 Full Report

Israeli forces continue systematic crimes in the occupied Palestinian territory (oPt)

(23 – 29 June 2016)

• Israeli forces continued to use excessive force in the oPt
• A Palestinian woman was killed in the West Bank under the pretext of carrying out a run-over attack.
• 3 civilians were wounded during incursions.
• 40 civilians, including a woman, sustained bullet and shrapnel wounds while 19 others sustained bruises in al-Aqsa Mosque.

• Israeli forces conducted 40 incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank and 5 in Jerusalem.
• Al-Aqsa Mosque was raided to protect dozens of settlers who entered to perform Talmudic prayers.
• 55 civilians, including 18 children, were arrested.
• 28 of them, including 15 children, were arrested in occupied Jerusalem.

• Israeli forces continued to target Palestinian fishermen in the Gaza Strip Sea.
• Israeli forces continued to open fire at Palestinian fishing boats, causing damages to one of them.

• Israeli forces continued settlement activities in the West Bank.
• More demolition notices were issued in the southern side of Hebron.

• Israeli forces turned the West Bank into cantons and continued to impose the illegal closure on the Gaza Strip for the 9^th
• Dozens of temporary checkpoints were established in the West Bank and others were re-established to obstruct the movement of Palestinian civilians.
• 4 Palestinian civilians were arrested at military checkpoints in the West Bank.
• A patient’s companion was arrested at Beit Hanoun “Erez” crossing.

Summary

Israeli violations of international law and international humanitarian law in the oPt continued during the reporting period (23 – 29 June 2016).

Shooting:

Israeli forces have continued to commit crimes, inflicting civilian casualties. They have also continued to use excessive force against Palestinian civilians participating in peaceful protests in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, the majority of whom were youngsters. During the reporting period, Israeli forces killed a Palestinian woman in Hebron in the southern area of the West Bank.  Moreover, Israeli forces wounded 43 other civilians, including a woman, in the West Bank as well. In Jerusalem, 40 civilians were wounded in al-Aqsa Mosque while 19 others sustained bruises, including 2 journalists, in al-Aqsa Mosque as well. In the Gaza Strip, Israeli forces continued targeting the Palestinian fishermen in the Gaza Strip Sea.

In the West Bank, on 24 June, Israeli forces stationed at the entrance of “Jaf’at Kharsina” settlement, east of Hebron, killed al-Majd ‘Abdullah al=Khdour (18) from Beit ‘Aynoun village, east of the city. The aforementioned was killed when Israeli soldiers heavily opened fire at a “Mazda” car, which al-Majd was driving, with an Israeli yellow registration plate.  Israeli forces then published a video of the incident, calming that al-Majd attempted to drive to the car stop at the aforementioned settlement entrance to carry out a deliberate run-over attack.

On 24 June 2016, a young man from al-Dhishah refugee camp was wounded when Israeli forces moved into al-Doha village, west of Bethlehem.  A number of Palestinian young men gathered to Molotov cocktails at their vehicles.  In response, the Israeli soldiers immediately fired live bullets and tear gas canisters at them, wounding that young man with a bullet to the right foot.

On 25 June 2016, two Palestinian civilians were wounded when Israeli forces moved into Tulkarm.  A number of Palestinian youngsters gathered to throw stones and empty bottles at the Israeli soldiers, who in response fired sound bombs, tear gas canisters and live bullets to disperse them.  As a result, two civilians were hit with bullets to the lower parts.  One of them is 22 years old and the other is 25 years old.

In Jerusalem on 26 June 2016, a special forces from the Israeli police raided al-Aqsa Mosque through al-Magharbah Gate to protect settlers.  This happened when dozens of civilians, who were performing prayers “I’tikaf” in the Mosque yards and al-Qebali Mosque.  The Israeli forces fired sound bombs and rubber-coated metal bullets in al-Qebli Msoque.  As a result, 24 civilians were wounded; 7 of whom were transferred to al-Maqased Hospital in the City for medical treatment.  Moreover, 5 of them sustained bullet and sound bombs shrapnel wounds while two were wounded to the heads.  Seventeen other civilians also sustained bruises due to being beaten.

On 27 June 2016, Israeli forces respectively raided al-Aqsa Mosque for the second time and deployed in its yards after closing the doors of al-Qebali Mosque with chains and locked the worshipers inside it.  The Israeli soldiers then vacate whoever was in the yards, especially the one next to al-Qebali Mosque.  They fired rubber-coated metal bullets and sound bombs and pepper-sprayed. This happened to secure and protect the entry of 90 settlers into the Mosque, provoking the worshipers.  According to al-Aqsa clinics, around 35 worshippers were hit with rubber-coated metal bullets and sound bombs shrapnel.

In the context of targeting Palestinian fishermen in the Gaza Strip Sea, on 27 June 2016, Israeli gunboats stationed off al-Soudaniyah shore, west of Jabalia in the northern Gaza Strip, opened fire in the vicinity of Palestinian fishing boats and chased them.

Incursions:

During the reporting period, Israeli forces conducted at least 40 military incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank and 5 limited ones in occupied East Jerusalem and its suburbs. During these incursions, Israeli forces arrested at least 55 Palestinian civilians, including 18 children.  Twenty-eight of them, including 15 children, were arrested in occupied Jerusalem.

During this week, Israeli forces raided al-Aqsa Mosque twice to secure the entry of dozens of settlers while Palestinian worshipers attempted to prevent them.  Israeli forces used force against them, wounding dozens of worshippers in addition to arresting 20 civilians; most of whom were children, at the outside gates.

Restrictions on movement:

Israel continued to impose a tight closure of the oPt, imposing severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including occupied East Jerusalem.

The illegal closure of the Gaza Strip, which has been steadily tightened since June 2007 has had a disastrous impact on the humanitarian and economic situation in the Gaza Strip.  The Israeli authorities impose measures to undermine the freedom of trade, including the basic needs for the Gaza Strip population and the agricultural and industrial products to be exported. For 9 consecutive years, Israel has tightened the land and naval closure to isolate the Gaza Strip from the West Bank, including occupied Jerusalem, and other countries around the world. This resulted in grave violations of the economic, social and cultural rights and a deterioration of living conditions for 1.8 million people.  The Israeli authorities have established Karm Abu Salem (KeremShaloum) as the sole crossing for imports and exports in order to exercise its control over the Gaza Strip’s economy.  They also aim at imposing a complete ban on the Gaza Strip’s exports. The Israeli closure raised the rate of poverty to 38.8%, 21.1% of which suffer from extreme poverty. Moreover, the rate of unemployment increased up to 44%, which reflects the unprecedented economic deterioration in the Gaza Strip.

Details

1. Incursions into Palestinian Areas, and Attacks on Palestinian Civilians and Property in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip

Thursday, 23 June 2016

• At approximately 02:30, Israeli forces accompanied with military vehicles moved into the southern area of Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to Mohamed Akram al-Ja’bari (24) and arrested him.

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (6) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: Beteen and Deir Dabwan villages, northeast of Ramallah; Dura, Yatta, Ethna, and Beit ‘Awaa villages in Hebron.

Friday, 24 June 2016

• At approximately 01:00, Israeli forces accompanied with military vehicles moved into al-Doha village, west of Bethlehem. They raided and searched houses and shops in Daghash neighborhood, and confiscated video recordings of the shops’ surveillance cameras. They then headed to al-Eskan Street near Zaid Bin Thabit Mosque when a number of youngsters gathered and threw Molotov cocktails at Israeli vehicles. Israeli forces fired live bullets and tear gas canisters in response. As a result, a Palestinian civilian, from al-Dahisha refugee camp, was hit with a live bullet to the right leg. He was then taken to Beit Jalah Hospital to receive medical treatment. Moreover, Israeli forces arrested Ahmed Khadir Masalmah (16) and took him to an unknown destination.

• At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces accompanied with military vehicles moved into Yatta village, south of Hebron, and stationed in al-Hilah area. They surrounded a house belonging to Mohamed “Mousa ‘Aid” Makhamrah, whose son, Khalid (21), was accused of carrying out a shooting attack in Tel Aviv on 08 June 2016, and killing 4 Israelis. It should be noted that Khalid is so far under the Israeli arrest. In the meantime, a number of Palestinian Young men gathered and threw stones and empty bottles at Israeli soldiers, who indiscriminately fired sound bombs and tear gas canisters at them. As a result, many civilians suffered from tear gas inhalation. Israeli forces later withdrew, and no arrests were reported.

• At approximately 05:00, Israeli forces moved into al-Am’ary refugee camp in al-Bireh. They raided and searched a house belonging to Qusai Nidal Mu’ala (17) and arrested him.

• At approximately 14:40, Israeli forces stationed in “Givat Kharsina “settlement, east of Hebron, heavily opened fire at a civilian vehicle with an Israeli registration plate. As a result, the car driver, al-Majd Abdullah Abdullah al-Khadour (18), from Beit ‘Aynoun, was killed. Around fifteen minutes later, the victim’s corpse was taken by an Israeli military vehicle to an unknown destination. After that, Israeli authorities posted a video for the incident, claiming that al-Khadour intentionally attempted to carry out a run-over attack at the entrance of the settlement. Moreover, Israeli forces summoned the victim’s husband and her father, who told PCHR’s fieldworker that Israeli forces showed them a photo for al-Majad showing her wound with live bullets to the head; in addition, the Israeli forces did not tell the family about the date they will receive the body.

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (4) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: Deir Abu Mish’al village, northwest of Ramallah; al-Ro’qa and Beit Ummer villages and al-Fawar refugee camp in Hebron.

Saturday, 25 June 2016

• At approximately 02:30, Israeli forces moved into Yatta, south of Hebron. They raided and searched two houses belonging to Mohamed Mousa Shratieh (25) and Tha’er Ali Abu Sabha (21) and arrested both of them.

• At approximately 04:30, Israeli forces accompanied with military vehicles moved into Tulkarm. They patrolled many the village streets. A number of Palestinian civilians gathered to throw stones and empty bottles at the Israeli soldiers, who fired sound bombs, tear gas canisters and live bullets at the protesters to disperse them. As a result, two civilians (22) and (25) were hit with live bullets to the lower limbs. They were then taken to Thabit Thabit Hospital, where their wounds were classified as moderate.

• At approximately 04:30, Israeli forces moved into Qabatia village, southeast of Jenin. They raided and searched a house belonging to Saleh Ameen Saleh Kamil (44) and arrested him. After that, they raided and searched a house belonging to Majed Faisal Adeeb Nazzal (21). They questioned the family members and then arrested Majed.

• At approximately 06:00, Israeli forces moved into Kafr Qud village, west of Jenin. They raided and searched a house belonging to Saied Thabit Mohamed Abu ‘Obaid (37) and arrested him.

• At approximately 14:00, Israeli forces moved into al-Rahma Mount neighbourhood, south of Hebron. They raided a bakery belonging to al-Tamimi family near “Ramat Yishai” settlement in Tal al-Rumaidah neighborhood, and arrested 4 civilian working there. An hour later, they released 3 of them while Mostafa Bilal al-Qadi (17) is so far under arrest. Mostafa was then taken to an investigation center in “Kiryat Arba” settlement, east of Hebron.

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (3) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: Sureef and Dier al-‘Asal villages in Hebron; and Hawarah village, south of Nablus.

Sunday, 26 June 2016

• At approximately 03:00, Israeli forces moved into Nahalin village, west of Bethlehem. They raided and searched houses from which they arrested four civilians. The arrested persons were identified as Nour al-Deen Ezzat Shakarnah (22); Nasar Mohamed Najajrah (18); Fares Yousef Najajrah (20) and Fadi Yousef al-Nais (19).

• At approximately 03:00, Israeli forces moved into al-Khadir village, south of Bethlehem. They raided and searched houses and arrested Basam Na’eem al-Balboul (45).

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (5) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: Bidia village, west of Salfit; Beit Kahel and Shayoukh al ‘Aroub villages and al-Fawar refugee camp in Hebron.

Monday, 27 June 2016

• At approximately 01:30, Israeli forces moved into Dairat al-Sair area in Hebron. They raided and searched two houses from which they arrested Abdul Qadir Abdullah al-Qawasmah (33) and Sameh Ayman al-Qawasmah (20).

• At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into Taqou’ village, southeast of Bethlehem. They raided and searched houses from which they arrested Mo’ath Ibrahim al-‘Amour (21) and Shadi Mousa al-‘Amour (21).

• At approximately 02:15, Israeli forces moved into ‘Askar al-Jadid camp, northeast of Nablus. They raided and searched houses from which they arrested Salamah Marwan Abdul Jawaad (22), Khalid Ghasan Abu Jamilah (20) and Sanad Ahmed al- Shobaki (25).

• At approximately 03:30, Israeli forces moved into al-Dahiriya village, south of Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to Mamoun Ghazi Qaisiya (29) and arrested him.

• At approximately 06:00, Israeli gunboats stationed off al-Sudaniya shore, west of Jabalia refugee camp, north of the Gaza Strip, heavily opened fire at Palestinian fishing boats sailing within 4 nautical miles. As a result, fishermen were forced to flee for fear of being arrested or wounded and no arrests were reported.

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (6) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: Beit Ummer and Bani Na’iem villages in Hebron; Qufeen  and Nazlah villages, north of Tulkarm; Ertah suburb, south of the city; and Kaful Hares village, north of Salfit.

Tuesday, 28 June 2016

• At approximately 03:00, Israeli forces moved into Beit Fujjar village, south of Bethlehem. They raided and searched houses and arrested Rami Mohamed Abdul Rahman Thawabtah (20) after confiscating his private car.

• At approximately 03:30, Israeli forces moved into Deir Jareer village, northeast of Ramallah. They raided and searched a house belonging to ‘Amar Mohamed Abdul Fatah ‘Alawi (22) and arrested him.

• At approximately 04:00, Israeli forces moved into al-Nabi Saleh village, northwest of Ramallah. They raided and searched a house belonging to Rayan Othman Hussain ‘Amarah (30) and arrested him.

• At approximately 23:00, Israeli gunboats stationed off al-Sudaniya shore, west of Jabalia refugee camp, north of the Gaza Strip, heavily opened fire at Palestinian fishing boats sailing within 5 nautical miles and chased them. As a result, an engine, flashlight and generator of a fishing boat belonging to Khamis Saleem Taher Abu Sadeq (59), from al-Shati camp, west of the Gaza City, were damaged. Howowver, oter boats managed to pull the targeted boat to the Gaza Seaport. Although no injuries were reported, the fishermen were forced to flee for fear of being arrested or wounded and no arrests were reported.

Wednesday, 29 June 2016

• At approximately 02:30, Israeli forces accompanied with military vehicles moved into Sureef village, northwest of Hebron. They raided and searched two houses belonging to Ramadan Ali al-Qadi (23) and Anas Isma’il Abu Saleh (26) and arrested both of them.

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (3) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: Dier Abu Mish’al village, northwest of Ramallah; and al-Hadab village and al-Fawar refugee camp in Hebron.

• Use of excessive force against peaceful demonstrations protesting settlement activities and the construction of the annexation wall

Demonstrations against the annexation wall and settlement activities

• Following the Friday prayer, 24 June 2016, dozens of Palestinians and Israeli and international human rights defenders organised protests against the annexation wall and settlement activities in Bil’in and Nil’in villages, west of Ramallah, al-Nabi Saleh village, northwest of city, and Kafur Qaddoum village, northeast of Qalqilyia. Israeli forces used force to disperse the protesters by firing live bullets, metal bullets, tear gas canisters and sound bombs and chased the protesters into the olive fields and between houses. As a result, many civilians suffered tear gas inhalation and others sustained bruises as Israeli soldiers beat them up.

Note: PCHR keeps the names of the injured persons in the aforementioned demonstrations.

Rubber-coated metal bullets are lethal if they hit the head of victim from a close range.

2. Continued closure of the oPt

Israel continued to impose a tight closure on the oPt, imposing severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including occupied East Jerusalem.

Gaza Strip

Israeli forces continuously tighten the closure of the Gaza Strip and close all commercial crossings, making the Karm Abu Salem crossing the sole commercial crossing of the Gaza Strip, although it is not suitable for commercial purposes in terms of its operational capacity and distance from markets.

Israeli forces have continued to apply the policy, which is aimed to tighten the closure on all commercial crossings, by imposing total control over the flow of imports and exports.

Israeli forces have continued to impose a total ban on the delivery of raw materials to the Gaza Strip, except for very limited items and quantities. The limited quantities of raw materials allowed into Gaza do not meet the minimal needs of the civilian population of the Gaza Strip.

Israeli forces also continued to impose an almost total ban on the Gaza Strip exports, including agricultural and industrial products, except for light-weighted products such as flowers, strawberries, and spices. However, they lately allowed the exportation of some vegetables such as cucumber and tomatoes, furniture and fish.

Israel has continued to close the Beit Hanoun (Erez) crossing for the majority of Palestinian citizens from the Gaza Strip. Israel only allows the movement of a limited number of groups, with many hours of waiting in the majority of cases. Israel has continued to adopt a policy aimed at reducing the number of Palestinian patients allowed to move via the Beit Hanoun crossing to receive medical treatment in hospitals in Israel or in the West Bank and East Jerusalem. Israel also continued applying the policy of making certain civilian traveling via the crossing interviewed by the Israeli intelligence service to be questioned, blackmailed or arrested

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