Weekly Report On Israeli Human Rights Violations in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (14– 20 July 2016)

Full report

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

(14 – 20 July 2016)

• Israeli forces continued to use excessive force in the oPt
• Two Palestinian civilians, including a child, were killed in the southern and central side of the West Bank.
• 16 civilians, including 4 children, were wounded in the West Bank and Gaza Strip.
• A civilian succumbed to his wounds and two others were wounded in the Gaza Strip.

• Israeli forces continued to open fire at the border areas in the Gaza Strip and wounded a bird hunter.

• Israeli forces conducted 78 incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank and 2 limited ones in the southern Gaza Strip.
• 59 civilians were arrested, including 6 children and 2 women.
• 16 civilians of them, including 3 children and a woman, were arrested in occupied Jerusalem.

• Israeli forces continued to impose collective punishment measures against Palestinian civilians.
• A house was demolished in Qabatia village and two others were noticed in Dura.

• Israeli forces continued their efforts to create Jewish majority in occupied East Jerusalem.
• A room, storehouses, commercial facility, under-construction house and 4 Islamic graves in the city and its suburbs.
• 4 containers, 2 tin-roofed rooms, 2 trucks, private vehicle and a Diesel tank were demolished in Qalendia Industrial Area.

• Israeli forces continued to target Palestinian fishermen in the Sea
• 4 fishermen were arrested and their boat was confiscated.

• 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.
• A Palestinian Civilian was arrested at the internal military checkpoints.
• A UNDP Officer was arrested at Beit Hanoun “Erez” Crossing in the northern Gaza Strip.

Summary

Israeli violations of international law and international humanitarian law in the oPt continued during the reporting period (14 – 20 July 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 Palestinian civilians, including a child.  Moreover, Israeli forces wounded 17 other civilians, including 4 children. Fifteen of them were wounded in the West Bank and the 2 others were wounded in the Gaza Strip. In the Gaza Strip, Israeli forces continue to target Palestinian fishermen and chase them in the Sea.

In the West Bank, at approximately 16:50 on Tuesday, 19 July 2016, Israeli soldiers who guard the annexation wall near Nazlet al-Kasarat area in al-Ram village, north of East occupied Jeruslaem, fired rubber-coated metal bullets at Muhie al-Deen Mohammed Sedqi Mohammed Tabakhi (11) when he was along with other children near a hill overlooking the wall.  Tabakhi was wounded and then taken to al-Ram Medical Centre.  He was then transferred to Palestine Medical Complex in Ramallah, where he succumbed to his wounds.

On 19 July 2016, the Palestinian Ministry of Health declared the death of Mustafa Barad’iyeh (52) from Beit Fajjr village, south of Bethlehem.  The aforementioned was wounded at the entrance to al-‘Aroub refugee camp, north of Hebron on 18 July 2016 after stabbing two Israeli soldiers.  He was taken by an Israeli military ambulance to an unknown destination.

On 14 July 2016, 10 Palestinian civilians, including 2 children, were wounded when a group of undercover units of Israeli forces sneaked into al-Mazra’ah al-Qabaliyah village, northwest of Ramallah.  The units raided and searched a house belonging to Tariq ‘Aqel Abu Rabi’a and arrested him.  Meanwhile, a number of Palestinian children and youngsters gathered to throw stones at the units, who in response opened fire at them.  Fifteen minutes later, 3 Israeli military vehicles moved into the village to back up the undercover units and secure their withdrawal.  The Israeli soldiers opened fire at the demonstrators, resulting in the injury of ten civilians; one of whom sustained serious wounds.

On the same day, Israeli forces stationed at Sho’afat checkpoint, north of occupied East Jerusalem, opened fire at Yehia Hashem Hejazi (24) while crossing the checkpoint.  As a a result, he was hit with 9 bullets to the right foot and then taken to “Shaare Zedek” Medical Centre for medical treatment.  He is so far under arrest.  Israeli forces claimed that he attempted to carry out a stab attack against Israeli soldiers, who in response opened fire at him.  Israeli forces later backed away from their claim and stated the shooting was by mistake.

On 18 July 2016, 4 civilians, including 2 children, sustained bullet wounds when Israeli forces moved into Qabatia, southeast of Jenin, to level a house belonging to prisoner Belal Ahmed Adib Abu Zaid (20).  The wounded persons were taken to Dr. Khalil Soliman Governmental Hospital in Jenin for medical treatment.  One of the wounded persons sustained serious wounds.  (See: Collective Punishment Policy Measures)

In the Gaza Strip, on 15 July 2016, a Palestinian civilian was hit with a bullet to the right hand when Israeli forces opened dozens of Palestinian children and youngsters who headed to the border fence between Israeli and the Gaza Strip, east of al-Bureij in the central Gaza Strip, in order to throw stones at the Israeli soldiers.

In the context of opening fire at the border areas, on 20 July 2016, Israeli forces stationed along the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel, east of al-Salqa Valley, east of Deir al-Balah, opened fire at farmers in the area.  As a result, one of the farmers was hit with a bullet to the left thigh.

In the context of targeting Palestinian fishermen in the Sea, on 17 July 2016, Israeli hunboats stationed off al-Soudaniya shore, west of Jabalia in the northern Gaza Strip, heavily opened fire at Palestinian fishing boats and chased them.  The boats were sailing within 3 nautical miles, and no casualties were reported.

On 20 July 2016, Israeli gunboats stationed off al-Shati shore, northwest of Gaza City, heavily opened fire at Palestinian fishing boats sailing within 2 nautical miles. Two Israeli gunboats surrounded a fishing boat manned by 5 civilians from al-Shati camp, west of Gaza City. Israeli forces arrested all of them and confiscated the fishing boat.

Incursions:

During the reporting period, Israeli forces conducted at least 78 military incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank and 5 ones in occupied East Jerusalem and its suburbs. During these incursions, Israeli forces arrested at least 59 Palestinian civilians, including 6 children and 2 women.  Sixteen of them, including 3 children and a woman, were arrested in occupied Jerusalem.

In the Gaza Strip, on 20 July 2016, Israeli forces moved 50 meters into the eastern side of Jabalia in the northern Gaza Strip.  Amidst Israeli sporadic shooting, Israeli bulldozer sdug and levelled vacant lands along the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel.  Neither casualties nor damages were reported.

Collective Punishment Measures against Palestinian civilians

Shooting Incidents:

• On 14 July 2016, Israeli forces stationed at the checkpoint of Shu’fat refugee camp, north of East Jerusalem, opened fire at Yahya Hashem Hijazi (24) when he was crossing the checkpoint. As a result, Yahya was wounded with nine live bullets to his right foot and taken to “Shaare Zedek” Medical Centre for medical treatment. He is so far under arrest.  Israeli forces claimed that he attempted to carry out a stab attack against Israeli soldiers, who in response opened fire at him.  Israeli forces later backed away from their claim and stated the shooting was by mistake.

• On 19 July 2016, Israeli forces, who guard the annexation wall near Nazalet al-Kassarat area in al-Ram village north of East Jerusalem, fired ruber-coated metal bullets at Mohyidin Mohammed Sadqi Mohammed Tabakhi (11) when he along with his friends were near a hill overlooking the abovementioned wall. At the meanwhile, there were clashes between the Israeli forces and dozens of Palestinian young men. As a result, Mohyidin was hit with a metal bullet to the left side of his chest. Mohyidin was taken to al-Ram Medical Centre from which he was transported to the Palestine Medical Complex in Ramallah. After that, doctors announced his death.

Collective Punishment: 

• On 14 July 2016, Israeli forces moved into Dura village, southwest of Hebron and stationed in Wad Sud neighbourhood. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Prisoner Mohammed Abdul Majeed Mohammed Amayrah (38). Moreover, an engineering unit took measurements of the 1-storey house built on an area of 180-square-meter. The Israeli soldiers then threatened Mohammed’s wife to demolish the house as the Israeli authorities accused Mohammed of killing an Israeli settler after shooting him near Deir Razseh village, south of Dura. ‘Amayrah’s partner in the attack was Mohammed Jabarah al-Faqih whose house was raided as well by the Israeli forces in Dura at the same time.

• On 18 July 2016, Israeli forces accompanied with military jeeps, several bulldozers and a digger moved into Qabatiyah village, southeast of Jenin. They stationed opposite to a 2-storey house belonging to the family of prisoner Bilal Ahmed Adeeb Abu Zaid (20) and demolished the two-story house. At the meanwhile, dozens of youngsters gathered and threw stones and empty bottles at the Israeli forces that immediately fired sound bombs and tear gas canisters at them in response. As a result, 4 civilians, including two children, were wounded with live bullets and they were taken to Martyr Dr. Khalil Suleiman Hospital in Jenin to receive medical treatment where medical sources classified one of the civilians’ injuries as dangerous. It should be mentioned that the Israeli forces accused Bilal of helping 3 young men from Qabatiyah village in carrying out an attack in Ras al-Amoud area in Jerusalem at the beginning of last February.

House demolitions and demolition notices: 

• On 19 July 2016, Israeli forces demolished a room, stores and a commercial facility in Hush Abu Tahyeh in Ein al-Lawzah neighbourhood in Silwan, south of East Jerusalem. These facilities belong to Abu al-Hamam and Abu Tayeh families and were demolished under the pretext of building without a permit.

• On the same Tuesday, Israeli forces demolished foundations of an under-construction house in Tal al-Foul area in Beit Haninah neighbourhood, north of Jerusalem belonging to Sharhabil ‘Alqam under the pretext of building without a licence. Sharhabil said to a PCHR’s fieldworker that he started building the house two months ago to live in the house with his family comprised of 9 members. He added that the municipality bulldozers demolished the foundations without a prior warning after imposing a complete cordon on the area and prevented Sharhabil from reaching the house.

• At approximately 13:30 on the same Thursday, Israel Antiquities Authority demolished 4 Islamic graves in Bab al-Rahmah Gate Cemetery close to al-Aqsa mosque in the Old City of East Jerusalem. This action is part of the Jewish plan to transform part of the abovementioned cemetery to a Biblical Garden and establish foundations for the Chairlifts between al-Zaytoun Mount and Bab al-Rahmah Gate Cemetery.

• On 20 July 2016, Israeli municipality machines demolished a commercial facility in the industrial area of Qalandiyah “Atrout”, north of East Jerusalem belonging to Kamal Abu Sunainah claiming that the land belongs to the municipality. Abu Sunainah added that 4 containers, 2 tin-roofed rooms used offices and stores for medical equipment,  2 trucks, a private vehicle and a diesel tank. They also levelled 2 dumums of land. He added that the facility was established 10 years ago and that the municipality crews raided it several times claiming that the work is illegal.

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, 14 July 2016

• At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into Sa’ir village, east of Hebron, and stationed in Ras al-‘Aroud area. They raided and searched a house belonging to Hussain Mohamed al-Faroukh (50). They withdrew later and no arrests were reported.

• At approximately 21:00, a group of Israeli Undercover Units “Mosta’rebeen” moved into al-Mazra’a al-Qabliya area, northwest of Ramallah. They used a vehicle with an Israeli registration plate. The vehicle stopped in front of a house belonging to ‘Aqil Abu Rabee’, during which, around 20 Israeli soldiers stepped out of the vehicle and raided the house. They arrested ‘Aqil’s son, Tareq (24), a student in Birzeit University. In the meantime, a number of Palestinian young men gathered and threw stones at Israeli soldiers, who opened fire at them. Fifteen minutes later, 3 other Israeli vehicles moved into the village to support the Israeli Undercover Units and secure their withdrawal from the village. Israeli forces opened fire at the protesters. As a result, 10 civilians, including 2 children, were wounded. They were then taken to Palestine Medical Complex, where their wounds were classified as serious. PCHR keeps the names of wounded persons.

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (4) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: al-Dahiyia, Beit Ola, and al-Shayoukh villages and al-‘Aoub refugee camp in Hebron.

Friday, 15 July 2016

• At approximately 04:00, Israeli forces moved into ‘Azoun village, east of Qalqilyia. They raided and searched two houses belonging to Ahmed Yousef Salama Salim (25) and Mahmoud Hasan Salim (25) and then arrested both of them. Hasan Salama Salim said to PCHR’s fieldworker:

“At approximately 04:00 on Friday, 15 July 2016, I heard the sound of someone trying to open the main door of the house. I headed towards the door and heard a sound of someone saying, ‘Open the door. We are Israeli forces.’ I opened the door and an Israeli soldier directly held my neck and asked me, ‘where are your children sleeping?’, I told him “upstairs”. They then forced me to go upstairs, where my children were sleeping, and entered their bedroom looking for my son Mahmoud. They told him to wear his clothes, took his ID card and arrested him. At approximately 06:00, they withdrew from my house after searching it for 2 hours and damaging the house content. After that, they raided my brother’s house and arrested his son, Ahmed Salim, and took him as well along with my son Mahmoud to an unknown destination”. 

• At approximately 22:00, Israeli forces moved into ‘Aida refugee camp, north of Bethlehem. They raided and searched a house belonging to prisoner Ashraf Abu Sorour and arrested his son Abdul Khaliq (13).

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (6) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: Dura, Ethna, al-Dahiryia, Karza and Imrish villages in Hebron.

Saturday, 16 July 2016 

• At approximately 01:00, Israeli forces moved into Kharsa village, south of Dura, southwest of Hebron. They raided and searched two houses belonging to Salem Mousa Shadid (27) and Mousa Abdul Majd Shadid (26) and then arrested both of them. 

• At approximately 01:30, Israeli forces moved into Dura, southwest of Hebron, and stationed in Krisah neighbourhood. They raided and searched a house belonging to Ali Shihda Rjoub (25) and arrested him. 

• At approximately 02:30, an Israeli infantry unit consisting of 100 Israeli soldiers moved into Tulkarm. They headed to al-Yunis area and then ambushed in an agricultural field near Tulkarm – al-Showika Street, adjacent to al-Yunis intersection, north of the city. After that, they made their way towards Bilal Mosque, where they raided and searched a house belonging to, Mo’az (24) and Murad Jasir Rafeeq Abu ‘Awwad (Abu al-Samak) (26). Israeli forces arrested both of them and took them to an unknown destination. 

• At approximately 03:00, Israeli forces moved into Sa’ir village, east of Hebron, and stationed near Ras al-‘Aroud area. They raided and searched a house belonging to Sharif Abdul Ghafar Jaradat (67) and arrested his son, Hairan (27). 

• At approximately 04:00, Israeli forces moved into Beit Fajjar village, south of Bethlehem. They raided and searched 3 houses from which they handed Mohamed Khalid Taqatqah (30), Mohamed Ali Taqatqah (32) and Suhaib Radi Diriya (25)summonses to refer to the Israeli Intelligence Service in “Gush Etzion” settlement, south of Bethlehem. 

• Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (5) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: Bani Na’im, Samou’a, Tarqumiya and Halhoul villages in Hebron.

Sunday, 17 July 2016

• At approximately 01:30, Israeli forces moved into Beit ‘Awwa village, southwest of Dura, southwest of Hebron. They raided and searched 3 houses from which they arrested Emi Khadir al-Masalmah (25), Mohamed Sabri Malouh Masalmah (24) and Mo’tasem Farouq Masalmah (26).

• At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into Samou’ village, south of Hebron, and stationed in the village center. They raided and searched 3 houses from which they arrested Mohammed Hamed Rawashda (30), Mohamed ‘Isaa Daghamin (27) and Eyad Mousa Daghamin (22).

• At approximately 02:30, Israeli forces moved into Sa’ir village, east of Hebron, and stationed in al-‘Adisah neighbourhood. They raided and searched a house belonging to ‘Isaa Mahmoud Jaradat (30) and no arrests were reported.

• At approximately 03:00, Israeli forces moved into Qalandia refugee camp, north of occupied East Jerusalem. They raided and searched a house belonging to Abdullah al-Louzi and arrested his son, Ahmed (19).

• At approximately 03:30, Israeli forces moved into Halhoul village, north of Hebron and stationed in al-Nabi Yunis neighbourhood. They raided and searched a house belonging to Ibrahim Farouq Zama’rah (29) and handed him a summons to refer to the Israeli intelligence service in “Gush Etzion” settlement, south of Bethlehem.

• At approximately 06:30, Israeli gunboats stationed off al-Sudaniya shore, west of Jabalia refugee camp, north of the Gaza Strip, opened fire heavily at Palestinian fishing boats sailing within 3 nautical miles. As a result, As a result, fishermen were forced to flee for fear of being arrested or wounded. No arrests were reported.

• At approximately 12:00, Israeli forces moved into ‘Aida refugee camp, north of Bethlehem. They raided Lajee Center yard from which they arrested ‘Ahid Nimer ‘Amirah (20), and Firas Nasrallah (26), while they were working in the yard.

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (8) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: Yatta, Beit Kahel, Beit Olah, Tafouh, al-Koum, Kharsa, al-Sourra and Imrish villages in Hebron.

Monday, 18 July 2016 

• At approximately 01:00, Israeli forces moved into Dura village, southwest of Hebron and stationed in al-Shurfa neighbourhood. They raided and searched a house belonging to Shadad Mohamed al-Sharha (20) and arrested him.

• At approximately 01:50, Israeli forces moved into Qalqiliya. They raided and searched 3 houses from which they arrested Salim Basem Je’aidy (23) and the two brothers ‘Alaa (24) and Anas Wajeeh Ebtileh (25). Moreover, Israeli forces raided a house belonging to Hidayia Majed Helal Zaid (31). As a result, Hidayia sustained wounds to her forehead during the house raid and was then taken to an UNRWA Clinic in Qalqiliya to receive medical treatment.

• At approximately 02:30, Israeli forces moved into Bani Na’eem village, east of Hebron, and stationed in al-‘Adisah area. They raided and searched a house belonging to Nabil Kamel al-Ja’bari (40) and arrested him. In the meanwhile, other Israeli soldiers raided a house belonging to Mohamed Hussain al-Jahjouh (24) and arrested him.

• At approximately 03:30, Israeli forces moved into Halhoul village, north of Hebron, and stationed in al-Nabi Yunis neighbourhood. They raided and searched a house belonging to Farouq Zama’rah (29) and handed him a summons to refer to the Israeli Intelligence Service in “Gush Etzion” settlement, south of Bethlehem.

• In the evening, Israeli forces arrested Majed Ahmed Na’eem Badran (33), from Deir al-Ghosoun village, north of Tulkarm, while he was present in the Israeli military liaison office (D.C.O),south of the city. Majed was arrested upon a summons previously handed to him.

• Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (6) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: Southern area of Hebron, Noba, Tafouh, Daerit al-Sair, Deir al-‘Asal and Abu al-Ghazlan villages in Hebron.

Tuesday, 19 July 2016 

• At approximately 01:00, Israeli forces moved into Hebron and stationed in Bir al-Mahjar area. They raided and searched an apartment belonging to Mohamed al-Faqeh (29), from Dura village. Mohamed was accused of carrying out a shooting attack that resulted in the killing of an Israeli settler near Deir Razah village, south of the village, on 01 July 2016.

• At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into Tal village, southwest of Nablus. They raided and searched two houses belonging to Malik Mohamed Shateih (23) and Mahmoud Saqer Ahmed ‘Asidah (28) and then arrested both of them. It should be noted that the first arrested person is a student in al-Najah National University, while the second is doing MA in al-Najah University as well.

• Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into the northern ‘Asirah village, north of Nablus. They raided and searched a house belonging to Mo’min Munir Hasan Sabbah (24) and arrested him. It should be noted that the abovementioned person is a student in al Najah National University.

• Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into ‘Aqrabah village, southeast of Nablus. They raided and searched a house belonging to Karam Khirallah Bani Fadel (24) and arrested him. It should be noted that the abovementioned person is a student in al Najah National University.

• At approximately 02:30, Israeli forces moved into Anabta village, east of Tulkarm. They raided and searched a house belonging to Mohamed Mostafa Abu ‘Asal (18) and questioned him after locking him in a room. After that, Israeli forces raided and searched 2 houses belonging to Jihad Mohameed Abu ‘Asal (30) and Mohamed Suliman Ghanim (24) and questioned both of them. Israeli forces withdrew later and no arrests were reported.

• Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Bani Na’eem village, east of Hebron, and stationed in al-‘Adisah area. They raided and searched a house belonging to Mohamed Ali Ballout (30) and arrested him.

• At approximately 02:40, Israeli forces moved into ‘Azoun village, east of Qalqiliya. They raided and searched 2 houses belonging to Ahmed ‘Adli Ridwan and Qasem Mohamed Badran and then handed both of them summonses to refer to the Israeli Intelligence Service. At approximately 04:45, Israeli forces withdrew from the village and no arrests were reported.

• At approximately 03:00, Israeli forces moved into Taqou’ village, southeast of Bethlehem. They raided and searched houses from which they arrested Mohamed Salem Abu Mifreh (17) and Mousa Mohamed al-‘Amour (17).

• At approximately 03:30, Israeli forces moved into al-Khadir village, south of Bethlehem. They raided and searched houses and then arrested Hussain Mohamed ‘Isaa (31).

• At approximately 07:50, Israeli forces accompanied with 6 bulldozers moved into northeast of al-Burij refugee camp, in the centre of the Gaza Strip, 150 meters away from the border fence between Israel and the Gaza Strip. They levelled lands and patrolled the streets area until 14:30 and redeployed later along the fence.

• At approximately 11:00, the Palestinian Ministry of Health declared the death of Mostafa Mohamed Othman Barad’ieh (52), from Beit Fajjar village, south of Bethlehem, who was hit with a live bullet by Israeli soldiers at the entrance to al-‘Aroub refugee camp, north of Hebron. Mostafa was wounded on Monday, 18 July 2016, after stabbing 2 Israeli soldiers. He was then taken by an Israeli ambulance to an unknown destination. It should be noted that Israeli forces killed Mostafa’s brother, Ibrahim (55), at the western entrance to al-‘Aroub refugee camp, on 14 April 2016, on grounds of murder.

• Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (8) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: Jenin refugee camp; Deirstiya village, northwest of Salfit; Kafur al-Deek village, west of the city; Dura; Yatta; Qalqas; Beit ‘Awaa and al-Moureq villages in Hebron.

Wednesday, 20  July 2016

• At approximately 01:00, Israeli forces moved into Dura village, southwest of Hebron, and stationed in Ghuniam area. They raided and searched al-Saqeq housing, which is under construction. Moreover, Israeli forces raided and searched a house belonging to Ibrahim Abdul Jalil Abu Shara (44), who was arrested 10 days earlier, and no arrests were reported. After that, Israeli military vehicles headed to the western area of Dura. They raided and searched a house belonging to Mohamed Ahmed Qazaz (21) and arrested him. 

• At approximately 01:30, Israeli forces moved into Kharsah village, south of Dura, southwest of Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to Nasar al-Sayyad al-Faqeeh and arrested his son, Khalid (24). 

• Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Taqou’ village, southeast of Bethlehem. They raided and searched houses from which they arrested Shadi Naif al-‘Amour (20), Jum’a Khalid Abu Mifreh (24) and Sabir Ribhi al-‘Amour (23). 

• Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Sa’ir village, east of Hebron, and stationed in al-‘Aroud area. They raided and searched a house belonging to Monadil Khalil Shalaldah (33) and handed him a summons to refer to the Israeli Intelligence Service in “Gush Etzion” settlement, south of Bethlehem. 

• At approximately 03:00, Israeli forces moved into Selwad village, northeast of Ramallah. They raided and searched 3 houses from which they arrested Abdul Rahman Mostafa Hamed (32), a former prisoner who served 6 years in the Israeli jails, Abdul Raheem Basam Abdul Raheem Hamad (21), a former prisoner who was released a month earlier, and Ibrahim Abdul ‘Aziz Hamad (32). 

• Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Beit ‘Awaa village, southwest of Dura, southwest of Hebron. They raided and searched a 3-storey house belonging to Ali Mahmoud al-Saq’ah Masalmah and his sons, Mohamed and Tamer. They damaged the house content and locked all the family members in an apartment. After that, they withdrew from the house and no arrests were reported. In the meantime, other Israeli soldiers raided and searched a house belonging to Maher Mallouh Masalmah (14) and arrested him. 

• At approximately 03:30, Israeli soldiers moved into Deir Abu Mish’al village, northwest of Ramallah. They raided and searched a house belonging to Omar Ahmed Mohamed Saleh ‘Atah (21) and arrested him. 

• At approximately 07:15, Israeli soldiers stationed along the border fence sporadically opened fire at agricultural lands, east of al-Salqah valley, east of Deir al-Balah. As a result, farmer ‘Awni Hasan Suliman Abu Ghrabah (38) was hit with a live bullet to the thigh, while he was irrigating his field, 700 meters away from the border fence between Israel and Gaza Strip. ‘Awni was taken to al-Aqsa Hospital in Deir al-Balah, where his wounds were classified as moderate. 

• At approximately 08:30, on Wednesday, 20 July 2016, Israeli forces accompanied with 3 military vehicles and a bulldozer moved about 50 meters into al-Shuhada cemetery, east of Jabalia refugee camp, north of the Gaza Strip. The bulldozer levelled a plot of land that was previously levelled and patrolled the area. They also sporadically opened fire that forced the farmers to leave their lands for fear of being At approximately 11:30, they re-deployed along the fence and no casualties were reported. 

• At approximately 09:40, Israeli gunboats stationed off al-Balaikhah area, west of al-Shati refugee camp, northwest of Gaza City, opened fire heavily at Palestinian fishing boats sailing within 2 nautical miles. Two Israeli gunboats approached a fishing boat belonging to Omar “Mohamed Monir” Omar Baker (47) that was manned by 4 civilians, who were identified as:

1. “Mohamed Monir” Omar “Mohamed Monir” Baker (20);
2. Mohamed Yousef “Mohamed Monir” Baker (17);
3. Bayan Khamis Subhi Baker (21); and
4. Omar Yehia Othman Baker (19).

All of the above-mentioned civilians are from al-Shati refugee camp, west of Gaza City. Israeli forces arrested all of them and confiscated the fishing boat.

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (5) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: Halhoul, Beit Ola, Karmah, and al—Koum village in Hebron.

River to Sea Uprooted Palestinian   

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