Weekly Report On Israeli Human Rights Violations in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (03 – 09 November 2016)

Source

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

(03 – 09 November 2016) 

• Israeli forces continued to use excessive force in the oPt

• Palestinian civilian killed at the entrance to “Ofra” settlement, northeast of Ramallah and al-Bireh.
• 6 Palestinian civilians, including a child and a photojournalist, were wounded in the West Bank.

• Israeli forces conducted 72 incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank and a limited one in the southern Gaza Strip.
• 83 civilians, including 23 children and 4 women, were arrested.
• Twenty-eight of them, including 13 children and 2 women, were arrested in occupied Jerusalem.
• An 8-member family from al-Amari’ refugee camp, south of Ramallah, were arrested.
• Two publishing houses in Hebron and Beit Ommer village were raided and some of their contents were seized.

• Israeli forces continued to target Palestinian fishermen in the Gaza Strip Sea.
• A fisherman fainted and a fishing boat sustained material damage.

• Israeli forces continued their efforts to create Jewish majority in occupied East Jerusalem.
• 2 houses, parts of a house and a carwash were demolished in a number of neighbourhoods in the city.
• 3 mosques in Abu Dees were ordered to stop the Fajar Prayer’s call (Adhan) via loudspeakers.

• Settlement activities continued in the West Bank.
• Three stores at the entrance to Beita village, south of Nablus, were demolished.
• Settlers attacked a number of Palestinian farmers in the west of Ramallah.

• 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.
• 2 Palestinian civilians were arrested at military checkpoints.

Summary

Israeli violations of international law and international humanitarian law in the oPt continued during the reporting period (03 – 09 November 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 civilian and wounded 6 others, including a child and a photojournalist, in the West Bank.

In the West Bank, in excessive use of lethal force, on 03 November 2016, Israeli forces guarding “Ofra” settlement, northeast of Ramallah, killed Ma’an Abu Qare’ (23) and kept his corpse in custody.  The spokesperson of the Israeli forces claimed the aforementioned person attempted to stab Israeli soldiers at “Ofra” intersection, as a result, they opened fire at him. No local eyewitness was present in the scene to confirm or negate the Israeli claims.

In the context of excessive force used in peaceful protests against the annexation wall and settlement activities, 5 Palestinian civilians, including a child and a photojournalist, were wounded. Four of them, including the photojournalist, were wounded in Kufor Qaddoum weekly protest, northeast of Qalqilya, while the child was wounded in Ni’lin weekly protests, west of Ramallah.

On 09 November 2016, one of the Israeli soldiers patrolling Howarah main street, south of Nablus, opened fire at Mohammed Amer (32), from Tulkarm. As a result, he sustained 2 serious bullet wounds to the back and right hand. Israeli forces claimed that Amer attempted to stab an Israeli soldier.

In the Gaza Strip, in the context of targeting Palestinian fishermen offshore, on 03 November 2016, Israeli gunboats stationed off al-Wahah shore, northwest of Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip, heavily opened fire at Palestinian fishing boats sailing within 3 nautical miles. A similar attack took place on 06 November 2016, however, no casualties were reported.

On 07 November 2016, Israeli gunboats stationed off al-Sudaniya shore, west of Jabalia, north of the Gaza Strip, opened fire at Palestinian fishing boats. They chased a bout while spraying it with wastewater in an attempt to get it drowned. As a result, Mahmoud Abu Riyala (18) fainted because of the wastewater and the boat sustained damage. A similar shooting attack took place at approximately 06:30 on Wednesday, 09 November 2016, but neither casualties nor material damage were reported.

Incursions:

During the reporting period, Israeli forces conducted at least 72 military incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank and 11 others in occupied Jerusalem and its suburbs. During these incursions, Israeli forces arrested at least 83 Palestinian civilians, including 23 children and 4 women. Twenty-eight of them, including 13 children and 2 women, were arrested in occupied Jerusalem. Among the arrested was a whole family consisting of 8 members from al-Amari refugee camp, south of Ramallah.

On 06 and 07 November 2016, Israeli forces raided Dozan and al-Manar publishing houses in Hebron respectively. They also confiscated some of the contents and withdrew later.

In the Gaza Strip, on 09 November 2016, Israeli forces moved about 100 meters into the east of al-Qarara village, east of Khan Yunis, south of the Gaza Strip. They levelled lands along the border fence and withdrew later.

Creating Jewish majority in occupied East Jerusalem:

In the context of house demolitions, on 08 November 2016, the Israeli municipality demolished a house belonging to Eid family in Wad al-Jouz neighbourhood in occupied Jerusalem, under the pretext of non-licensing.

On the same day, the Israeli municipality demolished a house belonging to Ghanem Mostafa in al-Eisawiya village, northeast of occupied Jerusalem, under the pretext of non-licensing. It should be noted that the house was built 3 years ago.

Also on the same day, the Israeli municipality demolished parts of a house belonging to Mahmoud al-Hadra while al-Hadra self-demolished a garage he built in front of his house in al-Tour neighbourhood, east of Jerusalem’s Old City, under the pretext of non-licensing as well.

On 09 November 2016, the Israeli municipality demolished a carwash belonging to Maraqa family in Beit Hanina village, north of occupied Jerusalem. The family said the carwash belongs to 2 brothers and was built 4.5 years ago. The financial loss is estimated at NIS 200,000.

In the same context, on 04 November 2016, Israeli municipality crews and forces moved into Selwan village, south of East Jerusalem. They photographed a number of residential and commercial facilities. They took photos also of streets in Wad Helwa neighbourhood in the village.  Wad Helwa committee stated that Israeli forces distributed summonses to owners of certain facilities under the pretext of non-licensing.

In a serious development violating the right to practice religious rituals, Israeli forces informed the Mua’zzins of 3 mosques in Abu Dees village, east of occupied Jerusalem, to stop the Fajr Prayer’s call (Adhan) via loudspeakers. Moreover, they denied residents of western areas of the village access to Saladin mosque to perform the Fajr Prayer on 04 November 2016.

Settlement activities and settlers’ attacks against Palesitnian civilians and their property:

On 03 November 2016, Israeli forces demolished 3 commercial and industrial stores at the entrance to Beita village under the pretext of building with no license in area (C) according to Oslo Accords.

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 (Kerem Shaloum) 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.

In the West Bank, Israeli forces continued to suffocate the Palestinian cities and village by imposing military checkpoints around and/or between them. This created “cantons” isolated from each other that hinders the movement of civilians. Moreover, the Palestinian civilians suffering aggravated because of the annexation wall and checkpoints erected on daily basis to catch Palestinians.

Details 

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

Thursday, 03 November 2016 

• At approximately 01:30, Israeli forces moved into Abu ‘Asjah village, southeast of Dura, southwest of Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to Ahmed Yousef Abu Sondus and arrested him. It should be noted that Ahmed served 10 years in the Israeli jails and was released few months ago.

• At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into Hebron and stationed in al-Jildah area. They raided and searched a building belonging to Sultan family, during which they raided and searched a house belonging to Jad Ghalib Sultan (40), who was arrested on 25 October 2016 and is still present in Ashkelon prison. Israeli forces also damaged Jad’s house content. After that, other Israeli soldiers raided and searched Jad’s brother apartment, Dirar (30), and arrested him. Dirar’s family later knew that Dirar was in “Etzion” detention center, south of Bethlehem. At approximately 08:00 Jad’s wife, Arwa Khalid Mohamed Sultan (31), received a call from the Israeli Intelligence Service “al-Shabak”, ordering her to come to “Kiryat Arba” settlement, east of Hebron. Arwa headed then to the above-mentioned settlement, where she was arrested. After that, Arwa’s family was informed that Arwa was arrested and she was present in Hasharon Prison. It should be noted that Jad and Arwa support a family of 6 children, the youngest of whom are twins (1 year old).

• Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Dura, southwest of Hebron, and stationed in al-Bonok area. They raided and searched a house belonging to Mohamed Mahmoud Shaheen (31) and arrested him. After that, Israeli vehicles moved into Senjer area, east of the city, where they raided and searched a house belonging to Yousef Ahmed Nasar (43) and arrested him.

• Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Sayida village, north of Tulkarm. They raided and searched a number of houses and then arrested Ashraf ‘Awni Abed al-Ghani (16).

• Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into al-Am’ari refugee camp, south of Ramallah. They raided and searched a house belonging to Zuhdi Deeb Zuhdi Salem (49). They arrested Zuhdi, his wife Jihad Ali Yousef Deeb (48) and their children Ihab (22); Mahran (25); Fadi (24); Bahaa (15); Deeb (29); and Mohamed (26).

• At approximately 02:30, Israeli forces moved into Showaikah village, north of Tulkarm. They raided and searched a number of houses and then arrested Mohamed Ahmed Mahmoud Mahdawi (25).
• Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into al-Jalazoun refugee camp, north of Ramallah. They raided and searched a house belonging to Hamed Ahmed Dahir (23) and arrested him.

• At approximately 07:00, Israeli gunboats stationed offshore, northwest of Beit Lahia, north of the Gaza Strip, heavily opened fire at Palestinian fishing boats sailing within 3 nautical miles. As a result, fishermen were forced to flee for fear of being arrested or wounded and no casualties were reported.

• In excessive use of lethal force, Israeli force guarding “Ofra” settlement, northeast of Ramallah, killed a Palestinian civilian and then kept his corpse in custody. According to PCHR’s investigations, at approximately 15:20, Israeli forces stationed at the main entrance to “Ofra” settlement, south of Selwad, northeast of Ramallah, opened fire at Ma’an Nasir Abu Qare’ (23), from al-Mazra’a village, northwest of Ramallah. As a result, Ma’an immediately died. After that, the Israeli spokesman declared that Ofra intersection witnessed an alleged stabbing attack, as the Palestinian civilian arrived at the bus station and attempted to stab Israeli soldiers. As a result, Israeli soldiers shot him dead. No casualties were reported among the Israeli soldiers. Israeli media published photos of the victim in the bus station. It should be noted that there were no local witnesses to confirm or deny the Israeli claim. Moreover, Israeli forces imposed additional restrictions on the movement of civilians since 31 October 2016 because of a shooting attack against Israeli soldiers at Beit Eill checkpoint, which led to the killing of the shooter, Mohamed Turkman, from Qabtia village, south of Jenin.

• Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (8) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: Qabatia village, south of Jenin; Yatta, Tafouh, Bani Na’iem and al-Moreq villages and al-Fawar refugee camp in Hebron; Heblah village, south of Qalqiliya; and Qaryout village, southeast of Nablus.

Friday, 04 November 2016

• At approximately 01:00, Israeli forces moved into Bethlehem and stationed in Handazah Mount. They raided and searched al-Ferdaous bakery and then arrested Obadah Khadir Nawawrah (23).

• At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into the southern area of Hebron and stationed in Abu al-Samen valley. They raided and searched a house belonging to Hamdi ‘Adnan Abu Turkey (25) and arrested him.

• At approximately 03:00, Israeli forces moved into al-‘Aroub refugee camp, north of Hebron, and stationed in the center of the village. They raided and searched a house belonging to Diyaa Jaber Ahmed al-Titi (23) and arrested him.

• Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (3) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: Beit Olaa, Samou’a and Karza villages in Hebron

Saturday, 05 November 2016 

• At approximately 01:00, Israeli forces moved into Beit Ummer village, north of Hebron, and stationed in al-Boq’a area. They raided and searched a house belonging to Ahmed ‘Aliyan Ikhlayil, whose son Khalid (21) was killed by Israeli forces on 30 October 2016, claiming he carried out a run-over attack against Israeli soldiers. They also confiscated photos belonging to the victim. In the meanwhile, Israeli vehicles moved into the center of the village and then raided a house belonging to Mohamed Kamel Za’aqeeq (50) and handed his son Yousef a summons to refer to the Israeli Intelligence Service in “Gosh Etzion” settlement.

• At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into Bil’in village, west of Ramallah. They raided and searched a house belonging to ‘Alaa Falah Abu Rahma (16) and arrested him.

• At approximately 02:30, Israeli forces moved into al-Mazra’a village, northwest of Ramallah. They raided and searched a house belonging to Nasir Abu Qare’ and took its measurements. It should be noted that the son of Nasir Abu Qare’, Ma’an, was killed by Israeli forces on Thursday, 03 November 2016, claiming that he attempted to carry out a stabbing attack near “Ofra” settlement, which was established in Selwad and Deir Jareer lands, northeast of Ramallah.

• Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (3) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: al-Fawar refugee camp and Dura village in Hebron; and Kafur al-Deek village, west of Salfit.

Sunday, 06 November  2016 

• At approximately 00:30, Israeli forces moved into Taqou’ village, southeast of Bethlehem. They raided and searched a house belonging to Jalal Ta’amrah and arrested his son Mohamed (16).

• At approximately 01:00, Israeli forces moved into Beit Ummer village, north of Hebron, and stationed in the center of the village. They raided and searched Dozan Printing House belonging to Hasan Faraj. Israeli soldiers blew up the printing house main door and then confiscated a PC set. After that, Israeli forces raided and searched a house belonging to Ahmed Rasheed ‘Awad and then searched his sons’ houses, ‘Ayish and Mohamed. They then withdrew and no arrests were reported.

• At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into Qabatia village, south of Jenin. They raided and searched houses from which they arrested Suliman Ahmed Khzaimiya (37) and Naser Subhi Tazaz’a (25).

• Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Hebron and stationed in Nimrah neighbourhood. They raided and searched a house belonging to Khalid Mansour al-Natsha (30) and arrested him.

• At approximately 02:30, Israeli forces moved into Burqeen village, west of Jenin. They raided and searched houses from which they arrested Osama Yaser Subeh (22) and Tareq ‘Atallah Sabah (23).

• Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Selwad village, east of Ramallah. They raided and searched a house belonging to Mohamed Abed al-Hameed Hamed (34) and arrested him. They also confiscated his private car.

• At approximately 05:00, Israeli gunboats stationed offshore, northwest of Beit Lahia, north of the Gaza Strip, heavily opened fire at Palestinian fishing boats sailing within 3 nautical miles. The Israeli shooting continued until 09:00. As a result, fishermen were forces to flee for fear of being arrested or wounded and no casualties were reported.

• Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (3) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: Tafouh and Ethna villages in Hebron; and Hawarah village, south of Nablus.

Monday, 07 November  2016 

• At approximately 01:00, Israeli forces moved into al-‘Aroub refugee camp, north of Hebron, and stationed in the center of the village. They raided and searched a house belonging to prisoner Diyaa Jaber al-Titi (33) and no arrests were reported.

• At approximately 01:30, Israeli forces moved into al-Tirah neighborhood, west of Ramallah. They raided al-Karawan Hotel and al-Rayhan Restaurant, where they confiscated surveillance cameras recording devices, amounts of money and cheques. They withdrew later and no more incidents were reported.

• Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into ‘Arorah village, northwest of Ramallah. They raided and searched houses belonging to ‘Adel Mohamed Qasem Khaseeb (21); Ibrahim Salama Mohamed Suliman (23); and Ahmed Taysir Khaseeb (20). All of them were arrested and took to an unknown destination.

• At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into Hawsan village, west of Bethlehem. They raided and searched houses from which they arrested 4 civilians, including 3 children. The arrested persons were identified as Mohamed Naser Sabateen (25); ‘Alaa Mohamed Lafi Shosha (15) and his brother Islam (14); and ‘Obidah ‘Adel al-Sha’ier (16).

• Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Hebron and stationed in al-Manarah area in the center of the city. They raided and searched a printing house belonging to Rabee’ Mohamed al-Tardah (36), from Tafouh village, west of the city. Israeli forces opened the door of the printing house and then confiscated 3 hard disks. After that, they withdrew and no arrests were reported.

• At approximately 02:20, Israeli forces moved into ‘Azoun village, east of Qalqiliya. They raided and searched a house belonging to Jihad Jamal Salah Saleem (28) and arrested him. Moreover, they raided and searched 7 other houses and damaged their contents. The above-mentioned houses belong to Mohamed Sa’eed Badran; As’ad Mohamed As’ad Sowidan; Nidal As’ad Sowidan; Rasheed Mahmoud Shaker Ridwan; Tha’er Rasheed Ridwan; Moahmed Rasheed Mhamoud Ridwan and Mohamed Waleed Mahmoud Ridwan.

• At approximately 02:40, Israeli forces moved into al-Bireh. They raided and searched a house belonging to Ali Mahmoud Shawabka (17) and arrested him.

• At approximately 05:00, Israeli forces moved into Selwad village, northeast of Ramallah. They raided and searched two houses belonging to Mohamed Yaseen Subhi Hamed (18) and Mohamed Abdullah Saleh (22) and arrested both of them.

• At approximately 03:00, Israeli forces moved into Bal’a village, north of Tulkarm. They raided and searched houses and then arrested Ghazi Raied Ghazi al-Haj (18).

• At approximately 05:30, Israeli gunboats stationed off al-Sudaniya shore, west of Jabalia refugee camp, north of the Gaza Strip, opened fire at Palestinian fishing boats sailing within 2 nautical miles and chased them. Israeli gunboats chased a fishing boat belonging to Yousef ‘Adel Abu Riyalah while opening fire at him and spraying wastewater as well. As a result, a fisherman, Mahmoud ‘Adel Abu Riyalah (18), fainted because of the wastewater. He was then taken to al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City to receive medical treatment.

• Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (8) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: al-Fawar refugee camp, Sa’ir, al-Hadeb and Dura villages in Hebron; Rantees village, northwest of Ramallah, Serda village, north of Ramallah and al-Jalazoun refugee camp.

Tuesday, 08 November  2016

• At approximately 01:00, Israeli forces moved into Jenin. They raided a metal workshop belonging to Ahmed ‘Arafat ‘Asaf in al-Nabatat street and closed it. Israeli forces claimed that the workshop manufactures weapons. A number of Palestinian civilians gathered and threw stones at Israeli soldiers, who fired tear gas canisters and sound bombs at them. At approximately 03:00, they arrested Rajab Mohamed Hamarsha (20) and took him to an unknown destination.

• At approximately 01:30, Israeli forces moved into Yatta village, south of Hebron and stationed in the southern area. They raided and searched houses and then arrested ‘Alaa Isma’il ‘Awad (23).

• At approximately 02:30, Israeli forces moved into ‘Ayida refugee camp, north of Bethlehem. They raided and searched houses from which they arrested Omar Ma’moun Budair (14), Dawoud Raied Shararah (14) and As’ad al-Masa’eed (55).

• Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Beit Ummer village, north of Hebron, and stationed in Khilat al-‘Ain,’Asidah and al-Dohur They raided and searched a house belonging to Hasan Yousef Hasan ‘Alqam (26) and handed him a summons to refer to the Israeli Intelligence Service in “Gosh Etzion” settlement, south of Bethlehem. Other Israeli soldiers raided and searched a house belonging to Mohanad Zuhair al-‘Alami (19), who was arrested by Israeli forces 3 months ago, claiming they were looking for Mohanad. Meanwhile, Mohanad’s father gave them a paper from the ICRC showing that Mohanad is still present in the Israeli jails. In the meantime, an Israeli infantry unit raided a house belonging to Mohamed Kamel Za’aqeeq and arrested his son Yousef (28). At approximately 04:00, they withdrew and took Yousef to an unknown destination.

• At approximately 04:00, Israeli forces moved into Tulkarm. They raided and searched houses and then arrested Amjad Mohamed Hussain Abu Sanad (27).

• Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (4) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: Ethna, Bani Na’iem and al-Hijrah villages and al-‘Aroub refugee camp in Hebron.

Wednesday, 09 November  2016 

• At approximately 01:00, Israeli forces moved into al-Fawar refugee camp, south of Hebron, and stationed in the center of the camp. They raided and searched a house belonging to Abdulla Mohamed al-Qasas (24) and arrested him. 

• Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into al-Tabqah village, south of Dura, southwest of Hebron, and stationed in al-Bayid neighbourhood. They raided and searched a house belonging to Ra’ed Badawi Hamdan (33) and arrested him. 

• Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into ‘Oreef village, south of Nablus. They raided and searched a house belonging to Ahmed Moahmed al-Saqqa (25) and arrested him. 

• At approximately 01:30, Israeli forces moved into Dura, southwest of Hebron, and stationed in al-Tanak neighbourhood. They raided and searched a house belonging to Khalid Mohamed Hasan al-Fasfous (23) and arrested him. 

• At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into Qabatia village, south of Jenin. They raided and searched houses from which they arrested Basem Fawzi ‘Alawnah (20), Mohamed Ahmed Zakarnah (22) and Fadi Abed al-Majeed Zakarnah (22). Moreover, they confiscated a car of Fadi Zakarnah. 

• At approximately 02:30, Israeli forces moved into Hebron and stationed in Hawouz area. They raided and searched a house belonging to photojournalist Nidal Mahmoud Abed al-Hafeez Ashmar (27) and arrested him. 

• At approximately 06:30, Israeli gunboats stationed off al-Sudaniya shore, west of Jabalia refugee camp, north of the Gaza Strip, opened fire at Palestinian fishing boats sailing within 4 nautical miles and chased them. As a result, fishermen were forced to flee for fear of being arrested or wounded and no casualties were reported.

• At approximately 07:00, Israeli forces accompanied with military vehicles moved about 100 meters to the east of al-Qararah village, east of Khan Yunis, south of the Gaza Strip. Israeli vehicles levelled lands along the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel, heading southwards. 

• At approximately 08:15, Israeli forces stationed in the main street of Hewarah village, south of Nablus, opened fire at Moahmed Amer (32), from Tulkarm. As a result, ‘Amer was hit with 2 live bullets. The first bullet caused laceration to his back and right side while the second bullet penetrated his right hand according to a PRCS ambulance officer. Israeli forces claimed that ‘Amer attempted to carry out a stabbing attack against an Israeli soldier.

• Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (3) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: Beit Ola and Samou’a villages in Hebron; and Hawara village in Nablus. 

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

West Bank:

• At approximately 13:15, following the Friday prayer, Palestinian civilians and Israeli and international human rights defenders organized a protest in the centre of Kufor Qaddoum village, northeast of Qalqiliya, and then made their way to the eastern entrance of the village in protest against closing that entrance since the beginning of al-Aqsa Intifada with an iron gate. When the protesters approached the entrance, Israeli forces fired live bullets, rubber-coated metal bullets, tear gas canisters and sound bombs at them. As a result, 3 protesters, including a photojournalist, were wounded. Moreover, Israeli forces arrested an elderly man, Nihad Mohamed Hussain (70), but released him at approximately 17:30 on the same day after the intervention of the Palestinian liaison.  The photojournalist, Nidal Ishtaih (45), from Salem village, east of Nablus, was hit with a rubber-coated metal bullet to the side, the second civilian (45) was hit with a rubber-coated metal bullet to the back and the third one (27) was hit with a rubber-coated metal bullet to the thigh. It should be noted that Nidal works as a cameraman at the Chinese News Agency.

• Following the Friday prayer dozens of Palestinian civilians and Israeli and international human rights defenders organized protests in Bil’in and Ni’lin villages, west of Ramallah; and al-Nabi Saleh village, northwest of the city. Israeli forces forcibly dispersed the protests, firing live and rubber-coated metal bullets, tear gas canisters and sound bombs. They also chased the protesters into olive fields and houses.  As a result, a 16-year-old male, from Ni’lin village, was hit with a rubber- coated metal bullet to the head and was then taken to Palestine Medical Complex in Ramallah. Moreover, some of the protesters suffered tear gas inhalation while others sustained bruises as Israeli soldiers beat them up.

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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