Weekly report on israel’s terrorism against the State of Palestine (24 – 30 November 2016 )

Weekly Report On Israeli Human Rights Violations in the Occupied Palestinian Territory

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

(24 – 30 November 2016)

• Israeli forces continued to use excessive force in the oPt
• Israeli forces killed a Palestinian child in northern side of occupied Jerusalem.

• Israeli forces conducted 57 incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank and one in the southern Gaza Strip.
• 68 civilians, including 19 children, were arrested.
• Twenty of them, including 11 children, were arrested in occupied Jerusalem.
• Dr ‘Azzam Sahlab, Member of the Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC),was among the arrested civilians.
• Israeli forces arrested a civilian who sneaked via the northern borders of the Gaza Strip.

• Israeli forces continued to target Palestinian fishermen in the Gaza Strip Sea.

• Israeli forces continued their efforts to create Jewish majority in occupied East Jerusalem.
• Israeli forces demolished parts of a residential house in Silwan and levelled another in al-Mukaber Mount.

• Settlement activities continued in the West Bank.
• Israeli forces issued more demolition notices.

• 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.
• 5 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 (24 – 30 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 child in Sho’fat refugee camp, north of occupied Jerusalem.

In occupied Jerusalem, in excessive use of lethal force, Israeli forces stationed at Sho’fat checkpoint, north of occupied Jerusalem killed a Palestinian child. Israeli forces claimed that he attempted to stab an Israeli security officer with a knife he hid under his clothes.  However, PCHR’s investigations refuted this claim.

In the Gaza Strip, in context of targeting Palestinian fishermen in the sea, on 26 November 2016, Israeli gunboats stationed off al-Waha shore, northwest of Beit Lahia, north of the Gaza Strip, heavily opened fire at Palestinian fishing boats and chased them. The shooting recurred on the dame day afternoon in the same area. It should be noted the fishing boats were sailing within 4 nautical miles and no casualties were reported.  Moreover, similar attacks recurred on 27 and 28 November 2016 while fishing boats were sailing within 3 nautical miles.  However, neither casualties nor damages to the boats were reported

Incursions:

During the reporting period, Israeli forces conducted at least 57 military incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank and 8 others in occupied Jerusalem and its suburbs. During these incursions, Israeli forces arrested at least 68 Palestinian civilians, including 19 children. Twenty-one of them, including 11 children, were arrested in occupied Jerusalem.

Among those arrest, Israeli forces arrested Dr ‘Azzam No’aman ‘Abdel Rahman Salhab (60), a PLC Member from the Change and Reform bloc affiliated with Hamas, and Anas Hatem Qafishah, who is the son of another PLC Member and arrested from his family house in Hebron .

In the Gaza Strip on 29 November 2016, Israeli forces conducted a limited incursion in al-Shokah village, east of Rafah City in the southern Gaza Strip.  They levelled and combed the area in addition to establishing sand barriers in the area.  They later redeployed along the border.

Creating Jewish majority in occupied East Jerusalem:

In the context of house demolitions, on 29 November 2016, Israeli municipality demolished with hand tools two rooms and 35-square-meter balcony located in the “Central neighbourhood” in the area in Silwan village, south of occupied Jerusalem’s Old City.  The two rooms are part of a house belonging to al-Shyoukhi family that is comprised of 10 members.  The house was built ten years ago.

On the same day, the Israeli municipality demolished a house in al-Mukaber Mount neighbourhood, southeast of the city, under the pretext of building without a license.  The 110-square-meter house, which belongs to ‘Issam Khalaylah family, shelters 9 members, including 6 children.

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

On 20 November 2016, Israeli forces distributed 12 notices to halt construction works for Palestinian families in Kherbet Um al-Khair, southeast of Yatta, south of Hebron, under the pretext of building without a license from the Israeli authorities.

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 2 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 65%. Moreover, the rate of unemployment increased up to 47% and youth constitutes 65% of the unemployed persons.  Moreover, 80% of the Gaza Strip population depends on international aid to secure their minimum daily needs. These rates indicate 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, 24 November 2016

• At approximately 01:00, Israeli forces moved into Beit Fajjar village, south of Bethlehem. They raided and searched a house belonging to Ezzat Hassan Abdul Karim Deriyah (50) and arrested him.

• At approximately 02:50, Israeli forces moved into Nablus and stationed in al-Ma’ajin neighborhood, west of the city. The soldiers surrounded building no. (9) in Najah National University housing. They raided and searched an apartment belonging to professor Esam Rashed Hasan al-Ashaqer (58), a physics lecturer in the above-mentioned university, and questioned him on the spot. They then arrested him and confiscated his car. It should be noted that Esam suffered a stroke in addition to many diseases such as kidney impairment, high blood pressure and liver disorder.

• At approximately 03:30, Israeli forces moved into ‘Anin village, west of Jenin. They raided and searched several houses. At approximately 04:30, they arrested Abdul Naser Mohammed Yasin (42) and at approximately 04:30 withdrew taking him to an unknown destination.

• At approximately 21:00, Israeli forces moved into Betin village, east of Ramallah. They raided and searched a house belonging to Sayel Mohammed Darwish Jarab’ah (55) and then arrested him. It should be noted that the arrested person is father of Saji Jarab’ah, who was killed in March 2014 after a settler shot him near his house. It should be mentioned that the house is adjacent to Bypass Road (60), east of the village.

• Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (4) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: Dura, Yatta, Tarqumiyah and Taffouh villages in Hebron.

Friday, 25 November 2016

• At approximately 03:00, Israeli forces moved into Husan village, west of Bethlehem. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Malek Naser Hamamrah (10) and then arrested him.

• Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (3) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: Kafer Qaddoum village, northeast of Qalqilyah, al-Aroub refugee camp and al-Kum village in

Saturday, 26 November 2016

• At approximately 00:15, Israeli forces moved into ‘Oyuon Qana Valley, northwest of Salfit. They arrested ‘Abdullah Mahmud Ahmed al-Khuli (32) from ‘Azzoun village, east of Qalqiliyah. It should be noted that ‘Abdullah and his family live in the abovementioned area in a farm that is threatened to be confiscated by the Israeli authorities. The abovementioned civilian was arrested before his arrival to a barrack inside the farm as he was coming from Azzoun village.

• At approximately 09:00, Israeli gunboats stationed off al-Wahah shore, northwest of Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip, opened fire at Palestinian fishing boats. At approximately 16:00, the shooting towards the Palestinian fishing boats sailing within 4 nautical miles recurred. As a result, fishermen were forced to flee for fear of being arrested or wounded, so no casualties were reported.

• Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (4) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: Kafer al-Deek village, west of Salfit, Dura, al-Kum and Beit Oula village in Hebron.

Sunday, 27 November 2016

• At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into Nahalin village, west of Bethlehem. They raided and searched a number of houses and then arrested Omran Yusuf Najahrah (16) and Abdul Karim Mohammed Shakarnah (18).

• Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into al-Fawar refugee camp, south of Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to Mohammed Ahmed Mustafa al-Najar (35). They locked the family members in one room and then arrested Mohammed. After visiting Mohammed, who was detained in Ofer prison, lawyer of the Palestinian Prisoners Club said to PCHR’s fieldworker that the Israeli forces severely beat him on his waist and face and walked him for an hour from his house to “Hagai” settlement. While Mohammed was walking, he felt dizzy and vomited blood. Although he asked them to put him on a litter, they refused and dragged him from his cuffed hands. They then took him to “‘Etzion” prison, south of Bethlehem where he was detained for an hour and a half. He was then transferred to ‘Ofer prison, west of Ramallah. The lawyer added that Mohammed was detained from 09:00 until 18:00 in a cold room though he informed the Israeli authorities that he suffers from health problems in the stomach, spine and cartilage so he cannot handle cold. However, the Israeli soldiers deliberately kept him in the cold room. The lawyer also emphasized that signs of beatings are still clear.

• At approximately 03:00, Israeli forces moved into Jenin and its camp, west of the city. They raided and searched several houses. They then arrested Tareq Mohammed Ouais (23) and Akram Mowafaq Malahmah (24) and at approximately 04:45 withdrew taking them to an unknown destination.

• Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Barta’ah village, southwest of Jenin. They raided and searched a number of houses. They arrested Sami Ahmed Saleh al-Haj Saed (29) and at approximately 04:00 withdrew taking them to an unknown destination.

• At approximately 03:30, Israeli forces moved into Beit Fourik village, east of Nablus. They raided and searched a house belonging to Ahmed Jamil Hamad Khatatbah (29) in the eastern neighbourhood of the village. They then arrested the aforementioned civilian and later withdrew taking him to an unknown destination.

• Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Barqin village, southwest of Jenin. They raided and searched several houses. They arrested Mohammed Zaidan al-Jadaa’ (24) and at approximately 04:30 withdrew taking him to an unknown destination.

• At approximately 07:30, Israeli gunboats stationed off al-Wahah shore, northwest of Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip, opened fire at Palestinian fishing boats sailing within 4 nautical miles and chased them. At approximately 16:00, the shooting recurred. As a result, fishermen were forced to flee for fear of being arrested or wounded, so no casualties were reported.

• In the evening, Israeli forces stationed at the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel, north of Beit Lahia, north of the Gaza Strip, arrested Bilal Zuhair Mustafa al-Razaynah (24) from Beit Lahia Housing Project after he crossed the borders in the abovementioned area. Bilal’s father said to PCHR’s fieldworker that his son disappeared on the same day evening and they searched for him in hospitals and informed the police about his absence. After 2 days of searching, Bilal’s father could not find him, so he went to the International Committee of Red Crescent (ICRC) and human rights organisations to contact the Israeli side in order to know their son’s place. After that, he was informed that Bilal was arrested by the Israeli authorities in al-Majdal prison. He added that Bilal suffers from mental disorders and takes medicine for this.

• Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (6) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: Ethna, al-Samou’ , al-Hejrah villages and al-Aroub refugee camp in Hebron, Kafer Thuluth and Azzoun villages, east of Qalqiliyah .

Monday, 28 November 2016

• At approximately 01:00, Israeli forces moved into Nemrah neighbourhood, north of Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to ‘Asem Maher ‘Obaid (22) and then arrested him. Following this, the military jeeps moved into Abu Katilah area, west of the city. They raided and searched a house belonging to Ayman Abdullah al-Qawasmah (25) and then arrested him.

• At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into Aydah refugee camp, north of Bethlehem. They raided and searched a house belonging to Hamdi Ibrahim Malash (23) and then arrested him.

• Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to Dr Azzam No’man Abdul Rahman Salhab (60), a PLC Member of the Change and Reform Bloc affiliated with Hamas and then arrested him.

It should be noted that Salhab was arrested 9 times before by the Israeli forces, including 4 times since he became a PLC Member in 2006.  The last time he was released in July 2015 after being under administrative detention. Salhab, who served 12 years in the Israeli jails, holds a PhD in Sharia from the Islamic University in Medina in Saudi Arabia. On 17 December 1992 He was also deported to Marj al-Zuhour, south of Lebanon, and returned to Palestine on 15 December 1993.

• Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into al-Hariyah Valley area in Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to Hatem Qafisha, a PLC Member representing the Change and Reform Bloc of Hamas movement. They then arrested his son Anas (24).

• At approximately 02:30, Israeli forces moved into Artas village, southwest of Bethlehem. They raided and searched a house belonging to Qasem Mahmoud ‘Ayesh (18) and then arrested him.

• At approximately 03:00, Israeli forces moved into al-Jalazoun refugee camp, north of Ramallah. They raided and searched a house belonging to Nour Fayeq Sha’ban Ghazawi (23) and then arrested him.

• At approximately 06:45, Israeli gunboats stationed off al-Wahah shore, northwest of Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip, opened fire at Palestinian fishing boats sailing within 4 nautical miles and chased them. At approximately 16:00, the shooting recurred. As a result, fishermen were forced to flee for fear of being arrested or wounded, so no casualties were reported.

• Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (3) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: Beit Kafel Hares village, north of Salfit, Beit Kahel and Hadab al-‘Alaqah villages in Hebron.

Tuesday, 29 November 2016

• At approximately 01:30, Israeli forces moved into Beit Awa village, southwest of Dura, southwest of Hebron. They raided and searched 3 houses and then arrested 3 civilians. The arrested civilians were identified as Bahaa’ Mohammed al-Masalmah (22), Khaled Mohammed Ezzat al-Masalmah (24) and Bahaa’ Husam al-Masalmah (22).

• At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into Qarawet Bani Hassan village, northwest of Salfit. They raided and searched a number of houses and then arrested 6 civilians. The arrested civilians were identified as Mustafa ‘Abdul ‘Aziz Mer’ie (32), Bilal ‘Ali ‘Asi (24), Momen Jamal Mer’ie (23), Othman Mahmud Asi (27), Ahmed Harb Rayan (27) and Baraa’ Saed ‘Asi (23).

• At approximately 02:30, Israeli forces moved into ‘Orif village, south of Nablus. They raided and searched a house belonging to Obadah Mohammed Khalil Shehadah (20) and then arrested him. It should be noted that the arrested civilian is a student in Najah National University in Nablus.

• Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Beit Ummer village, north of Hebron, and stationed in Khelet al-Ein area. They raided and searched a house belonging to Muntaser Wajih Shehdah Abu ‘Ayash (25). They arrested him in his underwear without allowing him to wear his clothes. In the meanwhile, another force raided and searched a house belonging to the family of prisoner Wajih abu Ayash, but no arrests were reported.

• At approximately 05:00, Israeli forces moved into Silwad village, northeast of Ramallah. They raided and searched 2 houses belonging to Mohammed Rezeq Hamed (20) and Mahmud Ali Hamed (24) and then arrested them.

• At approximately 08:00, Israeli forces stationed along the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israeli moved about 100 meters into the eastern side of al-Shawkah village, east of Rafah City, south of the Gaza Strip, near Sufa Israeli military site. They levelled and combed the area and established sand barriers. At approximately 11:00 next day, the Israeli forces redeployed along the abovementioned border fence.

• At approximately 14:30, Israeli forces moved into Deir Netham village, northwest of Ramallah, amidst firing live bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters at the Palestinian civilians. They raided and searched a number of houses and then arrested 5 civilians, including 3 children. The arrested civilians were identified as Mohammed Jamal Ibrahim Yahiya (23), Mohamemd Nassaer Ahmed al-Amir (12), Rami Omer theeb Saleh (12), Loai Theeb Saleh (12) and Khader Abdul Hafiz al-Tamimi (19).

• Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (4) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: Dura, Beit Marsam and Kharsa villages in Hebron.

Wednesday, 30 November 2016

• At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into the southern area of Hebron. They raided and searched 2 houses and then arrested 2 brothers namely Ramadan (53) and Sha’ban Saed Abu Rumoz (50).

• At approximately 02:30, Israeli forces moved into Hebron and stationed in al-Salam neighbourhood. They raided and searched a house belonging to Yahiya Mohammed Salhab (23) and arrested him.

• Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into al-‘Aroub refugee camp, north of Hebron. They raided and searched 4 houses and then arrested 4 children. The arrested children were identified as Raouf Wael Mohammed al-Balasi (15), Hamzah Khaled Khader al-Balasi (15), Saif Mohammed Khader al-Balasi (15) and Malek Khader Mekbel (16).

• At approximately 03:00, Israeli forces moved into Tulkarm. They raided and searched a number of houses. They arrested Bahaa’ Eden Nathmi Helmi Jayosi and at approximately 04:30 withdrew taking him to an unknown destination.

• Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Tulkarm and. They raided and searched several houses. They arrested Sami Ahmed Saleh al-Haj Saed (29) and at approximately 04:00 withdrew taking him to an unknown destination.

• At approximately 03:30, Israeli forces moved into Barqin village, southwest of Jenin. They raided and searched a number of houses. They arrested Mohammed Zaidan al-Jadaa’ (24) and at approximately 04:30 withdrew taking him to an unknown destination.

• Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (4) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: Halhoul, al-Thaheriyah, al-Samou’ and Karisah villages in Hebron.

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

West Bank:

• Following the Friday prayer on Friday, 25 November 2016, dozens of Palestinian civilians and Israeli and international human rights defenders organized demonstrations in Bil’in and Ni’lin villages, west of Ramallah; al-Nabi Saleh village, northwest of the city and Kafer Qadoum village, northeast of Qalqiliyah, protesting against the annexation wall and settlement activities. Israeli forces forcibly dispersed the protests, firing live and metal bullets, tear gas canisters and sound bombs. They also chased the protesters into olive fields and houses.  As a result, many 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.

River to Sea Uprooted Palestinian   

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