Weekly report on israel's terrorism against the State of Palestine (13 – 19 April 2017)

Weekly Report On Israeli Human Rights Violations in the Occupied Palestine http://pchrgaza.org/en/?p=9042

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

(13 – 19 April 2017)

• Israeli forces killed a Palestinian civilian in southern Bethlehem in employment of deadly force.

• 7 Palestinian civilians, including 3 children, were wounded in the West Bank.

• Israeli forces continued to target the Gaza Strip border areas, but no casualties were reported.

• Israeli forces conducted 39 incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank and 2 limited ones in Jerusalem.
• 40 civilians, including 19 children, were arrested in the West Bank.
• 18 of them, including 12 children, were arrested in Jerusalem.
• Contents of 3 bookshops for university services in Hebron were confiscated and the bookshops were closed.

• Israeli forces continued their efforts to create Jewish majority in occupied East Jerusalem.
• 2 houses in al-Mukaber Mount were demolished.
• Hundreds of settlers stormed al-Aqsa Mosque in the Jewish holiday.

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

• Israeli forces turned the West Bank into cantons and continued to impose the illegal closure on the Gaza Strip for the 10^th
• Due to the Jewish Passover holiday, the Israeli authorities continued imposing a security closure on the West Bank and Gaza Strip.
• Dozens of temporary checkpoints were established in the West Bank and others were re-established to obstruct the movement of Palestinian civilians.

Summary

Israeli violations of international law and international humanitarian law in the oPt continued during the reporting period (13 – 19 April 2017).

Shooting:

During the reporting period, Israeli forces killed a Palestinian man and wounded 7 others, including 3 children, in the West Bank. In the Gaza Strip, Israeli forces continued to pursuit the Palestinian fishermen in the sea and open fire at Palestinian farmers at the border areas.

In the West Bank, on 19 April 2017, in employment of deadly force, Israeli forces killed Sohaib Mashahra (21), from al-Shaikh Sa’d village, southeast of occupied Jerusalem. The aforementioned person was killed when Israeli forces stationed at “Kufr Ezion” settlement, south of Bethlehem, opened fire at a car he was driving after the car hit an Israeli bus. Israeli forces claimed it was a deliberate attack targeting settlers, but photos of the scene shows it was likely a normal car accident.

During the reporting period, Israeli forces wounded 7 Palestinian civilians, including 3 children, using force against peaceful protests. On 14 April 2017, 2 children were wounded when Israeli forces opened fire at Kufor Qaddoum weekly protest, northeast of Qalqilya.

On the same day, 4 civilians were wounded to the lower limbs when Israeli forces erected a checkpoint at the intersection of Tamoun village, south of Tubas, and opened fire at the youngsters who gathered and throw stones at the Israeli soldiers.

On 15 April 2017, a Palestinian child sustained a bullet wound to the head when Israeli forces opened fire at Kufor Qaddoum weekly protest, northeast of Qalqilya.

In the Gaza Strip, concerning Israeli attacks on fishermen in the Gaza Strip sea, on 13 April 2017, Israeli navy forces opened fire at the Palestinian fishing boats sailing within 4 nautical miles, west of al-Sudaniya shore, north of the Gaza Strip. On the same day, Israeli gunboats opened fire at the Palestinian fishing boats sailing within 1.5 nautical miles northwest of Beit Lahia shore, north of the Gaza Strip. A similar attack recurred off al-Sudaniya shore on 14 April 2017 while 2 others recurred off Beit Lahia shore on 15 and 19 April 2017.

In the context of targeting the border areas, on 13 April 2017, Israeli forces stationed at the border fence, north of al-Sayafa area, northwest of the Gaza Strip, opened fire at agricultural lands adjacent to the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel.

On 18 April 2017, Israeli forces stationed at the border fence, east of Beit Hanoun village, north of the Gaza Strip, opened fire at the border area, however, neither casualties nor material damage were reported.

Incursions:

During the reporting period, Israeli forces conducted at least 39 military incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank. During these incursions, Israeli forces arrested at least 40 Palestinian civilians, including 19 children. Eighteen of them, including 12 children, were arrested in occupied Jerusalem, while 4 other children were arrested while participating in a protest supporting the Palestinian prisoners in the vicinity of Ofer prison, west of Ramallah.

During the reporting period, Israeli forces raided 3 bookshops for university services in Hebron. They confiscated some of their contents and closed them. Israeli forces claimed these 3 bookshops “support terrorism.”

In the Gaza Strip, Israeli forces carried out 2 limited incursions in the central and southern Gaza Strip. On 13 April 2017, Israeli forces moved into the east of Khuza’a village, east of Khan Yunis, south of the Gaza Strip. On 16 April 2017, they moved into the east of al-Bureij refugee camp, in the central Gaza Strip. In both incursions, Israeli forces levelled lands along the border fence.

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.

The closure imposed on the West Bank and Gaza Strip border crossings started on Sunday, 09 April 2017, until Tuesday dawn, 18 April 2017, due to the Jewish Passover.

Efforts to Create Jewish Majority

Concerning house demolitions, on 18 April 2017, the Israeli municipality vehicles demolished 2 mobile houses in Khellet Abed neighbourhood in al-Mukaber Mount village, southeast of the city. One of them belongs to the family of Ammar Salama Hadidon sheltering 7-member family and the other belongs to the family of Mohammed Amin Shqairat.

Details

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

Thursday, 13 April 2017

• At approximately 01:00, Israeli forces moved into Bethlehem and stationed on al-Saff Street in the center of the city. They raided and searched a number of houses and then arrested Ibrahim Hani Hassan (27) and Anas Ismail ‘Obayat (25).

• Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Qalqiliyah. They raided and searched a house belonging to Muhtadi Ma’zouz Dalal (25) and then arrested him.

• Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into ‘Azoun village, east of Qalqiliyah. They raided and searched a house belonging to ‘Aref Ahmed Saleem (38) and then arrested

• Around the same time, a group of Israeli undercover agents “Mosta’rebeen” dressed like Palestinian civilians sneaked into Rafidia neighborhood, west of Nablus, traveling in a civilian car with a Palestinian registration plate. Palestinian security officers found out they were “Mosta’rebeen”, so they took them to al-Junaid prison, west of the city. After coordinating with the Israeli forces, the latter moved into the abovementioned neighborhood in Nablus amidst heavily firing sound bombs. The Israeli forces took the Israeli undercover agents and then withdrew. No further incidents were reported.

• Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Kharsa village, south of Dura, southwest of Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to Khaled Yusuf Talab al-Shahateet. The soldiers topped the roof, raised the Israeli flags and turned the house into a military observation point. The house is located in Matallah area on the road that connects Bypass Road (60) and “Negohot” settlement established on Palestinian lands, west of Dura.

• At approximately 01:30, Israeli forces moved into ‘Aydah refugee camp, north of Bethlehem. They raided and searched a house belonging to Ismail ‘Elian and then arrested his son Amir (14).

• At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into Beit Jala and stationed in al-Sahel Street. They raided and searched a house belonging to Steve Monther Matar (21) and then arrested.

• Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into al-Tabaqah village, south of Dura, south west of Hebron, and stationed in al-Beid neighborhood. They raided and searched a house belonging to Ghaleb Badawi Hamdan (20) and then arrested him.

• At approximately 05:00, Israeli forces moved into al-Mazra’ah western village, northwest of Ramallah. They raided and searched a house belonging to Yahiya ‘Aqel Rabi’ (20) and then arrested him.
• At approximately 05:00, Israeli forces moved into Ramallah. They raided and searched a house belonging to Wa’ad Rabah Foqahaa’ (20) and then arrested him.

• At approximately 07:00, Israeli forces accompanied with military jeeps moved about 100 meters into the eastern side of Khuza’a village, east of Khan Yunis in the southern Gaza Strip. The jeeps made their way along the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel. They combed and leveled the lands adjacent to the abovementioned border fence for hours after which they redeployed along the abovementioned border fence.

• Around the same time, Israeli gunboats stationed offshore, west of al-Sudaniyah area, west of Jabalia in the northern Gaza Strip, opened fire at Palestinian fishing boats sailing within 4 nautical miles and chased them. As result, the fishermen were forced to flee for fear of their lives, but neither casualties nor material damages were reported.

• At approximately 09:00, Israeli forces stationed in military watchtowers, north of al-Sefa area, northwest of Beit Lahia village in the northern Gaza Strip, opened fire sporadically at agricultural lands adjacent to the border area. As a result, the Palestinian farmers were forced to leave the area for fear of their lives, but no casualties were reported.

• At approximately 10:00, Israeli gunboats stationed offshore, northwest of Beit Lahia village in the northern Gaza Strip, opened fire sporadically at Palestinian fishing boats sailing within a nautical mile and half and chased them. As a result, the fishermen were forced to flee for fear of their lives, but neither casualties nor material damages were reported.

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (3) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: Selwad village, northeast of Ramallah, Dura and Taramah village in Hebron.

Friday, 14 April 2017

• At approximately 09:00, Israeli gunboats stationed offshore, west of al-Sudaniyah area, west of Jabalia in the northern Gaza Strip, opened fire at Palestinian fishing boats and chased them. As a result, the fishermen were forced to flee for fear of their lives, but neither casualties nor material damages were reported.

• At approximately 17:30, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the crossroad of Tammun village branching to the east of Tubas – Nablus Street, south of Tubas. A number of young men gathered and threw stones at the Israeli soldiers. The Israeli forces fired live bullets, rubber-coated metal bullets and tear gas canisters at the young men in response. As a result, 4 civilians sustained live bullets to the lower limbs of their bodies and were taken to Tubas Hospital to receive medical treatment. Their injuries were classified as moderate (PCHR keeps the names of the wounded civilians).

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (3) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: Ethna and Tarqumiya villages in Hebron.

Saturday, 15 April 2017

• At approximately 08:00, Israeli gunboats stationed offshore, northwest of Beit Lahia village in the northern Gaza Strip, opened fire sporadically at Palestinian fishing boats sailing within 3 nautical miles and chased them. As a result, the fishermen were forced to flee for fear of their lives, but neither casualties nor material damages were reported.

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (3) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: Sebastia village, northwest of Nablus; Beit Ummer and al-Thaheriyah villages in Hebron.

Sunday, 16 April 2017

• At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into Beit Sahour. They raided and searched a number of houses and then arrested Mahmoud Khalil Nabhan (24) and Mahmoud Husain (20).

• At approximately 07:30, Israeli forces accompanied with 4 military bulldozers moved about 100 meters into the west of the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel, east of al-Buraij in the central Gaza Strip. The bulldozers levelled the lands adjacent to the abovementioned border fence. The incursion continued until 13:00 after which the Israeli forces redeployed along the abovementioned border fence.

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (3) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: Hebron; al-Tabaqah village, south of the city and ‘Azoun ‘Etmah village, east of Qalqiliyah.

Monday, 17 April 2017

• At approximately 01:00, Israeli forces moved into Hebron and deployed in several neighbourhoods in the city. They raided and searched Mohammed Cultural Library in al-Jame’ah neighbourhood belonging to Mohammed Abdul Shaker Mohammed Tarshan from Tarqumiya village, west of the city. They opened the main door with special tools. After half an hour, the soldiers welded the library doors with oxygen and fixed a military decision to close it until 22 April 2017. They also left threat notices to shops’ owners that “support terrorism” in addition to a list of the confiscated items that included hard desks and USBs. However, the library’s owner denied being affiliated with any Palestinian faction and that he neither received a call or summons by the Israeli Intelligence Service.

At approximately 02:30, the Israeli forces moved into Wad al-Hariyah area and stationed near Palestine Polytechnic University. They raided and searched Husam Naser al-Deen Library belonging to Husam Mohammed Robin Naser Eden after opending the door with special tools. Before leaving the library, the Israeli soldiers welded the library door with oxygen and fixed a military closure decision until 04 May 2017 under the pretext of supporting terrorism. They also confiscated 20 USBs and a hard desk. After that, the Israeli forces moved into ‘Ein Sarah area near Hebron municipality. The soldiers also attempted to break the doors of al-Esraa’ Library belonging to ‘Ali Taher Abdul ‘Aziz Dandees, who has been working in the stationary for 30 years. One of the library owners living above the library opened the door of the library from which the soldiers confiscated debts notebook, 4 USBs and a hard desk. The soldiers then welded the library’s doors with oxygen and fixed a military decision to close the library until 04 May 2017. Husain Dandees, the son of the library’s owner, said to PCHR’s fieldworker that the Israeli forces raided and searched the abovementioned library on June 2014 and confiscated 4 PCs, DVR, papers of the lands owned by the family, account books and financial checks of about NIS 100,000. Husain added that they have not so far retrieved the money until the reporting period. He also said that the Israeli forces raided the abovementioned library in February 2017 and confiscated 2 cell phones, USBs and SIM cards.

• At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into al-‘Aroub refugee camp, north of Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to Aysar Bilal Rabah Fdailat (20) and then arrested him.

• Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into al-Thaheriyah village, south of Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to Hazem Khaled Khelaf and then withdrew, but no arrests were reported.

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (5) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: Sa’ir and Beit Oula villages in Hebron and Howarah village, south of Nablus.

Tuesday, 18 April 2017

• At approximately 03:00, Israeli forces moved into Beit Fajjar village, south of Bethlehem. They raided and searched a house belonging to Ayman Monther Thawabtah (21) and then arrested him.

• At approximately 04:30, Israeli forces moved into Ni’lin village, west of Ramallah. They raided and searched 2 houses belonging to Suheib Fehmi Sorour (25) and Mustafa Khalil Sorour (22) and then arrested them.

• At approximately 22:50, Israeli forces stationed in military watchtowers along the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel, east of Beit Hanoun village in the northern Gaza Strip, opened fire at the border area adjacent to al-Ahmer area, but neither casualties nor material damages were reported.

• Around the same time, Israeli forces stationed in the military watchtowers along the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel, east of Abu Safiyah area, east of Beit Hanoun village in the northern Gaza Strip, heavily opened fire at the border area. However, neither casualties nor material damages were reported.

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (3) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: Dura, Sa’ir and al-Burj villages in Hebron.

Wednesday, 19 April 2017

• At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into Beit Ummer village, north of Hebron, and stationed in Abu Hashem and al-Bayyadah neighborhoods. They raided and searched 2 houses belonging to Qusai Raed Abu Hashem (17) and Moayyad ‘Ayesh Abu Mariyah (17) and then arrested them. They also raided and searched a house belonging to Ahmed Khalil Abu Hashem (50) and handed him a summons to refer to the Israeli Intelligence Service “Gush Etzion” settlement complex, south of Bethlehem.

• Around the same time, Israeli forces accompanied with several military jeeps moved into Abu al-Halawah crossroad area, south of Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to Mustafa Mohammed ‘Abaido and then arrested him.

• At approximately 07:00, Israeli gunboats stationed offshore, northwest of Beit Lahia village in the northern Gaza Strip, opened fire at Palestinian fishing boats sailing within 3 nautical miles and chased them. As a result, the fishermen were forced to flee for fear of their lives, but neither casualties nor material damages were reported.

• In a new crime of using lethal force, Israeli forces killed civilian Suheib Mashahrah (21), from al-Sheikh Sa’ad village, south east of East Jerusalem. The soldiers opened fire at a car driven by the abovementioned civilian at the intersection of “Kfar Etzion” settlement, south of Bethlehem, after his car hit an Israeli bus from the back. They claimed that Mashahrah attempted to carry out a run-over attack against a number of settlers, but the photos that were published on the accident showed it was a normal car accident. According to preliminary information about the crime, at approximately 16:00 on the same day, Suheib Mousa Mashhour Mashahrah (21) was returning from Hebron to his house in al-Sheikh Sa’ad village, southeast of East Jerusalem. When he turned around the intersection of the abovementioned settlement, his car hit an Israeli bus from the back as a group of settlers were waiting at the bus station. The Israeli soldiers, who were in the area, opened fire at the windshield and side glass of the car. As a result, the abovementioned civilian sustained several live bullets wounds throughout his body. He was then transferred by an Israeli ambulance to “Shaare Zedek” Medical Center in West Jerusalem, but he died upon arrival. The Israeli media said that a 60year-old Israeli civilian was wounded after he a Palestinian young man ran over him. He was transferred to “Shaare Zedek” Medical Center to receive medical treatment as his injury was classified as minor. The Israeli media also said that the soldiers opened fire at the car driver to neutralize him. However, the photos published showed that the car hit the bus from the back, but the car was badly damaged from the front, indicating that it was a normal accident and the driver has no intention to carry out a run-over attack.

Suheib’s brother, Dr. Mashhour Mashahrah, Assistant Professor at the Department of Arabic Language at Birzeit University, said to the media that an officer known as “Sameer” called him and ordered him to refer to Rachel Tomb, north of Bethlehem. When Mashhour informed the officer that he was on his way home, the officer told him to send one of his brothers. They found out later that the officer wanted them to identify their brother’s body. Mashhour added that his brother was returning home after visiting his married sisters. He also had an appointment with his mother to go to the market, refuting the Israeli claims.

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (3) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: al-Shyoukh, Ethna and Tarqumiya villages in Hebron.

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

West Bank:

• At approximately 12:40 on Friday, 14 April 2017, Palestinian civilians and International activists organized a demonstration in the center of Kufur Qaddoum village, northeast of Qalqiliyah. They made their way towards the eastern entrance to the village in protest against closing that entrance since al-Aqsa Intifada with an iron gate. When the protestors arrived at the abovementioned entrance, the Israeli forces heavily fired metal bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters at them. As a result, Husam Khaldun Abed Abu Khaled (12) sustained a metal bullet wound to the back, and Ezz Eden Abdul Qader Eshtaiwi (12) sustained a metal bullet wound to the ear.

• Following the Friday prayer, dozens of Palestinian civilians and Israeli and international human rights defenders organized demonstrations in Bil’in and Nil’in villages, west of Ramallah, and in Nabi Saleh village, northwest of the city, protesting against the annexation wall and settlement activities. Israeli forces forcibly dispersed the protestors, fired live and metal bullets, tear gas canisters and sound bombs. They also chased the protesters into olive fields and between houses. As a result, many of the protesters suffered tear gas inhalation while others sustained bruises due to being beaten up by the Israeli soldiers.

• At approximately 17:30 on Saturday, 15 April 2017, Palestinian civilians and International activists organized a demonstration in the center of Kufur Qaddoum village, northeast of Qalqiliyah. They made their way towards the eastern entrance to the village in protest against closing that entrance since al-Aqsa Intifada with an iron gate. When the protestors arrived at the abovementioned entrance, the Israeli forces heavily fired metal bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters at them. As a result, a 17-year-old civilian sustained a metal bullet wound to the head.

• On Monday afternoon, 17 April 2016, hundreds of Palestinians organized a demonstration in solidarity with prisoners in the Israeli jails coinciding with the Palestinian Prisoner Day and prisoners starting hunger strike. The demonstration was organized by the factions and organizations in Bethlehem along with school and University students. The protestors made their way towards the northern entrance to Bethlehem as they raised flags and slogans supporting the prisoners in their hunger strike and calling upon the international community to support prisoners in their fair demands. When the protestors arrived at Checkpoint (300), north of the city, the soldiers fired tear gas canisters, sound bombs and rubber-coated metal bullets at them. As a result, many civilians sustained tear gas inhalation and fainted. They received medical treatment on the spot.
• At approximately 14:30 on the same Monday, a number of young men organized a peaceful protest in solidarity with Palestinian prisoners, who went on a hunger strike, near the entrance of “Ofer” military camp established on Betounia and Rafat villages, west of Ramallah. The protestors threw stones and empty bottles at the Israeli soldiers, who fired sound bombs, tear gas canisters and rubber-coated metal bullets in response and chased them. They arrested 4 children namely Ahmed Ibrahim Turki (15), Mohammed Yahiya al-Sarafandi (17), Hassan Mohammed Zaid (14) and Osama ‘Orabi Nakhlah (15).

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.

Beit Hanoun (“Erez”) crossing, in the north of the Gaza Strip, is designated for the movement of individuals, and links the Gaza Strip with the West Bank.

Movement at Beit Hanoun (“Erez”) crossing

(12-18 April 2017)

Category	12 April	13April	14 April	15 April	16 April	17 April	18 April
Patients	42	27	1	–	39	–	72
Companions	38	23	1	–	36	–	67
Personal needs	4	15	6	–	–	–	15
Familiesof prisoners	–	–	–	–	–	–	–
Arabs fromIsrael	7	8	–	–	–	–	5
Diplomats	–	–	–	–	–	–	3
International journalists	–	–	–	–	–	–	–
International workers	11	62	6	–	–	–	3
TravelersAbroad	15	1	–	–	–	–	–
Business people	4	4	–	–	–	–	190
Business meetings	–	–	–	–	–	–	–
Security interviews	–	–	–	–	–	–	–
VIPs	1	–	–	–	–	–	4
Ambulances to Israel	4	1	–	–	–	–	–
Patients’ Companions	3	1	–	–	–	–	–

Israel has imposed a tightened closure on the West Bank. During the reporting period, Israeli forces imposed additional restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians:

• Hebron: Israeli forces established (15) checkpoints all over the city.

On Thursday, 13 April 2017, Israeli forces established 4 checkpoints at the entrances to Beit ‘Awaa, Sa’ir and Beit Ummer villages and al-Fawar refugee camp.

On Friday, 14 April 2017, 2 checkpoints were established at the entrances to Ethna and Kharras villages.

On Saturday, 15 April 2017, Israeli forces established 3 checkpoints at the entrances to Ethna, Beit ‘Awaa and Tarama villages.

On Sunday, 16 April 2017, 2 similar checkpoints were established at the northern entrance to Hebron and at the entrance to Sa’ir village.

On Monday, 17 April 2017, 2 similar checkpoints were established at the entrances to Bani Na’iem and Samou’a villages.

On Tuesday, 18 April 2017, Israeli forces established 2 checkpoints at the entrance to al-Fawar refugee camp and at the entrance to Imrish village.

Ramallah and al-Bireh:

At approximately 19:30 on Friday, 14 April 2017, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the entrance to al-Nabi Saleh village, northwest of Ramallah. They searched civilians’ vehicles and checked their IDs. No arrests were reported.

At approximately 16:30 on Monday, 17 April 2017, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the entrance to al-Nabi Saleh village, northwest of Ramallah. They denied Palestinian vehicles’ access to the village. As a result, the Palestinian civilians were forced to take other roads.

Qalqiliyia: Israeli forces established (8) checkpoints all over the city.

On Thursday, 13 April 2017, Israeli forces established 4 checkpoints at the eastern entrance to Qalqilyia (established twice); at the entrance to Jinasafout village, east of Qalqiliyia;  and on the road between Jayyous and ‘Azoun villages, east of the city.

On Friday, 14 April 2017, Israeli forces established 2 checkpoints at the eastern entrance to Qalqiyilia; and at the entrance to al-Fonouq village, east of the city.

At approximately 22:45 on Saturday, 15 April 2017, Israeli forces established similar checkpoint at the eastern entrance to the city.

At approximately 20:00 on Sunday, 16 April 2017, Israeli forces established a checkpoint in the center of ‘Azoun ‘Itmah village, southeast of Qalqailyia.

Jericho: Israeli forces established (5) checkpoints all over the city.

At approximately 19:30 on Friday, 14 April 2017, Israeli forces established a similar checkpoint at the southern entrance to Jericho. They searched civilians’ vehicles and checked their IDs.

At approximately 22:30 on Monday, 17 April 2017, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the southern entrance to Jericho. They searched Palestinians’ vehicles and checked their IDs.

Nablus:

At approximately 16:30 on Saturday, 13 April 2017, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at al-Naqoura village’s intersection, northwest of Nablus. They stopped Palestinian vehicles and checked the passengers’ IDs. No arrests were reported. In the midnight, the Israeli forces closed the checkpoint, so the Palestinian civilians took other roads. It should be noted that the abovementioned intersection connects between Nablus and Jenin.

Tubas:

At approximately 19:30 on Friday, 14 April 2017, Israeli forces established a checkpoint near al-Nakheel restaurant between ‘Aqbah and Tubas, northwest of the city. At approximately 11:00 on Saturday, 15 April 2017, Israeli forces established a similar checkpoint at Tamoun village’s intersection, south of Tubas.

Arrests at military checkpoints:

• At approximately 17:00 on Tuesday, 18 April 2017, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at Qafeen village’s entrance, north of Tulkarm. They stopped civilians’ vehicles and checked their IDs. At approximately 18:30, they arrested Raied Ibrahim Tawfiq Harsha (20).

• On Wednesday, 19 April 2017, Israeli forces stationed at a checkpoint established at Hezmah village’s entrance, northeast of occupied Jerusalem, arrested Mohamed Sameer ‘Ayish Ikhliyil (38), from Beit Ummer village, north of Hebron. Mohamed was arrested while returning from his work in occupied Jerusalem.

• Efforts to Create Jewish majority

Israeli forces escalated their attacks on Palestinian civilians and their property. They have also continued their raids on al-Aqsa Mosque and denied the Palestinians access to it:

Arrests and Incursions:

• At approximately 10:00 on Friday, 14 April 2017, Israeli forces moved into Sho’fat village, north of occupied East Jerusalem. They raided and searched houses from which they arrested Ihab Naser al-Tarhi (14) and Ali al-Salhi (12).

• Following the Friday prayer, Israeli forces arrested 14 Palestinian civilians, including 10 children, in occupied East Jerusalem’s neighbourhoods. They were arrested when they were on their way out from al-Aqsa Mosque in the Old City. PCHR keeps the names of the arrested persons.

• At approximately 02: 00 on Sunday, 16 April 2017, Israeli forces moved into Qutnah village, northwest of occupied East Jerusalem. They raided and searched a house belonging to Kamel Ahmed Shamasnah (41) and then arrested him.

• At approximately 00:00 on Tuesday, 18 April 2017, Israeli forces moved into Bab Hatah neighbourhood in occupied East Jerusalem’s Old City. They raided and searched a house belonging to Saleh al-Fakhouri (60) and arrested him.

Houses Demolition:

• On Tuesday, 18 April 2017, the Israeli Municipality’s bulldozers in occupied Jerusalem demolished 2 residential facilities in Khelit Abed neighbourhood in al-Mukaber Mount, southeast of occupied Jerusalem, without a prior warning, under the pretext of non-licensing. The two facilities belong to ‘Amar Hadidoun and Mohamed Shoqairat.

‘Amar Hadidoun said that his house was built in 2011 and shelters 7 persons, including 5 children. He added that his house is a caravan, which he placed on his land after his house was demolished in 2009. ‘Amar’s family was not home when the bulldozers demolished the house.

Mohamed Shiqairat said that the Israeli Municipality’s bulldozers demolished his house which he placed on his land a month ago. The house cost around NIS 100,000 and was comprised of 2 rooms, kitchen and bathroom. He added that he intended to live with his family comprised of 10 members, clarifying that the Israeli Municipality demolished his house a year ago.

• On Wednesday, 19 April 2017, Israeli forces accompanied with the Israeli Municipality’s crews moved into al-‘Issawiyia village, northeast of occupied Jerusalem. They demolished the doors of agricultural and commercial facilities in the village. Mohamed Abu al-Humus, Member of the Follow-up Committee in the village, said that the Israeli bulldozers removed 5 doors of a car wash and 4 farms. They also hang up 3 demolition notices, vacated 4 facilities and demolished wires surrounding a plot of land. The abovementioned facilities belong to the families of Dari, Mostafa, Adkidek, Abu Sininah and Abu Riyalah.

• Settlement activities and attacks by settlers against Palestinian civilians and property

Israeli forces:

At approximately 10:00 on Wednesday, 19 April 2017, Israeli forces accompanied with a vehicle of Israeli Civil Administration moved into Sha’b al-Sair area, south of Beit Ummer village, north of Hebron. They then stationed in a stone quarry belonging to YouseF Abed al-Hamdi Abu ‘Aiyash (50) and handed him 2 summonses to stop working in the quarry, which he built 18 years ago. The Israeli forces also confiscated a digger and bulldozer belonging to Mohamed Hasan al-Barbarawi.

Israeli Settlers:

• On Thursday, 13 April 2016, dozens of Israeli settlers raided al-Aqsa Mosque’s yards in occupied Jerusalem’s Old City. It should be noted that they raided the mosque’s yards in order to celebrate the Jewish Passover under the Israeli forces’ protection.

Firas al-Dibs, the Spokesperson of Public Relations Officer at the Islamic Endowments (Awqaf) Department, said that in the morning around 252 Israeli settlers raided al-Aqsa Mosque via al-Magharebah Gate while in the afternoon 77 Israeli settlers raided the mosque under the Israeli forces’ protection. The settlers tried to perform their religious rituals during their tours in the yards; some of those settlers lied on the ground, and then the Palestinian guards took him out of the area. After the Israeli settlers ended their tours and left the mosque, they headed towards al-Silsilah Gate, where they danced, sang and hang posters written on it, “Ascending to the Temple Mount.” Moreover, the settlers performed their religious rites at al-Silsilah and al-Katanin Gates, where they received explanations about the “alleged temple.” Thousands of settlers also performed another prayer called” Temple priestly blessing” in al- Buraq yard, coinciding with the third day of the Passover. The Israeli forces closed several streets and roads in Jerusalem, especially which lead to al-Buraq yard. They also deployed in the city’s streets and at al-Aqsa Mosque’s gates. The Israeli soldiers obstructed the arrival of worshipers to the mosque.

• At approximately 17:30 on Saturday, 15 April 2017, a group of Israeli settlers from the “Arosa” settlement, south of Nablus, raided civilian houses in the outskirts of Burin village. The Israeli settlers threw stones at Palestinian houses under the Israeli forces’ protection. A number of Palestinian young men gathered in an attempt to expel the settlers from the village and threw stones at them. In the meantime, the Israeli soldiers fired sound bombs and tear gas canisters at the village residents. As a result, fire broke out in the settlement, and the civil defence crews managed to control the fire before the settlement was engulfed in flames.

Recommendations to the International Community

PCHR warns of the escalating settlement construction in the West Bank, the attempts to legitimize settlement outposts established on Palestinian lands in the West Bank and the continued summary executions of Palestinian civilians under the pretext that they pose a security threat to the Israeli forces. PCHR reminds the international community that thousands of Palestinian civilians have been rendered homeless and lived in caravans under tragic circumstances due to the latest Israeli offensive on the Gaza Strip that has been under a tight closure for almost 10 years. PCHR welcomes the UN Security Council’s Resolution No. 2334, which states that settlements are a blatant violation of the Geneva Conventions and calls upon Israel to stop them and not to recognize any demographic change in the oPt since 1967.  PCHR hopes this resolution will pave the way for eliminating the settlement crime and bring to justice those responsible for it. PCHR further reiterates that the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, are still under Israeli occupation in spite of Israel’s unilateral disengagement plan of 2005.  PCHR emphasizes that there is international recognition of Israel’s obligation to respect international human rights instruments and international humanitarian law.  Israel is bound to apply international human rights law and the law of war, sometimes reciprocally and other times in parallel, in a way that achieves the best protection for civilians and remedy for the victims.

1. PCHR calls upon the international community to respect the Security Council’s Resolution No. 2334 and to ensure that Israel respects it as well, in particular point 5 which obliges Israel not to deal with settlements as if they were part of Israel.
2. PCHR calls upon the ICC in 2017 to open an investigation into Israeli crimes committed in the oPt, particularly the settlement crimes and the 2014 offensive on the Gaza Strip.
3. PCHR Calls upon the European Union (EU) and all international bodies to boycott settlements and ban working and investing in them in application of their obligations according to international human rights law and international humanitarian law considering settlements as a war crime.
4. PCHR calls upon the international community to use all available means to allow the Palestinian people to enjoy their right to self-determination through the establishment of the Palestinian State, which was recognized by the UN General Assembly with a vast majority, using all international legal mechanisms, including sanctions to end the occupation of the State of Palestine.
5. PCHR calls upon the international community and United Nations to take all necessary measures to stop Israeli policies aimed at creating a Jewish demographic majority in Jerusalem and at voiding Palestine from its original inhabitants through deportations and house demolitions as a collective punishment, which violates international humanitarian law, amounting to a crime against humanity.
6. PCHR calls upon the international community to condemn summary executions carried out by Israeli forces against Palestinians and to pressurize Israel to stop them.
7. PCHR calls upon the States Parties to the Rome Statute of the ICC to work hard to hold Israeli war criminals accountable.
8. PCHR calls upon the High Contracting Parties to the Geneva Conventions to fulfill their obligations under article (1) of the Convention to ensure respect for the Conventions under all circumstances, and under articles (146) and (147) to search for and prosecute those responsible for committing grave breaches of the Geneva Conventions to ensure justice and remedy for Palestinian victims, especially in light of the almost complete denial of justice for them before the Israeli judiciary.
9. PCHR calls upon the international community to speed up the reconstruction process necessary because of the destruction inflicted by the Israeli offensive on Gaza.
10. PCHR calls for a prompt intervention to compel the Israeli authorities to lift the closure that obstructs the freedom of movement of goods and 1.8 million civilians that experience unprecedented economic, social, political and cultural hardships due to collective punishment policies and retaliatory action against civilians.
11. PCHR calls upon the European Union to apply human rights standards embedded in the EU-Israel Association Agreement and to respect its obligations under the European Convention on Human Rights when dealing with Israel.
12. PCHR calls upon the international community, especially states that import Israeli weapons and military services, to meet their moral and legal responsibility not to allow Israel to use the offensive in Gaza to test new weapons and not accept training services based on the field experience in Gaza in order to avoid turning Palestinian civilians in Gaza into testing objects for Israeli weapons and military tactics.
13. PCHR calls upon the parties to international human rights instruments, especially the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR), to pressurize Israel to comply with its provisions in the oPt and to compel it to incorporate the human rights situation in the oPt in its reports submitted to the relevant committees.
14. PCHR calls upon the EU and international human rights bodies to pressurize the Israeli forces to stop their attacks against Palestinian fishermen and farmers, mainly in the border area.

River to Sea Uprooted Palestinian   

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