Israeli forces continue systematic crimes in the occupied Palestinian territory (oPt)
(20 – 26 April 2017)
- 15 Palestinian civilians, including an Israeli peace activist, were wounded in the West Bank.
- Among the wounded were 5 children and 2 women. The 2 women were wounded in occupied Jerusalem.
- Israeli forces continued to target the Gaza Strip border areas, but no casualties were reported.
- Israeli forces conducted 54 incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank and 8 ones in occupied Jerusalem.
- 47 civilians, including 10 children, were arrested in the West Bank.
- 7 of them, including a child, were arrested in occupied Jerusalem.
- Israeli forces continued settlement activities in the West Bank.
- 5 commercial facilities at the western entrance to Ni’lin village, west of Ramallah, were demolished.
- Settlers set fire to 3 cars in Hawarah village, south of Nablus, and attacked a family in the same village.
- 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 10th
- Dozens of temporary checkpoints were established in the West Bank and others were re-established to obstruct the movement of Palestinian civilians.
- 10 civilians, including 4 children and a woman, were arrested at military checkpoints in the West Bank.
Summary
Israeli violations of international law and international humanitarian law in the oPt continued during the reporting period (20 – 26 April 2017).
Shooting:
During the reporting period, Israeli forces wounded 15 Palestinian civilians and an Israeli peace activist. Among the wounded were 5 children while 2 women were wounded in occupied Jerusalem. 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 21 April 2017, 5 Palestinian civilians and an Israeli peace activist were wounded during Kufor Qaddoum weekly protest, northeast of Qalqilya. Among the wounded was journalist Anal al-Jada’ (26), who was hit by a gas canister to the right leg.
On 22 April 2017, So’ad Abu Romoz (43) sustained shrapnel wound to the leg during a peaceful protest in solidarity with the Palestinian prisoners in the Israeli jails. The protest was organized in Silwan village, south of Jerusalem’s Old City.
On the same day also, Fatima Obaid (52) sustained a bullet wound to the left eye when Israeli forces moved into al-Eisawiya village, northeast of occupied Jerusalem, following a dispute between 2 families in the village. The aforementioned woman was wounded when she was in the balcony of her house on the 5th floor.
On the same day, 2 Palestinian civilians sustained bullet wounds when a group of settlers under the protection of Israeli forces moved into the outskirts of Ourif village, south of Nablus. When Palestinians confronted them, Israeli soldier opened fire wounding the 2 aforementioned persons.
On 23 April 2017, 4 protestors, including 3 children, were wounded to the lower limbs when Israeli forces opened fire at dozens of Palestinian protesting in support of the Palestinian prisoners at the northern entrance to al-Bireh.
On the same day also, 3 children were wounded, one of them was arrested, when Israeli forces moved into Kufor Malek village, northeast of Ramallah.
On 25 April 2017, Amjad Maher Saleh (17), from Balata refugee camp, east of Nablus, sustained serious bullet wounds when Israeli forces stationed at Hawara checkpoint, south of the city, opened fire at him. Israeli soldiers claimed that he “attempted to stab 2 Israeli soldiers guarding a bust stop near the checkpoint.”
On 26 April 2017, Saleh Ali Saleh (16), from Balata refugee camp, east of Nablus, was wounded when Israeli forces stationed at Hawara checkpoint, south of the city, opened fire at him. Israeli soldiers claimed that he “attempted to stab the Israeli soldiers at the checkpoint.” Israeli soldiers arrested him and he was then taken to Beilinson Hospital in Petah Tikva in Israel.
In the Gaza Strip, concerning Israeli attacks on fishermen in the Gaza Strip sea, on 25 April 2017, Israeli navy forces opened fire at the Palestinian fishing boats sailing within 3 nautical miles, west of Beit Lahia shore, north of the Gaza Strip. A similar attack recurred in the same area on 26 April 2017. Neither casualties nor material damage were reported.
In the context of targeting the border areas, on 26 April 2017, Israeli forces stationed at the border fence, east of Beit Hanoun village, north of the Gaza Strip, opened fire at the area, but neither casualties nor material damage were reported.
Incursions:
During the reporting period, Israeli forces conducted at least 54 military incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank. During these incursions, Israeli forces arrested at least 47 Palestinian civilians, including 10 children. Seven of them, including a child, were arrested in occupied Jerusalem, while another was arrested while participating in a protest supporting the Palestinian prisoners.
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.
Settlement activities
On 23 April 2017, Israeli forces handed Ismail and Elayan Hassan Awad notices to halt works in 2 agricultural barracks in al-Masafer area, southeast of Yatta, south of Hebron.
On 25 April 2017, Israeli forces demolished 5 facilities used for commercial purposes, west of Ni’lin village, west of Ramallah. The targeted facilities were built of wood and roofed with tin plates.
In a similar context, on 22 April 2017, a group of settlers moved into the outskirts of Ourif village, south of Nablus. They damaged the glass of 2 cars and attempted to burn one of them.
On the same day, a group of settlers attacked Mohammed Ouda from Hawara village, south of Nablus, and his mother-in-law and his brother with stones. As a result, they sustained bruises and were then taken to Rafidiya hospital in Nablus. Moreover, the settlers damaged the windows of Ouda’s house and his neighbour’s.
On 26 April 2017, settlers set fire to a care in Hawara village, south of Nablus. In the early morning, the Israeli liaison officers came and inspected the scene. They also took the video recorded by surveillance cameras of a nearby restaurant.
Details
- Incursions into Palestinian Areas, and Attacks on Palestinian Civilians and Property in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip
Thursday, 20 April 2017
- At approximately 01:00, Israeli forces moved into Nablus and stationed in the eastern side of the city. They raided and searched a house belonging to ‘Obadah Jamal Duwaikat (21) from Balatet al-Balad and then arrested him.
- Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Qalqiliyah. They raided and searched a house belonging to Saji Mohammed Abdul Latif Abu ‘Ethbah (21) and then arrested him.
- At approximately 01:30, Israeli forces moved into Beit Ummer village, north of Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to Ahmed Mohammed Abdul Qader al-‘Omari (63), Director of Beit Ommar Orphans’ Care Society, and then arrested him.
- At approximately 11:30, Israeli forces moved into Marj Naa’jah village, north of Jericho,. They raided and searched a house belonging to Fayez Fawaz ‘Ayed (33) and then arrested him.
Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (5) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: Selwad village, northeast of Ramallah; Sa’ir, al-Shyoukh, al-Burj and Beit al-Roush villages.
Friday, 21 April 2017
- At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into Surif village, northwest of Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to Taqi Eden Jamal al-Hour (23) and then arrested him. After that, the Israeli soldiers raided and searched a house belonging to Baraa’ Husain Hmaidat (24) and then arrested him as well.
Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (3) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: Hebron; Bani Na’im and Howarah villages, south of Nablus.
Saturday, 22 April 2017
- At approximately 03:00, Israeli forces moved into Beit Sahour and stationed in Wad Abu Farihah area. They raided and searched a house belonging to Tareq Mousa ‘Obayat (28) and handed him a summons to refer to the Israeli Intelligence Service in “Gush Etzion” settlement complex, south of Bethlehem.
Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (4) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: Burin village, south of Nablus; Jeet village, northeast of Qalqiliyah and al-Samou’i and al- Hadab villages in Hebron.
Sunday, 23 April 2017
- At approximately 01:00, Israeli forces moved into Beit Fajjar village, west of Bethlehem. They raided and searched a number of houses and then arrested 3 civilians namely Mohammed Ja’far Taqatqah (19), Mahmoud Abdullah ‘Ali (19) and ‘Alaa’ Marwan Taqatqah (19). They also handed summonses to 3 other civilians namely As’ad Ahmed Thawabtah (28), ‘Ali Mustafa Taqatqah (27) and ‘Alaa’ Khalid Sammour (27) to refer to the Israeli Intelligence Service in “Kfar Etzion” settlement complex, south of the city.
- Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Husan village, west of Bethlehem. They raided and searched a number of houses after which they arrested Ismail Jamil Hamamrah (48).
- At approximately 01:30, Israeli forces moved into al-Duheishah refugee camp, south of Bethlehem. They raided and searched a number of houses and then arrested Eyad Bassam al-Farahin (21) and Ismail Najib Faraj (23).
- Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into al-Khader village, south of Bethlehem. They raided and searched a number of houses and then arrested Saleh Rezeq Mousa (18).
- Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Bethlehem and stationed in al-Saf Street. They raided and searched a number of houses and then arrested Samer Sameer Shanteer (18).
- At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into Nour Shams refugee camp, east of Tulkarm. They raided and searched several houses after which they arrested 3 civilians namely Ibrahim Yasir Suleiman Fahmawi (24), Mahmoud Fawaz Qasem Abu Srais (20) and Naser Ahmed Suleiman al-Khatib (22).
- At approximately 02:30, Israeli forces moved into Handazah Mount area, east of Bethlehem. They raided and searched a house belonging to Anas Ismail Nowarah (23) and then handed him a summons to refer to the Israeli Intelligence Service in “Gush Etzion” settlement complex, south of the city.
- At approximately 18:30, Israeli forces moved into Kufur Malek village, northeast of Ramallah, and patrolled in the streets. A number of youngsters gathered and threw stones at the Israeli jeeps. The Israeli soldiers fired live bullets, sound bombs, tear gas canisters and rubber-coated metal bullets in response. As a result, 3 children sustained wounds. Mahmoud Ibrahim Mubarak (15) was injured and then arrested. The Israeli forces took him to a hospital in Israel. The nature of his wound was not identified because of his arrest. As for the 2 other children, a 15-year-old child sustained a live bullet wound to the left shoulder and a 17-year-old child was hit with a live bullet that entered the lower back and exited the belly. The 2 injured civilians were taken to Palestine Medical Complex in Ramallah to receive medical treatment. Their wounds were classified as moderate.
Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (3) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: Dura, al-Majd and Deir Samet village in Hebron.
Monday, 24 April 2017
- At approximately 01:00, Israeli forces moved into al-Masaken al-Sha’biyah neighborhood, east of Nablus. They raided and searched a house belonging to Emad Darar al-Aghbar (20) claiming that he carried out a stab attack in Tel Aviv on the previous day. They questioned his family on the spot and then searched the house. The Israeli forces withdrew later, but no arrests were reported. It should be noted that al-Aghbar is a student in the Sport Faculty in An-Najah National University in Nablus.
- At approximately 01:30, Israeli forces moved into al-Nabi Saleh village, northwest of Ramallah. They raided and searched several houses then arrested 6 civilians, including 3 children, namely Mohammed Fadel al-Tamimi (14), Ahmed Shaker al-Tamimi (14), his Mahmoud (19), Ahmed Sami al-Tamimi (17), Basel Abdul Elah al-Tamimi (19) and ‘Asem Samih al-Tamimi (18).
- Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Beit Ummer village, north of Hebron, and stationed in al-Thaher area. They raided and searched 2 houses belonging to Mohammed Husain Mustafa Abu Mariyah (18) and Ahmed ‘Adel al-Za’aqiq (18) and handed them summonses to refer to the Israeli Intelligence Service in “Gush Etzion” settlement complex, south of Bethlehem. At approximately 09:00, al-Za’aqiq’s family received a call from the Israeli police informing them their son was arrested.
- At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into al-Karmel area, west of Yatta, south of Hebron. They raided and searched 3 houses belonging to Sami ‘Essa al-‘Adrah, Mohammed ‘Ayed Abu ‘Aram and Mohammed Abu ‘Aram. They then withdrew, but no arrests were reported.
Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (6) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: Hebron, Tarqumiya, Sa’ir, Beit Oula, Jayyous and Kufur Qaddoum villages, northeast of Qalqiliyah.
Tuesday, 25 April 2017
- At approximately 01:00, Israeli forces moved into ‘Asker refugee camp, northeast of Nablus. They raided and searched a number of houses and then arrested 5 civilians namely Mahmoud Abdullah al-Jabji (28), Mohammed Sameer al-Asmer (20), Jameel Salah Eden al-Aqraa’ 922), his brother Ezz Eden (19) and Ahmed Khaled Ahmed Rezq (30).
- Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into al-Duheishah refugee camp, south of Bethlehem. They raided and searched a house belonging to Eyad al-Masri and then arrested his son Mohammed (13).
- At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into Beit Fajjar village, south of Bethlehem. they raided and searched a number of houses and then arrested Khaled Husain Deriyah (17) and Sanad Amjad Taqatqa (15) and then handed Ahmed Majed Deriyah (18) a summons to refer to the Israeli Intelligence Service in “Gush Etizion” settlement complex, south of the city.
- At approximately 02:30, Israeli forces moved into al-Am’aari refugee camp, south of Ramallah. They raided and searched a house belonging to Eslam Nemer Rommanah (20) and then arrested him.
- At approximately 07:45, 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 damage were reported.
- At approximately 15:00, Israeli forces stationed in Howarah checkpoint, south of Nablus, opened fire at Amjad Maher Ja’far ‘Ali Saleh (17) from Balata refugee camp, east of the city. Eyewitnesses said to PCHR’s fieldworker that the abovementioned child stepped out of a taxi coming from Nablus and was 100 meters away from the abovementioned checkpoint, so the soldiers fired live bullets at him and then arrested him. They claimed that he attempted to stab 2 Golani Brigade officers guarding a bus station near the abovementioned checkpoint, so the Israeli soldiers opened fire at him causing him serious wounds to the upper part of the body. The wounded child was transferred to Beilinson Hospital in Petah Tikva in Israel. His injury was classified as serious. It should be noted that none of the Israeli soldiers was injured.
Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (5) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: Kufur Qadoum and Jeet villages, northeast of Qalqiliyah, Ethna, Beit Oula and Bani Na’im villages in Hebron.
Wednesday, 26 April 2017
- At approximately 01:00, Israeli forces moved into ‘Aydah refugee camp, north of Bethlehem. They raided and searched a house belonging to Sami Ismail ‘Elyan (18) and then arrested him.
- Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Balata refugee camp, east of Nablus. They raided and searched a house belonging to the arrested child Amjad Maher Ja’far ‘Ali Salah, who was accused of carrying out a stab attack at Howarah checkpoint on the previous day. The soldiers questioned his family members and then withdrew.
- At approximately 01:30, Israeli forces moved into Yatta, south of Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to Yusuf Mohammed al-Najjar (30) and then arrested him.
- At approximately 06:45, 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. The shooting continued until about 11:00. As a result, the fishermen were forced to flee for fear of their lives, but neither casualties nor material damage were reported.
- At approximately 10:00, 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, al-Ahmer area and east of al-Burah area. As a result, Palestinian farmers, bird hunters and shepherds, who were in the area, were forced to flee for fear of their lives, but no casualties were reported.
- At approximately 13:40, Israeli forces stationed at Howarah checkpoint, south of Nablus, opened fire at Saleh ‘Ali Ja’far ‘Ali Saleh (16) from Balata refugee camp, east of the city, causing him moderate wounds. They claimed that he attempted to carry out a stab attack against the soldiers stationed at the abovementioned checkpoint. They arrested him and took him by an Israeli ambulance to Beilinson Hospital in Petah Tikva in Israel. It should be noted that Seleh is Amjad’s cousin, who was injured on the previous day in the same area for the same reason.
Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (3) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: al-Fawar refugee camp and Kharas village in Hebron; Howarah village, south of Nablus.
- Use of excessive force against peaceful demonstrations protesting settlement activities and the construction of the annexation wall
West Bank:
- At approximately 13:30 on Thursday, 20 April 2017, 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 in 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. As a result, a number of the civilian sustained tear gas inhalation and were fainted. They received medical treatment on the spot.
- At approximately 12:40 on Friday, 21 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. As a result, 5 civilians, including an Israeli activist sustained wounds. Among the protestors was Anal al-Jadaa’ (26), Palestinian journalist, who was hit with tear gas canister to the right leg. (PCHR keeps the names of the wounded civilians)
- 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 as they received medical treatment on the spot. The Israeli soldiers also attacked and beat Mohammed Nathmi Qawar (31) and then arrested him.
- Following the same Friday prayer, hundreds of Palestinians organized a demonstration in solidarity with prisoners in the Israeli jails marking the Palestinian Prisoners’ Day and prisoners starting a 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.
- On Friday afternoon, hundreds of Palestinian civilians performed prayers at Beta village entrance, southeast of Nablus. The protest was organized by the national and Islamic powers in the village and the nearby villages to perform prayers in solidarity with the Palestinian prisoners, who went on a hunger strike in the Israeli prisons. Following the prayers, the civilians sat fire on rubber tires expressing their disapproval of what the prisoners conditions in the Israeli jails. Several Israeli military jeeps rushed to the area as the soldiers fired tear gas canisters to disperse the civilians. As a result, dozens of the civilians sustained tear gas inhalation and received medical treatment on the spot.
- At approximately 14:30 on Sunday, 23 April 2017, dozens of Palestinian civilians organized a protest in solidarity with Palestinian prisoners in the Israeli jails at the northern entrance of al-Birah. The protestors threw stones and empty bottles at the Israeli soldiers stationed at “al-Mahkamah” checkpoint established near “Beit Eil” settlement, north of the city. When the protestors approached the abovementioned checkpoint, the soldiers fired live bullets, tear gas canisters, sound bombs and rubber-coated metal bullets at them. As a result, 4 civilians, including 3 children, sustained live bullet wounds to the lower limbs of their bodies. The wounded civilians were transferred to Palestine Medical Complex in Ramallah to receive medical treatment. Their injuries were classified as moderate. (PCHR keeps the names of the other wounded civilians).
- 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.
Movement at Karm Abu Salem (Kerem Shalom) crossing, southeast of Rafah, is designated for the movement of goods
(12 – 24 April 2017)
| Date | Imports | ||||
| Category | Amount | ||||
| Tons | Number | Liters | |||
| 12 April | Various goods | 4258 | |||
| Humanitarian aid | 21957 | ||||
| Cooking gas | 230.760 | ||||
| Benzene | 152,013 | ||||
| DieselDiesel for UNRWA | 1,017,95476,000 | ||||
| Industrial fuel | 567,935 | ||||
| Construction aggregates | 16000 | ||||
| Cement | 4120 | ||||
| Construction steel | 1009 | ||||
| 13 April | Various goods | 4824 | |||
| Humanitarian aid | 22649 | ||||
| Cooking gas | 227.550 | ||||
| Benzene | 303,971 | ||||
| Diesel | 980,930 | ||||
| Construction aggregates | 16000 | ||||
| Cement | 4840 | ||||
| Construction steel | 1039 | ||||
| Benzene | 225,023 | ||||
| Diesel | 637,983 | ||||
| Cooking gas | 132,460 | ||||
| Various goods | 3572 | ||||
| Humanitarian aid | 21548 | ||||
| Cooking gas | 253.530 | ||||
| Benzene | 297,029 | ||||
| 18 April | DieselDiesel for UNRWA | 1,070,02076,000 | |||
| Construction aggregates | 15000 | ||||
| Cement | 4640 | ||||
| Construction steel | 1084 | ||||
| 19 April | Various goods | 5632 | |||
| Humanitarian aid | 21368 | ||||
| Cooking gas | 252.990 | ||||
| Benzene | 402,974 | ||||
| DieselDiesel for UNRWA | 1,315,46138,000 | ||||
| Construction aggregates | 16000 | ||||
| Cement | 3886 | ||||
| Construction steel | 399 | ||||
| 20 April | Various goods | 5622 | |||
| Humanitarian aid | 21819 | ||||
| Cooking gas | 232.400 | ||||
| Benzene | 307,967 | ||||
| DieselDiesel for UNRWA | 956,95776,000 | ||||
| Construction aggregates | 16000 | ||||
| Cement | 4044 | ||||
| Construction steel | 590 | ||||
| 23 April | Various goods | 4912 | |||
| Humanitarian aid | 20810 | ||||
| Cooking gas | 254.150 | ||||
| BenzeneBenzene for UNRW | 376,96638,000 | ||||
| DieselDiesel for UNRWA | 942,940378,940 | ||||
| Construction aggregates | 16000 | ||||
| Cement | 3886 | ||||
| Construction steel | 188 | ||||
| 24 April | Various goods | 3753 | |||
| Humanitarian aid | 20512 | ||||
| Cooking gas | 267.040 | ||||
| Benzene | 156,013 | ||||
| DieselDiesel for UNRWA | 489,99576,000 | ||||
| Construction aggregates | 16000 | ||||
| Cement | 3756 | ||||
| Construction steel | 264 | ||||
Note:
On Wednesday, 12 April 2017, Israeli authorities allowed the exportation of 24 truckloads of vegetables.
On Thursday, 13 April 2017, Israeli authorities allowed the exportation of 12 truckloads of vegetables and a truckload of clothes.
On Wednesday, 19 April 2017, Israeli authorities allowed the exportation of 21 truckloads of vegetables; 2 truckloads of aluminum scrap; a truckload of furniture and a truckload of mint and garlic.
On Sunday, 23 April 2017, Israeli authorities allowed the exportation of 15 truckloads of vegetables.
On Monday, 24 April 2017, Israeli authorities allowed the exportation of 13 truckloads of vegetables; a truckload of fish and 3 truckloads of aluminum scrap.
Note: the Israeli authorities closed the abovementioned crossing on 10, 11, 16 and 17 April 2017 due to Jewish holidays.
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)
Note: PCHR apologizes for not publishing the Beit Hanoun (“Erez”) crossing table this week and will publish it next week due to technical reasons
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 (16) checkpoints all over the city.
On Thursday, 20 April 2017, Israeli forces established 2 checkpoints at the entrances to al-Samou’i and Beit ‘Awaa villages.
On Friday, 21 April 2017, Israeli forces established 2 checkpoints at the northern entrance to Halhoul and Karma villages.
On Saturday, 22 April 2017, Israeli forces established 4 checkpoints at the entrances to Deir Samet, al-Moreq villages, Abu Risha road, west of Ethna and al-Ramadeen road.
On Sunday, 23 April 2017, Israeli forces established 2 checkpoints at the northern entrances to Yatta village and al-Nabi Yunis road.
On Monday, 24 April 2017, Israeli forces established 2 checkpoints at the entrances to al-Fawar refugee camp and Sa’ir village.
On Tuesday, 25 April 2017, Israeli forces established 4 checkpoints at the entrances to Sa’ir, Beit Kahel, al-Shyoukh villages and the entrance to Dura city.
Qalqiliyia: Israeli forces established (17) checkpoints all over the city.
On Thursday, 20 April 2017, Israeli forces established 5 checkpoints at the entrances to ‘Azoun (established twice), Hejah, Kafur Thulth, and ‘Izbit al-Tabeeb villages’, east of Qalqilyia.
At approximately 11:00 on Friday, 21 April 2017, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the eastern entrance to Qalqilyia.
On Saturday, 22 April 2017, two similar checkpoints were established on the main street that links between Qalqiliyia and Nablus, near the entrance to “Kedumim” settlement; and at the entrance to ‘Azoun village, east of Qalqiliyia.
On Sunday, 23 April 2017, Israeli forces established 4 checkpoints on the main street that links between Qalqiliyia and Nablus, near the entrance to “Kedumim” settlement; at the entrance to Jeet village, northeast of Qalqiliya; the entrance to Heblah village, south of the city; and at the entrance to Kafur Laqef village, east of the city.
On Monday, 24 April 2017, Israeli forces established 4 checkpoints at the entrances to Jeet village, northeast of Qalqiliyia, ‘Azoun, Imateen and ‘Izbit al-Tabeeb villages, east of the city.
At approximately 01:40 on Tuesday, 25 April 2017, a similar checkpoint was established at the eastern entrance to Qalqiliyia.
Arrests at military checkpoints:
- At approximately 18:45 on Thursday, 20 April 2017, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the entrance to Jeet village, northeast of Qalqiliya. They searched Palestinian vehicles and checked their ID’s. They also arrested Mo’tasem Kamel Samarah, from Tulkarm.
- At approximately 17:30 on Friday, 21 April 2017, Israeli forces stationed at Beit Foreek checkpoint, east of Nablus, arrested Hamad Saleem Abu Jaish (20), from Beit Dajan village, east of the city. Eyewitness said that the Israeli forces stopped the vehicle travelled by Abu Jaish , checked the passengers’ IDs and then arrested him.
- At approximately 11:00 on Sunday, 23 April 2017, Israeli forces deployed in Hebron’s Old City, arrested 3 Palestinian children near “Beit Romano” settlement outpost established on the rubbles of Osama Bin al-Munkiz School in the Old City. Israeli forces claimed that those children had sharp tools with them. The children were then transferred at gunpoint into the outpost. The children were identified as Mohamed Majed Abed al-Majeed al-Ashqar (17), Bahaa Mujahid (17) and Malek Raied Talib Maraqah (17).
- At approximately 17:20 on Sunday, Israeli forces established a checkpoint between Jayyous and ‘Azoun villages, east of Qalqilyia. They searched Palestinian vehicles and checked their IDs. They then arrested Jawad Fareed Abed al-Hafeez Barghout (46), from Baqet al-Hatab village, east of Qalqiliyia, under the pretext that he had a hunting rifle.
- At approximately 07: 00 on Monday, Israeli forces arrested Asia al-Ka’abnah (39), a mother of 9 children from Duma village, northeast of Nablus, and tok her to an unknown destination. The Israeli forces claimed that Asia stabbed and wounded an Israeli female soldier while the latter was crossing the Qalandia checkpoint, north of occupied Jerusalem.
- At approximately 22:10 on Monday, 24 April 2017, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the entrance to ‘Azoun village, east of Qalqilyia. They searched Palestinian civilians’ vehicles and checked their IDs. After that, they arrested Khalid Jalal Ahmed Hamadah (31), from Beit Lid village, east of Tulkarm; and Mostafa Ali Abdullah ‘Assaf (30), from Kaf Laqef village, east of Qalqilyia, under the pretext that they had a knife in their vehicle. At approximately 00:00, Mustafa ‘Asaf was released while Khalid is so far under arrest.
- At approximately 13:30 on Wednesday, 26 April 2017, Israeli forces arrested ‘Abdul Naser Mohammed ‘Abdul Nabi al-Lahham (15) from al-Dheishah refugee camp, south of Bethlehem. The child was arrested when he was on his way back from the school near al-‘Ezzah refugee camp, north of the city.
- 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:
- Shooting Incidents:
- At approximately 16:00 on Saturday, 22 April 2017, dozens of Palestinian civilians organized a protest in solidarity with the prisoners in the Israeli jails in Silwan village, south of occupied Jerusalem’s Old City. The protest made their way from a sit-in tent established in al-Bustan neighbourhood to ‘Ain al-Louza neighbourhood. The participants chanted slogans that support the prisoners in their hunger strike and raised the slogans that call upon the international community to stand with them to obtain their fair demands. When the protesters arrived at ‘Ain al-Louza neighbourhood, Israeli forces chased them and fired live bullets, tear gas canisters, sound bombs and metal bullets at them. As a result, So’ad Abu Remuz (43) sustained shrapnel wounds to her left leg and was taken to a health center in the village.
- At approximately 22:00 on Saturday, Israeli forces moved into al-‘Issawiyia village, northeast of occupied Jerusalem, due to a family dispute erupted in the village. The Israeli forces indiscriminately fired rubber-coated metal bullets in the area. As a result, Fatmah Mahmoud ‘Obaid (52) was hit with a rubber-coated metal bullet to her left eye. She was then taken to the hospital to receive medical treatment. Fatma’s husband, Rajab ‘Obaid, said that his wife was in the balcony with her daughter and son-in-law when the Israeli soldiers were indiscriminately firing rubber-coated metal bullets in the area. His wife suddenly shouted and then fainted as she was hit with a rubber-coated metal bullet to her face and was then taken to Hadassah al-‘Issawiyia Hospital, where she received first aid. After that, Fatmah was taken to Hadassah ‘Ein Karem Hospital, where doctors told her husband that Fatmah lost her left eye. Moreover, she sustains internal fractures in the skull and needs an urgent surgery.
- Arrests and Incursions:
- At approximately 02:00 on Thursday, 20 April 2017, Israeli forces moved into Abu Dis village, east of occupied Jerusalem. They raided and searched a house belonging to Ahmed Ali Nawaflah (18) and arrested him. Israeli forces later withdrew taking the abovementioned young man to an unknown destination.
- At approximately 17:00 on Friday, 21 April 2017, Israeli forces moved into al-‘Issawiyia village, northeast of occupied East Jerusalem. They raided and searched houses from which they arrested Mohamed Jamal ‘Atiyia (19) and Mohamed Mahmoud (19).
- At approximately 02:00 on Sunday, 23 April 2017, Israeli forces moved into al-Harah al-Wista in Silwan village, south of occupied East Jerusalem’s Old City. They raided and searched a house belonging to Abdullah al-Zaghal and arrested his son, Mohamed (16).
- At approximately 05:00 on Sunday, 23 April 2017, Israeli forces moved into Baten al-Hawa neighbourhood in Silwan village, south of occupied East Jerusalem’s Old City. They raided and searched a house belonging to Nimer ‘Ashwa and handed his child, Mohamed (15), a summons to refer to the Israeli Intelligence Service in al-Maskobiyia investigation centre in occupied Jerusalem.
- At approximately 21:00 on the same Sunday, Israeli forces moved into Surbaher village, southeast of occupied Jerusalem, after two Israeli settlers entered the village traveling a car in high speed. The two Israeli settlers then ran over two Palestinian children, who were with their mother. The settlers’ car also hit other cars in the area.
An eyewitness said to PCHR’s fieldworker that there was a black Ford car carrying two Israeli settlers entered the village while the Israeli police was chasing them as the vehicle was illegally loaded with eggs. Meanwhile, the settlers’ car ran over two Palestinian children namely Mohamed and his sister Nada ‘Atoun. They also hit other cars in the area. In the meantime, village residents gathered and stopped the Israeli settlers’ car, which fled to a health centre in the village. Dozens from the village residents gathered around the health centre damaged the settlers’ car and threw stones at the Israeli forces. Few minutes later, many Israeli military vehicles moved into the village and fired sound bombs towards the village residents in order to disperse them. The Israeli soldiers then helped the Israeli settlers to get out of the village.
- At approximately 01:00 on Monday, 24 April 2017, Israeli forces moved into Abu Dis village, east of occupied Jerusalem. They raided and searched a house belonging to Hakem al-A’raj (21) and arrested him.
- Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into al-Sawahrah village, southeast of occupied Jerusalem. They raided and searched a house belonging to Ahmed Jalal al-A’war (20) and arrested him.
- At approximately 16:00 on Tuesday, 25 April 2017, Israeli forces moved into ‘Ein al-Lozah neighbourhood in Silwan village, south of occupied East Jerusalem. They raided and searched a house belonging to Ahmed Jalal al-A’war (20). They arrested the aforementioned civilian and later withdrew taking him to an unknown destination.
- Settlement activities and attacks by settlers against Palestinian civilians and property
- Israeli forces:
- At approximately 10:00 on Sunday, 23 April 2017, Israeli forces accompanied with two military vehicles and a vehicle belonging to the Civil Administration moved into Safi area, southeast of Yatta village, south of Hebron. The Civil Administration’s staff handed Isma’il Hasan ‘Awad and his brother ‘Aliyan two notices to stop construction works in 2 agricultural barracks built on an area of 50 square meter, under the pretext of non-licensing.
- At approximately 02:00 On Tuesday, 25 April 2017, Israeli forces moved into Ni’lin village, west of Ramallah. They stationed on the main road leading to the western village entrance, which is established 100 meters away from the Israeli military checkpoint established in the aforementioned area. Israeli forces levelled 5 commercial facilities built of wood and roofed with tin plates on an area of 15 square meters. Those facilities were used for selling hot and cold drinks and snacks for Palestinian workers in Israel. Those facilities belong to Hamdan Samour Srour (42); Mohammed Khawaja (26); ‘Abdullah Rashid al-Khawaja (44); Samer ‘Abdel Ghaffar ‘Amirah (32) and Khaled Hasan Nafe’a (46). All of them are from the abovementioned village.
- Israeli Settlers:
- At approximately 13:30 on Saturday, 22 April 2017, around 15 Israeli settlers from “Yitzhar” settlement attacked ‘Oreef village, south of Nablus, under the protection of 3 Israeli soldiers. They broke glass of two cars parked in front of the house belonging to Munir Hasan Ahmed Suleiman and attempted to burn one of the abovementioned cars, but the village residents stopped them. In the meantime, the Israeli soldiers fired tear gas canisters and rubber-coated metal bullets at them. As a result, two civilians sustained wounds. The first one (35) was hit with a tear gas canister and metal bullet to the right leg and the second one (27) was hit with a metal bullet to the right leg.
- At approximately 17:00 on the same Saturday, a group of Israeli settlers from “Yitzhar” settlement attacked Mohamed Yousef Jameel ‘Oudah (42), from Hawarah village, south of Nablus, under the protection of the settlement guards. The settlers threw stones at Mohamed, so he sustained bruises to the left side of his body. They also attacked Mohamed’s mother- in- law, Badi’ah Mohamed ‘Atah ‘Oudah (73), who was in his house. She was hit with a stone to the head. Furthermore, Mohamed’s brother, Ahmed (38), was hit with a stone to the head. The three wounded civilians were taken by a PRCS ambulance to Rafidya Governmental Hospital in Nablus, to receive medical treatment. The attack also resulted in breaking the windows of ‘Oudah’s house and the windows of his neighbour, Mohamed Abdullah Shadi Khamous.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- PCHR calls upon the international community to condemn summary executions carried out by Israeli forces against Palestinians and to pressurize Israel to stop them.
- PCHR calls upon the States Parties to the Rome Statute of the ICC to work hard to hold Israeli war criminals accountable.
- 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.
- PCHR calls upon the international community to speed up the reconstruction process necessary because of the destruction inflicted by the Israeli offensive on Gaza.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
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