Weekly report on israel’s terrorism against Palestinians (21- 27 June 2018)

Saturday, 30 June 2018

Weekly report on israel’s terrorism against Palestinians (21- 27 June 2018)

Source

(21– 27 June 2018)

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

(21- 27 June 2018)

Israeli forces continued to use force against Palestinian peaceful protestors in the Gaza Strip.
A Palestinian civilian was killed, and 84 others were wounded, including 11 children, 2 women and a paramedic, in the Gaza Strip.
19 Palestinian civilians were wounded in the West Bank.

Israeli warplanes launched 13 missiles against many targets in the Gaza Strip.

3 civilians were lightly wounded; a car and motorbike were destroyed; and 8 house windows sustained damage.

Israeli forces continued their collective punishment policy.
The external and internal walls of an apartment were demolished in eastern Barta’ah village in Jenin in the northern West Bank.

Israeli forces continued to open fire at the border areas in the Gaza Strip.
A shepherd was wounded in the northern Gaza Strip.

Israeli forces conducted 61 incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank and 2 limited incursions were conducted in the southern Gaza Strip.
83 civilians, including 4 children and 2 women, were arrested in the West Bank.
22 of them, including 2 children and a woman, were arrested in Jerusalem.

Israeli authorities continued to create a Jewish majority in occupied East Jerusalem.
5 commercial facilities were demolished in Hizmah in addition to an iron fence in al-Tour and a parking in Silwan. Meanwhile, an agricultural land was levelled in al-‘Issawiyah.
3 families were forced to self-demolish their houses in Silwan and Sour Baher while a house was demolished in Beit Hanina.

3 shooting incidents were reported against the Palestinian fishing boats in the Gaza Sea, but no casualties were reported.
3 fishermen were arrested while their boat sustained severe damage.

Israeli forces turned the West Bank into cantons and continued to impose the illegal closure on the Gaza Strip for the 11^th consecutive year.
Dozens of temporary checkpoints were established in the West Bank and others were re-established to obstruct the movement of Palestinian civilians.
10 Palestinian civilians, including a child, were arrested at the military checkpoints in the West Bank.

Summary

Israeli violations of international law and international humanitarian law in the oPt continued during the reporting period (21 – 27 June 2018).

Shooting:

Israeli forces continued to use lethal force against Palestinian civilians, who participated in peaceful demonstrations organized within the activities of the “Great March of Return and Breaking the Siege” in the Gaza Strip, which witnessed for the 12^th week in a row peaceful demonstrations along the eastern and northern Gaza Strip border area. During the reporting period in the Gaza Strip, the Israeli forces killed a Palestinian civilian and wounded 88 others, including 11 children, 2 women, a journalist and paramedic. Ten of those wounded sustained serious wounds. In the West Bank, the Israeli forces wounded 19 Palestinian civilians, including 2 children and a woman.

In the Gaza Strip, on 22 June 2018, the Israeli forces killed Usamah Abu Khater (29) with a bullet to the chest during his participation in the protests organized in eastern Khuza’ah village, east of Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip. After his injury, he was taken to the European Gaza Hospital in the city and admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) where he stayed until his death was declared on 24 June 2019.

During the reporting period, while using the excessive force against the peaceful protesters along the Gaza Strip borders, the Israeli forces wounded 84 Palestinians, including 11 children, 2 women, a paramedic, and a journalist. Ten of those wounded sustained serious wounds.

Injuries in the Gaza Strip during this Week

Governorate	Injuries
Governorate	Total	Children	Women	Journalists	Paramedics	Critical Injuries
Northern Gaza Strip	21	4	0	0	0	6
Gaza City	20	2	1	1	0	0
Central Gaza Strip	14	3	0	0	0	3
Khan Younis	20	2	1	0	0	0
Rafah	9	0	0	0	1	1
Total	84	11	2	1	1	10

As part of the airstrikes, on 21 June 2018, the Israeli drones launched 2 missiles a group of civilians participating in the Great March of Return in eastern al-Shokah village, east of Rafah City. However, no casualties were reported.

On 24 June 2018, an Israeli warplane launched a missile at a Tuk Tuk “Rickshaw” travelled by 3 people near Malakah Square in eastern al-Zaytoun in eastern Gaza City. As a result, they were lightly wounded. The Israeli forces claimed that they had incendiary balloons. On the same day, the Israeli drones launched 3 missiles at a site belonging to the Palestinian Armed Groups and a motorbike in eastern al-Bureij in the central Gaza Strip and 2 other missiles at a site belonging to the Palestinian armed groups in western al-Bureij refugee camp in the central Gaza Strip.

On 26 June 2018, in two separate airstrikes, the Israeli warplanes fired 2 missiles at a group of civilians near a juice factory in eastern al-Shuja’iyah neighbourhood and a motorbike belonging to those flying the kites in eastern al-Tufah neighbourhood, east of Gaza City. However, no casualties were reported.

On the same day, the Israeli drones launched a missile at civilians traveling a motorbike ine astern al-Amal neighbourhood, northeast of Beit Hanoun in the northern Gaza Strip, but no casualties were reported. The Israeli forces issued a statement declaring target of “a Palestinian cell participating in causing fires due to launching flaming kites and balloons from the Gaza enclave to the settlements.”

On 27 June 2018, the Israeli warplanes launched 2 missiles at a jeep parked in front of the owner’s house in eastern al-Nussairtat in the central Gaza Strip. As a result, the car caught fire and severely damaged in addition to causing damage to 8 house windows in the area. However, no casualties were reported.

As part of targeting the border areas, on 23 June 2018, the Israeli forces along the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel, northeast of Jabalia in the northern Gaza Strip, fired tear gas canisters at farmers and shepherds who were in the Palestinian agricultural lands adjacent to the border fence. As a result, a shepherd was wounded after being hit with a canister to the right thigh.

On 26 June 2018, the Israeli vehicles stationed along the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel fired an artillery shell at a border control point belonging to the Palestinian armed groups, east of al-Shiuja’iyah in eastern Gaza City. However, no casualties were reported.

On 27 June 2018, the Israeli forces opened fire and fired 2 artillery shells on an empty land around 800 meters away from al-Amal neighbourhood, northeast of Beit Hanoun in the northern Gaza Strip. Neither casualties nor damage to the property were reported.

On the same day, the Israeli soldiers stationed along the border fence, east of al-Maghazi in eastern Gaza Valley village in the central Gaza Strip opened fire at the agricultural lands adjacent to the fence, but no casualties were reported.

As part of targeting Palestinian fishermen in the Gaza Sea, the Israeli forces continued to escalate their attacks against the Palestinian fishermen, pointing out to the ongoing Israeli policy of targeting their livelihoods. During the reporting period, PCHR documented 3 shooting incidents at the fishermen, including 1 in north-western Beit Lahia, 1 in the central Gaza Strip; and one in Rafah City in the southern Gaza Strip. During the reporting period, 3 fishermen were arrested and released after interrogation while their boat sustained damage.

In the West Bank, during the reporting period, the Israeli forces wounded 19 Palestinian civilians, including 2 children and a journalist. On 21 June 2018, five Palestinians were wounded with bullets when the Israeli forces moved into Beit Fajjar village, south of Bethlehem, to carry out an arrest campaign and a number of youngsters protested.

On 22 June 2018, 8 civilians were wounded, including 2 children and a photojournalist, during their participation in Kafr Qaddoum weekly protest, northeast of Qalqiliya.

On 24 June 2018, a Palestinian civilian was wounded when Israeli soldiers stationed at al-Container checkpoint, northeast of Bethlehem, opened fire at him, claiming he approached the soldiers and did not obey their orders to stop. He was then arrested.

On 25 June 2018, 5 civilians were wounded, and one of them was arrested when the Israeli soldiers moved into the eastern area of Nablus to guard hundreds of settlers who entered the area to perform prayers in Josef’s Tomb in Balatet al-Balad. Three of them were wounded during their participation in the protest against the settlers. Moreover, a father and his son were wounded when they were in their car heading to the central vegetable market in the city.

Incursions:

During the reporting period, Israeli forces conducted at least 61 military incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank and8 similar ones into Jerusalem and its suburbs. During those incursions, Israeli forces arrested at least 61 Palestinians, including 2 children and a woman, in the West Bank. Meanwhile, 22 other civilians, including 2 children and a child, were arrested in Jerusalem and its suburbs.

In the Gaza Strip, on 26 June 2018, the Israeli forces twice conducted an incursion into Khan Younis. The first was when they moved 80 meters into eastern al-Qararah village and the second was when they moved 70 meters into northern Return camp in Khuza’ah vill;age, east of the city.

Collective Punishment Measures:

As part of the collective punishment policy adopted by the Israeli forces against the Palestinian families of those accused of carrying out attacks against them and/or the settlers, on Thursday early morning, 21 June 2018, the Israeli forces demolished the external and internal walls of the apartment in Eastern Barta’ah village, southwest of Jenin, that is isolated behind the annexation wall. The 140-square-meter apartment belongs to Ratib Qabha and is inhabited by his daughter (35) and her child. It should be noted that the Israeli forces arrested the son of the abovementioned civilian, ‘Alaa’ (26), on 16 March 2018 after he was shot and wounded due to running over a number of soldiers stationed at the checkpoint near former “Mavo Dotan” camp, south of Jenin.

Israeli Forces Continued their Measures to Create a Jewish Majority in occupied East Jerusalem

As part of demolishing civilian facilities, on 25 June 2018, the Israeli municipality vehicles demolished 5 agricultural dunums belonging to 5 Palestinian civilians in Hizmah village, northeast of occupied East Jerusalem. They demolished 3 glasshouse nurseries and a store for selling sheds under the pretext of non-licensing. The losses were estimated at hundred thousands of shekels, which is the only source of income for the owners. It

In the same context, the Israeli Municipality forced al-Showaki Family to self-demolish their house in Was Yasoul neighbourhood in Silwan village, south of occupied East Jerusalem’s Old City under the pretext of non-licensing. Wael al-Showaiki said to PCHR’s fieldworker that his family and he were forced to demolished 2 under-construction houses to avoid paying NIS 90,000 as the municipality staff told them. Wael said that the 2 houses cost him around NIS 40.000.

In the same context, Ibrahim ‘Amirah self-demolished his house in Sur baher village, south of occupied East Jerusalem. The house was built 2 years ago and comprised of 4 rooms, kitchen and bathroom sheltering 6 individuals, including 4 children. He said that when the demolition decision was issued, he immediately headed to the Israeli Courts, but unfortunately all courts decided to demolish the house. Thus, he was forced to self-demolish his house to avoid paying fines that may reach over NIS 90,000.

On Tuesday, 26 June 2018, the Israeli Municipality vehicles demolished a house belonging to ‘Izzat ‘Abed al-Qader in Tal’et Hizmah area in Beit Huninah neighbourhood, north of occupied East Jerusalem, under the pretext of non-licensing. The 90-square-meter house was built near his family house in 2000 and was sheltering his wife and 1-year-old child. In the same context, the Israeli Municipality vehicles levelled an iron fence in al-Hardoub area in al-Tour neighbourhood, east of occupied East Jerusalem’s Old City, and a parking in Silwan, south of the city, in addition to an agricultural road in al-Issawiyia village, northeast of occupied East Jerusalem.

Details

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

Thursday, 21 June 2018

At approximately 01:30, Israeli forces moved into Howarah village, south of Nablus. They then raided and searched a number of houses after which they arrested Khalid Abdul Jalil al-Sharidah and Nasser Medhat al-Shalkhati.

Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into al-Laban eastern village, south of Nablu. They raided and searched a number of houses and then arrested Jamil Ya’qoub ‘Ouweish and Ahmed Ghassan Daraghmah.

At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into Beit Ummer village, north of Hebron and stationed in Beit Za’tarah area. They raided and searched 2 houses belonging to Karim Mahmoud Hamdi Abu Maria (19), who was released from the Israeli jails last April after he served few months in detention, and Mahdi Mohammed Hammad Abu Maria (19) and the arrested them.

Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Bethlehem and stationed in al-Karkafah neighborhood in the center of the city. They raided and searched a number of houses after which they arrested 5 civilians, including a child, namely ‘Odai Makhlouf Zawahrah (21), Hamadah Fayez Salhab (20), Abdul Majid Zedan Salhab (18), Mohammed ‘Adel Zaboun (14) and his brother Mahmoud (19).

At approximately 02:40, Israeli gunboats stationed offshore, adjacent to al-Zawaidah shore in the central Gaza Strip, opened fire at Palestinian fishing boats sailing within 3 nautical miles and chased them. As the fishermen were forced to flee fearing for their lives, but no casualties were reported.

At approximately 03:30, Israeli forces moved into Beit Fajjar village, south of Bethlehem. They raided and searched a house belonging to Mohammed Na’im ‘Ali Taqatqah (24) and the arrested him and attacked his older brother.

At approximately 05:00, Israeli forces accompanied with 10 more than military vehicles moved into al-Duheishah refugee camp, south of Bethlehem and stationed in al-Shuhada’a Suburb. Dozens of young men and children gathered on the camp streets and threw stones and empty bottles at Israeli soldiers. The soldiers heavily fired rubber-coated metal bullets and tear gas canisters. As a result, a civilian was hit with 3 rubber bullets to the chest. He was transferred to a nearby hospital in Beit Jala to receive medical treatment. Meanwhile, the soldiers raided and searched a house belonging to Jamal Mohammed Shehadah (56). They detained him for a while and then released him. They also arrested ‘Odai ‘Adnan Mohammed Shehadah (21).

At approximately 15:20, Israeli drones fired 2 missiles, with 10 minutes between each, at a group of civilians participating in the Great March of Return, east of al-Shawah village, east of Rafah. However, no casualties were reported.

At approximately 16:00, Israeli forces moved into Beit Fajjar village, south of Bethlehem under intensified measures and security backups. They raided and searched a number of houses and then arrested 5 civilians, including a child, namely Mohammed Ahmed Taqatqah (23), Qassam Ahmed Thawabtah (23), Khalil Mohammed Thawabtah (28), Mohammed Eyad Thawabtah (16) and Mo’atasem Na’im Taqatqah (21). Meanwhile, dozens of young men and children gathered on the village street. They threw stones and empty bottles at Israeli soldiers. The soldiers heavily fired live and rubber bullets and tear gas canisters. As a result, 5 civilians were hit with live bullets. They were transferred to Beit Jalal hospitals for medical treatment.

At approximately 20:00, Israeli gunboats stationed offshore, west of Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip, opened fire at Palestinian fishing boats sailing within 6 nautical miles and pumped water at the engines and lights to damage them and then chased the boats. As a result, the fishermen were forced to flee fearing for their lives, but no casualties were reported.

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (4) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: Far’oun village, south of Tulkarm; Dura, Hebron and Sa’ir.

Friday, 22 June 2018

At approximately 15:30, Israeli forces moved into al-Moghir village, northeast of Ramallah. They raided and searched several houses and then arrested Mohammed Hamad Abu ‘Alia (22) and Ahmed Mousa Abu ‘Alia (19).

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (13) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: Tulkarm, Noor Shams and Tulkarm refugee camps and ‘Anabta village, east of the city;Far’oun village, south of the city; Qifin, Baqa al-Sharqiyah, Zeta, Nazlet ‘Essa and Nazlet Abu al-Nar villages, north of the city; ‘Azoun village, east of Qalqiliyah; Hebron and Ethna.

Saturday, 23 June 2018:

At approximately 01:00, Israeli forced raided and searched a house belonging to ‘Aref Mohammed Jaber (46) in Jaber neighborhood, east of Hebron’s Old City. They locked the family members outside the house while other soldiers thoroughly searched the house. They then arrested ‘Aref’s son Bara’a (19) and then withdrew from the house. It should be noted the Israeli soldiers attacked the house 2 weeks ago and attacked him and his wife and then arrested his son Mohammed. They released Mohammed on bail after they investigated with him in “Kiryat Arba” settlement police center. The soldiers claimed that the road, which is used by the settlers coming from the abovementioned settlement that passes by the family’s house was closed with rocks. At the same night, the Israeli soldiers raided and searched a number of houses and adjacent neighborhoods, but no arrests were reported. A number of the house’s owners were identified as Saleh Samer al-Ja’bari, Jawad Khader al-Ja’bari, Ahmed Rashid al-Zair and Mohanned al-Ja’bari.

At approximately 09:30, Israeli gunboats stationed offshore, northwest of former al-Waha shore, northwest of Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip, heavily opened fire at Palestinian fishing boats. The Israeli gunboats surrounded a fishing boat with a registration plate No. (532) belonging to Kamel Deeb Mahmoud al-Anqah (66) from al-Salateen neighborhood in Beit Lahia. The boat was manned by Kamel’s sons Haitham (28) and Ahmed (25) and fisherman Mohammed Mahmoud Ahmed al-Sultan (25). The boat was sailing within 2 nautical miles and was around1200 meters away from the northern Gaza Strip. The soldiers ordered the fishermen to take off their clothes, jump into water and swim towards the Israeli gunboats. The fisherman Haitham al-Anqah was able to flee from the Israeli soldiers after he jumped into the water while a group of fishermen could reach the boat and dragged it by their boats. The damage was clear on the boat due to the Israeli forces shooting. The boat and its engine were hit with a number of live bullets. The Israeli gunboats took the 3 fishermen Ahmed and Mahmoud al-Anqah and Mohammed al-Sultan to Ashdod Seaport in Israel where they detained and investigated the fishermen. The Israeli forces released them at approximately 19:30 on the same day via Beit Hanoun “Erez” crossing in the northern Gaza Strip.

At approximately 09:45, Israeli forces stationed behind a sand barrier along the border fence between the Gaza Strip, east of Abu Safiyah Hill, northeast of Jabalia in the northern Gaza Strip, fired a number of tear gas canisters at Palestinian farmers who were in their lands adjacent to the border fence in addition to shepherds. As a result, shepherd Rami Saleem Ramadan Matar (40) from Jabalia was hit with a tear gas canister to the back side of his right thigh. Rami was grazing the sheep around 100 meters away from the west of the border fence. He was transferred to the Indonesian Hospital and doctors classified his injury as minor.

At approximately 11:30 on Saturday, 23 June 2018, Israeli forces suppressed a group of Palestinian and foreign residents and activists while they were organizing a protest in a land that was under the control of Israeli settlers in Ras al-Hamra area in Bani Na’im village, east of Hebron. The Israeli soldiers arrested 10 of the protestors and took them to a police station in “Kiryat Arba” settlement, east of Hebron. The Israeli authorities claimed that the area was a military closed zone and Palestinians are not allowed to be there. At approximately 19:00, the arrestees were released. A number of the arrestees were identified as Tha’er Mahmoud Ehdeeb, Mashhour al-Wahwah, who works as a reporter for Wafa News Agency; ‘Azmi Banat, a reporter at Palestine TV Channel, Younis ‘Arar, Head of the Colonization and Wall Resistance Commission in the south and Bassam Tarairah, Member of Bani Na’im Municipality Council. It should be noted that the land that was overtaken by the Israeli settlers is about 20 dunums. Tha’er Ehdeeb (38) said to PCHR’s fieldworker that:

“At approximately 11:00, I went to the abovementioned area where there was a number of local residents and lands’ owners form Khderat and Hamedat families, a number of foreign and Israeli activists and a crew of the Colonization and Wall Resistance Commission as an Israeli settler was in the land adjacent to “Bani Hefer” settlement established on confiscated lands in al-Mosafer area established a tent for him. After minutes of our arrival, several Israeli patrols arrived at the area. The soldiers surrounded the area and prevented us from moving forward as more backups arrived at the area. The soldiers ordered us to leave without showing the military decision. Clashes suddenly erupted between the soldiers and residents after which the soldiers arrested me and 10 others, including the foreign activists and journalists. We were handcuffed and detained in the land. The soldiers then took us via the military vehicles to “Bani Hefer” settlement where we were detained handcuffed in a yard. After 2 hours, the soldiers forced us to sit on the ground. They then transferred us to an investigation center in “Kiryat Arba” settlement where we were informed of the military decision. We were released at approximately 19:00 after the soldiers threatened to arrest us if we came again to the area.”

In the afternoon hours, Israeli soldiers stationed at the “Container” military checkpoint, northeast of Bethlehem, arrested a Palestinian from Sa’ir village, northeast of Hebron, after shooting him and wounding him with a live bullet to the foot. The soldiers claimed that he came close to them and did not obey their orders for him to stop. According to PCHR’s investigations and eyewitnesses’ statements, at approximately 13:00 on the same day, Maher Abdul Rahim Thalgi Jaradat (34) stepped out of a taxi near the abovementioned checkpoint and walked towards the checkpoint designated to vehicles. After he did not follow the Israeli soldiers’ order for him to stop, the soldiers shot him in his legs, wounding him and left him bleeding on the ground for more than an hour as the soldiers prevented the Palestinian medial staffers from reaching him and offering first aid. The Israeli police said in a statement that: “Jaradat’s behabior and words raised suspicion as he was carrying a suspicious object and that’s why the soldiers decided to arrest him. The soldiers fired shots in the air and when Jaradat did not respond, the soldiers opened fire at his legs.”

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (4) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: Qifin, Baqa al-Sharqiyah, Nazlet ‘Essa and Nazlet Abu al-Nar villages in Tulkarm.

Sunday, 24 June 2018

At approximately 01:00, Israeli forces moved into Bethlehem and stationed on al-Saf Street. They raided and searched a number of houses and then arrested 3 civilians namely ‘Ayad Jamal al-Haremi (24), Ramzi Mohammed al-Haremi (23) and Mohammed ‘Amar al-Shubaki (21). Following that, the Israeli forces moved into Ma’ali Valley area in the center of the city. They raided and searched a house belonging to Khalil Jamal al-Haremi (22) and then arrested him. At approximately 02:30, the Israeli forces moved into al-Manarah Square in the center of Bethlehem. They raided and searched a house belonging to Hussein Ashraf Kawazbah (22) and then arrested him.

At approximately 01:30, Israeli Israeli forces moved into Halhoul. They raided and searched 3 houses and then handed summonses to 3 civilians namely Mamdouh Sami Abu ‘Osbah, Ayman ‘Ali al-Jabarat and Mohammed Khalil al-Baw to refer to the Israeli Intelligence Service ice in “Gush Etzion” settlement complex, south of Bethlehem.

At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into Noor refugee camp, east of Tulkarm. They raided and searched 2 houses belonging to Haitham Mar’ie Saleh Shehadah (35) and Mohammed Ahmed Abdul Rahman Foudah (22) and then arrested them.

At approximately 02:15, Israeli forces moved into Zeta village, north of Tulkarm. They raided and searched a house belonging to Ibrahim Fares Mohammed Sharqiyah (22) and then arrested him.

At approximately 03:30, Israeli forces moved into al-‘Abiyat area, east of Bethlehem. They raided and searched a house belonging to Mahdi Yasser al-‘Abiyat (22) and then handed him a summons to refer to the Israeli Intelligence Service in “Gush Etzion” settlement complex, south of the city.

Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into al-Moghir village, northeast of Ramallah. They raided and searched a number of houses and then arrested Anwar Moneer Abu ‘Alia (26).

At approximately 16:00, Israeli drones fired 3 missiles at a site belonging to Palestinian armed groups and a motorbike, east of al-Buraij in the central Gaza Strip. The airstrike caused damage to the site, but no casualties were reported.

At approximately 17:00, an Israeli drone fired 2 missiles at a site belonging to Palestinian armed groups, west of al-Buraij refugee camp in the central Gaza Strip. The airstrike caused damage to the site, but no casualties were reported.

At approximately 18:35, an Israeli drone fired a missile at a Tuk Tuk travelled by 3 civilians near Malakah square, east of al-Zaytoun neighborhood, east of Gaza City. As a result, the 3 civilians were lightly wounded and transferred to al-Shifa Hospital. The Israeli forces claimed that the 3 civilians had Incendiary balloons.

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (5) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: Tulkarm and Far’oun village, south of the city; Baqet al-Hatab, east of the city; Yatta and Hebron.

Monday, 25 June 2018

At approximately 01:00, Israeli forces moved into Qabatiyah village, southeast of Jenin. They raided and searched a number of houses after which they arrested 4 civilians namely Qutibah Ahmed Shalabi, Rabe’a Fadel Zakarneh, Ahmed Sa’ed Abu al-Rab and Basem Tazaz’ah.

Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Jenin refugee camp, west of Jenin. They raided and searched a house belonging to ‘Emad Abu al-Haija al-Tawil and then arrested.

At approximately 01:30, Israeli forces moved into Tubas. They raided and searched several houses and then arrested Mohammed ‘Adnan Daraghmah and Kamal Jamal Daraghmah.

Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Tamoun village, south of Tubas. They raided and searched a house belonging to Tha’er Jamil Bani ‘Oudah and then arrested him.

At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into Barqah village, northwest of Nablus. They raided and searched a number of houses and then arrested Salah Fatin Salah (20), Mo’en Haris Heji (20).

Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Balata refugee camp, east of Nablus. They raided and searched several houses after which they arrested 3 civilians namely Kamal Mahmoud Abu ‘Arab (18), Ahmed Haitham Shalbanah (18) and Saleh ‘Ali Hashash (26).

At approximately 03:30, Israeli forces moved into Shueikah Suburb, east of Tulkarm. They raided and searched a shop for selling computers and cell phones belonging to Jihad ‘Adnan Mustafa Edhiliyah. The soldiers confiscated many devices. They also raided and searched houses belonging to Khalid Raslan Hasan Na’alwah (38) and Jihad ‘Adnan Mustafa Na’alwah (28) and then arrested them.

At approximately 23:30, Israeli forces moved into the eastern area in Nablus to secure hundreds of Israeli settlers’ entry in busses to perform Talmudic prayers in “Joseph’s Tomb” in Balatet al-Balad. Dozens of Palestinian children and young men gathered in Balatet al-Balad and the outskirts of Balata refugee camp and Old and New ‘Askar refugee camps. They threw stones and empty bottles at Israeli soldiers. The soldiers fired live and rubber bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters at them. Meanwhile, Mohammed Abdullah Mar’ie (58) from Marj Na’jah village in the northern Valleys was driving his car heading to the main market along with his son Abdullah (20). As a result, Mohammed was hit with live bullet shrapnel to the right shoulder while his son was hit with live bullet shrapnel to the right hand. The shooting also caused the injury of 3 civilians, one of them was arrested namely Omer Mustafa Mousa Abu Lail (30) who was hit with a live bullet to the right foot. The Israeli forces also raided and searched a number of houses after which they arrested 3 civilians namely Mahran Hani Abu Tubbah (22), Sa’ed ‘Abed Majdalawi (20) and Sobhi Zuhai Jawabrah (23) from Balatah refugee camp.

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (5) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: Qalqiliyah and ‘Azzoun village, east of the city; Ektaba village, north of Tulkarm; Yatta and Hebron’s Old City.

Tuesday, 26 June 2018

At approximately 01:00, Israeli forces moved into Kufor Qalil village, southeast of Nablus. They raided and searched a house belonging to Omer Farouq ‘Amer (25) and then arrested him.

At approximately 01:30, Israeli forces moved into al-Thaheriyah village, south of Hebron and stationed in al-Deir neighborhood. They raided and searched a house belonging to Ibrahim Shehadah Abu Sharek (30) and then arrested him.

At approximately 07:30, Israeli forces accompanied with a number of military vehicles moved about 80 meters into the east of al-Qararah village, east of Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip. They leveled lands and repaired the border fence and then headed to the south. After few hours, the Israel forces redeployed along the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel.

At approximately 15:00, Israeli forces accompanied with a number of military vehicles moved about 70 meters into the north of the Return camp in Khuza’ah village, east of Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip. They leveled lands and repaired the barbed wire fence after parts of it were removed last Friday. During the incursion, the Israeli forces opened fire and fired tear gas canisters at a group of young men who were near the Return camp. As a result, a number of them suffered tear gas inhalation. Few hours later, the Israeli forces redeployed along the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel.

Around the same time, an Israeli warplane launched a missile at a group of civilians while they were near the Juice factory, east of al-Sheja’eya neighborhood, east of al-Tuffah neighborhood, but no casualties were reported.

At approximately 15:15, an Israeli warplane launched a missile at a motorbike for those flying flaming kites, east of al-Tuffah neighborhood, east of Gaza city, but no casualties were reported.

At approximately 15:20, Israeli forces stationed behind the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel fired an artillery shell at a border control point belonging to Palestinian armed groups. The point is in al-Sheja’eiyah neighborhood, east of Gaza City, but no casualties were report.

At approximately 20:00, an Israeli drone fired a missile at a group of civilians who were driving a motorbike, 800 meters into the west of the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel, east of al-Amal neighborhood, northeast of Beit Hanoun in the northern Gaza Strip, but no casualties were reported. The Israeli forces then issued a statement declaring that “a Palestinian cell was targeted by the Israeli drones after participating in causing fires by flying flaming kites and balloons towards the settlements near the Gaza enclave.”

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (5) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: Noor Shams refugee camp, east of Tulkarm; al-Samou’a, Ethna, al-Hejrah and Deir Samet villages in Hebron.

Wednesday, 27 June 2018

At approximately 00:30, Israeli forces moved into ‘Asirah village, north of Nablus. They raided and searched a house belonging to Ahmed Tawfiq Sawalha (25) and then arrested him.

At approximately 01:00, Israeli forces moved into Beit Fujjar village, south of Bethlehem. They raided and searched houses from which they arrested Qais Mohamed Thawabtah (19) and Ameen ‘Ali Thawabtah (20).

Around the same time, an Israeli drone fired 2 missiles at a jeep belonging to a civilian. The jeep was parked in front of his house in al-Nusirat Camp in the central Gaza Strip. The bombing resulted in setting fire to the car, damaged it completely, and damaged 8 windows of nearby houses. No casualties among civilians were reported, but the bombing caused fear among them, especially children.

At approximately 01:30, Israeli forces moved into Khelit Khadour neighborhood in the southern area of Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to Isma’il Mohamed al-Hashlamoun (65) and his sons’ houses: Naseem (41), Hamza (38), Suhaib (30), and Mohamed (28). The Israeli forces locked the 5 families’ members in one house before searching all houses without allowing preventing any of them from accompanying the soldiers. Two hours later, the Israeli forces withdrew and no arrests among the family members were reported. The family said that they lost NIS 25,000 and other papers and bank checks. The family also clarified that the Israeli forces did not leave a list of the confiscated items. Isma’il al-Hashlamoun said to PCHR’s fieldworker that:

“After raiding my house and my 4 sons’ houses and staying around 2 hours to search the houses, the Israeli soldiers withdrew and damaged the houses’ contents. My daughters-in-law checked their houses, and my sons Hamza and Mohamed were surprised that they cannot find NIS 25,000 and other checks that were in Mohamed’s wallet in addition to NIS 270 that were in his wife’s wallet. The Israeli soldiers did not allow us to accompany while brutally raiding our house, noting that they raided our house twice only during this month.”

At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into al-Shaiekh neighborhood in Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to Suliman Abu Shakhdam and handed him a summons to refer to the Israeli Intelligence Service in “Gosh ‘Etzion” settlement, south of Bethlehem. They also arrested his son Suhaib (23).

At approximately 02:20, Israeli forces stationed along the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel, east of al-Amal neighborhood, northeast of Beit Hanoun, north of the Gaza Strip, opened fire and fired 2 artillery shells, which fell on an empty land 800 meters away from the border fence. Neither causalities nor damage was reported.

At approximately 03:00, Israeli forces moved into Beit Ummer village, north of Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to Mahmoud Mohamed Abu ‘Ayyash (27) and then arrested him.

At approximately 05:45, Israeli forces moved into Barqah village, east of Ramallah. They raided and searched a house belonging to Nizam ‘Ali Ma’ali (45) and then arrested his wife Najlaa Omar Ma’ali (40).

Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into al-Jalazoun Refugee Camp, north of Ramallah. They raided and searched a house belonging to Naser Jamal Makhlouf (22) and then arrested him.

At approximately 15:30, Israeli forces stationed along the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel, east of al-Maghazi Camp in the Central Gaza Strip, opened fire at agricultural lands adjacent to the fence. No casualties among civilians were reported, but farmers were forced to leave their lands fearing for their lives.

At approximately 17:00, Israeli forces stationed along the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel, east of Gaza Valley (Juhor al-Deek) in the central Gaza Strip, opened fire at agricultural lands adjacent to the fence. No casualties among civilians were reported, but farmers were forced to leave their lands fearing for their lives.

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (5) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: Dura and Kharsa villages in Hebron; and Kufor al-Deek, west of Salfit.

Collective Punishment:

As part of the collective punishment policy applied by the Israeli forces against the Palestinian families of those accused of carrying out attacks against the Israeli forces and/or settlers, on Thursday, 21 June 2018, the Israeli forces destroyed the interior and external walls of an apartment in Barta’ah village, southwest of Jenin. According to PCHR’s investigations, at approximately 01:00, Israeli forces accompanied with 20 vehicles moved into Barta’ah village that is isolated behind the annexation wall, southeast of Jenin. The Israeli forces stationed in the Market Street in the center of the village and then surrounded a residential building comprised of 4 floors belonging to Ratib ‘Abed al-Latif As’ad Qabha. The Israeli forces raided a 140-square-meter residential apartment in the 3^rd floor and then destroyed with hammers and a digger the interior walls. Before the Israeli soldiers’ withdrawal, they welded the main door with oxygen. It should be noted that on 16 March 2018, the Israeli forces arrested Ratib’s son ‘Alaa (26) after opening fire at him and wounding him due to carrying out a run over attack against a number of soldiers stationed at a military checkpoint near “Mevo Dotan” Camp, south of Jenin.

Use of Force against Demonstrations in Protest against the U.S. President’s Decision to Recognize Jerusalem as the Capital of Israel:

Continuing the demonstrations in protest against the U.S. President Donald Trump’s declaration to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and move the U.S. Embassy to it, Palestinian civilians organized protests against the decision throughout the West Bank and Gaza Strip. They further organized peaceful demonstrations where ten thousands of civilians participated on the 42^nd Anniversary of the Land Day in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. The demonstrations were named as “The Great March of Return and Breaking the Siege.” The demonstrations were as follows during the reporting period:

Gaza Strip:

At approximately 10:30 on Thursday, 21 June 2018, dozens of Palestinians gathered in the eastern side of Malakah intersection, east of al-Zaytoun neighborhood, east of Gaza City during their participation in the activities of the March of Return and Breaking Siege. The protestors threw stones at Israeli soldiers stationed behind the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel. The soldiers fired live and rubber bullets and tear gas canisters at them. As a result, 2 civilians, including a child, were wounded. A 15-year-old child was hit with a live bullet to the right leg while a 22-year-old civilian was hit with a live bullet to the abdomen.

At approximately 15:00 on Friday, 22 June 2018, hundreds of Palestinian swarmed to the Return camp, east of Khuza’ah village, east of Khan Younis to participate in the “Loyalty to the Wounded Friday ” established by the Supreme National Authority for the Great March of Return and Breaking Siege. The participants, including men, elderlies, women and children, inside and outside the camp. They raised the Palestinian flags, chanted national slogans and flew kites as dozens of them approached the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel and set fire. A number of them attempted to throw stones at Israeli forces and remove the barbed wire fence established by those forces on the Palestinian lands 30-50 meters away from the main border fence. The Israeli forces stationed behind hills, sand barriers, military vehicles and their vicinity sporadically opened fire and fired tear gas canisters at the protestors and towards the camp yard. The shooting continued until approximately 20:00. As a result, 20 civilians, including 2 children and a woman, were hit with live bullets and tear gas canisters. The wounded civilians were taken to the field hospital and then transferred to Nasser, Gaza European and Algerian Hospitals. According to observation of PCHR’s fieldworker, the shooting intensified between 18:30 and 19:30, causing most of the injuries. Doctors classified the injury of Osama Khalil Qasem Abu Khater (29), who was hit with a live bullet to the chest as serious. He was transferred to Gaza European Hospital where he was adimited to the ICU due to his serious injury and stayed at the hospital until his death was announced at approximately 01:30 on Sunday, 24 June 2018.

At approximately 16:00 on the same Friday, thousands of civilians swarmed to the Return camps established by the Supreme National Authority for the Great March of Return and Breaking Siege, east of Malakah intersection, east of al-Zaytoun neighborhood, east of Gaza City in the 12^th consecutive Friday known as “Millions March to Jerusalem”. The activity included raising flags, chanting national slogans, setting fire to tires and flying kites. Though the demonstrations were fully peaceful, Israeli forces stationed behind the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel deliberately and randomly fired live and rubber bullets and tear gas canisters at them. As a result, 18 civilians, including a child, woman and photojournalist, were hit with live bullets and tear gas canisters and their shrapnel. The photojournalist namely ‘Ali Hasan Mousa Jadallah (28), who works at Anadolu Agency, was hit with shrapnel to the right hand.

At approximately 16:30 on the same day, dozens of civilians swarmed to the Return encampments established by the Supreme National Authority for the Great March of Return and Breaking Siege in Abu Safiyah Hill, northeast of Jabalia in the northern Gaza Strip. the protestors raised Palestinian flags, chanted national slogans and set fire to tires. Hundreds of them approached the border fence between the Gaza Strip and threw stones at Israeli soldiers stationed behind the border fence. The soldiers deliberately and randomly fired live and rubber bullets and tear gas canisters at the participants. As a result, 19 civilians, including 3 children, were wounded. Twelve of them were hit with live bullets and its shrapnel and 7 were directly hit with tear gas canisters. The wounded civilians were transferred via ambulances belonging to Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS), Medical Services, General Union Committee and the Ministry of Health to the Indonesian, al-Awda and Kamal Edwan Hospitals. Doctors classified the injury of 6 civilians as serious while the others’ injury between minor and moderate.

Around the same time, thousands of Palestinian protestors swarmed to the encampments established by the Supreme National Authority for the Great March of Return, 400 meters away from the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel, east of al-Buraij in the central Gaza Strip, hundreds of them approached the border fence, set fire to tires and threw stones at Israeli soldiers stationed behind sand barriers along the border fence. The soldiers fired live bullets and tear gas canisters at them. The clashes continued until the evening hours. As a result, 14 civilians, including 3 children, were wounded. Nine of them were hit with live bullets and 5 others were directly hit with tear gas canisters. The wounded civilians were transferred via PRCS ambulances to al-Aqsa Hospital in Deir al-Balah. Doctors classified the injuries of 3 civilians as serious while the others’ between minor and moderate. The Israeli soldiers also targeted a gathering of civilians in the camps and the field hospital belonging to the Ministry of Health. As a result, the medical staffers and dozens of civilians suffered tear gas inhalation.

At approximately 17:00 on the same Friday, thousands of civilians swarmed to the Return encampment established by the Supreme National Authority for the Great March of Return and Breaking Siege. They were around 300 meters away from the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel, east of al-Shawkah village, east of Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip. A number of young men approached the border fence, flew kites, set fire to tires and threw stones at Israeli soldiers stationed behind sand barriers along the border fence. The soldiers fired live bullets and tear gas canisters at them. The clashes continued until approximately 20:00. As a result, 7 civilians were wounded. Three of them were hit with live bullets and its shrapnel and 4 others were directly hit with tear gas canisters, including paramedic Saqer Jihad Mustafa al-Jamal (24). The wounded civilians were taken to the field hospital in the Return camp and then transferred to Abu Yusuf al-Najjar in Rafah. Doctors classified their injuries as moderate.

At approximately 17:30 on Monday, 25 June 2018, Israeli soldiers stationed behind the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel, fired live bullets and tear gas canisters at dozens of civilians, who gathered in the Return camp near the border fence, east of al-Shawkah village, east of Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip. As a result, a number of civilians suffered tear gas inhalation.

At approximately 17:45 on Wednesday, 27 June 2018, Israeli forces stationed behind the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel, east of Abu Safiyah Hill, northeast of Jabalia in the northern Gaza Strip, fired live bullets at civilians who approached the border fence. As a result, Adam ‘Emad Dyab Salem (15) from al-Shati’ refugee camp, west of Gaza City. The Israeli soldiers crossed the border fence into the Palestinian lands and dragged the child into Israel. Later, the Israeli forces’ spokesperson stated that “the child is wounded and he is receiving medical treatment at Barzilai Medical Center.” He also said that: “the Israeli forces opened fire at a group of civilians who attempted to sneak and cross the border fence, causing wounded to a child and then the soldiers transferred him to the hospital to receive medical treatment.” The social media published photos and videos documenting the incident when the child was wounded. The videos shown that the Israeli soldiers reached the area that was around 10 meters into the west of the border fence and the child was a civilian who did not pose any threat to the lives of the Israeli soldiers. The child’s family said to PCHR’s fieldworker that they contacted the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) who informed them that their son was hit with a live bullet to the legs. The family also said that their son is ill and suffers from Epileptic Seizures. The shooting continued by the Israeli soldiers against the civilians until approximately 19:00 on the same day. As a result, a 31-year-old civilian from Jabalia was hit with a live bullet shrapnel throughout his body. He was transferred to the Indonesian Hospital and doctors classified his injury as moderate.

At approximately 19:50 on the same Wednesday, Israeli forces stationed behind the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel, east of al-Shawkah village, east of Rafah, fired live bullets at 4 young men during their attempt to cut the barbed wire and sneak through the border fence. As a result, 2 civilians were wounded. One of them was hit with 2 live bullets to the abdomen and his injury was classified as serious while the other was hit with a live bullet shrapnel to the left leg and his injury was classified as moderate. The wounded civilians were transferred to Abu Yusuf al-Najjar hospital in Rafah.

West Bank:

Following Friday prayer at approximately 13:30 on 22 June 2018, a group of Palestinian civilians moved from Kufor Qaddoum village, northeast of Qalqiliyah, to the eastern entrance to the village, which has been closed for 15 years in favor of the entrance to “Kedumim” settlement established on the village lands. The protestors chanted national slogans demanding end of occupation, condemning the U.S President Donald Trump’s decision to recognize Jerusalem as the capital Israel and condemning the Israeli forces’ crimes against Palestinian protestors along the eastern border of the Gaza Strip within “The Great March of Return and Breaking the Siege” activities. The protestors set fire to tires, threw stones at Israeli soldiers stationed behind sand barriers. They also carried unreal coffin with the “Century Deal” slogan on it and then burnt it. As a result, 8 civilians, including 2 children and a photojournalist were hit with rubber bullets. The photojournalist was identified as Naser Suleiman Eshtiah (50) from Salem village, east of Nablus, works at Associated Press, was hit with a rubber bullet to the right hand.

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

(20-26 June 2018)

Category	20 June	21 June	22 June	23 June	24 June	25 June	26 June
Patients	68	33	1	–	127	57	87
Companions	58	29	3	–	107	52	76
Personal needs	235	77	12	–	42	33	33
Familiesof prisoners	–	–	–	–	–	43	–
Arabs fromIsrael	11	45	20	–	26	7	8
Diplomats	–	–	–	–	–	5	4
International journalists	14	–	–	–	–	–	–
International workers	45	56	8	–	35	25	34
TravelersAbroad	–	75	–	–	24	–	83
Business people	274	4	7	–	422	335	275
Business meetings	–	–	–	–	–	–	–
Security interviews	3	1	–	–	2	4	3
VIPs	–	1	–	–	2	–	–
Ambulances to Israel	8	5	1	–	6	5	3
Patients’ Companions	8	5	1	–	6	5	3

Note:

On Wednesday, 20 June 2018, Israeli authorities allowed 4 persons; and on Tuesday, 26 June 2018, one person who works at the General Authority of Civil Affairs (GACA) and internationals to renew their permits.
On Wednesday, 20 June 2018, the Israeli authorities allowed 2 persons to travel via Erez Crossing on a trip organized by an international organization.
On Friday, 22 June 2018, the Israeli authorities allowed 3 persons; and on Monday, 25 June 2018, 3 persons to return to the West Bank.
On Sunday, 24 June 2018, the Israeli authorities allowed one person to travel via the crossing to give his testimony in the Israeli Courts.

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:

Ramallah and al-Bireh: Israeli forces established (10) checkpoints all over the city.

At approximately 09:30 on Thursday, 21 June 2018, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the main entrance to Ras Kakar village.

At approximately 12:15, a similar checkpoint was established at the entrance to Kherbitha al-Mosbah village, west of the city.

On Friday, 22 June 2018, Israeli forces established 3 checkpoints at the entrance to al-Nabi Saleh village, northwest of Ramallah; at the entrance to Silwad village; and at the entrance to ‘Ain Yabroud village, northeast of the city.

On Saturday, 23 June 2018, 2 similar checkpoints were established at the entrance to al-Nabi Saleh village and at the main entrance to ‘Ain Yabroud village.

On Monday, 25 June 2018, Israeli forces established 3 checkpoints in the main square of ‘Ain Sinah village; in ‘Atarah village’s bridge, north of Ramallah; and at the entrance to Silwad village, northeast of the city.

Hebron: Israeli forces established (17) checkpoints all over the city.

On Thursday, 21 June 2018, Israeli forces established 2 checkpoints at the entrances to Beit Ummer and al-Shayyoukh villages.

On Friday, 22 June 2018, Israeli forces established 4 checkpoints at the western entrance to Hebron and at the entrances to Beit Kahel, Beit ‘Aynoun, and Samou’a villages.

On Saturday, 23 June 2018, 3 similar checkpoints were established at the northern entrance to Hebron, at the southern entrance to Hebron, and at the entrance to Karzah village.

On Sunday, 24 June 2018, 2 similar checkpoints were established at the entrances to Sa’ir and Samou’a villages.

On Monday, 25 June 2018, 3 similar checkpoints were established at the entrances to al-Dahiriyia and Bani Na’iem villages and at the southern entrance to Halhoul village.

On Wednesday, 27 June 2018, Israeli forces established 3 checkpoints at the entrances to Beit ‘Awaa and Bani Na’iem villages and at the southern entrance to Halhoul village.

Qalqiliyia: Israeli forces established (7) checkpoints all over the city.

On Thursday, 21 June 2018, Israeli forces established 4 checkpoints at the eastern entrance to Qalqiliyia (was established 2 times) and at the entrance to ‘Aziun village, east of the city (was established 2 times).

At approximately 12:20 on Friday, 22 June 2018, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the entrance to Heblah village, south of Qalqiliyia.

At approximately 17:15 on Sunday, 24 June 2018, a similar checkpoint was established between Hijah and al-Fondouq villages, east of Qalqiliyia.

At approximately 18:15 on Monday, 25 June 2018, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the southern entrance to Qalqiliyia village.

Tulkarm:

At approximately 00:30 on Sunday, 24 June 2018, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the entrance to Beit Lid village, east of Tulkarm.

Arrests at Military Checkpoints:

At approximately 14:20 on Sunday, 24 June 2018, Israeli forces stationed at Za’tarah checkpoint, south of Nablus, arrested Naseem Mohamed Sal’ous (24), from Nablus.

At approximately 18:00 on Sunday, Israeli forces stationed at ‘Inab checkpoint, east of Tulkarm, arrested 3 civilians, including a child. The arrested civilians were identified as Ahmed Hitham Shalbayia (17), Kamal Mahmoud Abu ‘Arab, and Saleh ‘Ali ‘Atallah Hashash. All of them are from Balatah refugee camp, east of Nablus.

At approximately 16:00 on Monday, 25 June 2018, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the northern entrance to Yatta village “Zaif”. The Israeli forces stopped Palestinian civilians’ vehicles, checked the passengers’ ID, and then arrested Ra’fat Musalam ‘Ashour (31).

On Monday, Israeli forces stationed at Za’tarah checkpoint, south of Nablus, arrested 3 civilians, who were identified as Mo’tasem Mohamed Khatib (22), from Balatah refugee camp, east of Nablus; ‘Abed al-Fattah Dalabsha; and Tamer Jamal Makhlouf. ‘Abed al-Fattah and Tamer are from al-Jalazoun Refugee Camp, north of Ramallah.

On Monday, 26 June 2018, Israeli forces established a checkpoint on Nablus- Qalqiliyia Road. They stopped Palestinian civilians’ vehicles, checked the passengers’ IDs and then arrested Majdi Sadeq al-Sholi (28), from ‘Asirah village, north of Nablus.

At approximately 23:10 on Tuesday, 26 June 2018, Israeli forces stationed at Za’tarah checkpoint, south of Nablus, arrested ‘Anan Muhsen ‘Abed al-Rahman Jaber (24), from ‘Anbatah village, east of Tulkarm.

Efforts to Create A 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 00:00 on Thursday, 21 June 2018, Israeli forces moved into al-Mukaber Mount, south of occupied East Jerusalem. They raided and searched a house belonging to j journalist Rasem ‘Enad ‘Obaidat (60) and then arrested him. Rasem was taken to al-Maskobiyia Center for investigation. It should be noted that Rasem was arrested 3 days ago while participating in a ceremony to celebrate the National Day of Russia in Ambassador Hotel in al-Shaiekh Jarrah neighborhood. The Israeli forces released him after questioning him for few hours in al-Maskobiyia Center and then arrested him again on the same above-mentioned grounds. Mofeed al-Haj,Lawyer of Palestinian Prisoner Club, said that on Monday 25 June 2018, the Magistrate Court in Jerusalem decided to release Rasem on one condition that it will impose a house arrest on him and a bail estimated at NIS 1500, in addition to a self-bail and a third party bail estimated at NIS 5000. The court also released him on conditions that he would not participate in meetings and protests for 30 days and never contact anyone interrogated with the same case for 40 days.

At approximately 01:00, Israeli forces moved into al-Tour neighborhood, east of occupied East Jerusalem’s Old City. They raided and searched a house belonging to ‘Abdullah al-Kasawani, head of al-Zaytoun Mount Club and member in the Palestinian football team, and then arrested him.

At approximately 13:00 on Thursday, Israeli forces moved into al-Sa’diyia neighborhood in occupied East Jerusalem’s Old City. They raided and searched a house belonging to Mohamed Mahdi Abu ‘Asab (13) and arrested him after severely beating him up. Mohamed was then taken to an investigation center for interrogation.

At approximately 11:00 on Sunday, 24 June 2018, Israeli forces moved into al-Sawanah neighborhood, east of occupied East Jerusalem’s Old City. They raided and searched a house belonging to Naser al-Hadami (49), Director of Jerusalem Authority against Judaization, and then arrested him.

At approximately 21:00 on Sunday, 24 June 2018, Israeli forces moved into Ras al-‘Amoud neighborhood, east of occupied East Jerusalem. They raided and searched a house belonging to Mohamed Nimer ‘Ashwah (17) and then arrested him.

At approximately 14:30 on Monday, 26 June 2018, Israeli forces severely beat Husam Mohamed al-Nabolsi (53) while he was in al-Wad Street in occupied East Jerusalem’s Old City, and then arrested him after taking him to an Israeli hospital to receive treatment. Rami Nabolsi, the wounded’s brother, said that he informed that the Israeli border guard officers attacked his brother Husam and severely beat him. He also said that he did not know why his brother was beaten and he knew from people in the area that his brother was taken to one of the Israeli hospitals. Eyewitnesses said that the Israeli forces arrested al-Nabolsi in Bab al-Khalil in the Old City, but he fled after chasing him and arrested him again and severely beat him. As a result, he was taken to an Israeli hospital.

At approximately 12:30 on Tuesday, 25 June 2018, Israeli forces moved into al-‘Izariyia village, east of occupied East Jerusalem. They raided and searched houses from which they arrested two siblings Nour (20) and Ghada.

At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into Sho’fat Refugee Camp, north of occupied East Jerusalem. They raided and searched dozens houses and then arrested 10 civilians. PCHR keeps the names of the arrested persons.

At approximately 03:30, Israeli forces moved into al-Ram village, north of occupied East Jerusalem. They raided and searched Shawabkah Family house, where they arrested Nayif al-Shawabkah (29) and ‘Alaa al-Shawabkah (26).

On Tuesday, the Israeli authorities handed the former prisoner ‘Odai Rebhi Sonnoqrot (27), from Ras al-‘Amoud neighborhood, east of occupied East Jerusalem, a military decision to deport him from Jerusalem for 6 months. The decision was issued after summoning ‘Odai to al-Maskobiyia Center for interrogation in West Jerusalem. Sonnuqrot said that he was summoned to al-Maskobiyia Center, where he was handed a military decision to deport him from Jerusalem for 6 months. He pointed out that he was released from the Israeli jails on Thursday 21 June 2018 after staying 32 days in al-Maskobiyia Center cells. He added that he was subjected to a house arrest instead of releasing him and prevented him from seeing his father for a week. The Israeli Court also forced him to pay NIS 10,000, in addition to a third party bail estimated at NIS 150,000. He clarified that this decision would keep him away from his wife and their 2 children, who live in their house in Ras al-‘Amoud neighborhood.

House Demolitions and Notices:

At approximately 07:00 on Monday, 25 June 2018, Israeli vehicles demolished 5 agriculural dunums belonging to 5 Palestinian civilians in Hizmah village, northeast of occupied East Jerusalem. The Hizmah village’s mayor Samar Salah al-Deen said that the Israeli Municipality staff accompanied with many Israeli forces and vehicles moved into the village in the morning. These forces closed all streets leading to ‘Anatah village and declared it as a closed military zone. Following that, the Israeli vehicles demolished 3 glasshouse nurseries and a shop for selling sheds established on an area of 5 dumuns under the pretext of non-licensing. Those facilities belonged to Ibrahim Salem, Ghaleb Salem, Mohamed al-Sewari, Mohamed Fayiz, and Mohamed ‘Askar. The mayor said that the Israeli vehicles not only demolished but also intentionally damaged the glasshouse nurseries to prevent civilians from reusing them again. The losses of those facilties’ owners were estimated at thousands shekels, noting they are the only source of income for the owners. It should be noted that the Israeli forces previously demolished those facilities several times.

In the same context, the Israeli Municipality forced al-Showaki Family to self-demolish their house in Was Yasoul neighborhood in Silwan village, south of occupied East Jerusalem’s Old City under the pretext of non-licensing or the municipality “will impose fines on them and force them to pay the municipality demolition costs. Wael al-Showaki said to PCHR’s fieldworker that his family and he were forced to demolish 2 under-construction houses to avoid paying NIS 90,000 as told by the municipality staff while raiding their house twice during the past days. The municipality staff also handed him an administrative notice that allows the municipality to demolish the houses in anytime. The family said that they built the houses at the beginning of last May and when they were preparing for casting the concrete, the municipality staff raided the house and handed them the notice. On Friday, 22 June 2018, the municipality staff raided their house again, handed them another notice, and gave them 4 days to demolish what they built or they will pay a fine. Wael said that the 2 houses cost around NIS 40,000.

In the same context, Ibrahim ‘Omairah self-demolished his house in Surbaher village, south of occupied East Jerusalem. The house was built 2 years ago, and when Ibrahim’s family finished its construction and lived there, the Israeli Municipality issued a decision to demolish the house. During the past period, Ibrahim attempted to license the house, but in vain. He said to PCHR’s fieldworker that:

“I received a phone call from the police, informing me that the Israeli Municipality will demolish the house on Tuesday morning or I immediately self- demolish it. I then vacated my house contents and self-demolished it. The house was comprised of 4 rooms, a kitchen and bathroom, sheltering 6 members, including 4 children. When the demolition decision was issued, I immediately resorted to the Israeli Courts, including the Supreme Court, but unfortunately all courts decided to demolish the house. Additionally, the component authorities refused to license the house, rendering my family and me homeless. I self-demolished my house to avoid paying fines that may reach over NIS 90,000.”

On Tuesday, 26 June 2018, the Israeli Municipality vehicles demolished a house belonging to ‘Izzat ‘Abed al-Qader in Tal’et Hizmah area in Beit Huninah neighborhood, north of occupied East Jerusalem, under the pretext of non-licensing. ‘Izzat said that the Israeli forces surrounded his house and then completely demolished it. He also said that the municipality staff raided his house in the previous day and handed him a decision to vacate the house contents. The 90-square-meter house was built near his family house in 2000 and sheltering his wife and their child.

In the same context, the Israeli Municipality vehicles demolished a 100-meter steel fence in al-Hardoub area in al-Tour neighborhood, east of occupied East Jerusalem’s Old City. An eyewitness said that the plot of land belonging to Murad Abu Subitan and Hani al-Sayyad.

In Wadi Helwa neighborhood in Silwan village, south of occupied East Jerusalem’s Old City, the Israeli Municipality demolished a parking belonging to Eyad Ramadan. Eyad said that the Israeli Municipality forced him in last April to self-demolish the parking roof and parts of its walls. On the same day, Eyad was surprised with raiding the parking and completely demolishing it.

In al-Issawiyia village, northeast of occupied East Jerusalem, the Israeli Municipality demolished agricultural roads in the eastern area of the village, noting that those lands were threatened of confiscation in favor of “National Parks” projects.

Settlement activities and attacks by settlers against Palestinian civilians and property

Israeli forces’ attacks

At approximately 10:30 on Monday, 25 June 2018, Israeli forces accompanied with a vehicle of the Israeli Civil Administration moved into Kherbit al-Dirat, east of Yatta, south of Hebron. A Civil Administration officer took photos of many houses and handed their owners notices to stop construction works under the pretext of non-licensing. The notices were as follows:

A 200-square-meter inhabited house built of concrete and 70-square-meter barrack. Both of them belong to ‘Isaa Mahmoud al-‘Adrah.
An 80-square-meter inhabited house built of concrete and belongs to Mohamed Ahmed al-‘Adrah.
An 80-square-meter inhabited house built of concrete and belongs to Jabreen Mahmoud al-‘Adrah.
A 100-square-meter inhabited house built of concrete and belongs to Ibrahim Mohamed Ibrahim al-‘Adrah.
A 443-meter road leading to al-Safa School.

On Tuesday, 26 June 2018, Israeli forces established a military watchtower in al-Bowairah area, east of Hebron, which is near Beit ‘Aynoun area on Palestinian lands belonging to al-‘Eidah Family. It should be noted that Israeli settlers established a settlement outpost on an area of 40 dunums on the Palestinian confiscated lands. On 05 March 2018, the Israeli settlers under the Israeli forces’ protection leveled the plot of land and placed the Israeli flags on it. They also brought a water tank and installed banners on them. In the afternoon, trucks brought 4 mobile homes from “Kriyat ‘Arba’” settlement and put them in the land. The Israeli forces denied Palestinian civilians and the lands’ owners’ access. The new settlement outpost is opposite to “Kiryat Arba” and “Kharsina” settlements.

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 11 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 this year 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.