Weekly Report On Israeli Human Rights Violations in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (12 – 18 April 2012)
The Palestinian Centre for Human Rights (PCHR)
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Israeli
security forces fire tear gas towards Palestinian protesters during
clashes outside Ofer prison near the West Bank city of Ramallah April
17, 2012.
April 19, 2012
Israeli
Occupation Forces (IOF) Continue Systematic Attacks against Palestinian
Civilians and Property in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT)
IOF use
force to disperse peaceful protest organized by Palestinian civilians in the
West Bank.
15 demonstrators,
including two children and two Israeli human rights defenders, were
wounded.
Dozens
of civilians suffered from tear gas inhalation.
Two
Palestinian civilians, including a woman, were wounded by IOF in the Gaza
Strip.
IOF
conducted 56 incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank and a
limited one into the central Gaza Strip.
IOF
continued to attack Palestinian fishermen in the Gaza Strip.
IOF
arrested 3 fishermen and confiscated their boat.
Israel
has continued to impose a total closure on the OPT and has isolated the Gaza
Strip from the outside world.
IOF
arrested 7 Palestinian civilians at various checkpoints in the West Bank.
IOF
have continued settlement activities in the West Bank and Israeli settlers have
continued to attack Palestinian civilians and property.
IOF
destroyed 4 rooms, 3 water wells and 6 barnyards in Kufor al-Dik village, west
of Salfit.
IOF
destroyed 3 water wells and two dunums of agricultural land in Dur village near
Hebron.
Israeli
settlers attacked Palestinian farmers and shepherds.
Israeli
settlers destroyed 250 olive trees in Bitillu village near Ramallah.
Summary
Israeli
violations of international law and humanitarian law in the OPT continued
during the reporting period (12 – 18 April 2012):
Shooting:
During the reporting period, IOF wounded
19 civilians, including two children and two Israeli human rights defenders, in
the West Bank and the Gaza Strip.
In the West Bank, IOF wounded 17 civilians,
including two children and two Israeli human rights defenders, during the
dispersion of peaceful demonstrations organized in protest to the construction
of the annexation wall and settlement activities in the West Bank. Dozens of civilians also suffered from tear
gas inhalation.
In the Gaza Strip, on 17 and 18 April
2012, two Palestinian civilians, including a woman, were wounded when IOF
positioned at the border between the Gaza Strip and Israel opened fire at
Palestinian houses and agricultural land in Khuza’a village, east of Khan
Yunis.
On 13 April 2012, Israeli naval
troops arrested 3 Palestinian fishermen and confiscated their boat in the
northern Gaza Strip. The fishermen were
released later, but the boat remained in custody.
Incursions:
During
the reporting period, IOF conducted at least 56 military incursions into
Palestinian communities in the West Bank
In
the Gaza Strip, IOF conducted one limited incursion into the central Gaza
Strip.
Restrictions
on Movement:
Israel
had continued to impose a tightened siege on the OPT and imposed severe
restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians in the Gaza Strip and the
West Bank, including occupied East Jerusalem.
The illegal Israeli-imposed closure
of the Gaza Strip, which has steadily tightened since June 2007, has had a
disastrous impact on the humanitarian and economic situation in the Gaza Strip.
The illegal closure has caused not only a humanitarian crisis but a crisis of
human rights and human dignity for the population of the Gaza Strip. Measures
declared recently to ease the blockade are vague, purely cosmetic and fail to
deal with the root causes of the crisis, which can only be addressed by an
immediate and complete lifting of the closure, including lifting the travel ban
into and out of the Gaza Strip and the ban on exports. Palestinians in Gaza may
no longer suffer from the same shortage of goods, but they will remain
economically dependent and unable to care for themselves, and socially,
culturally and academically isolated from the rest of the world.
IOF have continued to impose severe
restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians throughout the West Bank,
including occupied East Jerusalem. Thousands of Palestinian civilians from the
West Bank and the Gaza Strip continue to be denied access to Jerusalem.
Settlement
Activities:
Israel
has continued its settlement activities in the OPT in violation of
international humanitarian law, and Israeli settlers have continued to attack
Palestinian civilians and property.
On
12 April 2012, a number of Israeli settlers from "Eitamar" settlement,
southeast of Nablus, attacked 5 Palestinian farmers. As a result, the farmers sustained
bruises. Soon, IOF arrived at the area
and arrested the five farmers for questioning.
On
13 April 2012, a number of Israeli settlers from "Kiryat Arba" settlement,
southeast of Hebron, violently beat and old man and his son, while the two
civilians were on their land in Jabal Jales area in Hebron. The old man was evacuated to a hospital in
Hebron as he was moderately injured. The
settlers also uprooted dozens of olive trees.
On
15 April 2012, a number of Israeli settlers from "Nahal’eil" settlement,
northwest of Ramallah, destroyed at least 250 olive trees belonging.
On
15 April 2012, a number of Israeli settlers from "Ma’oun" settlement to the
east of Yatta village, south of Hebron, attacked and fired at some Palestinian
farmers and shepherds in al-Litwana area.
On
16 April 2012, IOF, accompanied by bulldozers, moved into Kufor al-Dik village,
west of Salfit. They demolished 4
agricultural rooms, 6 barnyards and 3 water wells belonging to Palestinian
farmers from Rafat village, west of Salfit.
Palestinian farmers attempted to reach the area, but IOF prevented them.
Also
on 16 April 2012, IOF, accompanied by bulldozers, moved into al-Majnouna area
in the south of Dura town, southwest of Hebron.
They destroyed 3 old water wells and a number of agricultural pools and
razed a two-dunum area of agricultural land planted with vegetables
belonging.
On
18 April 2012, at least 3,000 Israeli settlers, escorted by IOF, broke into
Kufol Hares village, north of Salfit, and performed biblical rituals. They attacked and insulted Palestinian
civilians on the streets. IOF also
arrested a Palestinian civuilian.
Israeli
Violations Documented during the Reporting Period (12 – 18 April 2012)
1. Incursions into Palestinian Areas and Attacks on Palestinian
Civilians and Property in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip
Thursday, 12 April 2012
At approximately 01:30, IOF moved
into Tayaseer village, east of Tubas.
They raided two houses belonging to the families of Mohammed Jameel
Jaber, 24, and 'Aamer Ahmed al-Dik, 22, and summoned them for interrogation.
At approximately 07:40, IOF moved
into al-'Ouja village, north of Jericho.
They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were
reported.
At approximately 08:00, IOF moved
into Fassayel village, north of Jericho.
They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were
reported.
Also at approximately 08:00, IOF
moved into al-Jiftlek village, north of Jericho. They patrolled in the streets for some time
and withdrew later. Neither house raids
nor arrests were reported.
At approximately 09:00, IOF moved
into al-Fundoq village, east of Qalqilya.
They raided a house belonging to Lu’ai As’ad Tayem and turned it into a
military site. They also imposed a
curfew on the village and forced closure of shops on both saided of
Qalqilya-Nablus road to allow Israeli settlers to celebrate the Jewish
Easter. IOF withdrew from the village at
approximately 13:00.
Also at approximately 09:00, IOF
moved into Deir Dibwan village, northeast of Ramallah. They patrolled in the streets for some time
and withdrew later. Neither house raids
nor arrests were reported.
At approximately 10:00, IOF moved
into Qibya village, west of Ramallah.
They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were
reported.
Also at approximately 10:00, IOF
moved into Deir Ebzei’ village, west of Ramallah. They patrolled in the streets for some time
and withdrew later. Neither house raids
nor arrests were reported.
At approximately 17:30, IOF moved
into 'Azzoun village, east of Qalqilya.
They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were
reported.
Friday,
13 April 2012
At approximately 00:30, IOF moved
into Nabi Saleh village, northwest of Ramallah.
They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were
reported.
At approximately 01:30, IOF moved
into Jericho. They patrolled in the
streets for some time and withdrew later.
Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
At approximately 06:00, Israeli
gunboats stationed to Beit Lahia beach in the northern Gaza Strip opened fire
at Palestinian fishing boats.
Palestinian fishermen were forced to sail back to the beach and neither
casualties nor damage were reported.
At approximately 09:00, IOF moved
into Kufor Malek village, northeast of Ramallah. They patrolled in the streets for some time
and withdrew later. Neither house raids
nor arrests were reported.
At approximately 11:00, IOF moved
into Beit 'Aur al-Tahta village, west of Ramallah. They patrolled in the streets for some time
and withdrew later. Neither house raids
nor arrests were reported.
At approximately 13:40, IOF moved
into Nabi Elias village, east of Qalqilya.
They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were
reported.
At approximately 14:30, IOF moved
into al-'Araqa village, west of Jenin. They patrolled in the streets for some time
and withdrew later. Neither house raids
nor arrests were reported.
At approximately 15:00, IOF moved
into Beit Leed village, east of Tulkarm.
They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
At approximately 17:00, IOF moved
into 'Izbat Shoufa village, southeast of Tulkarm. They patrolled in the streets for some time
and withdrew later. Neither house raids
nor arrests were reported.
At approximately 21:50, IOF moved
into Bidya village, northwest of Salfit.
They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were
reported.
At approximately 22:00, IOF moved
into Zbbouba village, northwest of Jenin.
They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
At approximately 22:05, IOF moved
into al-Zawia village, northwest of Salfit.
They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were
reported.
At approximately 22:45, IOF moved
into 'Azzoun village, east of Qalqilya.
They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were
reported.
Saturday, 14 April 2012
At approximately 00:30, IOF moved
into al-Yamoun village, northwest of Jenin.
They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were
reported.
At approximately 01:00, IOF moved
into Beit Qad village, east of Jenin.
They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were
reported.
At approximately 09:30, IOF moved
into Marj Na’ja village, north of Jericho.
They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were
reported.
At approximately 10:00, IOF moved
into Jericho and the neighboring 'Aqabet Jaber refugee camp. They patrolled in the streets for some time
and withdrew later. Neither house raids
nor arrests were reported.
Also at approximately 10:00, IOF
moved into 'Allar village, north of Tulkarm.
They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were
reported.
At approximately 11:00, IOF moved
into Jayous village, northeast of Qalqilya.
They raided and searcghed a number of houses, but no arrests were reported.
Also at approximately 11:00, IOF
moved into Saida village, north of Tulkarm.
They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were
reported.
At approximately 11:30, IOF moved
into Jalboun village, east of Jenin.
They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were
reported.
At approximately 16:30, IOF moved
into al-Jiftlek village, north of Jericho.
They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were
reported.
At approximately 17:00, IOF moved
into Zabbouba village, northwest of Jenin.
They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were
reported.
At approximately 20:50, IOF moved
into 'Izbat al-Tabib village, east of Qalqilya.
They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were
reported.
At approximately 21:00, IOF moved
into Sliwad village, northeast of Ramallah.
They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were
reported.
At approximately 22:30, IOF moved
into Beit Liqya village, west of Ramallah.
They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were
reported.
At approximately 23:00, IOF moved
into Nabi Elias village, east of Qalqilya.
They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were
reported.
Also at approximately 23:00, IOF
moved into Zeita village, north of Tulkarm.
They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were
reported.
Also at approximately 23:00, IOF
moved into 'Arraba village, southwest of Jenin.
They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were
reported.
Sunday, 15 April 2012
At approximately 00:30, IOF moved
into 'Anabta village, east of Tulkarm.
They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were
reported.
Also at approximately 00:30, IOF
moved into Tulkarm. They patrolled in
the streets for some time and withdrew later.
Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
At approximately 01:30, IOF moved
into Jayous village, northeast of Qalqilya.
They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
At approximately 09:00, the Israeli
navy arrested 3 Palestinian fishermen who were fishing nearly 3 nautical miles
from the beach: Salah Murad Miqdad, 63;
Ahmed Salah Miqdad, 24; and 'Ali Nafez al-Akhsham, 31. They transferred the three fishermen to the
Israeli harbor of Ashdod and from there to Beit Hanoun (Erez) crossing. The three fishermen were interrogated about
the reasons for their presence in a restricted area, according to Israeli
claims. They were released at
approximately 17:00 on the same day, but their boat remained in custody.
Also at approximately 09:00, IOF
moved into Burham village, northwest of Ramallah. They patrolled in the streets for some time
and withdrew later. Neither house raids
nor arrests were reported.
At approximately 11:00, IOF moved
into Jericho. They patrolled in the
streets for some time and withdrew later.
Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
At approximately 13:15, IOF moved
into Qalqilya. They patrolled in the
streets for some time and withdrew later.
Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
At approximately 14:30, IOF moved
into Kharabtha al-Misbah village, west of Ramallah. They patrolled in the streets for some time
and withdrew later. Neither house raids
nor arrests were reported.
At approximately 15:00, IOF moved
into Habla village, east of Qalqilya. They patrolled in the streets for some time
and withdrew later. Neither house raids
nor arrests were reported.
Also at approximately 15:00, IOF
moved into Ras Teera village, south of Qalqilya. They patrolled in the streets for some time
and withdrew later. Neither house raids
nor arrests were reported.
At approximately 17:00, IOF moved
into Beit 'Aur al-Tahta village, west of Ramallah. They patrolled in the streets for some time
and withdrew later. Neither house raids
nor arrests were reported.
At approximately 19:40, IOF moved
into al-'Ouja village, north of Jericho.
They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
At approximately 21:20, IOF moved
into Koubar village, northwest of Ramallah. They patrolled in the streets for
some time and withdrew later. Neither
house raids nor arrests were reported.
Monday, 16 April 2012
At approximately 00:15, an Israeli warplane fired a missile at an
open area near the car market in al-Zaytoun neighborhood in the southeast of
Gaza City. No casualties were reported.
At approximately 09:35, IOF moved into Qalqilya. They patrolled in the streets for some time
and withdrew later. Neither house raids
nor arrests were reported.
At approximately 18:45, IOF moved into Jeet village, northeast of
Qalqilya. They patrolled in the streets
for some time and withdrew later.
Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
At approximately 20:00, IOF moved into Hijja village, east of
Qalqilya. They patrolled in the streets
for some time and withdrew later.
Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
At approximately 21:00, IOF moved into Qalqilya. They patrolled in the streets for some time
and withdrew later. Neither house raids
nor arrests were reported.
At approximately 22:55, IOF moved into Kufor Qaddoum village,
northeast of Qalqilya. They patrolled in
the streets for some time and withdrew later.
Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
Tuesday, 17 April 2012
At approximately 07:30, IOF positioned at the border between the
Gaza Strip and Israel to the east of the southern Gaza Strip town of Khan Yunis
opened fire at Palestinian houses and agricultural areas in Khuza’a village,
east of the town. As a result, Hassan
Waleed Eshnainu, was wounded by a bullet to the right thigh, when he was nearly
2,000 meters away from the border.
At approximately 22:00, IOF moved into Shwaika suburb, north of
Tulkarm, and patrolled in the streets. A
number of Palestinian boys gathered and threw stones at Israeli military
vehicles. Immediately, Israeli soldiers
fired tear gas canisters and sound bombs at the boys. At approximately 23:00, IOF raided a house
belonging to Eyad Husni Nasser and questioned members of the family. They withdrew later and no arrests were
reported.
Wednesday, 18 April 2012
At approximately 07:00, IOF moved nearly 100 meters into the east
of al-Boreij refugee camp in the central Gaza Strip, amidst gunfire. They moved back to the border between the
Gaza Strip and Israel an hour later.
At approximately 07:40, IOF positioned at the border between the
Gaza Strip and Israel to the east of the southern Gaza Strip town of Khan Yunis
opened fire at Palestinian houses and agricultural areas in Khuza’a village,
east of the town. As a result, Ranad
Salem Qudaih, 34, was wounded by a bullet to the head, when she was nearly
1,000 meters away from the border.
2. Use of Excessive Force against Peaceful Demonstrations
Protesting Settlement Activities and the Construction of the Annexation Wall
During
the reporting period, IOF used force against peaceful demonstrations organized
by Palestinian civilians and international and Israeli human rights defenders
in protest to the construction of the Wall and settlement activities in the
West Bank. As a result, 18 demonstrators,
including 3 children and two Israeli human rights defenders, were wounded, and dozens
of others suffered from tear gas inhalation and other sustained bruises.
Following the Friday Prayer on 13 April 2012, dozens of Palestinian
civilians, including local activists from Hebron and Ramallah, and
international and Israeli human rights defenders organized a peaceful
demonstration in Bil'ein village, west of Ramallah, in protest to the
construction of the annexation wall and in commemoration of the third
anniversary of killing Bassem Abu Rahma by IOF.
The demonstration followed an international conference on public
resistance organized in the village. The
demonstrators raised the Palestinian flag and called for ending the political split.
They then moved towards areas of annexation
wall. Israeli soldiers stationed in the
area fired rubber-coated metal bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters at
the demonstrators. As a result, 5
demonstrators, including a child, were wounded, and others suffered from tear
gas inhalation (PCHR keeps names of the wounded).
Also following the Friday Prayer on 13 April 2012, dozens of
Palestinian civilians and international and Israeli human rights defenders
organized a peaceful demonstration in Ne’lin village, west of Ramallah, in
protest to the construction of the annexation wall and settlement
activities. The demonstrators raised the
Palestinian flag and called for national unity and for the release of
Palestinian prisoners detained in Israeli jails. They moved towards areas of the annexation
wall. Immediately, Israeli soldiers
stationed in the area fired rubber-coated metal bullets, sound bombs and tear
gas canisters at the demonstrators. As a
result, dozens of demonstrators suffered from tear gas inhalation.
Also following the Friday prayer on 13 April 2012, dozens of Palestinian
civilians and Israeli and international human rights defenders gathered in
the center of Nabi Saleh village, northwest of Ramallah, to start the weekly
peaceful protest against the construction of the annexation wall and settlement
activities. The protesters walked towards the gate erected by IOF near
the entrance of the village and leading to Palestinian lands that Israeli
settlers from the nearby "Halmish" settlement are trying to seize.
Israeli soldiers who had been extensively deployed in the area and near
all the entrances of the village since the morning, began to confront the
protesters who wanted to walk towards the affected lands. Israeli
soldiers fired live and rubber-coated bullets, sound bombs and tear gas
canisters at the protesters. A result, 8 demonstrators, including a child
and two Israeli human rights defenders, were wounded, and other demonstrators
suffered from tear gas inhalation (PCHR keeps names of the wounded).
At approximately 01:25 on Friday, 13 April 2012, dozens of
Palestinian civilians and international human rights defenders organized a
peaceful demonstration in Kufor Qaddoum village, northeast of Qalqilya, in
protest to continued closure of the eastern entrance of the village by IOF. IOF fired tear gas canisters and sound bombs
at the demonstrators. As a result, two
demonstrators, including a child, were hit directly by tear gas canisters. Additionally, a number of demonstrators
suffered from tear gas inhalation.
On Saturday noon, 14 April 2012, IOF used force to disperse a
peaceful demonstration organized by Palestinian civilians and a number of
international human rights defenders near "Karmi Tsur" settlement to the south of
Beit Ummar town, north of Hebron. IOF
prevented the demonstrators from reaching Khillat al-Kutla area. They violently beat a number of demonstrators
and fired sound bombs at them. As a
result, 'Emad Ahmed Abu Maria, 22, was hit by a sound bomb to the hand.
Other Peaceful Demonstrations
At approximately 09:00 on Saturday, 14 April 2012, 400 Palestinian
civilians and 150 international human rights defenders participated in a
bicycle march in al-'Ouja village, north of Jericho, organized by Sharek Youth
Forum, in cooperation with the Governorate of Jericho, the Municipality of
Jericho, the Ministry of Tourism, al-Quds Open University, al-Istiqlal
University and some other organizations.
The march was organized in solidarity with the Palestinian people and
the population of the Jordan Valley. The march started in al-'Ouja village and
moved then to Fassayel and al-Jiftlek villages, north of Jericho. IOF stopped the participants for more than
two hours at the entrance of al-'Ouja village and prevented them from riding
their bicycles on road #90. They also
beat a number of the participants. As a
result, 5 participants, including a woman and 3 international human rights
defenders, were injured.
At approximately 13:00 on Tuesday, 17 April 2012, dozens of
Palestinian civilians and families of Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails
organized a peaceful demonstration near 'Ofar Prison, southwest of Ramallah, in
solidarity with Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails. IOF fired live and rubber-coated metal
bullets, tear gas canisters and sound bombs at the demonstrators. As a result, two demonstrators were wounded,
and other suffered from tear gas inhalation.
3. Continued Closure of the OPT
Israel has continued to impose a tightened closure of the OPT and
imposed severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians in the
Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including occupied East Jerusalem.
Gaza
Strip
Israel has continuously closed all
border crossings to the Gaza Strip for nearly 5 years. The illegal
Israeli-imposed closure of the Gaza Strip, which has steadily tightened since
June 2007, has had a disastrous impact on the humanitarian and economic
situation in the Gaza Strip.
IOF have tightened the closure of the Gaza Strip and practically
made Karm Abu Salem crossing as the sole commercial crossing of the Gaza Strip
although it is not proper for commercial purposes in terms of its distance and
operational capacity.
IOF have continued to apply their policy aimed at tightening the
strangulation of the commercial movement in the Gaza Strip, including imposing
total control over the flow of imports and exports.
The total closure of al-Mentar "Karni" crossing on 02
March 2011 has created a bitter situation that has seriously affected the Gaza
Strip. Following this closure, all the
economic and commercial establishments in Gaza Commercial Zone were shut
off. It should be noted that al-Mentar
crossing is the biggest crossing in the Gaza Strip in terms of its operational
capacity to absorb the flow of imports and exports. The decision of al-Mentar crossing was the
culmination of a series of decisions to totally close Sofa crossing, east of
the Gaza Strip, in the beginning of 2009, and Nahal Oz crossing, east of Gaza
City, which was dedicated for the delivery of fuel and cooking gas to the Gaza
Strip, in the beginning of 2010.
IOF have continued to impose 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 in
the Gaza Strip.
The cooking gas crisis which has erupted last November has
continued to affect the Gaza Strip. This
crisis was created when the Israeli occupation authorities totally closed, on
04 January 2010, Nahal Oz crossing, which used to be dedicated for the delivery
of fuel and cooking gas supplies to Gaza, and shifted fuel and cooking gas
supplies to Karm Abu Salem crossing which is not technically equipped to receive
Gaza's needs of fuel. Karm Abu Salem crossing, with its maximum
absorptive capacity, can receive only 200 tons of cooking gas per day.
Approximately 80% of Gaza civilians have continued to depend on
alimentary aid provided by UNRWA and other relief agencies, rates of families
who are living below poverty line have continued to be on the rise and
approximately 40% of Gaza's manpower has continued to suffer from permanent
unemployment as a result of shutting down the majority of Gaza's economic
establishments.
IOF have continued to impose a total ban on the exportation of
Gaza's products, especially industrial products, leading to undermining any
real chances to rerun economic establishments.
The situation has been aggravated especially after making Karm Abu Salem
crossing as Gaza sole commercial crossing and the repeated closure of this
crossing which negatively affected the quantity of Gazan products which were
allowed to be exported during last April.
For approximately four consecutive years, IOF
have continued to ban the delivery of construction materials to Gaza. During
the reporting period, IOF approved the delivery of limited quantities of
construction materials for a number of international organizations.
Israel has continued to close Beit Hanoun (Erez) crossing for
Palestinian civilians from the Gaza Strip.
IOF only allow the movement of limited groups amidst severe
restrictions, including long hours of waiting in the majority of cases. IOF have also continued to adopt a policy
aimed at reducing the number of Palestinian patients allowed to move via Beit
Hanoun crossing to receive medical treatment in hospitals in Israel or in the
West Bank and Jerusalem. IOF denied new
categories of Gazan patient permission to have access to hospitals via the
crossing.
Israel has imposed additional access restrictions on traders, international
diplomats, journalists and humanitarian workers seeking to enter the Gaza
Strip. On Wednesday evening, 14 March
2012, IOF arrested Ahmed Subhi al-Kahlout, 40, a trader from Gaza City, when he
was traveling via Beit Hanoun crossing.
For approximately 57 months, IOF have continued to deny
approximately 700 Palestinian prisoners from Gaza detained in Israeli jails
their visitation rights without providing any justification to this measure,
which violates the rules of the international humanitarian law.
Movement
at Border Crossings during the Reporting Period:
Movement
at Rafah International Crossing Point
11 –
17 April 2012
Movement
at Karm Abu Salem (Kerem Shalom) Crossing
10 –
17 April 2012
Imports:
Movement
at Beit Hanoun (Erez) Crossing
11 –
17 April 2012
The West Bank
Israel has imposed a tightened closure on the West Bank. During the
reporting period, IOF imposed additional restrictions on the movement of
Palestinian civilians.
There are approximately hundreds of permanent roadblocks, and
manned and unmanned checkpoints across the West Bank.
When complete, the illegal annexation wall will stretch for 724 kilometers
around the West Bank, further isolating the entire population. 350 kilometers of
the wall have already been constructed. Approximately 99% of the wall has been
constructed inside the West Bank itself, confiscating more Palestinian land.
Many of the main roads that lead to Palestinian communities in the
West Bank are closed or fully controlled by IOF.
IOF have continued to restrict access of Palestinian civilians from
the West Bank to East Jerusalem, through a strict system of permits and a
network of checkpoints.
IOF have completed controlled access to the Jordan Valley through 4
permanent checkpoints established at its entrances. Palestinians living outside the area are not
allowed to enter it without permits.
Settlement activities and expansion of settlements impose
additional restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians.
IOF have continued to restrict access to gunfire areas and natural
reserves, which constitute about 26% of the total area of the West Bank.
Israeli military checkpoints restrict the movement of goods
throughout the West Bank.
Palestinian civilians continue to be harassed by IOF in Jerusalem,
and across the West Bank, including being regularly stopped, searched and even
arrested in the streets by IOF.
Israel has imposed a tightened closure on the West Bank. During the
reporting period, IOF imposed additional restrictions on the movement of
Palestinian civilians:
Jerusalem: IOF
have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian
civilians to and from the city. Thousands of Palestinian civilians from the
West Bank and the Gaza Strip have been denied access to the city. IOF have
established many checkpoints around and inside the city. Restrictions of the movement of Palestinian
civilians often escalate on Fridays, preventing young Muslim Palestinians from
praying at al-Aqsa Mosque
Ramallah: IOF have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement
of Palestinian civilians. At
approximately 13:30 on Thursday, 12 April 2012, IOF established a checkpoint at
the entrance of Beit Liqya village, southwest of Ramallah. At approximately 15:40, IOF re-established
their presence at 'Attara checkpoint, north of Ramallah. At approximately 07:30 on Friday, 13 April
2012, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance of Nabi Saleh village,
northwest of Ramallah. At approximately 09:00,
IOF established a checkpoint under Kharabtha al-Misbah Bridge, southwest of
Ramallah. At approximately 10:00 on
Saturday, 07 April 2012, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance of al-Mazra;a
al-Qibliya village, northwest of Ramallah.
At approximately 16:30, IOF re-established their presence at 'Attara
checkpoint, north of Ramallah. At
approximately 07:30 on Monday, 16 April 2012, IOF established a checkpoint at
the entrance of Nabi Saleh village, northwest of Ramallah. At approximately 10:00, IOF established a
checkpoint at the entrance of Silwad village, northeast of Ramallah. At approximately 15:30, IOF re-established
their presence at 'Attara checkpoinr, north of Ramallah. At approximately 09:30 on Tuesday, 17 April
2012, IOF established a checkpoint under 'Ein Yabroud Bridge, northeast of
Ramallah. At approximately 13:30, they
established a checkpoint between Turmosiya and Khirbat Abu Falah villages,
northeast of Ramallah. At approximately
14:30, they re-established their presence at 'Attara checkpoint, north of
Ramallah.
Qalqilya: IOF have continued to
impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. On Thursday, 12 April 2012, IOF established 5
checkpoints around the town. On Friday,
13 April 2012, IOF established 6 checkpoints around the town. On Saturday, 14 April 2012, IOF established 6
checkpoints around Qalqilya. On Sunday,
15 April 2012, IOF established 3 checkpoints around the town. On Monday, 16 April 2012, IOF established two
checkpoints around the town.
Jenin: IOF have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement
of Palestinian civilians. At approximately
16:00 on Saturday, 14 April 2012, IOF established a checkpoint on Jalboun –
Beit Qad road, northeast of Jenin.
Tulkarm: IOF have continued to
impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. On Friday noon, 13 April 2012, Israeli
soldiers positioned at Ennab checkpoint on Tulkarm-Nablus, east of Tulkarm,
impose additional restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. At approximately 13:30 on Monday, 16 April
2012, Israeli soldiers positioned at Ennab checkpoint on Tulkarm-Nablus, east
of Tulkarm, impose additional restrictions on the movement of Palestinian
civilians.At approximately 12:30 on Saturday, 07 April 2012, IOF established a
checkpoint at the entrance of Qiffin village, north of Tulkarm. At approximately 13:00 on Monday, 09 April
2012, IOF established a checkpoint at 'Allr intersection, north of
Tulkarm.
Jericho: IOF have continued to
impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. At approximately 10:30 on Thursday, 12 April
2012, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance of al-Zbaidat village, north
of Jericho. At approximately 11:40, they
established a checkpoint at the southern entrance of Jericho. At approximately 08:30 on Saturday, 14 April
2012, IOF established a checkpoint at the western entrance of al-'Ouja village,
north of Jericho. At approximately
09:30, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance of Fassayel village, north
of Jericho. At approximately 10:00, IOF
established a checkpoint at the entrance of al-Zabaidat village, north of
Jericho, and another one at the entrance of al-Jiftlek village, north of the
town. At approximately 11:30, IOF
established a checkpoint at the southern entrance of Jericho. At approximately 11:00 on Monday, 16 April
2012, IOF established a checkpoint at the southern entrance of Jericho. At approximately 10:30 on Tuesday, 17 April
2012, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance of Fassayel village, north
of Jericho. At approximately 11:30, IOF
established a checkpoint at the entrance of al-'Ouja village, north of the
town.
Arrests at Military Checkpoints:
On Thursday morning, 12 April 2012, Israeli soldiers positioned at
Za’tara checkpoint, south of Nablus, arrested Lu’ai Younis Bani 'Ouda, 22, from
Tammoun village southeast of Tubas.
On Sunday morning, 15 April 2012, Israeli soldiers positioned at a
checkpoint at the eastern entrance of Beit Ummar village, north of Hebron,
arrested 'Odai Khalil Nemer, 18, from al-'Arroub refugee camp.
At approximately 07:45 on Tuesday, 17 April 2012, IOF established a
checkpoint at the entrance of Kufor Qaddoum village, northeast of
Qalqilya. They arrested 3 Palestinian
civilians: Mohammed Maher Jom’a, 22; 'Aqel Mahmoud Eshtaiwi; and Mohammed
Mahmoud Eshtaiwi. The latter was
released several hours later.
On Tuesday, 17 April 2012, an IOF undercover unit arrested 'Emad
Ahmed Abu Hashem, 22, and Mohammed Yasser Za’aqiq, 19, at the entrance of Beit
Ummar town, north of Hebron. Abu Hashem
was injured by a sound bomb when IOF used force to disperse a peaceful
demonstration in Beit Ummar town, north of Hebron.
4. Settlement Activities and Attacks by Settlers against
Palestinian Civilians and Property
Israel
has continued its settlement activities in the OPT in violation of
international humanitarian law, and Israeli settlers have continued to attack
Palestinian civilians and property.
At
approximately 09:00 on Thursday, 12 April 2012, a number of Israeli settlers
from "Eitamar" settlement, southeast of Nablus, attacked 5 Palestinian farmers.
As a result, the farmers sustained
bruises. Soon, IOF arrived at the area
and arrested the five farmers for questioning: Ashraf, Lu’ai and Ahmed Yousef
Bani Jaber; and Ibrahim and Fu’ad Ghazi Bani Jame’.
On
Friday morning, 13 April 2012, a number of Israeli settlers from "Kiryat Arba"
settlement, southeast of Hebron, violently beat Shaker al-Zaru al-Tamimi, 63,
and his son Muhannad, 19, while the two civilians were on their land in Jabal
Jales area in Hebron. The old man was
evacuated to a hospital in Hebron as he was moderately injured. The settlers also uprooted dozens of olive
trees.
On
Sunday morning, 15 April 2012, a number of Israeli settlers from "Nahal’eil"
settlement, northwest of Ramallah, destroyed at least 250 olive trees belonging
to Fazwi Mousa Bazzar in Bitillu village.
On
Sunday evening, 15 April 2012, a number of Israeli settlers from "Ma’oun"
settlement to the east of Yatta village, south of Hebron, attacked and fired at
some Palestinian farmers and shepherds in al-Litwana area.
At
approximately 08:00 on Monday, 16 April 2012, IOF, accompanied by bulldozers,
moved into Kufor al-Dik village, west of Salfit. They moved towards Zaher Subeh area, where
they demolished 4 agricultural rooms, 6 barnyards and 3 water wells belonging to
Palestinian farmers from Rafat village, west of Salfit. Palestinian farmers attempted to reach the
area, but IOF prevented them.
On
Monday morning, 16 April 2012, IOF, accompanied by bulldozers, moved into
al-Majnouna area in the south of Dura town, southwest of Hebron. They destroyed 3 old water wells and a number
of agricultural pools and razed a two-dunum area of agricultural land planted
with vegetables belonging to the 'Amru family.
These destructions and demolitions are aimed to vacate the area to
expand an Israeli military post in the area in the context of a plan to
reinforce Israeli military and settlement presence in the area.
At
approximately 00:00 on Wednesday, 18 April 2012, at least 3,000 Israeli
settlers, escorted by IOF, broke into Kufol Hares village, north of Salfit, and
performed biblical rituals. They
attacked and insulted Palestinian civilians on the streets. IOF also arrested Jalal Mahmoud Abu Ya’qoub,
34, from his shop. The settlers and IOF
left the village at approximately 06:00.
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