The annexation wall cuts off occupied Jerusalem from the West Bank
June 14, 2012
Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) Continue Systematic Attacks against Palestinian Civilians and Property in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT)
IOF continued to fire at Palestinian communities and agricultural areas in the Gaza Strip.
IOF use force to disperse peaceful protest organized by Palestinian civilians in the West Bank.
Dozens of demonstrators suffered from tear gas inhalation.
IOF conducted 43 incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank and two limited ones into the Gaza Strip.
IOF arrested 18 Palestinian civilians, including 4 children, in the West Bank.
IOF razed 43 dunums of agricultural land and destroyed irrigation networks and agricultural pools in the Gaza Strip.
IOF continued to attack Palestinian fishermen in the Gaza Strip.
IOF launched 6 Palestinian fishermen.
Israel has continued to impose a total closure on the OPT and has isolated the Gaza Strip from the outside world.
IOF arrested a Palestinian civilians at a checkpoint in the West Bank.
IOF have continued efforts to create a Jewish demographic majority in East Jerusalem.
The Israeli municipality of Jerusalem approved the construction of 2,500 housing units in "Gilo" settlement in the south of Jerusalem.
IOF razed houses and barnyards in Jabal al-Mukabber neighborhood and 'Anata village.
IOF have continued settlement activities in the West Bank and Israeli settlers have continued to attack Palestinian civilians and property.
IOF closed 6 wells in Jenin.
IOF handed dozens of demolitions orders in the south of Hebron.
Israeli settlers uprooted 35 olive trees in the south of Hebron.
Summary
Israeli violations of international law and humanitarian law in the OPT continued during the reporting period (07 – 13 June 2012):
Shooting:
During the reporting period, IOF used force to disperse peaceful demonstrations organized in protest to the construction of the annexation wall and settlement activities in the West Bank and in solidarity with Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails. As a result, dozens of demonstrators also suffered from tear gas inhalation.
During the reporting period, Israeli gunboats attacked opened fire at Palestinian fishing boats in the northern and central Gaza Strip on 6 occasions. No casualties were reported.
IOF positioned at the border between the Gaza Strip and Israeli opened fire at Palestinian communities and agricultural land, but no casualties were reported.
Incursions:
During the reporting period, IOF conducted at least 43 military incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank. During these incursions, IOF arrested 18 Palestinian civilians, including 4 children.
In the Gaza Strip, IOF conducted two limited incursions into Palestinian areas, during which they razed 43 dunums of agricultural land and destroyed irrigation networks and agricultural pools.
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.
Efforts to Create a Jewish Demographic Majority in East Jerusalem:
On 07 June 2012, the Israeli municipality of Jerusalem approved a plan to build 2,500 housing units in "Gilo" settlement on Abu Ghumain Mount in the south of Jerusalem.
On the same day, IOF, accompanied by bulldozers, stormed the community of Arab al-Jahalin near 'Anata village, east of occupied Jerusalem, and closed the area. They tore down 5 tents and 5 sheds belonging to 5 families. IOF claimed that military exercises would be conducted in the area. According to eyewitnesses, the bulldozers tore down the tents and the sheds without prior warning.
On 12 June 2012, IOF, accompanied by bulldozers, moved into al-Sal’a area in Jbal al-Mukabber neighborhood in occupied East Jerusalem. They demolished a number of sheds that are used as barnyards, established on a 700-square-meter area of land. IOF also destroyed 20 tons of barleys, imposed on the owner of the barnyards a demolition fee of 50,000 ILS and obligated him to remove the debris.
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 07 June 2012, IOF moved into agricultural plains located near Beit Qad village, east of Jenin. They closed 6 wells after destroying their electricity cables, water pipelines and motors.
On the same day, IOF moved into Far’oun village, south of Tulkarm. They handed a notice to Bassam and Hussam Hassan Suleiman ordering demolition of their 75-square-meter, two-storey house, which is located nearly 75 meters away from the annexation wall.
On the same day, a number of Israeli settlers from "Eliazer" settlement, south of Bethlehem, stole iron bars and barbwire surrounding fields belonging to a number of Palestinian farmers from the Salah family in al-Khader village. The farmers stated that they found leaflets on their lands, which indicate that this attack was launched by an Israeli organization known as "Green Helmets."
On 08 June 2012, IOF stormed Khirbat al-Mafqara area to the east of Yatta village, south of Hebron. They surrounded a site of the construction of a mosque and forced the workers to stop building the mosque.
On 11 June 2012, Israeli settlers from "Ma’oun" settlement, south of Hebron, uprooted 30 olive trees in al-Tawani village, south of Hebron.
On 11 June 2012, a number of Israeli settlers from "Karmi Tsur" settlement, which stands on the lands of Beit Ummar town, north of Hebron, attacked a Palestinian farmer, Hamdi Abu Maria, when he was working on his land. When a number of Palestinian civilians and international human rights defenders intervened to protect the farmer, IOF intervened and violently beat Mousa 'Abdul Hamid Abu Maria, 35, a member of the Public Committee, and arrested him. He was injured in the head as an Israeli soldier hit him using the gun butt.
On 12 June 2012, IOF moved into Sousia village, south of Hebon. They handed notices to a number of Palestinian civilians ordering demolition of 52 houses and civilian facilities, including a clinic and a kindergarten.
Israeli Violations Documented during the Reporting Period (07 – 13 June 2012)
1. Incursions into Palestinian Areas and Attacks on Palestinian Civilians and Property in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip
Thursday, 07 2012
At approximately 01:00, IOF moved into al-Dyouk village, northwest of Jericho. 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 al-Yamoun village, west of Jenin. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Mo’ayad Ahmed Jaradat, 27, and arrested him.
At approximately 03:30, IOF moved into Bitounia town, west of Ramallah. 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 Kufor al-Dik village, west of Salfit. 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 Kharabtha al-Misbah village, southwest of Ramallah. 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 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 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.
At approximately 11:00, 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.
At approximately 14:55, IOF moved into Qalqilya. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
At approximately 15:30, IOF moved into al-Janya village, northwest of Ramallah. 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 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 20:40, 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 21:30, 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 23:00, 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 23:30, IOF moved into Ras 'Atiya village, southeast of Qalqilya. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
Friday, 08 June 2012
At approximately 09:30, IOF moved into Sinjel village, north of Ramallah. 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 Dura al-Qare’ village, northeast of Ramallah. 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.
Saturday, 09 June 2012
At approximately 00:30, IOF moved into 'Aanin 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 'Obwin village, northwest of Ramallah. 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 opposite to Deir al-Balah seashore in the central Gaza Strip opened fire at Palestinian fishing boats that were sailing 3 nautical miles from the shore. Palestinian fishermen were forced to sail back to the beach and no casualties were reported.
At approximately 09:00, 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.
Also at approximately 09:00, 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 10:30, IOF moved into Burqa village, northeast of Ramallah. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
At approximately 14:00, IOF moved into Deir Qeddis village, northwest of Ramallah. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
At approximately15:30, IOF moved into Deir Jarir village, northeast of Ramallah. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
At approximately 19:00, IOF moved into Toura al-Gharbiya village, southwest of Jenin. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
At approximately 21:40, IOF moved into 'Ein al-Sultan refugee camp, west of Jericho. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
At approximately 23:30, IOF moved into Beit 'Aur al-Tahta village, southwest of Ramallah. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
Sunday, 10 June 2012
At approximately 01:00, IOF moved into Beit 'Awa village, southwest of Hebon. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested two Palestinian civilians:
1. Mohammed Ibrahim al-Swaiti, 35; and
2. Mohammed 'Aadel al-Swaiti, 20.
At approximately 02:00, IOF moved into Deir al-Ghossoun village, north of Tulkjarm. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Bilal Fathallah Zaidan, 39, and arrested him. They also confiscated a number of computer hard disks. They then raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Khaled Mahmoud Khalil, 45, and arrested him. They also raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Mohammed Saleh Qe’dan, 23, and arrested him.
At approximately 07:30, IOF moved into Deir al-Ghossoun village, north of Tulkarm. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
At approximately 08:00, Israeli gunboats stationed opposite to Deir al-Balah seashore in the central Gaza Strip opened fire at Palestinian fishing boats that were sailing 3 nautical miles from the shore. Palestinian fishermen were forced to sail back to the beach and no casualties were reported.
Also at approximately 08:00, IOF moved into Qarawat Bani Hassan village, northwest of Salfit. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
At approximately 09:55, IOF moved into Kufor Qaddoum village, north 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 Jaba’ village, south of Jenin. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
At approximately 21:40, 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 23:30, IOF moved into Artah suburb, south of Tulkarm. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
Also at approximately 23:30, IOF moved into 'Azzoun village, east of Qalqilya. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested 3 Palestinian civilians, including two children:
1. Mansour Bassim Saleem, 18;
2. Ahmed Bassim Saleem, 17; and
3. 'Abdul Jaber Jamal Saleem, 17.
They also held Ismail Saleh Swaidan, 44, for a few hours.
Monday, 11 June 2012
At approximately 01:00, IOF moved into Beit Ummar town, north of Hebron. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested two Palestinian children:
1. Mohammed Jamal Abu Hashem, 16; and
2. Malek Jawad 'Awadh, 15.
IOF also fired tear gas canisters and sound bombs at a number of houses and a mosque in the town.
At approximately 02:00, IOF moved into Kufor Dan village, northwest of Jenin. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
At approximately 04:45, IOF positioned at the border between the Gaza Strip and Israel to the east of Khan Yunis opened fire at Palestinian communities and agricultural areas in al-Qarara and al-Fukhari villages. No casualties were reported.
At approximately 06:00, Israeli gunboats opened fire at 17 Palestinian fishing boats that were sailing nearly 3 nautical miles from al-Zawaida seashore in the central Gaza Strip. Palestinian fishermen were forced to sail back to the beach and no casualties were reported.
At approximately 08:30, Israeli gunboats stopped a Palestinian fishing boats opposite to Beit Lahia seashore in the northern Gaza Strip. Israeli naval troops forced Jihad and Mohammed Bashir Abu Riala, 22 and 18 respectively, who were on board the boat to take their clothes off. They then chased and fired at the two fishermen. No casualties were reported, but the two fishermen lost their fishing nets.
At approximately 15:00, IOF moved into Tulkarm. They raided an under-construction building belonging to the al-Shaf’ei family at Shwaika Street in the north of the town. They arrested the owners of the buildings, engineers and workers. Later, they released all detainees, excluding 3 brothers: 'Eid, Mazen and Hameed 'Olayan al-Shaf’ei, 32, 30 and 28 respectively. The detainees’ uncle stated to PCHR that IOF raided the building one a person who was known to be wanted by IOF entered the building, and arrested him together with the three brothers.
At approximately 21:00, Israeli gunboats stationed opposite to Beit Lahia seashore in the northern Gaza Strip opened fire at Palestinian fishing boats. Palestinian fishermen were forced to sail back to the beach and no casualties were reported.
Tuesday, 12 June 2012
At approximately 01:00, IOF moved into Bethlehem. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Mahmoud 'Abdul Rahman al-Hajj, 26, and arrested him.
At approximately 02:30, IOF moved into Til village, southwest of Nablus. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested 3 Palestinian civilians:
1. Firas Ibrahim Ramadan, 24;
2. Ibrahim Mustafa Ghannam, 24; and
3. Bashar Nayef Silwadi, 25.
At approximately 06:00, Israeli gunboats stationed opposite to Beit Lahia seashore in the northern Gaza Strip opened fire at Palestinian fishing boats. Palestinian fishermen were forced to sail back to the beach and no casualties were reported.
At approximately 08:30, IOF moved nearly 700 meters into the central Gaza Strip. They razed areas of Palestinian agricultural land. During this incursion, IOF fired a number of incendiary bombs, which burnt some wheat fields. IOF moved back to the border between the Gaza Strip and Israel at approximately 16:15 after having razed 43 dunums of agricultural land planted with olives, palms, grapes, vegetables, wheat and corns, belonging to the families of Abu Mughassib and Abu Muhareb. They had also destroyed a number irrigation networks and agricultural pools.
At approximately 08:40, IOF moved nearly 300 meters into al-Qarara village, northeast of the southern Gaza Strip of Khan Yunis. They leveled areas of Palestinian land which they had already razed.
At approximately 13:00, Israeli helicopter gunships opened fire at agricultural areas in al-Qarara and 'Abassan villages, east of Khan Yunis. No casualties were reported.
Wednesday, 13 June 2012
At approximately 02:00, IOF moved into Balata refugee camp, east of Nablus. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested 3 Palestinian civilians:
1. 'Ameed Mohammed Hashash, 18;
2. Salah Jom’a Abu Rwais, 18; and
3. Mohammed Bilal Abu Zaytoun, 20.
They also summoned Khaled Mohammed Abu 'Arab and Bahaa’ Jameel Badrasawi for interrogation.
At approximately 09:15, Israeli soldiers stationed on observation towers at the border between the Gaza Strip and Israel to the northwest of Beit Hanoun opened fire at a number of Palestinian workers who were collecting scraps of construction materials from the destroyed industrial zone, nearly 250 meters away from the border. No casualties were reported.
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, dozens of demonstrators suffered from tear gas inhalation and others sustained bruises.
Following the Friday Prayer on 08 June 2012, dozens of Palestinian civilians 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. They raised the Palestinian flag and called for ending political division. They then moved towards areas of annexation wall. They called through megaphones on Israeli settlers in "Mitityahu" settlement to leave Palestinian land. Israeli soldiers stationed in the area fired rubber-coated metal bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters at the demonstrators. As a result, a number of demonstrators suffered from tear gas inhalation.
Also following the Friday Prayer on 08 June 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 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 08 June 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. As a result, some demonstrators suffered from tear gas inhalation.
Other Peaceful Demonstrations:
At approximately 15:00 on Saturday, 09 June 2012, dozens of Palestinian civilians and Israeli and international human rights defenders gathered in the center of Nouba village, southwest of Ramallah. They organized a peaceful demonstration, which they called the march of return to the evacuated Latroun villages. Dr. Leila Ghanem, Governor of Ramallah and al-Bireh, and Dr. Wassel Abu Yousef, Member of the Executive Committee of Palestine Liberation Organization, participated in the demonstration. They moved towards the annexation wall near the village. Israeli soldiers positioned in the area immediately fired rubber-coated metal bullets, tear gas canisters and sound bombs at them. As a result, a number of demonstrators suffered from tear gas inhalation, and fire broke out in some agricultural areas near the annexation wall.
On Monday noon, 11 June 2012, dozens of Palestinian civilians, peacefully demonstrated in front of Oufar Prison, southwest of Ramallah, in solidarity with Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails, especially Mahmoud al-Sarasak, who has been on hunger strike for 90 days. They raised the Palestinian flag and portraits of Mahmoud al-Sarska, Akram al-Rakhawi and Samer al-Barq, Palestinian detainees who have been on hunger strike. They played football to express solidarity with Mahmoud al-Sarsak, who is a member of the Palestinian national football team. Israeli soldiers fired rubber-coated metal bullets, tear gas canisters and sound bombs at the demonstrators. As a result, a number of demonstrators 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 five 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 59 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
06 – 12 June 2012
Day
|
Date
|
Traveling abroad
|
Coming into Gaza
|
Returned into Gaza
|
Wednesday
|
06 June 2012
|
919
|
509
|
21
|
Thursday
|
07 June 2012
|
936
|
800
|
76
|
Friday
|
08 June 2012
|
--
|
One traveler and a corpse
|
--
|
Saturday
|
09 June 2012
|
697
|
837
|
250
|
Sunday
|
10 June 2012
|
498
|
863
|
12
|
Monday
|
11 June 2012
|
475
|
680
|
15
|
Tuesday
|
12 June 2012
|
856
|
769
|
37
|
Movement at Karm Abu Salem (Kerem Shalom) Crossing
06 – 10 June 2012
Imports:
Date
|
Imports
|
Category
|
Amount
|
Tons
|
Number
|
Liters
|
06 June 2012
|
Foodstuffs
|
778
| | |
Agricultural materials
|
1,431
| | |
Various goods
Cartons of clothes
Refrigerators
Cartons of shoes
Water tanks
Gas ovens
Fans
Cars
|
1,172
|
1,076
251
980
240
1,044
828
20
| |
Humanitarian aid
|
3,877
| | |
Cooking gas
|
226.330
| | |
07 June 2012
|
Foodstuffs
|
652
| | |
Agricultural materials
|
2,367
| | |
Various goods
Cartons of clothes
Refrigerators
Machines
Car tires
|
1,092
|
1,440
90
12
359
| |
Humanitarian aid
|
3,420
| | |
Cooking gas
|
156.800
| | |
Industrial fuel from Israel
| | |
74,599
|
Industrial fuel from Qatar
| | |
151,739
|
08 June 2012
|
Industrial fuel from Qatar
| | |
200,000
|
10 June 2012
|
Foodstuffs
|
812
| | |
Agricultural materials
|
1,996
| | |
Various goods
Cartons of clothes
Refrigerators
Water tanks
Cars
Fans
Air conditioners
Car tires
|
892
|
1,059
108
585
30
528
80
1,140
| |
Humanitarian aid
|
4,493
| | |
Cooking gas
|
133.330
| | |
Industrial fuel from Israel
| | |
216,120
|
Industrial fuel from Qatar
| | |
173,950
|
Notes:
On Wednesday, 06 June 2012, IOF allowed the entry of 112 tons of cement, 1,400 tons of construction aggregates and 110 tons of construction steel for UNRWA; and 2,100 tons of construction aggregates for the Palestinian Water Authority. They also allowed the entry of 741 tons of fodders and 507 tons of wheat.
On Thursday, 07 June 2012, IOF allowed the entry 40 tons of cement and 32 tons of construction steel for UNDP; and 3,010 tons of construction aggregates for the Palestinian Water Authority. They also allowed the entry of 936 tons of fodders and 468 tons of wheat.
On Sunday, 10 June 2012, IOF allowed the entry of 140 tons of cement and 3,220 tons of construction aggregates for UNRWA; and 700 tons of construction aggregates for the Palestinian Water Authority. They also allowed the entry of 741 tons of fodders and 351 tons of wheat.
Movement at Beit Hanoun (Erez) Crossing
06 – 12 June 2012
Date
|
06 June
|
07 June
|
08 June
|
09 June
|
10 June
|
11 June
|
12 June
|
Patients
|
25
|
34
|
2
|
Nil
|
56
|
32
|
67
|
Companions
|
24
|
37
|
1
|
Nil
|
54
|
32
|
47
|
Arabs from Israel
|
6
|
1
|
Nil
|
Nil
|
35
|
7
|
2
|
Diplomats
|
14
|
6
|
Nil
|
Nil
|
Nil
|
Nil
|
Nil
|
International Journalists
|
Nil
|
Nil
|
Nil
|
Nil
|
2
|
2
|
2
|
International Workers
|
35
|
59
|
12
|
Nil
|
25
|
15
|
27
|
Travelers abroad
|
Nil
|
Nil
|
Nil
|
Nil
|
Nil
|
Nil
|
1
|
Business People
|
82
|
67
|
28
|
Nil
|
108
|
104
|
85
|
Economic Meetings
|
Nil
|
Nil
|
Nil
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Nil
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Nil
|
Nil
|
Nil
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Security Interviews
|
1
|
Nil
|
Nil
|
Nil
|
Nil
|
1
|
3
|
VIP's
|
1
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Nil
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Nil
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Nil
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2
|
9
|
1
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Ambulances toIsrael
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1
|
2
|
1
|
1
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2
|
2
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2
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Ambulances fromIsrael
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1
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1
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Nil
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Nil
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2
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1
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Nil
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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 10:30 on Thursday, 07 June 2012, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance of Beit Liqya villahe, west of Ramallah. At approximately 13:00, IOF established a checkpoint at Beit 'Aur al-Fouqa intersection, southwest of Ramallah. At approximately 16:00, IOF established a checkpoint under Kharabtha al-Misbah Bridge, southwest of Ramallah. At approximately 18:30, IOF re-established their presence at 'Attara checkpoint, north of Ramallah. At approximately 09:00 on Friday, 08 June 2012, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance of Nabi Saleh village, northwest of Ramallah. At approximately 11:30, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance of Kharabtha Bani Hareth village, west of Ramallah. At approximately 19:00, IOF established a checkpoint at Beit 'Aur al-Fouqa intersection, southwest of Ramallah. At approximately 10:00 on Saturday, IOF established a checkpoint between Beit Liqya and Kharabtha al-Misbah villages, southwest of Ramallah. At approximately 16:00, IOF re-established their presence at 'Attara checkpoint, north of Ramallah. At approximately 09:30 on Sunday, 10 June 2012, IOF established a checkpoint under Kharabtha al-Misbah Bridge, west of Ramallah. At approximately 10:40, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance of al-Lubban al-Gharbi village, northwest of Ramallah.
Qalqilya: IOF have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. At approximately 13:30 on Thursday, 07 June 2012, IOF established a checkpoint near Jainsafout village, on Wadi Qana road between Qalqilya and Salfit. At approximately 16:55, IOF established a checkpoint between Jainsafout and Kufor Laqef villages on Qalqilya-Nablus road. On Sunday, 10 June 2012, IOF established 3 checkpoints around Qalqilya. At approximately17:00 on Monday, 11 June 2012, IOF established a checkpoint at the eastern entrance of Qalqilya. At approximately 22:15 on the same day, IOF established a checkpoint near Jainsafout village.
Jenin: IOF have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. At approximately 09:30 on Sunday, 10 June 2012, IOF established a checkpoint between Qabatya and al-Zababda villages, south of Jenin. At approximately 16:00, IOF established a checkpoint at Jaba’ intersection, southeast of Jenin. At approximately 10:00 on Monday, 11 June 2012, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance of Sanour village, southeast of Jenin.
Tulkarm: IOF have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. At approximately 08:00 on Saturday, 09 June 2012, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance of Qiffin village, north of Tulkarm. At approximately 15:30, Israeli soldiers positioned at Ennab checkpoint, east of Tulkarm, imposed additional restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. At approximately 08:00 on Sunday, 10 June 2012, IOF established a checkpoint between al-Jaroushiya and Deir al-Ghoussoun villages, north of Tulkarm.
Jericho: IOF have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. At approximately 09:40 on Thursday, 07 June 2012, IOF established a checkpoint at the southern entrance of Jericho. At approximately 11:00 on Saturday, 09 June 2012, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance of 'Ein al-Dyouk village, north of Jericho. At approximately 11:30, IOF established a checkpoint at the southern entrance of Jericho. At approximately 16:30, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance of Fassayel village, north of Jericho. At approximately 10:00 on Sunday, 10 June 2012, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance of al-Jiftlek village, north of Jericho. At approximately 21:30, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance of al-Zbaidat village, north of Jericho.
Salfit: IOF have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. At approximately 07:20 on Friday, 08 June 2012, IOF established a checkpoint between al-Zawia and Rafat villages, west of Salfit.
4. Efforts to Create a Jewish Demographic Majority in East Jerusalem
Israeli occupation authorities have continued efforts aimed at creating a Jewish demographic majority in East Jerusalem.
On Thursday, 07 June 2012, the Israeli municipality of Jerusalem approved a plan to build 2,500 housing units in "Gilo" settlement on Abu Ghumain Mount. The "Walla" website in Hebrew reported that the engineer of the municipality approved the plan which was referred to the district committee for construction and organization for final approval. A Jewish businessman presented the plan to the municipality to approve the construction, and the municipality approved it. A spokesman of the municipality confirmed the municipality’s approval of the plan, and stressed that the municipality would continue to build housing units throughout Jerusalem.
On Thursday evening, 07 June 2012, IOF, accompanied by bulldozers, stormed the community of Arab al-Jahalin near 'Anata village, east of occupied Jerusalem, and closed the area. They tore down 5 tents and 5 sheds belonging to 5 families. IOF claimed that military exercises would be conducted in the area. According to eyewitnesses, the bulldozers tore down the tents and the sheds without prior warning.
At approximately 07:30 on Tuesday, 12 June 2012, IOF, accompanied by bulldozers, moved into al-Sal’a area in Jbal al-Mukabber neighborhood in occupied East Jerusalem. They demolished a number of sheds that are used as barnyards, established on a 700-square-meter area of land, belonging to 'Aziz Jameel Ja’abis. According to Ja’abis, IOF forced him to take his sheep out, destroyed 20 tons of barleys, imposed on him a demolition fee of 50,000 ILS and obligated him to remove the debris.
5. 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 07:00 on Thursday, 07 June 2012, IOF moved into agricultural plains located near Beit Qad village, east of Jenin. They closed 6 wells after destroying their electricity cables, water pipelines and motors. These wells belong to 'Essam 'Ezzat Yassin, Mahmoud Shareef Yassin, 'Ali Mohammed al-Qadi, Mahmoud al-Hasnawi and 'Abdul Mon’em Ahmed Daraghma. According to Darghma, the reparation of each well costs at least 20,000 ILS.
At approximately 10:0 also on Thursday, 07 June 2012, IOF moved into Far’oun village, south of Tulkarm. They handed notices to Bassam and Hussam Hassan Suleiman ordering demolition of their 75-square-meter, two-storey house, which is located nearly 75 meters away from the annexation wall. According to the two brothers, they had received several similar notices since 1999, and the case is being considered by Israeli courts.
On Thursday morning, 07 June 2012, a number of Israeli settlers from "Eliazer" settlement, south of Bethlehem, stole iron bars and barbwire surrounding fields belonging to a number of Palestinian farmers from the Salah family in al-Khader village. The farmers stated that they found leaflets on their lands, which indicate that this attack was launched by an Israeli organization known as "Green Helmets."
On Friday morning, 08 June 2012, IOF stormed Khirbat al-Mafqara area to the east of Yatta village, south of Hebron. They surrounded a site of the construction of a mosque and forced the workers to stop building the mosque.
On Sunday morning, 11 June 2012, Israeli settlers from "Ma’oun" settlement, south of Hebron, uprooted 30 olive trees belonging to Fadel and Jebrik Reb’ei in al-Tawani village, south of Hebron.
On Monday noon, 11 June 2012, a number of Israeli settlers from "Karmi Tsur" settlement, which stands on the lands of Beit Ummar town, north of Hebron, attacked a Palestinian farmer, Hamdi Abu Maria, when he was working on his land. According to Yousef Abu Maria, the spokesman of the Public Committee against the Wall and Settlements in Beit Ummar town, Israeli settlers threw stones at the farmer and prevented him from working on his land. When a number of Palestinian civilians and international human rights defenders intervened to protect the farmer, IOF intervened and violently beat Mousa 'Abdul Hamid Abu Maria, 35, a member of the Public Committee, and arrested him. He was injured in the head as an Israeli soldier hit him using the gun butt. IOF fired tear gas canisters and sound bombs at Palestinian civilians and international human rights defenders and ordered them to leave the area.
On Tuesday, 12 June 2012, IOF moved into Sousia village, south of Hebon. They handed notices to a number of Palestinian civilians ordering demolition of 52 houses and civilian facilities, including a clinic and a kindergarten. The Israeli Haaretz daily reported that IOF would demolish the houses and civilian facilities within 3 days and that Rabbis for Human Rights would file a petition against these demolition order, which were issued following a decision by the Israeli Supreme Court issued in response to a petition filed by an Israeli settlement organization to accelerate the demolition of these houses and civilian facilities.
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Recommendations to the International Community
1- PCHR calls upon the High Contracting Parties to the Fourth Geneva Convention to fulfill their legal and moral obligations under Article 1 of the Convention to ensure Israel's respect for the Convention in the Occupied Palestinian Territory. PCHR believes that the conspiracy of silence practiced by the international community has encouraged Israel to act as if it is above the law and encourages Israel continue to violate international human rights and humanitarian law.
2- PCHR calls upon the High Contracting Parties to the Fourth Geneva Convention to convene a conference to take effective steps to ensure Israel's respect of the Convention in the OPT and to provide immediate protection for Palestinian civilians.
3- PCHR calls upon the High Contracting Parties to the Fourth Geneva Convention to comply with their legal obligations detailed in Article 146 of the Convention to search for and prosecute those responsible for grave breaches, namely war crimes.
4- PCHR calls for the immediate implementation of the Advisory Opinion issued by the International Court of Justice, which considers the construction of the Annexation Wall inside the West Bankillegal.
5- PCHR recommends that international civil society organizations, including human rights organizations, bar associations and NGOs, participate in the process of exposing those accused of grave breaches of international law and urge their governments to bring the perpetrators to justice.
6- PCHR calls upon the European Union to activate Article 2 of the Euro-Israel Association Agreement, which provides that Israel must respect human rights as a precondition for economic cooperation between the EU states and Israel. PCHR further calls upon the EU states to prohibit import of goods produced in illegal Israeli settlements in the OPT.
7- PCHR calls on the international community to recognize the Gaza disengagement plan, which was implemented in September 2005, for what it is - not an end to occupation but a compounding of the occupation and the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip.
8- In recognition of ICRC as the guardian of the Fourth Geneva Convention, PCHR calls upon the ICRC to increase its staff and activities in the OPT, including the facilitation of family visitations to Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails.
9- PCHR appreciates the efforts of international civil society, including human rights organizations, bar associations, unions and NGOs, and urges them to continue their role in pressuring their governments to secure Israel's respect for human rights in the OPT and to demand Israel end its attacks on Palestinian civilians.
10- PCHR calls upon the international community to pressure Israel to lift the severe restrictions imposed by the Israeli government and its occupation forces on access for international organizations to the OPT.
11- PCHR reiterates that any political settlement not based on international human rights law and humanitarian law cannot lead to a peaceful and just solution of the Palestinian question. Rather, such an arrangement can only lead to further suffering and instability in the region. Any peace process or agreement must be based on respect for international law, including international human rights and humanitarian law.
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