Weekly Report On Israeli Human Rights Violations in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (27 Sep.- 03 Oct. 2012)
The Palestinian Centre for Human Rights (PCHR)
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Israeli bulldozers work in "Efrat" settlement near Bethlehem in the context of activities of settlement expansion
October 6, 2012
Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) Continue Systematic Attacks against Palestinian Civilians and Property in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (oPt)
A Palestinian fisherman was killed, and his brother was wounded, while they were fishing in the northern Gaza Strip.
IOF used force to disperse peaceful protest organized by Palestinian civilians in the West Bank.
Dozens of protesters sustained bruising and suffered from tear gas inhalation.
IOF conducted 42 incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank.
A Palestinian civilian was wounded in Beit Ummar village, north of Hebron.
IOF arrested 14 Palestinians, 3 of them children, in the West Bank.
Jewelry was stolen from a house in Qaryout village, east of Nablus.
IOF occupied a house and turned it into a military observation point in Hebron.
Israel has continued to impose a total closure on the oPt and has isolated the Gaza Strip from the outside world.
IOF established dozens of checkpoints in the West Bank.
IOF arrested at least 4 Palestinian civilians, including 3 children, at military checkpoints in the West Bank.
IOF arrested 3 Palestinian children from the Gaza Strip who attempted to enter Israel.
IOF have continued settlement activities in the West Bank, and Israeli settlers have continued to attack Palestinian civilians and property.
IOF confiscated 75 dunums of land in Wadi Fouqin, west of Bethlehem, and Israeli settlers pumped wastewater onto the land.
IOF began to establish a settlement outpost in an area south of Bethlehem.
60 olive trees were damaged and cut down, and their crops damaged, in Burin, south of Nablus.
Summary
Israeli violations of international law and international humanitarian law in the oPt continued during the reporting period (27 September – 03 October 2012):
Shooting:
In the Gaza Strip, on 28 September 2012, Israeli forces shot and killed a Palestinian fisherman and wounded his brother, while they and a group of other fishermen were located a few meters from the shore in the northern Gaza Strip, pulling out their fishing nets. According to investigations conducted by the Palestinian Center for Human Rights (PCHR), at approximately 09:30 on Friday, 28 September 2012, an Israeli infantry unit crossed the northwestern border between the Gaza Strip and Israel, and moved nearly 20 meters into Palestinian territory, along the beach area of the northwestern town of Beit Lahia. Israeli soldiers took position behind a hill at the beach, facing onto a number of Palestinian fishermen who were fishing a few meters offshore. Israeli soldiers fired at the fishermen. The majority of the fishermen were able to flee. However, two fishermen, who were located nearly 15 meters away from the border between the Gaza Strip and Israel, were unable to escape. According to fishermen present in the area, Israeli soldiers fired directly at the two fishermen, wounding them. One of the fishermen died of his wounds later on the same day.
On 02 October 2012, IOF positioned inside the watchtowers along the border fence in the northwest of Erez, northwest of Beit Hanoun in the northern Gaza Strip. The soldiers opened fire on a number of workers, who were collecting the rubble of destroyed houses in the area. Following the outbreak of gunfire, the workers fled the area in fear of their lives.
In the West Bank, on 03 October 2012, IOF moved into Beit Ummar village, north of Hebron. A number of boys in the village threw stones at the Israeli soldiers. IOF responded by firing sound bombs and rubber-coated bullets at them. As a result, a Palestinian boy was wounded by a bullet to the foot.
IOF continued the use of excessive force against peaceful demonstrations organized by Palestinian civilians and Israeli and international human right defenders against the construction of the annexation wall and settlement activities in the West Bank. As a result, dozens of protestors sustained bruises and suffered from tear gas inhalation.
Incursions:
During the reporting period, IOF conducted at least 42 military incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank. During these incursions, IOF arrested at least 14 Palestinians, including 3 children.
On 27 September 2012, IOF moved into al-Tabaqa village in the south of Dora, southwest of Hebron. They arbitrarily fired tear gas canisters at the houses of civilians. A gas canister fell into the house of Mahmoud Abu Ras, 52. IOF also harshly beat Khaled Mahmoud Amr, 39, and Amin Isa Abu Atwan, 31. Abu Atwan was wounded in his foot and was transported to Hebron Governmental Hospital to receive the necessary medical treatment.
On 01 October 2012, IOF moved into 'Azzoun village, east of Qalqilya. They raided and searched some houses, including a house belonging to Mohammed Abbas Badwan, whose son, Hassan, was arrested.
On 02 October 2012, IOF moved into al-Baq'a area, adjacent to bypass road 60, east of Hebron. They raided the 3-storey house belonging to Salem al-Salayma, 50, and resided in by 17 persons. They detained all of the family members on the first floor of the building and did not allow them to move. The Israeli soldiers deployed inside the house and on the roof of the building, and turned it into a military observation point.
On 03 October 2012, IOF raided a number of houses in Qaryout village, southeast of Nablus. They photographed the residents and wrote down their names, telephone numbers and mobile numbers, in addition to photographing the houses themselves. After the soldiers withdrew from a house belonging to Abdul Ra'ouf Ali Zaghloul, Zaghloul's wife noticed that jewelry worth an estimated 7,000 Jordanian Dinars (JD) was missing from a small purse in a closet in her bedroom.
In the Gaza Strip, on 28 September 2012, IOF positioned at the border fence between Gaza and Israel, north of Beit Lahia, and arrested 3 Palestinian children who had attempted to cross the border in order to look for employment in Israel. Maher Abu al-Ouf, Director of the Palestinian Liaison Office "44", southwest of Beit Hanoun (Erez) crossing, said the Israeli side had informed him that IOF had arrested 3 Palestinians at the border fence.
Restrictions on Movement:
Israel continued to impose a tightened closure of the oPt, imposing severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including occupied East Jerusalem.
The illegal 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. Recently-declared measures to ease the closure are vague, purely cosmetic and fail to deal with the root causes of the crisis; the root causes 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, as long as the closure is allowed to continue, they will remain economically dependent, 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
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 27 September 2012, settlers from "Bitar 'Elite" settlement, established on the lands of the villages of Fokein Valley, Hossan and Nahalin, west of Bethlehem, dumped huge amounts of sewage water onto agriculture lands near Fokein Valley village. According to Ahmad Sokkar, head of the Fokein Valley village council, the sewage water submerged the 50-dunum agricultural lands of Madiq Gate, south of the village.
On the same day, a group of nearly 20 settlers from "Brakha" settlement, established northeast of Bourin village, south of Nablus, damaged and cut down more than 60 olive trees, using sharp objects, sticks and stones. The attacked land is the property of Ahmed Abdul-Fatah Falah, and it is located in Bab Al-Thania area, nearly 1,500m from the settlement.
On 30 September 2012, settlers began setting up caravans in the territory of Al-Khader town, southwest of Bethlehem. According to Ahmed Salah, coordinator of the Popular Movement against Settlement Activity and the Wall, a group of settlers from "Daniel" settlement, established on the lands of Al-Khader town, led by a settler called Hanania, began erecting caravans in Thaher Ain Qesis area, which belongs to Khader Ali Eissa Abu-Ghalion.
On 03 October 2012, IOF confiscated another 4 tracts of farmland near the entrance of Fokein Valley village, west of Bethlehem. According to Ahmed Sukkar, head of the Fokein Valley village council, 4 citizens of Al-Manasra family received an order by the IOF Chief Commander in the West Bank, stating that 75 dunums of their farmland would be confiscated. These lands are located in the northeast part of the village. By confiscating these lands, IOF will isolate the village from its surroundings in the oPt. Mr. Sukkar also mentioned that IOF will place a gate on the entrance of the village; as a result, the ability to enter and leave the village will be under IOF control, which will increase the suffering of the villagers.
On 03 October 2012, IOF took photographs of all Palestinian houses in the Um Rokba area, south of Al-Khader town, south of Bethlehem. According to Ahmed Salah, coordinator of the Popular Movement against Settlement Activity and the Wall, a unit of about 10 military vehicles accompanied by an officer and staff from the Israeli Civil Administration, stormed the Um Rokba area and photographed all the houses in the area. The area is located near the settlement outpost established on the land of Um Al-Mohammadin, where new settlement units are being built. Mr. Salah also reported that the majority of houses in the Um Rokba area are under threat of demolition and removal, according to notices submitted to them by the Israeli Civil Administration.
Israeli Violations Documented during the Reporting Period (27 September – 03 October 2012)
1. Incursions into Palestinian Areas and Attacks on Palestinian Civilians and Property in the West Bank and the
Thursday, 27 September 2012
At approximately 01:30, IOF moved into Balata refugee camp and al-Quds Street adjacent to the refugee camp, east of Nablus. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested Abdullah Omar Abdullah Salama, 16, a student in the 10th grade. IOF withdrew at 05:00 and transported Salama to a detention center in Hawwara, southeast of Nablus.
At approximately 02:00, IOF moved into al-al-Dyouk village, northwest of Jericho. They patrolled the streets for some time and later withdrew. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
At approximately 05:00, IOF moved into Beit Luqia, southwest of Ramallah. They patrolled the streets for some time and later withdrew. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
Also at approximately 08:30, IOF moved into Jeftlik village, north of Jericho. They patrolled the streets for some time and later withdrew. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
At approximately 09:00, IOF moved into al-Oja village, north of Jericho. They They patrolled the streets for some time and later withdrew. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
At approximately 09:55, IOF moved into Qalqilya. They raided and searched the house belonging to the family of Mohammed Mazen Yassin, 24, and submitted a notice ordering him to refer to the Israeli Intelligence Service. At approximately 12:40, IOF withdrew and no arrests were reported.
At approximately 10:00, IOF moved into Deir Qeddis 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 Beit Qad village, east of Jenin. They patrolled the streets and stopped a number of passers-by. IOF questioned them on the spot regarding the political situation in the West Bank. They later withdrew. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
At approximately 11:30, IOF moved into Beit 'Our, southwest of Ramallah. They patrolled the streets for some time and later withdrew. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
At approximately 16:30, IOF moved into Jayous village, northeast of Qalqilya. They patrolled the streets for some time and later withdrew. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
At approximately 18:00, IOF moved into Deir al-Sudan village, north of Ramallah. They patrolled the streets for some time and later withdrew. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
At approximately 21:00, IOF moved into Turmos'iya village, north of Ramallah. They They patrolled the streets for some time and later withdrew. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
At approximately 22:00, IOF moved into al-Tabaqa village, south of Dora town in the southwest of Hebron. They patrolled the streets and stationed themselves at the main entrance to the village. A number of boys threw stones at the Israeli military vehicles and the Israeli soldiers responded by firing tear gas canisters. At approximately 23:00, IOF raided some houses and beat a number of Palestinian civilians: Khaled Mahmoud Amr, 39, and Amin Isa Abu 'Atwan, 31. The latter was wounded in his foot and transported by ambulance to Hebron Governmental Hospital to receive the necessary medical treatment. Before they withdrew, IOF arrested Sameh Salem Abu 'Atwan, 21, and Mohammed Abdullah Nassar, 20, and transported them to an unknown destination.
PCHR's fieldworker received testimony that IOF began firing tear gas canisters at Palestinian houses. As a result, a tear gas canister fell inside the house of Mahmoud Mohammed Abu Ras, 52. It is noted that the Palestinians who were attacked were far from the site of the incident.
At approximately 23:00, IOF moved into Kufor 'Ein village, northwest of Ramallah. They They patrolled the streets for some time and later withdrew. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
Friday, 28 September 2012
At approximately 01:30, IOF moved into Qfin village, north of Tulkarm. They patrolled the streets and fired sound bombs. They withdrew in the early morning. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
At approximately 03:00, IOF moved into Noba village, west of Hebron. They They patrolled the streets for some time and later withdrew. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
At approximately 05:00, IOF moved into Berham village, northwest of Ramallah. They patrolled the streets for some time and later withdrew. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
Also on Friday, 28 September 2012, Israeli forces shot and killed a Palestinian fisherman and wounded his brother, while they and a group of other fishermen were located a few meters from the shore in the northern Gaza Strip, pulling out their fishing nets.
According to investigations conducted by PCHR, at approximately 09:30 on Friday, 28 September 2012, an Israeli infantry unit crossed the northwestern border between the Gaza Strip and Israel, and moved nearly 20 meters into Palestinian territory, along the beach area of the northwestern town of Beit Lahia. Israeli soldiers took position behind a hill at the beach, facing onto a number of Palestinian fishermen who were fishing a few meters offshore. Israeli soldiers fired at the fishermen. The majority of the fishermen were able to flee. However, two fishermen, who were located nearly 15 meters away from the border between the Gaza Strip and Israel, were unable to escape.
According to fishermen present in the area, Israeli soldiers fired directly at the two fishermen, wounding them. The two fishermen were identified as Fahmi Saleh Fahmi Abu Riash (22), who was wounded in the lower abdomen and thigh, and his brother Yousef (19), who was wounded by bullet shrapnel to the left hand. Nearby fishermen were later able to evacuate the two wounded men and carry them to a Palestinian Civil Defense ambulance, which was waiting nearly 350 meters away from the location of the incident. The ambulance transported the two wounded fishermen to Kamal Edwan Hospital in Beit Lahia.
According to the forensic report issued by Kamal Edwan Hospital, the two wounded fishermen were brought to the hospital at 10:55. Fahmi Abu Riash had been wounded by a bullet to the left thigh and another bullet to the left buttock that settled in the pelvis, causing an acute hemorrhage in the lower part of the abdomen. His brother, Yousef, was wounded by bullet shrapnel to the left hand. He received treatment and was released from the hospital in the afternoon. At approximately 15:30 on the same day, Fahmi Abu Riash was taken to the operation room, where he underwent a two-hour surgery. He was then taken to the intensive care unit, where he was pronounced dead at approximately 22:30.
In his testimony to PCHR, Yousef Mohammed Zayed (19), a fisherman from Beit Lahia, stated to PCHR:
"At approximately 05:00 on Friday, 28 September 2012, my brother Haitham, my cousins, Fahmi and Yousef Ahmed Saleh Abu Riash, and I went fishing opposite to Beit Lahia beach in the northern Gaza Strip. We started fishing nearly 70 meters away from the border between the Gaza Strip and Israel. When the sun rose, we got as close as 15 meters to the border because fish was extensively available in the area. At approximately 09:30, I heard intensive shooting in the area. I looked back and saw about 9 Israeli soldiers atop a hill that is nearly 20 meters to the east of the beach. Immediately, Haitham, my cousin Ahmed, and I ran away and took shelter behind a hill, while Fahmi and Yousef remained stuck only 5 meters from the beach. Israeli soldiers shouted at them, and I saw my cousin Fahmi attempting to escape, but an Israeli soldier fired at him. He was wounded by a bullet to the left thigh. His brother Yousef attempted to offer him help, but he was also wounded by bullet shrapnel to the left hand. I saw Fahmi trying to stand up and escape, but an Israeli soldier fired at him again. Soon, some fishermen headed towards the two wounded fishermen and carried them to an ambulance of the Civil Defense, which transported them to Kamal Edwan Hospital. At approximately 22:30, Fahmi Saleh Abu Riash was pronounced dead."
It should be noted that Israel’s forces have imposed restrictions on fishermen at sea. In 2009, they reduced the area allowed for fishing in Gaza waters from the 20 nautical miles provided for in the Oslo Accords to 3 nautical miles. Israel’s forces also prevent Palestinian fishermen from fishing within 1 nautical mile of the border between Israel and the Gaza Strip, although this area is under the jurisdiction of the Palestinian Authority.
At approximately 16:00, IOF positioned at the border fence, north of the "Elli Sinai" former settlement, north of Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip. They arrested 3 Palestinian children: Sakher Zaher Eid Abu Shabab, 17, Akram Mohammed Eid Abu Qayda, 13, and Yasser Ahmed Suleiman Abu Jarad, 16, from Ezbet Beit Hanoun, in the northern Gaza Strip. IOF arrested them after they passed though the border fence in order to look for employment in Israel. Maher Abu al-Ouf, Director of the Palestinian Liaison Office "44" in the southwest of Beit Hanoun (Erez) crossing, said the Israeli side had informed him that IOF had arrested 3 Palestinians at the border fence.
Saturday, 29 September 2012
At approximately 01:00, IOF moved into Deir Nezam, northwest of Ramallah. They patrolled the streets from some time and later withdrew. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
At approximately 02:00, IOF moved into Zita village, north of Tulkarm. They patrolled the streets from some time and later withdrew. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
At approximately 03:25, IOF moved into 'Azzoun village, east of Qalqilya. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested Ahmed Walid Isma'il Redwan, 22, Mo'tasem Mohammed Mosa Redwan, 23, and Abdul Latif Sayel Isaac Sweidan, 20. IOF withdrew and transported the three arrested Palestinians to an unknown destination.
Also at approximately 10:00, IOF moved into Hebla village, south of Qalqilya. They patrolled the streets from some time and later withdrew. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
At approximately 11:30, IOF moved into eastern Baqa, north of Tulkarm. They patrolled the streets from some time and later withdrew. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
At approximately 17:30, IOF moved into al-Mazra'a village, northwest of Ramallah. They patrolled the streets from some time and later withdrew. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
Also at approximately 17:30, IOF moved into al-Jeftlik village, north of Jericho. They patrolled the streets from some time and later withdrew. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
At approximately 22:15, IOF moved into al-Mtelah village, southeast of Jenin. They patrolled the streets from some time and later withdrew. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
Sunday, 30 September 2012
At approximately 10:00, IOF moved into Burqa village, east of Ramallah. They patrolled the streets from some time and later withdrew. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
At approximately 11:30, IOF moved into Beit Sira, southwest of Ramallah. They patrolled the streets from some time and later withdrew. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
Monday, 01 October 2012
At approximately 02:00, IOF moved into 'Azzoun village, east of Qalqilya. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested Hassan Mohammed Abbas Badwan, 24, Mohammed Rafi' Qatesh, 23, and Anas Mostafa Oda, 23. IOF withdrew and transported them to an unknown destination.
In his testimony to PCHR fieldworker, Mohammed Abbas Badwan, father of Hassan Badwan, said:
"At approximately 02:00 on Monday, 01 October 2012, IOF raided our house and obliged us to go out. They then handcuffed and blindfolded my 3 sons. The Israeli soldiers were inside the house; as a result, we could not know what they were doing there. Half an hour later, the Israeli officer ordered us to get inside and detained us on a balcony. He closed the door and kept the handcuffs and blindfolds on my sons. An hour and a half later, an Israeli soldier came and released my sons, but kept all of us on the balcony. IOF withdrew after they arrested my son Hassan, 24. Everything at home was upside down and was damaged; they even put sticks in our three big oil tanks. We do not know if they are usable. In addition, they polluted a well used for the irrigation and damaged parts of the ceramic tiles in the kitchen. All the closets were tampered with, and my son could not find clean clothes the following morning to wear to work. Here we are trying to fix the damage as much as we can."
At approximately 07:45, IOF moved into al-Jdeidah, south of Jenin. They patrolled the streets from some time and later withdrew. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
At approximately 08:00, IOF moved into Maythaloun village, south of Jenin. They patrolled the streets from some time and later withdrew. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
At approximately 09:00, an Israeli infantry unit raided a number of houses in the Old City in the center of Hebron. They patrolled in the Bani Dar neighborhood, al-'Eqab neighborhood, al-Laban market and al-Iskafiya market. Palestinians in the area, including children, were terrorized in their homes. Last week, the Old City witnessed intensive activity by IOF to secure the area where Israeli settlers commemorate their Succoth feast.
At approximately 18:00, IOF moved into 'Arana village, north of Jenin. They patrolled the streets from some time and later withdrew. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
At approximately 21:25, IOF moved into Jayyous village, northeast of Qalqilya. They patrolled the streets from some time and later withdrew. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
At approximately 21:50, IOF moved into 'Azzoun village, east of Qalqilya. They patrolled the streets from some time and later withdrew. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
Tuesday, 02 October 2012
At approximately 11:00, IOF moved into the al-Baq'a area, adjacent to bypass road 60, east of Hebron. They raided the 3-storey house belonging to the family of Salem al-Salayma, 50, where 17 persons live. IOF locked the family in the first storey, preventing them from moving, spread throughout the corridors of the house and on the roof, and turned the house into a military observation point. An eyewitness reported that more than 15 soldiers were stationed on the roof of the house, and that they set up tents on it, erected radios on the corner of the building, and raised Israeli flags on top of the house. It should be noted that IOF previously occupied the same house 4 years ago and stayed for several days under the pretext of security reasons. The vicinity of Hebron witnesses an regular presence of IOF on the bypass line, aiming to secure the roads for settlers coming to Hebron to perform their religious rites on the Jewish Holiday of "Forgiveness".
At approximately 10:50, IOF positioned inside watchtowers located along the border, northwest of "Erez", northwest of Beit Hanoun in the northern Gaza Strip, opened fire on a number of workers, who were collecting the rubble of destroyed buildings in the area, forcing them to flee the area in fear of their lives. IOF continued to fire on the workers, who were 150 meters away from the border, for about five minutes. No injuries were reported.
Wednesday, 03 October 2012
At approximately 01:00, IOF moved into Qaryout village, southeast of Nablus. They patrolled the streets and raided a number of houses. They photographed the residents, as well as their houses, and wrote their names down on special forms, together with their telephone and mobile numbers. At approximately 03:00, IOF withdrew from the house of Abed El Ra’ouf Ali Zaghloul, which is located on the second storey of the 3-storey family building, in the western part of the village. Following the IOF’s departure, Abed El Raa’ouf’s wife, Hiba Nizar Mohammed Zaghloul, 29, noticed that jewelry to the value of 7,000 JD was missing from the small bag in her closet in the bedroom. In the early morning, she reported the theft to the Palestinian Military Liaison and the office of the International Committee of the Red Cross.
Hiba Nizar Mohammed Zaghloul , 29, reported, to PCHR’s fieldworker, that:
"At approximately 02:00 on Wednesday, 03 October 2012, while I was sleeping deeply with my five kids, who are aged between 4 months and 11 years, in the second storey of our 3-storey house, located in the western neighborhood of our villag "Qaryout", and at the above mentioned hour, I was surprised by a knock on my house door. I said "Who is it?" As soon as I put on my clothes, I was surprised to find three soldiers inside the house. I do not know where they came from, but they were able to open my house door easily. When the soldiers saw me, one of them asked me in broken Arabic about my husband. I told him that he works in Israel, and then he asked who is in the house. When my children were woken up by the soldiers’ voices, they were terrified. In that instant, around 14 soldiers started arriving to the house and searched the house while that soldier was still questioning about the house residents and taking notes. The soldier kept me with my children in the children’s bedroom, and the others continued searching the house. At approximately 03:00, they withdrew from the house. I remembered the jewelry and directly ran to my room and searched for it in the closet but I could not find it though I searched for it more than one time but in vain. In the morning, I went to file a complaint in the Palestinian Military Liaison in Nablus and the office of the Red Cross Committee, in an attempt to regain my 7,000 JD of jewelry, which consists of ounces and pounds of rings, earrings and bracelets that I used to put in a small bag in my closet in my bedroom."
At the same time, IOF moved into Beit Amer village, north of Hebron and patrolled in the streets. Some of them raided and searched the house of Ahmed Abu Hashem, 45, and damaged its contents. Before their withdrawal, they arrested his child, Hamza, 14. IOF also raided the house of Ibrahim Sabri, 44, and arrested his son, Sabri, 17. Following this, IOF raided the house of Jamil Masharqa, 50, and handed him a notice ordering his son, Khaldon, 21, to meet the Israel Security Agency (Shin Bet) in 'Atsyon settlement, south of Bethlehem. Mohammed Awad said to PCHR’s fieldworker that IOF harshly beat Ahmed Abu Hashem when he tried to prevent them from entering his house to arrest his son. 'Awad clarified that IOF provocatively spread out in large numbers in the vicinity of the civilian house, prompting a number of boys to gather and throw stones at the Israeli soldiers. The soldiers fired tear gas, stun grenades, and metal bullets coated with a thin rubber layer in response against them. Youssef Abu Hashem, 20, was wounded by a rubber-coated metal bullet in the foot.
IOF also moved into al-Tabaqa village, south of Hebron. They patrolled the streets and positioned themselves in the vicinity of Jabal al-'Abed area, west of the village. At approximately 03:30, the Israeli vehicles withdrew. No arrests were reported.
At approximately 02:00, IOF moved into Beit 'Awwa village, west of Dora, southwest Hebron. They patrolled the streets and raided and searched a number of houses. They arrested Mo'az Jihad al-Sweiti, 21, Mohammed Fayez Mallouh, 18 and Yusri Yasser Motawi', 23, and transported them to an unknown destination.
Also at approximately 02:00, IOF moved into Sekka village, southwest of Hebron. They patrolled the streets for some time and later withdrew. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
At approximately 08:30, more than 30 Israeli soldiers raided the Ibrhimi School near the Ibrhimi mosque in the Old City of Hebron, under the pretext that Palestinians had been throwing stones from the school at Israeli soldiers and settlers. The school teachers did not allow the soldiers to enter school and closed the gates. It should be noted that the vicinity of the school witnesses the intensive presence of Israeli soldiers, who guard the settlers while they perform their rituals during Jewish holidays.
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, an Israeli human rights defender and a Palestinian child were wounded, and dozens of demonstrators suffered from tear gas inhalation.
Following the Friday Prayer on 28 September 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 at the ongoing construction of the annexation wall. The demonstrators gathered in the streets of the village, with the participation of the Palestinian Counsel in Serbia, Talal Al-Zaq, and a Serbian media delegation, chanting slogans calling for national unity which stressed the need to adhere to the national principles and the right of return, to resist the occupation and to call for the release of all Palestinian prisoners. The protesters raised Palestinian flags and headed towards the Wall. They called through megaphones for 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 and the wounded were treated in the field.
Also following the Friday Prayer on 28 September 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 at the ongoing construction of the annexation wall and continuing 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, some demonstrators suffered from tear gas inhalation, others sustained bruises and the wounded were treated in the field.
Same time that Friday, dozens of Palestinian civilians, Israeli and international human rights defenders gathered in Martyrs Square in Nabi Saleh village, northwest of Ramallah, to begin their weekly peaceful protest against the ongoing construction of the annexation wall and continuing 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, and others sustained bruises. They were treated in the field.
Also at 13:30 that Friday afternoon, Palestinian civilians and international human rights defenders organized a peaceful demonstration in the center of al-Ma’sara village, south of Bethlehem, in protest at the ongoing construction of the annexation wall. They moved towards the entrance of the village. Immediately, IOF fired rubber-coated metal bullets, tear gas canisters and sound bombs at them. Dozens of demonstrators suffered from tear gas inhalation.
At approximately 10:00 Saturday morning, 29 September 2012, dozens of Palestinian civilians, international and Israeli human rights defenders and villagers whose lands are threatened by confiscation (Al-Hamra, Al-Twani and Tuba) gathered northeast of Yatta, south of Hebron, to begin their weekly peaceful protest against the IOF's policy of confiscating the villagers’ lands in order to expand its the settlements on the territory of these villages. As a result, dozens of demonstrators suffered from tear gas inhalation. According to Rateb Jabour, a member of the Popular Committee Against Settlement Activity and the Wall in Yatta, a large number of settlers coming from "Haffa Ma'aon" settlement started throwing rocks and bottles at the protesters; as a result, Fadel Jibril Bura'I, 46, and Mowahed Ali Al-Shawahein, 19, were injured. The IOF did not intervene to stop the settler violence.
At approximately 11:00 on the same day, dozens of Palestinian civilians, international and Israeli human rights defenders, gathered in the Center of Bait Amer village, north of Hebron, for the weekly peaceful demonstration organized against the settlement expansion policy and land confiscation. The demonstrators headed towards Thaher Jalis area near "Kermi Tsour" settlement north of the village. Upon nearing the settlement, IOF immediately fired tear gas canisters and sound bombs at them. Dozens of demonstrators suffered from tear gas inhalation.
3. Continued Closure of the oPt
Israel has continued to impose a tightened closure of the oPt, imposing severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including occupied East Jerusalem.
IOF have tightened the closure of the Gaza Strip and practically made Karm Abu Salem crossing the sole commercial crossing of the Gaza Strip, although it is not suitable 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 terrible situation that has seriously affected the Gaza Strip. Following this closure, all 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 to close al-Mentar crossing was the culmination of a series of decisions resulting in the complete closure of the 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 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
The cooking gas crisis, which erupted last November, has continued to affect the Gaza Strip. This crisis was created on 04 January 2010, when Israeli occupation authorities totally closed Nahal Oz crossing, which used to be dedicated to the delivery of fuel and cooking gas supplies to Gaza. They shifted fuel and cooking gas supplies to the Karm Abu Salem crossing, which is not equipped to receive Gaza's fuel needs. 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 humanitarian aid provided by UNRWA and other relief agencies, the number of families who are living below the poverty line has continued to increase, 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 export of products from Gaza, especially industrial products, undermining any real chance of reopening economic establishments. The situation has been aggravated since Karm Abu Salem crossing was designated as Gaza’s sole commercial crossing; the repeated closure of this crossing negatively affects the quantity of Gaza products which were allowed to be exported during last April.
For approximately six 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 imposed additional access restrictions on traders, international diplomats, journalists and humanitarian workers seeking to enter the Gaza Strip.
Movement at Border Crossings during the Reporting Period:
Movement at Rafah International Crossing Point
26 September – 02 October 2012
Movement at Karm Abu
26 September – 02 October 2012
Imports:
Exports:
On Thursday, 27 September 2012, IOF allowed the export of 57 tons of house furniture and 10 truckloads of plastic cans.
On Monday, 02 October 2012, IOF allowed the export of 6 truckloads of empty plastic cans.
Imports:
On Thursday, 27 September 2012, IOF allowed the entry of 220 tons of cement, 41 tons of construction steel, 3,290 tons of construction aggregate for UNRWA, 1,610 tons of construction aggregate for USAID, 1,400 tons of construction aggregate for Water Authority, 858 tons of fodders and 273 tons of wheat.
On Monday, 02 October 2012, IOF allowed the entry of 240 tons of cement, 54 tons of construction steel, 3,500 tons of construction aggregate for UNRWA, 1,400 tons of construction aggregate for USAID, 819 tons of fodders and 273 tons of wheat.
IOF closed the crossing on 25, 26, 30 September and 02 October 2012, because of Jewish holidays.
Movement at Beit Hanoun (Erez) Crossing
26 September – 02 October 2012
IOF closed the crossing completely on Wednesday, 26 September 2012, under the pretext of marking the Yom Kippur Jewish feast, and allowed only humanitarian cases to pass via the crossing from 07:30-13:00 on Sunday, 30 September 2012, under the pretext of marking the first Sukkot feast. In addition, on Monday, 01 October 2012, IOF closed the crossing completely for the same reason, and only allowed patients with very serious illnesses to pass via the crossing.
The West Bank
· It is approximated that there are hundreds of permanent roadblocks, and manned and unmanned checkpoints across the West Bank.
When complete, the illegal annexation wall will stretch for
Many of the main roads that lead to Palestinian communities in the
IOF have continued to restrict access of Palestinian civilians from the West Bank to
IOF have completed controlled access to the
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
Israeli military checkpoints restrict the movement of goods throughout the
Palestinian civilians continue to be harassed by IOF in Jerusalem, and across the West Bank, including being regularly stopped in the streets, searched and even arrested by IOF.
Ramallah and al-Bireh: IOF have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians.
At approximately 10:00 on Thursday, 27 September 2012, IOF re-established their presence at 'Attara checkpoint, north of Ramallah.
At approximately 10:30, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance of "Beit 'Aor AlTahta" village, southwest of Ramallah.
At approximately 09:00 on Friday, 28 September 2012, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance of Nabi Saleh village, northwest of Ramallah.
At approximately 10:30, IOF established a checkpoint under "Khrabtha al-Misbah" Bridge, southwest of Ramallah.
Also at approximately 10:00 on Sunday, 30 September 2012, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance of "Ras Karkar" village, west of Ramallah.
At approximately 20:00, IOF re-established their presence at 'Attara checkpoint, north of Beir Zait.
At approximately 20:40, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance of "Beit Loqaya" village, west of Ramallah.
Jericho: IOF have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians.
At approximately 09:00 on Thursday, 27 September 2012, IOF established a checkpoint at the southern entrance of Jericho.
At approximately 09:30, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance of "Al Zbaidat" village, north of Jericho.
At approximately 17:00, IOF established a checkpoint on the "Mu’wajat" road connecting Ramallah and Jericho.
At approximately 15:00 on Friday, 28 September 2012, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance of "al Dyouk al Tahtah" village, north of Jericho.
At approximately 17:30, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance of "Fasayel", north of Jericho.
At approximately 22:00 on Saturday, 29 September 2012, IOF established a checkpoint at the southern entrance of Jericho.
At approximately 17:30 on Sunday, 30 September 2012, IOF established a checkpoint on the entrance of "Fasayel", north of Jericho.
At approximately 19:00, IOF established on "al Mu’wajat" road connecting Ramallah and Jericho.
Jenin: IOF have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians.
At approximately 07:30 on Monday, 1 October 2012, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance of "Zebda" village, southwest of Jenin.
Tulkarm: IOF have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians.
At approximately 10:00 on Thursday, 27 September 2012, IOF established a checkpoint on the main road connecting Tulkarm and the other villages, north of Tulkarm, known as "al Sh’araweya", near " Baket al Sharkeya" and " 'aalar" villages.
In the same time, IOF established a checkpoint near "Baldat Zita" intersection, north of Tulkarm.
At approximately 10:30, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance of "qofein" village, north of Tulkarm.
At approximately 18:40, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance of Shoufa village, southeast of Tulkarm.
At approximately 15:30 on Friday, 28 September 2012, IOF established a checkpoint on the main road connecting Tulkarm and Nablus at "Beit Leed" intersection, known as "Abu Martein", east of Tulkarm.
At approximately 7:00 on Saturday, 29 September 2012, IOF established a checkpoint on the main road connecting Tulkarm and Nablus at "Beit Leed" intersection, known as "Abu Martein", east of Tulkarm.
At approximately 11:50, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance of 'Qofein" village, north of Tulkarm.
Hebron: IOF have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians.
At approximately 9:30 on Saturday, 27 September 2012, IOF established a checkpoint in al-Fawar refugee camp, south of Hebron.
In addition, the surrounding villages and towns witnessed an intensified presence of IOF on bypass road number 60.
At approximately 05:00 on Tuesday, 2 October 2012, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance of "Galagel" village, east of Hebron.
At approximately 06:00, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance of "Bani Na’aim" village, east of Hebron.
At approximately 11:00, IOF established a checkpoint on "Zaif" intersection, north of Yattah, south of Hebron.
Qalqilya: IOF have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians.
On Monday, 1 October 2012, IOF established 4 checkpoints in different parts of the city.
At approximately 15:45, IOF established the first checkpoint between "'Aazoun" and "'Aezbet al Tabib" villages, east of Qalqilya.
At approximately 18:35, IOF established the second checkpoint at the entrance of " 'Azoun 'Aetma" village, southeast of the city.
At approximately 20:50, IOF established the third checkpoint near "'Aezbet al Tabib" village.
At approximately 10:30, IOF established the fourth checkpoint at the entrance of "'Azzoun" village, east of Qalqilya.
Selfit: IOF have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians.
At approximately 22:30 Friday evening, 28 September 2012, IOF established a checkpoint on the entrance of Merda village, north of Selfit.
At approximately 22:40, IOF established another checkpoint on the western entrance of Al-Zawya town, west of the city.
Arrests at Military Checkpoints
At approximately 10:00 on Friday, 28 September 2012, IOF stationed in the center of the old city of Hebron, arrested:Alaa Al-Dwaik (14) and Khalil Abu-Maizer (15) and moved them to the detention center in "Keryat Arba'" settlement, southeast of the city, for investigation.
At approximately 21:00 Saturday evening, 29 September 2012, IOF, who had established a checkpoint on the main road between Betlehem and Hebron, arrested Ammar Al-Owaiwy (33) from Hebron and led him to Al-Maskoubya investigation center in occupied Jerusalem. It should be mentioned that Mr. Al-Owaiwy was a prisoner in Israeli jails for nearly 10 year, and was only released 5 months ago.
At approximately 9:00 Sunday morning, 30 September 2012, IOF stationed near the gates of the Ibrahimi Mosque in the old city of Hebron, arrested Mohammed Ahmed Gnimat (17) and took him to the detention center in "Keryat Arba'" settlement, southeast of the city, for investigation.
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.
On 27 September 2012, settlers from "Bitar 'Elite" settlement, established on the lands of the villages of Fokein Valley, Hossan and Nahalin, west of Bethlehem, dumped huge amounts of sewage water onto agriculture lands near Fokein Valley village. According to Ahmad Sokkar, head of the Fokein Valley village council, the sewage water submerged the 50-dunum agricultural lands of Madiq Gate, south of the village. He also mentioned that this is not a first, but a repetitive action which has caused the contamination of the land, making it unsuitable for agriculture; also mentioned that Fokein Valley village is subject to fierce attacks and harassments by the settlers under the protection of IOF.
At approximately 13:30 Thursday afternoon, 27 September 2012, a group of nearly 20 settlers from "Brakha" settlement, established northeast of Bourin village, south of Nablus, damaged and cut down more than 60 olive trees, using sharp objects, sticks and stones. The attacked land is the property of Ahmed Abdul-Fatah Falah, and it is located in the Bab Al-Thania area, nearly 1500m from the settlement. Lotfi Omran, head of the Bourin village council, told PCHR that the owners of this land cannot reach their land except with special coordination from IOF, which only happens in time for plowing season or the olive harvest.
On Sunday morning, 30 September 2012, the settlers started setting up caravans in Al-Khader town territories, southwest of Bethlehem. According to Ahmed Salah, coordinator of the Popular Movement against Settlement Activity and the Wall, a group of settlers from "Daniel" settlement, established on the lands of Al-Khader town, led by a settler called Hanania, began erecting caravans in Thaher Ain Qesis area, which belongs to Khader Ali Eissa Abu-Ghalion. Salah also mentioned that two months ago, the settlers took over 5 dunums of Abu-Ghalion's 19 dunums. He also added that they had erected a caravan and established water and electricity infrastructure, which is a warning sign of future plans to establish a settlement in the area. In addition, he explained that the citizens of Al-Khader town are subject to fierce harassment by the settlers, which usually happens with protection from the IOF, such as confiscation of vast areas of land, closing agriculture roads and unleashing dogs on the farmers to scare them and prevent them from returning to their lands. It should be mentioned that Mr. Abu-Ghalion, mentioned above, has already filed a complained against "Kfar Atsion" settlement block calling for the annulment of the decision to confiscate his 5 dunums of land, with no response.
On Wednesday, 03 October 2012, IOF confiscated another 4 tracts of farmland near the entrance of Fokein Valley village, west of Bethlehem. Mr. Sukkar, mentioned above, stated that 4 citizens of Al-Manasra family received an order from IOF Chief Commander in the West Bank, stating that 75 dunums of their farmland would be confiscated. These lands are located in the northeast part of the village. By confiscating these lands, IOF will isolate the village from its surroundings in the oPt. Mr. Sukkar also mentioned that IOF will place a gate on the entrance of the village; as a result, the ability to enter and leave the village will be under IOF control, which will increase the suffering of the villagers. It should be mentioned that the Fokein Valley village is subject to fierce settlement activity that threatens to result in the confiscation of the rest of its lands, which are surrounded by more than 5 settlements, as IOF has confiscated over 200 dunums of the village territory since the beginning of this year.
On Wednesday, 03 October 2012, IOF took pictures of all Palestinian houses in the Um Rokba area, south of Al-Khader town, south of Bethlehem. According to Mr Salah mentioned above, a unit of about 10 military vehicles accompanied by an officer and staff from the Israeli Civil Administration, stormed the Um Rokba area and photographed all the houses in the area. The area is located near the settlement outpost established on the land of Um Al-Mohammadin, where new settlement units are being built. Mr Salah also mentioned that the majority of the houses in Um Rokba area are under threat of demolition and removal, according to notices submitted to them earlier by the Israeli Civil Administration. It should be mentioned that an Israeli group of engineers carried out survey work and pictured the houses in Kharba Alia area, near Um Rokba, which is a warning signal of a new scheme to confiscate more Palestinian lands to continue the construction of the annexation wall around Bethlehem and to expand "Afrat" settlement on the lands of Al-Khader town.
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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
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
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
7. PCHR calls on the international community to recognize the
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
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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