Israeli forces have continued with systematic attacks against Palestinian civilians and their property in the occupied Palestinian territories (oPt) for the reporting period of 11- 17 June 2015.Israeli attacks in the West Bank & Gaza:
Shootings
Israeli forces continued to use force against Palestinian civilians participating in peaceful protests in the oPt and against fishermen sailing within the allowed area in the sea. During the reporting period, Israeli forces killed a Palestinian civilian in Kufor Malek village, northeast of Ramallah, and wounded 3 others in the Gaza Strip and West Bank. In the Gaza Strip, Israeli forces opened fire at fishermen and chased them in the sea.
In the West Bank, on 14 June 2015, Israeli forces killed a 22-year-old civilian from Kufor Malek village, northeast of Ramallah, when they moved into the village to deliver a summons to a Palestinian to refer to the Israeli intelligence service.
Israeli forces continued to use excessive and systematic use of force against peaceful protests organized by Palestinian civilians and Israeli and international human rights activists in protest at the construction of the annexation wall and settlement activities in the West Bank and Israeli policies in the oPt. As a result, 2 civilians were wounded. Moreover, Israeli officers maltreated a Palestinian civilian suffering from epilepsy, from al-Jalazonerefugee camp north of Ramallah.
In the Gaza Strip, on 13 June 2016, an 18-year-old civilian suffering from mental and physical disability was wounded when Israeli forces stationed along the border fence, east of Rafah in the south of the Gaza Strip, opened fire at him. The aforementioned person sustained wounds to the legs and was arrested and taken to Soroka Hospital in Beersheba in Israel.
In the context of targeting fishermen, on 11 June 2015, Israeli gunboats stationed off Deir al-Balah shore in the central Gaza Strip opened fire at 3 fishing boats sailing 4 nautical miles off the shore. They chased the fishing boats for over 2 hours and cut and confiscated fishing nets belonging to 8 fishermen. A similar attack on fishermen occurred on 16 June 2015.
Incursions
During the reporting period, Israeli forces conducted at least 51 military incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank and 5 ones in East Jerusalem. During these incursions, Israeli forces arrested at least 43 Palestinians, including 10 children and 3 woman. Fourteen of these civilians, including 6 children and the 3 women, were arrested in East Jerusalem.
Restrictions on movement
Israel continued to impose a tight closure of the oPt, imposing severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including occupied East Jerusalem.
The illegal closure of the Gaza Strip, which has been steadily tightened since June 2007 has had a disastrous impact on the humanitarian and economic situation in the Gaza Strip. The Israeli authorities impose measures to undermine the freedom of trade, including the basic needs for the Gaza Strip population and the agricultural and industrial products to be exported. For 8 consecutive years, Israel has tightened the land and naval closure to isolate the Gaza Strip from the West Bank, including occupied Jerusalem, and other countries around the world. This resulted in grave violations of the economic, social and cultural rights and a deterioration of living conditions for 1.8 million people. The Israeli authorities have established Karm Abu Salem (Kerem Shaloum) as the sole crossing for imports and exports in order to exercise its control over the Gaza Strip’s economy. They also aim at imposing a complete ban on the Gaza Strip’s exports. The Israeli closure raised the rate of poverty to 38.8%, 21.1% of which suffer from extreme poverty. Moreover, the rate of unemployment increased up to 44%, which reflects the unprecedented economic deterioration in the Gaza Strip.
Efforts to create a Jewish majority:
House demolitions
On 17 June 2015, bulldozers belonging to the Israeli municipality in East Jerusalem demolished a house belonging to the family of Tamer Jamal Edris in Beit Hanina neighbourhood, north of the city.
Settlement activities
Israel has continued its settlement activities in the oPt, a direct violation of international humanitarian law, and Israeli settlers have continued to attack Palestinian civilians and property.
On 11 June 2015, bulldozers of the Israeli municipality levelled large areas of agricultural lands in Fouqin Valley Village, west of Bethlehem.
On 15 June 2015, Israeli forces confiscated grocery stalls established by Palestinians in this time of the year along bypass road 60. They also order the owners of the stalls not to come back to that area.
On Monday morning, 15 June 2015, Israeli forces demolished a barrack used as a carwash in Beit Ta’mar area, in al-Fardous village, east of Bethlehem.
Moreover, on the same day, Israeli forces cut off olive seedlings planted in 20 dunums in Housan village, west of Bethlehem. They also confiscated the seedlings they cut off.
Use of excessive force against peaceful demonstrations protesting settlement activities and the construction of the annexation wall:
During the reporting period, Israeli soldiers used excessive force against peaceful demonstrations organized by Palestinian civilians, international and Israeli human rights defenders in protest at the construction of the annexation wall and settlement activities in the West Bank. As a result, 2 civilians were wounded.
Additionally, Israeli forces maltreated a Palestinian civilian from al-Jalazonerefugee camp, north of Ramallah, and beat him in front of journalists, who were covering the weekly protest. It should be noted that the civilian suffers from epilepsy.
(PCHR keeps the names of the wounded in fear of being arrested by the Israeli forces within its policy to oppress the peaceful protests and prevent Palestinian civilians from participating).
Demonstrations against the construction of the annexation wall and settlement activity
Following the Friday prayer, on 12 June 2015, dozens of Palestinian civilians and international and Israeli human rights defenders organized a peaceful demonstration in Bil’in, west of Ramallah, in protest at the construction of the annexation wall and settlement activities. The protestors marched by the annexation wall and tried to cross the fence. Israeli soldiers stationed behind the wall, in the western area, and a large number of soldiers deployed along it, fired live bullets, tear gas canisters, rubber-coated metal bullets, sound bombs and wastewater at them and chased them into the olive fields. As a result, a number of protestors suffered tear gas inhalation and others sustained bruises as they were beat up.
Also following the Friday prayer, dozens of Palestinian civilians organised a peaceful demonstration in the centre of Ni’lin village, west of Ramallah, in protest at the construction of the annexation wall and settlement activities. The demonstrators took the streets and headed to the annexation wall. Israeli forces closed the gates of the wall with barbwires and prevented the demonstrators from crossing to the land behind it before they responded by throwing stones. Israeli soldiers fired live ammunition, rubber-coated metal bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters at the civilians, and chased them into the village. As a result, a number of protestors suffered tear gas inhalation and others sustained bruises as they were beat up by Israeli soldiers.
Also following the Friday prayer, dozens of Palestinian civilians and Israeli and international human rights defenders gathered in the center of al-Nabi Saleh village, northwest of Ramallah, to start the weekly peaceful protest against the construction of the annexation wall and settlement activities. They made their way towards Palestinian lands that Israeli settlers from the nearby ‘Halmish’ settlement are trying to seize. Israeli soldiers closed all the village’s entrances to prevent the Palestinian and international solidarity activists and journalists from participating in the protest. As a result, a number of protestors suffered tear gas inhalation and others sustained bruises as they beat up by Israeli soldiers.
Also following the Friday prayer, there was the weekly protest against the closure of the eastern entrance of Kufor Qaddoum village, which was closed by Israeli forces since the Intifada. Once the protestors approached the closed entrance, Israeli forces fired rubber-coated metal bullets, tear gas canisters and sound bombs. They also sprayed skunk water over the protestors. As a result, a number of civilians suffered tear gas inhalation and others sustained bruises as they were beaten up by Israeli soldiers.
Other demonstrations
Following the Friday prayer, on 12 June 2015, dozens of Palestinians gathered at the southern entrance of al-Jalazonerefugee camp, north of Ramallah, to protest at the Israeli practices against the Palestinian civilians. They were about 300 meters away from the fence of ‘Beit Eil’ settlement. Israeli forces stationed in the area fired live ammunition, rubber-coated metal bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters. A number of Israeli soldiers topped the roof of a house belonging to the family of Dar Yunis, which is under-construction, and randomly fired alive ammunition and tear gas canisters at young men and houses. In the meanwhile, a soldier deliberately fired a bullet at a vehicle belonging to Bassam Anis Abdul Aziz Qasem (50) from a range of about 2 meters. As a result, Qasem sustained a bullet wound to the left arm and his wife sustained minor wounds to the face because the right window smashed. Both of them were taken to Palestine Medical Compound in Ramallah to receive medical treatment. Moreover, a number of civilians suffered tear gas inhalation and others sustained bruises.
In addition, a quarrel erupted between Israeli soldiers and Shadi Mahmoud al-Abed Ghbeishi (40). The soldiers harshly beat him with gun butts and kicked him throughout his body, especially the head. As a result, he started bleeding from his forehead as a soldier hit him by a gun butt on his head. According to the Civil Defence crew in the refugee camp, the abovementioned person was handcuffed, arrested and taken to a military vehicle while bleeding. They denied him first aid although he told Israeli soldiers that he suffer from epilepsy. He remained in the military vehicle for over an hour without receiving medical treatment. His father said that Shadi suffers from epilepsy since he was a kid and that he receives medical treatment for that. Besides, he has a medical file that proves it.
Also ffollowing the Friday prayer, dozens of Palestinians gathered at the western entrance of the Silwad village, northeast of Ramallah, on the road between Silwad and Yabroud villages, near Bypass road (60), in protest at the Israeli policies. The protestors set fire to tires and threw stones and Molotov Cocktails at the aforementioned road and Israeli soldiers. In response, Israeli soldiers stationed in the area fired live ammunition, rubber-coated bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters at the protestors. As a result, a 20-year-old male sustained a bullet wound to the right leg. He was taken to Palestine Medical Compound in Ramallah to receive medical treatment.
Also ffollowing the Friday prayer, dozens of youngsters gathered from different areas of Ramallah and al-Bireh in the vicinity of Ofer detention facility, southwest of Ramallah, to protest at Israeli policies. They headed towards the facility’s gate that was closed by Israeli soldiers. They set fire to tires and threw stones and empty bottles at the soldiers. Israeli forces deployed around the detention facility and started firing live and rubber-coated metal bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters. As a result, a number of protestors suffered tear gas inhalation and others sustained bruises as they were beat up by Israeli soldiers.
Continued closure of the oPt:
Israel continued to impose a tight closure on the oPt, imposing severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including occupied East Jerusalem.
Gaza Strip
Israeli forces continuously tighten the closure of the Gaza Strip and close all commercial crossings, making the Karm Abu Salem crossing the sole commercial crossing of the Gaza Strip, although it is not suitable for commercial purposes in terms of its operational capacity and distance from markets.
Israeli forces have continued to apply the policy, which is aimed to tighten the closure on all commercial crossings, by imposing total control over the flow of imports and exports.
Israeli forces have continued to impose a total ban on the delivery of raw materials to the Gaza Strip, except for very limited items and quantities. The limited quantities of raw materials allowed into Gaza do not meet the minimal needs of the civilian population of the Gaza Strip.
Israeli forces also continued to impose an almost total ban on the Gaza Strip exports, including agricultural and industrial products, except for light-weighted products such as flowers, strawberries, and spices. However, they lately allowed the exportation of some vegetables such as cucumber and tomatoes, furniture and fish.
Israel has continued to close the Beit Hanoun (“Erez”) crossing for the majority of Palestinian citizens from the Gaza Strip. Israel only allows the movement of a limited number of groups, with many hours of waiting in the majority of cases. Israel has continued to adopt a policy aimed at reducing the number of Palestinian patients allowed to move via the Beit Hanoun crossing to receive medical treatment in hospitals in Israel or in the West Bank and East Jerusalem. Israel also continued applying the policy of making certain civilian traveling via the crossing interviewed by the Israeli intelligence service to be questioned, blackmailed or arrested.
West Bank
Israel has imposed a tightened closure on the West Bank. During the reporting period, Israeli forces imposed additional restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians:
· Hebron: Israeli forces established 10 checkpoints all over the city. On Thursday, 11 June 2015, Israeli forces established 2 checkpoints at the northern entrance of Hebron, and at the entrance of al-‘Aroub refugee camp, north of Hebron.
On Friday, 12 June 2015, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the entrance of al-Majd villafe, south of Dura, southwest of Hebron.
On Sunday, 14 June 2015, Israeli forces established 2 checkpoints at the eastern entrance of Dura, southwest of Hebron and at the southern entrance of Hebron.
On Monday, 15 June 2015, Israeli forces established 2 checkpoints at the entrance of Sa’ir village, east of Hebron; and at the entrance of al-Sorah village, south of Dura, southwest of the city.
On Tuesday, 16 June 2015, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the northern entrance Hebron.
On Wednesday, 17 June 2015, Israeli forces established 2 checkpoints at the entrances of Beit ‘Awa village, southwest of the city and al-Thaheriyah village, south of the city.
· Ramallah: Israeli forces established 10 checkpoints all over the city. On Thursday, 11 June 2015, Israeli forces established 4 checkpoints at the entrances of ‘Ein Sinia village, north of Ramallah; Deir Abu Mash’al village, northwest of the city; ‘Atarah checkpoint at the northern entrance of Birzeit; and Deir Abu Mash’al village for the second time in few hours.
On Friday, 12 June 2015, Israeli forces established 3 checkpoints at southern entrance of al-Nabi Saleh village, northeast of Ramallah; under the bridge of Yabrud village, northeast of the city; and at the entrance of Senjel village, north of the city.
On Saturday, 13 June 2015, Israeli forces established a checkpoint near the intersection of Beit ‘Oar al-Foqa village, southwest of Ramallah.
On Friday, 14 June 2015, Israeli forces established two checkpoints at the entrance of Ni’lin village, west of Ramallah and under the bridge of Yabrud village, northeast of the city.
· Qalqilya: Israeli forces 3 checkpoints all over the city. On Monday, 15 June 2015, Israeli forces established 3 checkpoints at the eastern entrance of Qalqilya; on the road between the villages of ‘Azoun and Jayous (at the entrance of ‘Azoun village), east of the city; and at the entrance of Amatin village, east of the city.
· Jericho: Israeli forces have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. On Friday, 12 June 2015, Israeli forces established 2 checkpoints at the entrance of Fasayel village, north of the city, and at the entrance of al-Zbeidat village, north of Jericho.
On Sunday, 14 June 2015, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the southern entrance of Jericho.
Note: all the aforementioned checkpoints were later removed, and no arrests were reported.
Arrests and Maltreatment at Military Checkpoints:
At approximately 06:00 on Thursday, 11 June 2015, Israeli forces stationed at Mitar crossing, south of al-Thaheriyah village, south of Hebron, arrested ‘Emad al-Deen Mohammed Abu Rayya (26), from al-‘Aroub refugee camp north of Hebron, when he was on his way to visit his brother in the Israeli jails.
At approximately 16:00 on the same Thursday, Israeli forces stationed at al-Container checkpoint, northeast of Bethlehem, arrested Lawyer Eyad Hussein Hasan Akhlil (35), from Beit Ummar village north of Hebron, and took him to an unknown destination. The aforementioned civilian is the director of Beit Ummar Sport club.
At approximately 13:30 on Sunday, 14 June 2015, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the entrance of Jeet village, northeast of Qalqilya. When ‘Abdel al-Latif Salamah ‘Abdel Latif ‘Aobeid (32), from Kafr Qaddoum village, travelled via the checkpoint, Israeli forces arrested him.
On Sunday evening, Israeli forces stationed at Salem checkpoint near Romanah village, northwest of Jenin arrested Naser ‘Abdel Rahman ‘Abdullah Wahdan (20), from Tubas.
At approximately 16:00 on Monday, 15 June 2015, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the entrance of Beit Ummar village, north of Hebron. The Israeli forces arrested Ahmed Mohammed Mershed Sabarnah (26) after detaining his car and then took him to an unknown destination.
At approximately 08:00 on Tuesday, 16 June 2015, Israeli forces stationed at Za’atarah checkpoint arrested Mahmoud Mohammed ‘Ata Wared (24) from ‘Askar refugee camp, northeast of the city. Eyewitnesses said that the Israeli soldiers stationed at the checkpoint stopped a taxi, checked the IDs of the passengers and then arrested Mahmoud taking him to an unknown destination.
Efforts to create a Jewish majority:
House demolitions
At approximately 09:00 on Wednesday, 17 June 2015, bulldozers belonging to the Israeli municipality in East Jerusalem demolished a house belonging to the family of Tamer Jamal Edris in al-Marwaha area in Beit Hanina neighbourhood, north of the city. Jamal Edris said to a PCHR fieldworker that Israeli forces moved into the abovementioned area in Beit Hanina neighbourhood. They suddenly demolished his son’s house. He explained that the family could not take the furniture out of the house before it was demolished. It should be noted that the municipality told him that they left the demolition order in the area 2 days ago, but the family stressed that they did not see or receive it. If they did, they could have filed an appeal to the Israeli court to stop the demolition order.
Incursions & House Raids
At approximately 02:00 on Thursday, 11 June 2015, Israeli forces moved into al-Eisawiya village, north of East Jerusalem. They raided a number of houses from which they arrested five civilians, including 4 children: Saleh Mahmoud Abu Asab (16), Hosam Elayan (16), Laith Darwish (17), Tareq al-Kharouf (17) and Yunis Elayan (19).
At approximately 13:00, on the same day, Israeli forces moved into al-Eisawiya village, north of East Jerusalem, for the second time within few hours. They raided and searched a number of houses. They handed summonses to two children to refer to al-Masqoubiya facility in West Jerusalem: Mohammed Ali Dari (12) and Abdullah Abu Asab (14).
At approximately 23:00 on Sunday, 14 June 2015, Israeli forces accompanied by undercover units surrounded and raided a house belonging to the family of Emad Ahmed al-Qaq in Ein al-Louza neighbourhood in Silwan village, south of the old city in East Jerusalem. They searched the house under the pretext Emad had thrown stones at Israeli forces although he denied it. Israeli forces then raided his father’s house, attacked his brother Ziad and arrested his cousin Sohaib Arafat al-‘Awar (18), a former prisoner who was in a visit to his aunt, under the pretext of throwing stones. Emad added that Israeli soldiers attacked him and Ziad. It should be noted that Sohaib had been released in the beginning of this year after serving 24-month imprisonment sentence.
At approximately 14:00 on Tuesday, 16 June 2015, Israeli forces arrested 2 elderly men and 3 women while going out of al-Aqsa mosque in the old city in East Jerusalem: Refqa al-Rajabi (46), Samiha Shaheen (43), Noha Ouda, Baker al-Shimi (62) and Taha Shawahna (59).
At approximately 18:00, on the same day, Israeli forces moved into al-Eisawiya village, north of East Jerusalem. They stationed at the northern entrance of the village. In the meanwhile, dozens of youngsters gathered and threw stones and empty bottles at Israeli soldiers, who immediately fired rubber-coated metal bullets and tear gas canisters in response. As a result, 5 civilians were wounded as glass of house and car windows scattered around. Moreover, Israeli forces arrested Rani Khalil al-Tamimi (15) and took him to an unknown destination.
At approximately 03:00 on Wednesday, 17 June 2015, Israeli forces raided a house belonging to the family of Nidal Abu Romi in al-Eizariya village, southeast of East Jerusalem. They arrested his son Mohammed (23) and took him to an unknown destination.
At approximately 22:00 on Wednesday, 17 June 2015, members of an Israeli undercover unit beat and arrested Kayed Yehya al-Rajabi (17), who was present in a neighbourhood in Silwan village, south of the old city in East Jerusalem. An eyewitness said to PCHR’s fieldworker that Israeli forces and members of undercover units attacked a group of youngsters, who were present in the central neighborhood in Silwan village. They arrested Kayed Yehya and harshly beat him. It should be noted that limited clashes had erupted between Palestinians and Israeli forces in the vicinity of the settlement outposts in the said neighbourhood.
Settler attacks
· On Thursday morning, 11 June 2015, a group of settlers harshly beat Shadi Ahmed Abed Rabbu (18) from al-Mukaber Mount village, southeast of East Jerusalem, when he was in his work, west of the city.
Shadi’s father said to a PCHR fieldworker that at approximately 03:00, on the abovementioned day, while his son was present in his work in a restaurant in Tal Byout area, west of Jerusalem, 16 settlers raided the restaurant and started cursing the Arab workers. In addition, they harshly beat his son Shadi and a settler even tried to strangle him. Shadi was taken to Sha’ari Tsediq Hospital to receive medical treatment as he sustained moderate wounds because of bruises throughout his body.
Settlement activities and attacks by settlers against Palestinian civilians and property:
Israel has continued its settlement activities in the oPt, a direct violation of international humanitarian law, and Israeli settlers have continued to attack Palestinian civilians and property.
On Thursday morning, 28 May 2015, Israeli forces closed the entrance of a room in the underground floor of the Ibrahimi mosque in the center of Hebron, for security reasons. They changed the door lock and refused to give its key to mosque servants. It should be noted that the room overlooks the yard that was established by settlers near the mosque.
At approximately 13:30 on Tuesday, 02 June 2015, Israeli forces moved into Rummana village, northwest of Jenin. They deployed in Palestinian farmlands and informed farmers they had an order to bridge an artesian well and 2 agricultural rooms belonging to Fayadh Riyadh Fayad Sbaihat (35) under the pretext they were not licensed. An Israeli bulldozer demolished the well and rooms under Israeli forces’ protection. They withdrew from the area and no more incidents were reported.
Settler attacks against Palestinian civilians and their property
Israel has continued its settlement activities in the oPt, a direct violation of international humanitarian law, and Israeli settlers have continued to attack Palestinian civilians and property.
· On Thursday morning, 11 June 2015, Israeli bulldozers levelled agricultural lands between ‘Beit Elit’ and ‘Tsour Hadasa’ settlements in Fouqin valley village, west of Bethlehem.
According to investigations conducted by PCHR and the statement of Ahmed Sokkar, Head of Fouqin village council, at approximately 08:30 on the abovementioned day, Israeli bulldozers levelled large areas of agricultural lands in the village. They also levelled lands planted with almonds, grapes and olives. Over 60 fruitful trees were cut off. The levelled lands belonging to Sabri Rashad Manasrah, Ibrahim Awad Sokkar, Mohammed and Mahmoud Jom’a Assaf. The area of the levelled lands is about 20 dunums. Sokkar added that what was going on is a part of the new settlement schemes that aim to the confiscation of more lands from Fouqin and Housan villages and closure of the main road leading to the village from the northern side in order to establish ‘Beit Elit C’ settlement neighborhood and a joint industrial and agricultural zone between ‘Tsour Hadasa’ and ‘Beit Elit’ settlements. It should be noted that this new scheme was reported in the Israeli media.
At approximately 15:00 on Monday, 15 June 2015, Israeli forces confiscated grocery stalls established by Palestinians in this time of the year along bypass road ’60’ to sell their agricultural products. Israeli forces told them to not return to that area. Of those whose stalls were confiscated were: Mohanned Ibrahim Sabarnah, Yehya Falah Abu Maria, Saber Mohammed Abu Ayesh and Ayman Shehada Sabarnah.
On Monday morning, 15 June 2015, Israeli forces demolished a barrack used as a carwash in Beit Ta’mar area in al-Ferdous village, east of Bethlehem. According to investigations conducted by PCHR, at approximately 10:00 on the abovementioned day, Israeli forces accompanied by a Civil Administration vehicle and a bulldozer moved into al-Ferdous village, east of Bethlehem. They stationed in Beit Ta’mar area and started demolishing a barrack belonging to Hashem Ibrahim Abu Mahamid that was used by him as a carwash. In the meantime, Israeli forces arrested Ahmed Abu Mahamid (20) and took him to an unknown destination.
On Monday morning also, Israeli forces cut off olive seedlings from lands in Housan village, west of Bethlehem. Mohammed Shousha, member of Housan village council, said that Israeli forces started in the morning cutting off olive seedlings in Housan village. He added that the targeted land, whose area is 20 dunums, was planted with olive seedlings 3 years ago. The land belongs to Ibrahim Lafi Shousha and Adel Sa’di Shousha. He also said that Israeli forces seized the seedlings they cut off. Israeli forces had informed the village’s council that the attacked lands are ‘State Lands’ that Palestinians cannot plant or enter.
Recommendations to the International Community:
PCHR emphasizes the international community’s position that the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, are still under Israeli occupation, in spite of Israeli military redeployment outside the Gaza Strip in 2005. PCHR further confirms that Israeli forces continued to impose collective punishment measures on the Gaza Strip, which have escalated since the 2006 Palestinian parliamentary elections, in which Hamas won the majority of seats of the Palestinian Legislative Council. PCHR stresses that there is international recognition of Israel’s obligation to respect international human rights instruments and the international humanitarian law, especially the Hague Regulations concerning the Laws and Customs of War on Land and the Geneva Conventions. Israel is bound to apply the international human rights law and the law of war sometime reciprocally and other times in parallel in a way that achieves the best protection for civilians and remedy for victims.
In light of continued arbitrary measures, land confiscation and settlement activities in the West Bank, and the latest 51-day offensive against civilians in the Gaza Strip, PCHR calls upon the international community, especially the United Nations, the High Contracting Parties to the Geneva Convention and the European Union – in the context of their natural obligation to respect and enforce the international law – to cooperate and act according to the following recommendations:
1. PCHR calls upon the international community and the United Nations to use all available means to allow the Palestinian people to enjoy their right to self-determination, through the establishment of the Palestinian State, which was recognized by the UN General Assembly with a vast majority, using all international legal mechanisms, including sanctions to end the occupation of the State of Palestine;
2. PCHR calls upon the United Nations to provide international protection to Palestinians in the oPt, and to ensure the non-recurrence of aggression against the oPt, especially the Gaza Strip;
3. PCHR calls upon the High Contracting Parties to the Geneva Conventions to compel Israel, as a High Contracting Party to the Conventions, to apply the Conventions in the oPt;
4. PCHR calls upon the Parties to international human rights instruments, especially the Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, to pressurize Israel to comply with their provisions in the oPt, and to compel it to incorporate the human rights situation in the oPt in its reports submitted to the concerned committees;
5. PCHR calls upon the High Contracting Parties to the Geneva Conventions to fulfil their obligation to ensure the application of the Conventions, including extending the scope of their jurisdiction in order to prosecute suspected war criminals, regardless of the nationality of the perpetrator and the place of a crime, to pave the way for prosecuting suspected Israeli war criminals and end the longstanding impunity they have enjoyed;
6. PCHR calls on States that apply the principle of universal jurisdiction not to surrender to Israeli pressure to limit universal jurisdiction to perpetuate the impunity enjoyed by suspected Israeli war criminals;
7. PCHR calls upon the international community to act in order to stop all Israeli settlement expansion activities in the oPt through imposing sanctions on Israeli settlements and criminalizing trading with them;
8. PCHR calls upon the UN General Assembly to transfer the Goldstone Report to the UN Security Council in order to refer it to the International Criminal Court in accordance with Article 13(b) of the Rome Statute;
9. PCHR calls upon the United Nations to confirm that holding war criminals in the Palestinian-Israeli conflict is a precondition to achieve stability and peace in the regions, and that peace cannot be built on the expense of human rights;
10. PCHR calls upon the UN General Assembly and Human Rights Council to explicitly declare that the Israeli closure policy in Gaza and the annexation wall in the West Bank are illegal, and accordingly refer the two issues to the UN Security Council to impose sanctions on Israel to compel it to remove them;
11. PCHR calls upon the international community, in light of its failure to the stop the aggression on the Palestinian people, to at least fulfil its obligation to reconstruct the Gaza Strip after the series of hostilities launched by Israel which directly targeted the civilian infrastructure;
12. PCHR calls upon the United Nations and the European Union to express a clear position towards the annexation wall following the international recognition of the State of Palestine on the 1967 borders, as the annexation wall seizes large parts of the State of Palestine;
13. PCHR calls upon the European Union to activate Article 2 of the EU-Israel Association Agreement, which provides that both sides must respect human rights as a precondition for economic cooperation between the EU states and Israel, and the EU must not ignore Israeli violations and crimes against Palestinian civilians;
Full, detailed document, including info on patrols and border crossings available at the official PCHR website.
