Israeli occupation soldiers continued to commit crimes and multi-layered violations against Palestinian civilians and their properties, including raids into Palestinian cities that are characterized with excessive use of force, assault, abuse and attacks on civilians that are mostly conducted after midnight and in the early morning hours. This week, soldiers detained 3 Palestinians running for the Legislative Council elections and an elections-related meeting was banned in occupied East Jerusalem; soldiers also continued to suppress worshipers in Damascus Gate before and after Maghreb prayers. Even more, soldiers continued its demolition operations and delivery of cease-construction and demolition notices in the West Bank, including occupied East Jerusalem. The Palestinian Centre for Human Rights (PCHR) documented 162 violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law (IHL) by soldiers and settlers in the occupied Palestinian territory (oPt).
Israeli army shooting and violation of right to bodily integrity:
Seven Palestinians sustained wounds as a result of Israeli soldiers’ excessive use of force against civilians in the West Bank: six were wounded in occupation forces suppression of worshipers and passersby in Damascus Gate, which leads to Al-Aqsa Mosque; another civilian was wounded at the weekly Kufur Qaddoum protests in Qalqilia. Dozens of others suffocated due to tear gas inhalation, and others were wounded in various assaults by Israeli soldiers, across the West Bank.
In the Gaza Strip, Israeli warplanes launched several airstrikes in the Gaza Strip: 2 on lands in Rafah and Buraij refugee camp, causing partial damage to a vacant poultry farm. Additionally, 4 army shootings were reported on agricultural lands eastern Gaza; and 6 at fishing boats in the Gaza sea.
Army incursions and arrests of Palestinian civilians:
The army carried out 95 incursions into the West Bank, including occupied East Jerusalem. Those incursions included raids of civilian houses and shootings, enticing fear among civilians, and attacking many of them. During this week’s incursions, 46 Palestinians were arrested, including 8 children and a journalist. Soldiers also detained 3 candidates for PLC elections (2 from Fatah List and the third from the United Left List) in occupied East Jerusalem; they were detained for several hours and informed that all election-related activities are banned in the city.
In the Gaza Strip, Israeli forces conducted two limited incursions into eastern Rafah.
Demolitions:
PCHR documented 7 incidents as follows:
Hebron: cease-construction notice served against an Islamic cemetery that is being restored; mobile caravan confiscated and a car towing a caravan.
Jericho: wheel loader and tractor confiscated in Bardala in two separate incidents.
East Jerusalem: under-construction house self-demolished in Jabel Mukaber
Nablus: 13 cease-construction and demolition notices served in Qabalan.
Bethlehem: construction commenced on 96 new settlement units at “Gush Etzion.”
Settler-attacks:
PCHR fieldworkers reported and documented 4 attacks:
Nablus: 45 olive, fruit and citrus trees seedlings uprooted; construction equipment and materials damaged at construction site.
Hebron: assault on civilians and agricultural lands in Maghayir al ‘Abeed
Bethlehem: 50 fruitful olive trees set ablaze in Beit Fajjar
Occupied East Jerusalem: steel chains removed in prelude to confiscating a land in Silwan.
Israeli closure policy and restrictions on freedom of movement:
The Gaza Strip still suffers the worst closure in the history of the Israeli occupation of the oPt as it has entered the 14th consecutive year, without any improvement to the movement of persons and goods, humanitarian conditions and bearing catastrophic consequences on all aspects of life. The United Nations confirmed that the Gaza conditions are worsening, with deteriorating health, power, and water services. The UN emphasized that the Gaza Strip requires immense efforts in the housing and education sectors and to create job opportunities.
Meanwhile, the occupation authorities continued to divide the West Bank into separate cantons with key roads blocked by the Israeli occupation since the Second Intifada and with temporary and permanent checkpoints, where civilian movement is restricted, and they are subject to arrest.
I. Shooting and other Violations of the Right to Life and Bodily Integrity
At approximately 00:30 on Friday, 16 April 2021, Israeli Navy gunboats stationed off Waha Shore, west of Beit Lahia, north of the Gaza Strip, chased Palestinian fishing boats sailing within 3 nautical miles, opened heavy fire around them and fired flare bombs in the sky. At 07:30 on the same day, Israeli gunboats reopened sporadic fire at Palestinian fishing boats until 10:00. The shooting at fishing boats also recurred at 14:35, causing fear among the fishermen and forcing them to flee. No casualties were reported.
At approximately 01:15, Israeli warplanes fired a missile at an empty land located near Gaza International Airport, east of al-Shawka village, east of Rafah, south of the Gaza Strip. No casualties were reported.
At approximately 10:30, IOF stationed along the Gaza’s border fence with Israel, east of Bureij refugee camp in central Gaza Strip, opened fire at Palestinian shepherds; no casualties were reported.
At approximately 12:30, IOF stationed at the northern entrance to Kufur Qaddoum village, north of Qalqilia, suppressed a peaceful protest organized by dozens of Palestinian young men. IOF chased young men gathered in the area, clashed with them and fired rubber bullets, sound bombs and teargas canisters at them. As a result, a 23-year-old male was hit with a sponge grenade in his back.
At approximately 13:30, a peaceful protest took off in front of Beit Dajan village council, east of Nablus, north of the West Bank, at the call of the villagers and with the participation of the National Action Factions in Nablus, towards lands under the threat of confiscation, east of the village. The protestors raised Palestinian flags and chanted slogans against the Israeli occupation and settlers. When the protestors arrived at the area, they found a large number of Israeli soldiers awaiting them. The protestors chanted slogans again against the Israeli occupation and settlers. The army immediately suppressed the protest and fired live and rubber bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters at the protestors. As a result, many of them suffocated due to teargas inhalation and received treatment on the spot.
At approximately 22:00 on Friday, for the 4th consecutive day, clashes erupted between Palestinian young men and the Israeli soldiers near Damascus Gate area, in the center of occupied East Jerusalem, after IOF prevented Palestinians from sitting around Damascus Gate area and closed its entrances with iron barriers. As a result, 6 civilians sustained various wounds. It should be noted that Damascus and Herods Gates area witnessed violent clashes, especially following Tarawih prayer when Palestinian worshipers got out of al-Aqsa Mosque. The army pumped wastewater at the worshipers to disperse them and fired sound bombs and rubber bullets at them. The army also severely beat some of the worshipers, wounding 6, 4 of whom were taken to hospital. The Palestinian Red Crescent Society (PRCS) crews stated that on the 4th day of Ramadan, they treated 6 civilians around Damascus Gate area, who sustained fractures and rubber bullets wounds; 4 of the injuries were classified moderate. Also, the army detained ‘Alaa Abu Jum’a, 18. It should be noted that since the beginning of Ramadan, the army escalated their arbitrary measures around the Old City and at al-Aqsa Mosque’s gates, including closing Damascus Gate area and preventing Palestinians from sitting on its stairs or organizing any events. Following Tarawih prayer, daily clashes erupt between Palestinian worshipers and the army, who forcibly disperse the worshipers and prevent them from gathering in the area.
At approximately 01:00 on Saturday, 17 April 2021, an Israeli warplane and a drone fired 2 missiles at an agricultural land in eastern Bureij refugee camp, in the center of the Gaza Strip. As a result, Salem Mohammed Salem Abu ‘Abda (67)’s poultry farm (450 sqm) sustained partial damage, in addition to other damage caused in the targeted area.
At approximately 10:00 on Saturday, 17 April 2021, Israeli Navy gunboats stationed off Waha Shore, west of Beit Lahia, north of the Gaza Strip, chased Palestinian fishing boats sailing within 3 nautical miles, opened heavy fire around them and pumped water at them. At 14:00 on the same day, Israeli gunboats reopened fire at Palestinian fishing boats, causing fear among the fishermen and forcing them to flee. No casualties were reported.
At approximately 23:00 on Saturday, for the 6th consecutive day, clashes erupted between Palestinian young men and soldiers near Damascus Gate area, in the center of occupied East Jerusalem. During which, soldiers severely beat Palestinian young men and fired teargas canisters, sound bombs and rubber bullets at them. As a result, a young man sustained fractures and 3 others suffocated due to teargas inhalation. Soldiers also detained two children namely Hasan Mohammed ‘Issa (16) and Mohammed Waleed Sa’idah (17).
At approximately 08:10 on Sunday, 18 April 2021, the army, stationed along the Gaza’s border fence with Israel, east of Khan Younis, opened fire at agricultural lands, east of Abasan al-Kabira and al-Qarara villages; no causalities were reported.
At approximately 09:30 on Monday, 19 April 2021, the army, stationed along the Gaza’s border fence with Israel, east of Khan Younis, fired live bullets and teargas canisters at agricultural lands and Palestinian shepherds, east of Khuzaʽa village; no causalities were reported.
At approximately 20:00 on Tuesday, 20 April 2021, Israeli gunboats stationed off Waha Shore, west of Beit Lahia, north of the Gaza Strip, chased Palestinian fishing boats sailing within 3 nautical miles and opened heavy fire around them, causing fear among the fishermen and forcing them to flee. No casualties were reported.
II. Incursions and arrests
Thursday, 15 April 2021:
At approximately 14:00, the Israeli army deployed in the Hebron’s Old City’s neighborhoods detained Mo’men Salem Idris (18), while present in the Shari’a Court area. The army claimed that Idris refused to comply with the soldiers’ orders, and he was taken to the police center of al-Ibrahimi mosque and released later.
The army carried out (5) incursions in Arraba, Jaba’ and Silat al-Dhahr, in Jenin governorate; Sa’ir and al-Kum villages, in Hebron. No arrests were reported.
Friday, 16 April 2021:
At approximately 02:00, Israeli soldiers detained Ramadan Abu Shaqra (19), from Shu’afat refugee camp, northeast of the occupied East Jerusalem, while present near Bab al-Amud “Damascus Gate”, in the occupied East Jerusalem. The army took him to one of the police centers in the city.
At approximately 16:15, the army, stationed at Tayasir military checkpoint, east of Tubas, north of the West Bank, detained Ahmed Ma’moun Daraghmah (33), from Tubas and took him to an unknown destination.
The army carried out (3) incursions in Fawwar refugee camp, Beit ‘Amra, and Nuba villages in Hebron. No arrests were reported.
Saturday, 17 April 2021:
At approximately 14:00, Israeli authorities banned a second meeting organized in occupied East Jerusalem by civil society organizations (CSOs) and several Jerusalemite candidates running for elections to discuss the Palestinian General elections. soldiers also detained four candidates and referred them to investigation before releasing them and threatening them not to hold similar activities which is part of the Israeli authorities’ attempts to impede holding the Palestinian general elections. Furthermore, these practices reflect a clear political decision to prevent Jerusalem’s participation in the elections and deny the Palestinians in Jerusalem their right to vote or run for the elections. According to PCHR’s investigations, at approximately 14:00 on Saturday, 17 April 2021, IOF imposed a security cordon around St. George Hotel, established checkpoints at its entrances, banned civilians from reaching it, stopped vehicles passing by, and checked drivers’ IDs, ahead of the meeting organized by CSOs and several Jerusalemite candidates for the second time in the same hotel located on Nablus Street in central occupied East Jerusalem. Afterwards, the army arrested Dr. Ashraf Hasan al-A’war, the Secretary of the Palestinian General Federation of Trade Unions (PGFTU) and candidate on Fatah electoral list. In response, the candidates and their supporters gathered on Salah al-Deen Street sidewalk and protested against banning the meeting. The army immediately dispersed the gathering, banned holding a press conference, and confiscated Palestinian flags. Moreover, soldiers detained Naser Mohammed Qaws, Director of Palestinian Prisoners Club and candidate on Fatah electoral list, in addition to Ratiba ‘Adnan Abu Ghush, a candidate on the united left-wing list. Soldiers also tried to detain Fadwa Saliba Khader, Head of the united left-wing list. The candidate Naser Qaws said that IOF deliberately closed all streets leading to St. George Hotel in central occupied East Jerusalem, to impede the second meeting organized to discuss holding the Palestinian legislative elections in occupied East Jerusalem. Qaws added that the candidates gathered on Salah al-Deen Street and held a press conference, stressing that no elections will be held without Jerusalem. The army dispersed the gathering, stopped the conference, and arrested Qaws along with candidate Ratiba Abu Ghush. They were then referred for investigation in Moscovia Detention Centre in West Jerusalem along with candidate Ashraf al-A’war, who was previously arrested near St. George Hotel. Qaws added that the Israeli Intelligence Service interrogated them about their electoral activities, which are banned in occupied East Jerusalem, notified them that the authorities will ban any election-related activities under the pretext that the Israeli Government did not issue any decision that allows holding elections in Jerusalem. The candidates were later released. It should be noted that on 06 April 2021, authorities banned a similar meeting, which was supposed to be held at the Ambassador Hotel in occupied East Jerusalem, and arrested two candidates, including Naser Qaws, a candidate on Fatah electoral list. The two candidates were then referred for investigation, where the army informed them that all election-related activities are banned in occupied East Jerusalem.
At approximately 16:30, the army detained Thabet Mahmoud al-Najjar (19), from al-Fawwar refugee camp, south of Hebron, after stopping him on a temporary military checkpoint established at the entrance of the camp that leads to Bypass Road (60).
At approximately 22:30, the army detained Ahmed Ali Melhem (29), after finishing his prayers at the Aqsa Mosque, in the occupied East Jerusalem’s Old City. The army took him to one of the investigation centers in the city.
Sunday, 18 April 2021:
At approximately 13:15, the army stationed at a temporary military checkpoint established at the entrance of Jericho detained Mahmoud Ahmed Owda (27) and Khaled Ghassan Abu Halima (24), from ‘Askar refugee camp, northeast of Nablus. The soldiers took them to unknown destinations.
At approximately 18:00, the army detained Mahmoud Jawdat al-Shawish (26), while present near Bab al-Amud “Damascus Gate”, in the occupied East Jerusalem, and took him to a police center. It should be noted that al-Shawish was detained last Wednesday and released after several hours of investigation.
At approximately 21:00, the army moved into Hizma, northeast of the occupied East Jerusalem. They raided and searched Bassam Salah al-Dein’s (49) house, a member of the Committee of the Families of Hizma Prisoners and detained him.
At approximately 22:00, the army severely beat and detained Taleb Ra’ed Jweihan (22), while passing through al-Walaja military checkpoint, west of Bethlehem, returning from Jerusalem. Jweihan’s family stated that big forces of the Israeli “Yasam” special unit assaulted their son, Talab, while passing through al-Walaja military checkpoint, returning to his house in al-Thuri neighborhood in Jerusalem, due to losing his ID card. His family added that Talab was provoked, insulted, severely beaten and kicked by the soldiers, resulted in wounds, bruises, headache and pain in his back. Afterwards, he was taken to one of the investigation centers where he was severely beaten again before he was released at approximately 05:00.
At approximately 23:00, soldiers severely beat and detained Mohammed Bashir Ahmed (23), and his brother, Majd (20), while present near Jaffa Gate, one of the occupied East Jerusalem’s gates. The army took them to one of the investigation centers in the city.
The army carried out (3) incursions in Yatta, Beit Ummar and Tarqumiyah in Hebron. No arrests were reported.
Monday, 19 April 2021:
At approximately 01:30, soldiers detained Samer al-Thaher (21), from al-Tur neighborhood, east of the occupied East Jerusalem, while present in the occupied East Jerusalem’s Old City, taking him to an unknown destination.
At approximately 02:30, the army moved into Nur Shams refugee camp, in Tulkarem. They raided and searched Adnan Ahmed al-Husary’s (56) house, a leader of Hamas Movement, and detained him.
At approximately 03:40, soldiers moved into Marj Najah village, north of Jericho. They raided and searched two houses belonging to ‘Aaref Khader Mohammed Bisharat (47), and his brother, Anis (44), and detained them.
At approximately 11:00, an officer in the Israeli Intelligence Services handed al-Sheikh Omar al-Kiswani, director of the Aqsa Mosque, a summons to refer immediately to Moscovia Detention Centre in West Jerusalem. He was interrogated about his statements in motivating civilians to intensify their presence at the mosque, and he was released after several hours.
At approximately 12:15, soldiers stationed at Tayasir military checkpoint, east of Tubas, detained Ali Thalji Abu Arra (33), from ‘Aqqaba village, northeast of Tubas, taking him to an unknown destination.
At approximately 13:00, the army moved into al-‘Isawiya village, northeast of the occupied East Jerusalem. They raided and searched Abdullah Mustafa’s (18) house and detained him.
At approximately 14:00, occupation forces handed al-Sheikh ‘Akrama Sa’eed Sabri’s (82) house, the Head of the High Islamic Supreme Council, a decision signed by the Israeli Minister of Interior, Aryeh Deri, renewing his ban from traveling for another 4 months. It should be noted that on 26 March, occupation authorities issued a decision banning Sabri from travelling for a renewable month, and he was arrested and banned from entering the Aqsa Mosque for several months.
At approximately 22:00, soldiers severely beat and detained Omar al-Nabulsi (17), while present at Ban al-Amud “Damascus Gate” yards, in the occupied East Jerusalem, and took him to one of the investigation centers in the city.
The army carried out (2) incursions in Hebron and al-Shuyukh in Hebron governorate. No arrests were reported.
Tuesday, 20 April 2021:
At approximately 02:00, soldiers moved into al-Tur neighborhood, east of the occupied East Jerusalem’s Old City. They raided and searched several houses and detained (3) children; Mahmoud Sami Abu al-Hawa (15), Malek Othman al-Qarrawi (15), and Mohammed Mahmoud Abu al-Hawa (17).
At approximately 03:00, the army moved into al-Sa’diya neighborhood, one of the occupied East Jerusalem’s Old City’s neighborhoods. They raided and searched several houses and detained (4) young men; Yousef Ragheb Hazina (20), Nawras Hasan Abu Ghazalah (28), Eisa Samer Met’ib (21), and Yazan Maher al-Herbawi (22).
At approximately 12:30, soldiers stationed at Za’tara military checkpoint, near Nablus, detained Mahmoud Sleit (19) and Mohammed Khalil Dmeiri (21), from Tulkarem refugee camp, and took them to an unknown destination.
At approximately 13:00, soldiers stationed at the entrance of Beit Ummar, north of Hebron, detained Nasr Hisham al-Natshah (28), while driving his car at the village entrance that leads to Bypass Road (60). the army claimed that he attempted to run over a settler and took him to an unknown destination.
At approximately 15:00, soldiers detained Ayyad Khalil Ayyad (30) and Tamer Sami Owaidat (24), from al-Shuyukh village, north of Hebron, after stopping them on a temporary military checkpoint established on the entrance of the village and took them to unknown destinations. It should be noted that Oweidat is a member of the Palestinian National Security Services.
At approximately 23:30, soldiers detained Mahmoud al-Tahhan (21) and Shadi Amira (20), while present near the New Gate, one of the occupied East Jerusalem’s gates. A quarrel occurred between a group of Palestinian young men and a group of settlers, turned into small clashes which required the intervention of the Israeli police to protect the settlers, and detained the above-mentioned Palestinian civilians.
Soldiers carried out (2) incursions in Fawwar refugee camp and al-Rihiya village, in Hebron. No arrests were reported.
Wednesday, 21 April 2021:
At approximately 01:30, the army, reinforced with several military vehicles moved into Hebron, and stationed in Dweirian. They raided and searched Nidal Emran al-Qawasma’s (44) house and arrested him.
At approximately 03:30, the army, reinforced with several military vehicles moved into Yatta, south of Hebron governorate, and stationed in al-Karmil area. They raided and searched Mohammed Ali al-Jabbour’s (39) house and arrested him.
At approximately 03:00, the army moved into Sateh Marhaba neighborhood in al-Bireh, north of Ramallah governorate. They raided and deployed in Alaa Hasan al-Rimawi’s (43) house and arrested him. It should be noted that al-Rimawi is a journalist and reporter for al-Jazeera Mubasher TV, and a director of JMedia Network. It should be noted that Alaa is a former prisoner who spent 12 years in the Israeli prisons.
His wife, Maymouna al-Rimawi, said to PCHR’s fieldworker that:
We woke up to the sound of the Israeli military vehicles near the main door of the house, so Alaa headed and opened the door, and suddenly 10-12 Israeli soldiers stormed and deployed in the house. The force officer ordered Alaa to bring his ID card, when he brought it they ordered him to wear his clothes to arrest him and put him in one of the military vehicles. She added: “while arresting Alaa he told me that he will start a hunger strike to condemn his arrest.”
At approximately 06:00, soldiers moved into al-Ram village, north of the occupied East Jerusalem. They raided and searched Nisreen Abu Gharbia;s house, a candidate running for the Palestinian Legislative elections on the list of “Renaissance of a Nation” and detained 3 of her sons, two of them children: Ahmed (15), Shadi (17), and Fadi (18).
At approximately 09:00, soldiers arrested Khaled al-Zeir (46), while present in front of the Israeli Court in West Jerusalem. soldiers took him to one of the police centers in the city.
At approximately 09:30, the army, reinforced with several military vehicles and bulldozers moved 100 meters from the border fence between Gaza and Israel heading to al-Shawka village, east of Rafah, south of the Gaza Strip. They combed and leveled lands before they deployed again after several hours.
At approximately 11:30, the army, reinforced with 14 military vehicles and bulldozers moved into Shejaiya neighborhood, east of the Gaza Strip. They leveled and combed lands amidst Israeli sporadic shooting for an hour, and then they withdrew inside the border fence. No casualties were reported.
III. Settlement Expansion and settler violence in the West Bank
a. Demolition and Confiscation of Civilian Property
At approximately 10:00 on Sunday, 18 April 2021, the army backed by 2 military vehicles and accompanied with a Civil Administration vehicle moved into al-Deirat village, east of Yatta, south of Hebron. They deployed around the Islamic Cemetery in the village while the Civil Administration officer fixed a notice to stop the renovation of the old graves and construction of walls around it under the pretext of working without a prior permission. The notice holding number (266771) gave the citizens until 5/5/2021 to appeal before the competent authorities in the Israeli Civil Administration in Beit El settlement.
At approximately 11:20, the army backed by military vehicles and accompanied with a Civil Administration SUV moved into Bardala village, northwest of Jericho in the Northern Jordan Valleys. The army seized a bulldozer working for a construction company on an agricultural road in the northern area of the village. The confiscation was under the pretext of working in Area C.
On Monday, 19 April 2021, Amjad Mosalam Ja’abees self-demolish his under-construction house in Bashir neighborhood in Jabal Mukaber village, southeast of occupied East Jerusalem, pursuant to the Israeli Municipality’s decision under the pretext of unlicensed construction. Amjad Ja’abees said that IOF raided his house last week and gave him 5 days to carry out the demolition or he will be fined with tens of thousands of shekels if the Municipality crew did it. Ja’abees said that he had to demolish his house on the American Street with his own hands and rented a bulldozer and an excavator to demolish it. He added that his house was built on an area of 110 sqms and was almost ready.
At approximately 09:00 on Tuesday, 20 April 2021, IOF accompanied with a Civil Administration SUV moved into al-‘Azb area, north of Qabalan village, southeast of Nablus. The Civil Administration officer notified 13 houses of stopping the construction and demolition works in the area, under the pretext of illegal construction in Area C.
‘Omer Johar Mousa – A 160-sqm house
Ashraf ‘Abdel Snobar – A 2-storey house; the first floor is used as storehouses and the second is residential and each of them is 400 sqms, 11 members, including 5 children
Soheil ‘Abdel Ra’ouf Az’ar – A 180-sqm house, 2 families of 13, including 5 children
Reema ‘Abdel Motaleb Yasin – A 160-sqm house
Mohammed ‘Abdel ‘Aziz Snobar – A 180-sqm house, 5 members, including 3 children
Eyad ‘Abdel Men’em Az’ar – A 2-storey house of 150 sqms
Osamah Hassan ‘Aabed – A 120-sqm house
Saleh ‘Atallah Hamlah – A 2-storey house of 160 sqms
Baraa’ Naser Najjar – A 2-storey house of 150 sqms
Mohammed Samih Zidan – A 2-storey house of 100 sqms
Qays Basem Helal Az’ar – A 120-sqm house
Larem Basem Helal Az’ar – A 120sqm house
Baker Mohammed ‘Abdel Jaleel Abu Zahrah – A 160-sqm house
At approximately 11:00, IOF backed by military vehicles and accompanied with a Civil Administration vehicle and a truck mounted crane moved into Wad al-Rakhim area, southeast of Yatta, south of Hebron. IOF deployed in the area while the Civil Administration officers confiscated a caravan and a car pulling a caravan belonging to Ahmed Nasser Da’ajnah (47) under the pretext of being located in Area C, where the residents are banned holding any activity without a prior permit.
At approximately 11:30, IOF backed by military vehicles and accompanied with a civil administration SUV moved into Bardalah village, northwest of Jericho in the northern Jordan Valleys. IOF seized a tractor belonging to ‘Ezzat Ahmed Khneifes Rashaydah who was in the western outskirts of the village herding the sheep.
On the same morning, the Israeli authorities built new 96 settlement units in Gush Etzion Settlement Cluster, south of Bethlehem. According to the Director of the Annexation and Settlement Resistance Commission in Bethlehem the Israeli authorities started the construction of a new settlement neighborhood in Evy Settlement in Gush Etzion Cluster, where 96 new housing units will be built. He added that the new neighborhood will be the first in the settlement since 1999.
b. Settler attacks on Palestinian civilians and their property
On Thursday, 15 April 2021, a group of settlers from “Ahya” settlement established in eastern Jalud village, southeast of Nablus, attacked the lands in the area and uprooted 45 olive, citrus, and fruit seedlings planted around the house in a plot of land belonging to Hesham ‘Emad Hammoud. They also damaged the fence surrounding the same land as well as causing damage to the equipment and construction materials as they emptied a sack of cement on the construction steel and poured 3 cups of water on the cement. They also stole construction equipment and a concrete mixer.
At approximately 08:00 on Saturday, 17 April 2021, 2 settlers living “Mitzpe Yair” settlement outpost, south of Hebron, unleashed their sheep in the lands planted with winter crops in Moghayer al-‘Abid area near the settlement outpost, while IOF was watching them in the camp near the outpost. When members of ‘Abdeid Family arrived, the settlers tried to attack them. IOF then arrived and forced the settlers to leave the area. It should be mentioned that only one family was left in Moghayer al-‘Abid village due to IOF and settlers’ recurrent attacks and closure of the road leading to it constantly, forcing the residents in the residential caves to leave.
On Saturday evening, 17 April 2021, Israeli settlers burnt tens of olive trees in Beit Fajjar village, south of Bethlehem. Director of the Annexation and Settlement Resistance Commission in Bethlehem, said that a group of settlers from Migdal Oz Settlement established on Beit Fajjar village lands burnt 50 fruitful olive trees in Deir Ma’ala area, north of the village, belonging to Nasim Taqatqah. He added that an Israeli decision was issued to take over the area where the settlers burnt the olive trees and consider it a military zone.
At approximately 09:00 on Wednesday, 21 April 2021, a group of settlers removed chains and a tank to seize control of a plot of land used as a car park for the residents of Wadi Hilweh neighborhood in Silwan village, south of occupied East Jerusalem’s Old City. Hamoudah Siyam, one of the houses’ owners next to the park, said that a group of settlers started removing chains and a big tank placed by the neighborhood residents at the land entrance to park their cars and then closed the entrance with sacks of construction materials to prevent the neighborhood’s residents from using the land. Siyam added that the residents confronted the settlers and expelled them from the land which belongs to the neighborhood’s residents. Siyam said that the settlers called the Israeli police, which arrived after few hours and handed the residents a notice to remove the tank and steel pillars in front of their houses.
PCHR Arabic
إصابة (7) مواطنين في استخدام مفرط للقوة في الضفة الغربية بما فيها القدس المحتلة
إطلاق النار (4) مرات تجاه الأراضي…
