Israeli forces have continued with systematic attacks against Palestinian civilians and their property in the occupied Palestinian territory (oPt) for the reporting period of 20 – 26 November, 2014.Israeli attacks in the West Bank & Gaza:
Shootings:
During the reporting period, Israeli forces killed a bird hunter in northern border area in the Gaza Strip, while a shepherd was killed due to the explosion of a landmine of the Israeli forces’ military remnants in the northern Jordan Valley in the West Bank. Additionally, 22 Palestinian civilians, including 9 children and a woman, were wounded; 20 of whom were in the West Bank and 2 were in the Gaza Strip.
In the West Bank, on 23 November 2014, a landmine of the Israeli forces’ military remnants exploded and killed a 43-year-old shepherd in the northern Jordan valley, east of Tubas.
On 20 November 2014, 4Palestinian civilians were wounded when Israeli forces moved into Askar refugee camp, northeast of Nablus.
On the same day, a Palestinian child sustained a bullet wound to the right leg when Israeli forces moved into Deir al-Hatab village, northeast of Nablus. In addition, a 16-year-old child sustained a fracture in the leg when he fell to the ground while Israeli soldiers were chasing the protestors.
On 22 November 2014, Israeli forces fired a sound bomb at a 45-year-old civilian in Sho’fat neighbourhood, north of East Jerusalem. As a result, he sustained minor wounds to the leg.
On 25 November 2014, Israeli forces fired a gas canister at a 55-year-old civilian and his 18-year-old son while heading to a condolence house, east of the Old City in East Jerusalem. As a result, they sustained shrapnel wounds.
In the same context, Israeli forces used excessive force against peaceful protests organised 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, 4 civilians, including 2 children and a woman, were wounded in al-Nabi Saleh weekly protest, northwest of Ramallah. In addition, a 17-year-old child sustained a bullet wound to the left leg in Kufor Qaddoum weekly protest, northeast of Qalqilya, while 7 Palestinian civilians, including 3 children,were wounded in other protests.
In the Gaza Strip, in excessive use of force, on 23 November 2014, Israeli forces killed a Palestinian civilian, east of Jabalia, while hunting birds.
On 21 November 2014, a Palestinian civilian was wounded when Israeli forces stationed along the border fence, east of al-Shuhada cemetery, east of Jabalia, opened fire at a group of young men, who threw stones at the mentioned fence.
On 23 November 2014, a 17-year-old child from Rafah sustained a bullet wound to the chest (the bullet entered and exited) while being present with his friends near the Airport Street, southeast of Rafah, 1,500 meters away from the border fence.
Incursions:
During the reporting period,Israeli forces conducted at least 39 military incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank.During these incursions, Israeli forces arrested at least 60Palestinians, including 7 children, 3 women and 3 photojournalists. Twenty-one of these civilians, including 4children, the 3 women and 3 photojournalists,were arrested in Jerusalem.
In the Gaza Strip, Israeli forcesstationed along the border between the Gaza Strip and Israel arrested 6 Palestinian civilians, including a child, while attempting to sneak into Israel through the border fence in al-Shouka village.
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 7 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 (KeremShaloum) 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. During the reporting period, Israeli forces arrested a Palestinian patient who obtained a permit to travel to the West Bank for medical treatment, while another civilian accompanying his father was arrested while the father was denied travel for medical treatment.
Israeli forces have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians throughout the West Bank, including occupied East Jerusalem.Thousands of Palestinian civilians from the West Bank and the Gaza Strip continue to be denied access to Jerusalem.
Israeli 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 20 November 2014, Israeli forces backed by two military vehicles and a vehicle belonging to the Construction and Organization Department in the Israeli civil administration moved into Kherbat Sousia area near Hebron. Israeli soldiers deployed in the area and confiscated a tractor and a number of Plastic barrels, which are used for collecting water for personal purposes.
Attacks carried out by settlers
On 20 November 2014, about a hundred Israeli settlers from “Adi Ad” settlement which is established on the northern lands of al-Mughir village, gathered and tried to attack the aforementioned village. Israeli forces intervened to control the settlers and evacuate them form the area.
On 22 November 2014, a group of settlers from “Messicot” settlement in the northern mountains of tubas attacked Hilal ‘Adel ‘Ilian Darghma (22) when he was grazing in Ain al-Hilweh area.
On 23 November 2014, a group of settlers sneaked into Kherbet Abu Falah village, northeast of Ramallah. They headed to a house belonging to Huda Abdul Ghani Abdul Rahim Hamayel (54) and tried to raid it. They broke the balcony’s window, spilled an incendiary substance inside and set fire to the balcony’s contents after throwing a tear gas canister and a sound bomb inside.
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, 4 civilians, including 2 children and a woman, were wounded in al-Nabi Saleh weekly protest, northwest of Ramallah. In addition, a 17-year-old civiliansustained a bullet wound to the left leg in Kufor Qaddoum weekly protest, northeast of Qalqilya.
In the same context, 7 Palestinian civilians, including 3 children, were wounded during protests organized against the Israeli forces’ and settlers’ attacks in al-Aqsa mosque in Jerusalem.
(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 21 November 2014, 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 demonstrators took the streets raising the Palestinian flags and headed to the liberated territories near the annexation wall. Early in the morning, Israeli forces closed all entrances to the city to prevent Palestinian civilians and international and Israeli human rights defenders from participating in the protests. 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 steel bullets, sound bombs and waste water 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 beaten up by Israeli soldiers. In addition, Israeli forces arrested the Canadian solidarity activist, 40-year-old Jessi Haddad, and took him to an unknown destination.
· On the same day, 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, many civilians suffered tear gas inhalation and others sustained bruises as they were beaten up by Israeli soldiers.
· Around the same time, dozens of Palestinian civilians and Israeli and international human rights defenders organised a peaceful demonstration in al-Nabi Saleh village, southwest of Ramallah, in protest at the construction of the annexation wall and settlement activities. The demonstrators made their way in the streets raising the Palestinian flags and chanting slogans against the occupation and in support of the Palestinian unity, and they then headed to the lands that the settlers are trying to rob by force near “Halmish” settlement. Israeli forces had closed all the entrances of the village since the morning to prevent Palestinian and international activists and journalists from participating in the demonstration. When they arrived at the aforementioned land, demonstrators were met by live bullets, tear gas canisters, rubber-coated steel bullets, sound bombs and skunk water and were chased into the village. As a result, 4 civilians, including 2 children and a woman, were wounded. The wounded woman was transported to Palestine Medical Complex in Ramallah, where she underwent a surgery. The other wounded persons were taken to Yasser Arafat Hospital in Salfit. 38-year-old Nariman Mahmoud Tamimi sustained a bullet wound to the left knee. As a result, she had a fracture in the left thigh. Moreover, a 16-year-old child sustained a bullet wound to the right leg, a 17-year-old childsustained a bullet wound to the left leg and a 25-year-old civilian sustained 2 bullet wounds to the right leg and hand.
· Also at approximately 13:20, Palestinian civilians and international solidarity activists organized a protest in the center of KuforQaddoum village, northeast of Qalqilya, heading to the eastern entrance of the village in protest against closing that entrance since the beginning of al-Aqsa Intifada with an iron gate. The demonstrators threw stones at Israeli soldiers, who fired sound bombs and tear gas canisters in response. As a result, a 17-year-old child sustained a bullet wound to the left leg.
Other Demonstrations
· On Friday afternoon, 21 November 2014,dozens of Palestinian young men gatheredfrom different areas in Ramallah and al-Bireh around Ofer detention facility, southwest of Ramallah. They made their way towards the facility’s gate, which was closed by Israeli soldiers. The protestors set fire to tires and threw stones and empty bottles at Israeli soldiers, who fired live ammunition, rubber-coated metal bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters in response. As a result, 5 civilians, including 2 children, were wounded. They were all taken to Palestine Medical Complex in Ramallah. A 17-year-old child sustained a bullet wound to the left thigh; a 17-year-old child sustained a bullet wound to the left thigh too; a 20-year-old civilian sustained a bullet wound to the right arm; a 22-year-old civilian sustained a bullet wound to the pelvis that caused him rupture in the bladder and left ureter; and a 23-year-old civilian sustained a bullet wound to the right knee.
· On Friday afternoon, 14 November 2014, dozens of Palestinian civilians gathered at the western entrance ofSelwad village, northeast of Ramallah, on Selwad-Yabroud road near street (60) to organize a protest against Israeli policies. The protestors set fire to tires and threw stones and empty bottles at Israeli soldiers, who fired live ammunition, rubber-coated metal bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters in response. As a result, a number of protestors suffered tear gas inhalation, and others sustained bruises as they were beaten up by Israeli soldiers. In addition, Israeli soldiers arrested Abdul Rahman Saleh Hamed (22) and Hussein Anwar Hamed (35) outdoor for 2 hour while the weather was cold.
· Following the Friday prayer, dozens of Palestinians and human rights activists gathered in front of Qalandya refugee camp, north of Jerusalem, in protest at the Israeli settlers’ and forces’ attacks in al-Aqsa mosque. Israeli heavily armed forces were deployed.The protestors set fire to tires and threw stones and empty bottles at Israeli soldiers, who fired live ammunition, rubber-coated metal bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters in response. As a result, a 17-year-old child sustained a bullet wound to the chest and a 21-year-old male sustained a bullet wound to the left leg. The child suffered from a fracture in the ribs and bruises in the left lung.
· Also following the Friday prayer, a peaceful protest organized by Islamic powers made its way from Wasaya al-Rasoul mosque, south of Hebron, to Abu al-Reesh military checkpoint, south of al-Shuhada Street. The demonstrators protesting at the Israeli practices in al-Aqsa mosque raised the Palestinian flag and chanted national slogans. Israeli forces fired sound bombs, tear gas canisters and rubber-coated metal bullets at the demonstrators. They also sprayed houses and stores with wastewater. As a result, a number of civilians suffered tear gas inhalation. An Israeli soldier fired a rubber-coated metal bullet at Ma’moun Wazwaz, a photojournalist at Reuters, due to which the camera he was holding was damaged.
The journalist said to PCHR’s fieldworker:
‘On Friday, 21 November 2014, I went to the south of Hebron to cover a peaceful protest organized by Islamic powers in solidarity with al-Aqsa mosque. The protest startedfrom Wasaya al-Rasoul mosque following the Friday prayer. I headed to Abu al-Reesh checkpoint, south of al-Shuhada Street. Israeli soldiers were deployed around the checkpoint while others topped neighbouring houses. Hundreds of Palestinians participated in the protest. When they reached about 100 hundred meters away from the checkpoint, Israeli soldiers firedsound bombs and gas canisters at the protestors, who threw stones at Israeli soldiers. Minutes later, the wastewater vehicle arrived and started spraying wastewater at houses and stores. Clashes lasted for about an hour. Israeli soldiers fired rubber-coated metal bullets. In the meanwhile, I was standing with a group of journalists opposite to the demonstrators. I was wearing the press vest and holding a big camera. No stone throwers were behind me and the Israeli soldiers were about 30 meters away from me, and some of whom were positioned around. It was almost 13:30. A bullet hit the camera and damaged it. The scattered pieces of the camera hit my face. It should be noted that we were getting ready to leave the area. What happened with me was deliberate, because I am known to the soldiers and I always cover such incidents.’
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.
The total closure of al-Mentar (‘Karni’) crossing since 02 March 2011 has seriously affected the economy of the Gaza Strip. Following this closure, all economic and commercial establishments in the 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 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 the Nahal Oz crossing, east of Gaza City, which were dedicated for the delivery of fuel and cooking gas to the Gaza Strip, in the beginning of 2010.
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.
The cooking gas crisis has fluctuated for 9 months due to the closure of Karm Abu Salem for security claims. According to PCHR’s follow-up, Israeli authorities only allow an average of 98 tons of cooking gas into Gaza per day. This limited quantity is less than half of the daily needs, which is 200 tons per day of the civilian population in the Gaza Strip during winter. The crisis has unprecedentedly aggravated for around six weeks due to cold weather and overconsumption in addition to the power outage and using gas as an alternative in many instances of electricity. The lack of diesel and benzene led to the aggravation of the crisis as a result of using the gas cylinder for cars or as an alternative for benzene to run generators. As a result, the demand for gas further increased.
For almost 8 consecutive years, Israeli forces have continued to prevent the delivery of construction materials to the Gaza Strip. Two years ago, Israeli forces approved the delivery of limited quantities of construction materials for a number of international organizations in the Gaza Strip. On 17 September 2013, they allowed the entry of limited quantities of construction materials for the private sector. However, on 13 October 2013, they re-banned it claiming that these materials are used for constructing tunnels. Last week, Israeli forces allowed the entry of construction materials only for UNRWA and UNDP projects. As a result, construction works have completely stopped impacting all sectors related to construction and an increase in unemployment levels. During the 51-day Israeli offensive on the Gaza Strip in July and August 2014, Israeli authorities did not allow the entry of any construction materials. As a result, vital and infrastructure projects have been obstructed so far.
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.
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 denied permission to access hospitals via the crossing for new categories of patients from the Gaza Strip.
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 have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. At approximately 04:30 on Thursday, 20 November 2014, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the entrance of al-‘Arroub refugee camp, north of the city. At approximately 07:30, a similar checkpoint was established at the northern entrance of Hebron and another at the entrance of al-Fawwar refugee camp. All checkpoints were removed and no arrests were reported.
At approximately 07:30 on Monday, 24 November 2014, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the entrance of Sa’ir village, east of Hebron. At approximately 15:00, a similar checkpoint was established at the entrance of al-Smou’ village, south of the city. The checkpoints were removed, and no arrests were reported.
At approximately 07:00 on Tuesday, 25 November 2014, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the entrance of Ezzna village, west of the city. The checkpoint was removed, and no arrests were reported.
· Ramallah: Israeli forces have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. At approximately 16:30 on Thursday, 20 November 2014, Israeli forces reestablished their existence at ‘Attarah checkpoint on the northern entrance of Bir Zeit. All checkpoints were removed later, and no arrests were reported.
At approximately 09:30 on Friday, 21 November 2014, another checkpoint was established at the entrance of Nabi Saleh village, northeast of the city. At approximately 10:00, Israeli forces established a checkpoint under Yabroud Bridge. All checkpoints were removed and no arrests were reported.
At approximately 14:00 on the aforementioned day, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the entrances of Deir Qiddis village. The checkpoint was removed later and no arrests were reported.
At approximately 10:30 on Sunday, 21 November 2014, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the entrance of Badras village. At approximately 17:30, they established a similar checkpoint under Yabroud Bridge, northeast of the city. They withdrew later and no arrests were reported.
· Tulkarm: Israeli forces have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. At approximately 14:30 on Thursday, 13 November 2014, Israeli forces stationed at ‘Annab checkpoint which is established at the main road between Tulkarm and Nablus, east of Tulkarm, tightened their restrictions against the Palestinians and obstructed their movement. Later, the tightening ended and no arrests were reported. The tightening renewed at approximately 14:30 on Sunday, 23 November 2014, at approximately 14:30 on Monday, 24 November 2014, at approximately 19:00 on the aforementioned day, and at approximately 14:30 on Tuesday, 25 November 2014.
At approximately 17:00 on Friday, 14 November 2014, Israeli forces closed at the annexation wall, gate No. 623, near Deir al-Gusoun village, north of the city. Local sources told PCHR that that the gate was closed allegedly because a group of boys threw stones at it. Late, the gate was reopened and no further events were reported. At approximately 18:00, Israeli forces closed at the annexation wall gate No. 906 near al-Ghusoun village, north of the city, for the same reasons.
At approximately 20:30 on Sunday, 16 November 2014, Israeli forces established a checkpoint on the road between ‘Alar and Saida. Later, the checkpoint was removed and no arrests were made.
· Qalqilya: Israeli forces have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. At approximately 11:30 on Thursday, 20 November 2014, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the entrance of Kufer Laqef village. At approximately 13:30, they established another checkpoint at the eastern entrance of the city. The checkpoints were removed and no arrests were made.
At approximately 09:00 on Friday, 21 November 2014, Israeli forces established checkpoint at the eastern entrance of the city. At approximately 20:00, Israeli forces established checkpoint between Jious and Kufur Jamal villages, north of the city. At approximately 22:40, they established another between Kufur Laqef and Baqat al-Hatab. At midnight, they established a checkpoint at the eastern entrance of the city. The checkpoints were removed and no arrests were made.
At approximately 08:30 on Sunday, 23 November 2014, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the entrance of Azzoun village, east of the city and renewed the checkpoint at approximately 20:40. At approximately 12:30, they established another checkpoint at the eastern entrance of the city. At approximately 20:15, another checkpoint was established at the entrance of Jeet village, northeast of the village. At approximately 17:30, a similar checkpoint was established between Jious and Kufur Jamal villages. Later, the checkpoints were removed and no arrests were reported.
At approximately 04:45 on Monday, 24 November 2014, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the eastern entrance of the city. At approximately 20:15, another checkpoint was established at the entrance of Jious village, east of the city. All checkpoints were removed and no arrests were reported.
· Salfit: at approximately 15:30 on Saturday, 22 November 2014, Israeli forces established a checkpoint near the road between Hares and Kuful Hares villages, north of the city. They detained: Khaled Aziz Saleh (12); Ahmed Mufid Dimra (13); and Izz al-Din Abdel Aziz Saleh (14), from Kuful Hares then released them after investigation. The checkpoint was removed and no arrests were reported. At approximately 16:30, they established a checkpoint at the southern entrance of Kuful Hares, north of the city. The checkpoint was removed and no arrests were made.
Arrests and Maltreatment of Palestinian Civilians at Military Checkpoints:
Arrests
· On Monday, 24 November 2014, Israeli forces stationed at al-Hamra checkpoint, east of Nablus, which connects Jericho and the mountains area with the northern provinces of the West Bank arrested brothers Mahmoud (23) and Ahmed Twfiq Raja al-Qarinin (19) from Jenin refugee camp. Al-Qarinin’s brother told PCHR that the soldiers stationed at the aforementioned checkpoint stopped a vehicle driven by his two brothers on their way home from Jordan. They told them to get off their car and blindfolded them. They handcuffed them and took them to an unknown destination.
· On Tuesday, 25 November 2004, Israeli forces stationed at Salem checkpoint near Rumman village, northwest of Jenin arrested Ramzi Ali Hussein Asad (21) from Balata refugee camp, east of Nablus. Asad was arrested while passing through the aforementioned checkpoint on his way from the trial of his imprisoned brother in Salem military court. He was taken to an unknown destination.
· On the same day, Israeli forces arrested Rami Hassan Abu Hashem (25) from Beit Amr village, north of Hebron after he was stopped at a checkpoint east of Jerusalem. He was taken to an unknown destination.
Maltreatment
· At approximately 17:30 on Sunday, 23 November 2014, Israeli forces stationed at the entrance of al-‘Arroub refugee camp arrested Basel Muhammad Omrein (38) after he was stopped and his ID torn when he was returning to his house. As a result, he suffered bruises in his right arm.
Omrein stated to PCHR:
“At approximately 17:30 on Sunday, 23 November 2014, I arrived at al-‘Arroub entrance on my way back from my job inside Israel. The soldiers asked me to approach them. One of them asked for my ID. I handed to them and the soldier checked it. He asked me if I had been arrested before and I told him yes. He asked me why I was arrested and I laughed and said I stole a chicken. He asked me whether I was mocking him and I told him that I was not. One of the soldiers took my ID from his colleague’s hand and tore it. When I asked him why he tore it he told me he was free to do whatever he wants. Another soldier addressed me saying “How about running me down”. So I said I don’t have a car. The soldier pushed me and my hand hit one of the cement blocks. I felt severe pain and I screamed telling the soldiers they broke my hand. I returned home afterwards and my brother took me to al-Hussein Hospital where the doctors told me I suffered rapture and bruises in my hand.’
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 continued aggression 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;
14. PCHR calls upon the Palestinian leadership to sign and accede to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court and the Geneva Conventions, and calls upon the international community, especially the United Nations, to encourage the State of Palestine to accede to international human rights law and humanitarian law instruments.
Full, detailed document available at the official PCHR website.
