PCHR Report; ‘Israeli Army Execute, Raze, Arrest and Destroy’

The Palestinian Center for Human Rights, in Gaza, published its weekly report of Israeli violations of Palestinian human rights in the occupied terrotories; the report covers the period between August 18 and August 24, 2005.

5 Palestinian civilians were extra-judicially killed by army in Tulkarem refugee camp.

12 Palestinian civilians were wounded by army and settlers.

Army conducted 18 incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip.

Houses were raided and 9 Palestinian civilians were arrested by army. 

9 houses were transformed by army into military sites.

army have continued to impose a total siege on the OPT; army have imposed a tightened siege on Palestinian communities located near Israeli settlements in the Gaza Strip and the northern West Bank; army have closed al-Matahen and Abu Houli checkpoints in the Gaza Strip; army arrested 10 Palestinian civilians at military checkpoints in the West Bank and a woman at Rafah International Crossing Point; and army have continued to use a special checking machine at the crossing point.

Army have continued to construct the Annexation Wall in the West Bank; army confiscated 1585 donums[1] of Palestinian land near East Jerusalem.

Israeli settlers have continued to attack Palestinian civilians and property in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip; 600 donums of agricultural land were confiscated and 100 others were razed for the purpose of settlement expansion in Hebron, Nablus and Tulkarem; and a number of Palestinian civilians were injured in Hebron and Qalqilya.    

Summary

Israeli violations of international law continued in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT) during the reporting period (18-24 August 2005) as army were evacuating 25 settlements in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip:

Extra-Judicial Execution: Late on Wednesday, 24 August 2005, army extra-judicially killed 5 unarmed Palestinian civilians, including 3 children, in Tulkarem refugee camp.  One of the victims was allegedly wanted by army.  Army claimed that they raided a house where these individuals were hiding to arrest them.  They further claimed that they exchanged fire with the victims and killed them.  PCHR’s investigations refute this claim and indicate that the victims were unarmed and they were not together when they were killed.  PCHR reiterates its warning that the Palestinian civilian population may pay the price of the redeployment of army in the Gaza Strip.  It is worth noting that army redeployed in Tulkarem 4 months ago but regained control over the town 6 weeks ago. 

Incursions: army conducted 18 military incursions into Palestinian areas in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip.  During these incursions, army raided houses and arrested 7 Palestinian civilians.  Army also seized 9 houses and transformed them into military sites in the West Bank.  Four Palestinian civilians were also injured.  During the incursions into the Gaza Strip, army raided houses and arrested two Palestinian civilians.  They also damaged 3 houses and a kindergarten and injured a Palestinian civilian.      

Restrictions on Movement: Since army started to implement the ‘Disengagement Plan’ in the Gaza Strip, they have imposed severe restrictions on Palestinian civilians, especially in communities located near Israeli settlements.  They have continued to close Erez crossing for the second consecutive week and to impose severe restrictions at other border crossings of the Gaza Strip.  army have also continued to close al-Matahen and Abu Houli checkpoints on Salah al-Din Street (the main road between the north and south of the Gaza Strip).  In addition, army has   continued to close a number of roads since the beginning of the current Intifada.  In the West Bank, army has continued to close Za’tra checkpoint, south of Nablus, and ‘Ennab gate, east of Tulkarem, for the fifth consecutive week.   Since the declaration of the northern West Bank as a closed military zone, on Monday morning, 15 August 2005, army has imposed severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians.  They erected a number of iron gates on the main roads.  They also erected a number of checkpoints and arrested at least 7 Palestinian civilians.   In the West Bank, PCHR field workers documented two cases of inhumane treatment by army at military checkpoints.

Annexation Wall: army has continued to construct the Annexation Wall inside the West Bank territory.  For this purpose, they razed more areas of agricultural land to northwest of Jerusalem.  They also razed a playground in ‘Anata village, northeast of Jerusalem.  On Sunday, 21 August 2005, army confiscated 1585 donums of Palestinian land in villages located near Jerusalem for the purpose of the construction of a section of the Wall.  In addition, army used force to disperse peaceful demonstrations organized by Palestinian civilians and international solidarity activists in protest to the construction of the Wall.  A child was wounded by army and at least 30 demonstrators suffered from tear gas inhalation. 

Illegal Settler Activities: Israeli settlers in breach of international humanitarian law continue to reside in the OPT and have launched a series of attacks against Palestinian civilians and property, especially in the Gaza Strip during the implementation of the ‘Disengagement Plan.’ During the reported period, Israeli settlers launched 9 attacks on Palestinian civilians.  Three Palestinian civilians were wounded by army that supported Israeli settlers who attacked Palestinian civilians in Bala’a village, eats of Tulkarem. 

Israeli Violations Documented during the Reporting Period (18 – 24 August 2005)

1.      Incursions into Palestinian Areas and Attacks on Palestinian Civilians and Property

Thursday, 18 August 2005

•      At approximately 02:30, army moved into al-Salaima quarter in al-Mawasi area in Khan Yunis. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of ‘Ali Hassan al-Lahham, 22, and arrested him. 

•      At approximately 03:00, army moved into the center of Tulkarem.  They surrounded an apartment building belonging to Ahmed ‘Abdul Jalil Makhlouf.  They forced residents of the building out and then searched it.  Soon after, they arrested ‘Omar Khalil al-Shara’ab, 25. 

•      Also at approximately 03:00, army moved into Tulkarem and Nour Shams refugee camps, east of Tulkarem.  They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested two Palestinian civilians:

1.      Mohammed ‘Abdul Rahman Meqbel, 21; and

2.      Ra’ed Sufian, 21. 

•      At approximately 10:00, army moved into Senjer neighborhood in the east of Dura village, southwest of Hebron.  They raided and searched a number of houses and transformed one of them, which belongs to ‘Abdul Rahman ‘Aamer al-Rajoub into a military site. 

•      At approximately 12:00, army moved into al-Sha’er quarter in al-Mawasi area in Khan Yunis.  They raided and searched a house belonging to ‘Alaa’ ‘Aayesh al-Sha’er, 33, and arrested him. 

•      At approximately 22:30, army positioned in military posts at the border between the Gaza Strip and Israel, northeast of Beit Hanoun, fired at Isma’il Joma’a al-Tarabin, 28, from Um al-Nasser village near Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip.  He was seriously wounded by a live bullet to the back.  Al-Tarabin was not armed and he apparently attempted to infiltrate into Israel. 

Friday, 19 August 2005

•        At approximately 00:30, army moved into Bala’a village, east of Tulkarem.  They raided a two-storey house belonging to Farhan Husni Suleiman.  They held the six residents in one room and transformed the house into a military site. 

•        At approximately 09:00, army raided and searched a 3-storey, under-construction house belonging to Fayez Mohammed al-Rujbi and his brothers in al-Ras area to the west of ‘Kiryat Arba’ settlement, southeast of Hebron.  They transformed the building into a military site and closed 21 stores under the building.  According to al-Rujbi, officer of the ‘Civil Administration’ of army supervised the operation.  The building was supposed to absorb 60 individuals (5 families). 

Saturday, 20 August 2005

•      At approximately 01:45, army moved into Nablus.  They patrolled in the streets.  They withdrew a few hours later and no arrests were reported.

•      At approximately 16:00, army moved into Bala’a village, east of Tulkarem.  They raided a two-storey house belonging to ‘Adnan Husni Suleiman.  They forced the ten residents out and transformed the house into a military site.  Army also raided a shop belonging to Ibrahim ‘Abdullah ‘Aamer.  An armored Israeli military vehicle hit the door of the shop and destroyed it. 

Sunday, 21 August 2005

•      At approximately 03:00, army moved into ‘Attil village, north of Tulkarem.  They raided and searched a number of houses, one of which belongs to Jihad Fathallah al-Sa’di.  According to eyewitnesses, army forced al-Sa’di to get out of his house.  They detonated sound bombs inside the houses.  Then, they used al-Sa’di as a human shield while searching his house.  During this incursion, army also arrested Nidal Abu Khazna, 28.   In his testimony to PCHR, Jihad Fathallah al-Sa’di said:

‘At approximately 03:00 on Sunday, 21 August 2005, I woke up on hearing an explosion which resulted from a sound bomb detonated by army at the door of my house.  I heard Israeli soldiers ordering me to open the door and take my family out of the houses, and I did.  They broke into the house and forced me to walk before them while searching the house.  When they finished searching the house, they ordered me and my family to go inside and close the door.  Soon after, they detonated another sound bomb near the house and ordered me to open the door.  They took me to my pharmacy shop near the mosque of the village.  When I opened its doors, they searched it.  Then, they took me back home.’

Monday, 22 August 2005

•      At approximately 02:00, army moved into al-Shyoukh village, north of Hebron.  They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested two Palestinian civilians:

1.      Joma’a ‘Abdul Rahim al-Halaiqa, 30; and

2.      Rezeq Mohammed al-Halaiqa, 35. 

•      At approximately 02:30, army moved into al-Khader village, south of Bethlehem.  They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of ‘Omar Jouda Subeh and summoned him to meet with Israeli intelligence. 

•      At approximately 04:30, army moved into ‘Arraba village, southwest of Jenin.  They raided and searched two houses belonging to Mo’tassem Mos’ad Qanneeri and Sa’id Mohammed Abu Baker.  No arrests were reported. 

•      At approximately 18:00, army moved into al-Lahham quarter in al-Mawasi area in Khan Yunis.  They raided and searched a number of houses and surrounding land.  They claimed that they discovered a bomb near an uninhabited house belonging to the Yousef Mohammed al Lahham.  army conducted an explosion which damaged the house as a consequence.  Two neighbouring houses and a kindergarten were also damaged

Tuesday, 23 August 2005

•      At approximately 02:00, army moved into al-Shyoukh village, northeast of Hebron.  They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested ‘Atiya Subeh al-Halaiqa, 32.

•      At approximately 05:00, army moved into the University and Abu Katila neighborhoods in the northwest of Hebron.  They raided and searched a number of houses.  At approximately 06:00, they transformed two houses belonging to Tayseer ‘Abdullah al-Haimouni and Mohammed ‘Abdul ‘Afu al-‘Owaiwi into military sites.  They forced the two families to stay on the first floors of their houses.  

•      At approximately 10:30, army moved into Qabatya village, southeast of Jenin.  They opened fire at Palestinian houses.  A Palestinian civilian, 20-year-old Jihad Hassan Zakarna, was wounded by two live bullets to the right hand and leg.  army also stopped a Palestinian civilian vehicle and violently beat 3 Palestinian civilians who were traveling in it:

1.      Nidal Tawfiq Saba’na, 39, sustained bruises throughout the body;

2.      ‘Abdul Nasser Salah al-Din Sha’ban, 40, sustained bruises throughout the body; and

3.      Mohammed Kamel Abu al-Rub, 32, sustained a fracture to the leg. 

•      At approximately 11:00, army moved into ‘Arraba village, southwest of Jenin.  They raided and searched a house belonging to Bilal ‘Abdul Qader and transformed it into a military site.

•      Also at approximately 11:00, army moved into ‘Ejja village, south of Jenin.  They raided and searched a house belonging to Bilal ‘Abdul Qader and transformed it into a military site.

Wednesday, 24 August 2005

•      At approximately 03:00, army moved into the schools area in Hebron.  They raided and searched a house belonging to Raslan al-Siouri and transformed it into a military site.

•      At approximately 09:00, army moved into al-Shyoukh village, northeast of Hebron.  They raided and searched a number of shops and factories and arrested Mousa Ahmed al-Warasna, 40.  

2.     Extra-Judicial Execution

Late on Wednesday, 24 August 2005, army extra-judicially killed 5 unarmed Palestinian civilians, including 3 children, in Tulkarem refugee camp.  One of the victims was allegedly wanted by army.  Army claimed that they raided a house where these individuals were hiding.  They further claimed that they exchanged fire with the victims and killed them.  PCHR’s investigations refute this claim and indicate that the victims were unarmed and they were not together when they were killed.

According to investigations conducted by PCHR, at approximately 23:45, an undercover unit of army moved into Tulkarem refugee camp using a civilian car that had a Palestinian registration plate.  The car stopped near al-Qaisi supermarket in the center of the refugee camp.  Six armed persons wearing civilian clothes got out of the car.  They moved towards 6 Palestinian civilians who were sitting in the area and fired at them.  Two civilians were instantly killed, one of them was allegedly wanted by army.  Members of the undercover unit fired also at 5 other civilians who were sitting a few meters away.  Two other civilians were killed.  A fifth civilian was seriously wounded and he died later.  army moved into the refugee camp and took the bodies of the victims and delivered them to the Palestinian side a few hours later.  The victims were all unarmed.  They were identified as:

1.      ‘Aadel Mohammed Qassem Ghawi, 28, who was allegedly wanted by army, hit by 5 live bullets to the chest, the abdomen, the right arm and the left thigh;

2.      Majdi Mohammed ‘Abdul Karim Hussein, 18, hit by 5 live bullets to the neck, the abdomen, the pelvis and the left thigh;

3.      Mahmoud Mohammed Isma’il Hudaib, 16, hit by 4 live bullets to the chest and the thighs;

4.      Anas Ma’rouf ‘Assaf Abu Zaina, 17, hit by two live bullets to the chest and the abdomen; and

5.      Mohammed Tariq ‘Abdul Latif ‘Othman, 17, hit by 5 live bullets to the chest and the abdomen. 

In addition, 3 Palestinian civilians, including two children, were wounded:

1.      Samer Mohammed Mahmoud Mar’ei, 15, wounded by a live bullet to the back;

2.      Tariq ‘Ata Mousa Zayet, 17, wounded by shrapnel to the right hand; and

3.      Mahmoud Ahmed Mohammed ‘Ali, 25, wounded by a live bullet to the right thigh. 

3.     Continued Siege on the OPT

Army have continued to impose tightened siege on the OPT and imposed severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including Jerusalem. 

Gaza Strip

As army has started to implement the ‘Disengagement Plan’ in the Gaza Strip, they have imposed more restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians, especially those living near illegal Israeli settlements. 

•        Internal Movement: army has continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians through al-Matahen and Abu Houli checkpoints on Salah al-Din Street (the main road between the north and south of the Gaza Strip).  Since 17 August 2005, army has closed the two checkpoints during the day hours.  The two checkpoints are opened at night, excluding Fridays and Saturdays when the two checkpoints are opened day and night.  These measures have impacted the daily lives of Palestinian civilians living in the Gaza Strip.

army have also continued to close a number of roads inside the Gaza Strip since the beginning of the current Intifada, such as the western Rafah – Khan Yunis road in the southern Gaza Strip, Abu al-‘Ajeen road between the villages of al-Qarara and Wadi al-Salqa in the central Gaza Strip and Salah al-Din Street at ‘Netzarim’ and ‘Kfar Darom’ junctions in the central Gaza Strip. Furthermore, army has continued to prohibit Palestinian civilians from using ‘Kissufim’, ‘Morag’ and al-Mentar roads in the southern and central Gaza Strip, which have been devoted for the movement of army and settlers.  Army has continued to close Gaza International Airport for the fourth consecutive year. 

•        Enclaves under Seige: army has continued to impose a strict siege on Palestinian communities located near Israeli military posts and settlements:

o       Al-Mawasi: army have continued to impose a tightened siege on al-Mawasi area in Khan Yunis and Rafah.  army have continued to close al-Tuffah and Tal al-Sultan checkpoints at the entrances of the area for the third consecutive week, even though they have completed the evacuation of settlements located in the area.  The closure of the area has impacted on the living conditions of Palestinian civilians. 

o       Al-Sayafa: army have continued to close the area for the second consecutive week.  On Saturday, 20 August 2005, army raided and searched a number of houses in the area.  On the same day, Sabah al-Sawarka, 23, who was pregnant in the fifth month miscarried as she was in need to be evacuated to the hospital, but army did not allow her evacuation.   

o       Al-Ma’ni: army have continued to close the area which is located near ‘Kfar Darom’ settlement in the central Gaza Strip for the second consecutive week.  This closure has had disastrous impacts on the economic, social and cultural rights of Palestinian civilians living there.

•        External movement:

o       Rafah International Crossing Point: army have continued to impose severe restrictions on the travel of Palestinian civilians through Rafah International Crossing Point on the Egyptian border, in violation of their economic, social and cultural rights, under security claims.  The crossing point has been the only outlet for Palestinian civilians living in the Gaza Strip to the outside world.  Army often closes the crossing point and prevents young men from traveling.  Since the beginning of June, army has imposed more restrictions on travel through the crossing point.  The crossing point is open between 09:00 and 17:00 everyday.  For the third consecutive week, army has continued to prevent Palestinian civilians aged 16-35 from traveling abroad.  Recently, they have allowed patients and those have permanent residence in other countries to travel.  Army had allowed this large segment of Palestinian civilians to travel abroad since 20 February 2005 following nearly one year of prohibition.  Since 22 July 2005, army has resumed using a controversial special checking machine.  Army stopped using this machine on 18 May 2005 as its use was widely criticized.  On 23 August 2005, army arrested Wissam Quddas, 32, from Gaza City, when he was traveling to Egypt to receive medical treatment.  On 24 August 2005, army arrested Ghassan ‘Adnan al-Kafarna, 20, from Beit Hanoun, when he was on his way to Egypt. 

o         Beit Hanoun (Erez) crossing: army have continued to close the crossing since 14 August 2005.  The crossing will be closed for one month.  On 21 August 2005, army allowed 108 Palestinian workers who have permits to go to their work places inside Israel.  army have allowed serious cases of patients and staff of international organizations to move through the crossing.

o       Al-Mentar (Karni) commercial crossing: army have continued to impose severe restrictions on commercial transactions at al-Mentar (Karni) commercial crossing, east of Gaza City.  This is despite the army declaration that they have eased such restrictions.  During the reporting period they allowed only 30-35 trucks to enter Israel and 270 to enter the Gaza Strip from Israel. These restrictions have caused goods to perish and large losses to Palestinian traders.  On 22 August 2005, army closed the crossing as they were evacuating ‘Netzarim’ settlement.  The crossing was reopened on the following day. 

o       Sofa crossing: army have also continued to prevent Palestinian workers from entering Israel through Sofa crossing, northeast of Rafah.  This crossing has been closed for people for more than one year and only raw construction materials are allowed to be entered. 

The West Bank

Army has continued to impose a strict siege on Palestinian communities in the West Bank Territory.  They have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians and imposed curfews on a number of Palestinian communities.

•      Ramallah: On Saturday afternoon, 20 August 2005, army erected a number of checkpoints on the road that links Ramallah with villages located to the west.  According to eyewitnesses, army erected a checkpoint on the road that links Bitounia town with ‘Ein ‘Arik village, and two other checkpoints near Beit ‘Ur and at Ras Karkar crossroads. 

•      Hebron:  army has continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians.  On Thursday morning, 18 August 2005, army erected 3 checkpoints at the entrances to the villages of Halhoul, Beit Kahel and Zeef near Hebron.  They stopped, checked and held dozens of Palestinian civilians for long hours.  On Friday morning, 19 August 2005, army imposed severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians.  Many Palestinian civilians were not able to reach the Ibrahimi Mosque for the Friday Prayer, due to the severe restrictions imposed by army on the roads leading to it.  Only 500 Palestinian civilians were able to pray in the Ibrahimi Mosque.  

On Thursday morning, 18 August 2005, army positioned at a checkpoint in Rafat area in al-Sammou’ village, south of Hebron, stopped two Palestinian workers and violently beat them: Sh’ban Suleiman Abu Sabha, 36, from Yatta village; and ‘Eid Ahmed Abu Sakout, 18, from Bani Na’im village.  The two workers sustained bruises throughout the body. 

At approximately 15:00 on Friday, 19 August 2005, army stopped and violently beat Hassan Mousa Abu Suniana, 14, for no apparent reason.  He sustained bruises and bled from the mouth and nose. 

•      Nablus: army has continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians in and around the city.  On Thursday, 18 August 2005, army closed the entrances to Bazaria village, northwest of Nablus, which is located near ‘Homesh’ settlement, one of the settlements to be evacuated by army.  In the morning, army also closed Za’tara checkpoint, south of Nablus.  At approximately 10:00 on Saturday, 20 August 2005, army erected a checkpoint on al-Bathan road, northeast of Nablus.  They stopped dozens of Palestinian civilian vehicles dfor long hours.  Army also erected a checkpoint on the road that links ‘Assira village with Tallouza village, north of Nablus.  They stopped and searched Palestinian civilian vehicles.  On Monday morning, 22 August 2005, army closed Beit Eiba checkpoint, west of Nablus.  They allowed Palestinian civilians from the villages of Deir Sharaf and Qousin only to cross the checkpoint.

At approximately 12:00 on Friday, 19 August 2005, army positioned at Beit Eiba checkpoint, west of Nablus, arrested Kifah Na’im Shawahna, 27, from Kufor Thuluth village near Qalqilya.

At approximately 23:00 on Friday, 19 August 2005, an ambulance of Palestinian Union of Medical Relief Committees moved from Nablus towards Burqa village to evacuate Hanaa’ Abu ‘Omar, 22, who suffered from an acute hemorrhage.  The ambulance was forced to resort to dirt roads.  The evacuation of the woman to the hospital took two hours even though the distance between Nablus and Burqa village is only 17 kilometers. 

On Sunday morning, 21 August 2005, army held the medical crew of a medical center in Sabastia village for several hours and denied them access to the center, which provided medical services for 9 villages in the area. 

 Also on Sunday morning, army positioned at 5 checkpoints around Nablus obstructed the passage of a medical crew of Palestinian Union of Medical Relief Committees, when they were on their way from Nablus to ‘Azzoun village, east of Qalqilya.

•      Tulkarem: army has continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians.  On Thursday morning, 18 August 2005, army erected a checkpoint at Far’oun crossroads, south of the town.  They stopped and held dozens of young Palestinian men under the sun for long hours.  Army also closed the iron gate that was established last week on Tulkarem – Nablus road, prohibiting movement between the two towns.  They chased Palestinian civilians who resorted to alternative dirt roads, and held a number of young men for more than 3 hours.  On Friday, 19 August 2005, army erected a checkpoint at Bala’a crossroads, east of Tulkarem, and imposed restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians.  They also erected a checkpoint at the western entrance to Shwaika village, north of Tulkarem.  They stopped and searched dozens of Palestinian civilian vehicles.  On Saturday, 20 August 2005, army closed al-Kafriyat checkpoint, south of Tulkarem.  They also chased Palestinian civilians who resorted to alternative dirt roads.  In the meantime, army closed the road that links Kufor al-Labad village with Shoufa village with sand barriers.  On Sunday, 21 August 2005, army prevented Palestinian civilians from crossing a checkpoint to the east of Tulkarem. 

On Tuesday noon, 23 August 2005, army positioned at a checkpoint to the south of Tulkarem arrested ‘Abdul Fattah Mohammed Eshtaiwi, 26.

•      Jenin: army further tightened the siege imposed on villages located to the northeast of Jenin.  For this purpose, they closed Fatema gate on Jenin – Nazareth road.  They also patrolled on neighboring agricultural land and prohibited the movement from these villages to Jenin.  They also placed cement blocks and sand barriers on Jenin – Nablus al-Haddad tourist resort, northeast of Jenin. In addition, they established two iron gates at ‘Arraba crossroads, south of Jenin, and at the eastern entrance of Ya’bad village.  On Friday morning, 20 August 2005, army positioned at Tayaseer checkpoint, east of Tubas village in the northern Jordan Valley, prevented dozens of Palestinian civilians from reaching their agricultural land in the villages of ‘Ein al-Baida and Bardala.  army positioned at al-Hamra checkpoint in the central Jordan Valley imposed severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians between Jericho and the northern West Bank.

At approximately 13:00 on Thursday, 18 August 2005, army erected a checkpoint to the west of al-Fara’a refugee camp, southeast of Jenin.  They stopped and searched dozens of Palestinian civilian vehicles and arrested two Palestinian civilians: Ra’ef Jameel ‘Abdul Jawad, 26; and Mohammed Jamal Rasheed, 25.

On Friday morning, 19 August 2005, army positioned at a checkpoint to the north of Tubas village, southeast of Jenin, arrested a Palestinian civilians, who has not been identified. 

•      Qalqilya: On Thursday morning, 18 August 2005, army closed the roads that link the town with Nablus and Ramallah.  Palestinian civilians were forced to resort to longer alternative roads. On Sunday morning, 21 August 2005, army closed the main road that links Jeet village, east of Qalqilya, with Beit Eiba checkpoint, west of Nbalus.  On Monday morning, 22 August 2005, army erected a checkpoint at the northern entrance of ‘Azzoun village, east of Qalqilya, and prohibited the movement of Palestinian civilians to and from the village.  

On Tuesday evening, 23 August 2005, army positioned at a checkpoint at the eastern entrance of Qalqilya, arrested ‘Ali Mohammed Daoud, 26, from Tulkarem. 

4.     Construction of the Annexation Wall

Army has continued to construct the Annexation Wall inside the West Bank territory. 

•      On Friday noon, 5 August 2005, hundreds of Palestinian civilians and international and Israeli solidarity activists organized a peaceful demonstration in Bale’in village, west of Ramallah, in protest to the construction of the Wall.  army fired rubber-coated metal bullets and tear gas canisters at the demonstrators.  A Palestinian child, 14-year-old Fadi Mohammed ‘Ali, was wounded by a rubber-coated metal bullet to the leg.  At least 30 demonstrators also suffered from tear gas inhalation. 

•      On Sunday, 21 August 2005, army issued a number of military orders confiscating 1585 donums of Palestinian land in al-Tour neighborhood and the villages of al-Sawahra al-Sharqia, Abu Dis and al-‘Eizariya to complete the construction of the Wall around occupied East Jerusalem.  These new orders followed a decision by the Israeli Attorney General allowing army to construct a section of the wall around ‘Maleh Adomim’ and ‘Mishour’   settlements to the east of occupied East Jerusalem.  The wall will surround the two settlements from three directions in the first phase.  It will also annex at least 67000 donums of Palestinian land to ‘Maleh Adomim’ settlement and will cut off the south of the West Bank from its north.  army plans to establish a crossing in the area to control the movement of Palestinian civilians.  According to Palestinian sources, the land that will be isolated behind the Wall has at least 250 wells used by Palestinians.  The Wall will also isolate al-‘Eizariya village from its surroundings. 

•      On Monday, 22 August 2005, army informed the local council of Kherbat Jebara village near Tulkarem that Palestinian civilians would be banned from moving through an iron gate established on the Wall in the west of the village, and would be only allowed to move through an iron gate in the east of the village from 06:00 to 18:00.   

5.     Settlement Activities and Attacks by Settlers against Palestinian Civilians and Property

Israeli settlers (living in the OPT in violation of international humanitarian law) have continued their attacks against Palestinian civilians and property:

•      On Thursday morning, 18 August 2005, army issued new military orders confiscating nearly 600 donums of agricultural land in Qaryout village, southwest of Nablus, near ‘Elli’ settlement.  Palestinian civilians have been denied access to this land for more than 5 years. 

•      On Thursday evening, 18 May 2005, a number of Israeli settlers move from ‘Qidoumim’ settlement and threw stones at a number of Palestinian shops and civilian cars near Kufor Qaddoum settlement, east of Qalqilya. 

•      Also on Thursday evening, 18 May 2005, dozens of Israeli settlers from ‘Sanour’ and ‘Homesh’ settlements raided al-‘Asa’sa village, south of Jenin.  They surrounded a house belonging to Rushdi Ahmed ‘Abdullah and attempted to break into it.  Later, army intervened and drove the settlers away from the area. 

•      At approximately 19:00 on Thursday, 18 May 2005, dozens of Israeli settlers deployed at the costal road near the clinic of al-Mawasi area in Khan Yunis.  They wrote words that insulted the Islam and Prophet Mohammed.  They also put nails on the road to prevent the movement of Palestinian civilian vehicles, and damaged the tires of a tractor belonging to Rami Sha’at. 

•      At approximately 16:00 on Friday, 19 August 2005, about 20 Israeli settlers from ‘Ramat Yishai’ settlement post in Tal Rumaida neighborhood in the center of Hebron, threw stones and empty bottles at a number of Palestinian houses in Tal Rumaida and Jabal al-Rahma neighborhoods and at al-Shuhada Street.  A Palestinian child, 8-year-old Muhsen Hassan Abu ‘Eisha, was injured in the head and a number of houses were damaged. 

•      On Friday evening, 19 August 2005, a number of Israeli settlers from ‘Sha’ar Hatekva’, southeast of Qalqilya, attacked Palestinian civilian property in the neighboring ‘Azzoun ‘Atma village.  They threw stones at Palestinian civilian cars and set fire to areas of agricultural land and a number of greenhouses. 

•      On Saturday evening, 20 August 2005, a number of Israeli settlers from ‘Homesh’ settlement, northwest of Nablus, raided the neighboring Burqa village.  According to eyewitnesses, about 50 armed Israeli settlers moved into the village and threw stones at Palestinian houses. 

•      On Sunday noon, 21 August 2005, about 50 armed Israeli settlers from ‘Sanour’ settlement south of Jenin, which is intended to be evacuated, attacked a number of Palestinian houses in the neighboring ‘Ejja village.  Palestinian civilians left their houses fearing that their houses would be burnt by settlers.  Later, army intervened and drove the settlers away from the area. 

•      At approximately 19:00 on Sunday, the 21st of August 2005, an Israeli settler who was riding a motorcycle on Habla road, south of Qalqilya, fired at a number of Palestinian workers who were in an agricultural nursery.  One of the workers, Tahseen Sharif Yousef Shuraim, 43, was wounded by a live bullet to the left shoulder.  According to eyewitnesses, an Israeli settler was seen leaving the area on his motorcycle.  In his testimony to PCHR, Shuraim said:

‘At approximately 17:40 on Sunday, 21 August 2005, I was sitting in my agricultural nursery, which is located in the isolated area behind the Annexation Wall at ‘Alfeh Menasheh’ settlement, south of Qalqilya.  Suddenly, I felt that something hit my left shoulder.  I put my hand on my shoulder and discovered that I was wounded by a live bullet.  I did not hear the sound of the live bullet, which indicates that the gun was equipped with a silencer.  I called for an ambulance, but army prohibited it from entering the area.  Soon after, I moved towards an Israeli military checkpoint in the area, and from there I was transported in an ambulance of Palestine Red Crescent Society to Qaqilya Hospital.’   

•      At approximately 08:00 on Monday, 22 August 2005, dozens of armed Israeli settlers from ‘Homesh’ settlement, south of Jenin, raided the neighboring Seilat al-Zaher village.  They seized the roofs of a number of houses.  Later, army intervened and drove the settlers away from the area.  It is worth noting that dozens of Israeli settlers came to ‘Homesh’ settlement to foil its evacuation by army.

•      At approximately 08:00 on Tuesday, 23 August 2005, a number of Israeli settlers from ‘Qidoumim’ settlement, east of Qalqilya, violently beat Mohammed Ayoub Hassan, 20, when he was waiting for a taxi at Jeet crossroads to travel to Nablus.  The settlers also threatened Palestinian civilians who were in the area not to intervene to save Hassan, who was later evacuated to a hospital in Qalqilya. 

•      Also at approximately 08:00 on Tuesday, 23 August 2005, army, accompanied by two bulldozers, moved into al-Rashaida village, southeast of Bethlehem.  They surrounded a number of tents and animal farms belonging to the al-Rashaida tribe in the south and east of the village.  Then, they bulldozed 9 tents and 9 animal farms, claiming that the area is a military one that is used by army as a training zone.  army also informed Yousef al-Rashaida that a well belongs to him would be destroyed. 

•      During the reported period, army continued to raze areas of Palestinian agricultural land in Shoufa village near ‘Avni Hevetz’ settlement, south of Tulkarem.  According to eyewitnesses, army bulldozers razed 50 donums of agricultural land planted with olives belonging to the Hannoun family.   

Recommendations to the International Community

1.      PCHR calls upon the High Contracting Parties to the Fourth Geneva Convention to fulfill their legal and moral obligations under Article 1 of the Convention to ensure Israel’s respect for the Convention in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.  PCHR believes the conspiracy of silence practiced by the international community has encouraged Israel to act as if it is above the law and encourages Israel continue to violate international human rights and humanitarian law.

2.      PCHR calls upon the High Contracting Parties to the Fourth Geneva Convention to convene a conference to take effective steps to ensure Israel’s respect of the Convention in the OPT and to provide immediate protection for Palestinian civilians.

3.      PCHR calls upon the High Contracting Parties to the Fourth Geneva Convention to comply with its legal obligations detailed in Article 146 of the Convention to search for and prosecute those responsible for grave breaches, namely war crimes.

4.      PCHR recommends international civil society organizations, including human rights organizations, bar associations and NGOs to participate in the process of searching for Israeli those accused of grave breaches of international law and to urge their governments to bring these people to justice.

5.      PCHR calls upon the European Union to activate Article 2 of the Euro-Israel Association Agreement, which provides that Israel must respect human rights as a precondition for economic cooperation between the EU states and Israel.  PCHR further calls upon the EU states to prohibit import of goods produced in illegal Israeli settlements in the OPT.

6.      PCHR calls upon the member States of the EU, and all other states, to adopt a voting pattern at the UN bodies, particularly the General Assembly, Security Council and Commission on Human Rights which is keeping with international law. 

7.      PCHR demands that the International Court of Justice Advisory Opinion be immediately implemented by the international community.

8.      PCHR calls on the international community to recognize the proposed Gaza disengagement plan for what it is – not an end to occupation but compounding the occupation and the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip. 

9.      In recognition of ICRC as the guardian of the Fourth Geneva Convention, PCHR calls upon the ICRC to increase its staff and activities in the OPT, including for facilitating family visitations to Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails.

10.  PCHR appreciates the efforts of international civil society, including human rights organizations, bar associations, unions and NGOs, and urges them to continue their role in pressuring their governments to secure Israel’s respect for human rights in the OPT and to end its attacks on Palestinian civilians.

11.  In light of the severe restrictions imposed by the Israeli government and its occupying forces on access for international organizations to the OPT, PCHR calls upon European countries to deal the same way with Israeli citizens. 

12.  PCHR reiterates that any political settlement not based on international human rights law and humanitarian law cannot lead to a peaceful and just solution of the Palestinian question. Rather, such an arrangement can only lead to further suffering and instability in the region. Any peace agreement or process must be based on respect for international law, including international human rights and humanitarian law.