Israeli violations of international law and international humanitarian law in the oPt continued during the reporting period (16 – 22 October 2014).Israeli attacks in the West Bank & Gaza:
Shootings:
During the reporting period, Israeli forces killed a Palestinian child in Beit Luqia village, southwest of Ramallah, while a guard at a train station in East Jerusalem killed a Palestinian civilian. Moreover, Israeli forces wounded 5 civilians, including 2 children and 2 women in the West Bank. In the Gaza Strip, Israeli navy forces continued to target fishing boats in the Gaza Strip Sea.
In the West Bank, on 16 October 2014, in excessive use of force, Israeli forces killed a Palestinian child in Beit Luqia village, southwest of Ramallah, when Israeli forces moved into the village. Israeli soldiers opened fire at the child from a range of 30 meters, while they could have used less lethal force and arrested him.
On 22 October 2014, a guard at a train station in al-Sheikh Jarrah area, north of East Jerusalem Old City, opened fire at a Palestinian civilian whose car veered off the road towards the station and hit a group of persons. The Palestinian civilian sustained 3 bullet wounds and died before midnight, while the accident resulted in killing an Israeli child and wounding 8 others.
During the reporting period, Israeli forces wounded 5 civilians, including 2 children and 2 women. On 19 October 2014, a Palestinian civilian was wounded when Israeli force moved into Salfit.
Israeli forces used excessive force against peaceful protests organised by Palestinian civilians, international and Israeli human rights defenders in protest against the construction of the annexation wall and settlement activities in the West Bank. As a result, 2 Palestinian women were wounded in Bil’in village, west of Ramallah.
In the same context, 2 Palestinian children sustained bullet wounds during a protest in the vicinity of Ofer detention facility, southwest of Ramallah, on 17 October 2014, organized in solidarity with Palestinian administrative detainees in Israeli prisons.
In the Gaza Strip, in the context of targeting fishermen, on 16 October 2014, 3 Israeli gunboats surrounded a Palestinian fishing boat boarded by 5 fishermen and sailing off Deir al-Balah shore, in the central Gaza Strip. Israeli solider drowned the boat although it was sailing within the area allowed for fishing.
On 22 October 2014, Israeli gunboats chased Palestinian fishing boats sailing within 3 nautical miles off al-Sudaniya shore, in the northern Gaza Strip. They surrounded a boat boarded by 5 fishermen. They arrested the 5 five fishermen, transported them to Ashdod seaport and kept their boat in custody.
Incursions:
During the reporting period, Israeli forces conducted at least 55 military incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank. During these incursions, Israeli forces arrested at least 40 Palestinians, including a child and 10 women. Seventeen of these civilians, including the child and 10 women, were arrested in Jerusalem.
Restrictions on movement:
Israel continued to impose a tight closure of the oPt, imposing severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including occupied East Jerusalem.
The illegal closure of the Gaza Strip, which has been steadily tightened since June 2007 has had a disastrous impact on the humanitarian and economic situation in the Gaza Strip. The Israeli authorities impose measures to undermine the freedom of trade, including the basic needs for the Gaza Strip population and the agricultural and industrial products to be exported. For 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 1.7 million people. The Israeli authorities have established Karm Abu Salem (Kerem Shaloum) as the sole crossing for imports and exports in order to exercise its control over the Gaza Strip’s economy. They also aim at imposing a complete ban on the Gaza Strip’s exports.
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.
As part of using military checkpoints and border crossings as traps to arrest Palestinian civilians under the pretext they are wanted, Israeli forces arrested 11 Palestinian, including 4 children, at military checkpoints in the West Bank.
Efforts to create a Jewish majority:
Shooting:
On Wednesday, 22 October 2014, a guard in the light train service in al-Sheikh Jarrah area, north of the Old City in Jerusalem, opened fire at a Palestinian civilian whose car went off track towards the train park and hit a group of people there. As a result, he sustained three bullet wounds and was moved to “Shaare Zedek” hospital in Jerusalem. At midnight, the aforementioned was announced dead.
Demolition of houses and buildings
On 19 October 2014, a Palestinian civilian demolished his house in Ras al-‘Amoud neighborhood to avoid taxes and fines that he might have to pay after the final decision regarding the demolition of his house under the pretext of illegal construction in area C. his house has an area of 90 square meters and inhabited by 8 persons.
On the same day, another civilian demolished a part of his house in Sweih neighborhood in Ras al-‘Amoud neighborhood after the court issued a decision in this regard.
On 21 October 2014, Israeli bulldozers demolished 3 houses and 3 animal barracks in Maghair al-Jarrah in al-Tour village.
Incursions and arrests:
During the reporting period, Israeli forces arrested 17 Palestinian civilians, including 10 women and a child, in East Jerusalem.
Settlers’ attacks:
On 17 October 2014, Israeli settlers attacked Faisal Muhammad Azzam (20) in “Reinim Shalom” hotel after he tried to defend a colleague of his when she was attacked for wearing a head cover.
On 20 October 2014, Israeli settlers took over two residential buildings and a land in the central neighborhood in Silwan, south of the Old City in Jerusalem. The buildings consiste of 10 apartments belonging.
Israeli Settlement activities:
Israel has continued its settlement activities in the oPt, in a direct violation of international humanitarian law, and Israeli settlers have continued to attack Palestinian civilians and property.
House demolition:
On 20 October 2014, Israeli forces destroyed a barracks in Fasial village, north of Jericho.
On 21 October 2014, Israeli forces, backed by moved into Ibzriq in the northern Jordan valley. They stationed before the residents houses and demanded them to leave before Thursday, 23 October 2014.
On the same day, Israeli forces moved into Kherbat al-Fakhit in Musafer area in Yatta village. They handed Muahmmed Khalil al-Jabarin 3 notices to stop construction in two residential tents and an animal barn under the pretext of unauthorized construction.
Settlers attacks:
On 17 October 2014, Israeli settlers from “Kerni Shamron” settlement stole olives from the agricultural lands of Kufur Laqef village, east of Qalqilya. Israeli forces evacuated the settlers and the residents were unable to estimate the amount of the stolen olives.
Israeli attacks on non-violent demonstrations:
During the reporting period, Israeli soldiers used excessive force against peaceful demonstrations organized by Palestinian civilians, international and Israeli human rights defenders in protest at the construction of the annexation wall and settlement activities in the West Bank. As a result, 2 Palestinian women were wounded during Bil’in weekly village, west of Ramallah.
In the same context, 2 Palestinian children sustained bullet wounds during a protest organized in the vicinity of Ofer detention facility, southwest of Ramallah, on 17 October 2014, in solidarity with administrative detainees in the Israeli prisons.
(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 17 October 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, 2 Palestinian women were wounded and others suffered tear gas inhalation. The wounded women were:
1. 26-year-old Feda’ Ataya, hit by a gas canister to the left leg; and
2. 28-year-old Rima Jawabra, hit by a sound bomb to the right leg.
· 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. They also sprayed waste water at the civilians, and chased them into the village. As a result, many civilians suffered tear gas inhalation and 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 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 then they 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, many civilians suffered tear gas inhalation and others sustained bruises due to being beaten up by Israeli soldiers.
· Also at approximately 13:20, Palestinian civilians and international solidarity activists organized a protest in the center of Kufor Qaddoum 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, several protestors suffered tear gas inhalation. Moreover, Israeli forces sprayed skunk water at civilians and houses around and used bulldozers to gather stones in front of houses in the main road, but no further incidents were reported.
Other Demonstrations
· On Friday afternoon, 17 October 2014, dozens of Palestinian young men from Ramallah and al-Bireh gathered around Ofer detention facility, southwest of Ramallah, to support administrative detainees in Israeli prisons. The demonstrators made their way to the prison’s gate, which was closed by Israeli soldiers. The demonstrators set fire to tires and threw stones and empty bottles at Israeli soldiers, who fired rubber-coated metal bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters. As a result, 2 children were wounded and taken to Palestine Medical Complex in the city. Moreover, dozens of other protestors suffered tear gas inhalation. The wounded children were: 16-year-old male, who sustained a bullet wounds to the left leg; and a 14-year-old male who sustained a bullet wound to the right leg.
· On Friday afternoon, 17 October 2014, dozens of Palestinian young men gathered at the western entrance of Selwad village, northeast of Ramallah, on the road between Selwad village and Yabrod village near Street (60) to throw stones at the aforementioned street. Israeli soldiers fired live ammunition, rubber-coated metal bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters at the civilians, and chased them into the village. As a result, a number of demonstrators suffered tear gas inhalation and others sustained bruises as they were beaten up by Israeli soldiers.
· At approximately 11:00 on Saturday, 18 October 2014, dozens of Palestinian farmers from Sourif village, northwest of Hebron, organized a voluntary day to plant trees in lands threatened to be seized in Tal al-Herbala area, west of the village, in cooperation with the municipality, Palestinian Ministry of Agriculture and Popular Committee against Settlement Activities and the Annexation Wall. Israeli policemen and soldiers arrived to the area and fired sound bombs and tear gas canisters at the civilians. As a result, a number of civilians suffered tear gas inhalation.
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 6 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: At approximately 07:00 on Thursday, 16 October 2014, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the entrance of Yatta village, south of the city. Later the checkpoint was removed and no arrests were reported.
At approximately 07:00 on Friday, 17 October 2014, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the entrance of Sa’ir village, south of the city. Later the checkpoint was removed and no arrests were reported.
At approximately 07:30 on Saturday, 18 October 2014, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the northern entrance of the city. At approximately 16:00, another checkpoint was established at the entrance of Ezna village, west of the city. Later the checkpoints were removed and no arrests were reported.
At approximately 17:00 on Monday, 20 October 2014, Israeli force established a checkpoint at the eastern entrance of Doura. The checkpoint was removed later, and no arrests were reported.
· Ramallah: At approximately 13:30 on Thursday, 16 October 2014, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the entrance of Nil’in village, west of the city. At approximately 14:30, another checkpoint was established under Kharbtha al-Misbah Bridge, southwest of the city. Ata approximately 22:00, a similar checkpoint was established on al-Mu’arrajat road between Jericho and Ramallah. All checkpoints were removed.
At approximately 10:30 on Friday, 17 October 2014, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the entrance of al-Nabi Saleh village, south of the city. Later the checkpoint was removed and no arrests were reported. At approximately 18:30, they reestablished their existence at ‘Attarah checkpoint on the northern entrance of Beirzeit city. All checkpoints were removed and no arrests were reported.
At approximately 15:30 on Saturday, 18 October 2014, Israeli forces established a checkpoint near the intersection of Beit Ore al-Foqa, southwest of the city. At approximately, 16:30, a similar checkpoint was established under ‘Ain Yabroud bridge, north of the city. At approximately 20:00, they established another checkpoint at the eastern entrance of al-Tiba village. At approximately 22:30, another checkpoint was established near the intersection of “Ofrah” settlement, northeast of the city. All checkpoints were removed and no arrests were reported.
At approximately 13:30 on Monday, 20 October 2014, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the entrance of Qibia village, west of Ramallah. At approximately 17:30, another checkpoint was established under Kharabtha al-Mesbah Bridge. At approximately 18:30, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the eastern entrance of al-Tiba village. Later, the checkpoints were removed and no arrests were reported.
On Tuesday morning, 21 October 2014, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the entrance of Beit Liqia village. They searched vehicles, and checked ID’s and caused severe traffic jams. At approximately 18:30, they closed the road between Ramallah to al-Jalazonecamp with cement blocks and forces civilians to take an alternative road.
· Tulkarm: At approximately 20:30 on Tuesday, 21 October 2014, Israeli forces stationed at ‘Annab checkpoint tightened their restrictions against the Palestinians and obstructed their movement. The tightening ended and no arrests were reported.
· Jenin: At approximately 23:30 on Friday, 14 October 2014, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the entrance of al-‘Arqa village, west of the city. Later, the checkpoint was removed and no arrests were reported.
· Jericho: At approximately 09:30 on Friday, 04 July 2014, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the entrance of Fasail viilage, north of the city. At approximately 20:00, another checkpoint was established near the entrance of al-‘Oja village, north of the city. Later, the checkpoints were removed and no arrests were reported.
At approximately 17:30 on Saturday, 18 October 2014, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the southern entrance of the city. At approximately 20:00, another entrance was established at the entrance of al-Noeima village. At approximately 21:00, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the entrance of Fasail village. Later, all checkpoints were removed and no arrests were reported.
At approximately 09:00 on Monday, 20 October 2014, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the entrance of al-Zubeidat village, north of Jericho. At approximately 20:30, another checkpoint was established at the entrance of Marj Na’ja, north of the city. Later, all checkpoints were removed and no arrests were reported.
At approximately 18:00 on Tuesday, 21 October 2014, Israeli forces established a checkpoint on al-Mu’arrajat road between Jericho and Ramallah. Later, the checkpoint was removed and no arrests were reported.
· Salfit:At approximately 12:00 on Thursday, 16 October 2014, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the electronic gate at the northern entrance of Salfit. The checkpoint was removed and no arrests were reported.
At approximately 20:05 on Friday, 17 October 2014, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the northern entrance of Deir Ballout, west of Salfit. At approximately 20:2, they established a similar checkpoint at the northern entrance of Brouqin, west of the city. At approximately 21:40, Israeli forces established a checkpoint between Kuful Hares and Hares villages, north of the city. All checkpoints were removed, and no arrests were reported.
At approximately 00:45 on Saturday, 18 October 2014, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the entrance of Marda village. At approximately 20:05, they established a similar checkpoint at the entrance of Qarawt Bani Hassan. At approximately 23:15, they established a checkpoint at the eastern entrance of Yasouf village. Later, all checkpoints were removed and no arrests were reported.
At approximately 19:15 on Sunday, 19 October 2014, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the entrance of Deir Istia. The checkpoint was removed and no arrests were reported.
· Qalqilya:At approximately 09:00 on Thursday, 16 October 2014, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the entrance of Izbat Jal’oud village. The checkpoint was removed and no arrests were reported.
At approximately 16:15 on Friday, 17 October 2014, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the western entrance of Izbat al-Tabib village. At approximately 16:00, another checkpoint was established at the entrance of ‘Azzoun village. All checkpoints were removed and no arrests were reported.
At approximately 10:30 on Saturday, 18 October 2014, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the eastern entrance of the city. The checkpoint was removed and no arrests were reported.
· Tulkarm: At approximately 20:30 on Tuesday, 21 October 2014, Israeli forces stationed at ‘Annab checkpoint tightened their restrictions against the Palestinians and obstructed their movement. The tightening ended and no arrests were reported.
Arrests and Maltreatment at Military Checkpoints
· At approximately 10:00 on Sunday, 19 October 2014, Israeli forces stationed at al-Jalama checkpoint between Israeli and Jenin, arrested Muhye al-Dein Muahmmed Abul Ghani Sha’ban (48) from al-Jalama village. The aforementioned civilian was arrested under the pretext of keeping a plastic gun. The checkpoint was closed for half an hour then it was reopened. It should be noted that the aforementioned civilian suffers a mental disability. He was taken to an unknown destination.
· At approximately 16:30 on the aforementioned day, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the entrance of Sanour, south of Jenin. They arrested Fathi Rasmi Fakhri Jarrar (28) from the aforementioned village. The checkpoint was removed and the aforementioned was taken to an unknown destination.
· At approximately 15:00 on Friday, 17 October 2014, Israeli forces deployed in Beit Amr village, arrested Munir Radwan Ekhlil (19) and took him to an unknown destination.
· At approximately 02:00 on Saturday, 18 October 2014, an Israeli infantry force arrested Hussam Tareq al-Jabari (16) under the pretext of throwing stones at them. When Fadi Majdi al-Jabari (27) intervened and tried to talk with the soldiers, he was also arrested. They were both taken to “Kiryat Arba” settlement.
· At approximately 10:00 on Sunday, 19 October 2014, Israeli forces arrested Ahmed Ali Radhwan (20) from ‘Azzoun village when he was picking olives. Later, he was taken to an unknown destination.
· At approximately 13:30 on the aforementioned day, Israeli forces arrested Bara Kamel Ibrahim Shreim (10) near the annexation wall in Habla village in the pretext of throwing stones at them. At approximately 17:00, the aforementioned child was released after the Palestinian liaison intervened.
· At approximately 12:30 on Tuesday, 21 October 2014, Israeli forces established a checkpoint on the road between Tulkarm, Jenin, and Nablus, near ‘Arraba intersection. They arrested Anwar Mirwh Mubdi al-‘Ardha (52), a member of ‘Arrab village council from ‘Arraba village then took him to an unknown destination.
· At approximately 15:00 on Monday, 20 October 2014, Israeli forces stationed at the entrance of Beit Amr, north of Hebron, arrested Hamza Ahmed Khalil Abu Hashem (16) and handed him to Israeli police which in turn took him to “Karmi Tsour” settlement. Half an hour later, he was handed to the Palestinian liaison.
· At approximately 16:00 on the aforementioned day, Israeli forces which deployed along the border fence near “Karmi Tsour” settlement south of Beit Amr village arrested Muhammad Yousif ‘Awwad (14) after a police dog attacked him in his land. He was taken to an unknown destination via a military ambulance.
· At approximately 08:00 on Tuesday, 21 October 2014, Israeli forces stationed at “Container” checkpoint arrested Iyad Omar Jibaril al-Sleibi (19) from Beit Amr when he was heading to al-Quds University in Abu Dees. The aforementioned was taken to an unknown destination.
Efforts to create a Jewish demographic majority in occupied East Jerusalem
Shooting:
On Wednesday, 22 October 2014, a guard in the light train service in al-Sheikh Jarrah area, north of the Old City in Jerusalem, opened fire at a Palestinian civilian whose car went off track towards the train park and hit a group of people there. As a result, he sustained three bullet wounds and was moved to “Shaare Zedek” hospital in Jerusalem. At midnight, the aforementioned was announced dead.
According to investigations conducted by PCHR, at approximately 14:30 on the aforementioned day, Abdel Rahman Edrees al-Shaloudi (20) was driving his car in al-Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood. After he had passed road (1), his car went off track in the train park near the traffic lights and hit a group of people there. The driver went out of his car to see what has happened but an Israeli guard shot him in the abdomen from a close distance. The aforementioned civilian was taken via a Star of David ambulance. At approximately 23:40, medical sources announced him dead. It should be noted that the accident resulted in the killing of an Israeli child and injuring 8 Israelis.
Demolishing houses and Buildings:
· At approximately 11:00 on Sunday, 19 October 2014, Samir Misawda demolished his house in Ras al-‘Amoud neighborhood to avoid taxes and fines that he might have to pay after the final decision regarding the demolishing of his house under the pretext of illegal construction in area C. His house has an area of 90 square meters and inhabited by 8 persons. After 8 years of attempts to issue a construction permit so the house would not be destroyed, he had to demolish the house or else he would be forced to pay for the municipality to destroy his house. The occupation municipality fined him 25,000 NIS earlier for illegal construction.
· At approximately 13:00 on Sunday, 19 October 2014, Amin Abdul Haq destroyed a part of his house in Sweih area in Ras al-‘Amoud neighborhood after the court issued a decision in this regard. He told PCHR that in 2009 he added two rooms to his house made of clay and tin with an area of 40 square meters. He wanted to live there with his 7-member family.
· At approximately 10:00 on Tuesday, 21 October 2014, Israeli bulldozers demolished 3 houses and 3 animal barracks in Maghair al-Jarrah in al-Tour village. The houses belong to Khader al-Zir’e, his mother Huda, his brothers Asad and Shihda and Aunt Sarah. The tin and clay houses were built in the 1980’s. The al-Zir’e family told PCHR that 23 persons live in the aforementioned houses and that the destruction was conducted without prior warning. Moreover, Israeli forces destroyed 3 barracks for animals and birds.
Incursions and arrests:
· At approximately 17:00 on Saturday, 18 October 2014, Israeli forces moved into ‘Asila and Sharha areas in al-Silsila gate neighborhood in the Old City in Jerusalem. They raided and searched a number of houses. Youths threw stones and Israeli soldiers opened fire in response. They arrested a Palestinian woman, her brother, and 3 other persons and took them all to al-Qishla investigation center: Amal Juma Khalaf (35) and her brothers Musa (31); Hamza (24); Muhammad Khaled Sharha (23); Ahmed Khaled Sharha (21); and Muhammad Khaled Ali al-Mughrabi (20).
· At approximately 19:00, Israeli forces raided and searched a house belonging to Khaled al-Hidra in al-Tour neighborhood, east of the Old City in Jerusalem and arrested Ibrahim (15) then took him to an unknown destination.
· At approximately 14:00 on Wednesday, 22 October 2014, Israeli forces arrested 9 Palestinian women after they went out of al-Aqsa mosque in the Old City in Jerusalem. They were taken to al-Qishla investigation center and were identified as: Zeinab Abu Maiyala; Zeinat Abu Sbeih; Rana Dana; Noura al-Harbid; Mai al-Asad; Nivin al-Masri; Hiba Sarhan; Latifa Abdel Latif; and Amna Qarain.
Settlers’ attacks:
· At approximately 18:30 on Friday 17 October 2014, Israeli settlers attacked Faisal Muhammad Azzam (20) in “Reinim Shalom” hotel after he tried to defend a colleague of his when she was attacked for wearing a head cover.
Azzam told PCHR that 11 settlers attacked his Palestinian colleague for wearing head cover. They verbally abused her and when he tried to defend her, they attacked him. He sustained bruises and was taken to “Shaare Zedek” for treatment.
· At approximately 02:00 on Monday, 20 October 2014, Israeli settlers took over two residential buildings and a land in the central neighborhood in Silwan, south of the Old City in Jerusalem. The buildings are made up of 10 apartments belonging to Salah al-Rahbi and the other to Omran al-Qawasmi. Each building is made up of 3 floors. The families sold their estates to a civilian who was accused of selling the two buildings to colonist organizations. The land which is located near al-Rajbi building has an area of 700 square meters and was sold for the same person who deals with colonist organizations.
Settlement activities and attacks by settlers against Palestinian civilians and property
House demolitions:
· At approximately 06:30 on Monday, 20 October 2014, Israeli forces demolished 4 houses, a livestock barn and a barrack to store crops in in al-Shouna and Abu Ajaj areas, southwest and east of al-Jiftlek village, north of Jericho.
According to information obtained by a PCHR fieldworker from the Local Council, at approximately 06:30 on the abovementioned day, Israeli forces accompanied by 7 military vehicles, 2 bulldozers and an officer of the Civil Administration moved into al-Shouna and Abu Ajaj areas, southwest and east of al-Jiftlek village, north of Jericho. They declared them as military zones and denied civilians and journalists access to the aforementioned areas. At approximately 06:40, the bulldozers started demolition works. Israeli forces withdrew at approximately 08:00. It should be noted that Israeli forces distributed notices a year ago ordering residents of the area to evacuate it under the pretext they were in an Israeli-controlled area (C) according to Oslo accords.
The demolition works were as follows:
1. A 100-square-meter and tin-roofed house resided by 10 family members and a 200-squre-meter barrack used as livestock barn belonging to Mohammed Mousa Abu ‘Eram (42);
2. An 80-square-meter and tin-roofed house belonging to his son Ehab Mohammed Mousa Abu ‘Eram (20) and his wife;
3. A 72-square-meter house made of wood, plastic and tin plates resided by 9 family members and belonging to Suleiman Tawfiq Daraghma (59);
4. A 100-square-meter house made of wood, plastic and tin plates resided by 10 family members and belonging to Faisal Ahmed Bsharat (36); and
5. A 100-square-meter barrack used to store crops belonging to Qadri Darwish Fahd Bani Ouda (41).
· At approximately 09:30 on the aforementioned day, Israeli forces destroyed a barrack in Fasial village, north of Jericho. According to information collected by PCHR, at approximately 09:30on the aforementioned day, Israeli forces, backed by 2 bulldozers and an officer from the Israeli civil administration, moved into the area. They prevented the civilians and journalists from entering the area and started bulldozing a tin barrack for animals belonging to Hussein Yasin Rashaida (50) UNDER the pretext of not having a construction permit in area C.
· At approximately 08:30 on Tuesday, 21 October 2014, Israeli forces moved into Ibzriq in the northern Jordan valley. They stationed before the residents houses and demanded them to leave before Thursday, 23 October 2014. They claimed that the area has become closed military zone. They confiscated 3 Massey Ferguson tractors and told their owners that they will not get them back unless they evacuated the area. The aforementioned vehicles belong to: Hail Hussein Mahmoud Turkman; Islam Musa Naserallha al-Harroub; and Muhammad Ali Mahmoud Naserallh.
· At approximately 09:00 on the aforementioned day, Israeli forces backed with vehicles belonging to the Civil Administration moved into Kherbat al-Fakhit in Musafer area in Yatta village. They handed Muhammad Khalil al-Jabarin 3 notices to stop construction in two residential tents, 30 square meters each, and an animal barn of 50 square meters in the pretext of unauthorized construction.
Settlers attacks:
· At approximately 15:00 on Friday, 17 October 2014, Israeli settlers from “Kerni Shamron” settlement stole olives from the agricultural lands of Kufur Laqef village, east of Qalqilya. According to eyewitness testimonies, a number of settlers stopped their cars near the main road and stole olives off trees belonging to Ibrahim Amin Jaber, a resident of Kufur Laqef village. The village council was informed of the incident and the military liaison intervened. Israeli forces evacuated the settlers and the residents were unable to estimate the amount of the stolen olives.
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.
Complete document, with charts on crossing statistics and full reports on Israeli patrols, at the official PCHR website, via link below.
