Israeli forces have continued with systematic attacks against Palestinian civilians and their property in the occupied Palestinian territory (oPt) for the reporting period of 04-10 December 2014.PCHR Report On Israeli Human Rights Violations in the oPt (04-10 December 2014)
Israeli forces have continued with systematic attacks against Palestinian civilians and their property in the occupied Palestinian territory (oPt) for the reporting period of 04-10 December 2014.
Israeli attacks in the West Bank & Gaza:
Shootings:
During the reporting period, Israeli forces killed Ziad Abu ‘Ain, Director of the Palestinian Authority Commission against the Annexation Wall and Settlement Activity and member of the Revolutionary Council in Fatah movement. Israeli forces also wounded 16 Palestinian civilians, including 7 children, in the West Bank and Gaza Strip; 14 of whom, including the 7 children and a photojournalist, were wounded in the West Bank; while the other two ones were wounded in the Gaza Strip. Furthermore, 3 girls and a woman were wounded due to the explosion of suspicious objects of the Israeli military remnants in the family house in the Gaza Strip, and 2 brothers were wounded in similar incident in the south of the Gaza Strip.
In the West Bank, in a new crime on 10 December 2014, Ziad Abu ‘Ain (55), Director of the Palestinian Authority Commission against the Annexation Wall and Settlement Activity and member of the Revolutionary Council in Fatah movement, after Israeli soldiers attacked him.
In the same context, 10 Palestinian civilians, including 5 children, were wounded during protests organized in protest at Israeli soldiers’ and settlers’ attacks in al-Aqsa mosque particularly and Israeli attacks in oPt generally.
In the Gaza Strip, on 04 December 2014, 4 Palestinian civilians, including a woman and 3 girls, were wounded due to the explosion of a suspicious object of Israeli military remnants during the latest Israeli offensive on the Gaza Strip.
On 05 December 2014, in excessive use of force, Israeli forces wounded 2 Palestinian civilians near the border fence, east of Jabalia in the north of the Gaza Strip.
In the context of targeting fishermen in the Gaza Strip sea, Israeli gunboats opened fire twice at Palestinian fishing boats sailing within the allowed fishing. Moreover, Israeli navy forces arrested 12 fishermen and took them to an unknown destination, seized 5 fishing boats and damaged other fishing tools.
Incursions:
During the reporting period, Israeli forces conducted at least 64 military incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank. During these incursions, Israeli forces arrested at least 93 Palestinians, including 13 children and 3 women. Thirty of these civilians, including 9 children and 2 woman, were arrested in Jerusalem.
In the Gaza Strip, on 09 December 2014, Israeli forces moved about 200 meters into the east of al-Qarara village, northeast of Khan Yunis, in the southern Gaza Strip. They levelled lands along the border fence for few hours and withdrew later.
On 02 December 2014, Israeli forces station along the border fence, east of al-Bureij refugee camp in the central Gaza Strip, arrested 2 Palestinians attempting to sneak into Israel through the border fence.
Restrictions on movement:
Israel continued to impose a tight closure of the oPt, imposing severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including occupied East Jerusalem.
The illegal closure of the Gaza Strip, which has been steadily tightened since June 2007 has had a disastrous impact on the humanitarian and economic situation in the Gaza Strip. The Israeli authorities impose measures to undermine the freedom of trade, including the basic needs for the Gaza Strip population and the agricultural and industrial products to be exported. For 8 consecutive years, Israel has tightened the land and naval closure to isolate the Gaza Strip from the West Bank, including occupied Jerusalem, and other countries around the world. This resulted in grave violations of the economic, social and cultural rights and a deterioration of living conditions for 1.8 million people. The Israeli authorities have established Karm Abu Salem (Kerem Shaloum) as the sole crossing for imports and exports in order to exercise its control over the Gaza Strip’s economy. They also aim at imposing a complete ban on the Gaza Strip’s exports. 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.
Efforts to create a Jewish demographic majority in occupied East Jerusalem:
On 04 December 2014, Israeli forces raided and searched 5 houses in Jerusalem and handed their residents military orders issued by the military commander of the area deporting them from Jerusalem for 5 months.
As part of Israeli forces bulldozing activities, the occupation municipality continued to issue demolition orders for several civilian houses and civil buildings.
In terms of the settlers’ attacks against Palestinian civilians, on 07 December 2014, two settlers attacked two Palestinian civilians when they were working in Ain Karem gas station, south of Jerusalem.
Settlement activities and attacks by settlers against Palestinian civilians and property:
On 04 December 2014, Israeli forces moved into al-Deirat village, east of Yatta, south of Hebron. They stationed near al-Deirat school and handed the headmaster an order to stop construction in the school cafeteria under the pretext of not having a construction permit.
On 09 December 2014, Israeli forces stopped work in agricultural lands in the western area of Kufur al-Deek village, west of Salfit. They confiscated the bulldozer and detained two employees, calming that the area is a natural reserve.
On 05 December 2014, a group of settlers from “Etimar” settlement attacked an agricultural land in al-Jahir area, east of ‘Aqraba village. They uprooted 60 trees aged between 3-4 years.
On 08 December 2014, a group of settlers’ attacked an 18-year-old man from Abu Tayyah area, southeast of Hebron. They used sharp tools causing moderate wounds to the aforementioned. On the same day, a group of settlers from “Givat Runim” settlement attacked the lands of al-Saba Mountain and al-Thathnia gate area.
In Excessive Use of Force, Israeli Forces Kill Minister Ziad Abu ‘Ain, Director of the Committee against the Annexation Wall and Settlement Activity
In a new crime committed by Israeli forces on Wednesday, 10 December 2014, Ziad Abu’Ain (55), Director of the Committee against the Annexation Wall and Settlement Activity, was killed after Israeli soldiers attacked him when he was planting olives in Termes’ayah village, north of Ramallah on the occasion of the International Day of Human Rights.
According to investigations conducted by PCHR and the testimony of Ansa Hosheih, the media official in the Commission against the Annexation Wall and Settlement Activity, at approximately 10:30, Ziad Abu ‘Ain (55), Director of the Commission against the Annexation Wall and Settlement Activity arrived at al-Dhohour area, east of Termis’ia village, north of Ramallah. He was accompanied by dozens of volunteers, Palestinian farmers, and solidarity activists to grow olive trees in the lands which are threatened to be confiscated by Israeli forces on the International Day of Human rights.
Upon their arrival, Israeli forces fired tear gas canisters and then a clash erupted between the protestors and the
Israeli soldiers. Abu ‘Ain approached one of the soldiers and a serious discussion started between them. The soldier wearing rammed Abu Ain’s chest. He then held Abu Ain’s neck who fell on the floor and lost consciousness. He was taken to Palestine medical complex in Ramallah and doctors announced his death shortly afterwards. His body was transferred for
autopsy. It should be noted that Abu ‘Ain was the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Prisoners’ Affairs and on 04 September 2014, President Mahmoud Abbas appointed him as The Director of the Commission against the Annexation Wall and Settlement Activity.
Explosion of Suspicious objects from the Israeli remnants left during the Offensive on the Gaza Strip:
· On Thursday evening, 4 December 2014, four Palestinian female civilians, including 3 children and a woman, were wounded due to the explosion of a suspicious object in the family’s house from the remnants left by the Israeli forces in the latest offensive on the Gaza Strip. The injuries of two children were described as serious.
According to investigations conducted by PCHR, at approximately 16:00 on Thursday, 04 December 2014, a suspicious object exploded in a house belonging to the family of Abu Mer’ie near ‘Asqoulah intersection in al-Zaytoun neighborhood in the center of Gaza City.
As a result, 4 female civilians, including a woman and child from the family living in the house and 2 children from the neighbors, were wounded. The injuries of two of them were described as serious. The wounded civilians were identified as:
1. Raghad ‘Adel Hamoudah Kuheil (4), sustained shrapnel wounds in the abdomen and her condition was serious;
2. Her sister, Sabah ‘Adel Hamoudah Kuheil (3), sustained shrapnel wounds in the right hand;
3. Alaa’ Yousif ‘Ali Abu Mer’ie (al-Isawwi) (17), who is married and 4-month pregnant and has a 1-year child; a p art of her right arm was amputated, and she sustained shrapnel wounds in the right eye, face and chest. Her condition was serious; and
4. Shaza Ibrahim Mohammed Abu Mer’ie (13), sustained burns in the feet.
According to the testimony of Alaa’ Abu Mer’ie, the family came back to their house, which was targeted in the beginning of the latest offensive on the Gaza Strip, a couple of days ago to repair it in order to live in it. The 70-square-meter house, which belongs to her father-in-law Ibrahim Mohammed Abu Mer’ie, is comprised of a ground floor and it is roofed with tin. Abu Mer’ier added to a PCHR fieldworker that she found an oddly shaped piece of metal. She picked it up from the ground and looked at it. She then put it back on the ground, so it exploded.
· At approximately 11:20, an object from the Israeli remnants was found by Batul Ibrahim Mousa (7) near her houses near Rimas wedding hall on Rafah shore in the southern Gaza Strip. The object exploded and two of her brothers sustained injuries ranged between moderate and serious. The Palestinian police said that the object, which was left by Israeli forces in the latest Israeli offensive, is a heavy bullet which did not explode fired by Israeli gunboats. Children from the Mousa family found it near their house. ‘Alaa’ al-Deen Ibrahim Mousa (17) sustained shrapnel wounds all over his body and his left hand was amputated. He was transferred to Abu Yousif Annajar Hospital in Rafah and then to the European Gaza Hospital in Khan Younis. He was then transferred to Barzlay Hospital in al-Majdal due to his serious condition. Moreover, Tamer Ibrahim Mousa (12) sustained shrapnel wounds in his leg. Medical sources at Abu Yousif al-Najjar hospital said that his injury is moderate.
According to PCHR’s documentation, Israeli forces bombarded the Gaza Strip with thousands of tons of bombs and explosives and many of which did not explode. Despite the Palestinian efforts during and after the offensive to seize those explosives, it is clear that many of them still threaten the lives of Palestinian civilians.
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, 3 demonstrators, including a child and a photojournalist, were wounded.
In the same context, 11 Palestinian civilians, including 6 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 05 December 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. The protestors marched by the annexation wall and tried to cross the fence. Israeli soldiers stationed behind the wall, in the western area, and a large number of soldiers deployed along it, fired live bullets, tear gas canisters, rubber-coated steel bullets, sound bombs and wastewater at them and chased them into the olive fields. As a result, 16-year-old male sustained a bullet wound to the right leg. Moreover, a number of demonstrators suffered tear gas inhalation and others sustained bruises as Israeli soldiers beat them up.
· 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 Israeli soldiers beat them up.
· 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 resistance, 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, 22-year-old male sustained a bullet wound to the right thigh. He was transported to Palestine Medical Compound in Ramallah. In addition, many demonstrators suffered tear gas inhalation and other sustained bruises as Israeli soldiers beat them up.
· 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, Bashar Mahmoud Nazal Saleh (36) sustained a bullet wound to the left leg.
Other Demonstrations
· On Thursday afternoon, 04 December 2014, dozens of Palestinian young men gathered in the vicinity of al-Wad intersection, at the northern entrance of Beitellou village, northwest of Ramallah. They threw stones at Israeli soldiers, who fired live ammunition, rubber-coated metal bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters in response. As a result, 17-year-old male sustained a bullet wound to the left side of the pelvis. The wounded was taken to Palestine Medical Complex in Ramallah. He underwent a surgery, as he had haemorrhage in the intestine and colon. His wounds were serious.
· On Friday afternoon, 05 December 2014, dozens of Palestinian young men gathered from 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, 19-year-old male sustained a bullet wound to the left thigh. He was taken to Palestine Medical Complex in Ramallah. In addition, many demonstrators suffered tear gas inhalation and others sustained bruises as Israeli soldiers beat them up.
· On the same day, dozens of Palestinian civilians gathered at the western entrance of Selwad 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 Israeli soldiers beat them up.
· Also following the Friday prayer, dozens of Palestinian gathered in Jabal al-Taweel area, adjacent to ‘Psagot’ settlement in al-Bireh. They threw stones at the settlement’s fence due to which Israeli sliders stationed in the area fired rubber-coated metal bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters in response. As a result, a 15-year-old child sustained a bullet wound to the right elbow and a 21-year-old civilian sustained bullet wound to the belly.
· Around the same time, dozens of Palestinian civilians gathered at the southern entrance of al-Jalazonerefugee camp, north of Ramallah, about 300 meters away from ‘Beit ‘Eil’ settlement, in protest at Israeli forces’ and settlers’ attacks in al-Aqsa mosque. The demonstrators threw stones and empty bottles at Israeli soldiers, who fired rubber-coated metal bullets, live ammunition, sound bombs and tear gas canisters. As a result, 17-year-old male sustained a bullet wound to the left thigh and an 18-year-old male sustained a bullet wound to the left thigh.
· Following the Friday prayer, dozens of Palestinian civilians gathered at the north-eastern entrance of Senjal village, north of Ramallah, adjacent to street (60), in protest at the Israeli policies. As a result, Israeli soldiers stationed in the area fired live ammunition, rubber-coated metal bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters in response, due to which, 2 children and a civilian were wounded. 17-year-old male sustained a bullet wound to the belly and 14-year-old male sustained a bullet wound to the left knee. Furthermore, 23-year-old male sustained a bullet wound to the back of his right thigh and the bullet settled in the left buttock. He underwent a surgery as he had holes in the intestines and rapture in the bladder. Doctors also took the bullet out.
· Following the Friday prayer, dozens of Palestinian civilians gathered at the eastern entrance of Aboud village, northwest of Ramallah, in protest at the Israeli policies. They threw stones and empty bottles at Israeli soldiers, who fired rubber-coated metal bullets, live ammunition, sound bombs and tear gas canisters. As a result, a 23-year-old male sustained a bullet wound to the left leg.
· Following the announcement of the killing of Ziad Abu ‘Ain, Director of the Palestinian Authority Commission against the Annexation Wall and Settlement Activity and member of the Revolutionary Council in Fatah movement, dozens of Palestinian civilians gathered at the southern entrance of al-Jalazonerefugee camp, north of Ramallah, about 300 meters away from ‘Beit ‘Eil’ settlement. The demonstrators threw stones and empty bottles at Israeli soldiers, who fired rubber-coated metal bullets, live ammunition, sound bombs and tear gas canisters. As a result, a 15-year-old civilian sustained a bullet wound to the left side of his head, due to which he had a fracture in the skull. The wounded boy was taken to Palestine Medical Compound in Ramallah. His wound was serious, but his health condition is stable.
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 07:00 on Thursday, 04 December 2014, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the northern entrance of Halhoul village, north of the city, and another one at the northern entrance of Yatta village, south of the city. At approximately 14:00, they established a checkpoint at the entrance of al-Sammou’ village, south of the city. Later, all checkpoints were removed, and no arrests were reported.
At approximately 14:00 on Friday, 05 December 2014, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the entrance of Khars village, south of Doura, southwest of Hebron. Later, the checkpoint was removed, and no arrests were reported.
At approximately 15:00 on Saturday 06 December 2014, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the entrance of Trama village, south of Doura, southwest of the city. At approximately 16:00, a similar checkpoint was established at the southern entrance of Hebron. Later, all checkpoints were removed, and no arrests were reported.
At approximately 16:00 on Sunday, 07 December 2014, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the northern entrance of Hebron. Later, the checkpoint was removed, and no arrests were reported.
At approximately 15:00 on Monday, 08 December 2014, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the entrance of al-Zahirya village, south of Hebron. At approximately, 17:00, they established a checkpoint at the entrance of Sa’ir village, northeast of the city and another one at the entrance of al-‘Arroub refugee camp, north of the city. All checkpoints were removed and no arrests were reported.
At approximately 17:00, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the entrance of al-Tabaqa village, south of Doura. The checkpoint was removed and no arrests were reported.
In the same context, Israeli forces is still closing the chokepoint they established at the entrance of al-Shuhada Street for the second week in a row which resulted in the suffering of over 150 families living in Tal al-Rumeida neighborhood. During the time that Israeli forces are reconstructing the checkpoint and placing new electronic gates, residents and school students are compelled to take longer more difficult roads to move from one place to another. ‘Imad Abu Sahmsia (43) from the aforementioned neighborhood, told PCHR:
“The fire that broke out in the checkpoint was deliberately caused by Israeli forces to close it in the face of the residents and force them to leave their homes in Tal al-Rumeida neighborhood under the continuous tightening. This falls within the Israeli policy of settlement activity in the aforementioned neighborhood which is located near “Ramat Shai” settlement. During the closure, Israeli forces opened the pedestrians’ bath only for humanitarian cases and in a temperamental manner. I suffer from mobility impairment in my hand and my leg and I was not allowed to pass through the checkpoint except one time.
· Ramallah: Israeli forces have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. At approximately 10:30, on Thursday, 04 December 2014, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the entrance of ‘Aboud village, northwest of the city. At approximately 20:30, another checkpoint was established at the entrance of Termis’ia village, north of t he city. All checkpoints were removed and no arrests were reported.
At approximately 10:00 on Friday, 04 December 2014, Israeli forces closed the eastern entrance of Nabi Saleh village, northeast of Ramallah with a metal gate established at the entrance. They obstructed civilians’ movement trough the aforementioned gate. Around the same time, Israeli forces established a checkpoint under Yabroud Bridge, northeast of the city. At approximately 11:00, another checkpoint was established at the entrance of Nil’in village, west of Ramallah. At approximately 18:00, a similar checkpoint was established at the entrance of Feir Abu Mash’al village, northwest of the city. At approximately 19:30, Israeli forces established a checkpoint near the intersection of Beit ‘Ore al-Foqa, southwest of the city. All checkpoints were removed and no arrests were reported.
At approximately 10:30 on Sunday, 07 December 2014, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the entrance of Ras Karkar village, northwest of the city. At approximately 13:30, they established a similar checkpoint at the entrance of Qibia village, west of the city. At approximately 21:30, another checkpoint was established at the entrance of Deir Nizam village, northwest of Ramallah. All checkpoints were removed and no arrests were reported.
At approximately 10:30 on Tuesday, 09 December 2014, Israeli forces established a checkpoint under Yabroud Bridge, northeast of the city. At approximately 17:30, they established another checkpoint near “Ofrah” settlement intersection, north of the city. At approximately 20:00, they reestablished their existence at ‘Attarah checkpoint on the northern entrance of Beirzeit, north of Ramallah.
· Jericho: Israeli forces have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. At approximately 10:30 on Friday, 05 December 2014, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the entrance of Fassail village, north of the city. At approximately 20:00, they established another checkpoint at the southern entrance of the city. Later, both checkpoints were removed and no arrests were reported.
· Qalqilya: Israeli forces have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. At approximately 08:10 on Thursday, 04 December 2014, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the entrance of Jeet village, northeast of Qalqilia. At approximately 16:00, they established a checkpoint under ‘Azzoun Bridge on the road to Jious village, east of the city, and another one at the entrance of ‘Azzoun village, east of the city. At approximately 18:00, they established a similar checkpoint at the entrance of Kufur Thuluth village, east of the city, and another at the entrance of ‘Izbat al-Tabib, east of the city. All checkpoints were removed and no arrests were reported.
At approximately 18:20 on Friday, 05 December 2014, Israeli forces established a checkpoint between Jious and Seer villages, northeast of the city. At approximately 20:10, the checkpoint was removed and no arrests were reported.
At approximately 15:00 on Sunday, 07 December 2014, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the entrance of ‘Izabt al-Tabib, east of Qalqilya. At approximately 15:45, the checkpoint was removed and no arrests were reported. At approximately 16:45, t hey established a similar checkpoint at the eastern entrance of the city. At approximately 17:15, the checkpoint was removed and no arrests were reported.
· Tulkarm: Israeli forces have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. At approximately 11:00 on Sunday, 07 December 2014, Israeli forces stationed at ‘Annab checkpoint which is established on the road between Tulkarm and Nablus tightened their restrictions against Palestinian civilians and obstructed their movement. Later, the tightening ended and no arrests were reported. The tightening reoccurred at approximately 18:30 on Monday, 08 December 2014.
At approximately 09:30 on Tuesday, 09 December 2014, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the intersection of Zeita village, north of the city. The checkpoint was removed and no arrests were reported.
· Jenin: Israeli forces have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. At approximately 16:30 on Thursday, 04 December 2014, Israeli forces established a checkpoint on the main road between Jenin and the cities of Tulkarm and Nablus near the entrance of ‘Araba village, south of the city. Later, the checkpoint was removed and no arrests were reported.
At approximately 01:30 on Friday, 05 December 2014, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the entrance of Qabatia village, south of Jenin. Later, the checkpoint was removed and no arrests were reported.
· Salfit: Israeli forces have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. at approximately 13:05 on Sunday, 07 December 2014, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the entrance of Salfit. Later, the checkpoint was removed and no arrests were reported.
At approximately 09:30 on Tuesday, 09 December 2014, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the entrance of Deir Istia village, northwest of Salfit. The checkpoint was removed and no arrests were reported.
Arrests and Maltreatment of Palestinian Civilians at Military Checkpoints:
· On Saturday morning, 06 December 2014, Israeli forces stationed at al-Karama crossing on the Palestinian-Jordanian border, east of Jericho, arrested professor Imad Ahmed Hamed Barghouthi (52) from Beit Rima village, northwest of Ramallah. The aforementioned professor was arrested on his way to participate in a scientific conference in the United Arab Emirates. He was taken to “Ofer” prison, southwest of Ramallah. It should be noted that the detainee is a space professor in Jerusalem University.
· At approximately 16:00 on Sunday, 07 December 2014, Israeli forces stationed at the closed al-Shuhada checkpoint in the center of Hebron arrested Bara Khaled al-Madhoun (16) when he was attempting to pass through the checkpoint. He was taken to “Kiryat Arab” police station, east of the city. It should be noted that the aforementioned child suffers a wound to his right leg after Israeli soldiers attacked him on 23 November 2014 when he was returning to his house near Qaffisha building in the western side of Tal al-Rumeida neighborhood where Israeli forces had established a checkpoint.
· On the aforementioned day, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the entrance of al-Mugheir village, northeast of Ramallah. They arrested Amer Abdullah Asad Na’san (19) and took him to an unknown destination.
· At approximately 16:00 on Tuesday, 09 December 2014, Israeli forces established a checkpoint on the road between Tulkarm and Qalqilia, near the eastern entrance of Jabbar village. They stopped a car driven by Iyad Azmi Isa al-Dhamiri (36); Fuad Muhammad Taher Awad (30) from Jabbar village; and Fadi Abdul Latif Taher Hantash (33) from Zeita village, north of Tulkarm. Israeli forces arrested the aforementioned men and took them to an unknown distention.
· At approximately 18:00 on the aforementioned day, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the entrance of Fahma village, southwest of Jenin. They arrested Muhammad Azmi Aref Nashrati (20) from Jenin refugee camp and took him to an unknown destination.
At approximately 14:30 on Wednesday, 10 Decmber 2014, Israeli forces stationed at Za’tara checkpoint, south of Nablus, arrested Abdul Ilah Musa al-Imla (32) from Qiblan village, southeast of Nablus. He was taken to an unknown destination.
Efforts to create Jewish demographic majority in occupied East Jerusalem:
Collective Punishment Policy
· On Thursday evening, 04 December 2014, Israeli forces raided 5 houses in Jerusalem and handed their owners military orders issued by the military commander “Ayal Ezemburg” expelling them from Jerusalem for 5 months. They were identified as: Akram Salaj al-Shurafa (43); Dawoud al-Ghoul (31); Magd Darwich(24); Saleh Derbas (23); and Fares Abu Ghanam (35). The deporting orders prescribed: “according to articles 6, 109, and 108 of the emergency Code of the year 1945, the military commander of the area forbids the aforementioned persons from entering or staying or being in Jerusalem. This precaution is vital for preserving the security of the Sate of Israeli and the well being of the community and keeping the public order.” Dawoud al-Ghoul told PCHR that the he received the transfer order which prescribes that he is to leave Jerusalem from 30 November 2014 to 30 April 2015. Al-Ghoul filed an appeal and he left Jerusalem until a decision is issued regarding his request. The aforementioned civilian added that he was surprised when the commander of the West Bank issued a decision to expel him from the West Bank from 03 April 2014 till 01 June 2015.
Bulldozing Activities
· At approximately 009:00 on Tuesday, 09 December 2014, Israeli municipality staffs and Israeli forces moved into Silwan village, south of the Old City in Jerusalem. They handed demolishing orders for a number of houses and stores under the pretext of having no construction permits.
· Ziad Zidani told PCHR that the municipality staffs handed him an administrative order to demolish his house in al-Bustan neighborhood. He added that the house consists of two floors: the first floor is established on an area of 140 square meters and the second on an area of 150 square meters. It should be noted that the building was established in 1998 in which 13 persons reside.
· The municipality staffs handed Khalil al-‘Abbasi an order to demolish his house in ‘Ain al-Louza neighborhood which was established 20 years ago. The house has an area of 16 square meters and resided by 9 persons. Moreover, they handed Sabri Abu Diab an order to destroy his house which has an area of 80 square meters and resided by 3 persons.
According to eyewitness testimonies, Israeli forces handed orders to destroy 4 car workshops belonging to Hussin Zalloum, Khaled al-Zir, Monther ‘Ilyan; and Walid al-‘Awar. It should be noted that these businesses have been established for a year and half, and ten families benefit from their gross. Furthermore, al’Abbasi family was handed an order to destroy their car park in ‘Ain al-Louza neighborhood.
· In a similar context, Israeli forces and municipality staffs moved into Jabal al-Mukabber village and handed 3 orders to destroy civilian homes. According to eyewitness testimonies, the municipality staff handed Ahmed Salem ‘Oweisat an order to destroy his house which was established since the 1970s and resided by 7 persons. They also handed ‘Amer ‘Ilyan ‘Oweisat an order to destroy his house which was established 10 years ago and resided by 10 persons.
Incursions and Arrests
· At approximately 00:30 on Thursday, 04 December 2014, Israeli forces raided and searched a house belonging to Mahmoud Abu Ghazala (72) in al-Swana neighborhood, east of the Old City in Jerusalem they arrested the aforementioned civilian and his son Ali (20) and took them to an unknown destination.
· At approximately 10:30, Israeli forces moved into al-Thouri neighborhood, east of the Old City in Jerusalem. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested 3 civilians: Majed ‘IZzat Abu Najma (21); ‘Omar Younis Shweiki (23); and Ibrahim Ahmed Abu Mayala (20) then took them to an unknown destitution.
· At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into Jabbal al-Mukabber neighborhood, southeast of Jerusalem. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested 5 civilians, including two children, then took them to an unknown destination. They were identified as: Ashraf Izz al-Dein ‘Oweisat (24); Fares Muhammed ‘Oweisat (22); Muhammad Hussein Saleh (22); Muhammad Zakriya al-Salaima (17); Muza Ahmed al-Salaima (16).
· At approximately 14:00, isaeli forces arrested Yazan Sami al-Jineidi (16) when he was leaving his school which is located near al-Majles Gate in the Old City in Jerusalem. His father told PCHR that the boy was arrested under the allegation that he threw stones from the roof of the school and that he was taken to al-Qishla investigation center.
· At approximately 16:00, dozens of Palestinian civilians gathered in ‘Ain al-Louza area in Silwan village, south of the Old City in Jerusalem in celebration of the release of Ahmed al-Qaq from Israeli persons. Israeli forces surrounded the area and arrested Jamil Isa al-‘Abbasi (34). They fired sound bombs and tear gas canisters. As a result, dozens suffered tear gas inhalation.
· At approximately 03:00 on Sunday, 07 December 2014, Israeli forces moved into Jabal al-Mukabber village, southeast of Jerusalem. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested two children: Monther Ahmed ‘Oweisat (16) and Ali Abudllah ‘Oweisat (15).
· At approximately 04:00, Israeli forces moved into al-‘Isawiya village, north of Jerusalem. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested two children: Hisahm Yousif Dweik (16) and Muhammed Bashar Mustafa (16).
· At approximately 14:30 on Monday, 08 December 2014, Israeli forces arrested Muhammad Rami al-Khatib (11) when he was at the bus stop in sultan Suleiman in the Old City of Jerusalem. The child’s father told PCHR that his son was at the bus stop, returning home from school. He was arrested and taken to Salah al-Dein police station where he was transferred to al-Maskubia under the allegation of throwing stones at an “Eged” bus.
· At approximately 13:30 on Tuesday, 09 December 2014, Israeli forces arrested Fatina Mahmoud Hussein (31) when she was leaving al-Majlis Gate in the Old City in Jerusalem. She was taken to al-Qishla police station.
· At approximately 14:00, Israeli forces raided and searched a house belonging to Ahmed al-Ghoul, head of Fatah Youth Movement in Jerusalem, in Silwan village they arrested the aforementioned and took him to an unknown destination.
· At approximately 03:30 on Wednesday, 10 December 2014, Israeli forces moved into al-Thouri neighborhood, east of the old City in Jerusalem. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested Abeer Ziad, member of Fatah movement committee in Jerusalem, Hamza Muhammad Shweiki (24), and Mutassem Abdul Rahman Ghaith (23).
· At approximately 04:00, Israeli forces moved into Ras al’Amoud neighborhood. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested 3 civilians: Muhammad ‘Azai ‘Awees (18); Majed Abdullah ‘Awees (20); and Muhammad Hussein ‘Awees (21).
· At approximately 05:00, Israeli forces moved into al-‘Isawiya village, north of Jerusalem. They raided an searched a number of houses and arrested 3 civilians: Ayyoub Naser Abu Asab (17); Ahmed Nimer Gharib (19); Hasan Yousif Darwich (19).
· At approximately 05:30, Israeli forces moved into Wadi al-Jouz neighborhood and arrested two civilians: Luai Yaqoub Za’atra (23) and Muhammad Hasan Zgheir (21).
Settler Attacks
· At approximately 14:00 on Sunday, 07 December 2014, two Israeli settlers attacked Mutassem Isam Shweiki (24) and Sahdi al-Muthanna (21) when they were working in a gas station in ‘Ain Karem village, southwest of Jerusalem. Al-Shweiki family told PCHR that their son suffered nose bleeding and sustained bruises throughout his body. He and his colleague were taken to Hadassah Ain Karem hospital for treatment.
Settlement activities and attacks by settlers against Palestinian civilians and property:
Israel has continued its settlement activities in the oPt, a direct violation of international humanitarian law, and Israeli settlers have continued to attack Palestinian civilians and property.
· At approximately 09:00 on Thursday, 04 December 2014, Israeli forces backed by a vehicle of the Construction and Organization Department in the Civil Administration moved into al-Deirat village, east of Yatta, south of Hebron. They stationed at al-Deirat school and handed the headmaster of the school an order to stop construction in the school cafeteria under the pretext of not having a construction permit.
· At approximately 16:10 on Tuesday 09 December 2014, Israeli forces stopped construction on agricultural roads in the western area of Kufur al-Deek village, west of Salfit. The project is funded by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) in al-Shiab al-Tahta area. Israeli forces confiscated the bulldozer and detained the contractor and A driver under the pretext that the area is a natural preserve. The land is planted with olive trees but is located opposite “Badueil” settlement. Later, the driver was released, but the bulldozer is still in Israeli custody.
Settler Attacks
· On Friday morning, 05 December 204, Israeli settlers from “Etemar” settlement, which is established in the eastern side of ‘Aqraba village, southeast of Nablus, attacked a land belonging to Saher Said Ahmed Bani Jame in al-Jahi area, east of the aforementioned village. Thy uprooted 60 olive trees aged between 3 – 4 years. The aforementioned civilian informed the Palestinian police in ‘Aqraba village. Officers of the Palestinian liaison and the Israeli police arrived at the area and took pictures of the uprooted trees and filed a complaint. It should be noted that the aforementioned had grown 260 olive trees in his land, which has an area of 20 acres, within the land rehabilitation projects which were preformed in the middle mountains.
· At approximately 19:30 on Monday, 08 December 2014, a group of settlers attacked Muath Nouh Arafat al-Rajbi (18) from Abu Tayyah area in the southeast of Hebron. They used sharp tools and caused the aforementioned medium wounds in the right hand and the right knee. That attack took place near a cave that the aforementioned person’s family use for raising animals.
Nouh ‘Arafat al-Rajbi (45) told PCHR:
“I raise animals with my two sons Rashed (17) and Muath (18) inside a cave in Abu Tayyah area to the southeast of Hebron after our house was destroyed by Israeli forces four years ago. We cooperate in raising our 150 sheep and 3 cows. At approximately 19:30 on Monday, 08 December 2014, I was with my sons in the cave feeding sheep. My son Rashed went out then came back and asked us to leave because there were settlers in bypass 317, about 300 meters away from us. Rashed and I escaped to the east. I looked at the bypass and saw two cars in the south. Then, I heard my so Muath’s voice screaming. I thought that he ran away before us. I realized that the settlers attacked him. I looked for him until I found him. I did not see anything because it was dark. When the settlers went away from the place, Rashed and I walked behind them and Muath slowly followed. When Muath reached the street, we saw his right hand and right leg bleeding. There was also a knife wound on the right side of his neck. I called a relative of mine and told him what happened. We waited 45 minutes for him to bring us a car. My son told me that 8 settlers attacked him when he was leaving the cave. One of them put a gun on his head while the others beat him with sharp tools. When the car arrived, we transferred him to Muhammad Ali al-Muhtasseb. They stopped the bleeding and moved him to Hebron governmental Hospital in an ambulance. His wounds were stitched inside and out and he is still under treatment.”
· At approximately 21:15 on the aforementioned day, a group of settlers from “Givat Runim”, extended from “Barkhah” settlement, which is established in the northern side of Burin village, south of Nablus, attacked the lands of al-Saba Mountain and al-Tathnia gate area. They sawed an electricity pole and ran down another. As a result, the electricity network was severely damaged. They also sawed olive trees. It should be noted that Israeli forces do not allow Palestinians to enter the aforementioned lands, therefore, the land owners are unaware whether their trees are sawed or not.
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, including info on patrols and border crossings available at the official PCHR website.
