Israeli forces have continued with systematic attacks against Palestinian civilians and their property in the occupied Palestinian territories (oPt) for the reporting period of 15- 29 July 2015.Israeli attacks in the West Bank & Gaza:
Shootings
Israeli forces escalated the use of excessive force against Palestinian civilians in the West Bank. During the reporting period, Israeli forces used excessive force killing 3 civilians and wounding 20 others, including 4 children and a photojournalist in the West Bank. Furthermore, they wounded a child in the Gaza Strip. In the Gaza Strip too, Israeli warplanes launched 2 airstrikes on 2 training sites of Palestinian armed groups, and Israeli navy forces attacked Palestinian fishermen in the Gaza Sea.
In the West Bank, Israeli forces killed 3 Palestinian civilians within 5 days. They killed the first civilian on Wednesday, 22 July 2015, during an Israeli incursion in Bruqin village, south of Jenin. The second one was killed on Thursday, 23 July 2015, in Beit Ommar village, north of Hebron, his son was wounded when Israeli forces raided their house. The third one was killed on 27 July 2015, in Qalandia refugee camp north of East Jerusalem, when Israeli forces attempted to arrest him. PCHR believes that the above-mentioned killings violate the principles of necessity and discrimination, and the use of force was excessive, especially that the victims were unarmed civilians. Moreover, Israeli forces could have used less force to arrest them. It should be noted that the 2 of the victims were shot in the upper parts of their bodies with a deliberate intent to kill them, while the third one was wounded in the lower part of his body, but he was left bleeding for half an house without first aid until he died a while after his arrest.
On 15 July 2015, an 18-year-old civilian was wounded by a bullet to the right arm when Israeli forces moved into Silwad village, northeast of Ramallah.
On 16 July 2015, 2 Palestinian civilians, including a child, were wounded when Israeli forces moved into al-Shyoukh village, north of Hebron, to arrest Palestinians. One of them was wounded by a bullet to the left thigh and the other one was wounded by a bullet to the left knee.
On 23 July 2015, Palestinian civilians from Beit Ommar village, north of Hebron, participated in the funeral procession of Falah Abu Maria who was killed by Israeli forces earlier on the same day. Israeli forces fired sound bombs, tear gas canisters and rubber-coated metal bullets at the Palestinians. As a result, 2 civilians were wounded in the upper parts of their bodies. A medical source described their health conditions as stable.
On 23 July 2015, a Palestinian civilian was wounded when Israeli forces moved into Nablus to arrest that person. Israeli forces raided the building in which he was hiding and opened fire at him. Photojournalist Shadi Jarar’a (25) headed to the area and raised his hands up with the camera in his hand to cover the incident. When Israeli forces saw him, they fired at him too, due to which he was wounded by a bullet to the chest.
On 25 July 2015, 2 Palestinian civilians were wounded when Israeli forces stationed around the annexation wall near Deir al-Ghsoun village, north of Tulkarm, opened fire at a group of farmers near the wall.
Israeli forces continued to use excessive and systematic use of force against peaceful protests organized by Palestinian civilians and Israeli and international human rights activists in protest at the construction of the annexation wall and settlement activities in the West Bank and Israeli policies in the oPt. As a result, 6 Palestinian civilians, including 2 children, were wounded.
On Monday afternoon, 27 July 2015, 4 Palestinian civilians, including a child, were wounded during a peaceful protest organized against the killing of Mohammed Abu Latifa (20), from Qalandia refugee camp, north of Jerusalem. Abu Latifa was killed earlier on the same day when Israeli forces attempted to arrest him from his family house.
In the Gaza Strip, on 17 July 2015, the first day of Eid al-Fitr, a Palestinian child was wounded when Israeli forces stationed along the border fence, east of Khan Yunis, opened fire at 3 children, who were present 50 meters to the west of the fence. As a result, a 13-year-old male sustained a bullet wound. The bullet penetrated the right leg and exited the left one.
Moreover, on 16 July 2015, Israeli warplanes launched 2 airstrikes at training sites of Palestinian armed groups. The first airstrike was on Maqboula site, southeast of al-Bureij refugee camp in the central Gaza Strip. As a result, a 67-year-old woman was injured in the head and right arm because her room’s window was broken. The other strike was on a training site belonging to al-Qassam Brigades (the armed wing of Hamas movement), east of Jabalia in the north of the Gaza Strip, but no casualties were reported.
In the context of targeting Palestinian fishermen, Israeli gunboats opened fire at fishermen on 26 July 2015, but no casualties were reported.
Incursions
During the reporting period, Israeli forces conducted at least 91 military incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank and 11 ones in East Jerusalem. During these incursions, Israeli forces arrested at least 95 Palestinians, including 25 children and 2 women. Forty-nine of these civilians, including 22 children and a woman, were arrested in East 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 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. The Israeli closure raised the rate of poverty to 38.8%, 21.1% of which suffer from extreme poverty. Moreover, the rate of unemployment increased up to 44%, which reflects the unprecedented economic deterioration in the Gaza Strip.
Settlement Activities
Israel has continued its settlement activities in the oPt, a direct violation of international humanitarian law, and Israeli settlers have continued to attack Palestinian civilians and property.
On 21 July 2015, Israeli forces demolished a barrack in Khellet Ibrahim area, west of Ethna village, west of Hebron. The barrack was used for collecting and selling scraps. Israeli forces also demolished another facility that was also used for collecting and selling scraps in al-Jalaita area, east of the said village.
On 22 July 2015, Israeli forces levelled 10 dunums of land planted with olive trees in Atous and al-Meikhathe area, west of Beit Oula village, west of Hebron. They cut off about 400 olive trees and confiscated them. Israeli bulldozers also levelled 8 other dunums of land and demolished a water well belonging to the heirs of Abullah al-Amlah.
In the same context, on 18 July 2015, Israeli settlers cut off 150 olive seedlings in al-Dhahrat area adjacent the ‘Adi Ad’ settlement outpost, east of Termis’ya village, north of Ramallah.
On 18 July 2015, a number of settlers from ‘Ma’oun’ settlement, east of Yatta, south of Hebron, attacked Palestinian farmers and shepherds who were in their lands, east of Kherbet Khellet al-Adra, east of Yatta. On 19 July 2015, an armed settler fired 2 bullets at a Palestinian farmer and his brother while collecting almonds in Ein Samya area, southeast of al-Mughair village. No casualties were reported.
On 26 July 2015, a group of settlers moved into the northeastern side of Azmout village, east of Nablus.
Efforts to create a Jewish demographic majority in Jerusalem
On 28 July 2015, Israeli bulldozers demolished 2 commercial stores, an apartment, 2 warehouses and 2 residential rooms belonging to Khalil Mohammed al-Abasi and Eyad al-Abasi in Silwan village, south of East Jerusalem, under the pretext of non-licensing.
On 29 July 2015, Israeli forces demolished a number of civilian facilities in al-Dam valley area in Beit Hanina neighborhood, north of East Jerusalem. They demolished a 500-square-meter wedding hall, a printing house, carpentry workshop and a piece of land used to sell construction materials.
In the context of collective punishment, on 22 July 2015, the Israeli Supreme Court rejected a petition filed by HaMoked – Center for the Defense of the Individual to allow Ghassan Abu Jamal’s children to stay in Jerusalem under the custody of their mother.
Concerning the settlers’ attacks, on Sunday, 26 July 2015, on the anniversary of the so-called ‘Temple’s Destruction’, 324 extremist settlers, including the Israeli Minister of Agriculture, stormed the al-Aqsa Mosque in the old city in East Jerusalem and denied the Muslims access to the mosque. Clashes erupted between the Palestinians and heavily armed Israeli forces. PCHR documented also 2 other attacks carried out by settlers against an elderly woman and a Palestinian bus driver.
In the context of attacks by Israeli security officers on Palestinians, on 16 July 2015, the light train guards attacked 2 Palestinian civilians in Shu’fat neighborhood, in the old city in East Jerusalem. As a result, one of the civilians sustained various injuries and bruises and was taken to al-Maqased Hospital to receive medical treatment.
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 and Israeli policies in the Palestinian territory. As a result, 10 Palestinian civilians including (3) children sustained wounds.
Demonstrations against the construction of the annexation wall and settlement activity
Following the Friday prayer, on 17 July 2015, on the first day of Eid al-Fitr, 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. When they arrived at the entrance of the gate, the demonstrators were met by live bullets, tear gas canisters, rubber-coated steel bullets, sound bombs and skunk water .As a result, a 40-year-old Palestinian civilian, was wounded by 2 bullet to the right hand and the back.
Following the Friday prayer on 24 July 2015, dozens of Palestinian civilians and international and Israeli human rights defenders organized a peaceful demonstration in Bil’in, west of Ramallah, in protest against the annexation wall and settlement activities. The protestors tried to sneak the fence. Israeli soldiers stationed behind the wall, fired live bullets, rubber-coated steel bullets, tear gas canisters and sound bombs and chased them into the olive fields and into residential houses. As a result, a number of demonstrators suffered tear gas inhalation, fainting, 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 against the Annexation Wall and Settlement Activity. The demonstrators took the streets and headed to the annexation wall. Israeli forces prevented the demonstrators from crossing to the land behind the Annexation Wall, so they threw stones at them. Israeli soldiers fired live bullets, 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 against the annexation wall and settlement Activity. The demonstrators 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 them from participating in the demonstration. When they arrived at the aforementioned land, the demonstrators were met by live bullets, tear gas canisters, rubber-coated steel bullets, sound bombs and were chased into the village. As a result, a 17- year -old child sustained 3 bullet wounds. The first bullet penetrated to the right thigh and settled in the left thigh, while other bullets penetrated to the right buttock then eventually settled in the abdomen. The aforementioned child underwent an operation in the intestine and aorta. A medical source stated that the child’s condition was serious. Moreover, a Palestinian civilian (23) sustained a bullet wound to the right thigh.
Following the Friday prayer, on 24 July 2015, 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. When they arrived at the entrance of the gate, the demonstrators were met by live bullets, tear gas canisters, rubber-coated steel bullets, sound bombs and skunk water. As a result, a 13- year -old child, Mohammed Bashar Mohammed Shtawi, sustained metal bullet wound to the head, while other civilians suffered tear gas inhalation and residential houses raiding. Israeli forces raided the house belonging to the family of Murad Mahmoud Shtawi and sank the house by using a skunk water.
Following the al- Asr prayer, on Saturday, 25 July 2015, 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. When they arrived at the entrance of the gate, the demonstrators were met by live bullets, tear gas canisters, rubber-coated steel bullets, and sound bombs. As a result, a Palestinian civilian (42) sustained 2 bullet wounds to the back and hand and another one (39) sustained a bullet wound to the thigh.
Other demonstrations
On Friday afternoon, 24 July 2015, dozens of youngsters gathered in the western entrance of Selwad village, northeast of Ramallah, on Selwad-Yabroud road near street (60) in order to organized 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. Israeli soldiers went up to the top roof of the house belonging to the Abu Nahel family and then they opened fire toward the youngsters and houses randomly.
Also on Friday afternoon, dozens of Palestinian youngsters gathered in Ramallah and al-Beira, southwest of Ramallah, in the vicinity of Ofer prison , southwest of Ramallah. The demonstrators went to the prison’s gate. Israeli forces closed the gate and soldiers were deployed in the area. 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.
Following the al- Asr prayer, On Monday afternoon, While the funeral of the body of Mohammed Ataa Diab Abu Latifa, 19, from Qalandiya refugee camp, north of Jerusalem. Abu Latifa was killed on Monday morning, when Israeli forces tried to arrest him from his house. Following the funeral, dozens of Palestinian youngsters gathered in the vicinity of Qalandiya checkpoint between Ramallah and Jerusalem. The demonstrators 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, 4 Palestinian civilians sustained wounds, including a child. The child, 17, sustained a bullet wound to the left leg, and another civilian, 25, sustained a bullet wound to the left leg also. The third person, 21, sustained a bullet wound to the left leg, and the fourth, 20, sustained a bullet wound to the chest. Dozens of Palestinians suffered tear gas inhalation.
Note: the protest of Kufor Qaddoum was scheduled twice a week (following the Fridays’ prayer and following al-Asr prayer on Saturdays).
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.
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.
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. However, they lately allowed the exportation of some vegetables such as cucumber and tomatoes, furniture and fish.
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 also continued applying the policy of making certain civilian traveling via the crossing interviewed by the Israeli intelligence service to be questioned, blackmailed or arrested.
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 established 14 checkpoints all over the city.
At approximately 20:00 On Wednesday, 15 July 2015, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the entrance of Beit Awaa village, southwest of Dura, southwest of Hebron.
On Thursday, 16 July 2015, Israeli forces established 2 checkpoints at the entrance of Surif village, northwest of the Hebron, and at the entrance of al-Sa’ir village, east of the city.
On Sunday, 19 July 2015, Israeli forces established 2 checkpoints at the entrance of al-Koum village, south of Dura, southwest of the city, and at the entrance of al-Samou’a village, south of Hebron.
At approximately 16:00 on Monday, 20 July 2015, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the north entrance of Yata village, south of Hebron.
At approximately 19:00, on Tuesday, 21 July 2015, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the entrance of al-Samou’a village, south of Hebron.
On Thursday, 23 July 2015, Israeli forced established (2) checkpoints at the entrance of Saeer village, east of Hebron, and at the entrance of Beit Ummer village, north of the city.
At approximately 16:00 on Friday, 24 July 2015, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the entrance of Beit Awaa village, south of Dura village, southwest of Hebron.
At approximately 15:00 on Saturday, 25 July 2015, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the entrance of Faqeqis village, south of Dura, in the southwest of Hebron.
On Sunday, 26 July 2015, Israeli forces established (2) checkpoints at the entrance of Sa’eir village, east of Hebron, and at the northern entrance of the city.
At approximately 16:00 on Monday, 27 July 2015, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the entrance of Beit Ummer, north of Hebron.
Ramallah and al-Beira: Israeli forces established (19) checkpoints all over the city.
At approximately 20:30, On Thursday, 16 July 2015, Israeli forces stationed at Atara checkpoint at the north entrance of Berziet village, north of the city.
Around the same time , Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the entrance of Deir Abu Mesh’al village, northwest of Ramallah.
On Friday, 17 July 2015, , Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the entrance of al-Nabi Saleh village, northwest of Ramallah, and under the bridge of Yabrud village, northeast of the city.
At approximately 18:30, on Saturday, 18 July 2015, Israeli forces established a checkpoint near the intersection of Beit Ur al Fouqa village, southwest of Ramallah.
At approximately 20:30, Israeli forces established a checkpoint near the intersection of Ofra settlement, north of the city.
At approximately 12:30 on Monday afternoon, 20 July 2015, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the southern entrance of al-Moghier village.
At approximately 19:30, on Monday, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the east entrance of al-Tybaa village, northeast of Ramallah.
On Wednesday, 22 July 2015, Israeli forces established (4) checkpoints at the entrance of Beitlelo village, northwest of Ramallah , at the entrance of Ein Ayoub city ,in the west of Ras Karkar village, northwest of the city, under the bridge of Aei’n Yabrud village, northeast of the city, and on al-Moarajat road between Jericho and Ramallah.
On Friday, 24 July 2015, Israeli forces established (4) checkpoints at the eastern entrance of al-Nabi Saleh village, Deir Abu Meshal village, northwest of Rammalla, under the bridge of Yabrud village, northeast of the city, and at the entrance of Na’lin village, western of the city.
On Saturday, 25 July 2015, Israeli forces established |(2) checkpoints near the intersection of Beit Ur Foqa village, southwest of Ramallah, and Atara checkpoint at the north entrance of Berziet village.
On Sunday, 26 July 2015, Israeli forces established a checkpoint under the bridge of Yabrud village, northeast of Ramallah.
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Qalqilya: Israeli forces established (21) checkpoints all over the city.
At approximately 10:00 on Wednesday morning, 15 July 2015, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the entrance of Kafer Kadoum village, northeast of Qalqilya.
On 16 July 2015, Israeli forces established (2) checkpoints, the first one at the entrance of Kafer Kadoum village, and the other at the entrance of Amatien village, northeast of the city.
At approximately 18:50 on Sunday, 19 July 2015, Israeli forces established at the meantime (4) checkpoints at the entrance of Amatien, Fer’ta, Jeit, and al-Fondoq, northeast of Qalqilya.
On 20 July 2015, Israeli forces established (2) checkpoints at the entrance of Kafer Kadoum and Jeit village, northeast of the village.
On 21 July 2015, Israeli forces established (3) checkpoints at the entrance of Kafer Kadoum, Amatien, in the northeast of Qalqilya, and Azoun village, eastern of the city.
On 22 July 2015, Israeli forces established (2) checkpoints at the entrance of Kafer Kadoum, in the northeast of Qalqilya, and at the entrance of Azoun village, in the east of the city.
On 23 July 2015, Israeli forces established a checkpoints at the entrance of Jeit village, in the northeast of the city.
On 23 July 2015, Israeli forces established (2) checkpoints at the entrance of Qalqilya, and al-Nabi Iyas village, east of the city.
On Monday, 27 July 2015, Israeli forces established 3 checkpoints near Kafer Kadoum village, on the intersection of Jeit village, northeast of Qalqilya, and at the entrance of the city.
Jericho: Israeli forces established (5) checkpoints all over the city.
At approximately 09:30, on Friday morning, 17 July 2015, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the entrance of Fasail village, and at approximatey 20:00, on Friday, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the entrance of
al-Zabedat village, north of Jericho.
At approximately 18:30 ,on Tuesday , 21 July 2015, Israeli forces established a checkpoint in the vicinity of the southern entrance of Jericho village.
On Friday, 27 July 2015, Israeli forces established a checkpoints at the entrance of Fasail village, north of Jericho.
On Sunday, 26 July 2015, Israeli forces established a checkpoint near the entrance of al- Nuwi’ma village, in the north of the city.
Tulkarm: At approximately 19:30 on Saturday, 18 July 2015, Israeli forces stationed at ‘Annab military checkpoint which is established on the road between Tulkarm and Nablus, east of the city, tightened their restrictions against civilians and obstructed their movement, also at approximately 09:30 on Thursday, 22 July 2015, at approximately 22:30 on Monday, 27 July 2015, and at approximately 08:30, 15:00, 21:00 on Tuesday, 28 July 2015, they repeated the same arbitrary actions.
Jenin: At approximately 02:00 on Thursday, 22 July 2015, Israeli forces established a checkpoint in the vicinity of Hadad Tourist Village, southwest of Jenin.
Salfit: Israeli forces established (14) checkpoints all over the city.
On 15 July 2015, Israeli forces established 2 checkpoints near the bridge of Aakaka village, east of Salfit, and at the western entrance of Deir Astia village, northwest of the city.
At approximately 21:30 on Thursday, 16 July 2015, Israeli forces established a checkpoint under Askaka village bridge, east of Salfit.
At approximately 11:05 on Saturday, 18 July 2015, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the entrance of Kafel Hares village, in the north of the city.
At approximately 20:20 on Saturday, 18 July 2015, Israeli forces established a checkpoint under Askaka village bridge, east of Salfit, and on 19 July 2015, Israeli forces established 3 checkpoints under the bridge of Askaka village, east of Salfit , at the entrance of Dier Balout village, and at the entrance of Kafer al-Diek village, west of Salfit.
On 20 July 2015, Israeli forces established 2 checkpoints under the bridge of Askaka village, east of salfit, and at the entrance of Marda village, north of the city.
On 21 July 2015, Israeli forces established 2 checkpoints under the bridge of Askaka village, east of salfit, and at the entrance of Deir Astia, northwest of the city.
At approximately 11:00 on Monday morning, 27 July 2015, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the northern entrance of Bukien village, west of Salfit, and at approximately 01:00 on Tuesday, 26 July 2015, they established another checkpoint between Yasouf and Askaka village, east of Salfit.
Note: all the aforementioned checkpoints were later removed, after the inspection of the vehicle and its passengers and detained them for varying periods, and no arrests were reported.
Note: all the aforementioned checkpoints were later removed, and no arrests were reported.
Arrests and Maltreatment at Military Checkpoints:
• At approximately 11:00, on Wednesday, 15 July 2015, Israeli forces deployed in the neighborhoods of the old city in Hebron, arrested a Palestinian child, Mohammed Moawia Abu Hikal, 11, claiming that he did not comply with the soldiers’ orders. Mohammed was taken to the Israeli forces camp in ‘Rmata Yishai’ settlement, and then he was released after a few hours.
• At afternoon, Israeli forces arrested Rawan Nafez Mohammed Abu Zeyada, 21, from Beitlelo village, northwest of Ramallah. Israeli forces claimed that the aforementioned girl stabbed one of the Israeli soldiers near the military tower, northeast of the village, on the road leading to Nahlaiel Settlement.
• At approximately 08:00, on Monday, 20 July 2015, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the entrance of Beit Umer village, north of Hebron. They stopped and searched the Palestinian vehicles and checked the passengers ID. Moreover, before they removed the checkpoint, Israeli forces arrested Salah Kamel Zaher al-Alalami, 28. He was taken to Karmi Tsour settlement, north of the city. After that, Israeli forces summoned Khalil Jamal Eid Abu Mareh, 28, by a phone call to the Israeli intelligence in Gush Etzion settlement, south of Bethlehem.
• At approximately 02:00 on Tuesday, 21 July 2015, Israeli forces established a checkpoint near the western entrance of Tulkarm. They stopped the vehicles traveling on both directions. When a Palestinian civilian, Thaer Ibrahim Burhan Belbeisi, 28, crossed the checkpoint, Israeli forces arrested him then took him to unknown detination.
On Tuesday, Israeli forces arrested a Palestinian woman, Amina Mohammed Asaad Amoudy, 68, from Burkien village, southwest of Jenin, when she went to visit her son, Khaled, who has been detained in 2006, in Jalboua prison inside Israel. He was sentenced to 12 life sentences and 20 years imprisonment.
On the abovementioned day, Israeli forces arrested a Palestinian civilian, Awaab Fuad Husain Ya’kbaa, 23, from Kafer Ra’ie village, south of Jenin, when he was at the entrance of Salem Camp, northwest of the city. Israeli forces claimed that Ya’kbaa carried a knife. The detainee’s family said to a PCHR fieldworker that he was there to receive a magnetic card.
At approximately 19:00 on Wednesday, 22 July 2015, Israeli forces arrested two Palestinian children, Maisara Ahmed Omar Mahameed, 16, and Ahmed Mohammed Anees Abahra, 15, both of them from al-Yamoun village, west of Jenin. Israeli forces arrested the two children when they were in the vicinity of the Annexation Wall, west of Rommana village, northwest of the city.
At approximately 09:00 on Thursday morning, 23 July 2015, Israeli forces established a checkpoint near Hija village, east of Qalqilya. They checked the ID cards of the Palestinian civilians and searched their vehicles. They then arrested a Palestinian civilian, Harith Hamdallah Abdullah Bashir, 25, and took him to ‘Kidoumim’ settlement. At approximately 11:00, Bashir was released after he was questioned.
At approximately 11:00 on Saturday, 25 July 2015, Israeli forces arrested a Palestinian student, Anas Hasan Abu Akraa’, 25, at a checkpoint established at the entrance of Khan al- Ahmar village, east of Jerusalem, while he was in his way to Al-Quds University in Abu Dis village, east of the city.
On Sunday evening, 26 July 2015, Israeli forces stationed at the main entrance of Beit Ummar village, north of Hebron, arrested a Palestinian child, Hamza Ahmed Abu Hashem, 16, when he was in his father’s car. Israeli forces took Abu Hashem to unknown place.
On Monday, 27 July 2015, Israeli forces stationed on Abu Salem military checkpoint, near Rommana village, northwest of Jenin, arrested a Palestinian civilian, Omran Basem Fadel Kabha, 19, from western Toura village, southwest of Jenin. According to a PCHR fieldworker, the detainee was arrested while crossing a checkpoint, and was taken to unknown place.
Efforts to create a Jewish majority:
Shooting incidents
· On Monday, 27 July 2015, Israeli forces opened fire at Mohammed Atta Diab Lafi Abu Latifa (20), who was present of the roof of his family house in Aslan neighbourhood in Qalandia refugee camp, north of East Jerusalem, while chasing him. Abu Latifa was trying to escape as Israeli soldiers that moved into the refugee camp to arrest him. As a result, he sustained serious wounds. However, Israeli forces arrested him and took him to Ofer detention facility, southwest of Ramallah. Few minutes later, the Israeli liaison office informed the Palestinian side that Abu Latifa died of his wounds.
According to investigations conducted by PCHR and statement of eyewitnesses, at approximately 05:40 on the abovementioned day, masked members of undercover units in plain clothes who were accompanied by Israeli forces moved into Qalandia refugee camp, north of Jerusalem. They surrounded a house belonging to the family of Atta Diab Lafi Abu Latifa in the center of Aslan quarter in the refugee camp. A number of officers raided and searched the house. They then arrested his son, Mohammed (20), who escaped and tried to run away to the roof of the house. When he tried to jump to another house, Israeli forces followed him and fired 3 bullets at him from a close range. A bullet penetrated the right thigh and another left a deep hole in his left leg. Mohammed fell down on the roof and was bleeding. He was left bleeding for over half an hour without any first aid or medical treatment. Israeli forces then degradingly pulled him, arrested him and took him to Ofer detention facility, southwest of Ramallah. Minutes later, the Israeli liaison office informed the Palestinian side that Mohammed died of his wounds. His corpse was delivered to a PRCS ambulance at Qlanadia checkpoint, north of Jerusalem, to be taken to Palestine Medical Compound in Ramallah.
According to Luba al-Somari, spokeswoman of the Israeli police, Israeli forces arrested 2 Palestinian activists under the pretext of ‘planning for a terrorist attack in Israel’. She added that Mohammed Yehya Abu Mteir (24) was arrested, but when Israeli forces tried to arrest Abu Latifa, the latter escaped to the roof of a building, so the Israeli soldiers opened fire at him. Al-Soumari claimed that Abu Latifa slipped while escaping and fell down. Therefore, he sustained serious wounds. However, this narrative was rejected by eyewitnesses and Abu Latifa’s family.
House demolitions
· At approximately 06:00, on Tuesday, 28 July 2015, Israeli bulldozers demolished 2 commercial stores, a residential apartment, 2 warehouses and 2 residential rooms in Silwan village, south of East Jerusalem, under the pretext of non-licensing.
Khalil Mohammed al-Abasi said to a PCHR fieldworker that Israeli forces moved into Ein al-Louza neighbourhood, south of the old city in East Jerusalem. They surrounded his commercial stores and an under-construction apartment. They damaged the doors and took the stores’ contents outdoors. When he came to the neighbourhood, Israeli forces prevented him from approaching his stores. He added that they demolished the 100-square-meter store he used to sell carpets and a 100-square-meter under construction apartment. Al-Abasi said that he built them in September 2014 and the demolition took place without a prior notice.
Eyad al-Abasi said that Israeli forces raided 2 warehouses and 2 residential rooms belonging to him in Ein al-Fouqa neighbourhood in Silwan village. They smashed the doors and took the contents outdoors. He added that these facilities had been built for 10 years and the demolition was carried out without a prior notice.
· On Wednesday, 29 July 2015, Israeli forces accompanied by a number of bulldozers and Civil Administration vehicles moved into al-Dam Valley in Beit Hanina, north of East Jerusalem. They demolished a wedding hall and commercial stores of an area of 1,000 square meters belonging to Akram Abu Shalbak under the pretext of non-licensing. Abu Shalbak said that his facilities were built in 2014 and there was no prior notice for the demolition. It should be noted that 2 months earlier he finalized the procedures needed for the construction license and had submitted all the necessary documents. Moreover, Israeli forces demolished a printing house, a carpentry shop, a tract of land used for selling construction materials and other facilities.
Displacement of Ghassan Abu Jamal children from Jerusalem on the ground of collective punishment
· On Wednesday morning, 22 July 2015, the Israeli Supreme Court rejected a petition filed by HaMoked – Center for the Defense of the Individual to allow the children of Ghassan Abu Jamal to stay in Jerusalem under the guardianship of their mother, Mrs. Nadia Abu Jamal. The Court gave the family a time limit until the beginning of October to leave to the West Bank. Mo’aweya Abu Jamal, the children’s uncle, said to a PCHR fieldworker that a hearing was held on Wednesday to consider the petition filed by HaMoked – Center to allow Ghassan Abu Jamal’s children: Walid (6), Salma (4) and Mohammed (3), to stay with their mother in their family’s house in their village in Jerusalem where they grew up. It should be noted that by the end of May, the Supreme Court approved the decision of the Israeli Interior Minister to expel Nadia Abu Jamal from the city and cancel the family’s reunion permit given to them from the Israeli authorities. Mo’aweya added that during the hearing, it was explained to what extent it is important for the children to stay with their mother and family in the city and that displacing them would separate them from their relatives and friends, deny them their health and national insurance allocation, prevent them from joining their schools and aggravate their psychological conditions they have been experiencing since the killing of their father. He said that after hearing pleas, the judge refused to allow Nadia Abu Jamal to stay in Jerusalem for whatsoever reason she has, therefore, according to the law, the custody over children would be given to the mother after the father had died. This means the children and their mother would be displaced to the West Bank. He added that the judges verbally suggested during the hearing that custody over children could be given to their relatives so they could stay in Jerusalem. The family was shocked to hear that and said, ‘How can we take the children from their mother after their father passed away? And how can we do that to the mother who lost her husband, house and residency in Jerusalem with her family?’ HaMoked filed a petition to the Supreme Court to allow Ghassan’s wife to stay only in Jabal al-Mukaber village and give her a residency permit in the village, but the petition was rejected too.
It should be noted that Israeli authorities denied the three children medical treatment in Israeli hospitals and health care centers although Walid suffers from a cardiac problem and Mohammed suffers from a neurological one and both of them need special health care and follow-up. Furthermore, Abu Jamal family explained that the family reunion was taken to the mother on the day when her husband was killed. They were informed of that during investigation in al-Masqoubiya facility in West Jerusalem. therefore, HaMoked followed up the case and sent a letter to the Interior Minister who issued the decision, to the Ministry of Interior and even to the Supreme Court, but the reply was negative every time until the final decision was issued 2 months ago.
Nadia Abu Jamal from Eastern al-Sawahrah village and holding the West Bank ID card got married to Ghasan Abu Jamal in 2002 and applied for a ‘family reunion’, but her application was rejected. However, she obtained a residence permit to be able to stay in Jerusalem and travel between the city and the West Bank via the main checkpoints only. The residency was being renewed annually. It should be mentioned that Ghassan Abu Jamal along with ‘Oday Abu Jamal carried out an attack on a Jewish synagogue near Deir Yasin area, west of Jerusalem, in November 2014. On 01 July 2015, Israeli forces closed the windows and doors of the family house with metal plates and used fortified concrete inside.
Incursions and arrests
· On Thursday, 16 July 2015, Israeli soldiers, some of whom were masked, raided a house belonging to the family of Ahmed Talab Edris in al-Thawri neighbourhood in Silwan village, south of the old city in East Jerusalem, to arrest one of his sons. When the family protested at the house raid, Israeli forces attacked them, due to which a number of the family members sustained bruises and wounds. Moreover, the children were frightened. Israeli forces arrested 4 civilians and took them to al-Masqoubiya detention facility in West Jerusalem: Ahmed Talab Edris (57) and his son Amjad (29); in addition to his nephews Zakariya Mohammed Talab Edris (24) and Talab Mohammed Talab Edris (21).
Mohammed Talab Edris said to a PCHR fieldworker that dozens of Israeli soldierssurrounded and raided the house of his brother Ahmed. They also topped the house and other neighbouring houses. They took all men out of the house and kept women inside. They searched the whole house and damaged its content. He added that a quarrel erupted between the family and Israeli officers, but Israeli officers sprayed pepper spray over women and pushed them. As a result, 4 women whose ages range between 34-40 were wounded.
Furthermore, they pushed 3-year-old Ghada Edris. He also said that Israeli forces attacked young men with gun butts, due to which Talab Edris (24) sustained bruises and wounds to the face and throughout his body. Besides, Ashraf Edris sustained bruises and burns to the face as he was sprayed with pepper spray.
· On Sunday, 19 July 2015, Israeli forces moved into Ras al-Amoud neighbourhood, east of the old city in East Jerusalem. They raided and searched a number of houses from which they arrested 3 civilians, including 2 children: Ahmed Mahmoud al-Ghoul (17); Nour Morad al-Zughul (17); and Fathi Dawood Nasser (18).
· At approximately 10:00, on Monday, 20 July 2015, Israeli forces arrested Osama Mohammed Borhom (34) from in front of the Magistrate’s Court in West Jerusalem.
· At approximately 11:00, Israeli forces arrested Sana’ al-Rajabi and Mohammed Nasser Ma’ali (31) while going out of al-Aqsa mosque in the old city in East Jerusalem.
· At approximately 15:00, Israeli forces arrested Amjad Ali al-Abasi (20) while crossing via Za’im military checkpoint, east of East Jerusalem.
· At approximately 02:00 on Tuesday, 21 July 2015, Israeli forces moved into al-Thawri neighbourhood in the old city in east Jerusalem. They raided and searched a number of houses from which they arrested 4 civilians, including 3 children. The arrested were identified as Abdul Jawad Ibrahim Ghazawi (17), Nouh Mousa Ghazawi (22), Mo’ayed Mohammed al-Salayma (16) and Ahmed Anwar Rweidi (16).
· At approximately 03:00, Israeli forces raided a house belonging to the family of Rubin al-Qaq in Ein al-Louza neighbourhood in Silwan village, south of the old city in East Jerusalem. They arrested his son, Alaa (17), and took him to an unknown destination.
· At approximately 04:00, Israeli forces raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Mohammed Shreiteh in Kufor Aqeb, north of East Jerusalem. They arrested his son, Feras (19), and took him to an unknown destination.
· At approximately 03:00 on Wednesday, 22 July 2015, Israeli forces raided a house belonging to the family of Khalil al-Za’tari in Ras al-Amoud neighbourhood, east of the old city in East Jerusalem. They arrested his son Mohammed (21) and took him an unknown destination.
· At approximately 05:00, on the same day, Israeli forces moved into Qalandia refugee camp, north of East Jerusalem. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Mohammed Essa Mteir (27) and arrested him.
· On Thursday, 23 July 2015, Israeli forces moved into neighbourhoods in the old city in East Jerusalem. They raided and searched a number of houses from which they arrested 12 Palestinian civilians: Mohammed Mousa Abu Farha (26), Mohammed Yunis Baseti (27), Eyad Mahmoud al-Ghouj (23), Omer As’ad Ibrahim (23), Ahmed Shawish (24) Abdullah Nasser Da’na (24), Mahmoud al-Shawish (21), Wahid Mo’tasem al-Bakri (20), Ma’moun Ahmed Ghaith (21) Rawhi Kalghasi (22), Abdul Mo’ti Mazen al-Ja’bari (21) and Fadi Burghal (22).
· At approximately 20:00 on the same day, Israeli forces arrested Abdullah Emad Edkeidek (8) when he was playing with a number of children few meters away from his family’s house in Ras al-Amoud neighbourhood, east of the old city in East Jerusalem. The child’s father said that 6 Israeli border guard officers arrested his son at approximately 20:00, when he was playing with other children in the neighbourhood. They prevented the children from going with him in the police car and told them that he was being taken to the police station in Saladin Street. Israeli officers pointed their guns at persons who were around to prevent them from approaching the child.
· At approximately 16:30 on Sunday, 26 July 2015, Israeli forces arrested Mahmoud Ibrahim Sa’ada (15) when he was waiting for his grandfather by the door of a mosque in Beer Ayoub neighbourhood in Silwan village, south of the old city in East Jerusalem. They took the aforementioned child to Saladin police station to be questioned about throwing stones.
· At approximately 19:00, on the same day, Israeli forces arrested Mostafa Na’im Maragha (20) after a quarrel between him and a number of settlers and border guard officers in Maragha neighbourhood in Silwan village, south of the old city in East Jerusalem. They took the aforementioned person to Saladin police station to be questioned.
· On Monday, 27 July 2015, Israeli forces harshly beat Abdul Karim Aziz al-Haddad (15) while arresting him and detaining him in Bab al-Selselah police station in the old city in East Jerusalem. As a result, he suffered from bleeding and was taken to al-Maqased Hospital to receive the necessary medical treatment.
· At approximately 03:00 on Tuesday, 28 July 2015, Israeli forces moved into al-Eisawiya village, north of East Jerusalem. They raided and searched a number of houses from which they arrested 11 children: Hani Shadi Nasser (14), Adam Kayed Mahmoud (14), Mohammed Mobtasem Ebeid (14), Yeyha Arafat Derbas (14), Majd Nayef Mostafa (14), Mohammed Darwish Maz’arow (15), Moneer Madmoud Dari (14), Ashraf Ebeid (17), Ahmed Sa’d Mahmoud (15), Yehya Derbas (14) and Mohammed Samer Taleb Mahmoud (16).
· At approximately 04:00 on Wednesday, 29 July 2015, Israeli forces raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Mahmoud al-Abasi in Ras al-Amoud neighbourhood in East Jerusalem. They beat and arrested his 2 two children: Baker (15) and Dawood (17).
Attacks of security officers on the Palestinian civilians
· On Thursday, 16 July 2015, security officers of the light rail attacked 2 Palestinian young men after they took their ID cards while being in the light rail in Su’fat neighbourhood in the north of the old city in East Jerusalem. As a result, one of whom sustained various bruises and wounds, due to which he was taken to al-Maqased Hospital to receive the necessary medical treatment. Nassar Nader al-Salayma said to a PCHR fieldworker that his son Azmi (18) and Marwan Nader al-Salayma (16) took the light rail, but security officers checked their ID cards and detained them for no reason. Before stepping out of the rail in Su’fat area, in Beit Hanina, Marwan asked for his ID, but the officer pushed him and attacked him. He added that his son Azmi tried to call his uncle to tell him what was going on, but they attacked him too. As a result, Azmi fainted for about 45 minutes and was taken to al-Maqased Hospital. It was found that he sustained various bruises and wounds. He said also that Israeli police arrested Nader and took him to Beit Hanina police station. Nader was released later. Al-Salayma stressed that he would file a complaint against the rail security officers who attack Palestinians in the light rail almost every day.
Settlers’ attacks
· On the anniversary of the so-called ‘Temple’s Destruction’, 324 extremist settlers, including the Israeli minister of agriculture Uri Ariel, stormed on Sunday, 26 July 2015, al-Aqsa mosque in the old city in east Jerusalem. Israeli forces denied Muslims access to the mosque during the morning raids and closed most of the mosque’s gates. They also raided the yards of the mosque and turned them into military barracks. In the morning, 254 settlers raided the mosque, while in the afternoon 70 ones raided it through al-Maghareba gate that is under the Israeli control. The settlers toured in the mosque yards, while the afternoon raids were limited to the route from al-Maghareba to al-Selsela gates. In the meantime, there were clashes in the mosque yards between enraged youngsters and heavily armed Israeli soldiers whofired sound bombs and rubber-coated metal bullets. Israeli soldiers attacked everyone in the yards, including women, journalists, paramedics, elderly persons and endowments’ employees to secure the raids carried out by settlers. Moreover, Israeli soldiers attacked worshipers by al-Selsela gate. As a result, a number of civilians fainted and others sustained bruises.
Dr. Adnan Khanafseh, head of al-Aqsa mosque clinic, said that they received 10 wounded persons in the clinic. Omer al-Keswani, Director of al-Aqsa mosque said that 19 endowments’ employees, including guards, sustained fractures and wounds to their faces, legs and heads as they were beaten up by clubs. Furthermore, journalists Lewa’ Wa’el Abu Rmeila (25) and Bayan Mahmoud al-Jo’ba (24) were beat by gun butts and pushed by Israeli soldiers while covering the clashes in al-Aqsa mosque.
Amjad Abu Asab, Head of the committee of Jerusalemite Prisoners Families, said that Israeli forces arrested 6 Palestinian civilians, including a woman and a child, during the Israeli raids: Alaa Mohammed Besher (31), Dania Tayseer Eid, Mahmoud al-Hallaq (19), Ma’moun Anati (18), Mohammed Abdullah Abu al-Hommos (14) and Najwa al-Sharabati (45).
· On Monday, 27 July 2015, 2 settlers sprayed pepper spray over the face of Mohammed Hosam Barakat (38), who on duty on an Israeli bus near al-Sheikh Jarrah area, north of the old city in East Jerusalem. As a result, he sustained serious pains, due to which he was taken to Hadasa hospital to receive the necessary medical treatment. Barakat said that 2 settlers got on the bus he was driving from ‘Bitar Elite’ settlement. They stayed until the last bus stop in Sheikh Jarrah area. They also refused to pay for the tickets although they stayed on the bus for 45 minutes. He added that before they stepped out of the bus, they sprayed the pepper spray over his face and fled. He asked the by-passers for help because he sustained severe pain.
· On Tuesday, 28 July 2015, 4 Israeli settlers beat and pushed Sara al-Nebali (85) when she was passing near ‘Ma’ali Zetim’ settlement in Ras al-Amoud neighbourhood, east of the old city in East Jerusalem. As a result, she sustained bruises and therefore taken to al-Maqased Hospital.
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 13:00 on Sunday, 19 July 2015, Israeli forces accompanied by an Israeli Civil Administration vehicle moved into Beit Za’tah area, east of Beit Ommar village, north of Hebron. They deployed between the houses while the Civil Administration officer distributed 3 notifications to halt construction works in 3 under-construction houses. The officer photographed the 3 notified houses and withdrew later.
Notifications included:
1. Halting construction works in a 180-square-meter. Under-construction house belonging to Belal Mahmoud Sabarnah;
2. Halting construction works in a 150-square-meter under-construction house belonging Khalil Mahmoud Jamil Abu Maria; and
3. Halting work in the foundation for a 160-square-meter house belonging to Mohammed Sami Hassan Mansour.
· At approximately 05:00 on Tuesday, 21 July 2015, Israeli forces accompanied by an Israeli Civil Administration vehicle moved into Khellet Ibrahim, west of Ethna, west of Hebron. They deployed between the houses. 2 bulldozers started demolishing a 200-square-meter barrack used for collecting and selling scraps. The owners of the barrack were not allowed to take out any of the barrack content. It should be noted that the barrack was established in 2010, and 6 persons work in it to support their families. The loss is estimated at NIS 45,000.
· At approximately 07:00, Israeli forces accompanied by 2 bulldozers moved into al-Jalaita area, east of the village. Officers from the Israeli Civil Administration raided under the protection of Israeli forces a facility to collect and sell scrap. The 8-dunum facility belongs to Fathi Mohammed Jamil Mohammed Sha’rawi (35). The Civil Administration officers took the office furniture out of a room that used to be an office and demolished it:
1. A 35-square-meter room;
2. A 40-square-meter tin-made arbor;
3. A 250-square-meter tin-made barrack;
4. A cement wall; and
5. A tin and metal-made wall.
It should be noted that work in the facility started in early 2009, where 6 workers work to support their families. The loss was estimated at NIS 150,000.
· On Saturday morning, 18 July 2015, a Palestinian civilian, Rabah Mohammed Ali Hzama, from Turmus’ayya village, north of Ramallah, discovered that Israeli forces uprooted 150 olive seedlings from his land in al- Zarat area, on ‘Adi Aad’ settlement, eastern of the city.
· At approximately 10:00 on Saturday, a number of settlers from ‘Ma’oun’ settlement, east of Yata, southern Hebron, attacked Palestinian farmers and shepherds, while they were on their land, in the east of Khirbet Khellat Aladrh , eastern Yata, under heavy protection by Israeli forces. The farmers threw stones at the settlers to compel them to leave their lands. As a result, Israeli forces forced the settlers to leave the area, and no arrests or casualties were reported.
· At approximately 15:00 on Sunday, 19 July 2015, an armed settler from ‘Kochaf Hishahr’ settlement, in the east of al-Mogier village, northeast of Ramallah, fired 2 bullets towards the Palestinian farmers, identified as Anwar Sameh Na’saan (20), and his son Mohammed (16), while picking almonds fruit, in Ein Samia area, southeast of the village, but no casualties were reported.
· At approximately 19:00 on Sunday, 26 July 2015, a number of settlers from ‘Aloun Moreih’ settlement, northeast of Azmout village, in the east of Nablus, chased a gathering of Palestinian civilians and threw stones at them. After 10 minutes, Israeli forces moved with military vehicles into the village to insurance the withdrawal of the settlers. During the withdrawal, Israeli forces arrested a Palestinian child, Fahed Ayoub Sawalha, 17, when he was in a barrack for breeding cows belonging to his family, then he was taken to unknown place.
· On Tuesday evening, 28 July 2015, a number of settlers under the protection of Israeli forces, stormed ‘Tersila’ settlement that was evacuated since 2005, and also known as (Sanour Camp), south of Jenin, in the vicinity of al-Fandkomia village. According to a PCHR field worker, the settlers erected their tents, and stayed in the place to conduct the Talmudic rituals. They then the left the area, and no other events were reported. The settlers stormed this place in previous years on the same date.
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 latest 51-day offensive 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;
Full, detailed document, including info on patrols and border crossings available at the official PCHR website.
