PCHR Weekly Report On Israeli Human Rights Violations in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (04 –10 May 2017)

Israeli forces continue systematic crimes in the occupied Palestinian territory (oPt) for the week of 04 – 10 May 2017.

Israeli forces executed a Palestinian girl in occupied Jerusalem, while 24 Palestinian civilians were wounded during peaceful protests in the occupied West Bank. Among the wounded were 2 children and 5 photojournalists. Israeli forces also continued to target the Gaza Strip border areas, but no casualties were reported. However, an Israeli agricultural aircraft reportedly sprayed fertilizers over agricultural lands along the border fence, to the south of the Gaza Strip.

Shooting:

During the reporting period, Israeli forces killed a Palestinian girl in occupied Jerusalem and wounded 24 others, including 2 children and 5 photojournalists, in the West Bank. In the Gaza Strip, Israeli forces continued to pursuit the Palestinian fishermen in the sea and open fire at Palestinian farmers at the border areas.

In the West Bank, as part of the Israeli policy to use excessive and lethal force against Palestinian civilians, who are suspected by Israeli soldiers of intending to carry out stab attacks against the soldiers, on 07 May 2017, Israeli forces killed Fatima Hjeiji (16), from Qarawet Bani Zaid village, northwest of Ramallah, at the southern entrance to the Damascus Gate “al-‘Amoud” in occupied East Jerusalem’s Old City. Luba al-Samri, the Israeli police spokesperson, published a statement claiming that “According to the preliminary information available, it was an attempt to a stab attack carried out by a girl that was neutralized without injuries among the police officers.”

In the same context, the majority of the West Bank cities witnessed protests in solidarity with the Palestinian prisoners on hunger strike in the Israeli jails. Israeli forces used force against these protests in addition to weekly protests against the annexation wall and settlement activities. The Israeli attacks resulted in the injury of 24 Palestinian civilians, including 2 children and 5 photojournalists. Six of them sustained live bullet wounds, 11 sustained rubber-coated metal bullet wounds and 6 were hit by sound bombs. The cases of injury were as follows:

Protests in solidarity with the prisoners: 17 civilians were wounded, including 5 photojournalists. Two of them were wounded by live ammunition, 10 others were wounded by metal bullets and 5 were hit by gas canisters.
Weekly protests against the annexation wall and settlement activities: 6 civilians, including 2 children, were wounded. Four of them were wounded by live ammunition, a civilian was wounded by metal bullets and another was hit by a sound bomb.
Incursions: a civilian was wounded by metal bullets.

In the Gaza Strip, concerning Israeli attacks on fishermen in the Gaza Strip sea, on 04 May 2017, Israeli gunboats stationed in the sea opened fire at the Palestinian fishing boats sailing within the allowed area, west of al-Sudaniya shore, west of Jabalia, north of the Gaza Strip. Other attacks recurred in the same area on 05 and 06 May 2017. However, neither casualties nor material damage were reported.

On 06 May 2017, Israeli gunboats opened fire at fishing boats sailing within the allowed area off Khan Yunis shore, south of the Gaza Strip. Neither casualties nor material damage were reported.

On 07 May 2017, Israeli gunboats opened fire at fishing boats sailing within the allowed area off Beit Lahia shore, north of the Gaza Strip. Similar attacks were carried out on 08, 09 and 10 May 2017. Neither casualties nor material damage were reported.

In the context of targeting the border areas, on 09 May 2017, an Israeli aircraft sprayed pesticides over agricultural lands 400 meters to the west of the border fence, north of al-Qarara village, east of Khan Yunis, south of the Gaza Strip. It should be noted since the beginning of 2017, Israeli aircrafts spray pesticides over that area under the pretext of burning the bushes for security reasons. However, the pesticides cause damage to the farmers’ crops.

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 58 Palestinian civilians, including 12 children. Nine of them, including 4 children, were arrested in occupied Jerusalem, while 4 others, including a child, were arrested while participating in a protest supporting the Palestinian prisoners.

In violation of the international humanitarian law, Israeli forces stormed on 04 May 2017, Palestine Medical Complex in Ramallah. They opened fire randomly, due to which a number of patients, including children, suffered tear gas inhalation.

In the Gaza Strip, on 07 May 2017, Israeli forces conducted an incursion into the east of al-Qarara village, northeast of Khan Yunis, south of the Gaza Strip. They levelled lands along the border fence for few hours and withdrew later. On the same day, Israeli forces moved into the east of al-Salqa valley, east of Deir al-Balah in the central Gaza Strip. They levelled lands as well and then withdrew.

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 9 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 2 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 65%. Moreover, the rate of unemployment increased up to 47% and youth constitutes 65% of the unemployed persons. Moreover, 80% of the Gaza Strip population depends on international aid to secure their minimum daily needs. These rates indicate the unprecedented economic deterioration in the Gaza Strip.

In the West Bank, Israeli forces continued to suffocate the Palestinian cities and village by imposing military checkpoints around and/or between them. This created “cantons” isolated from each other that hinders the movement of civilians. Moreover, the Palestinian civilians suffering aggravated because of the annexation wall and checkpoints erected on daily basis to catch Palestinians.

Jewish majority

Concerning demolitions, on 04 May 2017, Israeli forces demolished 3 houses in al-Walaj village, west of Bethlehem, under the pretext of “building without license within the Israeli municipality boundaries.”

On the same day, the Israeli municipality demolished an under-construction building in al-Tour village, east of occupied Jerusalem’s Old City.

On the same day as well, the Israeli municipality demolished a house belonging to Ashraf Fawaqa in Sour Baher village, south of the city.

On the same day, the Israeli municipality demolished 2 commercial facilities in al-Eisawiya village, northeast of occupied Jerusalem.

In the context of Israeli settler attacks against the Palestinian civilians and their property, on 09 May 2017, settlers wrote curses against prophet Mohammed (pbuh) and racist slogans. They punctured also the tires of 17 cars in Shu’fat neighbourhood, north of occupied Jerusalem. The neighbourhood residents said the slogans were signed by the Israeli “Price Tag” organization.

Settlement activities

On 09 May 2017, Israeli forces demolished a house and a livestock barrack in al-Jiftlek village, north of Jericho. It should be noted the livestock barrack belongs to Najeh Ka’abna (48) while the house belongs to his son Ouda (20).

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.

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 (16) checkpoints all over the city.

On Thursday 04 May 2017, Israeli forces established 3 checkpoints at the entrances to Sa’ir and Beit ‘Awaa villages and at the northern entrance to Hebron.

On Friday, 05 May 2017, Israeli forces established 3 checkpoints at the northern entrance to Halhoul village and the entrances to al-‘Aroub refugee camp and Ethna village.

On Saturday, 06 ay 2017, 3 similar checkpoints were established at the northern entrance to Yatta village and at the entrances to Beit ‘Awaa and Karmah villages.

On Sunday, 07 May 2017, Israeli forces established 3 checkpoints at the entrances to al-Fawar refugee camp, Samou’a village and Beit Ummer village.

On Tuesday, 09 May 2017, Israeli forces established 4 checkpoints at the entrances to Beit ‘Awaa and Ethna villages; at the entrance to ‘Ain al-Maiyah road, east of Yatta; and at the northern entrance to Hebron.

Ramallah and al-Bireh: Israeli forces established (12) checkpoints all over the city.

On Thursday, 04 May 2017, Israeli forces established 3checkpoints at the entrance to Ras Karkar village, west of Ramallah; at the entrances to al-Nabi Saleh and Um Safa villages, northwest of the city.

At approximately 15:30 on Friday, 05 May 2017, Israeli forces established a checkpoint in ‘Atara village’s bridge, north of Ramallah.

On Saturday, 06 May 2017, Israeli forces established 4 checkpoints at the entrance to Biteen village, northeast of Ramallah; at the intersection of ‘Ain Sinah village; in ‘Atara village’s bridge, north of Ramallah; and on al-Mo’arajat road between Jericho and Ramallah.

On Sunday, 07 May 2017, Israeli forces established 3 checkpoints at the entrances to ‘Ain Yabroud and al-Nabi Saleh villages and at the intersection of Shaqbah village, northwest of the city.

At approximately 18:30 on Tuesday, 09 May 2017, a similar checkpoint was established in ‘Ain Yabroud village’s bridge, northeast of the city.

Jericho: Israeli forces established (5) checkpoints all over the city.

On Saturday, 06 May 2017, Israeli forces established 3 checkpoints at the northern entrance to Jericho (was established twice); and at the intersection of al-Jeftilik village, north of the city.

On Sunday, 07 May 2017, Israeli forces established 2 checkpoints at the southern entrance to Jericho and at the northern entrance to the city.

Qalqiliyia: Israeli forces established (7) checkpoints all over the city.

On Saturday, 06 May 2017, Israeli forces established 2 checkpoints at the entrance to ‘Azoun village and at the northern entrance to Kafur Thulth village, east of Qalqilyia.

Salfit:

At approximately 18:50 on Saturday, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the western entrance to Kaful Hares village, north of Salfit.

Nablus:

At approximately 18:00 on Saturday, 06 May 2017, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the entrance to ‘Asirah village, north of Nablus. They stopped Palestinian vehicles and checked their IDs, but no arrests were reported.

Arrests at military checkpoints:

At approximately 10:30 on Thursday, 04 May 2017, Israeli forces established a checkpoint on ‘Atara Village Bridge, north of Ramallah. They stopped Palestinian vehicles and checked the passengers’ IDs, during which Taha Hussain ‘Odah al-Barghwthi (30), from Deir Abu Mish’al village, northwest of the city was arrested. It should be noted that Taha is a former prisoner who served 2 years in the Israeli jails.

At approximately 17:00 on Thursday, Israeli forces stationed at Hawarah checkpoint, south of Nablus, arrested Nidal Nadir Suliman (36), from Kafur Qalil village, southeast of the city. Eyewitnesses stated that the Israeli forces stopped the vehicle carrying Nidal and checked the passengers’ IDs before arresting him.

At approximately 18:00 on Friday, 05 May 2017, Israeli forces stationed at Za’tara checkpoint, south of Nablus, arrested Mansour Farraj Mansour Farraj (20), from Balatah camp, east of the city. Eyewitnesses stated that the Israeli forces stopped the vehicle carrying Farraj and checked the passengers’ IDs before arresting him.

At approximately 19:35 on Friday, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the entrance to Jinasafout village, east of Qalqilyia. They stopped Palestinian vehicles and checked passengers’ IDs, during which ‘Esam Basem Mansour, from Deirsityia village, northwest of Salfit, was arrested. At approximately 23:50, ‘Esam was released.

At approximately 08:00 on Saturday, 06 May 2017, Israeli forces stationed at Beit Foreek checkpoint, east of Nablus, arrested ‘Akramah Bassam Hilal Khatatbah (18). Eyewitnesses said that the Israeli forces stopped Palestinian vehicles and checked passengers’ IDs before arresting ‘Akramah.

At approximately 14:30 on Sunday, 07 May 2017, Israeli Border Guard officers stationed at military checkpoints in the vicinity of al-Ibrahimi Mosque in Hebron’s Old City, arrested Mahmoud Ahmed al-Rajbi (23). Mahmoud was then taken to “Kriyat Arba’” settlement, east of the city.

At approximately 13:30 on Tuesday, 09 May 2017, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the entrance to Dair Abu Mish’al village, northwest of Ramallah. They searched Palestinian civilians’ vehicles and checked their IDs. During which, ‘Adil Haytham Abed al-Latif (16), from the abovementioned village, was arrested and then taken to an unknown destination.

Efforts to Create Jewish majority

Israeli forces escalated their attacks on Palestinian civilians and their property. They have also continued their raids on al-Aqsa Mosque and denied the Palestinians access to it:

Shooting Incidents:

As part of the Israeli policy to use excessive and lethal force against Palestinian civilians, who are suspected by Israeli soldiers of intending to carry out stab attacks against the soldiers, on Sunday, 07 May 2017, Israeli forces killed a girl at the southern entrance to the Damascus Gate “al-‘Amoud” in occupied East Jerusalem’s Old City. The Palestinian Center for Human Rights (PCHR) strongly condemns this heinous crime. PCHR stresses this crime was committed after the Israeli political and military leaders gave the Israeli soldiers the green light to shed the Palestinian blood in light of the international community’s policy to tolerate Israel for crimes committed by the Israeli soldiers against Palestinian civilians.

According to PCHR’s investigations and testimonies by eyewitnesses to PCHR’s fieldworker in occupied Jerusalem, at approximately 19:00 on the abovementioned day, Fatmah ‘Afif ‘Abdel Rahman Hjeiji (16), from Qarawet Bani Zaid village, northwest of Ramallah, was walking 10 meters away from a police checkpoint, which is permanently established at the southern entrance to the Damascus Gate. One of the soldiers suddenly screamed out, “knife”. Immediately, the Israeli soldiers stationed there opened fire at the girl. As a result, 30 live bullets hit her body; some of them penetrated her chest and waist from the right side. Therefore, Fatmah was killed on the spot. Eyewitnesses emphasized that after the girl fell on the ground, the Israeli soldiers continued shooting at her and not only attempting to wound or arrest her.

Following this, the Israeli police deployed in the area closed the scene and prevented anyone from approaching the girl, whose body had been on the ground for an hour. The police officers attacked and pushed dozens of civilians away. They chased Mahmoud Abu Sbeih (9) until he fell from height in the Damascus Gate area and was then taken to the hospital to receive medical treatment.

Luba al-Samri, the Israeli police spokesperson, published a statement claiming that “According to the preliminary information available, it was an attempt to a stab attack carried out by a girl that was neutralized without injuries among the police officers.”

Arrests and Incursions:

At approximately 00:00 on Sunday, 07 May 2017, Israeli forces moved into al-Sawwanah village, east of occupied East Jerusalem’s Old City. They raided and searched a house belonging to Saleem al-Shalabi and arrested his son, Nour (17).

At approximately 01:00 on Monday, 08 April 2017, Israeli forces moved into neighborhoods in occupied East Jerusalem’s Old City. They raided and searched houses from which they arrested Waheeb ‘Emran Qutob (17), Mohamed Najeeb (23), ‘Alaa Najeeb (21), Mohamed Bayoumi (20) and Abdullah al-Joulani (21).

At approximately 01:00 on Monday, 08 May 2017, Israeli forces moved into Swayeh neighborhood in Silwan village, south of occupied East Jerusalem’s Old City. They raided and searched a house belonging to Sa’eed ‘Aiyash (65) and arrested him. It should be noted that Sa’eed is father of Milad ‘Aiyash (15), who was killed by Israeli forces in mid-May 2011. Wa’ed Aiyash said that the Israeli forces and Intelligence officers raided her family house and informed father that he’s under arrest. Wa’ed also said that the Israeli forces prevented her father from calling his lawyer and even from taking his medicine. She added that yesterday early morning the Israeli forces raided their house to arrest her father, who was at the hospital receiving medical treatment.

At approximately 03:00 on Tuesday, 09 May 2017, Israeli forces moved into al-Shiekh Sa’d village, southeast of occupied Jerusalem. They raided and searched houses from which they arrested Qusai Mohamed Hasan Mashahrah (20) and his brother Ahmed (17); and ‘Asem Mohamed Ibrahim Mashahrah (20) and his brother Omar (16).

House Demolitions:

At approximately 06:00 on Thursday, 04 May 2017, Israeli bulldozers demolished 3 houses in al-Waljah village, west of Bethlehem, under the pretext of non-licensing within the area belonging to the Jerusalem munciplaity. The head of al-Waljah village council, Khadir al-‘Araj, said that the Israeli forces demolished a 2-storey-house built on an area of 400 square meters. The abovementioned house was inhabited and belongs to Ibrahim Niroukh. Moreover, the Israeli forces demolished 2 houses belonging to Hamed and Rae’d Abu Sninah. Each of these houses was built on an area of 150 square meters. Al-A’raj said that during the past period, Israeli authorities had handed demolition notices for around 40 houses in the village in addition to 70 old others.

Hamed Abu Sninah said to PCHR’s fieldworker that

“Israeli forces surrounded my house without any prior warning and ordered me to leave the house with my wife and 5 children in no time. After that, the Israeli bulldozers demolished my house under the pretext of applying the court’s decision. Six months ago, the Israeli authorities handed us a demolition notice under the pretext of non- licensing. Thus, we challenged the decision before the Israeli court many times, but the court refused to challenge or even to discuss the demolition notice. On the contrary, the Israeli Supreme Court upheld the demolition decision and justified it under the pretext of building on lands belonging to the Israeli municipality in Jerusalem, not obtaining the necessary permits, and building on a green area.“

At approximately 08:00 on Thursday, the Israeli Municipality crews demolished an under-construction residential building, east of occupied East Jerusalem’s Old City. The building belonging to Rami al-Sayad and Khalil Abu Sbitan was demolished under the pretext of non-licensing. While demolishing the building, Israeli forces arrested a Palestinian young man. Rami al-Sayad said that he along with Abu Sbitan built the residential building 8 months ago and were then forced to stop the construction works after the Israeli Municipality issued a demolition notice. He added that they attempted to obtain a licence for the building 4 months ago when their lawyer and engineer submitted the necessary papers before the competent departments. There was a preliminary approval on the building license and they paid NIS 20,000 for the municipality as a fine in addition to the lawyer’s and engineer’s The lawyer managed to delay the demolition decision until 01 May 2017 and tried to delay it for some time to come. However, due to the Jewish holidays, he failed. Al-Sayad added that the building is comprised of 2 floors; each of which has 2 apartments built on an area of 220 square meters. It should be noted that the construction cost was estimated at NIS 8,000.

At approximately 10:00 on the same day, the Israeli Municipality demolished a house belonging to Ashraf Fawaqah on Qaisan Street in Surbaher village, south of occupied East Jerusalem, under the pretext of non-licensing. Fawaqah said that the Israeli bulldozers demolished his house build 6 years ago under the pretext of non-licensing. Fawaqah attempted many times to license the 100-square-meter house, which sheltered 6 persons, including 4 children. He added that the Municipality, Magistrate and District Courts approved the decision to demolish his house. He added that the Municipality Court decided at the beginning of last February to demolish the house without further extension, so his lawyer filed an appeal before the District Court, which delayed the decision to the beginning of March. At that time, the court imposed on him a fine of NIS 30,000 to delay the decision, in addition to the court fees. After judge refused the appeal, he considered the NIS 30,000 as costs to be paid for the municipality to demolish the house. He also paid a construction fine of NIS 60,000.

In afternoon, Israeli bulldozers demolished 2 commercial facilities in al-‘Issawiyia village, northeast of occupied Jerusalem, under the pretext of non-licensing. Those facilities belong to Motee’a Naser Abu Riyalah. Member of the village follow-up committee, Mohamed Abu al-Humus, said that a large force of Israeli soldiers accompanied with 2 bulldozers moved into al-‘Issawiyia village and demolished 2 commercial facilities belonging to Motee’a Abu Riyalah. It should be noted that the abovementioned facilities were built on an area of 120 square meters.

Settlement activities and attacks by settlers against Palestinian civilians and property

Israeli forces:

On Tuesday, 09 May 2017, Israeli forces accompanied with military vehicles, a vehicle belonging to the Israeli Civil Administration and a bulldozer moved into al-Jeftlik village, north of Jericho. They stationed in the centre of the village and then surrounded 2 barracks belonging to Najeh ‘Odah Ka’abnah (48) and his son ‘Odah (20). The Israeli forces demolished the 2 barracks under the pretext of non-licencing. Najeh Ka’abnah said that the 2 barracks were built of bricks and tin plates; the first 300-square-meter barrack belongs to Najeh and was used for livestock breeding while the second 200-square-meter barrack belongs to ‘Odah and his wife and is residential.

Israeli Settlers:

At approximately 13:30 on Friday, 05 May 2017, a group of Israeli settlers gathered near Rawabi intersection, north of Ramallah. They closed the street and prevented Palestinian vehicles from passing. The Israeli settlers’ presence and closure of the street continued for 4 hours without any intervention from the Israeli forces, who were stationed in the area to secure the evacuation of the Israeli settlers.

At approximately 08:30 on Sunday, 07 May 2017, a group of Israeli settlers from “Shilo” settlement accompanied with 2 bulldozers moved into agricultural lands belonging to the residents of Termas’iyia village, north of Ramallah. A number of the village residents headed to the area to hold the settlers off. As a result, the Israeli soldiers intervened to evacuate the settlers, who were in the agricultural lands.

On Tuesday, 09 May 2017, Israeli settlers wrote racist slogans and insults against Prophet Mohammed in addition to puncturing vehicles’ tires in al-Sahel area in Sho’fat neighborhood, north of occupied East Jerusalem. The neighborhood residents said they were surprised the Israeli settlers’ sabotage while heading to perform Fajer prayer. The residents also said that the Israeli settlers wrote racist slogans and insults against Prophet Mohammed on walls and vehicles. They added that around 17 vehicles’ tires were punctured. These vehicles belong to ‘Isaa, Abu Zahra, Abu Khadir, Khaddour, ‘Abd al ‘Aal, al-Meshni and Ghoshah families.

Recommendations to the International Community

PCHR warns of the escalating settlement construction in the West Bank, the attempts to legitimize settlement outposts established on Palestinian lands in the West Bank and the continued summary executions of Palestinian civilians under the pretext that they pose a security threat to the Israeli forces. PCHR reminds the international community that thousands of Palestinian civilians have been rendered homeless and lived in caravans under tragic circumstances due to the latest Israeli offensive on the Gaza Strip that has been under a tight closure for almost 10 years. PCHR welcomes the UN Security Council’s Resolution No. 2334, which states that settlements are a blatant violation of the Geneva Conventions and calls upon Israel to stop them and not to recognize any demographic change in the oPt since 1967. PCHR hopes this resolution will pave the way for eliminating the settlement crime and bring to justice those responsible for it. PCHR further reiterates that the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, are still under Israeli occupation in spite of Israel’s unilateral disengagement plan of 2005. PCHR emphasizes that there is international recognition of Israel’s obligation to respect international human rights instruments and international humanitarian law. Israel is bound to apply international human rights law and the law of war, sometimes reciprocally and other times in parallel, in a way that achieves the best protection for civilians and remedy for the victims.

PCHR calls upon the international community to respect the Security Council’s Resolution No. 2334 and to ensure that Israel respects it as well, in particular point 5 which obliges Israel not to deal with settlements as if they were part of Israel.
PCHR calls upon the ICC in 2017 to open an investigation into Israeli crimes committed in the oPt, particularly the settlement crimes and the 2014 offensive on the Gaza Strip.
PCHR Calls upon the European Union (EU) and all international bodies to boycott settlements and ban working and investing in them in application of their obligations according to international human rights law and international humanitarian law considering settlements as a war crime.
PCHR calls upon the international community 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.
PCHR calls upon the international community and United Nations to take all necessary measures to stop Israeli policies aimed at creating a Jewish demographic majority in Jerusalem and at voiding Palestine from its original inhabitants through deportations and house demolitions as a collective punishment, which violates international humanitarian law, amounting to a crime against humanity.
PCHR calls upon the international community to condemn summary executions carried out by Israeli forces against Palestinians and to pressurize Israel to stop them.
PCHR calls upon the States Parties to the Rome Statute of the ICC to work hard to hold Israeli war criminals accountable.
PCHR calls upon the High Contracting Parties to the Geneva Conventions to fulfill their obligations under article (1) of the Convention to ensure respect for the Conventions under all circumstances, and under articles (146) and (147) to search for and prosecute those responsible for committing grave breaches of the Geneva Conventions to ensure justice and remedy for Palestinian victims, especially in light of the almost complete denial of justice for them before the Israeli judiciary.
PCHR calls upon the international community to speed up the reconstruction process necessary because of the destruction inflicted by the Israeli offensive on Gaza.
PCHR calls for a prompt intervention to compel the Israeli authorities to lift the closure that obstructs the freedom of movement of goods and 1.8 million civilians that experience unprecedented economic, social, political and cultural hardships due to collective punishment policies and retaliatory action against civilians.
PCHR calls upon the European Union to apply human rights standards embedded in the EU-Israel Association Agreement and to respect its obligations under the European Convention on Human Rights when dealing with Israel.
PCHR calls upon the international community, especially states that import Israeli weapons and military services, to meet their moral and legal responsibility not to allow Israel to use the offensive in Gaza to test new weapons and not accept training services based on the field experience in Gaza in order to avoid turning Palestinian civilians in Gaza into testing objects for Israeli weapons and military tactics.
PCHR calls upon the parties to international human rights instruments, especially the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR), to pressurize Israel to comply with its provisions in the oPt and to compel it to incorporate the human rights situation in the oPt in its reports submitted to the relevant committees.
PCHR calls upon the EU and international human rights bodies to pressurize the Israeli forces to stop their attacks against Palestinian fishermen and farmers, mainly in the border area.