This week, PCHR documented 170 violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law (IHL) by Israeli occupation forces (IOF) and settlers in the occupied Palestinian territory. This was reflected in dealing with the peaceful protests organized against Trump’s Peace Plan for the Middle East known as the “Deal of Century” that violates the rights of the Palestinian people and is in conflict with the United Nation (UN) resolutions and international law. They were as follows:
IOF shooting and violation of right to bodily integrity: IOF injured 8 Palestinian civilians, including two children in the West Bank including occupied East Jerusalem, one of the children Malek ‘Issa (9) was shot with a rubber bullet in the head that caused him permanent loss of vision in his left eye while walking home from school. Video footage as well as PCHR investigations show that the area was completely calm with no confrontations as claimed by IOF when ‘Issa was shot. Additionally, dozens of civilians suffocated due to teargas inhalation during IOF’s suppression of 10 peaceful protests organized against Trump’s peace plan.
In the Gaza Strip, 8 IOF shootings were reported against the agricultural lands in the eastern Gaza Strip while one shooting was reported against the Palestinian fishing boats off the northern Gaza Strip shore.
IOF incursions and arrests of Palestinian civilians: IOF carried out 78 incursions into the West Bank, including occupied East Jerusalem. Those incursions included raids of civilian houses and shootings, enticing fear among civilians, and attacking many of them. During this week’s incursions, 75 Palestinians were arrested, including 17 children. The incursions included confiscation of money belonging to prisoners under various pretexts.
Settlement expansion activities and settlers’ attacks: PCHR documented 9 IOF operations, including demolitions, land razing and demolition notices. A settlement road was built; a digger was confiscated and ploughing was denied in agricultural lands in Nablus. Meanwhile, in Hebron, a dwelling and an agricultural room were demolished; and 5 dunams were levelled in addition to confiscating and vacating mobile classes. Moreover, a house was demolished in Jericho; land reclamation project for Deir Istayah village, north of Salfit, was stopped. A civilian was forced to self-demolish his house while a barrack used as horse stables and a pit were demolished in occupied East Jerusalem.
PCHR also documented 2 settler-attacks, including levelling 50 dunams in al-Serb area in Yasouf village, east of Salfit, and attacking Palestinian shepherds in their lands in Hebron.
Israeli closure policy and Restrictions on Movement: on Saturday, 15 February 2020, 15 February 2020, the Israeli authorities retightened the restrictions on the fishing area, the cement imports into the Strip and exit permits for businesspersons only 24 hours after declaring the facilitations. These Israeli measures are part of the Israeli collective punishment policy practiced against Palestinian civilians in the Gaza Strip that aims at harass fishermen and prevent them from sailing and fishing freely in areas where fish breed. On 19 February 2020, the Israeli authorities returned the fishing area to 15 nautical miles and issued new 2000 entry permits to businesspersons.
This comes in a time when the Gaza Strip still suffers the worst closure in the History of the Israeli occupation of the oPt as it has entered the 14th consecutive year, without any improvement to the movement of persons and goods, humanitarian conditions and bearing catastrophic consequences on all aspects of life. Furthermore, IOF uses Erez Crossing that is designated for movement of individuals as an ambush to arrest Palestinians who obtain permits to exit via Israel.
Meanwhile, the West Bank is divided into separate cantons with key roads blocked by the Israeli occupation since the Second Intifada and with temporary and permanent checkpoints, where civilian movement is restricted and they are subject to arrest. This week, IOF arrested 17 Palestinians at temporary military checkpoints.
I. Violation of the right to life and to bodily integrity
1.Excessive Use of Force against Protests in the West Bank
a)Peaceful Demonstrations Condemning Trump’s Peace Plan
IOF suppressed peaceful protests that took part in the West Bank, including occupied Jerusalem, condemning the U.S President Donald Trump’s Middle East peace Plan known as “Deal of the Century” that was declared on 28 January 2020. In most of the protests, Palestinians gathered near seam zones and chanted national slogans as some of them threw stones at IOF. IOF responded with live and rubber bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters, which resulted in several injuries. This week, PCHR documented (10) protests in which dozens of civilians suffocated due to tear gas inhalation.
On Thursday, 13 February 2020, IOF suppressed a protest that took part at “Jaljoulia” checkpoint established southeast of Qalqilia. Dozens of civilians suffocated due to tear gas inhalation.
On Friday, 14 February 2020, (8) protests took place in the West Bank and were suppressed by IOF.
The protests were as follows:
1. “Jaljoulia” checkpoint established south of Qalqilia
2. Eastern entrance to Kufur Qaddoum village, northeast of Qalqilia
3. “Eyal” crossing established north of Qalqilia
4. Annexation wall gate established at lands of Qifin village, north of Tulkarem
5. Northern entrance established at lands of ‘Azzoun village, east of Qalqilia
6. Annexation wall gate established at the western area to Joyous village, northeast of Qalqilia
7. Annexation wall gate established at lands of Budrus village, west of Ramallah
8. Northern entrance to al-Birah city
At approximately 13:00 on Friday, 14 February 2020, Palestinians from, took part from the center of ‘Aboud village, northwest of Ramallah, into the main entrance in protest against closing the entrance with iron gate and cement cubes since 11 February 2020. The protestors chanted national slogans, demanding the end of Occupation and condemning IOF crimes against Palestinian civilians. The protestors threw stones at IOF stationed in the area. IOF fired live and rubber bullet, sound bombs and tear gas canisters. The protestors also clashed with IOF soldiers. As a result, a 22-year-old young man was shot and injured with a Two-Two bullet in the feet, a 26-year-old young man was shot with a tear gas canister in the head, and a 21-year-old young man was shot with a live bullet in the foot. The wounded civilians were transferred to Palestine Medical Complex for medical treatment.
2. Shooting and other Violations of the Right to Life and Bodily Integrity
At approximately 02:00 on Thursday, 13 February 2020, IOF backed by 10 military SUVs moved into Ramallah and stationed in al-Tirah neighborhood, west of the city. They raided and searched a number of houses and confiscated surveillance cameras from civilians’ houses. In the meantime, a number of Palestinian young men gathered and threw stones at IOF vehicles. IOF fired sponge-tipped bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters at the young men. As a result, a 25-year-old young man was shot with a rubber bullet in the head, a 19-year-old young man was shot with a rubber bullet in the left thigh, and a 21-year-old young man was shot with a rubber bullet in the right foot. The wounded civilians were referred to Palestine Medical Complex in Ramallah for medical treatment. Furthermore, a number of civilians suffocated due to tear gas inhalation and they received medical treatment on the field.
At approximately 14:50 on the same Thursday, IOF soldiers stationed along the border fence, east of Deir al-Balah in central Gaza Strip, opened fire at agricultural lands adjacent to the border fence. No casualties were reported.
At approximately 15:00, IOF stationed along the border fence, east of Gaza Valley (Juhor al-Deek), south of Gaza City, opened fire at agricultural lands adjacent to the border fence. No casualties were reported.
At approximately 11:00 on Friday, 14 February 2020, IOF soldiers stationed along the border fence, east of Deir al-Balah in central Gaza Strip, opened fire at agricultural lands adjacent to the border fence. No casualties were reported.
At approximately 14:00 on the same Friday, IOF soldiers established a military checkpoint at the entrance to Dura city, south of Hebron. Soldiers stopped vehicles and checked ID cards of the passengers. In the meantime, a number of Palestinian youngsters gathered near the entrance to al-Hijrah village, adjacent to the abovementioned checkpoint, and threw stones at Israeli soldiers. The soldiers chased the youngsters and fired tear gas canisters. As a result, a number of civilians suffocated due to tear gas inhalation.
At approximately 14:20 on the same Friday, IOF gunboats stationed adjacent to Beit Lahia in northern Gaza Strip, chased and heavily opened fire at Palestinian fishing boats stationed within 2 – 3 nautical miles. Fishermen were forced to flee fearing for their lives. No casualties were reported.
At approximately 14:30 on the same Friday, dozens of Palestinian young men gathered at the entrance to Beit Ummer village, north of Hebron, where IOF deployed near a military watchtower established at the village’s eastern entrance. The young men burnt tires and threw stones at IOF vehicles. The soldiers fired rubber bullets and tear gas canisters at stone-throwers, closed the village entrance, and prevented Palestinians’ vehicles from entering and exiting the village. Furthermore, a number of soldiers deployed at the bypass road adjacent to Beit Ummer Petrol Station. The young men later withdrew from ‘Asidah area after Israeli soldiers chased them. In the meantime, Israeli soldiers detained Bilal ‘Essa Khader Abu Maria (17), who was present near the petrol station, taking him to a military watchtower. Cashes continued until 17:30. IOF released Abu Maria at 19:00.
At approximately 15:20, IOF soldiers stationed along the border fence, east of al-Maghazi refugee camp in central Gaza Strip, opened fire at agricultural lands adjacent to the border fence. Neither casualties no material damage were reported.
At approximately 21:00 on the same Thursday, IOF moved into al-‘Isawiya village, northeast of occupied East Jerusalem. They raided and searched Ziyad Tareq Abu Ryalah’s, 23 house and arrested him. A number of Palestinian young men and children gathered and threw stones at IOF vehicles and the IOF fired rubber bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters. As a result, Mohammed al-‘Afifi, 16 was shot with a rubber bullet in the leg. After al-‘Afifi was injured; IOF attacked him by heavily beating him in his head. IOF also prevented Palestinian ambulance from approaching al-‘Afifi and providing him first aid on the field. After that, an Israeli ambulance arrive and transferred him to a hospital for treatment. Later, al-‘Afifi was referred to an Israeli investigation center.
At approximately 06:50, IOF stationed along the border fence, east of Khan Younis in southern Gaza Strip, opened fire at agricultural lands in eastern al-Qararah village, adjacent to the border fence. No casualties were reported.
At approximately 05:30 on the same Friday, IOF raided al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied East Jerusalem’s Old City for the fifth consecutive Friday. IOF attacked the worshipers at the end of Dawn prayer and forced them to evacuate the mosque. Eyewitnesses stated that IOF chased worshipers, who were present between Bab Hettah and Bab al-Asbat and attacked them by buttons and sticks. As a result, 3 civilians sustained bruises and minor wounds and they received medical treatment on the field. IOF also arrested Bashar Hamzah Najib (20) and Mohammed Nasser al-Bakri, 21, and took them to an investigation center.
At approximately 13:50, IOF stationed along the border fence, east of Khan Younis in southern Gaza Strip, fired live bullets and tear gas canisters at a group of Palestinian civilians and agricultural lands, east of Khuza’ah village, adjacent to the border fence. No casualties were reported.
IOF shot and injured a Palestinian child with a rubber bullet in the head in al-‘Isawiya village, northeast of occupied Jerusalem, the child has lost vision in his left eye.
According to PCHR’s investigations and eyewitnesses’ statements, at approximately 13:00 on Saturday, 15 February 2020, IOF moved into al-‘Isawiya village, northeast of occupied East Jerusalem, and stationed in the center of the village. In the meantime, Malek Wa’el ‘Essa (9) was present in front of a grocery shop adjacent to his grandfather’s house. Without a justification, IOF fired rubber bullets and tear gas canisters to cover-up their raid. As a result, Malek was shot with a rubber bullet in the head. He was transferred to Hadassah Hospital in Jerusalem for medical treatment. Medical exam in his face, above his nose and near his eye. Malek lost his left eye. A video published in social media documenting the moment of Malek’s injury and clarifying that there were no clashes in the area in contrary to the IOF police claims.
At approximately 00:10 on Sunday, 16 February 2020, Israeli soldiers stationed along the border fence, adjacent to Sofa military site, east of al-Shoka village, east of Rafah, opened fire at agricultural lands adjacent to the border fence. No casualties were reported.
At approximately 08:20 on Monday, 17 February 2020, IOF stationed along the border fence, east of Kahn Younis in southern Gaza Strip, opened fire at agricultural lands in eastern ‘Abasan village, adjacent to the border fence. No casualties were reported.
II. Incursions and Arrests
Thursday, 13 February 2020:
At approximately 01:00, IOF reinforced with several military vehicles, moved into Ethna, west of Hebron. They raided and searched Mohammed Ghawar Tmaizi’s, 40, house and arrested him.
At approximately 01:30, IOF moved into Kafr Ra’I village, southwest of Jenin. They raided and searched Tha’er Issam Isma’el Ya’aqba’s, 34, house and arrested him. IOF confiscated (38,000) Shekels (NIS).
At approximately 02:00, IOF moved into Betounya, west of Ramallah. Dozens of Palestinian young men gathered and threw stones at the soldiers, who fired a barrage of tear gas canisters, sound bombs, and rubber bullets at them. Resulted in causing suffocation to many of the civilians who were treated on the spot. IOF raided and searched several houses and arrested Ahmed Munir al-Malhi (22).
At approximately 04:00, IOF moved into Beit Sira village, west of Ramallah. They raided and searched Abdullah Mohammed Abu Safiya, 19, and took him to “Ofer” prison in Betounya, west of Ramallah. Abu Safiya was released at approximately 18:00 of the same day.
At approximately 11:00, IOF stationed at the gate of the military building in the entrance of al-Nabi Saleh village, northeast of Ramallah, arrested Adham Izzat al-Rimawi (25), from Beit Rima and took him to an unknown destination.
At approximately 12:45, IOF arrested Khaled Waleed Ja’edi, 25 from Qalqilia, after stopping his car at a temporary military checkpoint on the entrance of Jinsafout, east of Qalqilia. Khaled who is a member of the Palestinian Civil Defense, was released at approximately 14:15 of the same day.
At approximately 13:50, IOF patrols in the northern valleys, east of Tubas, arrested three farmers while shepherding their sheep. After four hours IOF released the shepherds: Hamad Abdulrahman Khalil, Mohammed Nayef al-Faqir, and Khalil Sharif Zawahra.
At approximately 14:00, IOF stationed on the entrance of Beit Ummer, south of Hebron, arrested Ahmed Khalil Abed Abu Hashem, 53, while driving his taxi near the military building there. Ahmed was taken to the military building then to the investigation center in the occupied Jerusalem. At approximately 21:00, Ahmed was released near the military observation point on the entrance of al-‘Aroub refugee camp, north of Hebron. Ahmed said to PCHR’s fieldworker that IOF investigated with him about his own so-called plan “Deal of the Century” and organizing an anti-Donald Trump protests and closing (60) bypass street to protest against the Israeli electricity. Furthermore, photographing for “Betselim” the Israeli Information Center for Human Rights.
Around the same time, IOF reinforced with several military vehicles, moved into al-Dhesha refugee camp, south of Bethlehem. They raided and searched several houses and took (3) civilians to an unknown destination. The arrestees are Wajdi Adel Daraghmeh, 20, Belal Ibrahim al-Dibis, 50, and his son Mohammad, 20.
At approximately 16:00, IOF stationed at Za’tara checkpoint, south of Nablus, arrested Ma’moun Mustafa al-Dalou, 28, from Qalqilia, and took him to an unknown destination.
Around the same time, IOF stationed on the entrance of Beit Ummer village, north of Hebron, arrested Hasan Mohammed Za’aqiq (17) while passing near the military watch tower. Hasan was released two hours later.
At approximately 18:00, IOF stationed at Jaljoulia checkpoint, south of Qalqilia, arrested Mahmoud Issam Mahmoud Suliman, 12, from Qalqilia. IOF released Mahmoud at approximately 19:00.
At approximately 23:00, IOF severely beat 4 Palestinian civilians including one wounded, while present around Bab al-Maghariba (one of occupied Jerusalem’s Gates). IOF arrested them after exchanging verbal altercation with a group of Israeli settlers. The arrestees are: Nidal Abu Irmila, 22, Haitham Ameen Syam, 26, Malek mohammed Abu Souy, 20, and Ahmed Swaidan. In the early morning hours, IOF released them, and banned their entry to Bab al-Maghariba for 15 days.
IOF carried out 3 incursions in Dura, Karma, and Tafouh villages in Hebron. No arrests were reported.
Friday, 14 February 2020:
At approximately 10:00, IOF stationed at Za’tara checkpoint, southeast of Nablus. They raided and searched Hussain Abd al-Min’em, 28, from Douma village, southeast Nablus, while passing through the checkpoint, and took him to an unknown destination.
At approximately 11:30, IOF stationed at Jit military checkpoint, southwest of Nablus, arrested Mo’tasem Ahmed ‘Aref Abu Husain (26) and Omar Mohammed ‘Aref Abu Husain, 25, and took them to an unknown destination. Later, IOF claimed that Mo’tasem and Omar threw grenade at them, according to “Walla” website.
At approximately 14:00, IOF arrested Jihad Mahmoud al-Titi, 22, from al-‘Aroub refugee camp, north of Hebron, while passing through a military checkpoint on the entrance of al-‘Aroub refugee camp. Jihad was taken to an unknown destination.
IOF carried out 4 incursions in Hebron, al-Hadab, Sa’er, and Beit Kahel villages in Hebron.
Saturday, 15 February 2020:
At approximately 01:00, IOF reinforced with several military vehicles moved into al-‘Aroub refugee camp, north of Hebron. They raided and searched Nader Wajeeh Banat’s, 20, house and arrested him.
At approximately 03:00, IOF reinforced with several military vehicles moved into al-Hijra village, east of Dura, southwest of Hebron. They raided and searched Sa’eed Ahmed Hudaib’s, 40, house and arrested his two sons: Bara’, 20, and Ahmed, 14. Around the same time, IOF moved into Khaled Mohammed Abu Moqadam’s, 28, house and arrested him. IOF took the three arrestees to an unknown destination.
At approximately 19:00, IOF stationed at Dotan checkpoint, southwest of Jenin, arrested Bara’ Reyad Khamees Abu ‘Abed, 19, from Nour Shams refugee camp, east of Tulkarem. Bara’ was taken to an unknown destination.
Around the same time, IOF moved into al-Isawiya village, northeast of occupied East Jerusalem’s Old City. They raided and searched two houses belonging to Faisal Loay Obaid, 19, and Mohammed Marwan Obaid, 20, and arrested them.
At approximately 20:50, IOF arrested Sanad Abd al-Fattah Ja’edi, 26, from Qalqilia, after stopping him at a temporary military checkpoint near Jit village, northeast of the city.
Around the same time, IOF arrested Bara’ Khamees Abu ‘Abed, 29, from Nour al-Shams refugee camp, in Tulkarem, after stopping him at a temporary military checkpoint near Ya’bod, in Jenin.
IOF carried out 4 incursions in Dura, Beit Owa, Sourif, and Tarqoumeya. No arrests were reported.
III. Settlement Expansion and Settler Violence in the West Bank
1. Demolition and Confiscation of Civilian Property for Settlement Expansion Activities
On Thursday, 13 February 2020, Israeli military construction vehicles started to build an 8 km long settlement road connecting “Eli“ and “Shiloh“ settlements, which are established on Palestinian lands, southeast of Nablus. This road will pass through agricultural lands from Duma, Talfeet, Qarqout and al-Mogheer villages in southern Nablus, to Fasayil village lands in the Middle Jordan Valley. The building of this road aims to connect the Middle Jordan Valley with southern Nablus.
At approximately 11:00 on Thursday, 13 February 2020, IOF accompanied with military construction vehicles and backed by Israeli Civil Administration officers moved into Khelet al-‘Aida near Johar Mount, south of Hebron. The military construction vehicles demolished Belal ‘Eliyan Othman al-Rajbi’s 40-square-meter house built of tin plates, under the pretext of non-licensing. It should be noted that on 02 September 2019, Israeli authorities demolished another house belonging to al-Rajbi after handing him several demolition notices.
At approximately 12:00, IOF accompanied with Israeli Civil Administration officers moved into al-‘Asher area in Beit Foreek village, northeast of Nablus. IOF confiscated Raslan Mohamed Hanini’s JCB digger while constructing a water well on a plot of land belonging to the heirs of the deceased Ghaleb Mohamed Suliman al-Kurdi, under the pretext of constructing in Area C. The digger was taken to “Makhora“ settlement in Northern Jordan Valley, ordering al-Kurdi family to refer to the Israeli Liaison.
At approximately 08:00 on Saturday, 15 February 2020, IOF demolished Mousa ‘Abed al-Hadi Ka’abnah’s, 35, tin-plate 60-sqaure-meter house in Tal al-Samadi area in Jeftlik village, under the pretext of non-licensing. Ka’aband said that IOF accompanied with military construction vehicles moved into the village and surrounded his house without warning, “IOF forced me and my family (my wife and our 3 children) out of the house and demolished it”. It should be noted that house was in fact a room built of concrete and roofed with tin plates.
At approximately 11:30 on Saturday, 11 February 2020, IOF stopped working in a project designated for agricultural reclamation in Dir Sityia village in northern Salfit, under the pretext of being in Area C. IOF confiscated all construction vehicles working in the area. They also detained the Mayor of Dirsitiyia village, Sa’ied Zidan, his deputy Tayseer Diab, and a farmer, Nizam Isma’il al-Khateeb for 4 hours and released them later.
At approximately 10:00 on Monday, 17 February 2020, IOF backed by military construction vehicles and accompanied with the Israeli Civil Administration officers moved into al-Taiba area, east of Tarqumiyia, west of Hebron. The bulldozer demolished a 20-square-meter agricultural room built of bricks and tin plates, and razed 5 dunams belonging to Ibrahim Mohamed Dababsa. IOF claimed that the construction and reclamation works were carried out without getting a prior permission from the Israeli component authorities as al-Taiba area located in Area C.
On Monday, 17 February 2020, Montaser Salah Shoqairat implemented the Israeli Municipality decision and self-demolished his house in Khelet al-‘Abed area in al-Mokaber Mount village, south of occupied East Jerusalem, under the pretext of non-licensing. Shoqairat said that the Israeli Municipality ordered him to self-demolish his 2-storey house or it will do so and bill him demolition costs. Shoqairat clarified that in December 2019 the Israeli Municipality construction vehicles demolished his 240 square meter family house. Shoqairat added that all his family members became homeless.
At approximately 07:30 on Tuesday, 18 February 2020, Israeli bulldozers demolished Khalil Rawad’s barrack and leveled Ahmed Warrad Za’artah’s pit in al-Mokaber Mount village, south of occupied East Jerusalem, under the pretext of non-licensing.
At approximately 09:00 on Wednesday, 19 February 2020, IOF backed by military construction vehicles and accompanied with Israeli Civil Administration officers moved into Sosiyia village in southern Hebron. Israeli soldiers were deployed between residential tents while the Israeli Civil Administration officers vacated a mobile classroom built of tip plates and sheltered students from al-Sosiyia School. The Israeli bulldozer pulled the mobile classroom few meters away and confiscated it under the pretext of placing it without getting a prior permission. Meanwhile, Palestinian civilians attempted to confront IOF and prevent them from confiscating the classroom, but IOF stopped them and arrested Suliman Salem al-‘Aidah, 55, taking him to an investigation center in “Kiryat ‘Arab” settlement in eastern Hebron.
2. Israeli Settler Violence
At approximately 23:45 on Sunday, 16 February 2020, Israeli settlers levelled 50 dunams in al-Sarb area, which belongs to Yasouf village lands, east of Salfit, in order to expand and build a new road for “Novi Nehemiah“ settlement. During the demolition, the village residents gathered and attempted to confront the settlers’ attacks. Meanwhile, IOF intervened and fired rubber bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters at the residents. As a result, many residents suffocated due to tear gas inhalation. IOF also arrested Nedal ‘Abed al-Latif ‘Abiyia and Nadeem Fakher ‘Abdullah and released them later.
At approximately 10:00 on Tuesday, 18 February 2020, Israeli settlers, from “Ma’on” settlement, which is established on the confiscated Palestinian lands in eastern Yatta, threw stones at Palestinian shepherds while present on their lands in al-Hamra area and forced them to leave.
For the full document, visit Palestinian Center for Human Rights PCHR/Gaza
Image: PCHR
