PCHR Weekly Report On Israeli Human Rights Violations in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (27 April – 03 May 2017)

Israeli forces have continued their systematic crimes in the occupied Palestinian territory (oPt) for the week of 27 April – 03 May 2017.

37 Palestinian civilians were wounded during peaceful protests in the West Bank. Among the wounded were 14 children. 14 journalists, including 3 females, were beaten while covering a protest in occupied Jerusalem. Fire was set to 10 stores and 2 restaurants in Beita central market, due to which they were completely burned.

Shooting:

During the reporting period, Israeli forces wounded 37 Palestinian civilians, including 14 children, 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, the majority of cities witnessed protests in solidarity with the Palestinian prisoners on hunger strike in the Israeli jails. Israeli forces used force against the protests, resulting in the injury of 14 children. Twenty of them sustained live bullet wounds, 16 others sustained metal bullet wounds and another was hit with a gas canister to the head. Moreover, Israeli forces attacked 14 journalists, including 3 female ones, while covering a protest in solidarity with the Palestinian prisoners organized in occupied Jerusalem. The cases of injury were as follows:

Protests in solidarity with the prisoners: 22 civilians were wounded, including 9 children. Fourteen of them were wounded by live ammunition, 7 others were wounded by metal bullets and one was hit by a gas canister to the head.
Weekly protests against the annexation wall and settlement activities: 8 civilians, including 2 children, were wounded. Two of them were wounded by live ammunition and 6 others were wounded by metal bullets.
Incursions: 7 civilians, including 3 children, were wounded. Four of them were wounded by live ammunition and the 3 others were wounded by metal bullets. Among the wounded was a child, who was wounded in al-Eisawiya village, northeast of occupied Jerusalem.

In the same context, tear gas canisters and sound bombs heavily fired at the protest organized at Beit village intersection, south of Nablus, resulted in setting fire to the central market. As a result, 10 stores and 2 restaurants were burnt.

In the Gaza Strip, concerning Israeli attacks on fishermen in the Gaza Strip sea, on 30 April 2017, Israeli navy forces opened fire at the Palestinian fishing boats sailing off Beit Lahia shore, north of the Gaza Strip. They surrounded a fishing boat sailing within 2.5 nautical miles, arrested 2 brothers on board of the boat and confiscated the boat and fishing nets. Other attacks recurred in the morning and afternoon on Monday, 01 May 2017 and on Tuesday morning, 02 May 2017.

On 30 April 2017, Israeli gunboats opened fire at fishing boats sailing within 6 nautical miles off Deir al-Balah shore in the central Gaza Strip. Similar attacks recurred in the same area on 01 and 03 May 2017.

In the context of targeting the border areas, on 27 April 2017, Israeli forces shelled a Palestinian border guard site, east of al-Salqa valley, east of Deir al-Balah in the central Gaza Strip. No casualties were reported.

On 30 April 2017, Israeli forces stationed in the east of Khan Yunis, south of the Gaza Strip, opened fire at agricultural lands in the east of al-Fokhari village. No casualties were reported.

On 02 May 2017, Israeli soldiers stationed in a watchtower, east of Gaza valley, northeast of al-Bureij refugee camp, opened fire at farmers and shepherds in the border area. no casualties were reported as well.

Incursions:

During the reporting period, Israeli forces conducted at least 60 military incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank and 7 ones in Jerusalem. During these incursions, Israeli forces arrested at least 85 Palestinian civilians, including 27 children and a girl. Thirty-three of them, including 15 children, were arrested in occupied Jerusalem, while 12 others, including 6 children and the girl were arrested while participating in a protest supporting the Palestinian prisoners.

On 28 April 2017, Israeli forces surrounded Hebron Governmental Hospital and fired gas canisters at the entrance to the emergency section. As a result, the glass was smashed. Israeli undercover units stormed then the vicinity of the hospital and arrested a Palestinian civilian.

In the Gaza Strip, on 30 April 2017, Israeli forces conducted an incursion into the east of al-Qarara village, while conducted another one in the east of al-Fokhari village on 03 May. In both incursions, Israeli forces levelled lands along the border fence for few hours and withdrew later.

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.

Settlement activities:

On 27 April 2017, a group of settlers from “Brakha” settlement moved into the outskirts of Burin village, south of Nablus, under the guardianship of the Israeli forces. They set fire to the mountain, due to which, dozens of olive trees were burnt before the Palestinian civilians and civil defence could extinguish the fire.

On 29 April 2017, under the guardianship of the Israeli forces, a group of settlers from “Yetshar” settlement attacked a house belonging to the family of Monir Suleiman, northeast of Ourif village, south of Nablus. As a result of the attack, the windows were smashed.

Use of excessive force against peaceful demonstrations protesting settlement activities and the construction of the annexation wall

West Bank

At approximately 13:30 on Friday, 28 April 2017, Palestinian civilians and International activists organized a demonstration in the center of Kufur Qaddoum village, northeast of Qalqiliyah. They made their way towards the eastern entrance to the village in protest against closing that entrance since al-Aqsa Intifada with an iron gate. When the protestors arrived at the abovementioned entrance, the Israeli forces heavily fired metal bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters. As a result, 4 civilians, including 2 children, sustained metal bullet wounds. (PCHR keeps the names of the wounded civilians)

Following the Friday prayer dozens of Palestinian civilians organized a peaceful demonstration in protest against the confiscation of Palestinian’s lands and in solidarity with the prisoners on hunger strike. The Protestors made their way to the main entrance to al-Nabi Saleh village, northwest of Ramallah. They threw stones and empty bottles at the soldiers stationed at the abovementioned entrance. The soldiers then fired sound bombs, tear gas canisters and rubber-coated metal bullets at them in response. As a result, 2 civilians sustained live bullet wounds and were then transferred to Palestine Medical Complex to receive medical treatment. (PCHR keeps the names of the wounded civilians)

Following the Friday prayer, dozens of Palestinian civilians and Israeli and international human rights defenders organized demonstrations in Bil’in and Nil’in villages, west of Ramallah, protesting against the annexation wall and settlement activities. Israeli forces forcibly dispersed the protests, firing live and metal bullets, tear gas canisters and sound bombs. They also chased the protesters into olive fields and between houses. As a result, many of the protesters suffered tear gas inhalation while others sustained bruises as Israeli soldiers beat them up.

At approximately 17:30 on Saturday, 29 April 2017, Palestinian civilians and International activists organized a demonstration in the center of Kufur Qaddoum village, northeast of Qalqiliyah. They made their way towards the eastern entrance to the village in protest against closing that entrance since al-Aqsa Intifada with an iron gate. When the protestors arrived at the abovementioned entrance, the Israeli forces heavily fired metal bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters. As a result, 2 civilians, including a child, sustained metal bullet wounds. (PCHR keeps the names of the wounded civilians)

Demonstrations in Solidarity with Palestinian prisoners in the Israeli jails

At approximately 13:00 on Thursday, 27 April 2017, dozens of Palestinian young men gathered after ending an activity organized by the residents of Beit Ummer village, north of Hebron, in solidarity with the Palestinian prisoners on hunger strike. They made their way towards the village entrance at which the Israeli authorities established a military watchtower. The young men threw stones at the soldiers, who fired sound bombs and tear gas canisters in response. Backup forces arrived at the area and closed the village entrance with an iron gate. Other soldiers topped roofs of houses belonging to Abdul ‘Aziz Mahmoud Abu ‘Ayash, Mohammed Hammad Abu Mariyah, and Mohammed Ahmed ‘Awad. The soldiers fired tear gas canisters and live bullets at the stone-throwers. The clashes continued until the evening, resulting in a number of civilians suffering tear gas inhalation.

At approximately 13:30 on the same Thursday, a number of young men organized a peaceful protest in solidarity with Palestinian prisoners, who went on a hunger strike, near the entrance of “Ofer” military camp established in Betounia and Rafat villages, west of Ramallah. The protestors threw stones and empty bottles at the Israeli soldiers, who fired sound bombs, tear gas canisters and rubber-coated metal bullets in response. As a result, 12 civilians, including 7 children, sustained wounds. Eight of the wounded civilians were hit with live bullets, three were hit with metal bullets, and one was hit with a tear gas canister wounding him to the head. Moreover, the soldiers attacked and beat up Tareq Ehab al-Mohtaseb (20) and then arrested him. (PCHR keeps the names of the wounded civilians)

Around the same time, dozens of Palestinian civilians and Israeli and International human rights defenders organized a demonstration in Nabi Saleh village, northwest of Ramallah. When the protestors arrived at the abovementioned entrance, the Israeli forces fired metal bullets, tear gas canisters and sound bombs. As a result, 2 civilians, including a child, sustained live bullet wounds. They were transferred to Palestine Medical Complex to receive medical treatment. Their wounds were classified as moderate. (PCHR keeps the name of the wounded civilians)

At approximately 18:00 on the same Thursday, “‎Lajee” Center organized a protest at the northern entrance to Bethlehem. A large number of prisoners’ families and relatives along with activists of the Popular Resistance Committee. They made their way to ‘Aydah refugee camp towards the northern entrance to the city. When the protestors arrived at the military checkpoint, north of Bethlehem, the soldiers fired tear gas canisters at them and chased them. They then arrested Abdullah Naser al-‘Afifi (15) and Tamer ‘Awad (14).

At approximately 20:00 on the same Thursday, dozens of young men from Shu’fat refugee camp, north of occupied Jerusalem, organized a demonstration in solidarity with prisoners on hunger strike in the Israeli jails. The protestors marched the camp streets until they arrived at the military checkpoint. The young men threw stones and Molotov Cocktails at the soldiers stationed at the checkpoint. The soldiers then fired metal bullets and tear gas canisters at them and chased them. They arrested ‘Abbas ‘Azzam (21) after they severely beat him up.

Following the Friday prayer on 28 April 2017, hundreds of Palestinian civilians performed prayers at the crossroad of Beta village, south of Nablus. The prayers were called for by the National Committee to Support the Prisoners in the friction areas with the Israeli forces to support the prisoners’ legitimate demands. At the end of the prayer, the civilians threw stones at the Israeli forces comprised of 6 military jeeps and 2 cars of the Civil Administration in addition to 50 soldiers. The soldiers fired live and metal bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters at the protestors. As a result, a 24-year-old civilian sustained a metal bullet to the right leg. At approximately 15:00, the Israeli forces heavily fired tear gas canisters at the protestors. Some of those canisters hit Beta Central Market, so fire broke out in it. The Civil Defense crews could not extinguish the fire until at approximately 21:00 on the same day. The following property was damaged:

Tareq Mohammed Kheizaran: 2 barracks (110 square meters each) contained items used in canning fruits and vegetables.
Wesam Ghassan Saleh Hamayel and his partner Anwar Helal Bani Shamsah: a 100-square-meter barrack containing machines.
Abdullah Shaker Duwaikat: an 18-square-meter restaurant, which contained a fridge, cooking gas and 3 cooking gas pipes.
Abdul Naser Khalil Abdul Fattah ‘Attallah: a 60-square-meter restaurant built of tin plates and bricks.
Khaled Ibrahim Khalil Abu Msalam: a 1000-square-meter barrack, which contained items.
Elbana Company for Import & Export belonging to Eyad Mohammed Khalil Bana: 2 barracks of 800 square meters each. They contained 22 tons of garlic, 500 boxes of organges, 3000 small boxes, 353 cartons of date and 1000 wooden large cartoons.
A company belonging to Zeyad Abdullah ‘Atallah: 2 barracks built of tin plates. The first was built on an area of 300 square meters and the other on 200 square meters. They contained plastic and wooden boxes.
‘Allam Hamdi Bazian a 300-square-meter barrack that contained plastic and wooden boxes.
Ayman Rezqallah Mohammed Aqtash: a 360-square-meter barrack that contained wooden boxes and Nylon used for packaging.

Around the same time, dozens of Palestinian young men gathered in al-Tallah area overlooking Deir al-Hatab Bypass Road, northeast of Nablus, adjacent to ‘Asker refugee camp. The protestors threw stones at the abovementioned Road when the Israeli forces moved into the area and fired metal bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters. As a result, 2 civilians sustained metal bullet wounds. (PCHR keeps the names of the arrested civilian)

On the same Friday, dozens of Palestinian civilians organized a peaceful protest in solidarity with Palestinian prisoners, who went on a hunger strike, near the entrance of “Ofer” military camp established in Betounia and Rafat villages, west of Ramallah. When the protestors arrived at the area, the Israeli soldiers fired live bullets, tear gas canisters, sound bombs and rubber-coated metal bullets. As a result, a 22-year-old civilian sustained a live bullet wound to the right leg. The Israeli forces also attacked Mohammed Ayman Abu ‘Atiyah (17), from al-Am’ari refugee camp, and Ahmed ‘Adnan al-Khdour (19), from Betounia village, west of the city, and then arrested them.

Note: during the same Friday, Israeli forces used force to disperse the demonstrations organized in solidarity with prisoners on hunger strike. The demonstrations were organized in the following areas: Howarah checkpoint, south of Nablus; ‘Ourta checkpoint, southeast of the city; Beit Furik checkpoint, east of the city; al-Naqourah village near “Shafi Shamron” settlement, northwest of the city. The Israeli forces fired tear gas canisters and sound bombs at the civilians at the end of the Friday prayer. As a result, dozens of the civilians suffered tear gas inhalation and received medical treatment on the spot by paramedics who were in the area.

At the end of Friday prayers, hundreds of Palestinian civilians participated in a demonstration organized by national factions in Hebron in solidarity with Palestinian prisoners on hunger strike. They made their way from al-Husain Mosque in Hebron towards Ebn Rashed intersection, where a permanent sit-in tent is established. After half an hour, dozens of young men made their way to al-Zawiyah Gate in the city. However, an Israeli infantry unit arrived at the entrance to al-Shuhada’ Street. They then fired tear gas canisters at the civilians, who then threw stones and empty bottles and set fire to tires in Abu al-Hums road in order to prevent the Israeli jeeps and wastewater pumping vehicle, which sank the area with skunk water, from moving. The soldiers then chased the young men near Hebron Governmental Hospital and then randomly fired live bullets at them. As a result, a 14-year-old child sustained a live bullet wound to the left knee and then was transferred to the abovementioned hospital. The soldiers continued moving towards the road that leads to the entrance to the emergency department in Hebron Governmental Hospital as one of them fired tear gas canister at the entrance. As a result, the glass crashed. The Israeli soldiers stationed in the area until the afternoon when Israeli undercover officers dressed like Palestinian civilians raided the vicinity of the hospital and arrested Fares Sa’di al-Haimuni (21), taking him to an unknown destination.

Around the same time, dozens of Palestinian civilians organized a peaceful demonstration and made their way from the set-in tent established in solidarity with prisoners on hunger strike to military watchtower established at the eastern entrance to Beit Ummer village, north of Hebron. When the demonstrators arrived at Khelet al-‘Ein area, an infantry unit, which deployed in the road, closed the abovementioned entrance. The soldiers fired live bullets, rubber-coated metal bullets and tear gas canister at the demonstrators, who spread between houses while the wastewater pumping vehicle pumped wastewater at the vehicles and shops. After that, a number of soldiers topped the roofs of houses and fired live bullets at the civilians. As a result, a 24-year-old civilian sustained a live bullet wound to the left leg, a 20-year-old civilian sustained a live bullet wound to the back of the right thigh, and a 45-year-old civilian was hit with a metal bullet to the right leg. The wounded civilians were transferred to the Governmental Hospital in the city via civilian vehicles. The soldiers, who were on the roofs, stayed there until at approximately 18:00. Some of the houses’ owners were identified as Faleh ‘Arar, Reyad ‘Arar and Mohammed Kamel Abu Maria.

At approximately 17:30 on Saturday, 29 April 2017, dozens of Palestinian civilians gathered in al-‘Amoud Gate yard, Nablus and Salah Eden Streets at the entrances to East Jerusalem’s Old City in order to organize a protest in solidarity with Palestinian prisoners on hunger strike in the Israeli jails. The protest paved its way from al-‘Amoud Gate square as the civilians were raising prisoners’ photos and slogans supporting their demands. The soldiers then confiscated the photos and slogans and patrolled in front of the entrance to al-‘Amoud Gate and its yard. They also prevented Palestinians from entering through the abovementioned gate. Israeli mounted police officers then chased the civilians from Nablus Street into the bus station. Some of the protestors challenge the Israeli officers and chanted slogans and raised some photos of the prisoners. However, the officers attacked and beat them and then beat the media workers, who were in the area covering the protest, with their riffles’ butts. As a result, a number of them sustained bruises. Photographer ‘Ammar ‘Awa sustained bruises to the hand after being beaten with riffles’ butts. He said to PCHR’s field worker that he and a group of journalists, including Ahmed Gharablah, were in the area when the Israeli forces suddenly started beating them and forced them to leave the area. Photographer Ahmed Gharablah fell on the ground and his camera lens crushed when the mounted police officers was chasing him. The Israeli forces also pushed Nawal Hejazi, a reporter at Al-Kofiya TV Channel, causing her various bruises.

Journalist Diyala Juwaihan said to PCHR fieldworker that the Israeli forces beat her with their hands, so she sustained bruises to the back and neck. She also knew that journalist Misaa’ Abu Ghazalah, photojournalists Mahmoud ‘Eliyan, Senan Abu Mizer, Fayez Abu Ermilah, ‘Ali Yasin, Mustafa al-Kharouf, Roze al-Zour, Rami al-Khatib, Raja’e al-Khatib and Eyad al-Taweel sustained bruises due to the Israeli attacks. Their wounds were classified as minor. Moreover, the Israeli forces arrested Yasin Sbaih (31), Loay Faraj Jaber (19), Suheib Ahmed Syiam (16) and ‘Amr Sa’ed al-Qawasmi (15). The journalists’ cameras recorded the arrest and beating of 3 of them.

At approximately 14:00 on Monday, 01 May 2017, Israeli forces suppressed an activity organized by a number of young men in al’Amoud Gate yard at the entrances to East Jerusalem’s Old City in solidarity with Palestinian prisoners on hunger strike. The participants drew paintings showing solidarity with the prisoners and wrote slogans to support prisoners’ fair demands. However, the soldiers prevented participants from continuing the activity, confiscated the paintings and dispersed them. Meanwhile, the Israeli forces arrested Somoud Naser Abu Khdair (21) and took her with them.

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 (14) checkpoints all over the city.

On Thursday 27 April 2017, Israeli forces established 2 checkpoints at the entrance to Bani Na’iem village and at the eastern entrance to Dura village.

On Friday, 28 April 2017, Israeli forces established 3 checkpoints at the northern entrance to Hebron, and at the entrances to Beit Kahel and al-‘Aqaba villages.

On Saturday, 29 April 2017, 2 similar checkpoints were established at the entrances to al-Fawar refugee camp and Sa’ir village.

On Sunday, 30 April 2017, Israeli forces established 4 checkpoints at the entrances to Beit ‘Awaa village and al-‘Aroub refugee camp, Khelit al-Maiyah, east of Yatta village, and on Yatta -Samou’a road.

On Tuesday, 02 May 2017, 3 similar checkpoints were established at the entrances to al-Fawar refugee camp and Karza and Samou’a villages.

Ramallah and al-Bireh: Israeli forces established (5) checkpoints all over the city.

On Sunday, 30 April 2017, Israeli forces established 3 checkpoints at the entrance to Ras Karkar village, west of Ramallah; ‘Ain Sina village’s intersection, north of the city; and at the eastern entrance to Silwad village, northeast of the city.

On Monday, 01 May 2017, Israeli forces established 2 checkpoints at ‘Atara bridge, north of Ramallah and at the entrance to Dier Nizam village, northwest of the city.

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

On Sunday, 30 April 2017, Israeli forces established 4 checkpoints at the northern entrance to Jericho; at al-‘Oja village’s intersection; at the entrance to Marj Na’jah village, north of the city; and at the Dead Sea’s intersection, south of the city.

At approximately 20:30 on Monday, 01 May 2017, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the southern entrance to Jericho.

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

At approximately 10:45 on Saturday, 29 April 2017, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the eastern entrance of Qalqiliya. They checkpoint was established again at approximately 18:10 and 20:35.

At approximately 20:35 on Sunday, 30 April, Israeli forces established a checkpoint between ‘Azzun village and’ Ezzbet al-Tabib village. At approximately 21:00, Israeli forces established a similar checkpoint at the entrance to ‘Azzun village, east of Qalqiliya.

On Monday 01 May 2017, Israeli forces established 2 checkpoints at the eastern entrance of Qalqilya and at the entrance to Azzun village, east of the city.

Salfit:

At approximately 21:15 on Sunday, 30 April 2017, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the entrance to Kafel Haris village, north of Salfit. At approximately 21:20, Israeli forces established a similar checkpoint at the entrance to Qarawat Bani Hassan village , northwest of the city.

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:

At approximately 15:30 on Thursday, 27 April 2017, Israeli forces moved into al-‘Issawiyia village, northeast of occupied Jerusalem. They deployed in the village, topped the buildings’ roofs and then stationed there. They also raided a sit-in tent, which was established by the village’s residents in solidarity with the prisoners on hunger strike in the Israeli jails, and then confiscated its contents. Meanwhile, Palestinian young men gathered and threw stones at the Israeli soldiers, who fired live bullets and rubber-coated metal bullets in response. At approximately 19:00, an Israeli sniper fired a live bullet at Mos’ab Mahmoud Muhaisen (14). As a result, Mos’ab was hit to his lower limbs and was then taken to “Sh’aare Zedek” Hospital. In the meantime, the Israeli forces stopped the ambulance carrying Mos’ab and arrested him.

Bashar Muhaisen, Mos’ab’s uncle, who accompanied him since his injury, said that Mus’ab was wounded several meters away from his house while he and his family were on a family event. Mos’ab was immediately taken by ambulance to al-Makassed Hospital in Tour area and was then taken to “Sh’aare Zedek” Hospital. Muhassin also stated that while Mus’ab was discharged from al- Makassed Hospital by ambulance, a private car chased the ambulance. After that, at al-Sawanah neighborhoods’ intersection near “Beit Urut” settlement, the ambulance was surrounded by the Israeli Intelligence officers and soldiers. They then stopped the ambulance and arrested its crew. The soldiers obliged the crew to head towards a yard near al-Motala’ Hospital. Mohassin added that the Israeli forces detained Mos’ab along with the paramedic’s in the ambulance for an hour. Mohassin also clarified that Mos’ab was bleeding and then arrived at the hospital, where medical sources classified his heath condition as serious. He added that Mos’ab’s family stayed with him at the hospital until midnight, but the hospital guards forced them to leave. In addition, Mohassin stated that Mos’ab remained in the hospital until Friday morning to receive treatment. Despite his need for observation, Mos’ab was taken to the al-Maskoubiya Center, where he was brought before the court judge. It should be noted that after Mos’ab’s detention was extended, he was taken to the Salah al-Din police station for interrogation.

Arrests and Incursions:

At approximately 03:00 on Thursday, 27 April 2017, Israeli forces moved into Abu Dees village, east of occupied Jerusalem. They raided and searched a house belonging to Ibrahim Nabil Bader (30) and arrested him.

At approximately 00:00 on Sunday, 30 April 2017, Israeli forces moved into al-‘Issawiyia village, east of occupied Jerusalem. They raided and searched dozens of houses and arrested 15 civilians, including 7 children. PCHR keeps the names of the arrested persons.

At approximately 13:00 on Monday, 01 May 2017, Israeli forces moved into al-Tour neighbourhood, east of occupied East Jerusalem. They raided and searched houses from which they arrested Mohamed Mahmoud Abu al-Hawa (14) and Ahmed Fareed Abu Ghannam (16).

At approximately 16:00 on Tuesday, 02 May 2017, Israeli forces moved into Surbaher village, south of occupied East Jerusalem. They raided and searched houses belonging to Abu Hamed family from which they arrested Mohamed (43) and Mazen Mifleh Abu Hamed (38). It should be noted that the Israeli forces hit Mohamed and Mazen and pepper-sprayed them before arresting them.

At approximately 01:00 on Wednesday, 03 May 2017, Israeli forces moved into Silwan village, south of occupied East Jerusalem. They raided and searched houses from which they arrested 6 civilians, including a child. The arrested persons were identified as Islam Ahmed al-A’war (23), Majd Kamal al-A’war (17), Moahemd Mousa ‘Odah (23), Ziyad Ahmed al-Qaq (24), Foad Ahmed al-Qaq (21) and Mohamed Ali Abu Tayieh (22).

At approximately 02:00 on Wednesday, Israeli forces moved into al-Tour neighbourhood, east of occupied Jerusalem. They raided and searched houses from which they arrested 5 civilians, including 4 children. The arrested persons were identified as Salman Naser Abu al-Hawa (16), Ali Mohamed Abu Jum’a (17), Naseem Yousef Khawis (15), Omar Barakat Khawis (19), and Mahmoud Wael Abu Laban (16).

Settlement activities and attacks by settlers against Palestinian civilians and property

Israeli Settlers:

At approximately 10:00 on Thursday, 27 April 2017, a group of Israeli settlers from “Bracha“and “Arousa” settlements moved into the outskirts of Bureen village, south of Nablus, under the Israeli forces protection. A number of Palestinian young men gathered to confront the Israeli settlers, who set fire in the northern mount near al-Manateer neighborhood. As a result, dozens of olive trees were burned before the village’s residents and civil defense crews could extinguish the flames that continued until the evening.

At approximately 13:30 on Saturday, 29 April 2017, around 15 Israeli settlers, one of them had an M16, were accompanied by 3 Israeli soldiers moved into ‘Oreef village, south of Nablus. They attacked a house belonging to Muneer Hasan Suliman. They threw stones towards the house and damaged its windows. During which, a number of Palestinian civilians gathered and confronted the Israeli settlers. After that, the Israeli forces fired tear gas canisters and rubber-coated metal bullets at them. As a result, Tayseer Faieq Safadi (55) was hit with a rubber-coated metal bullet to his left leg.

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.