PCHR Weekly Report On Israeli Human Rights Violations in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (01 – 07 June 2017)

Israeli forces continued with systematic crimes in the occupied Palestinian territory (oPt) for the week of 01 – 07 June 2017.

In 2 crimes of excessive use of force, Israeli forces killed a girl in the West Bank and another civilian in the Gaza Strip.12 Palestinian civilians, including 2 children, were wounded in the West Bank and Gaza Strip.

Shooting:

During the reporting period, in two separate crimes of excessive use of force, Israeli forces killed a Palestinian girl in the West Bank and a civilian in the Gaza Strip. They also wounded 12 others, including 2 children, in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. Israeli forces continued to chase and open fire at the Palestinian fishermen in the Gaza Strip sea and open fire at farmers at the border areas.

In the West Bank, in a new crime of excessive use of force, on 01 June 2017, Israeli forces stationed at the entrance to “Mavi Dutan” settlement, north of Ya’bad village, southwest of Jenin, opened fire at a Palestinian girl causing her serious wounds. The girl was transported to Hillel Yaffe Medical Center. The girl was pronounced dead the following day. Israeli forces claimed that the girl attempted to carry out a stabbing attack against the Israeli soldiers, who opened fire in response.

In the same context, 3 Palestinian civilians, including a child, were wounded. Two of them sustained bullet wounds on 04 June 2017 while participating in a protest at the entrance to al-Mughaiar village, northeast of Ramallah. The third one sustained a bullet wound to the right leg when Israeli forces opened fire at a number of youngsters protesting in al-Nabi Saleh village, northwest of the city, on 06 June 2017.

In the Gaza Strip, on 06 June 2017, the Israeli forces killed a Palestinian civilian and wounded 2 others, including a child, when dozens of youngsters gathered in a protest near the border fence, east of Khuza’a village, south of the Gaza Strip.

In the same context, the border area witnessed protests against the Israeli-imposed closure on the Gaza Strip. They used force against the protestors, due to which 7 civilians, including a child, were wounded (excluding the 2 abovementioned)

In the context of Israeli attacks on fishermen in the sea, on 02 June 2017, Israeli gunboats opened fire at Palestinian fishing boats sailing off al-Sudaniya shore, west of Jabalia, north of the Gaza Strip. On 04 June 2017, the gunboats targeted the fishing boats sailing off Deir al-Balah and Khan Yunis shores, in the center and south of the Gaza Strip. On 05 June 2017, the Israeli gunboats opened fire at fishing boats sailing off Beit Lahia and al-Sudaniya shores, north of the Gaza Strip. On 06 and 07 June 2017, the Israeli gunboats targeted the fishing boats sailing off Beit Lahia shore, north of the Gaza Strip.

Incursions:

During the reporting period, Israeli forces conducted at least 40 military incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank, and 7 others into Jerusalem and its suburbs During these incursions, Israeli forces arrested at least 33 Palestinian civilians, including 7 children. Twelve of them, including 4 children, were arrested in occupied Jerusalem and its suburbs.

In the Gaza Strip, on 01 June 2017, Israeli forces moved 100 meters into al-Shouka village, east of Rafah, south of the Gaza Strip. They combed lands and withdrew later.

On 05 June 2017, Israeli forces moved about 200 meters into the east of Jabalia, north of the Gaza Strip. They levelled lands while firing sporadically and withdrew later. On the same day, Israeli forces moved into the east of Johr al-Deek area and levelled lands as well.

Settlement activities

On 02 June 2017, a number of settlers from “Novim” settlement seized lands belonging to Palestinians in Deir Estiya, northwest of Salfit. They set up tents and caravans in Kherbet Shehada, west of the said village.

On 06 June 2017, settlers from “Emmanuel” settlement levelled a dunum[1] of land in Imatin village, northeast of Qalqilya, adjacent to the Israeli industrial zone.

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.

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

Demonstrations in protest against the annexation wall and settlement activities

West Bank:

Following the Friday prayer on 02 June 2017, Palestinian civilians and Israeli and international human rights defenders organized protests in Bil’in and Ni’lin villages, west of Ramallah; al-Nabi Saleh village, northwest of the city and Kufor Qaddoum village, northeast of Qalqiliyah, in protest 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 protesters into olive fields and houses. As a result, some of the protesters suffered tear gas inhalation while others sustained bruises as Israeli soldiers beat them up.

At approximately 12:40 on Sunday, 04 June 2017, a number of Palestinian young men gathered in the vicinity of the main entrance to al-Moghir village, northeast of Ramallah. They threw stones and empty bottles at the soldiers stationed there. The soldiers fired live bullets, rubber-coated metal bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters at them. As a result, 2 civilians, including a child, were wounded. An 18-year-old civilian was hit with a live bullet to the right knee and a 15-year-old child was hit with a live bullet to the left thigh. The wounded civilians were transferred by a PRCS ambulance to Palestine Medical Complex in Ramallah to receive medical treatment. Their injuries were classified as moderate.

Gaza Strip:

At approximately 14:30 on the same Friday, 02 June 017, dozens of Palestinian civilians gathered few meters away from the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel, east of al-Shuhadaa’ Cemetery, east of Jabalia in the northern Gaza Strip, in response to calls for protests in the border area in rejection to the Israeli-imposed closure on Gaza. A number of the protestors approached the abovementioned border fence and threw stones at the Israeli soldiers stationed there. The soldiers fired live and metal bullets and tear gas canisters at them. The clashes continued until approximately 19:00 on the same day, but no casualties were reported.

At approximately 17:00, dozens of Palestinian young men made their way to the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel, east of al-Buraij, in rejection to the Israeli-imposed closure on the Gaza strip. The young men gathered near the security fence, set fire to tires, raised the Palestinian flags and then threw stones at the Israeli soldiers stationed at the border fence. The soldiers fired live bullets and tear gas canisters at them. As a result, a civilian from al- Buraij sustained live bullet wound to the right leg (PCHR keeps his name) while other civilians sustained tear gas inhalation. The wounded civilian was taken to al-Aqsa Hospital in Deir al-Balah and later transferred al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza. His injury was classified as moderate.

At approximately 17:00 on Sunday, 04 June 2017, dozens of Palestinian young men made their way to the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel, east of Khuza’ah village, east of Khan Yunis in the southern Gaza Strip, in rejection to the Israeli-imposed closure on the Gaza Strip. The young men gathered near the security fence, set fire to tires, raised the Palestinian flags and then threw stones at the Israeli soldiers stationed at the border fence. The soldiers fired live bullets and tear gas canisters at them. As a result, a civilian sustained a live bullet wound to the right leg (PCHR keeps his name). He was taken to Gaza European Hospital. Moreover, other civilians sustained tear gas inhalation and received medical treatment on the spot.

Around the same time, dozens of Palestinian civilians gathered few meters away from the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel, east of al-Shawkah village, east of Rafah, in response to calls for protests in the border area in rejection to the Israeli-imposed closure on Gaza. When a number of the protestors made their way to the border fence, the Israeli soldiers stationed in the area fired live bullets at them. As a result, Haitham Ahmed Mahmoud Abu Suneidah (25) sustained a live bullet wound to the abdomen. He was transferred to Abu Yusuf al-Najjar Hospital in Rafah and his injury was classified ad serious.

At approximately 14:30 on Monday, 05 June 017, dozens of Palestinian civilians gathered few meters away from the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel, east of al-Shuhadaa’ Cemetery, east of Jabalia in the northern Gaza Strip, in response to calls for protests in the border area in rejection to the Israeli-imposed closure on Gaza. A number of the protestors approached the abovementioned border fence and threw stones at the Israeli soldiers stationed there. The soldiers fired live and metal bullets and tear gas canisters at them. The clashes continued until approximately 19:00 on the same day. As a result, 2 civilians from Jabalia were hit with tear gas canisters.

At approximately 17:00 on the same Monday, dozens of Palestinian young men made their way to the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel, east of Khuza’ah village, east of Khan Yunis in the southern Gaza Strip, in rejection to the Israeli-imposed closure on the Gaza Strip. The young men gathered near the security fence, set fire to tires, raised the Palestinian flags and then threw stones at the Israeli soldiers stationed at the border fence. The soldiers sporadically fired live bullets and tear gas canisters at them for an hour and a half in order to disperse the protestors. However, no casualties were reported.
Around the same time, dozens of civilians gathered few meters away from the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel, east of al-Shawkah village, east of Rafah, in response to calls for protests in the border area in rejection to the Israeli-imposed closure on Gaza. When a number of the protestors made their way to the border fence, the Israeli soldiers stationed in the area fired live bullets at them. As a result, Haitham Ahmed Mahmoud Abu Suneinah (25) sustained a live bullet wound to the abdomen. He was taken to Abu Yusuf al-Najjar Hospital in Rafah and his injury was classified ad serious.

At approximately 14:30 on Thursday, 06 June 2017, dozens of Palestinian civilians gathered few meters away from the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel, east of al-Shuhadaa’ Cemetery, east of Jabalia in the northern Gaza Strip, in response to calls for protests in the border area in rejection to the Israeli-imposed closure on Gaza. A number of the protestors approached the abovementioned border fence and threw stones at the Israeli soldiers stationed there. The soldiers fired live and metal bullets and tear gas canisters at them. The clashes continued until approximately 19:00 on the same day. As a result, a 25-year-old civilian was directly hit with a tear gas canister.

At approximately 17:00, on 06 June 2017, dozens of youngsters gathered near the border fence, east of Khuza’a village, south of the Gaza Strip. Some of them set fire to tires and threw stones at Israeli soldiers stationed behind the border fence. The Israeli soldiers fired tear gas canisters and live bullets at protestors who were about 50 meters away from the fence. As a result, 3 civilian were wounded, including a child. They were taken to the European Gaza Hospital where one of the wounded persons named Fadi Ibrahim al-Najjar (32), from Bani Suhaila village, succumbed to his wounds in the right side 2 hours after he was admitted to the hospital. The 2 other wounded were identified as:

Hamza Fawaz Abu Erjaila (15). He sustained a shrapnel wound to the chest; and
Nizar Rasmi Qudaih (25). He sustained a bullet wound to the right thigh.

At approximately 14:30 on Wednesday, 07 June 2017, dozens of Palestinian civilians gathered few meters away from the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel, east of al-Shuhadaa’ Cemetery, east of Jabalia in the northern Gaza Strip, in response to calls for protests in the border area in rejection to the Israeli-imposed closure on Gaza. A number of the protestors approached the abovementioned border fence and threw stones at the Israeli soldiers stationed there. The soldiers fired live and metal bullets and tear gas canisters at them. The clashes continued until approximately 19:00 on the same day. As a result, a 22-year-old civilian sustained a live bullet wound to the left leg. He was taken to the Indonesian Hospital in Jabalia and transferred to al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza to continue his medical treatment. His injury was classified as moderate.

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.

Arrests at military checkpoints:

At approximately 20:00 on Monday, 05 June 2017, Israeli forces arrested Firas Nabil Hafez al-Rajbi (28), near Sidet al-Fahas in Hebron. Firas was detained for few hours in a military watchtower established in the area. He was handed over to the Palestinian Liaison later.
At approximately 01:00 on Tuesday, 05 June 2017, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the eastern entrance to Qalqilyia. They searched Palestinian vehicles and checked the passengers IDs. In the meantime, they arrested Samaha and Mohamed Ahmed Mujahid Ridwan and released them in the morning after the intervention of the Palestinian Liaison.

Maltreatment at Military Checkpoints:

At approximately 21:30 on Sunday, 04 June 2017, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the main entrance to al-Nabi Saleh village, northwest of Ramallah. They stopped the civilian vehicles, searched the passengers’ belongings and checked their IDs. In the meantime, an Israeli soldier ordered Tamer Farah al-Tamimi (26), who was passing through the checkpoint by his vehicle, to stop his vehicle and step out of it. Tamer obeyed the Israeli soldier’s orders and stepped out of his vehicle. During which, around 4 Israeli soldiers severely beat Tamer by their legs and firearms. As a result, he sustained bruises throughout his body and head. The Israeli forces brought Magen David Adom ambulance to take Tamer to a hospital in Israel.
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:

Arrests and Incursions:

At approximately 01:00 on Thursday, 01 June 2017, Israeli forces moved into al-‘Issawiyia village, northeast of occupied East Jerusalem. They raided and searched houses from which they arrested 3 civilians. The arrested civilians were identified as Ahmed Abed al-Raouf Mahmoud (15), Mohamed Mahmoud ‘Atiyah (21) and ‘Odai Derbas (22).

At approximately 21:00 on Saturday, 03 June 2017, Israeli forces arrested Mohamed Harbi al-‘Abasi (17) while walking in al-‘Ain street in Silwan village, south of occupied Jerusalem’s Old City.

At approximately 00:00 on Sunday, 04 June 2017, Israeli forces moved into Bab Hittah neighborhood in occupied East Jerusalem’s Old City. They raided and searched a house belonging to Raghib Abu Sinanah (30) and arrested him.

At approximately 01:00 on Sunday, Israeli forces moved into al-‘Issawiyia village, northeast of occupied Jerusalem. They raided and searched a house belonging to Mahmoud Khalil Mahmoud and arrested him in order to force his son Ameer (21) to surrender.

At approximately 01:00 on Monday, 05 June 2017, Israeli forces moved into al-Wad neighborhood in occupied East Jerusalem’s Old City. They raided and searched a house belonging to Khalil al-Salimah and arrested his son Ahmed (16).

At approximately 02:00 on Monday, Israeli forces moved into Sho’fat refugee camp, north of occupied Jerusalem. They raided and searched a house belonging to Mahdi ‘Alqam (19) and arrested him.

At approximately 00:00 on Tuesday, 06 June 2017, Israeli forces moved into Sho’fat refugee camp, north of occupied Jerusalem. They raided and searched a house belonging to Waleed Maz’aro and arrested his son Mohamed (17).

At approximately 01:00 on Tuesday, Israeli forces moved into Bab Hittah neighborhood in occupied East Jerusalem’s Old City. They arrested 3 civilians, who were identified as Ya’qoub al-Shawish, Foad al-Shawish and Mo’min Naser al-Hasheem.

Settlement activities and attacks by settlers against Palestinian civilians and property

Settler attacks:

At approximately 09:00 on Friday, 02 June 2017, a group of Israeli settlers from “Novim” settlement seized the Palestinian lands in Dersitiyia village, northwest of Salfit. The Israeli settlers set up a tent and 13 mobile homes (caravans). They also put lighting lamps in Maleh al-Ghoul area in Kherbit Shehada, west of the abovementioned village. The seized lands are about 150 meters away from “Novim” settlement and belong to Abu Naser, Salman, ‘Aqil and Makhalfah families. Reziq Abdullah Abu Naser stated to PCHR’s fieldworker:

“On Tuesday, 06 June 2017, we went to Kherbit Shehada, west of Dersitiyia village, but we were prevented from entering it. We then stood 200 meters away, where we saw the Israeli settlers setting up a tent and 13 mobile homes (Each caravan built on an area of 12 square meters). They also put lighting lamps in the area. The abovementioned caravans were attached to “Novim” settlement. It should be noted that Kherbit Shehada belongs to many families in the village, but the seized areas belong to Makhalfah, Abu Naser, ‘Aqil and Salman families. The civilians have prohibited from entering the area at least for 2 weeks.”

At approximately 10:00 on Tuesday, 06 June 2017, a group of Israeli settlers from “Emmanuel” settlement attacked the Palestinian lands in Amateen village, northeast of Qalqiliyia. They demolished a dunum from Khelit Fakhid area, adjacent to the Israeli industrial zone. The demolished land belongs to Foad Ibrahim Moahemd Ghanem, from the abovementioned village.

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.