PCHR: Weekly report on Israeli human rights violations (08–14 March 2012)

Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) Continue Systematic Attacks against Palestinian Civilians and Property in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT), and Launch a New Offensive on the Gaza Strip

Weekly report from the Palestinian Centre for Human Rights (PCHR)

IOF launched a new offensive on the Gaza Strip.

Israeli warplanes launched 36 air strikes, during which they fired 43 missiles.

24 Palestinians, including a child, a woman and two old men, were killed.

The victims include the Secretary-General of the Popular Resistance Committees, who was extra-judicially executed.  

74 Palestinians, 59 of whom are civilians, including 16 children and 7 women, were wounded.

At least 32 houses, a school, a center of Palestine Red Crescent Society and a workshop were damaged.

A Palestinian child was killed and another one was seriously wounded and arrested by IOF in Yatta town, south of Hebron.   

IOF have continued to use force against peaceful protests in the West Bank.

Two Palestinian civilians were wounded.

Dozens of protesters suffered from tear gas inhalation.

IOF conducted 56 incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank.   

IOF arrested 11 Palestinians, including two children.

The detainees include two Palestinians who were released in the context of the latest prisoners swap between Israeli and Palestinian resistance groups.

Israel has continued to impose a total closure on the OPT and has isolated the Gaza Strip from the outside world.

Israeli soldiers arrested 3 Palestinian civilians, including a child, at various checkpoints in the West Bank.

IOF have continued settlement activities in the West Bank and Israeli settlers have continued to attack Palestinian civilians and property.

IOF demolished a car wash facility in Housan village, west of Bethlehem.

Israeli settlers uprooted 40 olive trees in Qaryout village, southeast of Nablus.

Israeli settlers uprooted and confiscated 240 saplings in Sa’ir village, northeast of Hebron.

IOF razed areas of Palestinian agricultural land in Bourin village, south of Nablus.

Summary

Israeli violations of international law and humanitarian law in the OPT continued during the reporting period (08 – 14 March 2012):

Shooting:

Israeli Offensive on the Gaza Strip

On Friday evening, 09 March 2012, IOF initiated a new offensive on the Gaza Strip, which continued until Monday evening, 12 March 2012, as a new Egyptian-brokered Tahdey’a (lull) was reached between IOF and Palestinian resistance groups.  During this offensive, IOF killed 24 Palestinians, including the Secretary-General and a leader of the Popular Resistance Committees, who was extra-judicially executed by an air strike.  The victims include also 4 civilians (two old men, a woman and a child).  Additionally, 74 Palestinians were wounded, 59 are civilians, including 16 children and 7 women.  During this offensive, IOF launched a series of air strikes targeting Palestinian resistance activists and civilian facilities.

In the West Bank, on 08 March 2012, IOF killed a Palestinian child and seriously wounded and arrested another one in Yatta town, south of Hebron.  IOF moved into the town to arrest a Palestinian who was released from Israeli jails in the recent prisoners swap between IOF and Palestinian resistance groups. IOF claimed that soldiers opened fire “after a Palestinian had stabbed a soldier.”

During the reporting period, IOF used excessive force to disperse peaceful demonstrations organized in protest to Israeli settlement activities and the construction of the annexation wall in the West Bank.  As a result, two Palestinian civilian were wounded, and dozens of Palestinian civilians and international human rights defenders suffered from tear gas inhalation.  IOF also arrested a Palestinian civilian and an international human rights defender.

Incursions:

During the reporting period, IOF conducted at least 56 military incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank, during which they arrested 11 Palestinian civilians, including two children and two Palestinians who were released in the context of the latest prisoners swap between Israeli and Palestinian resistance groups.

Restrictions on Movement:

Israel had continued to impose a tightened siege on the OPT and imposed severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including occupied East Jerusalem.

Gaza Strip

Israel has continuously closed all border crossings to the Gaza Strip for over three years. The illegal Israeli-imposed closure of the Gaza Strip, which has steadily tightened since June 2007, has had a disastrous impact on the humanitarian and economic situation in the Gaza Strip.

IOF have tightened the closure of the Gaza Strip and practically made Karm Abu Salem crossing as the sole commercial crossing of the Gaza Strip although it is not proper for commercial purposes in terms of its distance and operational capacity.

IOF have continued to apply their policy aimed at tightening the strangulation of the commercial movement in the Gaza Strip, including imposing total control over the flow of imports and exports.

The total closure of al-Mentar “Karni” crossing on 02 March 2011 has created a bitter situation that has seriously affected the Gaza Strip.  Following this closure, all the economic and commercial establishments in Gaza Commercial Zone were shut off.  It should be noted that al-Mentar crossing is the biggest crossing in the Gaza Strip in terms of its operational capacity to absorb the flow of imports and exports.  The decision of al-Mentar crossing was the culmination of a series of decisions to totally close Sofa crossing, east of the Gaza Strip, in the beginning of 2009, and Nahal Oz crossing, east of Gaza City, which was dedicated for the delivery of fuel and cooking gas to the Gaza Strip, in the beginning of 2010.

These statistics which were made available to PCHR by the Border and Crossings Department indicate a continued drop in the number of truckloads of Gaza imports and exports.

IOF have continued to impose 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 in the Gaza Strip.

The cooking gas crisis which has erupted last November has continued to affect the Gaza Strip.  This crisis was created when the Israeli occupation authorities totally closed, on 04 January 2010, Nahal Oz crossing, which used to be dedicated for the delivery of fuel and cooking gas supplies to Gaza, and shifted fuel and cooking gas supplies to Karm Abu Salem crossing which is not technically equipped to receive Gaza’s needs of fuel.  Karm Abu Salem crossing, with its maximum absorptive capacity, can receive only 200 tons of cooking gas per day.

Approximately 80% of Gaza civilians have continued to depend on alimentary aid provided by UNRWA and other relief agencies, rates of families who are living below poverty line have continued to be on the rise and approximately 40% of Gaza’s manpower has continued to suffer from permanent unemployment as a result of shutting down the majority of Gaza’s economic establishments.

IOF have continued to impose a total ban on the exportation of Gaza’s products, especially industrial products, leading to undermining any real chances to rerun economic establishments.  The situation has been aggravated especially after making Karm Abu Salem crossing as Gaza sole commercial crossing and the repeated closure of this crossing which negatively affected the quantity of Gazan products which were allowed to be exported during last April.

IOF have continued to prolong the implementation of their decision to allow 60 cars into Gaza weekly although more than 11 months have passed since they announced this decision after three years of ban imposed on the delivery of cars to Gaza.  As a result, the prices of cars in Gaza have been on the rise and local markets experience serious shortage in spare parts.

For approximately four consecutive years, IOF have continued to ban the delivery of construction materials to Gaza. During the reporting period, IOF approved the delivery of limited quantities of construction materials for a number of international organizations.

Israel has continued to close Beit Hanoun (Erez) crossing for Palestinian civilians from the Gaza Strip.  IOF only allow the movement of limited groups amidst severe restrictions, including long hours of waiting in the majority of cases.  IOF have also continued to adopt a policy aimed at reducing the number of Palestinian patients allowed to move via Beit Hanoun crossing to receive medical treatment in hospitals in Israel or in the West Bank and Jerusalem.  IOF denied new categories of Gazan patient permission to have access to hospitals via the crossing.

Israel has imposed additional access restrictions on international diplomats, journalists and humanitarian workers seeking to enter the Gaza Strip.

For approximately 57 months, IOF have continued to deny approximately 700 Palestinian prisoners from Gaza detained in Israeli jails their visitation rights without providing any justification to this measure, which violates the rules of the international humanitarian law.

West Bank

IOF have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians throughout the West Bank, including occupied East Jerusalem. Thousands of Palestinian civilians from the West Bank and the Gaza Strip continue to be denied access to Jerusalem.

IOF have established checkpoints in and around Jerusalem, severely restricting Palestinian access to the city. Civilians are frequently prevented from praying in the al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem.

There are approximately 585 permanent roadblocks, and manned and unmanned checkpoints across the West Bank.

When complete, the illegal annexation wall will stretch for 724 kilometers around the West Bank, further isolating the entire population. 350 kilometers of the wall have already been constructed. Approximately 99% of the wall has been constructed inside the West Bank itself, confiscating more Palestinian land.

At least 65% of the main roads that lead to 18 Palestinian communities in the West Bank are closed or fully controlled by IOF.

There are approximately 500 kilometers of restricted roads across the West Bank. In addition, approximately one third of the West Bank, including occupied East Jerusalem, is inaccessible to Palestinians without permits issued by IOF. Such permits are extremely difficult to obtain.

IOF continue to harass and assault demonstrators who hold peaceful protests against the construction of the annexation wall.

Palestinian civilians continue to be harassed by IOF in Jerusalem, and across the West Bank, including being regularly stopped and searched in the streets by IOF.

Settlement Activities:

Israel has continued its settlement activities in the OPT in violation of international humanitarian law, and Israeli settlers have continued to attack Palestinian civilians and property.

On 09 March 2012, a number of Israeli settlers from “Elli” settlement, which stands on the lands of Qaryout village, southeast of Nablus, uprooted 40 olive trees in al-Marah al-Gharbi area, belonging to a number of Palestinian farmers.

On the same day, Israeli settlers from “Matsad” settlement to the east of Sa’ir and al-Shyoukh villages, northeast of Hebron, uprooted at least 240 saplings of olive trees and stone fruits in al-Seer area in Sa’ir village.

On 13 March 2012, an Israeli bulldozer razed an agricultural plot belonging to Ahmed ‘Abdul Fattah Falah in the east of Bourin village, south of Nablus.  The plot is located near “Givat Harossim” settlement.

On 14 March 2012, IOF demolished a 150-square-meter car wash facility in Housan village, west of Bethlehem, claiming that it was established without a license.  They first besieged the car wash facility, and a number of technicians dissociated and confiscated its equipment.  An Israeli bulldozer ten demolished the facility.  It should be noted that the facility was located nearly 200 meters away from the settlers bypass road passing by the village.

Israeli Violations Documented during the Reporting Period (08 – 14 March 2012)

1. Israeli Offensive on the Gaza Strip

On Friday evening, 09 March 2012, IOF initiated a new offensive on the Gaza Strip, which continued until Monday evening, 12 March 2012, as a new Egyptian-brokered Tahdey’a (lull) was reached between IOF and Palestinian resistance groups.  During this offensive, IOF killed 24 Palestinians, including the Secretary-General of the Popular Resistance Committees, who was extra-judicially executed by an air strike.  The victims include also 4 civilians (two old men, a woman and a child).  Additionally, 74 Palestinians were wounded, 59 are civilians, including 16 children and 7 women.  During this offensive, IOF launched 36 air strikes, in which they fired at least 43 missiles.  Moreover, dozens of houses, a school, a center of Palestine Red Crescent Society and a grocery shop were damaged, and a car, a greenhouse and a workshop were destroyed.

Friday, 09 March 2012

At approximately 16:15, an Israeli warplane fired a missile at a blue Opel car that was traveling in the League of Arab States Street in the southwest of Gaza, in which two leaders of the Popular Resistance Committees were traveling.  The missile hit the car directly killing the two passengers and seriously wounding a civilian bystander.  The victims were identified as Zuhair Mousa Ahmed al-Qaissi, 49, from Rafah, Secretary-General of the Popular Resistance Committees; and Mahmoud Ahmed Hanani, 44, from Nablus, a leader of the Popular Resistance Committees who was released from Israeli prisons and expelled to Gaza in 2006.  The civilian bystander who was wounded was identified as Yahia Zakaria al-Dahshan, 27, and was admitted into the intensive care unit at Shifa Hospital in Gaza.

At approximately 19:20, an Israeli warplane fired a missile at a number of activists of al-Quds Brigades, the armed wing of Islamic Jihad, who were near al-Mentar Hill in the east of al-Shuja’iya neighborhood in the east of Gaza City.  Three activists were instantly killed:

1. Mohammed Khaled Harara, 24;

2. Fadel ‘Obaid al-Gharabli, 25; and

3. Hazem ‘Awadh Quraiqe’, 33.

At approximately 22:00, an Israeli warplane fired a missile that landed between two houses in the densely-populated al-Tuffah neighborhood in the east of Gaza City.  As a result, Mo’men Mahmoud al-Sherafi, a journalist, and his wife were lightly injured by glass fragments, while they were inside their house, which was heavily damaged.  A nearby house was also heavily damaged.

At approximately 22:15, an Israeli warplane fired a missile at a garage under a 4-storey apartment building in al-Yarmouk Street in Gaza City.  The place was heavily damaged and 3 Palestinian civilians, including a child, were wounded.

At approximately 23:30, an Israeli warplane fired a missile at a number of activists of the al-Quds Brigades, the armed wing of Islamic Jihad in al-Tuffah neighborhood in the east of Gaza City.  One of those activists, Shadi Riad al-Saiqali, 27, was killed.

Saturday, 10 March 2012

At approximately 00:05, an Israeli warplane fired a missile at a number of activists of the al-Quds Brigades near the headquarters of the Palestinian Legislative Council in the center of Gaza City.  Two activists were instantly killed and a third one was seriously wounded, but died of his wound two hours later at Shifa Hospital.  The victims were identified as:

1. Fa’eq Sameer Sa’ad, 28;

2. Mo’tassem Diab Hajjaj, 22; and

3. Ahmed ‘Abdul Fattah Hajjaj, 24.

At approximately 00:15, Israeli warplanes fired two missiles at a training course of the Nasser Saladin Brigades (the armed wing of the Popular Resistance Committees) in al-Mawasi area in the west of Rafah.  Israeli warplanes fired another two missiles at the same site 15 minutes later.  No casualties were reported.

At approximately 00:45, an Israeli warplane fired a missile at an agricultural plot belonging to ‘Azzam Salama Abu Halima in al-Sayafa area in the northern Gaza Strip town of Beit Lahia.  As a result, a greenhouse was destroyed and 7 nearby houses were damaged, but no casualties were reported.

At approximately 01:25, an Israeli warplane fired a missile at a number of activists of the al-Quds Brigades who were on a space area in al-Hatabiya Street in the center of Beit Lahia.  An activist sustained bruises throughout the body.

Also at approximately 01:25, an Israeli warplane fired a missile at a number of activists of the al-Quds Brigades near Hammouda fuel station in the southeast of Beit Lahia.  Two activists were killed: Mohammed Yahia Mohammed al-Mughari, 24; and Mahmoud Ismail Nejem, 22.  A third activist was also seriously wounded.

At approximately 04:10, an Israeli warplane fired two missiles at a red Kia car that was traveling on Saladin road near the entrance of the central Gaza Strip town of Deir al-Balah.  A number of activists of the al-Quds Brigades were traveling in the car.  The missile hit the car directly.  One of the activists, Mohammed Ibrahim al-Ghamri, 26, from al-Maghazi refugee camp, was killed, and 3 others were wounded.  A grocery shop belonging to Ashraf Mohammed ‘Abdul Jawad was also damaged.

At approximately 12:45, 10 March 2012, an Israeli warplane fired two missiles at a motorcycle that was traveling on a branch road in ‘Abassan village, east of Khan Yunis.  Two activists of the Nasser Saladin Brigades, the armed wing of the Popular Resistance Committees, who live in Bani Suhaila village, east of Khan Yunis, were traveling on the motorcycle.  The missiles hit the motorcycle, killing the two activists who were identified as:

1. Hussein Saleem Hassan Barham, 52; and

2. Mansour Kamal Abu Nussaira, 21, who died shortly after having been admitted to the European Gaza Hospital in Khan Yunis.

At approximately 15:10, an Israeli warplane fired a missile at a training site of the ‘Izziddin al-Qassam Brigades, the armed wing of Hamas, to the west of al-Maqqoussi apartment buildings in the north of Gaza City.  A number of nearby houses were damaged, and as a result, 6 Palestinian civilians were injured by fragments of glass:

1. Hani Mahmoud al-Masri, 19;

2. Ahmed Yousef al-Danaf, 23;

3. Hamza ‘Omar al-Turkmani, 24;

4. Nahish Mohammed al-Najjar, 38;

5. Shaher Jalal al-Qershalli, 20; and

6. Hamdi ‘Abdul Karim Marzouq, 20.

At approximately 15:50, an Israeli warplane fired two missiles at Mahdi Ahmed Abu Shawish, 26, from Rafah, an activist of the Nasser Saladin Brigades, the armed wing of the Popular Resistance Committees, when he was getting ready to ride his motorcycle in Block J in the south of Rafah refugee camp.  Abu Shawish was instantly killed by shrapnel throughout the body.  Additionally, 5 civilian bystanders, including a child, were wounded:

1. Mohammed As’ad al-Ghouti, 24, from Rafah, wounded by shrapnel throughout the body;

2. Ramzi ‘Aatef ‘Atallah, 36, from Deir al-Balah, wounded by shrapnel to the limbs;

3. ‘Abdul Hamid Mohammed al-Khatib, 48, from Nussairat refugee camp, wounded by shrapnel to the head;

4. Mohammed Mahmoud al-‘Arqan, 54, from Rafah, sustained bruises to the face and the limbs; and

5. ‘Abdul Hamid ‘Emad Wahba, 15, from Rafah, sustained bruises to the limbs.

A car belonging to Hussam Abu Zuhri was also burnt.

At approximately 16:10, Israeli warplanes fired 3 missiles at a training site of the ‘Izziddin al-Qassam Brigades (the armed wing of Hamas) in the east of Rafah.  No casualties were reported.

At approximately 22:15 on the same day, an Israeli warplane fired a missile at a space area in the east of al-Zaytoun neighborhood in the east of Gaza City.  No casualties were reported.

Sunday, 11 March 2012

At approximately 01:20, an Israeli warplane fired a missile at a number of activists of the Nasser Saladin Brigades, the armed wing of the Popular Resistance Committees, who were near Doula intersection in the east of al-Zaytoun neighborhood in the east of Gaza City.  An activist, Ahmed Nafez Saber Deeb, 23, was killed and two others were wounded.

At approximately 07:10, an Israeli warplane fired a missile at a number of Palestinian civilians, mostly children who were playing near their houses in ‘Assaliya Street in the northern Gaza Strip town of Jabalya.  As a result, Ayoub ‘Aamer Mohammed ‘Assaliya, 13, was killed, and two of his relatives, including a 7-year-old child, were wounded.

At approximately 08:20, an Israeli warplane fired a missile at a number of Palestinian resistance activists to the east of the Car Market in al-Zaytoun neighborhood in the southeast of Gaza City.  Two activists were moderately wounded.

At approximately 11:45, a missile fired by an Israeli warplane landed near an agricultural plot belonging to the al-Wehaidi family in al-Fakhoura area in al-Nafaq Street in the northeast of Gaza City.  As a result, the guard of the plot, ‘Aadel Saleh Fares al-Essi, 63, from al-Tuffah neighborhood in Gaza City, was killed by shrapnel throughout the body.  Additionally, two resistance activists were seriously wounded.

Monday, 12 March 2012

At approximately 01:40, an Israeli warplane fired a missile at an agricultural plot belonging to Mahmoud Isma’il Hilles in the east of al-Shuja’iya neighborhood in the east of Gaza City.  A number of nearby houses were damaged, and Ahlam ‘Arraf Jundiya, 18, was injured in her forehead by fragments of glass while she was at home.

At approximately 01:45, an Israeli warplane fired a missile at a number of activists of the Palestinian resistance near al-Khuzondar fuel station in the west of Jabalya.  No casualties were reported.

At approximately 02:00, an Israeli warplane fired a missile at a house belonging to Bahjat Mohammed Hammad near Jabalya Martyrs Elementary School in ‘Izbat ‘Abed Rabbu in the northern Gaza Strip town of Jabalya.  The missile hit the first floor of the three-storey house, where 9 individuals, including 3 children live.  As a result, the house was completely destroyed and 7 members of the family, including 3 children and 3 women, were wounded.  Eighteen neighboring houses were also affected by the missile, 3 of them sustained heavy damages.  Twelve members of the Abu al-‘Eish family, including 3 children and two women, and 7 members of the Sukkar family, including 5 children, were also wounded.  The houses of the two families are adjacent to the targeted house.  In addition, 350 windows, 7 wooden and 3 iron doors in the above school were damaged.  Two windows from the Palestine Red Crescent Society premises were also destroyed.

At approximately 02:30, an Israeli warplane fired a missile at a space area in ‘Abassan village, east of the southern Gaza Strip town of Khan Yunis.  No casualties were reported.

At approximately 05:40, an Israeli warplane fired a missile at Hamada Salman Ahmed Abu Mutlaq, 20, from ‘Abassan village east of Khan Yunis, a member of the al-Quds Brigades (the armed wing of Islamic Jihad), when he was near Abu Bakr al-Siddiq Mosque in ‘Abassan village.  Abu Mutlaq was instantly killed by shrapnel throughout the body.  Additionally, windows of three nearby houses were destroyed, injuring the head of two-year-old Muhannad Eyad Abu Hamad.

At approximately 06:10, an Israeli warplane fired a missile at Sara Hill in the east of al-Shuja’iya neighborhood in the east of Gaza City.  No casualties were reported.

At approximately 06:45, an Israeli warplane fired a missile at a space area in al-Shuja’iya neighborhood in the east of Gaza City.  No casualties were reported.

At approximately 07:00, an Israeli warplane fired a missile at 3 members of the al-Quds Brigades (the armed wing of Islamic Jihad), who were traveling on a 3-wheel motorcycle near al-Radwan Mosque in al-Qarara village, northeast of Khan Yunis.  One of the members of resistance, Ra’fat Jawad Adeeb Abu ‘Eid, 25, was killed by shrapnel throughout the body, while the two other members of resistance were wounded, one of them was in a serious condition as his legs were amputated.

At approximately 13:30, an Israeli warplane fired a missile at Mohammed Mustafa al-Hussoumi, 65, and his daughter Faiza, 30, when they were on their agricultural plot near Tal al-Za’tar School in the northern Gaza Strip town of Beit Lahia.  The old man was instantly killed, and his daughter died a few minutes after her admission in Kamal ‘Edwan Hospital in Beit Lahia.

At approximately 20:45, an Israeli warplane fired a missile at a number of activists of the al-Quds Brigades (the armed wing of Islamic Jihad) in al-Shuja’iya neighborhood in the east of Gaza City.  Two activists were instantly killed:

1. Bassam Salem Diab al-‘Ejla, 21; and

2. Mohammed Ameen Ahmed Dhaher, 23.

Two civilian bystanders, including a child, were also wounded:

1. Anees Zaher Mousa, 4, wounded by shrapnel to the feet; and

2. Rajab ‘Emad al-Shiekh Khalil, 21, wounded by shrapnel to the neck.

At approximately 21:20, an Israeli drone fired a missile at a number of activists of the Palestinian resistance in al-Salatin neighborhood in the west of Beit Lahia.  No casualties were reported.

At approximately 21:25, an Israeli drones fired a missile at a space area in al-Salatin neighborhood in the west of Beit Lahia.  No casualties were reported.

At approximately 21:30, an Israeli warplane fired a missile at Saladin Gate on the Egyptian border, south of Rafah, targeting a tunnel.  No casualties were reported.

Tuesday, 13 March 2012

At approximately 13:15, Israeli soldiers positioned on observation towers on the border between the Gaza Strip and Israel to the east of Jabalya opened fire at a number of Palestinian civilians who got close to the border and threw stones during the funeral procession of a number of victims of the Israeli offensive.  Two civilians were wounded:

1. Mohammed Yasser al-‘Aar’eir, 22, wounded by a bullet to the right arm; and

2. ‘Ammar Mohammed Abu al-Kas, 21, wounded by a bullet to the right thigh.

Wednesday, 13 March 2012

At approximately 02:30, an Israeli warplane fired a missile at an agricultural plot belonging to the al-Wuhaidi family near al-Nafaq Street in the northeast of Gaza City.  Shrapnel from the missile caused fire to break out in a 600-square-meter warehouse of plastics belonging to Mustafa ‘Abdul Wahab al-Matbouli, a nearby 400-square-meter factory of bamboo products and a truck in the warehouse.  These facilities were heavily damaged.  Additionally, a 150-square-meter house belonging to ‘Alaa’ Mohammed Zarandah and a 450-square-meter aluminum store belonging to Mohammed Khamis al-Nassar were damaged.

At approximately 23:30, an Israeli warplane fired a missile at an agricultural plot near the car market in al-Zaytoun neighborhood in the southeast of Gaza City.  The missile caused a very heavy explosion, but no casualties were reported.

2. Incursions into Palestinian Areas and Attacks on Palestinian Civilians and Property in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip

Thursday, 08 March 2012

At approximately 01:30, IOF moved into Jericho.  They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later.  Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

At approximately 03:00, IOF moved into Tubas.  They raided and searched a house belonging to Mustafa Mahmoud Maslamani, 46, who was released from Israeli prisons and expelled to Gaza in the context of the latest prisoners swap between Israel and Palestinian resistance groups, and a nearby house belonging to ‘Ezzat Hamed Maslamani.  At approximately 05:00, IOF arrested Hazem Mustafa Maslamani, 18.  They also ordered the two families to force Aysar Mslamani, 20, to turn himself in to them.

At approximately 08:00, IOF moved into Tulkarm.  They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later.  Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

At approximately 10:30, IOF moved into Zeita village, north of Tulkarm.  They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later.  Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

At approximately 11:30, IOF moved into al-‘Araqa village, west of Jenin.  They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later.  Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

Also at approximately 11:30, IOF moved into al-Hashimiya village, southwest of Jenin.  They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later.  Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

Also at approximately 11:30, IOF moved into Ya’bad village, southwest of Jenin, and patrolled in the streets.  A number of Palestinian boys gathered and threw stones at Israeli military vehicles.  Immediately, Israeli soldiers fired tear gas canisters and sound bombs at them.  No casualties were reported.

In the afternoon, IOF killed a Palestinian child and seriously wounded and arrested another one in Yatta town, south of Hebron.  IOF moved into the town to arrest a Palestinian who was released from Israeli jails in the recent prisoners swap between IOF and Palestinian resistance groups.

According to investigations conducted by PCHR, at approximately 14:30, IOF, backed by 4 military vehicles and an armored personnel carrier, moved into al-Mazraa crossroads area in the center of Yatta town, south of Hebron.  They raided the house of Khaled Musa al-Makhamra, who was released from Israeli prisons in the recent prisoners swap, and nearby houses belonging to his brothers.  They forced al-Makhamra’s wife and children to go out and held some of them in the outdoors. I n the meanwhile, a number of the locals gathered near al-Makhamra’s house.  At approximately 15:35, IOF opened fire at Mohammed Omar Awwad al-Jundi, 17, who was a few meters away from IOF.  Al-Jundi was wounded by a bullet to the right side.  He suffered acute bleeding and parts of his bowels were out.  IOF then opened fire indiscriminately at the Palestinians.  As a result, Zakareya Jamal Mohammed Musa Abu ‘Arram, 16, was wounded by a bullet to the head.  The bullet penetrated the head near the left eye and exited from the left temple.  A part of the skull was smashed as a result and Abu ‘Arram died immediately.

Eyewitnesses, including Ahmed ‘Oda Ali al-Makhamra, 38, who is a paramedic of the Palestine Red Crescent Society, reported that IOF deliberately prevented providing Abu ‘Arram with first medical aid, and left him bleeding for a long time.  IOF also prevented medical crews from providing medical aid to al-Jundi and they left him bleeding on the ground.  As they were certain that Abu ‘Arram was dead, they allowed medical crews to attend him and transfer his body to Abu al-Hassan al-Qassem Public Hospital in Yatta.  They also allowed medical crews to provide first medical aid to al-Jundi, more than 30 minutes after paramedics had arrived at the scene and 45 minutes after al-Jundi had been wounded. Before withdrawing, IOF arrested al-Jundi and transferred him to Soroka Hospital in Beersheba.  Later, al-Jundi underwent a surgery and was transferred to an unknown destination.  IOF claimed that soldiers opened fire “after a Palestinian had stabbed a soldier.”

At approximately 17:00, IOF moved into Zabbouba village, northwest of Jenin.  They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later.  Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

At approximately 18:00, IOF moved into Ya’bad village, southwest of Jenin, and patrolled in the streets.  A number of Palestinian boys gathered and threw stones at Israeli military vehicles.  Immediately, Israeli soldiers fired tear gas canisters and sound bombs at them.  No casualties were reported.

At approximately 22:30, IOF moved into Deir Abu Da’if village, northeast of Jenin.  They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later.  Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

Also at approximately 22:30, IOF moved into Jalboun village, east of Jenin.  They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later.  Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

Friday, 09 March 2012

At approximately 01:00, IOF moved into Bitounia town, west of Ramallah.  They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later.  Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

At approximately 09:00, IOF into Dura al-Qare’ village, northeast of Ramallah.  They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later.  Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

At approximately 09:30, IOF moved into Sinjel village, north of Ramallah.  They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later.  Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

At approximately 10:00, IOF moved into Deir Qiddis village, northwest of Ramallah.  They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later.  Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

At approximately 10:30, IOF moved into al-Janya village, northwest of Ramallah.  They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later.  Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

At approximately 11:00, IOF moved into Qibya village, west of Ramallah.  They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later.  Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

At approximately 11:30, IOF moved into Beit ‘Aur al-Fouqa village, southwest of Ramallah.  They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later.  Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

At approximately 18:00, IOF moved into Ya’bad village, southwest of Jenin, and patrolled in the streets.  A number of Palestinian boys gathered and threw stones at Israeli military vehicles.  Immediately, Israeli soldiers fired tear gas canisters and sound bombs at them.  No casualties were reported.

At approximately 23:30, IOF moved into Faqqou’a village, northwest of Jenin.  They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later.  Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

At approximately 23:50, IOF moved into Deir Abu Da’if village, northeast of Jenin.  They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later.  Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

Saturday, 10 March 2012  

At approximately 00:30, IOF moved into ‘Anabta village, east of Tulkarm.  They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later.  Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

Also at approximately 05:00, IOF moved into al-Mazra’a al-Gharbiya village, northwest of Ramallah.  They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later.  Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

At approximately 09:30, IOF moved into Koubar village, northwest of Ramallah.  They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later.  Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

Also at approximately 09:30, IOF moved into Mark Na’ja village, north of Jericho.  They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later.  Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

Also at approximately 09:30, IOF moved into al-Dyouk village, north of Jericho.  They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later.  Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

At approximately 10:00, IOF moved into al-Zababda village, southeast of Jenin.  They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later.  Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

Also at approximately 10:00, IOF moved into Maithaloun village, southeast of Jenin.  They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later.  Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

Also at approximately 10:00, IOF moved into Jaba’ village, south of Jenin.  They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later.  Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

Also at approximately 10:00, IOF moved into Sirris village, southeast of Jenin.  They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later.  Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

At approximately 11:00, IOF moved into Bouqin village, west of Jenin.  They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later.  Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

At approximately 11:30, IOF moved into Deir Jarir village, northeast of Ramallah.  They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later.  Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

At approximately 15:00, IOF moved into Shwaika suburb, north of Tulkarm.  They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later.  Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

At approximately 17:00, IOF moved into Zabbouba village, northwest of Jenin.  They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later.  Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

Also at approximately 17:00, IOF moved into al-Jiftlek village, north of Jericho.  They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later.  Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

At approximately 19:00, IOF moved into Ya’bad village, southwest of Jenin.  They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later.  Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

At approximately 19:30, IOF moved into Kharabtha al-Misbah village, southwest of Ramallah.  They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later.  Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

At approximately 20:00, IOF moved into al-‘Ouja village, northeast of Jericho.  They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later.  Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

At approximately 21:00, IOF moved into Nabi Saleh village, southwest of Ramallah.  They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later.  Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

Sunday, 11 March 2012

At approximately 08:30, IOF moved into Beit ‘Aur al-Tahta village, southwest of Ramallah.  They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later.  Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

At approximately 09:20, IOF moved into Beit Liqya village, southwest of Ramallah.  They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later.  Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

At approximately 10:00, IOF moved into Saffa village, southwest of Ramallah.  They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later.  Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

Also at approximately 10:00, IOF moved into al-Yamoun village, northwest of Jenin.  They patrolled in the streets and stopped and interrogated a number of Palestinian civilians.  Soon, a number of Palestinian boys gathered and threw stones at Israeli military vehicles.  Israeli soldiers fired tears gas canisters and sound bombs at the boys.  Neither casualties nor arrests were reported.

At approximately 16:00, Ya’bad village, southwest of Jenin, and patrolled in the streets.  A number of Palestinian boys gathered and threw stones at Israeli military vehicles.  Immediately, Israeli soldiers fired tear gas canisters and sound bombs at them.  No casualties were reported.

At approximately 23:30, IOF moved into Tulkarm.  They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later.  Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

Monday, 12 March 2012

At approximately 01:00, IOF moved into ‘Arraba village, southwest of Jenin.  They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Bakr Mohammed Abu ‘Obaid, 27, and arrested him.

At approximately 01:30, IOF moved into Beit Liqya village, southwest of Ramallah.  They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later.  Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

At approximately 09:00, IOF moved into Zeita village, north of Tulkarm.  They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later.  Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

At approximately 10:00, IOF moved into Tulkarm.  They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later.  Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

At approximately 10:30, IOF moved into Kufor Ne’ma village, west of Ramallah.  They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later.  Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

At approximately 22:30, IOF moved into al-Lubban al-Gharbi village, northwest of Ramallah.  They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later.  Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

Tuesday, 13 March 2012

At approximately 01:00, IOF moved into Bourin village, south of Nablus.  They raided and searched two houses and arrested two Palestinian civilians, including a child:

1. Nasser Jaber ‘As’ous, 19; and

2. Mohammed Sameer al-Najjar, 17.

In the early morning, IOF moved into Hijja village, east of Qaqlilya.  They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Mohammed Masalha, 29, who was released in the latest prisoners swap between Israeli and Palestinian resistance groups.  They arrested him together with 4 of his brothers: Khader, 23; Sa’ed, 30; Rassem, 38; and Ussama, 40.

At approximately 07:00, IOF moved into Beit ‘Aur al-Tahta village, southwest of Ramallah.  They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later.  Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

At approximately 11:30, IOF moved into Beit Siera village, southwest of Ramallah.  They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later.  Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

3. Use of Excessive Force against Peaceful Demonstrations Protesting Settlement Activities and the Construction of the Annexation Wall

During the reporting period, IOF used force against peaceful demonstrations organized by Palestinian civilians and international and Israeli human rights defenders in protest to the construction of the Wall and settlement activities in the West Bank, and in protest to the establishment of a buffer zone in the Gaza Strip.  As a result, two demonstrators were wounded and dozens of others suffered from tear gas inhalation.  IOF also arrested a Palestinian civilian and an international human rights defender.

Following the Friday Prayer on 09 March 2012, in spite of the cold weather, dozens of Palestinian civilians and international and Israeli human rights defenders organized a peaceful demonstration in Bil’ein village, west of Ramallah, in protest to the construction of the annexation wall and in solidarity with Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails, especially Hanaa’ Shalabi who has been on a hunger strike.  They raised the Palestinian flag and called for ending the political split. They then moved towards areas of annexation wall.  They called through megaphones on Israeli settlers in “Mitityahu” settlement to leave Palestinian land.  Israeli soldiers stationed in the area fired rubber-coated metal bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters at the demonstrators.  As a result, two demonstrators were wounded (PCHR keeps their names) and a number of other ones suffered from tear gas inhalation.

Also following the Friday Prayer on 09 March 2012, dozens of Palestinian civilians and international and human rights defenders organized a peaceful demonstration in Ne’lin village, west of Ramallah, in protest against the construction of the annexation wall.  They clashed with Israeli troops positioned near the annexation wall.  Israeli soldiers fired rubber-coated metal bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters at demonstrators.  As a result, a number of demonstrators suffered from tear gas inhalation.

Also following the Friday prayer on 02 March 2012, dozens of Palestinian civilians and Israeli and international human rights defenders gathered in the center of al-Nabi Saleh village, northwest of Ramallah, to start the weekly peaceful protest against the construction of the annexation wall and settlement activities, and to express solidarity with Hana Shalabi, a Palestinian prisoner who has been on a hunger strike.  The protesters walked towards the gate erected by IOF near the entrance of the village and leading to Palestinian lands that Israeli settlers from the nearby “Halmish” settlement are trying to seize.  Israeli soldiers who had been extensively deployed in the area and near all the entrances of the village since the morning, began to confront the protesters who wanted to walk towards the affected lands.  Israeli soldiers fired live and rubber-coated bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters at the protesters.  A result, a number of civilians suffered from tear gas inhalation.  IOF also arrested a 22-year-old American human rights defender.

Also following the Friday Prayer on 09 March 2012, dozens of Palestinian civilians and international human rights defenders organized a peaceful demonstration in protest to the construction of the annexation wall and in solidarity with Hana Shalabi, a Palestinian prisoner who has been on a hunger strike.  They moved towards the area of the annexation wall.  IOF stopped and prevented them from moving towards the wall.  They also arrested Ra’fat Mousa ‘Alaa’ al-Din, 24, but released him an hour later.

Also following the Friday Prayer on 09 March 2012, dozens of Palestinian civilians and international and Israeli human rights defenders organized a peaceful demonstration in the center of Beit Dajan village, northeast of Nablus, in protest to the continued closure of the main road leading to the village by IOF.  They moved towards the gate established at the western entrance of the village, and attempted to open it.  Immediately, IOF fired tear gas canisters at the demonstrators.  As a result, a number of demonstrators suffered from tear gas inhalation.

Also following the Friday Prayer on 09 March 2012, dozens of Palestinian civilians, international human rights defenders and British MP’s organized a peaceful demonstration in Kufor Qaddoum village, northeast of Qalqilya, in protest to continued closure of the eastern entrance of the village by IOF.  They moved towards the entrance, and there, IOF fired tear gas canisters and sound bombs at them.  A number of demonstrators suffered from tear gas inhalation.

A Peaceful Demonstration on International Women’s Day

At approximately 11:00 on Thursday, 08 March 2012, dozens of Palestinian civilians, female activists and international solidarity activists organized a peaceful demonstration in Qalandya refugee camp, north of occupied Jerusalem, in protest to the construction of the annexation wall and settlement activities, and in solidarity of Hana Shalabi, a Palestinian prisoner who has been on a hunger strike.  They moved in the streets of the camp cheering national slogans and criticizing the international silence towards Israeli crimes against the Palestinian people.  They then moved towards Qalandya checkpoint.  There, IOF fired rubber-coated metal bullets, tear gas canisters and sound bombs at them.  As a result, dozens of demonstrators suffered from tear gas inhalation.

4. Continued Closure of the OPT

Israel has continued to impose a tightened closure of the OPT and imposed severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including occupied East Jerusalem.

Gaza Strip

Israel has continuously closed all border crossings to the Gaza Strip for over three years. The illegal Israeli-imposed closure of the Gaza Strip, which has steadily tightened since June 2007, has had a disastrous impact on the humanitarian and economic situation in the Gaza Strip. The illegal closure has caused not only a humanitarian crisis but a crisis of human rights and human dignity for the population of the Gaza Strip. Measures declared recently to ease the blockade are vague, purely cosmetic and fail to deal with the root causes of the crisis, which can only be addressed by an immediate and complete lifting of the closure, including lifting the travel ban into and out of the Gaza Strip and the ban on exports. PCHR is concerned that the new Israeli policy is simply shifting Gaza to another form of illegal blockade, one that may become internationally accepted and institutionalized. Palestinians in Gaza may no longer suffer from the same shortage of goods, but they will remain economically dependent and unable to care for themselves, and socially, culturally and academically isolated from the rest of the world.

Movement at Border Crossings during the Reporting Period:

Movement at Rafah International Crossing Point

07 – 13 March 2012

Movement at Karm Abu Salem (Kerem Shalom) Crossing

07 – 13 March 2012

Imports:

Exports:

On Wednesday, 07 March 2012, IOF allowed the exportation of 150,000 flowers and 23 tons of biscuits.

On Sunday, 11 March 2012, IOF allowed the exportation of 225,930 flowers.

Notes:

On Wednesday, 07 March 2012, IOF allowed the entry of 2,940 tons of construction aggregate, 120 tons of cement and 154 tons of construction steel for UNRWA; 420 tons of construction aggregate for the French Cultural Center; and 1,330 tons of construction aggregate for UNDP.  They also allowed the entry of 546 tons of fodders.

On Sunday, 11 March 2012, IOF allowed the entry of 2,730 tons of construction aggregate and 280 tons of cement for UNRWA.  They also allowed the entry of 897 tons of fodders.

Beit Hanoun (Erez) Crossing: Israel has continued to close Beit Hanoun (Erez) crossing for the movement of Palestinian civilians. IOF have allowed only diplomats, a number of international journalists, employees of international agencies and a limited number of patients who suffer from serious diseases to pass through the crossing. They have continued to prevent Palestinian civilians from visiting their relatives who are detained in Israeli jails. The small number of patients permitted to pass through the crossing is only able to do so under severe restrictions that include prolonged checking.

Movement at Beit Hanoun (Erez) Crossing

07 – 13 March 2012

The West Bank

Israel has imposed a tightened closure on the West Bank. During the reporting period, IOF imposed additional restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians.

Jerusalem: IOF have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians to and from the city. Thousands of Palestinian civilians from the West Bank and the Gaza Strip have been denied access to the city. IOF have established many checkpoints around and inside the city.  Restrictions of the movement of Palestinian civilians often escalate on Fridays, preventing young Muslim Palestinians from praying at al-Aqsa Mosque.

Ramallah: IOF have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians.  At approximately 09:00 on Friday, 09 March 2012, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance of Nabi Saleh village, northwest of Ramallah.  At approximately 10:20, IOF re-established their presence at ‘Attara checkpoint, north of Ramallah.  At approximately 15:30, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance of Kufor Ne’ma village, west of Ramallah.  At approximately 17:00, IOF established a checkpoint at Beit ‘Aur al-Fouqa intersection, southwest of Ramallah.  At approximately 09:40 on Saturday, 10 March 2012, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance of Turmos’iya village, north of Ramallah.  At approximately 17:0, they established a checkpoint at the entrance of al-Mughayar village, northeast of the town.  At approximately 18:00, they established a checkpoint at the entrance of Silwad village, northeast of Ramallah.  At approximately 19:40, IOF established a checkpoint at ‘Oyoun al-Haramiya intersection, northeast of Ramallah.  At approximately 11:00 on Sunday, 11 March 2012, IOF established a checkpoint under Kharabtha al-Misbah Bridge, west of Ramallah.  At approximately 18:30, IOF re-established their presence at ‘Attara checkpoint, north of Ramallah.  They stopped and searched Palestinian civilian vehicles.  At approximately 09:30 on Monday, 12 March 2012, IOF established a checkpoint under Kharabtha al-Misbah Bridge, west of Ramallah.  At approximately 13:30, they established a checkpoint on Beit Reema – Aaboud road, northwest of Ramallah.  At approximately 21:30, IOF re-established their presence at ‘Attara checkpoint, north of Ramallah.  At approximately 10:30 on Tuesday, 13 March 2012, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance of Beit ‘Aur al-Fouqa village, southwest of Ramallah.  At approximately 17:00, they established a checkpoint at the entrance of Kufor Malek village, northeast of Ramallah.

Jenin: IOF have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians.  At approximately 13:00 on Thursday, 08 March 2012, IOF established a checkpoint at Ya’bad-Zibda road, southwest of Jenin.  At approximately 09:00 on Friday, 09 March 2012, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance of Ya’bad village, southwest of Jenin.  At approximately 19:30 on Sunday, 11 March 2012, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance of Ya’bad village, southwest of Jenin.

Tulkarm:  IOF have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians.  At approximately 11:00 on Thursday, 08 March 2012, IOF established a checkpoint on Tulkarm-Qalailya road near Jibara Gate, south of Tulkarm.  At approximately 20:30, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance of Qiffin village, north of Tulkarm.  At approximately 13:00 on Friday, 09 March 2012, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance of Bzaria village, east of Tulkarm.  At approximately 23:30, they established a checkpoint at the entrance of Qiffin village, north of Tulkarm.  At approximately 15:00 on Saturday, 10 March 2012, IOF established a checkpoint at Beit Leed intersection, east of Tulkarm.  At approximately 21:00 on Sunday, 11 March 2012, IOF established a checkpoint at Beit Leed intersection, east of Tulkarm.

Jericho: IOF have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians.  At approximately 11:30 on Friday, 09 March 2012, IOF established a checkpoint at the southern entrance of Jericho.  At approximately 18:00 on Sunday, 11 March 2012, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance of al-‘Ouja village, northeast of Jericho.  At approximately 10:30 on Monday, 05 March 2012, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance of ‘Ein al-Dyouk village, north of Jericho.  At approximately 16:00, IOF established a checkpoint at the southern entrance of Jericho.

Harassment at Military Checkpoints

On Saturday morning, Israeli soldiers stationed in the southeastern part of Hebron violently beat ‘Izzat Is’haq Jaber, 16, and arrested him together his father, Is’haq ‘Izzat Jaber, 39, and his relative Nemer Ghaleb Jaber, 26.  Israeli soldiers held them at a checkpoint in the area, when the three civilians attempted to retrieve an animal cart which had been stolen by Israeli settlers.  As a result of beating, the child sustained bruises throughout the body, and bled from the nose and the mouth.  Israeli soldiers then arrested the three civilians and took them to an Israeli police station in “Kiryat Arba” settlement.  The three civilians were interrogated allegedly for “obstructing the work of Israeli soldier.”  The child was not offered first medical aid.  He was released in the evening on a bail of 500 ILS.  The father and the relative were transferred to “Kfar Etzion” detention facility, which refused to admit the father as he suffers from chronic diseases, so he was released at 23:30.  On the other hand, the relative has remained in custody.

On Sunday evening, 11 March 2012, Israeli soldiers stationed in the southern part of Hebron chased 3-year-old Mahyoub Faisal al-Rajabi when he was near his house.  He was extremely terrified and was shocked.  IOF claimed that he threw stones at them.

In his testimony to PCHR, the child’s father, Faisal ‘Arafat al-Rajabi, 54, stated:

“At approximately 15:30 on Sunday, 11 March 2012, three children, including Mahyoub, were playing in front of our house in al-Rajabi quarter to the south of the Ibrahimi Mosque.  Four Israeli soldiers broke into the area for no apparent reason.  When my child saw them, he picked up a very small stone and threw it at them.  Immediately, the soldiers cried on him and chased him towards the house.  As he was extremely terrified, my child fell onto the ground crying.  He cried much more when he saw the Israeli soldiers around him.  When my wife heard our child crying, she came and she was surprised by Israeli soldiers surrounding our child who was on the ground.  She asked them why there were in the house.  She carried our child to calm him down.  One of the soldiers claimed that the child threw stones at them, and threatened to arrest her and him if he throws stones again.”

5. Settlement Activities and Attacks by Settlers against Palestinian Civilians and Property

Israel has continued its settlement activities in the OPT in violation of international humanitarian law, and Israeli settlers have continued to attack Palestinian civilians and property.

On Friday morning, 09 March 2012, a number of Israeli settlers from “Elli” settlement, which stands on the lands of Qaryout village, southeast of Nablus, uprooted 40 olive trees in al-Marah al-Gharbi area, belonging to a number of Palestinian farmers.

Also on Friday morning, 09 March 2012, Israeli settlers from “Matsad” settlement to the east of Sa’ir and al-Shyoukh villages, northeast of Hebron, uprooted at least 240 saplings of olive trees and stone fruits in al-Seer area in Sa’ir village.  According to Yassin Mohammed Shalalda, one of the owners of lands attacked by Israeli settlers, on Thursday, 08 March 2012, his family and a number of volunteers planted at least 240 saplings on their lands to the east of the abovementioned settlement.  An Israeli settler and some Israeli soldiers attacked them.  The settlers threatened them that he and other settlers would uproot the saplings and would not allow them to use or reach their lands.  Soon after, Israeli soldiers prevented the family and the volunteers from planting more saplings and forced them to leave the areas.  According to Shalalda, when he went to his land on the following day noon, he did not find the saplings they had planted were uprooted, and that those they left in the area disappeared.  He accused Israeli settlers of this attack.  It should be noted that Israeli settlers, protected by IOF, seized at least 40 dumums of lands belonging to the Shalalda family without any notice by IOF.

At approximately 09:00 on Tuesday, 13 March 2012, an Israeli bulldozer razed an agricultural plot belonging to Ahmed ‘Abdul Fattah Falah in the east of Bourin village, south of Nablus.  The plot is located near “Givat Harossim” settlement.

On Wednesday morning, 14 March 2012, IOF demolished a 150-square-meter car wash facility in Housan village, west of Bethlehem, claiming that it was established without a license.  According to investigations conducted by PCHR and the testimony of Firas Sabri Shousha, 32, the owner of the facility, at approximately 05:00, IOF moved into Housan village.  They besieged the car wash facility, and a number of technicians dissociated and confiscated its equipment.  An Israeli bulldozer ten demolished the facility.  It should be noted that the facility was located nearly 200 meters away from the settlers bypass road passing by the village.

………………………………………………………

Recommendations to the International Community

1. PCHR calls upon the High Contracting Parties to the Fourth Geneva Convention to fulfill their legal and moral obligations under Article 1 of the Convention to ensure Israel’s respect for the Convention in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.  PCHR believes that the conspiracy of silence practiced by the international community has encouraged Israel to act as if it is above the law and encourages Israel continue to violate international human rights and humanitarian law.

2. PCHR calls upon the High Contracting Parties to the Fourth Geneva Convention to convene a conference to take effective steps to ensure Israel’s respect of the Convention in the OPT and to provide immediate protection for Palestinian civilians.

3. PCHR calls upon the High Contracting Parties to the Fourth Geneva Convention to comply with their legal obligations detailed in Article 146 of the Convention to search for and prosecute those responsible for grave breaches, namely war crimes.

4. PCHR calls for the immediate implementation of the Advisory Opinion issued by the International Court of Justice, which considers the construction of the Annexation Wall inside the West Bank illegal.

5. PCHR recommends that international civil society organizations, including human rights organizations, bar associations and NGOs, participate in the process of exposing those accused of grave breaches of international law and urge their governments to bring the perpetrators to justice.

6. PCHR calls upon the European Union to activate Article 2 of the Euro-Israel Association Agreement, which provides that Israel must respect human rights as a precondition for economic cooperation between the EU states and Israel.  PCHR further calls upon the EU states to prohibit import of goods produced in illegal Israeli settlements in the OPT.

7. PCHR calls on the international community to recognize the Gaza disengagement plan, which was implemented in September 2005, for what it is – not an end to occupation but a compounding of the occupation and the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip.

8. In recognition of ICRC as the guardian of the Fourth Geneva Convention, PCHR calls upon the ICRC to increase its staff and activities in the OPT, including the facilitation of family visitations to Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails.

9. PCHR appreciates the efforts of international civil society, including human rights organizations, bar associations, unions and NGOs, and urges them to continue their role in pressuring their governments to secure Israel’s respect for human rights in the OPT and to demand Israel end its attacks on Palestinian civilians.

10. PCHR calls upon the international community to pressure Israel to lift the severe restrictions imposed by the Israeli government and its occupation forces on access for international organizations to the OPT.

11. PCHR reiterates that any political settlement not based on international human rights law and humanitarian law cannot lead to a peaceful and just solution of the Palestinian question.  Rather, such an arrangement can only lead to further suffering and instability in the region.  Any peace process or agreement must be based on respect for international law, including international human rights and humanitarian law.

Posted March 15, 2012 in Apartheid, Factsheet, Gaza, Human Rights, PCHR, PCHR Weekly Report, Press releases, Prisoners, Report, Siege of Gaza.