Weekly Report On Israeli Human Rights Violations in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (11- 17 April 2013)

Compiled by and reposted from the Palestinian Center for Human Rights

Thursday, 18 April 2013 00:00

4 Palestinian civilians, including 2 children, were wounded during incursions in the West Bank.

 

A shepherd was wounded in the central Gaza Strip as Israeli forces opened fire at him.

Israeli forces continued to use excessive force
against peaceful protesters in the West Bank.

4 protestors, including a Spanish human rights activist,
were wounded during peaceful protests against the
annexation wall and settlement activities.

2 Palestinian civilians were wounded during protests in
support of prisoners in the Israeli jails.

 

Israeli forces conducted 71 incursions into
Palestinian communities in the West Bank, and 1 limited incursion in the
southern Gaza Strip.

40 Palestinian civilians, including 7 children, were
arrested in the West Bank.

2 children were arrested while attempting to cross the
borders into Israel.

 

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

During the reporting period, the border crossings
between the Gaza Strip and Israel were completely closed for 4 days.

Israeli forces
established dozens of checkpoints in the West Bank.

11 Palestinian civilians, including 2 brothers and a
girl, were arrested at checkpoints.

 

Israeli forces have continued to attack Palestinian
fishermen at sea.

Israeli forces continued to fire at Palestinian
fishing boats, forcing them to sail within the 3 nautical mile limit.

 

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

The settlers uprooted dozens of trees throughout the
West Bank, aiming to create space to further expand their settlements

A child was wounded when a settler tried to
deliberately  run  him over in Taqou’ village, southeast of
Bethlehem.

3 farmers sustained bruises due to the settlers’
attack on them.

 

Summary

 

Israeli violations of international law and
international humanitarian law in the oPt continued during the reporting period
11 – 17 April 2013:

 

Shooting:

 

During the reporting period, Israeli forces wounded 10
Palestinian civilians, including 2 children and a Palestinian and a Spanish
human rights activist in the West Bank; 6 of whom were wounded during peaceful
protests against the annexation wall, settlement activities and in support of
Palestinian prisoners in the Israeli jails. The 4 others were wounded during
incursions conducted in the West Bank. In the Gaza Strip, Israeli forces wounded
a shepherd from al-Bureij refugee camp, in the centre of the Gaza Strip. They
also continued to open fire at Palestinian fishing boats, restricting the permitted
fishing area to 3 nautical miles instead of the 6 nautical mile limit which  was agreed in the ceasefire agreement reached
between Israel and Palestinian armed groups in November 2012.

 

In the West Bank during incursions conducted by the
Israeli forces 5 Palestinian civilians, including 2 children and a physically
disabled former prisoner, were wounded.

 

On 11 April 2013, Mo’taz Mohammed Faraj Ebeido, 32,
from Hebron, who is a  physically
disabled former prisoner, was wounded and arrested when the Israeli forces
raided Ebeido telecommunication store.

 

On the same day, a 12-year-old child was wounded by 2
bullets when the Israeli forces moved into Selwad village, northeast of
Ramallah. This happened after some settlers attacked Palestinian shepherds and
the Palestinian civilians set fire to a tent established by settlers on
Palestinian lands.

 

On 12 April 2013, 2 Palestinian civilians, including
an 11-year-old child, were wounded when
Israeli forces moved into Beit Ummar village, north of Hebron.

 

On the same day, a 22-year-old civilian was wounded by
a bullet to the right leg when the Israeli forces moved into al-Aqaba village,
south of Doura, southwest of Hebron.

 

 In an example
of the systematic use of excessive force against peaceful protests organised by
Palestinian, Israeli, and international activists against the construction of
the annexation wall and settlement activities in the West Bank, Israeli forces wounded
3 civilians and a Spanish human rights activist. 2 Palestinians  were wounded during Bil’in weekly protest,
while the 2 others, including the Spanish activist, were wounded during the al-Nabi
Saleh weekly protest, northwest of Ramallah.

 

Palestinian civilians organised many peaceful protests
in solidarity with Palestinian prisoners detained in Israeli jails, especially
those on hunger strike. Israeli forces used excessive force against the protesters;
as a result, an 18-year-old boy was wounded by a bullet to the abdomen while he
was participating in a protest in Um Rokba area, south of Bethlehem, on 12
April 2013. Moreover, the Palestinian activist Yusef Abdul Hamid Abu Maria, 42,
was wounded on the same day in a protest in al-Harayeq area, southeast of
Hebron.

 

In the Gaza Strip, on 15 April 2013, the Israeli
forces stationed along the border fence opened fire at and wounded a
Palestinian civilian while grazing the sheep, east of al-Bureij refugee camp,
in the central Gaza Strip.

 

Israeli forces continued to chase fishermen at sea.On 13
April 2013, Israeli gunboats stationed off the coast of al-Waha resort,
northwest of BeitLahia in the northern Gaza Strip, opened fire twice at
Palestinian fishing boats. Furthermore, on 14 and 15 April 2013, similar
incidents occurred. As a result, the fishermen returned to shore, fearing that
they would be wounded or arrested. No casualties or material damage were
reported.

 

It should be noted that, on Thursday, 21 March 2013, Israeli
forces announced that the nautical mile limit would be reduced from 6 to 3
nautical miles. Israeli forces had permitted fishermen to sail up to 6 nautical
miles offshore following the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Palestinian
armed groups in November 2012.

 

 

Incursions:

 

During the reporting period, Israeli forces conducted
at least 71 military incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank. During
these incursions, Israeli forces arrested at least 40 Palestinians, including 7
children.

 

During peaceful protests in the West Bank, Israeli
forces arrested 6 Palestinians, including 4 children and Abdul Hafeez
al-Hashlamoun, a cameraman from the European News Agency. They were later
released..

 

In the Gaza Strip, Israeli forces conducted a 1
limited incursion on 11 April 2013 in the east of Khan Yunis, in the south of
the Gaza Strip.

 

On the same day, Israeli forces stationed along the
border fence, east of al-Bureij refugee camp, in the centre of the Gaza Strip,
arrested 2 children from Deir al-Balah when they attempted to cross the borders
into Israel.

 

 

Restrictions on movement:

 

Israel continued to impose a tightened 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
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 also a  human rights crisis and the erosion of human
dignity for the people of the Gaza Strip. Recently-declared measures to ease
the closure are vague, purely cosmetic and fail to deal with the root causes of
the crisis. The root causes 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. Palestinians in Gaza may no longer suffer
from the same shortage of goods but, as long as the closure is allowed to
continue, they will remain economically dependent on Israel, unable to care for
themselves, and socially, culturally and academically isolated from the rest of
the world.

 

Israeli forces 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.

During the reporting
period, Israeli forces completely closed the commercial border crossings
between the Gaza Strip and Israel. They closed Karm Abu Salem crossing for 4
consecutive days because of Jewish holidays. This closure negatively affected
the entry of goods, construction materials and medical consignments in the Gaza
Strip. It also has a detrimental impact on the living conditions of Palestinian
civilians. Israeli forces also imposed comprehensive security restrictions due
to the Jewish holiday of Passover .As a result, thousands of Palestinian
workers were denied access to their work in Israel and occupied East Jerusalem.
Moreover, Palestinian traders were denied access to Israel and/or travel via
the border crossings between the Gaza Strip and West Bank.

Settlement activities:

 

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

 

On 11 April 2013, a group of settlers moved into
al-Hfeira area that is located between Arraba and Marka villages, southwest of
Jenin. They performed some religious rituals in the place. Similar incident
occurred also on 14 April 2013.

 

On 11 April 2013, a group of settlers from “AleyZahav”
and “Badoeal” settlements moved into lands in Kofur al-Deek village,
west of Salfit. The settlers’ children cut down 8 olive trees in al-Hersh area.

 

On the same day, some settlers from “Taqou'”
settlement, northwest of Taqou’ village, east of Bethlehem, uprooted hundreds
of  trees in Wadi Khreitoun area. This
attack was carried out as part of the expansion of “Taqou'”
settlement.

 

On the same day also, 3 masked settlers from “Har
Ammona” settlement outpost, northeast of Ramallah, attacked Palestinian
civilians from Deir Jarir and Selwad villages, while Palestinians were grazing
their sheep in the lands of Khellet al-Sultan area, southeast of Selwad.

 

On the same day, a group of settlers from “Beit Ein”
settlement, west of Beit Ummar village, north of Hebron, cut down a number of
olive trees, whose age ranged between 30 and 40 years. The attacked area is
located in Wadi Abu al-Reesh, west of the abovementioned village.

 

On 12 April 2013, a group of settlers from “Yitzhar”
settlement, east of Ourif village, southeast of Nablus, cut down 50 olive trees
in al-Marah area, east of the above-mentioned village.

 

On 13 April 2013, a group of settlers from
“Niria” settlement, northwest of Ramallah, attacked Abdul Latif Noufal
(58) with stones when he was working in his land in Anirarea, northwest of Ras Karkar
village.

 

On 15 April 2013, a female settler, who was driving on
the main street in Taqou’ village, southeast of Bethlehem, ran over Malek Adel
al-Sha’er (8), while he was on his way to school.

 

On the same day, a group of settlers, under the
protection of Israeli soldiers, moved into Silet al-Daher village, south of
Jenin.

 

On the same day, a number of settlers from
“Sousa” settlement, south of Yatta, south of Hebron, attacked Palestinian
farmers on their lands and ordered them to leave. The farmers tried to stop the
settlers, who in response attacked the farmers. As a result, Majed Abu ‘Eqeil
(44) from al-Samou’ village, south of Hebron, sustained bruises.

 

On 16 April 2013, around 100 settlers with their
children and  dogs moved from
“Afrat” settlement, south of Bethlehem, into Solomon’s Pools area,
west of Artas village, southwest of Bethlehem. They performed religious rituals
under the protection of Israeli soldiers.

 

On the same day, a number of settlers from
“Asfar” settlement, west of Sa’ir village, east of Hebron, uprooted
20 olive trees, whose age was around 2 years, and confiscated some of them. The
trees belong to Kamal Shalalda (44).

 

On the same day, while on the Jerusalem – Hebron road,
a settler attacked the car belonging to Khader Ibrahim al-Alami (39) with
stones. The car was parked in front of al-Alami’s house in the vicinity of Beit
Ummar village, north of Hebron. As a result of the attack, the windshield was
broken.

 

 

Israeli Violations documented during the reporting period
11– 17 April 2013

 

1. Incursions into Palestinian areas, and attacks
on Palestinian civilians and property in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip

Thursday, 11 April 2013

 

· At approximately 00:45, Israeli undercover units moved
into Tulkarm. They used a private vehicle and raided a billiards hall in the
eastern neighbourhood of the city. They attacked the hall’s owner, Ashraf Riyadh
Mohammed Saridi (30), and arrested him. They transported him to an unknown
destination.

 

· At approximately 01:00,Israeli forces moved into Burin
village, south of Nablus. They raided and searched a number of houses and
detained a number of their occupants. Moreover, they arrested 8 civilians, including
a school headmaster. The arrested were:

1. Ibrahim Deeb Bayer Omran, 51, headmaster of Burin High
School;

2. Sharif Taj al-Din Sharif Omran, 27;

3. Mohammed SoheilQasem al-Najjar, 21;

4. His brother Sa’ad, 20;

5. MontaserNafe’ Abdul Latif Mansour, 23;

6. Oday Yasser Eid, 22;

7. EmadKhaledTawfiqOmran, 22; and

8. Ma’mounKhaledSalehNajjar, 30.

 

· Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Deir Samet
village, west of Doura, southwest of Hebron. They patrolled the streets for
some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

 

· At approximately 01:30, Israeli forces moved into Nablus.
They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested 2 civilians:

1. Mo’amer Mohammed Jom’a Jamous, 31;and

2. Sami ‘Ahdi al-Bazyan, 24;

They were arrested and taken from their houses in
Khellet al-‘Amoud neighbourhood, southeast of the city.

 

· At approximately
02:00, Israeli forces moved into al-‘Ouja
village, northwest of Jericho. They then patrolled the streets and later
withdrew. No arrests were reported.

 

· Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into
al-Hejra village, east of Doura, southwest of Hebron. They patrolled the
streets for some time and then later withdrew from the area. Neither house
raids nor arrests were reported.

 

· At approximately 03:00, Israeli forces moved into Wad
al-Hariya area, south of Hebron. They patrolled the streets and stationed themselves
at al-Ajouri intersection. They raided Ebeido telecommunication store and
damaged the front gate. They also arrested Mo’taz Mohammed Faraj Ebeido (32), a
former prisoner who suffers from a physical disability. Ebeido was injured in
2011 when Israeli forces opened fire at him while they arrested him. They then harshly
beat him and took him to a military ambulance to be transported. It should be
noted that Ebeido was released from an Israeli jail one and a half months ago  following his arrest, due to his poor health
condition.

His father
said to PCHR’s fieldworker that Mo’taz was sleeping in the store because the
battery of his electric chair had been damaged.
He also informed PCHR’s fieldworker that a neighbour had told him that
he had heard a gunshot in the store and noticed blood on the floor. The
Palestinian Prisoner Club informed PCHR’s fieldworker that the Club’s lawyer,
Ma’moun al-Hashim, had visited Mo’taz in Hadassah hospital in Jerusalem on
Friday, 12 March 2013. He confirmed that Ebeido underwent surgery on one of his
fingers; it was injured by a gunshot during his arrest. He was later transferred
to al-Ramla prison hospital in Israel.

 

· Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Karbatha
Bani Hareth, west of Ramallah. They patrolled the streets for some time and
later withdrew. No arrests were reported.

 

· Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Kharsa
village, southeast of Doura, southwest of Hebron. They patrolled the streets,
raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Bashir Mohammed Abed
Rabbu Hajja (20) and arrested him.

 

· At approximately 04:30, Israeli forces moved into
‘Ayda refugee camp, north of Bethlehem. They raided and searched a house
belonging to the family of Mahmoud Mokhles Mahmoud al-Jawabra (20) and a house
belonging to the family of Omar Ahmed Karakra (26). They then arrested the 2
aforementioned persons.

 

· At approximately 06:30, Israeli forces moved into Beit
Sira village, southwest of Ramallah. They patrolled the streets for some time
and withdrew later. No arrests were reported.

 

· At approximately 09:00, Israeli forces moved about 150
meters from al-Sreij gate into al-Zanna area in Bani Sohaila village, east of
Khan Yunis, amidst sporadic fire. They stationed themselves there for a few
hours and later withdrew.

 

· At approximately 09:30, Israeli forces moved into Marj
Na’ja village, north of Jericho. They patrolled the streets for some time, and
later withdrew. No arrests were reported.

 

· At approximately 15:00, Israeli forces moved into Arraba
village, southwest of Jenin. They patrolled the streets, where some Palestinian
boys gathered and threw stones at them. In a heavy handed response to the stone
throwing,  sound bombs and tear gas
canisters were fired to disperse the boys. The Israeli forces later withdrew;
neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

 

· At approximately 15:30, Israeli forces moved into Ejja
village, south of Jenin. They patrolled the streets for some time and later
withdrew. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

 

· At approximately 16:40, Israeli forces moved into
Marda village, north of Salfit. They patrolled the streets and stopped some
civilians, who were questioned by an officer. The Israeli forces released the
detained persons and later withdrew.

 

· At approximately 18:00, Israeli forces moved into
al-Mutella village, southeast of Jenin. After patrolling the streets for some
time, they withdrew.. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

 

· At approximately 18:30, Israeli forces moved into
Batin village, northeast of Ramallah. They patrolled the streets for some time
and later withdrew. No arrests were reported.

 

· Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Deir Debwan
village, north of Ramallah. They patrolled the streets for some time and later
withdrew. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

 

· At approximately 20:00, Israeli forces moved into Wad
al-Shahna village, south of Doura, southwest of Hebron. They patrolled the
streets for some time and later withdrew. Neither house raids nor arrests were
reported.

 

· At approximately 20:50, Israeli forces moved into
Hares village, north of Salfit. They patrolled the streets for some time and
later withdrew. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

 

· At approximately 21:00, Israeli forces stationed along
the border fence, east of al-Bureij refugee camp, in the centre of the Gaza
Strip, arrested Ashraf Samir Mansour Mahmoud (16), from al-Bureij; and Mahmoud
Khalil Mahmoud Badwan (16), from Deir al-Balah, when they attempted to cross
the borders into Israel.

Ashraf’s father,
Samir Masour Mahmoud (46) said that his son went out of his house in al-Bureij
refugee camp on the abovementioned day. They searched for him and informed the
security services about his absence, but to no avail. At approximately 15:30 on
Monday, 15 April 2013, the father received a phone call from his son telling
him that he and his friend Mahmoud Badwan had been arrested by the Israeli
forces.

 

· Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into
al-Yamoun village, northwest of Jenin. They patrolled the streets for some time
and later withdrew. No arrests were reported.

 

 

Friday, 12 April 2013

 

· At approximately 01:00, Israeli forces moved into
al-Samou’ village, south of Hebron. They patrolled the streets for some time
and later withdrew. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

 

· At approximately 01:30, Israeli forces moved into
al-Khader village, south of Bethlehem. They patrolled the streets and raided
and searched a house belonging to the family of Marwan Mohammed Abdul Qader Issa
(21). They arrested him and handed his brother Ashraf (27) a notice to refer to
the Israeli intelligence service at “Gosh Ezion” settlement, south of
the city.

 

· At approximately 03:00, Israeli forces moved into Tafouh
village, west of Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to the
family of Mahmoud Mohammed al-Tarda (23) and arrested him.

 

· At approximately 13:00, Israeli forces moved into the
centre of Beitummar, north of Hebron. They patrolled the streets and stationed
themselves at the entrance of Za’ta area, east of the village. A number of boys
gathered and threw stones at the Israeli forces. The Israeli forces raided a
house belonging to the family of Saleh Abed Hassan Abu Ayesh. They fired sound
bombs, tear gas canisters and rubber-coated metal bullets at the boys and
houses. As a result, Aziza Mohammed Sadeq Abu Maria (11) was wounded by a
bullet to the abdomen when she was standing on the roof of her house. No
arrests were reported.

 

· Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Ya’bad
village, southwest of Jenin. They raided a house belonging to the family of
Yazan Ahmed Hassan Hamarsha (19) and arrested him.

 

· At approximately 14:00, Israeli forces moved into
al-Aqaba village, south of Doura, southwest of Hebron. They erected a checkpoint
at the village’s intersection on Bypass Road 60. A number of boys gathered and
threw stones at the Israeli soldiers who, in response, fired sound bombs, tear
gas canisters and rubber-coated metal bullets. As a result, a 22-year-old
civilian was wounded by a bullet to the right leg, and was treated at the scene.
At approximately 18:00, the Israeli forces withdrew; no arrests were reported.

 

· At approximately 15:00, Israeli forces moved into
al-Arroub refugee camp, north of Hebron. They cleared the streets and
positioned themselves in the vicinity of the UNRWA schools. A number of boys
gathered and threw stones at the Israeli soldiers who, in response, fired sound
bombs, tear gas canisters and rubber-coated metal bullets. As a result, many
civilians suffered from tear gas inhalation. The Israeli forces withdrew later;
neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

 

· At approximately 18:00, Israeli forces moved into Fasayel
village, northwest of Jericho. They patrolled the streets for some time and
later withdrew. No arrests were reported.

 

· At approximately 21:30, Israeli forces moved into Beit
Luqia village, southwest of Ramallah. They patrolled the streets and positioned
themselves at the main entrance of the village. They stopped the Palestinian
vehicles to check ID cards. They later withdrew ; neither house raids nor
arrests were reported.

 

Saturday, 13 April 2013

 

· At approximately 00:30, Israeli forces moved into
Saylet al-Harithiya village, north of Jenin. They patrolled the streets for
some time and later withdrew. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

 

· Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into al-Yamoun
village, northwest of Jenin. They patrolled the streets for some time and later
withdrew. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

 

· Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into
Rummana village, northwest of Jenin. They then patrolled the streets for some
time and later withdrew. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

 

· At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into Selwad
village, northeast of Ramallah. They raided and searched a number of houses. They
arrested 5 children and transported them to Ofer detention facility. Moreover,
they handed 2 notices to 2 other children to refer to the Israeli intelligence
service. The summoned children are:

1.  Mohammed Maher
Hussein Hamed (16); and

2. HosamNazir Ahmed (17).

 

The arrested were:

1. Akram Raja Jom’aHamed (17);

2. Mohammed Basman Abdul Fattah Hamed (17);

3. Abdul RahmanMostafaJaserHammad (16);

4. Mohammed Basem Omar Hammad (17); and

5. LaythRa’ed Abdul LatifHammad (16).

 

· At approximately 07:30, Israeli gunboats positioned off the coast of
al-Waha resort, northwest of Beit Lahia, in the north of the Gaza Strip, opened
fire at Palestinian fishing boats that were sailing within the 3 nautical mile
limit.  As a result, the fishermen
returned to shore, fearing that they would be arrested or wounded. Neither
casualties nor material damage were reported.

 

· At approximately 19:30, Israeli gunboats positioned
off the coast of al-Waha resort, northwest of Beit Lahia, in the north of the
Gaza Strip, opened fire at Palestinian fishing boats that were sailing 3
nautical miles offshore. As a result, the fishermen returned to shore, fearing
that they would be arrested or wounded. Neither casualties nor material damage
were reported.

 

· At approximately 20:30, Israeli forces moved into
al-Tira village, southwest of Ramallah. They patrolled the streets for some
time and later withdrew. No arrests were reported.

 

· At approximately 22:30, Israeli forces moved into
Jelgamous village, southeast of Jenin. They raided and searched a house
belonging to the family of Abdul Rahim Sami Sleiman al-Hajj (36) and arrested
him. They also raided and searched 2 houses belonging to the families of Rabee’
Abdul Hadi Abed Hajj (24) and Abdul Baset Abed Jamil Hajj (40) and arrested
them. It should be noted that the latter was a spokesperson for the Hamas
movement in Jenin before the ban on the Hamas movement in the West Bank. He
served 13 years in the Israeli jails; most of that detention period was under
administrative detention.

 

Sunday, 14
April 2013

 

· At approximately 02:30, Israeli forces moved into
al-Arroub refugee camp, north of Hebron. They patrolled the streets and
deployed between the houses. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

 

· Around the same time, Israeli forces moved intoDeir
Abu Mesh’al village, northwest of Ramallah. They patrolled the streets and
raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Yusef Mohammed Hassan
Taha (32). They arrested him and transferred him to Ofer detention facility.

 

· At approximately 02:40, Israeli forces moved into
al-Ezza refugee camp, north of Bethlehem. They raided a house belonging to the
family of Mohammed Sa’id Abu Sha’ira (45) and handed him notices related to him
and his 3 sons: Jihad (18); Abdul Hadi (20) and Rammah (19), ordering them to
refer to the Israeli intelligence service at “Gosh Ezion” settlement,
south of the city.

 

· At approximately 03:00, Israeli forces moved into Beit
‘Our al-Tahta, southwest of Ramallah. They patrolled the streets and raided and
searched a house belonging to the family of Ibrahim Qasem Khalil. At
approximately 03:30, Israeli forces arrested Khalil’s son, Khaled Khalil (16),
and transported him to Ofer detention facility.

 

· At approximately 03:50, Israeli forces moved into Hosan
village, west of Bethlehem. They raided and searched a house belonging to the
family of Ali Dawood Hamamra (27) and a house belonging to the family of
Ibrahim Abdul Aziz Kamel (36). They also arrested the 2 aforementioned persons.

 

· Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Wad
Fuqin village, west of Bethlehem. They raided a house belonging to the family
of Adel Mohammed al-Hroub (27) and handed him a notice directing him to refer
to the Israeli intelligence service at “Gosh Ezion” settlement, south
of the city.

 

· At approximately 08:00, Israeli gunboats positioned
off the coast of al-Waha resort, northwest of Beit Lahia, in the north of the
Gaza Strip, opened fire at Palestinian fishing boats that were sailing 3
nautical miles offshore. As a result, the fishermen returned to shore, fearing
that they would be arrested or wounded. Neither casualties nor material damage
were reported.

 

· At approximately 11:00, Israeli forces moved into
al-Khader village, south of Bethlehem, and stationed themselves in Um Rokba
area at the southwestern entrance of the village. They raided houses belonging
to the families of: Hussein Ali Khader Salah (55); Mojahed Hussein Na’im Marzouq
(21); Mohammed Ya’qoub Salah (25); and Ramzi Rezeq Salah (21). The Israeli
forces handed then notices to refer to the Israeli intelligence service at
“Gosh Ezion” settlement, south of the city. Ahmed Salah, coordinator
of the Popular Committee against settlement activites, informed PCHR’s
fieldworker that Israeli forces had deployed on the main streets in the village
and the old town and stopped a number of young men to check their ID cards. They
also seized a camera belonging to Ibrahim Dawood Mousa (44), a volunteer at B’Tselem
Information Centre for Human Rights, and deleted all its contents.

 

· At approximately 11:30, Israeli forces moved into Kofur
Malek village, northeast of Ramallah. They patrolled the streets for some time
and later withdrew. No arrests were reported.

 

· At approximately 14:40, Israeli forces moved into
Taqou’ village, southeast of Bethlehem. They surrounded the village and raided
the municipality building. They searched the ground floor, the employees and
clients. An Israeli intelligence officer of Bethlehem talked about the settler
attacks a week ago on the village’s mosques and requested the head of the
municipality to prevent the school students from throwing stones at the
settlers’ vehicles on the main road. Meanwhile, a number of boys threw stones
at the Israeli soldiers, who in response fired tear gas canisters. As a result,
the windows of a house belonging to the family of Nayef Mousa Ahmed al-‘Emour
(40) were destroyed. The Israeli forces withdrew later; no further incidents
occurred.

 

· At approximately 15:00, Israeli forces moved into al-Arroub
refugee camp, north of Hebron. They patrolled the streets and positioned themselves
in the centre of the camp. A number of boys gathered and threw stones at the
Israeli soldiers, who in response fired sound bombs, tear gas canisters and
rubber-coated metal bullets. As a result, many civilians suffered from tear gas
inhalation. At approximately 17:00, the Israeli forces withdrew, and no arrests
were reported.

 

· At approximately 19:30, Israeli forces moved into
Hawwar village, south of Nablus. The Israeli vehicles stopped by a sweet shop
belonging to the family of Mazen Bassam al-‘Aker on the main road. The
abovementioned shop was full of school students, who were on a picnic. The
Israeli soldiers fired sound bombs at the students, as a result, they were
terrified. The Israeli soldiers removed all the students from the shop and called
for backup. They deployed on the main road and in front of the shop preventing
anyone from approaching the area until 22:00.

 

· Around the same time, Israeli gunboats positioned off
the coast of al-Waha resort, northwest of Beit Lahia, in the north of the Gaza
Strip, opened fire at Palestinian fishing boats that were sailing 3 nautical
miles offshore. As a result, the fishermen returned to shore, fearing that they
would be arrested or wounded. Neither casualties nor material damage were
reported.

 

· At approximately 20:45, Israeli forces moved into Zeita
village, north of Tulkarm. They patrolled the streets for some time and later
withdrew. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

 

At approximately 22:00, Israeli forces moved into
al-Fondoqumiya village, southwest of Jenin. They patrolled the streets, raided
a billiards hall and handed notices to a number of young men directing them to
refer to the Israeli intelligence service at Salem detention facility, west of
Jenin. No arrests were reported. The summoned persons were:

1. Ahmed Fat’hi Mahmoud Qararya (20);

2. Ahmed Ali Ahmed Azzam (19);

3. Ahmed Tayseer Abed Jarrar (20); and

4. Dia’ Hussein Mostafa al-Zo’bi (27)

 

Monday, 15 April 2013

 

· At approximately 01:00, Israeli forces moved into Ethna
village, west of Hebron. After patrollingthe streets for some time, they later withdrew.
Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

 

· At approximately 01:30, Israeli forces moved into al-‘Aroub
refugee camp, north of Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to
the family of Wesam Atef Sweilem (19) and arrested him. They also raided and
searched another house belonging to the family of Mohanned Jaber Abu Sal (25)
and arrested him as well. A number of boys gathered and threw stones and empty
bottles at the Israeli soldiers who, in response, fired sound bombs, tear gas
canisters and rubber-coated metal bullets. A number of civilians suffered from
tear gas inhalation. At approximately 02:30, backup forces moved into the
refugee camp and stationed themselves at the entrance of it. They raided a
house belonging to the family of Abdul Ra’ouf al-Titi (68), looking for some
boys. The Israeli forces later withdrew.

 

· Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Yasouf
village, east of Salfit. They patrolled the streets for some time and withdrew at
approximately 04:15; neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

 

· At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into
Hebron. They raided a house belonging to the family of Karim Saleh Kamel Shaheen
(16) and arrested him.

 

· At approximately 02:45, Israeli forces moved into Jenin
refugee camp. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested Mahmoud
Hassan Ahmed Shabrawi (23), and Khalil Tareq Ali Sa’di (23).

 

· At approximately 03:00, Israeli forces moved into Beit
Ummar village, north of Hebron. They patrolled the streets for some time and later
withdrew. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

 

· At approximately 03:30, Israeli forces moved into Qalqilia.
They patrolled the streets for some time and later withdrew. Neither house
raids nor arrests were reported.

 

· At approximately 04:00, Israeli forces moved into Tulkarm
.They patrolled the streets and stationed themselves in al-Sawana
neighbourhood, southeast of the city. They raided a house belonging to the
family of Sa’ed Ahmed Ref’at Sa’ada (20) and arrested him. They also questioned
his brothers, Esam (29) and Nizar (24), each in a separate room. The Israeli
forces later withdrew.

 

· At approximately 06:30, Israeli gunboats stationed off
the coast of al-Waha resort, northwest of Beit Lahia, in the north of the Gaza
Strip, launched 3 shells and opened fire at Palestinian fishing boats that were
sailing within the three nautical mile limit. As a result, the fishermen returned
to shore, fearing that they would be arrested or wounded. Neither casualties
nor material damage were reported.

 

· At approximately 17:48, Israeli forces stationed along
the border fence, east of al-Bureij refugee camp, in the centre of the Gaza
Strip, opened fire at shepherds grazing sheep around 400 meters away from the
fence. As a result, a shepherd was wounded by a bullet in the back that exited
from the chest. The shepherd, Mohammed Mahmoud Mussallam Abu S’ayed (32), was
transferred to al-Aqsa Martyrs’ hospital in Deir al-Balah. He received the
necessary medical treatment. His condition was described as stable.

 

· At approximately 18:10, Israeli forces moved into Qalqilia.
They patrolled the streets for some time and later withdrew. Neither house
raids nor arrests were reported.

 

· At approximately 21:30, Israeli forces moved into
Sheqba village, west of Ramallah. They patrolled the streets for some time and later
withdrew. No arrests were reported.

 

Tuesday, 16 April 2013

 

·At approximately 01:00, Israeli forces moved into
Balata refugee camp, south of Nablus. They patrolled the streets, raided a
number of houses, and arrested Isma’il Ayman al-Masri (22).

 

· At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into Deir
Samet village, west of Doura, southwest of Hebron. They patrolled the streets and
raided a house belonging to the family of Mohammed Yusef al-Hroub. They handed
him a notice directing him to refer to the Israeli intelligence service. No
arrests were reported.

 

· At approximately 03:30, Israeli forces moved into Kherbatha
al-Mosbah village, southwest of Ramallah. They patrolled the streets for some
time and later withdrew. No arrests were reported.

 

· At approximately 07:30, Israeli forces moved into Beit
‘Our al-Tahta village, southwest of Ramallah. They patrolled the streets for
some time and later withdrew. No arrests were reported.

 

· At approximately 18:30, Israeli forces moved into Kherbet
Abu Falah village, northeast of Ramallah. They patrolled the streets for some
time and later withdrew. No arrests were reported.

 

· At approximately 19:45, Israeli forces moved into Zeita
village, north of Tulkarm. They patrolled the streets for some time and later withdrew.
Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

 

Wednesday, 17 April 2012

 

· At approximately 01:00, Israeli forces moved into the
old town in Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of
Adel Othman al-Ja’bari (55) and arrested him.

 

· At approximately 01:45, Israeli forces moved into Zabouba
village, northwest of Jenin. They patrolled the streets and raided a house
belonging to Zaqzouq family. They questioned the family on the spot. They later
withdrew; no arrests were reported.

 

· At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into the
centre of Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of
Mohammed Yunis Sedqi al-Atrash (22) and arrested him.

 

· At approximately 02:30, Israeli forces moved into Beit
Ummar village, north of Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to
the family of Mohammed Ahmed Abu Mariya (22) and arrested him.

 

· Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into the
southern Abu Snaina neighbourhood in Hebron. They raided and searched a house
belonging to the family of Jihad Mohammed Abu Snaina (21) and arrested him.

 

 

 

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

 

During the reporting period, Israeli soldiers used excessive
force against peaceful demonstrations organised by Palestinian civilians and
international and Israeli human rights defenders in protest at the construction
of the annexation wall and settlement activities in the West Bank. As a result,
3 Palestinian civilians and a Spanish human rights activist sustained wounds in
Bil’in and Nabi Saleh demonstrations. Dozens more civilians suffered from tear
gas inhalation; others sustained bruises.

 

Palestinian civilians also organised peaceful
demonstrations in solidarity with Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails,
particularly those on hunger strike. Israeli forces used excessive force
against these demonstrations. As a result, an 18-year-old male sustained a
bullet wound to the abdomen in a demonstration in Um Rokba area in Bethlehem on
12 April 2013 and Youssif Abdul-Hamid Abu-Maria (42), an activist, was wounded in
a demonstration in al-Haraiek area in Hebron.

 

 

Demonstrations against the construction of the annexation
wall and settlement activity

 

· Following the Friday Prayer on 12 April
2013, dozens of Palestinian civilians and international and Israeli human rights
defenders organised a peaceful demonstration in Bil’in village, west of
Ramallah, in protest at the construction of the annexation wall and in
solidarity with the prisoners on hunger strike inside Israeli jails. The
demonstrators marched through the streets of the village, chanting slogans
calling for national unity. The protesters were emphasising the need to adhere
to national principles and the right of return, to resist the occupation and to
call for the release of all Palestinian prisoners. The protesters raised
Palestinian flags and pictures of prisoners and made their way towards the
lands adjacent to the annexation wall. Israeli forces had closed all entrances
to the village since early morning to prevent Palestinians, journalists, and
international activists from joining the protest. The protesters raised
Palestinian flags and made their way towards the wall. They called through
megaphones for 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
Palestinian civilians sustained wounds; a 20-year-old and 22-year-old male were
each hit in the right arm by a tear gas canisters.

 

· Also following the Friday Prayer, dozens of
Palestinian civilians and international and Israeli human rights defenders
organised a peaceful demonstration in Ni’lin village, west of Ramallah, in
protest at the construction of the annexation wall, settlement activities and
in solidarity with the Palestinian prisoners on hunger strike inside Israeli
jails, especially Samer al-‘Issawi. The demonstrators moved towards the
annexation wall. The, Israeli soldiers stationed in the area immediately fired
rubber-coated metal bullets, sound bombs, and tear gas canisters at the
demonstrators. As a result, dozens of demonstrators suffered from tear gas
inhalation and others sustained bruises.

 

· Around the same time on Friday, dozens of
Palestinian civilians, and Israeli and international human rights activists
gathered in the Martyrs Square in Nabi Saleh village, northwest of Ramallah, to
hold a weekly peaceful protest against the construction of the annexation wall
and settlement activities. The demonstration was organized under the title:
“Freedom is our children’s right,” in commemoration of Palestinian
Child Day and in solidarity with Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails. The
protesters walked towards Palestinian lands that Israeli settlers from the
nearby “Halmish” settlement are trying to seize. Israeli forces
closed all entrances to the village in the morning to prevent Palestinians,
international activists and journalists from joining the demonstration. Upon
their arrival in the afore-mentioned area, Israeli soldiers fired live ammunition,
rubber-coated bullets, sound bombs, and tear gas canisters at the protesters
and civilian houses in the area, and chased the demonstrators into the village.
As a result, a Spanish human rights activist, Luci (27), sustained three bullet
wounds to her left leg, waist and back. She was transferred via ambulance to
Yassir ‘Aarafat Hospital in Salfit. Also, a 19-year-old male sustained a bullet
wound to the right thigh.

 

· Following the Friday Prayer, dozens of Palestinian youths from
‘Aboud village, international and Israeli human rights gathered near the
eastern entrance of the village, in southwest of Ramallah, for a demonstration
in protest to the construction of the wall, settlement activity, in commemoration
of the memory of the martyr Mohammed ‘Asfour and in solidarity with prisoners
on hunger strike inside Israeli jails, especially Samer al-‘Issawi. The
demonstrators patrolled the streets of the village, raised the Palestinian flag
and made their way towards the western entrance of the village, approximate to
the annexation wall. The demonstrators threw stones and empty bottles at
Israeli forces, which were deployed at the entrance of the village and across
the adjacent settlers’ street. In response, the soldiers fired live bullets,
rubber-coated metal bullets, tear gas canisters, and sound bombs at the
demonstrators, sprayed them with waste water and chased them into the village. As a result, dozens of demonstrators suffered from
tear gas inhalation and others sustained bruises.

 

· Following Friday Prayer, dozens of
inhabitants of al-Mas’ra village, south of Bethlehem, international and Israeli
human rights activists, activists in the Popular Resistance Committees and the
Volunteer Work Committee, and mothers of Palestinian prisoners gathered for the
weekly peaceful demonstration against the construction of the annexation wall
and settlement activity. The demonstration, titled: “Freedom for prisoners
in Israeli Jails, especially Samer al-‘Issawi,” started outside Shomou’
Cultural Centre in the centre of the village. The participants carried
Palestinian flags and signs against the occupation while they roamed the
streets of the village. Israeli soldiers, who were deployed in large numbers in
the village, intercepted the demonstrators, prohibited them from accessing the
wall and fired tear gas canisters at them; as a result, dozens of demonstrators
suffered from tear gas inhalation.

 

 

· At approximately 13:10 on Friday, dozens of
Palestinian civilians and international human rights defenders organised a
peaceful demonstration in the centre of Kufor Kadoum village, northeast of
Qalqilya, in protest at the continuous closure of the eastern entrance of the
village since the outbreak of al-Aqsa Intifada. Israeli forces denied the demonstrators
access to the afore-mentioned gate and fired sound bombs and tear gas canisters
at the group; as a result, a number of demonstrators suffered from tear gas
inhalation.

 

· At approximately 11:00 on Saturday, 13
April 2013, dozens of Palestinian civilians and international human rights
defenders gathered in the centre of Bait Ummar village, north of Hebron. The
demonstrators made their way towards Khlat al-Kutla area, close to the security
fence of “Karmi Tsur” settlement, established on civilian Palestinian
lands in the east of the village. Israeli forces cordoned off the
demonstration, and a skirmish started between the demonstrators and Israeli
soldiers who punched and kicked them. Israeli soldiers also fired sound bombs
and tear gas canisters at the demonstration, chased them across surrounding
farmlands in the area; as a result, a number of demonstrators suffered from
tear gas inhalation.

 

Other peaceful
demonstrations

 

· At approximately 13:30 on Thursday, 11
April 2013, dozens of Palestinian civilians gathered in the Um Rokba area, at
the south-western entrance of al-Khader village, south of Bethlehem, in protest
against Israel’s harsh treatment of the Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails.
The demonstrators threw stones at Israeli forces stationed in the area.
Immediately, Israeli forces fired tear gas canisters; as a result, a number of
demonstrators suffered from tear gas inhalation. Moreover, Israeli soldiers
assaulted 60-year-old Mustafa ‘Omran Salah when he tried to stop them from storming
his house. Israeli soldiers turned the area into a military barracks and
deployed themselves between the civilian houses and the bushes; they stood atop
Mahmoud Hamdan al-Wahsh’s house and used
it as an observation point to monitor the movement of civilians and to fire
crowd control weapons  at them.

 

· At approximately 17:35 on Thursday, dozens
of Palestinian youths gathered by the northern entrance of ‘Ayda refugee camp,
in the north of Bethlehem. The demonstrators threw stones and empty bottles at
Israeli soldiers, stationed in a military watchtower established in the area. The
soldiers fired sound bombs and tear gas canisters at the demonstrators and
civilian houses; as a result, a number of civilians suffered from tear gas
inhalation. During the clashes, Israeli forces also arrested two children:
Mohammed ‘Omar Badarna (15) and KaramAmjad ‘Amareen (16) near Moftah al-‘Awda
in the centre of the camp.

 

· Following the Friday Prayer on 12 April
2013, dozens of Palestinian civilians and activists from the Youth Forum
against Settlement Activity and Hebron Defence Committee and international
human rights defenders gathered in front of ‘Ali al-Bakaa mosque, in the centre
of Hebron, for a peaceful demonstration demanding that Shuhada Street, which
has been closed since 1994, be opened. The demonstrators headed towards the
entrance of Shuhada Street, which is adjacent to the old municipal building,
where the settlers established a settlement outpost called “Beit Hadassah,”
located within H2 area, according to the Oslo Accords of 1993. Israeli forces,
accompanied by a number of military vehicles, as well as a wastewater pumping
vehicle, raided the area, ordered the demonstrators to leave and declared it a
closed military zone. The soldiers fired rubber-coated metal bullets, live
bullets, sound bombs, tear gas canisters and sprayed wastewater at the
demonstrators. As a result, a number of the demonstrators suffered from tear
gas inhalation.

 

· Around the same time, dozens of Palestinian
youths gathered in the Um Rokba area, at the south-western entrance of
al-Khader village, south of Bethlehem. The demonstrators threw stones at Israeli
forces stationed in the area. Immediately, Israeli forces fired rubber-coated
metal bullets, tear gas canisters and sound bombs at the demonstrators. As a
result, an 18-year-old male sustained a bullet wound to the abdomen; the
patient was transferred to Beit Jala Public Hospital for treatment, and his
condition was described as stable.

 

· At approximately 13:00 on Friday, dozens of
Palestinian civilians, activists with the Popular Committees against Settlement
Activity and the Hebron Defence Committee, and international human rights
activists gathered in al-Haraiek area, southeast of Hebron, for a peaceful
demonstration calling for the route linking Hebron to its southern villages to
be reopened; it has been closed for the past 12 years. These villages are
al-Rayhia, al-Thaheria, Doura, and al-Fawar Refugee Camp. Upon arrival at the
steel gate which blocks the road leading to Bypass Road 60, Israeli forces
surrounded the area and declared it a closed military zone, ordering the
demonstrators to leave immediately. The soldiers fired rubber-coated metal
bullets, tear gas canisters, and sound bombs at the demonstration and sprayed
them with wastewater. A number of protesters fainted as a result of inhalation
of tear gas and foul odours. Moreover, Youssif Abdul-Hamid Abu-Maria (42), an
activist, was hit in the right hand by a tear gas canister.

 

· At approximately 17:10 on Tuesday, 16 April
2013, a number of Palestinian teenagers gathered in the Um Rokba area, at the
south-western entrance of al-Khader village, south of Bethlehem. The
demonstrators threw stones at Israeli forces stationed in the area. Immediately,
Israeli forces fired tear gas canisters and sound bombs at the demonstrators.
As a result, the windshield of Samir Barakat Salah (35) was broken after a tear
gas canister fell on it; a number of civilians also suffered from tear gas
inhalation. Moreover, Israeli soldiers topped Mahmoud al-Wahsh’s house and
turned it into a military observation point and used it to fire tear gas
canisters and sound bombs.

 

 

3. Continued closure of the oPt

 

Israel has continued to
impose a tightened 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

 

Israel has continuously closed all border crossings to
the Gaza Strip for more than 5 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.

 

· Israeli forces have tightened the closure
of the Gaza Strip, 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 at preventing economic development in the Gaza Strip, by
imposing total control over the flow of imports and exports.

· The total closure of al-Mentar (“Karni”)
crossing since 02 March 2011 has seriously affected the economy of the Gaza
Strip. Following this closure, all economic and commercial establishments in the
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 capacity to absorb
the flow of imports and exports. The decision to close al-Mentar crossing was
the culmination of a series of decisions resulting in the complete closure of the
Sofa crossing, east of the Gaza Strip in the beginning of 2009, and the 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.

 

· 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.

 

· The cooking gas crisis, which erupted last
November, has continued to affect the Gaza Strip. This crisis started on 04
January 2010, when Israeli authorities completely closed the Nahal Oz crossing,
which was dedicated for the delivery of fuel and cooking gas supplies to Gaza. They
then shifted the transport of fuel and cooking gas supplies to the Karm Abu
Salem crossing, which is not equipped to receive enough quantities of fuel to
meet Gaza needs. The Karm Abu Salem crossing, when operating at full capacity,
can receive only 200 tonnes of cooking gas per day.

 

· Approximately 80% of the people living in
the Gaza Strip continue to depend on humanitarian aid provided by UNRWA and
other relief agencies. The number of families who are living below the poverty
line has continued to increase. Approximately 40% of Gaza’s manpower continues
to suffer from permanent unemployment as the majority of Gaza’s businesses have
closed down.

 

· Israeli forces have continued to impose a
total ban on the export of products from the Gaza Strip, especially industrial
products, undermining any real chance of reopening businesses. The situation
has been aggravated since the Karm Abu Salem crossing was designated as Gaza’s
sole commercial crossing; the repeated closure of this crossing negatively
affects the quantity of products which are allowed to be exported from the Gaza
Strip.

 

· For almost 6 consecutive years, Israeli forces have continued to prevent
the delivery of construction materials to the Gaza Strip. During the reporting
period, Israeli forces approved the delivery of limited quantities of
construction materials for a number of international organisations.

 

· 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 denied permission to access hospitals via the
crossing for new categories of patients from the Gaza Strip.

 

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

 

Movement at Rafah International Crossing Point

10 – 16 April 2013

 

 

 

Movement at Beit Hanoun (“Erez”) crossing

10-16 April 2013

 

 

Note: Beit Hanoun (“Erez”) crossing, in the north
of the Gaza Strip, is dedicated for the movement of individuals, and links the Gaza
Strip with the West Bank.

 

 

· On Monday, 15 April 2013, the crossing was completely closed, with
exception made for humanitarian cases, as Israel was commemorating the killing
of Israelis.

· On Tuesday, 16 April 2013, the crossing was completely closed for Israeli
Independence day.

 

 

Movement at Karm Abu Salem (“Kerem Shalom”) crossing

10 – 16 April 2013

Imports:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Exports:

 

 

· On Sunday, 14 April 2013, Israeli forces allowed the
export of a total of 7 truckloads of plastic containers.

 

Other Imports:

 

· On Sunday, 14 April 2013, Israeli forces allowed the
entry of 98 tonnes of construction steel and 380 tonnes of construction
aggregate for UNRWA; and 1,050 tonnes of construction aggregate for the private
sector. They also allowed the entry of 1,365 tonnes of fodder and 234 tonnes of
wheat.

 

It should be noted that Karm Abu Salem (“Kerem
Shalom”) crossing was completely closed on the 11^th 13^th,
15^th, and 16th April 2013, due to Jewish holidays and security
reasons.

 

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:

 

· Ramallah: Israeli
forces have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of
Palestinian civilians. At approximately 09:00 on Thursday, 04 April 2013, Israeli
forces established a checkpoint at the northern entrance of Ni’lin village,
west of Ramallah.  The checkpoint was
later removed.

At approximately 14:00 on Friday, 12 April 2013,
Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the eastern entrance of Kherbtha
al-Mesbah village, southwest of Ramallah.
At approximately 19:30, they established a checkpoint near the eastern
entrance of al-Tibah village, which is located northeast of the city. The two
checkpoints were later removed, and no arrests were reported.

At approximately 11:30 on Saturday, 13 April 2013,
Israeli forces re-established at
‘Atara checkpoint at the northern entrance of Birzeit, north of the city.
They later withdrew, and no arrests were reported.  At approximately 16:00, they established a
checkpoint at the entrance of Beit ‘Aor al-Tahta, southwest of Ramallah.  No arrests were reported.

At approximately 04:30 on Sunday, 14 April 2013, Israeli
forces established a checkpoint on the road between Beit Loqya and Beit Sira
villages, southwest of Ramallah.  At
approximately 10:00, they established a checkpoint at the entrance of al-Nabi
Saleh village, southwest of Ramallah, and detained a number of civilians.  The checkpoint was later removed, and no
arrests were reported.

 

· Hebron: Israeli
forces have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of
Palestinian civilians. At approximately 11:00 on Thursday, 11 April 2013, Israeli
forces, stationed at the entrance of the Ibrahimi Mosque, in the centre of the
old city in central Hebron, detained Kamel Humaid and a number of civilians,
who were with him, while trying to enter the Ibrahimi Mosque claiming that one
of his companions was holding a weapon. At approximately 16:00, they
established a checkpoint at the entrance of al-Borj village, southwest of Dura,
southwest of the city. At 16:30, they established another checkpoint on al-Nabi
Younis Road at the northern entrance of Halhoul village, as the entrance
connects with Bypass Road 60, north of Hebron.
The two checkpoints were later removed, and no arrests were reported.

At approximately 16:00 on Monday, 15 April 2013, Israeli
forces established a checkpoint at the entrance of Beit ‘Aynoun village, northeast
of Hebron. At approximately 17:00, they established a checkpoint at the
northern entrance of Hebron, as the entrance connects Bypass Road 60.   The two checkpoints were later removed, and
no arrests were reported.

At approximately 07:00 on Tuesday, 16 April 2013, Israeli
forces stationed in Janba area, southeast of Yata, south of Hebron, detained a
vehicle that transport school students and a number of foreign activists.  Israeli forces denied them access to Janba
mixed school claiming that the area is a closed military zone and civilians are
prohibited to enter it.  Rateb al-Jbour
said that Israeli forces deliberately detain the vehicle on a daily basis,
which was allocated by the Ministry of Education to transport students from
their threatened-to-displace villages due to inaccessibility to their schools
both in Jenba and al-Fakhit areas.  At
approximately 08:00, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the entrance of
Sa’ir village, east of Hebron.  At
approximately 15:00, they established another checkpoint on the road between
Yatta and its eastern villages.  The two
checkpoints were later removed, and no arrests were reported.

 

· Qalqilya: Israeli
forces have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of
Palestinian civilians. At approximately 08:00 on Sunday, 14 April 2013, Israeli
forces established a checkpoint at the eastern entrance of Qalqilya.  At approximately 17:55, they re-established
the checkpoint. Around the same time, they established at the northern entrance
of ‘Azoun village, east of the city, and another checkpoint was established on
the main road between Qalqilya and Tulkarm.
At approximately 20:20, the Israeli forces established a checkpoint at
the northern entrance of ‘Azoun village, east of Qalqilya. All checkpoints were
later removed, and no arrests were reported.

At approximately 18:50 on Monday, 15 April 2013, Israeli
forces established a checkpoint on the main road near the intersection of Kafr
Laqef village, east of Qalqilya. At approximately 20:20, they established
another checkpoint between Jayous and Kherbet Seir villages, northeast of
Qalqilya. The two checkpoints were later removed, and no arrests were reported.

                                              

· Tulkarm: Israeli
forces have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of
Palestinian civilians. At approximately 20:30 on Thursday, 11 April 2013, Israeli
soldiers established a checkpoint near Baqet al-Sharq village, north of Tulkarm.
The checkpoint was later removed, and no arrests were reported.

At approximately 12:30 on Saturday, 12April 2013, Israeli
forces established a checkpoint at the entrance of al-Nazlah al-Ghrbiyah
village, north of Tulkarm.  The checkpoint
was later removed, and no arrests were reported. 

 

· Jenin: Israeli
forces have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of
Palestinian civilians. At approximately 21:30 on Thursday, 11 April 2013,
Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the entrance of al-Yamoun village,
northwest of Jenin.  The checkpoint was
later removed, and no arrests were reported.

At approximately 20:00 on Friday, 12 April 2013,
Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the entrance of Ya’abod village,
southwest of the city.  The checkpoint
was later removed, and no arrests were reported.

At approximately 19:00 on Saturday, 13 April 2013, Israeli
forces established a checkpoint at the entrance of Faqou’a village, northeast
of Jenin. The checkpoint was later removed, and no arrests were reported.

At approximately 20:30 on Tuesday, 16 April 2013, Israeli
forcesestablished a checkpoint on the main road that connects Jenin with
Tulkarm and Nablus near the intersection of ‘Arrabah village, south of
Jenin.  The checkpoint was later removed,
and no arrests were reported.

 

Jericho: Israeli
forces have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of
Palestinian civilians.  At approximately
09:30 on Thursday, 11 April 2013, the Israeli forces established a checkpoint
near the entrance of Fasayel village, north of Jericho.  At approximately 20:30, they established a
checkpoint near the southern entrance of the city.  The two checkpoints were later removed, and
no arrests were reported.

At approximately 11:00 on Sunday, 14 April 2013,
Israeli forces established a checkpoint near the entrance of al-Zbeidat
village, north of Jericho.  At
approximately 15:00, they established a checkpoint near the southern entrance
of the city.  The two checkpoints were
later removed, and no arrests were reported.

 

Salfit: Israeli
forces have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of
Palestinian civilians.  At approximately
08:00 on Friday, 12 April 2013, the Israeli forces established a checkpoint at
the entrance of KaflHaris village, north of Salfit.  They closed the iron gate, which was
established at the southern entrance of the village and blocked traffic in both
directions.  They claimed that
Palestinians threw stones at the Israeli vehicles, which they were travelling
on“Trans-Samaria” road.  At approximately 10:00, the checkpoint was
removed, and no arrests were reported.
Around the same time, Israeli forces established another checkpoint at
the entrance of Haris village, north of the city.  The checkpoint was later removed, and no
arrests were reported.

At approximately 08:30 on Monday, 15 April 2013,
Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the eastern entrance of Yasouf
village, east of Salfit.  The checkpoint
was later removed, and no arrests were reported.

 

Detention at
military checkpoints

 

· At approximately 05:00 on Thursday, 11 April 2013, Israeli
forces established a checkpoint on the road between Nablus and Ramallah.  They arrested Ahmed Khalid Bahlul (24), from
Bita village, southeast of Nablus, while they were passing the checkpoint to
head to their work, and took them to an unknown destination.  The checkpoint was later removed.

 

· At approximately 16:00 on Friday, 12 April 2013, just
after withdrawing from al-‘Arroub refugee camp, north of Hebron, Israeli forces
established a checkpoint at the entrance of the camp, as the entrance connects
Bypass Road 60.  They arrested Ahmed
Zakout al-Badawi (30) while he was on his way back from work, taking him to an
unknown destination.  The checkpoint was
later removed.

 

· At approximately 16:30, on the aforementioned Monday, Israeli
forces established a checkpoint at the entrance of ‘Aaboud, northwest of the
city.  They arrested Mohammed Riyad
Humeid Barghouthi (22) and transferred him to Ofer prison, southwest of
Ramallah.  The checkpoint was later
removed.

 

· At approximately 20:10 on Saturday, 13 April 2013, Israeli
forces arrested 2 brothers from ‘Azoun village, east of Qalqilya, when they
were with their family in their farmland, west of the village, and later
released them.  Their family said to a
PCHR fieldworker that a number of soldiers, who came from “Ma’ale Shomron”
settlement, went to the farmland where the family of Ibrahim Abdel Hadi Edwan
were.  They searched all the family
members and then handcuffed his two children: Khalid (15) and ‘Omer (17) taking
them to the aforementioned settlement.
At approximately 23:00, they were then released after the Palestinian
Military Liaison’s coordination with the Israeli Liaisons.

 

· At approximately 13:00 on Sunday 14 April 2013,
Israeli forces positioned at the gates of al-Ibrahimi Mosque in the centre of
the old city, central Hebron, arrested Rawan Mousa ‘Abed Raboh Darabi’a (21),
from Amrish village, east of Dura, southwest of Hebron.  Israeli forces claimed that the
aforementioned civilian was carrying a sharp tool and was then transferred to
“Ghosh ‘Atsoyon” detention centre, south of Bethlehem to question her.

 

· At approximately
15:00 on Monday, 15 April 2013, Israeli forces established a checkpoint in
al-Fawwar refugee camp, south of Hebron.
They arrested Islam ‘Abdel Hamid al-Bayed (22) and took him to an
unknown destination.

 

· At approximately
16:00 on Wednesday, 17 April 2013, Israeli forces positioned on al-Container
checkpoint, northeast of Bethlehem, arrested 3 civilians from Beit ‘Awwa
village, west of Dura, southwest of Hebron.
The arrested were later identified as: Issam Soliman Abu Zrei’a (33);
Sharhabil Badawi Masalmeh (36); and Mohammed ‘Abdel Qader Masalmah, and were
taken to “Ma’aleh Adumim” settlement, east of Jerusalem.

 

·  At approximately 10:00 on Wednesday, 17 April
2013, Israeli forces established a checkpoint on the main road that connects
Jenin with Tulkarm and Nablus, near the intersection of ‘Arrab village, south
of Jenin.  At noon, a number of buses
transporting students of Ibn Al-Bitar Elementary School in Qabatia arrived to
the checkpoint as they going in a school trip.
Israeli forces stopped the buses and arrested Bilal ‘Aasef Mohammed Abu
‘Erah (35), a teacher from ‘Aqabah village, north of Tubas, taking him to an unknown
destination.  They later allowed buses to
pass.

 

 

5. Settlement activities and attacks by settlers against Palestinian civilians
and property

 

· In the morning of Thursday, 11 April 2013, a group of
settlers from “Bat Ayin” settlement, established on the lands of
Palestinian civilians, in the west of Beit Ummar village, in the north of
Hebron, cut and broke the branches of a number of fruitful olive trees between
30 – 40 years old.  The targeted land is
located in Abul-Reish valley, west of the afore-mentioned village,
approximately 1 kilometre from the settlement.
The trees belong to Hammad Abdul-Hamid Jaber al-Salibi (87) and this is
the second time that the Salibi’s lands have been attacked by settlers this
year.

· At approximately 10:30 on Thursday, 11 April 2013, a
group of settlers, protected by Israeli forces and military vehicles, raided
the al-Hafira area, located between ‘Araba and Maraka villages, in the
southwest of Jenin.  The settlers
performed religious rituals near an archaeological site and stayed there for a
while.  They withdrew from the scene
later, no incidents were reported.

 

· At approximately 10:35 on Thursday, a group of
settlers from “Alei Zahav” and “Peduel” settlements raided the lands of
Palestinian civilians in Kuffor al-Deik area, west of Salfit.  The settlers, who arrived in 4 buses claimed
to be out for a picnic, thn their children cut and broke 8 olive trees in the
al-Hursh area (Balat Rakouba).  The trees
belong to Mr. Shawkat Qassem Ali Ahmed, and are located in the west of Kuffor
al-Deik.  In his testimony to a PCHR
fieldworker, Salem Ahmed, Shawkat’s son, said: “At approximately 10:00 on
Thursday, 11 April 2013, while my father and I were in the al-Hursh area,
Israeli soldiers approached us and told us that the settlers’ children were on
a picnic and that ought to leave.  We
left the scene immediately to avoid any clashes, we saw four buses coming
towards the tract of land and we returned home.
The next morning, we returned to the scene where we found the destroyed
olive trees, two recently planted olive trees were uprooted and 6 others were
broken.”

 

· In the morning of Thursday, settlers from “Tekoa”
settlement, in the northwest of Taqou’ village, in the southeast of Bethlehem,
uprooted hundreds of forest trees in Khriton valley area, which is considered
the only forest in Bethlehem governorate.
This falls under the attacks carried out for the expansion of “Tekoa”
settlement, established on the lands of the afore-mentioned village.

 

· At approximately 17:30 on Thursday, three masked
settlers accompanied by a police dog, from “Amona” outpost, which overlooks
“Ofra” settlement, which is established on lands of Silwad, Deir Jarir and ‘Ayn
Yabroud villages, northeast of Ramallah, attacked three civilians from Deir
Jarir and Silwad villages.  This attack
took place while the Palestinian civilians were grazing sheep in the Khelat
al-Sultan agricultural area, in the southeast of Silwad, approximately 1
kilometre from “Amona” outpost.  The
settlers threw stones using a slingshot, used clubs and pipes too when they
started beating Ahmed Mohammed Mahmoud ‘Ayad (59) severely and knocked him to
the ground, stole his smart phone and 500 NIS.
Immediately, three Palestinians who were present at the scene carried
‘Ayad and retreated to approximately 200 meters staying there until a
Palestinian private vehicle arrived and transported the victim into Silwad
Municipality’s ambulance, which was already heading towards the scene.  ‘Ayad was transported to Palestine Health
Complex in Ramallah; he sustained a fracture in the scull and severe bleeding
and bruises throughout his body.  He
underwent surgery in the Health Complex.
In the meantime, inhabitants of Silwad and Deir Jarir villages arrived
at the scene, burned a tent for settlers that was established in the area for
building a new outpost.  Immediately,
Israeli forces and border guards arrived at the scene, fired rubber-coated
metal bullets and tear gas canister at the Palestinians and chased them across
olive field into Silwad village.  As a
result, 12-year-old Hamza Saber Abdul-Hamid Hamed sustained two bullet wounds,
one on the left side of his waist and the other in the left hand.  The wounded child was transported via
ambulance to Palestine Health Complex; also, dozens of civilians suffered from
tear gas inhalation.

 

· In the morning of Friday, 12 April 2013, a group of
settlers from “Yitzhar” settlement, established on the eastern side of ‘Ourif
village, in the southeast of Nablus, broken 50 olive trees in the al-Marrah
area, near ‘Ourif Boys High School, in the east of the village.  The destroyed trees were between 1 and 3
years old and are the property of Essam Najeh Sherif al-Safadi, Rae’d Mahmoud
Ahmed Sabah and Kayed Abdul-Latif Abdul-Rahman Sabah.  The afore-mentioned civilians informed the
village council, who informed the Palestinian Military Liaison Office.

 

· At approximately 14:20 on Saturday, 13 April 2013, a
group of settlers from “Neriah” settlement, established on lands between
al-Janiyah and Ras Karkar villages in the northern side of it, northwest of
Ramallah, attacked ‘Abdel Latif Sha’aban Nofal (58) with stones while he was when
he was working in his land in Anir area, northwest of Ras Karkar village. 

 

‘Abdel Latif Nofal stated to a PCHR fieldworker that: “at
approximately 14:20 on Saturday, 13 April 2013, I was ploughing my land using a
tractor in Anir area, north of my Ras Karkar village, northwest of Ramallah,
which is 700 meters away “Neriah” settlement, which was established on lands
between my village and al-Janiyah village in the northern side.  Five settlers attacked me, accompanied with 2
dogs, with stones; verbally insulted me; and broke the tractor headlights.  I immediately fled with the tractor to a
farmland, which is half kilometre away from my land, belonging to my cousin to
the west.   I called one of my relatives
to tell him what happened and asked him to see where the settlers went.  After he told me that they headed eastwards,
I continued working.  At approximately
16:00, I was surprised by stones being intensively thrown at me from among the
olive trees and then saw 8 settlers, one of whom was carrying a gun, aged
between 20-29 years old and accompanied with 2 dogs.  I fled with the tractor 100 meters away;
meanwhile, the settlers left the area and I came back home.  After around one half hour, I felt pain
throughout my body, particularly in the left side, so I immediately went to
Palestine Medical Complex in Ramallah.
After conducting the necessary tests, it was found out that I sustained
bruises and scratches in the backside of the right shoulder; back; and the left
side as a result of being hit by stones.”

 

· At approximately 13:30 on Sunday, 14 April 2013, a
group of settlers, under the protection of Israeli forces and military
vehicles, raided the al-Hafira area, located between ‘Araba and Maraka
villages, in the southwest of Jenin.  The
settlers performed religious rituals near an archaeological site and stayed
there for a while.  They withdrew from
the scene later; no incidents were reported.
It should be mentioned that this raid is the second of its kind within 3
days.

 

· At approximately 07:30 on Monday, 15 April 2013, an
Israeli settler ran over a Palestinian child while driving through the main
road in Taqou’ village, in the southeast of Bethlehem.  The child was identified as 8-year-old Malek
‘Adel Hussain al-Sha’er, who was on his way to school in Kherbat al-Deir area,
in the north of the village, and adjacent to the main road.  Malek was hit in the left side of his body,
sustained a fracture in the left leg and an internal bleeding.  The Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS)
medical crews gave him first-aid, before the ambulance of the Red Star of David
arrived and transported him to Hadassah hospital in occupied Jerusalem.

 

· At approximately 08:00 on the same Monday, a number of
settlers from “Sousa” settlement, south of Yatta, established on
Palestinian lands, south of Hebron, attacked Palestinian farmers on their lands
and ordered them to leave. The farmers tried to stop the settlers, who in
response attacked the farmers and threw stones at them.  As a result, Majed Abu ‘Eqeil (44) from
al-Samou’ village, south of Hebron, sustained bruises.  This happened without any intervention from
the Israeli forces, who arrived to the area to stop the settlers’
assaults.  They then declared the area as
a closed military zone and ordered farmers to leave immediately.

 

· At approximately 12:00, dozens of settlers from
“Adora” settlement, established on Palestinian lands, west of Hebron, raided
the land of Palestinian civilians near Tafouh village and practiced religious
rituals near a spring of water.  They
later withdrew raising Israeli flags in the vicinity of the land as a prelude
to taking over it.

 

· At approximately 17:00 on Monday, a group of settlers,
protected by Israeli forces and military vehicles, raided the lands of
Palestinian civilians from Silat al-Thaher village, south of Jenin, where the evacuated
“Homesh” settlement used to be. According to local sources, dozens of
settlers arrived at the scene in a number of buses, accompanied by large units
of Israeli forces, where they then practiced some Talmudic rituals before
withdrawing from the scene. No other incidents were reported. It should be
noted that the settlers visit the site of the former settlement every month for
religious rituals, under strict protection from Israeli forces, since the
settlement was evacuated in September 2005.

 

· In the morning of Tuesday, 16 April 2013,
approximately 100 settlers, accompanied by their children and a number of dogs,
from “Efrat” settlement, in the south of Bethlehem, raided Solomon pools area, west
of Artas village, southwest of the city. The settlers strolled in the area,
washed in the water springs and performed some Talmudic rituals in the area,
under the protection of Israeli forces.  In the mean time, a group of activists from
the Popular Resistance in Bethlehem gathered and tried to stop the settlers
from wandering about in the area.

 

· On the aforementioned Tuesday, a number of settlers
from “Asfer” settlement, established on Palestinan lands, west of Sa’ir
village, east of Hebron, uprooted around 20 olive trees, aged two years,
belonging to Kamal Mousa Khalil Shalaldah (44) and confiscated some of
them.  Shalaldah said to a PCHR
fieldworker that his son went to the land on Tuesday, 16 April 2013, to work on
it and irrigated the crops, and he was surprised that a number of the trees
were uprooted and confiscated and the rest were cut off.

 

· At approximately 20:00, while passing on Hebron road,
Jerusalem, a settler attacked a car belonging to Khader Ibrahim al-Alami (39)
with stones.  The car was parked in front
of al-Alami’s house in the vicinity of Beit Ummar village, north of
Hebron.  As a result of the attack, the windshield
was broken.

 

Khader al-Alami said to a PCHR fieldworker that:

“At approximately 20:00 on Tuesday, 16 April 2013, my
friend and I were in my car near my house on Jerusalem-Hebron Road.  A white taxi with a yellow Registration plate
parked next to us, and a settler got out of it and pointed with his hand at the
Israeli soldiers, who were at the entrance of the village, the entrance is
meters away from my house.  The settler
picked up a stone and threw it at the windshield; as a result, it was
broken.  My friend and I immediately got
out of the car, and I asked him: “What are you doing”.  He then put a gun to my face and shot two
bullets in the air.  At that moment,
another settler got out of the car and he was holding an automatic machine gun
and put it against us without any intervention of the Israeli soldiers who
arrived to the area after the settlers left.”

 

 

 

Recommendations to the International Community

 

 

PCHR emphasizes the international community’s position
that the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, which is still
under the Israeli occupation, in spite of the Israeli military redeployment
outside the Gaza Strip in 2005. PCHR further confirms that Israeli force have
continued to impose collective punishment measures on the Gaza Strip, which
have escalated since the 2006 Palestinian parliamentary elections, in which
Hamas won the majority of seats of the Palestinian Legislative Council. PCHR
stresses that there is an international recognition of Israel’s obligation to
respect international human rights instruments and the international
humanitarian law, especially the Hague Regulations concerning the
Laws and Customs of War on Land and the
Geneva Conventions. Israel is bound to apply the international human rights law
and the law of war sometime reciprocally and other times in parallel in a way
that achieves the best protection for civilians and remedy for victims.

 

In light of continued arbitrary measures, land
confiscation and settlement activities in the West Bank, and the continued
aggression against civilians in the Gaza Strip, especially the latest offensive
that lasted for 8 days in November, PCHR calls upon the international
community, especially the United Nations, the High Contracting Parties to the
Geneva Convention and the European Union – in the context of their natural
obligation to respect and enforce the international law – to cooperate and act
according to the following recommendations:

 

1. PCHR calls upon the international community and the
United Nations 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;

2. PCHR calls upon the United Nations to provide international
protection to Palestinians in the oPt, and to ensure the non-recurrence of
aggression against the oPt, especially the Gaza Strip;

3. PCHR calls upon the High Contracting Parties to the
Geneva Conventions to compel Israel, as a High Contracting Party to the
Conventions, to apply the Conventions in the oPt;

4. PCHR calls upon the Parties to international human
rights instruments, especially the Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and
the Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, to pressurize Israel to
comply with their provisions in the oPt, and to compel it to incorporate the
human rights situation in the oPt in its reports submitted to the concerned
committees;

5. PCHR calls upon the High Contracting Parties to the
Geneva Conventions to fulfil their obligation to ensure the application of the
Conventions, including extending the scope of their jurisdiction in order to
prosecute suspected war criminals, regardless of the nationality of the
perpetrator and the place of a crime, to pave the way for prosecuting suspected
Israeli war criminals and end the longstanding impunity they have enjoyed;

6. PCHR calls on States that apply the principle of
universal jurisdiction not to surrender to Israeli pressure to limit universal
jurisdiction to perpetuate the impunity enjoyed by suspected Israeli war
criminals;

7. PCHR calls upon the international community to act in
order to stop all Israeli settlement expansion activities in the oPt through
imposing sanctions on Israeli settlements and criminalizing trading with them;

8. PCHR calls upon the UN General Assembly to transfer
the Goldstone Report to the UN Security Council in order to refer it to the
International Criminal Court in accordance with Article 13(b) of the Rome
Statute;

9. PCHR calls upon the United Nations to confirm that
holding war criminals in the Palestinian-Israeli conflict is a precondition to
achieve stability and peace in the regions, and that peace cannot be built on
the expense of human rights and victims;

10. PCHR calls upon the UN General Assembly and Human
Rights Council to explicitly declare that the Israeli closure policy in Gaza
and the annexation wall in the West Bank are illegal, and accordingly refer the
two issues to the UN Security Council to impose sanctions on Israel to compel
it to remove them;

11. PCHR calls upon the international community, in light
of its failure to the stop the aggression on the Palestinian people, to at
least fulfil its obligation to reconstruct the Gaza Strip after the series of
hostilities launched by Israel which directed targeted the civilian
infrastructure;

12. PCHR calls upon the United Nations and the European
Union to express a clear position towards the annexation wall following the
international recognition of the State of Palestine on the 1967 borders, as the
annexation wall seizes large parts of the State of Palestine;

13. PCHR calls upon the European Union to activate Article
2 of the EU-Israel Association Agreement, which provides that both sides must
respect human rights as a precondition for economic cooperation between the EU
states and Israel, and the EU must not ignore Israeli violation and crimes
against Palestinian civilians;

14. PCHR calls upon the Palestinian leadership to sign and
accede to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court and the Geneva
Conventions, and calls upon the international community, especially the United
Nations, to encourage the State of Palestine to accede to international human
rights law and humanitarian law instruments.