Jerusalem – Family of Nidal Abu Rmaila stands on the rubble of their house that was demolished by Jerusalem municipality bulldozers in al-Maghariba gate area under the pretext of non-licensing. Photo by: Mahmoud Elayan
Israeli forces continue systematic crimes in the occupied Palestinian territory (oPt)
(28 May – 03 June 2015)
A Palestinian civilian died of wounds he sustained during the latest Israeli offensive on the Gaza Strip
Israeli forces wounded 4 Palestinian civilians, including a child, in the West Bank.
Israeli forces continued to open fire at border areas in the Gaza Strip and chase fishers in the sea.
Israeli forces opened fire 4 times at Palestinian fishing boats, due to which 2 fishers were wounded, 9 others were arrested, including a child, and 2 fishing boats were seized.
Israeli forces opened fire 3 times at border areas in the south of the Gaza Strip, and a farmer was wounded.
Israeli forces conducted 64 incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank and a limited one in the southern Gaza Strip.
61 Palestinian civilians, including 14 children, were arrested.
21 of these civilians, including 3 children, were arrested in occupied Jerusalem.
Israel has continued to impose a total closure on the oPt and has isolated the Gaza Strip from the outside world.
Many checkpoints were established in the West Bank.
Israeli forces continued their effort to create Jewish majority in East Jerusalem.
3 houses, 2 of which are under-construction, were demolished.
2 women from al-Esawiya village, were obliged to take their clothes off in the taxi they were inside.
Israeli forces continued to support settlement activities in the West Bank and Israeli settlers continued to attack Palestinian civilians and property.
An artesian well and 2 agricultural rooms in Jenin were demolished.
Settlers attacked a Palestinian house in Tal al-Rumaida neighbourhood, in the central Hebron.
Settlers threw stones at a doctor’s vehicle in Nablus, due to which the glass smashed.
Summary
Israeli violations of international law and international humanitarian law in the oPt continued during the reporting period (28 May – 03 June 2015).
Shooting:
During the reporting period, a Palestinian civilian died of wounds he sustained during the latest Israeli offensive on the Gaza Strip. Israeli forces continued to use force against Palestinian civilians participating in peaceful protests in the oPt and against fishers sailing within the allowed area. Moreover, they continued to open fire at farmers and agricultural lands in border areas along the Gaza Strip. During the reporting period, Israeli forces wounded 7 Palestinian civilians, including a child, 4 of whom were wounded in the West Bank and the other 3 ones, including 2 fishers and a farmer, were wounded in the Gaza strip.
In the Gaza Strip, a Palestinian medical source declared on 28 May 2015 Sa’id al-Nadi (55,) from Jabalia in the north of the Gaza Strip, died of wounds he sustained during the latest Israeli offensive on the Gaza Strip.
On 01 June 2015, 2 Palestinian fishers were wounded when Israeli gunboats opened fire at Palestinian fishing boats sailing within 4 nautical miles off northern Gaza City. As a result, two fishers were wounded.
On 03 June 2015, a Palestinian farmer was wounded when Israeli forces stationed along the border fence opened fire at a group of farmers, who were reaping wheat in the east of Khuza’a village, east of Khan Yunis in the south of the Gaza Strip.
In the context of targeting fishers, in addition to the abovementioned attack on fishermen, Israeli navy forces opened fire thrice at fishermen sailing in the allowed area. They arrested 5 fishers, including a child, but released 4 of them later. Moreover, Israeli forces seized 2 fishing boats that were sailing off Deir al-Balah shore, in the central Gaza Strip.
In the context of targeting border areas, in addition to the abovementioned attack on farmers, Israeli forces stationed along the border fence opened sporadic fire twice at border areas, south of the Gaza Strip, but neither casualties nor material damage were reported.
In the West Bank, Israeli forces continued the use of excessive and systematic force against peaceful protests organized by Palestinian civilians and Israeli and international solidarity activists against the construction of the annexation wall and settlement activities in the West Bank. As a result, 4 protestors, including a child, were wounded.
Incursions:
During the reporting period, Israeli forces conducted at least 64 military incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank and 7 ones in East Jerusalem. During these incursions, Israeli forces arrested at least 61 Palestinians, including 14 children. Twenty-one of these Palestinians, including 3 children, were arrested in East Jerusalem.
Among the arrested was Ahmed Khdair (34), a journalist and activist at the International Solidarity Movement, who was arrested from his house in Nablus, and Khaled Saleh Hussein Abu Zaina (55), who was arrested from his house in Jenin refugee camp too. Furthermore, Israeli forces arrested 3 leaders of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) in Tulkram and Qalqilya.
In the Gaza Strip, on 03 June 2015, Israeli forces conducted a limited incursion in the east of al-Shouka village, east of Rafah in the south of the Gaza Strip. They levelled lands along the border fence.
Restrictions on movement:
Israel continued to impose a tight closure of the oPt, imposing severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including occupied East Jerusalem.
The illegal closure of the Gaza Strip, which has been steadily tightened since June 2007 has had a disastrous impact on the humanitarian and economic situation in the Gaza Strip. The Israeli authorities impose measures to undermine the freedom of trade, including the basic needs for the Gaza Strip population and the agricultural and industrial products to be exported. For 8 consecutive years, Israel has tightened the land and naval closure to isolate the Gaza Strip from the West Bank, including occupied Jerusalem, and other countries around the world. This resulted in grave violations of the economic, social and cultural rights and a deterioration of living conditions for 1.8 million people. The Israeli authorities have established Karm Abu Salem (Kerem Shaloum) as the sole crossing for imports and exports in order to exercise its control over the Gaza Strip’s economy. They also aim at imposing a complete ban on the Gaza Strip’s exports. The Israeli closure raised the rate of poverty to 38.8%, 21.1% of which suffer from extreme poverty. Moreover, the rate of unemployment increased up to 44%, which reflects the unprecedented economic deterioration in the Gaza Strip.
Efforts to create Jewish majority
On Tuesday, 02 June 2015, bulldozers of the Israeli municipality in East Jerusalem demolished 2 under-construction houses in Wadi Helwa neighbourhood in Silwan village, south of the old city, under the pretext of non-licensing.
On the same day, Israeli municipality demolished parts of a house belonging to the family of Rafiq Ahmed al-Salayma on Saladin Street in East Jerusalem, under the pretext of non-licensing.
On 29 May 2015, Israeli police officers beat and arrested 3 members of Moheisen family for no reason. The 3 civilians were attacked while being in a vehicle at the entrance of al-Esawiya village, north of East Jerusalem.
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 28 May 2015, Israeli forces closed the entrance of a room on the underground floor of the Ibrahimi Mosque in the center of Hebron for “security reasons”. They changed the door’s lock and refused to give its key to mosque servants.
On Tuesday, 02 June 2015, Israeli forces moved into Rummana village, northwest of Jenin. They deployed in Palestinian farmlands and informed farmers they had an order to bridge an artesian well and 2 agricultural rooms under the pretext they were not licensed. An Israeli bulldozer demolished the well and rooms and no more incidents were reported.
Settlers’ attacks
On Sunday midnight, 31 May 2015, a number of settlers threw stones at a house in Tal al-Rumaida neighbourhood in Hebron. They also set fire around the house, as a result, some stuffs belonging to family were burnt, but no casualties were reported.
On Tuesday, 02 June 2015, a settler in a mini truck threw stones at a Palestinian civilian vehicle. As a result, the windshield was broken and the back of the car sustained damage.
Details
1. Incursions into Palestinian Areas, and Attacks on Palestinian Civilians and Property in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip
Thursday, 28 May 2015
At approximately 01:00, Israeli gunboats opened fire at the fishing boats sailing within 3 nautical miles off al-Soudaniyah shore, west of Jabalia in the northern Gaza Strip. The shooting continued for around 20 minutes causing fear among fishers who were forced to flee away. No causalities were reported.
Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into al-‘Aroub refugee camp, north of Hebron. They stationed in the centre of the camp and then raided and searched a house belonging to Munir Khalil Jawabrah (20). Israeli forces withdrew later from the camp, and no arrests were reported.
At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into Bal’a village, northeast of Tulkarm. They stationed in the western quarter. They then raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Nabil Saleh ‘Awwad Hamdan (47) and arrested him.
At approximately 03:30, Israeli forces moved into Jenin. They patrolled the streets for some time and then re-stationed in Jenin refugee camp adjacent to the southern neighbourhood of the city. They then raided and searched a house belonging to the Feras Jom’ah Khamis Wehdah (35) and arrested him.
Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces carried out incursions in the following, but no arrests were reported: Rantis village, west of Ramallah; Beit ‘Oar al-Tahta, southwest of the city; ‘Ein al-Sultan refugee camp, west of Jericho; Fasayel village, north of the city; al-Moreq village, south of Dura, southwest of Hebron; and al-Samou’a village, south of the city.
Friday, 29 May 2015
At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into Beit Ummar village, north of Hebron. They raided and searched a number of neighbourhoods in the centre of the village and then raided and searched two houses belonging to the family of ‘Ali ‘Ayyad ‘Awad and Jamil Mahmoud ‘Alqam. No arrests were reported. Meanwhile, other Israeli forces raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Hasan Saleh Hadi and handed his son, Mohammed (22), a summons to refer to the Israeli intelligence in “Gosh ‘Etzion” settlement, south of Bethlehem. When Israeli forces were withdrawing from the village, a number of Palestinian boys gathered to throw stones and empty bottles at the Israeli forces, who in response fired sound bombs and tear gas canisters at the boys and houses indiscriminately. As a result, a number of civilians suffer tear gas inhalation.
Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces carried out incursions in the following areas, but no arrests were reported: Saffa village, southwest of Ramallah; Deir Debwan village, north of Ramallah; al-Fawar refugee camp, south of Hebron; and Beit ‘Awa village, southwest of Dura, southwest of Hebron.
Saturday, 30 May 2015
At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into Beit Kahel village, west of Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Mohammed Ibrahim al-Zaro (19). Israeli forces arrested the aforementioned civilian and withdrew later taking him to an unknown destination.
At approximately 04:00, Israeli forces moved into al-‘Ezzah refugee camp, north of Bethlehem. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Akram Rezeq al-Barbari (25) and handed him a summons to refer to the Israeli intelligence in their office in Gosh ‘Etzion settlement complex, south of the city.
Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces carried out incursions in the following areas, but no arrests were reported: the villages of al-Zbeidat and al-‘Oja, northeast of Jericho; and al-Majd village, west of Dura, southwest of Hebron.
Sunday, 31 May 2015
At approximately 00:30, Israeli forces moved into Ya’bod village, southwest of Jenin. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Yousif Burhan Saber Turkman (17) and arrested him.
At approximately 01:30, Israeli forces moved into al-‘Aroub refugee camp, north of Hebron. They raided and searched 2 houses, from which they arrested 3 children: Mohammed Salah Mohammed al-Badawi (17); his brother, ‘Omer al-Badawi (14); and Fathi Zuhdi Mahfouz (14).
At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into a number of neighbourhoods in the centre of Hebron. They stationed in Ras al-Jorah area and then raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Shehab al-Deen Mohammed al-Jneidi (24). They handed him a summons to refer to the Israeli intelligence in “Gosh ‘Etzion” settlement, south of Bethlehem. Meanwhile, other Israeli forces raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Islam Khairy Maraqah (25) and arrested him.
At approximately 02:30, Israeli forces moved into Bir al-Basha, south of Jenin. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Sharif Hussein Mohammed Ghawadrah (55). They also searched the house garden and questioned the owner on the spot. Israeli forces withdrew later from the village, and no further incidents were reported.
At approximately 03:30, Israeli forces moved into Betello, northwest of Ramallah. They stationed near the old mosque and then raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Khaled ‘Ali Fawzi Felnah (26) taking a tracker dog with them. They broke the main house door and detained the family members in one room after beating his brother. Israeli forces withdrew later taking the aforementioned civilian to an unknown destination,
Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces carried out incursions in the following areas, but no arrests were reported: Marish village, southeast of Dura, southwest of Hebron.
Monday, 01 June 2015
At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into Balatah refugee camp, east of Nablus. They raided and searched a number of houses and then arrested Mohammed Salah Hijazi (31). Israeli forces withdrew later taking him to an unknown destination.
Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into al-Jalzone refugee camp, north of Ramallah. They stationed in the centre of the camp and then raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Jamil ‘Abdel ‘Aziz Shawamrah (16). Meanwhile, a number of youngsters gathered to thrown stones at the Israeli soldiers, who n response fired sound bombs and tear gas canisters at them. As a result, a number of civilians suffered tear gas inhalation. The Israeli soldiers arrested the aforementioned child and withdrew later taking him to an unknown destination.
At approximately 03:00, Israeli forces moved into al-Dohah village, south of Bethlehem. They raided and searched a house belonging to Khalil Khader. Israel forces arrested his son, Mohammed (20), and withdrew later taking him to an unknown destination.
Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Jenin. They stationed in the eastern neighbourhood of the city and then raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Ghassan ‘Adnan Mohammed al-Atrash (40) and arrested him. They redeployed in the nearby Sabah al-Kheir Suburb and then raided and searched a petrol station, from which they arrested Tariq Husni Ibrahim Abu al-Hayjaa (26). The Israeli soldiers then raided and searched a house belonging to Amin ‘Emad Amin Kan’an (22) and arrested him.
At approximately 04:00, Israeli forces moved into al-Dahiyah neighbourhood, southeast of Nablus. They stationed in the vicinity of a house belonging to the family of Ahmed Hamed Soliman Jaber Khdeir (34), a journalist and activist in the International Solidarity Movement for Human Rights. Israeli forces arrested the aforementioned civilian and withdrew later taking him to an unknown destination. It should be mentioned that Khdeir underwent a surgery in his back two days earlier and suffered bad health conditions. He had been subjected to house arrest since he was released on 28 May 2014 following a 3-month detention and was forced to move out from Nablus to Jenin.
Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Husan village, west of Bethlehem. They raided and searched a number of houses, from which they arrested 3 children: Mohammed Jamal Za’loul (16); Mohammed ‘Ali Hamamrah (16); and Mohammed Ahmed Shoushah (17).
At approximately 07:00, Israeli forces stationed along the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel opened fire at the agricultural lands, east of the villages of al-Fokhari and Khoza’ah, east of Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip. The shooting continued sporadically for half an hour, but no causalities were reported in both incidents.
At approximately 07:30, Israeli gunboats opened fire at a Palestinian fishing boat sailing within four nautical miles off al-Soudaniya shore, north of Gaza City. As a result, Moheeb Ahed Baker was wounded with five metal bullets to both legs and Mohammed Mahmoud Hejazi al-Loh (23), who was on the same boat, was hit with two metal bullets to the left leg. It should be mentioned that the targeted boat was boarded by the two aforementioned fisher in addition to Hamadah Bahjat Baker, Jad ‘Othman Baker and Khader Saber Baker.
Moheeb Ahed Baker said to a PCHR fieldworker that at approximately 06:00 on Tuesday, 01 June 2015, he and five other fishers went together for sailing on a fishing boat belonging to Bahjat Baker. He added that they started fishing four nautical miles off al-Sudaniya shore. They had fished for an hour and a half, but suddenly an Israeli gunboat that was around opened fire at them. Baker indicated that they tried to flee after they heard the gunfire, but Israeli gunboats chased and directly fired at them. As a result, he sustained five bullet wounds to the legs and Mohammed Mahmoud al-Louh sustained two bullet wounds to the left leg.
In the morning, Israeli forces arrested 5 fishers, including a child, while fishing within 4 nautical miles off the Gaza City Shore. These fishers were identified as: Adel Sa’id Abu Reyala (42), Yusef Adel Abu Reyala (19), Mohammed Ibrahim al-Najjar (35), Rami Ibrahim al-Najjar (30) and Ibrahim Hani al-Najjar (11). Four of them were released on Monday midnight, while Rami al-Najjar has remained in custody.
At approximately 09:30, Israeli forces moved into Tulkarm. They took a look at the artesian wells in order to check the water in each. Israeli forces later withdrew, and neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces carried out incursions in the following areas, but no arrests were reported: Kherbtha al-Mesbah, southwest of Ramallah; villages of al-Zbeidat, Marj Na’ajah and Fasayel, north of Jericho; Yata, south of Hebron and Ethna village, west of the city.
Tuesday, 02 June 2015
At approximately 01:00, Israeli forces moved into ‘Ein al-Sultan refugee camp, west of Jericho. They raided and searched 3 houses, from which they arrested Yazan Farid Abu Lawi (21); Jihad Mahmoud Manasrah (25); and Samer Mohammed Rafiq Ibrahim (34).
Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Yata, south of Hebron. They stationed in al-Karmel area and then raided and searched a house belonging to Mahmoud Rateb Meghnem (36). Israeli forces arrested the aforementioned civilian and withdrew later taking him to an unknown destination.
At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into Selwad, northeast of Ramallah. They raided and searched a house belonging to Baraa’ Ibrahim Hussein Hamed (19) after breaking the main road of the house with a sharp tool. They locked the family members in one room, and then arrested the aforementioned civilian. They withdrew later taking him to an unknown destination. The family of the aforementioned civilian said that they lost 1,500 NIS after the Israeli forces withdrew.
At approximately 03:00, Israeli forces moved into Sorif village, northwest of Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to Taqy al-Deen Jamal al-Hoor (23). The Israeli forces arrested the aforementioned civilian and withdrew later taking him to an unknown destination.
At approximately 03:30, Israeli forces moved into Jenin. They stationed in Jenin refugee camp adjacent to the southern neighbourhood of the city. They raided and searched a house belonging to Khaled Saleh Hussein Abu Zeinah(55), an Islamic Jihad leader, in al-Hawashin neighbourhood in the centre of the camp. They arrested him and his son, Riyad (26). Israeli forces also raided and searched a house belonging to ‘Akef HamzahRashid al-Hawashin (55). Meanwhile, a number of Palestinian youngsters gathered to throw stones at the Israeli soldiers, who in response fired sound bombs and tear gas canisters. One of the canisters was fired at a shop belonging to Ma’moun Ahmed As’ad Asmar (43).
At approximately 08:00, Israeli forces stationed along the borders fence opened fire at the agricultural lands, east of al-Farahin neighbourhood in ‘Abasan village, east of Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip. The shooting continued sporadically for two hours, but no casualties were reported.
In the morning, Israeli forces arrested in the Israeli intelligence office at Qalandia checkpoint, north of occupied Jerusalem, Hamzah and Baraa Mohammed Yousif al-Qatari (17) and (16) reprectively, from al-Am’ari refugee camp, north of Ramallah, when they were there upon a summons handed to them to refer to the Israeli intelligence. Their father previously received a call from an Israeli intelligence officer summoning them.
At approximately 20:30, Israeli forces moved into ‘Azoun ‘Etmah village, south of Qalqilya. They raided and searched a house belonging to Mohammed Yousif Ayoub Ahmed (34). They handed him a summons to refer to the Israeli intelligence.
Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces carried out incursions in the following areas, but no arrests were reported: Bir Zeit village, north of Ramallah; the villages of al-‘Oja and al-Jaftalak, north of Jericho; Jabe’a village, south of Jenin.
Wednesday, 03 June 2015
At approximately 01:00, Israeli forces moved into Beit ‘Awa village, southwest of Dura, southwest of Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Yousif ‘Omer al-Sweiti (20). The Israeli soldiers arrested the aforementioned civilian and withdrew later taking him to an unknown destination.
At approximately 01:30, Israeli forces moved into a number of neighbourhoods in Hebron. They stationed in al-Jeldah area and then raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Mansour Ja’afar al-Natsheh (37). Israeli forces confiscated financial checks and withdrew later. No arrests were reported.
Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Qalqilya. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Shaher ‘Ali Ahmed al-Ra’ie (46), a PFLP leader. Israeli forces withdrew later taking them to an unknown destination.
At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into Beit Umrein village, northwest of Nablus. They raided and searched a number of houses, from which ‘Alaa’ Hussam Dawoud Samarah (19). They also confiscated a laptop and later withdrew.
Around the same time, Israeli gunboats opened fire at Palestinian fishing boats sailing within 6 nautical miles off Deir al-Balah shore in the central Gaza Strip. An Israeli gunboat then approached a fishing boat on board of which 4 fishers were. Israeli navy forces forced the 4 fishersn to stop, jump into the water and swim towards the gunboat. They arrested them and seized 2 fishing boats. The arrested fishermen were identified as: Hassan Ali Murad (30), Hassan Abdul Rahman Abu Sam’an (19), Haitham Tareq Baker (27) and Mohammed Tareq Baker (20). They are all from Gaza City.
Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into ‘Atil village, north of Tulkarm. They checked the water in the artesian wells. They withdrew later, amd neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
At approximately 02:30, Israeli forces moved into Deir Sharaf village, northwest of Nablus. They raided and searched a number of houses, from which they arrested M’oatasem Ghassan Ahmed ‘Antari (20). They later withdrew taking him to an unknown destination.
Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Zawata village, northwest of Nablus. They raided and searched a number of houses, from which they arrested Mahmoud ‘Abdel Qader Joudah (22). They withdrew later taking him to an unknown destination.
Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into al-Nabi Saleh village, northeast of Ramallah. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Mohammed ‘Atalah al-Tamimi (23). They handed him a summons to refer to the Israeli intelligence. Meanwhile, a number of Palestinian youngsters gathered to throw stones at the Israeli soldiers, who in response fired sound bombs and tear canisters at the stone-throwers and houses randomly. Israeli forces later withdrew, but no arrests were reported.
Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Ramin village, east of Tulkarm. They raided and searched a house belonging to Jamal Jamil Isma’il Barham (55), a PFLP leader, and arrested him. Israeli forces then moved into Tulkarm and raided and searched a house belonging to Mohammed Qasem Saleh Jawabrah (51). They arrested him as well.
At approximately 03:30, Israeli forces moved into Beit Ummar village, north of Hebron. They stationed in ‘Erq al-Laton and al-Thaher area and then raided and searched two houses, from which they arrested Belal Mohammed ‘Awad (19) and Mohammed Hussein al-Za’aqiq (20). They withdrew later taking them to an unknown destination.
At approximately 07:35, Israeli forces stationed along the border fence opened fire at a group of farmers, who harvest wheat and collect grass in the agricultural lands, east of Khoza’ah village to the east of Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip. As a result, Farid Mohammed Soliman al-Najjar (29) was hit with a bullet to the abdomen. He was taken to Gaza European Hospital in the city, where his condition was described as moderate.
Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces carried out incursions in the following areas, but no arrests were reported: Marj Na’jah village, north of Jericho, Beit Kahel village, northwest of Hebron; al-‘Aroub refugee camp, north of the cityl Tulkarm and Kafr Qadoum, northeast of Qalqilya.
Civilian died due to injuries he sustained in the latest Israeli offensive on the Gaza Strip
At approximately 16:00 on Thursday, 28 May 2015, Palestinian medical sources declared the death of Sa’id ‘Abdel Majeed ‘Ali al-Nadi (55) from Jabalia in the northern Gaza Strip due to wounds he sustained during the latest Israeli offensive on the Gaza Strip.
According to PCHR’s investigations at that time, at approximately 19:50 on Monday, 28 July 2014, Israeli forces fired dozens artillery shells at Old Gaza Street and al-‘Omari Mosque as well as al-Monzhah Street in Jabalia wounding 6 civilians, including 3 children and 2 women, in addition to al-Nadi who sustained shrapnel wounds in different parts of his body. The most serious wound was in his head, so he went into a coma and was transferred to receive medical treatment in An-Najah National University Hospital in Nablus on 05 August 2014. He stayed there for 55 days in coma, so he suffered paralysis. When he went back to the Gaza Strip, he was entered into al-Wafaa Hospital in al-Zahrah area in the central Gaza Strip. He stayed there until his death was declared on Thursday evening.
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 organized by Palestinian civilians, 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, 4 civilians, including a child, were wounded.
(PCHR keeps the names of the wounded in fear of being arrested by the Israeli forces within its policy to oppress the peaceful protests and prevent Palestinian civilians from participating).
Demonstrations against the construction of the annexation wall and settlement activity
Following the Friday prayer, on 29 May 2015, dozens of Palestinian civilians and international and Israeli human rights defenders organized a peaceful demonstration in Bil’in, west of Ramallah, in protest at the construction of the annexation wall and settlement activities. The protestors marched by the annexation wall and tried to cross the fence. Israeli soldiers stationed behind the wall, in the western area, and a large number of soldiers deployed along it, fired live bullets, tear gas canisters, rubber-coated metal bullets, sound bombs and wastewater at them and chased them into the olive fields. As a result, a number of protestors suffered tear gas inhalation and others sustained bruises as they were beat up.
Around the same time, dozens of Palestinian civilians organised a peaceful demonstration in the centre of Ni’lin village, west of Ramallah, in protest at the construction of the annexation wall and settlement activities. The demonstrators took the streets and headed to the annexation wall. Israeli forces closed the gates of the wall with barbwires and prevented the demonstrators from crossing to the land behind it before they responded by throwing stones. Israeli soldiers fired live ammunition, rubber-coated metal bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters at the civilians, and chased them into the village. As a result, a number of protestors suffered tear gas inhalation and others sustained bruises as they were beat up by Israeli soldiers.
Also following the Friday prayer, 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. They made their way towards Palestinian lands that Israeli settlers from the nearby “Halmish” settlement are trying to seize. Israeli soldiers closed all the village’s entrances to prevent the Palestinian and international solidarity activists and journalists from participating in the protest. As a result, a number of protestors suffered tear gas inhalation and others sustained bruises as they beat up by Israeli soldiers.
Also following the Friday prayer, there was the weekly protest against the closure of the eastern entrance of Kufor Qaddoum village, which was closed by Israeli forces since the Intifada. Once the protestors approached the closed entrance, Israeli forces fired rubber-coated metal bullets, tear gas canisters and sound bombs. They also sprayed skunk water other the protestors. However, no direct casualties were reported.
Other protests:
On Thursday, 28 May 2015, dozens of Palestinians gathered at the southern entrance of al-Jalazoun refugee camp, north of Ramallah. They were about 300 meters away from the fence of “Beit Eil” settlement. Israeli forces stationed in the area fired live ammunition, rubber-coated metal bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters. As a result, a number of protestors suffered tear gas inhalation and others sustained bruises as they were beat up.
Following the Friday prayer, on 29 May 2015, dozens of Palestinians gathered at the southern entrance of al-Jalazoun refugee camp, north of Ramallah. They were about 300 meters away from the fence of “Beit Eil” settlement. Israeli forces stationed in the area fired live ammunition, rubber-coated metal bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters. As a result, a number of protestors suffered tear gas inhalation and others sustained bruises as they were beat up
Also ffollowing the Friday prayer, dozens of Palestinians gathered at the western entrance of the Silwad village, northeast of Ramallah, on the road between Silwad and Yabroud villages, near Bypass road (60), in protest at the Israeli policies. The protestors set fire to tires and threw stones and Molotov Cocktails at the aforementioned road and Israeli soldiers. In response, Israeli soldiers stationed in the area fired live ammunition, rubber-coated bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters at the protestors. As a result, 2 civilians were wounded and then taken to Palestine Medical Compound in Ramallah to receive medical treatment. A 24-year-old civilian sustained a bullet wound to the right leg and another 24-year-old civilian sustained a bullet wound to the left leg.
Also ffollowing the Friday prayer, dozens of youngsters gathered from different areas of Ramallah and al-Bireh in the vicinity of Ofer detention facility, southwest of Ramallah, to protest at Israeli policies. They headed towards the facility’s gate that was closed by Israeli soldiers. They set fire to tires and threw stones and empty bottles at the soldiers. Israeli forces deployed around the detention facility and started firing live and rubber-coated metal bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters. As a result, 2 civilians sustained wounds and were taken to Palestine Medical Compound in Ramallah. A 15-year-old child sustained a bullet wound to the right thigh and a 20-year-old child sustained a bullet wound to the left thigh.
At approximately 10:00 on Saturday, 30 May 2015, a number of activists from the Popular Committees against Annexation Wall and Settlement Activities and other human rights activists organized a protest in fron of “Beit Bracha” building, adjacent to bypass road (60) between al-Aroub refugee camp and Beit Ommar village, north of Hebron, because Israeli forces fixed a security fence and surveillance cameras around the building and its vicinity and declared it as part of “Gosh Etzion” settlement. Israeli officers and police officers surrounded the place, prevented the participants from approaching the main gate and attacked them. The protestors refused to leave. Israeli forces fired sound bombs at them and arrested Yusef Abdul Hamid Abu Maria (44) and 3 international activists. It should be noted that Israeli media reported earlier that settlers rebuilt the building in order to establish “Beit Bracha” settlement. The building and other buildings are under the supervision of Beit Ommar municipality.
3. Continued closure of the oPt
Israel continued to impose a tight closure on the oPt, imposing severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including occupied East Jerusalem.
Gaza Strip
Israeli forces continuously tighten the closure of the Gaza Strip and close all commercial crossings, making the Karm Abu Salem crossing the sole commercial crossing of the Gaza Strip, although it is not suitable for commercial purposes in terms of its operational capacity and distance from markets.
Israeli forces have continued to apply the policy, which is aimed to tighten the closure on all commercial crossings, by imposing total control over the flow of imports and exports.
Israeli forces have continued to impose a total ban on the delivery of raw materials to the Gaza Strip, except for very limited items and quantities. The limited quantities of raw materials allowed into Gaza do not meet the minimal needs of the civilian population of the Gaza Strip.
Israeli forces also continued to impose an almost total ban on the Gaza Strip exports, including agricultural and industrial products, except for light-weighted products such as flowers, strawberries, and spices. However, they lately allowed the exportation of some vegetables such as cucumber and tomatoes, furniture and fish.
Israel has continued to close the Beit Hanoun (“Erez”) crossing for the majority of Palestinian citizens from the Gaza Strip. Israel only allows the movement of a limited number of groups, with many hours of waiting in the majority of cases. Israel has continued to adopt a policy aimed at reducing the number of Palestinian patients allowed to move via the Beit Hanoun crossing to receive medical treatment in hospitals in Israel or in the West Bank and East Jerusalem. Israel also continued applying the policy of making certain civilian traveling via the crossing interviewed by the Israeli intelligence service to be questioned, blackmailed or arrested.
Movement at Karm Abu Salem (Kerem Shalom) crossing, southeast of Rafah, according to the Ministry of Economy and General Petroleum Corporation
| Date | Imports | ||||
| Category | Amount | ||||
| Tons | Number | Liters | |||
| 19 May
|
Foodstuffs | 583 | |||
| Agricultural materials | 1,174 | ||||
| Various goods
Refrigerators Cartons of shoes Ovens Trucks Forklift trucks Tractors Batteries Gas cylinders ACs Cows Doors |
573 |
213 3,006 700 8 4 3 1,650 1,188 548 158 9 |
|||
| Humanitarian aid | 12,020 | ||||
| Cooking gas | 269.620 | ||||
| Benzene | 152,013 | ||||
| Diesel
Diesel for UNRWA |
479,996
105,211 |
||||
| Industrial fuel | 387,989 | ||||
| 20 May
|
Foodstuffs | 437 | |||
| Agricultural materials | 1,733 | ||||
| Various goods
Refrigerators Cartons of shoes TVs Washing machines ACs Marble |
538 |
62 13,454 100 586 152 210 meters |
|||
| Humanitarian aid | 11,320 | ||||
| Cooking gas | 267.070 | ||||
| Benzene | 144,003 | ||||
| Diesel
Diesel for UNRWA |
338,010
105,003 |
||||
| Industrial fuel | 220,982 | ||||
| 21 May
|
Foodstuffs | 758 | |||
| Agricultural materials | 2,081 | ||||
| Various goods
Cows Refrigerators Washing machines Fans |
1,110 |
667 120 125 700 |
|||
| Humanitarian aid | 8,821 | ||||
| Cooking gas | 244.590 | ||||
| Benzene | 119,003 | ||||
| Diesel | 370,008 | ||||
| Industrial fuel | 402,981 | ||||
| 25 May
|
Foodstuffs | 781 | |||
| Agricultural materials | 1,411 | ||||
| Various goods
Refrigerators Cartons of shoes Washing machines Marble boards Marble |
509
|
173 6,195 62 110 472 meters |
|||
| Humanitarian aid | 13,600 | ||||
| Cooking gas | 278.400 | ||||
| Benzene | 266,022 | ||||
| Diesel | 332,981 | ||||
| Industrial fuel | 218,978 | ||||
| 26 May
|
Foodstuffs | 950 | |||
| Agricultural materials | 1,760 | ||||
| Various goods
Cartons of shoes Caravans Birds Cars Tires Solar power systems Bakery machines Fans |
879 |
1,405 7 69 54 1,987 28 3 700 |
|||
| Humanitarian aid | 12,972 | ||||
| Cooking gas | 270.710 | ||||
| Benzene | 225,020 | ||||
| Diesel | 407,993 | ||||
| Industrial fuel | 224,999 | ||||
| 27 May
|
Foodstuffs | 406 | |||
| Agricultural materials | 1,472 | ||||
| Various goods
Batteries Refrigerators Marble Cows Washing machines Cartons of shoes Gas cylinders Tires Trucks Forklift trucks Tractors |
413
|
144 140 730 240 43 286 384 1,261 8 1 1 |
|||
| Humanitarian aid | 11,737 | ||||
| Cooking gas | 267.460 | ||||
| Benzene | 114,000 | ||||
| Diesel | 328,000 | ||||
| Industrial fuel | 186,981 | ||||
| 28 May
|
Foodstuffs | 655 | |||
| Agricultural materials | 1,557 | ||||
| Various goods
Cars Marble boards Batteries Refrigerators Cows Ovens Gas cylinders Cartons of shoes Washing machines Electricity generators Caravans Boilers |
1,034 |
54 120 400 30 429 64 441 390 41 32 14 96 |
|||
| Humanitarian aid | 8,355 | ||||
| Cooking gas | 261.670 | ||||
| Benzene | 114,000 | ||||
| Diesel | 474,962 | ||||
| Industrial fuel | 285,000 | ||||
| 31 May
|
Foodstuffs | 750 | |||
| Agricultural materials | 1,685 | ||||
| Various goods
Refrigerators Gas cylinders Batteries Cartons of shoes |
681 |
293 144 200 5,120 |
|||
| Humanitarian aid | 12,285 | ||||
| Cooking gas | 265.380 | ||||
| Benzene | 295,021 | ||||
| Diesel | 351,984 | ||||
| Industrial fuel | 336,000 | ||||
Exports:
On Tuesday, 19 May 2015, Israeli forces allowed the exportation of 35 tons of tomatoes and 7 tons of cucumbers.
On Wednesday, 20 May 2015, Israeli forces allowed the exportation of 54 tons of furniture and 0.6 tons of fish.
On Thursday, 21 May 2015, Israeli forces allowed the exportation of 56 tons of tomatoes, 8 tons of clothes, 22.4 tons of eggplants and 16 tons of furniture.
On Monday, 25 May 2015, Israeli forces allowed the exportation of 72 tons of tomatoes.
On Tuesday, 26 May 2015, Israeli forces allowed the exportation of 18.3 tons of eggplants, 70 tons of tomatoes, 24 tons of furniture, 0.44 tons of garlic and 0.24 tons of mints.
On Wednesday, 27 May 2015, Israeli forces allowed the exportation of 0.8 tons of fish, 48 tons of furniture and 15 tons of tomatoes.
On Thursday, 28 May 2015, Israeli forces allowed the exportation of 52 tons of tomatoes, 6 tons of clothes, 18.4 tons of eggplants, 11 tons of furniture and 0.64 tons of sweet peppers.
Other imports:
On Tuesday, 19 May 2015, Israeli forces allowed the entry of 240 tons of cement, 1240 tons of aggregate and 60 tons of construction steel for the UNRWA; 1520 tons of aggregate; 2360 tons of cement and 570 tons of construction steel for the Gaza reconstruction; and 120 tons of cement for the Water Authority. They also allowed the entry of 840 tons of fodders and 175 tons of wheat.
On Wednesday, 20 May 2015, Israeli forces allowed the entry of 1480 tons of aggregate, 1000 tons of cement and 30 tons of construction steel for the Gaza Reconstruction; 1480 tons of aggregate, 1160 tons of cement and 60 tons of construction steel for the Gaza Cosntruction; and 160 tons of aggregate and 30 tons of construction steel for the UNBDP. They also allowed the entry of 665 tons of fodders and 630 tons of wheat.
On Thursday, 21 May 2015, Israeli forces allowed the entry of 920 tons of aggregate, 1360 tons of cement, and 30 tons of construction steel for the Gaza reconstruction; 520 tons for the Qatari Project and 60 tons of construction steel for the Authority Water. They also allowed the entry of 840 tons of fodders and 910 tons of wheat.
On Monday, 25 May 2015, Israeli forces allowed the entry of 520 tons of aggregate, 80 tons of cement and 30 tons of construction steel for the UNRWA; 2760 tons of aggregate, 2080 tons of cement for the Gaza Reconstruction; and 1600 tons of aggregate for the UNDP. They also allowed the entry of 630 tons of fodders and 700 tons of wheat.
On Tuesday, 26 May 2015, Israeli forces allowed the entry of 2320 tons of aggregate, 480 tons of cement for the UNRWA and 2440 tons of aggregate1160 tons of cement and 150 tons of construction steel for the Gaza Reconstruction. They also allowed the entry of 665 tons of fodders and 630 tons of wheat.
On Wednesday, 27 May 2015, Israeli forces allowed the entry of 1000 tons of aggregate, 510 tons of cement and 30 tons of construction steel for the UNRWA; 800 tons of aggregate, 1400 tons of cement and 630 tons of construction steel for the Gaza Reconstruction; and 880 tons of aggregate for the UNDP. They also allowed the entry of 770 tons of fodders and 525 tons of wheat.
On Thursday, 28 May 2015, Israeli forces allowed the entry of 560 tons of aggregate, 1200 tons of cement for the Gaza Reconstruction; 120 tons of cement for the Water Authority; and 160 tons of aggregate for the USAID. They also allowed the entry of 1260 tons of fodders and 105 tons of wheat.
On Sunday, 31 May 2015, Israeli forces allowed the entry of 200 tons of aggregate, 440 tons of cement and 30 tons of construction steel for the UNRWA; and 1760 tons of aggregate, 1480 tons of cement and 90 tons of construction steel for the Gaza Construction. They also allowed the entry of 805 tons of fodders and 665 tons of wheat.
Note: Israeli forces closed the aforementioned crossing on Sunday, 24 May 2015, due to the Jewish Holidays.
Beit Hanoun (“Erez”) crossing, in the north of the Gaza Strip, is designated for the movement of individuals, and links the Gaza Strip with the West Bank.
Movement at Beit Hanoun (“Erez”) crossing
26 May – 01 June 2015
| Category | 26 May | 27 May | 28 May | 29 May | 30 May | 31 May | 01 June | |
| Patients | 74 | 39 | 39 | 4 | – | 85 | 56 | |
| Companions | 65 | 39 | 40 | 4 | – | 92 | 58 | |
| Personal needs | 99 | 93 | 131 | 10 | – | 105 | 121 | |
| Families
of prisoners |
– | – | 1 | – | – | – | 60 | |
| Arabs from
Israel |
16 | 17 | 8 | 14 | – | 11 | 11 | |
| Diplomats | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | |
| International journalists | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | |
| International workers | 33 | 60 | 64 | 13 | – | 15 | 78 | |
| Travelers
abroad |
1 | – | – | – | – | – | 2 | |
| Business people | 434 | 401 | 432 | 1 | – | 707 | 644 | |
| Business meetings | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | |
| Security interviews | 11 | 9 | 3 | – | – | 3 | 5 | |
| VIPs | 1 | – | 1 | – | – | – | – | |
| Ambulances
to Israel |
3 | 2 | 6 | – | – | 2 | 1 | |
| Patients’ Companions | 3 | 2 | 6 | – | – | 2 | 1 | |
Notes:
On Friday, 29 May 2015, Israeli forces allowed 275 persons to perform payers in al-Aqsa Mosque.
On Thursday, 28 May, they allowed one person and on Monday, 01 June 2015, an international worker to renew their permits
On Sunday, 31 May 2015, they allowed a Christian to visit Bethlehem in the West Bank.
West Bank
Israel has imposed a tightened closure on the West Bank. During the reporting period, Israeli forces imposed additional restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians:
Hebron: Israeli forces established 11 checkpoints all over the city. On Thursday, 28 May 2015, Israeli forces established 2 checkpoints at the entrance of al-‘Aroyub refugee camp, north of Hebron, and at the entrance of al-Tabaqah village, south of Duram southwest of Hebron.
On Friday, 29 May 2015, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the entrance of Karsa village, south of Dura, southwest of Hebron.
On Saturday, 30 May 2015, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the entrance of Karsa village, south of Dura, southwest of Hebron.
On Monday, 01 June 2015, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the entrance of Beit Ummar village, north of Hebron.
On Tuesday, 02 June 2015, Israeli forces established 3 checkpoints at the entrances of al-‘Aroub refugee camp, north of Hebron; al-Samou’a village, south of the city; and Beit ‘Awa village, southwest of the city. The israeli forces handed Ahmed Khalil Abu Hasem (46) from Beit Ummar village, north of Hebron, a summons to refer to the israeli Intelligence in “Gosh ‘Etzion” settlement, south of Bethlehem, after stopping his car at the checkpoint established at al-‘Aroub entrance.
On Wednesday, 03 June 2015, Israeli forces established 3 checkpoints at the entrances of Sa’ir village, east of Hebron; al-Fawar refugee camp, south of the city and Taramah village, southeast of the city.
Ramallah: Israeli forces established 7 checkpoints all over the city. On Thursday, 28 May 2015, Israeli forces established 2 checkpoints at the entrance of ‘Aboud village, northwest of Ramallah and at the entrance of Termes’aya village, north of the city.
On Friday, 29 May 2015, Israeli forces established 3 checkpoints at southern entrance of al-Nabi Saleh village, northeast of Ramallah; under the bridge of Yabrud village, northeast of the city; and at the entrance of Na’ilin village, west of the city.
On Saturday, 30 May 2015, Israeli forces established 2 checkpoints at the entrance of Deir Abu Mesh’al village, northwest of Ramallah, and the entrance of Qebia village, west of the city.
Qalqilya: Israeli forces 5 checkpoints all over the city. On Thursday, 28 May 2015, Israeli forces established two checkpoints at the entrance of Kafr Qaddoum, northeast of Qalqilya, and on the road between the villages of Hajah and al-Fondq, east of the city.
On Friday, 29 May 2015, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the entrance of Kafr Qaddoum, northeast of Qalqilya.
On Saturday, 30 May 2015, another checkpoint was established at the aforementioned village entrance.
Oat approximately 17:00 on Tuesday, 02 June 2015, israeli forces established a checkpoint on the road to the entrance of Kafr Qadoum village, northeast of Qalqilya. On Wednesday, 03 June 2015, they established another checkpoint in the same area.
Jenin: Israeli forces have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. On Tuesday, 02 June 2015, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the entrance of Kafr Qoud village, west of Jenin.
Jericho: Israeli forces have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. On Friday, 29 May 2015, Israeli forces established 2 checkpoints at the entrance of Fasayel village, north of the city, and at the southern entrance of Jericho.
Tulkarm: Israeli forces have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. On Thursday, 28 May 2015, Israeli forces stationed at ‘Annab military checkpoint which is established on the road between Tulkarm and Nablus, east of the city, tightened their restrictions against civilians and obstructed their movement. The tightening recurred at the aforementioned checkpoint at approximately 14:30 on Saturday, 30 May 2015 and at approximately 22:30 on the aforementioned Saturday and at approximately 12:00 on Sunday, 31 May 2015.
On Tuesday, 02 June 2015, Israeli forces established a checkpoint on the main road between Tulkarm and Nablus near the intersection of Beit Leed village, east of Tulkarm.
Note: all the aforementioned checkpoints were later removed, and no arrests were reported.
5. Efforts to create Jewish majority
House demolitions
On Tuesday, 02 June 2015, bulldozers of the Israeli municipality in East Jerusalem demolished 2 under-construction houses in al-Helwa valley neighbourhood in Silwan village, south of the old city, under the pretext of non-licensing.
Nidal Abu Khaled, the owner of the 2 houses, said to a PCHR fieldworker that at approximately 04:30 on Tuesday, 01 June 2015, Israeli special forces and police officers accompanied by the municipality vehicles raided a number of houses belonging to his family. They surrounded the area and started demolishing the 2 houses. When a number of his family members tried to stop them, Israeli officers beat them and sprayed pepper spray over them. As a result, Hashem Abu Khaled (22) sustained wounds to the face and head, was arrested and taken for medical treatment; Nour al-Din Abu Khaled (22) sustained wounds to the face; Ezz al-Din Abu Khaled (24) sustained wounds and bruises to the eye; and Fatima Abu Khaled (70) suffered tear gas inhalation.
Abu Khaled added that his family started building the 2 houses in November 2014, during which Israeli Antiquities Authority ordered them to stop construction. Moreover, the Israeli municipality issued a decision to stop building and demolish what was built. The family could stop the demolition order several times, but Israeli municipality bulldozers demolished the 2 houses on that day.
At approximately 06:00, on the same day, Israeli municipality demolished a part of a house belonging to the family of Rafiq Ahmed al-Salayma on Saladin Street in East Jerusalem, under the pretext of non-licensing. Jaber Salayma, his cousin, said to a PCHRs fieldworker that Israeli forces had raided the house of his cousin Rafiq at approximately 06:00. They forced the house’s occupants out and obliged them to go to the above-mentioned street. He added that the house was built a long time ago, but because the family got bigger, they built another floor roofed with metal and bricks. However, the family was surprised by the municipality officers demolishing it with manual demolishing tools without prior warning. It should be noted that the house shelters 10 family members, the majority of whom are children.
Incursions and house raids
At approximately 04:00 on Thursday, 28 May 2015, Israeli forces raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Emad Sbaih in Beit Hanina neighbourhood, north of East Jerusalem. They arrested his son Mohammed (23) and took him to an unknown destination.
At approximately 21:00, on the same day, Israeli forces moved into Beit Hanina neighbourhood, north of East Jerusalem. They raided and searched a number of houses from which they arrested 4 civilians, including 2 children: Yusef Ahmed Ja’abis (16), Hassan Murad al-Keswani (17), Ibrahim Mahmoud Salayma (19) and Hamza Mohammed Awawda (19).
Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into al-Abassiya neighbourhood in Silwan village, south of the old city in East Jerusalem. They raided and searched a number of houses from which thy arrested 3 civilians: Basil Mahmoud Shweiki (20), Murad Abdullah Shweiki (20) and Nasim Shweiki (27).
On Friday afternoon, 29 May 2015, Israeli police officers beat and arrested 3 members of Moheisen family for no reason. The 3 civilians were attacked while being in a vehicle at the entrance of al-Esawiya village, north of East Jerusalem. Nehaya Moheisen (38) said to PCHR’s fieldworker that Israeli police officers attacked her, her husband Hassan Moheisen (42) and their son Ali (18), degradingly searched them and detained them for hours.
Nehaya said:
“While I was going back home from al-Aqsa Mosque with other passengers in a public transportation vehicle, Israeli officers were present at the entrance of al-Eisawiya village. They stopped the vehicle and asked me and another woman to step out. They took our bags, personal belongings and cell phones and returned us to the vehicle. The police officer asked the driver to drive the vehicle up to the nearby al-Eisawiya Hill after everybody else had stepped out of the vehicle. The other woman and I remained in the vehicle. The police officers asked us to take our clothes off in the vehicle to be searched, but I refused. I asked them to let my husband come as he was calling but I was prevented from answering him. Soon, an officer came and threatened that I would be forcibly subjected to naked search by female officers if I did not listen to them. I tried to explain that I was in a vehicle in a public area, where by-passers were around, but he refused to listen to me. I then got into the vehicle and took my clothes off. I was in underwear only. Nonetheless, I was searched by 4 female officers, after which I was allowed to put my clothes on. I asked the female officers to bring me water because I was tired and dizzy, but they refused so I fainted. I woke up and found myself lying on the ground, where a female officer was spraying water over me and lifting my legs up. Other officers were attacking my husband with clubs. An officer pressed a club on his neck, so I started screaming. I told them he was my husband and wanted to check on me because some persons informed him that I was detained. Furthermore, Israeli officers detained and beat my son Ali. The female officers handcuffed me and then my husband and son. We were transported by the police car to Saladin police station. We had been in detention there until 23:00 for no reason. We were bailed out, but they imposed house arrest on my son for 5 days.”
At approximately 16:00 on Friday, 29 May 2015, Israeli forces arrested Ra’ed Hussein Derbas (38) while driving his car at the entrance of al-Eisawiya village, north of East Jerusalem. They took him to Saladin police station to be questioned.
At approximately 16:00 on Sunday, 31 May 2015, Israeli forces moved into Ras al-Amoud neighbourhood, east of the old city in East Jerusalem. They raided and searched a number of houses from which they arrested Amer Nasser Bazlamit (27) and Mahdi Anwar al-Abasi (25).
At approximately 05:00 on Monday, 01 June 2015, Israeli forces moved into al-Tour neighbourhood, east of the old city in East Jerusalem. They raided and searched a number of houses from which they arrested 3 civilians: Odai Yusef Khweis (20), Mohammed Nour al-Din al-Ja’bari (18) and Khalil Tawfiq Ouda (20).
At approximately 07:00, on the same day, Israeli forces moved into Silwan village, south of the old city in East Jerusalem. They raided and searched a number of houses from which they arrested Mohammed Jaber al-Abasi (15) and Amer Nasser al-Abasi (22). They took them to al-Masqoubiya interrogation facility.
At approximately 04:00 on Tuesday, 02 May 2015, Israeli forces raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Ahmed al-Firawi around a gate of the al-Aqsa Mosque. They arrested his son Walid (26) and took him to unknown destination.
At approximately 19:00 on Wednesday, 03 June 2015, dozens of Palestinian civilians organized a peaceful protest at al-Amoud gate at the entrance of the old city in East Jerusalem, to protest at the annual “Jewish Festival of Lights” organized by the Israeli municipality in the city. Dozens of children participated. They held different activities, during which Israeli officers deployed in the area and stopped the event under the pretext it was not licensed. They seized the loudspeaker, but the participants continued the activities and chanted slogans confirming the Palestinians’ right to seize control of Jerusalem. Israeli forces fired sound bombs and arrested Ahmed al-Ghoul, head of Fatah Youth Movement.
6. Settlement activities and attacks by settlers against Palestinian civilians and property
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 Thursday morning, 28 May 2015, Israeli forces closed the entrance of a room in the underground floor of the Ibrahimi mosque in the center of Hebron, for security reasons. They changed the door lock and refused to give its key to mosque servants. It should be noted that the room overlooks the yard that was established by settlers near the mosque.
At approximately 13:30 on Tuesday, 02 June 2015, Israeli forces moved into Rummana village, northwest of Jenin. They deployed in Palestinian farmlands and informed farmers they had an order to bridge an artesian well and 2 agricultural rooms belonging to Fayadh Riyadh Fayad Sbaihat (35) under the pretext they were not licensed. An Israeli bulldozer demolished the well and rooms under Israeli forces’ protection. They withdrew from the area and no more incidents were reported.
Settlers’ attacks against Palestinian civilians and their property
On Sunday midnight, 31 May 2015, a number of settlers threw stones at a house belonging to Emad Awni Abu Shmaisa (35) in Tal al-Rumaida neighbourhood in Hebron. They also set fire around the house, as a result, some stuffs belonging to family were burnt, but no casualties were reported. It should be noted that Abu Shmaisa family has been always attacked by settlers. The last attack was when a toxic substance put in the water tanks on the roof of the house.
At approximately 23:30 on Tuesday, 02 June 2015, a settler in a mini truck threw stones at a Palestinian civilian vehicle. As a result, the windshield was broken and the back of the car sustained damage. The vehicle belongs to Mojahed Sulaiman Dawabsha (28), a veterinarian from Doma village, southeast of Nablus.
Recommendations to the International Community
PCHR emphasizes the international community’s position that the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, are still under Israeli occupation, in spite of Israeli military redeployment outside the Gaza Strip in 2005. PCHR further confirms that Israeli forces 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 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 latest 51-day offensive against civilians in the Gaza Strip, 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;
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 directly 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 violations and crimes against Palestinian civilians;
…………………………………………………………
Public Document
For further information please visit our website www.pchrgaza.org or contact PCHR’s office in Gaza City, Gaza Strip by email pchr@pchrgaza.org or telephone +972 08 282 4776 – 282 5893.